Vidic's Title Warning

Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic has warned that there is still a long way to go in the title race despite the Reds opening up a seven-point gap at the top of the table.

The Reds were far from impressive in defeating Southampton with a Wayne Rooney double and the Serbian accepts that the Southampton match became a real battle on Wednesday night.

With the result all important after Manchester City's draw at QPR, there will still be a determination to put on an improved collective performance at Fulham on Saturday.

"We had to fight to win this game at the end," Vidic admitted to MUTV. "You see we couldn't have possession of the ball and they were attacking all the time.

"Sometimes it's important to win this type of game. Obviously, the performance in the second half, we're not really pleased with, but I think we played some good football in the first half and had some good chances. All in all, we have to be pleased with the result. If you look at the other teams, they all drew, so we're in a good position now.

"We have to now focus for the next game against Fulham. Away games are always hard so we need to think about that. It's a good position we're in. It's important to win games, especially at this stage of the season, and every game now is important. We know that we have to forget the games that come before and always focus on the next ones. Nothing is finished yet. There is a long way to go but we're in a good position."

The defender feels there were positive elements to take out of the victory against the Saints as it again illustrated the team's ability to grind out three points.

"Of course you have to show character," he asserted. "Sometimes even when it's not happening for you. You have to defend and I think the whole team was pushed to the limits physically. It was a hard game and the pitch did not help.

"Again, we went 1-0 down, and it was not a great start, but I think we had a spell of maybe 20-30 minutes of good football where we had a few chances and scored the two goals. We stopped after that. I don't know why. The last 10 minutes of the first half, we just stopped but sometimes you have these type of games and you still have to win."

Vidic also praised team-mates Rooney and David De Gea for their contribution to the hard-fought success.

"Wayne is important for the team," said the centre-back. "He is working hard. Obviously, he scored the goals and I think the more games he plays, the better he is. We need him, especially for the second half of the season, as we need all the players to be fit. We have a good squad now and it's going to be hard for the manager to choose the first XI.

"It was a great save from David [to keep out Rickie Lambert's free-kick]. Actually, I see the ball in the net but instead it was a magnificent save. He showed he has the talent. He is a good keeper and I think the more games he plays, the better he is going to be."

Boss Relieved After Saints Scare

Sir Alex Ferguson cited United's narrow, nail-biting victory over Southampton as 'a bit lucky' and paid tribute to the Saints' second half display at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney's first-half double had the Reds ahead after Jay Rodriguez's second-minute opener, but the Reds were pinned back inside their own half for much of the second period as Southampton dominated possession, albeit without often breaking down United's resolute defence. Sir Alex told MUTV:

"In my experience at the club, when we're going for championships there's always a game where you say to yourself: 'we were a bit lucky,' and I think this was one of those nights. I thought Southampton, in the second half, gave the best performance anyone's given here this season. I think they pushed right on top of us and didn't give us time to settle."

The Old Trafford playing surface has been showing signs of wear and tear this winter, and Sir Alex admitted the pitch had been detrimental to the Reds' play.

"In the second half, the players just found the pitch impossible," he said. "We tried to play the way we normally play and found it difficult because the pitch had dried out a lot. We lost an early goal in the first half but it didn't deter us from playing some fantastic football and we could have been four or five up at half time, but once the pitch started to dry out the players found it difficult to play a different way and it really required us to play the ball into the gaps, which we don't normally do. We can't use the pitch as an excuse, but it didn't help us. It's a worry. We've won the game and I think that's the one thing we can take out of it."

Premier League: Man. United 2 Southampton 1

Manchester United stretched the lead at the Barclays Premier League to seven points on a night that become all about simply getting the job done against spirited Southampton.

For the ninth time in the league this term, the Reds came from behind to take the points but this was a nervous occasion following a more than satisfactory first half. After the interval, it's fair to say that the men from the South Coast were the better side.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted to play without wingers as Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck were asked to parade the flanks in an attacking line-up. But the match had hardly settled down when the Saints stunned Old Trafford with the opening goal inside three minutes.

Michael Carrick intercepted a Morgan Schneiderlin pass but his volley back to David De Gea put the keeper in all sorts of trouble with Jay Rodriguez getting to the ball first, nudging it past the Spaniard and rolling into an empty net. It was a gift for the visitors but the damage was repaired within five minutes.

Kagawa collected a deflected Carrick pass and threaded a superb through ball into the path of Rooney, who supplied a simple, but clinical, finish past Artur Boruc to register his 100th goal at the Theatre of Dreams for the Reds. The celebrations had not died down when Rooney returned the favour to Kagawa, touching on a Phil Jones cross from the right, and the impressive Japan international was desperately unlucky to hit the inside of an upright from a tight angle.

Southampton continued to contribute during an even opening period and Gaston Ramirez smashed a free-kick over the bar as Mauricio Pochettino's new side displayed plenty of confidence and ambition. Yet United carried the greater threat with Robin van Persie cutting inside to prompt the usual buzz of anticipation around the ground before seeing his shot deflect off target.

A dangerous cross by Rooney found its way through to Boruc, who scrambled clear, despite Kagawa and Danny Welbeck looking to pounce, and the Reds moved in front in the 27th minute. Van Persie floated a free-kick to the far post where Patrice Evra's diving header back across goal allowed Rooney to tap in from close range.

Evra and van Persie both fired wastefully wide from similar positions as Sir Alex's side hit top gear, cutting the Saints open with some outstanding moves. Welbeck was the central figure in supplying Evra's opening while Kagawa profited from a gem of a pass by Rooney to release van Persie, who was uncharacteristically profligate when presented with a sight on Boruc's goal.

The hosts continued to press before the break but Boruc kept out Welbeck after the England international expertly controlled a van Persie pass and let fly with his left foot. However, the match turned in the Saints' favour at the start of the second half when they noticeably upped their work-rate and brought on a couple of energetic substitutes.

Rickie Lambert had a volley well held by De Gea before cracking another attempt wide following an error by Chris Smalling. A casual pass by Kagawa was picked up by his fellow countryman Maya Yoshida and, when Smalling headed out the centre, substitute Steve Davis dragged his shot off target.

The lethargy brought the boss down to the touchline but the chances kept coming at De Gea's end. The Spanish shot-stopper gobbled up a Lambert free-kick at the second attempt while Davis nodded over the top as the pressure was maintained.

Sir Alex obviously felt it was time to introduce a calm head, replacing Smalling with Rio Ferdinand, in an attempt to steady the ship. At least Rooney mustered a first noteworthy effort of the second half on 71 minutes but his shot lacked the power to beat Boruc after being picked out by strike-partner van Persie.

Nani joined another substitute, Rafael, on the field with Jones reverting to midfield as United desperately sought to regain some energy and sparkle. Nani was quickly involved with van Persie unable to convert his cross due to a brilliant stop by Boruc and, when the Dutchman did find the net from a Rooney centre soon afterwards, he was flagged offside.

It looked a marginal decision but Pochettino's men retaliated to earn a free-kick at the other end which allowed De Gea to show off his quality, diving to claw away Lambert's effort in spectacular fashion. Rooney over-ran the ball from a van Persie flick, which enabled Boruc to save at his feet, but the Reds were at least showing more menace as the match entered its closing stages.

Yet the lead remained a slender one with Vidic needing to block Lambert's drive and Schneiderlin popping a drive too high seconds later. When the fourth official showed three minutes of additional time, it was at a time when there was one-way traffic from Southampton. United managed to hold on for three points but it became all hands on deck at the death with two-goal Rooney required to defend desperately.

Ferguson Warns His Players

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United side not to become complacent ahead of their clash with Southampton on Wednesday, claiming there "aren't any easy games" in the Premier League.

Ferguson's men will be hoping to increase their league lead in the coming months, and with the exception of Everton on February 10, they will not play any of the league's elite until April when Manchester City head to Old Trafford.
While Roberto Mancini's side dropped valuable points with a 0-0 draw at QPR on Tuesday, giving United a chance to open-up a seven-point lead when they play Southampton, Ferguson has said his side cannot afford to get carried away.

"A glance at our next few fixtures and the Premier League table may have a few fans drooling because, with the exception of Everton, we have a run of matches against teams from the bottom half of the table," said the United boss.

"Some might feel this presents us with an opportunity to turn the screw and put our championship rivals under big pressure.

"I agree to the extent that we are at a vital stage of the season and that we must keep picking up points through the present busy period.

"But let's not fool ourselves into believing that we are now entering a phase against the lower teams that will present us with easy pickings.

"That would be a rubbish attitude and if we slip into that kind of attitude I can't think of an easier way to blunt our challenge, because there just aren't any easy games in this league of ours.

"On their day, teams can beat anyone. That is what happened to us last season with some surprising results during the run-in costing us the league title."

Evra Backing For Büttner

Patrice Evra has revealed he is fully supportive of his left-back rival Alexander Büttner.

The Frenchman, who captained the side to FA Cup victory over Fulham at the weekend, was rested for the two matches in the previous round against West Ham, with Büttner deputising.

Evra is pleased to see the summer signing continue to adapt to his new surroundings and provides further evidence of the team spirit that runs through the camp.

When asked by United Review if he is happy to help Büttner learn his trade, Evra replied: "Of course, of course. I told him when I first arrived here, in my first six months the Old Trafford pitch looked like an airport!

"It was so big and you had to run so much it felt like my legs burned after games. But that’s normal at first. You need at least six months to adapt to playing here.

"I always try to help Alex because I am a United player, not just Patrice Evra. I want the benefit for the team. If it’s me that is playing well or Alex Büttner, I will be happy.

"I don’t just say that to look good. It’s the truth. I’m not a selfish player and I would hope any of my team-mates would tell you the same thing. I think Alex sees that I’m not a bad guy and I want to help him."

United Fans Inspire Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa is loving life at Old Trafford and says Manchester United's supporters give him extra belief when he's on the pitch.

The Japanese international, who signed for the Reds from German champions Borussia Dortmund last summer, spoke exclusively to United Review ahead of Southampton's visit to Manchester on Wednesday night.

"I’m in a fantastic environment, training every day with top players," he said. "At the same time, being with a big club like Manchester United, I know we are always expected to win trophies, which I haven’t accomplished yet.

"I love playing at Old Trafford, though, and I’m always amazed by the atmosphere of the stadium.

"We’ve managed many come-from-behind wins this season, which is very difficult. But if we go 1-0 down and then equalise, the feeling of unity between the supporters and players is incredible.

"Those moments encourage the players and make us feel like we can score another goal at any time."

Sir Alex's men found themselves two goals down against Wednesday night's opponents back in September before Robin van Persie rescued the Reds with a dramatic hat-trick. Kagawa remembers the match well and admits it's a thrill to play alongside the Dutchman.

"It’s not only that game at Southampton [where I've been impressed with Robin]. He’s a player who can do a crucial job to win in almost every game.

"It’s a wonderful experience for me to be able to play with him. It’s always encouraging to have players like van Persie and Wayne Rooney when you’re attacking."

Schlupp Stays With United

Leicester striker Jeff Schlupp has had his spell with Manchester United extended.

Schlupp has been training with the Barclays Premier League leaders since the middle of January and this second extension to the arrangement will see the 20-year-old striker finish the month with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"He's stayed there, we've agreed to extend that," Leicester boss Nigel Pearson told Press Association Sport.

"I have spoken to him a few times and Jeff is enjoying himself there, things

are going well. I think it's great experience for the lad."

The move is the latest in a burgeoning relationship between the npower

Championship club and United, which has seen Ritchie De Laet and Danny Drinkwater sign for City after leaving Old Trafford and Michael Keane and Jesse Lingard arrive on loan from the 12-time Premier League champions.

Schlupp, who came through the youth ranks at Leicester, has made five starts this season but the majority of them have been at left-back as cover for Paul Konchesky.

The Germany-born Ghana international also made an impact at Brentford during a loan spell in 2011, scoring six times in 10 appearances.

Sir Alex Hit With FA Charge

The Football Association published the following statement this afternoon (Tuesday) on www.thefa.com:

"The FA has today charged Sir Alex Ferguson in relation to post-match media comments made following Manchester United’s game at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 20 January 2013.

"It is alleged the Manchester United manager breached FA Rule E3 in that he implied that the match official was motivated by bias.

"Ferguson has until 16:00 on Friday 1 February 2013 to respond to the charge."

Singha Deal Extended

Manchester United’s official beer partner Singha has today announced it is to extend its sponsorship with the English Premier League leaders.

The original three-year sponsorship is to be extended by a further three years to 2016.

Manchester United commercial director Richard Arnold comments:

"Singha celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2013 and what better way to commemorate this than to renew our successful relationship. Manchester United is delighted to be keeping Singha within its family of sponsors and looking forward to building on the fantastic achievements the partnership has created so far.

"I am confident the next three years will be just as positive."

Jones Prefers Centre-back Role

Phil Jones has grown in maturity in 18 months at United and has looked more confident and commanding in his favoured centre-half role this season. But while he is happy for Sir Alex to utilise his versatility, he hopes it won’t detract from his true calling at the heart of the Reds’ defence.

Jones was excellent in a central defensive position alongside Chris Smalling against Fulham in the 4-1 FA Cup fourth round win on Saturday, and yet he also stood out in a typically rampaging midfield role against Tottenham in the league.

The 20-year-old knows which position he prefers, saying: “I have said all along that [centre-back] is where I feel most comfortable. I understand and read the game better there. But wherever I am asked to play I will play there.”

Asked if promising midfield displays might prove detrimental to those long-term aims, he joked: “Yes, I kind of shoot myself in the foot a bit. But I am at Manchester United and I love playing for this club and I am happy to play anywhere.”

Few clubs in world football can rival United’s broad range of talents in that position; with the experience and wily knowhow of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, the consistency of Jonny Evans and the burgeoning promise of Smalling and Jones. That is precisely why Jones will take minutes when and where he can get them.

“I didn’t have a great start to the season but hopefully I can push my way into the side now and get some games under my belt,” he told PA Sport ahead of Wednesday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton. “They are a good team irrespective of whether they have got a new manager or not. They have got some good players in the squad. We will have to be wary of that.”

United are challenging for three trophies heading into the crucial last four months of the season and Jones says that Sir Alex is encouraging his players to aim for a triple triumph. “Definitely,” Phil says, “that is what the gaffer said to us before the [Fulham] game and that is exactly what we are going out to achieve.”

Jones, however, isn't getting waylaid by the idea, adding: “The Treble is too far in the distance. We have to concentrate on the games coming up. We have a tough game on Wednesday against Southampton and that won’t be easy.

“We have to focus on what is in front of us now. We have lots of games coming up. There are a lot of tricky games and it is a tough period but we know if we have everyone fit then with the big squad we have we will be fine. We have a good team here and a solid foundation. You can see that on the pitch with all the lads and in training. It is a laugh but we are focused and are really gelling.”

Giggs Relishes Triple Assault

Ryan Giggs insists he and his team-mates love nothing more than being challenged on the biggest stages at home and abroad.

While the Reds are currently leading the way in the Barclays Premier League, a fifth round FA Cup berth was secured on Saturday thanks to a 4-1 win over Fulham. And just around the corner is the small matter of Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Giggs says the players are relishing the challenges in front of them and are determined to ensure at least one piece of silverware is captured this term.

“Challenging on all fronts is what you want, especially given the strength and depth we’ve got in the squad,” he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. “We want to be fighting on all fronts and involved in all the competitions and doing the best we can.

“I think there is more to come from us. There is always room for improvement. Obviously we’re happy with where we are in the league and in the FA Cup and Champions League – you’ve got to be pleased with that. But there is always room to improve both individually and as a team.

“We’re not thinking about Madrid really. Everyone was excited when the draw was made but as experienced players you can’t look too far ahead. You want to perform in games and be in good form going into games like that and that’s what we intend to do. But at the moment we’re concentrating on Southampton.”

The Saints visit Old Trafford on Wednesday night in their first away game under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was brought in, much to many people’s surprise, in place of Nigel Adkins.

“I think everyone was shocked when Nigel Adkins went, but ultimately players have got a job to do and the new manager will put his ideas across and players will just get on with it,” said Giggs.

“Southampton have been in decent form and on a good run; it’ll be another tough game for us. They gave us a good game earlier in the season so we’ll need to play well.

“Every game at this time is tough but there are no easy games in this league. You’ve got to perform well in every match and you want to do that for your own satisfaction and for your own form. You want to play well because it gives you confidence going into the next game.”

Boss Explains Chicha Dilemma

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Javier Hernandez is providing him with 'a terrible dilemma' when it comes to team selection, but the manager has left the Mexican in no doubt over his importance within the United squad.

Another pair of goals in Saturday's FA Cup victory over Fulham took Chicharito's personal haul to 14 this season, making him second only to Robin van Persie in the Reds' scoring charts.

"He got a break in the summer, got the little rest and that's shown the benefit," Sir Alex told MUTV. "It's a terrible dilemma when I've got that lad there. Sometimes I leave him out to bring in Robin van Persie, but as I explain to him, we regard him so highly.

"He's a fantastic professional, unbelievable attitude to the game, never stops running or working and every training session's the same, so I'm really pleased for him and it's good to see Wayne back scoring."

Comparisons continue to be drawn between the Reds' current attacking roster and 1999's Treble-winning quartet of Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Dwight Yorke, and Sir Alex rates his modern crop just as highly as their forebears.

"The four in '99 were fantastic players," he said. "You couldn't possibly criticise any of them, they were fantastic, but we've got four players today who are equally as good."

Law: Rooney Will Outscore Me

Manchester United's all-time leading FA Cup goalscorer Denis Law has backed Wayne Rooney to keep hitting the net for the Reds.

The Scottish legend thinks it's inevitable that the current No10 will beat his overall tally of 237 strikes for the club but Rooney's tremendous finish in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round victory still leaves him 18 behind in the world's most famous cup competition.

The ex-Everton attacker will be bidding to climb United's all-time list of FA Cup scorers - he's currently in seventh place - as his quest to win the trophy for the first time in his career continues this term.

"When you see some players in and around the penalty box, you don’t think they’ll score," Law told Inside United. "But, with Rooney, you never think that. We always dreaded playing against Jimmy Greaves when he was at Spurs because you knew that if he was in and around the area there was a fair chance he’d score a goal. And Rooney is in that category.

"Along the way, I obviously beat someone else’s total [to get to 237] so it’s something that is always going to happen in football. I was happy to beat someone else and it’s inevitable that Rooney will beat mine. I said when he first joined the club that if he can steer clear of serious injuries, he’ll be the record goalscorer for Manchester United, there’s no doubt about that."

United's all-time top scorers

FA Cup:

1. DENIS LAW 34
2. Jack Rowley 26
3. Stan Pearson 21
3. George Best 21
5. Sir Bobby Charlton 19
6. Mark Hughes 17
7. WAYNE ROONEY 16

Overall:

1. Sir Bobby Charlton 249
2. DENIS LAW 237
3. Jack Rowley 211
4. WAYNE ROONEY 191

United's Value Passes £2 Billion Mark

Manchester United are the first professional sports team to be valued at more than £2bn according to Forbes Magazine.

A report on Forbes' website on Monday said a recent surge in their share price had boosted the club's value to £2.1bn.

Their shares struggled in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange but have since improved, although they closed 41 cents lower at $16.48 on Wall Street on Monday

The increase leaves United, English champions a record 19 times, comfortably ahead of the world's second-most valuable sports team, the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys, who are worth £1.34bn.

Forbes put the surge in shares down to brighter earnings prospects from new sponsorship deals and said the demand could continue given the team's potential for lucrative payouts in the Premier League and Champions League.

Anderson Casting Wide Net

Following Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round triumph over Fulham, Anderson insisted that the Reds’ sights are set on all three major honours this season.

Perched atop the Barclays Premier League, preparing for a Champions League second round clash with Real Madrid and now safely into the fifth round of the FA Cup, the Reds are well-placed as the season’s nitty-gritty stage approaches.

With Sir Alex Ferguson’s sizeable squad currently boasting a favourable bill of health and the boss rotating personnel successfully, Anderson feels United have the talent pool to achieve all their aims.

“Of course,” the Brazilian told MUTV. “We have unbelievable players. I know the boss has two or three teams. He doesn't play eleven players all the time, he changes players and I think he has an unbelievable squad.

“I don't want to be the manager at this moment because there are a lot of quality players. The boss tries to keep everyone happy. Sometimes that's difficult, but that's the club; this is Manchester United.”

The Reds’ comfortable triumph over Fulham ensured a last-16 berth in the FA Cup, a competition which attracts less attention than domestic or European rule, but one which Anderson insists is important to everyone in the United dressing room.

“It's very important for everyone,” he said. “Rio's been here for ten years and he hasn't won the FA Cup. It's important for everyone.

"Every competition is important at this moment for Manchester United. Four-one is a good result but we have not finished here. We have three or four more games to get to the final.”

The Brazilian shone against the Cottagers, pulling the strings in midfield during his 70-minute outing, though he admits that he has a little further to go before he will attain full match fitness after missing several weeks with a hamstring injury.

“I'm not one-hundred percent fit yet,” he said. “I need maybe one or two more games, then I think I'll be one-hundred percent. It's important for me to not have any injuries anymore.

“Just when I think everything is fine I have to get back again, stay out for one month, come back and now it starts to go slowly. No problems, training is good, no problems.”

Sir Alex Puts Giggs On Spot

Sir Alex Ferguson has stood by his decision to strip Wayne Rooney of Manchester United’s penalty-taking duties, but insists he still has faith in the striker from 12 yards.

Ryan Giggs stepped up to score from the spot in the Reds’ 4-1 win over Fulham, even though Rooney, United’s usual designated penalty-taker, was also on the pitch.

The Englishman, however, missed his 10th penalty in a Reds shirt in United’s recent FA Cup third round replay, prompting Sir Alex to hand over the responsibility to his most experienced player.

“I think Ryan's probably one of our best penalty takers, to be honest,” the manager told MUTV.

“I think it's fair that with Wayne missing the penalties he has, it was time to give him a break. He'll come back to it, though, there's no question about that.

“The thing about Wayne is that it doesn't faze him if he misses a penalty kick. He's got a fantastic temperament for that.”

FA Cup 5th Round Draw: Reds To Face Royals

Manchester United will face Reading at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup after being paired with the Royals in Sunday’s draw.

Sir Alex’s men beat Fulham 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford, while Reading progressed following a 4-0 home win over Sheffield United.

The two sides have met 12 times before in the FA Cup and will do so again on the weekend of 16/17 February (date and kick-off to be confirmed).

United have lost just one of those previous 12 meetings, winning six and drawing five.

Full draw

FA Cup fifth round

Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan Athletic
MK Dons v Barnsley
Oldham v Everton
Luton v Millwall
Arsenal v Blackburn
Man City v Leeds
United v Reading
Middlesbrough v Brentford or Chelsea

Ties to be played Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 February.

United Stars Backed RVP Move

Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson consulted his senior players before moving for Robin van Persie.

Van Persie made the move from Arsenal to Old Trafford last summer in a £24million deal and he has made an instant impact at United.

Meulensteen admits the coaching staff spoke to Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes to find out if Van Persie's arrival would lead to any problems in the dressing room and that they gave their backing for the signing of the Dutchman.

"The players at United never saw Robin as an intruder," said Meulensteen. "The boss and I tested that before we made a move for him. We dropped Robin's name with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

"We said to them, 'What would you think if Robin van Persie comes here?' They both said the same thing. They both thought it would be outrageous if Robin came to United - and later so did all the other players.

"The reason we discussed it with Ryan and Paul is because they stand for the culture of Manchester United in the dressing room. They keep that culture and protect it."

Meulensteen believes the arrival of Van Persie has given United and the rest of the squad an air of invincibility.

"Robin is an absolute professional. He's a fantastic trainer and he delivers on the pitch," added Meulensteen.

"That creates a security for players. They feel nothing bad can happen to them because we have got Robin van Persie. We really missed that kind of influence last season.

"He gives the team an invincible feeling. They think 'We've got Van Persie. With him we are always going to score. We can always give him the ball and he will always do something magical with it'."

Meulensteen feels Van Persie was the perfect signing to take United on to the next level after missing out on the Premier League title to neighbours Manchester City last season.

"It was time for Manchester United to have a big-name player like Robin van Persie again," continued Meulensteen. "In the last few seasons, we had squeezed everything out of our star players and last season we were just not good enough.

"He's a really world-class act. As one of the biggest clubs in the world we really needed a player like him."

Cup Focus For Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson insists the FA Cup is "an important trophy for us this season" after seeing his side secure a comfortable 4-1 win over Fulham.

Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez - twice - got on the scoresheet to ensure United's place in the fifth round, the draw for which takes places on Sunday at 17:45 GMT.

The United manager was pleased with his side's display against the Cottagers and even more delighted to see two of his strikers firing on all cylinders.

"I'm really pleased that Wayne scored and that Chicha scored two because if I get those two and Robin [van Persie] into the twenty-plus goals mark, we're definitely in business," he told MUTV and ESPN after the match.

"We picked a very strong team because we didn't want to make any slip-ups. The FA Cup is an important trophy for us this season. We haven't won it for nearly 10 years.

"The players did well and it was quite comfortable. In the first half Fulham had a lot of possession and there were a couple of squeaky moments. But all in all it was a really good performance by us."

The Reds got off the mark in the third minute from the penalty spot after Aaron Hughes' handball. And United should arguably have had a second soon after when Damien Duff clearly handled in the area.

"I think from the referee's position he obviously thought it was unintentional, but from my angle - obviously I've got the benefit of looking at the video at half-time - it was handball," added Sir Alex. "But we didn't need any decisions because the performance was good.

"We had some shots in the first half blocked, one hit the bar - we needed that second goal to put us in the comfort zone, and we got that early in the second half and then a third and fourth followed."

Chicha Targets The Treble

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has outlined his desire to win the treble after helping Manchester United progress to the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Fulham.

The Mexican striker bagged a brace of goals against the Cottagers and looked sharp throughout, taking his tally for the season to 14 whilst helping the Reds advance in a competition that has not been won since 2004 – a fact that has been often mentioned at Old Trafford this season.

“I don’t want to say it was comfortable because I want to respect Fulham,” Chicharito told MUTV. “They came here against a difficult team but we are very happy because we scored four goals and got through in the cup. All of the people should know we can win this competition, as well as the title and Champions League.

“It is almost ten years now since we last won this cup. The gaffer, my teammates and I want to win the cup. Of course, we have a lot of hunger to do it and not get distracted in the league and the Champions League.

“The most important thing for me right now is to win the treble. We have a chance in the FA Cup and now we have two games in the league. After that there is the international break, another league game and then Real Madrid, so we have a very good calendar and we are looking forward to it.

“We want to win all three - we want to win the treble. That is in our minds, we need to think game by game and then get the points in the league and get through in both cup competitions.”

After netting his second goal of the match via a heavy deflection, Chicharito parted ways with his usually reserved celebration to complete a brief yet amusing dance as a tribute to a watching friend – but as the Mexican admits, he wanted to check the goal was definitely his first.

“I was speaking with the referee after I scored the goal and asked if this one was mine because at Aston Villa they took away my goal. I am always looking for the famous hat-trick but, like I always say, we won 4-1 and I scored twice so I am very pleased.

“My best friend is here. We used to play together and do that dance when both scored. In Chivas, there were two players who celebrated like that and when we were in the youth team we celebrated like that too. He was here visiting me so that’s why I did it.”

Jones Lauded By Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise on Phil Jones and praised the defender's versatility.

Jones was an instant hit last season after joining Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2011 but injuries curtailed his progress in the current campaign prior to his return in late November. Recent performances against West Ham and Tottenham proved he is back to his best and they came in two very different positions - centre-back and central midfield.

The fact that Sir Alex started with the England international at White Hart Lane, in such an important league fixture, shows the faith he has in the former Blackburn man.

"Jones was absolutely brilliant at Tottenham in the role we asked him to play," said the boss. "He did it really well. He can play anywhere. He is quick, two-sided and reads the game well. He’s competitive and has got a great change of pace going forward so the boy has done very well."

Some pundits have likened Jones to Chelsea stalwart John Terry during his Ewood Park days, but the manager does not subscribe to that viewpoint.

"Well, I think he’s got more in his locker than Terry had to be honest with you but Terry gathered experience and became a fantastic central figure for Chelsea," added Sir Alex. "Obviously, he was the main man at Chelsea but, as a young player, I think John would be the first to admit he didn’t have the pace of Jones.

"He’s a very versatile boy while John is a centre-back. Jones is proving himself everywhere."

Giggs: We Want To Win The FA Cup

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United are “desperate” to win the FA Cup after booking a place in the fifth round with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

The Reds' legend, who was a standout performer at Old Trafford, believes his early penalty conversion was the catalyst for victory, but feels his team-mates could have been more clinical in the final third having created a number of clear chances to test opposition keeper Mark Schwarzer.

“We got the early goal, which is what you always want, but we didn't really kick on from there," Giggs told ESPN. “We had a couple of chances and probably should have been a little bit more clinical, but then in the second half we were.

“It does help [scoring early]. If you're at Old Trafford you want to score early and settle into the game and keep the ball. That's what we did. Like I say, we could have been a little better in front of goal, but we made up for that in the second half.

“The FA Cup means a lot," he added. "We've not done as well as we should have done really in the last eight or nine years. There are a lot of players that are desperate to win it. The history that we've got in the competition, we should be there - we should be getting to finals. Hopefully this year will be the year.”

Reds Await Fifth Round Draw

Manchester United’s next FA Cup opponents will be revealed when the fifth round draw takes place on Sunday 27 January at approximately 17:45 GMT.

Sir Alex’s men beat Fulham 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and a brace from Javier Hernandez to book a place in the next round and move a step closer to reaching a first FA Cup final since 2007.

United will be represented in the draw by ball no.5. Other top-flight sides still in the competition include Manchester City (ball no.10), Arsenal (no.9) and Everton (no.16), as well as Liverpool (no.2) and Chelsea (no.12) who both play their fourth round fixtures on Sunday.

The draw will take place immediately after the Oldham Athletic vs Liverpool match (kick-off 16:00 GMT) and will be broadcast live on ITV1 and online at FATV.

FA Cup 4th Round: Man. United 4 Fulham 1

Manchester United eased into the last 16 of the FA Cup with a comfortable fourth round victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs opened the scoring in little more than two minutes, converting a penalty after Aaron Hughes' inexplicable handball, while second-half strikes from Wayne Rooney and Chicharito - the latter with a brace - ended the resistance of Cottagers goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and his colleagues.

The Australian stopper performed first-half heroics for the swamped visitors, repeatedly denying Rooney and Nani, while the Cottagers' only other consolation was a late header from Hughes.

Sir Alex Ferguson made just three changes to the side which edged through the Reds’ third round replay with West Ham, replacing Anders Lindegaard, Alexander Büttner and Antonio Valencia with David De Gea, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick respectively.

Wayne Rooney proved United’s match-winner with an early goal against the Hammers, and the England striker almost repeated the feat inside a minute after sloppy play from Steve Sidwell.

The Cottagers midfielder’s sloppy pass went straight to Rooney, who bore down on goal before having his initial effort blocked by Brede Hangeland, then Sidwell atoned by deflecting Rooney’s follow-up into the side netting.

Fulham’s reprieve was only brief, however, as the subsequent corner led to the opening goal. Rooney’s in-swinging cross was inexplicably flicked away from Chris Smalling by Aaron Hughes, and referee Mark Clattenburg had little option but to award a penalty.

Rooney, having missed his most recent penalty in the third round win over West Ham, stepped aside for Giggs to steer home from the spot, despite Schwarzer’s valiant attempts to save.

Fulham’s Australian stopper was kept busy thereafter, largely by Rooney and Nani, making only his second start since returning from injury. The Portuguese winger brought a sharp stop from Schwarzer at his near post, then his cross was controlled and turned goalwards by Rooney, whose shot was smuggled up onto the bar by Schwarzer.

Between those efforts, Damien Duff nervously contemplated his fate after nudging Giggs’ pass out of play with his forearm while deep inside his own area, only for Clattenburg to contentiously wave play on.

It appeared only a matter of time before United’s second goal arrived, and Nani appeared determined to grab it. The winger’s snapshot thudded straight into Schwarzer’s midriff, and seconds later his curling effort skirted narrowly wide of the Australian’s woodwork. A well-worked United counter then culminated in Rooney stabbing a close-range effort towards the near post, only to see Schwarzer brilliantly repel it.

Such that dominance, the precariousness of the Reds’ lead was underlined a minute later. Fulham’s first meaningful attack – started by breathtaking control from ex-Red Dimitar Berbatov, recipient of a warm reception from the home support – resulted in a 25-yard effort from Sascha Riether skidding narrowly by De Gea’s far post, and the interval arrived without further incident and with the outcome far from assured.

If Sir Alex’s interval message to his players hammered home the need to quickly put the tie to bed, it certainly registered. Little more than a minute of the second period had passed when Rooney’s close-range effort was cleared off the line by Hughes, but the England striker’s wait for a goal wouldn’t last another four minutes.

Anderson, whose string-pulling had been a fruitful first half outlet, released Rooney with a subtle angled pass which allowed the striker to race towards goal, cut inside Hughes’ challenge and bash home a left-footed finish which hurtled past Schwarzer.

The game’s second goal had a decisive air about it, and so it proved as Fulham’s resistance crumbled and two quickly became three. Nani’s cross to Chicharito was desperately cleared by Hughes, and the Portuguese kept play alive long enough to find Rooney, then helped on the striker’s low cross for Chicharito to hook a first-time finish inside Schwarzer’s post.

After a brief lull in proceedings as both managers reshuffled - Hugo Rodallega replacing Duff for Fulham, while Michael Carrick's 300th Reds appearance was cut short by Paul Scholes - before United once again cranked up the pressure.

Sure enough, a fourth goal duly followed. Phil Jones' dominant header found Giggs, whose threaded through-ball released Chicharito to advance, cut inside and unleash a shot which nicked Hughes, wrong-footed Schwarzer and nestled in the Stretford End goal.

Fulham, to their credit, salvaged a modicum of pride when Hughes escaped Rooney's attentions to powerfully head Ashkan Dejagah's corner past De Gea, ending the hosts' hopes of registering a fourth clean sheet in six games.

United might have mustered a rapid response when substitute Shinji Kagawa fashioned space on the edge of the Fulham area, but the Japanese playmaker skied his effort over the bar. Rooney also had a late fifth ruled out for a perceived foul by Chicharito, but the decision had little bearing on a contest which had long since been finished.

The road to Wembley is renowned for being laden with pitfalls and hurdles. Having breezed into the last 16, there's little doubt that greater challenges await if United are to end a nine-year wait for FA Cup glory.

Sir Alex: Rio Can Play On

Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his belief that Rio Ferdinand will extend his Reds career beyond this season and replicate the longevity of legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

The 34-year-old veteran defender is out of contract in the summer and is yet to sign a new deal, but his boss believes pen will be put to paper when the timing is right.

When asked at Friday's press conference if Rio will agree an extension, Sir Alex replied: “I don’t think there is any reason why not. We give players one-year contracts and there is nothing wrong with that.

“I don’t think players with the reputation and ability of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand should worry about a one-year contract. It is quite straightforward I think.

“It is not to say we doubt them in terms of longevity. What we are doing is natural because players get to their 30s and you never know how they cope with getting older. Some do, some don’t.

“Players look after themselves and defenders, if they look after themselves, should have longer than Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, or as much as. There have been good examples through the years.

“Going back to the old days, Frank McLintock played until he was 39 or something like that. Defenders can do it if they look after themselves. It does apply to all positions but particularly defenders because they don’t have the mileage on the clock that midfield or wide players have.”

This season, Ferdinand appears to have moved on from the persistent injuries that had hampered previous campaigns and has produced several admirable performances at the heart of United’s defence, most recently during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane alongside long-term partner Nemanja Vidic.

As Sir Alex explains, this level of performance and quality is no fluke and can be attributed to the careful plan that is mapped out to bring the best out of Rio, taking care to attribute game time in appropriate matches as the Reds chase glory in three separate competitions this term.

“Rio has had a great season,” the boss stated.” Obviously, he doesn’t play every game and we prepare him for certain situations. He didn’t play last Wednesday against West Ham. He was nice and fresh to play against Tottenham and of course as we expected he did really well.

“I read that (Andre) Villas-Boas said they (Tottenham)played great football. They didn’t, actually. They missed out their midfield in the second half, they just kept playing it into the penalty box. In that situation Rio and Vida were right down their alley. They (Tottenham) played right into their (Ferdinand and Vidic's) hands I thought.

“I didn’t see any great danger to be honest with you. Rio and Vida swallowed up everything that came in their way. They had a couple of shots blocked but nothing that caused us a great deal of damage. The biggest threat was Lennon. When he got the ball, he was Tottenham's best player.”

Sir Alex Defends De Gea

Sir Alex Ferguson has thrown his weight behind David De Gea and told the Manchester United goalkeeper to ignore any detractors in the press.

The Spaniard pulled off a string of superb saves during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Tottenham but was criticised following Clint Dempsey’s late equaliser at White Hart Lane, having only half-cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s initial cross.

Since then, the media have had a field day, condemning the 22-year-old's burgeoning Old Trafford career while also linking him with transfers to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Speaking to MUTV on Friday, Sir Alex dismissed such wild speculation and backed the youngster to handle the situation: "It has been over the top. It's always over the top when it comes to criticism here.

"The boy has got to brush it aside. Thirty seconds from time, he was a revelation according to most people. He was fantastic and made some fantastic saves. I'm not interested in discussing the criticism now because it's unfounded."

The boss also addressed the situation during his weekly press conference at Carrington, outlining his plan to support De Gea whilst lamenting the pitfalls of being a goalkeeper.

“It is better we deal with David De Gea rather than the press deal with him. I think we are quite good at that. He had a fantastic game and was 30 seconds away from that. I remember talking about how well he played and then 30 seconds from time the ball park changes.

“It is unfortunate for the lad but he has to deal with it. We will help him. Outfield players maybe make 20 mistakes in a game. But they are in a crucial position. We are okay with him."

Regarding Tottenham’s dramatic leveller in North London, the boss also expressed his opinion that play should have been stopped for an offence on Rafael a few moments prior.

“I thought we should have had a foul in the build up to the goal,” Sir Alex explained. “Rafa was fouled going out to the touch line. Dempsey fouled him. The ball goes back to the full back and he bumps it into the box and it is a goal.”

Fergie: Penalties An Art

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wonders whether players in England "can't be bothered" to practise penalties.

United striker Wayne Rooney missed his 10th spot-kick for the club in the FA Cup third-round replay with West Ham earlier this month.

While Ferguson does not believe Rooney is affected by his most recent failure, it is believed the job of penalty taker for the club has now been passed on to top-scorer Robin van Persie.

"You can certainly criticise Wayne as that was his 10th miss from the spot, but at the same time I must point out missing a penalty does not faze him," Ferguson told United Review.

"Other players with different temperaments could go to pieces.

"It's a particular art. The Germans are good, especially in internationals and big competitions, and I think they practice, unlike in England - it seems we either can't be bothered - perhaps players see it as boring, or as if we regard it as almost cheating.

"We will really have to up our game in this area."

Fergie: FA Are Picking On Me

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the FA are picking on him as he waits to hear if he will face any punishment for criticising an official.

Ferguson was furious that linesman Simon Beck did not flag for a penalty in United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham, with the Scotsman convinced Steven Caulker fouled Wayne Rooney in the box.

The FA has until Tuesday evening to decide what action, if any, it will take against him but Ferguson feels he receives unfair treatment from English football's governing body.

"I just think it is more about me than what I've said. Whether I think it is unfair or not doesn't matter to them really at this point," he told The Sun.

Ferguson has submitted his comments regarding his criticism of assistant Beck to the FA and his focus was on the official's performance rather than suggesting there was any bias against United.

"That is what I have put in my letter exactly. But you know the FA," he added.

"You never know. It is one of these things. We are high profile."

When it was put to Ferguson he may not be charged by the FA, he replied: "I wouldn't bet on it."

Kagawa Frustrated With Form

Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa feels he needs to up his game after being left dissatisfied with his performances for the club since his summer move.

The Japan international, who arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £17million in July, has struggled to produce the form that turned heads in the Bundesliga.

Injury has frustrated the 23-year-old's progress, with a knee injury suffered in October ruling him out for almost 10 weeks.

Kagawa, who was substituted early in the second half of United's 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Sunday, knows he has to improve.

"I'm really feeling that I need to perform better," he told the Daily Mirror. "I'm not satisfied with what I have done here at all.

"It's a big and really famous club in the world and I need to overcome lots of pressures and be mentally stronger.

"Unfortunately I got injured, but I have to be better and grow as a player and a person, in terms of contributing to the team's wins and succeeding here."

Kagawa has been impressed by United's ability to turn games around if they fall behind, a distinctive trait of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, and feels he must learn to emulate his team-mates' mental strength.

"I really feel that we have a strong ability to bounce back when we are behind, so people in this team must be really mentally tough," he added.

"We have a really strong squad with many world class players, so it's lucky for me to have opportunity to train with them and play games with them.

"Sir Alex is one of the best managers in the world. What I am really impressed are the numbers of great players he has helped to grow, the numbers of titles he has achieved for the team almost every year, and his ability to mould top players into a team.

"Also, the atmosphere supporters make at Old Trafford helps the team to fight back. As I said, my team-mates are so experienced and mentally strong as I said.

"I'm really lucky to play with world-class players and experience those things, including the history of Manchester United."

United Agree Macheda Deal

Federico Macheda is set to join VfB Stuttgart on loan for the remainder of the season.

United have reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club and the Italian is in Germany completing the temporary transfer.

Stuttgart are currently in 10th place in the German top-flight and and have been in the market for a new striker.

Director of sport Fredi Bobic admitted Macheda has been scouted extensively and a deal was clinched following positive discussions with Sir Alex, despite competition for his services.

Macheda, who will wear No14 at his new club, is United's leading goalscorer at Under-21 level this term and was on the bench for the FA Cup third-round draw at West Ham. After previous loan stints with Sampdoria and QPR, the striker will be determined to make his mark.

"I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart," said Macheda. "I am glad that I can now play for the club.

"For me, it is about getting to know the team and what I can bring because we have a lot of interesting games in three different competitions in front of us."

Zaha Delighted To Agree Deal

Wilfried Zaha has spoken of his delight at agreeing a move to Manchester United.

The Crystal Palace forward has agreed personal terms and will undertake a medical in Manchester today (Friday 25 January).

Crystal Palace's official website report the deal should be concluded early next week, with Zaha loaned back to the Eagles until the end of the season. He will join his new United team-mates in July 2013.

“I'm delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending the recent speculation," the 20-year-old said.

"I would like to thank the owners at Palace for making the move possible, however my focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace.

"I have been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them back to the Premier League, particularly for the fans who have always been so good to me.”

United Agree Deal With Zaha

Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Wilfried Zaha have reached an agreement for the player to join Manchester United in July 2013.

The player is having a medical in Manchester today (Friday 25 January).

There will be no further comment by any party until Wilfried joins United in July 2013, although Sir Alex did speak briefly about the deal at his Friday morning press-conference.

"As we like to do, we sign young players with potential," the manager said.

"We can also develop players well here. That’s proved to be the case many times.

"Hopefully the boy will enjoy it coming here when he eventually does join us in the summer."

Wilfried Zaha: Manchester United Set To Complete £15m Deal

Wilfried Zaha will undergo a medical with Manchester United in the next 48 hours before completing a £15m move from Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old forward has agreed a five-and-a-half year deal but will be loaned back to Palace until the summer.

United will pay £10m up front, with the fee potentially rising to £15m based on Zaha's appearances and success.

Zaha, who joined Palace as a 12-year-old, is expected to win his second England cap against Brazil in February.

Both clubs have refused to comment on a proposed deal, but Sir Alex Ferguson has been heavily involved in the talks, having remained in England as his squad travelled to Qatar on Sunday for a short training camp.

He was named the Football League Young Player of the Year last season and attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.

Zaha, who came through the youth academy at Selhurst Park, has scored 15 goals in 124 appearances for the Eagles since his debut against Cardiff in March 2010.

He is Palace's latest home-grown talent, following in the footsteps of Chelsea's Victor Moses and Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

Former Eagles forward Mark Bright has described Zaha as the biggest talent to emerge at the club since former England striker Ian Wright.

"He is probably the best prospect we [Palace] have had in terms of what he could go on to achieve," said the BBC pundit.

Wilfried Zaha
Born: 10 November 1992
Position: Winger/striker
Club career: Crystal Palace (2009-present)
Professional debut: v Cardiff (27 March 2010)
Appearances: 124
Goals: 15
England Under-19 caps: 2
England Under-21 caps: 5
England international caps: 1

Cole Hails 'Special' Strikers

Andy Cole believes United's top striking quartet are special but feels it is too early to compare them to the 1999 Treble-winning forwards.

Sir Alex has often made reference this season to the fact that Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck give him a similar wealth of options to the time of Cole's hey-day. The former England hitman combined superbly with Dwight Yorke but Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were also worth their weight in gold.

During an Audience with Andy Cole on MUTV, he discussed the attacking armory at the manager's disposal with the Reds dreaming of going all the way on three fronts again this year.

"Robin has done extremely well," stated Cole. "With Wayne, Chicha and Danny Welbeck. I look at the three who played with me - Yorkey, Teddy and Ole - and they're always going to get compared to what we achieved.

"Naturally, you can only compare when the season is over and you can see what the players have achieved but the guys we have got now are very, very special. The boys we had in 1999 were special as well so only time will tell."

Cole does not think he was similar to any of today's strikers, even if he appreciates all of their individual qualities.

"Definitely not," he asserted. "If you look at the way the game has evolved, it's changed a lot. Robin can play up front by himself a lot of the time and Wayne can play in midfield or at the top of the diamond. Chicha likes to run in behind and I always enjoy watching centre-forwards stretch centre-halves by running in behind.

"The goal never moves. You stretch them and they don't want to move so you get more space that way. I look at those guys and I'm different to all of them."

As for the future, Cole is still unsure whether to take up coaching on a full-time basis.

"I've dabbled with it and enjoyed it," he stressed. "I did it at Huddersfield and get asked all the time. Can I see myself as a manager? I honestly don't know.

"I'd like to go in for a couple or three days a week, maybe doing a little bit of coaching with the strikers and them come out of it. It's the only way to say to yourself if you fancy it or don't fancy it. There's no point going full steam ahead then saying it's not for me. I'd like to try and dabble with it and see if that's where I want to go."

The 41-year-old hopes to see United come out on top against another of his former clubs, Fulham, in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

"I'm hoping so as we've not had a decent run in the cup in the past few years," he added. "It's very unusual. When you talk about the cup competitions, you need a little bit of luck. Look at Bradford. Who would have expected that? So, fingers crossed, we can have a good run and get through to the final."

Manchester United Consider Victor Wanyama Bid

Sky Sports understands that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal check on Celtic's Victor Wanyama, and is now weighing up a bid for the midfielder.

Wanyama has been one of the stars of the season and has played a huge part in Celtic's progression beyond the Champions League group stages.

The Scottish champions have been trying to tie him down to a new deal but, with no agreement on the horizon, a host of England's top clubs have been tracking his progress.

Now, after receiving glowing reports from his scouts, including his brother Martin - his chief scout - Ferguson took the chance to watch him in action against Dundee United and Wanyama impressed by scoring in a 4-0 win.

Now United are believed to be one of a number of clubs who could yet make a late swoop for Wanyama, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all believed to be keeping close tabs on him although it is understood a move for the Celtic ace would need to be made by the weekend.

However, Sky Sports understands that, because Wanyama is Kenyan, his work permit, which is more than likely to be granted, would need to go to appeal as his country are ranked outside the world's top 70, which is a criteria set in the UK.

So, in order to finalise a deal for Wanyama, a bid would need to be made prior to next Thursday's deadline and most likely by the weekend to give the process enough time to be completed.

Focus On... Macheda

MUTV's regular feature on United's younger players puts Federico Macheda under the spotlight...

First kicked a ball..
I think I was seven. My dad took me to a football club and I started to play there.

Signed for United..
I'd just started and couldn't believe it because I thought it was fake talk. So I'd started to play for my team and then the scout had been calling me from Manchester United and I started to realise it was real.

Footballing idol?
It was Marco van Basten, the striker from AC Milan. When I was young, my dad used to show me his clips from when he was playing. So he was my idol. I think he was maybe the best striker ever, for me.

Strengths..
Well, I think I'm strong and a technical player. I can finish as a striker so I think that's my strengths in football.

Favourite footballing moment?
Of course, the day of my debut. It was brilliant for me. The week before, the manager said to me I had a chance to go on the bench. Of course, I was young and happy but didn't believe it as well. I said I can't be on the bench but I didn't know who was injured and suspended. I played a game for the Reserves and scored three goals and, that Sunday, I was on the bench. I didn't think I'd go on the pitch that day because I thought I was just making up the numbers with all the strikers missing. Then he called me and I couldn't believe it. I was on the pitch and it happened as it happened!

Career ambitions..
Of course, I want to become a top footballer. That's my dream and nobody can stop me. I want to achieve lots of stuff in football even if I know it won't be easy.

What do you love about football?
I think the supporters. The atmosphere in the stadium in the big games, stuff like this. I love training as well with your team-mates. We're always laughing in the changing room and it's great.

David De Gea 'Has Manager's Backing'

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll believes manager Sir Alex Ferguson will stand by current number one David de Gea.

Reports have suggested the Spaniard may be sold after making several high-profile mistakes since joining United from Atletico Madrid for £18m in 2011.

"I feel very sorry for him," Carroll told BBC Radio 5 live.

"You need the manager's backing and I think he's got that because he's played a lot of games since he's come in."

Northern Irishman Carroll, 35, who now plays for Olympiakos in Greece, said: "He's a very good keeper. He's still young.

"There have been a lot of changes at Manchester United across the back four this season with injuries so I think it's very difficult for him at the moment."

Carroll, who joined United from Wigan in 2001, continued: "I had four years there but I made a lot of mistakes as well.

"Once you make mistakes, people just never forget about it so I think as a young goalkeeper it's very hard.

"Manchester United are one of the biggest teams in the world and if you make mistakes the press are always on your case all the time - that's what happens at a big club like Manchester United."

The latest criticism for De Gea came after he failed to punch clear in the lead-up to Tottenham's equalising goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw with United - despite making a number of important saves to keep the London side at bay in the second half.

Carroll said: "I think he had a decent game against Spurs but the goal came from a cross.

"You have to be a lot stronger from crosses. I think he knows that himself. His shot stopping is fantastic but he knows he has to work harder from crosses."

MUTV Ownership Changes

Manchester United have acquired the one-third minority equity stake in Manchester United Television (MUTV) from BskyB (Sky). MUTV is now a wholly-owned group subsidiary.

As part of the club's long-term digital media plans, Manchester United has made the strategic acquisition of Sky’s stake in MUTV in order to own 100 per cent of the content production and distribution capabilities of this business.

MUTV was launched in 1998 as a three-way joint venture, with UK broadcasters ITV and Sky as equal partners.

Since then, MUTV has developed considerable in-house expertise and Manchester United bought ITV’s one-third equity stake in November 2007.

This latest acquisition is a natural progression and is indicative of the club’s desire to have full control of the content generating and distribution capabilities across all of its businesses.

MUTV is available in 57 countries around the world. It is accessed in the UK and Ireland by subscription on satellite and cable platforms, and in the rest of the world through a combination of subscription or as programming blocks purchased by international broadcasters.

Manchester United commercial director Richard Arnold said:

"The acquisition of Sky’s stake is great news for all our fans who watch us around the globe, MUTV, its staff and the club.

"We look forward to continuing to enhance our media proposition and distribution capabilities in the years to come, and delivering some of the best and most compelling content to our 659million followers.

"Sky has been an active and highly-valued partner since the channel's inception and has helped to build the best and most-watched club football channel in the world.

"We will continue to have a close relationship with Sky in the future.”

MUTV employs approximately 60 staff and currently operates from offices in central Manchester, a studio at Carrington (the club's training ground) and from facilities within Old Trafford stadium.

onny Evans Coming Of Age

Jonny Evans has been one of United's most consistent performers in the past 12 months or so. He recently sat down with Inside United to discuss his progress...

You signed a new deal before Christmas. Do you see yourself as a one-club man?
I’d like to be. Obviously I’ve had my loan spells but I have come through the Academy here and now I’m in the first-team. When I was younger, clubs were asking me to go on trial from a young age and I never went on trial to another club. I just knew that Manchester United was the place I wanted to play football. So to play here throughout my career would be something I would look to do and I’d love to do it. But I can’t look too far ahead. I’m still only 25 so I’ll see where this takes me.

There have been a number of big wins this season, dramatic ones too. Which match has given you most satisfaction?
Obviously the City game was a great win. I’d come off injured and I was sitting on the bench and I just remember at the end hugging Tom Cleverley to death! I was trying not to jump around too much because I had an injury. The game I enjoyed the most was maybe the Southampton game. I didn't actually play, it was just being there. The way that game went, we didn’t actually play too well. I was sitting on the bench watching. When Robin missed the penalty I thought it wasn’t going to be our day. But the way the match unfolded in the last couple of minutes was brilliant. Being on the bench, it’s more like you’re a supporter. The match gets to you a lot more. When you’re playing you don’t get that emotional experience because you’re doing everything you can to help the team score. But when you’re watching from the sidelines there’s nothing you can do about it, so you’re sitting there experiencing all the emotions that a fan does. It was exciting to watch.

You’ve scored four goals this season. What’s the secret?
I think it’s just because I’m older, more experienced and more confident, so I just relax more. The first couple of years I was so desperate to score I was probably going up the other end of the pitch and not thinking about what I was actually doing. I was just thinking, ‘I need to score, I need to score’. Sometimes you’ve just got to have that bit of composure, not try too hard and get yourself in the right positions.

Which of your team-mates has impressed you most this season?
I actually think Rafael has done really well. He has shown real maturity. His brother has gone out on loan now and it’s probably given him a lot more responsibility. Because of the injuries, too, there hasn’t been much competition for him at right back so he has really stepped into the position and made it his own.

Is Rafael’s situation similar to what you experienced breaking into the team?
Rafael is a lot younger than me but he stepped into the first-team probably in the same season I did. We both made our breakthrough seasons in that same year. He probably played about 30 games that season, which is incredible for a young player. Even back then you knew he was going to be a fantastic player. He has been for a number of years. Some people have criticised his all-action style, but I think he has managed to find the right balance now and he’s become, I think, one of the best full-backs in the world.

What’s the relationship like between the defenders? Are you mates? Do you encourage each other in training and games?
Yeah, definitely. We always say, ‘well done’ if someone has a good game. I know that, at other clubs, you get people thinking that if another player plays in their position they want them to do badly. That’s life in a way - people don’t want someone else to come in and do their job better than them. But I’ve never really taken that point of view. I don’t think any of the lads in this team think, ‘When he comes into the team, I hope he makes a mistake today’. We’re all in it together, we’re Manchester United and we want to win trophies. If I’m not getting picked in the team and the player in that position makes mistakes, we’re not going to win leagues are we? We’re not going to win trophies. We’re all in it together and we need each other to be successful.

In five years’ time do you think you’ll appreciate even more having learned your trade alongside Ferdinand and Vidic?
When I first came into the first-team squad, the level that those two were playing at was unbelievable. The presence they have, the way they could defend, it was the very top. For younger players to try and emulate that was a big ask. It still is. But for me coming through the youth team looking at these two fantastic players, it was all about trying to get to that level - not necessarily as quick as possible but just to the best of my ability. I just tried to be as good as I can be really. That’s been the challenge for me. It’s not really been the challenge of getting into a normal first-team - it’s the challenge of trying to reach a standard set by Rio and Vida, two of the best centre-backs in the world. It was a big ask, but something that you have to try and achieve. It’s probably the biggest challenge of all.

Was that daunting?
I wouldn’t say daunting. I’ve never thought, ‘I want to be like them’. I've always wanted to be my own player. I wanted to be the type of player that I am. You can never truly mirror the way another player plays because everyone is different. If I tried to do that then I wouldn’t be the player I am. So I wouldn’t say daunting but I recognised that it’s a big challenge to come in and try take them out of the team. It’s all about having patience and being the best I could be. You can’t put too much pressure on yourself in that situation. You’ve got to go out and play your football and make sure you work hard to always keep improving.

You seem to take charge in defence, organising and instructing team-mates…
I’d like to think it’s always been a part of my game. It’s hard when you first come into the squad because I was never going to be able to do that. I was thinking to myself, ‘How can I tell these lads where they should be’? But then in a short period of time, you gain that respect from your team-mates and the confidence to say something that needs to be said. Communication is a massive part of being a defender. I think it makes your job so much easier if you can speak and tell someone to move five yards one way, or two yards the other way. Small things like that make a big difference to your own game and it helps your team-mates out too.

Wilfried Zaha: Manchester United And Crystal Palace To Hold Talks

Manchester United and Crystal Palace will hold further talks in the next 24 hours as they work towards concluding a deal for England winger Wilfried Zaha.

Sir Alex Ferguson has remained behind as his squad travelled to Qatar on Sunday for a short training camp.

United are understood to be willing to pay £12m for Zaha and will then loan him back to the Championship club for the rest of the season.

Both clubs have refused to comment on a proposed deal for the 20-year-old.

But an agreement could be reached by the end of the week for a player who won his first England cap against Sweden in November.

Zaha, who came through the youth academy at Selhurst Park, has scored 15 goals in 124 appearances for the Eagles since his debut against Cardiff in March 2010.

He was named the Football League Young Player of the Year last season and attracted the attention of a host of Premier League clubs.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had said he was "looking at Zaha" but today insisted a bid was never made.

"We were never in for Zaha," Wenger said.

"I don't know if he will go to Man United. If he goes to Man United, good luck to him."

Palace are fourth in the Championship - two points off the automatic promotion places - and losing Zaha could be a blow to their Premier League ambitions.

The chances of him being loaned back to Selhurst Park are hampered by the fact that the Ivory Coast-born forward is eligible to play in the Champions League, although he is cup-tied for the FA Cup.

Zaha has been with Palace since the age of 12 and is the latest home-grown talent, following in the footsteps of Chelsea's Victor Moses and Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

Former Eagles striker Mark Bright has described Zaha as the biggest talent to emerge at the club since former England striker Ian Wright.
"He is probably the best prospect we [Palace] have had in terms of what he could go on to achieve," said the BBC pundit.

Jones: We Are Fully Focused

Phil Jones insists Manchester United will not get carried away by the advantage over Manchester City at the Barclays Premier League summit, insisting it's vital the players stay fully focused.

Jones was one of the Reds' star performers in Sunday's trip to Tottenham which ultimately ended in disappointment after a last-gasp Clint Dempsey leveller. The 1-1 draw still keeps United five points ahead of City, but Jones says there is no room for complacency.

"Confidence is high but we know we still have to produce and do our job every time we step out there," he told ManUtd.com. "As long as we're focused on what we've got to do and on our game-plan hopefully we'll be okay.

"This period is always tough with a lot of games in a short space of time, but now we're getting towards the nitty gritty part of the season. It's the time when you need to be fully aware of what you've got to do and make sure you do it. We all relish the challenge - everyone is very focused and committed and we're ready for the next game."

United’s next challenge comes in the FA Cup on Saturday with Fulham, and most notably former Reds striker Dimitar Berbatov, in town for the Old Trafford tie. "The FA Cup is a great competition and one we want to win," declared Jones. "It's a competition I've always admired and we want to go as far as we can. It'll be great to see Berba again. Technically he's a fantastic player. Hopefully we can get the result we want and continue to progress in the competition."

Macheda Set For Spanish Move

The president of Spanish club Elche has claimed that an agreement has been reached for Federico Macheda to join on loan from Manchester United.

The transfer has not yet been finalised but Elche president Jose Sepulchre says they have struck deals with both Macheda and United.

Macheda has been linked with a number of clubs after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season following the summer arrival of Robin van Persie.
Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez are also at the club and Macheda has been starved of opportunities, but Sir Alex Ferguson would still like him to play regularly.

Stuttgart expressed an interest in taking the Italian on loan earlier this week, but it appears Spanish second division side Elche are in pole position to secure his services.

Sepulchre told Efe: "The agreement between the three parties is complete, but we still cannot say that the player will come because nothing has been signed yet."

Fergie Called To Account by FA

he Football Association has asked Sir Alex Ferguson to explain his criticism of a linesman at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Manchester United manager was angered by Simon Beck's failure to award a penalty when Wayne Rooney tangled with Steven Caulker during a 1-1 draw.

Ferguson called Beck's performance "shocking" and made reference to Didier Drogba's goal - scored from an offside position - in Chelsea's 2-1 win at old Trafford in April 2010.

He said: "The stand-side linesman never gave us a thing all day. For me, it was a poor performance by him.

"Why he never saw the penalty kick on Wayne Rooney and some of the other decisions... I think he had a shocking game today. I'm disappointed in his performance, I really am. I think he had a bad game.

"We remember him well from the Chelsea game when Drogba was three yards offside and he gave him onside."

Ferguson has until 6pm on Thursday to get back to the FA with his observations.

RVP: Right Time To Move

Robin van Persie is convinced that he got the timing of his decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester United just right.

The Dutchman completed a switch to Old Trafford in the summer of 2012, with Arsenal reluctantly sanctioning a sale as Van Persie's contract entered its final year.

The Holland international has been an immediate success at United, with his prolific form firing the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League table.

Van Persie is delighted with how things have turned out, with the 29-year-old admitting that he needed to make a fresh start and take on a new challenge.

"Arsenal are a great club and I always had a good feeling but after eight years, sometimes you feel that you need a new challenge," Van Persie told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview.

"I found that challenge at Manchester United. I do feel that I am surrounded by champions.

"I do feel that this is exactly the right time to be here. I don't think it would have been better to come here earlier. Everything has gone this way for a reason.

"When I extended my deal a couple of years ago at Arsenal, I felt that was the right move for me - to stay and play because I wasn't finished there. Now, since last summer, I wanted to go for a big challenge, and this was the biggest challenge for me.

"I think every day tells me that I made the right move. It's nothing bad about Arsenal. No player is bigger than the club, Arsenal will always challenge for trophies and be up there. It was just that after eight years I was ready to move on and try something else."

On how things have gone for him at Old Trafford, Van Persie added: "On and off the pitch, everyone has been helpful. I have settled in well.

"The main thing is that from day one everyone gave me the feeling that I was welcome and that they were happy for me to be here. I was happy to be here, it was a new challenge for me and I was ready for that challenge. I am having fun.

"I am seeing things again which I haven't seen for a long time. When I first went to Arsenal years ago I saw things from (Dennis) Bergkamp and (Thierry) Henry that I had never seen in my life before. Now I am seeing those things again and that makes me happy.

"It's like being a kid in a sweet shop. This is having fun, enjoying myself. That's what I am doing, I'm just having fun."

Van Persie certainly is having fun, with 22 goals plundered in 28 outings - 18 of them coming in the Premier League.

He hopes there will be many more to come, with the injury troubles which plagued him in the past having been put firmly to one side.

He said: "If you go back to my injuries, people just look at stats and for a couple of years those stats weren't great. But most of those injuries were impact injuries, they can happen. It was mostly unlucky.

"I don't think it was me to blame, or the club medical staff to blame. I was just unlucky."

Crystal Palace: No United Zaha Deal

Crystal Palace have denied suggestions a deal has been struck for winger Wilfried Zaha to join Manchester United.

Newspaper reports suggested United boss Sir Alex Ferguson held talks with the player in London on Sunday over a switch that could be worth up to £15m.

But Palace have told Sky Sports they have not given Zaha permission to talk with the Premier League leaders and no deal has yet been struck.

Arsenal and Tottenham are among others said to have been tracking the 20-year-old's progress, although United remain favourites to land him.

And Sky Bet have now suspended the market on Zaha's future after receiving a string of substantial bets for the young England international to move to Old Trafford.

Peterborough Looking To Extend Davide Petrucci's Loan

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson will look to extend Davide Petrucci's loan from Manchester United.

Petrucci has started both Posh's Championship fixtures since joining the club on a month-long deal on January 9.

Ferguson signed defender Scott Wootton from United on the same day on a deal until the end of the season and hopes to keep Petrucci at London Road for the same length of time.

"He is, by definition of where he came from, a very good footballer and he loves being at this club," said Ferguson after his side's 1-1 home draw against Hull on Saturday.

"We only have him for a month at first, but I will definitely try and extend the loan."

Ferguson added: "We have brought Davide Petrucci here to play. He got very frustrated with himself in the second-half (against Hull) which is why I took him off, but we have to bear in mind that he has never been out on loan before."

Stuttgart Want Macheda On Loan

Bundesliga side Stuttgart are interested in signing Manchester United striker Federico Macheda on loan.

Macheda, who has made just three substitute appearances for United this season, has also been linked with Spanish side Elche as well as Siena and Bologna in his native Italy.

"We have been watching him for a while now," Stuttgart director of sport Fredi Bobic told the Stuttgart Nachrichten newspaper.

"He is one of the players we have on our shortlist."

Macheda's agent Giovanni Bia last week revealed that Stuttgart are favourites to sign the Italian, who was on loan with Queens Park Rangers last season, and has not played a league games for United since December 2011.

"We are at an advanced point with Stuttgart," Bia said.

"Negotiations are going well but he is a player who is liked by a lot of clubs.

"He'll join a club on loan with the option to be signed outright as his contract expires in June 2014."

Bobic has also admitted his club's interest in Colombian forward Duvier Riascos of Tijuana in Mexico, but revealed the deal had stalled.

Bobic said: "It's a pity we are set to be unable to make the deal.

"We still have a glimmer of hope the deal could get back on. Maybe that club is to undergo a change of thinking in that affair. If not, well we definitely have some other arrows back there in our quiver."

Singapore Debit Card

Manchester United have teamed with official partner Maybank to launch the Maybank Manchester United debit card in Singapore.

Aimed at United’s 807,000 followers in Singapore, the unique card features a distinctive design and gives fans access to a range of exciting benefits, including various club-related incentives.

Additionally, card holders will be entered into a prize draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Old Trafford to see the Reds play.

The launch of the Maybank Manchester United debit card follows the success of last year's Maybank Manchester United credit card, which has been immensely popular with fans in Singapore. Indeed, the bank’s full subscription target was reached twice as quickly as anticipated.

Manchester United commercial director Richard Arnold says:

“Manchester United is lucky enough to have a huge global following of 659million and the main aim of all our commercial partnerships is to reach out to those international fans. It is great to see that our relationship with Maybank has enabled the club to engage with our followers in Singapore. We have always had fantastic support in the country, as the popularity of the Maybank Manchester United credit card has already demonstrated. I am confident the debit card will be just as popular."

Maybank Singapore head of consumer banking Mr Alan Lau says:

"Football in Singapore commands a following unseen in any other sports, and Manchester United has been widely regarded as one of the most supported football club here and globally. The result of this compelling combination is evident in our success with the Maybank credit card – Maybank Singapore managed to achieve the targeted customer base for the card in just five months, which was half the time we expected. We are eager to ride on the crest of this overwhelming response by reaching out to more football fans with the Maybank Manchester United debit card."

For more information, or to apply for a Maybank Manchester United debit card, visit www.maybank2u.com.sg

Please note: both cards are only available in Singapore.

Reds Duo Up For Accolade

Ahead of the FA Cup fourth round, ESPN are asking fans to vote for the greatest-ever moment in the famous competition.

United have two representatives on the short-list - namely Norman Whiteside and Ryan Giggs.

Whiteside's wonderful curling drive past Neville Southall to earn the Reds a 1-0 victory in the 1985 final against favourites Everton has gone into folklore.

There is little more that can be said about Giggs' classic solo effort that dumped Arsenal out in 1999 and kept the Reds on track for the Treble. The Welshman, on as substitute, embarked on a mazy dribble that ended with a ferocious shot and a celebration that summed up the ecstacy of the moment.

To vote, please go to, www.espn.co.uk/facuppoll

Rio Won't Dwell On Late Draw

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United have to take a little of their own medicine after suffering the disappointment of Tottenham’s game-changing late intervention to secure a draw at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Robin van Persie’s first-half goal was all that separated the teams with 90 minutes on the clock, but Clint Dempsey’s injury-time equaliser did to United what United have done to many opponents down the years.

Ferdinand had epitomised the Reds' resolute defending in the second half, with bodies thrown in front of shots and last-ditch tackles applied as Tottenham threw everything at the visitors. Yet while the initial reaction to such a late concession was one of acute frustration, on reflection Rio is sanguine about a hard-earned point.

“The way the game panned out was disappointing,” he told MUTV. “We defended for our lives as a team and got a really good goal through Robin, so it's disappointing in that sense. But we've done that [scored late] to so many other teams in the past that sometimes you just have to take that on the chin.

“As soon as I got off the pitch and got in the changing room I thought back to how many times we've done that to other teams and you've got to accept it every now and again, especially if you don't lose the game. It's a difficult place to come and you just have to dust yourselves down and say, 'okay, we'll take that point’.”

United remain in a commanding position in the league table and a point at White Hart Lane may yet prove to be a valuable one considering the quality of Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

“We're in a good position but nothing is won yet and no medals are given out now,” Rio added. “You've just got to keep chalking off the games and picking up as many points as you can.

"You want to get the difficult games out of the way and this is one of them. I think a lot of teams will drop points here.”

Reds Relish Winter Sun

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United's mid-season break to Qatar will be vital to the team's quest for silverware for the remainder of the campaign.

The squad fly out to the Middle East on Sunday evening for a four-day training camp in the sun.

Carrick joked that the players are looking forward to escaping the snow and believes the trip will stand the players in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.

"I think it will be an important break for us," he told MUTV.

"We can get the sun cream out hopefully and get out on the beach and relax a bit!

"It's a busy season and there are busy times ahead. It's about recuperating and getting ready for the next game."

Carrick: We Paid The Penalty

Michael Carrick felt Manchester United deserved a better outcome at White Hart Lane after "putting bodies on the line" to resolutely defend a slender advantage.

The midfielder may have been granted his wish against his former club Tottenham had the officials taken a different view of Steven Caulker's challenge on Wayne Rooney when the Reds were still leading 1-0.

"It was as clear a penalty as you're going to get," Carrick told MUTV. "We're disappointed with that because it would have put us in a great position. Big decisions like that can change games and today it did."

Carrick's team-mate Rio Ferdinand concurred, "One hundred per cent, it was a penalty. I can't believe he didn't give it. The linesman didn't really help us on that side [of the pitch] at all during the second half. We're disappointed the referee didn't give what was a stonewall penalty."

Both United players were involved in a sterling rearguard action, with highlights including Ferdinand's potentially goal-saving tackle on Jermain Defoe and Carrick's jockeying to win a goal-kick against rapid right-winger Aaron Lennon.

"While Tottenham were coming at us, I thought we defended very well as a team," said Carrick. "People were putting their bodies on their line to block shots and we hoped we could see the game out.

"The game-plan worked well. We set up slightly differently today but we defended well as a team and looked really strong.

"Without having a lot of chances in the game we still looked dangerous and I still felt we could score again, but the final pass just didn't quite fall for us. We were in a good position but we just couldn't quite see it out. It's disappointing after leading for so long, but we just have to move on and we can take a lot of positives from the game."

One such positive would be the play which led to the opening goal, scored yet again by Robin van Persie.

Ferdinand recalled: "The ball got worked out to Tom [Cleverley] who put in a great delivery and whatever Robin is touching at the moment seems to be going in. That was a great start for us.

"I don't think we can be too down about coming away from here with a point because Spurs are a confident team under new management and they've been doing well. We'll take that point."