Giuseppe Rossi

Giuseppe Rossi

File:Giuseppe-Rossi.JPG
Personal information
Height	1.78 m (5ft 9in)
Position(s)	Striker/Forward
Team information
Current team	Manchester United
Number	42

Giuseppe Rossi (born February 1, 1987 in Clifton, New Jersey) is an Italian-American football player. He plays for the English side Manchester United.

Rossi signed for Manchester United on July 7, 2004 from the Italian side Parma F.C. for £200,000. He has represented the Italian national team at under-19 level and is considered a bright prospect. Naturally left sided, but gifted with both feet, he usually plays in an left forward role and has impressed in that position for United's reserves.

Like many United youngsters, Rossi made his first-team debut in the League Cup, coming on as a substitute in the 2–0 win over Crystal Palace on November 10, 2004. Rossi was handed the number 42 jersey at Manchester United during his first season.

In Manchester United's 2005 pre-season matches, Rossi put up terrific displays, impressing manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes that Rossi is a very promising player. Rossi is also a firm fan favourite, and has been nicknamed "Joe Red", a translation of his Italian name (Giuseppe is the Italian equivalent of Joseph and Rossi means Red) and a fitting nickname for a Manchester United player.

He scored his first Premiership goal on his first team debut during Manchester United 3–1 win over Sunderland on October 15, 2005 and followed that up with a goal in their 4–1 win over Barnet in the League Cup on October 26, 2005.

On January 18 2006 he scored two goals against Burton Albion in the third round replay of the FA Cup, while creating two others. He was voted Man of the Match and acclaimed in the media for his clinical finishing.

In the 2005-06 season Rossi spent the majority of his time playing for the reserve side. He scored 26 times in 26 F.A. Premier Reserve League appearances, scoring several hat-tricks. In two seasons at Reserve level, Giuseppe has netted 42 goals in 49 F.A. Premier Reserve League appearances.

Despite playing for Italy at under-age level, he is still eligible to declare for the United States. However, when the US offered him a spot on the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, he turned them down: "I also knew if I took that chance, I would never be able to play for Italy, which has been my dream virtually since the day I was born." "I had to tell the USA the truth. I know it will be far harder trying to get in the Italian team than the United States but I have absolutely no regrets about the option I have taken."

He has earned himself an array of plaudits, not least the Manchester United fans, who are hoping for him soon to become a more regular first-team player. It would take a lot, however, to replace the likes of Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha. Ferguson says of Rossi: "He’s only small, but he is good in the air. He has got quick feet, a great football brain and can score goals."

He made his first Premiership start on May 7 2006, ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was forced to go home by Ferguson , having been expected to take over from the injured Wayne Rooney.

On July 4, 2006 Rossi signed a two-year contract extension at Manchester United, tying him to the club until 2010. He stated that he was pleased "to have extended his contract with the best team in the world."

Club career

(correct as of May 7, 2006)

Club	Season	League			Cup		Europe		Total
		Apps	Goals	Assists	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Man Utd	2004-05	-	-	-	2	-	-	-	2	-
	2005-06	5	1	-	5	3	2	-	12	4
Career totals									14	4

Honours

• League Cup (2005)

External links

• FootballDatabase.com profile