Taking A Break

Dear Readers of Will Power,

The staff will be taking a break from 31st March to 18th April for a short vacation.

We appreciate your support and will be back soon.

Thank you.

Warmest Regards,

Staff of Will Power

Smalling Sees His Future At Manchester United

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says he is happy at the club and is hoping to stay there beyond the expiration of his current contract.

Smalling’s deal expires at the end of next season and it has been reported that United are yet to open talks on an extension for the 25-year-old.

However, Smalling has been in fine form for his club of late, teaming up at the back with his fellow England international Phil Jones during important recent victories over Tottenham and Liverpool.

Asked about his contract situation at an England press conference on Sunday, Smalling said: "That is one that I have not really discussed with anyone.

"The manager is showing his faith in me and, if I am playing, I’m happy.

"We have got another eight games, so we will look to finish as strong as we can.”

Asked if he saw his long term future at United, Smalling said: "Yes, I do. I am enjoying it, I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute.

"If I can contribute, as now, then I am happy to stay as long as they want me."

United boss Louis van Gaal appears to rate Smalling highly and the player says the manager has helped him to produce some fine displays this season.

When it was suggested that he was playing the best football of his life, Smalling said: “Yes, I think I am.

"The manager has shown a lot of faith in me. Especially over the last couple of months, I have stayed fit, the manager has chosen me, and I am enjoying my football.

"I think he is very honest. He says what you are doing very well and what you can improve. He has real belief in you."

And Smalling says he will be happy to wait until the summer before discussing any possible new deal.

Asked if any negotiations were currently ongoing, he said: "Not that I am aware of, I don’t really take care of that.

"We will finish as strong as we can and, if I can contribute, then I will be very happy."

Credit: Skysports.com

Hernandez Admits Real Madrid Situation Is 'Frustrating'

Javier Hernandez has described his situation at Real Madrid as "frustrating" after managing only 590 minutes for the club.

The Mexico forward, who scored the only goal of the game in the national side’s recent 1-0 win over Ecuador, has been a peripheral figure since joining Madrid on loan from Manchester United last summer.

And the 26-year-old admits his lack of first-team action has affected his confidence.

He told Fox Sports: "My situation is frustrating. I participate, give my all in training, but as far as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal. I belong to a team, but am not part of the important bit, the actual games.

"Sometimes my confidence is right down on the ground, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me."

Hernandez managed only six league starts at his parent club United last season and says his difficult term at Old Trafford was frustrating too.

He added: “The most important thing is to get chances, and to feel that they believe in you. Whenever they have entrusted me to do something it comes out positively, but I've been through two rather frustrating years.

"There needs to be people who believe in me, at least so I can prove if I am any good or not."

Credit: Skysports.com

Falcao Plays Down Talk Of Juventus Move

Radamel Falcao insists he is fully focused on Manchester United, despite speculation linking him with a summer switch to Juventus.

The Colombia international striker has toiled during his loan spell at Old Trafford from Monaco, managing only four goals in 22 appearances.

Quotes attributed to the 29-year-old's agent, Giovanni Branchini, this weekend have suggested that he would be open to a move to Serie A leaders Juve this summer.

United are not expected to sign him permanently, but Falcao insists he is focused on giving his all for Louis van Gaal’s side until the end of the season.

Speaking to Radio Caracol, he said: "Juventus looking for me? They talk a lot, but now I'm focused 100 per cent on Manchester United.

"Before the end of the season, there are some crucial matches and I hope that this situation will change."

Credit: Skysports.com

Hristo Stoichkov: Louis van Gaal Is 'Garbage'

Hristo Stoichkov has labelled Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, his former manager at Barcelona, as "garbage".

Stoichkov, who spent seven seasons at Barca and worked under Van Gaal at the Nou Camp in the late 1990s, told Catalan newspaper Sport that he blamed the Dutchman for his departure from the club.

"I have no respect for Van Gaal. He's garbage as a person," Stoichkov said of the current United manager.

"Once, we went to the Bernabeu after I had been injured on my knee and he made me play left-back.

"On another day, while I was injured, he went to my wife and asked her how it was possible that she married such a bad person like me.

"My wife had responded that I had won the Ballon d'Or.

"The happiest day of my life was when I joined Barcelona and the saddest when I left. And it was Van Gaal's fault."

The Bulgaria legend's feelings for Van Gaal are in stark contrast to his thoughts on Jose Mourinho, who was an assistant to Sir Bobby Robson during his time at the Nou Camp.

"Do not think that Mourinho was a simple interpreter or assistant," said Stoichkov, now 49.

"He was already a coach, but he never thought he was worth more than [Bobby] Robson.

"Mourinho understood everything... he knew everything about our team, and our opponents."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mata Ready For Exciting April

Every week, Juan Mata writes a blog about his experiences as a Manchester United player and, in his latest entry, he's itching for the club action to resume after the international break...

As you can imagine, this has been a quiet week due to the international break. We have had some training sessions to maintain our physical level during these days, also with an eye on our next game at home against Aston Villa.

We are in the last stage of the Premier League, with just eight weeks ahead: eight crucial games to determine where we will finally stand on the table.

Personally, I think setting our goals game after game is the right thing to do, trying to win as many of them as possible and keeping the momentum following these two wins versus Tottenham and Liverpool. I check the calendar and I see four big games for us in April: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton. All of them are big clubs and we want to show that we can beat them, getting close to our goal and also making our fans happy.

Precisely, I want to thank our fans for the Player of the Month award for March. It’s been a month with several key victories and a boost of confidence for the team. As I always say, your support is vital for us!

I’m writing these lines from Asturias, my place to switch off from football. Coming back home is always special, I love to see my family and friends and recharge the batteries for the rest of the season.

Hugs,

Juan

Read more from Juan on his website, juanmata8.com.

Juan Mata: With & Against

Fastest player you've played with? "Probably Antonio Valencia."

Fastest player you've played against? "Jordi Alba."

Fittest player you've played with? "I’d say Valencia again! He’s very fit and strong."

Fittest player you've played against? "Probably Cristiano [Ronaldo]."

Best passer you've played with? "Xabi Alonso and Xavi [Hernandez]."

Best passer you've played against: "Them again, because they are the best passers."

Best finisher you've played with? "Robin van Persie..." "...and David Villa as well."

Best finisher you've played against? "I'd say Falcao."

Robson Praise For Herrera

Bryan Robson has pinpointed one of Ander Herrera's many qualities that have made an impression on him during the Spaniard's debut season at Manchester United.

While his countryman Juan Mata has been winning the recent plaudits, including March's Player of the Month award, Herrera has also been in excellent form and set up Mata's first goal against Liverpool with an inch-perfect pass.

The 25-year-old acquisition from Athletic Club has shown signs of being able to provide the sort of all-action performances that were a hallmark of Robson's feted career at Old Trafford. Although perhaps not quite the box-to-box midfield marauder that the former United captain was in his heyday, Herrera plays at a high tempo and always makes himself available to receive possession.

"Ander started off the season well and he’s got a lot of energy," Robson told ManUtd.com. "He is always on the move, trying to close people down really quickly. He has got a lot of qualities really, it’s just getting them out of him on a consistent basis. But he has got that in his locker, maybe it’s just taken him and a few of the new signings time to adapt to the Premier League.

"He is quite good defensively and, when I watch him, I can see he has a lot of energy and he does like to get involved. What I like about him is that, when people are on the ball, he is always on the move to try and receive the pass."

Phil Jones: With & Against

Best passer you've played with? "I'll say two - Carras and Scholesy."

Best passer you've played against? "Cesc Fabregas."

Toughest tackler you've played with? "Nemanja Vidic."

Toughest tackler you've played against? "JT [John Terry]."

Fastest player you've played with? "I'd say Luke Shaw, he's rapid."

Fastest player you've played against? "Theo Walcott."

Fittest player you've played with? "Nani."

Fittest player you've played against? "Probably Ronaldo."

Best finisher you've played with? "Wayne Rooney."

Best finisher you've played against? "Luis Suarez."

Andy Dunn: United Will Target Bale

Manchester United are likely to be on red alert should signing Gareth Bale become even the slightest possibility this summer, Andy Dunn told the Sunday Supplement.

The winger scored twice and set up the other as Wales won 3-0 in Saturday's European 2016 qualifier in Israel, but has become a target for the boo-boys at the Santiago Bernabeu following some below-par performances for Real Madrid this season.

And Dunn believes the powers that be at Old Trafford will be keeping a very close eye on the situation as they plan another summer spending splurge.

"I'm not as convinced as some people that he [Bale] will be there next season," said the Sunday Mirror columnist. "I know a lot of people in Spain are saying that he is definitely staying, him and Ronaldo.

"I'm not completely convinced and certainly it has been well touted that if someone like Manchester United get any hint that A, he is unhappy or B, Real Madrid are unhappy with him, then I think they will put a lot of money towards him.

"It is so volatile (at Real Madrid), you can't actually predict what is going to happen. I just think if there is a glimmer of hope, specifically for Man United, they have made no secret of the fact they are going to have another £150m to spend and a good chunk of it would be well spent on Gareth Bale, if they have the chance."

However, Shaun Custis of The Sun cannot see the Welshman even contemplating a move away from Madrid in the next transfer window.

"He doesn't want it to end. If you talk to his connections, they say that absolutely no way does he want to leave Real Madrid, that he wants to stay," said Custis.

"Let's be honest, we knew it was his dream to go out and play in Madrid and he is not going to give it up after two years if he can help it. There is no reason for him to give it up at the moment and he doesn’t have to.

"There is no will on his part to leave, at all. There is almost a stubbornness to say 'I am sticking this out, no matter what happens. I am going to stay.' That's his feeling."

The Daily Telegraph's Football Correspondent Henry Winter also expects Bale to remain in Spain, citing the backing the world-record signing has had from Madrid's president Florentino Perez as an important factor.

"Why leave that stage where he’s shown that he can perform? He also has the support of the president. I absolutely admire his resilience," he said, referring to how Bale has dealt with the criticism he has received this campaign.

"I hope he does stick out there because I would like to see more British, particularly English, players go out and develop on the continent.

"It would develop them as footballers and as people as well and maybe when they come back they will have some stronger characters in the England dressing room."

Credit: Skysports.com

What Next For Falcao?

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao may have scored twice for Colombia this week but his Old Trafford future remains in doubt.

Falcao made a deadline-day move from Monaco on a season-long loan deal worth £6m last summer, with United given an option to make his stay permanent for the sum of £43.5m.

But having seen him score just four times in 22 matches, United are not expected to pursue a deal for a 29-year-old earning a reported £280,000 a week.

Falcao has admitted he "needs to play" and while his representative says he could return to the Stade Louis II at the end of the season, he claims his client will not be short of offers from some of the world’s biggest teams.

But which other clubs might want want to take a chance on a man who was a prolific scorer for Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco before suffering a knee ligament injury 14 months ago? Here are five possible destinations for Falcao next season…

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers enquired about Falcao’s availability last summer as the Merseysiders sought a replacement for the recently departed Luis Suarez, only to be told the player had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.

But according to reports in the English press, the Reds are set to rekindle their interest in the Colombia forward, with Mario Balotelli’s ill-fated spell at the club to be brought to a premature end this summer.

Rickie Lambert has also struggled to justify his move to Anfield, and while Daniel Sturridge continues to be plagued by fitness worries Rodgers looks sure be in the market for attacking reinforcements next season.

Juventus

Juventus managing director Giuseppe Moratta revealed in October that the Serie A champions had been in talks to sign Falcao on loan last summer, before United came in to gazump them with a higher offer.

"We were following him and there was contact," Marotta told RAI TV. "We were very close to (signing) Falcao and the player preferred Italy and our colours, but then United came forward and they have much more spending power than we do so the deal broke down."

However, Juve do look set to buy a new striker next season with Carlos Tevez - who only has one year left on his current deal - unlikely to extend his contract and doubts growing over Fernando Llorente’s future at the club.

So could Falcao be on his way to the Old Lady of Italian football? Newspaper reports have claimed talks between the two parties have already taken place.

Chelsea

According to claims in the English media this week Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is weighing up an end-of-season move for Falcao.

Diego Costa may be the Premier League’s current joint-top scorer with 19 goals in his debut campaign, but the striker’s ongoing hamstring problems have affected his appearances for the club.

Back-up forward Didier Drogba is now 37 and, were he to hang up his boots this summer, only Loic Remy would remain as senior support for Costa.

A loan swoop for Falcao could be a possibility - especially given Mourinho and the Colombian share the same agent in Jorge Mendes.

Atletico Madrid

The Spanish media is adamant that Falcao has his heart set on a return to former club Atletico Madrid.

Falcao spent two hugely successful campaigns at the Vicente Calderon, scoring an impressive 70 goals in just 90 appearances in all competitions between 2011 and 2013.

And with Atleti forward Mario Mandzukic rumoured to be on his way out of the La Liga champions at the end of the season, coach Diego Simeone may be tempted to gamble on the belief he can reinvigorate Falcao's career like he has done with fellow frontman Fernando Torres.

Tottenham Hotspur

If Falcao is keen to remain in the Premier League, Tottenham could be a possible next port of call.

While Spurs striker Harry Kane has - along with Costa - scored 19 league goals this season, there is little in attacking reserve behind the England international at White Hart Lane. Emmanuel Adebayor has once again been a bit-part player at the club and, with just a year left on his contract, is expected to leave north London this summer.

Fellow striker Roberto Soldado has scored just once in 18 league games and could also be offloaded.

If those two high earners do leave Tottenham, then there may be space available on the club’s wage bill for coach Mauricio Pochettino to try to entice his fellow South American to the club on a big-money contract.

Cedit: Skysports.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Tipped For Manchester United By Peter Schmeichel

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has urged Louis van Gaal to consider a move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Sweden striker, who is contracted to Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2016, has played for the likes of Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona during a successful career, but has never played in the Premier League.

Manchester United manager Van Gaal has been promised a sizeable transfer war chest this summer and has been encouraged to sign some of the best players in world football.

And even though Ibrahimovic will turn 34 later this year, former goalkeeper Schmeichel is convinced he could have a similar impact to Eric Cantona at Old Trafford.

He told L'Equipe: "Last summer, there were rumours that he would come to Manchester United. I then said that Zlatan was built for the club, he was born to play there.

"It's why Cantona was so strong when he was there, not at Leeds or in all other clubs in France? Why? Because it is Manchester United. In Manchester, there was the freedom given to the players, but also responsibilities.

"We do not care who you are or what you love, we look at what you're doing on the pitch and the influence you have in the club. If you do not respect that, you're leaving.

"But you can have any personality. Beckham, Cantona... they could go out and also be at their best. There are hundreds of players who are trying to be a Beckham or Cantona, but do not have the personality, and they fail."

Credit: Skysports.com

Smalling Bids Will Be Rejected

Sky Sports News HQ understands Manchester United will reject any bid for defender Chris Smalling, who is reportedly interesting Arsenal.

The 25-year-old has made 22 Premier League appearances, including 18 starts, under United manager Louis van Gaal in the Dutchman's first season in charge.

Smalling has also been a regular in the England set-up under Roy Hodgson, but there has been speculation over his future with Arsenal thought to be leading the race to prise him from Old Trafford.

Despite securing a regular first-team place, it is understood United are keen on bringing in another defender in the summer.


However, it is understood that Smalling, who joined United from Fulham in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, is not for sale, especially to one of United's Premier League rivals.

Van Gaal, who has a reported £100m to spend at the end of the current season, bolstered his defence with Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw upon his arrival.

Credit: Skysports.com

Adnan Januzaj: With & Against

Fastest player you've played with? "That's hard. Antonio Valencia or Wazza."

Fastest against? "Spurs' Aaron Lennon (on loan at Everton) & Kyle Walker."

Fittest player played with? "Must be Ryan. He ran so much, even at his age!"

Fittest against? "Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea. He's strong all round."

Toughest tackler you've played with? "Felli - even though he's my mate!"

Toughest against? "Hard to pick. Cambridge's defenders were quite tough."

Best passer you've played with? "Scholesy."

Best passer you've played against? "I'd say Eden Hazard."

Best finisher you've played with? "There are lots. I'll say Robin or Falcao."

Best finisher you've played against? "I'd say maybe Didier Drogba."

Luke Shaw: With & Against

Fastest player you've played with: "Antonio Valencia."

Fastest player you've played against: "Gareth Bale."

Fittest player you've played with: "Marouane Fellaini is up there... But Morgan Schneiderlin had great stamina too."

Fittest player you've played against: "Jordan Henderson."

Toughest tackler you've played with: "Jose Fonte – he loved a tackle."

Toughest tackler you've played against: "Jon Walters."

Best passer you've played with: "There’s been a few! I'd say Rooney and Mata."

Best passer you've played against: "Steven Gerrard."

Best finisher you've played with: "Robin van Persie."

Best finisher you've played against: "Luis Suarez."

Why Carrick Is The Key Man In Van Gaal's System

Micheal Carrick return from injury in March perhaps went under the radar, but the 34-year-old's influence on the team is crucial – and in the two games he has started since, against Tottenham and Liverpool, it's been clear to see.

Prior to United winning at Anfield, Opta calculated that Louis van Gaal's men have taken 2.2 points per game when Carrick has played this season (15 league matches), compared to 1.6 points without him in the side. That rose to 2.25 after Sunday's triumph.

In five games against the other top five clubs, Carrick has started in all three victories (Liverpool twice and Arsenal) and was a 43rd-minute substitute in the defeat to Manchester City and an unused sub in the draw with Chelsea. With eight games to go and matches against City, Chelsea and Arsenal still to come, United's vice-captain's presence is integral – a point made by MUTV pundit Danny Higginbotham in the Big Match De-Brief show this week.

"Carrick was so important and it's a vital job he does," he told MUTV. "Against Liverpool, Carrick was always there in a triangle with Smalling and Jones. There was no fear of a counter-attack. Coutinho is Liverpool's most influential player but Carrick was so vital in making sure he didn't have space between midfield and the forwards."

Just as importantly is Carrick's offensive play, as van Gaal said recently: "He is a midfielder who can play the ball forward and that I like. Our aim is always to pass the more forward rather than sideways or backwards. He is a player who can do that. He is my second captain and important for my selection."

Marouane Fellaini: With & Against

Toughest tackler you've played against: Phil Jagielka

Toughest tackler you've played with: Phil Jones

Fastest player you've played with and against: Chris Smalling & James Wilson

Fittest player you've played with: Sylvain Distin

Fittest player you’ve played against: Nemanja Vidic

Best passer you've played with: Michael Carrick

Best passer you've played against: Steven Gerrard

Best finisher you've played with and against: Yakubu & Wayne Rooney

Falcao To Decide On Future

Manchester United's on-loan striker Radamel Falcao is "totally committed" to the club but will decide on what is best for his future at the end of the season.

Colombia forward Falcao missed last year's World Cup through injury before moving on loan from Monaco to United, where he has seen limited first-team action and has scored just four goals under manager Louis van Gaal.

And the striker admitted that finding more playing time is important to him.

"I think any footballer needs to play and is happy playing. I'm totally committed to the club, there are eight matches to go (in the Premier League) and anything can happen," Falcao told Colombia's Radio Caracol.

"So when the championship ends surely I'll sit down, do an analysis and decide what's best for me," added the 29-year-old, who was a prolific scorer for Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco before his knee ligament injury 14 months ago.

"Obviously I need to find a place where I have continuity and can play," Falcao said in Bahrain, where Colombia play a Copa America warm-up friendly on Thursday.

Colombia also face Kuwait in a second friendly on their Middle East tour on Monday.

Falcao said he fully respected Van Gaal's decisions and had "faith and hope" that things would change for him at United before the season ends.

He added, however, that other clubs have shown an interest in him.

"Calls come every day so in that sense I've got to stay calm, but I keep on the fringe of them, there are people who deal with all that situation," he said of media reports linking him with other Premier League teams.

"I owe myself to Manchester United at the moment, I have faith and hope because lots of things can happen in the number of matches remaining."

Falcao said he had fully recovered from last January's knee surgery that prevented him from leading the Colombia attack at the World Cup in Brazil, where his country reached the quarter-finals.

"I will continue to fight to the end at Manchester United," he said.

Credit: Skysports.com

Chris Smalling: With & Against

WHO IS THE FASTEST PLAYER YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
Nani - Manchester United (on loan at Sporting)

WHO IS THE FASTEST PLAYER YOU'VE PLAYED AGAINST?
Gareth Bale - Real Madrid

WHO IS THE FITTEST PLAYER YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
Antonio Valencia - Manchester United

WHO IS THE FITTEST PLAYER YOU'VE PLAYED AGAINST?
Shane Long - Southampton

WHO IS THE TOUGHEST TACKLER YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
Paul Scholes - ex-Manchester United

WHO IS THE TOUGHEST TACKLER YOU'VE PLAYED AGAINST?
Steven Nzonzi - Stoke City

WHO IS THE BEST PASSER YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
Paul Scholes - ex-Manchester United

WHO IS THE BEST PASSER YOU'VE PLAYED AGAINST?
Tom Huddlestone - Hull City

WHO IS THE BEST FINISHER YOU'VE PLAYED WITH?
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United

WHO IS THE BEST FINISHER YOU'VE PLAYED AGAINST?
Sergio Aguero - Manchester City

Credit: Manutd.com

Ander Herrera : I Never Doubted Move To Old Trafford

Ander Herrera says he never doubted having made the right decision to move to Manchester United.

Herrera has become a regular in Louis van Gaal's team of late, starting the last seven games in all competitions - but it was a different story earlier in the season.

He impressed on the club's pre-season tour of the United States, but the £29m summer signing from Athletic Bilbao could not hold down a first-team place once the Premier League season was up and running.

Although he started just six league games before the middle of February, the Spaniard, speaking to El Pais, was convinced he had made the right decision in moving to England.

"Manchester United are the second wealthiest club in the world, and they continue looking for talent. Everyone takes time (to adjust)," the midfielder said.

"Now I am playing more, but when I wasn't playing I always knew in my head that I came here to play five years minimum, not just a few months."

Herrera, 25, discussed many topics in the interview with the Spanish newspaper.

He revealed fellow Spaniard David de Gea had told him there was less of a hierarchy in the squad with the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand having retired.

And Herrera also said Wayne Rooney has been picking up some of the language used by the Hispanic members of the squad.

When asked about any jokers in the camp, Herrera said: "Rooney leads because he is very open and he insults us in Spanish."

Herrera poked fun at the United skipper for his shadow-boxing celebration against Spurs.

"I'd rather talk to him about football because he likes boxing and could try with me," he added.

Herrera also gave his backing to Van Gaal, although he is wary of getting too close to the Dutchman.

"I keep my distance with Van Gaal," the midfielder said. "But he's a good guy with a strong character.

"He likes discipline and doesn't believe in egos in the squad. He loves possession and he doesn't like risking losing the ball.

"At the beginning, he used to tell me off because I always looked for the ball, I wanted to have it, and I must wait for it."

Herrera also revealed he was nearly moved to tears by Lionel Messi's performance against United's local rivals Manchester City.

"The last time I cried?" he said. "I almost cried watching Messi against Man City. He's so good! But anyway, I get emotional very easily.

"But hey, I get excited easily and not only with the major teams. I'm a classic man and I was delighted when we played Yeovil Town in front of 8,000 standing people yelling at me: ‘Who are you?’"

Credit: Skysports.com

Michael Carrick: Time For England To Appreciate Him?

Michael Carrick has been a key factor in Manchester United finding form this season and his performances have earned him a recall to Roy Hodgson's England squad. It's time that the national team appreciated what the midfielder brings to a team, argues Adam Bate...

Consecutive wins over Tottenham and Liverpool have changed the mood surrounding Manchester United and their season. "A bolt out of the blue" is how Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described the first of those two victories. It also happened to be the first game Michael Carrick had started in almost two months.

It's not the first time this season that Carrick's presence has brought an instant impact. His belated full debut under Louis van Gaal in November coincided with a sequence of six successive victories. Indeed, United have only lost once this season with Carrick in the starting line-up. When Van Gaal said it would take three months to get things right at United, perhaps he ought to have measured it in terms of Carrick starts instead. Fifteen in and all seems well.

It's almost like a whodunnit mystery in which the clues must be pieced together before the common thread becomes clear. The presence of the understated Carrick certainly seems a feature of this United team's success. "At the start of the season, we were struggling," Neville told Stretty News in January. "Ask yourself who wasn't playing? Michael Carrick wasn't playing. When you play with Michael Carrick you think there is authority, control, peace."

Van Gaal is a confirmed admirer and rewarded the midfielder with a new contract this month. "He is one of the best passers," said the United boss. "Not only wide but also forward." Sideways passes have been a consistent criticism of Carrick over the years but Van Gaal was quick to see through that misguided assessment. Fast passes into the feet of forwards as well as lofted balls like the one that found Juan Mata against Spurs are Carrick specialities.

As the team struggled to find that type of delivery in his absence, United became characterised as a sterile team. But as well as providing the insurance that has encouraged the full-backs forwards and his midfield colleagues to play with more freedom, Carrick has got Van Gaal's men progressing the ball between the lines. He's the only United player to hit more than 10 passes per 90 minutes into the final third.

They are invariably good passes too. Carrick makes more accurate long passes per game than any United player. Crucially, he finds the target with 78 per cent of those balls. Paddy McNair, Jonny Evans and Tyler Blackett can't top 50 per cent with Daley Blind (66 per cent) the only deep-lying player to get anywhere close to that figure.

It's a testament to his passing range and reading of the game; the sort of savvy that saw Van Gaal describe Carrick as a "trainer-coach" in a recent Telegraph interview. Perhaps not an overt leader of men but someone who is willing to take responsibility, as he did in his post-match interview on Sunday. What his mea culpa for Liverpool's goal lacked as a grand gesture of Steven Gerrard proportions, it more than made up for on the grounds that it wasn't strictly necessary. He was superb again.

These are the qualities of style and character - on and off the pitch - that don't particularly lend themselves to the heroics demanded of Englishmen in international football. There is no room for the enabling of others when friendlies amount to glorified trial games and the Boy's Own heroics of David Beckham against Greece represent the standard. Even Paul Scholes could not hold onto a central midfield berth while Gerrard and Frank Lampard were firing in the goals.

Carrick's chances in that environment were never likely to be good and his England career has been characterised by misfortune. It began when Sven-Goran Eriksson left the stadium minutes prior to a brilliant Carrick goal for the Under-21s in 2001 and perhaps reached a low point five years later when dropped to accommodate the returning Neville for a World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal after arguably being England's best player in their win over Ecuador. Serendipity, it was not.

That remains the one and only game at a major tournament that Carrick has played for his country. It's also the last knockout game that England have won at a major tournament. Despite being unbeaten in nine appearances under Hodgson, including a win over Italy and a draw in Brazil, Carrick was overlooked for last summer's World Cup squad. The facilitator omitted once more as England opted to take the Lampard-Gerrard partnership to its logical conclusion - paired together in their farewell game for the final 20 minutes of a dead-rubber draw against Costa Rica.

"You could see him sitting in central midfield if you played with three," Harry Redknapp had argued years earlier when hailing the "terrific craftsman" he'd worked with as a youngster at West Ham. "Lamps and Steven Gerrard would give you the energy going forward, he'd be the quarterback if you like." It wasn't to be as England persisted with 4-4-2 and Carrick's supporters were left to rue the fact that his most memorable England performances have continued to come in absentia.

Given that he will turn 37 in July 2018, when the next World Cup reaches its climax, it's too late to shake that sense of an opportunity wasted. But Carrick's inclusion in Hodgson's latest squad is a reminder of the enduring quality that has become evident once again in a Manchester United shirt under Van Gaal. And if England should defeat Italy in Turin next week with him in the starting line-up, perhaps someone will finally make the connection. Michael Carrick just makes teams better.

Credit: Skysports.com

Evans Again Denies Spitting

In his first TV interview since being banned, Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has again denied deliberately spitting at Newcastle's Papiss Cisse.

Evans is with the Northern Ireland squad preparing for a midweek friendly against Scotland and a crunch Euro 2016 qualifier against Finland at Windsor Park on Sunday, but is currently suspended from domestic duty after being handed a six match ban by the FA.

Cisse was also ordered to miss seven games following the incident earlier this month which the defender described as a misunderstanding and Evans - in his first television interview since being banned following the incident at St James’ Park - added that he has always been clear that he did not mean to spit at the Newcastle striker.

"I've said that in my statement. I said that to the FA," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "The incident happened and it wasn't until after I'd seen it on TV that I realised how it looked.

"At the time in my mind, it was just a misunderstanding from Papiss Cisse. I have sympathy for him because I feel like he was dragged into the situation that wasn't really meant to happen and it was just unfortunate that both of us have got a ban at the end of it.

“I was unaware that I’d spat at the time. I'm sure in the future I'll try to think more carefully about when I do spit but I was totally unaware at the time that I’d done it, so it might be difficult.”

Evans said he had received backing from his manager Louis Van Gaal and hoped to use the international matches to get some time on the pitch.

“The club have been brilliant with me,” he said. “When the charge came in they let me get on with it and the manager was excellent with me. He just said 'do whatever you have to do' and left it at that.

“I've just got to accept it and move on from it now. I've got these international games bang in the middle of the suspension so hopefully if I get game time here it will be good for me on a personal level to get minutes on the pitch.

“They are at a good time because of the ban and Northern Ireland are performing well. I just want to come into the squad and hopefully I can add something to it.”

Jones: United Critics Spur Us

Phil Jones admits criticism of him and his Manchester United team-mates have helped fire the club into the top four in the Premier League.

Sunday's 2-1 victory at Anfield over Liverpool put five points between United in fourth and their opponents in fifth with only eight games remaining.

Some of the strongest criticism early into Louis van Gaal's tenure came from ex-United players like Gary Neville, who compared the Dutchman's side to a pub team and Paul Scholes, who labelled some of United's play "prehistoric".

"People criticising does spur you on," Jones said.

"You are always going to get critics. We are at a massive club here at Manchester United and if things aren't going as well as they should be, then there is always going to be people wanting to have a dig and a pop at you.

"We have been well aware of the criticism we have had. We are professionals and we are in a job where people have an opinion about you and they are entitled to it and we just have to get on with it.

"People can assume and predict and it is up to us to prove them all wrong. That is what the lads enjoy doing. We enjoy proving them wrong. So far we have done that."

Jones in particular has come in for criticism himself this season, but he and Chris Smalling performed well against a fierce Liverpool attack at Anfield and the two kept 29-goal striker Harry Kane quiet in the 3-0 home win over Spurs.

Jones and Smalling were identified by Sir Alex Ferguson as long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at United.

The pair were also touted as a possible solution at the heart of England's defence, but Jones points out they have not played together often as a centre-half pairing for the national team.

"It has been difficult for us," said Jones, who has played alongside Smalling at centre-back for England just once.

"It had been documented that me and Chris were going to be the next centre-backs at United but it has not gone how we would have liked it.

"Somebody told me the other day that we have actually only played alongside each other about four times in four seasons.

"You cannot build a partnership on four games.

"Hopefully now we have had back-to-back games together we can keep it going and keep playing well together. We complement each other well."

Shearer: How Van Gaal Got It Right Again

MOTD2 pundit Alan Shearer expands on his TV analysis of why Manchester United's impressive start in their 2-1 win over Liverpool was down to their high-intensity pressing game without the ball as much as how well they used it when they did have possession.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been criticised for his tactics at times this season but, for the second game running, he got them absolutely spot-on.

Just as they did in the first half against Tottenham last week, United got on the front foot early on in their win over Liverpool and dictated the way they wanted the game to go.

Van Gaal picked the same team that was so impressive against Spurs and their players looked very comfortable in their positions.

Again, United moved the ball quickly and they passed it well too - their one or two-touch football has clearly improved massively of late.

But the most impressive part of their performance in the first 45 minutes at Anfield was their intensity when they did not have possession.

'Liverpool could not build momentum'

Together, the whole United team pressed Liverpool and put them under pressure high up the pitch.

Brendan Rodgers' side like to do something similar to the opposition, which usually allows them to pass and play to their own tempo.

That did not happen until the second half on Sunday.

The Reds had one chance before half-time, when Adam Lallana fired wide, but otherwise they did not get a sniff and were forced so deep they had no chance to build any momentum of their own.

At the start, United's midfielders were sharp into the tackle and also composed when they had the ball. That allowed them to control the middle of the pitch.

'Mata gave Moreno a torrid afternoon'

Liverpool's pace in the wide areas was one of the ways they were expected to threaten, but United bossed them on the flanks too.

In particular, Juan Mata's duel with Alberto Moreno down United's right was a total mismatch. He gave his fellow Spaniard a torrid afternoon.

Before the game, when I saw Mata had been picked over Angel Di Maria, that match-up with Moreno always looked like being one of the key encounters.

We know Mata is brilliant going forward but there is a question over how good he is at tracking back.

Moreno is also attack-minded, playing as a left wing-back in Liverpool's 3-4-3 formation.

It was going to be a case of which of them would force the other to do the most defending on Sunday, and how hard they would work without the ball.

Moreno ended up hardly having any impact at all going forward, something Mata deserves a lot of credit for.

Going the other way, he lost Mata for both of his goals - the first time because he was going forward even though United had possession, and the second because he was beaten by a one-two and his recovery was not quick enough.

'United's performance matched their result'

Mata showed superb technique to put away both goals and, when United went 2-0 up against 10 men, it appeared they would end up convincing winners.

But, considering how well they started the game, their win was not as comfortable as it should have been.

Even after Steven Gerrard's red card, their performance dropped off in the second half against Liverpool's 10 men.

United sat back far more than they had been, and they stopped containing Liverpool in their own half.

Rodgers' side deserve credit for picking their game up despite being down to 10 men and they showed how they would have played in the first half if United had let them.

Even so, United were deserving winners.

Their performance at Anfield matched their result, when earlier this year they were getting results without performing well.

'United for the top four, Liverpool to miss out'

This was a massive victory for United against one of their rivals for a top four place.

United have to get back in the Champions League, it is as simple as that. I think they will make it, and not just because of their recent form.

I have always felt that the top four will finish in the order they are in now - that was my prediction back in August.

Liverpool have left themselves too much to do and it is not this defeat that has cost them either.

They have been on a great run but their results at the start of the season were not good enough and I think they will be the team that misses out.

Alan Shearer was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

Credit: BBC Sport

Liverpool 1 Man. United 2: 5 Talking Points

Five talking points from Manchester United’s fiercely-contested 2-1 win at Anfield, which dented Liverpool’s hopes of overhauling their rivals for the fourth Champions League spot and saw Steven Gerrard sent off seconds after being introduced at half-time...

Gerrard sees red after 38 seconds

Steven Gerrard was praised for raising Liverpool’s tempo when he came on as a substitute at Swansea on Monday night. A crunching tackle moments after his half-time introduction against Manchester United on Sunday had the home fans at Anfield on their feet. However, just seconds later he was sensationally sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera.

“It’s not acceptable. There are no arguments with that. You can’t do that on a football pitch,” said former team-mate and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher after the final whistle.

It was the fastest sending-off since Opta began recording dismissal times in 2006/07 but the sight of Gerrard being shown a red in his final encounter with arch rivals United will live long in the memory. It was the Liverpool captain’s second red against the Old Trafford outfit in his career.

“Gerrard is an emotional player,” said Carragher, who pointed out that the midfielder has also twice been dismissed against local rivals Everton. “[That emotion] has taken teams I’ve played in to unbelievable moments – the FA Cup final win over West Ham, Istanbul. That wasn’t Gerrard playing with a cold, calculated head. That was him playing from the heart. But on the flipside of that, when he plays in games like this and he comes on, maybe a bit frustrated, that has contributed to the moment of madness.”

Gerrard was quick to issue a post-match apology, telling Sky Sports: “I've let my team-mates and manager down today and even more importantly I've let all the supporters down. I take full responsibility for my actions.” The skipper now faces a three-game ban – meaning he may just have five more appearances to make in a Liverpool shirt before his summer switch to the MLS.

Mata recaptures his old magic

Gerrard’s red card may grab the headlines but Juan Mata’s stunning scissor kick for his and Manchester United’s second will go down as one of the great goals scored in this fixture. “You just have to look at it and applaud,” said Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry. “It’s ridiculous what he did, especially here at Anfield.”

Mata’s opener – a clinical finish after getting the wrong side of Alberto Moreno – was his first since he scored against Liverpool in December. In between the Spaniard has struggled for form.

Substituted at half-time against QPR in mid-January the tricky attacker – who twice scooped Chelsea’s player of the year prize before being sold by Jose Mourinho in January 2014 – was subsequently cut from United’s starting XI for the next eight weeks before eventually returning to the first-team against Tottenham last Sunday.

Seven days on, it appears Mata – who was dropped from the Spain squad this week – has recaptured his old magic. “That’s his best performance for Manchester United. He’s been fantastic today,” said Gary Neville, as he awarded the two-goal hero the man of the match award.

The stats illustrate his leading role. Mata completed 86 per cent of his 43 passes in the opposition half, which was the best success rate of any attacker or midfielder on the pitch, while his total pass completion percentage of 91.8 was only bettered by team-mate Antonio Valencia (92).

Mata had more touches than any other midfielder or attacker at Anfield (93) and was fouled more times than any other player (three). He also combined effectively with right-back Valencia – the pair exchanged 55 passes, more than any other duo.

United strengthen hold on fourth

Liverpool had won 10 out of 13 in the Premier League since losing at Manchester United in December but their unbeaten run in 2015 is over and Louis van Gaal’s side appear to have struck a crucial blow in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot.

The victory moves United five points clear of their rivals and with in-form Arsenal next up for Liverpool – plus a trip to Stamford Bridge to come in May - Brendan Rodgers’ men have a huge task ahead of them if they are to finish in the top four once again.

It's not over yet, of course. United also have tough tests ahead, with a Manchester derby at Old Trafford in a fortnight, followed by their own trip to Chelsea and a home fixture with Arsenal on the penultimate weekend of the season. But United now have a cushion.

“Winning away here, we now have a gap to positions five, six and seven, which is very important,” said Van Gaal.

Van Gaal wins tactical battle

While Gerrard’s sending off handed the advantage to United in the second half, Van Gaal’s side had already shown in the opening 45 that they had arrived at Anfield with tactics capable of stalling Liverpool’s attacking talents, while a 1-0 advantage highlighted their own forward threat.

“United have been brilliant,” Carragher said at half-time, after the hosts had failed to register a single shot on target. “They’ve been so compact as a team. There’s been no space for Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho in there. You can’t play through them. United know exactly what they’re doing and they’ve come and done a brilliant job.”

Only Tottenham (twice) and Southampton have restricted Coutinho to fewer touches over 90 minutes (62), while Lallana was withdrawn at half-time after managing just 24.

Van Gaal admitted he was disappointed with United's second-half performance against ten men - in which Daniel Sturridge scored with Liverpool’s first shot on target - but he can take satisfaction from a tactical triumph when it was 11 v 11.

“In the first half we played very well, maybe better than the first half against Tottenham,” he said. “But in the second half we didn’t play very well because, as always when you play against 10 men, a lot of players forget to press and also to dribble with the ball, and that brought Liverpool into the game.”

Rooney not spot-on with penalties

Wayne Rooney had a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt and mark his 400th Premier League game in style when Daley Blind was brought down in the box by Emre Can in injury-time. However, after denying Mata a shot at a hat-trick, Rooney saw his spot-kick saved by Simon Mignolet.

The skipper’s frustration at the failure was evident – but Rooney’s 12-yard record is not what you’d expect from a man closing in on the goal-scoring records of Manchester United and England. Of the 18 players to have taken at least 20 penalties in the Premier League, Rooney’s record of 18 out of 26 ranks him third lowest in the standings.

Credit: Skysports.com

Gary Neville: A Significant Day

Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool at Anfield is a “significant day” in the top-four race, says Gary Neville.

Juan Mata scored twice to give Louis van Gaal’s men a 2-1 victory on Super Sunday, while the Reds had Steven Gerrard sent off 38 seconds after the midfielder came on as a substitute.

United are now five points clear of Brendan Rodgers’ side after an impressive first-half display which, Neville told The Super Sunday Podcast, is as important as the result.

“I think it’s a significant day, I really do,” said the former full-back. “Significant not just because Manchester United have won, but their performance.

“I didn’t think they were capable of coming here today and performing like they did against Tottenham last week.

“Tottenham were desperately poor in that match – we were there – and I didn’t think Liverpool could be made to look so poor in that first half an hour.

“This has always been, historically, the most difficult place for Manchester United to come and play football in the first 25, 30 minutes. It’s always been a scrap, a fight and I have to say they were absolutely fantastic in that first period of the game.

“I think that will carry a lot with the Liverpool players; that they had to play in that game in the most difficult period against a team that were passing it, and they were chasing shadows. How often do you say that about Liverpool at Anfield? They usually dominate possession.”

Sunday’s result also moves Van Gaal’s men to within a point of third-placed Arsenal and just two behind Manchester City in second place.

The United boss said after the match the key factor was their gap to the teams below them, and Neville agrees, saying his former club should not get carried away and just focus on securing Champions League football next season.

“I think, if you’re being pragmatic, it would be silly of Manchester United to think upwards, in respect of the title or anything like that,” he added.

“Manchester United have got to consolidate where they are. They’ve got City and Chelsea in a couple of weeks and then they’ve got Arsenal at home, so they’ve got three really difficult fixtures along with Crystal Palace and Everton away.

“There’s five fixtures I’m pointing towards – that’s not to say I’m writing the other ones off, but they stand out as being awkward fixtures and, in some cases, very difficult.

“They only picked up one point off Chelsea and Manchester City in the fixtures early on in the season.

“So, from Liverpool’s point of view, what they have to feel now is that Chelsea and City will do them the same favour as they did earlier on in the season, and that five-point gap will go if Liverpool win their matches.

“But for United, it gives them a cushion going into those games, because Liverpool still have to go to Arsenal next up, then they’ve got to go to Chelsea, so difficult games.

"It’s a very good day for United, but they should consolidate where they are – Champions League places this year would be a very good season, and par for what Louis van Gaal would have wanted to achieve.”

Credit: Skysports.com

Rooney: Mata Should Have Taken The Penalty

Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney says he should have let the hat-trick seeking Juan Mata take the late penalty which he failed to convert at Liverpool.

But Rooney was able to make the suggestion with a light heart, United having left the home of their arch-rivals with a 2-1 victory after a dramatic afternoon.

Star of the show Mata put United into the lead in the 14th minute and then doubled the advantage with a sensational 59th-minute volley.

Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men in the interim, Steven Gerrard having been dramatically sent off just 38 seconds after coming off the bench.

Daniel Sturridge managed to pull one back for Liverpool with just over 20 minutes to go but United were then awarded a stoppage-time penalty and Rooney stepped up to try and make the points safe.

However, the England man’s spot-kick was well-saved by Simon Mignolet, although he was not made to pay as the final whistle soon followed.

And Rooney wrote on Twitter on Sunday evening: "Very happy tonight, fans were amazing.

“@juanmata8 great goals. Should have let him take penalty. And the United fan in the Kop. Brilliant.”

Rooney was not the only United player to post his thoughts on social media in the wake of the victory.

Midfielder Michael Carrick wrote: “Big big result. These are the ones that you remember, a lot more than just 3 points.

“Mr @juanmata8 magic, just magic.”

And defender Phil Jones posted a picture of himself and Mata on the coach after the game, adding: “Great result today! This man was unbelievable!"

Mata himself wrote: “What a team effort!! What a victory!! What a day!! Unforgettable.”

And Daley Blind posted: “What a great victory! We really played as a team fighting for each other with the fans in our back! Keep on fighting!”

It was not a great day for Liverpool but defender Mamadou Sakho wrote: “I'm obviously disappointed to have lost today but we gave our best, especially in the second half.

“Thank you to all the supporters, you were amazing!”

Credit: Skysports.com

Van Gaal Praises First-half Performance At Anfield

Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United played Liverpool "off the pitch" during the first half of Sunday’s excellent 2-1 victory at Anfield.

The Reds produced a commanding display in the opening 45 minutes and moved the ball around with great intent, particularly in the midfield area, which ultimately led to Juan Mata opening the scoring with an impressive finish past Simon Mignolet on 14 minutes.

Steven Gerrard was shown a straight red card at the start of the second half and United took advantage when Mata bagged his second on 59 minutes. Although Liverpool were down to 10 men, the hosts were galvanised and soon hit back through Daniel Sturridge.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, van Gaal paid tribute to his side’s first-half display and claimed Gerrard’s dismissal was actually detrimental to United.

“The first half was very good because I knew in advance that Liverpool would press us and they did, but we played them off the pitch in the first half,” the boss told reporters. “We scored a fantastic goal and we gave nothing away, so it was a superb first-half.

"So, I went in the dressing room and I gave all my compliments because I am so happy that I can give my compliments again. Then, in the second half, everything changed because of the red card. Then we are not playing like a team, we are running with the ball, unnecessary losses of the ball, we don’t press the opponent with the ball and that was different in the first half, so that was not so good in the second half.”

Van Gaal Targets Second Place After Anfield Win

Louis van Gaal has set his sights on a second-placed finish for Manchester United after the Reds took a stronger foothold in the top four and moved five points ahead of Liverpool with victory at Anfield.

The 2-1 win was an action-packed affair and, aside from Juan Mata's two goals Daniel Sturridge's strike, there was Steven Gerrard's red card and Wayne Rooney's late penalty miss to create plenty of talking points. But the crucial fact is United edged further ahead of rival clubs just outside the top four while increasing pressure on third-placed Arsenal and Manchester City in second.

"I'm very happy that we've won and that we've opened up a gap from the teams below us," van Gaal told MUTV. "We can still look up and finish second. It is a significant win because we're five points ahead of Liverpool now but, if we'd lost, we would have been a point behind them. The win is very important."

Mata won United's Man of the Match award, and van Gaal says the Spaniard has been United's best player in two key wins over top-four rivals Liverpool and Tottenham. "Mata was also very good last week [against Tottenham]," he said. "And I wasn't going to change my best player. When you play well, you shall always play. Mata has confirmed again today what he can do.”

It was also van Gaal's first experience of the United-Liverpool rivalry at Anfield, and the Dutchman admitted he enjoyed the occasion.

"I liked the atmosphere, our fans and, of course, the start of the game. But the win is important not only for the fans, but for me too!" he joked. "I'm very pleased for the fans, we've beaten Liverpool twice [in the league] now, so I'm very happy. I'm most excited about beating Liverpool today, it's a very important moment."

Opinion: United Are Built For The Biggest Games

For some Manchester United fans, the Barclays Premier League is the be all and end all when it comes to looking at tables. And of course, despite Sunday's excellent win at Anfield, the Reds are still in fourth position behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, the head-to-head rankings between the top five clubs, including Liverpool, makes for satisfying reading with Louis van Gaal's men sitting at the summit despite playing less games than City and the Merseysiders.

I have had a lingering suspicion that van Gaal's footballing philosophy was designed with a longer-term view in mind. A tactical plan that would win matches in the Champions League and ensure the team can compete on the grandest of occasions.

Of course, this has taken time to perfect - as the manager warned it would from the outset - and some frustrating draws on the road were arguably a result of controlling games rather than going for the kill in time-honoured fashion.

Yet, in the biggest games this term, United have done remarkably well. A single loss came in the derby at the Etihad Stadium when Chris Smalling's dismissal left the visitors down to 10 men but, even so, a spell of pressure was unlucky not to yield an equaliser.

Robin van Persie might have left it late to ram in a leveller against Chelsea but van Gaal's men looked the better side for long periods against an outfit currently edging closer to champions-elect status. A superb double has, of course, been achieved over Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, who were unbeaten in the period of 13 league games in between the two meetings, and Arsenal suffered their only home loss of the domestic campaign to the Reds in November.

Tough obstacles are still to come, which might render such conclusions premature. A journey to Chelsea often looks daunting but, right now, that would be the wrong description. Arsenal will be Old Trafford's final visitors this season, having already emerged victorious at the same venue in the FA Cup. Furthermore, eight days after Aston Villa come to town, there is the small matter of another Manchester derby on 12 April.

This is no time for crowing but the signs look extremely positive that United are fully prepared and ready for any big fixture. The fact that van Gaal's charges would be three points clear of Arsenal at the top of another table - one that's based only on the last 20 league games - and there is even more cause for optimism. Heading into an international break, there is confidence around the club and a belief that we are fully capable of beating any rival in the division.

Credit: manutd.com

Mata's blog: My Dream Match At Anfield

Every week, Juan Mata pens a blog that documents his recent activities with Manchester United and, after scoring a sensational double in Sunday's 2-1 win over Liverpool, his latest effort is well worth a read...

This is one of those days when there is no need for words. As you know, it’s been more than two years since I started writing this weekly blog and I enjoy it a lot, but sometimes I find it difficult to choose the right sentences to express how I feel. Well, this is one of those times.

But I can tell you that this Sunday has been one of the happiest days of my career. When you start playing football as a kid on muddy pitches, for something so simple and wonderful as having fun, you dream about becoming a footballer one day to play in a game like the one in Anfield. I mean one of those thrilling games between two great teams and with millions of people watching from so many countries.

Manchester United and Liverpool have one of the biggest sports rivalries, and this is the biggest game in English football. I had been told that many times in the past and I have experienced that myself too.

Besides, the game was also important because both teams were close in the table, fighting for a place in the Champions League. After a great performance against Tottenham a week ago, we knew we had to confirm those good feelings at such a tough place as Anfield, and we did it. I think we performed at a very high level in the first half, and it’s true that we played better against 11 than 10. Football features these things…

Obviously I’m very happy for the team’s effort and performance, for such an important victory and for my goals. It has been an unforgettable day for me. As I have said several times before, I am the same player I have always been, with the same passion, the same abilities and the same hunger to get better. Hard work brings a reward and that has been the case this Sunday.

Beating Liverpool at Anfield, being lucky to score two nice goals and feeling your gratitude is something I will never forget. But we must be cautious: these are just three points in the race to our goal.

Many of you are asking me about the second goal and the truth is I don’t know very well how to explain it. It’s something you just don’t think about… it’s more a resource you use when you understand it’s better to shoot the ball as it comes rather than trying to control it and keep the play. Angel’s pass invited me to do so. It’s one of the best goals of my career, among other things, because it happened in such a massive game. And it helped us win.

Now let me sign off before you get too bored. I thank you and I share this big joy with all of you after this Sunday that I will never forget. Have a great week. Hugs!

Juan

Read more from Juan on his website, juanmata8.com.

Credit: manutd.com

Carrick: Juan Mata Is A Joy To Watch

Michael Carrick has paid tribute to his midfield team-mate Juan Mata and explained why it is a “joy to watch” the technically-gifted Spaniard in action for Manchester United.

Mata opened the scoring in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool with a neat right-footed finish past Simon Mignolet before doubling his tally with an audacious volley on 59 minutes. That brace helped him secure the club’s Man of the Match award with 90 per cent of votes cast by Reds supporters.

The diminutive playmaker has now scored 14 goals in 42 appearances since joining United from Chelsea in January 2014, which gives him an impressive strike rate of 0.33 goals per game. According to Carrick, statistics like that simply underline the quality and ability that Mata brings to the team.

“He has always been a great player,” Michael explains. “He has always been important to us because he brings so much to the team, and so much ability. You have seen it all there, in terms of what he brings.

"I thought he was terrific. His overall play was good and he obviously scored both goals. The first one was a really good finish and the second was sensational, so he had a good day.

“He is just so clever. He moves the ball, takes up good positions, he is dangerous and he is just so intelligent. He has such a slight frame so he is not going to have a physical presence but he more than makes up for that with his general ability and how he plays the game. He is just a joy to watch.”

Mata was named on the bench for seven consecutive matches before starting the recent 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the absence of the suspended Angel Di Maria. Having impressed that day, the Spaniard retained his place at Anfield and stole the show with an excellent brace.

“Listen, all players have ups and downs throughout their careers and you can’t look at any player and say any different,” says Carrick, referring to Mata’s recent absence. “You can’t look past his quality; that is why he is here and he is here for a reason. He is such a good player and performances like that don’t surprise me as that is exactly what he is all about.”

United started Sunday’s match at Anfield with Radamel Falcao and Di Maria both on the bench, and also with the injured Robin van Persie watching from afar. When asked what that says about the quality of Louis van Gaal’s squad, Carrick is quick to explain how competition for places is fierce.

“It tells you about the squad and our strength-in depth,” he says. “What more can you say? Those boys you mentioned are all top players but I think we have got a number of players that the manager can choose from, which is great. Sometimes different games throw up different scenarios and need different systems maybe, but the last two games have gone very well for us.

“We are still focusing on the next game, exactly as we would have. We see in training when we have games that both teams are pretty equal, when we have 11 versus 11, because that is the strength of our squad now.

"A lot of players have had game time this year and that does bring options. That is what you get at big clubs. It is something that I have always had and it just keeps you on your toes.”

Expect LVG Backing

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal should remain in charge and get financial backing from the club, says the Sunday Supplement panel.

The Dutchman has already broken the British record transfer fee by signing Angel Di Maria, and has put the Red Devils back among the challengers for the Champions League places.

Van Gaal said earlier in the week he is likely to retire once he leaves Old Trafford, and the Supplement panel believe he should be supported by the club, although they do not expect United to make the top four.

“At best it will be Europa league for United next season,” said The Sun’s Charlie Wyett.

“Quite rightly Van Gaal will be backed in the summer and be given another chance.

“It’s a shame David Moyes didn’t have such support, but quite rightly Van Gaal will remain at the club.”

The Sunday Times’ Jonathan Northcroft believes if Van Gaal is likely to be in a prime position in the transfer market this summer, owing to the club’s financial clout.

“The way United see it is that the top players are going for £60 to £100m and they are one of the very few clubs in the world that can pay that,” he said.

“Maybe because of Financial Fair Play they are the only club in England that can do it. That is where they see a big advantage.

“There is also a message there that clubs like Liverpool are still trying to buy potential and develop it, while United can buy the ready-made player.

If there are two top players but one is a little but older than the other United would go for the proven 28-year-old. They are trying to us financial muscle and to think they spent £150m last summer, they could end up spending the same again when you add up all the players they are looking at.“

Credit: Skysports.com

Van Gaal Backs United Defence

Louis van Gaal says his defenders deserve more credit and believes he has found a winning formula at Manchester United.

The United backline came in for criticism earlier in the season, particularly following their 5-3 defeat at newly-promoted Leicester in September.

However, Van Gaal was eager to point out to Sky Sports that only two teams – Southampton and Chelsea – have conceded fewer goals this term.

“When you read the papers back from the beginning and you have seen the criticism of all our defenders, and now we are the third in the Premier League table in conceding goals,” said Van Gaal, ahead of United's 2-1 win at Liverpool.

“We never have had compliments. They have said our defenders were very lousy – but we have the same defenders and they are still saying we are poor defending.

“These are the same defenders I had at the beginning of the season.”

Van Gaal has experimented with both three and four-man defences in this campaign, but appears to have hit upon a winning formula with a 4-3-3 system.

United stunned Tottenham 3-0 last weekend – registering their third-straight clean sheet in the league - and the Dutchman explained the benefits of that formation.

“Everybody knows the system I prefer is the 4-3-3, with a holding midfielder and number 10 behind the strikers,” he said.

“It is dependable on the quality of the players but also the opponent but that’s the easiest system to dominate the game. Over the whole pitch it is triangles, and that gives the players at least two options.

“But I have played with several other systems because of the quality of players who were available at that moment.

“That was a very good first half against Tottenham and in the second half the players did what I want, that is finish the game. The fans were very happy with the performance, I was very happy, we scored beautiful goals. Everything came together.”

Credit: Skysports.com

Thierry Henry Marvels At 'Ridiculous' Juan Mata Goal

Thierry Henry was left lost for words by Juan Mata’s stunning goal in Manchester United’s win at Liverpool on Sunday.

With United a goal and a man to the good following Steven Gerrard’s sending off a minute into the second half, Mata extended their advantage in spectacular style.

Having found space on the right side of the Liverpool box, the Spanish midfielder flung himself into the air to acrobatically volley Angel di Maria's clipped pass into the far corner.

“There is nothing to say about it, sometimes you just need to have a look at it and applaud,” said Henry. “It is just ridiculous what he did, especially here at Anfield and the magnitude of the game for both teams today.

“People have had a go at him and I don’t think has played the way he can and with the quality that he has but what a day for him.”

Henry’s fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher agreed and believes that Mata is beginning to answer some of the questions asked of him in the wake of his multi-million pound move from Chelsea.

“Let’s not forget about Mata, he came to our country and was outstanding for those first two years,” the former Liverpool defender added.

“I think he was Chelsea’s player of the year and because Mourinho got rid of him – you can’t argue with Jose Mourinho with what he’s done in the game and the trophies he’s won.

“So if he thinks Mata’s not good enough then there’s a question mark against him.”

For his part, Mata believes that his all-round performance was his best for the club after a difficult start to his United career.

“I think so,” he added. “Obviously because of the rivalry it’s a massive game in the history of English football, probably the biggest. To come here, win and score two goals is an unbelievable day for me.”

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal also praised the 26-year-old's performance, but insisted he wasn't surprised and has only picked other players ahead of him before for the team's sake.

"Normally I don’t want to say it but he was very good," said the Dutchman.

"He’s always played well for me in my opinion. He’s one of my most consistent players, but sometimes you also need balance in your team and you have to select other players."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mata Buzzing After Happiest Day In A United Shirt

Juan Mata described his brace at Anfield which secured a vital 2-1 victory over Liverpool as “my happiest day” in a Manchester United shirt.

The Spaniard, who took 90 per cent of votes in @ManUtd's Man of the Match poll, gave the Reds the lead in the first half when he finished off a neat move with a clinical right-footed finish past Simon Mignolet. But he outdid that in the second half with a brilliant acrobatic strike.

“It feels amazing,” he told MUTV. “The game was massive for us because of the position in the table, the rivalry and the history between the two clubs. I think today is the happiest day since I came to the club. I am very happy for the fans, for the team and happy with the performance and the three points.

“The second goal was nicer, it was a good pass from Angel [Di Maria] and I just tried to score with my first touch. But overall I think the performance of the team was the key for the win. I am very happy because of the goals, but I am happy about how we performed, how we defended. We knew that Liverpool were going to push until the end and we fought.”

Mata’s second goal came at a crucial time after Steven Gerrard was sent off almost immediately after coming on at half-time, following his stamp on Ander Herrera. But Mata says making the most of that numerical advantage was difficult.

“I think we played better against 11 players than against 10,” he added. “It was tense, they had nothing to lose and they were more dangerous [in that situation with 10 men], where you just have to be offensive and create chances. And they have the players to do it. I think we kept our shape well and didn’t allow so many chances. It’s tough to play here at Anfield but it was a great game.”

The result and the performance, however, give Mata plenty of hope for what United can achieve in the final eight games of the season. Juan said: “The first half was very good, like against Tottenham, and I think the team is reaching that level that we should play at. We have the players to do it and it is very important that the team is performing at the best level at the most important stage of the season. We have to carry on and keep winning and winning.

“This win is important, but it’s no more than three points. We have some very important games to go against direct rivals. But you could feel from the beginning of the week how much the supporters wanted us to win here. It’s a massive game, the biggest in England, and that is why we are very happy.”

Premier League: Liverpool 1 Man. United 2

Juan Mata’s brilliant brace handed Manchester United a key victory over rivals Liverpool and a big boost in the race for the top four after an action-packed encounter at Anfield that also saw Steven Gerrard sent off.

Mata scored in either half – his second a jaw-dropping acrobatic effort – to overshadow Daniel Sturridge’s second-half goal in a typically tense United-Liverpool encounter with Simon Mignolet even saving Wayne Rooney's stoppage-time penalty.

Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers both kept unchanged teams from their respective wins over Tottenham and Swansea, with Angel Di Maria, returning from suspension, and Gerrard, Liverpool’s outgoing captain, unable to force their way into the starting line-ups.

United arrived at Anfield with an unfavourable record; in 10 visits since 2006, the Reds have won three, drawn one and lost six. Van Gaal, however, arrived with customary confidence: “Anfield is not a very easy ground for United but now I am manager here, maybe I can change that.” Naturally, he took Liverpool’s threat seriously after they had racked up 14 games unbeaten at home and were undefeated in the league since United’s 3-0 win in December.

It was a typically rapid start with Liverpool pressing hard and United seeking to control possession. With Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Mata pulling the strings in midfield, that’s exactly what United did, particularly in a dominant first 30 minutes.

And, on 14 minutes, Mata put the visitors deservedly in front. Marouane Fellaini slipped a pass to Herrera, who carved open Liverpool’s defence with a piercing through-ball, and Mata coolly slotted his shot past Mignolet. United continued to dominate through the guile of Mata and Herrera with Fellaini adding requisite bark and bite.

Slender leads in these fixtures offer little by way of comfort, and after 35 minutes with Liverpool upping the tempo, the 2,800 away fans were holding their breath as Henderson’s sweeping cross-field ball behind United’s defence found Sturridge, who teed up Adam Lallana but he fizzed his shot wide when he should have scored.

So, an almost perfect first half for United, while Liverpool started the second in quite the opposite fashion – half-time substitute Gerrard lasted just 42 seconds before being red-carded by referee Martin Atkinson for appearing to tread on Herrera. Keyed up to make an impression in his final Liverpool-United game and stamp his authority on proceedings, he did it a little too literally.

That ignited the match still further as tensions flared in the stands and the game, all cool and calm from United in the first half, lost its shape. That was until the 59th minute when Mata produced a moment of pure magic – latching onto Di Maria’s inviting lofted pass into the box and producing a stunning scissor-kick volley to beat Mignolet with a Goal of the Season contender.

The Reds couldn’t expect an easy ride to the final whistle and that was brought sharply into focus as Sturridge beat De Gea at his near post on 69 minutes to set up an nervous finish. But United held onto the lead, although it could have been more secure had Rooney not had a late penalty saved by Mignolet after Daley Blind was brought down by Emre Can. It’s as you were in the top four, but crucially there is a five-point gap back to Liverpool and after consecutive wins over the Merseysiders and Tottenham, van Gaal’s men have gathering momentum going into the final eight games of the season.

Van Gaal Might Extend United Contract

Louis van Gaal has reiterated his desire to retire when his reign as Manchester United manager comes to an end, although the Dutchman has hinted he may yet extend his contract at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal signed a three-year deal in the summer and has previously stated his wish to walk away from football at the close of the 2016/17 season, when he plans to spend more time with his family. However, the 63-year-old admits his mind could potentially change when the time comes.

Asked to confirm if United will be his last management job in football, van Gaal said: “Yes, but it can still be five years, I can extend my contract.

“I have promised my wife but you never know. What I have said before, you always have to be in the situation and then you can decide. Now I am in the situation where I have signed for three years because in three years’ time you can build up something. They [the club] would agree with that.

“I don't know how I shall react in the circumstances when Manchester United ask me extend, and if I shall do that. But this is my last club.”

Van Gaal is preparing for Sunday's match with Liverpool, a club that approached him to be their manager before appointing Brendan Rodgers in May 2012.

“Yes, I spoke to them, but it is not so interesting anymore,” he explains. “Last week, it was the same with Tottenham Hotspur. I have spoken to a lot of clubs. It is not so interesting, it is the past and it is not good for Liverpool, not good for Tottenham for me to open things that have already passed.”

The boss is flattered that so many clubs have been interested in his services: “I am very pleased with that, because I could work every year. I have to take sabbaticals to please my wife and my kids and my grandchildren. I was always in the circumstances to manage a club, I am a lucky guy.”

Carrick's On A Mission At Anfield

Michael Carrick sees his role in Manchester United's vital trip to Anfield on Sunday as two-fold – making an important individual contribution himself and, as the squad's oldest player, using his experience to help others do the same.

The midfielder was in fine form in last weekend's 3-0 home victory over fellow Champions League-chasers Tottenham Hotspur, making the first goal and heading home the second.

Carrick had previously endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines through injury but, having made his return earlier this month, he is determined to play an important part in the Reds' top-four mission.

The 33-year-old, who has been called up to the England squad, says he is looking to make an impact from a personal perspective in the nine remaining matches, but is fully aware of the role he can play in encouraging others to follow suit, particularly in the excursion to Merseyside to face Liverpool.

"There is a responsibility that comes with the experience you have," he told United Review recently. "There is a lot of experience within the squad and there is also a group of younger lads and you try to help them and give them advice at certain times.

"I'm not one to sit everyone down and discuss things; it’s more about giving advice and little pointers at different times.

"It's good to be back and I feel fine," he added, when asked about his fitness. "Once you get back, you just want a run of games and hopefully I can get that.

"It's been a bit of a nightmare season for me injury-wise and just at the time in my career where you’re getting a little bit older and you want to be playing as much as you can and enjoy your football. I’ve had a good run over the years, though, and hopefully this is the only blip so I can bounce back and get a good run of fitness now."

Sunday's match is one of a number of big tests against teams also vying for a top four-finish – Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are still to come – ensuring victories in those matches are all the more crucial.

"The thing about the next few games is the fact they’re against the teams around us, that’s what makes it even more important to pick up maximum points," explained Carrick. "Form-wise we haven’t been bad, but just as we seemed to be getting on a really good run, we had a little setback, which stopped us being an extra place or two higher up the league. Getting a good run of wins is going to be very important.

"The confidence is there and the belief is there," he continued. "We have tough games coming up but we’re not in a bad position. If we can get the right results, we can get ourselves in an even better position in the weeks to come, that's our aim."

Van Gaal Praises Fellaini's Form Ahead Of Liverpool

Louis van Gaal has explained how Marouane Fellaini has earned a regular place in his Manchester United line-up.

The Belgium international has started five of the last six matches and also came off the bench against Sunderland during that period, while his calmly-taken opener against Tottenham Hotspur was his fifth goal of the season.

Possessing different attributes to his fellow midfielders and forwards, Fellaini provides a physical presence for United and an aerial threat up-front. He is also able to become a focal point for a number of attacks.

"He has qualities that now, at this moment, he can contribute a lot," van Gaal explains. "That is why he is playing. He also allows me to give balance to the team and that is important for a manager who is looking for balance. I think he has to play higher and higher up and Michael Carrick has to play deeper.

"I have said a lot of times at press conferences, for example he is a player that gives a solution for beating the pressing of the opponents. That's also a contribution, he has more contributions but that is one of his contributions."

Jones Plays Down Importance Of Liverpool Match

Phil Jones insists Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter at Liverpool is not make or break for Manchester United's top-four bid.

The Reds have been buoyed by the excellent performance against Tottenham Hotspur and approach this weekend's trip to Anfield in fine spirits, looking up the table at second-placed Manchester City rather than worrying about dropping out of a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot for the first time since November's 2-1 victory at Arsenal.

Liverpool may be unbeaten since their 3-0 loss at Old Trafford on 14 December, but Jones is adamant there are equally important fixtures throughout the run-in.

"I think most players are very aware of what the game holds - what it’s about and what it means to the fans," Jones told MUTV. "Maybe not so much the players who have just come in this season but they’ll soon find out on Sunday!

"It’ll be a great atmosphere. It’s always a difficult place to go, Anfield, but it’s about us and what we’re going to do and how we go about our game. Hopefully, that will be enough.

"The first five minutes are always frantic. It’s energetic, aggressive and there is a lot of passion. Keeping a cool head is a good way to start the game. Concentration is vital in a game of this magnitude and you can’t go to Anfield and not be aggressive.

"It’s a big game and everyone looks out for it when you see the fixtures come out at the start of the season. But let’s not get carried away. It isn’t the main game of the season and won’t make or break our season. There are another eight afterwards that are going to make or break the season and they are all massive games in their own way.

"It’s important, I’m not disputing the fact it’s an important, big game for us and for the fans but I’m trying to make you aware there are eight other games which will have a huge impact on our season as well. Hopefully, we can go there and be in good form on the back of a good win that will carry us into the game on Sunday."

Louis van Gaal Praised By Liverpool Counterpart Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he was not surprised to see Louis van Gaal turn around Manchester United's fortunes.

Rodgers' side have not lost in the Premier League since going down 3-0 to United at Old Trafford in December and sit just two points behind their greatest rivals ahead of the teams' showdown at Anfield this Sunday.

Despite currently occupying the fourth Champions League spot, Van Gaal's methods have come under scrutiny with many fans questioning whether he is getting the best out of the talent at his disposal.

However, Rodgers has leapt to the defence of his counterpart insisting the Dutchman has nothing to prove to anyone.

"I don't think there is any convincing required," he said. "He has shown over his career that he is a top-class manager,"

"He will have seen, coming into this country for the first time, the challenges of this football - it is why it is the most competitive league in the world.

"The Premier League is different from the leagues he will have worked in before but I don't think you can argue with his credentials.

"There is no question about the philosophies he has put in place at Ajax or Barcelona or his achievements and when he leaves Manchester United he will still be one of the great managers."

Rodgers found himself under similar scrutiny after Liverpool's poor first half of the season but having turned things around, and with an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, he is firmly back in the fans' good books.

"I've said to coaches and players that when the criticism comes, deserved or undeserved, you won't like it but you have to accept it as it is part of the game," he said.

"As a manager you have to take the circumstance of where you are at. That won't fit with results but it is quite easy, you have to stay focused.

"You have to have an inherent belief of how you work and when it is scrutinised and ridiculed you go back to that platform of why and how you work.

"You know you are going to get it at some stage and in your career it is important you come out the other side. I am early in my career as a manager but that period benefited me.

"It is the challenges of being a manager at any level, you are scrutinised but you have to stay calm and believe in your qualities as a coach and manager."

Bryan Robson Likens Chris Smalling To Paul McGrath

Bryan Robson has paid Chris Smalling a huge compliment by likening his recent performances to those of Manchester United greats Paul McGrath and Gary Pallister.

Five years after signing for United, Smalling is yet to convince many fans he and Phil Jones are suitable long-term replacements for Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who left Old Trafford last summer.

However, the 25-year-old has had a string of strong performances recently, and will need to keep that going for United's visit to Anfield on Sunday, as they battle great rivals Liverpool for a top four Premier League finish.

Smalling has been taunted by fans, including when he was sent off in the 39th minute after picking up a foolish second yellow for hacking down James Milner in the corner in the Manchester derby last November, which City went on to win 1-0.

However, his commanding performance in last week's 3-0 victory over Tottenham caught Robson's eye and the former United captain thinks that bodes well for Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield.

"Chris is a good defender," Robson said. "I have seen him improve over the last few games. I even thought against Arsenal and Newcastle away, his passing was a lot better, a lot crisper.

"He has come on to a good game, is in good form at the moment and will be important against Liverpool."

Smalling kept 26-goal Spurs striker Harry Kane quiet last Sunday and the former Fulham man ventured forward, striding confidently with the ball at his feet on a number of occasions.

Pallister lifted 10 trophies at United and McGrath would have won much more than the 1985 FA Cup had he not fought a long-running battle with alcoholism which eventually cost him his place at the club.

"Paul McGrath could do that and so could Gary Pallister," Robson said when invited to liken Smalling's display to a figure from the past.

"When you keep possession at the back sometimes it's really important that your defenders break past the forwards and they get into the midfield area.

"That means one of your midfield players should be able to get space and I thought Chris did that particularly well against Tottenham and that made it difficult for the Tottenham players."

A pleased Smalling said: "It's a great feeling to know that people are taking notice. I am just hoping I can keep it up and keep a good run and contribute to our results."

Liverpool have not lost since losing 3-0 at Old Trafford in December and a victory would move them above United into fourth for the first time since August.

But Robson thinks victory for United could pave the way for a second-place finish - where City lie five points ahead of them.

"Yes, (second) is a realistic target," the former United captain said. "We have to play City and Arsenal at home and if we beat both of them all of a sudden your points tally is looking really good."

Robson and Smalling were speaking at the launch of Manchester United Casino - the world's first club-based real money casino app.

Credit: Skysports.com

Evans Maintains Innocence Over Spitting

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is still insisting he did not intend to spit at Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse and says that type of behaviour is for "idiots".

The 27-year-old reacted angrily during Manchester United's 1-0 win at St James' Park earlier this month with TV replays appearing to show him spitting at the Magpies striker.

Evans denied the charge but the Football Association decided his actions warranted a six-match ban, while Cisse was suspended for seven games after a clearer spit in the aftermath of the clash because of an earlier suspension for violent conduct.

"I did not have the intent to spit at an opponent, so when the FA charged me with that I could never accept it," Evans told The Times.

"To spit at anyone is one of the most disgusting things you can do; it's low and cheap. I would never think to spit at someone. You just look like an idiot.

"So I can totally understand there is an image around that, and in the British game and our society it's not something that is accepted, and rightly so.

"But I was able to go home and look my mum and dad in the eye because if I'd genuinely spat at someone I think they would have been disgusted in me.

"It's not the background I come from in Northern Ireland. My mum and dad would have given me a rollicking if I had done that."

Although he says he would not spit at anothrer player, Evans admitted that he is a 'habitual' spitter in general and has been criticised by his wife Helen several times, and stated he was working to cut it out of his game and believes it could be a nervous habit.

He added: "In training this week I turned to spit and thought, 'No, I can't spit' and tried to stop myself. So that's something I'm trying to work on."

Evans has still to serve part of his ban and will miss the Premier League games against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Credit: Skysports.com