Evans Eyes Goal Rush

Jonny Evans underlines the importance of Nemanja Vidic’s new contract and says he expects the goals to flow this season...

How important is it for United to make a strong start?
Last season we were chasing for a long time, but you have to look at our results at the end of the season as ones that proved costly. Chelsea at home and Blackburn away are the games that stick in our minds as the ones that cost us the title. We’re probably renowned for not getting off to good starts, and we’re three games in and two points behind. But things will always change, up and down, during the season.

There have been some hidings dished out so far this season; is someone going to take a hammering from United when everything clicks into place?
That’s something we’re aware of this year; that we should maybe score more goals and give some teams a good thrashing. That’s something we’ll look to do, but in terms of the big scorelines in the first two weeks of the season, I think a few teams were just caught unawares.

We’ve used 4-4-2 in our opening three games – has it been outlined to the players that that will be the more common formation this season?
No, not at all. The manager is very versatile in the way he approaches games. He’s not one to sit there, be stubborn and say ‘we’re playing 4-4-2 this season’. It’ll change from game to game and often within games, because that’s the tactical edge he’s had over the years and it’s made him successful.

How big a boost is it that Nemanja Vidic has signed a new contract?
I’m sure he’s delighted and the fans are delighted that he’s signed; we certainly are. He’s one of the best defenders in the world. He’s just an all-round natural defender who’s very strong in the air. He’s a good reader of the game, he’s quick and a real athlete. Playing alongside people like him, young players like myself can’t help but learn. It’s great to have players like that around the club.

How fierce is the competition for defensive berths now?
That’s what this club’s all about. There’s always a lot of competition for places all over the pitch. Michael Carrick’s been on the bench, Ryan Giggs only started his first game on Saturday, while Michael Owen hasn’t started yet. It’s quite frightening that big names like that aren’t starting, but this club is meant to have quality players pushing for a limited number of positions.

How do you feel your game’s developing?
I’m taking each game as it comes. You do set yourself targets throughout the year and I do want to improve a lot more. Admittedly against Fulham I wasn’t up to my usual standards and I didn’t have the best of games, but sometimes you have to accept that and look forward to rectifying your mistakes in the next game and keep improving with each performance.

The fan’s question...
Is it true that your family missed some of your games when you were on loan at Sunderland because they were at Old Trafford watching United? - Scott the Red, Manchester
If it was a big game then they would have come up to watch me, but we’re a proper United family! We’ve been living over here in Manchester for seven years now and my Dad has probably only missed a handful of United games in that time, and those would have been to watch me or my brother playing.

Quick questions
Are you involved in the predictions league at Carrington?
Yeah, and I’m currently fourth bottom so that’s not going well for me (laughs). I started well last season, gradually got worse during the year and I’ve carried that on this year.

Your brother fancies himself as a Playstation whizz – can you dispute that claim?
No. Corry and I have always been total opposites in terms of computer games. He was this computer geek who would always beat me whenever I played, so we’d end up fighting or I’d break his Playstation controller! It’s not my scene.

What are your other interests?
I try to play a bit of golf, but I’m useless at that too! As footballers we’re meant to be good at golf, but we just pretend we are. People like John O’Shea and Wayne Rooney talk good games, but I’ve not seen evidence on the course to back it up.

Giggsy's Goals Request

Ryan Giggs is delighted with the way United have spread the goals around so far this season and he insists it's a trend which must continue.

The Reds have had eight different players on the scoresheet so far (nine, if you count one of last season's most prolific poachers 'own goal') with Dimitar Berbatov currently leading the way in the scoring stakes with three in four games.

Wayne Rooney's 34-goal haul last season was vital to the Reds' quest for silverware last term and Giggs was delighted to see the striker open his account for the new campaign in the victory over West Ham.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old admits there was too much of a reliance on Rooney last season and says it's vital that everyone continues to chip in on the scoring front.

"We can’t just rely on Wayne like we did last season," he told MUTV. "Berba has started on fire - in the games so far, he’s had a lot of chances and he’s putting them away.

"But everyone needs to chip in, midfielders, defenders, everyone. As a team, we need to score a lot more goals from different areas on the pitch."

United's 3-0 win over the Hammers on Saturday ensured the Reds kept within touching distance of leaders Chelsea who have started the campaign with a perfect record so far.

The manner in which United dropped two points at Craven Cottage eight days ago still irks Giggs, but he was pleased with the response against Avram Grant's side.

"We’d have liked nine points out of nine, but it’s not to be," he admitted. "In our two homes games, we’ve played some really good stuff which is pleasing.

"We know we could be in a better position, but the last two years we’ve lost at Fulham, so maybe we should look at that as a point gained."

Latics Close On Cleverley

Skysports.com understands Wigan have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley on loan.

A host of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle and Bolton have been chasing the talented 21-year-old, but Wigan look to have won the race for his signature.

Cleverley has yet to make a first-team appearance for United, but he impressed in pre-season and he is tipped for a big future at United

Cleverley enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Watford last season, where he scored 11 goals and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to loan him out again so that he can get regular first-team action under his belt.

The England Under 21 international is highly-rated at Old Trafford and he was handed a new three-year deal earlier this summer.

Now Watch Wayne Go

Wayne Rooney got his goals tally off the mark against West Ham, simultaneously shushing his critics and starting what his team-mates expect will be a fruitful spell in front of goal for the Reds no.10.

Considering his incredible scoring exploits last season, it’s surprising that Rooney has come in for negative press over a lean spell that has last 13 games, for some of which he was struggling with an injury. He’s only played in two league games this season and is still honing his fitness after missing pre-season.

While there was no great concern about his wait to start scoring again from inside the Reds camp, his colleagues were still pleased he’s got his season tally up and running.

Ryan Giggs, who won the penalty that Rooney converted against the Hammers, said: “It’s only the third game of the season, and he’s only played in two of them. But a goalscorer is a goalscorer and, especially with the season he had last year, he was keen to get off the mark. I’m sure he’ll start putting the ball away quite regularly now.”

Nani’s salient assessment is that Rooney is a confidence player: “It was important he scored. He’s a player who needs goals. This goal will give him more confidence for the games coming up.”

But Sir Alex says it’s his all-round game that he is focusing on, and more minutes under his belt that will inevitably lead to his best form. “Strikers want to score,” the boss said. “He took his penalty well. But it's his performance we should be talking about. He needs football, he needs games. That 90 minutes will do him no end of good. He'll get a couple of games for England now too, and that will help him for when he returns for some big games coming up.”

Wayne Rooney is congratulated for his opening goal

Nani's Perfect Riposte

Nani will be far happier after a Man of the Match, goalscoring display in a 3-0 win over West Ham than he was last Sunday evening after a missed penalty and a 2-2 draw at Fulham.

The Portuguese winger was outstanding at Old Trafford and showed that he was unaffected by his missed spot-kick.

“We always enjoy ourselves when we’re scoring,” Nani told MUTV. “We had a draw last week and we were focused on getting the win. We played some good stuff and we won, so we’re happy. We could have scored a couple more goals, but the result is good for us.

“I was so excited to score my goal. I’ve missed a few opportunities so I was really hungry to get my goal. I was really happy to score and I want to continue to get goals to help the team. I want to push on this season, and I’ve been really looking forward to it. That’s why I’m working so hard.”

The Reds now go on international duty, but Nani insists it was important that, after last weekend’s dropped points, United remained in touch with Chelsea.

“Chelsea and the other teams are doing well, so we need to keep up with them,” the winger said. “We have to keep up with Chelsea. If they win, we have to win as well. We don’t want to lose any points, so that is why we are working hard to win every game.”

Boss Delight At Team Play

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Manchester United's 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday was well-deserved.

The Red Devils opened scoring with a Wayne Rooney penalty before Nani and Dimitar Berbatov landed second-half strikes at Old Trafford.

And manager Ferguson feels his team earned their triumph with a solid 'collective' display.

"It was a very good performance, the possession of the ball was good," said Ferguson.

"Maybe we could have scored more but it's always the case you get the first goal and it opens the door. We deserved to go in front.

"It was a good collective performance."

Rooney had not scored since March but had no problem firing the ball home from the spot in the first half, and Ferguson hailed his star striker's all-round display.

"The performance was the thing that stood out," added Ferguson.

"He enjoyed his football and he was full of energy. He was much more aware of himself."

The manager also hailed the display of man of the match Nani and fellow goal-scorer Berbatov after the duo sealed United's win.

"It was a terrific goal from Nani and a marvellous goal from Berbatov," he said. "He (Berbatov) has got a fantastic technique."

Nani believes his side's confidence is growing as they continue to progress in the Premier League this season.

"I think we are winning confidence," said Nani. "Every player today showed a bit more confidence. After today's game we are better.

"It was a good game, good for the team. We had a draw last week and we focused on a win in this game because Chelsea and the other teams are doing so well and we want to be at the top."

Nani says his goal against the Hammers helped compensate for his penalty miss against Fulham last week.

"Of course," he said. "I've been working hard every day.

"I've been looking forward to scoring goals and helping the team win the games. Today was one of those games and I hope every game is like that."

He added: "I want to push on, that's why I'm working so hard and I'm looking forward to this season and hope to help Manchester United win the league."

United Pile On Hammers Woe

Wayne Rooney scored his first goal since March as Manchester United cruised to victory to remain two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Rooney converted a 33rd-minute penalty after Jonathan Spector fouled Ryan Giggs to end a 13-game drought.

Nani's cool finish from Rooney's neat pass made it 2-0 while Kieron Dyer hit the post for winless West Ham.

Dimitar Berbatov capped a fine performance by volleying past Robert Green from Nani's chipped cross.

West Ham's defeat left them rooted to the foot of the table and without a point while Manchester United remain third, level with Arsenal.

The Hammers' task was always going to be difficult with Avram Grant's side without an away win in the league since the first game of last season.

But Manchester United, who had won 11 of their previous 12 league games at Old Trafford, started sluggishly with Rooney in particular struggling for form.

However, as the half wore on, United's veteran midfield duo of Paul Scholes and Giggs started to exert themselves on the game with Nani - who replaced Antonio Valencia in the starting line-up - also finding space on the right.

The Portuguese winger came closest to breaking the deadlock early on when his fierce 25-yard shot was palmed onto the crossbar by Green.

At the other end Dyer proved a useful outlet for the Hammers, while striker Carlton Cole was denied a shot on goal by a last-ditch tackle from the superb Nemanja Vidic.

Dyer found the side-netting for the Hammers but Manchester United continued to press for an opening goal and just after the half-hour it came - albeit from the penalty spot.

Scholes found Giggs on the left with trademark vision, and after turning Spector inside out, the Welshman was eventually brought down by the Hammers defender.

It gave Rooney an opportunity to score for the first time since 30 March and the England striker made no mistake, finding the bottom of the net with a low penalty that sent Green the wrong way and brought to an end the longest barren spell of his career.

Soon after, Darren Fletcher saw his curling 25-yard drive superbly tipped round the post by Green as the Red Devils continued to press.

And on the stroke of half time the hosts should have gone into the break 2-0 up but Nani wasted a glorious opportunity, lifting the ball over Green from close range, after a stunning clipped pass from Giggs.

However, Nani made amends for his miss just after the break, lashing the ball home left-footed from the edge of the area after cutting inside his marker following Rooney's weighted pass.

Rooney himself was denied by a last-ditch Danny Gabbidon tackle before a fine passing move from West Ham saw Dyer crash a fierce shot against the outside of the post.

Scholes then tested Green from the edge of the area after good link-up play from Berbatov as the game started to turn into a procession for the hosts.

United soon increased their lead and having turned provider for Scholes, it was Berbatov's turn to be on the receiving end with Nani's clipped pass to the back post acrobatically volleyed home by the Bulgarian.

Cole and Vidic continued their personal duel with the Serbian defender again coming out on top with another last-ditch tackle to deny the England striker a clear sight on goal.

Hammers striker Fredric Piquionne tested keeper Edwin van der Sar late on but the Dutchman was equal to the effort as Manchester United held on to keep their second clean sheet of the season


Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot

Carling Cup 3rd Round: Reds Draw Scunthorpe

The Reds face a trip into unchartered territory in the Carling Cup with a tie against Scunthorpe in third round.

United have never met the Championship side in competitive action and so travel to Glanford Park for the first time in September.

Sir Alex's men are the current holders and enjoyed a memorable 2009/10 Carling Cup campaign, lifting the trophy at Wembley after a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in February's final.

The Reds defeated Wolves (1-0), Barnsley (2-0), Tottenham (2-0) en route to the semi-finals, which produced two memorable encounters with neighbours Manchester City - United winning 4-3 on aggregate.

Third round matches played week commencing 20 September.

Full Draw
Brentford v Everton
Portsmouth v Leicester
Stoke v Fulham
Chelsea v Newcastle
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Tottenham v Arsenal
Millwall v Ipswich
Wolves v Notts County
Burnley v Bolton
Birmingham v MK Dons
Liverpool v Northampton Town
Scunthorpe v Manchester United
West Brom v Man City
Sunderland v West Ham
Peterborough v Swansea
Wigan v Preston

Rio Back In Training

Despite being ruled out until the end of September last week, Rio Ferdinand has surprised everyone at Carrington by returning to training.

A knee ligament injury, suffered in the build-up to the World Cup, was expected to keep Ferdinand sidelined for the next few weeks. But he has made siginificant strides forward in the last few days much to the delight of his manager.

Rio Ferdinand’s trained this week, which is a big surprise to me," Sir Alex told his pre-West Ham press conference. "He’s made fantastic progress in the last week or so.

"I must admit, he hadn’t done anything, football-wise, when I spoke last week. I think when he read what I said, it maybe gave him a kick. He came in, trained this week and he’s done fantastic, really good.

"He’ll train with the Reserves today and won’t be involved tomorrow, of course, but we’ll just have to try and think when we can maybe get a game with him in the next two weeks. He’s that close. You have to be aware of knee ligament injuries, but at the moment everything’s been fine."

The manager also confirmed Wayne Rooney's availability for Saturday's clash with West Ham, and voiced his admiration for the efforts and endeavours of Anderson, who is well down the road to recovery after cruciate knee ligament damage.

"Anderson’s training with the first team, which is great," said Sir Alex. "He played a bit with the Reserves on Tuesday. That’s really good news. You’ve got to be aware that, although he’s played a part of the game on Tuesday , he’s been out for a long time and we have to monitor his progress carefully. But he’s keen – he trained on Wednesday, the day after the game, actually – which shows his enthusiasm he’s got."

Reds Sign Singha Deal

Singha beer has become the Official Beer Partner of Manchester United after signing a three-year deal with the club.

The partnership will see Singha beer sold at Old Trafford during matches, as well as giving the Thai brewer advertising opportunities in the stadium and in the club’s media outlets.

Reds chief executive David Gill said: "It’s very important to us to engage with our fans around the world and we believe that working with Singha will be another important way of achieving this. We are looking forward to developing the relationship."

At a press conference to announce the deal, United’s commercial director Richard Arnold added: "We're delighted to be introducing Singha to the family of Manchester United sponsors. The brand's premium positioning within both its home market and international territories makes it a perfect partner for us.

"The club constantly seeks to engage with our fans outside of the UK and teaming up with an established global brand of this calibre enables us to do just that. I'm incredibly excited about the prospects that this partnership will bring to the club."

Soravij Bhirombhakdi, deputy managing director of Singha's parent company Boon Rawd Trading International, welcomed the deal, saying: "Matching the Thai brand with a football club that has a worldwide following will broaden our consumer base.

"We are confident that this alliance will write a new chapter in the Singha story for the whole world to read, turning a local brand into the global brand."

Boss Springs To Bebe's Defence

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports that new signing Bebe has failed to impress in his first few weeks as a United player, launching an impassioned defence of the 20-year-old at his pre-match press conference.

The Portuguese's absence from the Reserves' midweek victory over Manchester City prompted a series of reports questioning his impact at United, but Sir Alex insists there are only issues with the player's fitness, not his ability.

"Bebe is in a programme of doing endurance work, because his fitness levels aren’t near the levels we’re at," the manager said. "Other than that he’s done well.

"He’s had a couple of attacks - I thought they were pretty vicious attacks - on why he wasn’t playing in the Reserve game. He was never going to be playing in the Reserve game on Tuesday.

"I think those attacks came from a bit of vengeance from two journalists who are banned from here. They saw an opportunity to have a go at the club and I think it’s disgusting. The boy didn’t deserve that. He’s a young boy trying to make his way in football, they didn’t need to do that. I think it was a real bitter attack.

"Ability-wise, he’s excellent. Terrific finisher, we’ve been very impressed with that, and it’s just the fitness levels he needs to get to, as opposed to our fitness levels."

Sir Alex is comfortable to take his time with the versatile forward, who has enjoyed a meteroric rise to prominence since joining United, and insists there is no reason to hasten his playing involvement.

"We’ve not done any serious work," said the manager. "We did some tests on him and there were one or two areas we need to work at, in terms of his fitness, and that’s what we’re doing at the moment.

"So he’s combining the physical work he’s doing with the sports science people, and the football part. We’re treading a bit carefully with it."

Following his manager's words of support, Bebe was given a further boost on Friday afternoon when he was confirmed in Portugal's final squad for the UEFA U21 Championship qualifiers against England and Macedonia next month having been named in the premilinary squad earlier in the week.

Fergie: Scholes Call Unlikely

Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect Paul Scholes to change his mind and rejoin the England fold.

The Manchester United midfielder announced his international retirement immediately after Euro 2004, having earned 66 caps.

Despite having not turned out for his country for some six years, calls are mounting for him to reconsider his stance.

One approach has already been made by England coach Fabio Capello, who tried to draft Scholes into his World Cup plans.

He could be set to test the 35-year-old's resolve with a second call, as the Three Lions are due to get their Euro 2012 qualification campaign underway next week.

Scholes' club boss, Ferguson, believes it is unlikely the experienced playmaker will accept such an offer, though, as that chapter of his career has been firmly closed.

"I have no idea about England. I wouldn't have thought so," he said on the chances of Scholes being named in Capello's 23-man squad on Sunday.

Rangers & Manchester United Play Down Security Fears

Rangers and Manchester United have played down fears over security after the British giants were grouped together in the Champions League.

There was crowd trouble when Rangers fans travelled to Manchester for the 2008 Uefa Cup final.

Gers chief executive Martin Bain told the club website: "As a club we will be making very thorough preparation for our fans travelling to the match."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also confident trouble will be avoided.

"There were circumstances that day," recalled Ferguson of Rangers' last visit to Manchester.

"I don't think it was well organised because fans were invited down without tickets.

"It is like every club. Rangers have fantastic supporters but they have some bad elements.

"The unfortunate incidents that day maybe could have been avoided.

"Too many travelled without tickets. It won't happen again because we will be giving Rangers their proper allocation and they will control where the tickets are going.

"I don't expect Rangers fans to travel without a ticket."

Bain has urged Rangers fans not to travel to Manchester for the opening Group C fixture on 14 September, unless they have tickets and are accredited members of the Rangers Travel Club.

"Our supporters' groups are fully behind the club on this issue," he added.

"It is an entirely different situation to the Uefa Cup final two years ago when there were more than 150,000 fans in the city and we are confident that all appropriate measures will be put in place for the match in Manchester on September 14
"We do, however, want to make it absolutely clear that any Rangers fan, apart from travel club members who will be allocated tickets, should not travel to Manchester.

"This applies to fans living in Scotland, the UK and abroad. This is a standard Champions League group stage match and as normal, there will be no provision of special facilities in Manchester, for those who do not have tickets.

"The club will be organising supervised travelling for supporters allocated tickets. We will be making every effort to get our travelling supporters to and from Manchester on arranged day trips, and independent travel will be discouraged.

Greater Manchester Police has said it will be liaising with both clubs to avoid ensure safety and Manchester City Council intend to organise the evening of the 14 September match differently to 2008, with no large screens being erected for fans to watch the game.

"This is an early group stage match so the circumstances are different to the Uefa Cup final but we will be working closely with the police to make sure that there is not a repeat of what happened in 2008," stated Councillor Mike Amesbury.

"We will not be showing the game on big screens, as would be the case for any group stage match.

"Manchester regularly hosts major sporting events and week in week out we work with Premiership clubs to ensure fans both home and away enjoy their sport in our city.

"We will welcome genuine football fans as usual and will work with our partners to deliver a safe event."

Meanwhile, Bain has spoken of his delight that the Ibrox side have landed the glamour ties against United, with Valencia and Bursaspor the other teams making up the Scottish champions' section.

"Being drawn against a team of Manchester United's standing is exactly what the Champions League is all about and we are looking forward to both matches.

Rangers follow the trip to Old Trafford with a home tie against Bursaspor before a double-header against Valencia. United visit Ibrox at the end of November and Rangers end their group campaign in Turkey at the beginning of December.

Gill Welcomes Draw

David Gill joined Sir Alex Ferguson in giving a positive reaction to United's draw for the 2010/11 Champions League group stage.

After the procedure put the Reds in the same pot as Valencia, Rangers and Turkish side Bursaspor, Gill said: "It’s going to be interesting. I think it’s a good draw and hopefully we can progress through the group into the knockout stages.

"Obviously Sir Alex and [Rangers manager] Walter Smith go back a long, long way. I remember when we played up there in 2003 and Phil Neville scored a fairly rare goal for us. The atmosphere at Ibrox was amazing, similar to how it is at Celtic Park.

"I know the fans will get behind it and both games will be great occasions. I’ve already spoken to Sir Alex and he’s looking forward to the Rangers matches immensely.

"As for Valencia, we last played them competitively quite a few years ago, back in 2000/01 and we had tight games with them. I know we’ve both moved on since then but we’re looking forward to going there again."

Gill played down the challenges of a four-hour trek to Turkey to face Bursaspor, an unknown quantity as Champions League newcomers.

"You can talk yourself into thinking that’s a long trip, " he said. "And the the beauty of this competition is that we’ve again got some new teams making their debuts in it. We’re looking forward to going out there and meeting new people."

The carrot for all 32 teams in the Champions League group stage, not least United and the three London clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, is the chance to play at Wembley Stadium in the final next May. But Gill doesn't believe this is on the Reds' radar just yet with the first ball still to be kicked in the competition proper.

"I don’t think the players think about that at the moment, it’s only when you get closer to the final," he said.

"I think everyone at the club realises it’s a great, great competition and wherever the final’s played, it’ll be at a five-star stadium with a wonderful atmosphere, very well prepared by UEFA. I think moving the final to a Saturday has enhanced the competition but I don’t think any of our players will be thinking about that at this moment in time."

Gill hopes the English clubs can improve on last season's campaign, when none of the country's representatives reached the semi-finals.

"We missed out (on the semi-finals) unluckily last season, and I think all the English clubs will be very motivated. But the competition is getting more difficult. No team has retained the title in its current format which demonstrates the sheer competitiveness of it. We’ve just got to look forward to it and try to do well in it."

Boss Relishes Rangers Ties

Sir Alex Ferguson is counting United's blessings and air miles following a favourable group-stage draw in the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds will travel overseas to Spain and Turkey, but stay in Britain for a clash with Scottish champions Rangers, managed by his former assistant, Walter Smith.

The United boss told ManUtd.com: "You can't complain about that, it's a good draw for us. You always look at the travelling side of it and the only one that's of any great distance is the trip to Turkey.

"Walter Smith's already been on the phone, talking about tickets for Old Trafford! Like me, he's really looking forward to our games against each other."

Smith was Sir Alex's right-hand man when the Reds won the FA Cup in 2004 but the connections between the United manager and Rangers don't end there, of course. The boss supported the Ibrox club as a boy and later played for them as a striker.

Reds Learn Euro Fate

United will play Valencia, Rangers and Turkish side Bursaspor in Group C of this season's Champions League.

The Reds' four previous meetings with Valencia in the competition - during the 1999/00 and 2000/01 campaigns - yielded three draws and a victory.

The clashes with Rangers will be particularly special for Sir Alex - he supported the Ibrox club and spent two years as a player there in the late 1960s, while his opposite number Walter Smith was his ally at Old Trafford for a period towards the end of 2003/04. The only two competitive meetings between the two sides took place in the Champions League that same season, with United winning 1-0 at Ibrox and 3-0 on home turf.

Bursaspor (based in Bursa in north west Turkey and brilliantly nicknamed the Green Crocodiles) are the unknown quantity in Group C having never played in the competition before, although they are the current Turkish champions.

Champions League Fixtures

Tue 14 Sep - Rangers H
Wed 29 Sep - Valencia A
Wed 20 Oct - Bursaspor H
Tue 2 Nov - Bursaspor A
Wed 24 Nov - Rangers A
Tue 7 Dec - Valencia H

Full draw
Group A - Internazionale, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente

Group B - Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Group C - United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor

Group D - Barcelona, Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan

Group E - Bayern Munich, AS Roma, FC Basel, CFR Cluj

Group F - Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina

Group G - AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre

Owen To Play In Carragher's Testimonial

Michael Owen is to pull on the colours of Liverpool for the first time since leaving the club six years ago after agreeing to brave a potential backlash from Manchester United's supporters by playing for his old team in Jamie Carragher's testimonial match.

Owen, reviled by some Liverpool fans after crossing one of the game's oldest divides, is said to be uncertain of the reaction he will get from the Anfield crowd but does not have great expectations considering the abuse when he returned last season for the first time since joining their rivals at Old Trafford.

The former England striker has given his word to Carragher, however, that he will play in the match at Anfield on Saturday week, swapping the red of United for that of the team where he began his career.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, has given him permission to play for 45 minutes and Owen will be in attack for a Liverpool XI taking on an Everton XI.
- Daniel Taylor, The Guardian -

United Remain Keen On Defour

Skysports.com understands Manchester United are weighing up a move for long-term target Steven Defour.

The Standard Liege midfielder has attracted the interest of United in the past with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson even sending a letter to the player last year to wish him a speedy recovery after he suffered a serious foot injury.

A number of clubs across Europe have been credited with an interest in Defour, but United are keen to lure him to Old Trafford.

In a bid to steal a march on their rivals United could step up their interest in the Belgian international befoe the close of the transfer window.

Defour has previously expressed his desire to move to England and United could be in the market for a new midfielder as doubts continue to surround the long-term future of Owen Hargreaves.

Sir Alex Faces Fine?

Sir Alex Ferguson faces a series of escalating fines, beginning with a punishment in the region of £1,000, after maintaining his boycott of the BBC in direct opposition to new Premier League rules.

Ferguson's refusal to speak to Match of the Day 2 after Manchester United's thrilling 2-2 draw at Fulham today follows weeks of discussions behind the scenes in which he has come under growing pressure from the Premier League and the League Managers Association.

United's chief executive, David Gill, has asked Ferguson to think closely about ending his grudge with the BBC, dating back to a Panorama documentary in 2004, entitled Father and Son, about the business activities of his son Jason, who was then working as a football agent.

The threat of weekly fines appears to have made no difference, however, with Match of the Day staff told before kick-off at Craven Cottage that requesting an interview with the United manager would be pointless.
- Daniel Taylor, The Guardian -

Ferguson's BBC Boycott Under Review

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's boycott of giving post-match interviews to the BBC will come under Premier League scrutiny next month.

He has not given a post-match interview to the BBC since 2004 after a BBC Three documentary about his son Jason, who was then working as a football agent.

Ferguson's stance is in contravention of Premier League rules.

"The board will consider the appropriate course of action at their next meeting," said the Premier League.

That appropriate course of action could mean Ferguson facing a sliding scale of fines if he continues to boycott the BBC and failing to comply with Premier League rules that all managers must speak to broadcasting rights holders.

A BBC spokesman added: "This is matter for the Premier League and Manchester United."

There had been speculation that Ferguson would end his BBC boycott after Sunday's game with Fulham, which ended in a 2-2 draw, but the Scot failed to appear and the post-match United interviews were given by assistant manager Mike Phelan and defender Nemanja Vidic.

"The Premier League is disappointed that the BBC and Manchester United have, as yet, been unable to resolve the issue of Sir Alex Ferguson providing post-match interviews," added the Premier League statement.

"We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and offer any help deemed necessary by either party to try and help remedy the situation."

A United spokesman added: "Mike Phelan is available to provide analysis and comment if required. We support the manager's position."

Vidic: Live With It And Learn

Nemanja Vidic insists United must learn lessons, after allowing Fulham to twice come from behind to take a share of the spoils at Craven Cottage.

Brede Hangeland's last-minute header denied United a valuable victory and, while he admitted to widespread disappointment at dropping two points, Vidic is keen to take the setback on the chin and move on.

"It's a bad result, especially when we had a good result in the last minutes of the game," the Serbian told MUTV. "A draw is difficult to take and we feel real disappointment about what happened in the end, but I hope we take some points from the goal we lost, and it doesn't happen again.

"It's hard to take. I think we would have been happy with the result - if not the performance - if we had won, but there are definitely some points to take from the game. The goal we lost at the end was a shame and we probably need to improve at set-pieces."

While a late concession of two points will inevitably provoke frustration, only two games have passed in 2010/11, and Vidic is already looking forward to next weekend's visit of West Ham United.

"We had a draw against Newcastle two years ago," he recalled. "We've had some bad results at the beginning of seasons, and we don't want to get down after this result.

"It's hard to take because we had the result and as a team we have experience. We shouldn't allow them to score again two minutes from the end. That's why we're disappointed, but I hope in the next game we will be stronger."

Scholes Reaches Milestone In Style

There was only one thing missing from a memorable week for United veteran Paul Scholes - a second victory for his team.

It was otherwise a successful seven days as the evergreen midfielder followed up a man-of-the-match performance in United's win over Newcastle on Monday night by scoring his 150th goal for the club in Sunday's draw at Fulham.

The goal was reminiscent of many Scholes goals from down the years, his torpedo-like strike scorching low into the bottom corner of the net after being unleashed first-time from just outside the box.

"It’s never easy to score from 20 yards," said Sir Alex after the Fulham match.

"But Paul has done it in the past, he’s got a tremendous record at that over the years and he’s done it once again. And once again, I think he was one of the best players on the pitch. It was another outstanding performance."

Scholes remains ninth on the Reds' list of all-time top scorers and is again just six goals shy of Ryan Giggs' tally. The Welshman netted for the 156th time in the game against Newcastle, from a chipped pass by his long-serving team-mate.

New Fulham boss and United legend Mark Hughes is ahead of Giggs in seventh place with 163 goals while the top six comprises, in order, Sir Bobby Charlton (249), Denis Law (237), Jack Rowley (211), George Best and Dennis Viollet (both 179) and Joe Spence (168).

Ferguson Rues Loss Of 'Silly Points' At Fulham

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticised his players for throwing away "silly points" in the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday.

Leading 2-1, United missed a penalty and then allowed Brede Hangeland to head Fulham level in the last minute.

"When you get the chance to seal the game with that penalty you should be taking it," Ferguson told MUTV.

"It was a missed opportunity and it galvanised them, got the crowd up and they scored the equaliser."

Five minutes prior to his last minute equaliser, Hangeland had shinned a corner into his own goal to seemingly give United the points at Craven Cottage.

It was minutes after this that Nani saw his spot-kick saved by home keeper David Stockdale after Damien Duff was ruled to have handled after the ball hit his knee then hand.

"When we got that second goal I thought 'we've escaped here'," admitted Ferguson. "But to miss a penalty kick to make it 3-1, you're throwing two points away there I'm afraid."

Ferguson also questioned the decision to allow Nani to take the spot-kick and not Ryan Giggs, who had come on as a substitute.

"I thought Ryan should have taken it," said the Scot. "In the last game we played against Tottenham at home Ryan scored two penalty kicks and Nani was on the pitch the same day. Maybe Ryan should have taken it."

United began well and took the lead after 11 minutes through Paul Scholes' low drive, but were pegged back when Simon Davies deservedly levelled for Fulham with a close-range finish.

It remained that way until the dramatic finale.

"In fairness to Fulham they were the better team in the second half. I don't think we deserved to be in front at 2-1," said Ferguson. "They caused us a lot of problems, particularly Bobby Zamora who was very good for them. We can't complain in terms of the run of the game."

Ferguson reserved special praise for goalscorer Scholes, who once again produced a superb display after his midfield masterclass in the opening-day 3-0 victory over Newcastle last Monday.

"We've seen that before from Paul - he's done that so many times," added Ferguson. "Once again it was an outstanding performance from him. It's just disappointing we didn't ram home the advantage."

The result means reigning champions Chelsea - probably United's main rivals for this season's title - are the only side with maximum points following their second successive 6-0 win on Saturday at Wigan.

Fulham Strike Late To Deny Man. United

Brede Hangeland made amends for an own goal with a late header to rescue a point for Fulham and spoil Manchester United's 100% start to the season.

Paul Scholes's 25-yard drive put United ahead but Simon Davies' 12-yard finish deservedly drew the home side level.

Hangeland diverted a corner into his own net to give the lead to United, for whom Nani saw a penalty saved by David Stockdale minutes later.

Hangeland rose to head in from a corner to give his side a share of the spoils.

It was the least Fulham deserved for their contribution to a match that had seen them denied possession for large periods but give as good as they got against in-form opponents.

The Cottagers may have changed manager since last season, but Roy Hodgson's replacement, Mark Hughes, will be pleased to see that much of what made Fulham such a tough opponent under his predecessor remains.

No better is this illustrated than in their determination and ability to battle back into the game not only once but twice, when lesser teams would have wilted, especially after such a seemingly decisive late blow as Hangeland's own goal.

That their keeper Stockdale also saved a penalty - diving to his right to palm away substitute Nani's effort after Damien Duff was adjudged to have handled in the box when the ball struck his knee and then arm - between the final two goals of the game serves only to enhance this durable quality.

Such late drama was unforeseeable after the opening 10 minutes, which the away side completely dominated and deservedly led through Scholes's superb low drive - his 150th goal during a career spent entirely with United.

Two seasons ago Scholes was sent off at Craven Cottage in a 2-0 United defeat, the first of two on the ground for the Red Devils in 2009, but he more than made up for this indiscretion with another strong performance on Sunday.

The midfielder was always available, always neat and continually central to his side's patient, progressive and polished play.

The other key figure in United's first goal - Dimitar Berbatov, who teed Scholes up - was also heavily involved throughout the game, shouldering much of the senior attacking responsibility in the absence of the ill Wayne Rooney.

An often maligned figure during his time at Old Trafford, Berbatov has been accused of not scoring often enough, and while he opened his account early this campaign with a goal in the 3-0 opening win over Newcastle, here he was wasteful.

He was presented with half a dozen goalscoring opportunities, and despite testing Stockdale with the majority of them, he should have done better.

But the same could be said of many of Fulham's attacking players.

But for greater accuracy in their own shooting, and the superb intervention of their former goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar - who rescued his current employers United by firstly blocking from Dickson Etuhu and then somehow tipped the midfielder's follow-up effort over the bar - they would have gone into the break level.

A quarter of an hour into the second half the home side were level as Duff robbed Patrice Evra and fed Bobby Zamora down the right, whose pull-back was fired home by the onrushing Davies.

Both sides continued to press for the advantage: Nani flicked the top of the net with a free-kick from the left and Nemanja Vidic headed wide from a corner for United, while Zamora miscued an effort past the far post from a tight angle after being found by Paul Konchesky's flighted free-kick.

It was no surprise that further goals came, only that they were both from the same source.

Central defender Hangeland can consider himself unlucky to see a corner ricochet off his shin and fly in after 84 minutes.

But he can be equally proud of his response at the other end, rising to head home from a corner to give his side a thoroughly warranted equaliser - made possible by Stockdale's spot-kick save.

Dropping two points, even though early in the season, is a blow to United, with reigning champions and title-rivals Chelsea having hit six goals for the second successive game on Saturday to leave them as the only side with maximum points.


Nani steps up to take United's penalty, but David Stockdale palms it away

Glazers Hit By Debt Payment Rise

Manchester United's owners the Glazer family have been hit with a steep rise in their annual debt payments after the club exceeded a limit on their overall borrowings which form part of their controversial PIK loans agreement.

The Glazers used the high interest form of financing to help raise the funds for their £790m takeover in 2005.

But the loans, originally worth £265m and taken out with three hedge funds - Citadel, Och Ziff and Perry Capital - but reduced to £138m as part of a 2006 refinancing, include strict covenants relating to net debt levels and the club's earnings.

Failure to meet the borrowers' terms by 16 August meant the annual interest rose from 14.25% to 16.25%.

Analysts predict the annual payment will now increase to about £38m, up from £25m last year. Because the interest on the loans is "rolled up" and added to the original sum borrowed the Glazers will owe around £267m on the PIK loans by 2011 - almost a £100m increase in only five years.

And although Manchester United are not directly liable for the PIK loans as they sit on the accounts of the club's parent company, Red Football Joint Venture Ltd, the sharp rise will add to fans' concerns over the American family's ownership.

It will also raise fears among supporters that the Glazers will soon use the club's revenues to start paying off the PIK borrowings.

As part of a £504m bond refinancing earlier this year, the Glazers have an option to take £95m out of the club's cash reserves. According to the most recent set of accounts published by United they have £95.9m of cash available.

Duncan Drasdo, a spokesman for Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), said: "The Glazers' PR people claim this PIK debt is nothing to do with Manchester United but we believe in the next 12 months accounts will start to show them taking even more money out of our club.

"They've already wasted more on interest and fees than the total sum of all season ticket money paid by every supporter in their entire five year ownership.

"On top of all that how much more will this extra interest cost us? A Chicarito per season? A Rooney over the term of the debt? Imagine what we could achieve if released from the millstone of the Glazers' ownership."

In May the Red Knights group of wealthy fans announced they had put on hold any plans to bid for United, citing the Glazers' asking price of £1.5bn as too high.

Giggs: Rooney's Goals Will Come

Ryan Giggs believes that Wayne Rooney’s goal drought will end “sooner rather than later” purely because United create an abundance of scoring chances, and he is a brilliant player.

Rooney hit his best ever tally of 34 goals last term, but his last goal came against Bayern Munich in March. He’s not scored in his last 13 games since for club and country, which includes England’s failed World Cup campaign - naturally attracting media attention. But Giggs isn’t concerned. In fact, he has been impressed with Rooney’s movement and positioning in the games against Chelsea and Newcastle this season.

Giggs got his tally going with a sweet volley to cap off last Monday’s 3-0 win over Newcastle and has now scored in every Premier League season, and all of his 21 seasons as a professional for United. It’s that kind of experience that Ryan draws on when he advises Rooney just to keep plugging away.

“I thought Wayne’s performance was good against Newcastle,” Ryan told ManUtd.com. “His movement was excellent and he was creating chances. But as a goalscorer, especially after scoring so many goals last year, he wants to get off the mark, and I’m sure he’ll do that sooner rather than later.”

The Welshman doesn’t believe Rooney is suffering from any World Cup hangover, only that the Reds no.10 is honing his match sharpness. “The World Cup is gone now. He’s at United, he played well at Wembley against Chelsea, and he’s just a brilliant player. So, with the chances that we create, the goals will come.

“It’s always nice to start the season in form. But you’re going to get dips in the season going through good form and bad form. You just try and prepare in pre-season and to give yourself that bit of confidence. No matter who you are, you need that confidence. I think on Monday there were a lot of positive individual performances.”

Giggs’ wisdom is an integral component of this United team, and it’s not just on individual advice that he excels in guiding his younger team-mates. The Reds were written off in the summer but now, after a good start, have been reinstalled as many pundits’ favourites for the title.

“That’s always been the case,” he says. “The most important thing is that the manager knows and the players know that you don’t need to get too carried away either way; if we start well, or – and it’s going to happen at some point in the season – when we’re a crisis club after losing or drawing a game. That kind of thing is something that you’ve just got to come to terms with.”

Starting well as a team is vital, even if some players – like United’s World Cup players – are still striving to achieve full sharpness. “That’s always the plan, you always try to get off to a good start, individually and collectively. On Monday, I felt we did that. We just need to carry that on now. You’re always going to get one or two players who perhaps don’t play to their maximum, but as long as seven or eight do – especially for us – you should be OK.

“There was a phase for us where we were notorious for not starting well and then after Christmas we’d catch everyone up. In the last five or six years – starting with Arsenal when they went through the season unbeaten and then with Chelsea – we realised that we had to get a good start. In the last few years, whoever has started well has normally gone on to win the league.”

Ryan Giggs was talking to ManUtd.com, Key 103 and Press Association.

Curbing Ando's Enthusiasm

Sir Alex has revealed that Anderson spoke about leaving United last season because he wanted to be in the team every week. But now the Brazilian is back in football training following a six-month lay-off, the boss hopes to hone his midfielder's enthusiasm and ability so he fully realises his “wonderful talent”.

It is interesting that Sir Alex chose not to make a widely-predicted move to sign Germany international midfielder Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen. “No, I wasn’t disappointed [not to sign him],” the manager said of Ozil, who has now joined Real Madrid. Anderson may well be the reason for that. The challenge for United now is to get the 22-year-old to pick up the form that drew lavish praise during his first season at the club in 2007/08.

“We certainly hope [he kicks on this season], because the boy is a wonderful talent,” enthused Sir Alex.

“He has got a great personality for playing football. He loves playing, he loves training. He wants to train every day and play every minute of every game.”

But therein lies part of the problem. “He’s 22 and doesn’t have the maturity to understand that we have to operate with a squad here. When he understands that, he’ll be a fantastic player here.”

Much like taming Wayne Rooney’s aggression, controlling Anderson’s enthusiasm is a matter which must be dealt with carefully.

“Whether we can change that mentality he’s got is difficult to say,” said the boss.

“I don’t want to change it in many ways because it’s so wonderful to see someone who wants to play football every day and play every minute of every match. If you get that enthusiasm, you have to make sure you don’t check it to the point that you lose because he wants to leave because of it. Last season, he was talking that way because he wasn’t playing in every game. So we have to hope the maturity comes, and maybe it will have been good for him being out injured for this spell. He will have had a good look at the situation at United.”

Anderson’s suggestion that he would leave was more like blowing off steam rather than making genuine endeavours to leave Old Trafford, but Sir Alex says the boy from Porto Alegre (which literally means ‘Happy Harbour’) has returned to training this week displaying typical eagerness.

“I didn’t need to talk him out of leaving, I just let him get it out of his system. Unfortunately for him, he got the injury around that time, and that quelled the storm in his body. He’s come back and has the same enthusiasm. He came to me last week and said, ‘I’m ready, I’m ready’. It’s fantastic to see that in a young lad. It’s great to see. But he is a great player and he will get his opportunities here. I think everyone has seen the quality he has and he has played some fantastic games for us. He will play many more.”

Vidic Pens New Contract

Nemanja Vidic has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Manchester United until at least June 2014.

The news comes four weeks after the club issued a statement making public both its and the player's desire for Vidic to remain at Old Trafford. At that stage, however, the deal was merely agreed. The Serbian defender has now put pen to paper to cement his long-term future.

Vidic, who has made 188 appearances since joining United in January 2006, told ManUtd.com: "I am very happy to sign this contract. I came to this club when I was young and have developed enormously with the help of the manager, coaching staff and my team-mates.

"During my time here we have had a lot of success and I look forward to continuing that success in the coming seasons."

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com he was delighted Nemanja had committed his future to the club.

"This kills all the silly speculation over the past few months," he said. "Nemanja has developed into one of the best centre-halves in Europe and we are pleased he will be here for many years to come."

Santos To Sign Possebon

United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon is set to join Brazilian club Santos.

The deal is still in progress and is expected to be completed on Friday 20 August, but the two-times FIFA Club World Cup winners are keen to herald Possebon's imminent arrival.

A story on the Santos website on Thursday night (UK time) spoke of a four-year deal and the player, born in Brazil but an Italy U20 international, is quoted as saying: "It is a unique opportunity and I will work hard to give my best here. I hope to play a lot of football."

Possebon, now 21, joined United in January 2008 from Brazilian side Internacional and made his first-team debut as a substitute on the opening day of the 2008/09 season.

Since then, however, he has managed just eight first-team appearances, although he's often impressed for the Reserves. He spent the first half of last season on loan at Sporting Braga in Portugal before returning to Old Trafford in January 2010.

Giggs Loses Fear of Fergie

Ryan Giggs has become one of Alex Ferguson's closest allies at Old Trafford.

But he spent 10 years doing his best to avoid the Manchester United boss.

Giggs admits his relationship with Fergie has changed over the last two decades. The Welsh wizard revealed:

"My relationship with him is different. When I first met him, I was 13. For the next 10 years you try to keep out of the way. That's particularly the case when you've had a bad game. But he asks your advice more now than when you were a younger player. You have that experience, you're in the changing room day in, day out."
- Martin Blackburn, The Sun -

Reds' Loyalty Bonus

Sir Alex feels the club's faith in nurturing young talent over the years has led to a unique loyalty which will continue to stand the Reds in good stead in the future.

The boss has added three more budding stars to his squad this summer following the arrival of Mexican striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, defender Chris Smalling and Portuguese attacker Bebe.

And Sir Alex is hoping the trio will follow in the footsteps of some of the club's most decorated servants.

"Having young players does introduce a loyalty and a spirit that will serve us well," he said.

"You see that with Giggs, Scholes and Neville. Maybe they are rare examples to talk about. But they are examples - and good examples.

"We feel the same in the case of John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown - Darren has been at the club since he was 12. That is 14 years. You don't think that. You think he is still a young player. Wes has been with us since he was 10. He is 30 now.

"Young players develop if you are looking after them properly. I think they do that very well. They do have a good loyalty because they appreciate the education you give them as coaches."

Developing potential is, Sir Alex says, simply the norm at Old Trafford and an intrinsic trait which the club are extremely proud of.

"How we treat players is important," he added. "It is difficult to understand what other clubs think. We are just the type of club who can do it.

"The foundations of the club were built on young people, going back to the 1950s. It has not really left. It has always been there. Maybe the difference is that other clubs don't have the consistency in manager and staff that Manchester United has. Maybe that is the distinction."

Smalling Puts Faith In Sir Alex

Chris Smalling is more than happy to place his burgeoning career in the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson, and says that he’ll take the chance to impress him whenever it arises.

"To have a manager who has faith in youngsters here is very positive,” Smalling said at a press conference to unveil United’s three summer signings, alongside Javier Hernandez and latest recruit Bebe.

Smalling joins a contingent of emerging talents at Old Trafford who are all trying to grab Sir Alex’s attention. "There's a crop of youngsters who are looking to have the manager's faith as the season goes on," he said. "There are many games and if we all work hard from day to day we can take that chance when it comes. I think the chances are there if you're working hard.”

Chris was playing non-league football only two years ago before being given his chance to step up to the big-time with Fulham in summer 2008. But this latest step is an equally lengthy leap. He has the likes of Rio Ferdinand (to whom he seems to be the natural successor) and Nemanja Vidic to learn his centre-half trade. He’s full of admiration but not overawed by his new team-mates.

"When you go out on the training field there's a bunch of players who have played the game at the highest level and I think that spurs you on," he says. "I'm just starting out in my career, and seeing the players here who’ve established themselves and had the consistency to play at this level for many years, that's obviously an aim for myself."

Hernandez 'Living The Dream'

Javier Hernandez says he is living out his boyhood dream at United.

Normally that’s that sort of remark you’d get from a local boy made good, but this exciting 22-year-old from Guadalajara in Mexico certainly isn’t playing down his enthusiasm to have made the move to Old Trafford.

Hernandez, who was unveiled to the media on Tuesday, is as eager and quick-talking at press conferences as he is keen and rapid on the pitch.

“It is like a dream,” he said, a broad grin spread across his face. “I am living the dream that I had when I was 10 years old when I loved this team and these players like Giggs and Scholes. All the players at United were heroes to me, from Cantona to Ronaldo. I liked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a lot as well. They are all good players. I wanted to be like them.

"I am here now and I want to enjoy it and take this opportunity and to grow up as a human and as a player. Most importantly, I want to win things.”

He sat on the press conference top table, sleeves rolled up ready for business, holding court with confidence at his Old Trafford unveiling – although officially that had happened the night before against Newcastle when, as a second-half substitute, he was given a rapturous welcome at his new home.

“It was wonderful on Monday night to play at Old Trafford for United in this league. It was unbelievable,” he added. “When I was young I always liked this league. I always wanted to play here. I’m very happy I have this opportunity.

"I also want to open doors to players in Mexico to allow the important teams over here might look at other players from my country. To all the fans in my country and over here I want to say thank you for all the support. I can promise I will work hard and do my best.”

Chicharito’s signing is a credit to United’s scouting network, particularly signing him before an impressive World Cup raised his profile just as much as his move to Manchester.

“The World Cup was important to me,” says Hernandez. “All my experience I have had in my short career has been important. The World Cup was great for my family because my father and grand father played also in a World Cup. It was a dream for all the family.”

But now his mind is focused on United and earning his place in the team. And Chicharito will throw himself into the task with seemingly typical gusto.

“In football you know you have competition for places,” he says. “You have it when you are in the reserves and when you are young - you can only play 11 players. In my head, I just want to learn and grow up and do my best for the team.”

Scholes Not Finished Yet

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says he has no plans to slip into retirement any time soon, despite approaching his 36th birthday.

The Old Trafford stalwart has been in sparkling form at the start of the new season, illuminating both the Community Shield and United's Premier League opener against Newcastle.

The legs may not allow him to motor up and down the field like he did in his heyday, but his football brain remains as sharp as ever.

His ability to find space and pick out a killer pass mark him out from his contemporaries and suggest he could go on for many years yet.

Scholes, who will turn 36 in November, admits he feels as fresh as ever and insists he will carry on playing for as long as he feels he can do himself and his club justice.

"I haven't set any limits," said Scholes after his starring role in Monday's 3-0 demolition of Newcastle.

"I'll just keep going, hopefully keep playing well and getting in the team and just see where it goes from there.

"It depends on performances and how you play. I did go through last season thinking this might be the last time I played against this team or stuff like that. But I just don't know. My performances will decide when I finish.

"At 35 I thought that would be it. From being young and first getting into the squad, you just presume everyone will finish at 35 and that's it. Whatever you do after that is a bonus.

"At the end of last season I felt okay and hopefully this season I will do as well."

Scholes made his United debut way back in 1994 and has gone on to make almost 650 first-team appearances for the club in all competitions.

During an illustrious career with the Red Devils he has won nine Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, two UEFA Champions League crowns, the Intercontinental Cup and the Fifa World Club Cup.

He has also represented England on 66 occasions and was approached by Fabio Capello this summer to step out of international retirement and re-join the squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Sir Alex Excited By His Starlets

United officially unveiled new signings Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe in front of the world’s media on Tuesday at Old Trafford – with Sir Alex Ferguson suggesting his three new-boys fit the profile of exciting prospects.

The Reds boss said the three new signings could be moulded into top players in time, and because they have joined the club at a young age would show loyalty to United. Sir Alex also reasoned that the policy of signing young players fits with the needs of his squad, and bypasses a lack of value on ready-made first-team players.

“We could have bought players in the summer for a lot of money,” he said. “But I didn't think they would have made a really big difference. They wouldn't have done what Cantona, Rooney or Ronaldo did for us. They wouldn't have given us that quantum leap."

So the focus has very much been on youth. “It’s one of our policies, one of our important policies, to identify young players that can grow into the club and develop here. We’ve always worked on the age-factor here. We have several players in their thirties, a few in the mid-twenties to late-twenties, and the rest area all young players who are improving all the time.

"So I feel it is the right policy for Manchester United. We’re good at producing our own young players and we’re also good at developing young players. The three young players sitting here today are part of that.”

Sir Alex says that focus may have to change, presumably when old heads like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville decide to call time on their careers. “There will be a time when we look at the team differently if we need experience,” he said. “But I think we have enough experience at the moment. By getting younger players now – at 20 or 21 – they have time and we don’t need to rush them. They can develop to be the players we want them to be.”

United’s policy of signing young players or rough diamonds is in stark contrast to some other clubs, who have instead ramped up their spending – but Sir Alex is confident that spending big isn’t the only road to success.

“It doesn’t seem to abate,” said the Reds boss. “In the last two or three years we have seen very wealth owners become part of football clubs and they go on this almost kamikaze effort to spend their money. It’s amazing some of the amounts of money being bandied about in the present-day game.

“You may think that it could be dangerous, but they have that money and they are using it. I don’t see it abating. I think it’s here for two or three years until such time as they understand you can’t necessarily achieve everything you want to just by spending.”


Sir Alex with his new signings (left to right) Bebe, Chicharito and Chris Smalling

Manchester United Sign Hong Kong Mobile Deal With PCCW

Manchester United has signed a deal with Hong Kong firm PCCW for it to become the telecoms and broadcast partner of the club in the region.

The club says it is the first such deal it has signed there, adding to its growing number of overseas deals.

it means PCCW's Now TV, Hong Kong's largest pay-TV provider, will for three years be the official broadcaster of football club channel MUTV.

The service from PCCW will also be available online and on mobile phone.

PCCW and Manchester United have also jointly developed a promotional microsite, in Chinese and English, for local Man Utd fans.

The club is looking to extend its number of sponsorship and partnership deals in different global geographic markets.

Berba Strives For Beauty

“This could be Dimitar’s season,” declared Sir Alex Berbatov's sublime goal at Wembley. His deft lob over Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario clinched a record 18th Community Shield for the Reds. Now the Bulgarian says he’s aiming to play a major part adding yet more silverware to the collection…

Did you take time over the summer to analyse the last campaign?
Yes, I thought about it during my time back home in Bulgaria. We all wanted to win the title and we gave our best to do that, but things ended on a disappointing note. When one season finishes though, it’s not long until another starts and everyone feels ready to go again.

You retired from international football in May – what were your reasons and how will it benefit your club career?
Everything comes to an end at some point and I said to myself a long time ago that when I got nearer to 30 I would step down and let the younger guys take over. You need to know when to stop and that was the right moment for me. Now I can concentrate fully on my football with United, have a bit more rest during the season and enjoy watching my country.

The manager has said this could be your season – do you agree?
I want this to be our season. The most important thing is for the team to be successful and we’re all looking forward to the challenge. We want to win every competition we’re in and it’s important that we entertain the fans as well – for me that’s what football is all about.

Players always talk about learning every season at United - what have you learned during your two campaigns with the Reds?
When you come to play with the best you know you have to work hard to be on their level. And when you make that step you start to grow up, on and off the pitch. When you join the club you realise what a great place it is to learn. It’s like a school for the young players to learn how to become the best. It’s a unique club and a real family club. Whenever you hear anyone say ‘Manchester United’ you immediately think of the biggest team in the world and when you have a chance to come here and see what it’s like on the inside you feel very lucky to be part of it.

Your fellow striker Javier Hernandez has already made a positive impact - what advice would you give him in terms of dealing with the media spotlight at United?
I’m not used to giving advice! He just needs to listen to people closest to him and the boss and keep doing what he’s been doing. I saw his goals at the World Cup, and during pre-season I’ve seen how well he trains and his performances in games and he’s also a great guy. If he continues like this I think he has a very bright future.

His arrival, coupled with Michael Owen’s return to fitness, gives the manager great options up front…
Yes, definitely. There is great competition for places in every game which makes you more motivated to produce your best every day and show the boss you want to keep developing. That helps you improve as a player and ultimately helps the team.

And what are your personal aims for the season?
I just want to play well, enjoy myself and score and make goals. Football is like art and my aim is to create beautiful things on the pitch to help the team be successful. Our aim is to win the title back and I know we have the players to do it.

The fan's question...
Who do you regard as the greatest ever Bulgarian footballer? - Jake_G
There are many greats. When there was communism in our country, players weren't allowed to play abroad so they stayed in Bulgaria. Therefore they weren't known by a lot of people outside of our country, where they were legends. Of course, you have Stoichkov, Penev, Kostadinov, Balakov... they were part of a great generation. I hope that when I finish playing I'll be alongside them as well.

Quick questions
What do you get up to off the field?
Now I have my daughter I don’t have a lot of time for much else! I love spending time with my family, watching films and I enjoy drawing.

Have you drawn any of your team-mates?
[Laughs] Whatever I see I can draw! I’ve done caricatures of Vida, Fletch and Wazza. We had a good laugh about them – I think they liked them.

What other sports do you enjoy?
American football, basketball, baseball, even wrestling!

What music do you listen to?
I like hip-hop, R&B and Bulgarian music.

A few fans have asked about your new tattoo…
I always try to design my own. I spent a lot of time playing around with designs for this one. I’m now working on my new one.

What TV shows do you always Sky+?
I watch a lot of American shows - I’m a fan of House, Mad Men, The Sopranos, Heroes, Lost, Nip/Tuck…

Hernandez Enjoys Home Debut

Javier Hernandez made his home debut against Newcastle on Monday night and Sir Alex has backed the Mexican striker to score goals this season.

The man they call Chicharito came on after 63 minutes to a resounding roar from the Old Trafford faithful. But despite scoring three times in pre-season and once at Wembley last weekend, Hernandez couldn’t find the net on his Old Trafford run-out.

“I thought he was a little over-anxious,” the manager told MUTV. “He was maybe a little nervous in front of the home crowd, but you can see the qualities he has.

“His understanding of space is very, very good – he’ll get us goals.”

Hernandez admitted he “enjoyed the game” and was pleased with the result. And he wasn’t fazed by his failure to add to the scoreline.

“I understand the most important thing is the team,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who scores. It was an excellent team performance.”

Scholes Content With Win

Paul Scholes declared himself content with Manchester United's 3-0 win over Newcastle in their Premier League opener.

Veteran midfielder Scholes turned in a man-of-the-match performance to inspire the hosts to a comfortable victory at Old Trafford.

Scholes, who helped provide two of the goals, felt his side could have scored more goals, but he was just happy to get off to a winning start.

"The most important thing is to win the game," Scholes told Sky Sports 1. "Maybe we could have scored more but we'll take a 3-0 win on the first day of the season.

"Newcastle came, set their stall out and defended deep. Once we got the goal we were a constant threat.

"A lot of teams come here and try to make it difficult. We just had to tire them out as much as we could.

"Second half especially, I really enjoyed that: creating chances, looking like we were going to score whenever we went forward."

On Giggs' strike, which the Welshman finished following a fine team move, he added: "It was a great goal to watch. We kept the ball well and it was a fantastic goal to start off with."

Fergie Hails Veteran Scholes

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Paul Scholes after the veteran masterminded Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford.

The 35-year-old provided the assists for the first and third goals as the Red Devils got their Premier League title challenge off to a winning start.

"He's got a marvellous passing range and vision," said manager Ferguson.

"In the Community Shield, Scholes showed he hadn't lost his touch and that he still has the appetite."

The midfielder has spent his entire 17-year professional career at Old Trafford, and has made over 400 appearances, winning nine league titles.

"The game always needs players like that," Ferguson added.

"There are still lot of good players in the game and tonight Scholes produced."

The midfielder was handed the man-of-the-match award and played down the significance of his contributions.

"The most important thing was to win the game," he said.

"We could have scored more, but we'll take a 3-0 win. Newcastle came here and set their stall by defending deep. A lot of teams come here and try to make it difficult but we were patient."

Apart from the goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs, the home side created plenty of other chances during a match they dominated - although Newcastle went close early in the match when Andy Carroll powered a header wide.

"I expected Newcastle to work hard because they got back into the Premier League with a good work ethic. They played some good football in the first 10 minutes," added Ferguson.

"We were a little wasteful in front of goal - I think Berbatov had three or four chances."

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton said he was relieved his side did not have to play at Old Trafford every week.

"There will be games when we will have a larger share of possession," said the former Tottenham assistant.

"In those games, we will have to get to right areas and be as clinical as we can.

"When you come to Old Trafford you have to contain as much as possible, and obviously attack when the opportunities appear.

"In the first 30 minutes we able to do that but then unfortunately we gave the ball away. They had to much quality not to capitalise on those errors."

3 And Easy For Red Devils

Manchester United made the perfect start to their title bid with a comfortable victory against promoted side Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring when he fired past Steve Harper from the left-edge of the six-yard area.

Darren Fletcher doubled the lead with a close-range effort, before Ryan Giggs volleyed in a third late on.

Andy Carroll wasted Newcastle's best chance when he directed his free header wide from about four yards out.

Had that gone in with a little more than 10 minutes played, then it would have calmed the Magpies' jitters.

As it was, those jitters cost Chris Hughton's side dearly as they were soon reminded of the gulf in class between Championship and Premier League opposition.

Berbatov's opener came after a period of constant pressure from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The Bulgaria striker, who is into his third season at the club, placed his angled effort wide of Harper after ghosting past full-back Jose Enrique.

Berbatov owned the Magpies' final third during the match, either drifting wide or dropping deep to give the opposition a major headache.

In contrast, his strike partner Wayne Rooney remained off-colour, and was replaced by new signing Javier Hernandez in the second half, but a below-par Rooney is better than no Rooney at all.

His decisive touch, whether intentional or not, led to the Red Devils' second goal.

Nani picked out the marauding Patrice Evra on the left of the area and the Frenchman fired the ball across which Rooney nudged on to Fletcher, who in turn spun Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccini and poked past Harper.

The Scot also scored when the two teams last met at Old Trafford on the opening day of the 2008/09 season.

Last year's runners-up must have had one eye on equalling champions Chelsea's opening fixture feat, when they put six past West Brom.

Their third should have come from the move of the match.

Paul Scholes, who was free to dictate play having been smothered for space in the opening 15 minutes, played a quick ball to Rooney on the edge of the area, whose flick found Berbatov.

Unfortunately for the striker, his finish with the outside of his boot beat Harper but also the left-hand post.

Nani, one of Ferguson's most-improved players, then tried his luck from 20 yards but his low curling effort narrowly missed the target too.

In the last 10 minutes, the effervescent Berbatov was again put through by Scholes, but after easing past a couple of challengers, Harper stood firm to block his final effort.

However, the Newcastle keeper had little chance to stop the brilliant third.

Mastermind Scholes, 30 yards from goal, floated the ball to substitute Giggs on the left, who calmly volleyed down into the ground and past Harper.


Javier Hernandez celebrates with Vidic, Giggs and Berbatov.

Smalling Loves United Life

Summer signing Chris Smalling says he’s enjoyed every minute of life so far as a Manchester United player.

Six weeks after officially signing for the Reds, the former non-league defender has already turned out for United in Canada, America, Mexico and Ireland. And his only United appearance in England so far came at Wembley Stadium.

“It’s been really exciting,” Smalling told TheFA.com. “When you join a new club you have to get to know everybody and I think I’ve surprised myself with how I’ve got on with all the players. I’ve played five or six games over pre-season so hopefully that has bedded me into the squad. I’m really enjoying it.

“The stature of the club is such that when we went over to America we were playing in front of 50 or 60,000 fans – it’s wowed me in terms of how big the club is. Hopefully I can take my chance and show that I belong here.”

The 20-year-old has already sampled silverware with United, coming off the bench during the Reds' Community Shield win against Chelsea last weekend. He says it was "a great start" to the season and hopes to win more trophies during his stay at Old Trafford.

Rio To Miss First Month

Rio Ferdinand is likely to miss the opening month of the 2010/11 campaign after Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the defender was "nowhere near fitness."

The United stalwart has been sidelined since early June, when he suffered a knee ligament injury while preparing for the World Cup with England. The latest update on his condition suggests he will be absent from the Reds' league games against Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Everton and possibly Liverpool which falls on 19 September.

Sir Alex said this weekend, "He is nowhere near fitness. He’s doing little bits of jogging and things like that. He’s at least a month away.

"It was a knee ligament injury. There was no detachment or rupture of the ligament which was a blessing. But it was a bad one and it’s going to take time."

The boss acknowledged that Rio has had "a bad 12 months" with injuries but said that "he is okay mentally."

"You don’t want to see players getting a succession of injuries when they are in their thirties," he added.

"Gary Neville had an incredible number of muscular injuries but has kept on coming back. Rio will take encouragement from the way Gary has handled his problems.

"Hopefully this lay off will help Rio's other injury problems settle down."

Sir Alex was quoted in the Sunday Express.

The Rags To Riches Story Of Man Utd's Bebe

Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebe, was taking part in the 2009 European Street Football Festival in Bosnia when he joked with his team-mates that he would one day be greater than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 20-year-old still has a long way to go before he achieves that ambition but his transfer from Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes to Manchester United for a reported £7.4m, subject to a medical, nonetheless marks a stunning rise to prominence.

The midfielder's story has taken him from a shelter for homeless young people on the outskirts of Lisbon to one of the world's biggest football clubs in little more than a year.

It is a remarkable story.

Bebe was signed by Portuguese third division side Estrela Amadora in the summer of 2009 after previously playing for amateur side Loures. The move came months after Bebe had been one of eight residents at the Casa do Gaiato shelter invited to play for the Cais team in Bosnia.

Cais is an organisation in Portugal that is perhaps best known for publishing a magazine inspired by the Big Issue. But it also tries to use football to get homeless kids off the street.

It certainly succeeded with Bebe. Cais director Henrique Pinto, who travelled with the mixed squad of four men and women to the Bosnian town of Foca, remembers Bebe as a humble and kind man, who wore boots that were old and worn.

"He was a very simple sort of guy who did not have much," Pinto told me. "But he made a huge impression at the tournament. In terms of ability, he was the team. But he did not try to keep the ball. He involved the others. That is the image I have of him."

Asked about Bebe's move to Manchester, Pinto added: "I think he is supposed to travel to England on Friday but I doubt whether he has much luggage to take with him."

Bebe did not stay long at Estrela Amadora. His chance with them had come because the Lisbon club needed to regroup after suffering a severe downturn in circumstances. They had finished 11th in the Portuguese top flight in 2008-09 but were relegated to the third tier following a string of financial difficulties.

However, after one full season, Bebe was signed by Vitoria, one of Portugal's leading clubs, on 24 June, penning a five-year deal. The midfielder expressed the hope that he could break into the first team but little did he know what was about to happen.

After impressing during pre-season for Vitoria, scoring a superb solo goal in Sunday's win over Braganca, he suddenly discovered he was a wanted man, with both Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly showing interest.

It was United who got in first, Sir Alex Ferguson acting on an apparent recommendation from former assistant Carlos Queiroz. Ferguson met Bebe for the first time on Tuesday and United made an offer that triggered a release clause in the player's contract.

"I am very happy," said Bebe, displaying a nice line in understatement. "I had the dream of playing for a major club and that dream has come true."

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, Bebe is thought to be athletic and strong in the air but, in all honesty, not that much is known about him, even in Portugal.

"I don't think Bebe believed something like this would happen to him," added Pinto. "From having virtually nothing, he has turned himself into something radically different."

Bebe has clearly come a long way from his humble beginnings. Pinto does not know why the midfielder initially entered the Casa Do Gaiato shelter but he told me that he had been there for a long time.

"The institution is based on human values - being simple and honest, of working as a team - and that is something that is passed on to people who live there," said Pinto. "In his attitude towards life and other people around him, I do not believe that Bebe will become a person like Ronaldo, who I do not like."

Nonetheless, the sensational chain of events that have taken Bebe to the Theatre of Dreams mean he will be subject to immense changes in his life. They will take him to a new country and see him subjected to an intense pressure and scrutiny that he has not previously experienced.

Pinto, an intelligent and thoughtful man who clearly cares deeply about the plight of homeless people, is delighted by Bebe's success and telephoned him on Thursday to offer his congratulations. But he does harbour concerns about the 20-year-old's new life.

"It is easy to forget where you come from and become distracted by the things that shine, only to later discover that they are not gold," said Pinto.

If Bebe is to continue his meteoric rise and become a better footballer than Ronaldo, then he would be well served to heed Pinto's words.

Ole Excited By Chicharito

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains one of the most ruthless finishers to have represented United, so comparisons with the Norwegian striker betray the magnitude of Chicharito's early impact at Old Trafford.

Now manager of the Reds' reserve team, Solskjaer is quick to play down stylistic similarities, but appreciates that United's newest signing is blessed with enough attributes to terrorise defenders.

"We're all different," Ole told ManUtd.com. "But Chicharito's come in as a breath of fresh air. You see a player who's hungry to show what he can do. He's a great mover off the ball, his physique is very sharp, he's clever with his runs and his finishing is very good.

"He threatens space in behind defenders, and that's the hardest thing to defend against - players who know when to run, how to time their run and always think about scoring goals. He'll have to link play as well, but the way he moves off the ball gives us an option to play that direct way."

Having scored in four successive pre-season friendlies - including the opening goal against United for Chivas - Chicharito's impact has raised expectations among supporters.

Solskjaer scored on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in 1996, and concedes that first impressions are hugely important in becoming a major player at Old Trafford.

"I came to United halfway through the Norwegian season, so I was lucky enough that I was in top shape, players got injured and I got a chance," said Ole. "Hopefully he'll get a chance and he'll take it.

"Since the World Cup he's probably not had a proper rest, and his mind will have been on making a good first impression - which is very important to do. He's managed that, on and off the pitch. He's a great lad as well. He'll need time to settle in the Premier League, of course, everyone does, but I'm sure the gaffer is looking forward to testing him regularly against Premier League players."

Reds Ban Vuvuzelas

Manchester United has joined the growing list of Barclays Premier League clubs that have banned vuvuzelas from their stadiums.

The horn instrument has been a fixture at sporting events in South Africa since 2002, but divided public opinion at the recent World Cup. FIFA even came under pressure to ban the instrument after a deluge of complaints from television viewers, fans and players.

Now, Manchester United has confirmed supporters will not be allowed to bring the instrument into Old Trafford.

A club spokesperson said: "The decision was taken after careful consideration and in light of correspondence received from fans. We recognise the vuvuzela was a feature at the World Cup – and we're sure it will remain a part of the matchday experience in South Africa – but in the context of English football we believe it's had its day."