Everton have completed the signing of Irish international midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old Derry born international joins on a four-and-a-half year deal and will wear the number 4 shirt.
Gibson, whose last appearance for United came in a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, will arrive at Finch Farm immediately and could make his debut when the Blues take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
A product of Manchester United's youth system, Gibson broke through the ranks during the 2005/06 campaign and has since made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals - many spectacular efforts from long range.
Last season he scored in the Red Devils’ Champions League semi-final defeat of German outfit Schalke, just over a year after another strike helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcome giants Bayern Munich in the last eight of the same competition.
Gibson has made seventeen international appearances for Trapattoni’s ‘Boys In Green’ and a move away from Old Trafford was essential for the player, as regular football is a must if he is to feature in the squad for the upcoming European finals in Poland in June.
Manchester United and Ireland U21 international winger Robbie Brady will stay at Hull City until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old Dublin born player has scored one goal from 22 appearances since joining Hull on loan at the start of the season.
Tigers caretaker boss Nick Barmby said: "We've got a great platform for him to really kick on now.
"We spoke to [Manchester United] direct and the manager's been different class with us and hopefully that relationship will continue."
Brady is set to play for the Tigers in the FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town.
The former St.Kevin's Boys winger will now spend the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign with the Tigers and will hope to play a leading role in their promotion push.
Ireland U21 international Robbie Brady could have scored a hat-trick, but ended up without a goal to his name on Saturday, as Hull beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the KC Stadium.
The Manchester United on-loan winger was thwarted three times by Pompey keeper Jamie Ashdown, whose heroics were enough to limit the Tigers to just one goal, scored by the equally impressive Robert Koren early in the first-half.
Dublin born Brady, who is on loan with Hull until the end of the year, was the most potent attacking force for Nigel Pearson's side and had two curled efforts saved by the superb Ashdown. The stopper also prevented the Irish youngster from close-range following a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
Brady has been turning heads all over the Championship with his superb displays for Hull and has caught the eye of commentators and pundits alike, who are tipping the young winger for a massive career ahead.
Hull have announced the signing of Irish Under-21 winger Robbie Brady on loan from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old Dublin born player, who can also play as a striker, has joined the Tigers until the end of the calendar year.
The highly-rated player was an influential member of United's 2009 Milk Cup-winning squad, scoring five goals in the prestigious youth tournament.
He also helped the Red Devils' second string win the Barclays Premier Reserve League North title last season.
Brady is highly rated at Old Trafford and the coaching staff are keen for him to get more games under his belt. Hull and the Championship are ideal for him to do that.
Brady has not travelled with the Irish Under 19 squad for the European Championships in Romania that start on Wednesday but this move to Hull will see him play more first-team football and should speed his progression through the Irish ranks.
The former St Kevin's Boys player has long been tipped for the top, and turned down the advances of a host of Premier League clubs to choose the Red Devils in 2008.
Brady has been a part of Ireland's international youth set-up for the last five years, progressing throuth the u15,u17 & u19 teams and made his u21 debut in the European u21 qualifier against Switzerland in September last year.
Sunderland have completed the signing of Manchester United and Ireland defender John O'Shea.
O'Shea, 30, has signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Manager Steve Bruce said: "O'Shea's wealth of experience and versatility will be great attributes for us."
The Black Cats had a joint bid for O'Shea, Brown and midfielder Darron Gibson accepted last month, but the move for Gibson seems to have slowed with Stoke entering the race to sign the Derry born Ireland international.
Brown, 31, and O'Shea will add experience to a Sunderland defence that was badly affected by injuries last season.
Bruce added: "John has been a solid, consistent part of Manchester United's squad for well over a decade which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed.
"He is a wonderful professional both on and off the field.
"I'm delighted with the players we've been able to secure ahead of the new season."
O'Shea, who has only ever played for United in his career, added: "Once I'd heard reports about the club and the people here, the ambitions and what the manager was all about, this was the only place I was going to come to."
Derry born Ireland international Darron Gibson has conceded that the time might be right to leave Man United in search of regular first team football with Sunderland as the ‘Black Cats’ close in on signing the midfielder.
Gibson - whose contract expires next summer - is viewed as a ready-made replacement for Jordan Henderson who looks bound for Liverpool with the Ireland international admitting last night he would “love to play for Steve Bruce” should he find himself surplus to requirements at United.
While it’s understood an agreement has been reached between the two clubs on the Gibson transfer, personal terms have yet to be ironed out with each of the player.
However, the attractive prospect of regular first team football under Bruce looks like being the deciding factor in any move for Gibson and the Derry man suggested that it could be the perfect time for him to part ways with his boyhood club.
“It wouldn’t faze me one bit to leave, all I want is what’s best for me,” declared Gibson. “So if the best thing for me is to leave and go somewhere that I’ll play every week then so be it.
“I haven’t sat down with Sir Alex to talk about it but obviously if it comes to me not playing as much as I would like next season then I’ll have to move on. It has come to the stage were I’m nearly 24 and I’m going to have to go somewhere else if I don’t start playing regularly.
“If it comes down to it I just want to go somewhere where it’s right for me”.
“Obviously playing International and Champions League football is going to be a big help to wherever I go. So if I do leave it will be a big help to which ever team I go to and it will obviously be a big help to me too if I’m playing every week.”
According to reports in today's Daily Mirror, Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is interested in bringing Manchester United's Darron Gibson to Aston Villa.
The Villa boss is said to be keen on the Derry born Irish midfielder, but would need a major favour from old rival Sir Alex Ferguson to get his man.
Gibson, 23, is a squad player at Old Trafford but Houllier believes he would be a key man in his first XI.
Villa will try to sign Gibson in January, either on loan or on a permanent basis. They believe they may be able to tempt United into loaning him out if it means getting him regular Premier League games and improving his long-term career prospects.
The Ireland international is renowned for having a powerful shot but has yet to develop into a first-team regular at Old Trafford.
Houllier knows he will face a battle to persuade United but the loan option gives him some hope, especially with Gibson still struggling for regular first team games.
Ireland u21 international Robbie Brady is in contention to make his senior debut for Man United in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Wolves at Old Trafford.
The winger is very highly rated by Alex Ferguson and all at the Carrington training ground, and despite being out injured for seven months last year he has managed to get a run of games in the reserves and progress to the fringes of the first team squad.
The former St Kevin's Boys player has long been tipped for the top, and turned down the advances of a host of Premier League clubs to choose the Red Devils.
He trains with the first team squad on a regular basis and has recently made a step forward with his country by making his U-21 debut. The 18-year-old also helped Paul Doolin's U-19 side qualify for the elite phase of the European Championships with a goalscoring contribution in Bulgaria earlier this month.
Brady arrived at Old Trafford in 2008 and immediately impressed, but spent almost seven months on the sidelines last season.
Manchester United reserve manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently earmarked Brady as a player to watch now that he has overcome his injury woes.
"He came to our club two years ago and went straight into the reserves, which is unusual," said Solsjkaer. "But then last season he had a torrid time with loads of injuries that really restricted him and his development.
"This year, I've got him through pre-season with no injuries. He's got a very good left foot, and he's Irish so he's a very a good competitor. He's enthusiastic, he's quick and although he's not a big lad -- he's probably my size -- he wins more or less everything in the air.
"We've just got to work on his fitness and, if we can get him super fit ,then he'll be a very, very good player."
Brady has been a part of Ireland's international youth set-up for the last four years, progressing throuth the u15,u17 & u19 teams and last month make his u21 debut in the European u21 qualifier against Switzerland at the Cornaredo Stadium, Lugano on 3 September.
Ireland under 21 international Robbie Brady is aiming to cast off his injury concerns and consistently display his top form, after catching the eye in his first Man United Reserves start of the season.
The Dublin born former St. Kevin's Boys winger bagged a brace in United's 5-1 Lancashire Senior Cup win at Bury on Monday evening. He remained modest about his goals, however, and is merely looking for a consistent run in the reserve team.
"I had a tough time last season, nearly seven eight months out with injury," Brady told MUTV. "I've been training nearly every day this season, I'm feeling fitter for it and hopefully I can get fitter as the weeks go on.
"The first goal, I didn't hit cleanly but the 'keeper pushed it into the net. The second one just dropped to me. I was looking to open up my body and put it into the corner but the defender was too close so I just toe-poked it in."
"We were comfortable in the first half but we didn't push it in terms of goals. In the second half we upped it a bit more and the goals came one after the other," he said.
"The lads love to play flowing football in training and tonight we've shown we can do it in matches too. Hopefully we'll show more through the season. We're all close mates off the pitch as well so that helps us on the pitch. Sometimes things don't go as well as we'd like, but it was a good team performance tonight."
Brady has been a part of Ireland's international youth set-up for the last four years, progressing throuth the u15,u17 & u19 teams and this month make his u21 debut in the European u21 qualifier against Switzerland at the Cornaredo Stadium, Lugano on 3 September.
Stoke City are reported to have made an enquiry to sign Manchester United and Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson on a six-month loan deal.
The Derry born international has been targeted by Potters boss Tony Pulis as he looks to bolster his midfield before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson views Gibson as a key member of his squad but could be persuaded to let him leave on a temporary basis to ensure he gets more first-team action.
It would be a major coup for Stoke if they were to land the 22-year-old, who scored an impressive five goals in all competitions for United last season.
In a rare interview last year, Darron Gibson touched on a scepticism which he is starting to overcome, a scepticism that every emerging talent at Manchester United must encounter.
"I don't want people looking at me and thinking: 'What is he doing playing?'" said the Derry native. His increasing involvement in the first-team picture at Old Trafford has left that question lingering. Alex Ferguson has faith. The paying public are yet to be fully convinced.
Unlike John O'Shea, who made a high profile emergence into the big time that was aided by an affability with the media at that juncture, Gibson's progression has largely gone unheralded.
Last weekend's slip-up from Chelsea has offered the 22-year-old a chance to join the elite club of Irishmen with Premier League medals which counts Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Damien Duff, Jeff Kenna and O'Shea as its only members. Given the dearth of players from these shores on the books of the Big Four, he's the only likely contender to join those ranks for the foreseeable future.
It's been a significant season for the midfielder in the sense that he has moved from the periphery towards the inner circle. Enthusiasm at his progression last term was tempered by the reality that he started just one Premier League game -- the dead rubber at Hull on the final day, which he marked with a late 'goal of the season' contender.
This season, aided by the perpetual injuries suffered by Owen Hargreaves and the indifferent form of Michael Carrick and Anderson, Gibson's stock has risen. He has been involved in 14 Premier League matches thus far, one more than the luckless O'Shea who suffered a freak injury in Paris, and been involved in six from the outset. Significantly, he has been entrusted with responsibility by being given the nod for marquee games with Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the last fortnight. Although the former occasion ended in disappointment, he grabbed the opening goal.
"He is getting recognition now and even the players are commenting on how much he has improved," said Ferguson, last week. "That was his sixth goal of the season and you cannot dismiss that.
"It's the kind of contribution we used to get from Paul Scholes. He used to get me to 12 to 14 goals from midfield all the time and we haven't had a player like that for a while."
They are big words to live up to and, judged against those standards, Gibson will always be exposed to flak. Nevertheless, he endured some ridiculously over the top abuse in these parts when he broke into the Irish set-up.
An unconvincing competitive debut against Cyprus earned the wrath of the RTE panel and he has yet to stand out in an Irish jersey looking unsuited by a deep lying role when Ferguson has used him as an attacking midfielder.
Indeed, while Giovanni Trapattoni may be reluctant to tinker with his system, the increasing use of a lone front man at the top level is weighted in favour of Gibson, who, at this stage of his development, is considered a luxury in a four-man midfield.
It's his inability to really impose himself on a game that has given ammunition to his critics. He spent a period on loan with Wolves in 2007/08 and struggled with the demands of the Championship. Team-mates spotted an ability on the training ground which he failed to bring into battle. Similarly, he has dominated matches at reserve level, playing with real assertiveness compared to his outings in the spotlight.
With Ireland he has struggled to find his range and, save for an impressive cameo in Bari last April, his performances have underwhelmed. Surprisingly, for a player with a reputation for his prowess on the ball, he has lacked assurance in possession. Trapattoni was instantly bowled over by his willingness to get involved in a 'B' international with Nottingham Forest where he was a lively presence, but, on occasions, the game has passed him by.
Certainly, his well-being will be central to Ireland's hopes of qualifying for major tournaments in the next decade. Big name players are needed to replace Robbie Keane, Duff and Richard Dunne as they approach their swansong; at this stage, Gibson and the immensely promising Wigan star James McCarthy are the front runners to become the key figures of a new generation.
The nickname 'Moody' suggests that he can be a difficult character, very much a confidence player. However, after becoming a father last year when his girlfriend of four years gave birth to a baby girl, there is evidence of a growing maturity. "I don't really go out any more, I can't be bothered," said Gibson. "It's the same faces and posers all the time."
It's an attitude which will endear him to Ferguson. He awarded Gibson a new three-year deal last year and, with a summer of hectic transfer business anticipated at Old Trafford, he's far more secure than some of his colleagues.
If he adds conviction to the raw materials, then he'll be around for the long haul. A world of opportunity awaits.
Manchester United's Waterford born defender John O'Shea has revealed his strong desire to go to next summer's World Cup with Ireland, having missed the squad back in his country's previous appearance in the competition in 2002.
The versatile defender failed to make the Ireland cut for the World Cup in 2002. Now firmly entrenched in coach Giovanni Trapattoni's plans, he admits that making it to the World Cup would be as big as anything he has achieved with the Red Devils.
"Obviously Mick stuck with the squad that got him there and there was no problem with that," O'Shea said to The Irish Independent.
"It would have been great to go. To get to a World Cup would be huge, it would be up there with anything that I've done. Time's running out, as they say."
Ireland play Italy at home on Saturday, and look to have a play-off spot all but guaranteed. If they are able to defeat the Azzurri, they may even have a narrow chance of topping their qualifying group, should they beat Montenegro at home & Italy fail to beat Cyprus.
Derry born Darron Gibson has agreed a new three year deal with Premiership champions Manchester United.
The Ireland international midfielder, who was guest of honour at the recent Tesco Foyle Cup launch in Derry, will remain at Old Trafford until 2012 and admits he can't wait for the start of next season.
"I am very happy to commit my future to United," Gibson told ManUtd.com.
"Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season."
The 21-year-old, who made 14 appearances for Alex Ferguson's men last season, also played a major role in their Carling Cup success over Spurs, at Wembley in February, ended the campaign on a memorable note when he fired home United's winner over Hull City on the final day of the Premiership season.
Gibson has also been an integral part of Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad during the Word Cup qualifying campaign.
The Manchester United manager expects Gibson to play an even bigger part during the 2009/10 season.
"Darron was one of the young players who emerged last season as a United first-team player," Ferguson explained to United's official website.
"His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first team spot."
Manchester United have agreed a fee to sign Charlton Athletic and Ireland u17 international youngster Sean McGinty.
The Premier League giants have reportedly reached an agreement for a compensation package for the youngster, and now McGinty looks set to join the youth ranks at Old Trafford.
The 15-year-old was offered a scholarship at The Valley but has seemingly rejected it, and looks set to end his three-year stay with the club.
Maidstone-based McGinty joined the Addicks at the age of 12 and, despite his age, represented both Charlton's U18 side and reserves last season.
After several appearances for the U18s, McGinty made his first start for the second XI in a 1-0 defeat to Millwall at Stonebridge Road in April.
He then went on to feature in a 5-0 win over Southampton in a behind-closed-doors fixture at Sparrows Lane and also started a 2-0 triumph at Reading.
Derry's Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson was delighted with his match winning performance for Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Hull City today.
Gibson capped a breakthrough year for the 21-year-old with his glorious strike, which he admitted he would savour as his first in the Premier League.
"It was my first goal in the Premier League so it has to be one of my best," he told MUTV.
Gibson will travel with the United squad to Rome, and after playing a significant role in the club's Carling Cup success, as well as making his first start for the Republic of Ireland back in October, is already reflecting on a memorable season.
"I think this season has been brilliant for me," he added.
"I have played more games than I thought I would have so I have been happy. My aim now for next season is to push for a place and to try and push for a place each week."
He added: "I think the win today shows just what the squad has in terms of strength and depth. It shows anyone in the squad can come in and do a job."
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has praised the performance's of John O'Shea during this season's campaign.
The Waterford born Ireland international has played in numerous roles for United this season which has earned him an almost regular start in the team over the course of the season so far.
"I feel blessed that we have players like John O'Shea, who has stepped in to play out of his skin," Fergie has said.
"John has thrived on playing regularly and I'm sure that if I asked him to play at centre-forward he would get us a goal.
"It's great to have such adaptable players and it's one of our strengths as we enter the last lap of the title race.
"The attitude of the players has been marvellous, especially when it comes to the business of being left out - there have been no dummies flying out of the pram.
"I hate telling a player that, although he has perhaps just delivered a top-class performance, I will not be using him in the next match.
"It's not nice, but it helps that the players understand."
Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson hopes to give manager Giovanni Trapattoni the inside scoop on fellow Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, ahead of the World Cup Qualifier against Bulgaria on March 28th.
Gibson and fellow Ireland star John O’Shea come up against their clubmate in the qualifier knowing that three points from the game will go some way to cementing their hopes of a play-off place in Group Eight.
“I am sure John O’Shea and I will give the manager tips on how to handle Berbatov,” he said.
“John will probably be playing centre-half against Bulgaria, so he will have a really good idea of what he is up against.
“He [Berbatov] is a world-class player, everyone knows what he can do and I have seen first-hand just what he is capable of. It is going to be great coming up against him. It is always good to come up against your team-mates, and hopefully we can win.”
Gibson played in the United side that won the Carling Cup on penalties against Tottenham on Sunday, and is delighted that he is now starting to get regular game time for the Premier League champions.
“My chances have come this season, and I have taken them as well, so I am delighted," he continued.
“It was absolutely brilliant to be out there, and although it was nerve-wracking to watch the penalty shoot-out, I thought that we deserved to win.
“I never worried that it was not going to happen for me United because I never really had a proper go at it. If it had not happened to me this season then perhaps I would have been worried.”
Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson can't wait to get his first taste of playing at Wembley, when Manchester United face Spurs in the Carling Cup final, this Sunday.
The gifted 21-year-old whose place in the starting line-up for this weekend looks assured, after manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he had earned his place following a man of the match display in the recent FA Cup win over Derby County.
"Darron Gibson did really well on Sunday," said Ferguson following the match at Pride Park.
"He has got into the Carling Cup final team with that performance. He has played in every round, so he deserves it."
Nevertheless the modest Gibson, talking prior to Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Inter Milan were he was on the bench, is just taking everything in his stride.
"Obviously I and everyone at the club is concentrating on the Inter game, but I know later in the week everyone will be buzzing for the cup," he said.
"Personally if I get the chance to play at Wembley then it will be unbelievable, but even though the manager said something after the Derby match about me starting in the cup final, he hasn't said anything to me."
"I can't wait until Sunday now, I'm really looking forward to it" said Darron. "If I start the game it will be the highlight of my career, make no mistake about that, but it will all count for nothing if we don't win the trophy.
"I've never been to Wembley, but I don't think I will be intimidated. I've played at Croke Park with the Republic of Ireland and at Old Trafford with United and both hold just as many supporters as Wembley does".
"I've had a good run in the Carling Cup this season, having played in every game and I'm really looking forward to playing in the final. It will be my first big final so it will be great to be part of it.
"But, to be honest, I would understand if I didn't start and the 'gaffer' chose to go with a stronger team, but I would also be extremely disappointed if I didn't play a part in the game."
Manager Alex Ferguson has talked about the Competition for places in the centre of Uniteds midfield
"The young ones who have played in the League Cup will play in it," said Ferguson. "I'm not changing my mind on that one.
"The middle of midfield is my biggest problem. I've got more options there than anywhere else.
"I've got Anderson, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and young Darron Gibson who is coming on in leaps and bounds. It gives me headaches, but more options."
The young midfielder's mother and father John and Liz are making the trip from Derry to Wembley.
In fact it seems over a dozen family and friends are all going to cheer on their boy.
"I have heard quite a few people are making the trip over from the city, so hopefully I can give them something to cheer about."
Having really started to break into the current European and World Club Champions side this season, the Hazelbank lad has played in a number of positions, but a place in centre midfield looks to be his spot on Sunday.
"Obviously you don't mind playing in whatever position the manager tells you as long as you are playing, but I played well enough in the Derby game because I won the man of the match award, so I think if I do start on Sunday then I'll be in there."
Gibby, like every player on the Old Trafford books states that the manager gives him and all the squad the belief that they are good enough to play for the biggest club in the world.
"The manager has won everything in the game so if he has faith in you, which he has shown not just to me but a lot of the other younger players in the Carling Cup then that can only help you," concluded the Derry man.
Irish central midfielder Darron Gibson played a major role in Man United's comfortable 4-1 win over Derby in the FA Cup fifth round today and Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the Irishman's display cemented his place in the Reds' Carling Cup final team.
Gibson was named man of the match after scoring United's second goal in a classy midfield display, and Ferguson revealed the 21-year-old will definitely line up against Tottenham on March 1.
The Reds boss told MUTV: "We’ve been trying to test him in games and his performance today earned him a place in the Carling Cup final. He’s featured in all the games in the competition and deserves to play against Spurs, but today he confirmed his position there."
Derry born Gibson represented Ireland at u17, u19, u21 and ‘b’ international level before making his senior debut against Denmark in August 2007. He made his first senior start against Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier in October 2008, when he partnered Glenn Whelan in central midfield.
Darron Gibson can't wait for his first major cup final with Manchester United after helping United to a Carling Cup semi-final win over Derby last night.
The Ireland international has featured in every United game on their march towards Wembley and with Sir Alex Ferguson pledging to stick with his youngsters for the encounter with either Burnley, but most probably Tottenham, on March 1, Gibson seems assured of a starting spot.
Gibson is relishing the opportunity to play in a major cup final with Utd.
"I am buzzing," he said.
"I can't wait to go to Wembley. It will be my first big final so I am really looking forward to it."
Now 21, Gibson has enjoyed successful loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Wolves, while Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is also a big fan and Gibson is likely to feature in Ireland's World Cup qualifying game against Georgia in February.
But at United, Gibson knows he must grasp every opportunity that comes his way if he is to emulate international team-mate John O'Shea to become an established member of Ferguson's squad.
And, as the likes of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes were among the central midfielders on the bench for both legs of the semi-final win over Derby, Gibson is buoyed by Ferguson's decision to place his trust in him.
"It is unbelievable," he said.
"When you see the players on the bench like Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick it is a great feeling to know that the manager has enough faith in me to keep putting me in there."
