Boss Enjoys Gain In Spain

Sir Alex Ferguson saluted the contribution of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez following United's smash and grab victory in Valencia.

With the Champions League Group C game heading towards stalemate, the young Mexican substitute stunned the partisan crowd with an 85th-minute strike to give the Reds only a second win in 18 away games against Spanish opposition.

Sir Alex said: "I think what Chicharito did was he brought us penetration. Just before he scored he made a great run in behind their defence and that was what we needed at that stage of the game.

“This is a great result for us as it is not easy to come here. We have a bad record over a long period in Spain but nevertheless it was good to win.

“In the second half we certainly improved, we had more penetration about us. When you come here you have to be solid at the back and I don’t think Valencia made any great chances in the match. That said, they always posed a threat because they play good football and they get a lot of players in the box.”

With little over 10 minutes of normal time left, the boss opted for youth by introducing Chicharito and Federico Macheda to the action. His changes paid off handsomely for the Reds, as Anderson and Dimitar Berbatov took a well-earned breather.

The United manager said: “It was Anderson’s first game back for a long time playing at that level so he had to come off at some point and Berbatov did a great job in terms of the work he put in. The changes suited us in terms of energy and speed.”

Sir Alex was talking to ITV.

Rio Hails Hernandez

Rio Ferdinand praised Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez after United's Mexican striker came off the bench to seal a superb win over Valencia.

The summer signing kept his cool in the cauldron of the Mestalla stadium and claimed the headlines with a cool finish five minutes from time - a goal that will further increase his stock with United fans and players alike.

Ferdinand enthused: “He is a fantastic lad. He comes to early training every day and he is one of the last to leave, he has a great attitude and he always wants to learn and get in the team. But that is the same with all the lads like Kiko and Michael Owen. We have the players who can come in and make a difference for us."

Turning to United's table-topping win, the defender revealed the Reds set out to stifle the opposition and then steal a goal. The final score suggests the plan was perfectly executed.

“I think we came to set our stall out to make sure we didn’t concede and hit them on the counter attack," reflected Rio. "I thought in the first half we contained them but didn’t really offer much ourselves going forward.

“In the second half we improved a little bit, kept the ball and then the two substitutes combined with Nani to score a great goal.

“The result is definitely a confidence boost. Obviously it has been well documented that we have let points slip in recent games and you do get nervous when you’re on a run like that but tonight I though as a team we dealt with it well.”

Having played just twice this season following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Ferdinand showed little sign of rustiness. Instead he gave the type of performance that has become synonymous with the elegant defender and his delight at playing again was evident.

“It was good. I’m just pleased to be back and playing," he smiled. “I enjoy playing football, that is what I know and do best. To get out there and play 90 minutes is just fantastic and to get a win in Spain is great because we all know it is hard and we did it today.”

Chicha Cherishes Dream Goal

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is hoping his first goal in the Champions League will be a springboard for many more as he continues his exciting start to life with United.

The young forward's decisive flash of penalty-area inspiration settled an otherwise largely forgettable match at the Mestalla, but the substitute insisted the outcome - a vital one-nil win for the Reds over main Group C rivals Valencia - mattered more than any personal glory.

"It was a great night. I am so happy about the goal but also it was important to get the win and three points," said Chicharito.

"I am glad I was able to play my part in the win. But our defence was very solid tonight. We appreciate that as players up front."

Making his mark on the Continent realised a dream for Chicharito, who previously watched European football from afar in his homeland.

"I always used to watch the Champions League when I was back home in Mexico," he said. "It is one of the most important tournaments in the world so I was always keeping up with it.

"To score in the Champions League, so early in my United career, is a dream come true for me, and a big boost. It will give me so much confidence."

The fact his 85th-minute winner came from the best team move in the match, involving fellow United substitute Federico Macheda and also Nani, was not lost on the Mexican predator.

"It was some great play by Nani to keep the ball and then he set Kiko away. It was a great ball in from him and I was able to put it away."

scoring at Wembley against United's biggest domestic rivals to getting the club's European quest up and running, Chicharito continues to take everything in his stride as his fledgling Reds career unfolds.

"I have been settling in well in Manchester," he added. "I have been learning and working so hard because I want to do well here, I am very motivated.

"I am enjoying it and it is great to be a United player. I want it to continue for a long time."

Hernandez Pinches Points For United

Javier Hernandez stepped off the bench to get Manchester United's Champions League campaign up and running with a late victory away at Valencia.

Hernandez, who moments before struck the post, collected a pass from fellow substitute Federico Macheda and smashed a left-foot shot low into the corner.

Valencia had been the better side and Roberto Soldado headed over after Edwin van der Sar flapped at a cross.

Dimitar Berbatov forced Cesar Sanchez to save before Hernandez stole victory.

It was harsh on La Liga leaders Valencia, but they were made to pay for not creating enough chances with the possession they had and being profligate with the ones they did manage to fashion.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, having set his team up to keep it tight at the back and contain the Spanish side, will be absolutely delighted with the result ahead of two more eminently winnable Group C games against unfancied Turkish team Bursaspor.

After a 0-0 draw at home to Rangers two weeks ago United needed to kick-start their European campaign, and Ferguson flew out to Spain to watch Valencia last week, missing his team's 5-2 victory at Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup in the process.

Shorn of the services of injured midfielders Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia and star striker Wayne Rooney, the Scot was forced to adopt a defensive strategy.

Despite having only made one brief substitute appearance apiece in the Premier League this season, Anderson and Michael Carrick came into midfield with Berbatov forced to plough a lone furrow up front.

And after a decent start from the hosts it was Berbatov who attempted to spark his team into life with a well-struck 30-yarder that flashed just past Cesar's left-hand post.

But neither side seemed in too much of a hurry to commit players forward as the game quickly became a battle for midfield supremacy, with lone strikers Berbatov and Soldado starved of possession for long periods.

Soldado did spurn the best chance of the first half when Alejandro Dominguez's cross from the left evaded Van der Sar's outstretched left hand, but he could not react in time and headed up and on to the roof of the net.

The home side's best moments, though few and far between, were taking place down their right flank with the pace of Miguel and Pablo Hernandez causing problems, on one occasion the latter cutting inside and drilling a fine shot just past Van der Sar's right-hand post.

Berbatov was feeding off scraps but he showed his class to control a long pass out from the United back, beat David Navarro for pace and force Cesar to save at his near post.

The longer the game went on the likelier it seemed Valencia would be the team, if any, to nick it, but the tiring Soldado shot wide and then headed off target, before Manuel Fernandes forced Van der Sar to push his 30-yarder behind.

Just when the Spaniards appeared to be on top, United sent on first Hernandez and then Macheda as they hit the hosts with a classic sucker-punch.

Moments after Hernandez had met Nani's floated cross at the back post with a shot against the upright, a devastating counter handed United the three points.

Nani fed Macheda down the right and when his pass to the edge of the box found Hernandez, the Mexican's first touch took the ball out of his feet and his second lashed the ball into the corner past Cesar Sanchez from 16 yards.

Valencia were too shell-shocked to respond in the five minutes they had left, leaving United with a firm grasp on the destiny of Group C.


Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez celebrates his decisive strike against Valencia

Rooney To Miss Three Weeks With Injury

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to three weeks because of an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old has endured a poor start to the season and was substituted in the second half of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Bolton after getting injured.

As well as not making United's trip to Valencia, Rooney will miss Saturday's league game at Sunderland and England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the latest prognosis on Rooney ahead of their Champions League Group C match against a Valencia side currently top of La Liga.

The striker's absence against Montenegro on 12 October will be a blow to England boss Fabio Capello, considering the injuries to Frank Lampard, Theo Walcott, Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora.

However, it is further bad news for Rooney whose private life has come under close scrutiny in recent weeks and whose form has wobbled in the opening period of the Premier league campaign.

The former Everton forward has only scored once this season - from the penalty spot - compared with three in a week for Michael Owen and seven so far this season for top scorer Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov.

Ferguson even admitted last week that the player was feeling the strain of being in the media spotlight after allegations about his private life.

Former England boss Kevin Keegan, working as a TV pundit for Sunday's match at the Reebok, said after the draw: "His performance at Bolton tells me his confidence is shot."

Rooney will join United team-mate Ryan Giggs on the sidelines with the Welshman ruled out for a fortnight after injuring a hamstring at the weekend.

The Old Trafford club opened their European campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Rangers and on Wednesday face the Spanish club who began their Champions League quest with a 4-0 defeat of Turkish team Bursaspor.

Vidic: We Must Defend Better

Nemanja Vidic admits he's worried about United's goals against column after the Reds shipped another two goals on Sunday at the Reebok Stadium.

Although Sir Alex's men left Bolton with a point, the Reds twice went behind against a spirited Trotters side. United have now conceded nine goals in the last four games and kept just three clean sheets (all at home) this season.

"Yes, we’re concerned," the Reds' on-field skipper told MUTV. "Over the last few years we haven’t conceded many goals. We always looked strong and we didn’t give teams many chances. But in the last few away games we haven’t kept clean sheets, which is very disappointing."

Vidic's disappointment at the final whistle on Sunday was magnified by United's inability to take advantage of their title rivals' slip-ups. Twenty-four hours earlier, Chelsea had lost at Manchester City, while Arsenal suffered defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. A win on Sunday would have taken United to within a point of league leaders Chelsea.

"The results yesterday were good for us but we didn’t win today and now we don’t have the same advantage we had this morning, before kick-off," Vidic said.

"This was a game we wanted to win and before the game we'd have said a draw would be two points dropped."

Fletcher Glad Owen's Back

Darren Fletcher says Owen Hargreaves's return to action with the Reds would not only raise the quality at United's disposal in midfield, he would also increase competition for places.

Hargreaves has been plagued by a career-threatening knee injury since Autumn 2008, and it's two years this month since his last Reds start against Chelsea.

Back in May he came on as a substitute for the final three minutes against Sunderland, and he was expected to be fit for the start of this season, but suffered another setback in the summer.

The 29-year-old returned to America, where he had the double operation on the troublesome tendonitis problem, for more treatment.

But after making excellent progress in recent weeks he is now back among the first-team ranks - and Fletcher hopes it remains that way.

“It’s great to have him back and hopefully he can stay fit now and be a really important part of the squad,” said the Scot. “The biggest thing for us is the determination and dedication he’s shown to coming back.

"He’s come back in the last few days and surprised everyone. He seems to be fit and doesn’t have any problems on the injury front.”

midfielders are also back in contention for selection. Brazilian Anderson marked his return to the first-team by playing 90 minutes in the 5-2 Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe, while Michael Carrick resumed training last week following an Achilles problem.

Hargreaves, Anderson and Carrick will all be challenging Fletcher for a place in centre of United's midfield, but it's a battle that the Reds' no.24 relishes.

“Competition is great, it brings the best out in everyone,” he says. “It’s important you have a good squad because it’s a long season. We experienced that last season with the amount of injuries we picked up, and that cost us a little bit.

"There will be different games where the manager feels that different personnel fit what he’s trying to do.

"For me personally, I just have to keep my head down and work hard. I need to keep playing well and try to keep myself in the team each week because the players that are coming back into the squad will be desperate to play as well."

The middle men
United's midfield takes on a formidable appearance if everyone's fit and firing...

Darren Fletcher
He's been the central midfield mainstay and one of United's key men in recent seasons. He'll take some shifting.

Paul Scholes
He's 35, but performing like he's 25. Played a lot of games so far but may be used more sparingly later in the season.

Anderson
Bags of promise, yet injury and inexperience (with that inconsistency) tempered his progress. Like Nani last season, this is a big year.

Michael Carrick
United's midfield metronome. He was hugely influential in a 4-4-2 early in his Reds career; we're set up for him.

Owen Hargreaves
What a miss he's been. His energy, creativity would drive us on, and he gets the odd goal too.

Darron Gibson
Still 22, his rocket right boot has a deft touch too, as a lob at Scunthorpe proved. Goals from midfield are a commodity.

Look On The Bright Side

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t hide his frustration at yet more Barclays Premier League points lost on the road, but he will still draw positives from United’s 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

It was a missed opportunity after Chelsea and Arsenal’s defeats to Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, and United’s inability to take three points away from home is becoming a concern. But Sir Alex isn’t pushing the panic button yet.

“I thought that in the first half we should have done better,” he said after the game. “We had a lot of chances and played some really good football. We also did well to come from behind.

“The second half was very even. Bolton are a real handful and made some good chances themselves. Our chances were reduced in the second half, even though we had plenty of possession of the ball.

"But we must take credit coming back again. Being behind twice away from home is not easy to come back from. It shows character.

“A lot of teams coming here will find it difficult. Bolton are a handful in terms of the aerial ability they have. Their direct play is very good. I thought it was a fair result and a really good match, particularly in the second half.”

United’s somewhat erratic results so far this season show signs of the Premier League’s pitfalls. But Sir Alex says his side’s resilience – no doubt added to players coming back into form and with some winning momentum – will stand the Reds in good stead, especially as United are now second and just three points behind leaders Chelsea.

“Teams drop points when you don’t expect it,” he said. “That’s what the Premier League is like. Away from home we’ve scored seven goals and we’ve only taken three points.

"It gives you a measure of the quality in the league. The plus points for us are that we kept coming back. That will help us.”

Joy Curtailed By Frustration

Michael Owen came off the bench to rescue a point for the Reds against Bolton Wanderers, but his supersub heroics were tinged with frustration as United missed an opportunity to capitalise on Chelsea and Arsenal’s slip-ups.

Owen struck his 200th goal in English football, but the Reds striker was not in celebratory mood after United dropped league points on the road for the third successive game.

“It’s always a tough place to come to, but we created enough chances and dominated most of the game,” Owen told ESPN. “They are dangerous in certain situations, but we’re disappointed not to get the three points.”

On his 200th goal, he added: “Scoring has always been a part of my career, and it’s always nice to score goals, but it’s tinged with disappointment at not getting the win.”

Owen’s outlook was shared by the rest of the squad in the dressing room. “We’re all frustrated in there because we wanted the win and because of the way the results went this weekend. It was an opportunity to close that gap at the top. It wasn’t to be.

“We were helped with a few nice results on Saturday, but when you don’t capitalise on it, it leaves a sense of disappointment. We’ve got to focus on [Sunderland] next week. It’s a long season and we’ve only just started. We're disappointed, but we’ll bounce back.”


Michael Owen made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch

Man. United Suffer Giggs Injury Blow

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Ryan Giggs will be out for two weeks after the winger suffered a hamstring injury against Bolton.

Giggs went off in Sunday's 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium and is set to miss Wednesday's Champions League tie at Valencia and league game at Sunderland.

"It is a hamstring and I am afraid he will be out for a couple of weeks," Ferguson told ESPN.

Wayne Rooney had an ankle problem but is expected to face Valencia.

Rooney was substituted after 61 minutes at the Reebok Stadium as United twice went behind to goals from Zat Knight and Martin Petrov but earned a point courtesy of efforts from Nani and Michael Owen.

"Wayne Rooney had a bit of a knock," said United assistant manager Phelan. "He has a little issue with his ankle. We don't know how serious.

"We will have a look in the morning but we think he will be OK for Wednesday.

"He has been playing with it for a couple of weeks now and during the game we decided he wasn't getting into the areas we wanted and he wasn't getting chances, so we had to change it."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's side failed to capitalise on Premier League leaders Chelsea being beaten at Manchester City on Saturday, although the Scot drew solace in his team's character to twice come back to level at Bolton.

"In the first half we should have done better but we did well to come from behind," said Ferguson.

"The second half was very even. Bolton were a real handful and our chances were reduced but we must take credit for coming back again. It shows a bit of character."

Owen Earns United Point

Manchester United failed to capitalise on a defeat for Premier League leaders Chelsea as a Michael Owen goal rescued a draw for them at resolute Bolton.

The home side went ahead when defender Zat Knight flicked in a corner only for Nani to end a powerful run with an angled strike to equalise.

Martin Petrov restored Bolton's lead when he cut inside and had a shot deflected in off Darren Fletcher.

Substitute Owen then glanced in a Nani free-kick to earn a point for United.

The draw will have annoyed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who had emphasised his side's need to close the gap at the top of the table to a single point following Chelsea's loss at Manchester City 24 hours earlier.

And with the Red Devils having registered 10 wins from the last 11 games against Bolton, the visitors might have been confident of victory.

However, as with so many of the underdogs over the weekend, Bolton upset their more illustrious opponents, while the defensive frailties which have undermined United's season so far were again exposed.

The visitors went behind early on when Knight beat United centre-back Jonny Evans to a corner and glanced in a shot.

Bolton's work ethic in closing down and pressing United unsettled their north west opponents but the visitors still carried a threat on goal.

An unmarked Ryan Giggs shot straight at Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who also dived low to his right to keep out a Fletcher strike.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is working on trying to create more of a passing side but the Trotters still have much of the physical presence of past years.

Powerful striker Kevin Davies is central to a more direct style and he produced a flick-on that Johan Elmander was close to diverting past keeper Edwin Van der Sar.

Bolton centre-back Sam Ricketts produced a surging run from defence and had a 22-yard shot saved before United winger Nani produced a similar solo burst on the home goal but, in contrast, finished with an angled shot from 18 yards.

The alert Knight had to clear a Nani cross with Wayne Rooney set for a tap in as the visitors slowly turned up the pressure on the Bolton defence.

Rooney, who was booed by the home fans on his first away appearance since allegations about his private life emerged, fizzed a 22-yard shot over as he tried to add to his one goal for United so far this season.

Ferguson has been concerned at the impact of the media spotlight on a striker who cut a forlorn figure for the most part and his involvement ended on 61 minutes as he was replaced by Federico Macheda.

Macheda instantly played a one-two with the in-form Berbatov, who had a stinging shot blocked away by Jaaskelainen.

United's desire to get forward left them susceptible to the counter-attack and Bolton showed the ability to capitalise.

Petrov cut inside Park Ji-Sung and drove in a shot which was deflected past Van der Sar by Fletcher.

United centre-back Rio Ferdinand was not included in the visitors's squad for the match and watched from the stands as events almost got even better for Bolton.

The hard-working Elmander cleverly flicked the ball past Nemanja Vidic only to blaze a shot horribly over.

The miss was quickly punished as Owen glanced in a Nani free-kick as an absorbing game finished with the spoils shared and United still searching for their first away win in the league this season.


Nani celebrates after his wonderstrike levelled the scores at the Reebok

Carling Cup 4th Round: Wolves To Meet United

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

The road to Wembley continues as the Reds welcome Wolves - who United met in the third round en route to the final last year - to Old Trafford during the week commencing Monday 25 October 2010.

The date and kick-off time of the match will be confirmed in due course.

Holders United saw off Scunthorpe in the third round with a 5-2 win that in the end proved comfortable despite the Championship side putting up an impressive show on home turf at Glanford Park.

The draw for the Carling Cup fourth round is as follows:

Newcastle v Arsenal
Birmingham v Brentford
Wigan v Swansea
Aston Villa v Burnley
Leicester v West Brom
United v Wolves
West Ham v Stoke City
Ipswich v Northampton

Fergie - Rooney Is Struggling

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Wayne Rooney is struggling to cope with the media spotlight on him.

Rooney has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks after revelations over his private life.

The England international has scored only one goal for United this season and he was left out of the draw at Everton as Ferguson feared the reception he would receive at Goodison Park.

And Ferguson believes Rooney may be mentally exhausted after coming under such constant scrutiny.

"I don't believe he has a confidence problem but the boy is starting to realise finally, without any question, what kind of focus is on him as a human being," Ferguson said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is realising what it means to be at the centre of media attention for non-football-related questions.

"I don't think the boy can turn a corner at the moment without a camera on him. He can't move without the paparazzi being on him and, for a young person, that is not what you want. You want to play and enjoy your football without that attention on you, because that can be quite exhausting.

"He would like to keep playing with freedom, but the siege of the tabloids can wear out anyone."

Hargreaves Surprises Sir Alex

Owen Hargreaves is back in training and close to giving Sir Alex Ferguson a selection problem.

The boss said in an MUTV exclusive interview: "Owen has come back training, he trained yesterday with the first team. He looked very good. I was surprised actually how good he was looking. It's an extra string to our bow.

"After being out for so long, we'll have to monitor him and see how he progresses in the next few weeks. But it's good to see him back. Because he's been out for so long you have to see whether there's going to be a relapse. That's the first thing on our mind. But having watched him in training, if he continues that way he's going to give me a selection problem."

Michael Carrick is also back on the training field. "Michael started training last week," says Sir Alex. "He had an injection on his Achilles to settle it down. It was nothing serious, just one of those niggling little problems you can get, particularly at the start of the season when grounds are firm. He's fine, he's started training."

Boss Scouts Keeper?

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to raid Spain with a bid for Atletico Madrid's wonder keeper David De Gea.

Fergie missed his team's Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe and flew to Valencia to watch United's next Champions League opponents but it was a cover for a personal check on the brilliant youngster.

De Gea, just 19, is rated the best young keeper in Europe - with a wonder show against Barcelona last weekend also watched by United's spies as they look for Edwin van der Sar's long-term successor. United have been tracking De Gea for some time, even looking at him in Atletico's reserves last season before he stepped into the first team and took a firm grip on the jersey.

Ferguson knows that Atletico are looking to sell players after missing out on deals to move out Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan in the last window.

United's American owners would sanction a bid for a player of De Gea's potential as his value would not drop at any stage. He could probably be bought now for around £12million.
- Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror -

Fergie - Blues Clashes Crucial

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's meetings with Chelsea will decide the outcome of the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils finished one point adrift of the Stamford Bridge side last season after suffering home and away defeats to Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Despite the regular threat of Arsenal and the ambition of Manchester City, Ferguson feels it is the reigning champions who are their main rivals this term.

"The Premier League is such a difficult league, it's almost tribalism and you can't dismiss that impact when it comes to winning the Premier League," the Scot told CNN International.

"I always look at the team that wins the league the year before, you have to have a target to try to work on.

"It's up to the rest, including us, to do that and Chelsea are the champions. They've had a good start to the season and I look upon them as the main danger to us.

"The games that will matter will probably be the ones against each other. Last year we lost both of those games and therefore that decided the title."

Ferguson missed Wednesday night's 5-2 Carling Cup third round triumph away to Scunthorpe as he was in Spain scouting forthcoming UEFA Champions League opponents Valencia.

The vastly-experienced coach has identified Real Madrid as a threat in Europe's Premier club competition this term as they are now under the guidance of former sparring partner Jose Mourinho.

He added: "You expect great improvement from Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho.

"Barcelona are still the most attractive team and they will be one of the main dangers with Inter Milan the most difficult to beat.

"They've all got their different qualities, but it's such an exciting tournament, you can't help but look forward to it. The Champions League is the most fantastic competition now."

Owen Expecting More Action

Michael Owen is hoping his playing opportunities at Manchester United come 'thick and fast' after scoring two goals on Wednesday night.

The former England striker opened his account for the season with a brace during United's 5-2 Carling Cup victory at Scunthorpe.

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not at Glanford Park having chosen to watch next week's UEFA Champions League opponents Valencia instead.

But assistant manager Mike Phelan, who was placed in charge for the evening, says Owen's efforts did not go unnoticed.

"Michael Owen did exceptionally well and showed what a top, top player he is," said Phelan.

"I thought he contributed to everything and he covered the ground extremely well."

Reports have suggested 30-year-old Owen, who prior to Wednesday evening had only managed 46 minutes of action since the Community Shield last month, has been unhappy with his lack of playing time at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

But the striker is expecting that to change as the season picks up pace.

"It's been a strange start to the season," said Owen.

"We've played weekend-weekend-weekend and then into a double-header international break so the manager's kept a similar team through those three games.

"Subsequently there's been a lot of us that haven't played in the first month of the season but now the Champions League's started, the League Cup's started and there's Premier League games all the time so I'd like to think there's going to be plenty of games coming thick and fast.

"People make a lot of different situations but there's a lot of us in the same boat that haven't had many minutes.

"It's a difficult juggling act for the manager because he's got young kids that he wants to bring through and learn a thing or two, then there's players that have been injured coming back into the action and players that need the games that have been fit, so it's par for the course at Manchester United.

"But it's a bit false at the minute because there have been so few games."

Owen, who has enjoyed League Cup success three times in the past, twice with former club Liverpool and once with United, was encouraged by the defeats of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City on Wednesday.

"I've won it three times, it's been a good competition for me, and obviously Manchester United have won it for the last two years," he added.

"Looking at the results, there's a lot of big teams that have gone out so it's a satisfying result for us."

New Boy Draws Plaudits

In the relatively low key surroundings of Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park, Portuguese under-21 international Bebe made one of the most anticipated United debuts of recent years.

The 20-year-old was handed a 15-minute outing in the dying embers of the Reds' Carling Cup victory, and he demonstrated glimpses of the raw potential which prompted his remarkable capture, surging down the left flank and displaying a willingness to attack defenders and threaten the hosts' goal.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan took charge of the team in Sir Alex Ferguson's absence, and was more than happy with what he saw from the Reds' newest recruit.

"The scoreline gave us the opportunity to give Bebe a little look at what Manchester United's all about. I thought he responded very well," Phelan told MUTV. "There were fleeting moments of pace and power, and he got a little bit excited now and again. But it's important that players like him get these opportunities."

Having witnessed Bebe's first few weeks as a United player, from his first training session to his maiden appearance, defender Chris Smalling insists the Portuguese is rapidly acclimatising to life in the Reds' fold.

"Since he's come in, he's become sharper every day," said the defender. "He's really improving and working on his fitness. Tonight he really caused their full-back problems, coming in from the wing, and hopefully we'll see him produce that kind of form in many games to come."

Boss' Absence Explained

Assistant manager Mike Phelan has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson missed United's Carling Cup trip to Scunthorpe to scout Valencia, the Reds' next Champions League opponents.

Unai Emery's side have started the season in fine form, topping La Liga and romping to a 4-0 victory at Bursaspor in their opening Group C encounter, prompting a personal check from the United manager during Wednesday's domestic clash with Atletico Madrid.

"He had to make some priorities and he chose that he wouldn't come to this game; he would leave it to his other people to do," Phelan told Sky Sports.

"It's important, after drawing the Rangers game, that we prepare properly and we get a good view of Valencia, who've started their season very well."

Sir Alex's absence left Phelan in charge of the Reds' third round clash at Glanford Park, and he was delighted to see a host of action-starved players gel well against an impressive Scunthorpe side.

"There were a few players out there who needed the game; a few of the young players," he said. "Rio's done well, but I thought also Michael Owen did exceptionally well. He showed what a top, top player he is and he contributed to everything tonight - he covered the ground really well.

"We have a young player in Chris Smalling who did well, then there were Kiko Macheda and Chicharito, and we introduced Bebe as well. The keeper (Tomasz Kuszczak) did exceptionally well. He dealt with everything that came his way.

"I thought Scunthorpe played their part in a very, very good game. They created a few opportunities. Even when we got it to 5-1 they created probably six chances that they possibly could have done better with.

"Overall it's a great scoreline from our point of view because it's a new team out there that was put together over a couple of days. From Scunthorpe's point of view, they should take a lot of pride from the game."

United Fight Back Fells Iron

Manchester United survived an early scare against Scunthorpe to begin their Carling Cup defence in winning style.

The hosts scored a shock opener when Josh Wright powered in, only for Darron Gibson to level with a fine lob.

United settled after Chris Smalling's volley before the break with Scunthorpe restricted to long-range shots.

Michael Owen tucked in when clean through, Ji-Sung Park blasted home and Owen tapped in the fifth, leaving Martyn Woolford to score a consolation.

With Sir Alex Ferguson in Spain watching Champions League opponents Valencia, Mike Phelan was handed managerial duties for a United team making wholesale changes from their win over Liverpool on Sunday.

It was a still a strong line-up, boasting Owen and Anderson - making their first competitive starts since February - as well as Rio Ferdinand in defence and although United came through as victors, the Championship side can be proud of their efforts in this captivating encounter.

The Scunthorpe caretaker boss Ian Baraclough, in only his third game in management, promised his team would not "sit back" and despite being unable to sustain the momentum in the second period, they did not let down the Glanford Park faithful.

The hosts peppered the United goal in the opening exchanges with Wright and Woolford going close and only an alert Tomasz Kuszczak kept out Eddie Nolan's rasping shot from 25 yards.

It wasn't long before the unthinkable, yet wholly deserved, opening goal arrived on 19 minutes.

Woolford danced his way through the defence and after feeding the ball into the path of the onrushing Wright, Kuszczak was soon picking the ball out of the net after a sensational 25-yard strike from the man brought from Charlton on a free last season.

The jubilation was short-lived though when four minutes later, the Old Trafford team, who last suffered a knock-out defeat in this competition in September 2007, unlocked the hard-working defence with their first major attack.

Smalling fired a long-ball down through the middle and after one bounce, Gibson lobbed the ball cutely over keeper Joe Murphy to level the scoring.

The team 15th in the Championship continued to press forward and they almost regained the lead with a Cliff Byrne header but the unmarked skipper could only find the seats behind the goal.

With both teams increasingly intent on exhibiting free-flowing football, the on-looking Phelan will have been hugely relieved as his players burst forward in numbers to take the lead.

Following a rather limp Anderson free-kick, Brown passed through to Park on the right whose low cross was volleyed in adroitly by Smalling from four yards.

Some may have predicted a capitulation from the hosts, but they stuck by their managerial directions and Kuszczak was very fortunate to see his save from Jonathan Forte bounce away just short of the goal line.

But despite Woolfrod and substitute Robert Grant troubling the United keeper with more shots, the second half belonged to the visitors.

Four minutes inside the second half, Owen, making a rare appearance up front, burst through after a sweet pass from Federico Macheda to chip over Murphy for his 10th United goal and stretch the lead to two.

The former England striker then turned provider as he headed down Anderson's corner for Park to blast home.

Park then returned the favour as his shot spilled from Murphy's hands for Owen to stroke in the fifth.

The drama continued in the last 20 minutes, with the sight of a male stripper running on to the pitch, United's Portuguese Bebe forward finally making his senior debut, leaving the irrepressible Woolford to poke in a late goal for Scunthorpe.


Michael Owen celebrates after scoring the Reds' third goal at Glanford Park

Millions Join Reds' Facebook Page

United's passionate worldwide fanbase has made the club's official Facebook page the fastest growing of any sports team on the planet.

Facebook.com/manchesterunited has now registered over 2.5million fans since its launch, making the Reds the most followed English football team on the social networking website.

The community continues to grow, with over 500,000 fans per month choosing to engage with the club on Facebook.

“This underlines our global fanbase,” said a club spokesman. “Any look at the extent of our support reveals we have fans everywhere from Stretford to Singapore to Santiago, showing the strength of United’s appeal.”

To become a 'fan' of the club’s official Facebook page and join a global family of United supporters visit Facebook.com/manchesterunited.

Nani Feels At Home

Nani tells Inside United about his stunning form since the turn of the year, how he’s matured, and his footballing education on the streets of Portugal...

Was last season your best for United personally, even though it ended disappointingly for team?
Yes, it’s fair to say that. Last season was important for my confidence. I was pleased with how I played during the second half of the season and I want to keep improving each year.

You seemed to hit top form suddenly when you came back from injury in January. Was that a result of anything that happened on the pitch or in your life, maybe something somebody said, or did it just click together by coincidence?
I had a chat with the manager about things, but I knew myself that when I came back from injury I had to change something because I wanted to play, to improve and to show everyone what I can do. Once I got fit I worked hard every day in training and the manager saw that. He spoke with me and told me my chance would come and when he gave it me everything went from there.

Did you feel the support growing for you from the fans as you put in performance after performance?
It’s always nice to hear the fans get behind you and they gave me a lot of support last season which I am very grateful for. Their backing gives me even more confidence to go out and perform to my best in every game.

The manager has said he expects you to build on your efforts last season – do the high expectations he and other people have put extra pressure on you or is it something you enjoy?
He says that because he believes I can get better and that gives me great confidence. He knows I can do even better and so do I; I expect a lot from myself and I have to work hard to achieve that. I feel sharp and strong and I hope I can help the team enjoy many great moments this season.

How do you compare the Nani of now to the one who joined the club in 2007?
Now I’m a bit older I’m more experienced and I definitely have more confidence. This season is my fourth at the club and it really feels like this is my home now.

You said recently that when you first joined you were so excited to be playing with big stars – looking back were you slightly overawed by everything and did that affect progress initially?
It was just a big change for me. Of course, I was excited, but it was hard in some ways because you have a lot to adjust to. I didn’t know the language, the food was different and even getting used to driving on the other side of the road took time! I was on my own as well as my family had stayed in Portugal, but at the same time I was very lucky that I had Anderson, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Carlos [Queiroz] at the club. We could chat together in Portuguese and I learnt a bit of English every day with Ronaldo and Carlos. As I said, now this feels like home and I’m very happy here.

Do you still consider yourself a young player or do you find yourself handing down advice to the younger lads in the squad?
I know I’m still young in terms of my age, but in my head I feel a bit older now. I’ve learnt a lot in my time here and whenever I think I can help the younger players I always try to give them advice.

What do you remember about your days playing football on the streets of Amadora in Portugal?
When I was younger all I thought about was football. I would get up early to go out and play and not come back until late. I wouldn’t bother coming in for lunch, I would just be out playing football all day. They were good times, but sometimes it wasn’t easy because the area where I lived was a tough place. There were some problems there and I had to be strong to make sure I just concentrated on football and never got distracted and had my head turned to go the other way. I was very lucky that I had football to focus on.

Did you always believe you’d make it as a professional?
It was always what I dreamt of doing. I have one brother, Paolo Roberto, who is five years older me and he was the one who got me into football when I was younger. He was a good player back then, the best in our area in fact, and he taught me everything. My father was in Cape Verde at the time and couldn’t come back Portugal, so my brother was like a second father. He was my inspiration.

You’re renowned for your fancy footwork – did you spend a lot of time learning and practising tricks and flicks as a youngster?
Yes, me and my friends would spend hours practising in the street. We would watch all the great players on TV – I remember watching a lot Ronaldo and [Luis] Figo when they were at Barcelona - and try to copy their tricks. The skills you learn give you the confidence to play football, but the rest you have to learn at a club. I was very lucky to join a club like Sporting [Lisbon] because they taught me about the rules of the game and looked after me very well.

What was early life like at Sporting and was it a good place to learn your trade?
I learnt so much whilst I was there. There was always someone there to explain to me about things I wasn’t sure of and to help me make the right choices and never get distracted by anything bad. The people at the club taught me to do the right things on the pitch and I will always be grateful for their support.

We heard that you visited Old Trafford with Sporting before you joined – did you ever imagine you’d become a United player?
[Laughs] I remember that visit - I came with my friend and we did the tour of the museum and the stadium. I remember sitting in the first team dressing room and both of us saying ‘wow, this is Ronaldo’s place’ and ‘this is where Rooney and Giggs sit!’ We sat there and said ‘imagine what it would be like to be part of this dressing room one day,’…and then two years later I was here!

So, playing for United had always been an ambition of yours…
It was just a dream really. I didn’t really believe it until I actually arrived. It was a great feeling when I signed. That friend, who was with me on that first visit to Old Trafford, came to stay with me in Manchester after I joined United and we laughed about what we’d said when we sat in the dressing room. It just felt amazing to be at United as one of their players.

How confident are you feeling about United’s title chances?
There is a big motivation to win the league every season and we’ll be working very hard to try and do that. I think it’s too early to say if it will be just ourselves and Chelsea challenging - I think we’ll have a better idea around November/December time.

Are there any matches you are particularly looking forward to playing this season?
I look forward to every game and I want every game to be special this season. When you play for Manchester United you want to win every match and we hope we can win enough to bring the title back to Old Trafford.

Berba: Hard Work Pays Off

Dimitar Berbatov believes a summer of hard work has been a key factor in his explosive start to the season for Manchester United.

The Bulgarian striker has struggled to make a sustained impact at Old Trafford since his 2008 arrival from Tottenham Hotspur and has failed to fully convince the United fans.

However, a hat-trick in Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool took Berbatov's tally to six goals in five Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old insists he feels privileged to be a United player and outlined the lengths he went to during the off-season to ensure he was in top condition for the 2010/11 campaign.

"I was disappointed with myself that I could not please all the supporters," said Berbatov.

"I've said before, the people of Manchester United are the judges and that is the way it should be. It's their team. I am a guest - a privileged guest.

"Now I feel like everything I imagine on the pitch will come true and that feels awesome.

"I have worked hard on my fitness. So hard. I'm not a weights guy, I'm sure you can see by my body. But I have been trying to even work on that.

"I ran six miles every day during the off season. I watched one World Cup match, went for a run, then watched another and went for another run. This was my routine."

He added: "This crowd at Old Trafford. The way I feel right now. I'm not tired, I feel alive.

"I have always said I am so lucky to play here. For these people. For this manager. For this club. With these players."

Scholes Going Strong

Paul Scholes at his majestic best is a sight that's been one of the highlights of United’s season so far. We caught up with United's 35-year-old midfield magician and found that his passion for playing the game is as strong as ever...

You’ve been in the thick of the action so far this season – has the boss said how much you’ll play?
No, he’d never say that to us. I just have to make sure I’m ready when called upon. I work hard every day and prepare as if I’m going to play in every game. I want to be involved as much as I can, but I know I won’t be playing nine or 10 on the trot. There will be times when I won’t be picked, or I’ll be sub, but as long as I prepare mentally and physically for that, I’ll be OK.

You’ve said you prefer criticism to praise. When have you been driven to prove people wrong?
Some people wrote me off when I had my eye problem a few years ago, but that never really bothered me. I was aware people had their doubts, but myself and the medical team here always knew that I’d return to fitness and it would just take a bit of time. We all like to prove people wrong. Some of the players here have taken a lot of stick in the past, but they always come back and show people that they probably shouldn’t have said what they did.

You’ve scored a couple of momentous goals against Sunday’s opponents Liverpool at OT, in 1998 and 2006…
The goal in the Treble season was with my left foot, wasn’t it? I was just surprised that it went in to the top corner! It was a decent strike, but I was also pleased because it sealed the win for us. And the one in 2006 was a nice occasion because it was my 500th game and against Liverpool. It was a scrappy goal, but they all count.

Were you flattered by all the talk of you playing for England again, or was it distracting?
A bit of both, really. I could have done without all the speculation, but it obviously showed I was doing something right at the back end of last season, so it was nice. Maybe when I was younger that type of media talk would have distracted me, but nothing really bothers me too much now.

Anderson has often been touted as your long-term successor. What must he do to fulfil his potential?
Ando is a top midfielder. He’s just coming back to fitness now after a long time out through injury, and he’s starting to look really good in training. He’s such a powerful lad and a great runner; he can pass the ball, and he’s capable of making and scoring goals, which every midfielder wants to do. He just needs to carry on working hard, the way he has done. As long as he does that, there’s no doubt he’ll be a great player for us.

The fan’s question
Which player, past or present, would you love to have played, or play, with? - Nathan17 (via Talking Reds)
If I had to pick someone, it would be Zinedine Zidane. He was a wonderful player to watch, like a Rolls-Royce cruising around the pitch. He scored and made goals, and had a superb touch.

Evra Irked By Lapses

Patrice Evra admits he felt a mix of delight and relief after United's pulsating 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

Having gone 2-0 ahead at Old Trafford through a Dimitar Berbotov double, the Reds were in complete control of a match they'd dominated.

But lapses in defence - on the back of dropped points at Fulham and Everton having been in pole position to pick up all three - allowed Roy Hodgson's men to draw level.

Thankfully, Berbatov popped up to complete his hat-trick six minutes from time and ensure an important win for United, but while pleased with the result, Evra was equally frustrated at temporarily losing another lead.

"We need to stop this," he told MUTV. "We need to stop making things so nervous - we could have finished the game with a heart attack!

"I think all the fans enjoyed the match, but it's a concern that we let a two-goal lead slip again and it's left me not happy.

"I don't know why we made the job hard - we could have made it much easier for ourselves. A similar thing happened at Everton.

"As I said, I'm happy to win the game, but we've got make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again."

With United and Liverpool each having endured somewhat stuttering starts to the campaign, a win was vital for both sides even this early in the season.

Evra believes dropped points against the Merseysiders on Sunday would have put a major dent in United's hopes.

"You're playing at Old Trafford and winning 2-0 against Liverpool and then it's 2-2. If you end up drawing the game you can already say 'how are you going to win the league if you draw that type of game?'" explained the Frenchman.

"It was an accident against Fulham, another accident against Everton, but if we'd have done it again, you could say it would make it hard to win the league."

Vidic - Berbatov's Changed

Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United team-mate Dimitar Berbatov has changed his game this season to become more of a goal threat.

Berbatov has struggled to win over his critics since joining United from Tottenham two years ago, but has enjoyed an impressive start to the season.

A decisive hat-trick in Sunday's 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool took the Bulgarian's tally to six goals in five Premier League appearances.

New United skipper Vidic says the players never doubted Berbatov's ability and has outlined why he thinks the 29-year-old is becoming more potent in front of goal.

"We are all aware how good Dimitar is," said Vidic. "His skills with the ball are incredible.

"The criticism he got last year was because he didn't score many goals.

"This season he is scoring a lot, and important goals too."

Vidic added: "He has learned what he has to do. He has changed his game compared to last season. He is in the box more and is more of a threat.

"Dimitar has always had a great touch and gave us composure, but because he is also going into the box, he is scoring goals.

"That is why he is getting so much credit.

"If he keeps doing that we have a good chance to win the league and for him to gain some personal reward by becoming player of the year."

Boss: I Couldn't See Us Losing

Far from being apopletic about another see-saw match, Sir Alex Ferguson seemed almost calm after a crazy second half against Liverpool almost threatened to take away two more points from his team.

The manager insisted he wasn't worried by the Merseysiders' recovery from 2-0 down to 2-2; his belief that United were far better than the visitors was eventually justified, of course, by Dimitar Berbatov scoring his and the Reds' decisive third goal.

"Liverpool didn't offer anything really, did they?" said Sir Alex.

"They depended on two decisions from the referee and linesmen to get them back in the game - a penalty kick and a freee kick. I've watched the free-kick since and [Fernando] Torres definitely made a meal of it [John O'Shea's challenge]. There's absolutely no doubt. He tried to get our player sent off."

Torres also won the spot-kick for his side, drawing a foul from United defender Jonny Evans - recalled in the absence of the flu-hit Rio Ferdinand. But the Liverpool striker was otherwise ineffective as Nemanja Vidic improved on his past displays against the Spaniard.

"It's what we expected from Nemanja," said Sir Alex. "When he's fit, as he was today, he can play against anyone. He's so strong.

"[Consequently] Edwin van der Sar didn't have a save to make, Paul Scholes was controlling the centre of midfield, we looked dangerous up front with Nani, who struck the post, and Berbatov in particular.

"At 2-0 I thought we might get a cricket score. We were so dominant, I couldn't see us losing the game."

United did lose the lead, of course, but Sir Alex didn't regard this as a repeat of last Saturday's situation when the Reds switched off to allow Everton to score twice.

"I spoke last week about our concentration but today that was spot on, our concentration was excellent. The two goals we conceded today were not caused by bad defending but bad decisions.

"I suppose you could say that's football. And it added to the drama, the way in which we got the winning goal."

Sir Alex was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Sir Alex Delighted For Dimitar

Sir Alex was bang on in his column for the match programme: "I think there's plenty more to come from the re-energised Dimitar Berbatov this season."

The Reds' number nine rose magnificently to the occasion at Old Trafford on Sunday, slaying the manager's most revered opponents Liverpool with a glorious hat-trick - his first for the club and the first by any United player in this fixture since Stan Pearson in September 1946.

"I'm told it's the first hat-trick for more than 60 years for a United player against Liverpool," said Sir Alex.

"That tells you what a big achievement it is. We're very pleased for him because his form has been excellent.

"There was a lot of criticism of Dimitar in the media last season. It happens when we buy a player for a lot of money and they don't score a hat-trick in every game. That's the way of the world for some players who come here.

"This season he's started off in the right fashion. His pre-season training was very good, he was good on the pre-season tour and he's carried that on. But there's never been any doubt here about the quality of the man, never any doubt. We've seen his quality again today."

Berbatov's second goal, a bicycle kick that was bookended by two headers, was the best example yet of the beauty in the Bulgarian's game. Sir Alex enthused:

"When players try overhead kicks, I don't see many of them come off. But today it did. It was a fantastic strike, catching the underside of the bar. It was a marvellous attempt by him."

Sir Alex was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Berba's Magical Day

Dimitar Berbatov took home a big smile and a signed matchball after enjoying arguably his finest hour for United.

"It's a magical day, special for me of course because I scored a hat-trick and we won against our rivals Liverpool," the Bulgarian beamed on MUTV.

"Everybody was happy in the dressing room after the game. I am happy too and I am going home with a smile on my face because we won a very important game.

"It is probably one of my best games for United but I don't want it to be my last so I will keep working and hopefully I will improve on the things I try to do. Today, everything was really happening for me. I give thanks to my team-mates who supplied me for the goals."

The forward's second strike - with a bicycle kick after controlling Nani's cross on his thigh - is an early contender for end of season awards. But with his back to goal, Dimitar didn't have the best view of it.

"Honestly I didn't see the ball go in the net but when I hear the crowd screaming, then it was easy to guess what happened so it was a good goal. For me, if the ball's in the net, it doesn't matter if it's an overhead kick or just a tap-in."

At that stage of the game, the Reds looked certain to enjoy a comfortable win. But two goals from visiting captain Steven Gerrard changed all that and two points looked to be slipping away for the third time this season.

"This was going through my mind when it was 2-2 but we showed that we have a good spirit, a fighting spirit and we always fight to the end," said Berbatov.

"We showed that today. We scored a third goal and overall I think we deserved the win. Liverpool put up a good performance but I think we deserved to win more than them.

"Let's hope in the future we're not going to complicate it so much. It's good when you're up 2-0 but even better when you make it 3-0. We'll keep working, we'll keep improving. There is a long way ahead of us but hopefully we'll be on top at the end of the season."

From a noisy afternoon at Old Trafford to a quiet night in... Berbatov revealed there would be no big celebration for his hat-trick or the victory.

"I'm going home to play with my kids," he said. "I am nothing special. Tomorrow is another day and next Sunday we have another game. That's it."

Berbatov Treble Stuns Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov's rejuvenation continued as his brilliant hat-trick gave Manchester United a fully deserved win against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The Bulgarian striker scored either side of the interval - the second a stunning overhead kick - to put Sir Alex Ferguson's side in complete control against a subdued Liverpool.

Liverpool were thrown a lifeline by United's frailty in defence as Steven Gerrard scored twice in six minutes midway through the second half from the penalty spot and a 20-yard free-kick, both awarded for fouls on Fernando Torres, to put the Merseysiders in sight of an unlikely point.

Berbatov was determined to have the final say, however, and he scored his and United's third with a towering header six minutes from time to seal the victory.

Ferguson will be delighted with United's attacking play, but once again lapses in United's defence threatened to throw away the good work from Berbatov and company further forward.

Liverpool, for so long locked up in a defensive shell, will be frustrated to lose a point late on, but boss Roy Hodgson saw his team come out as distinctly second best for long spells.

United were forced into a late change when Rio Ferdinand withdrew because of illness, while Liverpool were able to bring back Joe Cole after his three-game Premier League suspension.

The pattern was swiftly established as Manchester United's greater possession and territory was confronted by dogged defensive resistance from Liverpool.

Nani had an early opportunity to force Liverpool into a greater show of ambition when a brilliant interchange between Wayne Rooney and Berbatov left the Portuguese winger with space and time in the area, but he dragged an angled finish well wide.

Liverpool's patchy response consisted a long-range effort from Glen Johnson that flew harmlessly across the face of goal.

Just as it looked like Liverpool might survive until the interval unscathed, they were architects of their own downfall as Berbatov took advantage of poor marking at a set piece to give United a 42nd minute lead.

Torres was the culprit, losing Berbatov in the battle to make contact with Ryan Giggs' corner, the Bulgarian powering a header past Pepe Reina.

United, encouraged by the goal, pressed for another and Rooney was then narrowly off target from the edge of the area.

Liverpool continued to be pushed back after the break, and rode their luck after 56 minutes when Nani cut into the area and unleashed a powerful effort that bounced back off the outside of an upright with Reina beaten.

It was a brief reprieve as Berbatov scored a stunning second goal to extend United's lead. Nani's cross was behind the striker, but he brought the ball under control and swept an overhead kick past Reina via the underside of the bar.

Liverpool looked on course for a long and painful afternoon at the hands of their fierce rivals, but they were given hope after 64 minutes when Jonny Evans fouled Torres in the area, allowing Gerrard to dispatch the penalty with ease.

And a remarkable turnaround was complete six minutes later when John O'Shea was booked for fouling Torres on the edge of the area. The defender was arguably fortunate to escape a red card from referee Howard Webb, but Gerrard inflicted further punishment as he slipped a free-kick through a poorly assembled United wall and past Edwin van der Sar.

Berbatov had given a masterclass in the striker's art, and fittingly he completed his treble when he headed United back in front with six minutes left, soaring above Jamie Carragher to glance O'Shea's cross past Reina.

And this time there was no chance for Liverpool to recover - or for Manchester United to squander a lead once more.


United dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead through Dimitar Berbatov just before the break

Reds Seal Wine Deal

Sir Alex Ferguson, his players and United commercial director Richard Arnold, together with the chairman of Concha y Toro Alfonso Larraín and global marketing manager Giancarlo Bianchetti, officially signed the partnership between Manchester United and Concha y Toro on Friday. This three-year deal makes Concha y Toro the official wine partner of the Reds.

At a ceremony at Old Trafford, Sir Alex showed his enthusiasm for the sealing of this partnership, saying: “There are many similarities between wine and football. In football we seek the best young players to develop and form them from their beginnings to making them outstanding Manchester United players.

"I have seen a similarity with Concha y Toro, which seeks to harvest the best grapes, produce the best wines and have the patience and intelligence to ensure that the end result is perfect. Viña Concha y Toro shares these qualities with Manchester United and it is therefore a tremendous pleasure for me to be part of this partnership which I sincerely hope will have an excellent future.”

Alfonso Larraín said that “at this time when Chile is celebrating its bicentenary, we are depositaries as a company of the global recognition that our brand of wines has achieved, reflecting the history of Chilean winemaking throughout our life and capitalising on the positioning achieved. Chile is a world-class wine-producing country. This partnership gives us a visibility and unique reach for a wine brand and this is why today is a landmark in our history."

Richard Arnold added: “We're delighted to be introducing Concha y Toro to Manchester United’s family of partners. With the club constantly seeking to engage with our fans outside of the UK, Concha y Toro’s strong presence within the South American territories makes them a perfect partner for Manchester United. I'm incredibly excited about the prospects that this partnership will bring to the club.”

The signing of the partnership continues on Friday night with a gala dinner hosted by club legends, at which guests will celebrate the special moment of Chile’s bicentenary. Finally, on Sunday the guests will have the opportunity to watch United take on Liverpool in one of the biggest games of the season.

The deal will see Concha y Toro’s presence on the digital boards at all home games, in addition to their wines being served within the hospitality suites at Old Trafford. Concha y Toro will also have the rights to use the club’s intellectual property and official emblems for communicational purposes, providing them with opportunities for merchandising and co-branding.

Valencia Could Return In February

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Antonio Valencia could be playing again in February following his injury in Tuesday's clash with Rangers.

The winger, 25, suffered significant ligament damage plus a fractured ankle and underwent surgery on Wednesday.

There had been initial fears that the Ecuadorian would miss the whole season.

But Ferguson said: "You can never be 100% and it is a bad injury but we are looking at the end of February, which is better than we thought on Tuesday."

Valencia was carried off during the goalless draw with the Scottish giants after going down under an innocuous-looking tackle from defender Kirk Broadfoot in the 62nd minute.

Ferguson said that former United player Alan Smith was a perfect example of showing the mental strength required to come back from such a bad injury.

Smith, now at Newcastle, broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in February 2006 and was out of action for seven months.

"There is a mental part to it," the Scot added. "Take the example of Alan Smith. When Alan got his bad injury in that cup tie against Liverpool, he was so positive.

"He sat in that treatment room at Anfield so nonchalant and relaxed about it. Yet you look at his ankle and think 'God almighty'. That attitude definitely helped him."

The Old Trafford boss remained hopeful that his squad would deal without the pace and skills of Valencia for the bulk of the season.

"You always fear when you have a good player out of your team it is going to be a loss," Ferguson said.

"But having players like Nani, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung, plus Gabriel Obertan and Bebe means we have options.

"Antonio had a great season last year. He was a great signing for us. He is a young player who has been improving all the time. It is a blow losing good players but in the context of the kind of squad we have, we should be able to cope with it."

Manchester United are already missing England midfielder Michael Carrick because of an ankle injury, although Brazilian Anderson is available again following a seven-month absence with cruciate ligament damage.

Hargreaves Close To Return

The surgeon who operated on Owen Hargreaves' troublesome knees believes he is closing on a return to action.

The Manchester United midfielder has missed the best part of two years with a career-threatening tendinitis problem.

He appeared to be edging towards full fitness towards the end of last season, making a 45-minute run-out for United's reserves and coming on for the final few seconds of the Red Devils' win over Sunderland in May.

There was even talk that he could be a surprise inclusion in England's World Cup squad, with the Three Lions lacking a world-class holding midfielder.

However, Fabio Capello opted to overlook the 29-year-old and he started experiencing pain again during the early stages of pre-season training.

Hargreaves was immediately sent back to renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who put him on a revised rehabilitation programme.

The former Bayern Munich ace is due to resume training with United some time in late September and Steadman is confident he will soon be back in Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts.

"Things are looking good for Owen, it's all worked out," Steadman said.

"He's close to playing fitness, although it's obviously up to United to decide when he plays a match."

Hargreaves is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and will need to prove to Ferguson that he is over his injury nightmare if he is to earn an extension to that deal.

"The problem was with the tendon attached to the patella on each knee, which is difficult to resolve," added Steadman.

"After the surgery, the key was rest and working hard on recovery.

"Owen has spent a lot of time with us here in Colorado and he has never given up.

"The recovery was arduous and took a long time but his condition looks promising now."

Hargreaves has been omitted from United's 25-man UEFA Champions League squad, but is free to play in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.

Get Well Soon, Antonio

Antonio Valencia underwent surgery on a fracture and dislocation of his left ankle on Wednesday, the start of the long road to recovery from the horrific injury he suffered against Rangers at Old Trafford.

But team-mate Darren Fletcher says Valencia has the character, determination and mental aptitude to overcome the injury and battle his way back to the standards he reached in an excellent debut campaign for the Reds.

"It was a really bad injury," admitted Fletcher, on the field when Gers defender Kirk Broadfoot's innocuous-looking challenge led to Antonio being stretchered off the field with an injury Sir Alex Ferguson likened to the leg-break Alan Smith suffered at Anfield in 2006.

Flecher added: "He’s a good lad and a strong character. Having just got back from injury at the end of last season, it’s a real blow for him. But he has real determination about him and he works hard. He’ll be back, I’m sure. He’s a top player. He’s been great since he came from Wigan.

"He had a great first season and he was looking to push on this year. That’s why the injury’s a blow. But he has a long future at United and I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as possible."

Valencia's injury capped what was a hugely frustrating night for the Reds all round. But Fletcher says Rangers deserve credit for their defensive organised and dogged resolution not to allow United to break them down.

"I don’t think many teams have played with three centre-halves before," he said. "I think that was the difference. Usually when you play against teams who get men behind the ball they have the extra man in midfield, but Rangers had it in defence and they proved difficult to break down."

Valencia Surgery A Success

Antonio Valencia has undergone a successful operation on his ankle, but will miss 'a good portion of the season'.

The Manchester United winger sustained an horrific injury while on UEFA Champions League duty against Rangers on Tuesday.

It was immediately clear that he would be sidelined for a prolonged period of time, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitting that he expected the Ecuador international to miss the remainder of the 2010/11 campaign.

United have confirmed that Valencia has suffered 'significant ligament damage' but are confident surgery has now put him on the road to recovery.

It is difficult to tell at this stage how long the 25-year-old will be sidelined for, but a return by the end of the season has not been completely ruled out.

Having fractured and dislocated his left ankle he faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation, but United claim the player is in good spirits and is looking forward to getting back out on the field as soon as possible.

"The operation went well," a club spokesperson told United's official website.

"A plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obvious significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation and he will be out for a good portion of the season."

Quotes attributed to Ecuador national team doctor Patricio Maldonado were released on Wednesday, with the South American medic claiming Valencia could be back inside five to six months.

It was also suggested that Valencia would require psychological counseling to help him through a traumatic time.

United, though, insist they have had no contact with the Ecuadorians and are adamant that Valencia remains in a 'positive' mood.

"Contrary to recent reports there has been no official contact from the Ecuadorian national team. Antonio is perfectly fine, very positive and very determined," added the club's spokesperson.

Houllier Admits Owen Interest

New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed his interest in working with Michael Owen again.

Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week, has been linked with a swoop for the Manchester United forward after sealing his own switch back to England.

The French tactician worked with the former England striker for six years during their time together at Liverpool and the new Villa chief has not dismissed the chances of a reunion.

"He has always been in my thoughts," Houllier Canal+.

"I like him (Owen), as a player and a man."

Houllier also dismissed suggestions that Owen, 30, was no longer capable of producing goals at Premier League level.

"I went to Liverpool on September 4 for Jamie Carragher's testimonial, and I saw Michael play a half of football," he said.

"He still has the legs for it."

Houllier's comments come on the same day as Owen revealed that he could be growing increasingly discontented with life on the bench at Old Trafford.

"You can only do your best and prepare and train well, so that you are ready when the manager calls on you," said Owen.

"After that, it's up to the manager who he chooses.

"It sounds easy, but probably the most difficult thing is not playing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden getting called up and being mentally and physically right to perform well.

"At the end of the season, I'll look and think, 'Was I happy with the amount of games I was available for?', 'Did I score enough goals in the games when I played?' and 'Did I play well enough in those games?'

"You look at highlights of the season, did we win anything, things like that. But I wouldn't put any goal or appearance totals out there because, at a club like this, you never know when the manager is going to use you."

Reds Lacked Rhythm

Ryan Giggs says the players left Old Trafford equally as frustrated as the fans after drawing a blank in their Champions League opener against Rangers.

The Reds were unable to find a way past a dogged Rangers side whose primary focus was on keeping Sir Alex's men at bay. In the end, it proved highly effective as a below par United were forced to settle for a point.

"It was a frustrating night," Giggs told MUTV. "Rangers got everyone behind the ball and it was up to us to break them down, but we didn't manage to do that.

"We couldn't get our rhythm going in the first half and we were giving the ball away. It's tough when teams get ten men behind the ball - we've usually found a way past in the end, but tonight we just didn't have that bit of quality in the final third."

Sir Alex made ten changes to the side that drew at Everton at the weekend, but Giggs insists the incoming personnel were more than capable of securing a win.

"We can't use that [the changes] as an excuse," he added. "The players who were out there are all internationals and all good players. In the end we just fell short in creating chances."

Smalling Delight At Euro Debut

Chris Smalling was delighted to experience the Champions League first hand rather than watching from his living room after making his debut in the competition against Rangers.

The defender, who joined United officially in the summer, was one of ten players brought into the starting line-up by Sir Alex as the Reds kicked-off their European campaign at Old Trafford.

Smalling impressed alongside skipper Rio Ferdinand and, despite the disappointment of dropping two points, enjoyed every minute of his run-out.

"It's one of the biggest competitions a player can play in and I thoroughly enjoyed it," he told MUTV.

"I've watched so many of these games on television so to be part of one at a club like United is fantastic.

"Unfortunately, we just couldn't break them down and everyone is disappointed with the result.

"The next game against Valencia [on 29 September] is going to be very important now. Hopefully we can move on quickly from this result, take the positives from it and score a few more goals in our next few games."

Boss Defends Selection

Sir Alex defended his team selection against Rangers on Tuesday night, insisting the players he sent onto the pitch were good enough to win the game.

The boss made 10 changes to the team that drew 3-3 at Goodison Park on Saturday but against the Scottish champions his side struggled to break down a stubborn five-man defence.

"I played a strong team," he told Sky Sports. "People forget that seven or eight of them played against Chelsea in the Community Shield. It’s a terrific squad of players we have and I had no problem playing them. They should have won the game."

Indeed, five players in the starting XI – Tomasz Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher and Wayne Rooney – possess Champions League winners' medals, while Ji-sung Park has vast experience in the competition and Antonio Valencia was, behind Rooney, arguably United's best player last term. Of those who began the game against Rangers, only Chris Smalling and Fabio were not full internationals.

The problem, Sir Alex says, was not his selection but Rangers' dogged defending.

"We played with great commitment and a good intensity – the players all worked their socks off – but Rangers went back to their penalty box. That’s what they did and it was successful. They have a formula for playing away from home that’s successful.

"You have to give them credit – their system of playing was very difficult to break down."

The manager did acknowledge his side's lack of threat in front of goal, though, admitting the Reds "didn't make any great chances".

"All the attempts were from outside the box, from Darron Gibson, and there was one half chance for Darren Fletcher in the second half," he said. "Our first corner was after about 70 minutes. You have to give credit to Rangers – they’ve done their job well.

"I always say you need 10 points to qualify [for the Champions League knockout stage] and obviously our home record over the years has been very good. Tonight, that was a blemish. We have a target – we need nine points now from five games."

Valencia To Miss Rest Of Season

Manchester United's Antonio Valencia is likely to be out for the rest of the season after suffering an awful ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with Rangers.

The winger was stretchered off after going down under an innocuous-looking tackle from Kirk Broadfoot in the 62nd minute of the Champions League opener.

Valencia, 25, was taken to hospital an will undergo surgery on Wednesday.

"It looks like a dislocation and a fracture," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "We're talking the rest of the season."

Ferguson compared the severity of the injury to that suffered by former United player Alan Smith, who broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in February 2006.

"It is a bad blow for the boy," said Ferguson of Valencia. "It is similar to the injury Alan Smith got."

The Scot added: "He seemed to dig his toe into the turf, and as soon as we saw the Rangers player waving we knew it was a bad one, and it's turned into a bad one."

Ferguson is already without the services of England midfielder Michael Carrick, although Brazilian Anderson is available again following a seven-month absence with cruciate ligament damage.

Ferguson, too, has other options out wide in the form of Nani, Gabriel Obertan, veteran Ryan Giggs, who replaced Valencia on the night, and the right-footed Ji-Sung Park, who started on the left in the Group C clash against the Scottish champions.

Valencia, who arrived at United from Wigan in June 2009 as Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid, was making his fourth appearance of a season that begun with him scoring in the 3-1 Community Shield win over Chelsea.

Man. United Held By Resolute Rangers

Wayne Rooney's return failed to inspire Manchester United as they were frustrated by the defensive defiance of Rangers in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Rooney was back in action after being left out at Everton on Saturday in the aftermath of allegations about his private life as Sir Alex Ferguson surprisingly made 10 changes from the team that drew at Goodison Park.

And he was a subdued figure as United ran into the massed ranks of a Rangers rearguard action, with the Scottish champions sticking doggedly to the gameplan devised by manager Walter Smith.

United, with Ryan Giggs a substitute and Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov not even on the bench, rarely looked like piercing the Rangers defence and were eventually reliant on the long-range efforts of Darron Gibson as their only serious source of threat.

Ferguson will at least be able to reflect on the positive note of Rio Ferdinand playing his first 90 minutes of senior action since sustaining a knee injury at the World Cup - but a serious ankle injury suffered by Antonio Valencia in the second half cast a further shadow over a subdued Old Trafford evening.

Rangers did not mount a serious threat to Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, deputising for the rested Edwin van der Sar, preferring instead to concentrate on claiming a crucial point from their opening group game.

And it was a ploy met with total satisfaction by the Rangers fans as they celebrated the draw after six tense minutes of stoppage time as a result of Valencia's injury.

Ferguson will be left to reflect on a disappointing opening result, and on a team selection that saw United run out of ideas long before the final whistle sounded.

Ferguson's wholesale reshuffle of resources did not persuade Rangers to depart from their trademark European gameplan of blanket defence - and the opening period soon became a war of attrition between attack and defence.

Rangers striker Kenny Miller cut a lonely figure as goalkeeper Allan McGregor was protected by the massed ranks of Smith's well-drilled rearguard.

Javier Hernandez almost broke through with a header that flashed just wide early on before Rooney failed to find him in the area with an opportunity he may have been better accepting himself.

Gibson's powerful shooting was offering United's best hope as he was narrowly off target from distance either side of the interval.

There was an anxious moment for United late in the first half when Rooney pulled up after appearing to turn his ankle, but he was able to shrug off the problem and resume after the break as the familiar pattern continued.

United then suffered a blow when Valencia sustained a serious ankle injury after a challenge with Kirk Broadfoot. Valencia's colleagues appeared to place no blame whatsoever on the Rangers' defender, who also looked distressed after the incident.

Giggs replaced Valencia after a lengthy break in play while he was placed on to a stretcher by medical staff and taken away to sympathetic applause.

Rangers had shown rare signs of ambition in the second half, and they were furious when referee Olegario Benquerenca ignored claims for a penalty as Broadfoot went down in the area under Chris Smalling's awkward challenge.

Ferguson had seen enough of United's struggles to pierce the Rangers defence and decided on a double change with less than 20 minutes left, sending on Michael Owen and Jonny Evans for Ji-Sung Park and Fabio.

Rangers made a change of their own as the clock ticked down, replacing the tireless Miller, who had fought against the odds all evening, with Kyle Lafferty.

And he simply took on the role of the workhorse Miller as Rangers survived in comfort to earn a well-deserved draw.

Even the return of Ferdinand and Rooney couldn't help the Reds find a way past a dogged Rangers defence

Neville - Duo Still Strong

Gary Neville believes fellow veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have plenty of service to give to Manchester United.

Giggs and Scholes have been widely regarded as two of the best players to grace the Premier League over the years and the United pair have started this season on fire.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the Red Devils would almost certainly need to 'stretch' themselves in the transfer market when the time comes for Giggs and Scholes to call it a day.

But Neville, who could make his 600th appearance if he features in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Rangers, can see no end in sight to the illustrious careers of his fellow elder statesmen.

"I don't see why Ryan and Paul cannot continue what they are doing given how well they are playing at present," said the 35-year-old former England international.

"Ryan is 37 in November and I can't see any difference. It is incredible really.

"I certainly don't see any players better than them.

"They manage themselves brilliantly, on and off the pitch.

"The manager is looking at 25 to 30 games a season off them now, not 55 so they could play on for another few years."

Fergie Fears Trio Retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United may have to dig deep to replace the old guard.

For the second summer running, Ferguson has opted not to spend heavily in the transfer market.

United are yet to make a high-profile signing since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez last year, with United having invested in excess of £20million to capture Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe this summer.

Ferguson's thrifty approach has led to accusations he is being handicapped by the huge debts incurred by the Glazer family, something both he and chief executive David Gill have repeatedly denied.

The United boss feels the Red Devils have enough youngsters coming through at present to do the business.

However, Ferguson accepts he may have to splash out once veterans Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville hang up their boots.

"We are not at the point where we have to go overboard to get the best player in the world," he said.

"There are enough really top players in the club at the moment.

"There may be a time in the next couple of years where we have to stretch ourselves, particularly when Ryan, Paul and Gary retire.

"Then, it is a possibility we would need to get really top players in to galvanise the younger ones coming through.

"But at the moment we have the experience. We have players who have been through the whole gamut of emotions at this club and know how to deal with it."

While Manchester City and Real Madrid have been by far the busiest clubs in the transfer market over the last 18 months, Ferguson insists he has money to spend if he feels his squad is not up to scratch.

"We have no financial restrictions," he said. "If I hadn't been confident maybe we would have done something.

"But there was only one player I would have brought here and that move was sealed off quite early by the club he went to.

"The best thing we can do until the market becomes more sensible is produce or buy young players and develop them in the club.

"By doing that we are easily securing the next eight years at Manchester United."