THE FORGOTTEN MEN

Last updated : 21 July 2004 By Editor

Kleberson has vowed to put his first disastrous year at Old Trafford behind him and prove his worth this season.

“Everything is ahead of me. The worst that could have happened has already happened.

"Football in England faster and with more contact. Also, I've had bad luck. In five years at my previous club I was hardly ever injured.

"Everybody is hoping to see the player I was in the World Cup in 2002, and that's the level I want to reach again.”

From the MEN:

Michael Stewart is ready to rip up his contract with Manchester United in the hope of winning a move to Rangers.

The midfielder joined the Ibrox side on their pre-season tour of Austria in the hope of impressing manager Alex McLeish enough to win a contract.

But red tape meant he could not feature in any of their friendlies as a trialist and McLeish was unwilling to take a gamble by signing the player without seeing him in action.

However, Stewart has revealed he is willing to settle with United over his £12,000-per-week deal which still has two years left to run.

Stewart said: "I'm just awaiting final confirmation from Manchester United.

"We've been talking over the course of the day and we're pretty close now to a settlement figure.

"I've made it clear all along I was willing to make a big sacrifice to get this move - just not too big.

"I've got to look after myself as well but I'm happy now the situation is close to being resolved.

"I'm not sure just how quickly that would free me to play for Rangers.

"The first thing is just to get released but hopefully that can happen within the next 24 hours.

"At that point, I can go back to Alex McLeish and take things from there.

"I just want to get off and running with Rangers. It's a move I've had my heart set on throughout the summer and I've had two good weeks training with the squad.”