Source: Daily_Mail
Manuel Neuer tells Manchester United AGAIN that he doesn't want to join them
Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has once again told Manchester United they will be wasting their time if they attempt to hijack his move to Bayern Munich this summer. [LNB]The in-demand stopper is certain to leave Schalke at the end of the current campaign, ending a 20-year association with the Bundesliga outfit. [LNB]It was widely expected that Neuer would seal a switch to Bayern, although his outstanding performance against United in the Champions League semi-final first leg is believed to have made Sir Alex Ferguson rethink his summer plans. [LNB] A place in the sun: Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer doesn't fancy a switch to Manchester United[LNB]The Germany No 1 has long been on the Old Trafford shortlist to replace Edwin van der Sar and the proof that he could perform at the highest level stands him out above the likes of Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea. [LNB]Neuer, though, is certain he won't be the man to inherit the gloves of the retiring Dutch legend. [LNB]'United scouts have come to Germany to watch me in the past and I'm absolutely flattered,' he said, 'but a move to England was not an option for me at this stage.[LNB]'At this moment, I cannot say for sure where I will be next season because I leave that to other people, but I don't expect it will be in England even though I respect the football and culture of that great football country.[LNB] Safe hands: Neuer was exceptional in the first leg against United[LNB]Neuer's single-handed buffer to United's waves of attack in Gelsenkirchen was seen by many as an audition piece. The player, though, insists his mind was only focussed on helping Schalke, not himself.[LNB]'I want to forget about this transfer story for now as we have a big game at Old Trafford to look forward to and I know what this game means to our brilliant supporters.[LNB]'We are in the middle of one of the biggest European matches of the season and there is no time to consider my future when you are playing two games against Manchester United. Also, I never saw this tie as a shop window for me because it is a vital game in Schalke's history and that's all I'm thinking about.[LNB] Mixed reaction: Neuer's proposed switch to Bayern has split opinion at the Allianz Arena[LNB]'My contract runs out in 2012 and the club know that I won't be renewing, but this was not an easy decision for me. It's been a time for soul-searching as Schalke is my club and it's thanks to them that I'm Germany's goalkeeper at the moment. [LNB]'I know some Schalke fans will not accept my decision, but when I weighed everything up, I couldn't escape the need I have to try something else in my career, to test the water somewhere else.' [LNB]On his club's chances of overturning the 2-0 first-leg deficit at Old Trafford, was less certain.[LNB]'I think Valencia and Inter underestimated us and naturally it will be to our advantage if United do the same,' he added. 'If they don't, we are capable of punishing them, that's for sure. [LNB] Beaten at last: Ryan Giggs' goal was added to by Wayne Rooney to give United a 2-0 first leg lead[LNB]'A Champions League semi-final means playing for high stakes and this means nerves can play a part. We have to be focused, keep a cool head and play with high energy.[LNB]'From the point of view of a goalkeeper, I'd have to concentrate on their ability up front. In Rooney, Hernandez and Berbatov they have one of the most explosive set of goal-takers in Europe. They are fantastic in their movement, awareness and technique and if we are to progress, we have to find a way to neutralise them.[LNB]'The other feature I like about United is their work-rate and their ability to suddenly go from quick pace to supersonic.'[LNB] Bayern remain in pole position for Neuer despite interest from UnitedArsenal must break the bank to sign Neuer but Bayern banners give hopeFergie still says 'no' to Neuer deal despite Schalke keeper's wonder showDon't blow it! Fergie tells stars they must not collapse like last seasonAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: United Kingdom, Germany, Europe
