Premier League:Doubt over Hargreaves' future

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves' long-term future is again unclear after he suffered another injury setback.

Hargreaves, who has been hampered by a series of knee problems, will miss the start of the season.

The midfielder made only one substitute appearance in the last campaign after missing 18 months of action through injury.

He did not have enough time to make England's World Cup squad but it was hoped he could join United on their summer tour.

They leave for their training camp in Chicago on Monday but instead Hargreaves is having further treatment.

It is a massive blow for the player especially as United's first match is in Canada, where he was born and raised, against Celtic in Toronto a week tonight.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "The bad news is that Owen Hargreaves is back in America seeing a specialist.

"He will not be ready for the start of the season. I do not know when he will be back."

Former United striker Andy Ritchie added: "It is just one thing after another. You have got to fear for the boy's future. Let us hope it is not as bad as we all fear."

Ferguson also fears Rio Ferdinand will not be ready for the first game of the season against Newcastle.

The England defender suffered a knee injury in training ahead of the World Cup match with the United States and was unable to play in South Africa.

Ferguson said: "Rio will probably not make the start of the season. It will be close. It depends on his progress over the next few weeks."

While Ferguson is pleased with Michael Owen's progress following a hamstring injury the striker will skip the tour as he builds up his fitness.

Ferguson said: "Michael is doing great. He is working in the gym every day. I do not think he will be fit to go to America but he should be ready for the start of the season."

Antonio Valencia and Nani are expected to available for the Newcastle match, according to the Old Trafford boss, after suffering an ankle injury and broken collarbone respectively.

Meanwhile Anderson is on course to return in September following a knee injury.

Ferguson added: "Cruciates are cruciates. He is doing fine and working hard."

World Cup 2010:"Spain the best, Dutch not scared"

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk admits it will be a tall order for his side to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup™ final on Sunday.

Holland are unbeaten in South Africa so far - having notched six victories out of six on their way to the final.

Spain, on the other hand, started with a shock loss to Switzerland but have gradually been improving since then. They were close to their fluent best in the semi-final against Germany and most predict the Euro 2008 champions to add the World Cup to their trophy cupboard.

Speaking at a press conferece, van Marwijk said: "Spain deserved to beat Germany in their semi-final. They dominated play and were the better side of the two."

"Spain are the best team in the world at the moment. They have been in impressive form in the past couple of years. I enjoy watching them play and I'm looking forward to meeting them in the final.

"It will be a challenge to try to beat them. We are not afraid of the Spaniards."

The reason of course is that Holland have star players of their own. Arjen Robben is rapidly improving, Wesley Sneijder has been on fire while Robin van Persie has been the unheralded hero.

Speaking of the Arsenal striker, Van Marwijk said: "I am convinced that Robin van Persie will up his game against Spain. He hasn't scored too many so far, but he has been very important for the team.

"He's sacrificing himself for the team and that's great."

Cruyff: Spain are the favourites

Holland legend Johan Cruyff believes Spain are favourites to win the World Cup final on Sunday.



The Dutch take on the European champions in Soccer City, as both nations look to clinch the trophy for the first time in their history.

Holland secured their safe passage following a 3-2 win over Uruguay, while the Spanish nicked a 1-0 victory over Germany thanks to a goal from Carlos Puyol.

The Oranje have previously played in two World Cup finals, and in 1974 it was Cruyff who was on the losing side.

He believes the same could happen to the current crop of Dutch players this weekend, and says Spain are a real force to be reckoned with.

"Spain's style is the style of Barcelona," Cruyff told El Periodico. "Now, Spain are favourites to win the World Cup.

"Last night (Wednesday), that same Germany team that dazzled us against Argentina played football as it knows best; a football that without a doubt would have been enough to beat any other team.

"But not Spain. If Spain goes for you, it kills you.

"There's no doubt that Germany knew what it was going to go through, just like Holland is probably thinking now.

"If you go up against a team that wants to keep the ball, you're going to suffer."

Premier League:Hodgson sure of Gerrard, Torres stay

Roy Hodgson is confident of persuading Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres they can have successful futures at Liverpool.

The pair have both been linked with moves away from Anfield in the wake of a disappointing season which saw early exits from the Champions League and FA Cups and a seventh-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Hodgson made speaking to Gerrard and vice-captain Jamie Carragher a priority when he took over from Rafael Benitez seven days ago and only Torres' continued World Cup participation has prevented him meeting the Spain international.

The 62-year-old is keen to hang on to as many as possible of his first-team squad - which was strengthened today with the completion of Serbia forward Milan Jovanovic's free transfer from Standard Liege.

But undoubtedly Gerrard and Torres are the key men who need to be persuaded to stick around, and Hodgson is optimistic on both fronts.

"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try to sign Steven but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave," said the Reds boss.

"Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will.

"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future.

"Unfortunately with the World Cup still on I won't be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks - that's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it.

"When I do meet him I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be.

"If he sees progress I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."

With just three weeks until Liverpool's first competitive match - in the Europa League third qualifying round - Hodgson has been keen to get up to speed as quickly as possible after his move from Fulham.

He has spoken to the players and many of the backroom staff while also trying to involve club legend and ambassador Kenny Dalglish in a more proactive role linking the academy with the first team.

"I think the meetings went splendidly," added the former Fulham manager.

"I was very happy to meet the players - and of course Kenny, who I already know so well.

"I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season."

The meeting with Dalglish could have been an awkward one considering the ex-player and manager put his name forward for the job when Benitez left a month ago.

However, that suggestion was dismissed by the board and Hodgson hopes his previously good relationship with the Scot can benefit the club in terms of helping to get more local talent coming through the ranks.

"Kenny's been offered a role which I believe is a crucial role for the club - not just in the short term but in the long term," Hodgson told LFC Weekly.

"He is very aware of all the players at the academy and I understand there are a few promising players emerging.

"He will liaise between Melwood (the first-team training ground) and Kirkby (the academy) and keep me updated with any developments that he deems necessary.

"There is a bridge between the academy and the first team that needs to be created and I believe he can help build that bridge."

Jovanovic's arrival on a three-year contract at least adds more experience to the first team.

The 29-year-old was a free agent after his deal with Belgian club Standard Liege expired at the end of the season and the move was lined up by Benitez before his departure.

"It is an honour for me to sign for one of the biggest clubs in football," said the 2008 Belgian footballer of the year.

"I cannot wait to start working with the manager and I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates on our Swiss training camp."

World Cup 2010:Nadal heading to World Cup final

Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal has revealed that he will be among the Spanish supporters at the World Cup final.

Spain take on Netherlands on Sunday for the world champion title and the 24-year-old has announced on his official website that he will be travelling to South Africa to cheer for his fellow countrymen.

The Spaniard, who is currently world number one after winning his second Wimbledon crown, will be hoping his national team do the same and be crowned world champions for the first time in their history.

It is a well known fact that Nadal is an avid football fan and a fervent supporter of Real Madrid, despite being brought up in Majorca.

His friendship with many of the national team players is well documented and he has been in contact with some of them during the World Cup campaign.

Spain will be hoping Nadal's presence acts as their lucky charm as they seek to lift the World Cup trophy for their very first time.

World Cup 2010:"Van Persie, Kuyt vital for Holland"

Holland face Uruguay in the first FIFA World Cup™ semi-final on Tuesday looking to recreate the 1970s glory era

Coach Bert van Marwijk has placed his trust in Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie.

Neither man enjoyed the best of domestic seasons and Van Persie has not always cut a contented figure in South Africa amid rumours of a sour relationship with star man Wesley Sneijder.

But Van Marwijk is happy to have the duo on board for a journey that took such an unexpected twist with that fabulous quarter-final triumph over Brazil.

"I read somewhere that when Rafael Benitez picked a team at Liverpool, he wrote Kuyt's name down first. That says everything," Van Marwijk said.

"Every player has a period where things don't work out and Liverpool had a very tough year, but Kuyt is extremely important for us.

"The way he plays shows his passion and enthusiasm, and it is catching."

Van Persie was out of action for five months after suffering a major ankle injury on international duty last November.

It has taken the Arsenal star a bit of time to find his form, with just one goal so far, but Van Marwijk believes the 26-year-old remains a major influence.

"Robin is extremely talented," he said. "He is one of the best football players on this planet.

"He was injured for a very long time and you do need a certain rhythm. Sometimes it comes just like that. Sometimes it takes a bit longer.

"But he was better in the last match than the one before. Players with so much talent can suddenly decide a game. I always believe in him and still do."

Arjen Robben may have quit English football in 2007 but he still attracts plenty of attention.

Manchester United suffered at the magical feet of the 26-year-old in the Champions League this season as Robben's blistering strike dumped them out of the quarter-finals.

However, ahead of a game that has been punctuated by questions over Luis Suarez's glorification of the blatant handball that gave Uruguay their shot at glory, Robben's conduct has not gone unnoticed either.

The winger has always had a tendency to hit the ground at the first available opportunity, which has been highlighted over recent days.

Even Van Marwijk admits there are times when the former Chelsea star has gone too far, although he insists Robben has cleaned up his act.

"He doesn't do it deliberately," Van Marwijk added. "Arjen is incredibly fast and creative. He faces up to opponents and you do fall, or get pushed.

"Maybe he has done things in the past that he shouldn't but he has learned and doesn't do it any more."

With Sneijder pulling the strings - and scoring four goals in the process - Holland arrive in the last four as the only member of the quartet to have won every game so far.

Added to the fact they also boasted a 100% record in qualification, Van Marwijk has clearly done something right.

The 58-year-old cuts an impressive figure, exuding a quiet authority that is not afraid to deliver curt answers to questions he feels are either ridiculous or impertinent.

Brought into the international set-up to replace Marco van Basten following Euro 2008, Van Marwijk might be relatively unknown outside Dutch borders.

But he is delivering results, something the Football Association might take note of given their preference for paying big money to foreign coaches who have not really delivered what was required.

Not that Van Marwijk is flawless. Sometimes he even loses his temper.

"I once kicked an advertising hoarding, so I do have that anger," he said. "But it is important that, under all circumstances, you stay above things.

"The players mustn't become confused by your behaviour. I can be angry and emotional but I am also capable of being cool, calm, and collected."

World Cup 2010:SF: Uruguay vs Netherlands Preview

Tuesday's FIFA World Cup™ semi-final follows the unpredictable nature as Uruguay and Holland prepare to meet in Cape Town.

For Oscar Tabarez's Uruguay it places a return to the globe-conquering days of 1930 and 1950 within unexpected reach, while it can also be argued that Bert van Marwijk's Holland have surpassed expectations.

Uruguay, surprisingly South America's last remaining representation in the 2010 World Cup, may have won the maiden finals 80 years ago, before repeating the feat two decades later, but they are now in territory not chartered since finishing fourth in 1970.

Holland, famously finalists in 1974 and 1978, were the dark horse choice of many prior to the start of the tournament in South Africa, but it was also suspected that they would characteristically implode in a flash of in-house bickering that has undermined recent campaigns.

The fact that both sides have made it to the last four, along with Spain and Germany, therefore marks a significant achievement and sets an intriguing scene as fans get ready to gather close to Signal Hill.

There is perhaps a little more romance associated with underdog Uruguay's presence in the semi-finals, but Tabarez, who guided the nation to a round-of-16 place at Italia 90 in a previous stint in charge, is refusing to get carried away.

He has pointed to a level of expectation surrounding two-time champions which has not been satisfied over the past 40 years and he does not want the pressure to impact upon his players against a Holland team who have not lost in 24 matches.

Uruguay have earned many plaudits for the style of their football in topping Group A before defeating South Korea in the second round prior to the dramatic and controversial quarter-final elimination of Ghana, but they are still outsiders.

Tabarez's task has increased in difficulty due to the fact that influential striker Luis Suarez, having found his feet after a slow start to the competition, is suspended following his red card for the much-debated goalline handball that denied Ghana.

Defender Jorge Ciro Fucile is also ineligible, while captain Diego Lugano is an injury doubt and midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro has been ruled out of the finals due to a broken foot to place even more pressure on the shoulders of key man Diego Forlan.

Meanwhile, it is difficult to measure the strain on Van Marwijk. Is he now expected to deliver the World Cup or is he still earning praise for simply avoiding rows and bust-ups to get the Dutch to a first semi-final since 1998?

Van Marwijk's side have been criticised for lacking the characteristic Oranje, Total Football style of Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, but it cannot be argued that they are not getting the job done.

After a 100 per cent record this summer, topping Group E and beating Slovakia before stunning favourites Brazil, Holland have still not lost since a friendly against Australia in September 2008 and they are expected to stretch that statistic.

The Dutch were boosted when main striker Robin van Persie was declared fit to play against Uruguay after a scan revealed his left elbow injury was not as bad as first feared.

With defender Joris Mathijsen also available again after a knee problem, Holland no longer have any injury worries, but midfielder Nigel de Jong and defender Gregory van der Wiel are out of the game due to suspension.

Premier League:Agent denies Torres exit talk

Fernando Torres' agent has denied making the comments published in the English press about the striker's future at Liverpool.

Agent Jose Antonio Martin reportedly refused to commit the Spain forward's long-term future to Anfield and indicated he could move to another Premier League club.

But Martin insists he did not make the remarks and is adamant 26-year-old Torres, who is contracted at Liverpool until 2013, will remain with the Reds.

"For many months I have not spoken to the England press because their quotes are totally false," said Martin.

"Now is not the moment to speak about this issue because Torres is focused completely on his work for Spain.

"After the World Cup (player-agency company) Bahia Internacional will possibly meet with the player but the truth is that Fernando has signed a deal with Liverpool which is for the present and the future."

It was also rumoured that Torres was set for a make-or-break meeting with Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson in the coming days to discuss his future, but Bahia Internacional sources have dismissed this claim as "simple speculation".

Fabregas: There will be no mind games

Cesc Fabregas does not anticipate a repeat of the mind games that dominated the build-up to the Germany-Argentina clash.

Fabregas' Spain take on Joachim Low's side in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The Arsenal midfielder insists there is a "good relationship" between the two countries who met in the final of Euro 2008 when Fernando Torres' goal earned victory for Spain.

But Fabregas is unconcerned if Germany, who demolished England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0, are made favourites to win their last four clash.

He said: "We have watched all of Germany's games. When you are here, you don't stop watching football and we know every team.

"They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment.

"As a team they are very quick on the counter-attack but defend very well.

"I like (Bastian) Schweinsteiger. He is playing really well. He is having a great World Cup.

"You never expect Argentina to lose 4-0 but in football today anyone can beat you."

Fabregas added: "I don't mind if Germany are favourites. If they want to be favourites, we will accept that.

"We just want to play the game, we want to be a strong team, we want to beat them, and we want to reach the final.

"We are proud of what we have achieved so far but we want to go all the way.

"We are very excited about the semi-final. It is the first time in our history we have reached the World Cup semi-final so we will try to do well in it."

But Barcelona target Fabregas is also adamant the two teams will show respect for each other ahead of their meeting.

He said: "Two years ago we played the European Championship final. We beat them, they could have beaten us.

"I don't think it is about mind games. These are two teams who have a very good relationship.

"I don't know if Germany had it with Argentina but I remember shaking all their hands at the end of the Euro final.

"We have a great relationship so I don't think there is going to be a problem."

David Villa will be looking to add to his five goals in the tournament - including Spain's late winner in their quarter-final success over Paraguay.

But Fabregas has no thoughts one way or the other over claims from some pundits that Villa is currently the best striker in the world.

He said: "I don't care if he is the best or not. All that matters is he is playing really well and he is scoring goals and that is what we want.

"If they want to say he is the best, then he is the best. If not, we don't care because we know he is good for us."

World Cup 2010:Maradona set to step down?

Diego Maradona is set to quit as coach of Argentina following their World Cup™ mauling by Germany in South Africa.

Maradona and his squad arrived home on Sunday following their 4-0 drubbing by the impressive Germans.

Argentina had been considered one of the favourites for the World Cup itself, but they came up short as they were thrashed by Joachim Low's men.

Despite their defeat, Maradona and his men were greeted by cheering fans in Buenos Aries on their return to Argentina.

Maradona is an Argentine legend and remains so, with fans calling for him not to resign - but his statements seem to suggest he is set to quit.

"It is done, my cycle has ended," he said to Cronica.

"I have given everything, now I will spend time with my family - but I am not depressed."

Other sources say no decision has been made and that Argentine Football Association president Julio Grandona wants to meet with him very soon.

Mardona's assistant coach Alejandro Mancuso insisted his backroom staff are hopeful he will stay put.

"Knowing Diego, it is difficult for me to think he wants to step down after failing in his objective to win the Cup," Mancuso said.

"We can't throw away all the good work we've done."