Carling Cup 4th Round Draw: Man. United To Meet QPR

Sir Alex's men will face Championship side Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup fourth round.

The clubs have never met in the League Cup and last faced each other in the Premier League back in 1996.

At the time of the fourth round draw, Rangers were lying fourth in the Championship. Many experts have tipped the London side to win promotion this season.

The Carling Cup tie will be played in the week commencing Monday 10 November.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Chelsea were both handed home draws, while Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur.

Carling Cup fourth round
Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
Chelsea v Burnley
Swansea City v Watford
United v Queens Park Rangers
Stoke City v Rotherham United
Brighton or Derby v Leeds United
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

* Ties to be played week commencing 10 November.

Man. United Beat Bolton 2-0

A controversial penalty scored by Cristiano Ronaldo set Manchester United on their way to victory over Bolton.

Ronaldo put United ahead after referee Rob Styles awarded United a penalty even though Jlloyd Samuel's tackle on the Portuguese winger was a fair one.

The incident proved decisive because up until then United had been thwarted by Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Wayne Rooney curled in United's second after a Ronaldo back-flick as Bolton were left seething over the penalty.

The incident could spark renewed debate about video technology but in all honesty the official should never have given a penalty.

United eventually ran out comfortable winners and deserved the three points but had the penalty not been awarded the result could have been different.

Although another refereeing decision will grab the headlines following this game, United were superior in every department.

Sir Alex Ferguson rotated his side ahead of the Champions League trip to Aalborg in midweek but it was Bolton - with Johan Elmander operating as a lone striker - who took the game to United.

Ricardo Gardner saw an early shot blocked before Kevin Nolan tried his luck from long distance.

Jaaskelainen was Bolton's busiest player and his first save was a comfortable one when Darren Fletcher picked out Dimitar Berbatov but the £30m striker headed tamely at the Finnish keeper.

United - playing their first 3pm kick-off at Old Trafford since New Year's Day - began to find some rhythm and Ji-Sung Park scooped a close-range shot over the top.

Ronaldo then went close with a trademark 25-yard free-kick which Jaaskelainen did well to push wide.

Bolton were pushed further and further back as United took control and the visitors packed all 11 players into their own penalty area for a corner which Nemanja Vidic headed over.

Anderson saw his well-placed curling shot from wide on the right tipped away for a corner after Fletcher's perfect pass.

But for all of United's possession, it was Bolton who delivered a stark warning moments before the break.

Gretnar Steinsson did well down the right and crossed for Fabrice Muamba who carelessly shot wide from eight yards when he really should have sent Bolton in 1-0 up.

Bolton immediately served up another warning after the restart when Gardener fired a shot inches wide of Van der Saar's right post.

United finally got the breakthrough that they deserved - but it came from an inexplicable decision from referee Styles.

He awarded United a penalty when Ronaldo was fairly tackled by Samuel even though none of the home players or supporters appealed for a spot kick.

Ronaldo stepped up to slam home a routine penalty but it was hardly surprising that Bolton's dismayed fans were soon singing "1-0 to the referee".

Bolton were devastated and were unable to get back into the game as United brought on Paul Scholes for his 400th Premier League appearance while Rooney replaced Carlos Tevez.

And as the home side surged forward their second goal had an air of inevitability about it.

It duly arrived when Ronaldo charged into the left side of the penalty box before stopping and flicking the ball back to Rooney, who checked inside before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner.

United could have doubled their lead in the closing stages and the only talking point afterwards was that incredulous penalty decision.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo (Nani 80), Fletcher, Anderson (Scholes 71), Park, Tevez (Rooney 71), Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Amos, Giggs, O'Shea, Evans.

Goals: Ronaldo 60 pen, Rooney 77.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Davies, Nolan, McCann, Muamba, Gardner (Smolarek 73), Elmander (Vaz Te 66).

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Taylor, Joey O'Brien, Riga, Shittu.

Booked: Elmander, McCann, Davies.

Att: 75,484.

Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire).

Gavin McCann and Bolton are incensed by the decision that gives Ronaldo and United the lead from the penalty spot

Wayne Rooney comes on from the bench to settle the match, his first club goal of the season, set up by Ronaldo's smart backheel

New Role For Giggs

Ryan Giggs will be used as a deep-lying striker or a central midfielder this season as Sir Alex Ferguson tries to best utilise the Welshman’s energies.

The sight of United’s no.11 tearing up and down the flanks at Old Trafford will, but for very few occasions, now be confined to memory.

The 34-year-old played in a more central role in the Reds' 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, and fans can get used to seeing Giggs perform there much more frequently this term.

“He’s been fantastic this season, absolutely brilliant,” beams Sir Alex. “But what we have to do is manage him. He is looking absolutely brilliant now, but we also want to have him nice and fresh at the end of the season. He can decide games for you, that’s the great quality he has.

“I see his role as a central player, where we played him the other night,” the boss adds. “The days of trampling up and down that touchline for Ryan, at 34 years of age, are gone. He can maybe do it occasionally, but I think that is beyond him now.”

Managing the players within his ample squad is arguably the toughest task facing Sir Alex this season. The sheer volume of talent at his fingertips makes the selection process potentially more testing than it has ever been before. But Sir Alex insists he is content to disappoint players every now and again for the sake of the team, and also the players themselves.

“When you have got a squad of players and everyone is fit, you have a problem,” he said. “You have a problem picking the substitutions, never mind the first eleven. It’s always the case that if you want to win something – and we always want to win something – you need to have a strong squad. That has paid dividends for this club. Other clubs have the same mentality now.”

The changing face of the modern game doesn’t soften the blow on a Saturday when Sir Alex informs a clutch of internationals that they have not made his 18-man matchday squad.

“The players understand it, but that doesn’t mean to say they accept it,” he says. “Some players realise the mechanics of the situation. But when it’s your turn to sit out, you don’t like it.

“That’s OK with me, I don’t mind that. It tells me that they all want to play. I’d rather that than some player saying, ‘It’s a tough game, I don’t fancy it today’. We don’t have players like that, and you never want players that are quite happy sitting on the bench.”

Good News For Possebon

United's medical staff have confirmed that Rodrigo Possebon has not suffered a break after being stretchered off against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder was in agony following a challenge from Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz after an hour of the Reds' 3-1 Carling Cup third round win.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com on Wednesday morning: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."

At the moment, however, everyone at the club is just pleased to hear that Possebon's injury does not involve a serious break as was first feared.

Sir Alex said after the match: "For the kid to make his first start and get an injury like that is pretty horrendous. I think everyone was numb for about ten minutes afterwards and it killed our momentum a little bit. I saw a few replays of it, but I don't want to see it again. It was just terrible."

Despite being initially disappointed by Pogatetz's reaction to his subsequent red card, but he praised Boro boss Gareth Southgate for his attitude after the game.

"I couldn't understand it [his reaction], he should have walked straight off," said the manager. "One of the guys on their bench was screaming that it was never a sending off and there was nothing wrong with Rodrigo. Middlesbrough have apologised though. Gareth Southgate was very good. He understood the gravity of it and was very apologetic."

Sir Alex Hails Young Charges

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the way his young players applied themselves in the Carling Cup third round victory over Middlesbrough.

The Reds' boss handed debuts to goalkeeper Ben Amos and striker Danny Welbeck with Angolan striker Manucho also entering the fray for the first time as a late sub, while Brazilians Rafael da Silva and Rodrigo Possebon made their first competitive starts in a red shirt.

In the end it was the more experienced players of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nani who sealed the 3-1 win with a trio of well-taken goals, but Sir Alex was clearly buoyed by what he saw from some of his budding stars.

"They did very well, particularly in the first half. Some of the football was terrific and I enjoyed seeing that," declared the United manager in an interview with MUTV.

"They played with great expression and created some good chances which was nice to see. It was a good performance and I'm very pleased.

"As well as blooding some of his young charges, the tie provided Sir Alex with the opportunity to field a number of first team squad members in need of games.

"Anderson, for example, has been feeling the effects of being in China [at the Olympic Games]," revealed the boss.

"Adrenalin got him through his first match at Portsmouth, but since then he's been a bit low. But tonight he was back to himself which was great to see.

"John O'Shea was another who needed some minutes on the clock so it's been a good night for us in that sense."

Man. United Edges Past Boro In Carling Cup 3rd Round

Late goals from Nani and Ryan Giggs put Manchester United into the Carling Cup fourth round after Emanuel Pogatetz was sent off at Old Trafford.

United dominated and Cristiano Ronaldo, back for his first start after injury, headed them into a 25th minute lead.

Substitute Adam Johnson volleyed an unlikely second-half equaliser before Pogatetz was given a straight red for a nasty challenge on Rodrigo Possebon.

Veteran Giggs finished coolly and Nani made sure of the win in injury-time.

Playing in front of a 53,000 crowd, United started with a strong line-up which including first-team regulars such as Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Giggs, and Wes Brown, along with youngsters such as 18-year-old goalkeeper Ben Amos and 19-year-old striker Danny Welbeck.

The evening was soured after Pogatetz's 66th minute challenge on Possebon, which left the Brazilian prospect being given lengthy treatment before being stretchered off with a suspected broken leg.

But it was Ronaldo, inevitably, who took centre stage as the match kicked-off after Afonso Alves and Stewart Downing threatened early on for Boro without testing debutant Amos.

The Portuguese put United ahead after 25 minutes with a header from a Giggs corner which bore close resemblance to his goal in the Champions League final against Chelsea in May.

Locally-born Welbeck was in fine form for United while, at 21 and 20 respectively, Nani and Anderson took on responsibility in taking the game to the visitors though Boro's own talented youngster, David Wheater, was instrumental in keeping the deficit to just one going into half-time.

And 12 minutes after the restart as Johnson lashed Boro level when he caught his first-time volley perfectly after Vidic had nodded Downing's cross out of the area.

After Pogatetz's dangerous follow-through cut Possebon down, a nasty gash instantly appearing on the Brazilian's right leg as he yelled in agony before receiving five minutes treatment from United medical staff on the pitch.

Central midfielder Possebon had shone brightly until that point but Giggs got United's deserved breakthrough on 79 minutes, as he chipped home what looked like being a classy winner.

But Nani put a gloss on the scoreline when rounded stranded Jones to slot into an empty net.

Man Utd: Amos, Rafael Da Silva, Vidic, Brown, O'Shea, Nani, Possebon (Gibson 72), Anderson, Giggs (Manucho 84), Welbeck, Ronaldo (Tevez 61).

Subs Not Used: Zieler, Cleverley, Gray, Eckersley.

Goals: Ronaldo 25, Giggs 79, Nani 90.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, Downing, Digard (Riggott 72), O'Neil, Shawky (Adam Johnson 46), Aliadiere, Alves (Emnes 85).

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Arca, Walker, Craddock.

Sent Off: Pogatetz (66).

Booked: Adam Johnson.

Goals: Adam Johnson 56.

Att: 53,729

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

Cristiano Ronaldo marks his return to Man Utd's starting line-up with a first-half goal

No Further Action For Man. United

Manchester United will face no further action over their conduct at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

After picking up seven yellow cards during the draw with Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson's men already knew they would receive an automatic £25,000 fine from the FA.

However, there was a fear referee Mike Riley might suggest further incidents needed looking at, particularly Rio Ferdinand's challenge on Didier Drogba at the end of the game and the aggressive attitude of some Red Devils players after the final whistle. Those worries have now been allayed, with Riley confirming in his match report that he was happy with his handling of various incidents, meaning the Red Devils will avoid further scrutiny.

Although clearly unhappy with some of Riley's decisions, Sir Alex Ferguson's wisdom in keeping his own counsel has also been proven.

Ferguson did claim there had not been a bad tackle in the game, although he resisted the obvious temptation to condemn Riley.

"It was a competitive game but I did not think there was one bad tackle in it," said the United boss.

"The game is being screened worldwide. Everyone is watching it and something like that happens.

"People are saying what is going on here but it is difficult to say anything about the referee.

"I do not want to get involved."

Man. United Team Bus Attacked

Manchester United's team bus was attacked as it left Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were making their way to Euston for their return journey to the north west after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea when a bottle was hurled at the windscreen. No-one was injured, although the windscreen was cracked.

"Yes. There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police," said a club spokesman.

Nevertheless, the team continued on their short trip across London without further incident.

Last time United visited the stadium Patrice Evra became involved in a heated post-match exchange with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell which is still the subject of an FA investigation, while Rio Ferdinand was forced to apologise to a female steward after kicking a ball at her in anger.

Sunday's encounter was not much less contentious, with United picking up seven yellow cards from referee Mike Riley which will now see them fined by the FA.

A Chelsea statement read: "We are aware of reports of an altercation with the Manchester United bus as it left the Stamford Bridge area.

"It appears to be an isolated incident but we have launched a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities.

"We do not condone violence in any shape or form. If, as a result of our investigations, we find that any Chelsea supporters were involved we will take appropriate action against those individuals."

Rooney Champing At The Bit

Wayne Rooney was pleased with the “a point gained” at Stamford Bridge and believes that, with one of United’s toughest spells of the season behind them, the Reds must now build up a significant run of form.

“It’s definitely a point gained,” Rooney told MUTV. “Chelsea’s record at Stamford Bridge is really good and, although we were leading for most of the game and it was disappointing to lose the goal, it’s still a good point. We had the better of the game in the first half but Chelsea were better in the second half. A draw was probably a fair result.”

Losing to Liverpool does not gain favour with Rooney at the best of times, but the manner of last week's 2-1 defeat cut deep. “We were all disappointed,” he said. “It was a terrible display, but against Villarreal I thought we deserved to win, and against Chelsea we showed at times what a good football team we can be.

“We knew it was going to be a tough start to the season – we had three of our toughest away games in the first four matches. Liverpool, Chelsea and Portsmouth away are all tough. But we’ve got them out of the way now and hopefully we can go on a good run, get some wins under our belts and some points on the table.”

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo, who played more than half an hour at Chelsea, and the bedding in of Dimitar Berbatov also bode well. “It’s a huge boost for us to have Cristiano back,” said Rooney. “He’s a great player and hopefully he can get a few games in the next few weeks. That will give him fitness and he’ll start to produce what we know he is capable of.

"With Dimitar, he’s a new player and we had some good touches together. I’m sure the partnership will get better the more we play together and, of course, with Carlos Tevez to come in as well.”

Sir Alex Pleased With Point

United and Chelsea deserved to share the points on Sunday, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

“In football terms, I think we certainly deserved a point,” he told MUTV. “That said, I think in some ways it was a point gained – we didn’t know what was going to happen on that pitch with so many free-kicks being awarded around the edge of the box. I was starting to worry.”

It’s no wonder the manager was fretting. Referee Mike Riley was particularly whistle-happy at the Bridge, awarding 35 free kicks (19 against the Reds, 16 against Chelsea) and handing out eight yellow cards (seven to United).

“I don’t want to get into that,” Sir Alex said. “All I’ll say is that the match went out around the world and I think some people will be wondering what was going on.

“I didn’t think there was one bad tackle in the game.”

After a feeble performance at Anfield last weekend, Sir Alex was pleased in midweek with United’s performance against Spanish side Villarreal. At Chelsea, too, the boss found there was much to take heart from.

“I think we played with great tempo to our game, particularly in the first 20 minutes. We played some excellent football.

“If there is a criticism of us today, then we didn’t go for the jugular when we were 1-0 up and in complete control. We eased off and allowed Chelsea to regroup at half-time.”

Injuries forced Sir Alex to hand Jonny Evans a Premier League debut and pick Gary Neville for his first league start since March 2007. Ji-sung Park and Owen Hargreaves were also included from kick-off after impressing in their first starts of the season in midweek.

“I’m very happy with how Gary Neville and Jonny Evans played,” the boss confirmed. “I think they’ve all done well. There were a couple of moments where Joe Cole got free – once in the first half and once in the second half – but I think we defended quite well.

“We maybe lost a little energy towards the end of the game because we’ve still got a few players, like Berbatov, Hargreaves, Park, Ronaldo and Neville who haven’t played all that much football recently.

“They started to tire a little and that allowed Chelsea to break on a few occasions when we should have kept possession of the ball. But everyone worked hard on a hot day.”

All Square At The Bridge

Salomon Kalou's late equaliser preserved Chelsea's long unbeaten home league record and earned a deserved point against Manchester United.

Ji-Sung Park put United ahead in the 18th minute after Chelsea keeper Petr Cech fumbled Dimitar Berbatov's shot.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar to injury in the first half and Chelsea took control of a disjointed game.

Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka wasted great chances before substitute Kalou headed in with 10 minutes left.

It stretched Chelsea's unbeaten sequence in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge to 85 games, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be frustrated that his side failed to build on a perfect start and lost their way as the game went on.

Chelsea will be delighted and relieved with a point - but they should have claimed all three after dominating the second half.

United opted to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, where he was joined by Carlos Tevez as Berbatov and Wayne Rooney were paired up front.

Chelsea were forced into a reshuffle of their own when Deco injured a thigh in the warm-up, although they were hardly weakened by the subsequent inclusion of Michael Ballack.

United opened with real purpose, Darren Fletcher scrambling a finish wide and Rooney hooking just off target after a poor clearance from Cech.

Chelsea had a chance of their own in the eighth minute when Joe Cole ran clear after appearing to use his hand, only to shoot wide.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side suffered a serious blow three minutes later when defender Ricardo Carvalho departed with a knee injury, with Alex coming on as substitute.

United's ambition was rewarded with a deserved opener after 18 minutes, when Park pounced from close range after Cech could only parry Berbatov's shot.

Van der Sar had been having a mixed afternoon, his mood not helped by a knee injury sustained in an accidental clash with Florent Malouda.

And it was no surprise when he limped off and was replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak after 31 minutes following another fumble.

Kuszczak was quickly in action to block a long-range effort from Alex, but the game was degenerating into a scrappy affair littered with stoppages.

Chelsea made another change at the interval, sending on Didier Drogba for Malouda, while United waited until nine minutes after half-time before sending on Ronaldo for Paul Scholes.

Joe Cole wasted another great opportunity after 65 minutes, shooting straight at Kuszczak after being released by Ballack's superb pass.

And Anelka was guilty of a shocking miss seven minutes later when he was set up by Joe Cole, but he failed to even apply a touch only three yards out with the goal at his mercy.

But Chelsea were building up a head of steam and it was no surprise when they drew level with 10 minutes left.

Rooney was booked for a crude lunge at Ashley Cole, and the punishment was doubled when Kalou headed Jon Mikel Obi's free-kick beyond a static Kuszczak.

And it took a desperate block from Gary Neville seconds later to deny Kalou, bravely deflecting his shot over the top as United hung on for a point.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho (Alex 12), Terry, Ashley Cole, Obi, Joe Cole, Ballack (Kalou 74), Lampard, Malouda (Drogba 46), Anelka.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bridge, Belletti, Ferreira.

Booked: Obi.

Goals: Kalou 80.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 32), Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Scholes (Ronaldo 55), Park (O'Shea 75), Berbatov, Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Giggs, Nani, Tevez.

Booked: Scholes, Ferdinand, Neville, Berbatov, Rooney, Evra, Ronaldo.

Goals: Park 18.

Att: 41,760

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

Edwin's injury not serious

Edwin van der Sar should be fit to face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, despite needing to be substituted at Stamford Bridge in the first half.

The Dutchman, who was injured in a collision with Chelsea forward Florent Malouda in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, played on briefly before signalling to the bench that he could no longer continue.

“He got some studs in the kneecap and there was a bit of swelling there,” Sir Alex told MUTV after the final whistle. “Hopefully he’ll be okay for next week.”

Van der Sar isn’t the only Reds goalkeeper who’ll be visiting the treatment room at Carrington this week.

Ben Foster fell awkwardly on his ankle playing for United’s Reserves last Thursday and is expected to be out of action for up to two months.

“Ben’s not had any luck,” Sir Alex told media last Friday. “He’s been blighted by injuries so far in his career.

“He’s a top goalkeeper and I just hope he gets a little break now.”

Tomasz Kuszczak, who replaced van der Sar at Chelsea, will almost certainly don United’s goalkeeper jersey on Tuesday night when Middlesbrough arrive at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup.

Berbatov tussling for the ball with Chelsea's Mikel

Ji-Sung Park scoring after Cech parries Berbatov's shot into his path

With Ricardo Carvalho having already gone off for Chelsea, the injury count starts to rise when Van der Sar has to leave the action too

Both sides have chances before substitute Salomon Kalou heads an 80th-minute equaliser to earn Chelsea an important point

Sir Alex Looks To Awesome Foursome

Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to let his entire big-name striking quartet loose on some unfortunate Premier League opponents.

While it is unlikely to be on Sunday given the importance of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea, especially as neither Dimitar Berbatov nor Cristiano Ronaldo are match fit, it is something Ferguson is willing to try.

The Manchester United boss is not fazed by utilising a front-line - also including Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who would cost well in excess of £100million - as he said: "You could play all four."

He added: "You would have to sacrifice something but I once ended up with Peter Schmeichel as a centre-forward, so I am sure I could end up with those four as well."

In reality, the United boss is likely to spread the load as his side challenge for honours on all fronts.

Berbatov is most likely to be left out, with Tevez and Rooney's all-action styles making them ideal candidates for a rest at various points in the campaign.

It is a very similar position to the one Ferguson found himself in during the historic 1999 Treble-winning season, when Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer provided the ammunition.

"It was hard to leave players out then," recalled the United boss.

"No matter what combination I chose - and they were all terrific - you were always disappointing two. But the name of the game is to win.

"If I have a strong squad this season - and hopefully I have now I have brought in Berbatov - then it is the right thing to do. Whether it gives me 1% improvement or 10% it doesn't matter, improvement is what we are looking for."

Evans Set For The Top

Fans got a glimpse of United's future against Villarreal on Wednesday - young defender Jonny Evans is set to be a mainstay in the Reds defence in years to come.

Sir Alex Ferguson has placed great faith in the young Northern Ireland international, turning down four offers for the 20-year-old’s services over the summer.

Such is Evans’ standing at Old Trafford that Sir Alex would have no qualms about thrusting him into the cut-throat atmosphere of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Nemanja Vidic’s suspension-enforced absence may leave Sir Alex no option, but Evans’ first start of the season – only his fourth United appearance in total – against Villarreal showed a commanding young centre-half ready to make the step up.

"It was a good night for him, and it’s an indication of his quality," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. "We had offers for him from three or four clubs in the summer, but we stuck to our guns because we believe in him.

"Jonny will be the future centre-half for Manchester United, there’s no doubt about that. That’s a vindication of our belief in the boy, and also proves that he can believe what we’re saying to him - he'll play a lot of football here.

"He’ll get plenty of games and his performance on Wednesday gave me an idea of how to approach the match against Chelsea on Sunday."

Evans came very close to breaking the 0-0 deadlock against Villarreal when his header from Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross rebounded off the post. "He hit the inside of the woodwork in the second half and had a chance right after half-time, a nice header that went just past the post,” Sir Alex said. “He did well because he was carrying a slight groin injury.”

The Reds boss sees Evans carving a career at the top of the game if he continues the rapid progress he has made in recent years in United’s youth team, Reserves and in loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Sunderland.

"He’s only 20 years old but he’s already got around 10 international caps,” he added. “Jonny will be a fixture for Northern Ireland now and I imagine he’ll be their captain in time - he’s an outstanding candidate for that. He’s a boy with a great talent and we’re very pleased with his progress."

Fletcher: Goals Will Come

Darren Fletcher feels that it is only a matter of time before United start scoring regularly.

The Scottish midfielder, the Reds' top scorer this season with two goals, saw enough positives in Wednesday's goalless draw with Villarreal to suggest that a return to goalscoring form is not far away.

"We created a lot of chances in the game and it was a match that we should have won," Fletcher told MUTV. "We played good attacking football but unfortunately you’ve got to put away the chances to win matches.

"We didn't take our chances and we could have lost it when they hit the post. We were fortunate in that respect, but the only positive is that we’re creating those chances and eventually they’re going to go in."

Chelsea are the Reds' next opponents on Sunday and, while Fletcher admits it has been a stop-start to the defence of the Double, he insists United are aiming for victory at Stamford Bridge.

"It's been a bit like that," he said. "We've had a few injuries and suspensions, but now we’ve got everyone back, which is good. It (Sunday) is a massive game already.

"Obviously after losing to Liverpool we can’t lose too much ground in the Premier League. Chelsea have got a great record at home, and it’s something that we’re looking to end. We’re looking to win the match and get up the league.

"Everyone’s back now, we’re looking to kick on, win the match and hopefully that’ll start a run of them."

Ronaldo Returns But Man. United Fire Blanks

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal in their opening Champions League group game.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his comeback after ankle surgery and almost set up Jonny Evans for a late winner, only for the youngster to head against the post.

Guille Franco sent a flick against an upright on the hour as Villarreal provided stubborn resistance.

But the main plus for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a vibrant 25-minute cameo from the returning Ronaldo.

He now looks like he has put himself in the frame for a place in United's starting line-up for Sunday's clash with Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ronaldo, as expected, started on the bench - but Ferguson sprung a surprise by naming Evans in his starting line-up in place of Nemanja Vidic, who is suspended for the meeting with Chelsea.

United dominated the first half without ever hitting top gear against an efficient Villarreal side.

Rio Ferdinand wasted an opportunity to put United ahead after only seven minutes, but he was surprised when Owen Hargreaves' corner arrived at his feet and he miscued his effort off target.

Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez looked uncertain, and he was called into action to save efforts from Nani and Carlos Tevez.

United were denied what was a clear penalty eight minutes before the interval when Ji-Sung Park tumbled under Joan Capdevila's challenge, but German referee Wolfgang Stark waved away the appeals.

Villarreal fashioned the best move of the match and almost took the lead after 59 minutes when Franco flicked Angel Lopez's cross against the post with United keeper Edwin van der Sar beaten.

The moment Old Trafford had been waiting for arrived after 65 minutes when Ferguson unleashed Ronaldo - and the effect was instant.

Ronaldo received a rapturous reception, despite a summer of speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, and he was quickly a threat with a volley that worried keeper Lopez.

He then combined brilliantly with Rooney to set up Tevez after 71 minutes, but Gonzalo Rodriguez cleared off the line.

Ronaldo's presence had unnerved Villarreal, and he headed just wide from Nani's cross and then set up Evans with a perfect cross, only for the youngster to send a diving header against the post.

United pressed until the end, but Villarreal held on to frustrate the holders.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
"Cristiano Ronaldo has had a turbulent summer and a lot has been said about it, but when I had my meeting in June in Portugal with him that was over.

"He dedicated himself to getting fit and his commitment to the club. The crowd's reception was important for Cristiano.

"I think he realises what a great club he is at and how loyal the fans are. He will take great encouragement from that.

"We made a lot of good chances, we played really good football, we played with speed. I have no complaints. On another day we could have scored four or five.

"They are a very experienced side, very competitive team. They defend determinedly."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Hargreaves (Anderson 62), Fletcher, Park (Ronaldo 62), Rooney, Tevez (Giggs 81).

Subs Not Used: Foster, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea.

Booked: Tevez.

Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Angel, Rodriguez, Godin, Capdevila, Cani (Santi Cazorla 46), Eguren, Edmilson, Pires (Ibagaza 67), Fernandez, Franco (Llorente 77).

Subs Not Used: Viera, Javi Venta, Senna, Fuentes.

Booked: Franco, Ibagaza, Diego Lopez.

Att: 74,944

Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).

The hosts' Carlos Tevez looks to get the better of Edmilson in his search for an early goal at Old Trafford

They have an appeal for a penalty turned down when Park Ji-Sung appears to be tripped by Joan Capdevila in the Villarreal box

A dangerous ball heads into Villarreal's area but goalkeeper Diego Lopez cuts it out as they continue to frustrate the Red Devils

Guille Franco hits the post for the Spaniards before Sir Alex Ferguson introduces a lively looking Cristiano Ronaldo with 25 minutes to go

The Portuguese winger picks out Jonny Evans at the death but he heads against the post as Man Utd have to settle for a draw

Tevez Deal Due Next Summer

Carlos Tevez admits he would sign a permanent contract now if it was put in front of him, but Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the Argentina international will ink the deal at the end of the season.

Tevez is still on a loan contract, but the long-mooted permanent deal will be tied up at the end of the current campaign.

“As I understand it, it (a permanent deal) will happen at the end of the season,” said the Reds boss. “There is no doubt in my mind that Carlos will be here next season and signing the contract.”

Tevez says there is “no doubt” as to where his loyalties lie. “Ever since I first came here I would like to have signed a permanent contract,” he told reporters. “I had very happy season last year and I would be very happy if the chairman would put a permanent contract in front of me. I’d sign it without any doubt.”

Whether Tevez is on loan or a permanent, however, his focus is on winning more trophies at Old Trafford. Kicking off United’s defence of the Champions League with a victory over Villarreal would not only signal the team’s intentions in this season’s competition, it would be the right reaction to Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool.

“We have a very strong squad,” said Carlos. “We showed last season whenever we lost a game that we could come back stronger. That’s the reason why we won two titles last season. I think you will see a reaction from the players.

“It’s always important to win a trophy again, it shows your quality if you can defend the titles you win. We have the ability and the depth of squad to go and do that.”

Man. United Unlikely To Lose Their Shirts As Sponsor Struggles

Manchester United are set to emerge unscathed even if shirt sponsors AIG (American International Group) follows US bank Lehman Brothers in going bust.

United have two years left on a club record four-year deal with the insurance giants worth 56.5 million pounds (100.57 million dollars).

However, on Monday AIG shares plummeted 61 percent to 4.76 dollars. In all, they have lost 93 percent of their value in a year.

United, one of the world's best-known football clubs, are the current English and European champions and, despite current worldwide financial problems caused by the 'credit crunch', at least one observer believes they remain an attractive proposition for potential backers.

"Shirt sponsorship values appear to be holding their own well in the Premier League and also in Germany," said Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business strategy at Coventry University, central England.

He added: "It may be an issue outside the Premier League but my view is that if Manchester United do have to find a new sponsor, they would almost certainly pay as much and quite probably more.

"United are currently European champions and Premier League champions, so they could not be in a better position.

"The issue for United would be finding the right sponsor with a global operation as a partner, to give the club global coverage, something AIG does perfectly at the moment."

Will the AIG logo still be displayed on Man. United jersey after their current troubles?

New Deal For Kuszczak

Tomasz Kuszczak has signed a two-year extension to his contract at United and thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for showing “trust and support” in his ability.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who is now contracted to the club until June 2012, arrived at Old Trafford in August 2006 and made his debut a month later as a substitute against Arsenal.

Tomasz told ManUtd.com: “For the club to offer me an extension when I still have two years left shows the trust and support that I have from the club and Sir Alex.

“I’m so happy as I have had a great time so far here, but there is still so much for me to prove and I want to continue working hard to ensure my position within this great team.”

Sir Alex Ferguson said the deal helps safeguard the strength of United’s goalkeeping ranks for years to come.

“We always like to sit down with all our young players as we want to look ahead and protect our future,” he told us.

“Top goalkeepers are hard to find and I believe we have three of the best here, and by securing Tomasz’s future we can consolidate our own.”

Woeful Man. United Loses At Anfield

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez earned his first Premier League win over Manchester United courtesy of substitute Ryan Babel's late winner.

Carlos Tevez had stunned the Reds after three minutes by expertly sidefooting in a Dimitar Berbatov pull back.

United keeper Edwin Van der Sar palmed a clearance against Wes Brown and saw it roll into his net for the equaliser.

The Reds started to dominate and Babel scuffed in a shot for the winner before United's Nemanja Vidic was sent off.

The deserved victory was Benitez's first in the top flight over United since he took over in the summer of 2004 and was achieved without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in the starting line-up.

Despite missing their star men through injury, Liverpool produced a performance of real verve to turn around a match which looked out of their grasp within the opening stages.

Three points seemed unlikely after Benitez saw his side fall behind in worrying fashion after just three minutes as United debutant Berbatov made an immediate impact for his new team.

He was reunited with ex-Tottenham strike partner Robbie Keane at Anfield as the duo lined up on opposing sides at Anfield.

And, while Keane has struggled to make an impact for Liverpool, Berbatov had no such trouble.

He latched on to a clever ball by Anderson and pulled a ball back from the byeline for Tevez, who lost marker Javier Mascherano, to unerringly beat Pepe Reina.

Dirk Kuyt volleyed just wide for the home side but the Reds had been shaken by the goal as they struggled to come to terms with the passing and power of the visitors.

Van der Sar was the main weakness in his side's dominance and gave a sign of things to come when he palmed a cross to Kuyt.

He redeemed himself by blocking the striker's point-blank shot but had no such fortune shortly afterwards.

The Dutchman bemusingly dived to punch the ball clear - after Xabi Alonso's shot had deflected into the United box off Patrice Evra - only to push the ball against Wes Brown and into the United net.

Just as the first goal drained Liverpool of their belief, the leveller had the reverse effect, although they escaped a scare when Tevez put a shot over at the near post from a low Anderson cross.

The home fans were also buoyed by the goal and their team's play and tried to inspire them to greater heights after the break.

Liverpool responded by taking a stranglehold on the game and Keane chipped a ball to put Benayoun through on goal.

But the Israeli's control took him a little wide and allowed Van der Sar to block his acute angled shot.

Berbatov had become a peripheral figure for the visitors as they struggled to find the form with which they started the match.

But, despite being on the backfoot, they did gave a warning of their counter-attacking threat as a dipping Ryan Giggs strike was tipped over following Gerrard's loss of possession.

Liverpool continued to push and probe and were rewarded when Mascherano stole the ball from Giggs as he tried to shepherd it out of play for a goal-kick.

The Argentine passed to Kuyt and he found an unmarked Babel, whose shot bounced before going into the United goal to send the home crowd into raptures.

Vidic's dismissal for a second bookable offence on 90 minutes compounded United's misery after he lead with his elbow while contesting an aerial challenge with Alonso.

Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan:
"We were only in the game for seven or eight minutes and after that we did not perform.

"They bossed us out of the game and their tactics worked as they put us under pressure.

"We never responded and we did not react after the break and we succumbed to the pressure.

"We did not take control of the game and we struggled and now we have to get back to basics."

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Benayoun (Gerrard 68), Alonso, Mascherano (Hyypia 87), Riera (Babel 71), Kuyt, Keane.

Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Torres, Ngog.

Goals: Brown 27 og, Babel 77.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Rooney, Scholes (Hargreaves 66), Carrick (Giggs 46), Anderson (Nani 78), Tevez, Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Evans, O'Shea, Fletcher.

Sent Off: Vidic (90).

Booked: Tevez, Vidic, Nani.

Goals: Tevez 3.

Att: 44,192

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

£30m signing Dimitar Berbatov starts for United, marked by Reds captain Jamie Carragher

Carlos Tevez loses Javier Mascherano and puts the defending league champions ahead inside three mintues, laid on by Berbatov

Liverpool's new winger Alberto Riera gives plenty of work to Wes Brown, who later concedes a calamitous, ricocheted own goal

Liverpool complete the turnaround with Ryan Babel's winner in a match that also sees Nemanja Vidic sent off with five minutes left

Inside Carrington: The Canteen

After a morning's work on the training pitch, the players refuel in the Carrington canteen…

Based on the first floor in the main building, the canteen seats around 100 people and is used by all club employees based at Carrington, including the manager, coaching staff, first team, Reserves and Academy players, as well as all operational staff.

“Demarcation is never an issue here,” says Sir Alex Ferguson, whose idea it was to have everyone eat in the same room.

“Everybody eats together; people wander about from office to office. It’s always been good that way at Carrington.”

Lunch is served between 12 and 2pm, with snacks and drinks available throughout the day. The man responsible for deciding what culinary delights are on offer is club dietician Trevor Lea.

“Chicken curry is always a winner,” says Trevor. “Some players would eat that every day. Low fat chicken curry, that is, made our way. Fish fingers and fishcakes are popular; we get through a lot of those.

"Pizzas are another favourite with toppings like chicken, spicy beef or tuna and sweetcorn. But again they’re not high in fat. We don’t smother them in cheese.

“The challenge is to make things tasty without fat. So we experiment a lot with different textures and herbs and other ways of getting taste in.”

Berbatov Aims To Be The Best

Dimitar Berbatov has pledged to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo as Europe’s greatest player. He also means to shake off the tag of being ‘lazy’.

Ronaldo is odds-on to lift the Ballon D’Or in December. But this time next year, United new boy Berbatov aims to be the one with the award for Europe’s best.

The Bulgarian striker said: “I will dream about winning the Golden Ball until I stop playing. When I set myself a target, I aim to reach it. With God’s will, I’ll achieve something big."

- Neil Custis, The Sun -

Berbatov Raring To Go

Dimitar Berbatov came face-to-face with the UK media on Friday as he was officially unveiled as a United and revealed trophies are top of his list at OT...

What was it about United that made you want to join?
It’s everything about the club from the red shirt to the glory that people think of when you simply say the words ‘Manchester United.’ It makes you think of the great players and the titles they’ve won as soon as you mention the club. The people who know me best - my family and close friends - know that I don’t play for money. I play because I like the game and I like to entertain. I can achieve that here and I want to help the team win more trophies. When the club said they wanted to sign me, I thought of nothing else.

Manchester City came in with a late bid on transfer deadline day. Was there any possibility of you joining them?
No. My only goal was to join United and now that I’m here I’m really pleased. My ambitions and goals are big and I want to fulfil them at the biggest club in the world. I was surprised when I heard about City’s offer and the money they wanted to spend, but it didn’t make any difference to me. I always wanted to come here.

There was a lot of uncertainty over your future before you actually joined United. How troubling was that for you?
Sometimes people don’t realise how the pressure can get to a player. During this transfer window it was really difficult for me. But when things work out in the end, you can look back and know it was worth waiting for.

Your game has been compared to that of Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham – do you see any similarities between yourself and those players?
It’s obviously a big compliment to hear these comparisons, but I have my own game and I never want to be compared to anyone else. Maybe in the future when I stop playing some people will ask the same question about me. But that’s why I play the game. I try to entertain and make people smile. If I can do that here like I did at Tottenham, I’ll be happy.

Did you model your game on anyone when you were growing up?
I always watched good players and worked hard to try to be like them. Marco van Basten was someone I looked to. He was a great striker and I tried my best to be like him.

Your body language when you play suggests that you have supreme confidence in your own ability. Is that the case?
Is that what I look like? [Interviewer: Yes, you look more than confident.] I may look like that but inside it might be a different story. As a player you have periods when things aren’t going well and you lose your confidence. You start asking yourself ‘am I good enough?’. I have been through a lot of those periods, but at the end of the day I know what my abilities are and I believe in what I can do on the pitch. That helps me through many difficult times and will help me come to a club like United.

It’s always been said that Cantona was born to play on the Old Trafford stage. Do you feel you are born to play here?
Only time will tell, but I really hope I will be successful here.

Solskjaer: I'm Learning From The Boss

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, still unbeaten as United's reserves coach, talks about the valuable lessons he's learned from the man he calls the gaffer...

It’s very important for me to learn from Sir Alex Ferguson. The things I hope to take are little things: how he prepares for games, how hungry he is and how he’s always looking to gain that little extra. Plus the way he’s managed all of his players, his management skills, he’s had 25 internationals every year and not many of them have asked to go. After 20 years here, that is spot on.

The manager always wanted his players and staff to have high hopes and big dreams. I remember a meeting before the 2006/07 season. We’d just signed Michael Carrick and Tomasz Kuszczak, and we’d had three seasons without being close to winning the league. He looked at us, asked us to look around at our team mates and told us we were the best players in the country with the best preparation. He said that if we didn’t challenge for the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup that season, then it was our fault, it was us there was something wrong with.

That was psychology at its best. We won the league, were close in the Champions League and lost in the FA Cup final. That little input made us players think. That’s what the manager is best at and that is hopefully something I will do with the reserves. You don’t want to keep saying things again and again and again because they’ll stop listening to you. The gaffer came in, said that and walked out. That made us think. Sometimes less is more.

I’m sure I’ll benefit from being a coach here because you develop all the time and this is something I needed. As a coach you need to be in charge of something and be responsible, of course, but I’m also here to help these lads be ready to play first team football.

I know that the young players are just as ambitious for themselves as I am for them. As soon as someone drops off… it’s not me they’re letting down, it’s themselves and I’ll need to let them know.

Being tough on the players won’t be an issue for me - I’ve played Championship Manager my whole life and have sold many players! But seriously the players know what I expect of them and as long as they do that, they won’t have a problem.

Campbell Hints At Man. United Return

Tottenham loan signing Fraizer Campbell says his move from Manchester United is unlikely to be made permanent.

The 20-year-old striker moved to White Hart Lane for a season as part of the deal that took Dimitar Bervatov to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.

But Campbell told BBC London 94.9 he is still in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans: "I've had various meetings with him and I'm in his plans for the future.

"Hopefully I can get some experience, come back and get a place in his team."

Nevertheless, the England Under-21 international is looking forward to spending the season with Spurs.

"It's an exciting time for me, it's a great loan move that I've managed to get on," he said.

"Hopefully I can get in the team and hold down a regular first-team place and score a few goals, but most importantly learn from the experience."

Campbell came close to re-joining Hull City, where he scored 15 goals in a loan spell last season, but that deal eventually fell through.

"I enjoyed my time at Hull and I'm thankful to all the people there but this is a new season and I have to concentrate on my new loan club," added Campbell.

Manucho Granted Work Permit

The Reds may have bolstered their attacking options with the deadline day recruitment of Dimitar Berbatov, but Sir Alex Ferguson will soon have another striker to add to the mix.

Angolan striker Manucho joined the club at the end of last year after impressing during a three-week trial.

He helped his country to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup in January - firing four goals - before heading off on loan to Panathinaikos for the remainder of the 2007/08 campaign.

Now in possession of a valid work permit, Reds' chief executive David Gill says it won't be too long before United fans see Manucho in action.

"We couldn’t get a work permit for him straight away, but when we looked at the rules and regulations we found that he actually qualified for one automatically. We’re delighted to have him," Gill told MUTV.

"He’s 25 years-old and has got a lot of great attributes. You only need to look at the goals he scored at the African Nations Cup to see that and I think he brings something different to the team.

"He’s got a little injury at the moment, but we’re looking forward to him getting fit and showing us what he can do. He’s a great prospect."

Sir Alex Names New Assistant

Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that his new assistant manager will be former United midfielder Mick Phelan.

Succeeding Mick as first team coach is skills development expert Rene Meulensteen. The appointments, which take place with immediate effect, have been made following the departure in the summer of Carlos Queiroz to manage the Portuguese national team.

Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com: "I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions.

"Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club’s success has often been understated.

“Rene brings different ideas and experience to the role of first team coach. I believe he and Mick will provide an excellent team to continue the club’s willingness to try new ideas and constantly drive for success in an increasingly competitive game.”

Boss Excited About Berba's Role

Sir Alex Ferguson described the signing of Dimitar Berbatov as “a fantastic piece of business”, and warned the rest of the Barclays Premier League that he now presides over a great array of attacking talent.

Goals may not have been forthcoming for the Reds so far this season, but with Berbatov added to United’s ranks and last season’s 42-goal hero Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer to a return from an ankle injury, United’s attacking options look stronger than ever.

Berbatov scored 23 goals in each of his two seasons with Tottenham Hotspur, but Sir Alex believes it is the Bulgarian’s all-round class and guile that will really enhance his squad.

“He’ll bring a bit of composure to our attack,” the boss told MUTV. “He’ll be a good focus for the team in terms of points of attack.

“It’s a fantastic piece of business by the club. We’ve signed a very clever player; great vision, balance, he’s a good finisher and he has presence. That’s not just in terms of his height, he’s got an overall presence about him.

“He’s a big game player, there’s no question about that. His performances against us in the last couple of years have been very good. And given the fact our young forwards will be playing alongside a 27-year-old, it gives us that little bit more experience in a vital area.

“Of course [goalscoring has been a concern]. But we’ve got Ronaldo to come back and now we’ve got Dimitar Berbatov, that gives us a great array of talent.”

Gill Welcomes Berbatov

Despite putting in nearly a 24-hour shift on transfer deadline day, chief executive David Gill was back at his desk bright and early on Tuesday morning just hours after sealing the deal to bring Dimitar Berbatov to Old Trafford.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Gill says the club are delighted to have their man...

How are you feeling today after a frantic evening at Old Trafford on Monday?
Not too bad. It often happens this way towards the end of the window when things start to come together. The media speculate throughout the day about what’s going on, but a lot of these deals come together at the last minute.

At any point were you at all worried that the transfer wasn’t going to happen?
Not really. Obviously our interest in the player had been well documented in the papers throughout the summer, but I suppose the very fact that it went on until the last minute meant there was a slight worry. But I always thought it would happen. The fact that Spurs were willing to sell the player and he wanted to come to us meant we were confident. The last snag surrounded Tottenham’s need to bring in a replacement and ultimately Fraizer Campbell – one of our great young prospects – agreed to go there for a year on loan. So it all came together and we managed to get all the papers in by midnight to ensure everything is ready for the season.

What did you make of the interest and subsequent bid from Manchester City – was it a surprise?
Yes it was, but the takeover at City and the subsequent release of funds meant they were always going to be pretty active on the last day. Were we worried? No, not really. As I said before the very fact that the player had made it clear throughout the summer that he wanted to leave Tottenham to join Manchester United for playing ambitions was enough for us. He’d talked about his desire to play in the Champions League and to join a club that was challenging for major trophies. So we were quite relaxed about it.

How do you see Berbatov fitting into the team and will his arrival have some of the other lads worried for their places?
I think all the players recognise what a great player he is and I was speaking to a lot of them in Monaco last week and they all wanted to know who we were going to sign. They want to be part of the best squad challenging for major honours and bringing in a world class player in the shape of Berbatov shows that the club isn’t prepared to rest on its laurels. We always want to improve the squad and generally players want to play with the best players. They recognise it’s a long season. We’ve got a lot of games coming up and I’m Alex will use his squad to its full potential and ensure everyone gets their chance.

The fans are over the moon at Berbatov’s arrival…
We’re pleased about that. Obviously the fact that it took so long to sort out meant people were probably wondering if it would happen and I’m sure the supporters were a bit concerned. But the style of the player and the quality he’s brought to the Premier League over the last two years demonstrates that he’s a Manchester United player and I think we have a great star in the making.

What is Dimitar most looking forward to about life at United?
He’s very excited and delighted to have fulfilled his dream of coming here. His English is very good, he’s a very pleasant young man and he’s looking forward to being part of a team that’ll be challenging for honours on all fronts. The uncertainty over his future over the last few weeks had been a worry for him, but now it’s all sorted it’s great news for all.

You must be pleased to be signing a player who has already proved himself in the Premier League…
It’s certainly a plus to have a player who has already scored lots of goals in the Premier League and understands what English football is all about. Whenever we bring in a player from overseas, Alex, the coaches and the scouts have to assess how they think they’ll fit into the league. The very fact that Berbatov has already done that is good news.

What are the club’s hopes for Fraizer Campbell whilst he’s on loan at Spurs?
Fraizer has been a well sought after young striker over the summer and we did receive offers from clubs wanting to buy him. We didn’t want to sell though because we believe, and Alex believes, he has a great future ahead of him. Going on loan to a great club like Tottenham will give him experience in the Premier League and he’ll come back a better player and hopefully force his way into the team here. So we’re delighted with the deal – it’s good for him and good for us.

What can you tell us about Louis Saha's departure?
It was a decision that was taken by Alex, the player and the club. There were discussions over the summer with a few other clubs, but Louis liked what he heard when he met with David Moyes and decided Everton was where he wanted to go. Louis was actually the first signing I made when I became Chief Executive back in January 2004. Everyone knows what a great player he is and what he contributed [during his time here], particularly during the first half of the 2006/07 season up until he picked up a couple of injuries. That’s clearly been an issue for him over the last couple of seasons and I think everyone at the club and Louis himself felt it would be good for him to have a new start at a good club like Everton. All we can do is wish him all the best and thank him for the service and goals he provided during his time here.

Mikael Silvestre’s switch to Arsenal was certainly a surprise…
We like a few surprises! Mikael had been with us for nine years, played over 300 games for the club and done fantastically well. He was out injured for most of last season and when he came back he wanted to play again. But as with Louis I think everyone felt it was the right time for him to move on to a new challenge. Again we thank him for his service over the last nine years. You couldn’t meet a nicer guy, he was a model professional and I’m sure he’ll do very well at Arsenal.

Berbatov Wallpaper

Man. United new No. 9 wallpaper up for grabs!!! (Click on the image to download)

Sir Alex: Berbatov's Well Worth It

Fans were on tenterhooks on transfer deadline day waiting to see if Dimitar Berbatov would sign for United. But for Sir Alex Ferguson the wait had been even longer, admitting that he came close to signing the player in 2006.

Tottenham had already made their bid for the striker and United's last-minute intervention was too late to secure the Bulgarian's services from Bayer Leverkusen.

Berbatov went to White Hart Lane for a reported £10.9million fee. United have paid significantly more than that for a player who has shone in the intervening two years. But Sir Alex believes the fee is money well spent.

"We tried to get him when he was at Leverkusen, but we only had a few days to get it done," the boss told MUTV in an exclusive interview.

"Tottenham had already made a bid. Unfortunately, we hadn't moved at the right time two years ago. Now we've managed to get him. It's cost us a bit more money, but he's worth it."