Rooney, Wes & Carrick Tell All

Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick talk to Inside United about life as a Red and tales from Carrington...

Who have been your players of the year for United? Berba, Nani and Vida have been mentioned by fans…
Carrick: I’d go for Nani because of his goals, assists and overall performances this season. He’s made a great contribution.
Rooney: I’d say Berba. He’s scored a lot of goals for us including some really important ones and us forwards need to stick together!
Brown: It’s a difficult one, but I’ve got to go for Vida again, closely followed by Nani and Chris Smalling, who has done really well in his first season.

Do you ever have dreams about games or certain moments in a season?
Rooney: The day before a game I always ask Albert [the kitman] which kit we’ll be wearing - shirt, shorts and socks so I can try to visualise the game and scoring a goal.
Brown: Yeah he wakes up shouting ‘yes’ like he’s celebrating a goal!
Carrick: I sleep a lot better before games than I did when I was younger. I’ve never really got nervous, but when I was younger I always had that feeling of excitement and I just couldn’t wait for the game to come. Now, after a week with the kids I sleep very easily!

Do you ever have a little reflective moment during a game when you look up, see a packed stadium, and have to pinch yourself that you’re a professional footballer playing for Manchester United?
Brown: You don’t really think about that in a game because you’re just thinking about getting the job done.

Rooney: Yeah as Wes says there isn’t really time in a match unless someone is maybe down injured for a while.
Carrick: Sometimes if you’re playing in a really big game and you’re winning comfortably and there’s a break in play, you might take a minute to look around the ground especially if the atmosphere is really good. But most of the time, like the others said, you’re just focused on doing your job.

Whenever we see pictures taken at the training ground it looks like you have a heck of a laugh alongside the hard work you put in. Is that a fair reflection?
Rooney: Yes definitely. It’s just a great club to be at and be part of. There’s always a lot of banter going on, most of it aimed at Wes.
Brown: Yeah it is!

Apparently Wayne and Fletch are always up to things, is that true?
Brown: I’d include Nani in that too.
Carrick: Ando as well…
Rooney: Me and Fletch lead each other on...
Brown: They’re like two little kids.
Rooney: Carrers [Carrick] is always there just smiling in the background...
Carrick: You can’t get too involved because you know it’ll come back to haunt you so I like to keep a safe distance away.
Rooney: Yeah, Carrers is the one stirring things up and me and Fletch are the hit men.
Carrick: And Wes is the one who takes it all!
Brown: Not all of it! I don’t mind though because we always have a good laugh. We have to give one of the kit men John Campbell a mention too. We give him a lot of stick every day but he takes it brilliantly and is a really top man.

Do dodgy items of clothing still get hung up in the dressing room?
Rooney: Not as much now.
Carrick: The thing you have to be ready for is sweaty socks and strappings being launched at you after training.

Giggsy seems to be a god-like figure in the dressing room. Are you allowed to take the mickey out of him or is he untouchable?
Rooney: His locker isn’t!
Carrick: No-one does anything to Giggsy, really, do they? There’s that respect thing for him.
Brown: It’s the same with Scholesy.
Carrick: They still get involved in the banter. Giggsy can be quite quiet but then he’ll throw in a very dry one-liner.

What’s been the funniest moment at Carrington ever?
Rooney: It’ll have to have involved Gary Neville…
Carrick: Someone’s trainers got cut up once didn’t they… [All laugh]
Rooney: Me and Fletch cut through a pair of Wes’ trainers one day and pushed them back together so it looked like nothing had changed. But when he picked one of them up to put on, the heel just came off in his hand! [All laugh]
Brown: I got them back though, don’t worry!

Chicharito Tipped To Reach 25 Goals

Paul Scholes knows a good player when he sees one. And it didn’t take long for him to conclude that Javier Hernandez would end up with 25 goals in his first season for United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Scholes made the prediction after watching Hernandez’s pre-season goalscoring debut against the MLS All-Stars in the USA last July.

And such is the impact that the Mexican striker has had in his first term at Old Trafford, Sir Alex is now inclined to believe his veteran midfielder was right.

"When Javier scored his first goal in Houston, Paul told me after the game that he'd get 25 goals this season," the Reds boss said. "Paul is a quiet lad and doesn't say a lot, but he’s a fantastic judge.

"And with Hernandez now on 16 goals, with eight league games left and hopefully a few European and FA Cup ties, he could reach that tally and Scholes would be right. That's the way we're looking at him now – we're expecting that."

Sir Alex admits his initial assessment was that Chicharito would mainly be used as a substitute in his first season for United, but the striker's rapid development – and unerring ability in front of goal – has been impossible to ignore.

"It's been nothing but acceleration [by him]," Sir Alex said. "We tell a lot of our young players to take time to settle in, learn the language and develop physically, because it is a physical league.

"He’s now had his breaking-in period and, although he could speak English, it is now much better. He comes into training every morning at 9am, does his own work in the gym, then stays after training with the rest of the players and practises various parts of his game.

"The boy wants to be a player and the footballing tradition of his family has helped. That gives him an extra encouragement and urge to do well, which is sensational."

Sir Alex Expects Summer Buys

Sir Alex Ferguson expects to sign "two or three" new players for Manchester United this summer.

The manager revealed this during a press conference in New Jersey, where he announced the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

When asked if he expects to have the funds to strengthen his squad in the next transfer window, Sir Alex replied:

“We have certain targets in mind at the moment anyway. I think two or three will be fulfilled, there’s no question about that.

“The Glazer family have always been very supportive of our desires to improve the team.”

The manager went on to talk about the club’s track record of acquiring top young players and developing them at Old Trafford.

“What we are good at is bringing young players to the club, like Chicharito for example. If you look at how, over the last six to eight years, we’ve brought in young players like Ronaldo, Rooney – okay, one was seventeen, the other was eighteen – we’re good at that. I don’t see why we should change from what we’re good at.

“We will continue [to buy players], without question, and when the opportunity does arrive and we identify the right young players, that’s the way we’ll go.”

It remains to be seen which areas of the squad Sir Alex’s targets are intended for, although he did suggest his attacking ranks are currently well stocked.

“In the present situation, with the likes of Chicharito, I think we have possibly some of the best young strikers in the country. Danny Welbeck, who’s at Sunderland at the moment, is an excellent young prospect. And the boy Mame Diouf who’s at Blackburn is another good prospect.

“We’re particularly strong with young strikers at the moment for some strange reason. Sometimes it works that way.”

Mixed Emotions For Welbeck

Danny Welbeck has described his senior England debut as a "bittersweet moment" after entering the pitch to a crescendo of boos from the visiting Ghana supporters.

Our Longsight-born striker is eligible to play for the World Cup quarter-finalists but has chosen to stick with the country of his birth.

After receiving a late call-up to Fabio Capello's senior squad, he replaced Aston Villa's Ashley Young with nine minutes remaining at Wembley.

Welbeck's Sunderland colleague Asamoah Gyan may have grabbed a late equaliser but it was a night our 20-year-old forward will never forget.

"It was a bittersweet moment," he admitted. "I've got love for both countries but I can't play for both.

"I kind of understand that [the boos] but I can't make everyone happy.

"I've been playing for England at every single youth team level so it was a natural progression to move up to the seniors. I am obviously delighted with my progress.

"A couple of friendlies ago I was maybe going to get called up for one of them but unfortunately I got injured," he added on FATV. "So it was just a matter of waiting and getting back fit.

"It was straight to business as I got there late last night and had dinner with the lads. Everyone was very welcoming and I'm just looking to keep pushing on and improving as a player.

"It went pretty quickly tonight to be fair but just to get on the pitch and make my debut, I'm happy. Obviously they scored at the end and it was a good finish from Asa.

"I thought it was a good game and pretty exciting for all the fans to watch so I'm sure everyone went home happy."

Sir Alex Relishes US Trip

Sir Alex Ferguson says United’s pre-season tour to the USA will provide his players with the perfect preparation for the 2011/2012 season.

The Reds will spend just under three weeks travelling around America in July and will play five games, in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey and Washington DC.

After a highly successful trip across the pond last summer, Sir Alex is relishing his side’s return in July.

“We’re finding it increasingly more exciting every time we come to the States,” said Sir Alex at a packed Tour 2011 press conference in New Jersey. “Major League Soccer is now developing into a very competitive league and producing good teams who are making games much more difficult, as we found last year when he played Kansas City Wizards.

“It’s great to see that improvement and, of course, the national team did well at last year's World Cup. There’s a definite sense of there being a good future for soccer in America. It’s not only that though. It’s a fantastic country to bring the players to - the training facilities are fantastic, the hotels are good, everything about the country is perfect for the build-up to a tough season.”

Sir Alex confirmed he will be taking his full squad to the States, although Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez may have to wait until later in the tour to make an appearance.

“It’s my intention to bring all the squad apart from Valencia and Chicharito, who will both be on international duty," he revealed. "Hopefully, though, they will join up with us at some part during the tour.”

Duo Keen To Wi Title For Sir Alex

Wes Brown and Michael Carrick have revealed that winning the league would be the perfect present for Sir Alex Ferguson.

The boss is driving United towards a record 19th top-flight success, a figure that would eclipse Liverpool's tally, and the players are keen to see the manager achieve his long-standing ambition of toppling the Merseysiders.

Experience usually proves crucial at this stage of the season and Sir Alex's wise handling of the squad is a trump card for the Reds as his team bid to fend off challenges from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

"It would be amazing for the players and a great feeling for fans," Brown replied when asked by Inside United about the prospect of winning number 19.

"But, for me personally, I'd be really pleased for the manager. For him to take us past their record would be brilliant."

Carrick, meanwhile, accepts that a landmark trophy success would outshine his other title triumphs.

"This one would definitely be pretty special," he admitted. "The others are special in their own right, but for everyone at the club and the fans this one would have that little bit more meaning."

Clearly, the boss is relishing the business end of the campaign, despite famously referring to this stage of the season as "squeaky bum time".

"You can see how much he loves the challenge," added Carrick. "He’s been through this so many times before, he knows exactly what’s required.

"Sometimes he’ll say things in team-talks to really get you focused, while other times he’ll take the more laidback approach.

"You just have to trust the manager’s judgement in every situation."

United Confirm USA Tour

Manchester United will return to the USA in July for this summer's pre-season tour. The Reds will play five matches - three against MLS clubs in Boston, Seattle and Chicago, a meeting with the MLS All-Stars in New Jersey and finally a clash with Spanish giants Barcelona in Washington DC.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men kick-off the tour on 13 July against New England Revolution at the Gillette Stadium in Boston. Seven days later United face Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field and then head to Chicago to meet Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on 23 July.

Next stop is New Jersey, where United will become the first side to play the MLS All-Stars team in successive years. Last July the Reds ran out 5-2 winners in Houston and Sir Alex has said he hopes for a similar result this summer when his side walk out at Red Bull Arena on 27 July.

The tour finishes on 30 July with a mouth-watering clash against Barcelona at the 91,000-capacity FedExField in Washington DC.

The matches against the Revolution, the Fire and Barcelona will form part of the World Football Challenge.

Sir Alex is relishing a return to the States. He says: “Tours are a fantastic chance for the players to get away as a unit, to put in some good training sessions and to meet some of our fans around the world who don’t have a chance to watch us play live every week.

"Our visits to the US are always enjoyable ones. The training facilities are excellent and we certainly found last year that, with the improving quality of the MLS teams, the games are very competitive, which is great preparation for a new season. To finish off with a match against Barcelona will be a special moment for all our fans in the States.”

USA Tour 2011

13 July v New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium, Boston

20 July v Seattle Sounders, Qwest Field, Seattle

23 July v Chicago Fire, Soldier Field, Chicago

27 July v MLS All-Stars, Red Bull Arena, New Jersey

30 July v Barcelona, FedExField, Washington DC

United Head To America

Manchester United will face the MLS All-Stars in July as part of the club's 2011 pre-season tour to the USA.

Full details of all US tour games, including opposition and ticket details, will be announced on Tuesday by Sir Alex Ferguson at a special media event in the United States and also on ManUtd.com.

The All-Star game, sponsored by AT&T, will take place at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Wednesday 27 July (kick-off: 20:30 local time).

It's the second successive year United have featured in the annual All-Star game. Last July, Javier Hernandez scored in his first run-out for the Reds as United became the first international team to beat the All-Stars over 90 minutes, with a resounding 5-2 success in Houston, Texas. Youngsters Federico Macheda (2), Darron Gibson and Tom Cleverley were also on the scoresheet.

"We're delighted to have been invited to play the MLS All-Star Game for the second year running,” Sir Alex said. “Last year's game was a special occasion in front of a noisy, passionate crowd. Obviously we'll be looking to repeat the performance and the scoreline, but it will be a great spectacle for everyone involved."

Every Match Is A Must-Win

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his players to treat every one of United's remaining Premier League fixtures as a must-win game.

As the season draws to an exciting close with the Reds still challenging for three trophies, the boss knows we cannot afford any slip-ups with crunch games coming thick and fast.

Saturday's testing trip to West Ham means an early kick-off and the chance to move eight points clear at the top but it's certain to be a difficult examination against Avram Grant's side.

Arsenal, who entertain Blackburn on Saturday, are five points behind United, but with a game in hand and the blockbuster showdown at the Emirates Stadium still to come.

Sir Alex believes the Gunners are the biggest threat to the Reds' bid to lift a record 19th league title but has refused to rule out a late challenge from three other contenders.

"It looks as if it's going to be us and Arsenal," he told Inside United. "But you never know.

"Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham are still in the frame - you can't dismiss them, but there are some important games coming up.

"The way I look at it is every game, for me, is a winner now.

"These are must-win games in the sense that every time you get the three points,it's another step closer to the finish line."

Robson Upbeat On Recovery

Ex-England and Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson is confident of making a full recovery after having surgery for throat cancer.

Robson, who currently manages Thailand, had the operation in Bangkok on 3rd March and is set to start a five-week course of treatment next week.

The 54-year-old only visited the hospital due to a sore throat and he has paid tribute to the speed of the treatment he received in Thailand following his diagnosis.

Robson won 90 caps for England and he has thanked football fans from around Europe for their support following the shock news regarding his circumstances.

"[The doctors have] been very positive with what they've been telling me," he told talkSPORT.

"I'm over in England for a week and I'll get a second opinion from a specialist here, but I am quite confident about going back out there and receiving the treatment.

"Fingers crossed everything will be clear within a couple of months. When I return to Thailand next week I'll start on a five-week course of radium treatment and just keep my fingers crossed.

"They're very confident that it's treatable and I should make a recovery. I thought I just had a sore throat, so I went into the hospital to see the doctor on the Monday.

"He diagnosed it straight away, I had the MRI scan on the Tuesday and he operated on me on the Thursday, so that's how efficient they are over in Thailand."

"I've had a fantastic response from football fans all over the country and Europe since it came out in the media. When things like this come up you've got to be positive and get on with it."

Cleverley & Co. Will Come Back

Sir Alex Ferguson says young players like Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck could feature heavily in United's future after excelling during loan spells away from the club this season.

The United manager revealed to ManUtd.com he will give midfielder Cleverley and striker Welbeck the opportunity to press home their claims at Old Trafford in the 2011/2012 campaign after shining for Wigan and Sunderland respectively. The pair were reunited this week, when they played an active part in England Under-21s' 4-0 demolition of Denmark.

"They will come back into the first-team squad and they will get plenty of games next season," Sir Alex told us, when we asked about his plans for Cleverley, Welbeck and Federico Macheda, who is currently with Sampdoria in his native Italy.

"They are part of the band of young players coming through at this club. They will all come back in," the boss continued. "At that point, we will then review our squad because that's the important thing. But we will always put players out on loan.

"Cleverley has done very well, particularly in his spell at Watford and then at Wigan. He has improved in each case and he is going to be a top player.

"Welbeck has been fantastic too, it's just unfortunate that he picked up a bad injury. But they will all be ready for next year."

The manager also revealed that Senegalese striker Mame Biram Diouf will return from his stint with Blackburn as the loan deals have been beneficial for his fringe performers.

"Mame Diouf has done well at Blackburn too and he'll come back in," added Sir Alex. "They've all done well.

"It proves we were right in putting them there in the first place. For them, it’s that experience of being exposed to regular football that really brings them on so that they are ready to play for Manchester United."

Welbeck To Decide On Future

Sunderland loan star Danny Welbeck has confirmed he will be considering his Manchester United future in the summer.

The 20-year-old striker has proven a big hit at the Stadium of Light this season during his season-long loan spell from The Red Devils.

The England Under-21 international has enjoyed regular first-team football under manager Steve Bruce and feels the experience has boosted his game.

Welbeck has now hinted that his long-term future could lie away from Old Trafford as the prospect of returning to training without playing games is highly unappealing.

"I've not really thought too much about what I'm going to do, but I've really enjoyed my time at Sunderland," said Welbeck.

"It has benefited me massively, just to be around with the big boys week in, week out. I'm delighted with that, but the end of the season will be the time to sit down and think about the future.

"I'm like anyone else, I want to play every week. Football is my job. I like training hard and then playing in games, but we will just see what happens in the summer."

Hargreaves Suffers Setback

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has reportedly been dealt a fresh injury blow after damaging his shoulder in training.

The midfielder had been in contention for a possible return to action for Sir Alex Ferguson's side until the latest setback.

According to the Daily Mail, Hargreaves picked up the injury when challenging for a header in training and fell awkwardly on his shoulder.

The 30-year-old had X-rays and it is feared he has sustained ligament damage and is now likely to miss the rest of the season.

Hargreaves has played just six minutes of first-team football since September 2008 after twice having to recover from knee surgery and also a torn hamstring suffered in his latest comeback against Wolves back in November.

The England international was signed in May 2007 for £17million from Bayern Munich and has played just 39 times for the club.

Hargreaves' contract with United expires at the end of the season.

Old Trafford's Lights To Be Switched Off For Earth Hour

Old Trafford will be plunged into darkness for an hour this Saturday, 26 March, to mark Earth Hour - an event organised by the global environmental organisation WWF.

The famous neon lights will be switched off at 20:30 GMT as United's stadium joins other world landmarks such as the Empire State Building in New York, Paris’s Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House in demonstrating a commitment to tackling climate change.

United have taken part in Earth Hour for the last three years as part of the club’s wider ‘Reds Go Green’ environmental programme.

This year, WWF is calling on the club's fans to show their support and join the hundreds of millions of people across the world who will be taking part in Earth Hour. To get involved, visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour.

Reds legend Gary Neville has already signed up and will be switching off his lights at 20:30 GMT on Saturday for an hour. He's asking supporters to do the same.

"We can all do more to help us live within the natural resources we have," said Neville. "Switching off for WWF's Earth Hour is a great way of reaching more people and changing more minds.

"We've got a lot of work to do to create a world with a bright future. Make sure you're doing your bit."

Earth Hour has come a long way since it started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when 2.2 million people and more than 2,000 businesses turned off their lights for one hour to take a stand against climate change. It has gone on to become a global phenomenon.

Last year in the UK, over 13 million people took part and more than 130 high-profile landmarks switched off, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Edinburgh Castle, the Millennium Stadium, and Stormont.

This year, why not join them and help make Earth Hour bigger and better than ever?

The Evolution Of Old Trafford

On 25 March 1939, a crowd of 76,962 fans crammed into Old Trafford for an FA Cup semi-final between Wolves and Grimsby.

That attendance remains a record for the Reds' world-famous stadium, even though it's been gradually developed since the Second World War to become the magnificent arena it is today.

Bomb damage during the war forced Matt Busby's men to vacate Old Trafford and play at Manchester City's Maine Road ground. When United made the emotional return in 1949, standing was still the norm - only 3,000 seats were installed in time for the homecoming match against Bolton Wanderers.

A stated ambition in September 1957 to house 100,000 spectators was shelved as the Munich air disaster the following year refocused the directors' minds to saving the club.

In 1960, the capacity was increased to 66,500 following work on the Stretford End and the neighbouring paddock and, four years later, a cantilever stand on United Road was installed with 10,500 seats and the first private boxes in the country. With Old Trafford due to host World Cup games in 1966, the £350,000 investment was assisted by the government.

The Theatre of Dreams was really starting to take shape. Another cantilever stand with 5,000 new seats extended the Scoreboard End in 1971 and more executive boxes were opened in 1973.

The 1980s brought only minor changes although seats were installed in the Stretford End paddock in 1985 and the Family Stand was introduced.

Following the Taylor Report recommendations in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster, the Stretford End was demolished in 1992 and replaced by the new £12million West Stand. Another major development came before Euro '96 when the giant North Stand took the capacity to over 56,000.

The dawn of the new Millennium saw a second tier added to the East and West Stands which increased the size of the ground even further - to circa 67,500 - and the North-West and North-East Quadrants took Old Trafford past the 76,000 mark in 2006.

Consequently, most of the Reds' record attendances since that 1939 cup fixture have been in the past five years or so. The biggest-ever Premier League crowd witnessed the 4-1 beating of Blackburn in 2007 - 76,098. Only 25 less fans saw the 3-1 triumph against Aston Villa earlier the same year.

United's record FA Cup (v Arsenal) and European (v Olympique Lyonnais) home attendances came in 2008 and even as recently as last year, the stadium was still hitting new heights as the thrilling semi-final second-leg success against Manchester City was in front of a record League Cup crowd of 74,576.

So while the stadium's attendance record, set 72 years ago today, is out of reach for the current capacity of 75,797, Old Trafford remains the biggest club ground in England and a stage fit for some of the best football in the world.

AKB48 Members Participate in YouTube Support Video

In cooperation with Shueisha, Inc. and Weekly Playboy, 12 members of AKB48 are participating in a support video on YouTube in order to raise money for disaster relief. Simply by watching the video, all proceeds collected will be reported on Shueisha’s official site and donated to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

The video features AKB48 members each saying an encouraging message, such as “Ganbare Nippon!” The members participating are Maeda Atsuko, Itano Tomomi, Miyazawa Sae, Ota Ayaka, Akimoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miku, Nakagawa Haruka, Umeda Ayaka, Kikuchi Ayaka, Masuda Yuka, Hirajima Natsumi, and Takahashi Minami.

Check it out below!

FA Criticises Sir Alex Ferguson For Atkinson Comments

The Football Association has ruled that Sir Alex Ferguson risked damaging football's integrity in his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson.

Craig Moore, chairman of the FA Commission that punished the Manchester United manager, wrote Ferguson had "undermined the FA's Respect Campaign".

"Respect for referees integrity is essential for the integrity of football," barrister Moore said.

Ferguson was banned earlier this month for five games and fined £30,000.

The FA ruling came after the Manchester United boss stated that his side did not get a "fair or strong" referee in their 2-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 1 March, which Atkinson officiated.

Moore commented that Ferguson's failure to apologise to Atkinson after the comments were made was a "serious aggravating" factor when punishing him.

"Although he denied any intention to question Mr. Atkinson's integrity, he should, at the very least, have realised the importance of what he said," Moore added in the full findings of the FA's Independent Regulatory Commission.

"His vast experience ought to have left Sir Alex in no doubt as to how any sense of injustice he may have felt should properly be channelled and expressed."

Moore said that Ferguson's failure to retract the comments or apologise to Atkinson "undermined the attempts by the FA, through its Respect Campaign, to encourage higher standards of behaviour within the game".

Ferguson opted not to contest the FA's ruling and began his five-match touchline ban with the game against Bolton on 19 March.

The 69-year-old will be away from the dug-out for United's Premier League games against West Ham, Fulham and Everton, as well as the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley on 16 April.

Evans: Tackle On Holden Was Not Malicious

Manchester United's Jonny Evans insists the challenge which put Stuart Holden out for six months was not malicious, despite admitting it was a poor tackle.

Bolton's Holden, 25, had 26 stitches then surgery on a knee wound caused during United's 1-0 win on Saturday.

Holden said he did not blame Evans, who was sent off, and revealed he got a "sincere" phone call from the defender.

And Evans told BBC Sport: "I just said [to Holden] I was sorry, and that I didn't mean to go in and hurt him."

The Northern Ireland defender added: "At the time I did think I'd gone in for a fair challenge and I'd won the ball.

"But looking back on it when I went straight off the pitch and into the changing rooms and saw the tackle again, I realised it wasn't a good tackle from myself - and my concerns were immediately with Stuart.

"Bolton's doctor was keeping me informed, and gave me a call on Monday.

"It was disappointing to hear the news, [so] I just rang him straight away to apologise.

"I think anyone appreciates a phone call if someone's caused them an injury. Not many footballers like to be on the treatment table, it's just unfortunate that someone else has caused an injury to you."

An estimated date has not been given for the return of United States international Holden who joined Bolton in January 2010 from Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo.

The Lancashire side are currently seventh in the Premier League, and face Stoke in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley in April.

Carrick: My England Idols

Michael Carrick reveals his five favourite England players.....
1. Paul Gascoigne (1988-1998 - 57 caps / 10 goals)
“The top one has to be Gazza. Back when I was a kid, I used to idolise him. He’s just Gascoigne isn’t he? You used to get everything with him – he was a phenomenal talent, a great footballer, and such a massive personality too. He was a sensational player… he excited anyone who watched him play.”

2. Paul Scholes (1997-2004 - 66 / 14)
“There haven’t been many better English players in the modern game than Scholes. He’s just got something that you can’t teach. He’s so clever, so quick in his head, that he’s untouchable on the pitch. He’s only really been appreciated in the last few years – truly appreciated as much as he should be – and he’s probably still underrated. Ask any of the top, top European players and they’ll say that Scholes is one of the best players they’ve played against. I think Zinedine Zidane said that Scholesy was one of the best players he’d ever come up against – that doesn’t surprise me, he’s just so good.”

3. Wayne Rooney (2003- 69 / 26)
“I’d have to include Wazza in there. The way he burst on to the scene and took the game by storm surprised everyone – he was such a young kid making a big impact against men. Then you have everything he has gone on to achieve with United since then, and he’s still only 25. He has his best years ahead of him, it’s frightening really.”

4. Peter Beardsley (1986 - 1996 - 59 / 9)
“Peter Beardsley was another player who I really looked up to when I was a kid. That was partly because he was from my town, and from the same boys’ club – Wallsend Boys’ Club – where I grew up playing football. I just really enjoyed watching him play because he was a very clever footballer and very creative.”

5. Alan Shearer (1992-2000 - 63 / 30)
“The last one is a tough one but I’ll go for Alan Shearer. I’m favouring the Geordies here! I was around 14 or 15 at the time of Euro 96 and it was an exciting period for the England team because the country hosted the European Championships and we got to the semi-finals against Germany. He was just a brilliant goalscorer.”

This interview first appeared in Inside United, the Reds' official monthly magazine.

Sir Bobby Charlton: Giggs Is Better Than Ever

Ryan Giggs is playing the best football of his 20-year stint in Manchester United's first team, according to Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

The 37-year-old Giggs, who this month broke Charlton's record of 606 league appearances for United, signed a one-year contract extension in February.

He has now played a total of 867 games for the club, winning 11 league titles.

"Last year, I thought that was the best he had ever played but this year he's been even better," said Charlton.

"I don't know what he's putting in his tea but he's been at his peak again this season.

"He's a great, great professional footballer and I'm ever so proud of him for what he's done, what he's still doing and what hopefully he'll continue to do.

"He's got a gift and he's a credit to the game."

The Cardiff-born midfielder was 17 when he made his league debut as a substitute against Everton on 2 March, 1991. His first start and goal came two months later, when United beat Manchester City 1-0.

It was during the next season that Giggs emerged as a first-team regular. He would finish the campaign with a League Cup winner's medal and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Subsequent seasons have seen him accumulate more silverware than any player in English football history and only two months ago he was named United's greatest player in a poll conducted by the club's official magazine and website.

Having started as an old-fashioned winger, he has adapted his game to play a more withdrawn role in Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield. His importance to the team, however, has not changed, a fact recognised by last month's new deal.

When asked for the secret to his longevity as a player, Giggs has talked about his yoga regime and the decision he took in 2007 to retire from international football, finishing his Wales career with 64 caps.

Pleas for him to reconsider have been a constant theme during the last four years and, if anything, have intensified ahead of England's visit to Cardiff on Saturday.

But Giggs has resisted the temptation to face England - the country he played for as a schoolboy - although he offered to help new Wales manager Gary Speed in the build-up to the European qualifier.

This has led to speculation about what he will do when his playing days are over (and Giggs has made no secret of the fact he is currently taking coaching courses), but there is no doubt about his short-term goals: United's pursuit of a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

"I hope we can finish it off for Ryan," said Charlton, who scored 199 league goals for United between 1956 and 1973.

"I saw him when he was 15 and he first came to the club. Since that time he's not been anything other than good news.

"He's just fantastic to work with as a player, (Ferguson) has told me this many times. He's unique."

Robson 'Overwhelmed' By Support

Former England captain Bryan Robson admits he has been 'overwhelmed' by the level of support he has received after being diagnosed with throat cancer.

Robson underwent surgery for throat cancer earlier this month and is feeling positive about his recovery.

The 54-year-old is now due to embark on a three-city charity tour in Asia and the Manchester United legend is looking forward to the future.

"The prognosis is good, so I count myself extremely lucky and am even more committed to raising funds to help improve the lives of vulnerable youngsters," said Robson.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support of United fans and well-wishers, and I hope everyone in Asia joins me in supporting these events."

The tour will raise money for United's charitable foundation and UNICEF, and the dinners will be held in Bangkok on 6th April, Kuala Lumpur on 8th April and Hong Kong on 9th April.

Rooney: 19th Title Would Be Special

Wayne Rooney speaks to ManUtd.com and United Review about the season run-in and his hopes of helping United reach a record number of league titles...

Do you think the recent FA Cup win over Arsenal has given you any psychological advantage in the title race?
I think so. We had a difficult week with the Chelsea and Liverpool results and we knew that beating Arsenal would give us that edge to push for the title. You can’t wait for the games to come at this stage of the season. The semi-final clash against [Manchester] City at Wembley promises to be some Cup tie. I was absolutely made up with the draw and I’m confident we can beat them. I’m desperate to win the competition, having lost in two finals. I think we’ve got a great chance of going all the way this year.

We’ve done well at home this season and made Old Trafford into something of a fortress…
Yes, our form has been good. We’re always expected to win at home, but we always believe we can win no matter who we play. I’ve been a player in the away dressing room and I know the fear you feel before the game when you’re not really expected to get anything from it. So we’ve got that psychological advantage even before the game starts, but we know we’re good enough to beat anyone here.

What’s your assessment of Javier Hernandez’s first season as a Red?
He’s just taken it all in his stride. He’s a lovely lad, who’s always smiling around the dressing room, and on the pitch he’s been brilliant. You can see he’s got a natural eye for goal, but what’s surprised a lot of us is how good he is in the air. He spends ages practising after training.

And in the fit-again Antonio Valencia you have someone who is going to provide all the forwards with great service from the wing…
I was probably the happiest person in the team to see him back! And he looks like he’s never been away. Having Nani on one wing and Antonio on the other is fantastic because they each bring something different. Nani has created a lot of goals, but he’s more about dribbling and getting shots off, whereas Antonio is more focused on getting down the line and whipping the ball in. It’s a good mixture for us to have.

When you get to this stage of the season do you feel any nerves or do you savour the challenges ahead?
You just look forward to every game at this stage and you have to enjoy it, especially when you’re in the running for a few trophies. It’s exciting for the fans and it’s exciting for the players as well knowing that you’re just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two.

Is the target of a record 19th title something that plays on the fans’ minds more than those of the players?
No, it’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about a lot. I’m obviously from Liverpool and grew up as an Everton fan, so to be part of the team that wins a record title and overtakes Liverpool would mean so much to us players as well as the fans. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and that’s our aim.

Manchester United Parent Firm Loses £109m in 2010

Manchester United's parent company made a loss of £108.9m in 2009-10, according to newly released financial results.

Red Football Joint Venture is the Glazer family parent company that owns the Old Trafford club.

Its loss, for the year to July 2010, includes one-off costs from setting up a £526m bond scheme last January to replace outstanding debts of £509m.

There was also a drop in player sale income, compared to the previous summer when Cristiano Ronaldo was sold.

That Ronaldo sale had netted the club £80m in the summer of 2009, and had contributed to a £21m profit the previous year.

Losses in 2010 included £30.2m interest on their £220m payment in kind (PIK) loans which have now been repaid.

Manchester United's club accounts were published in October and revealed losses of £83.6m.

The club is currently top of the Premier League, in the FA Cup semi-final, and in the Champions League quarter final, all of which offer revenues in terms of prize money and television monies.

Earlier this month Manchester United chief executive David Gill told a Commons committee hearing into football governance that he was "comfortable" with the club's financial situation, including debt and interest repayment levels.

Mr Gill told the hearing that net debt of £370m and annual interest of £45m was not hampering United.

And he said that under club owners, the Glazer family, revenues had risen from £40m in 2006 to more than £100m.

In February it was revealed there had been a transfer of the ultimate parent company of the club, Red Football LLC, from Nevada to Delaware.

That has raised fears about the ultimate ownership of the club, as companies' beneficial ownership information is not registered in the small US state.

But Mr Gill insisted that "the ultimate owners, 100%, are the Glazer family".

Boss Relieved By Timely Break

While international breaks are often little more than a hindrance to Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans, the United manager admits the current gap in the domestic calendar is a welcome reprieve.

Having sidled past Bolton last Saturday with a patched up defence, the Reds’ depleted ranks were further thinned by the dismissal of Jonny Evans and an injury to Wes Brown.

Although an international fixture list is always fraught with the danger of more players succumbing to injury, the timely breather should allow a handful of squad members time to progress from treatment room to dressing room in time for next month's resumption of domestic duties.

“It’s come at an absolutely fantastic time for us,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “We’ve got the bonus of two weeks’ rest to patch up the injuries, and hopefully that'll be the biggest break of all.”

United go into the Premier League sabbatical with a five-point lead at the head of the table and Sir Alex feels the swelling of his playing roster can prove the difference in an absorbing title race.

“It’s a great lead,” he said. “Obviously they’ve got a game in hand, Arsenal, but we’ve got the points and we don’t need to worry about that part. If we get the players back, all our major players we’ll have a great chance.

“I’d have loved to have given Ji-sung Park a bit of game (against Bolton), but when we went to 10 men we were hamstrung a bit there, but I get Ji back in two weeks’ time, away at West Ham. Vidic will be back, Darren Fletcher hopefully will be back and hopefully if, bit by bit, we can get them all together we’ll have a great chance.”

Carrick Hails Huge Result

The confidence United’s squad gleaned from Saturday’s win against Bolton Wanderers could be key in the race for the title, according to Michael Carrick.

The Reds were reduced to 10 men when Jonny Evans was dismissed on 76 minutes but still contrived to conjure a late winner and snatch all three points.

“We were down to 10 men and up against it,” Carrick told MUTV. “To get the win is a massive lift for us and a huge result.

“When you’re chasing a game, to go down to 10 men is a blow, but the lads responded well. We kept pushing and believing we’d get the chance to score. Thankfully we did and Berba’s tucked it away. It feels like a huge three points.”

The win was made all the more satisfying for Arsenal’s result at West Bromwich Albion. The Gunners only managed a 2-2 draw and now lie five points behind Sir Alex’s men in second place (albeit with a game in hand).

“It would be nice at the end of the season to be champions and look back and say today was a good day. But at this stage it’s just about getting the three points.

“Arsenal drawing is a bonus but we’re just focussing on ourselves and getting the squad back together in two weeks’ time [after the international break].”

When the players do regroup, a busy April lies ahead. The Reds face West Ham, Fulham and Everton in the league, Chelsea (twice) in Europe and Manchester City in the FA Cup. But United’s congested fixture list doesn’t bother Carrick.

“At this stage of the season you want to be involved in all the big games. It shows you’re doing something right.

“We just take the games one at a time. West Ham [United’s next test on 2 April] will be tough. After that there are more big games coming up. We’ll be kept busy.”

Nani: I'm Happy To Win Ugly

It was far from pretty, but United’s victory against Bolton at Old Trafford on Saturday left Reds winger Nani delighted.

At this stage of the season, winning is all that counts and Dimitar Berbatov’s 87th-minute goal was enough to see 10-man United over the line against a plucky Wanderers outfit.

“If we want to win the league, we have to win games like that,” Nani told MUTV. “It was a very important result.

“I’m pleased for us. We did so well in the final minutes and we won the game. The secret to scoring late goals is that we always play until the last minute. Today was the same.”

Bolton are always difficult opponents and the Reds’ task was made even tougher when Jonny Evans received his marching orders 15 minutes from time for a high challenge on Stuart Holden.

But that only seemed to spur United on. Sir Alex’s men stepped up a gear and took hold of the game, eventually securing a breakthrough with just three minutes to play.

“This afternoon the players were fantastic, especially after Jonny was sent off. I think we did very well.

“Bolton had an opportunity to create more problems for our defence [after Jonny was sent off] but we always think positively and want to attack. We always try to score.”

Evans, drafted in for the Bolton game after injuries to fellow defenders Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael and John O’Shea, now faces a three-game ban. The international break, then, comes at the perfect time.

“Now we join our national teams so hopefully some of our injured players can recover,” Nani said. “We hope that when we come back from the international break all the squad will be ready. We need everybody for these final games.”

'No Complaints' Over Red Card

Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Jonny Evans’ sending-off against Bolton was a justified decision by referee Andre Marriner.

The Northern Ireland international defender contested a 50-50 challenge with Trotters midfielder Stuart Holden, but was red-carded by Marriner after his studs-up attempt to win the ball wounded the American.

Sir Alex admitted a degree of sympathy for his player – who now misses next month's games against West Ham, Fulham and Manchester City – but ultimately understood Marriner’s decision.

“I think the referee’s sent him off because the player’s got a bad injury,” the Boss told MUTV. “I don’t think it was a malicious tackle; the two of them went for the same ball, but his boot was raised off the ground – as was the Bolton player’s – and he’s caught the lad.

“You can’t have a 100 percent complaint about the sending off, because once you raise your foot you’re putting yourself in a dangerous area. The boy’s got a bad gash, so that justifies the referee sending him off.

"Jonny Evans is not that type of player, we know that, but I don’t think we can have a real complaint. It was unfortunate maybe.”

Boss Savours Reds' Spirit

United’s quest for the Premier League title is being propelled by the Reds’ unique character and defiance to adversity, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite being reduced to 10 men and facing a dogged Bolton side, United nabbed three vital points through substitute Dimitar Berbatov’s late winner at Old Trafford to open up a five-point lead over second-placed Arsenal.

Having seen his side prise points from the jaws of disappointment time and again over the years, Sir Alex was delighted to once again witness the indefatigable spirit within his players.

“It wasn’t a 100 percent top performance by us today, but we never gave in,” the Boss told MUTV. “It’s the character of this club. It’s a fantastic character. No other club in the country’s got that. We are fantastic when it comes to gritting our teeth and getting something out of a dead situation. We did it again today and full marks to them.

“The only way I can judge today is that we had five massive games in the last couple of weeks: two games against Marseille, we’ve been to Chelsea and Liverpool, we beat Arsenal in the FA Cup. It’s a hell of a programme and these lads deserve praise for that.”

Sir Alex also saluted the contribution of a baying home contingent, who cranked up the volume for the final stages to compensate for the absence of red-carded Jonny Evans.

“The fans were fantastic in the last 20 minutes, they got right behind us,” he said. “They really were magnificent, they really got us over the line. In actual fact we looked better at that point. The sending-off galvanised us a little bit.

"Players had to play all over the place. Everyone’s done a shift, worked their socks off and I think we’ve got a deserved win out of it. We were by far the better team, Bolton never presented a problem to us in the second half at all – they had a clear header in the end of course, but apart from that it was just us against them, our attack all the time.”

Berbatov Grabs Late United Win

Dimitar Berbatov's late goal gave 10-man Manchester United victory over Bolton and took their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points.

In a first half of few chances, Javier Hernandez shot wide and Martin Petrov hit a free-kick at Edwin van der Sar.

Home defender Jonny Evans was shown a straight red card in the second half for a lunge on Stuart Holden.

But Berbatov gave United the points by bundling home after Jussi Jaaskelainen failed to hold Nani's shot.

The Bulgarian's last-gasp strike, coupled with Arsenal's 2-2 draw at West Brom, allowed United to restore a cushion at the top of the table that had been damaged by defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool.

It had looked set to be a frustrating afternoon for the league leaders, who were more than matched by a spirited Bolton side for large parts of the game.

Indeed, had Matthew Taylor not directed a free header straight at Edwin van der Sar just moments before Berbatov's winner, Bolton might have been the victors.

Instead, United clinched the win but not without a cost, with Wes Brown being forced off at half-time with a suspected leg injury and Evans now facing a suspension.

This will stretch a defence that is already without injured quartet Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael da Silva and John O'Shea.

The patched-up United back four was regularly tested by Wanderers in an evenly contested first half.

Van der Sar was equal to Petrov's free-kick, Johan Elmander had a shot blocked by Patrice Evra and the backline, well led by Chris Smalling, was forced to repel a wave of Bolton attacks.

At the other end, United were perhaps unfairly denied a penalty by referee Andre Marriner when Hernandez's shot hit the outstretched arm of a sliding Gary Cahill.

In addition to this, Wayne Rooney acrobatically hooked a shot straight at Jaaskelainen and Hernandez missed the target from close range after being fed by a Rooney cut-back.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, serving the first of a five-match touchline ban, was in regular telephone contact with the United dugout and acted to change his side at half-time, replacing the injured Brown with Fabio da Silva and replacing Hernandez with Berbatov.

But, despite the open nature of the game, the changes brought United no closer to a breakthrough, with their attacks regularly thwarted by the excellent Bolton central defensive pair of Cahill and David Wheater.

Berbatov curled a shot wide and was then denied a clear run on goal by a last-ditch challenge from Cahill, as United moved closer to drawing a blank in a Premier League game at Old Trafford for the first time since September 2009.

Then, the game sparked into life with the dismissal of Evans.

The Northern Ireland international slid into a 50-50 challenge with Holden with his studs showing and his foot slightly off the floor. He was shown a straight red, while Holden was stretchered off with a gash in his knee.

Holden was replaced by Taylor and the substitute soon had a chance to open the scoring but wasted Wanderers' best opportunity of the afternoon when, left unmarked in the United penalty box, he could only head Gretar Steinsson's cross at Van der Sar.

Soon after, Nani cut inside from the United right and saw an effort beaten away by Jaaskelainen.

The Portugal international then tried his luck from the opposite side and this time the Bolton keeper could only parry the ball back into the path of Berbatov, who poked home to give United what could prove to be a vital three points.


Berbatov celebrates scoring the winner with Antonio Valencia

Chicha Relishing Chelsea Tie

Javier Hernandez hopes being at home in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea will give United a slight advantage in the tie.

The Reds will travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 6 April, before the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 12 April. The Mexican is excited about the tie and feeling positive over United's chances of progressing.

"They are two very important games. We play in the same league and it is going to be tough. It always is against Chelsea," he told ManUtd.com.

"It is a little bit of an advantage that we are at home in the second game. We know it won't be easy, but we try to win every game we play at Manchester United and Chelsea are another team that we need to beat."

It was Chicharito's brace against Marseille which sealed United's place in the last eight, taking his tally to three in the competition following his winner in Valencia during the group stages.

"I am very happy with the way things are going in the Champions League. I want to keep it like that," he added. "I want to maintain my confidence, whether I play for one minute or 90. I always want to be my best.

"Perhaps the style suits me a little bit but I need to think game by game, not to look too far in the future. I will just try to do my best."

Fergie Decides Not To Appeal Against Five-game Ban

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has decided not to appeal against a five-match touchline ban for comments about referee Martin Atkinson.

The Football Association found Ferguson guilty of improper conduct for remarks after United's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

The ban was due to start on 22 March but will now begin immediately, as the Scot requested.

That means Ferguson will be back in the dugout for the Premier League game with title rivals Arsenal in May.

The ban will, however, include United's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley on 16 April, as well as the Premier League games against Bolton, West Ham, Fulham and Everton.

A three-man disciplinary panel banned Ferguson on Wednesday for three matches for his post-match comments about Atkinson, which included him saying he "feared the worst" when he found out who was refereeing the league game at Stamford Bridge.

An additional two-game ban came into force following a suspended ban last season, and the 69-year-old was also fined £30,000.

Speaking about the ban on Friday, Ferguson said: "It is disappointing. It is the only industry you can't tell the truth in."

Champions League Quarter Finals: United To Meet Bules

United have been drawn against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals, with the advantage that the Reds are at home for the second leg of the all-English tie.

It's also a repeat, of course, of 2008's Moscow final in which United triumphed on penalties against the Blues at the city's Luznhiki Stadium. The Reds head to Stamford Bridge for the first leg on Wednesday 6 April and the second leg at OT on Tuesday 12 April.

The full quarter-final draw is as follows:

Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Manchester United
Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk
Inter Milan v Schalke

The draw for the semi-finals was also made on Friday, meaning if United beat Chelsea then a tie against either Inter Milan or Schalke awaits Sir Alex’s men, again with the second tie being played at Old Trafford.

The semi-final draw is as follows:

Inter or Schalke v Chelsea or United
Real Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur v Barcelona or Shakhtar Donetsk

If United make it to the semi-finals then the first leg against Inter or Schalke will be away on Tuesday 26 April, with the return tie at Old Trafford on Wednesday 4 May. The final will, of course, be played at Wembley on 28 May.

Chicharito Puts Trophies First

In-form striker Javier Hernandez claims he is not concerned about his personal goal tally as he bids for glory on three fronts with the ‘best team in the world’.

The bargain signing from CD Guadalajara in Mexico made it 16 goals in 33 appearances and five in his last five games with the match-winning double against Marseille on Tuesday.

With fit-again Antonio Valencia able to increase the supply line to the Mexican marksman, he is emerging as a serious contender to top the United scoring charts in his debut season at Old Trafford. Dimitar Berbatov currently leads the way with 20 goals in all competitions.

“Of course I’m very happy to score," said Chicharito. "As a striker, it gives me a lot of confidence but I don’t care if I keep scoring or not because my first goal is to win the three tournaments we are playing in.

“I always say I am in the best team in the world. I didn’t expect to play as much so I need to thank my team-mates, the coaching staff and God above all for the fact things are going so well for me. My goals are down to the work of the whole team.”

Hernandez feels strength in depth will prove important as United face a gruelling schedule at home and in Europe following progression in the FA Cup and Champions League over the past week.

“I’m very happy we are in three tournaments. It’s very difficult but we want to win all of them.

“Like I always say, if we want to win the Champions League, we need to beat all the teams.

“We know it’s a very strange season with all the injuries but we need to be ready - all of the players. We are going to miss some players through injury but we want to win all three of the tournaments.”

Javier Hernandez was speaking to MUTV and UEFA.com.

Rio: Edwin Is Simply The Best

Rio Ferdinand says Edwin van der Sar is the best keeper he has ever played with.

The 40-year-old Dutch keeper is proving he is still at his peak with some outstanding displays, despite resisting calls to postpone his retirement for another year. Speaking to Inside United, Rio explained why donning the gloves for the Reds is different to being no.1 at any other club.

“Without a doubt, he is the best goalkeeper I’ve played with,” stated Ferdinand. “He’s been brilliant for United since the day he arrived. To be honest, he’s changed my thinking when it comes to goalkeepers. If I ever become a manager, then I’ll be looking for my goalkeeper to exhibit as many of Edwin’s traits as possible.

“You need to be good with both feet and calm under pressure, which Edwin excels at. He’s also a great communicator with his defenders. The other thing to remember is that he always performs when he’s called upon.”

Rio feels van der Sar has demonstrated the characteristics that set him apart as one of the true greats in his position. “Fans see goalkeepers pulling off great saves at other clubs and think they’d love to see that player at United,” he added. “But it’s different being a goalkeeper at Manchester United than at any other club.

“You might only make one save in a match, but you need to be alert and focused enough to make that save when you’re called into action. That’s what really separates the great goalkeepers from the good ones.”

Rooney: No Fergie Rift

Wayne Rooney has rubbished reports suggesting he has fallen out with Sir Alex Ferguson and claims he intends to stick with Manchester United.

Recent speculation had hinted that Ferguson was ready to cash-in on the England striker over the summer after growing disillusioned with his inconsistent form and a shock transfer request in October 2010.

A bidding frenzy was widely touted; with there likely to be no shortage of takers were Rooney to be placed on the open market.

The 25-year-old has moved quickly to deny the reports, though, claiming his relationship with his manager remains as strong as ever.

He is adamant that he will be going nowhere unless he is forced out of Old Trafford, with it his intention to remain at the club for many years to come and help them cement their standing as a force to be reckoned with in European football.

Asked for his take on the recent rumours regarding his future, Rooney said: "I saw that, but I've never seen such rubbish in my life.

"My relationship with Sir Alex has no problems whatsoever.

"I'm enjoying my football here and if I was going to leave in the summer I wouldn't have signed a new contract when I did.

"I've signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.

"You get angry when people question you. On Sunday I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer.

"I didn't know where it had come from. I said, 'Where did you hear that?' and he said it was in the newspapers. But I'll be here until I'm well into my 30s.

"I signed a new contract to stay here and unless I'm ever not wanted then I'll be staying here, that's for sure.

"I admit I made a mistake like I've said lots of times, by saying I wanted to leave, but I've committed my future to United and I'm happy and my family are happy so there's no reason for me to move elsewhere.

"I want to try and win more trophies and bring more success to this club."

Rooney hopes he will be getting his hands on a collection of silverware this season, with United still chasing a Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup Treble.

He believes he is in the best possible physical condition heading into the end of season shake-up, with a couple of early niggles having helped to keep him fresh.

Rooney added: "The last two to three weeks is the best I've felt all season. I feel sharp and if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch then fine.

"I haven't played as many games compared to this time last season so I feel good, but the more you do play the more consistent you are and better you feel.

"I'm delighted we are still in three major competitions and it's going well.

"I don't think we need to prove anything to people, just probably more to ourselves really.

"We didn't win the league last year or the Champions League and FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.

"At the minute it's going well and we think we can go far in each tournament, but to be honest we have to just take each game as it comes.

"We can't look at the Treble. If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on yourself so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens."

Sir Alex Handed Five-game Ban

The Football Association today announced that Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a five-match touchline ban and £30,000 fine after being found guilty of an improper conduct charge.

A statement on the FA’s website this afternoon reads: “At an Independent Regulatory Commission today (Wednesday), Sir Alex Ferguson was handed a touchline suspension for three matches and fined a total of £30,000.


The Commission found the charge of Improper Conduct relating to media comments proven, following remarks made in relation to match official Martin Atkinson in post-match interviews following Manchester United’s fixture with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 1 March 2011.

Furthermore the Commission invoked a two match suspended touchline ban, relating to a previous charge of Improper Conduct in relation to media comments made in October 2009.

Therefore Sir Alex Ferguson was ordered to a serve a five match touchline ban commencing on Tuesday 22 March 2011.”

Robson Battles Illness

Statement issued on behalf of Bryan Robson, OBE.

Bryan Robson underwent an operation to remove a tumour from his throat on 3 March, 2011 in a hospital in Bangkok.

The laboratory report revealed a cancerous tumour, which will need further treatment. The oncologist is confident that the condition is treatable.

At this moment, Bryan is fine to continue with his role as Thailand coach and his role as Ambassador of Manchester United.

Bryan and family have requested that he can continue with his treatment in private and ask that their privacy is respected.

Hernandez Hungry For More

Chicharito is hoping for a trophy-winning debut season at United, and looking forward to getting back to winning ways in the league…

How do you assess your season so far? Has it gone better than you expected?
I’m very lucky to be here, and happy to have played so much for the biggest team in the world. I’m really enjoying myself and hope to play a part in the team winning trophies this year. My first season has gone better than I could have hoped for. I was expecting to be on the bench and playing for the Reserves more, to introduce me to football in this country, so I’m delighted to have played so many games. Now I want more.

Do you seek advice from your team-mates and the manager?
All the players talk to me about things I can work on and improve in my game. That’s a great thing about this club. I get advice from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on different areas of my game, but that’s not just because they are different types of strikers, it’s because they are different people. When the boss speaks to me, he always tells me to keep working and to keep the same mentality. He’s happy because I am improving a lot.

You’ve scored [16] goals so far this season: have you set yourself a target?
I’ve never set myself a goals target; I don’t like to put a number on it. All I want to do is win trophies with United, because this is a team game. Of course, I enjoying scoring goals and that’s my role as a striker, but I always say that goals are a consequence of teamwork.

Last time out in the league we lost to Liverpool. What do you think went wrong?
The game came at the end of two difficult weeks in which we played three other away games. We got the draw in Marseille and the win at Wigan, but lost at Chelsea and that may have affected our confidence a little. And at Liverpool, two mistakes cost us the game. But we are still in three competitions and we want to win them all, so we have the opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Scoring against them is normally a highlight of a United player’s career, but presumably you couldn’t take much pleasure because of the game’s result?
That’s true. Goals always give you confidence, but if I had the choice I would swap this one for the three points, as I’ve said about several other goals in my career. It was nice to get a goal at Anfield, but I would have preferred not to score and win. We can’t change the past, but we can focus on the present and the future. The mood is good. We’ve discussed what went wrong and what we can improve upon, and now we’re looking ahead. Everyone here – the manager, players and all the staff – is determined to respond. This is the crucial part of the season and we’re all looking forward to it.

After four away games in a row, has it been good to have a run of games at Old Trafford?
Yes, definitely. It’s great to play in front of all our fans, who give us an advantage. We generally haven’t played as well away from home as we have at Old Trafford. I can’t think of a reason why that would be the case, because we go out with the same mindset whether we’re playing at home or away – to win the game.

Chicharito was speaking to United Review ahead of the Arsenal FA Cup game.

Smalling: I'm In The Best Place

Young defender Chris Smalling has featured in all but one of the Reds’ Champions League games this season. In this interview he talks about his adventures in Europe and the progress he's making in a busy first campaign at United...

This is your first season playing Champions League football. Is the challenge what you expected and how does it differ to the Premier League?
The biggest difference is in the tempo of games. In the Premier League it’s all about attacking football, but in Europe you sometimes have to be a bit more patient. Even teams like Barcelona bide their time. You see the way they just keep the ball even it means going back to the keeper. They pick their moment. I think the way play in the Premier League can give English sides an advantage though, because we have the ability to lift the tempo in games and not all foreign sides are used to that.

French sports newspaper L’Equipe described your performance in the first leg against Marseille as ‘a revelation’ – were you happy with your display?
Keeping the clean sheet was a big thing for us especially in what was quite a hostile atmosphere. It’s nice to hear those comments and I think the experience I got from playing for Fulham in the Europa League last season has certainly helped me settle in the Champions League.

Looking back on your first season so far, you must be really pleased with how things have gone for you personally…
It’s been great. I’m not surprised by the amount of games I’ve played – I always hoped I’d get my chance – it’s been more the calibre of games I’ve been involved in which has surprised me. I really feel like I’ve progressed and it’s been great that the manager has faith in me to go out and do a job for the team.

What has surprised you most about life as a United player?
I think the size of the whole place and the spotlight that’s on you, but also the fact that it’s a real family club. There’s a great togetherness in the dressing room despite the fact there are so many different cultures. The spirit between everyone is fantastic and it makes it a lot easier for any new player to settle in.

You’ve been touted as Rio Ferdinand’s long-term successor – how has he helped you on and off the pitch?
He’s been brilliant, even if it’s just little chats here and there about my form, the experience he has of playing against certain players or his views on how other teams might approach games. He’s always there to talk, whether it be in training or during games or at half-time during a match he might not even be playing in. He’s a massive voice in the dressing room and I’m very grateful for his support.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given so far?
There are probably two things. The first is about communication on the pitch. I’ve always been quite quiet, but the likes of Rio and Vida have spoken to me about the importance of shouting up more. The other is about having the confidence to express yourself when you have the ball and to always look for that forward pass. Mick and Rene really emphasise that to us in training and it’s something I’m getting better at. I want to improve every aspect of my game and there’s no question I’m at the best place to do that.

Rooney Unfazed By Criticism

Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United are happy to 'win ugly' if it means lifting trophies this term.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly expressed his displeasure at claims his men are not at the same level as successful United sides of the past.

Even after Ferguson's men eliminated Marseille from the Champions League on Tuesday night, manager Didier Deschamps added fuel to the fire, insisting the men in red are not up there with the best squads Old Trafford has produced.

Yet despite criticism over the team's style of play, Rooney is happy to take that on the chin if it means the Red Devils go on to emulate the famous treble-winning side of 1999.

"I would take that all day," he said.

"Look at Inter Milan. They won the Italian treble last season. You wouldn't say they were the most entertaining team to watch, but they achieved history.

"Maybe we do need to kill games off a bit quicker but hopefully we can do that in the future."

The 25-year-old believes there is no need to apologise for performances this season, pointing to the surprising impact newcomer Javier Hernandez has made since joining the club this summer.

In the young Mexican, Rooney is sure that his manager has unearthed the "steal of the season".

"You can see he is in good form scoring-wise but he works so hard as well," he added.

"He always tries to stay on the shoulder of the last defender. You know he is quick, which makes it easier to find him.

"By making those runs behind defenders, it creates more space in front of them. It is certainly working well at the minute."

With fellow strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Hernandez lighting up the score sheets this term, Rooney has been left in the shade by comparison.

Despite a lack of goals by his own high standards, the England international insists he is relishing his current deeper role.

"I am actually quite enjoying it," he said.

"Although last season I scored more goals, I wasn't getting involved in the game. As a football player, you want to be involved and setting things up.

"I am happy to take on the responsibility. When you set a goal up it is a great feeling. It is up there with scoring certainly."

Nani Still Sore At Carragher

Nani has revealed he has still not forgiven Jamie Carragher for the challenge that saw him stretchered off the pitch in March.

The Portugal international was left writhing in pain following the high tackle during Manchester United's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Carragher was not sent off for a challenge that marked the second time Nani claims the Liverpool defender has caused him an injury.

Despite making a speed recovery in time to feature in United's Champions League victory over Marseille on Tuesday night, the 24-year-old is still raging at the defender.

"I don't know what Carragher was thinking but I do know what he did was not football," said Nani.

"He came to apologise after the game. But I was not happy.

"It is the second time he injured me. Before, he put me out of the game for two months. He always tackles like that.

"I don't want protection. I just want the referees to be fair. If it is a red card, they have to give it. If they give the card, the next time the player doesn't make the tackle."

Nani was quickly up to remonstrate after the challenge, yet crumpled back to the floor before realising the extent of his injury.

With the size of the wound that had opened, the winger admitted he thought his season had come to an end there and then.

"When I saw my leg for the first time, I thought my season was finished. That is why I was crying," he added.

"Afterwards, the doctor saw my leg and said I had been lucky because it just needed stitches and I would be out for two or three weeks. He is surprised that I could recover even quicker."

Anders Set For Knee Op

The club have confirmed that goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard will undergo knee surgery on Thursday.

The operation will keep the United stopper on the sidelines for the next five weeks.

Since signing for the Reds in January, the Dane has made two appearances in goal. His debut came in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Southampton and he kept a clean sheet in the next round victory over Crawley Town at Old Trafford.

Rooney Relishes Euro Draw

Wayne Rooney will take whatever Friday's Champions League draw throws at United - Barcelona included - after helping the Reds to reach the quarter-finals.

The number ten was an inspirational performer against Marseille, although grit was every bit as important in United's victory as the grace of his link-up play as the Reds grimly held on to a slender 2-1 lead.

"We're delighted to be through to the quarter-finals," said Rooney. "It was a difficult game. We knew from the first leg that Marseille are a big, physical team. They got out wide and put some good balls into the box and made it difficult for us. We were unfortunate to concede the own goal but we managed to hold on at the end and get the win. I think we deserved it."

When asked if he wanted to avoid Barcelona in the last eight, Wayne replied: "No, if you're going to win this tournament, you've got to be prepared to play anyone and beat them. Whoever we get, we'll be confident we can win."

If goals breed confidence, then Javier Hernandez should have it in abundance after claiming the two strikes that steered United past Marseille. The all-important opener was set up by Rooney, who was later full of praise for his young Mexican strike partner.

"Our game plan was to attack them first half and try and get about them, and try and get a goal up. We managed to do that. Chicharito has got great movement and thankfully he's a great finisher so that obviously helps the team."

Busy Times For Medical Team

United's medical team will be kept extremely busy over the next few days with the injuries continuing to mount, particularly in defence.

The Reds lost John O'Shea to what looked like a hamstring strain during the first half against Marseille, while his replacement, Rafael, was stretchered off after half-time with what appeared to be a similar injury.

Sir Alex was already without his first choice centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic (calf) and Rio Ferdinand (calf), who has not played since 1 February, while Anderson (knee) and Ji-sung Park (hamstring) are still battling their way back to fitness.

Before kick-off, it was also confirmed that Anders Lindegaard will be out of action for five weeks following knee surgery which take place on Thursday.

The boss will have to "wait and see on Vidic," but he may have Jonny Evans back for Saturday's league clash with Bolton at Old Trafford.

"Jonny started training this week so hopefully we'll have him for Saturday," he told MUTV.

"If we can get through the Bolton game I've then got two weeks [during the international break] to try and get some of them patched up.

"If you look at the games we've had over the last couple of weeks - Chelsea and Liverpool away from home, Arsenal in the FA Cup and then Marseille, it's a big demand on players," he added in reference to the growing injury list.

"The speed of the game today catches you out."

Boss Hails Strike Duo

Sir Alex was full of praise for his two front men after the Reds secured victory over Olympique Marseille to book a spot in the last eight of the Champions League.

Wayne Rooney pulled the strings for the Reds, while Javier Hernandez was on hand to poke the ball home in each half.

Chicharito made it 16 goals for the season and Sir Alex admits the Mexican has surpassed everyone's expectactions at the club.

"We thought he was a young lad who was going to progress and maybe have to get used to our training and English football, but he's been an absolute star and a real bonus for us," the boss told MUTV. "His movement is fantastic, he's always on the move, and his timing of runs is terrific. He's always on the last defender.

"They're a good combination. Their partnership has been developing really well. Where Wayne has played in the last couple of games has really threatened teams. He's got such power and speed with ball."

A late own goal from Wes Brown ensured there were some nervy moments towards the end of the tie, while injuries to both John O'Shea and Rafael made United's task all the more difficult.

"If you're an opposing team and you see that [injuries] happening during a game you'd be encouraged," said Sir Alex. "That was a big problem for us because they kept playing balls into the penalty area. At the same time though they didn't really have any clear chances and I think we can be proud of that fact."

Red Devils Edge Into Quarters

Manchester United survived a late scare against Marseille before advancing into the Champions League quarter-finals for the fifth season in succession.

Javier Hernandez cemented his growing reputation with two close-range finishes to put United in control - but a late own goal from Wes Brown forced an anxious finale as Marseille pressed for the equaliser that would have sent them through.

Sir Alex Ferguson looks to have unearthed a goal poacher in the mould of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in young Mexican Hernandez and he was on the spot inside five minutes to slide in Wayne Rooney's ball across the face of goal.

Marseille had the chance to snatch a crucial away goal but wastefully cast their best opportunities aside with Andre-Pierre Gignac and Souleymane Diawara the guilty men in the first half.

Rooney and the ageless Ryan Giggs were prominent for United, but they continued to live dangerously with former star Gabriel Heinze heading wide and Benoit Cheyrou making keeper Edwin van der Sar work with another effort.

Hernandez swooped again for United's second from Giggs' cross with 15 minutes left, but any hopes of a routine finish evaporated when Brown headed a corner from Lucho Gonzalez into his own net.

United held out in relative comfort, although a defence stripped of injured captain Nemanja Vidic was uncertain throughout and Ferguson will be relieved to have survived what was, at times, a hazardous assignment.

Victory came at a cost, however, as United's defensive injury list lengthened, with both John O'Shea and Rafael substituted after suffering hamstring injuries.

United were forced to pair Chris Smalling and Brown in central defence after Vidic was ruled out with a calf injury, but Ferguson had the bonus of being able to recall Nani ahead of schedule after his recovery from the shin injury he suffered at Liverpool.

Ferguson left leading scorer Dimitar Berbatov on the bench once more as he kept faith with Rooney and Hernandez in attack - a trust rewarded with an early opening goal.

After a superb pass out to Giggs, Rooney found space in the Marseille box and when he drove an effort across the face of goal Hernandez was waiting to pounce in the manner that is swiftly becoming his trademark.

Marseille went in search of the equaliser and an away goal and should have scored it in an immediate response to Hernandez's strike. Andre Ayew's flick sent the highly regarded Gignac clear but he sidefooted over with only Van der Sar to beat.

United's defence, already revamped as a result of Vidic's absence, suffered another blow when O'Shea pulled up clutching his hamstring on an attacking run into the area and was immediately replaced by Rafael.

Despite enjoying the greater share of possession, United escaped again when Taye Taiwo's corner was met by the head of Diawara who, to Old Trafford's great relief, failed to trouble Van der Sar as another opportunity for an equaliser was spurned.

Old Trafford appealed loudly for a penalty as the interval approached but Spanish official Carlos Velasco Hernandez ruled that it was simply a tangle between Taiwo and Hernandez and waved the protests away.

The lively Rooney had posed United's biggest threat and he was troubling Marseille again in the early stages of the second half, twice narrowly failing to play in Hernandez as he loitered with intent in the area.

Marseille, however, sensed they could play on Old Trafford's nerves and it was former United defender Heinze who provided the next moment of anxiety when he sent a header wide from Gonzalez's corner.

Brown was lucky to escape with a wild mis-kick in front of goal before United's injury curse struck once more as substitute Rafael was stretchered off with a hamstring injury, his brother Fabio replacing him.

Cheyrou then forced a smart save out of Van der Sar before the predatory Hernandez struck to double United's advantage with another close-range finish from a perfect cross by Giggs.

If United and Old Trafford thought they could relax with 15 minutes to go, they were soon thinking again as Marseille pulled a goal back as Brown diverted another Gonzalez corner into his own net with seven minutes left. Paul Scholes tried in vain to keep the ball out but it had clearly crossed the line.

As the clock ticked down, Marseille were unable to apply any serious pressure and United could celebrate safe passage into the last eight of the Champions League once more.


Javier Hernandez wheels away after his close-range opener as Marseille appeal in vain for offside

Amos Recalled From Loan Spell

Manchester United have recalled goalkeeper Ben Amos from his loan spell at Oldham Athletic.

The 20-year-old joined the Latics in January on a loan intended to run until the end of the season.

Amos replaced Dean Brill as the League One outfit's number one keeper, making 16 appearances during his stay at Boundary Park.

The England Under-20 international had loan spells last season at Peterborough and Norwegian club Molde.

He was allowed to leave Old Trafford following the signing of Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard.

FA Cup Semi-final Draw: Manchester Derby

United will play Manchester City in a mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on 16 or 17 April.

The draw was made on Sunday afternoon, shortly before the Blues kicked off their quarter-final against Reading at Eastlands. The prospect of playing against the Reds seemed to weigh on the minds of Roberto Mancini's men as they laboured to a 1-0 victory against their visitors from the Championship. It took them until the 74th minute to break the deadlock, Micah Richards heading home from David Silva's corner

United have met City seven times in the FA Cup so far, winning five and losing two. The last Manchester derby in the competition was a fifth-round tie in the year when the Reds last won the trophy, 2004. Ruud van Nistelrooy's double, plus goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes, sealed a 4-2 win on St Valentine's Day for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

The other semi-final will be between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City. The Trotters won 3-2 away at Birmingham City on Saturday, while the Potters put themselves in the hat by beating West Ham 2-1 in a battle at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Next month's fixture at Wembley will be Sir Alex Ferguson's 10th FA Cup semi-final tie as he bids to win the competition for the sixth time in his tenure, and for a record 12th time in total for the club's illustrious history.

Scholes To Miss 2 Games

Paul Scholes will miss United’s next two domestic matches after picking up his 10th booking of the season against Arsenal on Saturday.



The 36-year-old, who came on as a late substitute in the FA Cup quarter-final, incurred the wrath of referee Chris Foy when he went in strongly on Marouane Chamakh.

The tackle left the Moroccan on the ground and Foy reaching for his pocket, much to Scholes' chagrin.


Under the FA’s disciplinary regulations, any player who picks up 10 yellow cards before the second Sunday of April is subject to an automatic two-game ban and a £15 fine.

That means Scholes will miss the Reds’ clashes with Bolton Wanderers (Saturday 19 March) and West Ham United (Saturday 2 April).

Welcome Back Antonio

Antonio Valencia was giving a rousing ovation by the Old Trafford faithful when he made his long-awaited return to action on Saturday and his manager and team-mates are equally delighted to have him back.

The Ecuadorian has been missing since September after suffering a horrific double-break and dislocation of the left ankle in United's win over Rangers.

It's been a long road back for the winger, but he looked like he'd never been away during a 45-minute run-out in the FA Cup win over Arsenal. And with injuries to other key wingers, his return could not have been better timed.

"I can't tell you how good it is to see him back out there," Rooney told MUTV.

"It was his first game back after six months out and he looked like he'd never been away. It's fantastic for him and fantastic for us to have him available again."

Sir Alex concurred, adding: "We’re very, very pleased with his first 45 minutes after six months out. He’ll be pleased and everyone in the dressing room’s pleased.

"The boy’s a terrific player and he calmed us down in possession of the ball. He wanted it all the time. He’s got great balance, great awareness of people around him and great speed."

Squad Game Delights Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has a familiar occasion to look forward to – his tenth FA Cup semi-final tie – after overcoming Arsenal with an unfamiliar line-up.

With three senior wingers ruled out or not ready to start, the manager turned to the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio to fill the wide berths in his midfield. The decision paid dividends when both were involved in United’s first goal, scored by the latter.

“Having a lot of injuries in midfield, I had to come up with a plan or an idea where I could utilise energies,” Sir Alex explained to MUTV. “The two Da Silvas are such keen and enthusiastic boys, I thought they could do that [play on the wings].

“I couldn’t risk Scholes and Giggs because of Tuesday’s game against Marseille, such a vital game for the club, so Darron Gibson had to play as the only natural midfielder. John O’Shea has played there before but he’s obviously a centre-back or a full-back.

“Considering we made these major changes with a host of injuries in the club, I think we can be well pleased with the result.”

Sir Alex felt Fabio’s first-half strike changed the pattern of the match, and could have paved the way for more goal than Wayne Rooney’s second-period header.

“It was an intense game as we expected it to be and both teams played their part in different stages of the game,” said the manager.

“The first goal opened up the game and there could have been a lot of goals for both sides in the second half.

“Arsenal had a lot of chances in the second half and Edwin van der Sar made four or five fantastic saves. On the other side, their goalkeeper made three saves from Chicharito while Rooney went through with a good chance. There was nothing much between the two teams but we could have won by a few more goals.”

On Rooney’s performance, Sir Alex said: “He did a great job for us. Centre midfield in the first half, second half he could have scored maybe a hat-trick really. He took his goal well, he’s continued his great record against Arsenal scoring wise. I think Wayne and all the rest have all earned their corn today. They’ve all worked hard.”

Van der Sar Holds Firm

Edwin van der Sar is sticking to his guns and hanging up his gloves at the end of this season, despite the pleas of more than 70,000 fans privileged to watch his world-class performance against Arsenal.

United’s 40 year-old goalkeeper was only caught off guard once on Saturday evening – and that was when MUTV’s Stewart Gardner opened his interview by asking if he’d consider not retiring at the end of the campaign.

“I thought that was maybe going to be the last question, so I could prepare myself!” said Edwin with a smile.

In another post-match interview, van der Sar said he wouldn’t change his mind, even if he enjoyed the crowd singing “Fergie, Fergie sign him up.”

Sir Alex responded on MUTV: "He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, obviously. We just wish he was only 21 instead of coming up to 41. Nature catches eventually in life.”

Meanwhile Wayne Rooney confirmed the fans aren't the only group wanting Edwin to reverse his decision to retire, telling MUTV: "The players are trying to persuade him to stay on too! It's his decision so we've got to respect that but he's such a great goalkeeper and despite the age he's at now, for me he's still the best keeper in the world. He deserves credit."

Edwin modestly summarised his performance as “a couple of good saves in the first half and one or two in the second half. It’s great to help your team and it’s always nice as a player to get the recognition.”

The veteran stopper can now look forward to keeping goal at Wembley again, on 16 or 17 April, when United contest an FA Cup semi-final. The ever-sagely Edwin will save his excitement for another occasion, however.

“[Playing at Wembley] is more special when it’s the final. It doesn’t do a lot for you when you lose a semi-final there. This game is about winning trophies and although we’re at Wembley, we’re still one match away from the final so we have to make sure we get there.

“It would be great to win the FA Cup – [Edwin has never done so before] - but I wouldn’t mind one of the other trophies also!”