Tireless Fletcher 'Outstanding'

Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson praised Darren Fletcher’s inspirational display during United’s enthralling 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Scottish midfielder covered every blade of grass, blocked passes and shots with just about every part of his anatomy and was at the foundation of most of United’s moves attacking moves.

Fletcher’s performances this season, and last, point to a maturing player reaching his footballing peak. Still underrated by some outside Old Trafford, United fans know the Scot’s value and regularly showed their appreciation at his every lung-bursting run.

Surprisingly, Sky gave the Man of the Match award to Rooney, who Sir Alex thinks will gladly hand over the bottle of champagne.

“I think Wayne will give it to him!” the manager said with a smile. “Darren was the outstanding performer on the field. He really was outstanding. He always does well on these big occasions because he’s a big-game player.”

Rooney added: “I’ve said many times, forwards score goals and tend to get the man of the match award,” said Wayne. “But Fletch was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.”

Rooney Is Spot On

Wayne Rooney smashed home his penalty to spark a second-half United comeback against Arsenal, and says he will take the responsibility of being permanent spot-kick taker.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo meant the role was up for grabs, and after Michael Carrick’s missed penalty at Burnley, Rooney was first to put his hand up.

“Nobody really knew who our penalty taker was [after Ronaldo left],” he said on Saturday. “We got one against Burnley and unfortunately Michael Carrick missed it. Since that I’ve said that I want to take penalties and thankfully I scored one today.”

Rooney was influential during United’s second-half fight-back after Andrei Arshavin had given Arsenal the lead in the first half. Rooney admits the Reds had to raise the performance levels after a fruitless first 45 minutes.

“It was a good game,” he added. “I thought we were much better in the second half than we were in the first half. Arsenal had a bit of possession but I didn’t think they really hurt us apart from the goal. We knew we had to come out and play better in the second half and thankfully we did.

“Our record against the big teams last season wasn’t great. Arsenal started the season well and we’ve already lost once this season, so we really needed the win today. It’s great that we’ve got.”

Sir Alex: We Had To Dig Deep

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see his side “dig deep” and turnaround Arsenal’s 1-0 half time lead to clinch an important victory.

United went behind to a fine strike from Andrei Arshavin at the end of the first half, but the Reds stepped it up a gear after the break.

“We like to win, and win by playing well. Both are important. I think we did that in the second half. We deserved the win based on our second half performance.”

The United boss spoke pointedly about last season’s disappointing record against the other members of the league’s top four. That has to change this season, he said. His players responded in fine fashion in the second 45 minutes.

“When you are 1-0 down at half time it’s an uphill task against a team of the capabilities of Arsenal. We had to dig deep,” he said. “This result can make a difference and the players will gather momentum from this win.

“Last season we dropped four points to Arsenal and six against Liverpool. We were a bit unlucky there, but you have to correct these things. Already we’ve made a better start this season in that respect.”

After a week of controversy surrounding Eduardo’s dive at Celtic Park, Sir Alex feels that referee Mike Dean got two important calls right. Darren Fletcher’s challenge on Arshavin in the first half was, the boss says, strong but fair. While Manuel Almunia’s foul on Wayne Rooney that led to a spot-kick for United was also correct.

“The penalty was a clear penalty,” he said. “With Darren Fletcher’s challenge, he got the ball. The referee was ten yards away and called it right. It was a committed challenge by Darren. If he was a fraction out it would have been a penalty, but I think it was the right decision, no doubt about it.”

Diaby Gaffe Gifts United Win

Arsene Wenger was sent from the dug-out in fury after Abou Diaby's own goal gifted Manchester United victory at Old Trafford and wrecked Arsenal's flawless start to the new season.

Arsenal were on course for a fifth successive victory in domestic and European combat when Andrey Arshavin's magical finish gave them the advantage over the Premier League champions just before the interval.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had struggled to make any impact against Arsenal's resilient rearguard - but the shape of the game altered dramatically in the space of five minutes around the hour mark.

Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia needlessly fouled Wayne Rooney after 59 minutes to allow the England striker to equalise from the penalty spot.

And the transformation in the game and the atmosphere inside Old Trafford was complete when Diaby, in a moment from his nightmares, headed Ryan Giggs' free-kick into his own goal in front of an ecstatic Stretford End.

Arsenal were shattered as their previous good work was squandered and boss Wenger's misery was complete when he was sent from his technical area by referee Mike Dean for kicking away a plastic bottle in frustration when Robin van Persie's injury-time strike was ruled out for offside.

United keeper Ben Foster was culpable when he allowed Arshavin's 25-yard shot to fly in, but he was the hero when he prevented Arsenal taking what could have been an unassailable two-goal lead just after half-time as he blocked Van Persie from six yards when he seemed certain to score.

Van Persie also struck the bar before Diaby's calamitous own goal as a highly-anticipated encounter finally sparked into life after the break.

Ferguson surprisingly left Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen on the bench and opted for width in the shape of Nani and Antonio Valencia - a formation that failed to trouble Arsenal in a disjointed first 45 minutes for the champions.

Much rested on the shoulders of Rooney, and he almost fashioned an early breakthrough when he set up Darren Fletcher in the fourth minute, but the Scotland midfield man failed to find the target from 10 yards.

Arsenal were able to re-introduce Van Persie and Arshavin to their starting line-up after the midweek Champions League win against Celtic, and they posed the biggest threat to United in an opening period lacking in quality until the Russian's wonderful goal.

Van Persie created a chance for himself inside the area, but was blocked by Patrice Evra before Arshavin capped an eventful few seconds by giving Arsenal a lead they just about deserved five minutes before the interval.

Arsenal had clear penalty claims rejected by referee Dean when Fletcher appeared to handle when he challenged Arshavin in the area - but as play progressed the little striker stunned Old Trafford by regaining possession and unleashing a rising angled drive from 25 yards that flew beyond Foster.

It was a moment of joy for Arsenal and Arshavin, but miserable for England keeper Foster, who should have done much better after getting his hand on the ball.

Foster went some way towards making amends for his mistake two minutes after the restart, making a vital block with his leg as Van Persie stole in on more wonderful work from Arshavin inside the area.

Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia was the central figure when United equalised after 59 minutes, making an ill-judged dash from his line and felling Rooney as he went away from goal. Rooney recovered to send Almunia the wrong way from the spot and United's hopes were revived.

Referee Dean took the unusual - but correct - step of booking both Rooney and Wes Brown in the same incident as they hacked at Diaby. And Van Persie almost inflicted more punishment on United with a swerving free-kick that rebounded back off the bar with Foster beaten.

If Arsenal were knocked back by conceding a penalty, Wenger was beside himself in his technical area after 64 minutes when his side gifted United a second goal.

Giggs could only direct his free-kick on to the head of Diaby who, with no other player in close attendance, inexplicably directed a header past Almunia into his own net.

The setback understandably knocked the stuffing out of Arsenal and Wenger made a change after 78 minutes, sending on Eduardo for Denilson. The striker received a hostile reception from the Old Trafford crowd in the wake of the controversy over his alleged dive in the Champions League against Celtic.

But their hopes of restoring equality suffered a blow shortly after when Arshavin limped off after appearing to sustain a muscle injury as he chased Van Persie's through ball.

As Arsenal pushed for the equaliser, they predictably left spaces at the back and United almost cashed in. Substitute Berbatov slashed a shocking finish wide and Nani was denied by Almunia.

But Arsenal's mood was summed up by the sight of a disbelieving Wenger being dispatched from the technical area after he thought Van Persie had equalised, only to see his joy cut short by a linesman's flag.

And the sight of Arsenal's manager being escorted towards the tunnel only increased the joy around Old Trafford as Manchester United celebrated a crucial three points.

Rooney scores again, this time from the penalty spot

Carling Cup 3rd Round Draw: Man. Unite Draw Wolves

United have been drawn at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Ben Foster was the hero at Wembley earlier this year as United lifted the trophy for a third time in the Reds' history. The England keeper was decisive in helping United to a penalty shoot-out win as the Reds and Tottenham could not be separated in 120 minutes of 2008/09's final.

This year the Reds kick off the defence of the trophy with a home draw against Barclays Premier League opposition. All third round ties to be played week commencing 21 September, dates and kick-off times confirmed in due course.

Carling Cup third round draw in full:
Arsenal v West Brom
Chelsea v QPR
Bolton v West Ham
Barnsley v Burnley
Hull v Everton
Leeds Utd v Liverpool
United v Wolves
Manchester City v Fulham
Sunderland v Birmingham
Peterborough v Newcastle
Carlisle v Portsmouth
Nottingham Forest v Blackburn
Stoke v Blackpool
Scunthorpe v Port Vale
Preston v Tottenham
Aston Villa v Cardiff

Hargreaves Steps Up Knee Recovery

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will return to England on 23 September to continue his rehabilitation from knee injuries.

The 28-year-old, who has not played for almost a year, has been recovering in United States after knee operations.

However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he will adopt a cautious approach to get Hargreaves back to full fitness.

"We will take our time because the important thing is to get him playing to the right level," said Ferguson.

"We are in dialogue with him all the time and the physio who is doing his rehabilitation over in America will be coming with him for a week for the changeover.

"It means we can jointly understand all the treatments and rehabilitation he has been doing."

Hargreaves had surgery on his right knee last November and on his left knee in January, with the procedures carried out under the guidance of Dr Richard Steadman.

The leading surgeon has previously operated on former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, new United signing Michael Owen and ex-Red Devils forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now at Real Madrid.

Hargreaves, who has only started 25 times for his club since a £17m move from Bayern Munich in July 2007, had been expected to rejoin the United squad last month, but was forced to delay his comeback.

However, Ferguson is confident the England international will return in good shape as he continues his rehabilitation with the club.

"The difficult part will be to get him back into the football side," said the Scot.

"We are certain his fitness will be good and his endurance work will have been done.

"But you don't have a player who has been out for over a year and suddenly throw him back into the fire right away."

The Canadian-born midfielder last played for United in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on 21 September 2008.
His condition, patellar tendinitis, can be described as inflammation of the tendon that attaches the quadriceps (thigh muscle) to the tibia (shin bone).

Draw Whets Gill's Appetite

United chief executive David Gill declared himself satisfied with the draw for the Champions League group stage – even if he'd rather have avoided Wolfsburg.

Gill was at the draw in Monaco on Thursday to see the Reds pitted against the Bundesliga champions, arguably the most difficult proposition in Pot 4, as well as Russians CSKA Moscow and Turkish outfit Besiktas, who United play first on 15 September.

"I think Pot 4 was the interesting one," Gill told Sky Sports. "Most clubs would have preferred not to get the German champions but we got them. Overall we have to be happy and we look forward to kicking things off against Besiktas in a few weeks’ time."

The Reds will have to do a fair amount of travelling around Europe this season, but Gill believes that will not have too great an impact on the team domestically.

"I think you can get psyched out by that sort of thing [travel affecting United]," Gill continued. "I’m sure it won’t affect those European games or the Premier League games either side of them.

"We’re looking forward to going back to Moscow – there were great scenes there back in 2008 so we’re excited by that. It’s a new season and we’re looking forward to it."

United have never faced any of the three teams but Gill is confident that thorough preparation will ensure last season's beaten finalists come out on top of Group B.

"It’s important to win the group so you have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg of the first knockout game," Gill added. "I’m sure the guys are now beginning to do their homework and assess the teams, so Sir Alex has the information he needs."

Boss: It's A Tough Draw

Sir Alex admits United have been dealt a difficult draw in the Champions League Group Stages.

The Reds were paired with Russians CSKA Moscow, Turkish outfit Besiktas and Germans Wolfsburg in Group B on Thursday's draw. And it is the travelling distances as well as the quality of the teams poses a stern test at every turn this year.

"These are difficult ties especially the trips to Russia and Turkey," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. "CSKA have developed strongly in the last few years and games in Turkey are always difficult.

"We also know the quality that we're up against with Wolfsburg, with what they achieved in the Bundesliga last season."

The United boss believes no English team will face a tougher group this season. “I think it’s a difficult group and certainly the toughest of all the English teams.

“Looking at the teams in the draw before it was made, we were saying, ‘well, we don’t want to go to Russia, it’s a four and half hour journey. We don’t want to go to Turkey it’s a four hour journey’.

"But the draw was made and we were paired with both of them. It's difficult especially as after both away games we come back to important games in the Premier League against Manchester City and Liverpool.

“The Champions League for a few years has always had a tremendous amount of quality. I think Russian teams in particular have improved a tremendous amount in the last few years with a big financial investment into their football.

"There are a lot of Brazilian players playing in the league, so we can expect a difficult game there.

“We’ve had experiences of playing in Turkey in the past and it is never easy. The atmosphere is quite volatile.

"Then our last game is against Wolfsburg who won the Bundesliga last season. Their home record is very good.”

Euro fixtures
Tues 15 Sept - Besiktas (A)
Wed 30 Sept - Wolfsburg (H)
Wed 21 Oct - CSKA Moscow (A)
Tues 3 Nov - CSKA Moscow (H)
Wed 25 Nov - Besiktas (H)
Tues 8 Dec - Wolfsburg (A)

The Other Groups
Group A - Bayern, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa
Group C - Milan, Real, Marseille, Zurich
Group D - Chelsea, Porto, Atletico, APOEL Nicosia
Group E - Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debreceni
Group F - Barcelona, Inter, Dinamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan
Group G - Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni
Group H - Arsenal, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard Liege

Anderson: I Will Fight On

Brazilian Anderson been told to work harder in training by Sir Alex Ferguson, but the United midfielder has stressed that he wants to stay and fight for his first-team place.

The 21-year-old has only started one game this season - the defeat to Burnley last week - and clashed verbally with Ferguson after being left out of the team for the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley.

It is understood that Ferguson had not been enthused about Anderson's pre-season training, something he has vowed to put right. He told Sportsmail: ‘I believed that I would play in the Community Shield but that is forgotten now. I thought that, without Cristiano Ronaldo around, I would play more and that has been my challenge from pre-season onwards. But the coach decides the teams and to discuss this with him is foolish because he is the chief. I do not want to leave United. No. Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded a bigger effort from me and I accept that. Because to get in to this United team is very complicated and difficult for any player."
- Staff writer, Daily Mail -

Berba's Euro Dream

Sir Alex’s men find out on Thursday who they’ll face in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage. And whoever the Reds are drawn alongside, Dimitar Berbatov is confident United will excel.

In fact, the Bulgarian striker says he’s already dreaming of lifting the trophy in Madrid next May.

“After what happened in last year’s final I think we’re even more determined in Europe this time around,” he told ManUtd.com.

“For me, losing in Rome was doubly frustrating because I wasn’t at the club when the team won in Moscow – I’ve never won the Champions League so losing to Barcelona was very upsetting.

“This year our aim is to make it all the way to Madrid. The Bernabeu is one of the best stadiums in the world and I know we’re good enough to make it back there and, this time, win it.”

Berbatov expects the defending champions Barcelona to be tough to beat, but warned “there are many clubs with very, very good players”.

“And remember,” he said, “when you say the name Manchester United it inspires respect in a lot of people. Nobody will fancy playing us.”

Wayne Looks Forward

Wayne Rooney shrugged off reaching the milestone of 101 United goals, and quickly set his sights on plundering plenty more for the Reds.

The England striker attained a century - reached over 242 games - by heading United's opener at Wigan, then scored again to set the ball rolling towards the next hundred.

"Of course it's nice to score 100 goals for anyone, especially a team like United, so obviously I'm pleased with that," he said. "But the most important thing is the three points.

"It's nice but it's something I'll look back on really when I've finished playing. I've still got a lot of games and a lot of goals left in me, so it's not something I'm really too concerned with at the minute."

The Reds' five-goal romp at the DW Stadium marked a welcome return to form after Wednesday's lacklustre defeat at Burnley, and Rooney took heart from the swaggering nature of the display.

"We played some great football today," he said. "The first half was a bit frustrating. We had chances to score and never took them. In the second half we came out really fast, took the game to Wigan and they couldn't live with us.

"Everyone's delighted that Berba and especially Michael scored. It's a great feeling for the three of us to score today, and Nani at the end, and scoring five goals away from home is difficult in the Premier League, thankfully we've done that."

Owen Joy At First Strike

Michael Owen was over the moon to break his United duck after firing the Reds' fourth goal in the 5-0 hammering of Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The 29-year-old striker came off the bench on 71 minutes and, after being put through by Nani, produced a vintage finish in front of United's 5000-strong travelling support five minutes from time.

Having failed to put away a handful of chances on his previous two appearances against Birmingham and Burnley, Owen was relieved to finally get off the mark.

"I probably scored the hardest chance I've had!" he joked during an exclusive interview with MUTV. "I had two chances at Burnley and one against Birmingham, but this was the fourth real opportunity I've had.

"I don't think I missed a chance in pre-season, but I've missed a couple since the season started and as ever everyone is quick to write you off. It was as if I hadn't scored for a couple of years! That's something I've had to deal with for ten odd years now and I don't think that will change until I hang up my boots.

"It was certainly a great feeling to score. I'd got a few in pre-season but there's nothing quite like doing it in a competitive game."

With his first goal now under his belt, Owen is confident more will follow.

"I'd be disappointed if people didn't think I could go on from here," he insists. "I obviously believe I can as I have done throughout my career and I certainly expect to score more goals in the red shirt."

Boss Lauds On-song Strikers

Elated enough at a five-goal away victory, Sir Alex Ferguson took extra satisfaction from seeing all three of his senior strikers on the scoresheet in the Reds' romp at Wigan.

Wayne Rooney's brace, allied to strikes from Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and Nani sealed a stunning victory over the Latics, and has the Reds' three most experienced forwards off and running for the season.

"Our strikers have scored the goals today, that's the important thing," Sir Alex told MUTV. "That can only do us the power of good, because you know what strikers are like - when they're not scoring they're not the same people.

"It's important for strikers (to be off the mark). If Dimitar and Michael can weigh in with the goals that we expect of Wayne Rooney, then it will make a difference to our game."Owen and Rooney had particular cause to celebrate their goals; the former registering his first goal in a United shirt, the latter reaching and passing a century - and Sir Alex was delighted for them both.

"It's terrific for a young lad like Wayne to reach that total at that age," he said. "With the years in front of him, it's going to be great for him. We've had players over the years who've taken many years to get to the hundred. For a young lad to do it, it's great.

"Michael's was a fantastic goal. Great run and excellent movement, and a good pass from Nani. Michael Owen has proved himself over the last 10 years to be the best goalscorer in England in that decade, today he showed that again.

"I think it will do him the world of good. Obviously coming to the club and after all the discussion around him joining United after being at Liverpool - it was important to get a goal like that, and the crowd were great with him and that was fantastic."

The United boss also reserved praise for a player at the opposite end of the pitch - goalkeeper Ben Foster, who made two crucial saves before the Reds had run up a huge lead.

"He made two great saves," said Sir Alex. "In the first half from Jason Koumas he made a marvellous save with his left hand. In the second half he was in a position where he had to be agile (to save Hugo Rodallega's header). He managed to knock it out of the way and get the second ball, which was a terrific save.

"Overall I thought they played very well. We had six good chances in the first half, and you'd like to take one or two of them, but the important thing was to be patient, and keep playing the way they were playing."

High Five For The Red Devils

Michael Owen scored his first goal for Manchester United as they bounced back from their defeat at Burnley to thump Wigan with a flurry of late goals.

United had been frustrated until Wayne Rooney headed home Antonio Valencia's cross for his 100th goal for the club.

A neat move soon saw Dimitar Berbatov make it 2-0 and Rooney's shot deflected in off Mario Melchiot to add a third.

Owen came off the bench to score number four with a clipped finish and Nani's curling free-kick completed the rout.

For all three of his senior strikers to find the net will give United boss Sir Alex Ferguson much satisfaction in wake of the criticism that followed Wednesday's shock loss at Turf Moor.

This ended up being the emphatic win that Ferguson needed to kick-start his side's season following their unconvincing early form, particularly in the final third of the pitch.

But the final scoreline should not mask United's earlier deficiencies in front of goal as a better team than Wigan would have punished the champions for their failure to take their numerous first-half chances.

The first of those came after four minutes when Berbatov fed the overlapping Nani, who cut the ball back perfectly into Darren Fletcher's path but, with Chris Kirkland beaten, the Scot's first-time shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by Titus Bramble.

Paul Scholes then blasted over when well-placed on the edge of the area and Berbatov had a close-range header saved before the industrious Rooney saw one effort deflected wide and another fly straight at Kirkland after working space for the shot.

United, who had made seven changes from the side that were embarrassed by the Clarets, should have been out of sight but instead they almost fell behind, with only a superb stop by Ben Foster keeping out a curler from Jason Koumas that was heading for the top corner.

And, although the visitors were back on top before the interval, a goal continued to elude them.

It looked as though Rooney would surely score when he lost Bramble and latched on to a hoisted pass from Jonny Evans but his drilled shot was kept out by Kirkland's leg.

And Bramble redeemed himself for that error when he timed his tackle to perfection to scoop the ball away from Berbatov as the Bulgarian shaped to shoot.

It was the Latics who came closest to scoring at the start of the second half, when Paul Scharner's deflected header flew inches wide.

But United continued to attack with the greater intent and got their reward after 56 minutes when Valencia crossed from the right and Rooney beat Bramble to nod into the top corner.

That brought up the century of United strikes for the 23-year-old England international, who has been at Old Trafford for almost five years, and, after getting the breakthrough they so desperately needed, Ferguson's men did not look back.

After Foster made another impressive save to claw away Hugo Rodallega's looping header, the visitors scored two more goals in quick succession to take complete control of the match.

Berbatov raced on to Fletcher's flick to push the ball over the onrushing Kirkland and slot home the bouncing ball.

Then Rooney picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the area and fired in a low shot that deflected off Melchiot and span past the helpless Kirkland.

Wigan, understandably, were shell-shocked and never looked like finding a way back into the game.

United came forward looking to extend their lead and it was Owen who was next to find the target, meeting Nani's through-ball and lifting the ball over Kirkland with a vintage finish.

It was Owen's first competitive goal since 10 January and, after his missed chances in both of United's opening games, will give him the confidence boost he needs after a difficult start to his time at Old Trafford.

Now the goals were flowing, United were not finished yet and Nani had the final word with a brilliant stoppage-time free-kick that he curled over the wall and into the bottom corner.

The result was harsh on Wigan, who had competed well for most of the first hour, but it means United go into next weekend's clash with in-form Arsenal again looking like a side who are chasing a fourth successive Premier League title.

Michael Owen scoring his first competitive goal for Man. United

Phelan: We Did Not Do Enough

Assistant manager Mike Phelan insists United didn’t underestimate Burnley on Wednesday night. Instead, he says, the Reds simply didn’t do enough to win the game.

Phelan, who began his own playing career at Turf Moor, told BBC United knew full well what to expect from the visit to Lancashire.

“[Burnley beating Manchester United] will surprise some people but when you come to Turf Moor you’re never going to get an easy game. We expected them to come at us and put us on the back foot – we just didn’t handle it as well as we should have done.

“This is Burnley’s night and they’ve worked very hard to get to this position. We didn’t take them lightly and I don’t think anyone will now that they’ve beaten Manchester United on their own patch.”

The Reds’ best chance fell to Michael Carrick from the penalty spot just before half-time. But the midfielder saw his spot-kick saved by man-of-the-match Brian Jensen, prompting some to question if Carrick was the right man for the job.

“He was confident,” Phelan revealed. “He took the ball early – maybe there were a few others who wanted to take it – but he took the ball and had the courage to take it.

“Unfortunately he didn’t put it in the net, which probably would have settled us down a bit just before half-time. But it wasn’t to be…”

Boss Bemoans Bad Calls

Sir Alex Ferguson found fault with his players’ decision making on Wednesday night after a bad day at the office allowed Burnley to inflict a shock defeat on the champions.

The Reds were at times too rash, at other times too hesitant, when opportunities to cancel out Robbie Blake’s stunning goal for Burnley presented themselves.

“We were too frivolous with the chances we had,” Sir Alex told MUTV.

“Sometimes we were taking touches on the ball instead of shooting quickly. And in the last twenty minutes, we rushed and made one or two bad decisions.”

The boss believes the night might have been different had Michael Carrick converted his penalty on the brink of half-time - “I think we’d have won the game. I think we’d have composed ourselves and taken our time in the second half."

Sir Alex denied United's return of one goal from two games is a concern, taking heart from the number of chances created - "Hopefully we get as many on Saturday. Michael Carrick had what I thought was the best chance when the ball was squared to him in the box but he decided to take a touch on the ball and lost the opportunity. Michael Owen missed a great chance in the first half, Ryan Giggs had one in the second half and Wayne Rooney had a couple of chances."

While lamenting a “bad performance” by his own team, Sir Alex praised Burnley and their supporters.

“You can’t deny them their victory. Every member of their team worked their socks off and the fans were fantastic, they got behind them all night, cheering every kick of the ball. To play Manchester United on their return to the top division after a long time, it was a great occasion for them.

“Burnley had a good ten-minute spell which won it for them. They caused us a lot of problems with their balls in behind our back four, turning us towards our own goal.

“(The goal) was a very good strike, a marvellous hit, but we didn’t defend it well. The player should have been covered but one or two of our midfield players were running out when the ball was played across.

“Our players are all disappointed, it was a bad result for us. But I’m sure we’ll get a response (on Saturday, at Wigan).”

Devils Fall At Turf Moor

Burnley marked the return of top-flight football to Turf Moor after 33 years with a memorable win against Premier League champions Manchester United.

Robbie Blake's explosive first-half volley crowned a night of high emotion as Burnley mixed passion with their trademark passing style to inflict defeat on Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Burnley keeper Brian Jensen matched Blake for heroics, saving Michael Carrick's penalty just before half-time and standing firm in the face of a predictable late siege from the champions.

Owen Coyle's Premier League newcomers had a tough introduction to life back in the top tier with an opening day defeat at Stoke City - but they demonstrated that they were swift learners by matching Manchester United in all areas and providing the moments of inspiration to claim a deserved victory.

Burnley's last league win against Manchester United came at Turf Moor in September 1968, and the ecstatic scenes sparked inside the famous old ground when referee Alan Wiley sounded the final whistle indicated the scale and significance of this triumph for Coyle and his players.

United, in contrast, were bitterly disappointing and allowed Burnley to protect their lead in relative comfort. Ferguson will be particularly concerned by the lack of pace and width on show - two qualities provided to devastating effect by Cristiano Ronaldo in recent seasons.

And for Michael Owen, wearing Ronaldo's old number seven shirt, it was a night of pure frustration as he failed to impress watching England coach Fabio Capello and was substituted just after the hour.

But this was Burnley's night, and if they needed a performance to prove to themselves that they can live comfortably alongside the elite, this was it.

Turf Moor welcomed their team to the Premier League in deafening fashion - and Burnley responded in style as they more than matched Manchester United in an enthralling first half.

Owen was making his first competitive start since his move to Old Trafford, and he should have marked it with a goal inside the first two minutes but he failed to get a touch on Evra's cross at the near post.

Burnley took time to bring order and composure to their play, but they soon settled and summer signing Steven Fletcher almost took advantage when he found time and space in the United area but twice failed to find the target.

Martin Paterson was halted by Ben Foster as he attempted to round the Manchester United keeper, but it was the shortest of reprieves as Burnley went ahead with Blake's devastating finish after 19 minutes.

Stephen Jordan's cross was only partially cleared by Evra, leaving Blake to lash the most emphatic of right-foot volleys high past Foster to the thunderous approval of Turf Moor.

Owen had faded after a lively opening, and he was guilty of another miss as United went in search of the equaliser. He stole in at the near post to meet Wes Brown's cross, but headed wide.

He was then involved as United wasted the perfect opportunity to restore equality just before the interval when he played in Evra, who was hauled down by Blake. Carrick was the somewhat surprising choice of penalty taker, and he saw his effort saved by Jensen as he dived to his right.

Burnley might have been expected to retreat in the face of a Manchester United onslaught after the break, but they continued to push forward at every opportunity.

Blake sent a curling free-kick just wide from 20 yards, and United's failure to put concerted pressure on Burnley's defence eventually forced Ferguson into changes.

Antonio Valencia came on after 58 minutes to add pace and width at the expense of Anderson, while the subdued Owen was replaced by Dimitar Bervatov four minutes later.

Goalkeeper Jensen is a cult figure at Turf Moor, and he demonstrated why he is held in such high regard with another fine low stop from Ji-Sung Park, before rushing out to block at the feet of Ryan Giggs.

United pushed predictably for the equaliser in the closing stages, plus four agonising minutes of added time but Burnley were resolute - and Turf Moor reverberated to the sound of joyous celebration at the final whistle.

Evra Eyes More Success

We spoke to Patrice Evra at the beginning of what the Frenchman hopes will be another successful season at United...

Did you miss Old Trafford over the summer?
Of course. It’s a privilege to play for Manchester United and I try and enjoy every moment at this club. When you pull on the shirt you also pull on the history that comes with it and you need to do that history proud and respect what’s come before. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being a Manchester United player but I enjoy the challenge.

Are you confident of winning more trophies this season?
Pre-season went well – we won a lot of games and scored a lot. The only matches we lost were on penalties so we feel we’re ready to go. But pre-season is pre-season and once the league begins it’s a different story – you start from scratch. So it’s difficult to say how we’ll go but I can tell you one thing: the team are desperate to win the league again. We’ve bought a few new players and they’ve adapted very well, so we’re looking forward to challenging again for trophies.

Much has been made of losing Cristiano Ronaldo, but Antonio Valencia doesn’t look too bad…
He’s been very good and I think he’s the sort of player that gives us good balance. But people shouldn’t compare Valencia to Ronaldo: they’re completely different people and completely different players. You can see already that Valencia brings something new to the team and I think he’s a very good buy.

What’s he like to mark? I’m sure you’ve come up against him in training…
Yes, but he has no chance against me! I don’t care who I’m marking, I always try and be strong in the tackle and win the ball. But it’s true he’s a very good player. I like his mentality – he wants to improve, he’s powerful and he likes to run at defenders.

Do you think your role will change this season?
I was getting forward more in pre-season. Then again, that’s how we always like to play, with attacking full-backs. But maybe this season we’ll see more of the left and right backs in the final third. When you had Ronaldo in front of you sometimes it was tempting to just give him the ball because you knew he could make something happen. We’d overlap sometimes but usually he could manage on his own. Maybe we’ll attack using more players – more like a team – this season.

We’ve heard you’re the dressing room DJ. Will that continue this term?
Definitely! Before every match I sit down in my room and work out a playlist. I have to change it every time – you don’t know these guys, they’re like dogs! They’re hungry for new songs and get angry if it’s the same stuff as the last game. So I need to mix it up and make sure everybody’s happy – I put on some English music, some r’n’b, some dance, some Brazilian… now it’s part of the ritual before games. Sometimes other people come in and try and put their own music on – I don’t want to name names – but usually my team-mates will say: ‘Hey, come on, respect the iPod of Evra!’. So I say: ‘No problem,’ and just turn theirs off.

We saw you interview Ji-sung Park for MUTV in Korea. If you weren’t a footballer, what career path would you take?
I’d be a babysitter… a babysitter for my son. And when I retire maybe I can babysit for all the other players. I like children and I like to play football with the young kids, so that’s something I’d enjoy. I like TV too – a comedy show with my friend Ji-sung Park would be nice!

Reds Eye Imposing Start

John O'Shea is calling for United to build on a first opening-day win for three seasons when the Reds travel to Turf Moor in midweek.

After last week's internationals, the domestic games now come thick and fast, giving the Reds and the rivals a chance to rack up the points.

"You don't want to be playing catch-up, even after only one game," O'Shea told MUTV. "Other teams are looking stronger now so it's important we stamp our authority early on in the season."

"We've opened the last two league seasons with draws so we're happy to have picked up three points against Birmingham. Now we move on with a tough game at Burnley."

O'Shea was an authority figure for United on Sunday, as he led the team out in the absence of Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand. Although he later handed the armband to half-time sub Ryan Giggs, the captaincy was still an honour for John.

"It was very special. I've done it in friendlies which is also nice, but to do it in a league game when it really matters, for the manager to have that faith in me, is something special and something I'll always cherish," said O'Shea.

The Irishman was the most experienced member of United's back four, but he had no qualms about the relative youngsters around him.

"I enjoyed playing alongside Jonny Evans at centre-back, we know each other very well as we're good friends off the pitch. So there wasn't going to be a problem there and behind us Ben Foster showed he's going to be a special keeper."

Foster's wonderful save to deny Birmingham sub Christian Benitez was perhaps more vital than it should have been - O'Shea admits to being anxious after the Reds missed several chances.

"It would have been nice to get the second goal, particularly in the first half because I think then you would have seen a more confident second-half performance. I think we let the edginess creep into our game in the second half and that encouraged Birmingham."

O'Shea didn't find fault with United's forwards for not killing the game; instead he backed match-winner Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen to score more as the season gets into full swing.

"Michael was unlucky with a couple of chances but I'm sure he'll get off the mark soon and, like Wayne, get his goals in runs. As for Wayne, I think pre-season was so important, for him to get that sharpness he needs. Once he's sharp, he's so hard to stop. I think his goal today will give him confidence and that can only benefit us."

Boss: Wayne's Going To Shine

Sir Alex is confident Wayne Rooney's goal against Birmingham City on Sunday will be the first of many this season for the England striker.

Rooney's goal – a simple tap-in after his header had come off the post – took his tally in a United shirt to 99 and gave the Reds an opening-day win for the first time in three years.

"Wayne took his goal well," Sir Alex told MUTV. "The header was a good one and then he reacted the right way – he was quick to follow up. That gets him on the road to what we hope will be a very significant total for us this season.

"It’s good if you can get two or three of your players to score more than 20 goals. Wayne’s capable of that – we’re not asking him to do the impossible."

United dazzled only in fits and starts against newly-promoted Birmingham City, although the manager was quick to highlight the visitors' defensive qualities.

"The first game of the season is like that for us sometimes – Reading got a 0-0 here a couple of years ago – but three points is better than we've got from our first game in the last two years.

"Today, the way Birmingham set their stall out, they were always going to be very determined, resilient and hard to break down.

"That’s understandable – they’ve come out of the Championship and they’re desperate to stay in the top flight. They’ve got a lot of experience in their team and that was noticeable with the amount of shots they blocked – I think Scholesy alone had four shots blocked inside the box."

Sir Alex's men also defended resolutely, notching a clean sheet despite the absence of regular centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"I think clean sheets are always an indication of your determination to defend well as a team. I’ll take eight 1-0 results every season.

"It’s not great on the nerves but this club’s famous for that – nobody gets an easy ride here, not the supporters, not the staff, the players nor myself. We always keep the fans on the edge of their seats – it’s exciting.

"Ben Foster made a fantastic save in the second half. He looked very comfortable and relaxed in his role today and I think he’s learnt from last week at Wembley.

"That was an unusually nervy performance from him last week. We know he has ability and he proved that again today."

Rooney's Header Gives United Opening Win

Wayne Rooney notched his 99th goal for Manchester United as the Premier League champions opened up their title defence with victory over Birmingham.

The striker tapped in after his header from Nani's cross rebounded off the post back into his path on 34 minutes.

Ben Foster made a brilliant stop to deny Christian Benitez a goal on his Birmingham debut in the 77th minute.

Substitute Michael Owen missed a chance to open his account for United when he shot at Joe Hart in stoppage time.

Although not one of their most convincing performances, United created enough chances to emphasise the depth of their attacking options, despite the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

Rooney, in particular, was menacing with the ball at his feet, making intelligent runs when his team-mates were in possession.

Deprived of first-choice centre-backs Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who will have a scan on Monday on a calf injury sustained in training, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson moved John O'Shea into central defence alongside Jonny Evans, with Fabio da Silva promoted to right-back.

Paul Scholes returned to the centre of midfield, while new signing Antonio Valencia slotted into the sizeable hole vacated by Ronaldo on the right.

The daunting prospect of opening up against the Premier League champions convinced Birmingham manager Alex McLeish to start with a five-man midfield, with Cameron Jerome as a solitary striker.

Their defensive tactics offered United ample opportunities to exploit space in midfield, with Darren Fletcher threading a precise ball for Nani to attack on the left after seven minutes, but the winger's right-footed strike was well saved by Joe Hart.

Rooney once again pressed Hart into action, this time with a dipping 20-yard strike on 12 minutes, acrobatically tipped over the bar by the on-loan goalkeeper.

Attempting to frustrate United's invention in midfield, Birmingham's defensive intentions unravelled when Rooney put the champions in the lead with a precise move starting on the half-way line.

The striker fed partner Dimitar Berbatov, who released Nani down the left and the winger's teasing cross was tapped in by Rooney after his initial hanging header rebounded off the right-hand post back into his path, with Hart well beaten.

But rather than break Birmingham's resolve, the goal invigorated their attacking intentions as Jerome fired a dangerous 20-yard deflected strike just past Foster's right-hand post.

The resulting corner saw Patrice Evra clear Franck Quedrue's glancing goal-bound header off the line, to the relief of the near-capacity Old Trafford crowd.

However, the visitors should have taken a two-goal cushion into the break, but Fletcher contrived to side-foot his 10-yard strike wide of the post after an excellent cut-back from Evra on the left.

Resisting the urge to replace Antonio Valencia after a largely anonymous first half, Ferguson instead introduced Ryan Giggs for Nani on the left at the start of the second half.

The change in personnel had little effect on Rooney, whose 30-yard half-volley was destined for the top left corner but for a two-handed parry from Hart.

Birmingham's tactics began to have their desired effect, with Barry Ferguson in particular dictating terms in midfield.

A powerful burst from Keith Fahey preceded a right-foot strike from 20 yards past the right-hand post, while McFadden exploited space on the edge of the box to shoot straight at Foster.

However, the visitors had Lee Carsley to thank when the midfielder cleared Berbatov's header off the line on 70 minutes.

The Bulgarian striker could have had a penalty minutes later when Stephen Carr appeared to tread on the striker's boot.

It proved to be Berbatov's final contribution, replaced by Owen with 15 minutes left, while McLeish introduced record £8m signing Benitez for Jerome.

The Ecuadorian striker made an immediate impact when he timed his run to perfection to beat United's offside trap 13 minutes from time, only to be denied by a wonderful one-handed diving save from Foster.

Rooney came close to his 100th goal in the 83rd minute, but Owen should have put the result beyond doubt when he was released through the middle by Rooney's chested flick.

But one-on-one with Hart, the striker's effort deflected off the goalkeeper's leg for a corner.
Rooney celebrates the winner against Birmingham City

Boss: Reds Can Be Four-midable

Sir Alex Ferguson insists his players are well aware of the difficult task ahead in trying to secure a fourth Championship in a row, but he says the Reds are ready for the challenge.

The champions are attempting to become the first team to win the English top flight title four times on the trot. It would also be a 19th triumph overall, nudging them one ahead of arch rivals Liverpool.

Sir Alex is well aware of the threat posed by United's fellow 'big four' rivals, namely Rafa Benitez's men, Chelsea and Arsenal, while the boss also admits he will be keeping a close eye on the progress of United's Manchester neighbours.

But having seen his side handle the pressures of a jam-packed campaign last season, he remains confident in their ability to succeed once again this time round.

"Winning four titles is something we'd like to do and it would be a great achievement," he said at a recent press conference.

"We know how difficult it is to win this league. We accepted a good challenge last season in terms of having to go to Japan [for the Club World Cup] and then play catch-up and to win the league was a great achievement.

"We don't have that problem this season, although I wish we did. But [trying to win four titles in a row] is still a great challenge for us.

"It's difficult to say [who the biggest threat is]. I think ourselves, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are looking at what's happening at Manchester City with great interest and whether it can work in terms of the money they've spent," he added.

"They're on the back pages every week now and there's a lot of interest in their situation particularly as none of us have really gone into the market in a big way. We've sold players in fact - Liverpool sold Alonso, we've sold Ronaldo, Arsenal sold Adebayor... the big four have actually been really quiet [in terms of buying]. So we're all interested in how it's going to pan out at City."

Rooney Sets Goals Target

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is aiming to score 25 goals this season after being given a more central role by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney weighed in with 20 goals for United last term, but was often deployed on the wing as Cristiano Ronaldo was given more of a roving role.

With Ronaldo sold to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, Rooney will be restored to his favoured position and he is aiming to repay his manager with goals.

"Of course 25 is a target which I hope I'm going to reach," said Rooney. "I've always said I should score more and hopefully I'll do that this season.

"I've got what I wanted. I like to play through the middle.

"The manager has come out now and said I am going to play there throughout the season so I'm delighted with that.

"He may change his mind and whatever he says goes, but I hope he will play me there for most of the season. If I keep scoring goals I will justify it."

He added: "I am comfortable with the extra responsibility now Cristiano has gone.

"There have been big expectations on me for the last seven years so whether he was here or not I would still have that.

"But I have never looked at myself as being the main man. It is a team game. I won't win a trophy on my own."

Rooney is also confident that strike partner Dimitar Berbatov, who failed to win over the fans in his debut season at Old Trafford, is looking sharper ahead of the opening game against Birmingham on Sunday.

"You can see in training and games during pre-season that Dimitar has looked sharper," said Rooney.

"He looks like he is more determined.

"He is tracking back with the full-backs in pre-season and is definitely working harder and trying to impress.

"He is a brilliant player. He has so much quality he has got and we all want him to show it."

Boss Rues Foy's Failure

Sir Alex Ferguson cited a controversial incident involving referee Chris Foy as he assessed United's slender surrender of the Community Shield.

The Reds were aggrieved when Frank Lampard's second goal for Chelsea was allowed to stand, even though Patrice Evra was grounded with a facial injury following an off-the-ball clash with Michael Ballack.

Many observers expected Foy to stop play, to ensure Evra received timely treatment - only moments ago he had done just that, to check on Ballack's condition after another skirmish. Instead, the Blues broke and with their attackers outnumbering the Reds' defenders, Lampard beat Ben Foster in United's goal to make it 2-1.

"That incident cost us the game," lamented Sir Alex after the match.

"(I thought) the referee saw it - he (Ballack) elbowed him (Evra) in the face - and he (Foy) was clearly in line with the actual incident.

"I’m disappointed because he (Foy) stopped the game twice before that for fouls, or for players lying down. Ballack was lying down and he got up within seconds but he (Foy) thought it was serious, a serious foul."

Sir Alex agreed that it remains a grey area in the rules - whether the referee, or the players by kicking the ball out, should take the lead in stopping play.

"We’ve got to a level now where it’s being used as a professional way of getting a game stopped," he added.

Reflecting on the match as a whole, the United boss believes his men missed opportunities to sew up the contest before the break.

"We played well for a lot of the game and we should have put it to bed in the first half," he said.

"The equaliser (by Ricardo Carvalho) was a poor goal from our point of view, I think we should have defended it better. Chelsea at that point had come into the game and were controlling it.

"Their second goal, as we saw, shouldn’t have been allowed. Once they got that goal, Chelsea didn’t look like losing the game. I thought they were in control but we got the equaliser and then penalty kicks… well, we’ve never been that great at penalty kicks. Only once, I think."

Unlike in Moscow 15 months ago, United were second best to Chelsea in the shoot-out - and so first blood, and the first trophy of the season, goes to Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Sir Alex was speaking on Sky Sports.

Chelsea Take Shield After Shoot-out

Carlo Ancelotti celebrated the start of his Chelsea reign with silverware as they claimed the Community Shield with victory over Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley.

Nani's angled strike gave the Premier League champions an early lead - but Ricardo Carvalho's headed equaliser and a hotly-disputed strike from Frank Lampard looked to have given Chelsea victory.

Wayne Rooney added an extra layer of drama to a highly-entertaining encounter when he slid home a composed finish to level for United with almost the last action of normal time.

United felt justice had been served after they fell behind to Lampard's goal with 20 minutes left, scored with defender Patrice Evra lying injured after he was fouled by Chelsea substitute Michael Ballack, an offence missed by referee Chris Foy.

But Rooney's goal was not to prove the platform for a United victory - with Chelsea delivering an emphatic performance in the spot-kick decider.

Lampard, Ballack and Didier Drogba were on target for Chelsea, while only Michael Carrick scored for United, who saw efforts from Ryan Giggs and Evra saved by Petr Cech - allowing Salomon Kalou to complete the formalities with the decisive penalty.

Chelsea showed familiar resilience to come from behind, as they did to win the FA Cup against Everton at Wembley in May, but United will also take encouragement in defeat, with Rooney demonstrating what an influential figure he will be in the aftermath of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson chose to keep his powder dry when it came to his new acquisitions - leaving Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia on the bench.

And it was familiar faces who were prominent early on, with Evra diverting Branislav Ivanovic's close-range effort on to the bar after Lampard's corner caused confusion in the area.

It was a vital intervention, as was proved conclusively when Nani gave United the early advantage with a fine angled finish after 10 minutes. He got the better of Ivanovic, as he did throughout the opening half, but his finish flew close to Chelsea keeper Cech, who had to carry some responsibility for the goal.

Cech made amends for his error with two crucial saves in quick succession, first from Ji-Sung Park after Rooney headed Dimitar Berbatov's cross into his path - and then from the Bulgarian as he raced clear into the Chelsea penalty box.

Chelsea had faded after an encouraging opening, but Nicolas Anelka gave them renewed hope when he fired narrowly wide, although Cech had to excel again to save from Darren Fletcher after he worked a short corner with Nani.

Ancelotti made a predictable change at the interval, replacing the toiling Ivanovic with Jose Bosingwa, and Chelsea were level seven minutes after the restart.

United keeper Ben Foster had endured some uncomfortable moments under the gaze of England coach Fabio Capello, and when he could only punch away Florent Malouda's cross under heavy physical pressure from Drogba, Carvalho was lurking to score with a diving header.

And United suffered a further blow just after the hour when Nani, who had created an excellent impression, went off cradling a shoulder injury and was replaced by summer signing Valencia.

Chelsea then took the lead in contentious circumstances with 20 minutes left, as United were left questioning both referee Foy and the sportsmanship of Ancelotti's side.

Evra was clearly felled by Ballack, and United felt they should have put the ball out of play as the France defender lay prone on the Wembley turf.

Chelsea played on and United's frustration reached fever pitch when Foster could not keep out Lampard's shot and it squirmed over the line.

United's players surrounded Foy, but their protests were in vain as Chelsea celebrated taking the lead.

Ferguson then made a quartet of substitutions, sending on Owen, Paul Scholes, Giggs and Fabio da Silva for Park, Berbatov, Fletcher and John O'Shea.

It was a move that looked destined for failure until Rooney ran on to an astute pass from Giggs and slipped a composed finish beyond Cech with virtually the last kick of normal time.

But it was only a temporary reprieve as Chelsea performed with much greater assurance than United in the shoot-out to give Ancelotti cause for celebration with his staff and players on the Wembley touchline.
A final score of 2-2 leads to a penalty shoot-out which is ultimately won for Chelsea by Salomon Kalou after kicks by Ryan Giggs and Evra are saved by Cech

Carrick Ready To Resume

Michael Carrick has never felt worse than he did after the defeat to Barcelona last May. Yet, as the midfield lynchpin told United Review, the Rome experience has merely made the players more determined to win further silverware....

How was your summer - did you completely switch off from football or spend time reflecting on last season?
I tried to switch off and relax, but it was quite hard after what happened in Rome. I’m still trying to get over losing the [Champions League] final, and I don’t think I will until I win it again. But when you look at the bigger picture, it was a successful campaign. We went to Japan and came back as world champions, won the Carling Cup and went on to win the league for a third time in a row, so we showed how good a team we are.

How does the squad’s mood compare to that of the last few pre-seasons?
It’s the same as always, we’re ready to go again. That’s the beauty of this club, despite all the success, every year you come back and want to achieve more. What’s happened has gone, now it’s about looking forward and trying to earn it all over again.

Have you sensed the team’s renewed determination after the Barça loss?
We’re just as determined as we always are. Winning in Moscow last year was amazing, and we were desperate to repeat that feat. We’ve experienced two very different nights in relatively quick succession, and we know which we like best. Losing like we did in Rome was hard to take, and no-one wants to experience that again. It’s certainly the worst I’ve ever felt after a match – it took about a week for any of my family to be able to talk to me properly. We’ve all learnt a lot from what happened and are determined to come back stronger this season.

There have been a few comings and goings over the summer - how do you assess the strength of the squad?
I don’t think it can be questioned. The gaffer has assembled a fantastic group, bringing in a great mixture of younger lads and experienced players, and the strength and depth here is second to none. Obviously losing Cristiano [Ronaldo] was disappointing because he’s been a huge player for us, but we’ve got a lot of top players here to deal with that and still be successful.

You recently celebrated your 28th birthday – do you feel you’re reaching your prime as a player?
I certainly feel great. Around your late 20s and early 30s is the time when players tend to peak – hopefully I can do that and keep it going as well!

Was last season your best in a United shirt, and perhaps your career?
Maybe, yes. It’s difficult to judge, though, because the season before we won the league and Champions League, and I played the same way. The longer you’re here and the more games you play, the more responsibility there is on your shoulders, and you have to step up to that. I want to keep working hard on every aspect of my game and become the best player I possibly can.

Finally, after football, what’s your favourite sport?
To play, I’d say golf, but to watch it has to be Formula 1. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few Grand Prix meetings and chat to the drivers. I’ve met Mark Webber a few times, he really looked after me when I went to Monaco last year, and I watched this year’s British Grand Prix from inside the Red Bull team’s garage. They even gave me headphones so I could hear what the drivers [Sebastian Vettel and Webber] were saying to the team. They finished first and second respectively, so it was a great atmosphere.

Gill Reflects On Busy Summer

David Gill took time out from United's busy pre-season schedule to chat to MUTV about the many changes at Old Trafford over the summer, and his excitement about the campaign ahead. Here's what United's chief executive had to say...

David, it was an eventful Asia Tour; was it ultimately a success?
Definitely. Of course, when we landed in Kuala Lumpur the first text message I got was about the Jakarta bombings, so we had to make a quick decision to cancel the Indonesia leg of the tour. It was disappointing, but it was the right decision and we settled in Malaysia with everyone pulling together to arrange a second game. Asia is a key region for us, and these tours are a combination of working with our commercial partners and seeing our many fans. In that sense, it was a great success.

Another headline-grabbing summer story was the surprise arrival of Michael Owen. How have you assessed his impact so far?
Sir Alex is the best person to measure that, but watching from the sidelines I’ve been delighted. He’s enthusiastic and very happy to be here. We’d discussed signing him for a while – we were aware that he was out of contract at the end of the season, so he was someone we kept an eye on. I hope he’ll prove to be a great signing for us.

What are your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid?
Well, I think Alex said it all: he gave us six wonderful years of service, he was a great player and played a big part in our success. We’re disappointed he’s gone – he’s the best player in the world – and we’ll miss him. But we’ll make amends: we’ve brought in good players and other players will respond. Hopefully we play against him and Real Madrid this season... and beat them easily!

Is it unprecedented for a fee of that magnitude to be paid as a one-off lump sum?
It is, yes, but we insisted on that and we felt it was appropriate, especially given that we didn’t want to sell Cristiano – he wanted to go. So we felt we had a strong negotiating position. And given what was going on in the financial world at the time I much preferred getting the money up front as opposed to worrying about bank guarantees.

Were you also disappointed to see Carlos Tevez leave, and then join City?
I’m disappointed he left, but we move on. In the end we decided to pay the asking price and made Carlos a very good offer. He chose not to accept that and felt his opportunities lay elsewhere. He did well for us for two years and was a key player, but Alex is confident we’ve replaced him well. We’ll see what happens when we play City in September, which will be an interesting game with plenty of media attention. I hope he gets a good reception at Old Trafford, and that we win, of course.

The manager says he won’t make any more signings. Is that how you see things?
Very much so. We’re not in the market for paying a lot of money for players who are 27, 28 or 29. We don’t think it’s good value. That would be their last contract and at the end of that contract they won’t be worth a lot of money. We’re happy to pay significant sums of money for players up to the age of about 25. We’re pleased at the moment with the squad we have and a number of young boys are coming through – we have high hopes for Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck. We’ve also bought in Valencia, Obertan and Diouf from Molde. He’ll join up with us in January. That’s where we’re at, although it’s worth reiterating that people should trust Sir Alex when it comes to what the squad needs. Just because we have a lot of money in the bank, it doesn’t mean we have to spend it.

Finally, are you looking forward to the new season?
Absolutely. The intensity’s building all the time and everyone is raring to go on the field. Off it, season ticket sales have gone well – I’m very happy with that – as have executive sales in a difficult market, and we’re bringing in new partners. I’m looking forward to the new season and I’m sure the fans will get behind us for another great campaign.

Ritchie Relishes OT Run-out

Following a promising first team debut in last season's final game at Hull, Ritchie De Laet showed he is equally comfortable on the Old Trafford stage after impressing in the Reds' friendly win over Valencia.

The energetic right-back looked solid in defence and ably supported Antonio Valencia in attack with a series of dangerous bursts forward, particularly in the opening period.

De Laet thoroughly enjoyed his first run-out on home soil and is happy with his progress to date.

"I only found out I was playing when the boss did his team talk," he told MUTV. "It was short notice but I’m a professional and you need to handle that.

"I felt nervous in the first few minutes, but when you do a couple of good things and you’ve got Rio Ferdinand telling you you’re doing well, the nerves go down and you get on with the game.

"I'm really enjoying myself at the moment and it’s a dream to play in front of this crowd every week with a United shirt on.

"But I’m under no illusions – I need some experience. I know you only get experience by playing so whatever the boss says, I’m ready for it."

A Dream Come True

Tom Cleverley admitted he had realised a boyhood dream, by bagging his first Stretford End strike in the Reds’ friendly victory over Valencia.

The combative young midfielder calmly stroked home the second goal in a deserved victory, capping an impressive all-round display in style.

Speaking to MUTV after the match, Tom beamed: “It’s every boy’s dream, isn’t it? I couldn’t ask for much better. When I found out I was in the squad I was delighted, and I wouldn’t have thought I’d be standing there, after I’d scored at the Stretford End!

“It’s what you strive for, to get in the first team and to score at the Stretford End. I’ve seen my friend (Danny) Welbeck do it and I was jealous of him when he did it (against Stoke last season), now I’ve done it and I’m just so proud.”

Naturally, Tom is already hankering for further senior involvement after his impressive outing, but he concedes that he has no idea what the coming season holds for him.

“I was told last week I’d be training with the first team this week, then I got put in the squad," he said. "It’s all happened a bit fast, but obviously it’s my first game at Old Trafford for the first team but I think I did well.

“When you train with the first team day in, day out it makes you work harder and see you can do it. I want to play in the first team here and get a look-in. It doesn’t come much better than playing with those sorts of players and in that sort of stadium, so now I’ve had a taste I want more now.

“I’m not too sure (what the future holds), to be honest. The plan was to go on loan , but I’ll just see if I figure in the Gaffer’s plans now and just take every game as it comes.”

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Cleverley is highly-coveted property, and admits that he is still undecided on how best to further the youngster's undoubted promise.

"We don’t know what to do, in fairness," he said. "A lot of clubs have been in for him, one or two Premier division teams in fact. He’s going to be a good player, the boy. He does need experience of playing, and it’s something that I’m looking at, whether we put him out on loan."

Boss Salutes New Wing Wizard

Sir Alex Ferguson singled out Antonio Valencia for special praise, after the Ecuadorian laid on two goals in an impressive home debut.

The summer signing from Wigan Athletic crossed for Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley to bag the telling goals against Valencia, and generally caught the eye for his robust, direct approach at both ends of the pitch.

“The important thing for me was Valencia’s performance, I thought he was very, very good,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “He’s got great balance and he’s got power and speed. Coming to our club, he’s immediately taken the challenge well and with purpose, so we’re very pleased with what we’ve seen so far.”

While Valencia’s contribution merited special praise, Sir Alex could also reflect on a string of fine performances as his side deservedly edged an entertaining game. A glut of young talents hinted at a bright future, while the Reds’ forward line created chances with promising regularity.

“It was an opportunity to play a lot of the younger players,” he said. “Tom Cleverley scored, Darron Gibson had two fantastic shots from outside the box – he showed his power tonight, which is pleasing – and Ritchie De Laet and Fabio gave excellent performances.

“I also thought Macheda’s movement in the last third was fantastic. For a 17-year-old, he’s something special. Michael (Owen) showed marvellous movement. He should’ve scored four, but he was unlucky with the first one that he just chipped it over the goalkeeper’s shoulder and by the post. He deserved at least one of them."

Friendly: Man. United 2 Valencia 0

Second half goals from Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley gave United victory in an entertaining friendly against Valencia.

Debutant Antonio Valencia played a major role in both goals as United's wingplay overpowered the visitors, who enjoyed their own opportunities in an open game littered with chances.

Michael Owen, also making his Old Trafford bow as a United player, was desperately unfortunate not to find himself on the scoresheet, as he passed up a pair of chances in each half.

While the finishing was off-key, there was much to admire in Owen's movement and, crucially, his link-up with England team-mate Rooney.

Fielded together for the first time at club level, it took under 20 minutes for the duo to click in devastating fashion. Rooney's superb slide-rule pass released Owen, who stabbed his effort neatly over Cesar Sanchez, but also just past the upright.

Rooney dragged perhaps an easier chance wide when he reached a cross from Ritchie De Laet, before Michel thundered a shot against Ben Foster's crossbar for the visitors.

Valencia used the interval to make 10 substitutions, and were quickly cursing that decision as Thiago Carleto limped off within minutes of his introduction. Substitute goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya eventually replaced him, but by that point United had moved ahead.

Valencia, who had caught the eye more for his ceaseless hassling down the right flank before the break, sped past two defenders and curled in a superb cross which Rooney powered past Sanchez.

Two minutes later, the Ecuadorian seized on a woeful backpass but was challenged by Carlos Marchena. As the ball ran loose, Owen latched onto it and hammered a left-footed shot goalwards, but watched it sped past the upright. Following on from another spurned opportunity, which he curled wide moments before Rooney's opener, it made for a frustrating evening for the former Newcastle striker.

Owen was among a glut of substiutions midway through the second half, making way for Kiko Macheda. The Italian was involved from the off, and almost poked in another cross from the impressive Valencia on 72 minutes. The ball ran free, however, and it was another substitute - Cleverley - who shifted it away from the crowd and tucked home a neat finish.

Game over, but United continued to forge openings. Darron Gibson came closest with a pair of stunning efforts. Firstly, his 20-yard effort from Macheda's pull-back cracked against the angle of post and crossbar, then Sanchez was forced into an excellent one-handed save from the Irishman's fizzing 25-yarder.

All in all, a highly satisfying night's work for Sir Alex's squad. A sterner test of their progress will be provided by Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea in Sunday's Community Shield, but the pre-season signs augur well so far.

Tom Cleverley and Michael Owen celebrates Rooney's opener

Cleverley calmly slots home his clincher at the Stretford End