Fergie Hopeful On Pogba

Sir Alex Ferguson remains confident that highly-rated midfielder Paul Pogba will pen a contract extension at Manchester United.

The 18-year-old's future has been the subject of heated debate this season, with his current deal at Old Trafford running down.

He is held in high regard by United, but they have been unable to get him to agree fresh terms.

That has alerted the likes of Juventus to his potential availability, with the Serie A giants one of a number of clubs said to be closely monitoring his situation.

Ferguson is aware of the speculation, but is adamant that no-one at Old Trafford is concerned by it.

He says Pogba, who was handed his Premier League debut in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Stoke, has indicated that he would like to stay and it is now just a matter of putting the relevant paperwork in place.

Ferguson, who saw Ravel Morrison head for West Ham on deadline day after failing to agree an extension to his deal with the Red Devils, said: "Pogba did very well.

"The boy has great talent and tremendous physique for an 18-year-old. You can't believe it.

"We are negotiating his contract at the moment. It is a bit complicated at the moment because he has changed his agent a couple of times.

"But the boy wants to stay, that is obvious. Hopefully we can get it done soon."

Transfers: The Ins & Outs

All talk, no action? Not quite.

Although this year's January transfer window failed to yield the sort of spectacular deadline-day signings the Premier League witnessed in 2011, there were still plenty of moves made and money exchanged.

Manchester United, too, was involved in its fair share of business. When the window slammed shut – it never merely closes – at 23:00 GMT on Tuesday night, the Reds could tot up nine departures (four permanent), one arrival and a surprise retirement U-turn.

Of course, set against the 57 different players that were tipped to be either coming or going during the window, that figure seems small. But, as The Gossip – ManUtd.com's rolling round-up of all the speculation and rumour-mongering – continues to prove, you shouldn't believe everything you read.

This much is certainly true, though: Darron Gibson (Everton), Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover 96), Ravel Morrison (West Ham United) and Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City) have been sold, while Federico Macheda (Queens Park Rangers), John Cofie (Royal Antwerp), Joshua King (Hull City), Oliver Norwood (Coventry City) and Scott Wootton (Nottingham Forest) have landed loan deals until the end of the season.

The arrival? That's Frederic Veseli, a promising young Swiss defender the Reds have landed from crosstown rivals Manchester City. And who can forget Paul Scholes' reinstatement to the first-team squad? The 37-year-old midfielder, missing football more than he could ever anticipate, came out of retirement in early January and has pledged to remain part of Sir Alex's plans until at least the end of the season.

It's also worth noting that young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (Scunthorpe) and defender Ritchie De Laet (Norwich City) returned from loans during January and will now continue their footballing education at Old Trafford.

Comings and goings
Arrivals:

Frederic Veseli (Man City)
Paul Scholes (out of retirement)

Departures:

Darron Gibson (Everton)
Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover 96)
Ravel Morrison (West Ham)
Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City)

Loaned out:

Federico Macheda (QPR)
John Cofie (Royal Antwerp)
Joshua King (Hull City)
Oliver Norwood (Coventry)
Scott Wootton (Nottingham Forest)

United Swoop For Veseli

Manchester United have completed the deadline-day signing of defensive prospect Frederic Veseli from neighbours Manchester City.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who plays for Switzerland Under 20s, will link up with Warren Joyce's Reserves after making his name in City's Academy side.

A versatile, cultured defender who is comfortable on the ball, Veseli arrived at Eastlands in 2008 from Lausanne Sport in his homeland, and has been tipped to eventually develop into a central midfielder.

"I am very happy and it is an honour to sign for Manchester United," the Swiss starlet said. "I can’t wait to get started, to work hard and do everything I can to help the team. I am looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."

Veseli captained his country to victory in the Under 17s World Cup in 2009 and got his first taste of senior football during City's pre-season tour of North America last summer.

He'll now be looking to settle quickly at Old Trafford and impress for the Reds' second string in a bid to earn a first-team chance.

"I am very thankful to Sir Alex Ferguson for bringing me to such a great club," he added. "Manchester United has a long history of younger players coming through and hopefully I can follow and do the same."

Good Night For Sir Alex

In football circles, the final day of January is synonymous with last-minute transfer deals. But this year it could also be the day when the balance of power in the Barclays Premier League title race shifted back towards the Red half of Manchester.

While Manchester City lost 1-0 at Everton, United beat Stoke 2-0 at Old Trafford to reel in the Blues and draw level on 54 points at the top of the table.

“It’s a good night for us, of course,” Sir Alex told MUTV moments after the final whistle had blown at Goodison Park.

“But what I’m most pleased about is our own performance. I thought our football was terrific. We kept our composure, we were very patient. Okay, we won with two penalty kicks but I think the manner in which we played our football was the most important thing.

“It’s still early doors [in terms of the title race]. It’s only the last day in January. I always say that March is a very important month, as well as the beginning of April. We play Manchester City in April, for instance.”

There’s a long way to go before that, and next on the Reds’ agenda is a trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday 5 February. It’s a match for which Sir Alex hopes he’ll be able to recall a trio of players who missed the Stoke run-out on Tuesday night.

“We’re hopeful Wayne Rooney, Nani and possibly Ashley Young will be fit for Sunday,” he said.

Goalkeepers David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard also missed Stoke’s visit to Old Trafford after suffering training-ground injuries on Monday. And while the boss would no doubt prefer to have at least one of those experienced heads fit for the Chelsea clash, he was heartened by young stopper Ben Amos’ performance – in only his seventh senior game for the Reds – on Tuesday night.

“Anders got injured in training and then David got injured at the end of training, so we had a right nightmare there,” Sir Alex said. “Ben Amos didn’t have a lot to do but he was confident and he was composed. I’m pleased with that.”

Chicharito Happy To Take Penalties

Javier Hernandez will happily take Manchester United’s penalties should Sir Alex Ferguson ask the Mexican to retain the spot-kick duties.

With regular penalty-taker Wayne Rooney watching in the stands on Tuesday night, it was left to Hernandez to step up and give the Reds the lead from 12 yards against Stoke City.

And although the 24-year-old striker takes penalties for his national team, this was his first spot-kick in a United shirt. Not that you’d have guessed, given the manner in which he calmly sent Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen the wrong way in the 38th minute.

Later, Dimitar Berbatov achieved a similar result from the spot, doubling the scoreline in the second half.

“There are a lot of players here who can take penalties here,” Hernandez told MUTV. “Sometimes it’s Wazza, sometimes it’s Ryan Giggs. Today it was me and Berbatov.

“I take them for Mexico and I’ll be ready if [United] ask me again. If they want me to shoot one, I’ll shoot.”

Hernandez’s strike was his fourth in four games against Stoke City, a fact the forward dismissed as mere “coincidence” after the final whistle.

“I just try to do my best and help my team with goals," he shrugged. "I always say, the most important thing is the points. It doesn’t matter who scores.

“Against Stoke we did a great job against a very difficult team. It was a great night for Manchester United, with City dropping points and us winning against a very difficult team.

“Will it be very significant [in the title race]? Maybe not, but it was a very good night for Manchester United fans.”

Sir Alex agreed and also singled out Hernandez for special praise in his post-match interview.

"I thought Javier did very well," the boss told MUTV. "His form’s come back. Over the last few weeks he’s been very good in training. It’s just a matter of getting the opportunities because Danny Welbeck has been playing so well."

Amos Stakes His Claim

Ben Amos was delighted to play in the Barclays Premier League for the first time on Tuesday night – more than three years after making his Manchester United debut.

The Macclesfield-born goalkeeper had previously only played five times in the Carling Cup and once in the UEFA Champions League, so the chance to play in England's top flight – in the absence of both David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard - was a big one for Ben.

“It feels really good. I’ve obviously been waiting a long time for an opportunity this season and thankfully it’s come and I’d like to think I’ve made the most of it,” Amos told MUTV after United's 2-0 win over Stoke.

“Obviously there were a few nerves but that’s healthy, to have a few nerves before you come out. I just played my own game really and it was a good result tonight.”

Amos now hopes he has a considerably shorter wait for his second league appearance. But he acknowledges his fate, to a large extent, is in the hands of others.

“I feel I’ve been ready to play at this level all season. It can be frustrating when the chances don’t come around but you’ve got to be ready when something like that [injuries to De Gea and Lindegaard] happens. When it does happen, you’re thrown straight in as I was tonight.

“All I can do is go out and do the best I can, and put pressure on the other goalkeepers in training and try and get a chance in the games. But it’s the manager’s decision.”

While he was happy to keep a clean sheet on his league bow, Amos was asked if he wanted more to do.

“In a sense I did, but I also didn’t want to go and chase things to try and make an impact. I just wanted to be positive about any decisions I had to make.”

Amos praised his team-mates at the other end of the park for being just that – positive when it counted, from the penalty spot.

“They were obviously really cool under pressure and kept their heads,” said Amos, on Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov’s match-winning penalties.

“I was happy to see them both go in, and we could have had another penalty later on.

“I thought we controlled the game really quite well throughout. We deserved to win tonight.”

Man. United Beat Stoke To Move Level At Top

Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov both scored penalties as Manchester United erased Manchester City’s three-point lead in the title race with a fourth consecutive league win.

The two strikers, paired in attack for the first time since New Year’s Eve, shared the spot-kick duties either side of the interval as Stoke City’s resistance crucially faltered on two occasions.

Jermaine Pennant felled Ji-sung Park for Chicharito’s 38th-minute penalty and Jon Walters fouled Antonio Valencia for Berbatov’s big moment, eight minutes after the break.

Chances in open play were few and far between, but opportunities to impress were taken with both hands by two Barclays Premier League debutants – Ben Amos started in goal with Anders Lindegaard and David De Gea both injured, while Paul Pogba replaced Chicharito for a memorable last 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pogba’s former United Reserves team-mate Ravel Morrison was completing a permanent move to West Ham but the bigger distraction for the home fans was the news of Darron Gibson – another January departure from Old Trafford – scoring against City for Everton at Goodison Park.

The Reds began this game with four changes to the line-up that lost at Liverpool, with Amos, Rio Ferdinand, Berbatov and Hernandez coming in for De Gea, Rafael, Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck.

As the drafted-in players bedded down, Stoke made the brighter start. Jon Walters demonstrated the danger he can present with a driving run and shot that flashed inches wide of Amos’ right-hand post. Kenwyne Jones then volleyed comfortably the wrong side of the same upright after Ferdinand only managed to half-clear Jermaine Pennant’s cross. At the other end, Michael Carrick had a low drive blocked by Ryan Shawcross, the former United player at the heart of the Potters’ defence.

Amos’ first touch of note was a clean catch from Peter Crouch’s header following Marc Wilson’s deep cross, however referee Mike Jones found fault with the Stoke centre-forward gaining leverage on a Reds defender.

Scholes, scorer of the first goal in United’s previous home game, almost seized the same role in this contest when his turf-skimming missile was deflected narrowly off-target.

Evra, so much in the spotlight on Saturday, tried to grab some limelight when he broke into the area and went down for only half-hearted penalty appeals from the crowd, and then whipped the ball into the side-netting from United’s next attack. Stoke’s other flank came under flak from in-form Antonio Valencia but Thomas Sorensen dealt effectively with the Ecuadorian’s angled drive, diving through the forest of defenders’ legs to push the ball away.

Sorensen could only look on and pray however when Carrick fed Park and ran on to collect Berbatov’s ball into space behind the Stoke defence.

The midfielder fired across the keeper but, agonisingly, his effort ran past the far post and United’s best chance of the half so far went begging.

Thankfully a better chance came along moments later, created by Scholes with his back to goal, flicking the ball into the path of Park who was upended by Pennant in the box. It wasn’t the most clear-cut of calls for referee Mike Jones and he was surrounded by Stoke players in protest. But Chicharito paid no attention, kept his head and tucked the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner with Sorensen diving in the other direction. Pennant was doubly punished with a yellow card for his sin.

The Mexican made a strong shout for a second penalty shortly afterwards but this time referee Jones waved play on after the scorer’s cross struck Shawcross on the arm. Stoke broke forward and Scholes tripped Kenwyne Jones to pick up United’s first booking.

If Tony Pulis sent his Potters out with a new game plan for the second period, it was in tatters when Walters wrestled with Valencia and impeded the Ecuadorian so much that Jones had no option other than pointing to the spot for a second time.

Chicharito, the scourge of Stoke with four goals against them in two seasons, stepped aside this time and allowed Berbatov to bag his ninth strike of the campaign. Sorensen went the right way this time but the Bulgarian’s penalty went under him and into the bottom right-hand corner.

The pattern of the game remained the same throughout the second half, with United dominating possession and Stoke desperately trying to deny the Reds time and space. Aside from Amos saving well from Cameron Jerome's header, the action was all in front of the Stretford End. One or two other penalty claims were unsuccessful, the strongest following Wilkinson’s challenge on Evra; the lively Pogba was denied a dream debut goal when the same defender blocked his shot and Berbatov slotted just wide in injury time from Valencia's tireless supply line.

But ultimately two goals were enough for the champions who were composed and comfortable – and can feel ever more confident that the title can be retained this season now that City have again been pegged back on points.

Owen Speaks Up For De Gea

Michael Owen has backed David De Gea in the wake of Manchester United's FA Cup exit at Anfield and is confident the 22-year-old will become "a top keeper".

The Spanish stopper, recalled for the outing against Liverpool after sitting out the Reds' previous four matches, came under fire from some quarters for his performance and, in particular, his role in the game's opening goal.

When Steven Gerrard floated in a corner from the left touchline, De Gea came to claim the ball but couldn't fight his way past the imposing figure of Andy Carroll. Liverpool defender Daniel Agger rose – almost unchallenged despite the presence of four United defenders in close proximity – to nod into the net, with the ball skimming off De Gea's head on the way in.

Former United midfielder Roy Keane, working at the game as a pundit for ITV, was one of many to lay the blame for the goal at De Gea's feet. His advice to the goalkeeper: "You've got to make your presence felt and go and nail somebody."

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw the incident differently, claiming his defenders created the problem. "They didn't give him [De Gea] enough room to deal with it."

It's an opinion Michael Owen shared on Twitter on Sunday.

"The ball was on the six-yard box for the first goal," he wrote. "[David] has to go for it. He also needs to watch the flight of the ball. There are then six players in front of him.

"There is nothing he could do. The free header was the problem, not the keeper.

"The problem is, once you get labelled, mud sticks and now any tiny mistake is magnified. Other goalkeepers make similar mistakes and nothing gets said.

"Admittedly, [David] has made a couple of mistakes this season but listening to some people you would think he had a nightmare [at Anfield].

"I'm not having either goal was his fault. He couldn't do much with the second goal either. Is the problem not just a case of us not winning the first ball and not picking up a runner? In my opinion [they were] two bad goals to give away but to blame everything on the goalkeeper is totally wrong.

"The lad will be a top keeper, he is only young. It's harsh to blame him for everything."

Owen was also quick to praise the United fans who have stood by the young goalkeeper this season and urged fans to continue to show support to the Spaniard.

"I've watched a lot of home games this season and the support from behind both goals for him has been brilliant. The fans know he needs their support, his confidence needs boosting. I'm sure he will repay that support for years to come."

Evans Backs Reds To Recover

Jonny Evans is confident the Reds will bounce back after Saturday's disappointing FA Cup exit at Anfield.

After all, he says, that's the Manchester United way.

“We've responded really well after disappointing moments this season, like the 6-1 defeat against City and then the Blackburn and Newcastle defeats at the turn of the year,” he told ManUtd.com.

“We went on a great run after the City game and then after the New Year games we beat both City and Arsenal away. That's what this team does.”

There were no crisis meetings or rousing speeches in the dressing room, according to Evans. There was no need for that.

“Every player at this club knows what's expected. When you're at Manchester United you know defeats like that aren't acceptable. We don't need anybody else to tell us that. We know it deep down.”

Saturday's loss at Anfield, with the killer goal conceded just two minutes before the full-time whistle, will undoubtedly have hurt. But Evans says the Reds have plenty of reasons to be confident ahead of Stoke City's visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

“We've played really well against Stoke in the last few games, both at home and away,” he said. “I think we've dealt particularly well with their long throw-ins. There isn't much of a run-up at Old Trafford on the side of the pitch, which will probably help us.

“We've beaten them comfortably over the last few seasons but they're improving all the time and nobody ever looks forward to playing against Stoke. They have a different approach to the way most teams play.”

Stoke, the tallest side in the Barclays Premier League, certainly have their fair share of detractors, people who decry their direct approach. It's not always pretty, that's for sure. But Evans insists the Potters aren't doing anything wrong.

“People have this preconception of them and think that because they're a big side they're a dirty side. But that's not the case at all. I think they're hard but fair and Tony Pulis goes out of his way to make sure they don't cross that line.”

Welbeck's Starring Role

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't surprised in the slightest by Danny Welbeck's emergence as a leading figure in Manchester United's title challenge.

The young striker, whose form has prompted the manager to start him in eight of the Reds' last 10 fixtures, has already netted nine times this season and was selected to lead the line at Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Although Welbeck didn't find the net at Anfield, his haul this season includes strikes against Manchester City, Arsenal (two in two games) and Tottenham, as well as a brace in the Champions League.

Few predicted he'd make such an impact on the Reds' first team this season. After all, he only made his senior debut a little more than three years ago and, having spent last term on loan at Sunderland under Steve Bruce's tutelage, he began the current campaign with just 15 United starts to his name.

Sir Alex maintains he always had high hopes for Welbeck, though, and believes the striker's form during 2011/12 has made him a certainty to represent England at the European Championships this summer.

“We did the right thing sending Danny to Sunderland last year,” the manager said. “He did very well there and we expected him to do well this year.

"I think he will be [in the England squad for Euro2012]. He's developing into a very strong athlete. He's very athletic and when he gets moving he's really quick.

“He was always a decent goalscorer but when he plays regularly for us he has been getting a goal a game. There is a goal there from him and that's important.”

Danny's development hasn't always been smooth, though. Like many teenagers, he suffered growing pains as he made the transition from boy to man, a journey the United boss feels still hasn't reached its conclusion.

“We were always aware of Danny Welbeck's ability as a kid,” Sir Alex said. “The issue with him now is addressing his physical being.

“When he was 16 he had problems with his knees because he was growing – he had a bit of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome, although it was nothing serious.

"Then he had some thigh problems. It was just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man. We're seeing the signs now.

"He has a great physique about him but I think there's still more to come. Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult in the physical sense.”

Super season so far
Danny Welbeck in 2011/12
Appearances: 17 (6)
Goals: 9

Goals against:

22 Aug - Tottenham
28 Aug - Arsenal
27 Sep - Basel (x2)
1 Oct - Norwich
21 Dec - Fulham
8 Jan - Manchester City
14 Jan - Bolton
22 Jan - Arsenal

Reds Agree Diouf Sale

Manchester United have agreed to sell Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover 96 for an undisclosed transfer fee.

The Senegalese striker was undergoing a medical with the German club on Saturday. If the move goes through, he'll be the third player to be sold by the Reds during this January transfer window following the departures of Darron Gibson to Everton and Danny Drinkwater to Leicester City.

Diouf has netted 10 goals for United Reserves this season, making him the joint-top scorer with Will Keane in Warren Joyce's side. However, his first-team action has been limited to just three starts in the Carling Cup, the away victories over Leeds United and Aldershot and the home defeat to Crystal Palace.

Signed from Norwegian club Molde FK in July 2009, Diouf made his debut in the away league match against Birmingham City in January 2010. He went on to make nine senior appearances in total for the Reds, scoring one goal.

Diouf also gained valuable experience during a season-long loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2010/11, when he scored six goals in 30 games.

Sir Alex; Defeat Was Unfair

Sir Alex Ferguson was at a loss to explain United's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool after the Reds dominated proceedings for much of the clash at Anfield.

Daniel Agger had put the hosts ahead on 21 minutes, before Ji-sung Park fired a brilliant equaliser six minutes before the break.

The game looked to be heading for a replay at Old Trafford before Dirk Kuyt stole in to blast home the winner with two minutes remaining.

"I don't know how we lost it," the boss told MUTV and ITV1. "It was a really good performance from us.

"That can happen in the FA Cup though - you can have one bad break against you and you lose the game. It's a sudden death situation which we've experienced many times over the years and anything can happen. It's a bad blow though because we didn't deserve that.

"I'm pleased with my players. They performed very well, dominated the game and played good football," added Sir Alex. "They didn't deserve to be beaten at all. We maybe should have won the game - we were the better team.

"But that's FA Cup football I'm afraid and it's not the first time it's happened. To lose it is a devastating blow."

The Reds had looked in control for the most part with plenty of possession and one or two decent sights of goals. Sir Alex felt United's good play deserved better reward, but ultimately he was disappointed with the goals his side lost.

"Both goals were avoidable. We didn't do well - we had too many defenders in and around the goalkeeper for the first one and the second one was just one of those lucky breaks you get," he admitted.

"Some of our possession and movement off the ball was very good and the equaliser was a great finish from Ji-sung Park. I thought that put us in the driving seat.

"I was looking to win it [in the second half] - that's why I put Chicharito on. He gives you that thrust and pace round the edge of the box which is always difficult to handle.

"To lose the game is hard to believe really."

Park Regrets Late Lapse

Ji-sung Park admits the players were cursing a late lapse in concentration at Anfield on Saturday after Dirk Kuyt stole in to knock United out of the FA Cup.

The Liverpool substitute latched on to an Andy Carroll flick-on, after being left unmarked, before firing past David De Gea to seal a 2-1 fourth round victory for Kenny Dalglish's men. Park, who netted United's equaliser just before half-time, says the Reds felt particularly disappointed at the final whistle after dominating much of the possession.

"We controlled the ball which is what we wanted before the game. We did that well but that couldn’t get the win for us," the Korean told MUTV. "In the team meeting, we talked about trying to keep possession and then make chances. We did that and that’s why we played very well.

"But then we lost concentration for a moment and ended up giving them the goal to make it 2-1. Everyone was quiet afterwards because we all feel disappointed."

As always in the aftermath of defeat players can't wait for the next game and United don't have long to wait with an important Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke to come on Tuesday at Old Trafford. Vital league matches against Chelsea and Liverpool follow early next month with the latter stages of the Europa League also due to start.

"We must quickly forget about this game, move on and look to the future," insists Park. "We still have the Premier League and the Europa League to focus on."

Man. United Wobble Out Of Fa Cup After Kuyt's Late Strike

United suffered heartache at Anfield as Dirk Kuyt's 88th-minute strike knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup.

The Dutchman, sent on as a second-half substitute, collected Andy Carroll's flick-on before firing low past David De Gea to seal a berth in the fifth round.

Goals from Daniel Agger and Ji-sung Park had earlier punctuated a pulsating first 45 minutes. The second half, though, yielded little goalmouth action until Kuyt's winner; indeed, both sides appeared to have settled for a draw and an Old Trafford replay. That won't be neccesary now.

Anfield is never an easy place to visit and United's task on this clear-but-cold Saturday afternoon was rendered more difficult given the absence of Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones and Nani. The trio all picked up knocks at Arsenal last weekend, while Rio Ferdinand was deemed fit enough only for the bench.

Joining Ferdinand among the substitutes were teenagers Paul Pogba and Michael Keane, while Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez also had to be content with a place on the bench as Sir Alex turned once again to Danny Welbeck to lead the line.

But all the focus was on Patrice Evra, who, on his last visit to Anfield, was involved in an angry verbal exchange with Luis Suarez, which eventually resulted in the Liverpool forward receiving an eight-game ban for gross misconduct.

Despite the constant booing and abuse from the home fans, Evra carried himself impeccably all day and, in the early stages, linked well with Ryan Giggs. The Welshman, facing Liverpool for the 44th time in his career, had United's first chance of the afternoon but saw his volley from 20 yards saved easily by Pepe Reina.

Reina was beaten on 17 minutes when Antonio Valencia darted inside off the right touchline, made a beeline for the penalty area and let fly from the edge of the box. But the Ecuadorian's low shot cannoned off the post and out to safety, much to the agony of the Reds' vocal travelling support.

That support was silenced four minutes later when Liverpool took the lead through Daniel Agger. David De Gea, starting in goal for the first time since New Year's Eve, couldn't fight his way past Andy Carroll in order to claim Steven Gerrard's corner so could only watch, stranded, as Agger rose to head home from six yards.

The goal didn't dent the Reds' confidence, though, and Sir Alex's men enjoyed long spells of possession in Liverpool's half before restoring parity just before the break. Rafael, who defended superbly all afternoon, scampered down the right flank and skipped past a challenge before cutting the ball back from the goal-line. There waiting, 12 yards from goal, was Ji-Sung Park, who pulled the trigger first time to fire United level.

It was well deserved and came at the end of a half in which both teams had enjoyed bright spells and yet neither could claim to have dominated. The break afforded time for reflection and it should be noted that, despite the intense rivalry between the sides and the hype surrounding the fixture, the match was played in a sporting spirit, with barely a bad tackle made nor a heated word exchanged.

When play resumed following the interval, United looked more threatening and even had a half-hearted penalty appeal for handball turned down after first Giggs and then Valencia played searching balls across the six-yard box.

Liverpool then had their own complaints on 56 minutes when Chris Smalling scuffed his clearance and, while on the ground, the ball bounced onto the defender's hand. Referee Mark Halsey didn't bite, though, and within a minute home fans' hearts were in mouths as Danny Welbeck beat Pepe Reina to a through ball and rounded the Liverpool goalkeeper. Martin Skrtel recovered swiftly to snuff out the danger, but it was another reminder – if, indeed, we needed one after his recent performances – of Welbeck's pace and predatory instinct.

Kenny Dalglish made a double substitution – Kuyt and Adam on, Carragher and Maxi off – and the switch helped the home side gain more control of the midfield. Captain Steven Gerrard tested De Gea with a free-kick and then a long looping shot, but the goalkeeper was equal to both tests and Gerrard soon made way for Craig Bellamy.

Sir Alex, meanwhile, waited until the 76th minute to make his first change, Javier Hernandez coming on for Paul Scholes to bolster the Reds' attack. The Mexican made a nuisance of himself almost immediately, harrying Liverpool's defenders and constantly lurking on the shoulder of the last man.

He couldn't help engineer a winner, though. That honour was left to another substitute, Kuyt blasting in the winner with just two minutes remaining.

And while Kenny Dalglish's men can celebrate beating both Manchester clubs at home in the space of four days, the Reds from Old Trafford must now regroup in readiness for Stoke City's visit on Tuesday and the continuing tilt at title number 20.

Reds And DHL On New Trophy Tour

Nineteen times champions Manchester United have teamed up with one of the club's principal partners, DHL, to deliver the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour.

As United's official logistics partner, DHL plays a key role behind the scenes when it comes to delivering success for the Reds. After successful tours of Latin America, parts of Asia and not forgetting Manchester, DHL will transport the Premier League trophy to 27 new destinations, including India, Turkey, Korea, Tokyo, Vietnam and Norway.

The DHL Champ19ns tour will travel almost 48,000 miles and give fans across the globe the opportunity to celebrate the club’s prestigious 19 league titles.

The four-month tour kicks off in Delhi on Saturday 4 February 2012 and will be accompanied by United legends Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune, as well as the club’s famous Fred The Red mascot. After visiting Delhi, it will move on to Mumbai on Monday 6 February. This is the first time the club have toured India with the trophy and fans’ response is expected to be significant.

Other legends who will join the tour as it travels around the world include Andrew Cole, Lee Sharpe, Bryan Robson, Paul Parker, Ronny Johnsen, Jesper Blomqvist, Gary Bailey and Gary Pallister - with even more names due to be confirmed.

Fans will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the coveted trophy and club legends during various events including fan parties, in-store events and soccer schools, which will take place in each country.

United's Commercial Director Richard Arnold said: "The 19th league title was a special moment for everyone in the Manchester United family and the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour is our way of being able to share that historic achievement with our 333 million fans.

"The passion and fervour of United fans is famous around the world. We are looking forward to being able to continue that celebration in India."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe, said: "The DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour provides us with a unique chance to showcase DHL’s behind-the-scenes operations with Manchester United to our key customers and employees in the countries we will be touring.

"With a global network of more than 220 countries, it is great that some of our customers will have the opportunity to meet the United legends and see the Premier League trophy close up."

Neville: Man. United Right Not To Buy

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club are right not to buy players in January.

United have had to deal with a growing injury list and brought Paul Scholes out of retirement earlier this month.

Neville told BBC Radio Manchester: "I've never seen it work, a player come in January, sign for big money and settle before the start of next season.

"To go into the market in January you never get full value, people think you're desperate so ask for more."

The Red Devils have suffered a succession of injuries throughout the year including captain Nemanja Vidic, who has been ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury.

At times it has resulted in players being forced to play out of position, with midfielder Michael Carrick lining up at centre-back and winger Antonio Valencia having to play at right-back.

After signing Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea in the summer, Neville believes Sir Alex Ferguson chooses not to sign players half-way through a season due to the difficulties of integrating them.

"He's never been one to panic. You're signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club," he added.

"Potentially if he's coming from abroad you need to get used to a new league.

"You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players.

"They've had a lot of injuries, but that's not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is you're able to cope with it.

"They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.

"But they're still in touching distance in the league and they've fought like crazy to get to that position.

"They always come good in the latter part of the season, they have a big FA cup tie against Liverpool at the weekend, so there is a lot to look forward to.

"You just might look back at this part of the season and think a win away at Manchester City and then go and win at Arsenal as well, you could be looking back and saying it was a really crucial two weeks for Man Utd in this season."

United's current absent list
Nemanja Vidic
Darren Fletcher
Ashley Young
Michael Owen
Tom Cleverley
Rio Ferdinand
Anderson
Phil Jones
Nani

Rooney: We Are Ready

The big games just keep on coming for Manchester United and Wayne Rooney insists that’s exactly the way the players like it.

Hot on the heels of the Reds’ visit to the Emirates last Sunday is an FA Cup clash at Anfield followed by a trio of vital league games with Stoke (home), Chelsea (away) and Liverpool (home). Rooney believes the next month could turn out to be a significant period in the title race and insists United are more than up to the task.

“They are all difficult games but as a footballer, these are the games you want to play in,” Rooney told ManUtd.com. "We understand and know what we have to do. We need to do well in those games.

“As far as the players are concerned we have to take each game as it comes, prepare ourselves the best way we can and hopefully we can get the results we need."

Sir Alex hailed his team’s positivity and self-belief after the victory over the Gunners and Rooney feels marrying that to concentration and focus will make the Reds hard to stop.

“As a player you relish this part of the season and I always feel we’re at our best when it gets past new year because we can see the end of the season and that there are trophies to be won,” added Rooney. “Keeping your concentration and staying focused is therefore very important.

“After coming through the Christmas period when we played a lot of games, it’s been quite unusual in the last few weeks that we’ve only had one game. It’s been good to get some good training in and I think that will benefit us going into the games coming up.

“Once you get into the New Year you know every game is a massive one and you don’t want to be dropping points. That’s why we need to stay focused. The next three or four weeks will be exciting. Hopefully we come through them.”

Ryan's Training Secrets

In an exclusive interview recorded for MUTV’s Inside Carrington show, Ryan Giggs talks to Mark Sullivan about training regimes and the keys to his longevity…

How has training changed over the years?
It's changed a lot. Much of that is to do with the surroundings that we've got now - Carrington is completely different from The Cliff [the old training ground]. We've got the swimming pool, the gym, the big sports hall, an indoor astro-turf pitch… we've got everything you could want really. The Cliff was pretty basic; there was just a changing room, not the best gym in the world and really old weights. You just went out on the pitch and trained, came in, had a shower and went home, whereas here you've got so much to keep you occupied and keep you here longer.

And there's a lot more staff involved in the training side of things these days too...
Yes that's another thing that's changed. Back when I started it was the manager, his assistant, Kiddo [Brian Kidd] and Archie [Knox] before that. Then you had a physio and that was it really. Now, we’ve got an assistant manager, a coach, fitness coaches and specialists in weights and running, so things have changed a lot.

Run us through a typical day at Carrington…
I’ll usually get in about quarter to nine, get a bit of breakfast then have a massage for 45 minutes. We all jump on the [exercise] bikes at 10 for 15 minutes just to turn our legs over. We'll then have a 10-minute stretch and then head out to train. If it’s early in the week and we don’t have a midweek game we’ll be out there an hour and a half or two hours maybe. If it's towards the end of the week and near the game if it will be half an hour or 45 minutes of intense quick play. Personally, I also do leg weights some days and yoga twice a week.

How much has the yoga helped you?
A lot - it's one of the main reasons why I'm still playing now at 38. I started when I'd just turned 30 because I wanted to try and help ease the problems I’d had with my hamstrings and it’s helped me in every other way as well; strengthening my legs and my core and bettering the flexibility I had when I was 18/19. I'm more flexible now than I was 20 years ago and that only helps you on the pitch when you're stretching for tackles or turning quickly.

What’s your favourite part of training?
I think all the lads would say the same – boxes. When we first go out we have two lads in the middle [of a group] and the rest, seven or eight, around the side and you've got to keep the ball away from the lads in the middle. There's always a little bit of banter because you're trying to nutmeg your team-mates or stitch them up! It’s always been part and parcel of the United warm-up.

The staff no doubt give you advice on your training regime, but are you able to tailor it yourself as well?
Yes, I think the more experienced you get the more you discover what's good for you and you try to manage yourself. By the time you get to your late 20s you should know your body, and what you need and don't need. You will ask the advice of the coaches as they've got all the data on how hard you've worked that week or what you did in the previous game. They might tell you you’ve done enough or say it would be a good idea to do a bit extra. It’s a partnership with the coaches really, but ultimately it's down to yourself and how you feel.

How do you continue to motivate yourself to train hard?
You’ve got to or you’ll just get swept away. Sometimes I'm up against Carras [Michael Carrick] or Scholesy in midfield, or Anderson, Cleverley or Fletch and you've got to perform, not only in the games but in training. I think that's what sets this club apart - the training is hard and match-pace and it's always really sharp so you've got to keep going up a level no matter what age you are.

How much longer do you think you can play for?
I don't know, just as long as I'm enjoying it really and still contributing to the team and not making a fool of myself in training or in games! If you're not playing well or you feel that you're just coming up short in training, then that's the time to hang up your boots.

What do you put your longevity down to?
I think you've got to be disciplined. You’ve got to eat the right stuff, look after yourself and get your rest which I've found is more important the older I've got. Like I said before yoga has helped me as well, but it's a mixture of a lot of things and getting the right advice. Ultimately though it's down to knowing your body and knowing what's right for you.

Legends Rate Welbeck's Rise

Two Manchester United legends have been praising the progress of Danny Welbeck, following the striker's latest goal in a heavyweight contest.

The 21 year-old Mancunian has started four of the Reds' last seven games and has scored three goals in that spell, including Sunday's winner at Arsenal. This followed, of course, his stunning strike at Manchester City's expense, earlier this month in the FA Cup.

Speaking to ManUtd.com and United Review, Andy Cole acknowledged the way Welbeck has become a viable alternative to Javier Hernandez, while Paddy Crerand talked on MUTV about Danny's still-continuing development.

"I think Danny’s brilliant, and it's fantastic for his confidence that he’s starting so many big games," Cole told us.

"Javier Hernandez has been injured and has been finding it tough to repeat what he did in his first season. Sometimes your second season is your toughest, I went through that myself.

"Danny has come in and grabbed his chance with both hands and he's playing very well. He's playing with confidence and getting goals too."

The former United striker can see a comparison between Welbeck's way of playing and the style which helped Cole himself to score nearly a century of goals for the Reds.

"You might say I was a bit of an old-fashioned centre forward when I played, in that I always wanted to try and run in behind defenders and get chances that way. To see Danny doing that is great.

"He can play in front of defenders as well, but when he runs in behind them he causes a lot of problems."

Crerand agreed with Cole in his assessment of Welbeck's form, after watching from the gantry at the Emirates as Danny netted against Arsenal and went close on a few other occasions.

"He's been terrific Danny Welbeck, he's coming on," said Paddy.

"He's still a young kid learning the game but he's getting better.

"I don't think he's fully grown yet either. With his effort that was cleared off the line [by Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker], I'm not sure whether he clipped his own heel or not but if that hadn't happened, the ball certainly would have ended up in the back of the net.

"The manager has shown the great faith he has in Danny by playing him."

Scholes: We Are Perfectly Poised

Paul Scholes has warned Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City "funny things can happen" in the latter part of a title race.

The United midfielder has experienced both sides of a race for the league crown - the ecstasy of winning it ten times but also, albeit on fewer occasions, the agony of narrowly missing out. He's therefore more qualified than most to assess the current state of play at the top of the table.

"Obviously both teams won today so we are still where we were," said Scholes, at last night's Football Writers' Association dinner in his and Gary Neville's honour.

"I think we had the tougher game because it is always more difficult to go away, and we've got the three points."

Being on the shoulder of the pace-setter is a position that Scholes is happy with at this stage of the race, with each Manchester club still having 16 league games left to play.

"There's still three months of the season to go and hopefully we'll be in the right place when the time comes," Scholes added.

"Obviously City are going well at the minute but we are only three points behind and funny things can happen towards the end of the season. We just have to make sure we look after ourselves and get the right results."

Scholes' substitute appearance at Arsenal - he came on six minutes before Danny Welbeck's late winner - means he has played in every United game since coming out of retirement, all three of them resulting in victories.

"I don't think I've had too big an effect," said Scholes modestly, who credits his smooth return to never having left Carrington.

"[Playing again] does take a bit of getting used to but the advantage I'd had was that I'd been at the club for the last four or five months doing a bit of coaching.

"I'd obviously seen the lads every day so it wasn't too difficult to settle back in."

Paul Scholes was speaking to Sky Sports News at The FWA Gala Tribute Evening.

Injuries Mount For Reds

While Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to leave North London with maximum points on Sunday, it came at a cost as yet more players were added to the United injury list.

The Reds travelled to the Emirates without Rio Ferdinand whose back problem had flared up last week with United already missing Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.

Phil Jones, who missed last Saturday's win over Bolton with a knock, now looks set out to be out for "a few weeks", according to Sir Alex, after he was stretched off after 17 minutes against Arsenal. Nani hobbled off late on, while Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick were also in the wars.

"It's not good news for us," the boss told MUTV. "I think Jones will be out for a few weeks - it's ankle ligaments. Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second half and he just had to sit in the middle of the pitch."

The boss also explained his decision to substitute Rafael 14 minutes from time after the Brazilian had earlier replaced Jones.

"Rafa wasn't very pleased and I can understand that," sympathised Sir Alex. "He's so brave and determined to win the ball but he'd already been booked and I thought with the crowd getting up and if he made another half-bad challenge he might be in trouble. Mike Dean has sent him off before and I just thought it was best to get an experienced player like Valencia back in there [at right-back] and bring on the experience of Park and Scholes to try and see the game out."

Welbeck Salutes Team Effort

Despite starting and scoring in yet another major game, Danny Welbeck was keen to salute United’s collective endeavour in overcoming Arsenal.

The Longsight-born striker hit an 81st-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium and admitted that he is keen to extend his run of involvement and burgeoning strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

“I’m over the moon, but the team worked tirelessly all the way through the game,” Welbeck told MUTV. “It was a great team effort and I think we’re all just delighted to get the three points.

“We worked really hard. A few people were cramping up towards the end – I was one of the victims – but we worked really hard and it was a great team performance overall.

“We had a few chances. We played the ball accurately and made lots of precise passes to get in behind their defence and I think we did really well.

“My aim to come and play for United’s first team and luckily I’m doing that at the moment. To get a starting berth up top with Wazza in behind me, we’re forming a great partnership and I’m just looking forward to carrying that on.”

The 20-year-old revealed that the squad had watched Manchester City’s dramatic victory over Tottenham in the Emirates dressing rooms, but conceded that the champions couldn’t lose focus on the task in hand.

“It was on in the changing room but we couldn’t let it affect us or the way we played – we just played our normal game,” he said. “We just went out there, passed the ball well and thankfully got the two goals and they got just the one.

“Credit to them, they’re a good team and they know how to play football and try and get a goal themselves. They pulled one back but thankfully we got the winner later on.”

Evra: Tactics Were Spot On

Patrice Evra saluted United’s tactical triumph over Arsenal after executing another counter-attacking victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck gave the Reds three vital points, with both goals owing much to impressive wingplay as Arsenal’s makeshift full-backs struggled to cope with being targeted.

“I think (our gameplan) was to go straight forward, it makes a lot of pressure on the left-back and the right-back and that’s what we did,” Evra told Sky Sports. “We made a plan to have a good shape and go forward on the counter-attack. We have done this many times when we play against Arsenal and that was the plan.

“We had a good shape in the first half and I think we played very well. But the second half was not the best [we've seen] of United.

"It was a good performance from the team, it’s just that we want everything perfect. I think in the second half there were 15 minutes where Arsenal played very well, but we kept strong and had good shape, and after we scored a nice goal.”

United’s Emirates victory followed an even more dramatic triumph for title rivals Manchester City, who overcame Tottenham in injury-time to remain three points clear at the head of the Barclays Premier League table. Nevertheless, Evra insists that the Reds are keeping calm ahead of what looks increasingly likely to be a thrilling title race led by Manchester’s main factions.

“The most important thing for us was to win,” he said. “Three points were really important if we want to win the title. I always say the league is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

“We are still behind City but we have to keep going, keep winning games and I’m really confident in the team because everyone is working really hard and when we play with the United spirit it is difficult to beat us.”

Smalling: Character Was Key

Chris Smalling hailed United’s "character and togetherness" after the Reds overcame adversity to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needed to beat the Gunners in order to maintain pressure on Manchester City, who earlier in the day had beaten Tottenham to temporarily move six points clear at the top.

United's task wasn't helped by injuries to Phil Jones and Nani, while Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra all played through the pain barrier after sustaining individual knocks.

The Reds rallied though and managed to record a priceless victory over Arsene Wenger’s side with goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck outweighing Robin Van Persie’s repost.

“It was another tough game,” Smalling told MUTV. “We were always going to get that but I thought we showed good character to get the late winner.

“We played some great football; Antonio and Nani were causing mayhem for their full-backs. We couldn’t quite keep it up for the duration of the second half but we had our spells and made it count.

“It does show our togetherness. Even when it was 1-1, they had the advantage but we came out victorious even though we took a few more knocks.

“I think we’ve taken enough knocks for the whole league," joked Smalling in reference to United's seemingly never-ending spate of injuries.

"But we have shown our togetherness and if we can keep ticking off these wins then we’ll be in a good position.”

Prior to kick-off in North London, attention was partly focused on matters back in Manchester as Roberto Mancini's men recorded a dramatic 3-2 win over Spurs. But Smalling insists the Reds must just continue to concentrate on getting their own job done rather than relying on results elsewhere.

“We did know the score before we went out and it would have been nice had it been a draw but we can’t really look for City to drop points," he added.

"It’s up to us to do our bit and if we keep winning our games I think they will eventually drop points.”

Boss Hails Reds' Belief

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's positivity and belief after picking up a vital win at Arsenal to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City.

Earlier in the day, the Reds had seen Roberto Mancini's men beat Tottenham with virtually the last kick of the game at the Etihad having been pulled back to 2-2 by Spurs.

The Blues' last-gasp victory took them six points ahead of United at kick-off at the Emirates, but an impressive display from the Reds and goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck secured a crucial result.

"It was important to win after City had won their game, but the manner in which we won was the more pleasing thing for me," said Sir Alex afterwards.

"I think we won in the right way - we played really adventurous football, we were positive and had great belief in ourselves. I'm delighted to see that at this important time in the season.

"Arsenal came out fighting in the second half and for the first 15 minutes we rode our luck a bit. But on the counter-attack we were devastating and we could have scored a lot of goals.

"I said before the game that we had four massive away games [Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and City] to come and that's one out the way.

"What we need to do is stay on City's coat-tails. Football is a funny game. The game at City today tells you things can happen and there will be changes [before the end of the season]. We've just got to stay on their coat-tails."

The manager reserved special praise for match-winner Danny Welbeck who netted his ninth goal of the campaign and his third in three games.

"Danny was fantastic. His work-rate and movement are great - he's always on the shoulder of defenders and ready to run through [on goal]," said the boss.

"He could have scored five today - he was through three or four times. He was unlucky in that sense, but he's got the important goal and continued his run of scoring in the first team. For a 21-year-old he's doing really well."

Sir Alex was talking to Sky Sports and MUTV.

United Grind Out Vital Win Against Gunners

Danny Welbeck struck a priceless late winner over Arsenal, as United survived another taxing trip to the Emirates Stadium to stay firmly in the hunt for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds deservedly led at the interval as Antonio Valencia headed home Ryan Giggs' excellent cross in first-half injury-time, but the Gunners rallied after the break and looked set to take a share of the spoils when Robin van Persie squeezed home a leveller with 19 minutes remaining.

United hit back, however, and re-took the lead when Valencia capped a storming individual run by setting up Welbeck to power home a finish and keep the champions right on Manchester City's coat-tails at the head of the table.

The day began in disappointing fashion for the Reds after the Blues' dramatic win over Tottenham, yet ended on a high despite the news that Rio Ferdinand was missing from the champions' ranks with a back injury. That blow was softened by the return of Phil Jones and Jonny Evans. Evans lined up alongside Chris Smalling in the centre of defence, while Jones came in at right-back and Rafael dropped to the Reds' bench.

Arsenal were able to welcome back Thomas Vermaelen from injury; bringing a welcome dose of steel to a Gunners backline keen to shore up after back-to-back defeats at Fulham and Swansea.

Manchester City's last-gasp victory over Tottenham ramped up the pressure on the champions ahead of kick-off, and it was the hosts who had the first sniff of goal when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pinched possession from Jones, but could only pull his cross into a cluster of United defenders.

That clumsy passage of play set the tone for a disjointed opening to the game. Neither side played with their usual fluidity or efficiency in possession, while the only efforts of the first 10 minutes were daisy-cutters from Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott which drew routine stops from Lindegaard.

The stop-start nature of the game continued when Jones twisted his left ankle after quarter of an hour. The right-back was stretchered from the field in obvious discomfort, with Rafael brought on as his replacement. The Brazilian's introduction coincided with United's growing control of proceedings.

A succession of corners almost yielded chances, with Smalling just failing to connect with Nani's cross before Giggs found space aplenty behind Vermaelen, but no targets to pick out thereafter. Danny Welbeck then ploughed into the same defensive chasm after a neat one-two with Valencia, but could only blaze over, under pressure from Laurent Koscielny.

As the half wore on, United's menace grew. Evra and Nani were an increasingly potent threat down the left flank, and they combined to force Wojciech Szczeny into action for the first time; the Portuguese drawing a smart, near-post stop after good approach work from the Frenchman.

The visitors knocked on the hosts' door with increasing regularity and impatience. Rooney did well to cushion Giggs' clipped pass inside the Gunners' area before tumbling under pressure from Alex Song. Referee Mike Dean declined to award a penalty, and Rooney's ire was hardly soothed when, moments later, Nani wastefully slid the ball well off-target instead of looking to pick out his unmarked number 10.

In first half injury-time, Giggs made the fullest use of United's next opening. The veteran Welshman, having meandered back into old habits on the left flank, exploited Johann Djourou's reluctance to pressure him by curling in a magnificent cross. At the far post, Valencia stole in behind Vermaelen to power a header across Szczesny and into the bottom corner.

The Ecuadorian's strike inevitably stemmed from the Reds' left flank, with the Gunners' right side increasingly porous as the half wore on. Arsene Wenger's attempt to plug the leak involved removing Djourou at half-time and introducing rookie right-back Nicholas Yennaris for his first Premier League start.

The Gunners almost drew level within five minutes of the restart, albeit by accident rather than design. Smalling slipped in possession midway inside his own half, giving Tomas Rosicky a clear route to goal. The Czech midfielder squared for van Persie, who shimmied away from the covering challenge of Evans before inexplicably and uncharacteristically blazing wide.

Nevertheless, buoyed by the chink in United's armour, Arsenal rallied. Ramsey blasted over from inside the area and Rosicky's shot thudded against Evra's elbow and away to safety. Those opportunities flanked an arguably better opening for Valencia, who drilled well wide, but the opening exchanges of the second half could certainly be marked in the hosts' favour.

It took another brush with parity to shock United into life. Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot inched just wide of Lindegaard's upright, but the champions soon his back. Evra was harshly adjudged offside after a neat interchange with Nani, then Per Mertesacker dramatically slid the ball off his own line after Welbeck had lifted a deft shot over the onrushing Szczesny.

United's pursuit of a killer second goal would prove costly, however. When a surging run from Rafael was clinically halted by Koscielny inside the Arsenal area, the Brazilian's absence was exposed by a quick Gunners counter-attack. Oxlade-Chamberlain's slide-rule pass gave van Persie an opening, and he fired through Evans' legs and past Lindegaard, via the inside of the Dane's post.

Arsenal's dander was predictably up, but the flow of the game was quickly stemmed when play was stopped for an injury to Walcott. Sir Alex Ferguson introduced Paul Scholes and Ji-sung Park for Nani and Rafael, and sent Valencia to right-back. The move didn't curb the Ecuadorian's attacking intent, however, and he played a key role as United regained the lead.

Valencia picked up Scholes' spread pass, made a beeline for the hosts' area and bypassed three players before swapping passes with Park. Before he could be crowded out, the winger teed up Welbeck for an emphatic finish past Szczesny; sparking wild scenes of celebration in the away end.

Thereafter, the game ended in the same stop-start fashion that it began, albeit with more bookings. United were able to see out five added minutes with only one real flirtation with danger, when Mertesacker's goalbound header was chested to safety by Evans.

A victorious start to another taxing run of high-profile fixtures for the Reds sent out a clear message: the champions are in no mood to relinquish their crown.