United To 'Loan Out' Macheda

Federico Macheda's agent claims Manchester United are prepared to allow the striker to return to Italy on loan in January.

The teenager has scored just once in 12 appearances in all competitions this season and has often been linked with a move back to his homeland.

United have previously resisted interest from Serie A, but Macheda's representative Marcello Bonetto says the Premier League leaders are now keen for the 19-year-old to build up his first-team experience.

Fiorentina, Juventus, former club Lazio and Parma have all been linked with offers and Bonetto is waiting to see what transpires when the transfer window opens.

"Federico could leave United, that is true, but only on loan," Bonetto told Fiorentina.it.

"The club and Ferguson have absolute faith in Chicco. With the return of Michael Owen, confirmation of Wayne Rooney, plus fine form for Dimitar Berbatov and Hernandez, the space for him in Manchester has been reduced.

"We talked it over and were given the all-clear by Ferguson to go on loan for six months in January to gain experience.

"If we do decide to leave Manchester, then Italy represent the most likely destination.

"Up until now we have not been contacted by anybody, but will only choose a club that can guarantee Federico consistent playing time. That's the only reason for leaving Manchester.

"Fiorentina have not contacted us, but can do whenever they want."

Carrick: Big Picture Brighter

While there was understandable gloom in the away dressing room at St Andrew's, Michael Carrick insists there is still plenty to be cheerful about as United closed out 2010 as league leaders.

The midfielder admitted he and his team-mates felt "hard done by" after Lee Bowyer's controversial late equaliser for Birmingham City robbed the Reds of two points, but when the anger subsides, he feels the mood in the camp should soon become upbeat again.

"It's easy to get carried away with that result and we were certainly down when we came off the pitch," Carrick told MUTV.

"Late goals are always hard to take but given how it happened we feel hard done by. There was a push in the back and then obviously the handball. But it's done now, so we have to dust ourselves down and move on.

"We're still in a good position when you look at the bigger picture. We haven't lost, we're in good form - we played well at times tonight, controlling the game - and so we go into the next game looking to keep the momentum up."

The momentum is certainly with Dimitar Berbatov at the moment - the Bulgarian put the Reds 1-0 up at Birmingham with his third goal in the space of three days. Carrick just wishes United could have added to his opener and sealed the victory.

"It was a good move and a terrific finish by Berba," said Carrick, recalling the strike on MUTV.

"His confidence in front of goal is very high at the moment and hopefully that continues for a long time. His goal put us in a great position but if we had done better with a couple more opportunities on the counter-attack then we would have been a lot happier.

"That's the hard part to take about their goal going in - the fact that we had managed to get ourselves in front in a tough game."

Carrick denied that playing two matches in just over 48 hours had affected United's players in the final, ultimately costly moments at St Andrew's.

"I felt good physically, even towards the end," he said. "It was just that they sent the big man on (Nikola Zigic) and started putting balls in the box, and our instinct was to drop off and defend. Like I said earlier, we had the opportunities on the counter-attack but our second goal just wasn't to be."

Although Carrick does not feel fatigue was a factor in the loss of two points, he's nevertheless glad of a comparatively long break before the Reds' next assigment - a return to the West Midlands to face West Brom this Saturday, New Year's Day.

"It's a long time until the next game now! So we'll be ready, we'll recover from this, we've come through the game with no more injuries. The squad's looking strong now and we look forward to the next game."

Ferguson Fumes At Referee Over Birmingham Goal

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticised referee Lee Mason for failing to rule out Birmingham's late equaliser in their 1-1 draw.

Lee Bowyer levelled after the ball appeared to come off the arm of substitute Nikola Zigic, who Ferguson also felt had fouled Rio Ferdinand.

Ferguson said: "It was handball. There was [also] a foul on the centre-half.

"He [Zigic] went right through the back of him [Ferdinand]. If the ref can't see that, what chance have you got?"

He added: "That's where we expect them [Premier League officials] to get a referee who sees that. If you can't see that, what chance have you got?"

United had taken the lead through Dimitar Berbatov in a tight game of few chances at St Andrews before Bowyer struck to earn his side a point with his goal in the 90th minute.

"I think it is terribly harsh," said Ferguson, whose unbeaten side have won only one of eight away league games this season, having again relinquished two points late on as they did at Fulham and Everton early in the campaign.

"I think we outplayed them in the second half. We deserved to win the game, we were the better team.

"Maybe we should have finished them off. We just lacked a bit more care in our final pass and finishing."

United moved back to the top of the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, and have two games in hand on their local rivals.

But they missed an opportunity to move five points clear of Arsenal - who visit Wigan on Wednesday - and nine clear of Chelsea, who host Bolton, from the same number of games played (18).

"At this moment there are five or six teams who are all contesting that area at the top but if you get to New Year and you are in that front position then you have a great chance," added Ferguson.

Birmingham lifted themselves out of the bottom three with a point and manager Alex McLeish had little sympathy with United.

"He [Bowyer] wasn't offside, definitely not," he said. "It does look as if it came off Zigic's arm, but I don't think he plays it deliberately off his arm.

"It would have been harsh if he had been penalized for deliberate handball."

He added: "I feel that we got our reward for perseverance, good concentration, tactical awareness. The players adhered to everything we asked them to do.

"United had a lot of possession but most of it was deep on the pitch which suited us.

"United cut us open at the start of the second half but we fought back well and got our reward.

"We are not at a safe distance away from the bottom of the table at present but these sort of points could be crucial, bonus points really."

Controversial Late Goal Denies United Victory

Lee Bowyer struck a controversial 90th-minute goal to earn Birmingham a draw against Manchester United, who moved back to the top of the Premier League.

United had taken the lead when Dimitar Berbatov released Darron Gibson with a clever flick and then took the return pass to drive a shot inside the post.

An 18-yard Berbatov strike also hit the post before the late drama.

A Blues cross appeared to hit Nikola Zigic's arm and Bowyer slid the ball home despite appearing to be offside.

Birmingham lifted themselves out of the bottom three with the draw but United will feel aggrieved at the manner of the leveller.

In addition to what looked like clear handball and offside infringements, the goal might also have been ruled out for a foul by Zigic on Rio Ferdinand as he went up to meet a ball put in by Roger Johnson.

Nonetheless, United have again dropped points on their top-flight travels and have now managed only one win in eight games on the road this season.

United went into the match also looking to regain top spot from Manchester City, who leapfrogged them after beating Aston Villa earlier in the day.

The task was never going to be easy against a Birmingham side that had been beaten only once in their last 23 top-flight games at home.

And United were quickly frustrated by their opponents' 4-5-1 formation as the Blues produced the sort of discipline and organisation that has thwarted so many rivals.

With time and space at a premium, the touch and precision of United's play needed to be of a high order but the visitors fell into the problems of many before them as they struggled to pick a way through Birmingham's lock.

And, with United struggling for flair and fluency, it was fortune which came close to giving them the lead.

An attempted cross from Ryan Giggs looked to have flown over the head of Ben Foster but the keeper backtracked brilliantly and managed to get his fingertips to the ball to divert it against the post before his defence cleared the danger.

Other than that Foster, who was sold by United to Birmingham during the summer, was rarely called into action.

United forward Wayne Rooney was deployed on the left of midfield with the licence to go forward but his struggles continued and he looked unlikely to score his first goal from open play since March.

Although Birmingham looked secure at the back, their solidity came at the expense of a genuine threat at the other end.

When they did get a sight of goal Craig Gardner, who had latched on to a Bowyer lay-off, could only send a shot from the edge of the box high and wide.

After the break, a cleverly worked corner gave Gardner another sight of goal as the ball ricocheted to him but the Blues midfielder's snapshot from 12 yards went straight into the arms of keeper Edwin van der Sar.

United and, in particular Berbatov, heeded the warning and produced the type of creativity the game had been starved of to break the deadlock.

Berbatov exchanged passes with midfielder Gibson before unerringly driving a low shot into the bottom corner of Foster's net.

It took the United striker's tally to 14 in the league and, with the home side momentarily rocking, he was only denied another when his 18 yard strike hit the post.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish brought on the lofty Zigic to give his side an aerial threat in attack and the move eventually paid off in dramatic fashion as he helped set up the late leveller for Bowyer.

A point still proved enough for United to return to the Premier League summit on goal difference from City - although Sir Alex Ferguson's men have two games in hand over their neighbours.


Michael Carrick battles in midfield against Birmingham

Obertan Prepared To be Patient

Gabriel Obertan accepts that he must bide his time in his efforts to become a first-team regular at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old has been on the books at Old Trafford for almost 18 months now, having joined from Bordeaux in the summer of 2009.

His first season in England was one of limited opportunities, with Sir Alex Ferguson keen to ease the youngster in gently.

That continues to be the approach this term, with Obertan often finding himself among the substitutes.

The Frenchman is not too concerned about his standing in the United pecking order, though, as he appreciates that he must prove his worth before being handed a starring role.

"I am at Manchester United to improve," Obertan told L'Equipe.

"I would prefer to play all the time, but I am not panicking. At a club like this, there is no reason for me to be impatient.

"My time will come. On Nani's side it might be difficult, but on the other wing there might be an opportunity.

"I have been ill recently so I would be surprised to make the starting XI against Birmingham (on Tuesday). But Nani has been injured and Park (Ji-sung) is set to leave for the Asian Cup, so there might be a chance for me."

Obertan claims he has been assured by Ferguson that he remains an integral part of his plans, especially with the games coming thick and fast over the festive period.

"Sometimes he speaks to me," added Obertan.

"The last time he told me not to be worried and that I would get opportunities before the New Year.

"He has also asked me to be more focused inside the box, to finish my work better.

"It is frustrating sometimes on the bench, but I know I am improving. I would not swap places for anything in the world."

Ando's On Top Of His Game

Anderson has proved capable of realising his incredible potential in the last month - now his team-mate Patrice Evra says he must maintain his brilliance year after year, not just week after week.

United's Brazilian no.8 arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 from Portugal alongside Nani with plenty of hype about his future. He caused a stir in his first season but, much like Nani, didn't always produce consistently. That was undoubtedly due to a combination of youth and injuries, but now - and he's still only 22 - he's proving what a talent he is.

"Ando is doing brilliant," Evra told MUTV. But the Frenchman isn't getting too carried away: "The most important thing is not three or four games, you need to play like this every year.

"He has a big talent, it's three years now he's played for United and the club has shown the confidence they have in him with a new contract, and he needs to show on the pitch that he deserves that.

"He put in a fantastic performance [against Sunderland], but I'm not surprised about Anderson. I always believed in him and I hope now he will keep having that type of game every game."

Anderson's displeasure at being substituted against the Black Cats highlights just how much he is enjoying his football. And as the reason behind hauling him off after 64 minutes shows, he has a manager able to get the best out of him.

Fergie Sets Berbatov 25-goal Target

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants striker Dimitar Berbatov to target 25 goals for the season and help propel Manchester United to the Premier League title.

Berbatov scored both goals in Sunday's win over Sunderland to take his tally for the league campaign to 13 so far.

"His form has been terrific. If he can get us to 25 - and we need one more to get around that figure - then we will have a good chance," said Ferguson.

Berbatov was denied a hat-trick when he smashed a shot against the woodwork.

Ferguson added: "We are hitting good form, the football was fantastic. We could have scored five by half-time," said Ferguson, whose men lead the table by two points.

"Some of the interchanges and the combination play was very, very good."

United, still unbeaten this season, appear to be hitting form just at the right time after sealing their fifth consecutive league victory.

Manchester City are their closest rivals in second place, but have played two games more than their neighbours.

The signs could be described as ominous for United's title rivals, with even Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admitting that United were far superior to his team.

"It could have been a beating for us," the Black Cats boss stated. "United were magnificent in the first half, some of their football was breathtaking.

"We had our backsides kicked in the first half but we somehow managed to hang in there and reach the interval only one goal down.

"Their second goal was unfortunate because it was a deflection, but we have to hold our hands up and say the best team won by a country mile."

Berbatov, who was restored to the line-up having been left out of United's 1-0 defeat of Arsenal, looked very sharp and Ferguson hinted the Bulgarian could be key to United's title chances.

"He knows there are times we like to play with one up front and he understands that we have to sometimes change things around. But his form has been terrific," said Ferguson.

The United manager also felt his side were able to play "in third gear" after their second goal - scored in the 57th minute - and said the players may have been thinking ahead to Tuesday's match against Birmingham.

"We were more economical in the second half," admitted Ferguson. "We want to be ready for Birmingham because they did not play on Sunday and will be fresh."

Ferguson added that Nani (hip) and Darren Fletcher (cold), who were left out of Sunday's squad, would recover in time to return for the trip to St Andrew's.

United Scouting Adler

Bayer Leverkusen executive Wolfgang Holzhauser claims Manchester United have scouted Germany international goalkeeper Rene Adler.

United are understood to be tracking shot-stoppers around Europe as they prepare for the expected retirement of Edwin van der Sar at the end of the season.

New signing Anders Lindegaard has started training with the Old Trafford club and will be officially registered in January, but boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to still want an experienced No.1.

United have been linked with an audacious move to sign Liverpool's Jose Reina, but Holzhauser thinks that 25-year-old Adler, a former first-choice for Germany, is also on the Premier League club's list of possible signings.

Holzhauser told BILD when asked about interest from United: "That's true. He has even been scouted."

However, the Leverkusen executive is optimistic that Adler will sign a new contract at the BayArena.

"We know there are people on their way, but we are relaxed," he said.

"We have been talking to Rene about a new deal. We want to sign a new contract with him in the next few months."

Giggs: Second Goal Was Key

Ryan Giggs says the Reds were relieved to see Dimitar Berbatov strike a second half killer blow during the Boxing Day win over Sunderland after the Reds had initially threatened to run riot.

Sir Alex's men had taken a 5th-minute lead through the Bulgarian striker who headed home Wayne Rooney's cross at the far post. A second goal looked inevitable before the break as the Reds piled forward in numbers, but were denied by the woodwork (twice) and Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon who saved well from Rooney and Ryan Giggs in quick succession.

United had to wait until just before the hour-mark to double their advantage and effectively kill off any hope the depleted Black Cats had of stealing something.

"You're always a bit nervy when you're up against a very good Sunderland team and it's only 1-0, but once we got that second goal it was comfortable," Giggs told MUTV.

"We played really well in the first half an hour and created a lot of chances, just as we did against Blackburn. The difference that day was we were putting the chances away pretty much every time we went forward and it could have been the same today. The goals just didn't come though and we were a bit disappointed to come in at half-time with the score only at 1-0.

"As I said though, once we got the second we were comfortable and we were happy to see the game out knowing that we've got a game in a couple of days. We didn't want to go flying about and pick up any injuries."

Fergie: We Boxed Clever

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he and his players had one eye on Tuesday's tricky trip to Birmingham, during a comfortable Boxing Day victory over Sunderland.

United quickly forged ahead through Dimitar Berbatov's header against the Black Cats and, after the Bulgarian had doubled his tally after the break, the game's pace dipped markedly for the final half-hour. With Birmingham's trip to Everton waylaid by frozen pipes at Goodison Park, Sir Alex admits he will have to factor in the midlanders' added freshness.

"It was a comfortable performance," the manager told MUTV. "I think in the first half we were absolutely fantastic; it could have been any score. Second half I thought we maybe put our tools away a bit and saved our legs. We knew the Birmingham game was off and they were very economical in the second half, put it that way.

"You have to. I took Anderson and Ryan off. We've got a game in two days' time of course, and with Birmingham not having played they'll be nice and fresh."

United's searing opening to the victory over Steve Bruce's side served up some of the most eye-catching football of the Reds' season to date. Coupled with another imperious defensive display, Sir Alex feels his side are coming to the boil at an ideal time.

"We're coming to good form," he said. "In the last few weeks we've played some very good stuff and they're getting that consistency - particularly defending. We're really looking solid at the back and these are good signs for us, and it's an important time to get that."

Manchester United Ease Past Sunderland To Stay In Control Of The Title Race

Dimitar Berbatov scored twice as Manchester United eased past Sunderland to stay firmly in control of the Premier League title race.

The Bulgarian headed home Wayne Rooney's cross early on and United dominated the match from that moment.

Berbatov also hit the post with a drive and Anderson crashed a shot against the bar as United created chances at will.

After the break, Berbatov made it 2-0 with a deflected shot from just inside the box to wrap up a comfortable win.

With Arsenal and Chelsea meeting each other on Monday, league leaders United went into the game looking to increase the pressure on their London rivals by extending their points advantage over them.

That they did just that will have delighted boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who stated on Christmas Eve that the title race was a three-way battle between his side and those two teams from the capital.

Manchester City would argue they are also involved, having secured a Boxing Day win over Newcastle to move into second place, two points behind their neighbours - although they have played two games more.

But there can be little doubt that United hold the ascendancy at the moment as they swept aside a Sunderland team that somehow survived an opening salvo that could have put Ferguson's men way out of reach before half-time.

Berbatov - who had been restored to the starting line-up, along with Ryan Giggs - gave United the lead inside five minutes.

Giggs was instrumental in the build-up, bursting through the midfield before laying the ball off for Rooney, who crossed to the far post for Berbatov to dispatch.

Sunderland, who have kept nine clean sheets this season but were always likely to struggle without seven first-team regulars, had no chance to regroup.

An onslaught ensued, with Giggs and Rooney at the heart of it, but somehow United could not double their advantage.

Rooney went close with an exquisite chip that drifted just wide before Berbatov went even closer with a fierce effort that cannoned back off the post.

Anderson then cracked a drive against the bar, Rooney failed to properly connect with a shot from inside the box and Berbatov slammed an effort into the side netting.

As Sunderland clung on, keeper Craig Gordon did well to block a Giggs shot with his legs and later, Anderson fired wide before the Brazilian also wasted a chance when a poor touch robbed him off a shooting chance.

Straight after the interval Sunderland managed their first meaningful effort on goal when Asamoah Gyan blasted over from the angle.

It was not to be the start of a Sunderland comeback, however, as United hit back.

A brilliant block by Anton Ferdinand kept out Andersen's shot but shortly afterwards United got the goal their play had deserved.

Andersen played a superb disguised pass to Berbatov and this time Anton Ferdinand was unlucky as the shot was deflected in off his body.

Berbatov looking for his hat-trick - and what would be his 15th goal of the season - continued to press and he tested Gordon with a smart volley on the turn after flicking the ball up for himself.

With 12 minutes remaining Sunderland managed to get a shot on target for the first time but United keeper Edwin van der Sar was easily equal to Boudewijn Zenden's effort.

The home side were happy to play possession football after that and closed out the game with ease - keeping plenty in reserve while sending out a clear signal of their intent to regain their title.


Berbatov nets United's second goal against Sunderland via a big deflection off Anton Ferdinand

Usual Suspects In The Frame

While Sir Alex Ferguson admits this season's Premier League is the most capricious in years, he expects the division to settle into a familiar pattern as the campaign heads into its second half.

United lead the table, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea all in close proximity, while Tottenham and Sunderland also lurk nearby. Of that cluster, Sir Alex expects second-placed Arsenal and reigning champions Chelsea to join the Reds in breaking for the line.

"It’s a funny league now," the United manager told his pre-Sunderland press conference. "The middle teams have certainly tightened up the league. There were indications last season when Tottenham got into the top four that things were changing; teams challenging that elite four that people spoke about for quite a few years.

"It changed and it looks as if it can change again; there’s a battle for fourth place again, and surprising teams like Bolton and Sunderland are challenging up there. You have to recognise that it’s a different type of league. At the end of the day I don’t think it’ll be anyone outside ourselves, Chelsea and Arsenal. I think those three will certainly be there."

The United manager hastened to make cases for the major strides taken by Tottenham and Manchester City, but expects the pair to feel the added pressure of juggling domestic and European commitments.

"Harry (Redknapp) is talking up his chances very well at Tottenham, but they’re involved in Europe now and it’s a new thing for them," said Sir Alex. "It’s not easy to combine European competition at that level, your league programme and FA Cup ties. It’s your experience that gets you through.

"City have got a chance, of course, that’s the other team. They also have the Europa League – that’s what makes it difficult. But maybe they could buy in January – and Harry might buy in January – because it’s very difficult to manage them both."

Boss Salutes Stopper

Having confirmed that he is planning for life without Edwin van der Sar, Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that he will not repeat the mistakes he made in trying to replace Peter Schmeichel.

Dutch veteran van der Sar turned 40 earlier this year, and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in United's history - certainly the outstanding successor in a long line of stoppers to follow Danish star Schmeichel.

"Both of them are magnificent," Sir Alex told his pre-Sunderland press conference. "I’m very lucky to have had them both. It’s marvellous.

"To be playing at our level at 40 years of age is amazing. You can only do it if you’ve got the structure of mind that Edwin’s got to be able to programme himself and train the way he does. He’s phenomenal, he truly is. He’s an outstanding man. I should have signed van der Sar after Schmeichel. I made a mistake. But now we think we know where we’re going."

New signing Anders Lindegaard has already been snared as United look to the future. The Danish international has trained at Carrington for much of December, which Sir Alex sees as an important part of his integration.

"It’s a Bank Holiday on the third of January, which means we can’t register him until after the Stoke City game," said the manager. "But he is training with us and that’s important. It’ll bring him to a fair level of fitness because he hasn’t played for a few weeks, so we’ll see how his progress goes."

Merry Christmas!!!

To Readers of Will Power:

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Kojima Haruna (小嶋陽菜)

United On Auto Pilot

United have been thrown a few curveballs so far this season, but Reds assistant boss Mike Phelan says the crucial Christmas period is when the mechanics of the team behind the team go onto auto pilot.

The intensity of quick turnarounds over the festive spell means little else for recuperation and preparation between games.

"You go onto auto pilot in some ways, we’ve been through this period so many times," Phelan explained to ManUtd.com. "We know how to get the balance right. If the squad is fully fit and everybody’s raring to go then we’ll plan over the Christmas period as we always have done.

"There will be training days, recovery days, the odd day off if we can squeeze it in. But the games come thick and fast, Christmas is not a period of time that is a fitness issue, it’s about recovery – making sure players get the rest they need to recuperate and get over any injuries.

"We have a big enough squad to cope with most eventualities. There’s a game every two or three days – not too dissimilar to what it’s like in the season, to be fair – but it can be a hectic period."

Part of dealing with the onslaught of matches is down to experience, something young players at United have to learn fast; but they have the perfect mentors in terms of old heads like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar.

Luckily, the injuries United experienced earlier in the season meant many of the Reds’ young stars now have playing time under their belts, which could be a huge advantage for the rest of the campaign.

"It can help," adds Phelan, "especially in this period. But playing through Christmas is perhaps a new experience to people like Chicharito, Bebe and Rafael and Fabio to some extent. Whereas before they might have shut down over Christmas, now they are playing through.

"From the point of view of the lifestyle, they have to learn to adapt, to rest, recuperate and eat all the right things to get them through this period and maintain that level of quality. But we’ve got the experience to deal with that here. So I am sure we’ll cope like we always do."

Glazer Sale 'Inevitable'

Manchester United director Michael Edelson believes it is 'inevitable' that the Glazer family will eventually sell the Old Trafford club.

However Edelson, who has been on United's board since 1982, insists that any change of ownership will not happen in the foreseeable future.

Many Red Devils supporters are unhappy at the way the American owners have plunged the Premier League giants into debt.

Fans' groups have been throwing their weight behind the Red Knights, a consortium who were keen to launch a takeover bid.

The Glazers responded to the movements of the Red Knights by insisting that they would not entertain any offers for the club.

And while Edelson firmly believes that the status quo will be maintained for the foreseeable future, he does believe there will come a point when the Glazer family look to move on.

He told the Associated Press: "It is inevitable that at some time they will sell, but that will be a long way down the line."

Lindegaard On Board

Recent Reds signing Anders Lindegaard has started training with his new team-mates at Carrington.

The 26 year-old's acquisition was announced on 27 November and while he must wait until January before he's eligible to play for the club, the Danish goalkeeper is now acclimatising to life at Carrington and getting to know his United colleagues.

Lindegaard arrives with plenty of games under his belt this year, after finishing fourth in the Norwegian league with previous club Aalesunds FK. Anders comes with high acclaim too, with former Tottenham goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt among his admirers.

“He has an impressive overall game – he’s got good hands, is confident with crosses and has good presence," said Thorstvedt, who's been able to watch Lindegaard while working as a pundit for Norwegian TV.

Another famous Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has also praised the big Dane.

“It’s dangerous to say but he’s very good with his feet which reminds me of Edwin (van der Sar)," Solskjaer told us, prior to his departure.

"Lindegaard can pick out players and that’s one of the strengths of his game. I like that about him."

It remains to be seen whether United will sign anyone else in January but for now the squad heads into the New Year already with one promising addition.

Secrets Of Sir Alex's Success

United assistant manager Mike Phelan says the secret of Sir Alex Ferguson's longevity at Old Trafford is his ceaseless determination and commitment to the job.

Sir Alex has often made huge sacrifices to achieve success. Today, he overtakes United's other great Scottish boss, Sir Matt Busby, for length of service as Reds manager.

“It’s an incredible achievement," says Phelan, who has worked with Sir Alex as a player and as a coach, so he is well placed to pay testimony to his talents.

"His secret is his enthusiasm, his attention to detail, his work ethic – that’s something he was born into, which comes from his background and his family.

"He is youthful, has a young mind, and he's always willing to learn.

"But he’s always lived knowing that to achieve anything you have to work at it and put the hours in. He’s certainly done that. You see signs of that every day.”

Solskjaer Exclusive: Back To Molde

In the concluding part of his farewell interview, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer outlines his plans for the future of Molde...

When were you first approached by Molde and how did you arrive at the decision to take the job?
I spoke to them through the year. During their season they struggled, so when they sacked the manager in the summer I didn’t want to do it and they had to get a caretaker. I met them in October and I didn’t say yes, I said no but I felt like it was right for me and my family. After that meeting I went home and discussed it with the family, and it turned out it was a more realistic possibility than we thought. It’s really important for me and Silje that we give our kids that chance to grow up as Norwegians as well. I’d spoken to loads of clubs – the manager says that you should always go and do the interviews because you never know; something might come out of it. He’s got friends who’ve had hundreds of job interviews but are still in the same job. I’ve spoken to a few clubs and this was the right thing, to be moving back home.

Was that quite a big conversation to have with Sir Alex?
It wasn’t very big because when I spoke to him and said that we were really missing home and that the timing was right for us – because we’ve had 14 and a half years here now – he thought the first step into management, in Norway, would be a good move.

How hectic was the day you signed for Molde?
I was looking forward to it in one way, to just go home and get it over with. I don’t really enjoy sitting and speaking to the press for two and a half hours, but it went well. It was important for me, Richard (Hartis) and Mark (Dempsey) to come across and speak to the Norwegian press, and for me to present them because I’m delighted I’ve got them with me. Dempsey has been in Norway for two years already. He was an under-16s coach and he’s fantastic, a teaching coach and I know the Norwegian players will love his approach to training. I’ve worked with Richard for three years as a coach and I just asked him if he’d be interested because we’ve got a good working relationship. I think his methods are very good and he’ll bring something to the keepers and the back four in relation to the keeper. I asked the Gaffer if it was ok for him to come across and he agreed to it.

After the press conference, you went to meet Molde fans at the pub…
We went to see some supporters and just wanted to kickstart it a little bit. It’s important, the enthusiasm of the fans and the whole day was good because you could see we’ve sparked a little hope there and it’s important that we build on that.

Molde is its own club with its own history, but will you be trying to apply the United ethos over there?
Definitely. For me that's how a club should be built and run on an everyday basis. It’s how I’ll run my club. This is the template of the perfect club. That’s why I’ve brought Mark Dempsey and Richard Hartis with me: the three of us are very strongly linked with United. United have signed three players from Molde – Mame (Diouf), me and Magnus (Eikrem) – and it’s a big compliment for our club, but I still think I can take it forward. Hopefully we’ll play in the Champions League together. You never know!

You’d be up against Sir Alex – how big an influence has he been on you?
The Gaffer has been absolutely unbelievable. For 14 and a half years I’ve been here and he’s made me what I am. You learn from him. I came as a young Norwegian and you just look at him and learn to be professional and how to conduct yourself.

He’s approaching a quarter of a century at United – how does he keep going?
He’s enjoying it, that’s the thing. He enjoys coming in and working here. He’s got good staff around him, he’s keeping young staff around him and he’s as enthusiastic as ever, he’s got more energy than ever and, of course, he has to win. He needs to win games. He has to have games like Monday and come back with the buzz of beating Arsenal. It’s just in him. You can see another team developing here and I’m sure he sees a great team developing.

Is your immediate plan to emulate Sir Alex with Molde and transform the club into a dominant force in Norway?
When you go into a job you hope you’ll leave one day - two years, five years, a decade down the line - and leave a legacy; knowing that you’ve started something and you’ve made new history. It’s Molde’s 100 year anniversary next year. They’ve won the cup twice and never won the league. Of course my aim is to win the league in years to come, but that’s a process, so for me now it’s starting at the bottom: the structure of the club, get kids coming through because it’s important that local kids know they’ll get a chance, I’m taking loads with me. If you want to build a club, you’ve got to look at who has been successful, and the manager has been the most successful one. It’s impossible to say that 10 or 15 years down the line where I’ll manage. If you do well, something will happen to you. I’ve said exactly the same as anyone else who has played here and wants to go into management; if you do well enough and you get the chance to manage United, yes of course you’d take it.

Rosenborg have won 17 of the last 21 Norwegian titles; are they the club you’re aiming to overhaul?
They’re the benchmark. They’ve got a great culture for sustained success. They think long term, the culture of the club has been very good. They have professional players who know they must sacrifice things for football, and of course the financial security they’ve got from the Champions League has brought them on as well. My aim is to get closer and closer, and in the end go past them.

Solskjaer Exclusive: Farewell United

After almost a decade and a half at United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now left to rejoin his first club, FK Molde, as first team manager. ManUtd.com caught up with Ole earlier this week for an in-depth chat…

How does it feel to be leaving?
It’s dawning on me that I’m actually going. It’s been a bit strange. Every time I do something it’s the last time I’ll be doing it. It’s dawning now that the family is leaving. My wife and I are going home, but the kids are moving away from home. They’ve lived their lives here. We’re all excited though. If we weren’t then we wouldn’t have done it. For me, work-wise, it’s a good step to get some responsibility and make my own mistakes, and as a family we had to do it now to see if we’re still Norwegian or if we’re totally anglicised!

Will you get any time to relax before you start at Molde?
We’re going for a couple of weeks away in warmer weather before I start. I’ll be back in Norway on the 3rd of January and on the 10th of January I start work. I have a week’s preparation – which will be spent unpacking boxes, probably. When you come over with one suitcase and you leave with a five-bedroom house, it’s unbelievable how much stuff you pick up along the way that you wish you’d thrown out!

Has it been strange to say your goodbyes over such a long period?
(Pauses) I should have done a Cantona! I’m not a goodbye person, really. It feels like that makes it even sadder.

But do you appreciate there was an importance behind your farewell to the fans on Monday evening; that they be given a chance to say goodbye?
Yeah, I understand that and it was special for me too. You don’t really realise how much you appreciate people. I’m happy the club put something on for me – they’ve been really amazing. They’ve really looked after me from day one and they’ve put me on show, if you like, three times now. I think this time it’s to make sure I go – third time lucky! ‘Alright Ole, this time you’re really going!’

Does a day go by when you don’t get stopped by a United supporter?
I’m sure there are days when I’ve gone straight home after training and stayed in! But you do meet people all the time. There must have been a few million people in the Nou Camp because I’ve met so many who tell me they were there. It’s brilliant. I wouldn’t be without it. It’s been amazing, that part of it. I know I’ve been a big part in their lives when they say ‘the best night of my life was because of you.’ I’ve also had someone tell me they got divorced because of me - ‘I didn’t come home from Barcelona’ and all that. There have been plenty of stories from that night.

In terms of popularity, you've got a similar standing as all-time greats like Cantona and Keane - how big a deal is that for you?
I don’t rate myself with them, but I am really proud that the supporters have liked what I’ve done. I take it as a compliment, of course. If you say Keane, Cantona… I’ve been privileged to play with the best players. Beckham, Scholesy, Giggsy, Keane, Cantona, Gary Neville… I’ve played with the best players in the history of the club, so I’m really proud.

Will you miss anything about Manchester?
Absolutely. I realised when I drove the kids to school, or went into Wilmslow or Manchester, that it wouldn’t be a part of my life anymore. But I’m keeping my house here. It’s only just finished – it’s taken three years! Sod’s law, isn’t it? But you never know what will happen. I am ambitious, so if I’m successful in the Norwegian Premier League a club over here might try me. At some stage I would like to come back.

Will you take any aspects of English life with you?
We’ll take a lot with us. It’s the little treats like mince pies. That’s what we missed about Norway – the little details. That’s what we’ll miss about Manchester. We’ll miss our friends, big time. We really made some great friends outside football as well, and we’ll miss them. You realise that you’re leaving them for good in the sense of being neighbours and everyday friends, but we’ll see them again. I have to say, the English people are such polite, open people. So friendly and well-mannered and we’ll bring some of that back with us to Norway.

What will you miss about working at Carrington?
Everything. Coming in every day, I’ve always enjoyed it. When you drive into Carrington you know it’s going to be a nice day. The staff are fantastic, you talk football all day long and I’m going to try and create this environment in Molde. The environment at this training ground is fantastic. It’s a performance culture. We’re all striving to make the players better and I’m going to miss that very much. Plus the people, of course. I’ll miss out some names, but the players I played with that are still here; I’ll miss the banter with them. The staff have been fantastic, from Kath on reception to everyone in the media. The manager, the secretary, the kitmen and then the staff I’ve worked with every day trying to improve the players, and I’ve had a fantastic relationship with Warren (Joyce) over the last two and a half years. That’ll be strange, but we’ll keep in touch and probably speak three or four times a week.

You’ve become quite a pairing, haven’t you?
He’s been absolutely amazing and I’m so happy he wanted to work with me. You can’t go on any courses to get that kind of education that I got with Warren. We never knew each other and I still remember our first phone call together about trying to make sure the lads become professionals. He’s opened my eyes to so many things. He’s got an unbelievable eye for a player, is a great coach and has great tactical knowledge, so I can’t praise him enough. The club’s got a fantastic coach who can educate the players – he even taught me to surf! We had a great day down in Devon this pre-season for the Yeovil match. He had me up on the board three or four times, properly surfing the waves. I’ll probably never do it again, but I’ve ticked it off now. If you want I can sit here all day and talk about the stories Warren and I have had. We even had Valentine’s Day in Lisbon, the two of us together! (Cracks up laughing)

Yeah, that probably belongs on the record…
We went over to see Carlos (Queiroz). He invited us. So we said yes, of course, we got there and realised it was Valentine’s Day. We got to the hotel and they had booked us in the same room, but we sorted it out. We didn’t spend Valentine’s night together. Make sure that's on the record!

How enjoyable have you found managing the Reserves?
Very enjoyable. I’ve enjoyed it because they’re top young talents with great attitudes. I come into work and don’t get any problems, really. You get the odd day they feel down and it’s your job to get them up again. In reality you never know how many players you’ll get in Reserve team football. You could have eight, you could have 20. It’s loads of variation, you have to adapt quickly. I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed it a lot.

How highly do you rate this group of players coming through?
Very highly, I think they’ve got a chance. Two or three of these will hopefully get into the first team in a year or two, maybe even before. There are some exciting young talents and I think we all know who. It’s difficult to put money on players making it, because you don’t know how they handle success and setbacks. They’ve got the talent, no doubt. Now it’s up to them to grab their chance and be good pros.

What have you learned about United in your time here?
It’s moved on so much. It’s always developing and trying to stay ahead of developments. The manager has been fantastic in renewing things and being ahead of his time. The size of the club now compared to when I came is a massive difference, but they always cope with the development and the winning culture, the performance culture. We beat Arsenal on Monday, but on Tuesday you didn't see anyone today talking about that game. That’s amazing. For me, when I first arrived, I scored a goal and I’d be reading the papers to see the reaction. None of that. It’s straight onto the next game and that’s what we do at United – that’s just the framework of behaviour and it's a blueprint I'll be taking with me to Molde.

Sir Alex Looks Back

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his disbelief at becoming United’s longest-serving manager when the Reds face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The top-of-the-table clash will see the United boss overtake Sir Matt Busby’s record of 24 years, one month and 14 days in charge at Old Trafford, a tenure Sir Alex felt would never be furthered.

"I am surprised. I must admit it is something I never thought about for a moment - it has been frozen into the memory bank. I thought Sir Matt Busby was here forever. He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968," the boss told Magic 1152.

"The time span seems to be much longer than mine. Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion. I did not have that. That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever."

Comparisons between the legendary managers are easy to make: both are passionate disciplinarians with an unrivalled hunger and desire to succeed. They're both Scottish, too, though Sir Alex is keen to point out one major difference between him and his great mentor.

"Sir Matt was a lot calmer than me," he added. "We are different characters, with different personalities. Scottish people have a determination to do well no matter what. They travel. I came down here with the single objective of being successful.

"The most important piece of advice he gave me was not to read the press. It was great advice and I have not read it since.”

With such a landmark occasion so close, the boss could not resist looking back at his United career to date, thought he insists the milestone will not get in the way of his side's aim to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Reds boss said: "Liverpool were the dominant team in the 1980s. That is what I looked at. That was the big challenge for me. Also, the issue of ex-players at the club was something I was addressing for quite a long time. We have done that by bringing in some ambassadors. I wanted to keep all our great players around the club in some capacity.

"I had Sir Bobby Charlton on the board and Sir Matt was here as well. People like that are able to understand the dimensions of Manchester United. That is neccessary to understand the role of manager. It was very helpful to me.

"But it is not for me to place myself in the history of Manchester United. I have enough to do with my own job and getting the team ready for the game on Sunday, which is going to be very hard."

Ando's Reaping Rewards

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his delight at securing Anderson’s future at United for the next four-and-a-half years.

The 22-year-old, who joined from Porto in 2007, has made 110 appearances for the Reds despite suffering a serious knee ligament injury last season.

Since making his comeback in September, the Brazilian midfielder has been in sparkling form and even grabbed a rare goal against Valencia in the Champions League to secure top spot for United in Group C. And Sir Alex believes that his young startlet is now reaping the rewards of his perseverance in getting himself back to full fitness.

“We’re delighted Anderson has signed a new deal,” said the Scot.

“He’s a fantastic personality and the boy has terrific potential. He had that bad injury earlier in the year and whenever a player has a serious injury you have to give them time to get back. The player also has to work hard and he’s done that and it’s got him to the level we’re seeing now where he’s in the team and doing well.

“Cruciates can vary but nowadays you can get players back within six months. That’s a fair recovery time. He’s showing the benefit of really working hard to get to this position. Hopefully it’s all systems go for the boy now.”

Anderson's ability to drive forward in support of the strikers has made a real difference to United's play in recent weeks and Sir Alex believes he has the potential to go on and establish himself as an outstanding midfielder in the years to come.

“He could be a top, top player. He’s different from the other midfielders we’ve got and it’s good to have a different type of player,” he said.

“It’s good to have a certain type of balance from midfielders who can offer you different things. He’s strong, he can beat a man. He has great acceleration from a standing position. He’s electric in that sense.

“The area he has to improve is goalscoring," added the boss. "He recognises that. That’s his weakness, he doesn’t score enough goals. He’s still only 22 – he’s an emerging player and hopefully in three or four years time we’ll be looking back and saying he’s given us goals because he has the ability to do that.”

Sir Alex Welcomes French Test

Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to France in February, following United's pairing with Olympique Marseille in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds will travel to Stade Velodrome on Wednesday 23 February 2011 and then entertain the French champions at Old Trafford on Tuesday 15 March. And while some United fans may be happy to have avoided the Italian giants in the draw, including European Cup holders Internazionale, the United boss believes Marseille will make tricky opponents.

Giving his immediate reaction to MUTV, Sir Alex said: "Everyone thought we might get one of the Milan sides because we’ve faced them quite a few times in the last few years, but we got Marseille in the draw rehearsal and it proved right.

"Marseille are a handful at their own ground, their fantastic atmosphere and incredible support guarantees that. They’ve had a good change in fortunes in the last two or three years, after a dry spell, and think it’ll be a difficult tie."

Although United haven't faced Marseille for more than a decade, there are some familiar faces in the opposition camp.

"[Former Chelsea midfielder] Didier Deschamps is the coach there," said the boss, "and they've got one of our old players in Gabriel Heinze so it’ll be nice to see him."

Sir Alex said of the previous meetings in 1999/2000: "I remember the games well. We won 2-1 at Old Trafford, but lost 1-0 over there when William Gallas scored for them. It wasn’t a good performance from us that night."

As for the rest of the last-16 draw, the manager commented: "Quite a lot of people predicted Arsenal against Barcelona and that’s the most interesting tie.

"Chelsea go to Copenhagen and should get through that one. It’ll be interesting to see Milan and Spurs and also Inter and Bayern Munich – a repeat of last season’s final. So there are some nice ties there and hopefully we can navigate ours."

Sir Alex was speaking exclusively to MUTV.

Shades Of Edwin

In Anders Lindegaard, United have signed a goalkeeper bearing a key hallmark of Edwin van der Sar, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian, who scouted Lindegaard during Aalesund’s Europa League trip to Motherwell earlier this season, says the Danish international has the required skills with the ball at his feet to fit in with United’s ethos of possession play.

“It’s dangerous to say, but he’s very good with his feet so he reminds me of Edwin, in the way he can play football,” Solskjaer told ManUtd.com.

“He can pick out players and that’s one of the strengths of his game. I like that about him. He didn’t have too many saves to make in the Motherwell game, but I’ve watched him on telly a few times for Denmark and he’s a very good shot-stopper.”

Solskjaer also spoke at length with Aalesund manager Kjetil Rehkdal, a fellow former Norwegian international, about Lindegaard’s suitability for a role at a major club like United.

“Kjetil’s a very good friend of mine, and he says he has the mentality to be a number one goalkeeper,” said Solskjaer. “Of course, that’s a good thing. And he’s Danish, so we have to cross our fingers that he’s like Peter Schmeichel!

“Plus I’m sure that with the coaching here he’ll improve. You see potentially a very, very good keeper, and with the coaching here he’ll be alright.”

Charlton Sets Record Straight

This Sunday Sir Alex will become United’s longest-serving manager when he passes Sir Matt Busby’s current milestone of 24 years, one month and 13 days.

If you believe popular myth, however, the Reds boss was lucky to make it beyond 1990. Back then, without a trophy at United after almost four years in the job, Sir Alex was believed to be heading for the exit door if his team didn’t beat Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup. A Mark Robins goal clinched victory and the Reds went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.

But Sir Bobby Charlton, who’s sat on the United board for the duration of Sir Alex’s reign, maintains Ferguson’s future was never in doubt.

"The media were the ones who were pushing," Charlton says. “"If Alex Ferguson had got sacked it would have been a really good story for them.

"In fairness, their philosophy was based on what they had before. If a manager was unsuccessful, you sack him.

"But behind the scenes, Alex was already successful. There was not a thought about the future of Alex Ferguson at this club.”

In Charlton's eyes it was crucial Ferguson was given enough time for his plans to come together. In the 15 years between the end of Busby’s second managerial stint and Sir Alex’s arrival, the Reds failed to win a single league title and employed four different managers.

Stability would be key if success was to follow.

"Half the problems that people get into is the fact that they get rid of managers too soon. We would not make that mistake.

"You have a feeling at a football club whether things are right or wrong. There was no nastiness directed towards Alex when he lost a match. It was just a feeling of: 'It will happen'.

"You felt success was coming, so you couldn't criticise him. There is no way that, even had we lost at Nottingham Forest, anything would have happened. No way at all.

"Everyone knew where we were going and what was going to happen."

Miners Savour OT Trip

The world’s most famous miners – the men rescued from the San Jose mine in Atacama, Chile – have been credited with helping United to beat Arsenal this week.

The courageous group, whose story inspired people around the globe when they were trapped underground for 69 days, were invited by the club and its official wine partner Vina Concha y Toro to be guests of honour at Old Trafford. Of the 33 men rescued, 23 took the opportunity to come to Manchester. Their presence, it seems, may have conributed to the Reds reclaiming top spot with victory over the Gunners on Monday night.

“It’s been a privilege and a real honour to have you with us, and we wish you all the best for the future,” said United chief executive David Gill, when issuing a formal farewell to the special visitors on Tuesday afternoon.

"It’s been a brief but a magnificent trip - to see you dancing and singing in the directors’ box during the Arsenal game was fantastic. Not something we often see in our directors’ box but it was brilliant.

“You played a part in that important win because I know Sir Alex referred to your story in his team talk before the game and used the motivation from that to galvanise the players into putting on a great performance.”

The miners cheered when the chief executive quipped: “I’m sure you’re all now big supporters of Manchester United and trust you’re going to spread the word when you get back home to Chile!”

David Gill was joined at the event by Giancarlo Bianchetti, global marketing director for Concha y Toro wines, who said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Manchester United for what has been an absolute dream trip for us all. The idea for the trip was really initiated by the people here at United, we at Concha y Toro were really just the bridge, the people who put things together at our end in Chile.”

The party from Chile also met Sir Alex and the players at Carrington during their stay, an experience which no doubt evoked memories for the miners’ VIP companion – Elias Figueroa, arguably the greatest Chilean footballer of all time. He overcame adversity of his own – being diagnosed with polio at the age of eleven and told he would never play football – to make more than 800 career appearances in several South Anerican countries and represent Chile in three World Cups.

“As a football person, I certainly know what a big football club Manchester United is,” said Figueroa.

“I was grateful for the invitation to come to Old Trafford and grateful to Concha y Toro for allowing me to come along on this trip with the miners. Like everyone else around the world, I watched the miners’ plight on television. I thought to myself what great guys they must be, to have come out of that situation.

"However, I was only watching from a distance then. Now that I have met up with them I know they are even bigger characters than the images we saw on television during their troubles when they were trapped underground. They are fantastic human beings.”

Some of the rescued miners later spoke to the media at Old Trafford. Omar Reygadas, 56, said: “The highlight of our trip was the match and to see Manchester United win. But we have seen many beautiful things during our time here.”

Ricardo Villaroel, 27, reflected: “Britain is beautiful, I have really enjoyed the visit. As for the football, I am more of a fanatic of Colo-Colo in Chile but my brother is a huge supporter of Manchester United.”

The historic trip to Old Trafford ended with an exchange of gifts, with each miner receiving a framed photo of their group on the pitch before the Arsenal game. In return, David Gill was presented with a Chilean national team shirt signed by the miners – soon to be proudly displayed in the club’s museum.

Vidic Loves Playing Leader

Nemanja Vidic has vindicated Sir Alex Ferguson's choice to name him United's skipper: so far this season he's been our ‘Captain Fantastic’ and arguably the Reds’ most consistent performer.

“We wanted someone who was consistently available for us; you don't leave him out of the team unless you’re going to rest him." That was how Sir Alex explained his early-season decision to hand the captain's armband to the man who's been a rock at the heart of the United defence for five years now.

"I feel very proud," Nemanja told United Review. "It came as a bit of a surprise but I’m enjoying the role. I haven’t changed anything in particular since becoming captain, but you have to think about your responsibilities – your behaviour, the way you play, the way you train... I know that I need to set a good example on and off the pitch."

But while Vida is delighted with the honour, the ever-modest defender insists he’s just one of many leaders in red.

“The likes of Rio, Gary, Giggsy, Scholesy, Edwin set the example,” says the 29-year-old. “The way they help the other players is fantastic. They have helped me develop and I want to help the younger lads do the same.”

As former skipper of Red Star Belgrade and vice-captain for his country, Vidic is well accustomed to the responsibilities that come with the armband. But he insists nothing about his mentality has changed.

“Obviously you lead the team out and do the coin toss before the game, but in terms of my game I don’t think anything has changed,” he explains. “I’ve always talked a lot on the pitch – you have to communicate as a defender and organise things whether you are captain or not.

“I tend not to think about it [the captaincy] when I’m playing; I’m just focused on doing my best for the team as I have always done.”

Whether it's in his role as captain or attacking spoilers-in-chief alongside central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand, Vidic has excelled this season. He likens playing alongside Rio to a former Serbian national team-mate Mladen Krstajić.

"Me and Rio have a great understanding on the pitch," he said. "I also have to say Mladen Krstajić and I had a great relationship for the Serbian national team. I’m not being disrespectful to the other players I’ve played with, but the results I’ve achieved with those two players shows what a good understanding we have and they have both helped me improve as a player."

Anderson Signs New Deal

Anderson's outstanding recent form and undoubted potential has been recognised with a new four-and-a-half-year contract extension, which will keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2015.

The Brazilian has been excellent for the Reds since making a full recovery from the knee ligament injury he suffered last season, and in the last few weeks has produced the type of performances that prove he can fulfil the huge potential with which he arrived in Manchester in 2007.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly has high hopes for the 22-year-old. "We are delighted he has signed a new contract," the boss told ManUtd.com. Anderson has developed tremendously since joining us and he has fantastic potential at only 22; he is going to be a really top player."

Anderson feels he can achieve everything he wants to in his career at Old Trafford. He said: "This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years.

"I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with United and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract."

Reds Eye Christmas No.1

Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to stress the importance of Monday night's 1-0 victory over Arsenal, as the Reds moved two points clear of the chasing pack with a game in hand.

United always aim to be top of the charts at Christmas and the Reds boss labelled next Sunday's visit to Stamford Bridge to take on ailing Chelsea as "massive", "a big, big game for United". But first, the Reds had to get past the Gunners.

"These games are important," stressed the boss. "Arsenal were top of the league and we were in third, so it was an important result for us.

"The game-plan was to stifle the midfield and to make sure we got possession of the ball in there. We did that well in the first half. We played very well and maybe we should have been further in front.

"In fairness, with the goal we did score, we deserved that. In the second half we had some great opportunities on the counter-attack, we were disappointed [not to make more of that]. Arsenal had more of the game in the second half without actually making many chances."

Ji-sung Park's looping head just before half time ensured a lead United's play had warranted. The Reds could have extended the advantage playing on the counterattack in the second 45 minutes when Nani won a penalty for Gael Clichy's handball. However, Rooney blasted the spot-kick over the bar.

"I'm surprised," said the boss. "He usually gets his shots on target. It was the complete opposite to the one he scored against Rangers, which was low, hard and in the corner. Tonight he ballooned it over the bar.

"You always worry at 1-0. It's not a great score in a game like this. It only takes a second to lose one. But I thought our back four were fantastic. They were absolutely brilliant.

"[Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic] were tremendous. That gives you a great foundation, and 1-0 victories can win you the league. If my back four keep that foundation of not conceding any goals it gives us a really good chance."

They will need to be at their miserly best again next weekend. "It's a massive game now," added the boss. "That will go a long way to establishing the top of the league. It's a big, big game for United."

Rio: This Win Is Not Decisive

Rio Ferdinand says the win over Arsenal was a "big result" but he says it's not a season-defining triumph.

The Reds moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League table on Monday night - and boast a game spare compared with the other runners and riders for this year's title. But Ferdinand says this result needs to be the first in a consistent run of results against the top teams.

Conveniently, United can prove an improved status in the big-stakes clashes when the Reds travel to West London this Sunday to face reigning champions Chelsea.

"It's a big result," said Rio after the deserved 1-0 win over the Gunners. "It's not a defining result for the season, but it's a big result. It's against one of the teams that are at the top of the table. Last year we probably didn't do as well as we should against the top teams. This is a good way to start."

United produced a good all-round performance, of which Ferdinand is proud. "I thought we did well," he said. "We pressured them high up the pitch. One of the main things that we wanted to do was to go out and make sure we got in their faces and put pressure on them, not give them time on the ball.

"With a team like Arsenal, if you give them time on the ball then they will hurt you because they have got quality players all over the park. We tried not to give them time."

Defensively United were excellent on Monday night, but Rio says that has to come with the territory.

"To win titles you've got to be on top form all the time, not just defending as a back four and the goalkeeper. It's the team. I always say that. Whatever happens in a game, we score together and we concede together. If we're defending from the front then we're a hard team to beat."

A month ago United were 2-0 down against Aston Villa and trailing the leading pack in the league. Now United are in a very commanding position. But Rio isn't too surprised. "When I look around the changing room, we've got a fantastic bunch of players. I'll never doubt us or what we are capable of. If we concentrate and focus on doing the right things, we're a difficult team to play against."

Now for Chelsea next weekend. "It would be lovely to get the same result," Rio adds. Lovely indeed.

Park Earns Praise

Ji-sung Park is developing a habit of scoring important goals for United - and he delivered again in the biggest game of the season so far, scoring the winning goal in Monday's 1-0 triumph over Arsenal.

The Korean midfielder now has six goals this term, his best return for the Reds. Promisingly, he looks like he has plenty more goals to contribute. "He has a great scoring record against Arsenal and he has been in fantastic form recently," said Sir Alex.

And it wasn't just Sir Alex who was delighted with his contribution against the Gunners. Rio Ferdinand added: "Ji is a big-game player. That's a fact. He's a talented player and we love having him here. He is a proper team player and we fully appreciate that. He stepped up today and I was pleased for him that he scored."

Disappointingly, United will be shorn of the versatile midfielder's match-winning capabilities as he is due to take part in the 2011 AFC Asia Cup with South Korea. The competition takes place between 7-29 January. "Unfortunately we will lose him after 26 December," added the boss. "We're going to lose him for seven games, which is disappointing."

His absence may come at a cost, but only because of the impact he has had on United so far this season.

Evra: We Deserved It

Patrice Evra felt the Reds were fully deserving of their 1-0 victory over title challengers Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Ji-sung Park's first half header took Sir Alex's men two points clear at the top of the table and the Reds also have a game in hand over the three teams behind them - Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Evra hailed United's team spirit after the victory over the Gunners and is now looking forward to next Sunday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"This is a great win for us, but now we have a big game against Chelsea. If we can play with the spirit we showed tonight, I think we can win many games," the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

"We showed we are a powerful team. Arsenal are a good side and they put pressure on us when we missed the chance to get a second goal. But we stayed strong and everyone defended together.

"We're very happy with the result - we were all very focused and determined to work hard and that's why we got the win we deserved."

Unsited Stake Title Claim With Win Over Gunners

Ji-Sung Park's first-half effort earned Manchester United a hard-fought victory over Arsenal that enabled them to take top spot from their title rivals.

The South Korean improvised superbly to head Nani's deflected cross beyond the reach of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Wayne Rooney could have doubled the lead but he blazed a penalty over after Gael Clichy had handled.

Arsenal's best efforts fell to Marouane Chamakh, who missed with a header and had a shot blocked by Nemanja Vidic.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger would have been disappointed by the paucity of chances created, although his United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to be eulogising about his side's performance.

Up until the opening goal the first half could be best described as high octane but rather rudderless.

From the whistle, both sides showed their intent in wanting to win the battle in a jam-packed midfield, with tackles flying in from every angle.

It was surprising that referee Howard Webb did not making a booking until late in the first half given the number of mistimed challenges.

The first yellow card was shown to Arsenal striker Chamakh for a foul on Nani.

Frustration may have caused the Moroccan forward to chop down the United winger, having failed to click with his fellow attackers in the final third during most of the half.

He did manage to work Edwin van der Sar with a tame diving header early on but that was the only time the United keeper was tested during the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal and United took no prisoners with their tackling and closing down but they were guilty of some wayward passing on a skiddy Old Trafford pitch.

However, the home side looked more threatening and had tested the Gunners' third-choice keeper Szczesny a couple of times with long-range efforts from Rooney and Nani, which he comfortably held.

He would have be lucky to get a fingertip to United's next effort - a low angled volley from Nani which flew fractionally wide of the Arsenal right-hand upright.

With 0-0 looking the likely scoreline at the interval, up popped Park to ensure United went in on top.

The South Korean scored his fourth goal against Wenger's side when he arched his neck to meet Nani's deflected cross and beat Szczesny with a looping header.

It was unlucky for the 20-year-old Pole, but he enhanced his reputation 10 minutes after the break by producing a superb block after Rooney had slipped in Anderson.

Nani, who is increasing his value with every game, had a better chance moments later but fired over from 12 yards after dispossessing a casual Clichy 20 yards out.

Arsenal also wasted a good chance when Samir Nasri's low angled shot was palmed away by Van der Sar only as far as Chamakh who should have made some space before shooting, but instead had his reflex-reaction shot blocked by Vidic.

The visitors should have paid for the miss when United were awarded a penalty after Clichy slipped and was judged to have handled the ball as Nani attempted to nudge it past him.

Up stepped the usually reliable Rooney, who instead of finding the top corner of the net was closer to finding the top corner of the stand with his wild spot-kick.

That was ugly but Rooney came close to making amends with a thing of beauty late on when he executed a delightful chip which the 6ft 5in Szczesny did brilliantly to tip over.

Arsenal's defeat means they have won none of their last 11 games against United and Chelsea - that sort of form is unlikely to win them the title.


Park wheels away as the Arsenal defenders realise they've just gone 1-0 down at Old Trafford

Boss Rules Out Unbeaten Run

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the notion of United maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the Premier League season ahead of Monday night’s table topping clash with Arsenal.

With no defeats in 15 matches, the Reds league form has drawn comparisons with that of the 2003/04 Arsenal side, which achieved the rare feat of winning the title without losing a single game.

However, the United manager believes the unpredictability of this year’s Premier League has put paid to any hopes of sustaining an unbeaten record.

The boss told Magic 1152: “It won't happen again. The time Arsenal did it they had 12 draws. It was a great achievement but in this present league you cannot think for a minute you will go through undefeated.

“It is an amazing league this year. We keep looking at the points we have dropped and I am sure Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham will all be saying the same. It is a self analysis that doesn't get you anywhere. This is a funny league; we have definitely seen a tightening up of it.

“It is like the Championship where you can win two games and be back in a play-off position and then lose two and be back down to fourth or fifth bottom. The Premier League is looking that way. Sunderland were down near the drop positions, then they won a few games and got a bit of consistency. Now they are challenging for a European place. That seems to be the way this league is.”

United’s clash with the Gunners precedes a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday, in a fixture double-header that provides an opportunity to open up a substantial lead in the title race and gain the upper hand going into the New Year, though, Sir Alex is keen to stress titles are won in May, not December.

“I don't think we need to gauge how good we are," he added. "Our position in the last few years has told us that we are one of the best teams in the country. Arsenal also come into that category. The last few years ourselves and Chelsea have been fighting it our for league titles. Before that it was ourselves and Arsenal for many years.

“It is a massive game [against Arsenal] between two fantastic football teams with great history. You can't help but think it is going to be a fantastic game. I don't think whatever happens on Monday will tell you one team is better than the other at this moment in time though. What tells you something is the end of the season when you find out who has won the league. Hopefully it is us.”

Smalling: Willing & Able

Chris Smalling accepts he’s unlikely to feature against Arsenal on Monday night, although the young defender says he’s more than ready to step in if required.

“Rio and Vida are the first-choice central defenders, but I have to be ready if called upon,” the 21-year-old said. “I’ve been watching on from the sidelines and learning from both of them in training.”

Against Valencia on Tuesday evening, the former Fulham and Maidstone United man was introduced on 50 minutes after Ferdinand felt his hamstring tighten and was removed from action as a precaution. Smalling slotted almost seamlessly into the Reds back four and helped keep Valencia’s forwards quiet until the final whistle.

It was his fifth Champions League appearance this season, a figure that goes some way to illustrating how well he’s taken to life at Old Trafford since arriving in the summer.

“I’m really happy with the way [my United career] has gone so far,” Smalling said. “The manager has shown faith in me and given me, and a lot of the other younger lads, a chance.

“This is going to be a hectic time. There are a lot of games to be played over Christmas so the manager will want to use his whole squad.”

And even though Ferdinand and Vidic will almost certainly get the nod against Arsenal, Smalling has been doing his homework on the current Barclays Premier League leaders.

“Samir Nasri has definitely shown that [he’s one of the best players in the league]. He’s a key player we will have to watch out for. He is so comfortable on the ball. I admire him greatly but you cannot just single one player out when you’re talking about Arsenal.

“We don't have any need to fear them, though. We’ll have more than 70,000 fans cheering us on. They should be intimidated more than we are.

“Monday is a massive game and we want to send out a statement. Now it’s time for us to kick on.”

Reds Welcome Airtel

Bharti airtel, a leading global telecommunications company today announced an exclusive partnership with Manchester United and signed a four-year partnership agreement.

The partnership is a first of its kind signed between Bharti airtel and Manchester United in the African continent. Through the partnership United will support the airtel Allstars' search for young African football talent, while airtel customers will have the opportunity to win tickets to watch the Reds play at Old Traffird, take part in coaching sessions and access exclusive United news and download highlights, ringtones and wallpapers through the airtel Live mobile portal.

Manoj Kohli, CEO (International and Joint Managing Director), Bharti airtel said: “Football is the universal passion of Africa and there’s no bigger club in the world than Manchester United. I’m tremendously excited about the opportunities for airtel customers to interact with the brand, win exclusive match tickets and have the chance to train with coaches from one of the leading academies in world football.

“Manchester United’s Old Trafford home is known as the Theatre of Dreams and through this deal we hope to fulfil the dreams of thousands of airtel customers over the next four years.

"We’re also launching our ambitious airtel Allstars initiative, in association with Manchester United, to find and nurture African talent to make it right to the top of the professional game.”

Announcing the deal, Reds' chief executive David Gill said: "We’re delighted to announce a new four-year partnership with airtel Africa, one of the most innovative mobile operator in Africa. This deal gives airtel exclusive rights as the official mobile communications partner of Manchester United in 11 African markets with access to unique mobile phone content, including player interviews, goal replays and match reports.

"This groundbreaking partnership will bring the action of Manchester United direct to our millions of fans in Africa and we’re pleased to support airtel in developing the rich pool of young football talent through the airtel Allstars initiative."

airtel will be featured on ManUtd.com, which is the most visited club football website in the world. airtel customers will also have regular opportunities to take part in competitions and prize draws to win all expenses paid trips to attend matches.

Each year airtel and Manchester United will run training sessions at the Manchester United Academy, one of the world's most prestigious football training centres. There will be opportunity for customers to attend coaching sessions with United coaches in the region.

Andre Beyers, Bharti airtel's Chief Marketing Officer added: “Sport can be a powerful vehicle for social change, bringing people together and instilling values of teamwork and personal standards. Mobile communications is also a facilitator of social change and economic development, and we hope that our association with Manchester United will help drive us towards achieving those goals.”

Nani's Confident

It was a case of mission accomplished for Reds winger Nani after he helped United earn a 1-1 draw against Valencia and qualify for the Champions League knockout phase as Group C winners.

A point on Tuesday against the Spanish side secured United's position among the top seeds for next Friday’s Last 16 draw and ensured the Reds will not face fellow group victors Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

It was a job well done, according to the Portuguese international, who was unlucky not to add a second United goal shortly after Anderson’s 62nd minute equaliser. Nani told MUTV: "Valencia are a great team and they played some fantastic football – one or two touches, every player involved. It’s difficult to play against a team like that, like Barcelona.

"But we did well and we should have won the game because we created a lot of opportunities to score more goals. Still, it was a good result because we finished in first position.

"Before the competition started, we wanted to finish first in the group and we did it. Now we are happy and we wait for the next team. We have to be confident because we know that if we are to get to the final we’ll have to face strong teams."

Nani and his team-mates' attention now turns back to the Barclays Premier League, with a crunch match against title rivals Arsenal looming on Monday night. The Reds currently sit in second, one point behind the Gunners, after last weekend's postponed trip to Blackpool paved the way for Arsene Wenger's side to leapfrog United.

Nani, who scored in last season's 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium, admits matches against Arsenal will always capture his imagination: “It’s always a fantastic game. Everyone wants to play the big games and I think it will be a fantastic atmosphere. Arsenal are doing well but we are doing well, too. We just have to concentrate on our own performance and try to win.”

Boss Salutes Anderson

Anderson's recent upsurge in form has underlined his potential importance to United's future.

The Brazilian has been among the Reds' outstanding performers against Blackburn, West Ham and Valencia and, after he scored a vital equaliser against the Spaniards, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the 22-year-old is showing his worth.

"He’s been absolutely brilliant, tremendous," the manager told MUTV. "He offers something different from the other midfield players we’ve got. He’s got tremendous pace and he can beat a man.

"He’s always decisive in his passing in terms of penetration. So he’s different from the other midfield players we’ve got, like Darren, Michael and Scholesy, who lies a bit deeper at his age."

Anderson's strike against Valencia was only his second for the club and his first at Old Trafford, and Sir Alex is keen for the midfielder to regularly contribute goals in the future.

"He should score more goals," he said. "He’s got the pace and power. He’s clever, he’s accurate with his passing, he should be accurate with his finishing and he’s taken his goal well tonight. I’m pleased. That’ll help him."

Fergie Can Handle Expectation

Sir Alex Ferguson claims the expectations which accompany Manchester United's ongoing growth hold no fear for him.

During his 24 years at the Old Trafford helm, United have morphed into a global phenomenon with an annual turnover of £286million.

Pressure now lurks around every corner, with success demanded by ambitious owners and an expectant fan base.

Ferguson has grown accustomed to such a workload, though, and is able to take such things in his stride.

He insists the challenges he and his players place on themselves are greater than any posed from the outside and he acknowledges that in order to be the best you have to be able to handle working under such conditions.

"I never even think about not being successful. It never crosses my mind," said Ferguson.

"I am always positive about the future of this club. It has been that way for a long time.

"Unless the sky is going to fall down on top of us, we will remain the way we are. It is our expectation I am concerned about. We are all united in that sense.

"We are well aware that when we lose a game it is back page and sometimes front page depending on who has managed to beat us.

"That is the expectation. We have no problem with that. It is a great thing for my players, all my staff and supporters."

Ferguson has been integral in United's dominance during the Premier League era but he admits that he always has one eye on the future, with it important that success is never taken for granted.

He added: "The cycle of success in football only lasts four years at the very most.

"We were almost within that grasp last year, losing the title by one point. That would have made history.

"But four years is the type of time-span you have in terms of success. Then you need to think about how you regenerate the energies again.

"You have to start planning ahead for the new team. It is a challenge but no bigger than the one I was presented with when I first came down here.

"This is Manchester United. You accept everything is of a high standard and it starts from me."

Vidic Pleased At Pole Position

There were mixed emotions in the United dressing room following the Valencia game – satisfaction at topping the Champions League group was tinged with regret at the scoreline.

The 1-1 draw at Old Trafford meant the Reds narrowly failed to become the first team to advance from the Champions League group stage without conceding a goal.

That distinction would have been particularly proud for defenders like Nemanja Vidic, who told MUTV: “We’re a bit disappointed [with the result] because we obviously we wanted to keep a clean sheet and break the record.

“But the most important thing was to finish where we wanted to, first in the group, and we've done it. We'll avoid some big teams and hopefully that will help us.”

First place was keenly contested by a lively Valencia side, not least in the closing stages of the match when the Spaniards seemed to sniff a potential surprise win. The visitors were buoyed, no doubt, by only conceding one goal – Anderson’s equaliser – despite being under the cosh for most of the second half.

“We have to be pleased with how many chances we made but we didn't take them,” reflected Vidic.

“In the end it was a bit of a nervous game. In the last ten minutes we had to make sure we didn't concede a goal so we could achieve what we wanted to achieve, to be first.”

After landing first place in Champions League Group C, the next summit on United’s minds is in the Barclays Premier League.

“At the moment, it is not going that bad for us,” said Vidic.

“We are in the second stage of the Champions League which was our target and we are in a good position in the Premier League table. We just have to improve on a few details, keep going and keep playing well.”

We Can Cope With Anyone

Having qualified for the Champions League knockout stages for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons, Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably indifferent about the Reds' prospective pairings in next week's second round draw.

A hard-fought 1-1 draw with Valencia assured United of progress to the last 16 as Group C winners, ruling out potential clashes with Barcelona and Real Madrid, but giving the Reds a chance of facing Serie A leaders AC Milan and reigning European champions Internazionale, among others.

"You have to take who you get," Sir Alex told MUTV. "I think we’ve got the squad; we can cope with anything we get."

Pablo Hernandez's opener for Los Che at Old Trafford was the Reds' first European concession of the season but, rather than dwell on the missed opportunity to set a competition record or bemoan the Michael Carrick mistake which proved costly, the United manager preferred to focus on overcoming a tricky hurdle to top Group C.

"Michael knows better," said Sir Alex. "It’s just one of these unfortunate things. I thought he had a terrific game apart from that. But it’s always nice to get records. Until last week we went 29 games without losing, for instance, and eventually you’re going to lose. Tonight we were going for six clean sheets and we didn’t get it, but the important thing is winning the group is more important than a goal record.

"I think we should’ve won the game. We had a lot of chances. Berba could have scored another four or five tonight, but the goalkeeper made some great saves. The most important thing was coming first after a game which I thought was quite entertaining. It was a good quality match and I’m quite pleased.

"The last 20 minutes was Valencia's best period. They had good control. They made it difficult for our players because we should have scored a couple after we equalised, and then we seemed to settle for what we’d got, knowing a draw would be good enough. Sometimes that’s a dangerous game, especially when you’ve not got the experience at the back. You’ve got Fabio and Rafa, Chris Smalling and Ben Amos, and it was a big task for them. That lack of experience could have cost us."

Ferguson Quells Ferdinand Injury Fears

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played down concerns over an injury to centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was taken off after 50 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Valencia ahead of the Premier League game against Arsenal on Monday.

"It's a tight hamstring - not a tear or anything like that," said Ferguson.

"I'm sure he'll be OK for Monday. He felt it at half time but wanted to carry on. But we have several days now to make sure he is right."

United had gone behind against Valencia when Pablo Hernandez scored in the first half but Anderson equalised to send the Old Trafford side into the last 16 knockout stage as group winners.

Valencia would have leapfrogged United with a win but Ferguson's side avoided such a scenario and will now not be drawn against fellow group winners Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the next round.

The draw for the last 16 will be made on 17 December and possible opponents for United so far include Inter Milan, AC Milan, Lyon or Copenhagen, with other prospective rivals to be decided after Wednesday's Champions League games.

"It is always good to be first. That is important," added Ferguson. "We will avoid the bigger names, although they will come eventually."