Louis van Gaal Admits He 'Cannot Predict' Old Trafford Reception

Louis van Gaal has admitted he has no idea what reception awaits him at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United manager was booed down the tunnel by large sections of the club's own supporters after a Premier League defeat to Southampton in their last home game.

Van Gaal admitted the reaction was justified and later denied "horrible" reports that he had offered to quit, but the Dutchman has since overseen victory over Derby - and a much-improved performance - in the FA Cup.

Next up is a home game against Stoke, and Van Gaal said: "I'm not a stupid man. I'm an intelligent man and I cannot predict the atmosphere.

"I hope that we can give the same level of performance as Friday, but we have to play Stoke City. It's another opponent.

"But it's not so important that they yell at me. It's more that they are supporting the players because that's the most important thing. The players have the most difficult task.

"They have to give a result at that hour, with that resistance, and there are no excuses. They have to support the fans.

"When I am not so popular anymore, okay. It's also not the first time that that happens with me. But I can survive."

United were beaten at Stoke on Boxing Day, and Van Gaal said: "I have to say that I like Stoke City very much, how they play.

"I think they are in good shape, in good form. Everybody in the Premier League is having a lot of difficulties with Stoke City."

Credit: Skysports.com

United Record In Rooney's Sights

There is no doubting 2016 has, so far, been a good year for Wayne Rooney. After celebrating the birth of his third child last weekend, the Manchester United skipper netted his sixth goal in as many games in the FA Cup victory at Derby County and the striker admitted afterwards that, while he's focused on helping the team win matches, he does have one eye on breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's club scoring record.

Rooney's sublime strike in the fourth-round win over the Rams was his 243rd goal for the Reds and means he is now just six behind Sir Bobby's long-standing tally of 249.

The 30-year-old claimed the all-time goals record for his country earlier this season, also previously held by Sir Bobby, and Rooney says he is simply delighted to be mentioned alongside the United and England legend.

"Of course, I’m well aware [of getting closer to the record]," he told reporters after Friday's Cup win. "Like the England record, when it was getting closer, it was coming up every week, so I’m sure it will now.

"It’s great to be mentioned alongside Sir Bobby’s record and hopefully, before the end of the season, I can pass that and kick on from there.

"It’s been a good start to the new year personally, scoring goals and feeling fit," he added. "Although last Saturday [against Southampton] was a bad result, on a personal level I'm enjoying my game and scoring goals so hopefully that’ll continue.”

Rooney set United on the way to a 3-1 win at Derby on Friday evening and, while the Rams levelled proceedings before the break, the Reds' improved display across the course of the 90 minutes led to a deserved victory.

“It was obviously a better performance than last week’s game but the manager gave us a lot of freedom to go and play and I think you can see the difference in the team," explained Rooney. "You could see we were enjoying it, scoring some good goals and thoroughly deserved to win.

“It’s unfair to say it’s [down to] the manager - we’re on the pitch," he continued, when asked about some of the recent criticism of Louis van Gaal and his men. "So the players have to take a lot of responsibility for performances and results. We have to stand up and take criticism when it’s there.

"We want to win, we always want to win, and we’re trying. Even when you’re giving 100 per cent, it doesn’t always come off but, thankfully on Friday, it did. Hopefully, we can put in another performance like this again on Tuesday and take this into the game against Stoke.”

Martial Hailed As "Unplayable"

Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata may have been the men on the scoresheet in the FA Cup win at Derby County on Friday night, but there's no doubt the architect of the 3-1 triumph was Man of the Match Anthony Martial.

Team-mate Michael Carrick, who made a welcome return from injury in the second half at the iPro Stadium, described Martial as "unplayable" when he's in the mood, while fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini has also waxed lyrical about the young French striker, who has been one of the Reds' star performers this term.

After bursting onto the scene with a memorable debut goal against Liverpool in September, the 20-year-old has chipped in with seven further strikes and continued to terrify defenders, none more so than against the Rams.

"He has shown his quality from day one since his debut," declared Carrick. "We realise how good he is but we can’t expect everything all the time. However, when he’s playing like that [as he did against Derby], he’s pretty much unplayable so it’s nice to have him.”

Fellaini concurred, adding: "Anthony has a lot of quality. He is quick, a good dribbler and always dangerous. He's settled in well, enjoys the training and loves the Premier League and playing games. This is good for him but also the club.

"He is young and has to keep going and learning every day. And he must keep training hard as next season will be more difficult because the Premier League will know him. But I think he has the quality to be a success."

Martial was deservedly named United's Man of the Match in the FA Cup fourth-round win and he will be out to upset Stoke City in Tuesday's Premier League fixture.

Thompson: Man. United Were Let Off The Hook By Derby

Phil Thompson believes Derby let Manchester United off the hook in Friday's FA Cup clash, while Charlie Nicholas questioned Marouane Fellaini's role in Louis van Gaal's side.

Louis van Gaal's side picked up a much needed win against the Championship side, eventually winning 3-1 with goals from Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata.

George Thorne leveled for the Rams late in the first-half, but Thompson believes Derby did not push their struggling Premier League opponents as much as they could have.

"United's performance was better, but I think Derby let them off the hook," the former Liverpool defender told Soccer Saturday.

"They didn't close them down, they gave them a lot of space so any nervousness evaporated in the first 10 minutes. It was a good victory, a needed victory for Van Gaal but I still think there's a lot more to do for Manchester United because I don't think Derby were really at it."

This was echoed by fellow pundit Paul Merson, who thinks the out-of-form Rams could have made more of the occasion.

"I think Derby played into their hands. They didn't make it an FA Cup tie - the giants against the minnows - and that made it a bit easier for United. It was a massive football result. For the way they're playing, it was a big result."

Anthony Martial came in for particular praise for his performance as he created two of the three United goals, while a spectacular goal from Wayne Rooney was also a highlight.

But Charlie Nicholas believes the pressure is still very much on for Van Gaal and singled out Fellaini for criticism.

"Is the pressure off now? No, not until they get a fluency in their game," said the former Arsenal striker.

"We know Derby weren't at it but you can only beat what's in front of you and there were a few signs last night - three or four movements - of fluent passing. Martial and Rooney were particularly involved but it's not something we've seen enough of.

"It's slightly better when Mata plays but I still think there's some confusion with Fellaini in the team. I don't know his position. He sometimes wants to hold, sometimes he wants to go forward, sometimes he just gets in the way.

"The last half-a-dozen Manchester United games I've seen, he could have picked up three or four red cards. He wins headers defensively, he wins a few going forwards but other than that I don't see a great deal.

"In my opinion, he breaks up any fluency the team has."

Credit: Skysports.com

Blind Recounts Goal Against Derby

Daley Blind has admitted to “thinking like a striker” when scoring his influential goal during Manchester United’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round victory over Derby County on Friday.

Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock at the iPro Stadium but the hosts managed to level through midfielder George Thorne against the run of play. The onus was then on Louis van Gaal’s men to react and Blind was an unlikely hero when he surged forward from his defensive position in the 65th minute to latch onto Jesse Lingard’s cross and finish into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Juan Mata scored a third goal to wrap up a relatively comfortable 3-1 win and book the Reds’ place in Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round draw. Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, Blind was delighted by the result and happily recounted his impressive goal against the Championship side.

“I passed the ball to Juan and then it opened up,” Daley said. “I saw nobody there and I started thinking like a striker, so I thought maybe I should go to the first post. I made a choice and then the ball was there. It was a perfect ball from Jesse, I didn’t need to take a touch and then it was a goal!”

Asked how it felt to celebrate his finish in front of the 5,472 United fans in the away end, Blind continued: “It was a great feeling and you could see how many fans there were again, they are everywhere and always are. I compliment them and this victory is also for them of course.”

On the match itself, Blind was pleased by United’s performance and felt his team-mates deserved the win. “They are a physical team and I think we played very well,” he told MUTV. “We played quicker than the games before, we created a lot of chances and we scored two goals. We could have finished more but I think, in the end, it was a good performance.

“We were in control and then in one moment it slipped away [when Derby equalised]. It was just one chance and they had some shots from outside of the box. But in these kinds of games, a cup game, anything can happen and of course you are not happy when you go into the dressing room at 1-1. But we can out very strongly and showed that we wanted it more.”

Attentions now turn to Tuesday’s Barclays Premier League match against Stoke City at Old Trafford and Blind hopes the Reds can build momentum with another success. “Of course a win is always a boost but you have to take it game by game and step by step. There is an important game on Tuesday coming up. We have to move on from this and keep the confidence up.”

Mata Glad To Play His Part

Juan Mata says he was pleased to contribute to the Manchester United cause after his goal capped off a 3-1 win over Derby County in the Emirates FA Cup at the iPro Stadium.

The Spain international swept home the crucial third goal late on to kill off the hosts and book the Reds’ place in the fifth round of the competition, and Mata later expressed his joy at playing his part in an improved performance and victory.

“I’m happy with the goal, because it was the one that in a way, finished the game,” he told MUTV. “I think we did what we have to do every game - we were quicker, we created chances and tried to play in a positive way.

“It’s not easy to come here and play football, especially in the first half because they pressed a lot but I think in the first 30 to 35 minutes we were very good,” Mata continued. “In the second half, we controlled the game, they didn’t create almost any chances and we scored two more goals.”

A frenetic first half saw the game level at 1-1 heading into the interval, but the Spaniard said he was pleased with how he and his team-mates responded: “In one corner, in one free-kick, they can score, and they did it in a good play but I think we kept calm in the second half.

“We kept doing what we had to do: quick passing, trying to get forward, playing in the holes, and trying to turn and play forward, and I think we did quite well and that’s why we won.

“When you play for Manchester United there’s pressure on every game, you have to win every game and I think we managed the pressure, we played good football, and now we’re looking forward to the next game on Tuesday in the Premier League.”

Shearer: FA Cup Win Could Buy Time For LVG

Winning the FA Cup could buy time for Louis van Gaal to succeed at Manchester United, says former England striker Alan Shearer.

Van Gaal, 64, has faced criticism as United have struggled in the Premier League and failed to reach the Champions League knockout stage.

But his side reached the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-1 win at Derby.

"When Arsenal won the FA Cup it kept them going and gave Arsene Wenger a bit of time," said Shearer.

Arsenal manager Wenger was heavily criticised by some Gunners supporters before ending a nine-year trophy drought by winning the 2014 FA Cup.

The Frenchman admitted in the build-up to the following season that success had "lifted the pressure", with his team going on to retain the trophy by beating Aston Villa at Wembley last May.

Wenger's team are now challenging for the Premier League title, and BBC Sport analyst Shearer believes winning the FA Cup could also have a positive effect for both Van Gaal and United.

"Without this competition you could imagine the calls that Wenger would be having to answer," said Shearer, 45. "It's a similar situation now for Manchester United."

The Red Devils are fifth in the Premier League, five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Van Gaal's side were eliminated after the group phase of Europe's premier club competition this season, dropping into the Europa League.

And former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said the FA Cup is their only hope of salvaging an unsatisfactory season.

"If they had lost at Derby the season would have been finished," said the 52-year-old Dane, who watched the game as a BBC Sport summariser.

"I can't remember any point in Manchester United's history when the season has been finished in January."

Van Gaal is aiming to lead United to a record-equalling 12th FA Cup success, but says the competition does not hold any more importance to him than either the Premier League or Europa League.

The Red Devils have not won the FA Cup since beating Millwall in the 2004 final under Sir Alex Ferguson, while no player in the current squad has an FA Cup winner's medal.

"The Premier League is important and the FA Cup also because it is the greatest cup in English history," said Van Gaal.

"We haven't won it for a long time. We dream of it but after two wins you cannot say we shall win the trophy because a lot of clubs want to win it.

"I want to win it but I want to win every match. There's no question of that."

Credit: BBC Sport

FA Cup: United's Possible 5th Round Opponents

The draw for the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round will take place on Sunday at 18:15 GMT and Manchester United have been attributed to ball no.4 after defeating Derby County 3-1 on Friday.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring at the iPro Stadium on Friday night but the hosts soon restored parity through George Thorne. Daley Blind put Louis van Gaal's men back in front with a fine finish in the second half, before Juan Mata wrapped up a deserved victory with another late goal.

There will be eight ties drawn out in the FA Cup fifth-round and United fans can follow it live via the club's official Twitter account @ManUtd. All games will take place across the weekend of 19-22 February.

FIFTH ROUND DRAW NUMBERS

1: West Bromwich Albion or Peterborough United
2: Bolton Wanderers or Leeds United
3: Arsenal or Burnley
4: Manchester United
5: Reading or Walsall
6: Liverpool or West Ham United
7: Aston Villa or Manchester City
8: Shrewsbury Town or Sheffield Wednesday
9: Nottingham Forest or Watford
10: Carlisle United or Everton
11: Crystal Palace or Stoke City
12: Oxford United or Blackburn Rovers
13: Portsmouth or AFC Bournemouth
14: Colchester United or Tottenham Hotspur
15: Bury or Hull City
16: MK Dons or Chelsea

Reds United In Martial Praise

Juan Mata and Daley Blind scored vital goals in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Derby County on Friday, yet they were quick to highlight Anthony Martial’s impact on the result.

The 20-year-old France international did not add his name to the scoresheet in the Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie but was a constant menace throughout the 90 minutes, regularly terrorising his marker and creating several scoring opportunities for the Reds. This led to him being named Man of the Match by followers of the club’s official Twitter account, @ManUtd, with 73 per cent of votes cast online.

It was Martial’s superb assist that led to Mata scoring the final goal of the night in Derbyshire and the Spaniard was clearly enthused by his team-mate when speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, stating his belief that his colleague has “incredible potential” to fulfil in the coming seasons.

“I’ve been really impressed with him,” Juan explained. “He’s a very good player. He has a lot of good things and can beat almost anyone one-on-one. He can do great crosses like we saw when he passed back to me for the goal and I really enjoy playing alongside him, because he’s a very good player.

“He has incredible potential. I think he has to keep calm, which I think he is. He has to show what he has shown in almost every game, and for me he is an unbelievable player.”

Blind also paid tribute to Martial’s unquestionable influence on the victory over Derby and explained why the former Monaco player must be something of a nightmare for opposition defenders to play against.

“I think as a defender you are not happy if you have to play against him at the moment," the Dutchman said. "He is so quick and he makes good decisions. He can go left or right, and that is difficult for every defender. He gets into great positions and I have said before that he is going to be a great striker.”

Louis van Gaal admitted Martial could have been better in the opening stages of the tie, but happily admitted his summer signing displayed his true quality throughout the remainder of the game.

“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous,” declared the manager. “I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”

Martial was nominated for the club’s Man of the Match award by MUTV pundits David May and Lee Martin. Young full-backs Guillermo Varela and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson were also put up for the prize in a nod of appreciation towards their fine performances on the flanks.

Van Gaal's Verdict On Cup Win Over Derby

Louis van Gaal has praised the performance of his Manchester United players following Friday night's comfortable 3-1 win over Derby County in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round. Here are the main points from the manager's post-match interview with MUTV...

ON THE RESULT AND PERFORMANCE
“I am very happy. The performance was also very good and I said that at half-time; that we can continue with the way we had played in the first half. We gave a goal away and it was by ourselves again, but I liked the performance in the first half, it had a lot of confidence and that is back which is very important. The second half was even better, we created a lot of chances and we scored goals. But also we created more chances to score more goals. I am a very happy coach.”

ON THE SUPERB PERFORMANCE OF ANTHONY MARTIAL
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous. I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”

DID UNITED PLAY WITH MORE FREEDOM?
“I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more. When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.”

A CATALYST FOR MORE WINS?
“We have won almost every game in 2016 - against Southampton we lost and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so it [our performance] was a little bit ridiculous. But that's how it was. Now the confidence is back, we dared to play again and in spite of the pressure of Derby County in the second half we met that pressure, we created chances and we scored fantastic goals I have to say. The second and third were fantastic combinations and fantastic finishes as well.”

DALEY BLIND’S GOAL
“It was unbelievable, but he sniffed the chance and that is why he can score. I also have to say that the youngsters did well too, so I cannot complain.”

PRAISE FOR THE FANS
“It is unbelievable and still they come to look to 'boring' Manchester United. It is fantastic – amazing!”

FA Cup 4th Round: Derby County 1 Man. United 3

Manchester United progressed to the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup with an entertaining victory over Derby County at a wintry iPro Stadium on Friday night.

Wayne Rooney gave the Reds the lead with a wonderful early goal – his sixth strike in as many games – but Derby equalised against the run of play before half-time through George Thorne.

However, Louis van Gaal’s side, who dominated much of the game, were not to be deterred and Daley Blind netted smartly midway through the second half, before Juan Mata added a late third to secure United’s place in Sunday’s draw.

Van Gaal made two changes to the side that started against Southampton last weekend, with Guillermo Varela coming in for Matteo Darmian and Mata replacing Ander Herrera. A deafening roar greeted kick-off, with 5,471 noisy visiting fans – United’s biggest away end of the season – more than playing their part, as they proceeded to roll through a traditional repertoire that included a tribute to Nemanja Vidic following the Serbian’s retirement.

In a bright start by the Reds, Anthony Martial had a good early chance, firing over from just inside the box. But it didn’t take much longer for the Reds to open the scoring – and in superb fashion, as Rooney cut inside to bend a shot into the far corner just after the quarter-hour mark.

With the Championship promotion-chasers seemingly content to sit back and grant United possession, van Gaal’s sharp-looking side continued to probe and Martial narrowly failed to control a return pass from Rooney that would have left the Frenchman one-on-one with goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Reds were utterly in control but, eight minutes before the break, Derby equalised out of the blue, as midfielder Thorne ran onto a neat ball over the top to slot past David De Gea.

Back came United and, after skipping past Thorne on the left, Martial crossed towards Rooney but Stephen Warnock did well to get to the ball ahead of his opposing captain. At the other end, Chris Smalling made an excellent last-ditch tackle on the Rams’ top scorer, Chris Martin, and the sides went in level at the break.

HALF-TIME STATISTICS
Possession: Derby 33% United 67%
Shots at goal: Derby 4 United 6
Shots on target: Derby 3 United 2
Corners: Derby 1 United 3

The Reds started the second half on the front foot and the ever-dangerous Martial ghosted past his marker on the left but couldn’t pick out a red shirt with his cross. Nick Blackman then curled over a powerful effort after a swift attack as Derby showed they were still a threat on the break.

Just before the hour-mark, Mata came within a whisker of restoring United’s lead as he headed Jesse Lingard’s deflected cross narrowly wide, before Marouane Fellaini could only head a corner straight at Carson.

With the away end still making a terrific noise, United continued to carve out openings and Blind charged forward from centre-back to apply a brilliant first-time finish to Lingard’s cross and put the visitors back ahead.

That goal seemed to deflate Paul Clements’ side and Mata killed the game off with a late third, a simple finish after Martial had beaten his man for the umpteenth time down the left. Job done – the quest to reach Wembley goes on.

FULL-TIME STATISTICS
Possession: Derby 40% United 60%
Shots at goal: Derby 7 United 13
Shots on target: Derby 3 United 5
Corners: Derby 6 United 5

THE TEAMS
United: De Gea, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Fellaini, Schneiderlin (Carrick 74), Lingard, Mata (Herrera 84), Martial, Rooney.
Subs not used: Romero, McNair, Januzaj, Pereira, Memphis.

Derby: Carson, Christie, Keogh, Martin, Shackell, Johnson (Hendrick 77), Butterfield, Blackman (Camara 59), Ince, Thorne (Russell 77), Warnock.
Subs not used: Grant, Bryson, Baird, Olsson.
Booked: Warnock

MATCH REACTION

Van Gaal: "We dared to play again and, in spite of Derby's pressure in the second half, we created chances and we scored some fantastic goals. I am very happy."

Mata: "We did what we have to do every game. We were quicker, we created chances and tried to play in a positive way."

Blind: “Of course a win is always a boost but you have to take it game by game and step by step. There is an important game on Tuesday coming up. We have to move on from this and keep the confidence up.”

Vidic In Quotes

Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.

The former central defender spent eight years at Old Trafford, captaining the side for three seasons and winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League.

Vidic joined Inter Milan after leaving United in 2014 but he was released by the Italian side earlier this month before making the decision to retire.

"The time has come for me to hang up my boots," said the former Serbia international in statement. "The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll."

From Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes, we recall some of the best quotes on Vidic…

Sir Alex Ferguson: "How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him."

Gary Neville when naming his best Manchester United XI: "Vidic has to be in the team. That's non-negotiable. How he didn't win Player of the Year in 2010/11 is beyond me. He was easily the most consistent, influential player in the league."

Rio Ferdinand on his partnership with Vidic: "We didn't work on it in training, we could smell each other's movement, you just knew, it was instinct. I knew when he was going to go tight and I'd go round and cover. I knew when he was going to drop off, I'd push in. I knew when he was in a bit of trouble, I'd always hang back and be that safety net for him. He was the best partner and favourite partner I played with."

Robin van Persie: "I do count him as one of my best friends. When I think of him as a footballer, Nemanja puts his head where other players are scared to put their feet. That's Nemanja. At corners I'm always helping the defenders and he's always close to me. I've seen him, time after time, diving with his head forward to block a ball. When I'm witnessing that, I'm scared for him. This is Nemanja. It's unbelievable."

Ryan Giggs ahead of Vidic's final game for Manchester United: "I can say with certainty that tonight's game provides the opportunity for Old Trafford to say farewell to probably the best defender I have ever played with: Nemanja Vidic. Jaap Stam and Rio Ferdinand fall into the mix as well when I consider that statement, but Nemanja has been an immense player for United for so many years and he has enjoyed great success as well."

Paul Scholes: "Every time I walked past the gym, I would see Nemanja in there lifting weights. He turned himself into a big, strong centre-half who was capable of knocking strikers out of the way. He always had a great ability to head the ball, but allied with his strength he became unbeatable in the air. Throughout his United career, we would play away at difficult grounds and it would be Nemanja heading crosses and set pieces when the team were under pressure."

David Moyes on Vidic leaving Manchester United: "It was something that we all mutually agreed together. I think it was the right decision for club and player. He has been a brilliant servant for Manchester United. He is captain and it will remain that way until the end of the season."

Phil Jones: "You learn off him every day in training, even if he doesn't say anything, you just watch and learn. He's been a huge influence on my career at United and has really helped me along the way. I owe him a lot and I am grateful for everything he's done."

Credit: Skysports.com

Social Media Tributes To Vidic

Former Manchester United team-mates have saluted Nemanja Vidic who's decided to retire from football at the age of 34.

Vidic picked up five Premier League titles and got his hands on the Champions League trophy in 2008 during a glittering eight-year career at Old Trafford.

Current and former United players pay tribute on social media....

Rio Ferdinand
"My man Vida"

Michael Carrick
"Congrats Vida on an amazing career. I was one of the lucky ones to have played with you. Great memories. Now Golf!"

Robin van Persie (on Instagram)
"From one friend to another its been an honor and a pleasure to have played with such a champion and professional! You would definitely be in my all time best eleven! Wish you Vidic all the best in your next chapter. I'm sure it will be as successful as your football career! You are great person and friend. All the very best my friend and thank you for some brilliant memories!"

Andrew Cole
"Spot on. What a top pro. Would have loved played with someone like Vida during my time at Man Utd. #bornwinner"

Ashley Young
"Played alongside and against him... what a player! One of the greats! #VivaVidic #Legend"

Norman Whiteside
"Happy retirement Nemanja, you were different class when you played for us :)"

Phil Jones
"It was a pleasure to play alongside this man, a player I always looked up to. A legend. Congrats Vida."

Danny Higginbotham
"Defending is an after thought now. Back 4 of Neville,Ferdinand,Vidic,Evra with Van Der Sar in goal. Leaders and defenders 1st and foremost"

Paddy Crerard
"Like to congrats to Mr vidic on a remarkable career"

Credit: Skysports.com

Ferdinand Hails Retiring Vidic

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Nemanja Vidic as his favourite ever centre-back partner following the former Manchester United captain's retirement.

The duo formed one of the best defensive partnerships in Premier League history during their seven and a half seasons at the heart of United's defence, helping the club win five league titles, three league cups and one Champions League.

On Friday, Vidic announced he is hanging up his boots and Ferdinand has taken to Facebook to explain what made the Serbian such an outstanding partner to play alongside.

Ferdinand wrote: "I'm always asked about our partnership - did you do specific training etc....?

"Not really no, it was something that just worked very naturally. He was very aggressive, loved attacking the first ball in or out of the box, getting right into the opposing strikers & I liked the sweeping up and covering type stuff. But our partnership brought out the best in our games and made us strive harder to be the best.

"My favourite partner to play alongside? YES.

"He became a defender that was feared. He could fight with the most physical, he crunched into tackles, and he attacked the ball better than anyone I've ever seen.

"But as he will tell you with a smile, he could also play with the ball too, which made him complete & a great defender. Because he was so good in the aggressive/attacking the ball areas people probably looked over his ability with the ball to his annoyance!"

Vidic arrived at United for a fee of £7m in January 2006 but he was not an immediate success at Old Trafford.

The Serbian was signed along with Patrice Evra, who arrived from Monaco in the same month, but both initially struggled to win over the United fans.

Ferdinand revealed those outside the squad were not the only ones to doubt Vidic's ability early in his United career - but his team-mates did not realise the determination their future captain had within himself to succeed.

"'Where is he from?' 'He is well out of his depth.' These were the type of comments flying around the training ground after the 1st few training sessions we saw Vida!" Ferdinand revealed.

"So to see what an unbelievable force he became while at Man Utd means the work he committed himself to physically and mentally is truly huge.

"You have to remember he was playing against great strikers (Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, Saha, Wayne Rooney) in training every day - a big step up from the players in the Russian league.

"But in a dressing room it's a cold world where judgements are passed quickly without remorse - and Vida was judged! Vida is a deep thinker. He was then and he is now, so the questioning himself from all angles would have been frying his head the first few months at the club while struggling in training.

"He worked on his strength in the gym, worked out what was needed for him to succeed in the Premier League and then started to establish himself in our team."

Credit: Skysports.com

Why Vidic Still Leads The Way At United

On the day Nemanja Vidic announced his retirement, we can reveal the Serbian centre-back has the best win ratio of any Manchester United player to play over 100 games for the club.

The defender boasts a higher percentage of victories in his matches (68 per cent) than any other player who also clocked up at least a century of appearances for the Reds.

Vidic's former colleagues Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez are narrowly behind him on the list, after also enjoying being part of an extremely successful time for the Reds at home and abroad.

MANCHESTER UNITED'S TOP FIVE WIN RATIOS*

1. Nemanja Vidic 68 per cent
2. Dimitar Berbatov 67.79 per cent
3. Carlos Tevez 67.68 per cent
4. Jonny Evans 66.67 per cent
5. Edwin van der Sar 66.54 per cent

Others to post high percentage scores include Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra and John O'Shea. Of the current United players, Michael Carrick (65 per cent) and Wayne Rooney (63.91 per cent) feature prominently.

Obviously, there are Reds from over the years who recorded fine statistics from a smaller number of appearances with Geoff Bent, for example, registering a win ratio of 75 per cent from 12 games before he died in the Munich tragedy of 1958. More recently, Ronnie Wallwork finished with 67.86 per cent based on his 28 outings as a starter and substitute, while Quinton Fortune's winning mark was 65.08 per cent.

James Wilson, who is out on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, has a promising figure of 60 per cent from his 20 matches for the club so far.

Statistics courtesy of mufcinfo.com, who provide full records for every player in the club's history.

*Players are only included if they have made at least 100 appearances for United.

Vidic Announces Retirement

Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has released a statement to ManUtd.com announcing his retirement from football.

The former Reds captain, who recently left Inter Milan, has decided to call time on his career at the age of 34. He played for United for eight years from January 2006 to May 2014, helping the club to win five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

"The time has come for me to hang up my boots," said Vidic. "The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.

"I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with, and say a big 'thank you' to the fans for their support over the years."

Everyone at United would like to thank Nemanja again for his eight years of service to the club and to wish him all the best for his retirement.

Credit: Manutd.com

United Pair To Debut New Boots

Two Manchester United players will debut their new adidas boots during tonight’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby County – and it will be hard to miss them!

If selected by Louis van Gaal, Morgan Schneiderlin and Daley Blind will run out at the iPro Stadium wearing the brand new adidas ace 16 primeknit boots that are luminous green in colour.

Both men displayed their new footwear on their personal Instagram accounts this week, with Schneiderlin posting an image from an adidas France shoot before showing off his new boots.

Blind also uploaded a photo from his home in Manchester, holding the latest additions to his kit bag.

Phil Jones is currently injured and working his way back to full fitness, but the Reds defender is clearly excited to get back. He posted: “Looking forward to getting back and trying these out!”

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ADIDAS ACE 16

According to the official adidas website, the ace 16 is an innovative boot designed for playmakers. It provides "total control of the ball" and the primeknit fit also gives a "sock-like fit and an internal knot support system for next-level stability", which is also aided by a lightweight SPRINTFRAME outsole.

Lingard Relishes Rams Return

Jesse Lingard spoke to MUTV ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby County, which represents a return to the iPro Stadium for the former Rams loanee...

It’s Derby next on Friday where you spent some time on loan – what are your memories of that spell?
It was a good time. The lads were really good as well and welcomed me with open arms. I played a few games and scored some goals. The fans were amazing with me as well. It will bring back a lot of memories.

Are there are any players we should particularly look out for?
They are all very good technically. They’ve got Tom Ince scoring goals and he comes in a lot on his left foot so we have to be wary of that. The midfield of [Jacob] Butterfield and [Bradley] Johnson is very stable so they’ll be hard to break down. But it’ll be an enjoyable game.

Will the 4-1 defeat to Burnley have any effect on them?
You’ve got to take each game as it comes and forget about the last match, just concentrate on the next game ahead. It’s like us. We had a defeat as well but we’re concentrating on the Derby game, to get that win and it will be a massive confidence booster for us.

After the high of winning at Anfield, it was disappointing to come back down to earth against Southampton, although it's probably fair to say we didn't deserve to lose…
There weren’t that many chances in the game for each team, they got the break at the end with the Charlie Austin header, which was disappointing.

Is it about bouncing back? We’ve proved we can be tight defensively but need to be capable of creating more chances…
Definitely, we’ve got the team spirit and the character in the dressing room to bounce back after any defeat really. We have players who can win games and defenders who can keep clean sheets every game. We need to put the overall package together and work together.

Will the away fans create a special atmosphere and one all the players will enjoy?
Of course, the FA Cup is always a great competition to be involved in and especially for me in this match, being away to a team I used to play for. It’s a massive buzz for me and hopefully I’ll score as well.

You won the FA Youth Cup with United so how much of a dream would it be to go all the way in the senior competition?
Definitely, it’s a massive competition and, as a team, we’re always looking to win it.

You mentioned the stable midfield pairing. Do you think Derby will keep things tight like Sheffield United did in the previous round?
To be fair, I’m not sure. They probably will try to attack us as well because they’re not going to sit back – they’ll have the home fans behind them and are an attacking team anyway. They are high up in the Championship and can score goals so I don’t see why they won’t attack us.

Derby are similar to Leicester in terms of their location and size of club so do you think they can aspire to achieve similar success?
Leicester are definitely an example for all teams in the Championship, especially the top four teams, because anything can happen. You can fulfil your dreams and play in the Premier League.

You spent time at Leicester too so can you compare the clubs?
They both like playing football and are attack minded. It’s just small little details in the end that got Leicester where they are. Like I said, I don’t see why Derby can’t do it too.

You operated in a wing-back role against Southampton – it’s somewhere you’ve played before…
I played there in pre-season – and on my debut when I got injured [against Swansea] – so you’ve always got to adapt. I’ve been playing left and right and then, to go to wing-back, you’ve got to adapt really quickly. But I was trying to attack as much as you can to play as a right-winger but obviously you’ve got to do your defensive duties as well.

The onus is especially on you to attack the defenders usually so was it a different mindset?
With the wing-back role, it’s a bit of both. You’ve still got to get back into shape and be line with the rest of the back four when we’re defending. It’s a different role and is something you’ve got to get used to if the manager puts you there.

The FA Cup is special to the club – especially to some of the slightly older fans who remember the two sweet successes in the 1980s. How much would it mean to go all the way?
We’ve not won it for a long time and I think this year could be our year to try to win it. I don’t see why we can’t go all the way. We’ve got the team and the team spirit to do that so I don’t see why not.

Players Not Playing for Van Gaal?

All but two of Manchester United's regular first-team players are performing worse than they were at this point last season, according to statistics provided by WhoScored.com.

Manager Louis van Gaal is coming under increasing pressure and, after Manchester United's defeat to Southampton last weekend, conceded he was not living up to the supporters' expectations of him.

But are his players letting him down?

We've studied WhoScored.com's statistics-based player ratings and they show that, of players who have made over five appearances this season, only Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw are playing better than they were in 2014/15.

Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have suffered the most significant drop-off in performance levels.

Paddy McNair - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.45 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 6.75

2015/16: 6.30

Drafted into the side as Van Gaal looked to promote youth prospects into the first team set-up last season, the Northern Irishman has only played a bit-part this season.

Michael Carrick - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.41 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 7.06

2013/14 at this stage: 7.07

2014/15 at this stage: 6.96

2015/16: 6.55

In and out of the team due to injury and squad rotation given his age, Michael Carrick's rating this season is significantly down on the past three seasons. His average ratings were typically consistent in the three seasons leading up to this one. However, this term United have conceded 1.18 goals per game the 34-year-old has played in - up from an average 0.69 goals conceded in his 16 games last season.

Marouane Fellaini - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.71 on last season

2013/14 at this stage: 6.82

2014/15 at this stage: 7.31

2015/16: 6.60

Van Gaal took a liking to Fellaini last season, and the Dutchman was rewarded with an upturn in form from the Belgian's days at Old Trafford under David Moyes. But United have picked up just one point per game when the utility man has featured this season compared to 2.4 when he has not.

Ashley Young - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.48 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 6.93

2013/14 at this stage: 6.45

2014/15 at this stage: 7.12

2015/16: 6.64

Ashley Young seemed reinvigorated by the arrival of Van Gaal last season and returned a much-improved average rating. However, the former England international has been unable to repeat that output this season.

David De Gea - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.05 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 6.98

2013/14 at this stage: 6.63

2014/15 at this stage: 6.77

2015/16: 6.72

David de Gea posted his lowest average rating for Manchester United during David Moyes' reign. He stepped up in Van Gaal's first season and, despite a marginal drop in his numbers this term, the Spaniard is one of the few United players who can claim to have maintained their form in 2015/16.

Phil Jones - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.84 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 6.58

2013/14 at this stage: 7.25

2014/15 at this stage: 7.56

2015/16: 6.72

Phil Jones emerged as something of a favourite under Van Gaal last season and, when fit, registered a highly impressive 7.56 WhoScored.com average rating. However, injury has limited his involvement this term and his form has dipped as a result.

Antonio Valencia - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.52 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 6.94

2013/14 at this stage: 7.03

2014/15 at this stage: 7.24

2015/16: 6.72

Antonio Valencia was Van Gaal's first-choice right wing-back at the start of last season, as the manager employed a 3-5-2 formation. While that formation didn't last long, Valencia kept his place in the United defence and secured an impressive 7.24 rating. Rivalled at right-back by new signing Matteo Darmian this season, Valencia's involvement has also been limited by injury.

Juan Mata - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.13 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 6.88

2015/16: 6.75

Juan Mata showed glimpses of his best form last season - most memorably with his scissor-kick goal at Anfield - but a run of 11 league appearances without a single goal or assist this year indicates that his impact on matches has waned.

Ander Herrera - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.19 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 6.98

2015/16: 6.79

A player many feel has been deserving of more action under the current manager, Ander Herrera's failure to sustain a run in the side has seen his influence and rating drop from last season as a result.

Wayne Rooney - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.51 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 7.29

2013/14 at this stage: 7.75

2014/15 at this stage: 7.36

2015/16: 6.85

Wayne Rooney had nine goals and nine assists at this point under David Moyes. However, this season, the United skipper has come in for criticism and has just six goals and two assists to his name so far.

Marcos Rojo - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.23 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 7.38

2015/16: 7.15

In and out of both favour and fitness since his arrival at Old Trafford, Marcos Rojo has rarely disappointed when he has taken to the field - as his average rating shows. Nevertheless, having played under 41 per cent of the possible minutes of league action in that time it's been a frustrating situation for both player and club.

Daley Blind - WhoScored rating DOWN 0.14 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 7.27

2015/16: 7.13

Played in a number of positions since his arrival, Daley Blind has consistently returned strong WhoScored.com ratings over the course of the past two seasons.

Chris Smalling - WhoScored rating UP 0.09 on last season

2012/13 at this stage: 6.75

2013/14 at this stage: 6.89

2014/15 at this stage: 7.09

2015/16: 7.18

Chris Smalling has improved consistently over the past four seasons and has been a key player at the heart of United's defence in this campaign. The centre-back has started more league games than any other player at the club (22) this season.

Luke Shaw - WhoScored rating UP 0.65 on last season

2014/15 at this stage: 6.71

2015/16: 7.36

After a superb start to the season, Luke Shaw's horrific leg break has been a significant blow to United. Along with fellow England international Smalling, Shaw is the only other United player whose rating has increased from last season.

Credit: Skysports.com

Van Gaal: Manchester United's Poor Season Down To Injuries

Louis van Gaal has pointed the finger at Manchester United's mounting injury list as the cause for their struggles this season.

The under-pressure Dutchman has seen his team fall 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City and out of the top four after recording only two wins in their last 10 league games.

United have suffered an injury crisis during that period with eight first-team players - Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger all missing games.

Van Gaal's relationship with frustrated United fans has grown increasingly strained in recent weeks.

He was booed off the pitch at Old Trafford after last week's loss to Southampton but he insists the team's injury woe is making his job difficult.

Speaking ahead of Friday night's FA Cup clash at Derby County, Van Gaal said: "When you see the circumstances that we have eight injuries, you cannot say that is the manager's fault because there are five or six contact injuries and also in the same positions.

"We have been first in the Premier League, may you remember that. That was one and a half months ago but the injuries are now and that is also a problem.

"When I can prevent that then OK, maybe I am guilty, and then I have to step down. But I don't have that feeling."

Van Gaal's defiance comes despite the fact United's current points total of 37 points from 23 games is their lowest ever in the Premier League, worse than the mark of 40 set by David Moyes in the tumultuous season which cost him his job.

The 64-year-old has signed 18 players over three transfer windows for a cost in excess of £250m, while allowing 35 players to leave the club.

Players such as Angel Di Maria, Javier Hernandez, Rafael, Jonny Evans and Nani could have been assets this season if they were kept by Van Gaal but he insists he cannot be expected to have foreseen the injury crisis which would grip his squad.

Van Gaal said: "You can say it was better to have kept all the players in the summer but I have explained already that we are convinced of the fact that you have to motivate the players and when you have big selection that is more difficult. At that time I could not predict we would have eight injuries."

United are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons as they currently sit five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham following their poor run of form.

Van Gaal still believes it is possible to salvage United's season and achieve the club's minimum target but he says his players must rediscover their self-belief if that is to happen.

"It is dependable when the players are coming back. We have five injuries that are normally long-term injuries because they are contact injuries," Van Gaal said.

"But we can fulfil the expectations. I am more dependable on belief than facts. The fact is now that we are not in the top four, the gap is bigger, so the belief is not so easy to believe."

Despite United's poor form, Van Gaal remains adamant he is the right man for the job and has no intention of walking away.

"Everybody knows I have signed a three-year contract and I have said it is a process. It is not one game it is a process and I want to continue until the end," Van Gaal said.

"If I was not willing to do that, I don't think I would have started here one and a half years ago.

"When I say things to defend myself then it is not good. Why do I have to defend myself? It is not good when I am always here in the press conference to defend myself. I don't want to defend myself, I want to analyse what is happening at Manchester United."

Credit: Skysports.com

Injury Update On 4 Reds

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Matteo Darmian will miss Manchester United’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby County on Friday, although he does not believe the injury is serious.

Darmian became the fifth full-back to join the injury list when he collided with Shane Long during the first half of last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Southampton. The Italian was quickly replaced by Paddy McNair and sent to hospital to undergo a thorough examination of his problem, but on Monday he used his personal Instagram account to tell fans: “Thank you all for the support, I'm fine! See you soon.”

Van Gaal has also confirmed to MUTV that Michael Carrick may return to his team for the first time since registering his 400th United appearance against Sheffield United on 9 January, but the midfielder will not play for 90 minutes against Championship side Derby at the IPro Stadium.

Asked about United’s current injury situation, the manager gave this update on Thursday: “It’s more or less the same. Darmian is now out and maybe Michael Carrick shall come in but of course he’s not able to play 90 minutes. But it’s very good he is coming back. With Darmian, it is very positive actually. It’s not too severe but he’s not able to play against Derby.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger suffered an injury during the second half of the Sheffield United match and that forced the German to miss the three following games. Phil Jones has also not featured since the 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford on 2 January and van Gaal is reluctant to state when they will return.

“I cannot say [if they are close] because every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see,” the manager said. “Also they have to train and be adapted to the rhythm of the Premier League which is high. When you are more weeks injured it takes more time to adapt to that rhythm.”

Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are still absent with long-term injuries.

Louis van Gaal Refutes Reports He Offered To Quit Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has angrily dismissed reports that he offered to quit as Manchester United manager last weekend.

Some English newspapers claimed that the Dutchman had tendered a verbal resignation to chief executive Ed Woodward after the 1-0 defeat to Southampton last Saturday.

Sky sources reported on Tuesday that Van Gaal had not made such an offer, and Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan, who is close to Van Gaal, insisted to Sky Sports News HQ that he is not a quitter.

And the United boss believes some of the things certain newspapers are writing about him are "awful and horrible".

"I have not mentioned [quitting] ever. You make your own stories, and then I have to answer. I am not doing that," he said ahead of United's FA Cup fourth-round clash at Derby.

"I think it is awful and horrible that you can write, and then I have to answer questions on those stories. People are believing those stories, and I am very concerned that people are believing it. I receive lots of calls and messages.

"But OK, it is this world - you can write what you want and you don't have to fear anything. It is the third time I am sacked [according to the press] and I am still sitting here for you, and I am obliged to do that.

"I have certain people I like because they put a question in a very respectful way. But a lot of people ask in a disrespectful way."

Sky sources understand Van Gaal retains the support of Woodward and the United board despite a sixth Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday leaving them five points short of the top four.

And Van Gaal said: "It is fantastic that Ed supports me. When the board has such confidence in you, then the pressure is much higher than when they say, 'It is your last game' or something like that.

"When you can fight you have a bigger motivation. I am always fighting. I always have faith in myself.

"If we lose [to Derby] then it is worse, and I predicted that before the Southampton game. I cannot lose more because I am condemned for a fourth time to the sack.

"If you lose again, certainly in the last minute, then you are fed up. I don't think how we have played is always the main issue. You can play badly and win, or play very good and lose - then you are more fed up.

"It's also your duty as a manager and as a player to stand up again and do what you have to do, because that's a professional attitude."

Credit: Skysports.com

LVG's Worst Season?

Thursday marks 13 years since Louis van Gaal's disastrous second spell with Barcelona came to an end. If Manchester United fans think they're enduring a tough season, they should take a look at what the Nou Camp faithful were facing in 2003.

Van Gaal had won back-to-back La Liga titles with Barca in 1997/98 and 1998/99 and, after two years in charge of the Netherlands, he returned to the club in the summer of 2002. However, he was unable to recapture the success of his first stint.

After winning just six out of 19 league games, and with the club languishing in 12th place, three points above the relegation zone, Van Gaal left the club.

"I am really upset that as a coach I haven't lived up to the expectations of the Barcelona fans," he said.

Those comments will sound familiar to United supporters. Following the 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday, Van Gaal said: "I'm very disappointed that I cannot reach the expectations of the fans. They have - or they had - great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated because of that."

The similarities don't end there. During his second spell in Catalonia, there were mis-judged signings, a falling-out with a big-name player and a failure to kick on with a squad which, despite going several seasons without the league title, had finished fourth the previous year.

Louis van Gaal record

Barcelona in La Liga 2002/03
P:19 W:6 D:5 L:8 W%: 31.6 Position: 12th

Man Utd in Premier League 2015/16
P:23 W:10 D:7 L:6 W%:43.5 Position: Fourth

"It was surprising that after a good first spell, and not being away from the club that long, Van Gaal returned and made a real mess of it," says Sky Sports Spanish football expert Terry Gibson.

"They had finished fourth the previous season, so they weren't the best team in Spain. But for them to be languishing in 12th place, just above relegation, was remarkable.

"They had the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Luis Enrique, Marc Overmars and Frank de Boer, as well his own signings, Gaizka Mendieta and Juan Roman Riquelme. But there was a failure to get the best out of the team."

A clash with Brazil star Rivaldo, who had scored 36 goals the previous season, led to the attacker being released from his contract before the season. It was a move which failed to impress the powerful Spanish press. Rivaldo wouldn't be the last big-name player to fall out with Van Gaal, with Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie later given short shrift at Old Trafford.

"Rivaldo was a popular player at Barcelona," said Gibson. "That was a big issue. I don't think the press and the fans particularly enjoyed that falling out. That seemed to cause him a lot of problems. It smacks of similarities to his falling out with Di Maria.

"The Rivaldo situation gave the press something to get stuck into against a manager they always had a thorny relationship with anyway.

"Then, when you don't get results you get it from all angles. The intensity of the Spanish press is huge. They have 13, 14 pages to fill with Real Madrid and Barcelona stories every day. Every area of the club is under scrutiny.

"If you're manager of Barcelona, falling out with big players, three points above relegation and not getting results, you're going to lose your job."

United fans will be hoping Van Gaal can find a way to turn things around this time.

Credit: Skysports.com

History Books Give United Hope

With their lowest-ever Premier League points total after 23 games and a five-point gap to Tottenham in fourth place, the outlook looks bleak for Manchester United.

However, a look at previous seasons shows that teams have recovered from bigger gaps at the end of January to finish in the Champions League places.

Leeds were even further behind the top four in 1998/99 but won seven games in a row to ensure they comfortably finished in fourth place in May.

And they repeated the feat again under David O'Leary in 2000/01 in even more impressive style as they surged up from 10th at the end of January to finish in the final Champions League place.

Alongside a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Leeds won nine of their last 11 league games to end the season two points above Ipswich Town.

Arsenal have also closed the gap on a few occasions in the final months of the season to finish in fourth place or better.

In 2011/12 they were six points off the top four at the end of January but ended in third place, helped by a run of nine wins from 10 matches, including a 7-1 victory over Blackburn and a 5-2 win against Spurs.

The Gunners climbed even further in 1997/98 as they went onto win the title after being four points outside the Champions League places at the end of January.

They made up a five-point gap in 2008/09 to qualify for the Champions League while, most recently, in 2012/13 they recovered from four points behind to finish fourth.

Credit: Skysports.com

Paul Clement: LVG Still One Of The Best

Louis van Gaal remains one of the most revered managers of the modern era despite his struggles at Manchester United, according to Derby head coach Paul Clement.

Van Gaal boasts an impressive CV which lists league championships and domestic cups in Holland, Spain and Germany, as well as UEFA Cup and Champions League titles - both with Ajax in the 1990s.

However, the 64-year-old, who also guided his country to the World Cup semi-finals in 2014, has found life tough in England, especially this season, with United devoid of the attacking flair synonymous with the club.

After another uninspiring performance last weekend in a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton, which brought a chorus of boos after the final whistle, Van Gaal will be under immense scrutiny and pressure on Friday night when he takes his team to the iPro Stadium to face Derby in the FA Cup fourth round.

But Clement, a little under eight months into his first managerial role, still considers Van Gaal one of the best.

"He's one of many coaches who have spent his career at all the big clubs," said the Derby boss.

"I think he's well thought of, from a coach relatively new to this. Van Gaal, [Jose] Mourinho, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Guus] Hiddink, [Pep] Guardiola, he's part of that group.

"When you look at the big clubs - Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester United - there are very few people who can do those jobs, and he (Van Gaal) is absolutely on that list."

Having worked under Ancelotti at Real Madrid as assistant coach, Clement is familiar with the pressure to deliver attractive attacking football.

Asked if Van Gaal has a responsibility to maintain the long-standing tradition of how United have played football historically, particularly in the recent past under Alex Ferguson, Clement said: "I don't know about that.

"At Real, we played Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final - they won the Spanish League and reached the European Cup final but they were physical, direct, aggressive, not a lot of football.

"It worked well for them, and I'm not sure it's about responsibility. It's the choice of the coach and maybe about the history of the club, and what the fans are used to.

"They chose him and he's got the right to play in a way he feels is best. That's part of the selection process.

"The man who followed Sir Alex had his difficulties, and now the next man in has had some difficulties too, but coaches need time to develop what they want to do.

"You still have to get results, although the perfect performances we are all searching for do take longer to produce."

Credit: Skysports.com

United's 1969 Accounts Revealed

Manchester United's total wage bill in Sir Matt Busby's final full season as manager was worth less than a quarter of Wayne Rooney's current annual salary.

The club's annual statement of accounts from 1969 showed that United paid out £204,028 in 'wages and bonus' to players such as Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.

That is estimated to equate to around £3m today - which is 1.5 per cent of £203m, the figure listed in United's financial report for 2014/15 under staff costs.

United captain Rooney reportedly earns £260,000 a week, around £13.5m a year.

In terms of the amounts of money the club were working with, the Red Devils' total income for 1968/69 was £569,418 (equivalent of around £8.5m today), whereas in 2015 it was £395.2m, with the percentage spent on wages having jumped from about 35 per cent in the older era to just over 50 per cent.

The 1969 document features various indicators of just how much finance in football has changed over the years, with the difference in broadcast revenue unsurprisingly marked.

United had 'washing and cleaning' expenses of £1,915 - a figure greater than that listed under 'TV Fees received from League', which stood at £1,334.

The club also made almost 10 times the TV amount through sales of their programmes, with that figure coming in at £13,248.

The 1969 television money sum equates to about £20,000 today. In an age of mega-money TV deals, United's broadcast revenue in their 2015 report was £107.7m.

Their latest figure for commercial revenue was even bigger - £169.9m.

And while there is no direct comparison that can be made in 1969 on that front, United did have a category under incomings listed as 'Use of Ground, Catering Rights, Advertising, TV Facilities etc', with the total standing at £11,206 (£166,000 in today's money).

With regard to matchdays, the total income from gate and programme receipts combined was £556,878 (£8.3m in today's money). United's average league attendance was 51,121.

United's matchday revenue was listed as £90.6m in 2015 after a season in which the average attendance was over 75,000.

Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of Manchester United Supporters' Trust, told Press Association Sport: "I wouldn't really criticise the players today (with regard to what they earn) because it is relative to what other clubs are offering.

"To supporters, of course, the numbers are crazy.

"But people in other areas of sport and entertainment earn huge amounts of money and I'm not quite sure why footballers get singled out for criticism.

"If football was still amateur, I think you would still have players playing. Some might not - but I suspect a lot of the best players still would.

"I also don't think players in 1969 would have turned down the wages on offer today if they were offered them."

Credit: Skysports.com

Why Herrera Loves Away Ties

Ander Herrera is relishing another “special” away game on Friday night when Manchester United visit Derby County in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the midfielder admitting he loves the challenge of playing at other grounds in the competition.

The Spanish midfielder found the net in two of last season's FA Cup matches on the road, firstly with a stunning strike at Yeovil Town and then again with a neat finish in the win at Preston North End.

United eventually bowed out at the quarter-final stage following a narrow defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, which was much to Herrera’s disappointment after he had taken a keen interest in learning about the history of English football’s oldest cup competition.

Having overcome Sheffield United at home in the third round earlier this month, Louis van Gaal’s men travel to Championship side Derby. Herrera has good memories of last season’s away matches and hopes to create more positive memories against the Rams on Friday evening.

“FA Cup away games are always special, I don’t know why but they are. It’s a competition our fans love and we love it also,” he told MUTV. “We play Derby who are near the top of the Championship and that means they will be very tough at home. I have watched some Championship games and they are very tough games. They are a good, strong team and it’s a big day for them playing Man United.

“I have very good memories of last season and the away games we played in the Cup. Our fans were fantastic in the away games and I could score in two games, so I’m looking forward to this next game.”

Key Questions For Man. United

Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Southampton intensified the pressure on Louis van Gaal but the Manchester United board must consider a number of key questions before making a decision on his future.

Charlie Austin's late winner at Old Trafford condemned United to their sixth Premier League defeat of the season. Van Gaal was booed by supporters as he left the field after the final whistle, and his stock appears to be at an all-time low with the Red Devils sitting five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.

Sources at the club have told Sky Sports News HQ the under-fire manager did not offer his resignation in the wake of the game, but it is understood chief executive Ed Woodward has consulted senior players and influential figures at the club as he ponders the Dutchman's position.

Before making any decision on Van Gaal's future, however, Manchester United's board need to be clear on where they stand in relation to three key men: Ryan Giggs, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola...

What next for Giggs?

No one at Manchester United understands the club better than Giggs. The Welshman made 963 appearances before hanging up his boots in 2014, and he has been on the coaching staff since joining David Moyes' backroom team in 2013. So is Van Gaal's No 2 a genuine candidate to step up?

He certainly has support from within the club. A long line of former team-mates have trumpeted his coaching credentials, and he also has the backing of former chief executive David Gill and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who remain influential figures at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Ferguson revealed last year that he might have made Giggs his successor had he retired from playing sooner. "If Ryan Giggs had retired at, say, 35, it's quite likely I would have made him my assistant," he said. "And it's quite likely he could have moved straight into the job with the experience of being an assistant manager to me as he is doing with Louis van Gaal at the moment."

Then there's Woodward, who, after naming Giggs as Van Gaal's assistant back in July 2014, said: "It's very important to us as a club that we have continuity and Ryan is the perfect person to continue that. He did a great job in the set-up last year and has obviously been at the club for a long time."

But would popularity and continuity be enough to land Giggs the top job? "He's got support throughout the club and he's gathered great experience from working under Van Gaal and seeing the transition process from Ferguson to Moyes," says Sky Sports News HQ reporter James Cooper. "But the problem is: Is it too big a job for someone who has never been a proper No 1? It's a big ask but Ryan will believe he can do it."

If United were to opt for an external appointment, Giggs' future at Old Trafford would suddenly come into question. "Should someone new come in," adds Cooper, "it will be an interesting challenge for the board at Manchester United to persuade Giggs to be understudy for a third manager." The board will be aware of the danger of losing a club legend.

The Mourinho situation

If Giggs is overlooked, it could be good news for Mourinho, the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Van Gaal having left Chelsea in December. Mourinho's admiration for United is well-documented, and he is known to be seeking a swift return to top-level management.

If United were guided by trophies alone, he would surely be a shoo-in for the job. The 53-year-old's glittering career includes three Premier League titles with Chelsea and famous Champions League successes with Porto and Inter Milan, but he also comes with considerable baggage.

"They know he brings success and they know he brings trophies," says Cooper. "But they also know it's a short-term thing. The key debate at United at the moment is probably about whether they want to become a European style team, like Real Madrid or maybe even Bayern Munich and Barcelona, in having this change of manager every three years or so.

"Because that's what you're going to get with Mourinho. Yes, you're going to get success, but you're going to be looking for another manager in three years' time." Indeed, United will be wary of how Mourinho's second spell at Chelsea unravelled despite his promise to create a dynasty when he returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013.

There are also question marks over Mourinho's character and his approach to management both on and off the pitch. He became embroiled in a string of controversies in his final months at Chelsea, and confrontation has been a recurrent theme of his career. Sir Bobby Charlton suggested the Portuguese was not an appropriate fit for United back in 2012, and it remains an area of concern.

"Recent history has shown it can become a circus with Mourinho," says Cooper. "Everyone at United - including Sir Alex - would say no one is bigger than the club. But the fear is that Mourinho comes in and from day one he thinks it is all about him."

There is, however, a growing feeling that United can no longer afford to be quite so dismissive of Mourinho, who has prestige and experience as well as a trophy-laden CV. "The attraction of him of course is that players want to play for him," says Cooper. "He could probably help to bring some stellar names in who could turn things around."

Is Guardiola an option?

Guardiola sparked a frenzy of speculation in December when he confirmed he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and move to the Premier League, but it appears the former Barcelona manager is most likely to end up at Manchester City.

"It is understood in the red corner of Manchester that he's heading to City," says Cooper. "Most people behind the scenes at Manchester United have resigned themselves to the fact that Guardiola probably won't end up at Old Trafford."

But Guardiola insists he has not yet signed a contract with any club, and in Pep Confidential: The Inside Story of Pep Guardiola's First Season at Bayern Munich, he revealed he would like to manage the Red Devils at some point in his career. "I like this atmosphere," he is quoted as saying during a match at Old Trafford in 2011. "I could see myself coaching here one day."

Those comments provide a glimmer of hope for the Red Devils, who won't rule themselves out of the running for Guardiola until his next step is made official. However, Cooper admits Guardiola may be more attracted by the City job given the sheer scale of the task at hand at United.

"He might look at it and think United is too big a job to turn around - even for me," says Cooper. "But at City you're working with people you know from Barcelona and getting a chance to put something on the map and get people to sit up and listen."

Credit: Skysports.com

Van Gaal Is No Quitter

A journalist close to Louis van Gaal has told Sky Sports the Dutchman will not quit his position at Manchester United.

Van Gaal once again finds himself under intense pressure following Southampton's 1-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford on Saturday.

It was United's ninth defeat of the season and was the 18th out of 34 matches played so far this term in which they have failed to win.

A lack of goals since the summer, particularly at home, has led to criticism from fans and manager Van Gaal's future has been called into question.

Sources at United told Sky Sports News HQ that, despite reports to the contrary, he did not offer to resign after the defeat to Southampton - and Marcel van der Kraan of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf is adamant he will not step down.

Instead, he feels continued criticism of Van Gaal will only drive him on more and make him thrive at a time when he takes strength from the solid relationship he has with United's hierarchy.

Van der Kraan told Sky Sports Now: "Louis is not a quitter. The more people get on his back, the more he will stick by what he is doing knowing he's got the backing and support from his bosses.

"That is a vital point at this moment. From the first day they met, he has - as he has described to me several times - had a fantastic relationship with the Glazer family and with [chief executive] Ed Woodward.

"The trust he has with them keeps him going and vice versa. He will not walk away from his job because he realises if he does the pressure will be on the chairman and chief executive.

"Louis has always dealt with pressure in his career and from time to time that has really got the best out of him.

"Let's not forget just before he went to Manchester United, he took Holland to the World Cup and all the Dutch media were right on his back.

"Nobody gave him any chance and against all the odds he took us to third place. Also, when he was at Ajax, he was suffering terrible chants like he does now with the Manchester United crowd.

"People gave him some real stick. He has had some bad luck in his life and suffered some family tragedies. All through that, every time he came out with trophies, with the best results.

"That, I think, is why he will stick to what he's doing. He will not change his style, he will not change his attitude and he will not give in to the critics."

Van der Kraan maintains progress is being made at United, despite the fact they have spent nearly £250m on players since Van Gaal's arrival and still sit only fifth in the Premier League.

They have also dropped into the Europa League from the Champions League and been knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Middlesbrough.

Van der Kraan added: "He can build a structure. Of course, you need the results to go with that in the first team. At this moment, that is maybe the hardest thing for him.

"If he was doing well and was six points closer to Arsenal or the top of the league, people would maybe give him more credit for the work he is doing behind the scenes.

"The whole structure at United is based on that start he has had with Ed Woodward and from what I have understood, the Glazers see Van Gaal as a man with a style they like.

"They are Americans, they like a well-run company. They realise it is a football club but they still like to see United as a major company in the world.

"Van Gaal is aware he has to come up with results now. Every time he got the best results, he was closest a year before to leaving the job.

"At AZ Alkmaar, he once said to the board: 'If I can't take them any further, it's up to you. Let me go.' The players demanded he stayed because they were convinced he could take them to the championship.

"A year later, they were champions of Holland and went to the Champions League. I do hope for Manchester United fans there is actually hope for them on the horizon."

Credit: Skysports.com

Lingard Explains Dab Goal Celebration

Jesse Lingard brought the ‘dab’ dance craze into English football with his goal celebration at St James’ Park earlier this month and the Manchester United star has hinted he may perform it again if he scores during Friday’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie against Derby County.

The dab is an import from the United States and is widely credited to a rap group from Atlanta called Migos, although it only became a viral hit in American culture when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton began performing it every time his side scored a touchdown in the NFL.

Since then, the dance move has also been performed by a number of American sports stars including basketball legend LeBron James. Even Hillary Clinton, a potential candidate to be the next president of the United States, tried the dance out during a recent television appearance.

Lingard's former United team-mate Paul Pogba has popularised the dab in Serie A with Juventus and this is how Jesse first noticed the craze. Speaking to ManUtd.com ahead of this Friday’s trip to Pride Park, the winger explained his celebration and suggested it may reappear if he scores again.

“It’s just trending at the moment,” Jesse said. “A lot of people are doing it. I’ve seen Pogba do it and knew I had to do it. At the time, I didn’t think about it but as soon as I scored I thought I might as well do it – it’s just a dance. We’ll have to see if I score on Friday – maybe it will come out again!”

On Wednesday, Lingard posted a photo of himself performing the dab alongside United mascot Fred the Red on his personal Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/p/BBCfwmpwci9/) with the caption: “Fred the Red trying to hit that dab!”

Man. United Announces Partnership With YOU.C1000

Manchester United and popular Indonesian isotonic drink brand YOU.C1000 Lemon and Orange Water have announced a multi-year regional partnership.

As part of the agreement, YOU.C1000 and United will work together to bring the Reds' 54.5 million followers in Indonesia closer to the club through exciting promotions, competitions and events.

In addition to this, YOU.C1000, an innovative isotonic drink that not only hydrates but also helps to protect the immune system, will also feature images of the famous United crest and first-team players.

To kick off its partnership with the club, YOU.C1000 is launching 'We Are United' - a competition challenging four fan clubs in Indonesia to create their own match-viewing event. Each fan club will host three match-viewing events, which will be evaluated and awarded points on attendance, decoration, innovation and imagination. The higher the score the event receives, the more opportunity fans have to be awarded prizes such as tickets to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford and signed merchandise.

Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold comments: "Indonesia is home to some of Manchester United’s most passionate fans. We are delighted to be able to connect with them further through our partnership with YOU.C1000. Already YOU.C1000 has devised a unique way of engaging with fans through its 'We Are United' competition and the club looks forward to welcoming the winning fans to Old Trafford."

YOU.C1000 president director Alaric Djojonegoro adds: "Through our partnership, YOU.C1000 is excited to introduce the Manchester United fan base to our unique isotonic drink. Football represents an important platform for YOU.C1000 and we believe by partnering with the world’s most iconic football club, we will provide exciting opportunities for Indonesians that will bring them closer to the club they love so much."

Reds Team Up With Gymnast Beth Tweddle

Manchester United's Academy have teamed up with six-time European Champion, three-time World Champion and 2012 Olympic bronze-medal gymnast Beth Tweddle in a bid to further enhance key skills of players from a young age.

The winner of BBC’s Dancing on Ice programme has set up her own gymnastic company, Total Gymnastics. The Manchester-based company aims to provide gymnastic classes and increase the level of participation in the sport. The collaboration with the Reds was formed when it was recognised that young players were losing the basic movement skills associated with early years' outdoor play.

“It’s becoming widely accepted throughout football that, due to changes in playing experiences, young players are missing out on an important period when lots of our basic movement skills are learnt," explained Les Parry, head of player performance for United's Academy footballers aged nine to 16. "These movement skills lay down the foundations for more complicated movement patterns later in a player’s early career and are therefore vital.”

To address this deficiency in a player’s development, the club have been working with Total Gymnastics and include basic gymnastic skills in the Academy programme for players from nine to 16.

Tony Strudwick, United's head of performance, is excited about the collaboration, adding: "As a world-class club, we have to be associated with world-class providers and working with Beth and Total Gymnastics certainly ticks that box. I'm sure the inclusion of a gymnastic element into out younger development programme will result in players that move more efficiently, are better all-round athletes and become more robust. It's our duty to continually update our development programme to give our young players the best chance of becoming professional footballers."

Although the programme has only been in place for three months, Parry has already seen major improvements: “I was a bit shocked when I saw the early sessions being delivered. Even at under-nine age, players weren’t flexible and struggled with basic coordination movements but, when you watch the boys now, the improvements in such a short period of time have been brilliant."

The starting point wasn’t such a shock to Beth and her staff who knew they could help with some vital work for the youngsters.

“We know there is a real opportunity to improve children’s basic movement skills and that’s why we are working so hard with our after-school Total Gymnastics classes and our in-demand primary schools curriculum," she said. "We are delighted to be working with the young players at the world’s leading academy. This is a fantastic experience for me and my staff and exciting to think that we may be helping to develop the next world-class player to be produced through the United Academy."

Manchester United's FA Cup 4th Round Facts

Manchester United's quest to win the Emirates FA Cup continues on Friday night with a fourth-round trip to the East Midlands to face Derby County.

As we did in the previous round, ManUtd.com selects 10 pieces of trivia about the club's past exploits at this stage of the competition...

Both sides of the story
Michael Owen scored both for and against United in the FA Cup fourth round. As an opponent, he netted for Liverpool in the famous 1999 clash at Old Trafford and it looked like being the winning goal until Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dramatically turned the tie around in the closing minutes. Some 12 years later, he hit the back of Southampton's net as a United player.

Knocked out after victory
United beat Preston North End 1-0 at home (Maine Road) in January 1946 but were still knocked out by the Lancashire club. Why? It was because the FA Cup was played over two legs for the only time in its history to compensate for the lack of games; league fixtures were yet to resume following World War II. Preston won the return match 3-1 at Deepdale, with Jimmy Hanlon scoring in both clashes for the Reds.

Blooming Flowers
The first-ever penalty shoot-out in the FA Cup between two top-flight teams ended with Southampton defeating the Reds 4-2 on spot-kicks in a fourth-round replay at Old Trafford in 1992. Neil Webb fired over and Ryan Giggs, despite confidently juggling the ball towards the spot, had his effort kept out by future England goalkeeper Tim Flowers, who then sprinted down the field in jubilation. A young Alan Shearer led the line for the Saints and scored their second goal in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Debut makers
Phil Neville made his first-team bow in a 5-2 win over Wrexham in 1995, the game after Eric Cantona's incident with a supporter at Selhurst Park. The full-back, who had just turned 18, impressed and came extremely close to scoring when hitting both posts with a shot. Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was also given his United debut in the FA Cup fourth round, in the aforementioned tie when Owen scored at Southampton in 2011.

Irons Hammered
United's record win in the fourth round is a 6-0 slaughter of West Ham at Old Trafford in 2003 with Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy both scoring doubles. It was sweet revenge for the exit at the same stage two years earlier, when Paolo Di Canio ignored Fabien Barthez's gamesmanship to slot in the winner.

Owls prey on Reds
The highest number of goals in a fourth-round tie involving United came at Old Trafford in 1961, when Sheffield Wednesday won 7-2 in a replay following a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough. Mark Pearson scored a fourth-minute equaliser but the Reds were overrun and Keith Ellis claimed a hat-trick. Coincidentally, the club's only other 7-2 defeat in any competition was also against the Owls, at Hillsborough in 1929. The 1961 thrashing was the last time United conceded as many goals in a single game but not the record loss at Old Trafford as Newcastle won 7-1 in a league game back in 1927.

Law unto himself
As in the third round, Denis Law was the last man to score a hat-trick for the Reds at this stage of the competition. The legendary marksman grabbed three of the goals in a 4-1 triumph over Bristol Rovers for the holders in 1964. Stan Pearson had previously scored a fourth-round treble in the 4-0 drubbing of Leeds United in 1951.

Bull's eye
En route to lifting the trophy in 1990, United's fourth-round assignment was at Hereford United's Edgar Street. A "quagmire" of a pitch was not helped by the appearance of the club's mascot, a bull, being paraded before kick-off and many expected the tie to be postponed. Thankfully, Alex Ferguson's side squeezed through when Mike Duxbury drove through the mud to tee up Clayton Blackmore's late winner. "We played on a quagmire of a pitch," said Ferguson. "There was an incredible extravaganza with marching bands and a big bull - the Hereford emblem - out on the pitch. It was so wet that the car park was flooded and some cars were marooned for days."

Goalscorers XI - almost
Had Peter Schmeichel's remarkable late goal in a replay at Selhurst Park been allowed to stand against Wimbledon in 1997 (it was disallowed for offside), then a whole XI could have been formed from members of the brilliant Double-winning squad who scored in the fourth round for the Reds. Paul Parker, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Andrei Kanchelskis, Bryan Robson, Brian McClair, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes all netted at this stage of the FA Cup.

Leading scorers
Jack Rowley and Denis Law have scored seven times in the FA Cup fourth round for United, one more than Ryan Giggs. Current skipper Wayne Rooney is on five, as is Stan Pearson.

Rooney Prepared For FA Cup Fight

Wayne Rooney says last season's cup experiences will prepare Manchester United for a battle against Derby County at the iPro Stadium on Friday.

The Reds go into a tricky Emirates FA Cup tie on the back of a disappointing home defeat to Southampton in the Barclays Premier League and mindful of how difficult League One side Sheffield United made it for Louis van Gaal's team in the previous round.

Derby are chasing promotion from the Championship and will be higher quality opponents than Cambridge United and Yeovil Town, who tested United in the FA Cup last year. The Rams will still be underdogs, however, and Rooney expects the home fans to generate the atmosphere of a lower-division outfit striving to claim a prize scalp.

"We know, as we've played there before, that it will be a difficult game with a good atmosphere on Friday night," the skipper told MUTV, briefly recalling the Reds' FA Cup fifth-round win at Derby in 2009.

"I'm sure they will be really up for it with their crowd and we will be up for it as we've experienced these games. The players who joined us last year and played against Cambridge and Yeovil will have seen that an FA Cup tie like this is more of a battle than a football game. We have to be ready for that and be ready for a tough game as the cup is full of surprises.

"Derby have nothing to lose. No-one is expecting them to win and they will try to cause an upset. We know that and have to be ready for that. It will be a difficult night for us, Sheffield United at home was a tough game, so we have to be ready to battle and win the battle. Hopefully then our qualities will show through."

Mata: The Best Things About Britain

Juan Mata joined Manchester United from Chelsea two years ago this week and has further developed his liking for English life during his time with the Reds. In this extract from an interview for Inside United magazine, the Spaniard talks about the places, food and music he's come to appreciate over here...

You’ve been in this country for over four years and while you are a proud Spaniard, we like to think of you as an adopted Englishman. Do you feel English at all?
No, I don't. I feel like a Spaniard living in England - but I am very happy to live here. I have been very happy to adapt myself to the English culture and I think it’s very important if you want to be happy in any country in the world. I have enjoyed living in England, both in London and in Manchester, and I enjoy the English culture. But I still feel Spanish.

Are there any British habits or customs you have adopted like drinking more tea or calling everyone ‘mate’ like we do?
(Laughs) Well, sometimes I do use slang, especially with my English team-mates. They speak normally like that, with slang, so if you want to understand them you have to speak like them! I try my best.

You seem to be very keen on travel. Which is the best place you have been to in England or Britain, outside of Manchester and London?
There are lots, I could not say one. When I was living in London, I used to go everywhere in the city but outside the city as well. Since I came to Manchester, I have been to Hale and Bowdon, obviously, but I have also been to Chester. A few weeks ago I was down in Oxfordshire, close to Oxford. I went to the Lake District, I went to the beach as well in Wales. So I try to discover new places around Britain and I think it’s a country that gives you a lot of places to go.

You take some great photos as we have seen on Instagram. Is photography a passion of yours?
Yes but I am just a beginner. I think I’m good but I’m not. That’s what new technology makes you think – that you’re a good photographer because you have a nice camera. In reality, I’m not a very good photographer but I like to take photos about almost everything that I am doing. Wherever I am, I always think there is a good photo to take.

Have you found yourself listening more to British music since you came here?
Yes, but I listened to it before as well. I always liked groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks but I have discovered more since coming here. Sometimes Wayne puts some music on in the dressing room and I really like, for example, Stereophonics - I think Wayne knows them and they’re a great group. I also like Radiohead. I think this country is famous for having a lot of very, very good bands who are known all around the world. I am a fan of music and I am a fan of them.

Have you become fond of any British foods?
Well, on a day like this one, which is grey, rainy and cold, it’s nice to have a pie like a meat pie or beef pie, whatever you call it. If you go to an English restaurant in somewhere like Wilmslow or Knutsford, there are some nice places there and you can have a nice beef pie. I like them.

If you could bring one aspect of Spanish life to this country, what would it be?
Obviously I miss my family so if I could bring all my family here it would be nice. I don’t know… (Thinks) People in Spain are very friendly, very open and very funny as well in some places, but English people are as well. (Thinks) Maybe the timings because I am used to eating later in Spain and taking things easier, not be as rushed as the English are used to. I would bring my family here if I could but outside of that, from the lifestyle, I would bring the more relaxed timings.

The full version of this interview appeared in Inside United, the club's official magazine. Subscriptions and copies are available to purchase at manutd.com/magazine.

Credit: Manutd.com