Kagawa Takes Asian Award

Shinji Kagawa has been named the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) International Player of the Year after a sterling 12 months with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.

The 23-year-old edged out Inter Milan's pacy full-back Yuto Nagatomo and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for the inaugural trophy, which is given to the best player based outside the AFC region.

A key player in Dortmund's league and cup "double" last season, Kagawa joined Manchester United for an initial fee of £12million during the summer amidst much fanfare.

He has shown glimpses of his mercurial ability for United this term but has not featured for Sir Alex Ferguson's men since the end of October due to a knee injury.

Vidic May Return Against Cluj

Sir Alex has revealed Nemanja Vidic could make a surprise return in Wednesday's Champions League tie against CFR Cluj.

The United captain has been sidelined after a knee operation and was tipped to make his comeback around the festive period. However, the manager feels the Serbian may be ready for midweek after starting training again with the main group.

"For the last year and a half, I think he's only played around 10 or 12 games [note: it's 13 since October 2011]," the boss stated. "The best way forward for us is to listen to Vida himself. He has the experience to know what's best for him and know when the time is right to come back into the team.

"He started training in the week and he did okay. He hasn't been involved in the real competitive part but at least he's back training with the first team. It would be nice to play him on Wednesday [v Cluj]. I wouldn't be adverse to playing him on Wednesday. I think he’s done all his work but he needs matches.

"Good defenders win you the league. I gave Rio a rest on Wednesday with tomorrow's game in mind. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones being back gives the right problem that I need."

Law Named Club Ambassador

Reds legend Denis Law is the latest former player to be appointed an official Manchester United ambassador.

As part of his role, the Scot, who netted 237 goals in 404 Reds appearances between 1962 and 1973, will attend various events and functions on behalf of the club, promoting the work it does within the community and with its partners and sharing anecdotes from his time at Old Trafford.

Speaking about the appointment, Law said he was honoured to join Sir Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Gary Neville, Andrew Cole and Peter Schmeichel as an official United ambassador.

"I' m delighted and honoured," he said. "The club has changed a lot since my day, but the support and passion of the fans has remained the same and I'm looking forward to meeting them as part of my new role."

Hailed as one of United’s finest ever players, Denis signed for United in 1962 – 50 years ago this season – for a then record fee of £115,000. He became an instant favourite with the Old Trafford crowd after he scored on his league debut in a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

He then went on to become one of the most prolific goalscorers in United’s history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to wear the famous red shirt.

Denis won the 1963 FA Cup, championship medals in 1964/65 and 1966/67 and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1964. He played a key part in helping the Reds reach the 1968 European Cup final but missed the game due to a knee injury.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill said he's looking forward to working with Denis in his new role.

"Denis Law is one of the greatest strikers ever to have played the game and his place in club folklore is assured.

"It is great news that Denis has agreed to become and ambassador for United. He's our first ever winner of the Ballon D'Or and a man of great integrity and humour."

Charlton Tips Rooney To Go Top

Sir Bobby Charlton has tipped Wayne Rooney to break his England goalscoring record - with his blessing.

Charlton scored 49 goals for England in an illustrious career but Rooney, 27, is closing in on his fellow Manchester United hero with 32 goals to his name.

And the 1966 World Cup winner claims he would be happy for the forward to be the man who finally takes his record.

"Wayne has the enthusiasm and talent to do it," said Charlton in a video message to the Soccerex conference in Rio.

"With a fair wind he can do it and I would be very happy with that because I like Wayne.

"I get the opportunity to speak to him every other week and he is not a bad lad. He is a good lad who loves the game and wants to be the best.

"I can see in him what I used to see in myself. He can't wait to get on the football field and he is magic. I have a lot of time for him because he is a good listener.

"I once said to him 'Can I give you a tip that might help? Don't be afraid to shoot. When you look up to have a shot, just smash the ball towards the goal as hard as you can. If you can see that rectangle, just smash the bloody thing'.

"We played Hull the next day and he did exactly that and scored!"

Sir Alex Expects "Long Season"

Sir Alex thinks it's going to be a long season for United with Manchester City only a point behind the Reds in the table.

United scored after 33 seconds through Robin van Persie but it became a nervous night against West Ham on Wednesday with the victory not assured until the final whistle.

Manchester City's 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic keeps them in contention with the derby taking place at the Etihad Stadium on 9 December after United's trip to Reading at the weekend.

"We've got the three points and are still ahead in the league," the boss told MUTV. "Chelsea drawing tonight means it draws us away from them a little bit further. City are still on our tails so it's going to be a long season."

Sir Alex was pleased to keep a clean sheet and praised defenders Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Rafael for their stellar performances.

"It was a hard night and we played a lot of good football but we never quite finished them off," said the manager. "West Ham fought really hard and made it difficult for us.

"It was a great start and hopefully you go on from such a great start but we never quite finished it off.

"They had skirmishes around the box and played high balls in there but you've got to defend them really well. They had a few blocked shots and that kind of thing but, in the main, we did defend very well. Evans, Smalling and Rafael, in particular, had fantastic nights.

"Rafael is maturing. He's 22 years of age but came here as a young kid and was in the first-team at 18. He made rash mistakes because he's such an enthusiastic boy but he's maturing and is learning from that."

Sir Alex refused to accept that a lack of a width was an issue with no out-and-out wingers in the starting line-up, although Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck played on the flanks when coming on as substitutes.

"We've operated with a diamond quite a few times this season so I don't think that's any excuse," he stated.

Rafael Earns Plaudits

Sir Alex, Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans all praised right-back Rafael following United's 1-0 win against West Ham on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian, who's on our shortlist for the Man of the Match award, produced a defensive masterclass against the Hammers, winning almost every tackle and ball he contested.

The Reds boss repeated his recent claim that Rafael is "maturing and learning from [past mistakes]", while Carrick believes he'll get even better.

"He has progressed every year he has been here," Carrick told MUTV. "He came across at a very young age and it was a big change from Brazil and what he was used to.

"Every season he has got better and better. He has played nearly every game this season and has been terrific. There is still more to come from him, he is still learning the game and is still improving, so it is great for him and he is having a good time."

Jonny Evans was similarly effusive in his praise and insists Rafael sets an example for others when he's on the pitch.

"He's been outstanding all season," he said. "There’s not really been anybody challenging for his right-back position but he’s done fantastic.

"With his energy, he really sets the tone for the rest of the players. He’s a credit to himself.

"People might have thought it would be tough for him with his brother going away but he’s got his head down, he’s working hard and he’s going to be one of the best right-backs in the world, no doubt about that."

Carrick: Clean Sheet Is Key

Michael Carrick admits Manchester United’s 1-0 win over West Ham “was not a classic”, but insists the Reds can build on keeping a third clean sheet of the season on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old midfielder also praised centre-halves Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, who coped admirably with the towering threats posed by Hammers strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole.

“It was by far not a classic,” Carrick told MUTV. “Obviously we weren’t at our best and the flowing football that you want to play and the chances that you want to create didn’t quite happen. But we got a clean sheet which was quite pleasing and I thought we defended well.

“They had a couple of opportunities and when they put balls into the box like they did, those can fall to anybody. But overall I thought we defended well - we didn’t play as well as we could have but we won the game and managed to keep a clean sheet.

“A clean sheet is the biggest plus that we can take from tonight. They pumped a lot of balls into the box, asked questions and made us defend. Our two centre halves were terrific. West Ham had two big guys – as Carroll goes off, Carlton Cole comes on – and it can be tough.

“But we got the clean sheet. It is something to build on because the performance needs to be better. A second goal would’ve put us in a much better position going into the final few minutes but, in the end, we held on and we’re still in a good position at the top of the league. We are quite satisfied.”

Robin van Persie gave United the lead at the Theatre of Dreams on Wednesday night, clipping a heavily deflected shot over the stranded Jussi Jaaskelainen after just 33 seconds to clock the fastest goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.

As Carrick admits, it was almost a novelty to see the Reds score first, having conceded the first goal on 13 separate occasions this campaign, and the midfielder is now challenging his teammates to make a habit of taking an early league in future matches.

“It has been a while,” Michael explained. “We had a spell, about a year or two ago, when we were starting games really well and killing teams off really early. We want to get back to that because Old Trafford is a difficult place to play when you go a goal down.

“We want to make it that way, certainly in the games that are to come because going a goal down has made things a lot harder for us than they should have been. Keeping a clean sheet gives us something to build on in the future.”

Premier League: Man. United 1 West Ham 0

Robin van Persie scored after just 33 seconds at Old Trafford to vanquish West Ham and maintain Manchester United’s position at the summit of the Barclays Premier League.

The Dutchman’s 12th goal since his summer move from Arsenal was enough to settle an entertaining fixture and end a worrying five-game streak in which the Reds have conceded first.

Although Sir Alex’s men scored just once, there were plenty of positives from the performance, including a first clean sheet in 10 games and outstanding showings from Brazilian pair Anderson and Rafael.

On Sam Allardyce’s last visit to Old Trafford the then Blackburn boss saw his side lose 7-1 and on a wintery Wednesday evening he must have feared the worst when he saw United’s teamsheet.

Sir Alex fielded an attack-minded XI, managing to accommodate Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez in a front three. Anderson was rewarded with his second league start of the season for his game-changing cameo against QPR, while Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley were also recalled in midfield.

In his programme notes, Sir Alex implored his players not to concede first for a 14th time this season and the Reds duly obliged. Indeed, Hammers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was picking the ball out of his net inside the first minute as van Persie’s side-footed shot struck James Collins and looped over the hapless Finnish stopper.

As much as the Dutchman benefited from a huge stroke of luck, his skill in the goal’s build-up, dinking the ball over Winston Reid before rounding the defender to effectively collect his own pass, was breathtaking in its execution.

Kevin Nolan came close to equalising on 11 minutes when he flicked on Matt Taylor’s wide free-kick at the near post but not before he’d scythed down Tom Cleverley to earn the game’s first booking.

West Ham made a mockery of suggestions that Sam Allardyce’s teams only play long-ball football. The visitors preferred to play a patient passing game, working the ball out wide for either Taylor or Matt Jarvis to whip crosses in to Andy Carroll.

Carroll did volley over on 27 minutes after the ball fell to him following a route-one free-kick but the striker largely struggled to impose himself on the game.

Down the other end, Hernandez forced a smart save from Jaaskelainen down to his left when the Mexican made space for himself on the edge of the area and unleashed a wicked drive from 20 yards. Anderson then sliced high and wide, while Evra couldn’t find the final ball after good vision from van Persie to find the left-back in acres of space.

As the first half drew to a close, Anderson could reflect on another fine 45 minutes, while his fellow Brazilian, Rafael, was equally impressive. He didn’t put a foot wrong in defence, as he headed, tackled or intercepted everything that came his way.

A lethargic start to the second half presented half chances to both Mohamed Diame and Carroll before the Reds woke up and Cleverley sent a half volley whistling over the crossbar.

Van Persie hit a free-kick straight at Jaaskelainen after being upended 20 yards out by Joey O’Brien. Then Rooney drew a full-length save from the Finn when he curled an effort towards the far post and West Ham somehow managed to avoid conceding from the resulting corner when both Hernandez and Jonny Evans went close during a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Anderson stung Jaaskelainen’s palms with a scorching effort from 25 yards on 72 minutes but United were otherwise wasteful in the final third. Crosses were overhit and passes misplaced time and time again, as the Old Trafford crowd grew growingly restless.

When Lindegaard produced a point-blank save to deny Carlton Cole an equaliser it rammed home the reality that West Ham were just one moment away from snatching a draw.

Thankfully for the majority of those inside Old Trafford, that moment never came (although substitute Modibo Maiga jinked inside and tried his luck from 12 yards and Nolan had an injury-time effort blocked) and Sir Alex’s men hung on to claim a hard-earned three points.

Giggs Accepts United Age Gap

Ryan Giggs admits he has become accustomed to playing alongside Manchester United team-mates who were not even born when he made his debut.

The Welshman, who turns 39 on Thursday, is the only active Premier League player who featured in the opening matches of the competition more than 20 years ago.

Veteran midfielder Giggs said: "I got used to the fact a long time ago that I am playing with someone who wasn't born when I made my debut and all these sort of things that come up.

"So yeah, I have just got used to it. It's something I have got to live with I suppose."

In a question and answer session on the Premier League's official website to mark the milestone of 250million fans being passed, Giggs hailed Manchester United's encounters with Liverpool as his favourite matches and rates former Arsenal full-back Lee Dixon as his toughest opponent.

Giggs added: "I think as a player you want a challenge, so any of the top teams really. I would probably say Liverpool, because there is always such a great build-up.

"It doesn't matter how the teams are doing in the league, there's always that rivalry and there's always that ferocious tempo within the game, whether it be at Old Trafford or Anfield."

Asked which stadium has the most daunting atmosphere, Giggs added: "I think Anfield. Like I said before, no matter how the teams are doing there is always a great atmosphere.

"You could be playing against an average Liverpool team and it would still be one of the toughest games of the season, just because the crowd drive them on and the tradition between the two clubs."

Giggs also chose Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo as the three midfielders he would most like to play with - with David Beckham just missing out.

He said: "I think the two midfielders that stand out are Scholesy and Keaney, the year we won the treble. And then it would be close between Becks and Cristiano but what Cristiano has done in the last couple of years probably just pips him. In my view, along with Messi, he's the world's best player. So, I wouldn't mind being in that midfield, if I can get in!"

Giggs added that Dixon, part of Arsenal's famous back four of the 1980s and 90s, had been his most difficult opponent.

"I think Lee Dixon was always tough to play against, especially at Highbury where it was a tight pitch and it was that famous back four and [David] Seaman in goal," he said.

"It was always tough to find that bit of space which normally I can find but he had that experience, knowing whether to go tight or whether to come off, and it was always a test to play against him."

De Gea Relishes Reds Pressure

David De Gea admits the pressure of being a goalkeeper for Manchester United is more intense than at other clubs, but the Spaniard insists he is relishing the challenge.

The former Atletico Madrid stopper has been exposed to close scrutiny since moving to Old Trafford in 2011 as a long-term replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, despite producing a series of impressive performances throughout his 51-match career with the Reds.

The good form of Anders Lindegaard, who has impressed whenever called upon, has also sparked debate over who is Sir Alex Ferguson’s first choice this season. Thankfully, De Gea is enjoying the competition and hopes to produce his best form as a result.

“I’m at a huge club and there are big demands on you,” David told United Review. “As a goalkeeper I’m well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the press and the fans. That’s always the case for goalkeepers, no matter where you play.

“But it’s true that here at Manchester United there’s added pressure. It’s bigger than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for the Spain Under-21 team. It’s a challenge that’s enjoyable and it ensures you’re always striving to operate at 100 per cent.”

United have conceded the first goal in 13 matches this season, salvaging a victory from eight of those games. It's a worrying habit, yet it also highlights the never-say-die attribute that has helped define Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

Although such comebacks are typical of United, De Gea has been surprised by the frequency of turnarounds - admitting he loves being a part of a team with so much self-belief.

“I have been surprised. Certainly, when I was in Spain I’d heard about this aspect and seen for myself on TV the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches. So it’s great to be a part of it myself.

“I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club and it’s almost written in the history of Manchester United that these sorts of things happen so often. I love being a part of it and experiencing it for myself.”

Ruud: Reds Can Rely On RVP

Ruud van Nistelrooy is backing Robin van Persie to become another Dutch Manchester United legend.

Van Nistelrooy netted 150 goals in just 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006 and believes the former Arsenal striker (whose current strike-rate almost mirrors Ruud's 0.68 goals per game) can score just as many.

"I hope so," Ruud said. "My time has gone and now others have taken over, so I hope he does [score as many as me].

"Robin has proved he's fitting in easily. It's like he has always played for the club.

"He didn't need any time to settle in. He was straight on his level, scoring important goals and winning games for the team."

Van Nistelrooy was in Manchester last week for Sir Alex Ferguson's statue unveiling and admits he caught up with United's current Dutch striker during the trip.

"I spoke to him [before the statue ceremony]," he said.

"He feels very good at the club. But that's the feeling everybody gets when you come here. I felt the same. I felt very comfortable.

"You feel part of the family and of a tradition. You just want to go out and perform and Robin's doing that now."

Although van Nistelrooy and the United manager had their differences towards the end of the Dutchman's spell at Old Trafford, Ruud says the pair's relationship has been repaired now and he's confident Sir Alex will help Robin van Persie thrive at the club.

"I think he will," Ruud said. "That is what the manager does: he makes you feel strong and gets the best out of people.

"Robin's style – the way he wants to play, the way he likes to play – fits United so well. I'm happy for him that he’s made such a great start because he deserves it. He’s a great player and I hope he can continue like this for a long time.

"It’s not just scoring goals, either. He's great in his ability to get involved in the play as well as his finishing, which is fantastic."

Van Nistelrooy was speaking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport and Manchester Evening News

Cristiano Ronaldo: No United Talks

Cristiano Ronaldo admits to having spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson, but claims a sensational return to Manchester United was not discussed.

Ronaldo sparked speculation regarding his long-term future at Real Madrid earlier in the season when admitting to feeling unsettled in Spain.

Those comments have since been swept under the carpet by Real, with it their intention to keep their prolific forward at Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come.

Ronaldo does appear to be enjoying his football once more and insists that talk of a big-money move to Old Trafford did not crop up during a recent meeting with United boss Ferguson, during a trip to Manchester to face City in the UEFA Champions League.

He said: "I met Alex Ferguson on the day of the game, he came to our hotel in Manchester to speak with Jose Mourinho.

"Of course I talked to him as well. We keep in touch. It was nice to see him again."

When informed that Ferguson has expressed a desire to bring him back to England, but that a hefty price tag may scupper his plans, Ronaldo added: "No. We didn't speak about that.

"We just talked about his times with Manchester United and mine with Real Madrid. We were just happy to see each other."

While keen to play down transfer gossip, Ronaldo does keep a close eye on how United are faring in the Premier League and is tipping them to wrestle the title back from arch-rivals City in 2012/13.

He said: "There are three or four teams who can perhaps win the league, which is why it is the most competitive anywhere in the world.

"It will be tough for every team but I think United will do it this year and win their title back.

"It won't be easy and it will be very close, but United are stronger in attack this season and that could be the difference."

Rooney: We Need To Sharpen Up In Defence

Despite sitting top of the table, Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United need to improve with a third of the season gone.

United are a point clear of champions and rivals Manchester City - who remain undefeated, whilst Sir Alex Ferguson's side have lost three times already.

Rooney admits that they need to address their form, starting at the back, as United have conceded 18 goals so far this season.

"Clean sheets are the foundation we hope for, we know we have players who can score goals and win us games," he said.

"If we can get a clean sheet, then I'm sure we can get them at the other end and win games.

"As a team, we've played some good stuff at times but we've also ground results out as well. To lose three games this early is something we need to put right.

"We're lucky that we've won all the other games and not drawn any. It means we're still in a good position in the league.

"So we need to make sure we are full focused now and try to kick on, try to go on a good run."

Their failure to keep clean sheets has also seen them concede first 12 times in their last 20 games, including their last match on Saturday as they came from behind again to beat Queens Park Rangers3-1.

"I don't know why it is but it's happening too many times," Rooney said.

"We need to just go out now and try to get the early goal. As soon as we get a goal, the team settles down and the game settles.

"We tend to take control of the game. But more often than not we've conceded first and made it hard for ourselves to try to get back in the game then go on and win it."

Schmeichel Lauds Sir Alex

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was understandably proud to be part of another special day at Old Trafford with the unveiling of the new Sir Alex Ferguson statue on Friday.

The Dane was one of the VIP guests at the Theatre of Dreams on Friday and was quick to pay tribute to his former boss for transforming the fortunes of the club after taking over in 1986.

"It is a special club," he told Red View, the official club newsletter. "I’m happy for Sir Alex. One thing he said out there is normally when you get a statue like that, you’re dead but he gets to see these people turning up for the unveiling.

"He deserves that. He touched on so many lives – the people who work in the club every day, his staff, his players but, beyond all that, all the supporters of Manchester United and football in general.

"He has had an influence on their lives over many years and should be credited for a lot of what has happened in the Premier League with it now being the best league in the world. He saw that very early on, when he first arrived at the club, and started a process that was designed to have an effect many years later. When the whole culture of football had to change, he saw that and changed that."

Lindegaard Regrets QPR Goal

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard insists his side “should not have conceded” a goal in the Barclays Premier League victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Jamie Mackie's shock opener at Old Trafford prompted a second-half backlash from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, with three goals in just seven minutes turning the match on its head.

After this latest comeback, Lindegaard bemoaned United’s now familiar pattern of falling behind in games but praised his outfield colleagues' ability to recover from such deficits.

“Conceding first is a bad habit but on the other hand it’s a good habit that we can turn it around,” Anders told MUTV. “Last weekend against Norwich we were not able do it. It is something we have to look at. We have to be stronger, take our chances and score goals when we have opportunities.

“I don’t think we should have conceded in this match, it is very disappointing. But we have to be happy about getting the three points, although we maybe should have scored a few more goals.

“I asked one of my team-mates in the locker room about what would have happened if we hadn’t conceded a goal. It was like a wakeup call for us and it is a flat feeling to stand here after conceding a goal in this match. But we won it and I think rather comfortably after going 3-1 up.

“I thought Anderson came on and turned the match around. He is one of the best players in the world at running with the ball, passing it and keeping a dynamic motion. He showed that today and turned the game around. He is a brilliant player.

“It was very important but more in the sake that we lost last weekend and also very important to put pressure on Chelsea and Man City, who are playing each other. That will be a very interesting match to watch with a good feeling in the stomach after winning our game today.”

Saturday’s clash with QPR provided a third consecutive start for Lindegaard after featuring against Norwich and Galatasaray in the absence of David De Gea, who was unavailable after having his wisdom teeth removed.

Both goalkeepers were fit at the weekend, however, causing another selection headache for Sir Alex Ferguson, who has repeatedly rotated the pair for much of this season and last.

“I was very pleased to start because I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out,” Anders admitted. “David has been unlucky with his teeth and for me it is a sign that I did well in the last couple of games. I am very happy every time I play.”

Fletcher Demands Better

Darren Fletcher was delighted to help United to victory with a goal against Queens Park Rangers, but says it’s important the Reds improve and go on a winning run.

Fletcher, in his first Barclays Premier League start in more than a year, headed Sir Alex’s men into the lead after Jonny Evans had cancelled out QPR’s shock opener.

But it was that concession at the start of the second period that annoyed Fletcher, who admits the United players are rankled by the growing number of times opposition teams score first.

“We're very frustrated,” he told MUTV. “It shouldn't take going a goal behind for us to start playing.

“The only positive thing we can take from it is that every time we do it we seem to respond. But we can't keep making a habit of it.”

Indeed, United have conceded first in 13 of 20 fixtures this season, including the last five.

“We want to go on a run of winning games now and not keep conceding first,” Fletcher said. “After the defeat at Norwich and at Galatasaray it was important we got a win today.

“Hopefully now we can kick on and see an improvement in our performances.”

Fletcher’s goal, a bullet header direct from a corner, was his first since November 2011. But the midfielder claims he thought nothing of personal glory when the ball nestled in the back of the net.

“The biggest thing it meant was that it put us in the lead,” he said. “It didn't mean anything personal to me – it got us back in the game.

“It's great to be back and to score goals but it has to be in winning teams. That's what made today special. It wasn't great to go a goal down in my first league game back. I was thinking: 'Here we go'.

“But the lads always respond and the most pleasing thing for me about my goal was that it put us 2-1 up.

“You have to give credit to QPR. They made it very difficult. Their strikers dropped onto me and Paul Scholes and then we had two banks of four to break down in front of us.

“At times we could have played a bit quicker and took a few more risks with our passes. There's a risk that you'll give it away but you have to do that if you want to break through. They were very resillient but we really lifted the pace of the game once we went a goal down.

“It was an important win, especially with Manchester City and Chelsea playing tomorrow.”

Boss: Ando Changed Game

Sir Alex Ferguson enthused about Anderson's performance after the Brazilian came off the bench to help spark another comeback in the Barclays Premier League.

The South American added energy to the midfield as the Reds roared back from conceding first to QPR to clinch a 3-1 win to go back on top of the table.

"I thought Anderson changed the game," the boss told MUTV. "We played for about 10 or 15 minutes, that was the sum total of a real performance for Manchester United. Queens Park Rangers had a surge of determination and belief, they worked really hard and that's what you expect when a team loses its manager. We saw that again today.

"Of course it is frustrating [to keep conceding first] and you have to be concerned about it. The one thing about it is their goal sparked us off. From that moment on, we really got at them and played with great determination and speed and it made a difference."

Sir Alex has plenty of players at his disposal and Anderson was one who promoted his claims and showed he wants to force his way into the starting line-up.

"They all want to play," he insisted. "We've got a great squad of players. Anderson played his part today. He didn't let us down, he was terrific.

"Jonny Evans is capable of doing that but it's only this season that he's emerged as a goalscoring centre-back. We've had a few in the past - Vida [Nemanja Vidic] and Steve Bruce way back. It's nice to get a defender who can weigh in with a few goals.

"I think everyone is delighted with Darren. It's been a long road back for him and it's the first time I've used him twice in a week. He didn't let us down again. He never does and lovely to have him back. Obviously, we'll review the situation on Wednesday [against West Ham] but he made a great contribution today.

"Ando laid the third goal on a plate for Chicharito but it was a great first touch and a great finish. In that period, we really looked fantastic but, once we went 3-1 up, we just idled and saw the game out. We had opportunities to get four or five but there were one or two careless passes at the end of the moves which would have made it a far better day."

Valencia Out With Hip Problem

Antonio Valencia missed the victory against Queens Park Rangers due to a hip problem.

The Ecuador winger could also be forced to sit out the visit of another London side, Sam Allardyce's West Ham, on Wednesday night in the Reds' next Barclays Premier League assignment.

"He had a hip injury," the boss revealed to MUTV. "Just towards his back.

"He's had a bit of pain there for the last couple of weeks but he's been playing with it. That's the type of guy he is. He never mentioned it and plays on.

"All of a sudden, you ask him and he says: 'Yes, it's sore.'

"It won't be too long and he should be ready for maybe next week."

Scholes Suspended

Paul Scholes will sit out Manchester United’s game against West Ham on Wednesday after collecting his fifth booking of the season on Saturday.

Referee Lee Probert showed Scholes a yellow card for a late challenge on Queens Park Rangers midfielder Kieron Dyer early in the second half.

It followed earlier bookings this term in matches against Stoke City, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton. Now, in line with the Premier League’s disciplinary process, the 38-year-old must serve an immediate automatic one-game suspension.

Should any other United player pick up five bookings before 31 December, they will face the same fate.

It was the 95th yellow card Scholes has been shown in his Premier League career; only Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer have collected more.

As well as having to do without Scholes against West Ham on Wednesday night, Sir Alex is also unlikely to be able to field Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian winger is currently sidelined with a hip injury.

Bad boys

Domestic bookings

5 - Paul Scholes*
3 - van Persie
2 - Nani
2- Rooney
1 - Anderson
1 - Büttner
1 - Carrick
1 - Cleverley
1 - Ferdinand
1 - Kagawa
1 - Giggs
1 - M Keane
1 - Rafael
1 - Valencia
1 - Welbeck
1 - Wootton
1 - Young

* misses next game

Premier League: Man. United 3 QPR 1

There may be those who are finding United's form frustrating this season but there is no disputing the entertainment and spirit at Old Trafford.

On 13 occasions, the Reds have fallen behind but this was the ninth victory secured from such a position of weakness. Bottom side QPR, supposedly lambs to the slaughter with newly-installed Harry Redknapp watching from the stands rather than taking charge, nullified the hosts in the first half and then had the audacity to score on 52 minutes through Jamie Mackie.

With no immediate response, the club's detractors must have been gleefully thinking about a third successive defeat for the first time since 2001. Yet Sir Alex's side turned the game on its head with three goals inside seven minutes. Jonny Evans, who seemed more determined than anybody to redress the balance, and Darren Fletcher both netted from Wayne Rooney corners and substitute Javier Hernandez did what he does best to make the points safe.

The Reds initially kicked off with plenty of purpose as Rooney and Robin van Persie were both advanced centrally with Danny Welbeck on the left and Ashley Young patrolling the opposite flank. With Fletcher starting his first Barclays Premier League game since 5 November last year in place of league ever-present Michael Carrick, complete control was established.

However, despite dominating possession, it took 16 minutes to almost carve out a first opening but Shaun Derry got an important toe to the ball to thwart Paul Schloles as he tried to nudge home inside the box. Van Persie then rippled the side-netting after Welbeck collected a Rooney pass and escaped down the left with the Dutchman’s classic attempt going just the wrong side of Julio Cesar’s right-hand post.

As the rain cascaded down at Old Trafford, QPR showed minimal attacking ambition but defended in numbers and with plenty of organisation and aggression. Clint Hill did well to beat Rooney to a cross from Patrice Evra following nice interplay with Welbeck and the best attempt of the opening half hour saw Young lash wide after Scholes hooked on rather than opting to volley a looped tee-up by Rooney.

United’s patient, probing approach drew some criticism from the home fans but Evra burst into the area with promise after combining well with van Persie, only to shoot tamely at Cesar.

Sir Alex instructed Young and Welbeck to switch flanks and it almost reaped instant dividend when the latter created a chance for Rooney but the striker’s scuffed effort was blocked by the increasingly busy Cesar. The Brazilian keeper was again called into action when Rooney unleashed a firmer drive but there was relief at the other end when an assistant referee flagged for offside before Mackie dived to head past Anders Lindegaard.

Controversy reigned before the interval when Hill shoved Young in the box and furiously accused the England international of diving. Referee Lee Probert took no action against either player even though they squared up, and Derry also became involved in the fracas, presumably still smarting from the incident that led to his dismissal in this fixture last term.

Sir Alex's side lacked the imagination to break down the massed ranks in the opening half and Adel Taarabt showed enough flair for the visitors to hint that a shock goal could not be ruled out, despite a game-plan clearly designed to hold out for a point.

Indeed, seven minutes after the restart, Rangers caught United napping at a corner. Taarabt returned the ball to unmarked taker Kieron Dyer, who cut in past van Persie to centre dangerously. Lindegaard could only touch the ball into the path of Mackie, who gratefully opened the scoring.

The Reds were rocked and Taarabt floated a free-kick over the top after Scholes was cautioned for a clumsy foul on Dyer. Sir Alex introduced Anderson and Hernandez for Young and Scholes in a desperate bid to fire up his troops while Anton Ferdinand, Rio's brother, replaced Armand Traore.

With the tension starting to build, the scores were levelled following a Rooney corner on the left. Welbeck won the header at the far post and, although Hernandez was unable to reach it, Evans powered in with real conviction to force home a close-range header.

Suddenly, the mood changed completely with the fans roaring the galvanised Reds on. Fletcher went close with a raking drive and then rose to head another Rooney corner emphatically past Cesar. Three minutes later, Anderson showed just what a player he can become by cutting QPR apart with an electrifying burst of acceleration. Hernandez took a touch with his left foot to control the precise pass and then produced a searing finish with his right.

Now clicking through the gears, van Persie could only fire behind the goal after another incisive move and teenager Nick Powell, fresh from an impressive Champions League debut in midweek, came on for another taste of the action - soon producing a delightful backheel.

It was probably a case of damage limitation for QPR from then onwards, but caretaker boss Mark Bowen urged his side to keep attacking until the end and Hill's header was cleared off the line by the alert Rafael. Rangers will hope for a new era under Redknapp while United are back on top of the table ahead of Manchester City's clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Carrick: First Goal Crucial

It's been the season of comebacks for the Reds this term, but Michael Carrick says it's vital United start taking the initiative in games rather than having to claw their way back into them.

The Reds have lost the first goal yet come back to win in eight of their 19 games this season. While the recoveries have been as dramatic as they have been impressive at times, Carrick insists going behind first is a habit that needs to be broken sooner rather than later.

"It is not ideal - it is just a phase we are going through," the midfielder told reporters after United's defeat in Galatasaray. "The positive is that we have come back and we have scored enough goals, although not on Saturday, so we have got things to improve upon.

"We conceded the first goal [at Norwich] and it was difficult to come back - and again against Galatasaray. Over the season we have managed to do it [come from behind to win] but it is not ideal and you can't do it all the time. We need to make things a lot easier for ourselves by scoring the first goal and play from there.

"It's hard to say [why it's happening] to be honest," he added. "I'll go with the boss and say concentration. I agree with him. It is hard to put your finger on it.

"It is different things, different types of goals we are conceding, so it is not as if there is one particular problem. But I'm sure we can put it right. We have had issues in the past and put them right and overall we are not in bad shape."

Getting back to winning ways is the team's main priority after back-to-back defeats at home and abroad. Bottom-of-the-table QPR visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon and Carrick admits he has been surprised by their plight this season.

"[I'm surprised], but it is a hard league and sometimes when you buy players and early in the season a couple of results don't go for you, it suddenly becomes harder to win a game.

"I've been there myself with West Ham. I know how difficult it can be. We had a good squad of players but for whatever reason, it just didn't work for us that season.

"QPR have got a good squad of players and hopefully Mark Hughes can turn it round although not starting on Saturday.

"It is massively important for us to bounce back," added the England international. "We were disappointed with the result against Galatasaray but we are in a good position in this group. The Norwich game was disappointing too.

"We are normally very good at bouncing back and after losing back-to-back games we will look to do that on Saturday."

Rooney Happy In Midfield Role

Wayne Rooney admits he is happy to take a back seat in the Manchester United goalscoring charts as he prepares to return to action against QPR on Saturday.

The England striker, who missed the defeats at Norwich and Galatasaray following a bout of tonsillitis, has only three goals to his name so far this season after being utilised in a more withdrawn role by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Robin van Persie is United's top scorer with 11 goals this term, while Javier Hernandez has bagged eight.

"With Robin coming in and the form Javier has been in, I have been playing a different role," said Rooney.

"Of course I want to score goals but if you play in midfield you're obviously not expected to get all of them.

"As I have said throughout my career, I have no problem with that. Now finally we've got the balance right and we have the forwards who can go and score goals.

"That gives the manager an option to play me deeper or pick another forward as well, which is great for the team."

Rooney is looking forward to starting against QPR as United bid to return to winning ways.

He said: "This game can't come quickly enough. We're looking to get back out there in the league and try and get the three points."

The likelihood is United will be facing opponents trying to impress their new manager, with Harry Redknapp expected to replace the sacked Mark Hughes.

"We don't know what to expect now, but we just have to work on what we think is the best way to win the game and concentrate on ourselves," added Rooney.

"They haven't got a manager at the moment but I'm sure whoever does take charge will get them organised.

"They made it difficult for us last season, when they got men behind the ball and I am sure it will be the same this year."

Sir Alex's Pride At Statue Unveiling

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his pride after a statue of the most successful manager in United’s history was unveiled outside the Old Trafford stand named after him on Friday.

Ferguson’s wife, Lady Cathy – who he refers to as ‘the boss’ – revealed the bronze sculpture following a ceremony that paid tribute to his 26 glorious years at United.

Around 2,500 fans braved the wet Manchester weather to attend the event, along with Sir Alex’s family, his current squad and dozens of his former players, including Eric Cantona, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“It's a really proud moment for me,” Sir Alex said, before joking: “Normally people die before they have a statue. I'm outliving death!

“The boss [Lady Cathy] is a fantastic person. Someone has to control me and she's the only one who can. She has promised that every Saturday morning she's going to come down and bow to the statue!”

Television presenter and Reds fan Eamonn Holmes hosted proceedings and introduced video messages from the likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sepp Blatter.

“Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Today is Thanksgiving Day at Old Trafford,” proclaimed Holmes.

The statue’s sculptor, Philip Jackson, who was also responsible for the United Trinity and Sir Matt Busby statues at the stadium, spoke briefly about his latest project.

"I’ve tried to portray him as a man of great determination and as a thinking man, but also with humour, which he has in abundance, so there’s just a slight smile in the corner of his mouth. That’s really what I wanted to portray,” Jackson said.

United’s chief executive David Gill added his own words of praise, saying: “He's been the definition of a Manchester United manager.

“It's a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside him. Everyone knows the success Alex has achieved in the last 26 years.

“But for me, as a fan, a colleague and a friend, the greatest thing he has brought back to this club is respect. Respect for the staff, respect for the heritage and history of the club and respect for the Manchester United way.

“This magnificent work by Philip Jackson will serve as a reminder – long after those of us who can tell the tales have gone – of what a fantastic influence Alex has been on this great club.”

After the unveiling of the statue and a plaque beneath it, Sir Alex’s invited guests entered the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand to view a new collection of artwork celebrating his quarter-century at the helm.

Sir Alex: Still A Three-horse Race

Sir Alex Ferguson still believes the Barclays Premier League title is a three-horse race involving United, Manchester City and Chelsea, despite the managerial changes at Stamford Bridge this week.

The United boss expressed his sympathy for Roberto Di Matteo, who was dismissed by Roman Abramovich and replaced by Rafael Benitez. But, according to Sir Alex, the changes at the top do not alter the fact that Chelsea have undeniable quality in their squad.

"Certainly a few week ago we were thinking it looked like a three-horse race," the boss told reporters on Friday. "I don’t think that is out of the question either because there are only a few points between the three teams anyway.

"Chelsea have got a big squad of players. They have a lot of experience and have brought in a couple of young players – Oscar and Hazard. There is a bit of youth throughout their team now, there is a sprinkling of youth coming through and a good blend of experience and young players. So there is no way you can possibly dismiss Chelsea."

Di Matteo's dismissal had an air of inevitability about it. Sir Alex is an advocate of giving managers opportunity to prove themselves and can't help but feel the Italian wasn't given a fair crack of the whip.

"Everyone feels for Roberto Di Matteo and quite rightly," he said. "It’s quite amazing when you consider he has won the FA Cup and Champions League. The biggest disappointment for me is in two weeks time they are going to play in the Club World Cup. You would have thought they would have waited two weeks to give the guy a chance to win a world title.

"Of course, Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks' time he could have two world club titles to his name [he won one with Inter] and had nothing to do with the teams. Jose Mourinho won the Treble at Inter; Rafa took over and they won the world title without having to do anything. He had nothing to do with the construction of the teams – that’s why I really feel disappointment for Roberto – he could have an FA Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup on his CV. It’s a pity for him."

That said, Sir Alex is hopeful that a new arrival in the Chelsea hot-seat bodes well as they welcome title rivals Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Benitez has been trying to get a job for a long time," he added. "I hope he is lucky on Sunday too! It happens time and time again when a new manager comes in they win their first few games. We’ve seen it before, it’s a strange thing how it happens. Sometimes you wonder if it encourages chairmen at football clubs to make changes because they think if we get a new manager we’ll win the next two or three games. History tells you that but you never know."

Ruud's Respect For Sir Alex

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford on Friday for the first time since leaving the club because, he says, he was keen to pay his respects to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutch striker left United under a cloud in 2006 after he fell out with the manager. The pair spoke on the phone earlier this year – Ruud told the press he "wanted to apologise... it was a shame it ended like it did" – but Friday's meeting, at a ceremony to unveil a Sir Alex Ferguson statue at Old Trafford, was the first time they'd come face to face since van Nistelrooy's exit.

"It's great to be back," Ruud said, "especially as it is to pay respect to the manager, who deserves all the credit for today. He's the reason we are here.

"I have a great five years and I want to pay my respects. I'm very grateful for the chances Sir Alex gave me.

"What stood out for me was Gary Neville's comment [in the ceremony's video tribute]. He's able to get the best out of people. He did that with me as well. Not just on the pitch but off it he gave me a lot, which I am very grateful for.

"Of course, we had our things with the way it ended at the club. But overall I look back on a great time here with a lot of respect for him."

Van Nistelrooy, who netted 150 goals for United in just 219 appearances, bears no grudge towards the man who called time on his Old Trafford career.

"When he is building new teams he is willing to do that [be ruthless]. That is all credit to him. The club is the most important thing.

"That is what he always said. It is his most-repeated sentence. He proves that. You move on. I moved on to Madrid and had four great years there. He moved the club further onwards. It is fair enough.

"I didn't find it hard to deal with. I accepted it. I am grateful for five great years here and it gave me another opportunity to be part of Real Madrid for a good while and be successful there. It opened up a door and I moved on. Thank God, that was a successful period as well."

Sir Alex took charge of United when van Nistelrooy was just 10 years old. Since then, Ruud has forged one of the most successful professional careers of the modern era and now, aged 36, is enjoying retirement.

And still Sir Alex goes on.

"It is incredible," he said. "It is difficult to get your head around. Twenty-six seasons!

"Ten years in football is an awful long time for a manager to be at a club. He is going on and on. In three or four years we will be talking about 30 years. It is out of this world.

"But he's doing it. As he said, he has outlived death. He is outliving everyone."

Ruud was speaking to ManUtd.com, Manchester Evening News and PA Sport.

Vidic: Sir Alex Is A Winner

Nemanja Vidic has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the Manchester United manager's statue unveiling on Friday, labelling him "a winner."

The Reds' captain says the boss has had a big influence on football in general, not just United during his 26 years in the Old Trafford hot seat. And Vidic feels very lucky to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Sir Alex.

"He's a great example for all managers and it's great to work with him," Vidic told MUTV.

"You learn something new from him every day - I have learnt a lot from him, not just as a footballer but in life [in general]. He gives all the players great confidence and belief and he does all he can to get the best out of his players. I think this is his biggest strength. He has faith in us and he trusts us and I'm really glad I have been able to spend nearly seven years working with him. He is a winner."

United In Praise

To mark the unveiling of Sir Alex Ferguson's statue on Friday, outside the stand named after him at Old Trafford, MUTV spoke to a host of current and ex-players, fellow managers and even a former Prime Minister about the boss...

"I think the manager has been so successful because he’s passionate about Manchester United and he’s a born winner. He knows how to win games, how to handle pressure and how to look after his team and his players. He was like a father figure to me. I moved up from London to Manchester and he always said to me ‘if you’ve got any worries, come and knock on my door – it’s always open.’ I was scared to go and knock on his door because of who he is but he always made me feel as if I was part of a family at Manchester United."
- David Beckham

"I’ve known Alex quite a long time now and he’s a great guy to be with and has always been a huge supporter and friend to me. He’s one of these people that has a strength of character that immediately marks him out as a leader of people. He’s a great competitor but he’s also got huge integrity, to himself and to what he believes in. Alex is a great coach, but he is also a great leader, a great character, and, above all, for those of us who are supporters and friends of his, a great human being."
- Tony Blair, former Prime Minister

"Sir Alex Ferguson will probably go down as the greatest manager ever. He’s very driven – he always has been. He does have other hobbies but his main purpose in life is football and winning football matches and that’s what drives him. He’s still as motivated he was 25 years ago. He’s up there with Sir Matt Busby as one of the greats of all time. I think he’s got better and better over the years."
- Martin Edwards, honorary club president

"It’s an honour that the public get a chance to go and look at the statue and marvel at his record. He’s a very, very capable person and manager and I think the statue will be there forever. It’s a marvellous tribute. When we made the decision to go for him we didn’t in our wildest dreams ever, ever think that it would last as long as this. I won’t see his like again, I’m certain of that. We’re really lucky, and people are really envious of us. He was born to do this job and I’m so proud that I know him."
- Sir Bobby Charlton

"You can’t say that it [the statue] is not well deserved. The boss has probably got the best club manager’s record ever in the world for what he’s achieved and not just with Manchester United, look at the job he did at Aberdeen [as well]. He’s just got this recipe for success at club management and to be at a club like Manchester United for 26 years… to turn things around, keep rebuilding teams and winning the trophies, well, no wonder he’s got a stand named after him and now the statue. He deserves everything."
- Bryan Robson

"He’s been the biggest influence on my career so far. He was a father figure from a young age. He enjoys it more than ever. He’s got a team around him that he trusts and works so hard as well – they complement each other brilliantly. Like myself, he loves going out and training and being a part of that with all these young players. He loves coming out and watching and seeing the players develop, he just loves it! His enthusiasm is just as big as it was when I first met him and he’s still successful, so why stop?"
- Ryan Giggs

"To be at this club for so long is staggering. You would never believe it could happen. I’ve said before, United had Sir Matt Busby, now they’ve got somebody who’s replicated his longevity at the club and surpassed his success - you would just never believe it could be achieved. It’s really not something you can put into words, what Sir Alex Ferguson has done for the club. Not just that, it's the success he's had, the way he’s played, bringing through young players and the performance levels over that time – everything has been right."
- Gary Neville

"I don’t remember anybody else being at the top, top level for such a long time. It's a fantastic thing – you can’t even describe the achievement unless you know what it means. I myself am in this job and I know what it means. His commitment is always there, you never feel that his commitment is weakened. His demanding attitude towards his team is never weakened, his passion for the game has never weakened and that is something you have to admire. What I admire maybe the most in him is his forward-thinking. He is always ready to move with the times and never speaks about what he has done before. It is a job where you need to dedicate your life to football and Ferguson has done that and that deserves massive respect."
- Arsene Wenger

"He’s been brilliant for every single player that’s worked for him. There is such a hunger and desire about him that really drives his players on – he knows how to keep you motivated, it’s something that he’s managed to do for over 20 years and I’m sure he’ll carry on doing it for the next few years as well. A couple of times [I’ve had the hairdryer treatment], but not often. He’s a scary man isn’t he?! When you’re younger he’s someone you always try and avoid. If you can hear him you just hide somewhere out the way. But as you get a bit older you get used to it and you get a sense of what kind of mood he’s in when you see him, so you how far to take him."
- Paul Scholes

"He’s unique, especially in the modern day. If you go back many years then you will find somebody like him, but, [it’s amazing] in the modern day at the highest level, where it is really difficult to survive in our job. He’s absolutely incredible at what he does and we can’t even imagine when he’ll stop, he’s unbelievable."
- Jose Mourinho

Mourinho Hails Sir Alex

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements as the United manager is set to be honoured by the unveiling of a statue at Old Trafford on Friday.

Mourinho may have been a regular adversary in his Chelsea days but the two major footballing personalities have always maintained a healthy friendship away from the field based on mutual respect.

The Portuguese coach is in Manchester for Wednesday's Champions League tie against City at the Etihad Stadium and took time out to pay his own tribute to the United chief.

"He's unique," said Mourinho. "Especially in the modern day.

"If you go back many years, then you will find somebody like him but [it's amazing] in the modern day at the highest level, where it is really difficult to survive in our job.

"He's absolutely incredible at what he does and we can't even imagine when he'll stop. He's unbelievable."

Jones Glad To Be Back

Phil Jones expressed his delight at making his first appearance of the season after a rough time with injuries.

The defender feels ready to contribute with games coming thick and fast after proving his fitness with an impressive comeback against Galatasaray.

"I'm knackered to be honest," he admitted. "It wasn't the best of pitches to play on either. It was quite heavy on the legs but I'm delighted to get through 90 minutes. I'm buzzing about that. It's been difficult. I've had my downs. I picked up a few niggles and had surgery on my knee so I've had a pretty wretched four or five months.

"I've been in the gym every day and it's not easy. I had to concentrate on getting myself fit and worked quite hard to get to where I am now so I'm just delighted to be back. I'll feel stiff on Wednesday but everything is fine. Hopefully I can push on now, get back in the team and prove why I should be here."

Jones praised Galatasaray's fans for making so much noise during their 1-0 win. "It's the best [atmosphere] I've ever played in," he added. "From start to finish. I couldn't hear the keeper. I couldn't pass messages on. It was very difficult but the same for both teams.

"We should have switched on and dealt with the corner. We shouldn't be getting punished on set-pieces. It's happened and we still had chances to go on and draw, if not win, but it just wasn't our night. There were a lot of positives. We controlled a lot of the play - we were lacking a bit with the final cross or final ball and perhaps should have finished it off. But I think we were a bit unfortunate."

Phil Jones was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Sir Alex Takes The Positives

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with his much-changed side's performance despite the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray.

With United already safely assured of winning Group H, the boss elected to rest several key figures and handed starts to the likes of Alexander Buttner, Nick Powell and fit-again Phil Jones.

"I think they handled the atmosphere and the temperament was good," stated Sir Alex. "They handled that okay. Parts of the game were good but the area in which we were worried about - set-pieces - we suffered. That was always going to be a worry for us.

"Other than that, I was satisfied and it was a decent performance. We had some good attacking play in the first half and at that point the only trouble they gave us was from outside the box. It was a very competitive, good game."

The boss was upset with two dreadful tackles early in the proceedings. was booked for a two-footed lunge at Buttner while Felipe Melo inexplicably escaped any punishment for a crude foul on Tom Cleverley.

"I think they were lucky to keep two men on the pitch in the first 10 minutes," admitted the boss. "They were two shocking challenges. But, as we often see, so early in the match, you get away with that."

Sir Alex also felt that there should have been additional stoppage time after only three extra minutes were played at the death.

"I thought we should have had much more than three minutes," he complained. "Players had been lying down for long periods, which is understandable, but it's up to the referee to control that. I thought there should be more than three minutes added on."

Jones Impresses Carrick

Michael Carrick was pleased to see Phil Jones return to action in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray.

Jones played alongside Carrick at the heart of the defence and the duo defended stoutly throughout, only for Burak Yilmaz to head the winner from a second-half corner.

"He's been off for a while and it's not easy to come back in a game like that - especially with me playing alongside him!" the former Tottenham midfielder told MUTV. "He's not got someone like Rio [Ferdinand], Jonny [Evans] or Vida [Nemanja Vidic] next to him so he did ever so well and helped me out a few times."

Carrick feels the Reds, already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, can afford to take the positives despite being unlucky to lose.

"It's disappointing to lose the game because we don't like losing games," he stressed. "But there were a lot of positives, especially in the first half. We played some good football at times, it was just that the final ball didn't fall for us as we could've easily scored.

"The way the younger lads went about it with the crowd and whole occasion, it didn't affect them, and I'm sure they would have gained from that and we can move on and be better for it.

"Of course, in many ways the main work was done to get us through. We're still disappointed coming away not getting anything from the game but, at the end of the day, we're through and we need to kick on with our league form really."

Fletcher Values Experience

A narrow defeat to Galatasaray amid taxing conditions will provide a valuable lesson for United's younger players, according to Darren Fletcher.

An entertaining, hard-fought encounter was settled by Burak Yilmaz's second-half header for the Turks, and Fletcher saw plenty of positives in his side's evening.

"All the young players who played tonight did fantastic, and playing in an atmpsphere like this will only stand them in good stead for the future," the Scot told Sky Sports.

"In difficult conditions - the pitch wasn't great and it was an intimidating atmosphere - I thought we did extremely well, especially in the first half.

"As soon as they got the game they slowed the game right down with a lot of tactical fouls, got behind the ball and made it difficult. But we really should have got a goal in the first half and we had great opportunities when we broke on the counter-attack."

A predictably raucous atmosphere in the Turk Telekom Arena provided a distracting soundtrack to the evening, but Fletcher found greater difficulties in the unpredictable playing surface.

"Simple shouts like 'man on' and 'turn' were proving difficult to hear, but you've got to experience that, you've got to deal with that," said the midfielder.

"The biggest problem was the pitch, which wasn't good at all. It was difficult to play one-twos and quick passing because the ball was bobbling up, but I thought especially in the first half we did enough."

Anders Upset With Defeat

Anders Lindegaard has urged United to get back to winning ways on Saturday against QPR after consecutive defeats without scoring a goal.

The Dane was beaten by Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington's superb header at the weekend and had no chance with Burak Yilmaz's winner for Galatasaray. Despite an impressive display by the keeper, and the team in general, Lindegaard found it hard to take too many positives from another reverse.

"We've lost two games in a row," he told MUTV. "I played two games in a row and we've lost two games in a row. It's very hard to find smiles about anything or a positive side.

"We have an important game on Saturday against QPR and need to get back on track."

Lindegaard admits the incredible atmosphere at the Turk Telekom Arena affected his performance, even though he pulled off a string of fine saves.

"It was quite a special atmosphere to play in," he admitted. "Very hectic, very noisy and loud. You can't really communicate on the field by yelling and talking. You need to be more visual.

"At times, obviously it was very difficult for me. It's a way of keeping me on my toes and keeping myself in the game communicating, even though they can't hear me! So I was being more visual and showing where I wanted the ball and what kind of pass I was giving - whether they should turn on it or play it back.

"I think Phil [Jones] did well. He showed he's on the way back and he's an important player for us. He's going to be very important in the next couple of months when we have plenty of games coming up."

Champions League: Galatasaray 1 Man. United 0

Manchester United and Galatasaray served up a breathless and bruising encounter on Tuesday night in front of a ferociously partisan crowd at the Turk Telekom Arena.

The home side, thanks to Burak Yilmaz's 52rd-minute header, may have claimed the spoils – and, with them, kept alive their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout phase – but Sir Alex will have been pleased by the footballing education his young squad received.

Indeed, in many respects, the result in Istanbul was always going to be an afterthought for a United side that arrived in Turkey already through to the Last 16 as Group H winners.

This trip was about blooding the club’s youth – eight of the 21 players who travelled to Turkey arrived without a previous European appearance to their name – and opening their eyes to one of the most hostile atmospheres in European football.

And although Sir Alex’s future stars dodged the fiery welcome at Ataturk Airport on Monday night (police advice prompted a last-minute change of terminal after hundreds of Galatasaray fans descended on the building), there was no sidestepping what lay in store at the 55,000-capacity Turk Telekom Arena.

Even the noise generated in the warm-up made the loudest of English atmospheres seem tame. Galatasaray fans – drums beating, bodies bouncing – whistled, sung and chanted their way towards kick-off. When it came, they just kept going. With added flares, streamers and a giant 3D lion, of course.

The opening exchanges proved almost as lively. Tom Cleverley and Yilmaz both stung palms with efforts from outside the area before Danny Welbeck’s cross almost caused Felipe Melo embarrassment. Semih Kaya was booked for a two-footed lunge on Alexander Büttner and Hamit Altintop took a blow to the ribs to round off an action-packed first 10 minutes.

Yilmaz was then guilty of spurning two headed opportunities as Galatasarary began to stamp their authority on the match. The first he miscued, the second he headed over; both attempts were made under little or no defensive pressure.

Still, in the powder-keg atmosphere, Sir Alex’s side just about held their own, played neat passing triangles when in possession and did well to keep cool under an ever-growing list of robust challenges.

A spell of frantic defending ensued when Lindegaard spilled Altintop’s drive. In the next phase of play Galatasaray were convinced they should have had a penalty when the ball struck Büttner’s arm. Welbeck then raced down the other end and won a corner, from which Phil Jones was inches away from nodding in at the far post.

Nick Powell, in his first Champions League fixture, went even closer when he thundered a header off the crossbar on 43 minutes. And there was still time for the home side to threaten before referee Carlos Velasco Carballo brought a brilliant half to a close.

Lindegaard was twice called into action early in the second period. He held well from former Liverpool and Manchester City left-back Albert Riera’s volley and then spectacularly turned over Felipe Melo’s bullet header from 10 yards.

Melo urged the crowd to give more, to sing louder, and they responded immediately. It did the trick, as Galatasaray took the lead from the resulting corner, Burak succeeding where he had previously twice failed.

Minutes later, United looked certain to equalise as the Reds broke at speed and in numbers. But when Welbeck laid the ball across the box to Javier Hernandez and the Mexican checked back inside and pulled the trigger, Melo was there to bravely block.

He celebrated as if he’d scored and it was then you realised just how much the home side craved a famous scalp.

Galatasaray, sensing this was their night, moved in for the kill. Eboue forced Lindegaard into an athletic stop and Altintop, who toiled tirelessly all evening alongside Melo, crashed a shot against the bar with 12 minutes remaining.

Sir Alex threw on Federico Macheda, Ashley Young and Joshua King in the closing stages, but United’s infamous comeback capabilities proved elusive.

Nevertheless, the Reds could leave the pitch with heads held high – older, wiser and having played their part in a thrilling contest. Sometimes, winning isn’t everything.

Kagawa Out For Another Month

Shinji Kagawa is set to miss the Manchester derby, among other matches, as his absence extends beyond initial estimates.

The Japanese midfielder twisted his knee in Manchester United's Champions League victory over Braga at Old Trafford on 23 October and has been sidelined for the six subsequent matches. At the time of the injury, he was expected to be back in action around now - for the trip to Galatasaray or the home against QPR at the weekend - but Sir Alex Ferguson has regrettably had to rule that out.

"Shinji's progress has been quite slow actually," said the boss on Monday night.

"He's not started any outside work and we're looking at another four weeks away, which is disappointing. Originally we thought three or four weeks - now it looks like seven or eight weeks."

Kagawa was among United's best performers prior to being injured, opening his career in England in impressive style and winning the Reds' Player of the Month award for August.

Sir Alex's prediction of "another four weeks away" means that Kagawa is likely to miss the matches against West Ham (28 November), Reading (1 December), CFR Cluj (5 December) and Manchester City (9 December) as well as this week's games against Galatasaray and QPR.

Chicharito Denied First Hat-trick

The Premier League have denied Javier Hernandez a first Manchester United hat-trick by confirming the Reds' second strike against Aston Villa on 10 November was an own goal.

Chicharito's far-post volley at Villa Park was deflected into the net by Ron Vlaar and the goal has been credited to the home side's Dutch defender by the Dubious Goals Panel.

Hernandez had already kick-started United’s second-half fightback after coming on as a half-time substitute and secured a memorable 3-2 victory when he headed home three minutes from time.

Afterwards the Mexican carried the matchball off the pitch and did his best to claim the contentious goal, saying: "I've seen the replay and I think it's going on target.

"The defender tried to get it away but I think he kicked it in the same direction as I shot."

So the 24-year-old's wait for a first treble in the red shirt continues, though he has now hit seven braces overall and will be delighted with a recent run of form that has yielded seven goals in his last six games.

Reds Agree Denizbank Deal

Manchester United has today announced a four-year sponsorship with prominent Turkish bank Denizbank.

The new agreement, the first of its kind to be forged by the club and a Turkish bank, will give Denizbank the exclusive rights to offer the official Manchester United Credit Card to the club’s 9.5 million followers in Turkey.

The unique United and Denizbank branded credit card will offer cardholders a number of attractive incentives and benefits, including discounts at the club’s Red Café and Museum & Tour, as well exciting competitions and money-can't-buy prizes.

To celebrate these great 'saves', legendary Reds goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel attended a press conference in Istanbul ahead of the team’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray.

United's commercial director Richard Arnold said: “This is the 11th sponsorship to be announced by the club so far this season, which demonstrates not only the strength of the Manchester United brand but also our desire to engage with our fans through our global network of like-minded businesses.

"Denizbank has over 11,250 employees and now has 610 branches across Turkey, opening 10 new branches within the first six months of this year. Much like Manchester United, Denizbank’s rapid and continuous growth demonstrates its aspiration for success.

"The company shares many of United’s core values and I am confident this will be a very successful partnership, bringing a fantastic product to our Turkish fans.”

For more information on the Denizbank Manchester United Credit Card, please visit www.denizbank.com.

Boss's Ronaldo Admission

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he'd "like to think" Cristiano Ronaldo could one day return to Manchester United - but concedes any club would face a difficult task in luring the Portuguese goal machine away from Real Madrid.

The former Old Trafford star is due to fly into Manchester on Tuesday, ahead of his current club's UEFA Champions League clash with City at the Etihad Stadium. United fans still chant his name and he's likely to receive a warm welcome from any Reds he meets on the trip.

"He’s an unbelievable player," stated Sir Alex. "One of the best, no doubt about that. We have had a great pantheon of players but no question Ronaldo compares with any of them. In his last season, he made five chances every match - he's a brilliant player."

When asked if he regrets not inserting a buy-back option in Ronaldo's sale, Sir Alex laughed: "How do you know I haven't? He always wanted to play for Real, it was a boyhood dream, but I’m not saying he’ll stay there forever. He might leave, you never know."

It was suggested that the door is always open to a sensational return to United.

"I don’t think it’ll happen but I would like to think it would [be]," Sir Alex admitted. "We’d be talking incredible amounts of money now. What do you think his value would be? He’s never injured. When does he ever miss a game? Who could afford him? One of the Russian clubs could buy him but do you think he’d go to Russia? He complained about the weather here so imagine him in the middle of winter in Russia!

"I speak to Cristiano quite regularly. He’s always available to talk to, and he’s always wishing us well. I think our result is the first one he looks for, no doubt about that."

Reds To Assess Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to be able to call on the services of Wayne Rooney for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Galatasaray.

The striker went off injured towards the end of last weekend's win at Aston Villa with an ankle knock, but, after Saturday's defeat at Norwich, Sir Alex revealed to MUTV that the striker missed the visit to Carrow Road because of illness.

United's medical team will assess the England international on Sunday, providing he is well enough to come into training.

"He's had tonsillitis," the boss confirmed to MUTV. "We hope he'll be in tomorrow - we'll see what he's like then.

"If he does [come in] hopefully we can get him ready for Tuesday."

Boss Salutes Battling Canaries

Sir Alex Ferguson made no complaints as United slipped to a lacklustre defeat against Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The Canaries took the spoils through Anthony Pilkington's neatly-converted header, a goal from which United rarely looked like recovering, even in a season already laced with rousing comebacks.

"We're disappointed to lose the game, obviously, but we have to give credit to Norwich for the way they fought and battled for every ball on the pitch," the boss told ESPN.

"They defended fantastically well and their goalkeeper had a really good night also. It's disappointing. They deserved the win just because they worked so hard for it."

United had previously rescued 15 points from losing positions in the Barclays Premier League this term, and Sir Alex admitted that he always felt his side were in with a shout of rescuing another lost cause.

"We had a lot of possession and one or two half-chances without having any great chances, but it just wasn't our night," he said. "The players we've got are used to making comebacks, particularly in the last minutes of matches.

"We're always a threat. We were in some respects tonight also, but they defended really well and the goalkeeper's made two or three really good saves at vital moments."

Premier League: Norwich City 1 Man. United 0

Manchester United slipped to second spot in the Barclays Premier League after losing to Norwich City in an insipid encounter at Carrow Road.

Anthony Pilkington's header just before the hour mark was the outstanding moment of quality in a game largely conducted at a sluggish tempo, while the hosts' well-drilled defence restricted United to a handful of half-chances.

Robin van Persie had the Reds' best openings, but even the prolific Dutchman had to feed off scraps on an evening when little went right for the visitors, who now sit a point behind reigning champions Manchester City.

As expected, Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans missed the trip to Norfolk through injury, while David De Gea was a surprise omission as he recovered from having his wisdom teeth removed earlier this week.

Anders Lindegaard deputised in goal, while Chris Smalling continued in central defence and Sir Alex Ferguson made good of his vow to start Javier Hernandez up front, just ahead of van Persie.

The Dutchman was quickly involved in the play, taking little more than two minutes to force John Ruddy into an alert save with a low, curling effort from just outside the area. Collectively, United's early play carried plenty of intent, with the hosts penned back but quick to look for counter-attacks.

The first such break emerged after eight minutes, as Robert Snodgrass intelligently released Pilkington, only for the winger to fire comfortably wide of the target after diligent covering from Antonio Valencia.

A Young free-kick from distance prompted a straightforward save from Ruddy and Wesley Hoolahan's 25-yard effort received similar treatment from Lindegaard, before Patrice Evra almost completely missed a free header from Young's pinpoint corner.

Snodgrass made more substantial contact when Wes Hoolahan whipped in a fine left-wing cross, but the ex-Leeds midfielder's header drifted comfortably wide of Lindegaard's far post. Within long, Javier Garrido fizzed a dangerous, low cross through a similar course, only to see it evade target man Grant Holt.

The hosts were increasingly menacing in attack - though they did waste a presentable opening when Smalling's scuffed clearance culminated only a blocked shot from Bradley Johnson - and it took a superb sliding clearance from Smalling to stop Holt from turning in Snodgrass' cross.

Shortly before the break came United's clearest chance of the half, only for van Persie to get himself in a tangle in trying to reach Giggs' beautifully-flighted ball through the middle.

That opening sparked a late spell of pressure from United, and Ruddy produced a superb reaction save to fend away Young's half-volley through a crowded penalty area. Nevertheless, the interval arrived with the points still in touching distance of both sides.

As in the first period, United began the second half brightly. Young's well-weighted pass released van Persie and, though he took two attempts to bring the ball under control, the Dutchman brought a solid save from Ruddy with a low, near-post effort.

Norwich hit straight back and pressured Lindegaard with a deep free-kick from Snodgrass, but in open play both sides continued to serve up a dearth of excitement until just before the hour mark, when Garrido's superb cross was expertedly guided past Lindegaard by Pilkington.

The goal prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to introduce Paul Scholes and Danny Welbeck in place of Chicharito and Valencia, and Welbeck came close to levelling when his header drifted just past Ruddy's upright.

United's general play improved under the dawning realisation of the situation's gravity, but Norwich's resolve redoubled with every passing moment. Two yellow and green-clad banks of bodies steadfastly protected Ruddy, crucially keeping calm and sticking to their task under the mounting pressure.

Norwich passed up a glorious chance to double the margin of victory when Jonny Howson dragged a glaring chance wide, and were indebted to Ruddy's injury-time heroics as he tipped over Sebastien Bassong's errant header, then clutched substitute Anderson's low effort under heavy pressure from Scholes.

Having produced up an inordinate number of rousing late comebacks already this season, United finally returned to the well to find it empty.

No Decision On Scholes

A decision has yet to be made on Paul Scholes' future beyond the end of the season.

The veteran midfielder benefited from a small break in action recently and returned to the starting line-up for the 3-2 success at Aston Villa, creating the vital first goal by Javier Hernandez with a defence-splitting pass.

After already prolonging his career following his decision to retire in 2011, there has been inevitable speculation that this term could be his last but the playmaker, who turned 38 on Friday, will obviously keep his cards close to his chest as always.

"There’s not a time to make a judgement on that [carrying on next year]," said Sir Alex. "I think Paul will know himself. But he is still the best passer of the ball in the country. That’s not stopped.

"He has still got the desire to play. He is 38 and Ryan is 39 on 29 November. It’s amazing, particularly with Scholesy, because he has had one or two injuries over the years and he quit last summer and then came back again. He made a fantastic contribution in the second half of last season. I just think he’s doing what he’s doing and he’ll sort it out himself."

Rooney Targets Bobby Charlton's Goal-scoring Record

Wayne Rooney has set himself the challenge of surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring exploits for both club and country.

Rooney, with 32 goals to his name for England, needs 17 more to emulate Charlton's international tally and another 64 to match the former midfield legend's Old Trafford haul.

"Sir Bobby holds both records so that's a great challenge," Rooney told Shortlist magazine. "The guy is a legend and is such a presence around the club.

"If I could break his record as Manchester United's top goalscorer and maybe even England's. That is such a great incentive.

"I want to play as long as I can and to have shared a dressing room with the

likes of Giggsy and Paul Scholes is inspiration to do just that. At least another 10 years would be great.

"I can see myself one day moving back into midfield - I can do it - but I'm not ready yet. I'm a centre-forward and I score goals.

"I feel I have plenty of goals left in me. I'll play in midfield if I have to and I have done so at United, but goals are still my main aim and the biggest part of my game."

Rooney missed the midweek international friendly in Sweden but is expected to be back in the United ranks for the weekend visit to Norwich.

Welbeck Is Worth The Wait

Sir Alex Ferguson says Danny Welbeck must be patient for chances in United’s first team, but he has promised the young striker that his future is as a centre forward.

After a hugely impressive first full campaign last season in which Longsight-born Welbeck excelled through the middle of the Reds' attack, his opportunities have been hindered by the arrival of Robin van Persie and the recent form of Javier Hernandez, often finding game time in a wide left attacking role.

“With Robin coming in and when we’ve got Wayne as well, you tend to rely on the experience of these players,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday. “They are great players too. What we have to try and do is alternate selections so that Danny feels he is making a contribution. At the moment, we have tended to play him wide left. I think he’s capable of playing there. He is a threat coming in off the wing and he has done that many times. But I think he is a natural centre-forward.

“Danny’s best form has actually been with England. He has not had the opportunities with us to play centre-forward all the time. But that will come. We’ve tended to play him wide left, which is maybe a little bit unfair to him. But nonetheless he has shown with his form with England that he can be a real asset to us through the middle. That will come for him.”

Sir Alex’s options up front – with four strikers competing for two places – recalls the healthy selection problems faced in the 1998/99 Treble-winning campaign with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Teddy [Sheringham] was never happy being left out, and certainly Coley was never happy being left out!” Sir Alex added. “He’d be grumpy and groan for days about it. He wanted to play all the time. I think it’s great if the players want to play all the time. I think the important thing is that they feel they make a contribution over the course of the season.

“That’s where [in ‘99] they felt that they made their contribution. They all scored such important goals whether coming on or actually starting. It’s legend that Sheringham and Solskjaer scored those goals in the Champions League final, and Teddy came on and scored in the FA Cup final. It’s contributions like that that you can’t dismiss.”

Welbeck is still developing as a player and Sir Alex is mindful of giving him the opportunities he needs to keep improving. “What you have to do is be fair,” he said. “It would have been harder for someone more experienced to be left out in 99. It wasn’t easy. The day we won the league I took Teddy off against his old team because I felt the change was needed. I was sure he was not happy at all. But their contribution was that they all played their part over the course of the season. Danny will get opportunities.”