Sir Alex: Tevez Still Has Future

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Carlos Tevez is still a key player for the club after handing the striker his first start in a month.

Tevez, 24, has suffered since £31m Dimitar Berbatov arrived but partnered him in Wednesday's win over West Ham.

"He has not started as many games as he would like but he is just as important to us as the guys who have hogged the headlines of late," said Ferguson.

"I stressed to him last week that our faith in him remains absolute."

The Argentine is still effectively on loan at United, having arrived on a two-year-deal from West Ham in 2007, but says he hopes to agree terms on a permanent contract at Old Trafford before the end of the season.

However, his future at United has been brought into question recently following the arrival of Berbatov from Spurs, along with the superb form of England striker Wayne Rooney but Ferguson is adamant he still has a major role to play.

"He remains a top player in the eyes of myself, the players and our supporters," he said.

"But three players will not fit into two positions and my job is to balance the team.

"Carlos worked really hard in the first half but I felt in the second he was feeling the effects of playing his first game for so long."

Speaking after the 2-0 win over West Ham, in which Tevez performed impressively, Ferguson also paid tribute to Berbatov.

The languid Bulgarian forward produced a superb piece of skill to take the ball past West Ham defender James Collins on his way to creating the game's second goal for Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Dimitar's play for the second goal was absolutely magnificent," added Ferguson.

"You would pay a lot of money to watch that. He has such fantastic control and balance. It truly was marvellous."

Ronaldo On Target, West Ham The Target!!!

Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half brace saw Manchester United cruise to victory over a poor West Ham at Old Trafford.

Displaying flashes of real style, United raced into a 13th-minute lead after the superb Nani cut the ball back for Ronaldo to slot into the corner.

Dimitar Berbatov's sublime skill saw him skip past James Collins, allowing him to square for Ronaldo to tap in.

But West Ham offered little attacking threat and a lame Luis Boa Morte effort failed to test keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

With Sir Alex Ferguson's side eight points behind leaders Liverpool coming into the game, United were keen to return to winning ways after being held to a frustrating draw at Everton on Saturday.

And they found the perfect opponents, with Gianfranco Zola's Hammers looking every bit like a team who had lost their last three games and are yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

United almost took a second-minute lead after Berbatov's side-footed shot was deflected just over the bar by Matthew Upson.

And Nani was cleverly found down the left two minutes later and flashed a powerful snap-shot just wide of Hammers keeper Robert Green's upright.

The home side did have a momentary lapse of concentration but, with Craig Bellamy isolated upfront and West Ham's five-man midfield proving ineffective, United began to run riot.

The ubiquitous Nani passed a simple cross behind the visitors static back-line for Ronaldo to guide a low left-footed shot into the corner.

United created chance after chance as Nani fired just wide and Anderson failed to register his first goal for the club when presented with an easy opportunity.

Upson fought manfully to stem the tide but United's class was simply overwhelming them.

And the inevitable second goal came on 29 minutes when Anderson caressed the down the left and, after flummoxing Collins with a breathtaking moment of skill on the by-line, Berbatov squared for Ronaldo to slot in his second.

United continued to keep West Ham on the back foot until the break, and Zola's half-time team talk and changes did at least see his side fight under in the second half.

Hayden Mullins made a crucial block on the ever-willing Carlos Tevez in the penalty area, and a posse of Hammers defenders had to combine to block his progress minutes later.

Bellamy did rouse West Ham's travelling contingent with a 45-yard free-kick which dipped just over United's crossbar, as he tried to catch Tomasz Kuszczak off his line.

But substitute Wayne Rooney came on for Nani with 20 minutes remaining and soon had Green pushing a deft chip over his bar and scrambling to block a vicious drive.

Boa Morte was put through by Bellamy's floated pass over the top of the United defence but knocked a weak effort into Kuszczak's arms.

The Hammers did also make a couple of late counter-attacks amid a flurry of substitutions but, time and again, their final ball was not good enough.

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan:
"We felt we should have attacked the game more and gone for more goals. We weren't as comfortable as we should have been in the second half.

"Berbatov showed his credentials and that piece of skill was the highlight of the game.

"We need to keep the run going and the players realise that goal [difference] could be important at the end of the season."

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola:
"They are the champions of Europe so it's difficult but at least they gave everything in the second half.

"My players deserved a goal in the second half but Sears and Collison came on and did very well.
"I have a great belief in my players, I trust them very much, and I am sure this bad spell will be over soon."

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva (Neville 81), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher (Carrick 69), Anderson, Nani (Rooney 70), Tevez, Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Giggs, Park, O'Shea.

Booked: Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 14, 30.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Boa Morte 44), Bowyer (Sears 69), Mullins, Etherington (Collison 46), Di Michele, Bellamy.

Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid.

Booked: Collison, Collins.

Att: 75,397

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Cristiano Ronaldo doubles Man Utd's lead before the interval when he taps home after being picked out by Dimitar Berbatov

Greek Star Wanted?

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to splash £3million in January on Greek wonderkid Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

Manchester United chiefs have already opened talks with the defender’s club, Olympiakos.

The 16-year-old — also a target for Espanyol — holds the record as the youngest player in the Greek league.
- Staff reporter, The Sun -

Rio's Best Yet To Come

Rio Ferdinand has been one of United's most consistent performers over the last recent seasons - but Sir Alex Ferguson feels he will only get better as he enters the peak years of his career.

The 29-year-old was yesterday voted into the FIFPro World XI, recognition from his peers of the quality of his play.

"Rio's best years are in front of him," said Sir Alex. "He is easily going to play for the next five years. He looks after himself and he is very fit so I would expect him to be here for that length of time."

Ferdinand's emergence as one of the finest, most complete, defenders in the game is largely down to gathering experience, according to the Reds boss.

"Rio has leadership qualities and we are really starting to see maturity in his game," he added. "We always knew that he was good at taking the ball out of defence because he has such wonderful balance and great pace.

"Now we are seeing more edge to his game and more of a contribution in terms of being voluble towards his team-mates. He is much better at that."

Ferdinand early ability to adapt to most positions on the field - there was talk during his early days at West Ham of him playing as a deep-lying midfielder - has seemingly made his all-round game stronger.

"We tried playing him in midfield against Blackburn but he got sent off," joked the boss.

"He has always had a natural composure on the ball. His pace always gets him out of spots of trouble and he has lovely balance.

"They are three great assets to have in a defender because normally you talk about forwards and wingers being like that. All in all, you would have to say the lad has a lot going for him."

Rio's Delight At Award

After collecting his award for being named in the FIFPro World XI, Rio Ferdinand spoke of his pleasure at gaining recognition for his work – but he says that he'd be far from satisfied to settle for his current collection of collective and personal awards…

How does it feel to be named in the FIFPro World XI?
Being appreciated and recognised by your fellow professionals is probably the best accolade you can receive. They are the people you play with. They know the game inside out. Without my team-mates I wouldn't have won this award. Obviously, we had a great season last season. I needed the help of my team-mates to get where I am. Without them I would not be where I am now. I'd say the best is still to come. A lot of my former team-mates like Iain Dowie, Slaven Bilic, Ian Wright and managers like Harry Redknapp, David O'Leary and Sir Alex Ferguson have said my best years would be after I was 30 because of the position I play in. I am beginning to feel that way.

Based on what you’ve won so far, could you look back on your career and be pleased with what you’ve achieved?
I won't be looking back yet. But if I get to the end of my career and have only won the trophies I currently have, I would be disappointed. I want to win more. I am greedy. You have to be in this sport to try and achieve anything. I want to win more. I would not be happy to just have this.

You’ve been such a consistent performer in recent seasons, what has been the key to it for you?
As a centre-half it is about being in situations you recognise yourself in. You play in so many big games all over the world over so many years. It builds experience you can lean on at times. In my position, experience counts for so much. As an attacker, your better years are a little earlier, maybe 26 or 27, because the position is so explosive. Knowledge is key for me.

Does it frustrate you that the forwards and attackers tend to get all the awards?
Everyone wants to be a striker. It is the most glorified position in the game. I just love to see people score goals. As defenders we know our worth. We don't need to shout it from the roof tops. It is part of the game. We have no gripes with the people who score goals getting the adulation. It is the hardest part of the game.

Ronaldo was named FIFPro World Player of the Year, what do you think to his achievement?
He has done well. He wants to learn and be the best in whatever he does, even in table tennis against me! You need that. All the top players have a winning mentality. They want to do well all the time, even in training. Last season and the season before he was faultless. He had an end product and was doing things other people cannot do. We have won back-to-back Premier League titles and the European Cup. He played a big part in that.

Last season’s successes were incredible; what are the chances of achieving that again?
It is realistic to think we could do it again. We have fantastic players. We have added Dimitar to the squad, who is a fantastic player. We have a very talented squad if everyone stays fit. The Champions League is something we would really like to retain and make history. The gauntlet is laid down for us to do it because it has never been done. Winning the Premier League three times on the bounce, no-one has done better than that. The incentives are there. We could make history. It will be hard but that is what being at a club like Manchester United is about. We want to win.

Ronaldo: Boss Inspires Me

Cristiano Ronaldo has described Sir Alex Ferguson as his “inspiration” after winning the FIFPro World Player of the Year award, and says the United boss is the “main factor” why he's still at the club.

Ronaldo, speaking after being voted the best player in the world by his peers, paid tribute to the influence Sir Alex has had on his career, from spotting him playing for Sporting Lisbon to signing him and giving him the freedom to develop his talent to the fullest.

“Sir Alex has been the big inspiration to me,” he said. “I am here because of him. When he saw me playing for Sporting Lisbon against Manchester United, he believed in me enough to buy me. I've been here for five years. I've learned many things from him and I'm continuing to learn. He is a great manager. He has won everything in the game.”

A summer of intense speculation saw Ronaldo linked heavily with a move to Spanish side Real Madrid. But a meeting with Sir Alex resulted, at least on United’s part, in a line being drawn under the matter.

“Of course, [Sir Alex] was the main factor for keeping me here,” he added. “But what happened in the summer is finished. My head is focused on the club. My focus is solely on playing well for Manchester United and winning the Premier League and Champions League again. The summer is finished. My head is always here in the club.”

Some in the media have still sought to analyse every gesture or facial expression in a negative way. “If I smile it is because I smile. If I don't it’s because I don't,” he explains. “People are always writing things about me. It is up to them; for me it is not a problem. I will just try to play well and do my best. I am just focused on playing good football.”

Ronaldo’s attention is also on winning trophies with United as well as the many personal awards he is rapidly accumulating. Equalling last year’s tally of 42 goals will be a tall order this term, but the Portuguese winger isn’t targeting figures.

“I am an ambitious player,” he added. “I try to improve every season. I know last year was magnificent. I played really well, I scored so many goals and we won major trophies. It is possible this season. But my priority is not only to score goals. I don't have to do that. I just have to play well for the team. I want to do the same as last season. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I just want to keep proving to myself that I am a good player.”

Ronaldo Named FIFpro World Player Of The Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FIFPro World Player of the Year.

The Reds winger was presented with the award by Sir Alex Ferguson at United’s Carrington training headquarters on Monday.

The 23-year-old scored an incredible 42 goals on his way to helping the Reds to a Premier League and Champions League Double.

It’s the first of what is expected to be a string of awards for the Portuguese attacker, who has also been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Ronaldo was also named in the FIFPro World Team of the Year, as was his team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

FifPro team: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona); Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Kaka (AC Milan), Xavi (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona); Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).

FifPro is the world-wide umbrella organisation for the Professional Football Association around the globe, and includes more than 40 associations meaning that thousands of players registered their votes for these awards.

Man. United Reject Mourinho Rumour

Manchester United have rejected speculation that they have opened talks with Jose Mourinho about becoming their next manager.

Mourinho tantalisingly suggested earlier this week that he would return to the Premier League once his contract with Inter Milan expires in 2011.

While the timescale is slightly out, to an extent it does fit with Sir Alex Ferguson's summer declaration that he would only remain at Old Trafford for another two years, meaning he would finish in 2010, after 24 years at the helm.

Mourinho would be an obvious replacement, given both his impressive track record at Chelsea and a personality that would ensure following Ferguson's unrivalled dynasty did not overwhelm him.

And it has not taken long for the first reports to emerge linking Mourinho with the Red Devils.

Amid the claim is that Ferguson feels Mourinho is the only man for the job and that tentative talks have taken place.

However, United have rejected such a notion, insisting they have not looked at what might happen when Ferguson finally decides to step down.

"As we have said many times before, there has been no discussion about who will eventually succeed Sir Alex," said a United spokesman.

Ferguson has already become United's most successful manager, winning his second Champions League trophy in May with a penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea, who had Avram Grant in charge.

It was Mourinho's failure to land Europe's biggest prize that led to his exit from Stamford Bridge, although he did win the competition - and the UEFA Cup - during an impressive spell at Porto, beating United on the way.

Sir Alex Vows To Keep Hargreaves

Sir Alex Ferguson has quashed rumours that Manchester United want to sell injury-hit midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The England star has been sidelined by tendinitis in his knee for long periods since arriving at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich last year for £18m.

"For Owen's sake it is important we say he is not for sale," said Ferguson. "It is not even under consideration."

Hargreaves, 27, has played in just two games so far this season and is nowhere near being ready to return to action.

Ferguson said: "It is a good story, the fact he has been injured a few times since he has been at the club.

"But United people remember what a contribution he made to us winning the European Cup [last season].

"He was available in the second half of the season and played some important games for us."

Ferguson added: "We are managing his [injury] situation as best we can.

"It is not an easy one because there is no doubt he is having some pain, but he is getting better.

"We will give it another week and then probably send him back to the specialist in Leicester.

"Owen is young enough to recover. The specialist is happy with it. He thinks Owen is on the right way. It is frustrating, but I think he will be okay."

Everton & Man. United Battle to a Draw In A Feisty Encounter

Marouane Fellaini's header capped a fine recovery by Everton and earned a point against Manchester United.

United dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead when Darren Fletcher ran onto Ryan Giggs' pass to slot home after 22 minutes.

Everton keeper Tim Howard kept his side in the game until Fellaini rose to head in Phil Neville's cross.

Yakubu then had a shot turned on to the post by United keeper Edwin van der Sar to deny Everton an unlikely win.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will see this as two points dropped after they dictated the first half - but his side became unsettled by Everton's highly-combative approach in the second period.

In contrast, Everton counterpart David Moyes will be delighted at how they recovered from an early pounding to earn a draw, thanks to their £15m record signing.

United dominated the opening exchanges, although it took a superb block from Wes Brown to halt Louis Saha as he found himself in space on the edge of the area.

And a prolonged period of possession ended with United almost inevitably taking the lead after 22 minutes.

Giggs was the creator with a clever pass into the box, giving Fletcher the chance to take a vital touch away from Joleon Lescott and beat Howard with a composed finish.

Everton were in serious danger of being totally over-run, and keeper Howard was their saviour shortly after with three vital saves in the space of a minute.

He dived to his left to save from Cristiano Ronaldo, blocked Nemanja Vidic's header from the resulting corner and then produced an outstanding stop from a 20-yard drive from Giggs as United controlled the game with almost embarrassing ease.

Wayne Rooney was in search of his 100th career goal against his former club, but he missed an opportunity seven minutes before half-time when he saw a close-range effort scrambled wide by Joseph Yobo.

Everton had a half-chance a minute later following a mix-up between Vidic and Van der Sar, but Yakubu lifted his effort well off target.

Moyes' side needed to do something to at least to gain a foothold in the game, and they understandably adopted a more physical approach at the start of the second half.

Brown's mistake almost created an opening for Fellaini, and there there was a flashpoint when a challenge from Neville flattened Ronaldo.

Ronaldo completed several rolls before Rio Ferdinand raced yards to get needlessly involved, the tussle ending in a yellow card for the Everton captain.

Everton's renewed vigour had shaken United's composure, and their spirits were lifted further when the giant figure of Fellaini drew them level after 63 minutes.

Neville lofted a cross into area and the Belgian, who had troubled United with his aerial prowess, rose to beat Van der Sar with a downward header.

Matters almost got worse for United a minute later when Ferdinand's poor back pass let in Yakubu, only for Van der Sar to divert his shot on to the post.

The setback upset Rooney, who was harshly booked for a collision with Mikel Arteta. He then foolishly gestured at his badge in front of the Everton fans to earn another rebuke from the referee - and was then swiftly removed, to be replaced by Nani.

Giggs almost created an opening for Ronaldo with six minutes left, but Joseph Yobo made a crucial interception.

Ronaldo, who had been given an uncomfortable afternoon, then dragged a highly-presentable chance wide from only 12 yards as United finally regained some momentum.

It was the final serious action of a pulsating encounter, that ended with Everton more satisfied with the result than United.

Team Line-upsEverton: Howard; P Neville, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott; Arteta, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar; Saha (Anichebe 90), Yakubu (Vaughan 88).

Subs not used: Nash, Baines, Valente, Castillo, Rodwell.

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Fletcher (Tevez 77), Giggs, Park (Anderson 66); Berbatov, Rooney (Nani 69).

Subs not used: Kuszczak, G Neville, J Evans, O'Shea.

The visitors take the lead when Darren Fletcher beats Tim Howard with a neat finish in the 22nd minute

The Toffees survive a couple of scares before Marouane Fellaini heads them level from Phil Neville's cross shortly after the hour

Ronaldo In Confident Mood

Cristiano Ronaldo feels he would be a worthy winner of world football's top individual accolades for his performances this year.

The Ballon d'Or and Fifpro World Player of the Year awards are set to be dished out and, having plundered 42 goals last season as United claimed the Double, Ronaldo feels he has done enough to see off his competitors.

"Sincerely, yes, I'm confident," he told Gazetta dello Sport. "If you assess what I did over the course of the season, I think I did more than everyone. What else should I have done to win the Ballon d'Or and the Fifa award?"

Ronaldo has scored three goals in six starts this term, despite missing over a month of the season as he recovered from surgery on an ankle injury.

The winger revealed that he played through the pain barrier during the latter stages of last term, and Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign, but has no regrets at all.

"At times it was like having a knife in my ankle," he said. "I gritted my teeth. It was torture, also psychologically. I don't regret it. It was worth it."

Vote Man. United!

Voting in the Square Mile Sport Awards 2008 has started in an attempt to honour this year’s top sporting heroes and moments.

The Reds are involved in three of the six categories. After being snubbed in the Ballon d'Or nominations, Rio Ferdinand has been nominated as Sports Leader of the Year. Although he's not United's regular captain, he did lead the Reds out in Moscow last May.

United are up for the Sports Team of the Year accolade in competition with, among others, Team GB’s Beijing Olympians.

The Reds are also involved in Sporting Moment of the Year category. Naturally it's from the Champions League final, and the moment is (don’t smirk) John Terry’s penalty miss in Moscow.

The winners will be unveiled at a star-studded dinner on 27 November in London.

To register your vote, visit www.squaremilesport.com.

Wayne Rooney: A Star Is Born

Against Everton Wayne Rooney could grab his 100th club goal - 17 of which came from his time at Goodison. Here, we track his path to Old Trafford...

Amid the pandemonium at Goodison Park, Clive Tyldsley bellowed: "Remember the name, Wayne Rooney." Moments earlier, the 16-year-old had announced himself to the football world by hammering a 30-yard injury-time winner against champions Arsenal.

Thirty-five miles down the East Lancs Road, knowing looks were exchanged. Master Rooney had surfaced on United's radar long before making a mug of David Seaman. He'd done the same to United's Schmeichel - Kasper Schmeichel, that is - at Littleton Road, against a United Under-9s side playing their first ever match.

“We hadn’t played any games before, the boys had just been training together,” recalls Paul McGuinness, now manager of United’s U18s. “We didn’t even have a goalkeeper, so Peter Schmeichel’s son Kasper played for us. He was the only kid we knew who played in goal! The Everton boys had been playing together for at least a year in a league beforehand, so they were used to playing games. You could tell, because they absolutely hammered us.

"It wasn't just the scoreline (12-2) which stuck in the memory. All the talk was of a stunning goal from Rooney. “He scored a few (six to be exact), but there was one goal that stood out. It was basically the classic overhead kick, the perfect bicycle kick, which for a kid of eight or nine years old was really something special.”

“We were all wondering who this kid was,” recalls McGuinness. “It transpired that he was from a tough, boxing background, a sporting family and he was a diehard Everton fan. At that time you didn’t really get any kids crossing over to Manchester from Liverpool. We looked at it behind the scenes, but he was too fixated on Everton to contemplate leaving them.”

Keen to put a positive spin on the news that the new U9s had taken a double-digit hammering, McGuinness informed Sir Alex Ferguson about the 9-year-old talent that had done all the damage. “I remember coming back saying that we’d been beaten by 10 goals," he recalls. "You don’t generally want to advertise that fact to the manager - but I did mention that we’d seen a kid who had done very well."

Rooney continued his fast-track ascension through Everton’s ranks. The double hat-tricks and overhead kicks were harder to come by, but the competitive streak was even sharper.

“When we were playing for the U13s against Everton, me, Adam Eckersley and Mark Howard, who’s now left the club, played against him,” recalls United goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

“I think it was a 1-1 draw, and Mark and Wayne actually had an altercation which ended up with them both being sent off. That was pretty unheard of that level, usually it’s just a word to the managers asking if the offenders can be subbed off, but these were straight reds!”

Heaton would get several close-up glimpses of Rooney in action down the years, with one particular encounter at Altrincham’s Moss Lane in 2000 persuading United’s coaches that the Everton striker was realising his massive potential.

Tommy Martin, manager of United’s U15s, can vividly remember Everton’s number nine terrorising the Reds’ backline. “Overall we were too strong for them but he stood out on their side,” he smiles. “Wayne gave our defence a really tough time. After 10 or 15 minutes, you knew he was on the pitch because he was really upsetting our defenders. His pace always made him a handful.

“He was a winner back then – you could tell. He has changed in some respects, obviously, but even back then he was going back and tackling. He's always been in love with the game of football. For all the attention, fame and wealth it brings, I still see him as a kid in love with playing football.”

“I remember sitting with Jim Ryan watching him at Altrincham,” concurs Paul McGuinness. “We won the game 5-1, but I remember Jim saying ‘look at their number nine, he’s keeping at it and going all the time.’ He was running around after the ball and trying shots, and he really stood out in that game. We started following him closely from that point.”

One of United’s subsequent scouting missions, at Everton’s U19s clash with Bolton, yielded a breathtaking encapsulation of Rooney’s capacity for the incredible. Now the ripe old age of 15, he brought down a hoofed clearance from Bolton’s goalkeeper with his first touch and, still inside his own half, with his second lashed the ball back from whence it came. The helpless Trotters keeper could only watch as the ball sailed over his head, against the crossbar and back into his arms.

According to United’s chief recruitment officer Geoff Watson, however, the Reds’ keen interest wasn’t always fuelled by what they saw of Rooney in action – more Everton’s total assurance that they had a nailed-on player on their hands.

“He invariably scored a couple of goals, but sometimes you'd go and watch Wayne and he wouldn’t do an awful lot,” says Watson. “The important thing that struck me was that when you spoke to the Everton people they were always so confident that they had a star in the making. They were so convinced about Wayne's ability.

“It was obvious he was a special talent. So many people went to watch Wayne Rooney that it was easy to get an opinion about him, there was a big buzz about him. Everton knew what they'd got from an early age.

“Obviously we weren't always privilege to that – one thing you learn in this business is that the club always know better about their own player than anyone else. They see him every day, while scouts from other clubs only have 90 minutes during a match to judge him on.

“Scouts will tell you there were games they went to and he hardly did anything. Scouts can only report what they see – they can't dream. To be honest, I think Wayne was always waiting for the bigger stage.”

Progress couldn’t come quickly enough for the young Rooney. Having raced up through Everton’s youth ranks, he went on to star for the Toffees’ Reserves, while also playing an integral part in the U18s’ run to the 2002 FA Youth Cup final, scoring eight goals in as many games.

Just over five months after the young Blues had slipped to a two-legged defeat against Aston Villa, and still five days shy of his 17th birthday, Rooney acquired hero status at Goodison Park with his unbelievable maiden strike against Arsenal.

As the ball cannoned in off the crossbar at the Park End, some 200 miles away Sir Alex Ferguson was making his way to the Loftus Park dressing rooms, having watched United endure a frustrating 1-1 draw with Fulham.

As news filtered through of Arsenal’s defeat at Goodison, however, Sir Alex could reflect on the day with renewed positivity. Especially after discovering the identity of the scorer, a name with which he had long since been very familiar.

Man. United Cruise Past Celtic

Manchester United strolled to victory to leave Celtic's Champions League hopes hanging by a slender thread.

Dimitar Berbatov looked offside when he flicked home a close-range finish to put United ahead after 30 minutes.

And there were similar doubts about his second, turned in on the rebound after Celtic keeper Artur Boruc could not hold Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick.

Wayne Rooney emphasised the gulf in class between the sides with a 20-yard shot on the turn with 14 minutes left.

United are now sitting pretty at the top of Group E and on course to qualify for the knockout stages, but Villarreal's win against Aalborg leaves Celtic with an uphill task to emerge from the group phase.

Gordon Strachan's side was below-strength and it showed as they never looked like making a dent in a dismal Champions League record on their travels that now reads played 17, lost 16 and drawn one.

But they will also point to two debatable United goals, although in reality they were massively inferior to their English counterparts.

Manchester United lost Rio Ferdinand with a groin injury, but Ronaldo kept his place despite speculation that he might be rested - and he played his part in a vibrant first-half display from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

It was Celtic, however, who posted the first danger after 11 minutes when Aiden McGeady forced Edwin van der Sar into a save low to his left with a 20-yard shot.

United went ahead on the half-hour, but it was a contentious moment that will have left Celtic and their massed ranks of supporters nursing a sense of injustice.

When John O'Shea jabbed the ball into the danger area following Nani's corner, Berbatov was clearly in an offside position as he flicked a finish beyond Boruc.

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher should have made it two on the stroke of half-time when he cut inside and shot over the top from only 12 yards.

United doubled their lead six minutes after half-time, but again Celtic will ask justifiable questions about the legitimacy of the goal.

Boruc could only palm out Ronaldo's vicious long-range free kick for Berbatov to turn in the rebound, but the Bulgarian appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was struck.

Rooney had the ball in the net again seconds later but it was ruled out for offside, although this time it was United who could ponder a questionable decision.

Ferguson made a double change on the hour, sending on Carlos Tevez and Wes Brown for Berbatov and Gary Neville.

And the Argentine almost got in on the act instantly with a 25-yard shot that was deflected just inches wide.

Celtic had sent on substitutes of their own, with Paul Hartley and Shaun Maloney replacing Barry Robson and Shunsuke Nakamura - but they were having trouble creating any clear-cut opportunities.

And they were powerless to stop United as they swept forward to add a third with 14 minutes left, almost inevitably through Rooney.

A move that started with Van der Sar's throw out ended with the in-form England striker scoring on the turn from 20 yards to make it nine goals in seven games for club and country.

It was a fitting flourish to another outstanding display by Rooney as United continue to move ominously into top gear.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (Brown 59), Evans, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo (Park 82), Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov (Tevez 60), Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Giggs, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson.

Goals: Berbatov 30, 51, Rooney 76.

Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Loovens, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura (Hartley 61), Scott Brown, Caldwell, Robson (Maloney 61), McGeady, McDonald (Sheridan 77).

Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Hinkel, Donati, O'Dea.

Booked: Hartley, Loovens.

Att: 74,655

Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

Anderson is shadowed by Celtic's Aiden McGeady as the European champions dominate the early exchanges

United take the lead in the 30th minute as Dimitar Berbatov flicks home John O'Shea's pass from close range

Celtic fall further behind at Old Trafford as Berbatov pokes home his second after Artur Boruc can only parry Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick

Berbatov celebrates scoring his fourth Champions League goal for his new club as United punish their Scottish opponents

Shortlist For 2008 European Footballer Of The Year Award.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar are among 11 Premier League players shortlisted for the 2008 European Footballer of the Year award.

The list of nominees for the prestigious Ballon d'Or was published on Sunday by France Football magazine.

Portuguese international Ronaldo is the strong favourite to win the award at the ceremony on 2 December, although Barcelona's Lionel Messi and AC Milan's 2007 winner Kaka are expected to be in contention.

Notable absentees from the list include Barcelona striker Thierry Henry and AC Milan's Ronaldinho - who received the accolade in 2005 - after disappointing campaigns last season.

Only three Serie A players have been nominated - Kaka, Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Spain's La Liga division matches the Premier League with 11 nominees.

Full list of nominees:

Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Togo
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Argentina
Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Russia
Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Germany
Karim Benzema (Lyon), France
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Italy
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Cameroon
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Spain
Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Spain
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), England
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Sweden
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), England
Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Argentina
Pepe (Real Madrid), Portugal
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), France
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), England
Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Spain
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Spain
Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Italy
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Netherlands
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Netherland
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Netherlands
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Serbia
David Villa (Valencia CF), Spain
Xavi (FC Barcelona), Spain
Youri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Russia

Berbatov Delighted With Home Goal

Dimitar Berbatov is on a mission to score more goals at Old Trafford after making the Stretford End roar for the first time in his Reds career.

The Bulgarian rubbed salt in West Brom's wounds when he clinically connected with a deflected ball from Nani, moments after Cristiano Ronaldo had made it 2-0 to United.

Dimitar told MUTV: "It was a nice goal and I was really delighted to score in front of the home crowd. Hopefully there will be more to come."

United's second-half surge from 0-0 to 3-0 and eventually 4-0 followed a frustrating first half when Wayne Rooney had an effort disallowed and West Brom were defiant.

"There are often games like that," Berbatov mused. "In the first half you try hard to score but it doesn’t work. Then at half-time, you have some good words from the manager - he tells you what to do exactly and what the weak points of the opposition are.

"You try to listen, we did listen and we scored four goals."

Rooney scored the first and will be in most of the headlines as his hot streak continues.

"I think he’s enjoying his game right now and that’s not only good for him, it’s good for everybody, especially the fans," said Berbatov.

"Our partnership is improving. We're constantly working at it on the training ground, trying to understand each other without even looking. Sometimes it works - today's result proves it."

Rooney: I Am In The Form Of My Life

Wayne Rooney believes he is the form of his life after ending the best week of his career with a goal in Manchester United's 4-0 win over West Brom.

After failing to score in his first six club games this season, Rooney now has eight in his last six for club and country, including four for England.

"I am really pleased with my form and hopefully I can keep this good run of goals going," Rooney told BBC Sport.

"I have worked on every part of my game in training; it's starting to pay off."

Rooney scored his third goal in three games for United against Blackburn a fortnight ago, then notched twice for England against Kazakhstan last Saturday and another brace against Belarus in midweek.

On his return to club duty he opened the scoring against a hitherto obdurate West Brom and then layed on goals for Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani as the reigning Premier League champions moved into the top four for the first time this season.

He might have had another goal himself, but referee Mark Halsey ruled out what appeared to be a perfectly good goal from the England striker for a foul on Gianni Zuiverloon.

"Wayne did have a hand on the lad's shoulder but he did not pull him," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "You can see it from the TV replays but obviously the referee does not have that advantage."

Ferguson believes Rooney, who turns 23 on Friday, is still some years away from his peak.

"Wayne is only 22," said Ferguson. "We expect him to improve, as we did with Ronaldo. But he is a member of the team, just like everyone else."

The only downside for United on Saturday was a hamstring injury that forced left-back Patrice Evra to depart in the first half.

Rooney Key To Man. United Victory Over W.B.A

Wayne Rooney sparked Manchester United into life against a limited West Brom as the champions moved ominously up to fourth in the Premier League table.

The visitors battled hard early on while Rooney had an effort disallowed.

But the in-form England international cut inside Ryan Donk to fire a superb opener on 55 minutes before setting up Cristiano Ronaldo for a simple second.

Dimitar Berbatov added a casual third after poor Baggies defending before Rooney set up Nani to slide in late on.

With perennial rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all winning and United sitting in eighth prior to the late kick-off, the home side were under a degree of pressure to get a win which would really kick-start their league campaign.

They had an unusual look to their midfield with Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher in the centre, but this did not hamper Ronaldo, who provided a regular early outlet and looked his usual tricky self with the ball.

West Brom, however, made a disciplined start and Chris Brunt had a decent long-range effort with United stretched at the back.

Their industrious five-man midfield formed a black-and-white barrier with the Old Trafford crowd quiet but United had the ball in the net after 21 minutes.

Ronaldo slipped a neat pass in for Rooney who muscled in front of a defender and delayed his shot before scooping the ball past Scott Carson.

But referee Mark Halsey disallowed the effort from the England marksman, adjudging that Rooney, much to the Liverpudlian's annoyance, had pushed a Baggies man as he got to the ball.

Sixty seconds later Rooney lost his marker in the box and got his head to a whipped Giggs cross to force a decent low save from Carson.

The visitors were increasingly restricted to long-range efforts with Robert Koren firing a woeful effort into the Stretford End crowd behind Van Der Sar's goal after 28 minutes.

Rooney and Ronaldo soon linked up to good effect but Paul Robinson stayed admirably close to the Portuguese winger in order to nullify his attempts to get a shot off on goal.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had to make a change after 35 minutes, bringing on John O'Shea for Patrice Evra, the Frenchman seemingly having collected a knock.

The home side continued to press but lacked any real urgency around the box, with Berbatov particularly quiet.

Rooney whipped over a dangerous corner after 40 minutes which Nemanja Vidic headed powerfully towards goal but the impressive Donk hacked away and both sides trudged down the tunnel without anything to show for their efforts.

Berbatov sprang into a semblance of life just after the break as he crossed well but Rooney could not make a proper connection in order to test Carson.

But he made no mistake when the breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute.

Lurking on the left and with West Brom holding a high-line, Rooney picked up a pass from Berbatov, cut into the box and inside Donk before firing a superb low shot inside Carson's near-post for his eighth goal in six games for club and country.

Rooney soon had Carson pushing the ball around his post from a through-ball by Giggs, and then stung Carson's hands with a powerful strike after persistent work from O'Shea.

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray brought the hard-working but largely anonymous Roman Bednar off for Ishmael Miller to inject some fresh life into West Brom's flagging efforts just before Carson saved a Berbatov shot which was too straight.

Ferguson sent Gary Neville on for Rafael Da Silva in the 65th minute with the young Brazilian fading after a strong first half.

With West Brom offering very little, an inevitable second goal followed when Rooney turned provider for Ronaldo to finish easily through the legs of the over-worked Carson.

The visitors' discipline slipped further after 72 minutes when substitute Nani's cross was allowed to pass through the legs of Jonas Olsson.

It ran through to Berbatov who stuck out a leg and poked the ball high into the net from four yards almost with disdain for his first Premier League goal for the club.

Miller went close with a decent left-footed effort with three minutes remaining and tested Van Der Sar just before the final whistle.

But with a late consolation proving beyond West Brom, Nani added a fourth with a simple finish after Rooney's slide-rule cross.

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray:
"We competed ok for the vast majority of the game but the difference was the quality of their strikers.

"We did well for spells but didn't really threaten their goal. We defended naively at the end and that maybe made the scoreline a bit harsh.

"But if you have a chink in your armour, they will exploit it."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (Neville 65), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (O'Shea 36), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs, Park (Nani 70), Berbatov, Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Brown, Evans, Gibson.

Goals: Rooney 56, Ronaldo 69, Berbatov 71, Nani 90.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison, Koren (Moore 72), Borja Valero, Greening, Brunt, Bednar (Miller 53).

Subs Not Used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Barnett, MacDonald.

Booked: Zuiverloon.

Att: 75,451

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Cristiano Ronaldo threatens the West Brom defence but the visitors prove to be resolute in the goalless first half

United move up a gear in the second half and score a great goal through Wayne Rooney's fine finish in the 56th minute

The lead is doubled at Old Trafford as Ronaldo slots the ball past West Brom keeper Scott Carson in the 69th minute

United score a third in the 71st minute as Dimitar Berbatov taps the ball home after West Brom fail to clear the danger

Rooney is again on hand to provide a goal for the hosts - crossing from the right for Nani to score the fourth and final goal

Tevez Rubbishes Claims

Carlos Tevez has moved to distance himself from quotes attributed to him in various media sources on Thursday.

Reports suggested the Argentina international was feeling the strain of playing in the Barclays Premier League and was unhappy with his recent form.

But Tevez insists he has no idea where these quotes originated, and denies any association with them.

A spokesperson for the striker said the quotes were “totally untrue”.

“Carlos has just told me that he loves playing in the English league and is very happy at Manchester United,” the spokesperson said.

“He is conscious only of helping the team to win and is not worried about where he plays on the pitch. Nor does he feel the Barclays Premier League has extra pressure.

“Carlos’s prime objective is to help the team and his team-mates to continue winning."

Tevez: I Need To Rediscover Touch

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez believes the demands of English football have lessened his threat in front of goal.

The Argentina international has scored just once this season and he feels his form has been affected because of the work he has to do for the team in a highly-competitive Barclays Premier League.

"I'm not as dangerous. I'm not as effective in the penalty area any more," he said.

"That is something I have lost and I have to get that back. I used to score better goals, great goals," he added.

"But something strange has happened. I think it has to do with the fact that the person up front has to do a lot more for the team than just score goals.

"They have to play more for the team and I think I have sacrificed myself recently with regards to that aspect."

'Little Kaka' On The Way?

Manchester United are giving a trial to Serbian wonder kid Adem Ljajic.

The 17-year-old right-sided midfielder is one of the best young talents to emerge from Serbia. He has been nicknamed 'Little Kaka' after impressing in Champions League qualifiers for Partizan Belgrade.
- Staff reporter, Daily Mail -

Finding Edwin's Heir

Edwin van der Sar equalled Peter Schmeichel’s 129 international caps when he came out of retirement to face Iceland on Saturday. It’s a feat that reminds United’s goalkeeping coach Eric Steele that replacing the Dutchman will be as difficult a task as it was trying to find the great Dane’s successor.

Van der Sar, who turns 38 at the end of this month, has a contract that runs until next summer. He plans to decide on his future beyond that date by the turn of the year.

The Dutchman has been a steadying influence on United since arriving from Fulham in 2005. Steele hopes Edwin can carry on heading up the Reds’ last line of defence, but says the challenge has been set for the likes of Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak.

"Edwin has gone public with the message that this is his last year, but with a view to looking at it and reviewing the position at Christmas. So we have to be prepared for if and when that happens," said Steele.

"Edwin is a very, very experienced goalkeeper. He has been one of the finest in the world in terms of the sweeper-keeper role that this club needs.”

Steele worked with Schmeichel during his time as a coach at Villa Park, and he says the Dane’s rating as most people's best-ever goalkeeper is fully justified.

“It was tough getting someone in to fill Schmeichel's boots, and Edwin's boots are going to be big to fill,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “He will now be remembered for the famous save in the shoot-out in the Champions League final but I think it had been noted by the game’s purists that he was one of the finest in terms of playing out from the back.

“He has been, and still is, one of the best. It’s a joy having viewed him from a distance to now work with him. He has raised the bar. But when the time comes that Sir Alex says, ‘who is going to replace Edwin?' I have to have an answer and reasons for the answer.

"My job is to give the manager as many options as I can,” he added. “That is what we are trying to do. We have to get all the goalkeepers fit and competing and throw the gauntlet down to Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster and ask, ‘who is going to become our no.1.

"This is the time for Tomasz and Ben. This is what they were brought here for. They are both back from injury. Both are fully fit now to accept the challenge and Edwin knows it is there."

Brown Eyes Central Role

Wes Brown hasn't given up on playing at centre-back for United.

Brown carved out a niche for himself at right-back during Gary Neville's injury-enforced absence between March 2007 and the start of the current campaign, making the position his own for club and country.

But Longsight-born Wes, who turned 29 today, hasn't given up on reverting to his more natural central defensive role, even if the position is now the stronghold of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"I wouldn't have thought I was settled at right back for good," he said. "With Gary being out I was the main contender for that position. Now Gary's back, the gaffer can easily change it. If Vida or Rio are out, then he can put me at centre back."

Brown did occupy the position alongside Ferdinand on a handful of occasions last term when Vidic was out injured. "Against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final it was a really tight game and the gaffer put me there hoping I could use a bit of my experience. It turned out well and we got the result we needed."

Ultimately Brown just wants to be involved as often as possible, whether at right-back or centre-back. "Last season for me it was great," he added. "Obviously it was disappointing that Gary got injured, which meant I got the place at right back.

"But it was a great season, the team the whole way through the season was flowing and we always thought we were in contention to win trophies. In the last two months it went very well for us, we got the luck at times and we ended up with the Double so it was a great feeling to be involved in what was a great achievement."

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Managed to find this really wonderful website to keep you entertained for hours!

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Sounds too good to be true? Let the following set of photos be the judge.....

(photos of me and my penpals taken during their Singapore trip on 3rd and 4th Sept)

Having lunch at a restaurant in Sentosa

Satomi taking a cable car ride

Look, its Victoria Beckham! Mrs Beckham with a photo of me and Ai at Clarke Quay

Paris Hilton presenting her "new" album with Ai and Satomi on the cover. Photo was taken at Regent Hotel, where the two lovely gals were staying during their trip here.

Me and Ai on TV? Photo of us was taken at the rooftop in Esplanade Mall.

From the small TV to the big movie screen.... . Me, Ai (center) & Satomi in a photo taken inside Regent Hotel on the last day of their Singapore trip. This is also the place where we meet and bide farewell at the same time....

Friends forever! Please do keep in touch!

Inside Carrington: The Academy

United’s Academy complex, which stands opposite the main building, was officially opened by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in December 2002 and cost £8m to build.

Split over two levels, it was unveiled nearly three years after the main building was completed. The ground floor comprises 12 dressing rooms (one of which is for match officials), as well as a full-size indoor artificial pitch. Aside from being used for football activity - the first team will during times of inclement weather train there - the pitch is also the setting for various commercial events such as kit photo-shoots and interviews during the season. It is also used by Manchester United Soccer Schools and other club departments who hold one-off football clinics.

On most evenings, the facilities – which also include a full-size outdoor artificial pitch - are used by the club’s youth teams from Under 11’s onwards. High above the pitch is a balcony from which proud parents can watch on. Also, on the first floor is a classroom which is used for educational sessions with United’s young scholars, as well as a main reception room which is the location for Sir Alex’s weekly press conference. The building is adorned throughout with visual reminders of the players who have worn the well-trodden path through United’s ranks, while a plaque on the balcony reads: ‘Our responsibility to the future of this game is to give budding talent the very best opportunity to flourish. The Academy is just such a place, a proving ground for tomorrow’s heroes.’

“We do, as much as possible, try to educate them and give them bites of what it’s been like in youth development in the last 50-odd years at United,” says Academy manager and ex-Red Brian McClair. “There are also photographs in the Academy building of players who have come through the development system before them. That’s what they must aspire to.”

Rooney: Berba Will Help Me

Wayne Rooney believes he will become a better player in the presence of Dimitar Berbatov - but he says the strength of United's attack means he is not guaranteed a place in the side.

The 22-year-old striker hopes his new £30million team-mate will bring continuity to his role up front, where he says playing alongside a player of Berbatov's experience will help him improve.

"The mere fact he is at Old Trafford should take me onto a different level," he says. "I am not guaranteed my place in the side anymore."

While Rooney shares some characteristics with Carlos Tevez, Berbatov has style different to anything else United have got, which is why Rooney feels he will be suited to playing alongside the Bulgarian.

"More than anything I like playing just off a front man," said Rooney, currently on international duty with England. "It's probably because I get on the ball more. I don't like to be out of the game too long.

"Some centre-forwards can stay up front, not touch the ball and just look to score goals. I don't really enjoy doing that. I like to be involved in the game. Mainly at United I have been used in different roles but maybe the fact Dimitar has arrived will bring some continuity to my game."

Rooney admits he likes the pressure of needing to perform to secure his place in the side, citing United's recent clash with Bolton, in which he came off the bench to score his first goal of the season. "I like to play under pressure," he said. "The other week when the manager left me out against Bolton, I was disappointed. I just wanted to get on the pitch as quickly as I could and show him what I could do. I like to prove people wrong if I can."

Euro Ban For Man. United?

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United could face exclusion from the Champions League - on the grounds that they hold excessive debt - under plans being drawn up by Uefa next week.

The European game's governing body has set up a working group which will meet in Geneva on Monday to discuss how to extend its licensing system and restrict the levels of debt that clubs are permitted to operate with. Currently the financial stipulations in Uefa's system are limited to bans on clubs who have outstanding debts on transfer payments. It also states that staff should be paid on time.

But the proposals being drawn up by Uefa's general secretary, David Taylor, and its president, Michel Platini, would see the system delve far deeper into the financial workings of clubs.

"The ultimate sanction is not to be in our competitions," Taylor said yesterday. He explained that debts fixed against assets, for stadium building, are considered more acceptable than those run up in the acquisition of players or for takeovers. He confirmed that this would affect clubs such as last season's Champions League finalists, United and Chelsea, and one of the semi-finalists, Liverpool, unless they significantly reduced their debts.
- Matt Scott, The Guardian -

Inside Carrington: The Laundry Room

The all-important job of washing and preparing the players' match and training kit is done in the bowels of the training ground but this wasn't always the case.

Prior to Carrington's opening in January 2000, the dirty kit would have to be transported by mini-bus from the Cliff - United's old training HQ - to a laundry room at Old Trafford.

“I’ll never forget the day when Brian Kidd and Nobby Stiles brought it over as a favour,” recalls former laundry lady Sharon Livesey.

“As they went to leave, Nobby got the mini-bus wedged between the pipes under the stand. It was absolutely hilarious, with Nobby blaming Brian even though he was driving!”

Denise Norton, Gail Anderson and her sisters Debbie and Paula Cross are tasked with helping the kit staff ensure the Reds are always finely turned out on the pitch. Between them, they look after all the kit for the first team, Reserves and Academy.

The quartet have racked up over 35 years at the club between them and there have been some funny moments along the way.

“I’ll always remember when Laurent Blanc came running into the laundry room after realising he’d left his wage-slip in his tracksuit bottoms,” recalls Gail.

“By that time they were already in the wash. We stopped the machine immediately and managed to save the slip after drying it with a hairdryer!”

Inside Carrington: Sports Hall

The Carrington sports hall, located on the ground floor in the main building, is the venue for some highly contested games of table tennis and basketball.

"Me and Ronny are probably the best at table tennis,” declares Rio Ferdinand. “Quinton Fortune used to be pretty good when he was here and Ben Foster is a decent player, but Ronny and I have a little battle going now.”

There’s an even bigger battle when it comes to basketball. The NBA wannabes usually consist of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher and Tomasz Kuszczak.

“Vida [Nemanja Vidic] is pretty good but Wes has won more games than anyone else,” continues Rio. “He used to play at school and has also got a net in his garden so he practises all the time at home which gives him a slight advantage.”

“At first Wes was miles ahead of everyone,” adds Darren Fletcher. “But like Rio says, that was mainly because he has a net at home to practise with. Now we’re all catching up with him.

"Tomasz is the only one who can execute a proper slam dunk. He shows off a bit about that but he can’t shoot so we give him plenty of stick!”

The sports hall is home to some 30 spinning bikes which the squad use on a daily basis before training. The first 15 minutes of the session are spent on the bikes so as to get the blood pumping through the players’ legs.