In Summary: Manchester United News

Here is a brief summary of news involving Manchester United from 2 to 19 April

2nd April - Manchester United's 'handball' approach frustrates Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben

Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has labelled Manchester United's defensive display in the Champions League quarter-final as being "like handball".

United had only 26% possession in the first leg at Old Trafford but still managed to come away with a 1-1 draw to take to next week's decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg in Munich.

Dutch winger Robben believes Bayern's away goal could prove crucial but warned that United should not be underestimated.

Robben said: "It was not easy, as Man United played very defensively and didn't leave any gaps. We wanted to play football but they tried to stop us, just playing on the counter-attack, it was almost like handball.

"Away goals are very important and that's why we are satisfied having come back from 1-0 down, so we'll take the result back home and hopefully finish it off next week.

"I didn't really like the atmosphere before the game because everyone was saying you are going to win it, it's going to be easy.

"No - you play at Old Trafford against Manchester United who are a top team and top players and the Champions League is something different, it's not like the [domestic] league.

"We have to bring in another top performance to beat them and it's going to be very difficult."

3rd April - Rooney rejects diving claims by Bayern Munich

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has rubbished accusations that he dived to get Bastian Schweinsteiger sent off in the 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

The Bayern midfielder, now suspended for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Germany, appeared to make a diving gesture after the incident, as did his manager Pep Guardiola.

Rooney, who also criticised team-mate Danny Welbeck for his fluffed shot at Old Trafford in the first half, said: "I don't really want to say what [Schweinsteiger] said, but I thought it was a foul.

"If I didn't get out of the way he could have hurt me, he's gone in with his studs and the referee has booked him, so it's not my decision.

"It's not nice to see anyone get sent off. I didn't try and get him sent off, the referee has made the decision. I have tried to stop myself from getting hurt and the referee has had a decision to make.

"He's a great player and he's obviously someone they will miss - and [Javi] Martinez as well being suspended - but they have a great squad of players who can come in."

3rd April - Fans ask, De Gea answers

United followers on Facebook posted their questions for our Spanish stopper...

How do you assess your chances of going to the World Cup? Nkosi Edwin M Dube
Well, Victor Valdes has picked up an injury and the first thing to say is that’s an absolute shame and not something you’d wish on anybody, least of all him. It’s an awful situation but perhaps it might open a door for me to be at the World Cup.

Where does Wayne Rooney’s goal at West Ham rank among all those in matches you’ve been involved in? Pascal Robert
It’s definitely one of the most fantastic, unusual goals I’ve seen on the pitch. It was so hard to execute because the ball was bouncing and he was almost on the half-way line. To be able to put the ball where he did from there was incredible, a tremendous piece of skill.

Do you think you have a chance of winning United’s Player of the Year award? Alberto Rodriguez
I couldn’t say – it’s down to the fans who vote. It’s not something I focus on too much. I always try to perform to the best of my ability, to have a good season and stay on the right track – that’s all. We’ve got some players who’ve done well throughout the season and others who’ve had good spells during it. So there are plenty of candidates but it’s difficult to pick one.

Which player is the toughest to face in training? Jon Guerrero
They’re all top-quality players who stretch you to the limit and demand that you’re in your best form during training, which means you’re constantly improving. Chicha always scores a lot in training, so does Rooney – but they’re all good.

4th April - David de Gea cannot explain difference in form

David de Gea is at a loss to explain the difference between Manchester United's Premier League and UEFA Champions League form.

The outgoing champions have suffered six defeats in front of their own supporters in the top flight as their title defence faltered badly under new manager David Moyes.

But the Red Devils have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and drew 1-1 at home to holders Bayern Munich on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-eight clash to maintain their hopes of progress.

Recent home defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool were particularly galling for goalkeeper De Gea and his team-mates.

And while the Spaniard admitted the setbacks demanded a response, he is unsure why there is a disparity between their domestic and continental displays.

De Gea said: "It's hard to say why. There's no particular reason for it.

"But we've certainly played better and been more consistent in Europe than in the league.

5th April - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer questions Wilfried Zaha to Crystal Palace speculation

Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has questioned the timing of the speculation linking his on-loan winger Wilfried Zaha with a move to former club Crystal Palace.

Cardiff host Palace on Saturday in a Premier League fixture with both teams desperate for a win to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.

This week, Zaha, who left Palace last summer to move to Manchester United before he then joined Cardiff in a temporary deal in January, was reported to be a target of his former club.

"We have had Wilfried coming on (against West Brom last Saturday), making an impact and - surprise, surprise - Palace want to sign him this week," said Solskjaer.

"I would like to sign him if we can. Wilf is a good player, but I don't think he is being drawn into this situation where it is suddenly brought up that his former club want to sign him just as he faced his old team. Palace is his past.

"Of course it (the situation) is (manufactured), but Wilf is fine.

"I have had words with him and he knows the game. I have not heard (Palace manager) Tony Pulis speaking about him. I am not sure if he is Tony's type of player."

4th April - Moyes focused on Newcastle, not Bayern Munich

David Moyes says he will not be preparing for next week's Champions League second-leg tie against Bayern Munich until after Saturday's game at Newcastle.

The Manchester United manager insists the most important game is the next one and believes it is vital to maintain momentum and confidence following their battling 1-1 draw with the European champions at Old Trafford earlier this week.

And although the Champions League offers the Red Devils their only chance of silverware this season, he remains focused on this weekend's game at St James' Park where United will hope to gain revenge for their shock 1-0 home defeat back in early December.

He said: "My focus is only on Newcastle. It's important to keep trying to build some momentum and get the three points.

"We also have an extra day's recovery this week, as we play Bayern on Wednesday.

"The message to the players is the next game is the most important one and that's Newcastle."

4th April - Manchester United will play Real Madrid in a friendly in Michigan in the summer

Manchester United will play Real Madrid in a friendly in Michigan as part of manager David Moyes' pre-season preparations.

The friendly is part of the 2014 International Champions Cup and continues United's push to build the club's brand in the United States.

United and Real Madrid last met in the 2012-13 season, with the Spaniards winning 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League last 16, and the teams could still play each other in this season's competition.

The match will take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, which is known locally as 'The Big House'.

5th April - Moyes: Marouane Fellaini justifying his price tag

Manchester United boss David Moyes says Marouane Fellaini is beginning to justify his £27.5m price tag.

Moyes signed the Belgium international from Everton last summer after the duo spent five years together at Goodison Park.

But Fellaini has struggled to make an impact at United and he is yet to score for his new club while his passing has at times been woeful.

Spanish newspaper AS gave him 1 out of 10 for his performance against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

But Moyes says he believes Fellaini is beginning to find his feet after a difficult first season at Old Trafford.

"It's not an easy move coming to Manchester United, as I can tell you," Moyes said.

"For Marouane, I think it's proved equally as difficult, but I have to say I think he has done a lot of good things and he has improved.

"I actually thought Marouane got better as the game went on (against Bayern). We needed him and I thought he played very well.

"He did well in the Villa game too. I think he is getting much closer to scoring.

"We bought Marouane Fellaini not to play every single game in the Premier League. We have bought him for several games. He did a great job at West Ham, against Aston Villa and against Bayern."

5th April - Rooney doubtful for trip to Bayern Munich

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is a major doubt for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at Bayern Munich because of a toe injury.

The 28-year-old picked up the knock during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against the reigning European champions.

He will definitely miss their visit to Newcastle United on Saturday and with fellow forward Robin van Persie already on the sidelines, this latest news will be a major headache for manager David Moyes.

5th April - Moyes: Robin van Persie back soon

Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that Robin van Persie is responding well to treatment back home in Holland and expects him back in action before the end of the season.

Van Persie should be fit to return for the visit of Norwich City on April 26 or the trip to Sunderland a week later.

The Dutchman suffered a sprained knee after scoring a hat-trick against Olympiakos on March 19 to help United into the last eight of the Champions League, but has been out of action since.

5th April - Premier League: Newcastle United 0 Man. United 4

Juan Mata scored twice as Manchester United warmed up for their Champions League showdown at Bayern Munich with a comfortable 4-0 win at Newcastle United.

Hernandez added a third with a predatory finish from Shinji Kagawa's pass and Mata provided another moment of magic to set up the fourth as a clever back-heel allowed Adnan Januzaj to fire home and complete the rout.

Anders Lindegaard did have to pull off a couple of superb stops to deny Papiss Cisse but Newcastle were disappointing throughout and boos rang out around St James' Park at the final whistle.

6th April - Moyes hails 'perfect performance' after Manchester United's win at Newcastle

David Moyes applauded a great team display after Manchester United's 4-0 win over Newcastle United and was full of praise for the contribution of Juan Mata.

Asked if it was the perfect preparation for the game in Germany, Moyes told Sky Sports: "It was a perfect performance in the Premier League, which is most important.

"We didn't start the game as well as I'd have liked but after the first 20 or 30 minutes we got to grips with it and there were some really good performances."

Mata has been criticised for some of his performances since joining United from Chelsea in January, but Moyes has been delighted with the impact he has made.

"I think he has been terrific. I also bought him for his goals, and in the first five or six games he didn't score, but his two goals today and his assist, he has made a big contribution. He has made us better."

Moyes added: "I thought Shinji Kagawa was very good, and Darren Fletcher in midfield, and there were some really good performances.

"It was a great team performance. We had to defend well and the goalkeeper made two or three great saves, and I am really pleased with the result."

Moyes also paid tribute to Hernandez, who got a rare chance to start up front in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

"He is a player we value a lot and he makes great contributions to the team, whether that is coming off the bench or starting," said the boss.

"He is a talented footballer and his stats are up there with the best of them."

7th April - Nani expected to leave Manchester United

Nani's agent, Andrea Pastorello, has told Violanews.com that his client is likely to leave Manchester United this summer.

The Portugal international only penned a new long-term contract at Old Trafford in September, with David Moyes making the securing of his services a top priority.

Nani has struggled for form and fitness since then, but returned to action off the bench in Saturday's 4-0 victory over Newcastle United.

He had, however, been a bit-part player prior to picking up a knock - restricting him to just five Premier League starts.

Transfer speculation, which first emerged in January, has now resurfaced, with Fiorentina reported to be leading the chase.

Nani's agent is reluctant to be drawn on potential destinations for the 27-year-old winger at this stage, with financial factors to take into consideration, but admits that all options will be considered at the end of the season.

Pastorello told Violanews.com: "Nani is a very important player and at this time the only thing I can say is that he is likely to leave Manchester.

"The problem for Fiorentina and other Italian clubs is the player's salary. But we will evaluate all bids.

7th April - Gary Neville: Manchester United show "glimmer of hope" in last two games

Gary Neville says the last two weeks have given him a "glimmer of hope" that Manchester United can salvage something from their season.

David Moyes' side face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday evening in the knowledge that defeat would end their chances of winning a trophy this campaign.

However former United captain Neville says the performance of Shinji Kagawa in the first leg - and his link-up play with Juan Mata in Saturday's 4-0 win over Newcastle - has provided glimpses of the type of football the club's supporters have been crying out for.

"What United have had in the last two weeks is the rotation," he told Monday Night Football.

"I have to say that against Bayern Munich last week, Kagawa really provided that urgency in the second half.

"The second goal [against Newcastle] was Mata at his absolute best, showing composure when others would panic and basically doing brilliantly well.

"I think that's been a feature when those two have linked in the last couple of weeks, signs that things are settling down a little bit and some of the players are feeling more comfortable. They are coming off their lines and playing in good areas in midfield.

"It's more like what you would have expected, linking the likes of Kagawa, Mata and Januzaj together.

"Obviously Mata can't play in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich, but you can see in the game against Bayern last week and on Saturday there is some football coming into the game for United."

8th April - Rooney trains ahead of Bayern Munich clash

Manchester United have been boosted by the news that Wayne Rooney was able to take part in training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Bayern Munich.

The England forward picked up a toe injury during the first leg at Old Trafford last week, and missed the weekend's win over Newcastle United.

United had confirmed last week that Rooney was a 'doubt' for the clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, and boss David Moyes said he would give him right up to kick-off to prove his fitness.

8th April - Manchester United to play LA Galaxy in July during pre-season tour

Manchester United will begin their pre-season tour of the United States with a friendly against Los Angeles Galaxy.

The match, which will see two of David Beckham's former clubs meet, will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 23.

9th April - Lindegaard coy on Manchester United future

Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has refused to discuss his future but admits he wants to play more.

The Danish international played his first game of the season last weekend in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United.

With David De Gea now firmly entrenched as number one at Old Trafford, Lindegaard insists he was just happy to play at St James' Park.

"It was nice to get the opportunity to play for the first time in almost half of a year." Lindegaard told TV3!.

"It has been a long time between outings, you can do the maths yourself.

"I am like David (de Gea) and I would like to play in every match. I haven't done that this season.

"But when that is said, I am happy to get the chance to play. You always want to play, but that [my future] is not something I want to discuss with you now."

9th April - Mata says Manchester United are brimming with confidence ahead of trip to Munich

Juan Mata believes Manchester United's 4-0 win over Newcastle was the perfect warm-up for next week's Champions League trip to Bayern Munich.

The Spain midfielder netted a double, including a superb free-kick, while Javier Hernandez and Adnan Januzaj completed an impressive win at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

United face Munich in the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, with the tie level at 1-1, on Mata feels morale will be high in the travelling party.

"Well I think it was a very good day for us, winning 4-0 away in a stadium like Newcastle. It was a happy day for us," he said.

"Great performance, scoring four goals and now we have more confidence for next week in Germany."

9th April - Evra confident Manchester United will beat Bayern Munich

Patrice Evra remains confident Manchester United can topple holders Bayern Munich and progress to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

United travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday for a second-leg showdown with the reigning European champions knowing they must score following their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Although the defending Premier League champions sit a lowly sixth and are unable to retain their league crown, full-back Evra believes their European form has been a different matter.

"You have to believe and, to be fair, this season we have played not so bad in the Champions League," Evra told reporters after United's 4-0 victory over Newcastle.

"We are confident and it looks like we are all up for it more than the league and in the cup.

"I know it is not professional to say that but it is the truth.

"We look more on it, we look more like we have the Man United spirit when we play in the Champions League."

9th April - Young urges Man United not to be overawed in Germany

Ashley Young thinks Manchester United must not be overawed by Bayern Munich's formidable home record when they head to the Allianz Arena next week.

United may have had a good season on the road domestically, but they have faced few teams with as strong a home record as Bayern.

Pep Guardiola's team won the Bundesliga a fortnight ago having dropped just two points at home during the entire campaign.

Indeed Bayern have not lost a league game at the Allianz Arena since October 2012 - but Young insists that should not bother United next week.

"We're aware of Bayern's great home record but it's important we concentrate on ourselves and not think about that too much," the midfielder told United Uncovered.
United need to score to progress, but Young thinks he and his team-mates must be patient in the second leg.

"We can take a lot of confidence from the first leg against Bayern; we know we can create chances and while we have to go there and score, we won't go crazy straight away because there are 90 minutes to play," said the England winger, who was a second-half substitute in the first leg.

"We have to make sure we take our chances and hopefully we can defend exactly as we did in the first leg. If we can build on what we showed on Tuesday night then I think we can get the right result."

9th April - David de Gea inspired by 1999 as he targets win over Bayern

David de Gea is confident that Manchester United can seal another famous victory over Bayern Munich after taking inspiration from their UEFA Champions League triumph 15 years ago.

Injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer secured a stunning 2-1 win at the Nou Camp in 1999 as United became European champions and left Bayern shell-shocked.

De Gea admits the memory of that night has stayed with him, saying in The Sun: "I was only eight at the time but I have seen it replayed a thousand times.

"It was unbelievable, almost something that could never be repeated, to turn the game on its head in no time at all.

"You won't see many European Cups won in the fashion United did that night."

De Gea added: "We have a chance over there. The tie is in the balance, it's wide open and we'll fight until the end.

"Our team has big hopes of going there and getting the victory.

"This is a big club and at difficult moments that is when you stand up and show people how big you are.

"People thought it was going to be easy for Bayern but we produced a big performance."

9th April - Moyes: Rooney will play against Bayern Munich

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will play against Bayern Munich on Wednesday even if it means having a pain-killing injection prior to the game, according to manager David Moyes.

"He will definitely play," said Moyes. "We will do all we can to get him on the pitch. He hasn't trained the whole week, but he's willing to have an injection before the game.

"We haven't done anything wrong medically. He's a character. If he's determined to play, we'll let him."

9th April - Man United players make Munich air disaster memorial visit

Manchester United's players paid their respects to victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster ahead of their Champions League match with Bayern Munich.

Survivor Sir Bobby Charlton led the party as they laid tributes at a memorial in the city to the disaster.

United midfielder Michael Carrick says the visit was moving for the players.

"Paid our respects at the Munich memorial, a moving experience seeing group of United fans singing 'Man United will never die'," he tweeted.

The disaster on 6 February 1958 claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight United players as the team returned from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade.

The British European Airways (BEA) plane crashed during take-off after it had stopped to refuel in Munich before completing the journey from Yugoslavia back to England.


It had been snowing in Munich and when the pilot attempted to take off for a third time the plane overshot the runway. A wing hit a house and the plane then struck another building, causing it to catch fire.

Of the people to die, 21 did so instantly. Co-pilot Captain Kenneth Rayment died later from the injuries he sustained while Duncan Edwards - described by former United temporary manager Jimmy Murphy as the "greatest of them all" - passed away 15 days after the crash.

United manager Sir Matt Busby was badly injured and had to have blood transfusions after the crash, while Charlton, now a director with the club, suffered minor injuries.

At the time, the Busby Babes were attempting to become only the third club to win three successive English league titles.

9th April - Champions League: Bayern Munich 3 Man. United 1

European champions Bayern Munich came from behind to claim a 3-1 win over Manchester United to give them a 4-2 aggregate success in their Champions League quarter-final clash.

After a goalless and tense first half, United took the lead in the Allianz Arena when Patrice Evra fired home a wonderful half-volley from the edge of the box.

But United were pegged back just over 60 seconds later as they allowed Mario Mandzukic to head home from close range.

Less than 10 minutes later, Bayern were ahead for the first time in the tie when Thomas Muller converted from the edge of the six-yard box after great work from Arjen Robben on the right.

Robben, who was United's main tormentor all evening, then decided the tie on 76 minutes as he cut inside from the right flank before sending a shot past David de Gea.

The result means that for the first time since 1995, next season will see United not competing at Europe's top table. Bayern progress to the semi-finals as they maintain their hopes of becoming the first team ever to defend the Champions League crown.

10th April - Carrick: We will be back

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United will bounce back after they were dumped out of the Champions League following defeat to holders Bayern Munich.

The 4-2 quarter-final aggregate loss all but confirmed the three-time winners of the competition would miss the tournament for the first time since the 1995-96 season next year.

With the odds well against United claiming fourth in the Premier League, they look set to face a wait before playing on Europe's biggest stage again.

"It's obviously not good enough," he told Sky Sports. "We've said that over the last couple of weeks. It's obviously not good enough because this club should be in the Champions League.

"It was always going to be tough tonight. The reason why we're not in the Champions League next season is not so much because of tonight or last week, it's about our league form, so we take responsibility for that.

"I don't think there will be a knock on effect. We need to pick ourselves up and finish the season as well as we can and we start again next year coming back believing we can challenge for the title again. That's all that matters now.

"This is where we want to be. This is where we've been for a long time and we'll be back here in the not too distant future."

10th April - Moyes expects Manchester United to return to elite soon

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he is firmly focused on getting the club straight back into the Champions League.

United bowed out of Europe on Wednesday evening, going down 3-1 to Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena, which gave the reigning European champions a 4-2 aggregate win.

The result means that, for the first time since 1995, United are highly unlikely to be present at Europe's top table next season.

After the defeat in Munich, Moyes told Sky Sports: "We have not got Champions League football, that's the way it looks, but I believe that it is not far away, and hopefully it will be one year away.

"We have got to rebuild and our focus is to get a team that can get back into this competition. It is a great competition - we have really enjoyed it - and there is no shame in going out to Bayern Munich."

Moyes was asked whether he believed his job might be in some doubt, after his failure to get into the Champions League.

"That is not a question for me, as my job is just to get on and do the job," he insisted.

"I have found everyone at the club very good, and my focus is to get a side that gets us back in the Champions League and that is the main objective."

10th April - Gary Neville: Manchester United can still sign stars after Bayern Munich loss

Gary Neville insists Manchester United will still be able to attract the players they want, even though they won't be in the Champions League next season.

A 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena confirmed a 4-2 aggregate loss for David Moyes' side and with the club languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, their manager has now accepted that they will not be in Europe's top club competition next year.

It would be the first time since 1995/96 that United have failed to qualify for the Champions League, but former captain Neville doesn't feel that will hinder their transfer plans this summer.

"I've never bought into the theory that United will struggle to sign players because they're not in the Champions League for one season," he told Sky Sports.

"They've got to target the players and get them as early as possible. That was the problem last season, the main targets they didn't get.

"They have got to make sure those players are on board and they can connect with those deals as quickly as possible.

"They've got time now to be able to do that."

10th April - Club launches Eurobank deal

Manchester United Football Club has today announced a four-year sponsorship deal with Serbian bank Eurobank.

The new agreement, a first of its kind in the Balkans, means Eurobank has been granted exclusive rights to offer the official Manchester United credit card to the club’s 1.2 million followers in Serbia.

As part of the partnership, fans who sign-up for the exclusive Manchester United credit card will be eligible for special benefits and money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply by using the credit card, fans can take advantage of a range of club discounts, including ten per cent off purchases in the Old Trafford Megastore and online store, ten per cent off when dining at the Red Café, plus twenty per cent off Museum and Stadium Tours.

As an added incentive to apply for a card, there will also be a range of competitions and prize draws that will enable fans to win once-in-a-lifetime trips to Old Trafford and the Aon Training Complex, as well as an array of signed shirts and memorabilia.

Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, said: “I’m delighted that Eurobank are announcing this credit card as part of our new partnership with the bank. With 1.2 million followers in the country, Manchester United already has strong support in Serbia and we hope that this new partnership with Eurobank will help this burgeoning fanbase grow even larger.”

President of the Executive Board of Eurobank in Serbia, Philippos Karamanolis, said:

"Cooperation with Manchester United is one of the most important business moves for Eurobank. For the first time in the region, this distinguished club launches cooperation with a bank, and this represents a great honour for both Serbia and us as a partner of the legendary club."

For information on the Eurobank Manchester United credit card, go to www.eurobank.rs

13th April - Juan Mata quizzed by fans

Supporters on the club's official Facebook page posted questions for Juan...

You've settled into life now at Old Trafford, but how did it feel to step out at our stadium as a United player for the very first time?
Neeraj Chawla
There were so many feelings. It's difficult to explain them with words. I played, I felt happy, we won [against Cardiff] and I felt the love from the crowd. It was an amazing day with lots of emotions and I'll always remember it.

I saw you looking around the Manchester United museum recently – how impressed were you with what you saw?
Hannah Clarke
Everyone knows about the history of this club but it's only when you see it properly and see the trophies that you realise how astonishing it is. For me, it's always been good to know about the history of your club and I think this one has the best history in the country.

Who is the best cook – you or your good friend David De Gea?
Jerry Ferguson
I think we are both the worst! [Laughs]. I would like to get better. My friends have told me cooking is quite relaxing so I will try to learn more.

Who was your football idol when you were younger?
Becca Meagan
[Roberto] Pompei is one. He was a midfielder for Real Oviedo, who I supported and still support. He also played for Argentina. There was Pablo Aimar, who played for Argentina as well, and when I was at Real Madrid I loved watching Zinedine Zidane. He played with so much elegance.

What is your big passion outside football?
Chris Hempston
I enjoy many different things. I like to read and watch movies and TV box-sets if I am away with the team. On a day off I like to explore places around the city or villages nearby to my house. I'm a curious person. I like to know about many different things.

13th April - Fletcher accepts Manchester United players' futures in doubt

Darren Fletcher admits he and his Manchester United team-mates are now fighting for their futures at Old Trafford.

United's season is effectively over after they crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday, losing 3-1 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.

But Fletcher says the players who have let the club down in a very disappointing campaign must battle on and not allow their season to fizzle out.

United boss David Moyes is set to embark on a multi-million pound rebuilding scheme over the summer with Bayern's Toni Kroos and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan already linked with the club.

Fletcher said: "The boys have got to play well to stay in the manager's thoughts for next season.

"There is talk of a lot of changes so if you get an opportunity to play, you have to go out there and perform and to show the manager that you want to be at United, that you are capable of being at United and you are good enough.

"A lot of people will say there isn't a lot to play for now, but there is - you are playing for personal pride and to be in the squad for next season."

15th April - Bebe plays down Benfica link

Manchester United striker Bebe says he will make a decision on his future at the end of the season.

Bebe is currently on loan at Pacos de Ferreira and he has impressed during his stint at the club this season.

The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact at United since his surprise move to Old Trafford in 2010 just five weeks after he joined Vitoria de Guimaraes and has made just seven appearances for the club.

Bebe has been farmed out on loan to Besiktas, Rio Ave and now Pacos de Ferreira during his time at United and will reportedly be offloaded permanently this summer.

Benfica are reported to be weighing up a move for Bebe after being impressed by his performances for Pacos, but the forward has played down speculation linking him with a switch to the Stadium of Light.

"The rumours about Benfica and other clubs do not affect me," Bebe told Portuguese television station TV Sport.

"I still have the desire to do my best for Pacos de Ferreira.

"At the end of the season I will talk to my agent and decide what is best for me."

15th April - Reds pair open Christie gym

Patients, practitioners and professional footballers all extolled the virtues of exercise this week when Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata opened a new cancer treatment centre - complete with a state-of-the-art gym - at The Christie hospital in Manchester.

The Manchester United players cast their expert eyes over the treadmill, bike and other equipment which has been funded through the club’s partnership with the cancer centre and will benefit the people being treated at the Young Oncology Unit. Currently, young cancer patients have to walk across The Christie to the existing, shared gym but when the new Palatine Treatment Centre opens in June, all the bespoke facilities they need - for treatment and rehabilitation - will all be in one place.

“It’s a good gym and I think it’s important for them [the patients] that they won’t have to move between buildings to exercise," Mata told MUTV.

"It’s a very tough moment in their lives for them but I think with the new facilities here – like the gym, the chill-out area and the music room – they have everything they need to be a little bit happier."

Rooney has been a regular visitor to The Christie during the Reds' seven-year fundraising partnership with the hospital. In that time, he's seen at first hand how the good work of the Manchester United Foundation has helped the facilities to improve and develop.

"I’ve been coming down here quite a lot over the last few years and today I’ve seen a few patients that I’ve met before," said Wayne. "I think it’s really important for them to have a distraction, something to do which they enjoy and which can take their minds off what they’re going through. It’s great for them to have this gym open.”

16th April - David de Gea wants European football at Manchester United

David de Gea says Manchester United are determined to ensure that they will be competing in European competition next season.

The reigning Premier League champions have been unable to put themselves in a position to defend their top-flight crown in 2013/14, and have slipped off the pace in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

David Moyes' men - in his first campaign at the Red Devils' helm - sit seventh at present, nine points adrift of the top four and three behind sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Edging above Spurs would guarantee them a Europa League berth, and Spanish goalkeeper De Gea claims bringing continental football back to Old Trafford is a top priority.

He told United's official website: "There are still plenty of important games to play. We are Manchester United and it's our duty to win every game we take part in.

"That's what we'll try to do now because we want to finish as high as we can in the league, ensure we're playing in a European competition next season and show we are still around and that we will never give in."

18th April - Phil Neville: We have failed this season

Manchester United have "failed" this season, according to first-team coach and former defender Phil Neville.

The defending Premier League champions currently lie in seventh place in the table with five games remaining.

They have not finished outside the top three in the top flight since 1991.

"We have not fulfilled any levels of expectations this season," Neville told the BBC's Football Focus show. "We have failed on the football pitch and that doesn't sit kindly with anyone."

"We are not hiding away from the fact we have underperformed," added Neville, who won the Premier League six times in 10 years as a player with United and also played for Everton for eight years.

"It's been difficult watching other teams above us do well and to even look at a league table.

"I find it difficult to watch Match of the Day on Saturday night; I find it almost impossible because we've suffered this season."

18th April - Mata insists the future is bright at Old Trafford

Mata insists the future is bright at Old TraffordJuan Mata is confident Manchester United will have a successful future under David Moyes, but insists everyone must stick together.

The Red Devils have slipped from champions to seventh in the Premier League table under new boss David Moyes as the transition from the 26-year tenure of Sir Alex Ferguson continues at the club.

Mata says he knew what he was getting into when he became the club's record transfer with his switch from Chelsea in January, and Moyes must be given time.

The Spanish ace told the Daily Mirror: "We have to be together. Now is not the time to blame anyone. Now is not the time to look for guilty people.

"Now is the time to stick together - with the manager, with his staff, the players and with the people on the board of the club. We need to carry on, to stay with the manager. We need to believe in him, because as players we know we have to improve.

"It's not just the manager, it's not just the tactics. It's all of us. It's not the time to blame one person. We are all together in this.

"Some of my friends told me if this situation was happening in another club in Spain it would be different, but the club and the players are behind the manager.

"We need to be strong as a team, as a dressing-room and keep working hard. We need to improve, we know it, but we need to do it together."

He added: "I knew these six months were going to be difficult. Even before I came, things were difficult here, so I knew I wasn't coming to a side that was going to win, win and win.

"But I knew as well that this club was going to come back and that the future was going to be bright."

18th April - Rooney fit to face Everton

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been declared fit to go up against his old club Everton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

The 28-year-old England striker suffered a toe injury in his left foot during the 1-1 first-leg draw against Bayern Munich on April 1 in the UEFA Champions League and he was clearly hampered in the return leg.

With forward Robin van Persie on the sidelines with a knee injury, it is a big boost for manager David Moyes as his team battle to qualify for European football next season with four games remaining.

It will also be a huge relief for many England fans ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Moyes said: "Wayne Rooney has trained great this week. He is in really good form. Getting him back is a good thing.
"He just wasn't right with his toe at times in the last game."

When asked whether Rooney would be in the squad to travel to Goodison Park, Moyes replied: "Yes."

18th April - Rooney ready for action

Wayne Rooney admits it’s been a frustrating wait for Manchester United’s Easter Sunday visit to Goodison Park after a break of 10 days without a match.

The Reds were last in action on 9 April in Germany, a trip that ended in disappointment following the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

Rooney, who has trained all week after a recent toe problem, says everyone is raring to go against his former club and, even though there is no championship crown to fight for this year, the striker insists the players are determined to ensure the season ends in positive fashion.

“When you go out of a competition, you really want to play as quickly as possible so to have had a break with no game has been tough,” he told MUTV in an exclusive interview. “We’ve got some good training sessions in though and have been able to prepare well for the game on Sunday.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating [not to be fighting for a trophy] but we have to just keep going and try to win games and end the season well. It’s not nice but that’s football - sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. We have to get over that quickly and try to do well in these last five games and pick up maximum points. They’re big games – even though there isn’t a trophy on the line, we still want to end the season well.”

19th April - Moyes braced for hostile Everton reception

Manchester United manager David Moyes is expecting an "intimidating" atmosphere when he takes his team to face former club Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Moyes was barracked by a section of visiting fans when Everton beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford in December and it is expected that, despite the pleas from his successor Roberto Martinez, he will be subjected to similar abuse when he returns.

Some Everton fans are still upset at the way their former manager signed Marouane Fellaini and tried to lure Leighton Baines back in the summer.

But the United manager, who spent 11 years in charge at Everton, is trying to turn the focus to the teams on the pitch, rather than himself.

Just after the defeat at Old Trafford, Moyes was forced to deny claims he branded Everton fans a "disgrace" for the barracking they gave him.

"You get on with your job," said Moyes when asked how he felt after being verbally abused by Everton fans.

"I am Manchester United manager now and that is what I concentrate on, (Sunday's) game is not about me, it's about Everton and Manchester United.

19th April - Moyes admits he put off his return to Goodison Park

David Moyes chose not to return to Everton on scouting missions after fans were angered by his attempts to sign former players.

Moyes spent 11 years as manager of Everton, but will sit in the away dugout for the first time on Sunday when he takes Manchester United to Goodison Park.

He was given an emotional send-off by Evertonians in May ahead of his move to Old Trafford, but that relationship soured after he tabled a £28m bid for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, described as "insulting" and "derisory" by the Merseyside club.

Everton fans booed Moyes when they visited United in December and the Scot has decided to stay away because of the strong feeling of resentment towards him.

"I went to see Everton (play) last Saturday at Sunderland, but I've not been back to Goodison this season," he said.

"It's nearly a year since I left.

"I've just felt that it wasn't the right time to go back at this moment in time.

"Time is a big healer.

"I think there was animosity at the way we would have liked to have bought a couple of the players. But some Manchester United players go to Everton, so there is reverse."

19th April - Moyes aware Manchester United may struggle to add early

David Moyes admits Manchester United could struggle to secure their top transfer targets in time for the start of pre-season.

Moyes is reportedly planning a £150m overhaul of United's squad as he looks to build on a difficult first year at Old Trafford, but is concerned that the World Cup could hinder his plans.

"It's difficult as players are going to be going away for the World Cup so it's maybe not quite as easy as, ideally, all clubs would like to get the work done early," he said.

"We cannot guarantee it but we will try to make that happen. I've got to say I'm well into my planning with my thoughts and ideas, getting ready for next year."

Moyes has also warned the club's fans to be wary of red herrings among the many names linked with moves to United.

"Not everything you read is correct, I've got to say that," the manager continued.

"We're linked with player after player and every time I go to a game I'm supposed to be signing three or four players from that game.

"That isn't the case but everyone is well aware we are looking to make signings and will try to do that whenever the opportunity arises. It will probably be after the end of the season before anything takes place but we have got to look to do one or two things."

19th April - Roberto Martinez says Manchester United will be title challengers again next season

Everton boss Roberto Martinez expects this season's under-achievers Manchester United to be Premier League title challengers next time around.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's visit of the Red Devils, the Toffees boss says United remain a major threat, despite being seventh in the table.

Martinez said: "Manchester United will finish the season strongly, I've got no doubts about that.

"Their next few games, I'm sure they're going to fight for a European place and to finish as high as they can.

"Even at this stage, they should be fighting for fourth place. It's ingrained in the DNA of Manchester United.

"It's not in doubt that they will be doing that and they will be challenging for the title again next season.

19th April - Mata form pleases Moyes

David Moyes is keen to point out how he feels Juan Mata's positive contribution in recent weeks has been largely overlooked in the media.

The popular record club signing has looked the part in his favoured central role and pulled the strings in the last Barclays Premier League outing when scoring twice in the 4-0 win at Newcastle United.

Ahead of the clash at Everton on Easter Sunday, the United boss explained how Mata is likely to play a key role in the run-in after missing the Champions League games with Bayern Munich because he was ineligible.

"One thing I will say is it’s been missed how well Mata has done," said Moyes. "I think it’s gone a little bit amiss but Mata has been terrific in his play. He’s started to assist goals and score goals and has struck up an understanding with Wayne [Rooney] and with who [else] he’s played with.

"Juan has been a little bit overlooked. I could nearly say you don’t want to talk about anything so positive, but he’s been really good."

19th April - Jones wants wining finale

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has urged his team-mates to finish the season in style by winning the remaining five league games.

Starting this weekend away at Everton, the Reds then have three straight home fixtures before the season’s curtain call away at Southampton on 11 May and Jones believes that it's important United finish the campaign on a positive note.

“It’s very frustrating [that the club is not involved in a title race], but we’ve got five games left and it’s five games we want to win – we need to win them too,” the no.4 told MUTV. “We want to finish the season as high as we can in the league table and to do that we have to win these games.”

The defender also touched upon how the Reds should be aiming to make the Europa League if the Champions League places prove too far out of United’s reach.

“Obviously we want to be in the Champions League, but that’s probably not going to be the case next season,” Jones added.

“However, the Europa League is still a good competition and one that we should strive to be in. Any European competition is tough as there are any number of teams that can cause you problems. If we’re in it, we’ll want to win it.”