Giuseppe Rossi Biography
Giuseppe Rossi (born February 1, 1987 in 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. He and Gerard Piqué are seen as Ferguson's most promising young talents.
On January 18, 2006 he scored two goals against Burton Albion in the third round replay of the F.A. 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 has spent the majority of his time playing for the reserve side. He has scored regularly and has converted several hat-tricks which has enhanced his reputation amongst fans who hope he will earn a place in the senior squad sometime soon.
Despite playing for Italy at under-age level, he is still eligible to declare for the United States. Rumors have circulated that he has stated that he would seriously consider the U.S. should he be offered a place in the 2006 World Cup squad, but this seems unlikely at this point. [1]
Sir Alex Ferguson handed Rossi the number 42 shirt just days before naming him on the bench at Old Trafford in a Carling Cup match against Crystal Palace. The 17-year-old's Manchester United career kicked off when Ferguson brought him on as a substitute during the 2-0 victory.
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, Ruud van Nistelrooy 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."