United Close On £50m Targets??

Manchester United are closing in on a £50million double swoop for David Villa and David Silva after Valencia admitted they are prepared to sell.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been tracking the the Spanish pair for some time but no deal could be struck in the summer. But as United continue to struggle in the absence of the departed Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson needs to find a world-class source of goals - and could be ready to splash a large chunk of the £80m he got from Real Madrid.

United are operating with just three established strikers in Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. But they could soon have new team-mates as cash-strapped Valencia desperately need to raise money.
- David McDonnell, Mirror -

Scorers Savour Victory

United's scorers were pleased with the team's progress, if not entirely by the performance, after booking a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen admitted the Reds could have played better against Barnsley - a tie that threatened to become tricky for the champions.

Owen said: "We didn’t play as well as we could have, especially in the first half when we were average. But we’re happy to be through."

"We needed to pass the ball a bit more," concurred Welbeck, "but the team controlled the game in the second half. The young players did well and the experienced players helped us massively."

Welbeck was especially grateful to Anderson for setting up his early goal. "Anderson said he was going to hit it to the front post so I thought I could get it. The area was free so I drifted in and got my head onto it."

Owen doubled United's lead after the break and conceded that his goal may colour press perceptions of his display. "That’s how people judge me unfortunately," he said.

"I started the recent game against Bolton, we won 2-1 and when I came off I was pleased. I thought I’d played really well but didn’t score. When I looked in the papers the next day, I was given threes and fours out of ten! Tonight I played pretty average but I’ve scored so I’ll probably get a six or a seven."

Eight might be the number on Welbeck's mind, with the Reds now in the last eight of the competition won last season at Wembley. "It's great to go far in the cups. I'm already looking forward to the quarter-finals. We'll enjoy it and do our best."

Reds Deserve Last-eight Place

Sir Alex Ferguson declared himself pleased following United's 2-0 Carling Cup fourth round victory over Barnsley at Oakwell.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen fired home either side of half time to send the Reds through to the last eight. The United boss was pleased with the performance of his young team, and felt his players were well worth the win.

"It was a real cup tie. Barnsley worked very hard and put a lot of effort into the game," Sir Alex said. "They had one or two chances when we went down to ten men, but in the end I think we deserved to get through.

"As well as securing a passage to the quarter-finals, the boss believes the knowledge his youngsters gained away from home was just as invaluable.

Sir Alex said: "Playing away from home in a cup tie is a completely different experience from playing at Old Trafford. Last year we had some good home draws and it was good experience for the lads.

"One of those youngsters was Rafael who made his first appearance of the season. However, rather than slotting in at his usual right-back he started in the rather unfamiliar position of central midfield. According to Sir Alex, this was due to injuries.

"Darron Gibson was injured so we didn't have many options. Rafael trains with the first team all the time, he's a first team player, he's mobile and quick enough with good feet.

"He's good enough to play in there. We thought he was worth a try."

One of the most experienced players on the park in Michael Owen sealed United's win, and in delightful style according to his manager.

"It was a fantastic goal, unbelievable," said Sir Alex. "He showed quick feet and it was a marvellous finish."

The only blips on an otherwise successful evening were a knee injury that forced Welbeck's withdrawal early in the second half - "Danny will have a scan in the morning" - and a red card for Gary Neville. The skipper was dismissed just after the hour for his follow-through on Adam Hammill. Sir Alex felt the referee made the correct decision, despite the full-back appearing to make contact with the ball first.

"Gary has followed through and caught the boy, not high but just above the ankle and in the present climate I think the referee was probably correct. We won't appeal."

Sir Alex's youngsters will now have another chance to show their credentials in the fifth round. The draw will be made this Saturday.

Carling Cup 4th Round: United Advances To Q-finals After Win At Oakwell

Carling Cup holders Manchester United booked a quarter-final place thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Barnsley.

Sir Alex Ferguson made 11 changes from United's defeat by Liverpool on Sunday and they went ahead when Anderson's corner was headed in by Danny Welbeck.

Barnsley went close when Daniel Bogdanovic hit the post, but Michael Owen's expert finish doubled the lead.

Gary Neville was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Adam Hammill, but Barnsley could find no way through.

They had enough chances to get back on level terms, but some profligate finishing cost them any chance of a famous upset at Oakwell.

The match was marred by crowd trouble and South Yorkshire police said 10 fans were arrested.

Eight catering staff were trapped inside a food kiosk and had to barricade themselves in a store room for about 25 minutes as fans broke in and stole cash from the till and food from the shelves.

Stewards on the pitch also had objects thrown at them.

The game itself was the perfect opportunity for Ferguson to give some of his senior players who have not been playing regularly in the first team some much-needed competitive football.

Neville and Wes Brown came into the defence, Anderson was brought into the midfield and Owen started only his fifth game for the club, while Gabriel Obertan made his first start since a £3m summer move from Bordeaux.

Much of the pre-match talk had been about Ferguson coming up against Barnsley boss Mark Robins, the man credited with saving his job when he scored for United in the 1990 FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest.

But Ferguson's side showed Barnsley no mercy in a dominant opening spell as Welbeck thumped home a header with only six minutes on the clock.

It could quickly have got worse as both Welbeck and Obertan forced fine saves from Luke Steele, the first chance coming after an outrageous 60-yard pass from the influential Anderson.

Barnsley were perhaps guilty of giving United too much respect, but they soon improved and Bogdanovic nodded against a post before Stephen Foster twice headed off target from good positions as United consistently failed to deal with corners.

The hosts were beginning to look like the better side, but they had not accounted for the predatory finishing instincts of master goal-scorer Owen.

Having sliced one effort wide early in the second half, he made the Tykes pay with a stunning solo goal on the hour mark.

Owen rolled back the years as he picked the ball up outside the Barnsley area, slipped it through a defender's legs and surprised Steele by taking his shot early, clinically rolling it into the far corner from 16 yards.

It was a magnificent finish, but United were not quite home and dry as captain Neville - to his absolute horror - was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Foy for a tackle on Hammill.

Neville had won the ball in the initial challenge, but Foy ruled the follow through in which he caught Hammill just below the knee on his right leg constituted serious foul play.

The dismissal gave Barnsley and their supporters a lift just when they least expected it, but despite creating a glut of chances they could not put the ball in the net to set up a grandstand finish.

Substitute Iain Hume headed wide moments after coming on, Bogdanovic shot wide from 12 yards and then Anderson de Silva headed off target with the goal at his mercy from four yards.

United roll on to the last eight, while Barnsley head for Peterborough on Saturday in the Championship and a meeting with Ferguson's son Darren.

Barnsley manager Mark Robins:
"I'm disappointed. We must have had between 15 and 17 efforts on goal, but when you don't take one of them you don't deserve to win the game.

"I think we paid them too much respect at the start of the game, we were lacking a bit of belief at times.

"But not many teams will create that many chances against Man United."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"Michael has got great feet, so quick, and it was a marvellous finish. I'd say it was a great goal.

"Barnsley worked hard and put a lot of effort in, they had some chances too, but we probably deserved to progress."

On Gary Neville's red card, he added: "He followed through, in the current climate you can see why it's given."

The goal scorers: Welbeck and Owen

Fergie: Key Decisions Went Against Man. United

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes key decisions went against Manchester United as they lost to Liverpool.

Ferguson conceded Liverpool deserved their 2-0 win but felt his team and referee Andre Marriner struggled with the intimidating atmosphere at Anfield.

"All in all Liverpool were the better team but I think it affected our players and the referee," he said.

"There were so many controversial things that happened we have to feel aggrieved at some of them."

Fernando Torres and David Ngog scored second-half goals as Liverpool took the spoils in a match where they created the majority of the chances.

But Ferguson, recently charged by the Football Association following remarks about the fitness of referee Alan Wiley, thought that three crucial decisions went against his team.

United had a first-half penalty appeal turned down when Jamie Carragher challenged Michael Carrick and Ferguson added: "He has gone right over the top of the ball.

"If it is outside of the box it is a free-kick and maybe a yellow card but it was inside the box and the referee was only six yards from it. It was another bad decision."

Nemanja Vidic was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, but by then Carragher had avoided instant dismissal when bringing down United substitute Michael Owen.

With Liverpool clinging onto a 1-0 lead and four minutes plus injury time remaining, the former Liverpool striker appeared poised for a clean run at goal - but Carragher was only booked by Marriner.

Ferguson said: "Every decision, the crowd put the referee under pressure all the time.

"The most controversial decision was Carragher bringing down Michael Owen. He was clear through.

"The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature and if Carragher goes off, he is their best player and their captain. It would have been a different game. They would have been under pressure.

"The referee was only four or five yards from it so he cannot use a covering defender as an excuse. Michael was clean through. With Michael's pace he is going to get away from him.

"The first Vidic booking was the worst decision. It is a foul, fine, but the player has played on, he won the second ball and knocked it for a throw in and got booked. It put Nemanja under pressure.

"The atmosphere is hard to handle for a referee. Whether he had enough experience, I don't know."

Ferguson also expressed disappointment with the ability of his own players to come to terms with the noise inside Anfield.

"There was a wounded animal aspect to the game and it was something we did not overcome," commented the Scot.

"It was a disappointing performance by us, in the first half in particular. We did not handle the decisions against us."

United created precious few chances during the match and Ferguson added: "Liverpool created the better chances and I have no complaints. We were not good enough but we will always react to defeat - that is the most important thing about this club."

Unhappy Return For United At Anfield

Liverpool ended their worst sequence of results since 1987 and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez in the most satisfying manner possible as Manchester United were deservedly beaten at Anfield.

Fernando Torres demonstrated his world class with a 65th-minute opener, comfortably shrugging off the attentions of Rio Ferdinand before powering an unstoppable finish high past United keeper Edwin van der Sar at The Kop end.

And after United's Nemanja Vidic was sent off for the third successive time against Liverpool and Javier Mascherano also saw red in a thunderous finale, substitute David Ngog raced on to Lucas's pass to wrap up a fully-merited victory.

Anfield was awash with ecstasy as goalkeeper Pepe Reina rushed the length of the field to join the celebrations with Ngog - a sign of what was riding on this result for Liverpool and manager Benitez.

Reds boss Benitez entered this crucial game with spirits lifted after managing director Christian Purslow added his weight to co-owner George Gillett's message that his future is not under threat.

But it was the commitment and energy shown by Liverpool in the face of four successive defeats that was always going to be the most realistic measure of the current circumstances surrounding Benitez.

And Liverpool delivered in emphatic fashion, backed by fervent Anfield supporters who recognised Benitez had reached a pivotal point in his five-year reign.

Liverpool held sway for most of a match that only occasionally touched the heights, but the workload of the respective keepers confirmed this was a victory well-earned by Benitez's side - and which now leaves them only four points behind the Premier League champions.

United mounted a late rally of sorts but Ngog's late goal gave the scoreline a more realistic appearance.

And watching it all after a late cameo as substitute was Michael Owen, returning to Anfield for the first time since joining United and being subjected to a venomous reaction from Liverpool's fans.

Owen was involved in the late drama as he was fouled by Jamie Carragher with United trailing 1-0 and boss Sir Alex Ferguson felt the Reds defender should have been shown a red card rather than yellow.

It was perhaps the stroke of luck Liverpool have been missing recently.

Events on the pitch, as ever, will ultimately dictate Benitez's fate and United fans arrived at Anfield in the mood to revel in Liverpool's current misfortune.

Eric Cantona masks and a succession of banners served as a reminder that they now equal Liverpool's total of 18 league titles - with beach balls thrown on to the Anfield turf to mock the manner of Liverpool's defeat at Sunderland.

The Kop rallied behind Liverpool, who as expected were without injured captain Steven Gerrard, and they responded with an energetic first-half performance in which United keeper Van der Sar was fully extended.

Van der Sar leapt brilliantly to claw out Aurelio's free-kick in the 14th minute after Patrice Evra had been booked for his third foul in quick succession - even recovering to keep out Kuyt's effort from the rebound.

Kuyt was guilty of missing Liverpool's best chance of a frantic opening three minutes later when he failed to hit the target from the angle after he was released by Lucas.

Valencia's pace was posing real problems for Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua, and he was the provider with a cross that saw Wayne Rooney's header clutched by Reina in front of an anxious Kop.

Liverpool were rising to the challenge of ending their recently dismal sequence, and Aurelio should have given them the lead 10 minutes before half-time, heading straight at Van der Sar from Yossi Benayoun's cross.

Benitez's side started well again after the break and Kuyt, his confidence perhaps sapped by earlier failures in front of goal, tried to set up Benayoun when the Netherlands striker would have been better served trying to test Van der Sar.

The goal Liverpool craved eventually came - and from a predictable source as Torres showed searing pace and clinical finishing to shrug off the attentions of Ferdinand before lashing a finish high past Van der Sar at The Kop end.

It was the signal for former Liverpool striker Owen to warm up, and he was subjected to a torrid reception and cries of "Judas" from the supporters who once idolised him.

Owen almost delivered the perfect answer to the taunts when he set up Valencia, but his shot smashed against the bar from a tight angle and United's last serious chance had gone.

There was still time for a frantic finish, with Vidic achieving the unenviable feat of a third red card in three games against Liverpool when he picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Kuyt.
Mascherano joined him on the sidelines for a similar offence, this time a late challenge on Van der Sar - but the final word was left to Liverpool and youngster Ngog.

As United pressed forward in numbers, Liverpool broke and Ngog finished with composure from Lucas's pass to set the seal on a day that went almost perfectly to the script for besieged Benitez.

Carragher was lucky not be to sent off for hacking down Owen when it appeared that the former Liverpool player was heading towards goal

Rio Backs Valencia To Shine

Rio Ferdinand has backed team-mate Antonio Valencia to have a big impact at Manchester United over the coming season.

The winger was signed from Wigan in the summer for £16million as Sir Alex Ferguson looked to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following a subdued start to life at Old Trafford the Ecuador international has started to find his feet with the Premier League champions.

Having netted his first United goal at the weekend against Bolton Valencia quickly grabbed his second in as many games when he scored the winner against CSKA Moscow in the Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.

"I think everyone is very pleased with what Antonio has done," Ferdinand said.

"He is always available, always backing himself on the ball and doesn't mind a bit of contact. He is a strong lad and that's what you want.

"He's playing well and I'm sure he will keep improving and keep scoring goals."

Comparisons with Ronaldo are inevitable but the two player's characteristics couldn't be further apart as Valencia proved with his low-key celebration in Moscow.

"He's a really humble and quiet lad. He comes in, does his work and goes home," Ferdinand added.

"He is from the Paul Scholes mould of embracing hype and attention but he's the most confident guy on the football field and he's been very impressive since he arrived."

Ferdinand has withdrawn in the 57th minute with the scores at 0-0 against CSKA but the England international insists it was a precautionary measure with the match against Liverpool on Sunday in mind.

"I knew before the game (that I was coming off). The manager said I would play around 60 minutes. It's just with an eye on Sunday," he added.

Ferdinand is hoping to heap more misery on Liverpool at the weekend but he insists the Reds' poor form will mean nothing when the game kicks off.

"We all know there is a big rivalry between the two teams, like you see in derbies or FA Cup games," he stated.

"But form just goes out of the window. It is about who performs best on the day and that is what we are trying to do."

Duo Shine In Moscow

Antonio Valencia and Fabio were picked out for special praise after United's win in Moscow, on a landmark night for the two players.

Valencia's first Champions League goal capped a fine performance on the right flank and came just five days after his maiden strike for the Reds in Saturday's victory over Bolton. His captain, Gary Neville, was just one of the Antonio admirers speaking to MUTV.

"He’s got a lot of quality, he’s very strong and quick," said Neville.

"He’s like an old-fashioned winger who likes to get crosses into the box. He’s a constant threat to the defender, always on the shoulder and tonight in the second half he was getting behind them all the time. We played quite a few balls in behind their left back and Antonio made it very difficult for him."

Rio Ferdinand has also been impressed by match-winner Valencia, on and off the pitch.

"I think Antonio Valencia is in the Paul Scholes mould, in the way that he approaches the game," Rio told MUTV.

"He's a very humble lad. He comes in and does his work and then goes home. He's most comfortable out on the football pitch. He's been very impressive so far and I'm sure he'll keep improving. He's scoring goals now as well, which is great."

Fabio, meanwhile, was impressive on his European debut, curtailed only by cramp two minutes from time.

"He was absolutely outstanding," said Sir Alex. "The boy is a magnificent player at only 18 years of age. Absolutely first class."

Ferdinand added, "Fabio is a mirror image of Rafael in the way that he plays. He's a fantastic player and the lads really enjoy having him in the team. He's enthusiastic, he's willing to learn and wanting to try new things. He's a breath of fresh air."

Sir Alex Lauds Team 'Maturity'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his side's "maturity" was behind their record-equalling Champions League away record.

United beat CSKA Moscow to match Ajax's benchmark of 14 games unbeaten on the road in the Champions League era.

"The away record is something we should be proud of," said Ferguson.

"It is not easy away from home in Europe and we have been to some fantastic places over the years. I think it shows maturity."

Antonio Valencia grabbed the winner against CSKA late on as United were rewarded for their perseverance.

"There is a way of playing in Europe away from home and I think you saw that (against CSKA)," said Ferguson.

"We showed good patience and retained good possession and I think that was the key factor."
He added: "We are very pleased with our performance.

"The situation in the group is now nine points. I have always maintained that you need 10 to qualify.

"We now have a home game against CSKA in two weeks' time which we hope can take us to the next stage."

Ferguson shrugged off any concerns of the artificial surface at the Luzhniki Stadium and cited how summer signing Valencia is starting to settle following his summer move from Wigan.

Valencia scored his first goal for the club against Bolton last Saturday before his effort in Russia.

"He has been the plus point for the last two weeks," said Ferguson.

"He is settling into the club, his confidence is stronger and he has tremendous assets for a wee player - strength, balance, feet and a good crosser of the ball.

"The area he hadn't shown was goalscoring ability. We said when we signed him this was his challenge to progress as a footballer.

"Now he has scored two in two games and that will help him."

Ferguson took central defender Rio Ferdinand off just before the hour but said that was a precaution ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool.

CSKA could not capitalise and manager Juande Ramos conceded United deserved their win.

"We were playing very good for 80 minutes but later in the match we got tired and lost concentration and that cost us all three points," said the Spaniard.

"Manchester United were the more classy team. They were very good in possession, while we made too many mistakes in the very end.

"United have already (virtually) qualified, while three other teams in our group have equal chances for the second place into the knockout stage.

"We are set to perform better in the remaining matches and enter the play-offs."

Valencia Powers United To Win At Luzhniki Stadium.

Manchester United put themselves on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase with a win over CSKA Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Antonio Valencia earned the deserved victory late on when he angled in a strike at the far post after Dimitar Berbatov had flicked on a Nani cross.

Moments earlier, Valencia had smashed a shot against the crossbar.

The lively Nani had also gone close earlier on when his header was turned round the post by keeper Igor Akinfeev.

United were back at the scene of their 2008 Champions League final triumph over Chelsea when keeper Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to secure a win on penalties.

That game had grass specially laid for it whereas the normal artificial surface was used on this occasion as a patient United notched their first win over a Russian side in Europe at the sixth attempt.

Despite CSKA being the more familiar with the so-called plastic pitch, United looked just as comfortable on the ball in what quickly developed into a cagey affair.

United were given a scare when centre-back Nemaja Vidic played his side into trouble and allowed Milos Krasic get in an 18-yard shot which he put over.

At the other end, Akinfeev was nearly caught out before managing to scramble a 30-yard Paul Scholes shot, which bounced in front of him, over his bar.

Gary Neville curled a left-foot shot narrowly high but, whether it was the pitch or defensive mindset of the teams, goalmouth chances were proving a rarity.

As much might have been expected considering, going into the tie, CSKA had won their last six matches at home in Europe while United were unbeaten in 13 away games in the Champions League.

However, Nani nearly changed the complexion of the match when he burst past Georgi Schennikov, although none of his team-mates took the gamble to get on the end of a cross he slid across the CSKA goalmouth.

Portuguese winger Nani looked the most likely to get the goal the game desperately needed and was only denied when Akinfeev dived low to his left to turn his header round the post.

CSKA - managed by former Sevilla, Tottenham and Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos - might have been the home side but showed little ambition, with United looking the more threatening as the game progressed.

Substitute Michael Owen missed a 10-yard volley from a Valencia cross before a lapse in concentration at the back by United was only rescued by the assistant referee's flag.

Krasic would have had a free shot on goal but was wrongly ruled offside.

A CSKA goal would have been unfair on the visitors and they heeded the warning as they produced a slick move involving several one-touch passes before Valencia saw a sweet strike come back off the crossbar.

Valencia made no mistake shortly afterwards when he scored the goal to reward a professional performance, leaving United commandingly top of Group B with three wins out of three.

Match winner Valencia in action against CSKA Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Evans Aims To Express

Jonny Evans wants to come out of his shell a bit more this season and express his burgeoning ability on the pitch.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland defender never looked out of place whenever he was called upon last season to step in for injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

He's done the same again so far this season, but it's his aim now to step up his performances another level.

"I'm still learning and improving all the time," he told United Review.

"I feel like there's a lot more to come from me. I had a decent season last season, but I was playing within myself a bit.

"I've got to learn how to express myself more on the pitch. Last year, because it was my first real season in the team, I just stuck to the defending side of things. This year I need to try and get on the ball and express myself.

"I was making a conscious decision within myself to play it safe and make sure I wasn't at fault for any goals, and just generally to concentrate on defending above all else.

"I'm not saying I'll be trying to dribble all the way through the opposition from now on, just that I need to be a bit more outgoing on the pitch and more commanding."

Evans says he's also concentrated on balancing football training with strength and conditioning work in the gym. It's all part of his overall improvement as a player, which has led Sir Alex Ferguson to admit he finds it difficult to leave the Belfast-born centre-back out of the team sometimes.

But Jonny isn't letting that praise go to his head. "I think the gaffer gives the players little boosts sometimes. He's going to have to leave me out at times during the season, and he can say things that make you feel good while he's leaving you out.

"It's nice that he's saying those things, and if he's thinking that way then it shows that I'm doing something right. That's good, because Rio and Nemanja are unbelievable players."

Sir Alex Charged

Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association, following his remarks about referee Alan Wiley.

The FA confirmed the decision late on Monday morning but no punishment has yet been set for the offence, as the disciplinary process will now allow the United manager to respond to the charge. He has until Tuesday 3 November - the day of the Reds' home match against CSKA Moscow - to do this.

A brief statement on the FA's official website reads as follows:

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.

"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October.

"Ferguson has until 3 November to respond to the charge."

Trio Shortlisted For Top Prize

Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic could follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps… by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

The United stars are three of 30 European-based players on the shortlist, announced by France Football on Saturday. The award, won by Ronaldo last year while wearing United colours, is voted for by world football journalists.

Giggs has been in sparkling form in 2009 and earlier in the year won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Rooney, too, has continued his emergence as one of the brightest talents in European football, particularly since the departure of Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer.

Meanwhile, Nemanja Vidic has been consistently rock-solid at the heart of United's defence and, back in May, was the recipient of the Sir Matt Busby Players' Player of the Year award, voted for by his club team-mates.

The Barclays Premier League is well represented in this year’s Ballon d’Or nominations: 10 of the 30 nominees currently play their football in England. But it’s Barcelona’s Lionel Messi who’s widely tipped to take the crown from Ronaldo when this year’s winner is announced on 1 December.

Ronaldo’s chances of becoming the first player to win back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles since Marco van Basten achieved the feat in 1989 shouldn’t be discounted: in the first half of 2009 he helped the Reds to Carling Cup and Barclays Premier League silverware and scored 16 goals after the turn of the year.

Since joining Real Madrid in the summer he’s netted nine times in seven games.

Nani Eager To Show Best Form

Manchester United winger Nani has been pleased with his start to the season but says there is still a lot more to come.

The Portugal international was only given limited opportunities to impress during his first two seasons at Old Trafford after arriving in 2007.

He has been entrusted with more responsibility since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Real Madrid over the summer and has shown glimpses of his best form.

The 22-year-old nevertheless insists there is room for improvement and he is confident the fans will soon see him perform on a more consistent basis.

"Everyone knows it was more difficult for me when Ronaldo was here at United," Nani told The People.

"It was always difficult for the manager to play with the two of us together.

"But now Cristiano has gone I can show my ambition for the club and I am working very hard. I have pledged to myself that this is going to be my season.

"I am only thinking about this season. Forget the past. I want to be the man. I have a lot to do to show people my best because I haven't done that yet at United.

"I have played a lot of games and done some good things, but I need to improve."

Nani is also convinced that Portugal can book their place in the World Cup after sealing a play-off spot, while he admits he would love to see national team manager Carlos Queiroz return to United at some point in the future.

"Portugal have to be confident now because we have done well with a lot of new players and they are getting better all the time," he said.

"It must be very different for Carlos Queiroz because here in Manchester he was the second coach.

"Being No.1 is a completely different position, but he is still the same person with me.

"Maybe he can come back here to United one day. I hope so, but you just never know."

Rio's Rhythm Will Return

First Fabio Capello, now Sir Alex Ferguson.

The two men whose opinions matter most to Rio Ferdinand have both voiced their support for him this week, following his much-publicised recent errors for England and United.

Sir Alex said: "Maybe missing games has affected him. If he gets into a run of matches, I'm sure the rhythm will come back.

"I think all players worry about their form if they're making mistakes and getting criticism. They have to. They wouldn't be human if they didn't. So it's an unusual experience for him. But he will get through it, I'm sure of that."

It was suggested to Sir Alex that over-confidence might explain the moment Rio gave the ball away in the Manchester derby, which directly led to Craig Bellamy's equaliser at 3-3.

"I don't know if it's that," Sir Alex replied. "I think there has always been a casual part of Rio's game since he was a kid.

"It's a casualness that has been an advantage to him at times. At other times, particularly in his younger days, it was a weakness.

"But in his time with us, his development and maturity have brought about some outstanding form, consistently, for quite a long time."

Edwin Enjoys Return

United’s defence may have been breached on Edwin van der Sar’s return to first-team action, but the Dutch stopper enjoyed his first run-out of the season.

“When you come back you always want to keep a clean sheet,” he admitted. “But the most important thing is the three points and we hung on today and deserved the win. I enjoyed the game and it was good to get another victory.”

Van der Sar’s goalmouth came under intense pressure in the closing stages, as Bolton threw everything at the Reds. But the 38-year-old stopper says the game should have been put to bed long before Matthew Taylor’s goal gave the visitors hope of snatching a point.

“For long periods we were the better team and created the most chances,” he told MUTV. “Jussi Jaaskelainen played spectacularly again and pulled off some fantastic saves.

“At 2-0 the game wasn’t over and Bolton scored a scrappy goal – we didn’t defend well on that one. We didn’t panic but the game should have been done and dusted. Instead, we were left to fight to hold onto the lead. We had to dig a bit deeper than we maybe expected after 50 or 60 minutes.”

Van der Sar is expected to keep his place in goal for United’s trip to Russia on Wednesday, where he hopes to keep CSKA Moscow at bay in the Luzhniki Stadium. Also key to that will be Rio Ferdinand, who’s come under fire from some quarters after recent errors. But van der Sar is backing the England international to regain his finest form.

“Rio’s a strong character and an excellent player. Of course sometimes you go through a bad patch but that doesn’t affect Rio. He and I have to make sure we get that good understanding back that we had last year and I’m sure we’ll be solid again.”

Evans Pays Tribute To Bolton

Jonny Evans was full of praise for Bolton's never-say-die approach in Saturday's nervy encounter at Old Trafford.

United moved back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 win over Gary Megson's side, but were ultimately relieved to take all three points after a late rally from the Trotters.

"At the end we were hanging on a bit," Evans admitted to MUTV. "We had a lot of chances. I think Michael Owen had a chance, Berbatov's had a few volleys and gone close, but full credit to Bolton for hanging in there. They got the goal and it gave them a chance towards the end of the game.

"You know you're going to be in for a long afternoon (against Bolton's Kevin Davies), and in the first half particularly I found it a bit tough, physically. In the second half I thought I got to grips with the game a bit more, and his physical presence."

Evans came close to scoring his first United goal, moments after Zat Knight's own goal had put the Reds into an early lead, only for Trotters goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to shovel the defender's header against the woodwork.

"I don't think I'm ever going to get that goal," Jonny lamented. "I saw it on a replay and I should have probably done a bit better and directed it more towards the post, but you see the glory and close your eyes. I thought it was in."

Having just about done enough to take the points, the champions leapfrogged Chelsea to the summit of the table, by virtue of the Blues' shock defeat at Aston Villa.

Evans and his colleagues aren't getting carried away, however, by taking an early lead in an increasingly unpredictable Premier League campaign.

"It's a good day for us," he admitted. "But we were watching the Chelsea game in the changing room before the game and we know it's going to be quite an up-and-down season. A lot of teams in the Premier League are improving all the time and they're getting closer and closer to the top. It's making it a really exciting league."

Boss Relieved After Late Siege

Sir Alex Ferguson was predictably relieved after United survived a late Bolton onslaught to re-assume top spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Zat Knight's early own-goal and a fine finish from Antonio Valencia had the Reds cruising to the summit, following Chelsea's defeat at Aston Villa. However, Matt Taylor's late strike halved the arrears,and Gary Megson's side created further openings until the final minute of stoppage time.

"We made it hard for ourselves when we should've been well in front," Sir Alex told MUTV. "When Bolton scored late on, the last 10 minutes were nervous. We panicked at times but we got through it - just.

"Some of the football was very good. There was great speed to our game and we were a constant threat to them. It's a pity we didn't get our second goal earlier on, because we could have run up another good score.

When Bolton came into the game a little bit before half-time, we caught them on the break. That was a comfort zone for us - maybe too much because they were relaxed in terms of their play in the second half. We should have finished the game but didn't, and sometimes you can leave yourself regretting these things. But we got through it, and particularly with other results round about us today, it's a good day for us."

United have registered just three clean sheets in nine Premier League ties this term. While Matt Taylor's late header wasn't in the same hair-tearing league as sloppy concessions against Manchester City and Sunderland, Sir Alex wants his side to quickly arrest
the flow of goals against.

"I think in past years we've had runs of games without losing goals, which have been important in terms of winning the championship," he said. "We have to get back to that.

"Today's was a slack goal to lose; a soft header from the back post. We shouldn't be losing goals like that, but Bolton are a handful and you have to give them credit.

"I can't analyse the goal today in the same context as the Manchester City game, which were complete errors, or the second goal against Sunderland. These are bad errors."

United Go Top With Trotters Win

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League with a nervy victory over Bolton at Old Trafford.

The champions took an early lead when Michael Owen's header was deflected into his own net by Zat Knight.

After Antonio Valencia lashed home his first goal for United, the hosts looked to be cruising to the three points.

But Matt Taylor headed in from Kevin Davies' cross and Bolton began to flood forward in search of an equaliser, only to be denied by some dogged defending.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be mightily relieved to have secured the win, which was far from convincing but sees them go a point clear of Chelsea after the Blues were beaten at Aston Villa earlier on Saturday.

Such was their dominance, United seemed to switch off mid-way through the second half and were fortunate not to be punished as Bolton laid siege to their goal.

They will have to raise their game for the trips to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday and then Liverpool in the league four days later.

Bolton, who drop a place to 13th, will feel their late rally was worthy of a point but, in truth, they would have been out of contention far earlier had United taken a few more of their numerous chances.

A seventh straight defeat at Old Trafford looked likely for Bolton as early as the fourth minute when Owen found himself unmarked to meet Ryan Giggs' precise cross with a glancing header.

The ball was heading wide but, unfortunately for the visitors, it struck Knight's leg and trickled into Jussi Jaaskelainen's net.

Owen, benefitting from Wayne Rooney's calf injury to make only his second league start for United, was at the heart of United's electrifying start.

The 29-year-old was one of eight changes to United's starting line-up and caused the Bolton defence no shortage of problems in the opening exchanges.

United's outstanding performer, however, was Giggs and the 35-year-old winger almost set up a second as his cross from the right was headed goalbound by Jonny Evans, only for Jaaskelainen to save brilliantly on to a post.

Bolton's five-man midfield was providing little cover for their back four - but to their credit they did get forward to support lone striker Davies whenever possible.

On one such occasion, Davies escaped the attentions of Rio Ferdinand but headed wide from an unmarked position following Sam Ricketts' centre.

Nine of Bolton's 10 league goals this season have come from set pieces and they almost continued that sequence when Taylor drove wide after Davies had chested down Gary Cahill's long punt forward.

But United were in a comfort zone and reasserted their authority with a second goal, Valencia playing a one-two with Owen before drilling a powerful strike past Jaaskelainen.

Bolton had the first chance of the second half, Knight heading Taylor's free-kick straight at Edwin Van der Sar, but United, and in particular, Dimitar Berbatov ensured they were soon under the cosh once more.

The Bulgarian, laid on two chances for Owen , the first of which was dragged wide and the second clipped wide under pressure from Knight, and one for Valencia, who was expertly challenged by Jlloyd Samuel.

With the match turning into what seemed like a United training session, Berbatov, on a high following the birth of his daughter, Dea, in Sofia on Thursday, had an acrobatic volley repelled by the marvellous Jaaskelainen and Valencia's low effort was again saved by the Fin.

It took the introduction of Mark Davies to spark Bolton into life and the zest with which they attacked appeared to take Ferguson's men completely by surprise.

After Mark Davies' superb run, Kevin Davies crossed at the second attempt for Taylor to rise above Patrice Evra and nod powerfully past Van der Sar.

Bolton's two other substitutes, Ivan Klasnic and Chris Basham, troubled United time and again with the former having a goal disallowed after Ricardo handled.

Klasnic and Knight both had chances to draw their team level and, deep into stoppage time, Cahill headed straight at Van der Sar, but United managed to hold on.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"It was more tense than we would have liked.

"We made it hard for ourselves and we were panicking at times. But we got through it, just.

"This is a tough league. There have been some surprise results already.

"But we have had a couple ourselves, losing at Burnley and drawing at home to Sunderland."

Bolton manager Gary Megson on Ivan Klasnic's disallowed goal and Manchester United's succession of narrow wins:
"It was a ridiculous decision. Ricardo (Gardner) clearly got to the ball in front of (Edwin) Van der Sar.

"I didn't think it was a free-kick at all.

"The point is words that people are using (for United) are 'almost', 'nearly' and 'might have'.

"The fact is, they haven't."

Valencia scored his first goal for Man. United in the 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers

Anderson: I Will Score More Goals

United's Brazilian midfielder reveals his love for the club and promises supporters they'll see him hit the net again...

I've been at the club for just over two years now and I feel very happy.

Of course everybody has times that are not the best, but I know I'm at home here. I'm a part of the family and I care very much for everyone.It is an honour to play with all the great players at this club – the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have lived their whole lives at United, they are like the coat of arms for the club.

It's an honour to be working alongside people like that.

I want to keep improving and score more goals. I was delighted with my first goal against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in September – it was a great moment to finally score for United and it felt very special to have all my team-mates surrounding me in celebration.

I should be scoring more goals, but the way the team plays means it can be difficult to get inside the area at times. I just want to continue to play well and score many more goals for the club in the future.

Fergie Writes to Defour

Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded Manchester United's interest in Steven Defour after sending a letter to the Standard Liege captain reassuring him that he remains in his thoughts.

The talented Belgium international is currently sidelined after breaking a bone in his foot, but was the subject of considerable interest in the summer.

Defour has previously attracted the attention of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, while Everton had a £9million bid for the player rejected in the close season.

Liege are under no pressure to sell as Defour is under contract until 2013, while a move in January is prohibited in any case by his injury.

It would appear though that United could be weighing up a move in the summer as Ferguson has moved to reassure Defour of his interest.

The letter, which has been released to the media, reads: "Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.

"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.

"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.

"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."

Defour was delighted to receive Ferguson's letter but the 21-year-old was swift to point out that the Premier League club had done everything by the book and had sent it to his club to pass onto him.

"One thing I should like to highlight is that Ferguson has followed his interest officially," Defour told Het Laatste Nieuws. "He addressed the letter to Standard.

"I think the attention is great, but I do not want people to think I am already at Manchester, which is by no means the case.

"But if they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems."

Defour, who is rated as one of the most promising players in Belgium, is targeting the match against Anderlecht on 16th January for his comeback date.

O'Shea Looking Forward, Not Back

John O'Shea hopes there are still plenty more chapters to write in his Manchester United career at he celebrates 10 years of first-team action.

The Republic of Ireland international made his Red Devils debut in October 1999 in a League Cup tie at Aston Villa.

O'Shea has gone from strength to strength despite periods where he seemed destined to leave Old Trafford to secure regular football elsewhere.

The Waterford-born defender has amassed 352 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson, although it is his future that he remains concerned about.

"I don't want to look back on my Manchester United career," he said. "Fingers crossed there is lots more to come.

"I knew if I was going to leave United I would have a great grounding. The education was terrific, not only in terms of football, but maturing as a person.

"But when you look back, I guess everything has worked out okay so far. Long may it continue."

O'Shea was handed the captain's armband for United's season-opener against Birmingham and only then the realisation of his progress hit home.

The 28-year-old is proud of his achievements and success at the club, but he is not content with sticking with the silverware he has won to date.

"It worries me," he continued. "You know you are maturing and getting that bit older. I used to think I was quite young.

"Obviously you know the years are ticking by because of the age of the lads coming into the squad and the amount of games you have played.

"Overall, it is a good achievement for someone to stay 10 years at a club like Manchester United and to be involved in a lot of games and win some great trophies.

"Now I just want to continue and be a part of the team."

Sir Alex Apologises To Ref

This statement is made with reference to comments following Manchester United versus Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League on 3 October 2009.

Sir Alex Ferguson has issued the following statement:

“I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused and to The FA for going public with my views.

“In retrospect, I accept that this could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate forum.

“It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media attention on Mr Wiley. I intend to contact him personally after I return from a trip overseas during this international break.

“I would wish it to be noted that I have always respected Mr Wiley’s integrity and that I did not state or imply:
· that Mr Wiley is a bad referee;
· that he was in any way biased;
· that decision-making generally during the game was poor, or
· that he missed any key incident during the game.

“My only intention in speaking publicly, was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever increasing demands of the modern game, which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels.” Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers’ Association, said:

“In March 2009 the LMA and the PFA published the document Refereeing : A Professional Way Forward, which contains recommendations in respect of supporting referees and improving overall standards and is complimentary to the Respect Programme.

"The aim of the document was to produce a set of serious proposals which would improve the selection, training, assessment and professionalism of referees at the top level of English football. The conclusions and recommendations of the review are compelling.”

Pogba Deal Approved

FIFA has given the all-clear for Paul Pogba to be registered as a United player.

Le Havre, the 16-year-old's previous club, had lodged a complaint against Pogba's move to Old Trafford, claiming that they had agreed to enter into a contract with the midfielder at the start of the 2009/10 season.

However, after studying the case, a judge has ruled in favour of the English champions, declaring that Pogba was not contractually linked to Le Havre.

As such, United have not breached any FIFA regulations - specifically Article 19, which focuses on the protection of minors - and world football's governing body has advised the FA to register Pogba as a United player with immediate effect.

A club spokesman told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United is pleased to confirm that the Football Association has been authorised by FIFA to register Paul Pogba as a United player with immediate effect."

Le Havre have the right to appeal FIFA's decision.

Hargreaves: I Will Be Back Stronger

Two major knee operations, more than 12 months on the sidelines and a long, long fight to regain his fitness. Owen Hargreaves has every reason to be downbeat. ManUtd.com found him feeling anything but at Carrington this week...

You stayed in America for your rehabilitation. Did it help being away from United and everything you missed out on here?
Absolutely. If you have a muscle injury you’re out for maybe two weeks, but you’re focused on getting back in a short space of time. With an injury of this severity, both physically and mentally it’s important that you try and do everything you can and be really focused on your aims. Being here, the football and playing side of it is so important, I’d have been confronted with it on a daily basis. For someone like me, who can’t play for an extended period of time it would have been really tough. It was better being in an environment where I could focus on getting well, do my training and have no distractions. It worked very well. In fact, it was absolutely perfect.

What was an average day like over there?
It varied, obviously. In the days after surgery with the brace on, I’d be trying to get around on crutches in the winter which was tricky enough! Then I’d go to the clinic and try and bend my knee even just a couple of degrees. The first 6-8 weeks, I could barely bend it at all. I’d do physiotherapy work twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. It was the same procedure for about two months after my second operation. Slowly after that I’d do a bit more and make sure the tendon had healed, so that meant seeing the surgeon at various stages to get his input. It was all about trying to give myself a healthy knee again.

What was your inspiration, what drove you on in the tough days?
I didn’t have too many dark times, I tried to be as positive as I could. It’s not in my nature to be negative. Maybe for one day I might have said, ‘why me?’, but, you know, those questions lead to nothing. In life we all have experiences, good and bad. And sometimes I think you learn more from the bad ones. Ideally, I’d wish I wouldn’t have had to go through it. But I have had to get through. I’ve learnt a lot, met some wonderful people, and hopefully it will improve me in the future. It’s my aim to use this experience to my benefit.

Has the experience changed you in any way?
Yeah, I think it has. I think mentally, people who have struggled through something and strived to achieve something, have an edge over people who have had everything done for them or who’ve experienced everything going their way. You learn a lot from the difficult situations in life, and I’ve learnt a lot. There were days when I’d struggle to do an exercise, or when my knee would be really sore, and I’d just think about the times when I was trying to bend my knee just five degrees – they were big victories along the way, and that inspired me and spurred me on. You could see the progression that I was making and I tried to use that as motivation.

How did you fill your time between training? Did you pick up any new hobbies?
Just before I left England I bought about ten DVDs expecting that I’d have all this free time… I didn’t watch one of them! I was just so focused on my rehab, all I did was eat, sleep and train. I read a few books, but I was just totally consumed with what I had to do. You would have thought you’d have all this spare time – I didn’t have any! I was training at every opportunity. That was all I had time for.

What was the reaction of the United players when you came back recently?
It’s been great. That was one of the things that I really missed, being with the guys in the dressing room. There is such a great energy around this club, and that’s not just the players. It’s everyone that works here. There are so many people who’ve been here a long time. It’s a unique place, especially for such a competitive environment. The reception was great. It’s fantastic being around the lads, the different characters and personalities. It helps.

And finally, what will it be like when you’re standing in the tunnel at Old Trafford waiting to run out on the pitch again?
[Pauses and smiles] It will be amazing. I’ll be so excited I’ll probably pass out!

United Trail Inter Maicon

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Inter Milan right-back Maicon.

The 28-year-old Brazil international joined the Nerazzurri from Monaco in 2006 and has been a key player at the Giuseppe Meazza since Jose Mourinho's arrival.

Maicon's agent Antonio Caliendo says the player is set to remain in Italy for the time being, although he admits United have stepped up their interest.

"United's interest in my client is not something new," he told Tuttopremier.it.

"They have been following him for a while. Now it seems to me that they are pressing for him, but I don't think there have been any concrete offers yet."

Cesar Denies United Link

Julio Cesar has categorically denied that he is poised to join Manchester United in the January transfer window.

With Edwin van der Sar approaching his 40th birthday at the end of the month and understudy Ben Foster struggling for form in the Dutchman's absence, this season it comes as no surprise to see United linked with the Inter shot-stopper.

The Brazil international has developed into one of the games leading goalkeepers since joining the Nerazzurri from Flamengo in summer 2005.

Rumours surfaced when Cesar's wife announced earlier this week that a 'big club' had enquired about the 30-year-old but the player dismisses the link.

"I deny everything," he said. "I have a contract with Inter."

Inter technical director Marco Branca has looked to quash the transfer talk by revealing that the club are close to agreeing a new contract with Cesar that would see him extend his deal beyond 2012.

"We are already working on a solution," he said. "Soon his contract will be sorted out. I don't see any problems, the discussions are continuing in a calm way."

The player's agent, Josias Cardoso, however, confessed that the Red Devils have indeed approached Inter about Cesar, but are yet to make a bid although the keeper is set to sign on for Jose Mourinho's men.

"United showed their interest for Julio but until now have not made an official offer," he stated.

"At the moment we are talking with Inter to renew Julio's contract, but we have not yet arrived at an agreement.

"I hope to succeed before the end of the month, that's my aim."

Hargreaves Can't Wait To Return

Owen Hargreaves has remained positive throughout the long road to recovery from double knee surgery – and now he’s delighted to be back at United and edging ever nearer to the ultimate goal of pulling on the red shirt once again.

Hargreaves last did that against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 21 September 2008. He’s come so far since the initial daunting diagnosis from Dr Richard Steadman at his California clinic that he required surgery on both knees to cure the tendonitis problem.

But now the prospect of emerging from the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford seems tantalisingly close. Smiling and in buoyant mood at United’s Carrington training ground – surprising considering what he’s been through – Hargreaves’ determination and focus has been sharpened by months of hard work.

“I can’t wait to get back involved in it all,” he told ManUtd.com. “I can’t wait to play again for United, to be able to pull on the shirt and have an effect on games. Running out at Old Trafford will be a big thing for me. It’ll be amazing.”

Hargreaves returned to Manchester late last month, along with the physio he worked with throughout his rehabilitation in America. He’s now under the watchful eye of United’s medical staff as he enters the final phase of his recovery - while a potential November return awaits.

“The reception I’ve had has been great,” he says. “That was one of the things that I really missed, being with the guys in the dressing room. There's such a great energy around this club. It’s fantastic being back in with all the different characters and personalities.”

Fletcher's Transformation

With the help of coaches Rene Meulensteen, Tony Strudwick and Mike Clegg, we assess how Darren Fletcher's matured into one of the game's best midfielders...

Amid the hysteria of Champions League triumph in Moscow, Darren Fletcher was, inwardly at least, somewhere else. Saturated by rain rather than sweat, the unused substitute joined his colleagues in celebration, but was at a crossroads. He’d spent much of 2007/08 on the bench. Tabloid tittle-tattle tipped Fletcher for a move from Old Trafford; it seemed he was poised for a fresh start.

The new chapter began, however, with the signing of a fresh Reds contract. Its timing, at the start of 2008/09, prompted the Sir Alex Ferguson to describe it as “the relief of the season”. And the manager’s unwavering faith in his countryman has been spectacularly rewarded ever since the ink dried. The 25-year-old’s transformation over the last 18 months has been turbo-charged. The player of bulging heart, but slight frame, is no longer Sir Alex’s secret big-game weapon; Fletch now stokes the flames in the engine-room. Two derby goals against Manchester City has capped a string of performances ticking every box on the MOT of a top-drawer midfielder this season; the Scot’s stock is at an all-time high.

Undoubtedly, the chief cause of his emergence has been patience: a virtue both Fletcher and Sir Alex share. Through times of doubt from sections of United’s support, and months of relative inactivity – just five top-flight starts in 2007/08 – Fletcher was placated by his manager’s reassurances that his time would come. Every probing interviewer’s question met a straight bat. In August 2008 he said: “I’m going to work hard and use every disappointment as fuel to get into the team.”

Fletch has been every inch a man of his word. He redoubled his efforts – and hasn’t looked back. It’s the model any aspiring Red would do well to follow. Naturally fit already, he threw himself into a punishing regime, evolving into a prime physical specimen. “He made a conscious decision to come back after Moscow and work hard,” says first-team fitness coach Tony Strudwick. “He’s now reaping the rewards of being a top-class professional.

“There was definitely a change in the way he approached his training last season. When I first came here, Fletch would go straight into the jacuzzi after training and he’d get a bit of stick about not going into the gym. It’s been a buy-in really, by Darren, in terms of what it takes to be a professional footballer. Now he’s one of the first in the gym in the morning, and can be among the last to leave after training. As fitness coaches, you can only give them so much. That motivation comes from within. Darren has an abundance of that.”

Fletcher openly cites the influence of strength and conditioning coach Mike Clegg as a major factor behind his transformation. Gone is the wispy, willowy youngster who shirked the weights; in his place, an unerringly dedicated pro who’s mastered his body. Clegg, a vocal motivator, ushered Fletch onto the right road by showing him a flesh-and-blood blueprint for physical perfection: Cristiano Ronaldo. “I’ve worked with Darren since he was a teenager,” says Clegg. “But he wasn’t kicking on. I told him to look at Ronaldo and the way he was utterly dedicated. He came into the gym every morning and after every training session. If Darren wanted to get the best out of himself, he’d have to match that. So he started on a plan and steadily worked harder and harder, and over 18 to 20 months got it right.

“Gym work is a very fine balance – few get it spot on. Darren’s learned the secret of striking the balance between what you do on the pitch and what you do in the gym. At the moment he’s got it absolutely nailed. He’s in the gym every day. Some days I’ll say he needs to do more of something; others I have to tell him he’s had enough. It’s a balance, but Darren is absolutely bang on at the moment. The only other player I’ve worked with who got it so spot on was Ronaldo.”

High praise indeed. But Clegg’s not done with the compliments. “Fletch’s lifestyle is perfect. It’s not just down to his training, diet, or being teetotal. He’s got a nice wife, nice children, a good lifestyle and he’s fulfilling his dreams. He’s a very motivated, happy guy who is successful in his work.”

Hard yards in the gym have become easier out on the pitch thanks to Fletcher’s strength, power and reactions being cultivated. But his natural level of stamina has always been high – recall 2004’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal, where 20-year-old Fletch ran Patrick Vieira and company into the ground as Roy Keane barked the orders. That blurred image of Fletcher in perpetual motion has been a lasting one for many supporters, who perceived him perhaps as an energetic trier, prospering by hassling more illustrious opponents into submission. For years, his main terrace salute The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), altered to include the line: “He will run 500 miles, and he will run 500 more.” But Fletch sought to broaden the parameters of his game with first team coach Rene Meulensteen, who worked closely with him as he sought to bounce back from a knee injury in early 2008. Then working as a skills development coach, Meulensteen witnessed first-hand Fletcher’s desire to evolve.

“We did lots of ball work, and he really embraced it,” he says. “We talked about adding weapons to his armoury and making him a more complete midfielder. He’s definitely become more skilful, and has more confidence to produce on the pitch. His passing is better. He tended to stick to passing square and back, now he’ll hit the early forward pass too. Overall he’s become a more complete technical footballer.

“The one thing that stands out, and this is what characterises Fletch, is his unbelievable drive and aggression to close people down. He has a massive work-rate to give the whole team energy. He sucks other players along with him. That total package, together with the experience of playing in bigger games, has made him into the footballer he is now.

“You can’t put a value on winning possession and rarely losing it. You need that skill. If you want to strive to win trophies and titles, you need players like Fletch, definitely. He’s what we call an ‘and-and’ player now. Before, he was good at doing a defensive job and closing players down, but he wasn’t producing that kind of quality going forward. That’s what he’s doing now.”

Fletcher’s growing importance to the United cause was painfully underlined in the defeat by Barcelona in Rome. The terrible irony of a season fuelled by his failure to feature in a Champions League final, ending in exactly the same way, was not lost on the Scot. His harsh red card in the semi-final stroll at Arsenal ruled out an almost certain start against the Catalans, and his ball-winning and possession game was conspicuous by its absence.

Even as he jogged from the Emirates pitch, however, Fletcher carried himself with the utmost dignity, barely casting so much as a backward glance at the referee who had just denied him a dream. The focus was on continuing to look forward, as he has throughout a career in which the horizons get bigger and brighter by the day.

Fire Still Burns In Neville

As shown by his celebrations against Manchester City, Gary Neville’s love for United burns as brightly as ever, so does his ambition to keep striving for success at OT...

What have you made of United’s start to the season?
It is the best start we’ve made in a long time, but you’d think from listening to people that we’re almost struggling. Some people have the perception that, as a couple of players have left, United have fallen to pieces. We can’t do a lot about people’s perceptions other than to win football matches and shut them up by doing things we’ve done for a long time.

How do you assess the mood in the current squad?
We’ve got a good level of belief and strength, and the main thing is that we all stay fit and keep the squad together. Generally the mood’s good. We weren’t probably in the right place fitness-wise against Burnley. That game perhaps came a bit too quick for us, and for me that was the reason we lost. Since the September international break, we’re looking healthier in terms of players having more training and games. You could see our attacking flair against City and Tottenham, our resilience against Arsenal and Besiktas… there have been much better performances since we came back from the break.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes continue to perform at the highest level. What do you make of their form?
Giggsy’s performances have been absolutely outstanding. He’s been probably our most creative player in key moments – setting up three goals against City, two against Arsenal, and scoring against Tottenham. He’s winning us matches and his performance levels are fantastic. Scholesy is still a brilliant player for us, too. He can still control the pace of matches for us, everything sticks with him and he never wastes a pass. They’re still both fantastic, world-class players and they’re crucially important to the squad.

The three of you are all in your midthirties, yet can comfortably still cut it at the top; how do you keep going?
We keep playing because United keep asking us to! There’s still an opportunity for us here and we want to keep winning season upon season. If the club told us to leave, we’d leave. Playing for this club is the best thing in the world and we’ve been doing it for a long time now. Why would we want it to stop? We still feel as though there are contributions to be made on and off the pitch – and so does the manager, which is the most important thing.

How key has Sir Alex’s role been in your longevity?
The boss is the reason we’re still at the club – and the reason we were given an opportunity in the first place. He promoted youth all those years back, sorted out the youth set-up and has pushed it ever since. Young players have always broken through and he’s been the key to us being here so long; he’s in control. We’re soldiers, if you like, and we’re happy to do a job that makes him want to keep us here.

The other question... Do you hope to be involved in next summer's World Cup?
I’m not looking at an England return, to be honest. The time’s probably come for Glen Johnson or Wes Brown now – they’ve done very well and I’d think they’re the first-choice players. It doesn’t mean I’d turn down the opportunity if it came, but it’s not something I’m focusing on.

Kjaer Refuses To Rule Out Man. United

Palermo defender Simon Kjaer says he would not turn down a move to Manchester United just because he is a Liverpool fan.

The Red Devils are reportedly keeping tabs on the Denmark international, who has been linked with a number of top clubs in the past, including Real Madrid and Liverpool.

While the centre-back and is a huge Reds fan, he has admitted that if his chances to play regularly at Old Trafford were greater he would opt for the Red Devils.

The 20-year-old told Tipsbladet: "If United just had two defenders whilst Liverpool had three, I would choose United without hesitation.

"It does not help to choose with the heart in that kind of situation. I am a professional."