Fergie Happy With Hargreaves Progress

Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with how Owen Hargreaves' rehabilitation is progressing.

The England international has been sidelined for more than 12 months following surgery on both his knees.

Manchester United are hoping that ground-breaking surgery will help Hargreaves overcome tendinitis, something he has suffered since before his move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.

The 28-year-old is slowly stepping up his training regime, but United have included him in their UEFA Champions League squad and they are looking at a possible return in November.

"Owen is doing very well," said Ferguson.

"Obviously he is delighted to be back because it has been such a long time and I am very pleased with his progress.

"We will probably get him into football training in 10 days' time and depending on how well he does he should be back at the beginning of November.

"We will take our time because the important thing is to get him playing to the right level. We are in dialogue with him all the time and the physio who was doing his rehabilitation over in America.

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

Fergie's No.1 Target Is Rui??

Sporting Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio last night confirmed Manchester United are on his trail.

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is seeking another keeper with Edwin van der Sar due to retire next summer.

Current first-choice Ben Foster has failed to convince, while Polish stopper Tomasz Kuszczak is considering his future after losing out to his English rival.

And Fergie is tempted to move for Patricio. “It is a fact that Manchester United have been observing Rui Patricio,” the 21-year-old’s agent Carlos Goncalves revealed.
- George Scott, Daily Star -

Joy For John

John O'Shea was hugely satisfied with a goal on his 350th United appearance and paid tribute to its creator, Ryan Giggs, whose cameo second half display turned the game in United's favour.

It was the Welshman's right wing free-kick which O'Shea rose to head past Thomas Sorensen in the Stoke goal, having earlier set up Dimitar Berbatov to open the scoring.

"Giggsy's experience of taking up different positions and taking advantage of any gaps proved crucial," O'Shea told MUTV. "The great run he made for the first goal was him all over. The way he used his experience to get on the blind side of the defender was brilliant.

"I was really pleased to score especially against a team who are so strong on set pieces.

"It was a great ball in from Giggsy - I said to him I'd try and get across the keeper - and thankfully I was able to knock it in."

The victory was United's seventh on the trot in all competitions since the shock defeat at Burnley and, alongside Chelsea's loss at the DW Stadium, took them top of table. And O'Shea keeping that fine run going is the only thing on the players' minds.

"We knew we had to put a good run together after the Burnley defeat which was a freak result," he explained."We've always responded well to results like that with a great run of victories, but the games keep on coming and we've got to keep that run going."

Devils Rule Britannia

It probably won't be remembered as a classic, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was more than happy with the way his players navigated Saturday's tricky trip to Stoke.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea clinched a 2-0 win and sent United to the top of the table, but the Reds were made to work hard for the points by a stubborn Stoke side.

"The Britannia's a difficult place to come," Sir Alex told MUTV. "No one gets it easy here – Stoke's home record tells you that. We saw a really good performance by Manchester United.

"I think we played very well and showed plenty of composure throughout the game."

The Reds enjoyed almost 70 per cent of the possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Stoke's determined defence.

"We didn't quite have the penetration to round off our possession," the manager admitted. "Antonio Valencia had a great chance in the first half, but he just clipped it past the post.

"We had a lot of the ball, created maybe one or two near things, but nothing concrete in terms of a real chance. The goalkeeper made a couple of saves from Nani, but other than that it was a case of having possession of the ball but not creating enough chances.

"In the second half we were much better. It was a good day for us."

The Reds are next in action on Wednesday night in the Champions League before returning to domestic action next Saturday when Sunderland visit Old Trafford.

Veteran Giggs Inspires United Win At Britannia

Ryan Giggs emerged from the bench to inspire Manchester United to an impressive win at Stoke City as the champions demonstrated their hunger to claim a fourth successive title by returning to the Premier League summit.

Giggs - outstanding in the contentious derby win against Manchester City last Sunday - showed his enduring quality by making the decisive contribution to set up a victory Sir Alex Ferguson's side richly deserved.

He replaced the infuriating Nani early in the second half and swiftly set up a simple opener for Dimitar Berbatov as United finally transformed their domination into tangible rewards.

He then helped settle the match when he sent over a pinpoint free-kick for John O'Shea to head the second with 13 minutes left.

It was only what United merited for their emphatic superiority, which they exerted from start to finish as Stoke's normally whole-hearted approach fizzled out long before the final whistle.

If Stoke hoped to exploit United goalkeeper Ben Foster, heavily criticised for his uncertain display against Manchester City, they were never given the chance as most of the action unfolded in the Potters' territory and any rare raids were comfortably repelled.

Wayne Rooney was behind all United's early supremacy, but it was the composure and class of Giggs that brought order to proceedings, and three points to United as they leapfrogged Chelsea.
He was the difference between wasted approach play and end product as United ran out comfortable winners at the Britannia, a hostile environment that has proved to be hazardous territory for the top four since Stoke returned to the Premier League.

Stoke's fans were subdued, or at least as subdued as they ever will be, as United ensured they were given little encouragement to create the usual cauldron.

United left Giggs and derby match-winner Michael Owen on the bench - and they watched their side dominate possession throughout the first 45 minutes.

Nani and Rooney were prominent and signalled their threat inside two minutes when they combined for the England striker to hook a bicycle kick just over the bar with Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen flat-footed.

Rooney swiftly repaid the compliment when he set up Nani, whose cross shot drifted inches wide with Sorensen again helpless.

Valencia was guilty of the worst miss of the opening period after only seven minutes when he caught Ryan Shawcross in possession but lifted a right-foot finish wide with only Sorensen to beat.

Stoke were finding it difficult to make any inroads into United territory, but Liam Lawrence did cause one rare moment of alarm when he flashed the ball across the face of goal with no-one in attendance to apply the final touch.

Nani's first-half display was, at best, a mixed bag and he showed the infuriating side of his game when he chose to ignore both Rooney and Berbatov and shoot hopelessly off target after United caught Stoke with a counter attack of breathtaking pace.

Rooney, who had released Nani before racing at least 50 yards to rejoin the attack, was not slow to demonstrate his displeasure to his team-mate.

Nani showed his more acceptable face when he forced Sorensen into a fine save two minutes before the break as the Stoke keeper dived spectacularly to his left to turn away his angled effort.

The Portuguese winger summed up his display with a piece of poor control that brought taunts of "you'll never be Ronaldo" from Stoke City's fans. And when he followed up by wasting a promising position with a cross straight into the hands of Sorensen, it was the final straw for Ferguson, who immediately hauled him off.

It was a predictable move, and one which brought dividends within six minutes as Giggs showed the composure and common sense that had been lacking in Nani to set up the opener for Berbatov after 62 minutes.

He collected Darren Fletcher's superb pass before demonstrating to the watching Nani that football is essentially a simple game, laying on an open invitation for Berbatov to score from close range.

Stoke's fans pleaded for Paul Scholes, who had earlier been cautioned for a foul on Lawrence, to be shown the red card when he handled a cross, but referee Howard Webb showed restraint and the United midfield man escaped further censure.

United keeper Foster had barely been troubled, and Stoke boss Tony Pulis recognised the need for greater cutting edge when he introduced Tuncay and James Beattie for David Kitson and Dean Whitehead with 19 minutes remaining.

Any possible impact the pair could have had was effectively snuffed out as United doubled their lead through O'Shea after 77 minutes - and once again Giggs was the creator with a vicious free-kick that the defender flicked beyond Sorensen.

United saw out the rest of the game in comfort as they delivered an ominous message to those hoping to take the Premier League away from Old Trafford.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:
"The best team won.

"For us to compete against a team like Manchester United we need everybody to be at their maximum. Instead I felt we were flat right from the start.

"They (Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes) are both great players but Scholes was magnificent.

"He was the best player on the pitch by a country mile. Then Giggs makes the two goals.

"You can only respect and admire them. They are absolutely fantastic players."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"There is a long way to go but it has been a good day for us.

"Ryan Giggs is important and he made the goals.

"I felt his intelligence would give them a bit of bother on that side of the pitch. Nani did pretty well but Ryan gives you something else.

"He has the intelligence to take up good positions. For the first goal he went on a lovely run behind their defence and the second was an excellent free-kick."

John O'Shea celebrates his goal with Valencia

No Rush For Edwin Decision

Edwin van der Sar is focusing his energy on getting fit rather than making a decision on his future, insists Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutchman has not featured for the Reds this season after breaking a bone in his hand during the pre-season clash with Bayern Munich.

Van der Sar, who turns 39 next month, is contracted to United until the end of the current campaign although Sir Alex has not ruled out the possibility of the veteran goalkeeper carrying on beyond that.

However, as has been the case over the last couple of years, no decision will be made until nearer Christmas.

"Waiting until late winter [to discuss his future] has always been what we've done with Edwin and that will be the case again this year," the boss told reporters on Friday.

"Given the fact he's out injured at the moment, getting fit will be more of a concern to him rather than talking about what's going to happen next season.

"He's nearly 39 and there will be a time when he decides it's time to stop, but he never decides that at this time of the season."

With the boss confirming Van der Sar is likely to be back in action in around three weeks time he could be in contention for the Reds' league clash against Bolton on 17 October.

Carling Cup 4th Round Draw: Man. United To Face Barnsley

United will face Barnsley at Oakwell in the Carling Cup fourth round next month.

The Reds continue their defence of the trophy after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in the third round.

A second-half Danny Welbeck goal proved enough to send United into the last 16 of the competition, despite playing much of the match with 10 men.

Barnsley, managed by former Reds striker Mark Robins, progressed after beating Burnley 3-2 last Tuesday. United have never met the Yorkshire side in the League Cup, although The Tykes did beat Sir Alex's side in an FA Cup fifth round replay at Oakwell in 1998.

Elsewhere, Arsenal will play Liverpool, Chelsea host Bolton and Manchester City meet Scunthorpe.

Hargreaves Back In A Month

Owen Hargreaves returned to Manchester this week, and United's physiotherapists are assessing at what stage he is at in his recovery from double knee surgery to cure the tendonitis that has cursed his Reds career.

The good news is that, after more than a year on the sidelines, the 28-year-old midfielder is tantalisingly close to a comeback.

He will not be rushed, however, and the physio he has worked with during his rehabilitation in America has joined him at the Reds' training headquarters at Carrington, as United's medical staff look to ease him back into training.

"He's back, and hopefully the boy gets a break and continues his progress without any mishaps," Sir Alex said on Friday.

"He's been out for a long time, but he has the resilience to see it through. It'll take about four weeks to get back into the rhythm of training and to the point where we can consider him for match play.

"The physio he's been working with in the States has come to England with him. He'll stay for a week for the change over working with our physios. They're discussing what stage Owen is at."

A smooth return for Hargreaves is nothing more than he deserves after a torrid time out, and his return would be a major boon for the Reds. "The good thing is that he is young enough to come back from an injury like this," added the boss.

Young Strikers Thrill Sir Alex

United are spoilt for choice when it comes to young strikers. Sir Alex Ferguson blooded another of his promising attacking talents, Joshua King, against Wolves on Wednesday and the Norwegian teenager showed flashes of his undoubted potential.

Sir Alex had given starts to Federico Macheda and eventual match-winner Danny Welbeck, both already earmarked to make the grade. But a cameo appearance for 17-year-old King hints at an even greater wealth of talent bubbling under the surface.

“He’s very quick the boy, he’s got a terrific attitude and he’s only 17,” said the boss. “He has a really good future in the game.

“We’re very fortunate at the moment; we’ve got Macheda, Welbeck, King and young John Cofie, who is in our youth team. It’s looking really good for young strikers, and it’s been a long, long time since we’ve had so many strikers coming through at the club.”

Like last year, winning the Carling Cup is a definite target, but it’s also vital as a finishing school for Sir Alex’s up-and-coming starlets.

“It’s a good tournament for young players,” he told MUTV. “They must have this challenge, the experience of playing at Old Trafford in front of 50,000 fans. It was a good crowd for a Wednesday night in the first round of the League Cup.”

The Carling Cup doesn't just benefit the products of United’s youth system who are still at the club, ask Sir Alex was proud to point out: “I was watching the matches on Tuesday night, and quite a few of our former players scored. Chris Eagles, Danny Webber, Jon Macken, Fraizer Campbell - that was really good to see.”

King Satisfied By Bow

Joshua King felt he acquitted himself well on his first senior outing against Wolves, even if he would have preferred to cap it with a goal.

The 17-year-old striker, rewarded with a call-up after a string of promising displays with the Reserves, looked the part in his 10-minute cameo, and he is hoping for more action over the remainder of the season.

"It's a big step up, obviously, but now I've just got to keep training hard and working hard and I might get a chance in the next Carling Cup game," he told MUTV. "It was a big day for me. I maybe should have scored, but I thought I did well.

"It's been good to play with the Reserves. Last season I was injured most of the time, so this time I've come back and stayed fit. Hopefully I'll stay fit further. I've been with the Reserves quite a bit this season, and I want to keep training hard and continue."

Nerves are inevitable for one of such tender years, but King admitted the presence of fellow Norwegian Magnus Eikrem on the subsitutes' bench proved helpful.

"It was quite nervy at the start, like when I found out yesterday I got a squad number and that I might be in the squad," he said. "But as soon as I went on the pitch the nerves flew away and I got on with it.

"Me and Magnus have got each other - it's a bit of help maybe. We support each other and he supported me when we knew I was going to get on. He told me to do well and it was good to have him with me."

Welbeck Ready For More

Danny Welbeck revelled in his match-winning strike against Wolves, and admits he is living a dream by being on the fringes of first team football with United.

The Longsight-born striker bagged a superb goal against Mick McCarthy's side to register his first strike of the season, and he is already looking forward to the possibility of playing in the Carling Cup fourth round.

"I'm just like any other normal Manc boy, really," Danny told MUTV. "To be given the chance to play for United is a dream, and I'm always willing to go when asked. I need to carry on training hard and get more first team chances.

"That's all of the young boys' aim. We're just looking forward to the next round now, so just play as many youngsters as possible, Fergie!"

Welbeck's goal was fashioned by a drumskin-tight exchange with experienced goal-getter Michael Owen, and the 18-year-old prodigy was delighted with the link-up.

"Tonight it was great playing with Michael Owen, because Michael Owen's Michael Owen. You can always learn from his movement, it's unbelievable. I just knew he was around the corner and he knew where I was going next. He played it there and I finished it off well."

The evening's only negative aspect came with the early dismissal of Fabio. While Welbeck was relieved that to progress in spite of a numerical disadvantage, he did reserve sympathy for the young Brazilian.

"It looked like he slipped," he said. "He did really well to get back at first, but then he slipped and it was unlucky for him. But I think he'll take it in his stride and become a better player for that.

"I thought we did really well to be fair, being down to 10 men for an hour. We went one upfront so I was playing as a left winger- striker kind of role. I just had to get used to the game, get a few more touches on the ball and then the goal came, so I was pleased with that."

Wolves Sunk By Young Welbeck

Danny Welbeck marked his first start of the season with the winning goal as 10-man Manchester United edged past Wolves into the Carling Cup fourth round.

The United youngster was set free by a superb Michael Owen pass and he slotted in to send the holders through.

That came after Fabio da Silva had seen red for a deliberate foul on Michael Kightly, who was clean through on goal.

But Wolves played their part in a fine game, David Jones and Kevin Doyle both forcing saves from Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Premier League new-boys lived up to their pre-match word that they would go for the victory at Old Trafford, despite not having won a top-flight match there in almost 30 years.

But the game's one moment of true class told as United overcame the first hurdle of their defence of the trophy they won on penalties against Spurs last February.

Not that Sir Alex Ferguson ranks that as his greatest priority this season if his selection is anything to by, with the Scot selecting an entirely different XI to the one that started Sunday's derby win over Manchester City.

However, with eight full internationals on the pitch from the off, United had plenty of ammunition to hurt their visitors and Nani and Owen, in particular, took the game to the visitors early on.

Not that Wolves were overawed, and they were happy to throw numbers forward whenever possible, with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake going closer than anyone to breaking the deadlock when his shot from 20 yards dipped inches over the bar.

It was an open contest, full of attacking verve, and one that looked to be heading Wolves' way when Fabio, having slipped, felled Kightly with his arm with the striker through on goal, earning the Brazilian an inevitable red card.

Jones forced a fine save from Kuszczak from the resulting free-kick, but ironically, it prompted United's best spell of the first half and Owen should have done better with a header six yards out from Gary Neville's cross.

A Neville error then let in Jones, only for the former Red Devil to clip well over with just Kuszczak to beat.

The pattern continued in the second half, with United pushing and probing but lacking quality in the final third, and Wolves occasionally threatening on the break.

That was until Welbeck's intervention, the young striker getting on the end of a superb clipped pass from Owen and slamming home to cap the move of the night.

Wolves responded by bringing on strike pair Doyle and Andy Keogh, and the former twice came close to a leveller.

First he brought a smart low save out of Kuszczak with a firm left-footed drive and he then hooked a snap-shot narrowly wide minutes later.

But despite largely dominating possession and territory as the match drew to a close, they could not force a breakthrough and United held on to make it six wins on the trot in all competitions.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"You can't argue with the red card, but Fabio is only 18 and this experience will help him grow.

"Even before we went down to 10 men Wolves were a threat on the counter-attack, but for the last hour we kept our discipline and that was very pleasing. That never-say-die attitude runs through this club and the goal was of magnificent quality.

"Who do I want next? (Son Darren's side) Peterborough at home. All the family should be happy with that."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy:
"My assessment was that we weren't good enough to win it - we've been sat down, patted on the head and sent on our way.

"Nice old Wolves, come up put on a show but don't upset the apple cart. It annoys me."

The goal scorer, young Danny Welbeck

Pogba Agent Backs United

Paul Pogba's agent has again insisted that money was not the main motive behind his client's move to Manchester United.

The 17-year-old's move from Le Havre to Old Trafford has caused the French club to threaten The Red Devils with legal action.

United have refused to be moved by Le Havre's threats, insisting they want a retraction over recent comments, but the French minnows insist they are in the right.

Le Havre say they will take the case to Fifa, who recently banned Chelsea from signing players until 2011, subject to appeal, after they were deemed to have illegally signed Gael Kakuta from Lens.

But Pogba's agent insists United have done nothing wrong and they simply showed belief in the player.

"Of course, it is a nice contract. But not only money makes a young player and his parents change their country," Gael Mahe stated.

"They also look at the way people talk to them, the seriousness of negotiation, the respect shown.

"Did you know what Manchester sent to Paul's mother? Not a big cheque, but a bunch of flowers. It cost €30 but the mother has been moved. She felt trust.

"The father received a book about the club's history, while Paul got a shirt with number 6 and his name in the back. It is a symbol, but they felt Manchester respected them."

Pogba's mother Yeo also dismissed claims that they have received a new house from United as part of their move to England.

"That house story made people laugh in the hotel. Why would we be in a hotel, if we had been given a house? I can assure you Manchester United didn't give us anything," she told France Football.

"Le Havre didn't take care of my son. When Paul missed classes because he played a tournament with the team, we asked to catch it up, but Le Havre didn't care.

"We understood the club didn't have faith in him. They proposed contracts to other players, but nothing to Paul. Trust was broken."

Q&A: Fabio & Rafael

After bursting onto the first-team scene last season, the 19-year-old da Silva twins are ready to challenge for United's full-back spots for the forseeable future...

Can you believe how far you’ve come in the last 12 months?
Rafael: It’s been fantastic to be involved with the first team and I think we both developed our games a lot last season. Our first six months at the club were very difficult because we weren’t able to play any matches [United had to wait for international clearance on the pair’s transfer from Brazil]...
Fabio: But when pre-season started last year we began to get the feeling that we might be involved with the first team which was very exciting. I didn’t have as good a season as I would have liked because of my [shoulder] injury, but this season has gone well so far and I feel like I’m developing very quickly.

Rafael, you played 28 games last season and picked up league and Club World Cup winners’ medals. That must have been a big thrill…
Rafael: It was fantastic. We were very close to winning the Champions League, of course, as well, and even though I missed the Carling Cup final through injury, I still feel like a champion because I played in every other game in the competition. I hope I can play my part in helping the team win even more trophies this season.

Fabio, having seen your brother do so well, did you feel any extra pressure when you made your first team debut in January?
Fabio: I didn’t feel extra pressure, but I knew I had to perform to my best. I was really happy that my brother had done so well and played some great football, and I wanted to be able to do the same. Seeing him do so well spurred me on and I was just pleased to eventually get my chance because being injured had been so frustrating.

Ironically, Rafael, you’ve had the same injury this season…
Rafael: [Smiles and shakes his head] Yes, as Fabio says it’s hard when you can’t play [because of injury]. He’s actually been playing at right-back so it looks like we’ll be competing for the same position when I’m fit again! [both laugh]
Fabio: Obviously we both want to play and it’s a little strange to be competing for the same position, but it also gives us a lot of pleasure to be challenging for a place in the team.

Did you always want to be footballers?
Rafael: Yes, since the age of four that’s all we dreamt of. Whenever I used to blow the candles out on my birthday cake my wish was always to become a footballer. We loved playing the game and, as youngsters, we were very strong runners. A guy called Zezinho, who was a coach of a local team, saw us and thought we both had potential.
Fabio: It was always our ambition to become as good a player as Roberto Carlos – he was our hero. He and Cafu are the best full-backs there have ever been. We watched a lot of football when we younger – we supported Botafogo, but we always used to be Manchester United whenever we played football games on the computer.

Fabio, you’ve shown your eye for goal in the Reserves and Rafael, few can forget your spectacular first strike for the Reds against Arsenal…
Rafael: When the ball went in, I didn’t really feel much because I was only interested in helping us get another goal to draw level. I couldn’t get my head round the fact I’d just scored against Arsenal! But afterwards a lot of people asked me about it and although I was disappointed we’d lost the game, I was delighted to have scored a great goal.
Fabio: I was watching the game at home on TV with my family and we were all jumping up and down when he scored, and my mum started crying because she was so happy. It’s always a great feeling to score – I’ve been happy to get a few goals for the Reserves and hopefully I can score some for the first team.

Describe each other as a player…[Both pause and look at each other grinning]
Fabio: I’ll go first! He’s very aggressive, determined and he never gives up on anything. He always looks to do his best and help the team win at all costs.
Rafael: Despite the fact he plays mainly on the left wing, he has a good eye for goal. He’s aggressive as well and has very good technical ability.

Finally, what are your personal ambitions for this season?
Rafael: Just to help the team do well and play as many games as possible.
Fabio: We’re still young and are just trying to do the best we can. We have a great squad with some good young players and lots of experience. The young lads are always pushing the older ones and hopefully we’ll continue to get more chances.

Reds Salute Owen

Derby winner Michael Owen was the toast of the United dressing room after his last-gasp strike overcame Manchester City’s resistance at Old Trafford.

The arch poacher, on as a substitute, popped up in injury-time to swing a seven-goal thriller United’s way with a clinical finish; the type which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson's summer swoop.

“I always felt the game was going to be played in their penalty box, and there’s no-one better at taking these kind of chances,” Sir Alex told MUTV. "His positional play and finish were absolutely magnificent - world class.

“He was only on for 17 minutes. I just felt with that long to go, with the game being played in their penalty box, there’s no-one better than Michael Owen.”

Patrice Evra echoed his manager’s sentiments, and took Owen’s goal as further proof of United’s squad depth.

“That's why United bought him,” said the Frenchman. “He's the kind of player who can score winners, and he did it very well today. This is United. It's not about 11 players, it's about the squad. When players come in, they have the right attitude.”

Mixed Emotions For Sir Alex

While elated to have snatched victory in the Manchester derby, Sir Alex Ferguson was left with mixed emotions after missing out on the chance to rout the Reds' near neighbours.

Having seen his side shoot themselves in the foot three times, and ultimately require a 96th minute winner from Michael Owen, the Boss saw much to savour, but also plenty to lament in the Reds' performance.

"I don’t know where you start," he told MUTV. "At the end of the day we’ve had a fantastic performance. We made three horrendous mistakes - mistakes you don’t even half-associate with our team - and it kept them in the game.

"Every time we scored, we made a mistake and let them back in the game. If you do that you can end up losing the match. Fortunately we’ve got the break. Michael Owen scored a fantastic winning goal, and we deservedly won the game.

"I am unhappy, because (the defensive errors) spoiled a really emphatic victory. We could have won 6-0 or 7-0 today, and the fact we made those mistakes made it probably the best derby game of all time. You’re left pondering what you’d rather have; win 6-0 or win the greatest derby game of all time. I’d rather win 6-0!"

The most hyped Manchester derby in decades lived up to all its pre-match billing in terms of thrills and spills, but Sir Alex felt his side's dominance - particularly in the second half - was the perfect riposte to City's vocal ambitions of overtaking United as the premier side in the city, and ultimately the country.

"For us it’s unusual to accept that they’re top dogs in terms of media attention," he said. "But sometimes you have a noisy neighbour and you have to live with it. You can’t do anything about them, they keep making noise, but what you can do - as we showed today - is you can get on with your life. Put your television on and turn it up a bit louder!

"As far as the players are concerned, today they showed their playing power. Second half, we were outstanding, absolutely magnificent. I’ve got to cling onto that performance as the real playing power of Manchester United, and that’s the best answer of all."

Match-winner Owen Delighted

Michael Owen says his derby winner will be right up there with the most memorable moments of his career, after sealing a hugely absorbing 4-3 victory in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Old Trafford.

United’s no.7 came off the bench with the specific instruction to nab a winning strike, and he did that in the most dramatic fashion.

“It’s one of those few moments in my career that I’ll look back on and see it as one of the highlights,” he told MUTV. “To score in a derby is great, but for it to be as dramatic as that, you’d have to see it to believe it. It was such an entertaining game and it must be one of the best televised games of all time.”

Owen’s clinical finish will enter folklore in Manchester after one of the most entertaining derbies this city has ever seen. Owen, naturally, takes it in his stride. “Some games you get four chances and don’t score and you get criticised,” he added. “Today I got one and scored. That’s the hard thing as a striker, you have to ride all the emotions.”

Being an impact substitute is a new sensation for Owen, but he’s already proved he’s good at it. “In the first couple of minutes you’re finding your feet, getting your eye and ball coordination going. But you’re playing at the highest level and you have to be right up to speed straightaway.

“You’ve been sitting down on your backside for an hour, so it takes a few minutes to get into the game. But I got sent on for a reason, and that was to hopefully nick a goal. Thankfully it worked for me today.”

Owen admitted he was nervous coming off the bench having soaked up all the atmosphere and tension whilst sat on the sidelines – although he certainly didn’t show his nerves when he got the ball inside the area from Ryan Giggs’ pass.

“It was a brilliant game. I don’t know how the manager and the coaching staff do it. It must be so nerve-racking every week. Whenever I start games I’m never nervous, but when you’re sat on the bench that tension rubs off so you go onto the pitch and you’re a little bit nervous. You’ve been kicking every ball and hearing the crowd throughout the game.

“As soon as they scored I heard the announcement which said there were four minutes, so immediately I thought that we might get a couple of chances. When they score, you think that’s it it’s probably going to be a draw, but you never stop believing that you can do it.”

Fletcher: It Was Emotional

Darren Fletcher described United’s dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester City as “emotionally exhausting” but says the Reds never stopped believing victory was possible.

Fletcher twice put the Reds in front but had to watch in frustration as two of three sloppy mistakes let City back into the game, which is why Michael Owen’s deserved late winner was as much relief as joy.

“That was really special because it’s the Manchester derby and because of the way City have started the season,” he told MUTV. “It was a top-of-the-table clash of sorts, and it was important that we got three points, especially after the way the game went.

“It was an exhausting game to play in. It was emotional because one minute you’re ahead and the next it’s level again. It was up and down, but you have got to believe in yourself and believe in your team-mates.

“The fans got right behind us, it was a great atmosphere and we kept fighting until the final whistle. The way we were playing in the second half we always felt that we could get another goal.”

Fletcher added: “I was pleased to score two, especially because I’ve missed a few easy chances, especially in the earlier games. It’s nice to get two headers, a couple of goals to get me on my way. Hopefully I’ll get a few more.”

But it was the sharp-shooting of Owen that grabs the headlines and left Fletcher in awe. “It was a great move and a fantastic finish,” he said. “Giggsy’s pass was unbelievable, and the way Michael controlled it with the outside of his foot and then finished was brilliant. A natural goalscorer makes natural goalscorer movements, and he’s going to be an important player for us.”

The win reiterates the point that the champions remain the team to beat, but Fletcher thinks the match also indicates the long road ahead if United are to retain the title for a fourth year in a row.

“It shows it’s going to be a difficult season,” he added. “The teams in the Premier League get better and better every season. It gets harder to win the title every year. We just have to concentrate on ourselves and keep winning matches because if we do that we’ll be there come the end of the season.”

Owen Stuns City In Derby Thriller

Michael Owen's winner deep into stoppage time gave Manchester United a dramatic victory in a classic derby encounter at Old Trafford.

Owen, on as a substitute for Dimitar Berbatov, pounced in trademark fashion to beat Manchester City's defiant goalkeeper Shay Given and provoke hugely contrasting emotions in the technical area.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson set off on an impromptu wild dance along the touchline - while City counterpart Mark Hughes immediately demanded to know how the decisive moment of a thrilling game could come almost six minutes into four minutes of stoppage time.

Craig Bellamy looked to have earned City an unlikely point as they came from behind for the third time to level only seconds before the end of the 90 minutes.

And an agitated Hughes was already questioning the amount of time being added on when his hopes of a draw were wrecked by Owen's first goal for United at Old Trafford as City slipped to their first defeat of the season.

Earlier Carlos Tevez, back at his former club for the first time after his acrimonious switch to City, had threatened to return to haunt United in a game that had everything - apart from competent defending.

Wayne Rooney put United ahead after two minutes, but City swiftly restored equality when Tevez took advantage of Ben Foster's hesitation to provide the opportunity for Gareth Barry's equaliser.

Darren Fletcher restored United's lead with a header just after half-time, but Bellamy ensured parity quickly returned with a thunderous 25-yard effort.

United mounted ceaseless pressure and only the efforts of keeper Given kept them at bay as he defied Berbatov twice and the truly outstanding Ryan Giggs.

Fletcher looked to have finally confirmed the three points for United with another header 10 minutes from time, but as Ferguson moved to the touchline and ordered his side to nail down the win, a moment of madness from defender Rio Ferdinand looked to have thrown away two points.
He gifted possession to City substitute Martin Petrov, who sent Bellamy away to beat a poorly-positioned Foster to score.

City's fans inside Old Trafford were understandably jubilant - but a game that put everything the Premier League has to offer on full show, offered up one final twist with Owen's winner.

For United, it was a win they deserved and illustrated that City still have some way to go to achieve boss Hughes' stated aim of knocking their rivals "off their perch".

Hughes will have admired his side's resolve in coming back into the game three times, but the concern will lie in City's hapless defending, where the £40m central defensive pairing of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott struggled to cope with a constant bombardment of crosses in the second half.

The derby was played out against a background of bold words from both managers - and it was an occasion when the game surpassed the hype, and there is no doubt that United's supremacy merited the win.

Tevez was named in City's line-up as he completed his recovery from injury - although he was wearing heavy strapping on his right knee during the warm up.

And he set the tone for a typically industrious display when he almost cashed in on hesitation on the edge of the area between Foster and Nemanja Vidic. It was a flaw that was to have more serious consequences for United later.

United opened with serious intent and took advantage of sloppy defending from City to strike the first blow in only the second minute, with Patrice Evra breaking free inside the area to set up Rooney for a close-range finish.

Tevez's status as a one-time hero at Old Trafford had been wiped out in an instant with his move to Eastlands, but he endeared himself even more to the City fans when he helped set up an equaliser against the run of play after 16 minutes.

Once again Foster was at the centre of a breakdown of communication with his defenders and was robbed by Tevez as he attempted to collect the ball on the edge of his area. The Argentine found Barry, who made a difficult finish look very easy as he slid home from 18 yards with United's goalkeeper hopelessly stranded.

It was a goal that took away all of United's early momentum and by the interval it was City who could justifiably feel more satisfied.

Tevez, who was booked for a late challenge on Ferdinand, was guilty of a dreadful miss on the stroke of half-time, squandering the opportunity to punish the club where he ultimately believed he was undervalued.

Toure ended a surging run with a pass that released Tevez inside the area with only Foster to beat. A desperate late lunge from Evra may just have distracted Tevez, but to only strike the outside of the post represented a dreadful waste.

And Tevez's miss caused even more pain as United started the second half as they had the first, regaining the lead after 49 minutes. Once again City were guilty of poor defending as Giggs was allowed time to cross and Fletcher completed the job at the far post, rising above Barry to head home.

City needed to mount a swift response - and they did in the most spectacular fashion possible as they drew level again within three minutes.

There looked little danger as Bellamy collected possession on the left flank, but he then unleashed a stunning rising angled drive from 25 yards that arrowed into the top corner beyond the outstretched arms of Foster.

It provoked a furious attacking response from United, and only the brilliant Given kept City in the game as the goalkeeper demonstrated his enduring talents once more.

Given twice saved headers from Berbatov and then added to his catalogue of outstanding stops by turning a powerful drive from Giggs over the top.

United boss Ferguson was clearly frustrated at his side's failure to emphasise their obvious superiority, and he replaced Berbatov with Owen on 77 minutes.

When the goal came with 10 minutes remaining, it once again arrived from the unlikely source of Fletcher, who headed home a free-kick from Giggs.

It brought Ferguson to the touchline to gesticulate at his players in a manner that suggested his famous "hairdryer" would be turned on to full power should they allow their lead to slip again.

Sadly, his words fell on deaf ears as Ferdinand committed an error that would have shamed a schoolboy, extravagantly attempting to lift the ball away he only found Petrov, who sent Bellamy clear.

Ferguson's hands were already clasped to his head in anguish even before Bellamy made the most of more poor positioning from Foster to score at the near post.

As City fans celebrated an unlikely point the board went up for four minutes of stoppage time - so it was to the obvious consternation of Hughes that it was closer to six minutes when Owen pounced on Giggs's pass to send Old Trafford into ecstasy with a clinical finish.

Owen celebrates scoring the winning goal against Manchester City

Champions League Group B: Besiktas 0 Man. United 1 (played on 16/9/2009, Singapore Time)

Paul Scholes earned Manchester United a hard-fought win at Besiktas in their opening Champions League Group B game.

Scholes steered in a header after Nani's stinging shot had been parried into his path by keeper Hakan Arikan.

The goal was reward for United's persistence in trying to find a way through the massed Besiktas ranks in a game of rare chances.

The visitors' only scare came when Serdar Ozkan had a shot deflected to safety off centre-back Johnny Evans.

Scholes' goal came after United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had taken off disgruntled striker Wayne Rooney and midfielder Michael Carrick for forward pair Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen.

Rooney went off shaking his head and slammed down his boot after taking it off in the dug-out to reveal his obvious displeasure.

But he had made little impact and Ferguson's move paid dividends in a game where United had struggled to unlock a stubborn Besiktas side.

United knew a hostile reception at the Inonu Stadium would await them and the fanatical fans did not disappoint with incessant noise wading down from the stands.

It was a tough test for last year's Champions League finalists as Besiktas were also keen to appease their passionate supporters following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Galatasaray last weekend.

Ferguson initially opted to use Rooney as a lone striker with left-winger Nani and Antonio Valencia, on the right, providing the width in a five-man midfield.

Valencia in particular was having joy as he gave left-back Ibrahim Kas a torrid time with his pace and trickery.

But the work-rate and resolute defending of the rest of a Besiktas team which defended in numbers limited the danger.

United for the most part were forced to resort to speculative long-range shots, with Rooney dragging an effort wide and Carrick seeing an effort comfortably gathered by Arikan.

Besiktas had failed to find the net in their last three games and looked like a team short on confidence and ideas when going forward, especially in the final third.

But they did come close to catching United out on a rare foray forward when the visitors' defence backed off as Ozkan ran on goal and his 22-yard shot fizzed just over via a deflection off Evans' thigh.

United were given a sight of goal when a cross caused panic in the Besiktas area but Carrick rushed his close-range shot straight at Arikan.

And Arikan could do no more than find Scholes when he blocked Nani's shot, the United midfielder taking full advantage to get United's European campaign off to the perfect start.

Nani celebrating with Paul Scholes

Park Agrees United Extension

Park Ji-sung's agent claims the midfielder has agreed a new three-year contract at Manchester United.

The South Korean midfielder, who has been in talks with the Red Devils for some time, will now remain with the Red Devils until at least 2012.

Park joined United from PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and has been a considerable success during his time in England.

He has become an important cog in the Old Trafford machine, despite finding himself behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for much of his time at the club.

He became the first Asian player to feature in a UEFA Champions League final when he featured in United's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in May, while he has been crucial to helping raise the Red Devils' profile in Korea.

Park has now decided to commit his long-term future to Sir Alex Ferguson's side, with his new deal set to take him past his 31st birthday.

"Park and Manchester United have reached an agreement on a three-year deal," Park's agent Kim Jung-Soo told Yonhap news agency.

"The contract will be effective through June 2012."

Anderson Off The Mark

Having seen Anderson finally break his goalscoring duck after 78 competitive matches, the Brazilian's team-mates were naturally delighted for him.

The 21-year-old lashed home a fine goal at Tottenham to put the Reds on the verge of an impressive victory, and Rio Ferdinand claims the signs were there in recent weeks that Ando's drought was set to end.

"I think the lads have seen it coming," Rio told MUTV. "The international break gave him plenty of time to train and we've seen glimpses of what he can do. He scored a good goal for the Reserves and I think he's got the knack now of scoring.

"Hopefully he can go on a good run now and score more because if he does that he'll be a top-class player."

The Brazilian took plenty of ribbing from his colleagues during his drought, and it seems that ending it will not bring an end to the friendly banter.

"He's had a bit of stick about his celebration," added Ryan Giggs. "But we're all pleased. His performances have been really good since he's come to the club. He's a top player. He knows he needs to add goals to his game and hopefully he'll score a lot more."

Giggs Eye Dead Ball Duties

Having waited patiently in line behind Cristiano Ronaldo for much of the last six years, Ryan Giggs is more than happy to re-assume free kick duties.

The veteran star curled home a fine 25-yard effort at White Hart Lane, levelling matters after Jermain Defoe's early opener and laying the foundations for an impressive United victory, secured by further goals from Anderson and Wayne Rooney.

"I've been a bit rusty at free kicks," the 35-year-old told ESPN. "We've got plenty of players who can take them. "Nani's already scored one this season, Wayne and myself (can both take them). We've got plenty of options, but we didn't have a look-in for four or five years, obviously with Cristiano! I was just glad to see it go in."

Giggs' goal set the Reds up for an important win, but the points were only made safe by Rooney's fine late solo strike. With United a man light after the dismissal of Paul Scholes, Giggs was thankful that the firebrand forward was able to put the game to bed.

"With 10 men obviously it's always tough," he said. "They had a lot of the ball and we had to defend really well, they've got a lot of attacking options so we had to try to get men behind the ball and try to get a breakaway goal - and that's what we got.

"It was a great goal. When you're down to 10 men you're just hanging on really and hoping you get something, a bit of magic, and Wayne's produced that."

Boss Enjoys Fantastic Football

Sir Alex Ferguson saluted his team's composure and killer instinct after United came from behind once again to beat Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe's stunning goal for Spurs after just 50 seconds wasn't the only blow to the champions - later, the Reds lost the services of Paul Scholes when he was harshly shown a second yellow card. But despite playing for more than half an hour with ten men, United wrapped up the win when Wayne Rooney scored on the counter-attack to make it 3-1.

"Wayne's goal came at a great time, it killed the game for us," reflected Sir Alex.

"We were under the cosh with the ten men and had to defend really well. We had some good counter-attacking play and the third goal finished the game.

"Entering the game with maximum points, Tottenham quickly set United a test by taking that lightning lead through Defoe.

"I think it was always going to be a hard game," said Sir Alex. "Spurs are in great form at the moment and they got off to a fantastic start by scoring in the first minute.

"It was a marvellous finish from Defoe but it was early in the game and there were still ninety minutes to play. We had to gather our game and show our composure and I thought our football was fantastic."

After Ryan Giggs equalised from a free-kick, United went 2-1 up through a rare source as Anderson scored his first competitive goal for the Reds in 78 appearances.

"I hope that drives him on to get more because he's capable of that," said the manager.

"He hasn't played a lot of games but he's part of a squad, we have so many midfield players and we have to rotate it at various times in the season and Anderson will play his part. He had a marvellous performance for us today."

The only blemish on a brilliant evening for United was the red card for Scholes.

"It was a terrible sending off," complained by Sir Alex. "I think the referee (Andre Marriner) got it wrong. Scholes clearly lifted his leg above the player. I think the Tottenham player's done him, I think he (Tom Huddlestone) should have been punished.

"I've looked at it twice on the video and I can't see a sending-off in that. I think he was sent off because his name's Paul Scholes."

Man. United Survive Early Scare To Beat Spurs

Manchester United produced a superb display to fight back from a goal behind and win away at Tottenham, despite Paul Scholes' sending off.

Spurs went ahead when Jermain Defoe fired in an acrobatic overhead kick only 38 seconds in, but Ryan Giggs' majestic free-kick levelled matters.

Anderson fired home his first United goal from the edge of the box, before Scholes saw red for two bookings.

Peter Crouch hit the crossbar, but Wayne Rooney's solo goal wrapped it up.

Rooney's goal was an exhibition of counter-attacking play from the 10 men and a brutal response to those wondering whether United would carry the same threat without Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory, especially as United were forced to play for over half an hour without Scholes against a team that had won all four of their Premier League games this season.

And until Scholes' unfortunate dismissal, it was the two old stagers of the side in the former England midfielder and Giggs who brilliantly led United's renaissance, after they succumbed to the quickest goal of the campaign thus far.

With only 38 seconds on the clock and White Hart Lane still a veritable cauldron of anticipatory noise, Defoe produced a moment of sheer class to stun the champions.

Under pressure from Crouch as he tried to deal with a long ball into the United box, Nemanja Vidic could only head into the air and Defoe pounced to dispatch a magnificent overhead kick into the bottom corner from eight yards.

The occasionally unplayable Crouch went close with two long-range volleys, but as the game wore on the influence of Scholes and Giggs gradually increased and with 25 minutes on the clock, the Welsh wizard conjured up yet another memorable moment in his stellar career.

After Dimitar Berbatov had been brought down by Wilson Palacios, the 35-year-old, who was captain for the day on his 700th start for United, bent a quite wonderful free-kick into Carlo Cuducini's top corner to keep up his record of scoring in every Premier League season since its inception in 1992.

United were suddenly flying and - prompted by Scholes - some of their football was an absolute joy to behold. In the space of 10 seconds, Cudicini saved from Rooney, Berbatov's shot was blocked on the line by Sebastien Bassong and the Bulgarian then fired over.

The visitors deserved to go in front, but when they did their goal came from a most unlikely source.

A corner from the United right was half-cleared to Scholes and after his shot hit Ledley King, Anderson rifled in his first competitive United goal in his 76th appearance from the edge of the box.

Spurs needed half-time to reassess and the introduction of Jermaine Jenas almost paid immediate dividends, but after he teed up Robbie Keane to shoot the striker's effort was expertly deflected over by Vidic.

Jenas himself went close when Foster tipped away his curling 25-yarder, before Crouch rose highest to power a header against the United crossbar as Spurs piled the pressure on.

United's task appeared to get harder when Scholes was dismissed by referee Andre Marriner for two fouls, the second a very harsh decision after a collision with Tom Huddlestone.

But United and Rooney in particular were proving a real menace on the break and after he saw one shot tipped against the bar by Cudicini, he settled it with their next attack.

Fletcher's long-range pass found Rooney outside the Spurs box and he easily foxed Alan Hutton before keeping his cool to slot between the legs of the advancing Cudicini.

Ominously for the rest of the league, United - so often slow starters - moved up to second in the Premier League.

Anderson celebrating his first goal for Man. United

Sir Alex Defends Young Signings

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Manchester United's approach to signing young players like teenager Paul Pogba.

United have been accused by French club Le Havre of offering the parents of 16-year-old Pogba £170,000 in cash and a house to move to Old Trafford.

But United's boss said: "We've behaved correctly with young players and their parents - there has never been a case, ever, that we have paid parents.

"It would be crazy because it would be the biggest headache you could have."

United may also face a fresh investigation from Fifa over the signing of Fiorentina's 16-year-old Italian defender Michele Fornasier.

The Serie A club revealed on Wednesday that it had written to world football's governing body about the transfer although a formal complaint has yet to be made.

On Monday, United threatened to sue Le Havre over their repeated allegations of wrong-doing relating to Pogba's signing.

"This was levelled at us by some frustrated director at the French club and he's now going to have to retract," added Ferguson.

"We do it impeccably. They were always going to bring Manchester United into it because we are the biggest club, but without any foundation, without any knowledge of the situation whatsoever.

"What other clubs do is subject to a lot of controversy at the moment but I'm confident at our own club."

Crerand: Fletcher Is First Choice

It's easy to jump on the bandwagon and praise Darren Fletcher's performances, but Paddy Crerand believes his fellow countryman has been turning in outstanding displays for years now, and he considers the Scotland skipper to be United's first-choice central midfielder.

"For me, he is an automatic pick," Paddy said on his phone-in show on MUTV on Monday. "For the big games I think the manager would pick Fletcher, he'd be first on the team sheet.

"Darren has made the point that he wants to be the number one choice in midfield. And he's playing well enough to be number one. I almost don't need to make the point for him, he's making a strong enough case himself.

"He was outstanding against Wigan and outstanding against Arsenal. And against Tottenham and Manchester City, you want him in the midfield."

Fletcher has been thrust into the spotlight, particularly this season, but Crerand rejects the notion that he is United's most improved player. "He's been playing like that for quite a few years now," he added. "I think the fans are starting to appreciate him, that's the only difference.

"For a long time Darren was a scapegoat. When he came through he played alongside Roy Keane and Paul Scholes and there aren't many players in English football, never mind for United, who've been as good as those two. That's the standard that was set, but Darren's got better and better.

"He's a tremendous passer and doesn't get the credit for that sometimes. All you hear is that he gets in at people. But he is enthusiastic and whole-hearted, and fans love that."

Man. United To Face Transfer Scrutiny

Fifa has revealed that Fiorentina have been in contact with them about Manchester United's signing of 16-year-old defender Michele Fornasier.

The Italian club have made initial contact with football's governing body but no formal complaint has been made.

United are confident of their legal position and that Fornasier was not contracted to Fiorentina when he was signed by the Red Devils this year.

"We can confirm that Fiorentina have contacted us," said a Fifa spokesman.

"Fifa were contacted by Fiorentina with regard to the potential transfer of the player, Michele Fornasier, to Manchester United.

"However, so far no formal investigation was opened since the relevant documentation still needs to be completed. Only then will we be in a position to evaluate possible future steps to be taken."

It is the second time this week that Manchester United have been in the news regarding their transfer dealings involving young European footballers.

On Monday, United threatened to sue French club Le Havre over repeated allegations about the signing of 16-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba.

The French club claim United offered financial inducements to Pogba's family in order to lure the teenager to Old Trafford.

Fiorentina are similarly disappointed at losing out on one of their brightest young defenders, who is also the Italian Under-16 captain, and have since written to Fifa.

The news comes in the wake of a transfer ban imposed on Chelsea earlier this month for a similar infringement of the rules.

Chelsea have been banned from signing any new players until January 2011 after the club was found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens in 2007.

Manchester City have this week also been accused by French club Rennes of unlawfully signing 17-year-old defender Jeremy Helan.

Players from European Union countries are able to move to Britain on academy or scholarship contracts at 16, and to sign full professional contracts at 17.

By signing a player under the age of 18, the buying club minimises the level of compensation the selling club will get.

Fifa were unable to say whether there were more cases involving English clubs pending, but acknowledged that the current publicity surrounding the caes of Kakuta, Pogba and Helan might lead to further complaints being registered over the coming days.

Gill's New Appointment

United chief executive David Gill has been elected onto the executive board of the 144-member European Club Association.

Headed by Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the ECA represents teams from Europe’s 53 football nations who have had most success in continental competitions.

“I’m very pleased to be elected,” Gill told The Associated Press. “The ECA has a very important role to play in the relationship with UEFA and other bodies within European and world football.”

Gill joins 14 other officials from Europe’s six most successful leagues – England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Russia – on the board and will serve for two years.

“We are the people who run the clubs, we understand the issues. All parties need to work together to come up with a set of rules and regulations that everyone buys into,” Gill said.

Central Role For Wayne

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is most effective when he keeps his wanderings to a minimum and occupies the centre-forward role.

The Manchester United striker has enjoyed a profitable return so far this season and has four Premier League goals already, putting him level with Jermain Defoe at the top of the scoring charts.

Cristiano Ronaldo's exit to Real Madrid over the summer has left United to ponder how best to replace the Portuguese wide man's prolific goal tallies.

Ferguson believes Rooney can provide the goals to soften the blow and the England front man has welcomed the opportunity.

But Ferguson understands the 23-year-old is prone to roaming.

Ferguson told Inside United magazine: "The boy's got a real hunger and drive about him. He has so much energy that sometimes he overdoes it in the sense that he wants to use it all; he'll drop into midfield or he'll go outside left.

"But he's young, and young players tend to sometimes be that way - they want to spend all their energy on the pitch.

"But if he concentrates like he did at Wigan and spends more time in the central areas rather than the wide positions then he will get goals. There's no doubt about that."

Rooney has been a regular scorer since joining United in 2004, however Ferguson suspects Sir Bobby Charlton's club goals record of 249 will be difficult to beat.

"It'll be very tough," Ferguson said. "Sir Bobby's record is 249 goals, so at this stage of Wayne's career I'd say he'll have to do very well to get anywhere near that."

Man. United Threaten To Sue Le Havre

Manchester United say they will take legal action against Le Havre unless they stop making allegations about the transfer of 16-year-old Paul Pogba.

The French club have this week repeated claims that United offered financial inducements to Pogba's family in order to lure the teenager to Old Trafford.

But United are satisfied the transfer was completed within Fifa guidelines.

"Manchester United is ready to defend any claim brought against it by Le Havre at Fifa," said a club statement.

Fifa themselves say they have received no complaint about United's signing of the 16-year-old French midfielder.

"In response to the wholly unfounded comments widely reported in the media of Le Havre AC President, Jean-Pierre Louvel, Manchester United wish to categorically confirm that as a matter of club policy and in accordance with the applicable football regulations, we do not offer inducements to the parents of players who sign for the club such as monetary payments or the purchase of houses," added a United statement. "Manchester United have today (Monday) written to Le Havre AC to put it on notice that action will be taken if such allegations are repeated in relation to the transfer of Paul Pogba.

"Manchester United is entirely satisfied that the transfer of Paul Pogba has been conducted in accordance with the regulations set down by the world governing body, Fifa.

"It is to be noted that all contractual documentation relating to the player's registration with the club has already been fully ratified by the Football Association and the Premier League."

One of the most highly-rated teenagers in France, Pogba has captained the national team at Under-16 level.

Le Havre have an outstanding reputation in developing young players, nurturing players like Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra and Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia as well as Atletico Madrid's Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who moved from the French club to Liverpool, before going to Spain.

Players from European Union countries are able to move to Britain on academy or scholarship contracts at 16, and to sign full professional contracts at 17.

By signing a player under the age of 18, the buying club minimises the level of compensation the selling club will get.

Le Havre, who were relegated to the French second division last season, claim an agreement between the club, Pogba and his parents was in place for the player to stay until the end of the 2009/2010 season.

In August the French club released a statement on their website - under the heading 'Manchester United steal Paul Pogba from HAC (Le Havre)' - which said: "Le Havre wishes to express its indignation regarding the dealings of Manchester United's directors in relation to the young Paul Pogba.

"The player and his parents refused to keep the arrangement because Manchester United offered very high sums of money to the parents of the (player) with the aim of obtaining the transfer of their son.

"At a time when numerous parties - including at European Union level, governmental (level), or within Fifa or Uefa - are speaking out against the 'trading of minors,' Manchester United does not hesitate to uproot a 16-year-old kid."

But United officials suggested that there was no contract for the 16-year-old to break, therefore the Red Devils could not be offering inducements to do so.

Le Havre repeated those allegations in the wake of a transfer ban imposed on Chelsea last week for a similar infringement of the rules.

Chelsea have been banned from signing any new players until January 2011 after the club was found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens in 2007.

Fresh Faces On The Horizon

Sir Alex Ferguson may have opted not to further strengthen his squad in the dying embers of the summer transfer season, but there are plenty of reinforcements on the horizon.

As well as the impending return of squad members like Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Rafael and Owen Hargreaves, new signing Gabriel Obertan is recovering well from injury, and young forwards Adem Ljajic and Mame Biram Diouf may both arrive in January.

Speaking to October's edition of Inside United magazine, Sir Alex said: "Gabriel has had a spine problem, but I think he’ll be back in about a month to six weeks’ time. We’re taking our time with him because we want him back and at 100 per cent. He’s very quick, he can play both sides or through the middle and he brings a real versatility to us.

"At 16 he was one of the outstanding young talents in Europe, and he’s said to us that over this last year and a half he’s been playing with this back injury and no-one thought about getting a scan. We expect big things from him. He’s a nice boy, speaks good English and should have no problem settling in."

Ljajic and Diouf were both loaned back to their former clubs – Partizan Belgrade and FK Molde respectively – and have been closely monitored by United staff. Both may be brought to bolster the Reds' ranks during the course of the season.

"Diouf will stay there [Molde] until January, at which point we’ll make a decision over whether to apply for a work permit for him or leave him there for the full season," said Sir Alex.

"He’s a powerful boy, quick as hell, good in the air, 21 years of age and he’s done very well at Molde. Playing in Norway is similar to playing here in terms of climate, so we’ve not got an issue with that either.

"Adem Ljajic is another player who we have on loan, at Partizan Belgrade, and he’ll join us in January. He’s doing very well. He was the star of the tournament for Serbia at the UEFA Under-19 Championships over the summer."

Man. United Register European Squad

United have registered 35 players for this season's Champions League group stages, and it is also positive to note that Owen Hargreaves has been included.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men kick off the new European campaign away to Besiktas on 15 September in Istanbul.

The Reds midfielder isn't due back at the club on 23 September, where it is hoped he will begin the final phase of his recovery tendonitis after surgery on both knees last season.

But it is positive nonetheless that he is being considered for action during the group stages.

Hargreaves has been in America working on his rehabilitation programme over the summer and it would now seem he is nearing the end of a year-long road to recovery.

United's Champions League squad numbers in full are: 1.Van der Sar, 2.Neville, 3.Evra, 4.Hargreaves, 5.Ferdinand, 6.Brown, 7.Owen, 9.Berbatov, 10.Rooney, 11.Giggs, 12.Foster, 13.Park, 15.Vidic, 16.Carrick, 17.Nani, 18.Scholes, 20.Fabio, 21.Rafael, 22.O'Shea, 24.Fletcher, 25.Valencia, 26.Obertan, 27.Macheda, 28.Gibson, 29.Kuszczak.

Additional players registered*: 8.Anderson, 19.Welbeck, 23.J.Evans, 31.C.Evans, 33.Hewson, 36.Gray, 37.Cathcart, 38.Zieler, 39.Chester, 40.Amos.

*UEFA rules permit any player born on or after 1 January 1988 who has been eligible to play for the club for any uninterrupted period of two years since his 15th birthday to be registered outside of the 25-man squad limit.

Berba's First Year

Dimitar Berbatov reflects on 12 successful months as a United player, and looks ahead to a similarly silver-lined future...

"My first season at United was great. I think we fulfilled half of the goals we had; we became champions again, but there was the misfortune of being beaten in the Champions League final. That was really bad for everyone, and for me personally because it was the second final I’ve lost. Hopefully it will be third time lucky for me this season.

"I think that this year is different for me. I have had a pre-season tour with the team, which I missed last year, and I really know how every player in the team plays, so I can understand them better on the pitch. Plus Sir Alex knows the best way he can use me. We have many games and I am looking forward to each one so that I can score goals and make my contribution to the team. Last season I scored some important goals, and I was very happy about that. But every player made a contribution, and that’s what it’s all about.

"It’s not about one player, it’s about the team. At every club I’ve played for, the help of your team-mates can push you forward, so you sacrifice yourself for the team and everyone’s help can make you really show your ability. Sometimes our players can make one special move or score a special goal to win the game. Sometimes you have games when you don’t play too well and you need to win ugly. Sometimes we need these games. But we have players who can play beautiful and still win, and that’s what we try to do – entertain the fans and, in the end, win everything there is to win.

"Nobody else has won four Premier League titles in a row before, and we hope that we will be the first to do it. Obviously United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are the main challengers, but there are teams outside the Big Four who can challenge for that spot as well. Everybody’s prepared for that and we’re hungry for more success. That’s what drives these great players forward. Some of them have won everything and yet they still want more and more and more. That’s why they play here."