Will Power

Reds And DHL On New Trophy Tour

2012-01-27T00:23:00.001+08:00

Nineteen times champions Manchester United have teamed up with one of the club's principal partners, DHL, to deliver the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour.

As United's official logistics partner, DHL plays a key role behind the scenes when it comes to delivering success for the Reds. After successful tours of Latin America, parts of Asia and not forgetting Manchester, DHL will transport the Premier League trophy to 27 new destinations, including India, Turkey, Korea, Tokyo, Vietnam and Norway.

The DHL Champ19ns tour will travel almost 48,000 miles and give fans across the globe the opportunity to celebrate the club’s prestigious 19 league titles.

The four-month tour kicks off in Delhi on Saturday 4 February 2012 and will be accompanied by United legends Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune, as well as the club’s famous Fred The Red mascot. After visiting Delhi, it will move on to Mumbai on Monday 6 February. This is the first time the club have toured India with the trophy and fans’ response is expected to be significant.

Other legends who will join the tour as it travels around the world include Andrew Cole, Lee Sharpe, Bryan Robson, Paul Parker, Ronny Johnsen, Jesper Blomqvist, Gary Bailey and Gary Pallister - with even more names due to be confirmed.

Fans will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the coveted trophy and club legends during various events including fan parties, in-store events and soccer schools, which will take place in each country.

United's Commercial Director Richard Arnold said: "The 19th league title was a special moment for everyone in the Manchester United family and the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour is our way of being able to share that historic achievement with our 333 million fans.

"The passion and fervour of United fans is famous around the world. We are looking forward to being able to continue that celebration in India."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe, said: "The DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour provides us with a unique chance to showcase DHL’s behind-the-scenes operations with Manchester United to our key customers and employees in the countries we will be touring.

"With a global network of more than 220 countries, it is great that some of our customers will have the opportunity to meet the United legends and see the Premier League trophy close up."

Neville: Man. United Right Not To Buy

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club are right not to buy players in January.

United have had to deal with a growing injury list and brought Paul Scholes out of retirement earlier this month.

Neville told BBC Radio Manchester: "I've never seen it work, a player come in January, sign for big money and settle before the start of next season.

"To go into the market in January you never get full value, people think you're desperate so ask for more."

The Red Devils have suffered a succession of injuries throughout the year including captain Nemanja Vidic, who has been ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury.

At times it has resulted in players being forced to play out of position, with midfielder Michael Carrick lining up at centre-back and winger Antonio Valencia having to play at right-back.

After signing Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea in the summer, Neville believes Sir Alex Ferguson chooses not to sign players half-way through a season due to the difficulties of integrating them.

"He's never been one to panic. You're signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club," he added.

"Potentially if he's coming from abroad you need to get used to a new league.

"You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players.

"They've had a lot of injuries, but that's not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is you're able to cope with it.

"They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.

"But they're still in touching distance in the league and they've fought like crazy to get to that position.

"They always come good in the latter part of the season, they have a big FA cup tie against Liverpool at the weekend, so there is a lot to look forward to.

"You just might look back at this part of the season and think a win away at Manchester City and then go and win at Arsenal as well, you could be looking back and saying it was a really crucial two weeks for Man Utd in this season."

United's current absent list
Nemanja Vidic
Darren Fletcher
Ashley Young
Michael Owen
Tom Cleverley
Rio Ferdinand
Anderson
Phil Jones
Nani

Rooney: We Are Ready

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

The big games just keep on coming for Manchester United and Wayne Rooney insists that’s exactly the way the players like it.

Hot on the heels of the Reds’ visit to the Emirates last Sunday is an FA Cup clash at Anfield followed by a trio of vital league games with Stoke (home), Chelsea (away) and Liverpool (home). Rooney believes the next month could turn out to be a significant period in the title race and insists United are more than up to the task.

“They are all difficult games but as a footballer, these are the games you want to play in,” Rooney told ManUtd.com. "We understand and know what we have to do. We need to do well in those games.

“As far as the players are concerned we have to take each game as it comes, prepare ourselves the best way we can and hopefully we can get the results we need."

Sir Alex hailed his team’s positivity and self-belief after the victory over the Gunners and Rooney feels marrying that to concentration and focus will make the Reds hard to stop.

“As a player you relish this part of the season and I always feel we’re at our best when it gets past new year because we can see the end of the season and that there are trophies to be won,” added Rooney. “Keeping your concentration and staying focused is therefore very important.

“After coming through the Christmas period when we played a lot of games, it’s been quite unusual in the last few weeks that we’ve only had one game. It’s been good to get some good training in and I think that will benefit us going into the games coming up.

“Once you get into the New Year you know every game is a massive one and you don’t want to be dropping points. That’s why we need to stay focused. The next three or four weeks will be exciting. Hopefully we come through them.”

Ryan's Training Secrets

2012-01-25T23:58:00.000+08:00

In an exclusive interview recorded for MUTV’s Inside Carrington show, Ryan Giggs talks to Mark Sullivan about training regimes and the keys to his longevity…

How has training changed over the years?
It's changed a lot. Much of that is to do with the surroundings that we've got now - Carrington is completely different from The Cliff [the old training ground]. We've got the swimming pool, the gym, the big sports hall, an indoor astro-turf pitch… we've got everything you could want really. The Cliff was pretty basic; there was just a changing room, not the best gym in the world and really old weights. You just went out on the pitch and trained, came in, had a shower and went home, whereas here you've got so much to keep you occupied and keep you here longer.

And there's a lot more staff involved in the training side of things these days too...
Yes that's another thing that's changed. Back when I started it was the manager, his assistant, Kiddo [Brian Kidd] and Archie [Knox] before that. Then you had a physio and that was it really. Now, we’ve got an assistant manager, a coach, fitness coaches and specialists in weights and running, so things have changed a lot.

Run us through a typical day at Carrington…
I’ll usually get in about quarter to nine, get a bit of breakfast then have a massage for 45 minutes. We all jump on the [exercise] bikes at 10 for 15 minutes just to turn our legs over. We'll then have a 10-minute stretch and then head out to train. If it’s early in the week and we don’t have a midweek game we’ll be out there an hour and a half or two hours maybe. If it's towards the end of the week and near the game if it will be half an hour or 45 minutes of intense quick play. Personally, I also do leg weights some days and yoga twice a week.

How much has the yoga helped you?
A lot - it's one of the main reasons why I'm still playing now at 38. I started when I'd just turned 30 because I wanted to try and help ease the problems I’d had with my hamstrings and it’s helped me in every other way as well; strengthening my legs and my core and bettering the flexibility I had when I was 18/19. I'm more flexible now than I was 20 years ago and that only helps you on the pitch when you're stretching for tackles or turning quickly.

What’s your favourite part of training?
I think all the lads would say the same – boxes. When we first go out we have two lads in the middle [of a group] and the rest, seven or eight, around the side and you've got to keep the ball away from the lads in the middle. There's always a little bit of banter because you're trying to nutmeg your team-mates or stitch them up! It’s always been part and parcel of the United warm-up.

The staff no doubt give you advice on your training regime, but are you able to tailor it yourself as well?
Yes, I think the more experienced you get the more you discover what's good for you and you try to manage yourself. By the time you get to your late 20s you should know your body, and what you need and don't need. You will ask the advice of the coaches as they've got all the data on how hard you've worked that week or what you did in the previous game. They might tell you you’ve done enough or say it would be a good idea to do a bit extra. It’s a partnership with the coaches really, but ultimately it's down to yourself and how you feel.

How do you continue to motivate yourself to train hard?
You’ve got to or you’ll just get swept away. Sometimes I'm up against Carras [Michael Carrick] or Scholesy in midfield, or Anderson, Cleverley or Fletch and you've got to perform, not only in the games but in training. I think that's what sets this club apart - the training is hard and match-pace and it's always really sharp so you've got to keep going up a level no matter what age you are.

How much longer do you think you can play for?
I don't know, just as long as I'm enjoying it really and still contributing to the team and not making a fool of myself in training or in games! If you're not playing well or you feel that you're just coming up short in training, then that's the time to hang up your boots.

What do you put your longevity down to?
I think you've got to be disciplined. You’ve got to eat the right stuff, look after yourself and get your rest which I've found is more important the older I've got. Like I said before yoga has helped me as well, but it's a mixture of a lot of things and getting the right advice. Ultimately though it's down to knowing your body and knowing what's right for you.

Legends Rate Welbeck's Rise

2012-01-25T23:57:00.000+08:00

Two Manchester United legends have been praising the progress of Danny Welbeck, following the striker's latest goal in a heavyweight contest.

The 21 year-old Mancunian has started four of the Reds' last seven games and has scored three goals in that spell, including Sunday's winner at Arsenal. This followed, of course, his stunning strike at Manchester City's expense, earlier this month in the FA Cup.

Speaking to ManUtd.com and United Review, Andy Cole acknowledged the way Welbeck has become a viable alternative to Javier Hernandez, while Paddy Crerand talked on MUTV about Danny's still-continuing development.

"I think Danny’s brilliant, and it's fantastic for his confidence that he’s starting so many big games," Cole told us.

"Javier Hernandez has been injured and has been finding it tough to repeat what he did in his first season. Sometimes your second season is your toughest, I went through that myself.

"Danny has come in and grabbed his chance with both hands and he's playing very well. He's playing with confidence and getting goals too."

The former United striker can see a comparison between Welbeck's way of playing and the style which helped Cole himself to score nearly a century of goals for the Reds.

"You might say I was a bit of an old-fashioned centre forward when I played, in that I always wanted to try and run in behind defenders and get chances that way. To see Danny doing that is great.

"He can play in front of defenders as well, but when he runs in behind them he causes a lot of problems."

Crerand agreed with Cole in his assessment of Welbeck's form, after watching from the gantry at the Emirates as Danny netted against Arsenal and went close on a few other occasions.

"He's been terrific Danny Welbeck, he's coming on," said Paddy.

"He's still a young kid learning the game but he's getting better.

"I don't think he's fully grown yet either. With his effort that was cleared off the line [by Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker], I'm not sure whether he clipped his own heel or not but if that hadn't happened, the ball certainly would have ended up in the back of the net.

"The manager has shown the great faith he has in Danny by playing him."

Scholes: We Are Perfectly Poised

2012-01-24T03:23:00.001+08:00

Paul Scholes has warned Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City "funny things can happen" in the latter part of a title race.

The United midfielder has experienced both sides of a race for the league crown - the ecstasy of winning it ten times but also, albeit on fewer occasions, the agony of narrowly missing out. He's therefore more qualified than most to assess the current state of play at the top of the table.

"Obviously both teams won today so we are still where we were," said Scholes, at last night's Football Writers' Association dinner in his and Gary Neville's honour.

"I think we had the tougher game because it is always more difficult to go away, and we've got the three points."

Being on the shoulder of the pace-setter is a position that Scholes is happy with at this stage of the race, with each Manchester club still having 16 league games left to play.

"There's still three months of the season to go and hopefully we'll be in the right place when the time comes," Scholes added.

"Obviously City are going well at the minute but we are only three points behind and funny things can happen towards the end of the season. We just have to make sure we look after ourselves and get the right results."

Scholes' substitute appearance at Arsenal - he came on six minutes before Danny Welbeck's late winner - means he has played in every United game since coming out of retirement, all three of them resulting in victories.

"I don't think I've had too big an effect," said Scholes modestly, who credits his smooth return to never having left Carrington.

"[Playing again] does take a bit of getting used to but the advantage I'd had was that I'd been at the club for the last four or five months doing a bit of coaching.

"I'd obviously seen the lads every day so it wasn't too difficult to settle back in."

Paul Scholes was speaking to Sky Sports News at The FWA Gala Tribute Evening.

Injuries Mount For Reds

2012-01-24T03:21:00.000+08:00

While Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to leave North London with maximum points on Sunday, it came at a cost as yet more players were added to the United injury list.

The Reds travelled to the Emirates without Rio Ferdinand whose back problem had flared up last week with United already missing Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.

Phil Jones, who missed last Saturday's win over Bolton with a knock, now looks set out to be out for "a few weeks", according to Sir Alex, after he was stretched off after 17 minutes against Arsenal. Nani hobbled off late on, while Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick were also in the wars.

"It's not good news for us," the boss told MUTV. "I think Jones will be out for a few weeks - it's ankle ligaments. Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second half and he just had to sit in the middle of the pitch."

The boss also explained his decision to substitute Rafael 14 minutes from time after the Brazilian had earlier replaced Jones.

"Rafa wasn't very pleased and I can understand that," sympathised Sir Alex. "He's so brave and determined to win the ball but he'd already been booked and I thought with the crowd getting up and if he made another half-bad challenge he might be in trouble. Mike Dean has sent him off before and I just thought it was best to get an experienced player like Valencia back in there [at right-back] and bring on the experience of Park and Scholes to try and see the game out."

Welbeck Salutes Team Effort

2012-01-24T03:20:00.001+08:00

Despite starting and scoring in yet another major game, Danny Welbeck was keen to salute United’s collective endeavour in overcoming Arsenal.

The Longsight-born striker hit an 81st-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium and admitted that he is keen to extend his run of involvement and burgeoning strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

“I’m over the moon, but the team worked tirelessly all the way through the game,” Welbeck told MUTV. “It was a great team effort and I think we’re all just delighted to get the three points.

“We worked really hard. A few people were cramping up towards the end – I was one of the victims – but we worked really hard and it was a great team performance overall.

“We had a few chances. We played the ball accurately and made lots of precise passes to get in behind their defence and I think we did really well.

“My aim to come and play for United’s first team and luckily I’m doing that at the moment. To get a starting berth up top with Wazza in behind me, we’re forming a great partnership and I’m just looking forward to carrying that on.”

The 20-year-old revealed that the squad had watched Manchester City’s dramatic victory over Tottenham in the Emirates dressing rooms, but conceded that the champions couldn’t lose focus on the task in hand.

“It was on in the changing room but we couldn’t let it affect us or the way we played – we just played our normal game,” he said. “We just went out there, passed the ball well and thankfully got the two goals and they got just the one.

“Credit to them, they’re a good team and they know how to play football and try and get a goal themselves. They pulled one back but thankfully we got the winner later on.”

Evra: Tactics Were Spot On

2012-01-24T03:19:00.001+08:00

Patrice Evra saluted United’s tactical triumph over Arsenal after executing another counter-attacking victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck gave the Reds three vital points, with both goals owing much to impressive wingplay as Arsenal’s makeshift full-backs struggled to cope with being targeted.

“I think (our gameplan) was to go straight forward, it makes a lot of pressure on the left-back and the right-back and that’s what we did,” Evra told Sky Sports. “We made a plan to have a good shape and go forward on the counter-attack. We have done this many times when we play against Arsenal and that was the plan.

“We had a good shape in the first half and I think we played very well. But the second half was not the best [we've seen] of United.

"It was a good performance from the team, it’s just that we want everything perfect. I think in the second half there were 15 minutes where Arsenal played very well, but we kept strong and had good shape, and after we scored a nice goal.”

United’s Emirates victory followed an even more dramatic triumph for title rivals Manchester City, who overcame Tottenham in injury-time to remain three points clear at the head of the Barclays Premier League table. Nevertheless, Evra insists that the Reds are keeping calm ahead of what looks increasingly likely to be a thrilling title race led by Manchester’s main factions.

“The most important thing for us was to win,” he said. “Three points were really important if we want to win the title. I always say the league is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

“We are still behind City but we have to keep going, keep winning games and I’m really confident in the team because everyone is working really hard and when we play with the United spirit it is difficult to beat us.”

Smalling: Character Was Key

2012-01-24T03:17:00.000+08:00

Chris Smalling hailed United’s "character and togetherness" after the Reds overcame adversity to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needed to beat the Gunners in order to maintain pressure on Manchester City, who earlier in the day had beaten Tottenham to temporarily move six points clear at the top.

United's task wasn't helped by injuries to Phil Jones and Nani, while Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra all played through the pain barrier after sustaining individual knocks.

The Reds rallied though and managed to record a priceless victory over Arsene Wenger’s side with goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck outweighing Robin Van Persie’s repost.

“It was another tough game,” Smalling told MUTV. “We were always going to get that but I thought we showed good character to get the late winner.

“We played some great football; Antonio and Nani were causing mayhem for their full-backs. We couldn’t quite keep it up for the duration of the second half but we had our spells and made it count.

“It does show our togetherness. Even when it was 1-1, they had the advantage but we came out victorious even though we took a few more knocks.

“I think we’ve taken enough knocks for the whole league," joked Smalling in reference to United's seemingly never-ending spate of injuries.

"But we have shown our togetherness and if we can keep ticking off these wins then we’ll be in a good position.”

Prior to kick-off in North London, attention was partly focused on matters back in Manchester as Roberto Mancini's men recorded a dramatic 3-2 win over Spurs. But Smalling insists the Reds must just continue to concentrate on getting their own job done rather than relying on results elsewhere.

“We did know the score before we went out and it would have been nice had it been a draw but we can’t really look for City to drop points," he added.

"It’s up to us to do our bit and if we keep winning our games I think they will eventually drop points.”

Boss Hails Reds' Belief

2012-01-24T03:16:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's positivity and belief after picking up a vital win at Arsenal to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City.

Earlier in the day, the Reds had seen Roberto Mancini's men beat Tottenham with virtually the last kick of the game at the Etihad having been pulled back to 2-2 by Spurs.

The Blues' last-gasp victory took them six points ahead of United at kick-off at the Emirates, but an impressive display from the Reds and goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck secured a crucial result.

"It was important to win after City had won their game, but the manner in which we won was the more pleasing thing for me," said Sir Alex afterwards.

"I think we won in the right way - we played really adventurous football, we were positive and had great belief in ourselves. I'm delighted to see that at this important time in the season.

"Arsenal came out fighting in the second half and for the first 15 minutes we rode our luck a bit. But on the counter-attack we were devastating and we could have scored a lot of goals.

"I said before the game that we had four massive away games [Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and City] to come and that's one out the way.

"What we need to do is stay on City's coat-tails. Football is a funny game. The game at City today tells you things can happen and there will be changes [before the end of the season]. We've just got to stay on their coat-tails."

The manager reserved special praise for match-winner Danny Welbeck who netted his ninth goal of the campaign and his third in three games.

"Danny was fantastic. His work-rate and movement are great - he's always on the shoulder of defenders and ready to run through [on goal]," said the boss.

"He could have scored five today - he was through three or four times. He was unlucky in that sense, but he's got the important goal and continued his run of scoring in the first team. For a 21-year-old he's doing really well."

Sir Alex was talking to Sky Sports and MUTV.

United Grind Out Vital Win Against Gunners

2012-01-24T03:12:00.001+08:00

Danny Welbeck struck a priceless late winner over Arsenal, as United survived another taxing trip to the Emirates Stadium to stay firmly in the hunt for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds deservedly led at the interval as Antonio Valencia headed home Ryan Giggs' excellent cross in first-half injury-time, but the Gunners rallied after the break and looked set to take a share of the spoils when Robin van Persie squeezed home a leveller with 19 minutes remaining.

United hit back, however, and re-took the lead when Valencia capped a storming individual run by setting up Welbeck to power home a finish and keep the champions right on Manchester City's coat-tails at the head of the table.

The day began in disappointing fashion for the Reds after the Blues' dramatic win over Tottenham, yet ended on a high despite the news that Rio Ferdinand was missing from the champions' ranks with a back injury. That blow was softened by the return of Phil Jones and Jonny Evans. Evans lined up alongside Chris Smalling in the centre of defence, while Jones came in at right-back and Rafael dropped to the Reds' bench.

Arsenal were able to welcome back Thomas Vermaelen from injury; bringing a welcome dose of steel to a Gunners backline keen to shore up after back-to-back defeats at Fulham and Swansea.

Manchester City's last-gasp victory over Tottenham ramped up the pressure on the champions ahead of kick-off, and it was the hosts who had the first sniff of goal when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pinched possession from Jones, but could only pull his cross into a cluster of United defenders.

That clumsy passage of play set the tone for a disjointed opening to the game. Neither side played with their usual fluidity or efficiency in possession, while the only efforts of the first 10 minutes were daisy-cutters from Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott which drew routine stops from Lindegaard.

The stop-start nature of the game continued when Jones twisted his left ankle after quarter of an hour. The right-back was stretchered from the field in obvious discomfort, with Rafael brought on as his replacement. The Brazilian's introduction coincided with United's growing control of proceedings.

A succession of corners almost yielded chances, with Smalling just failing to connect with Nani's cross before Giggs found space aplenty behind Vermaelen, but no targets to pick out thereafter. Danny Welbeck then ploughed into the same defensive chasm after a neat one-two with Valencia, but could only blaze over, under pressure from Laurent Koscielny.

As the half wore on, United's menace grew. Evra and Nani were an increasingly potent threat down the left flank, and they combined to force Wojciech Szczeny into action for the first time; the Portuguese drawing a smart, near-post stop after good approach work from the Frenchman.

The visitors knocked on the hosts' door with increasing regularity and impatience. Rooney did well to cushion Giggs' clipped pass inside the Gunners' area before tumbling under pressure from Alex Song. Referee Mike Dean declined to award a penalty, and Rooney's ire was hardly soothed when, moments later, Nani wastefully slid the ball well off-target instead of looking to pick out his unmarked number 10.

In first half injury-time, Giggs made the fullest use of United's next opening. The veteran Welshman, having meandered back into old habits on the left flank, exploited Johann Djourou's reluctance to pressure him by curling in a magnificent cross. At the far post, Valencia stole in behind Vermaelen to power a header across Szczesny and into the bottom corner.

The Ecuadorian's strike inevitably stemmed from the Reds' left flank, with the Gunners' right side increasingly porous as the half wore on. Arsene Wenger's attempt to plug the leak involved removing Djourou at half-time and introducing rookie right-back Nicholas Yennaris for his first Premier League start.

The Gunners almost drew level within five minutes of the restart, albeit by accident rather than design. Smalling slipped in possession midway inside his own half, giving Tomas Rosicky a clear route to goal. The Czech midfielder squared for van Persie, who shimmied away from the covering challenge of Evans before inexplicably and uncharacteristically blazing wide.

Nevertheless, buoyed by the chink in United's armour, Arsenal rallied. Ramsey blasted over from inside the area and Rosicky's shot thudded against Evra's elbow and away to safety. Those opportunities flanked an arguably better opening for Valencia, who drilled well wide, but the opening exchanges of the second half could certainly be marked in the hosts' favour.

It took another brush with parity to shock United into life. Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot inched just wide of Lindegaard's upright, but the champions soon his back. Evra was harshly adjudged offside after a neat interchange with Nani, then Per Mertesacker dramatically slid the ball off his own line after Welbeck had lifted a deft shot over the onrushing Szczesny.

United's pursuit of a killer second goal would prove costly, however. When a surging run from Rafael was clinically halted by Koscielny inside the Arsenal area, the Brazilian's absence was exposed by a quick Gunners counter-attack. Oxlade-Chamberlain's slide-rule pass gave van Persie an opening, and he fired through Evans' legs and past Lindegaard, via the inside of the Dane's post.

Arsenal's dander was predictably up, but the flow of the game was quickly stemmed when play was stopped for an injury to Walcott. Sir Alex Ferguson introduced Paul Scholes and Ji-sung Park for Nani and Rafael, and sent Valencia to right-back. The move didn't curb the Ecuadorian's attacking intent, however, and he played a key role as United regained the lead.

Valencia picked up Scholes' spread pass, made a beeline for the hosts' area and bypassed three players before swapping passes with Park. Before he could be crowded out, the winger teed up Welbeck for an emphatic finish past Szczesny; sparking wild scenes of celebration in the away end.

Thereafter, the game ended in the same stop-start fashion that it began, albeit with more bookings. United were able to see out five added minutes with only one real flirtation with danger, when Mertesacker's goalbound header was chested to safety by Evans.

A victorious start to another taxing run of high-profile fixtures for the Reds sent out a clear message: the champions are in no mood to relinquish their crown.

Centre Of Excellence

2012-01-22T04:49:00.000+08:00

There are different ways to make your mark at Manchester United.

While renowned midfield battlers Bryan Robson, Pat Crerand and Roy Keane carved their legends with axes, rather than switchblades, Michael Carrick is carefully etching himself into indispensability for Sir Alex Ferguson's latest team.

The softly-spoken North-Easterner is a midfielder for the modern game. Nick possession, keep possession. Simple, but devastating to those who are chasing the ball. The gradual filtration of old school enforcers means top class midfields are no longer patrolled with menace. Rather, they are courtyards for craft, as the top exponents merge athleticism, dexterity and vision. Few blend those virtues as expertly as United’s number 16.

Addressing the nation’s media before Christmas, Sir Alex declared: "Michael has been one of our best players. He's been instrumental in what's happening to the team at the moment. He's grabbed the nettle - there's no question about that.

"I think it's time Michael became the pivotal player of our team. We've always known he's got that in him. He's a laidback character - quiet, unassuming - but in different periods during his time here he's shown his quality. Now is the time for him to start a long period of dominating the centre of midfield.”

Finally free of an Achilles injury which disrupted over a year of his career, Carrick’s importance at Old Trafford are undisputable in a campaign where he has kept the cogs moving despite a spate of long-term injuries in central areas. Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher have all missed or continue to miss sizeable portions of the season, while Paul Scholes’ retirement U-turn has only just given Sir Alex an extra weapon at his disposal.

While praise has been forthcoming from all in football, and especially within the confines of Carrington, recognition for Carrick’s endeavours has been comparatively reticent among some sections of the United support. The problem is that, in every position at Old Trafford, illustrious forebears cast inescapable shadows.

Roy Keane and Paul Scholes loom largest as two of the outstanding central midfielders of the Premier League’s history, and their exploits are still fresh enough in the memory – especially now that the latter has returned for an encore – to invoke comparisons for anybody brave enough to follow them.

Despite ending a 70-game goal drought with relatively quickfire strikes against QPR and Bolton in recent weeks, Carrick’s scoring ratio compares unfavourably with that of Scholes, who has averaged a goal every five games. Nor does he bang heads with the ferocity of Keane. In his five and a half seasons at Old Trafford, Carrick has picked up eight Premier League bookings. Keane mustered as many in 35 appearances during United’s Treble season.

But such juxtapositions, in this instance, are rendered futile on grounds of differences in style and role. Scholes knows better than most just how important Carrick has been, and will continue to prove, to the Reds’ ambitions.

“I've always found him very easy to play with,” says the veteran midfielder. “He's capable of doing anything. He can score goals, he can create goals, he's a great passer of the ball, he's a big strong lad with a lot of presence, he can run all day long. He's great for team-mates.

“Over the last six years at the club he's been terrific, one of the most underrated players the Premier League has had. Since he's come we've won the league in all-but one season - that says it all.

You need players like Michael to be successful. He's a total team player, which players around him really appreciate.

“There's no better player at just keeping the ball and keeping it simple. You wouldn't want to be on the opposing team when you're chasing the game, because Michael's great at keeping the ball. He can hit long passes as well as short passes. He's such an unselfish player, players really look forward to playing with him.

“From playing with him, from Ryan Giggs playing with him, from Wayne Rooney playing with him, we all recognise how important he is to the team and at the end of the day that's the important thing: that your team-mates know what you're doing in the team. As long as they and the manager are happy, that's all that matters.”

Having played through a period of seismic change in the way football is officiated, Scholes recognises the evolution of the role of a midfielder, and Carrick stands comparison with any of the more tenacious middle men of the most opulent period of United’s history.

“Michael is a different breed to the likes of Nicky (Butt) and Roy (Keane),” he admits. “They were brilliant and so is Michael, in a different way. He brings a calmness to the game and he parades around the pitch like a Rolls Royce. He's a great athlete and he has quality too, which helps.

“The game has changed, without doubt. You can't tackle like Roy and Nicky used to be able to. Maybe some of the things they did would be frowned upon now! Michael's sensible, he's never in any trouble - he's never had any disciplinary problems. He's just a calm and calculated person who's always thinking of the best way to do something, rather than doing it the nasty way.

"He's something of a saintly figure - he'll never answer back to referees or have a go at them. That's what he brings to this team: a relaxed attitude which transfers to the rest of the team as well.

“To be a central midfielder at this club you have to take responsibility, take the ball all the time, defend at times and be prepared to drive the team on to score goals and win games. Michael does all of those things - he can do everything.”

Carrick’s effectiveness is underlined in the more considered arena of European football. It’s noteworthy that his absence for the first time in 19 successive Champions League away ties coincided with United’s shock defeat at Basel. In the previous 18, Carrick had tasted defeat just once – the last-minute reverse at Bayern Munich in 2010.

The 30-year-old has been paired with a variety of midfield partners this season – and has also reprised his moonlighting role in defence when necessary – but Sir Alex’s praise has set the scene for Carrick to man the United engine room for the foreseeable future.

Typically, the midfielder is keeping calm in the face of such a prospect. “When the boss says good things about you, then it's pleasing,” he admits, “but it is a team thing and we want to be winning as a team. I'm happy with the way I've played, but that doesn't count for much - we win as a team and lose as a team, it's as simple as that.

“I haven’t changed as a player. But as you get older and gain more experience, maybe that brings more responsibility. You’re looked at slightly differently and that’s fine, I’m comfortable with that. This is the way I’ve always played. I’m not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving. I enjoy the responsibility and as you get older maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that.

“This is my sixth season here now and I feel I’ve improved every season since I've been here. I've had some better spells than others, but that's just natural. You've got to take on board other things - as I said, responsibility - but that's just part and parcel of the team growing and changing as the years go by.”

As he continues to whittle his own legacy, Michael Carrick may just be one of the few constants in the ongoing evolution of this rapidly evolving Manchester United.

This article originally appeared in United Review, the club's official matchday programme.

Chicharito Ready To Fire

2012-01-22T04:48:00.001+08:00

He was United's Player of the Season last term but Javier Hernandez has "not got his season going yet" - admits his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Things didn't start well for the Mexican striker when he suffered concussion towards the end of the Reds' pre-season tour of America. A freak ankle injury in the win at Aston Villa in early December sidelined the striker for a couple of weeks, while the impressive form of Danny Welbeck has also reduced Chicharito's starting opportunities in attack.

"Chicharito has had his issues this year," said Sir Alex on Friday. "He had that concussion, then he had another head knock and then an ankle injury. He has not got his season going yet, but he is looking well now.

"His form in training is fantastic. He is looking really well. That is a bonus because you want variations in the striker's position. If we get Hernandez back into the frame of things we know what an addition he can be. We know the goals he can score. It will only help us."

Having more options in his squad is exactly what Sir Alex is hoping for as we edge towards crunch time in the title race.

"We have done really well getting to this point with all the injuries we have had," added the manager. "I don’t expect Darren Fletcher to come back. Darren will be out for the season and we know Nemanja Vidic is also out. But if we get the rest back I think that is pretty good. It is a good squad then."

De Gea May Need Eye Surgery?

2012-01-21T04:35:00.001+08:00

David De Gea's erratic first season at Manchester United has taken place with the talented but error-prone goalkeeper suffering from an eyesight problem that may necessitate laser surgery at the end of the season.

De Gea is long-sighted and plays in contact lenses. United employ a full-time optometrist, based at their training ground, and the Spaniard has been recommended for treatment to restore his sight to normal as he tries to cut out the mistakes that have cost him his place as Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice goalkeeper.

Having worn glasses for most of his life, De Gea was going to have laser surgery last March when he was at Atlético Madrid. At the time, however, the Atlético medical staff told him to wait at least another year because he needed a stable prescription. United were aware of the issue when they signed him for £18.3m in the summer.

United still have high aspirations that De Gea, at 21, can demonstrate he was worth the money and become a great goalkeeper for the club. The hope is that he can be booked in for laser treatment in June, when he could take advantage of the summer break to have the four-day period of rest that is advised. He is then expected to be selected for Spain's Olympics squad if, as expected, he misses out on Euro 2012 behind Iker Casillas, José Reina and Victor Valdés.
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian

The Man Who Saved Manchester United

2012-01-20T00:23:00.001+08:00

Manchester United fans have a lot to thank James William Gibson for... although most probably don’t know it.

Today, 19 January, marks 80 years since the Salford-born, Old Trafford-based businessman made true his pledge to wipe out the debts of his local football club. But for his intervention, the Reds might not be the sporting institution of today or, possibly, even in existence.

In December 1931 United were on the brink: the players hadn’t been paid for weeks, results were poor and attendances tiny (just 4,697 for the visit of Bristol City on 19 December). After years of decline there was genuine fear that, barely two decades after being crowned champions of England for a second time, Manchester United might be declared bankrupt.

What happened next changed the course of the club’s history and, more importantly, ensured there would actually be one. Club secretary Walter Crickmer met a local businessman who loved his sport (essentially rugby and cricket). While not a great football fan, the proprietor of a uniform manufacturers was reluctant to let one of the city’s institutions disappear and agreed to help out, making £2,000 immediately available to the club. That money helped pay for match travel expenses and general expenditure. And also for the players’ Christmas turkeys!

It was a stay of execution, but more was required to stave off the threat of extinction. On 21 December 1931, Gibson – who had agreed to pay the club’s bills until 9 January 1932 – convinced the United board of directors they should resign at a point in the future convenient for him.

On 5 January he outlined plans to reorganise the club board and became a director, an overhaul that came to fruition on 19 January when the board resigned and he took full control, clearing all debts. The club was saved.

Last month, a special tribute marked Gibson’s first dealings with United. The short ceremony, by the plaque in his memory on Sir Matt Busby Way, was attended by club officials, supporters and members of the Embling family (Gibson’s relatives).

The location was fitting, in view of the stadium’s railway station, another project funded by Gibson and made possible after he negotiated with the railways.

That was only one of the legacies of his chairmanship, from 1932-1951. He provided funds for Crickmer and Louis Rocca to form the club’s first youth system (Manchester United Junior Athletic Club), saw the Reds through the Great Depression and WWII, appointed Matt Busby as manager in 1945 and funded the rebuilding of Old Trafford after a German air raid destroyed the main stand.

When Sir Matt’s first great side landed the FA Cup in 1948, the chairman – too ill to attend the Wembley showpiece after suffering a stroke – welcomed home his victorious side with the words: “You have fulfilled my greatest ambition.”

Sadly, Gibson lost his life in 1951, a few months before Busby’s men won a first league title in 41 years. His demise ended a reign light on trophies but one which had laid the foundations for great success. For that, all Reds fans should be grateful even now.

Irwin: Veterans Can Win Title Race

2012-01-19T01:52:00.000+08:00

Denis Irwin concedes Manchester City deserve their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League, but is confident United's seasoned campaigners can reel in the Blues and win the title.

Following this weekend’s fixtures – United kick off at Arsenal on Sunday an hour after City and Spurs leave the Etihad Stadium pitch – the gap at the top could be as wide as six points or as narrow as goal difference. But Reds legend Irwin, who played 529 times for the club, insists it’s too early to talk about making a mark on the title race.

“There’s still an awful lot of the season to go and teams will drop points," Irwin told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "It's as simple as that. I think we’ll know more in the next month or so.

“What you look at the matches United have got, it’s going to be tough. But City have tough games, too, as do Spurs. They play each other on Sunday. But that’s why you’re in this league: to play tough matches. It’s part and parcel of the Premier League.

“Spurs have done unbelievably well to get into the position they are. But City are our main rivals. I don't think you can argue that they have been the better team over the first half of the season.”

But while City have caught the eye, Roberto Mancini’s men can’t seem to shake United’s attentions and have won just two of their last six fixtures in all competitions. As the pressure mounts and the business end of the season approaches, Irwin feels the Reds will gain the upper hand.

“It’s the experience we have over the last 20 years that I hope will lead us to first place,” said the former United full-back. “That experience counts an awful lot. Sometimes you can drop points and you feel as though that’s it, the end. But that point could win you the championship.

“You can't buy that experience. The manager and coaching staff have been down the road many times and there are plenty of players who have been around for a long time. It is only through experience that you know what to do.

"Somebody like Paul Scholes will be a calming influence. His experience in the dressing room and on the pitch will be a real boost to the lads. He isn't the most talkative guy but he'll lead by example. It is great to have his experience for the last three or four months.”

Denis Irwin was speaking at the launch of the Big Red Bike Ride. For more info, visit www.heartsandminds.org.uk

Smalling: Derby Win Was Vital

2012-01-19T01:48:00.000+08:00

Back after illness, Chris Smalling speaks exclusively to United Review and ManUtd.com about his hopes for the vital remainder of United's season...

How are you feeling now?
Good, thanks. I’m fit and well, ready to go again. I just needed a little bit of rest over the Christmas and New Year period to get over the tonsillitis. It’s nothing to worry about.

Was it frustrating to fall ill at a time when there was already a spate of injuries?
It was far from ideal. But the lads who stepped in did really well. I think we’ve probably had more injuries than any other club in the league. I definitely don’t think many teams have lost players of the calibre of Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher for such lengthy periods. And yet we’re still going strong, we’re still challenging for the lead and we’re even getting a few players back now, which will be crucial for the title run-in.

How much has the chopping and changing affected the side?
Nobody could have foreseen the injuries we’ve had. At the start of the season, we had good numbers and good quality. With so many injuries the form was bound to dip once or twice, but we’re all pulling together and there have been plenty of good results.

Have you been pleased with your own contribution this season?
I had a little knock that kept me out for about six weeks in September and October but, otherwise, I’ve been happy with how things have gone. I’ve been involved in some big games and, when I’ve not been injured, played more often than not. I just hope I can steer clear of injury now and finish the season strongly.

How would you sum up the last month of action?
It’s been a bit of a mixed bag. We knew the Christmas period was going to be tough and we did well against QPR, Fulham and Wigan. But we were gutted to get beaten by Blackburn on New Year’s Eve and then Newcastle a few days later. The win at Manchester City in the FA Cup has given us a lift, so we hope now we can kick on because there are some big games to come.

Will that win over City have any impact on the title race?
I don’t think so, no. The biggest thing it did was give us a morale boost at a time when people were starting to write us off. Instead of crumbling we went to City and beat them on their home turf, even if we made hard work of it in the second half. Winning that game showed a lot of character.

Especially as you went into the match as underdogs, on the back of two defeats...
Exactly. It was a big result. Even had it been against different opposition or in a different competition, it would have been essential to win that game. Everybody expected us to take maximum points against Blackburn and Newcastle because we’d done well against Wigan, Fulham and QPR. So to lose those two matches hurt a lot and prompted a lot of criticism. It made the FA Cup tie even more of a must-win game. We were determined to show the world we could still perform and I think we did that in the first half.

Is recent criticism unfair, given United have more points per game this season?
I can understand it because we’re behind City in the league and expectations of this club – from both inside and out – are massive. If we’re not on top then everybody’s asking why. Rightly so, too. Finishing second with more points than we collected last season won’t make us feel any better about ourselves. The only objective is to win the league.

Berba Set For Leverkusen Talks

2012-01-16T23:18:00.001+08:00

Sky Sports sources understand Dimitar Berbatov is travelling for talks over a return to Bayer Leverkusen, while there is also interest from Bayern Munich and Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Manchester United striker has fallen down the rankings in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans and, with his current contract set to expire in the summer, he has been linked with a move.

Berbatov said in December he had no plans to leave Old Trafford, but he was on Sunday spotted taking a flight to Frankfurt, where he was expected to hold discussions with Leverkusen.

There has been talk of United offering the 30-year-old a 12-month contract extension, but there is also interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and wealthy Russian club Anzhi.

Berbatov left Leverkusen in 2006 to join Tottenham, before moving on to Untied in 2008 in a £30.75million switch, and his former club have already expressed an interest in resigning their former star man.

The Bulgarian has dropped to fourth choice forward behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez this season at United and that could dictate a decision on his future.

Bayern are understood to have identified Berbatov as a replacement for Ivica Olic, with the Croatian forward expected to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer at the latest.

Sir Bobby Upbeat Over Scholes

2012-01-16T23:10:00.000+08:00

Paul Scholes' return to action at Old Trafford has been warmly greeted by one of the few men to have made more Manchester United appearances than him - Sir Bobby Charlton.

Writing in his column for United Review, club ambassador Sir Bobby said Scholes' comeback made him "even more upbeat" about the Reds' chances of retaining the title in 2012.

"Paul Scholes returning to the squad is one of the best pieces of news I’ve ever had," said Sir Bobby. "I can imagine he’s been as patient as he could be, but at the end of the day he had to give in because he just wanted to come and play. He’s a fantastic player and we’re so lucky to have him. I was really knocked out when I heard the news and it made last Sunday the best day of my week."

Presumably this weekend was even better for Sir Bobby, with Paul scoring the all-important breakthrough goal against Bolton on Saturday. The way he popped up in the right place at the right time to break Adam Bogdan's resistance on the brink of the interval was classic Scholes.

"He’s a sensational footballer," continued Sir Bobby. "He’s happier now, you can see. I have no idea how long he’ll play - probably just till the end of the season, I don’t know - but it’s fantastic news.

"He’s a great player and we’re very lucky, because maybe the one thing Sir Alex had given a bit of thought to was that we needed a creative player in midfield. Suddenly there’s a knock on the door and it’s Paul Scholes saying he wants to play again. Alex must have thought it was Christmas all over again!”

Fletcher Still Resting

2012-01-15T04:55:00.003+08:00

Sir Alex says the club are still no nearer on knowing a return date for Darren Fletcher.

The midfielder is taking an extended break from football after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Sir Alex revealed on Friday that Fletcher has returned to Carrington in the last few days, but simply to visit rather than train.

"He’s been coming into the training ground in the last few days, just getting himself out of the house really," explained the boss. "I still wouldn’t be able to put a time limit on it to be honest. It’s not one I can assess very clearly or accurately. It is what it is and hopefully time will be the answer."

Fletcher has received plenty of support since his condition was confirmed, not just from the club, but external personnel as well including Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave who was diagnosed with the same complaint in 1992.

"I think there’s been a lot of support from different sections. There have been a lot of letters in from people who suffer from the same illness," added Sir Alex. "It’s collating all that together and using what we think is useful.

"I think the important thing is to trust the doctors looking after him because they’re the ones that are going to be mapping out what to do with his future, and whether the medicine he’s taking at the moment is making an impact and improving him. It’s great to get information from other sources on how they’ve dealt with it, and hopefully somewhere along the line they’ll find a route back."

Evra Is Right Choice

2012-01-15T04:55:00.001+08:00

Patrice Evra’s personality and performance level have made him the stand-out candidate to fill in as United captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, according to Sir Alex.

Vidic has been out of action since sustaining cruciate ligament damage against Basel at the beginning of December, and, as a result, Evra has worn the armband for the last seven games.

With the full-back featuring more regularly this season than the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, the manager sees him as the perfect stand-in.

"I think one of your players who has been playing all the time should be in the forefront to be captain, and that was the case with Patrice," Sir Alex said at a press conference on Friday. "He’s a very popular player with a good personality, which is important to have if you’re captain of a club like ours. He’s very friendly and has got a good humour about him, but he’s also quite a determined lad."

Sir Alex also explained that Evra had been chosen due to the injury problems which have blighted Ferdinand’s season, and compared the two players’ leadership styles.

"Rio would have been captain if he hadn’t had all those inconsistencies in terms of his injuries at the time," added the boss. "He [Evra] has got different qualities to Rio. He’s not as voluble as Rio is, but certainly influences a lot of things, and his own team performance, for instance, is very good."

Dream Trip For Park's School

2012-01-15T04:52:00.000+08:00

Budding players from Ji-sung Park’s football academy in Korea met their idol this week during a special trip to Manchester.

A group of 28 youngsters, from Park’s Suwon-based JSFC, are taking part in a two-week Manchester United Soccer Schools programme, partly organised by the winger himself.

The children, all between the ages of 10 and 12, are training at Carrington every morning with the club's Soccer Schools coaches, learning to play 'the United way', before spending the afternoon learning English.

After training on Wednesday, the group were thrilled to meet and take part in a Q&A session with Ji, while Nani and Ryan Giggs came to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Park said afterwards: "I’m very proud. I just hope they’ve enjoyed the experience and remember it forever. They love playing football and it’s great for them to come to here, see the players and train with the coaching staff.

"I saw that they were all smiling, which makes me happy. Maybe one of them will play for United in the future! They just have to keep working hard and enjoying the game."

The young players are watching United’s game against Bolton on Saturday and playing friendlies against youth teams from Stockport County and Oldham Athletic next week.

But it's not all about the football, with English lessons at Trafford College, a stone's throw away from Old Trafford, also on the agenda.

Park said: "When I arrived here I couldn’t speak English very well, but they’re learning at an early age so they’ll pick up the language more quickly.

"It gives them more opportunities to be able to speak English – whether in football or business. They can communicate around the world and that’ll be a big advantage."

Park’s academy, the coaching arm of his wider JS Foundation, was opened in 2009 and Patrice Evra joined him to launch the centre's training programmes the following summer. It already comprises around 900 'elite' and 'recreational' players, a mixture of whom made the trip to the UK.

Ji’s vision is to improve the standard of football in his homeland and believes there’s no better model for his school than Manchester United.

"When we launched the academy in Seoul, one of the coaching staff came over to see how we do things at United," the winger added.

"It’s good to learn the United way because throughout the club’s history, many youngsters have come through the ranks to become great players.

"Coaching is a bit different in Korea, so we try to mix up the styles and hopefully one day they’ll be superstars in their country!"

For one of the participants, 12-year-old Reo Hyun Woo, visiting United is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It's brilliant and I’d love to meet the players again!" he said. "Park told us he practised the same skill over and over again when he was younger, and that practice makes perfect.

"I'm learning a lot on the trip, mainly football techniques but also communicating with my friends, and I'm really enjoying the English lessons."

Evra: We Will Win The League

2012-01-15T04:50:00.001+08:00

Stand-in captain Patrice Evra believes the return of Manchester United’s injured players will help guide the Reds to title success in the Premier League this season.

Sir Alex’s men secured a 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, and still have the likes of Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley to return to the team.

"Everyone's coming back and in great form," Evra told MUTV after the game. "We still have some injuries but I think when everyone is back fit, it will give us the strength to win the title."

The left-back also says it’s important to stop discussing rivals Manchester City instead concentrate on winning games.

"We have to keep talking about Manchester United. The most important thing was winning today. After that, it doesn't matter if they [City] win, lose or draw.

"We just need to have a rest and focus on the next game. I think people talk a lot about City, but we just need to be focused on what we do and how we play, and I think we're going to win the league.

“Today was a good afternoon for us. It was an important game, after the [FA Cup] win against City, to show we are really confident and we are back. It was really important to win today.”

Carrick Lauds Scholes Return

2012-01-15T04:49:00.001+08:00

Michael Carrick has praised the contribution of Paul Scholes to United’s 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers and claimed the legend’s return has “given everyone a lift” at Old Trafford.

Scholes scored the opener on his first Barclays Premier League start since coming out of retirement before strikes from Danny Welbeck and later Carrick sealed a comfortable win over Owen Coyle’s relegation threatened side.

Victory means the Reds are temporarily level on points with Manchester City at the top, but as Carrick admits, the highlight of Saturday’s action was without doubt the return of Scholes and his first goal at the Theatre of Dreams since January 2010.

“It was great to see him score and it’s great to have him back for the quality that he brings, not just on the pitch, but from the way he carries himself around the place and for his attitude towards the game,” Carrick told MUTV. “It’s great for the younger players who have come in this season; they can train with him and learn a lot from him just as we have in the past.

“He’s such a world class player and I’ve learnt so much off him, as well as other players. Being in my position, I’ve watched him a lot and learnt off him and tried to add his attributes to my game. It’s great to have him back and it’s given everyone a lift. I’m sure he’s delighted to come back, the reception he got from the fans was fantastic and I’m sure he’ll look back on it as a special day.”

United carved out a number of early chances during an excellent display of attacking endeavour but were ultimately left frustrated by the heroics of visiting keeper Adam Bogdan, who as well as saving Wayne Rooney’s penalty, pulled off a number of impressive saves.The breakthrough eventually came on the stroke of half time via the returning Scholes but the Reds again scuppered several opportunities on the other side of the break, before late two late strikes sealed three crucial points. And as Carrick explained after the match, patience was the key.

“I thought we deserved to be more than one goal up in the first half. We would have felt a bit hard done by if we gone in to the break at 0-0 so the goal gave us a lift. We felt we were playing some good football and getting opportunities to work the goalkeeper. But you just keep going; we’ve been there so many times. You just stay patient and keep doing the things that you are good at and what we believe would be good enough in the end.

“It was nice to see Scholesy’s goal go in and it put us into a much better position. It was a bit of a strange start to the second half, we had a couple of opportunities which we didn’t take but once the second goal came we were more than comfortable after that.”

Carrick’s goal, a lovely left-footed strike from 25 yards, was his second of the campaign and a first since the Carling Cup win over City in January 2010; a statistic he’s looking to improve. “Scoring goals is great, I’d like to score a few more than I have done and I’ve said as long as we are winning and I’m contributing in different ways, then I’ll be happy. But it’s always nice to score and add something else to your game. It was nice to see that one go in.”

Bolton Win Delights Boss

2012-01-15T04:48:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with Manchester United’s attacking threat in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Bolton Wanderers.

Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick all found the net, but it could have been many more. The Reds enjoyed almost twice as much possession as the visitors, peppering the Bolton goal with 23 attempts and 35 crosses.

“I’m happy with the scoreline. I thought the football we played was very good and we missed some good chances,” Sir Alex said. “The penetration and running off the ball was very pleasing. But we had to wait until right on half-time to get the goal, which put us in a more comfortable position.”

It was Scholes, in his first game at Old Trafford since coming out of retirement earlier this month, who broke the deadlock, sweeping home his 151st United goal.

“Paul Scholes popped up there when he should have been sitting in the centre of midfield and controlling things,” Sir Alex joked. “But he’s got that instinct for goal – he’s always had it as a kid – and he’s delivered for us again.”

The manager went on to describe Scholes as “one of our greatest players” and said the 37-year-old can still be key to Manchester United.

“You see that performance today, you see the quality he’s got... you don’t lose that. He’s been training hard the last few weeks.

“Today we took him off at the right time. He’s given us over an hour of real quality and scored an important goal. He’s back.”

Danny Welbeck and Antonio Valencia also came in for high praise, while the manager believed Wayne Rooney’s early penalty miss affected the striker’s confidence.

“Danny Welbeck was fantastic. He got a little twist to his knee but he should be okay. Valencia was also brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

“Wayne had moments but he can do better. I think missing the penalty kick maybe upset him a little bit. But it’s a good partnership [he and Welbeck].”

Scholes Scores In Convincing Win

2012-01-15T04:44:00.001+08:00

Paul Scholes netted on his Old Trafford return to help Manchester United on the way to a convincing 3-0 win over struggling Bolton Wanderers.

Out of retirement to assist in the Reds’ title push, Scholes broke the deadlock in first-half injury time to cap a memorable homecoming.

In truth, Scholes wasn’t always at his sparkling best during his 69-minute display, uncharacteristically misplacing a handful of early passes and (characteristically, some would say) mistiming the odd tackle. But the way he calmly swept home Rooney’s cross from six yards showed the 37-year-old has lost none of his ability to find the net.

In some ways it was inevitable. And not merely because of the romance surrounding his popular return. No, it’s the sort of thing – finding a way through a hitherto impregnable defence – that the Reds’ chief lock-picker of the last 15 years has done countless times before.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick added further gloss to the scoreline in the second half, in a game in which Reds goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was never tested. At the final whistle, Sir Alex's men had drawn level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

The boss made three changes to the side that beat City in last weekend's FA Cup clash, with Jonny Evans and Rafael replacing Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the back.

Lindegaard retained the goalkeeper's jersey for a third successive outing, while comeback kid Scholes, sensationally out of retirement last weekend to boost United's title bid, started his first competitive match since May 2011 at the expense of fellow midfield veteran Ryan Giggs.

Wayne Rooney and Welbeck spearheaded the Reds' attack but it was Nani who had the game’s first chance, blasting wide after barely a minute. Welbeck spurned an opportunity, laid on by a fantastic searching ball by Michael Carrick, shortly afterwards, although did at least draw a save from Bolton stopper Adam Bogdan.

Carrick was in creative mood early on and almost found Welbeck again with a superb lofted pass from deep in the Reds’ half. The no.16, challenged recently by his manager to become “the pivotal player of our team”, certainly made his mark on this fixture.

Bogdan had to be alert to bravely divert a Nani cross after 15 minutes, before Rooney was twice denied by Bolton defenders - Sam Ricketts with a last-ditch block and Mark Roberts with a goal-line clearance from Rooney’s looping header.

Rooney suffered further frustration on 22 minutes when Bogdan flung himself to his right and brilliantly saved the striker’s penalty, awarded after Zat Knight had clumsily tugged Danny Welbeck to the floor. It was Rooney’s second miss from the spot in as many games, although last week’s disappointment immediately turned to joy when the striker nodded home the rebound.

Bogdan’s heroics offered no such second chance, though, and the visitors continued on even footing. Only just, though. They had their Hungarian custodian to thank again shortly afterwards when he dived low to his left to keep out Welbeck’s long-range effort, while Rooney’s radar, usually so reliable, failed him again when he screwed an effort well wide of the target.

Bolton didn’t trouble Anders Lindegaard once in the first half. Indeed, the visitors barely ventured into United territory. But just as it looked as though their defensive approach had paid dividendsScholes struck in first-half injury time to pen yet another fairytale moment in his glittering career.

Neither manager made changes at the break, although Bolton emerged more adventurous in spirit. When Mark Davies pounced on a stray pass in the United defence and surged into the penalty area, he teed up David NGog, only to see the former Liverpool player blaze over from close range.

Davies went from chief creator to mop-up man within minutes, tracking back brilliantly to tackle Welbeck inside the penalty area at the conclusion of a speedy United counter-attack.

There was no defender near Rooney when he stretched and spurned a golden chance to convert Valencia’s low cross on 62 minutes. And but for a brave block by Rafael seconds later down the other end – the Brazilian threw himself bravely in the way of Martin Petrov’s volley – the striker may have paid dearly for his profligacy.

Indeed, Bolton kept knocking on the door and Rafael again saved United’s blushes when he cleared Gretar Steinsson’s header off the line. That prompted a double substitution from Sir Alex, as Scholes (off to a standing ovation) and Nani made way for Giggs and Ji-sung Park.

Five minutes later, Welbeck doubled the Reds’ lead. It wasn’t the prettiest of goals – the ball from Rooney that released Welbeck looked almost accidental, squeezed into his path as a result of Rooney stumbling and falling to the ground – but the young striker took his chance well and slotted past Bogdan from 15 yards.

Sadly for Welbeck, who has now scored in three of his last four starts, he picked up an injury converting the chance and was unable to play any further part in the contest.

Bolton’s resistance was broken again seven minutes from time when Carrick curled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to notch his first Old Trafford goal since January 2010.

But it’s Scholes’ goal this match will be remembered for. The little genius is back: and how.

Cup Win Won't Affect League

2012-01-14T04:07:00.001+08:00

Last weekend’s Manchester derby won’t have any affect on the title race, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The Reds beat City 3-2 in the FA Cup third round, knocking the current holders out of the competition at the first hurdle, prompting some to suggest the balance of power in Manchester has shifted back to Sir Alex’s men.

“I don’t think it’s advantage United now,” Rio said. “It’s too early to say. We’re all around the same area and fighting for the same thing. You all have your peaks and troughs in the season.”

Ferdinand and his team-mates went into that game in a trough of their own, after consecutive defeats against Newcastle and Blackburn. But the Reds defender insists spirits in the United camp remained high over the New Year period, despite the poor results.

“You always know there will be ups and downs during the season,” he said. “We had a bad week the one before [the City game], losing two games. But there is no better game to come back than Manchester City. It was a great first-half.

“In the second we took our foot off the gas and let them back in the game, but the result is the most important thing and we got through to the next round.

“Hopefully Manchester City and Tottenham will experience lows that go on a lot longer and we can get a few players back from injury and push on.”

The treatment room at Carrington has certainly been full in recent weeks, with the injury list inching into double figures on more than one occasion.

That cast of walking wounded includes long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher... and yet Sir Alex’s men remain just three points off the top of the league.

“If any other squad in the league had the same amount of players out that we have had, they wouldn't be sitting where we are. That speaks volumes for our squad and that’s why when I am in the changing room I’m more than happy with the people I see around me.

“[That said,] a level of consistency in team selection is good for the manager. When we’ve been successful at this club we’ve always had a steady nucleus of players who have played most of the games. The sooner we can get back to that the better.”

Rio was speaking to ManUtd.com, Press Association and Key103.

Fergie Ready To Tackle City

2012-01-14T04:06:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can combat the threat from Manchester City by adopting the route that helped them counter Chelsea's challenge.

Until Sunday's FA Cup triumph at the Etihad Stadium, it seemed City were ready to romp away with the title.

Suddenly there are doubts on the blue half of Manchester, which United will look to exploit by overcoming Bolton at Old Trafford tomorrow to move level with their neighbours, who do not play until Monday when they travel to Wigan.

Even if United eventually manage to retain their crown and become the first English club to reach 20 titles, it does appear to be only a matter of time before City reach the top. But it is not something that scares Ferguson.

After all, Chelsea looked as though they would dominate for a decade when they won successful championships under Jose Mourinho, but it did not quite work out that way as United went on to win four of the last five.

"The indications this would happen were there of course," Ferguson told MUTV. "They weren't buying any kids. They brought a good deal of experience.

"But that shouldn't frighten us. We have a job to do being Manchester United, as we have proved over the years.

"How we handled the Chelsea situation will hopefully apply itself again."

The mood around Old Trafford is a lot more optimistic than it was a week ago.

However, Ferguson's team still need to recover from successive defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle that have damaged their title hopes.

With Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham all to be faced by the first week in March, United cannot afford to slip up this weekend.

So Rio Ferdinand's posting of being kept up all night by a stomach complaint is a worry, even if Chris Smalling's return last weekend does provide some cover where none previously existed.

The Blackburn setback will ensure no-one takes Bolton for granted, with Ferguson conceding City are not the only challengers after watching Tottenham's rise up the table continue.

"Tottenham are a threat," he said. "You can't dismiss them. They are playing fantastic football.

"Somewhere along the line one of those three teams are going to win the league."

Ferguson Hits Back At Paul Scholes Critics

2012-01-14T04:04:00.000+08:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the shock re-signing of Paul Scholes is not a backwards step.

Scholes, 37, was a substitute in Manchester United's FA Cup win over Manchester City last Sunday - but some have criticised the move.

"One or two people have been negative and making out it's been a 'regressive step'," said Ferguson.

"How can it be regressive? You're getting a player for nothing who's been part of the club for 20-odd years."

Ferguson: "He's not going to play every game but in terms of composure and passing ability, is there a better player going around? Definitely not."

The veteran manager revealed that United only registered Scholes on the Friday before the game and kept the news a secret - even inside his own dressing room.

"I don't know how we managed it," he said. "We thought somehow it would get out.

"But we didn't let any of the players know simply because of the impact value.

"We were going away from home in a very difficult FA Cup tie against City.

"We had 5,000 fans at that end of the ground and as soon as they knew his name was on the team sheet they were fantastic, there was a great response."

Gibson Gets Advice From Rooney

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000+08:00

Everton's latest signing Darron Gibson has revealed that Wayne Rooney helped convince him to make the move to Goodison Park.

The midfielder admitted that speaking to the former Toffees striker whilst at Manchester United helped him make up his mind.

Gibson, 24, signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues for an undisclosed fee and then admitted that he was left frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision," admitted Gibson.

"He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here.

"Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come."

"I was very frustrated (at Manchester United). It was hard for me at times," the Republic of Ireland international added.

"I think when I did get a chance I did well and obviously I was getting left out afterwards and I was playing one or two games here and there.

"When (Paul Scholes) Scholesy came back the manager told me I was free to go.

"Everton had shown some interest a month before hand and the gaffer (David Moyes) wanted me in so it went from there.

"It was very frustrating but I think it was the right time for me to move on and I'm looking forward to my time here.

"I'm really looking forward to kicking on now."

Gibson admits he hopes to get a run of games with the Merseysiders and is hopeful of adding a new dimension to the side.

"I have not had a run of games properly so when I get into the swing of things I can bring a lot of things," he said.

"It's a great club with great fans and hopefully I can improve Everton.

"I think I'm a goalscoring midfielder and hopefully I can get a few goals.

"I've scored a few long-range shots - I don't think I've scored one inside the box to be honest - and if I score goals it's a bonus for me.

"I'm just looking to do as well as I can for the team."

And Gibson believes that he will be hard to ignore from now until the end of the season, especially with Euro 2012 just around the corner as he looks to become a regular starter for the Republic of Ireland.

"I wasn't playing at United which meant it was hard for the international manger (Giovanni Trapattoni) to pick me," he added.

"But once I start playing here hopefully he'll have no choice but to pick me."

Boss Wishes Gibson Well

2012-01-14T03:59:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has wished Darron Gibson all the best following his switch to Everton, a club where the United manager feels his former midfielder will thrive.

The Republic of Ireland international put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Toffees on Friday morning. His old boss believes Gibson regretted not joining Sunderland when he had the chance in the summer and now expects him to do well at Goodison Park.

“It's a good move for Darron,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday. “He has to get on with his career.

"He played some terrific games for us and he has terrific ability, but in terms of the pecking order here he knew he wouldn't be a first-team regular all the time.

“Unfortunately he got an injury earlier in the season which kept him out for ten weeks, but he’s fit again and it’s a good opportunity for him.

“He missed the chance to go to Sunderland [in the summer] and I think he regretted that. He's taken the opportunity to go to Everton and I think they really need a player like him.

“They're getting a player of good quality who has the experience of playing here. The other players we’ve sent to Everton, like Tim Howard and Phil Neville, have done fantastically well for them. Hopefully this is another one.”

Gibson Joins Everton

2012-01-14T03:57:00.000+08:00

Darron Gibson has left Manchester United and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Everton. The transfer fee is undisclosed.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, now 24, made his senior Reds debut a day after his 18th birthday, in a League Cup third-round tie against Barnet in October 2005.

Gibson went on to play 60 times for United, netting 10 goals during his Old Trafford career. Those strikes included goals against German opposition in Champions League quarter-final (Bayern Munich, 2010) and semi-final ties (Schalke, 2011).

A foot injury sustained last summer during pre-season kept Gibson out of first-team action until the Reds’ Carling Cup fifth round fixture against Crystal Palace on 30 November. His only other appearance in 2011/12 came on Boxing Day when Wigan Athletic visited Old Trafford.

Gibson vacates the number 28 shirt at Old Trafford and will wear the number four for his new club.

Everybody at Manchester United wishes Gibson all the best for the future.

Gibson To Join Everton?

2012-01-13T00:51:00.000+08:00

Everton are hoping to make Manchester United's Darron Gibson their first signing in the January transfer window.

Manager David Moyes has a limited transfer budget to work with despite selling Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10m last summer.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder would cost around £2m.

Gibson is down the pecking order at United and wants regular football to boost his chances of appearing for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012.

Moyes had said before Wednesday's 2 -0 defeat at Tottenham he was unlikely to see any of the Arteta transfer cash because it went to the club's bankers.

Everton had to pay £1.2m of the Arteta cash to his former club Real Sociedad while it is understood around £2m has been spent on new contracts and deals such as the one which brought Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park from LA Galaxy for a short loan spell.

The deal to re-sign Donovan was set up before the window opened and Moyes has yet to make any additions to his squad since the start of January.

Moyes is hoping to persuade Gibson to make the switch to Everton after a proposed summer move to Sunderland broke down over personal terms.

The Toffees boss had been hoping to sign a striker in January but may need to pay more attention to central defence, with England international Phil Jagielka out for six weeks with a knee injury and Sylvain Distin suffering a hamstring injury at White Hart Lane.

GIBSON PROFILE
Born: 25 Oct 1987
Birthplace: Londonderry
United debut: 26 Oct 2005 v Barnet
United appearances: 60
United goals: 10
2011-12 apps: 2
2011-12 goals: 0
Previous clubs: Wolves (loan)
Rep of Ire caps: 17

Valencia Revels In Rooney Link-up

2012-01-13T00:47:00.001+08:00

Antonio Valencia is relishing the chance to rise up the assists chart after returning to his more familiar right-wing role at Manchester United.

The Ecuador international has demonstrated his versatility for the injury-hit Reds this season by filling in admirably at right-back. But now he’s moved further forward, the likes of Wayne Rooney look set to benefit – as proved by United’s important first goal against Manchester City, with Valencia crossing for the striker to head home.

“I think Wayne’s been at a good level all season, really on top form and now he’s showing again how valuable he is for us,” said Valencia, in recent praise of Rooney. “What’s great about him is that he’s very bright. He sees things very early and gives the ball quickly, so it gives you a chance to be quicker and act sharper yourself.

“But I think I have a good understanding and relationship not just with Rooney, but with other players like Nani, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck.”

Valencia pushed winner Dimitar Berbatov all the way in the running for December’s Player of the Month on ManUtd.com, after a month in which he set up seven goals.

“I think when you do manage to put in good crosses and create goals, it does give you confidence,” Valencia added, “and I feel more comfortable being back in my usual position. The manager asked me to fill in at right-back because two or three of my team-mates were injured. I was obviously happy to do that, especially when he mentioned that it was only for a brief period! But I am more comfortable in my own position.”

Carrick Focused On United Form

2012-01-12T00:22:00.000+08:00

Michael Carrick is concentrating on continuing his excellent form at United rather than sweating on a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.

The classy midfielder has been one of the champions' stand-out performers this term and has earned lavish praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who urged him to become the pivotal member of the team.

Despite revelling in his position as a senior figure at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old hasn't played for his country since the friendly against Mexico before the last World Cup, although he was on the bench for the European Championship qualifying double-header with Switzerland and Bulgaria in 2010.

"To be honest, it's not something I’ve thought about," Carrick said, when asked about the prospect of appearing in another major tournament. "I'm just concentrating on playing here and playing well. Whatever happens, happens. I haven’t been involved in the last few squads so I’m just concentrating on doing well here."

The former West Ham and Spurs star says his style hasn't altered even though he is finally starting to get the praise he deserves for his controlling influence in the middle of the park. The plaudits have arrived this season from all quarters, even though he feels he is not doing anything differently.

"I haven’t changed as a player," he insisted. "But maybe as you get older and gain more experience, that brings more responsibility. You're looked at slightly differently and that's fine, I’m comfortable with that.

"Yes, that's the way I’ve always played [as the fulcrum in a team]. I'm not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving.

"I enjoy the responsibility and, as you get older, maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that."

Michael was speaking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

Chicharito Happy On Learning Curve

2012-01-10T23:06:00.000+08:00

Javier Hernandez is determined to keep on improving at United and recognises he will have to work hard in order to stay one step ahead of the opposition.

‘Chicharito’ enjoyed a fine debut campaign with the Reds in 2010/11, scoring 20 goals in 45 games after signing from Chivas de Guadalajara in his native Mexico. However, injuries have blighted his second season, and he has managed just six goals so far.

“There are different circumstances because I have had more injuries this season than last year, but I am still enjoying it,” Hernandez told MUTV. “I am still learning and working hard, trying to improve day by day.”

After his initial burst onto the scene at United, there were suggestions that Hernandez might suffer from ‘second season syndrome,’ now that the defenders in the Barclays Premier League have more knowledge of his playing style and strengths. The man himself, however, doesn't feel such challenges are unique to this current campaign.

“I think each year it is going to be more difficult,” he said. “In the first season, not only the defenders but also the coaches didn’t know me. I think now, and in the third and fourth seasons, they are going to know me even more.

“But good players like Wayne (Rooney), (Robin) Van Persie and (Didier) Drogba have been here five, six years or more and still play at the same high level. I need to keep working to do the same.”

The Reds have been able to cope with Hernandez’s absences thanks to a wealth of attacking riches, with Sir Alex Ferguson also fielding the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf this term.

Hernandez praised the resurgent Berbatov – scorer of six goals in his last four games - as well as paying tribute to the rest of the champions’ striking talent.

“Everyone knows Berbatov is a brilliant player. His touch and technique are unbelievable. Then you have Wazza, who is a world-class player, and Danny Welbeck, who is doing very well this season.

“Kiko has gone out on loan but is another good striker, as is Mame. We are very strong in that department, and in the other positions too.”

FIFA Honour Reds Trio

2012-01-10T23:05:00.000+08:00

Manchester United's record-breaking 2011 was acknowledged by the football world on Monday evening at FIFA's Ballon d'Or gala.

After a year in which he led the club to a historic 19th league championship and celebrated 25 years as United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson received the Presidential Award. Meanwhile two members of his title-winning squad - Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney - were named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI, a select side of players considered to be the best in their positions in the world.

"This is very much appreciated," said Sir Alex on receiving his award in Zurich. "No matter the honour I get, I feel it's recognition for the 25 years of Manchester United. They always shared my vision and passion. I’ve been a very lucky manager. That makes Manchester United such a special club. The courage to play and the courage to try and win is more important than anything."

Rooney also featured in the FIFA Puskas Award - for the best goal scored in the world in 2011 - with his acrobatic winner against Manchester City last February making the top three. However, like Lionel Messi, Wayne was pipped to this honour by Neymar's solo effort in Santos' 5-4 defeat to Flamengo.

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2011 contained players from just three clubs - Champions League final opponents United and Barcelona, plus the latter's great Spanish rivals Real Madrid. The full team was as follows: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (United), Daniel Alves, Andres Iniesta, Xavi (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo (both Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (United), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

As for the top individual honours, Lionel Messi received the FIFA Ballon d'Or as World Player of the Year for the third year in a row, while his Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola won the FIFA World Coach of the Year award, for which Sir Alex was nominated.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards
The 2011 winners included:

Presidential Award - Sir Alex Ferguson

Player of the Year - Lionel Messi

Coach of the Year - Pep Guardiola

Goal of the Year - Neymar

Reds Salute Scholes Return

2012-01-09T23:59:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling have each hailed the return of Paul Scholes following his decision to come out of retirement and play for United until the end of this season.

The Reds legend called time on a glittering playing career last May, taking up a new role as a coach with Warren Joyce and the Reserves. But in a statement published by ManUtd.com on Sunday, the 37-year-old admitted the lure of pulling on the red shirt again was too much to resist.

Speaking after the 3-2 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup, Sir Alex added colour to the story behind Scholes' shock return and explained why the decision can only benefit United.

“For the last few weeks he has been training very hard with the Reserves and doing a lot of work in the gymnasium,” the boss said. “He said he regrets retiring so there were no negatives for me. The players were delighted, I was delighted and I know the fans are delighted.

“We have stepped up his training for the last few weeks and he started to take part in our sessions during the week. It is a terrific addition to our squad at a very important part of the season.”

Scholes was named on the bench for Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium and enjoyed a highly- anticipated second half cameo, replacing Nani on the hour to rapturous applause from United’s delighted and yet surprised travelling support.

The fans were not the only ones who were kept in the dark over his return, though, as Rooney explained after the match. “I was surprised. We didn’t find out until we got in the dressing room and saw him getting changed.

“It is obviously great as he’s a great footballer and is a very experienced player. He brought a bit of calmness to our play towards the end of the game which helped us see it out.

“We just thought he was coming along for the game but we saw him getting changed and somebody asked him what he was doing. And then we saw the number 22 Scholes shirt, which was a bit weird seeing him with that number. But it’s great as he is a well-liked lad around the dressing room.”

Smalling, who spent just one term playing and training alongside Scholes last season, also expressed his disbelief and explained how the move has benefitted squad morale.

“It was a massive boost for all of us. I was really disappointed when he called it a day last year.I spoke to Danny (Welbeck) before the game, we were really excited that he’s back and it gave the whole squad a boost.

“We had seen him take part in some sessions before but I didn’t quite expect him to be on the bench until I saw him getting changed to be honest. It was a welcome boost.”

FA Cup 4th Round Draw: United To Face Liverpool

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000+08:00

United will face Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round of this season's FA Cup.

The Reds' 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a brace from Wayne Rooney and a fine volleyed finish from Danny Welbeck, booked United's place in the fourth round.

The North-West rivals have met 16 times in the FA Cup in previous seasons, most recently in last year's 1-0 win for United at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex's men have won nine of those meetings and lost three. There have been four draws.

The ties will take place over the weekend of 28/29 January.

FA Cup fourth round draw
Brighton or Wrexham v Newcastle

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Dagenham & Redbridge v Southampton

Hull City v Crawley

MK Dons or QPR v Chelsea

West Brom v Norwich

Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday

Arsenal or Leeds v Aston Villa

Stevenage v Notts County

Watford v Tottenham

Liverpool v Manchester United

Derby v Stoke City

Everton v Fulham

Macclesfield or Bolton v Swansea

Sheffield United v Birmingham or Wolves

Notts. Forest or Leicester v Swindon

Ties to be played 28/29 January

Rooney: I Am Going Nowhere

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000+08:00

Wayne Rooney has moved to kill speculation over his future, insisting that he intends to remain at Old Trafford for 'a long time'.

Recent press rumours have suggested that the striker could be sold either this month or in the summer, citing an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Having dismissed those stories as idle conjecture on Friday evening, Rooney again had his say on the matter after scoring twice in United's FA Cup victory at Manchester City.

"I think everything which has been in the press of late has been a load of nonsense, really," the striker told ITV Sport.

"Because it's me, because it's Manchester United, it's blown up out of context. There's no problem with me at this club and I want to be at the club for a long time."

Sir Alex Ferguson backs Rooney's assertion, but warned his star man that he will continue to be burned by the glare of the media's spotlight.

"We must explain this about Rooney - he's a headline-maker, whether it's good or bad," the boss told MUTV. "The press don't mind. It's a situation we experienced many years ago with Paul Gascoigne.

"This is the new Paul Gascoigne: a headline-maker, and we're better seeing him like that today when it's good stuff. Any flaws in Wayne will be absolutely annihilated by the press because that's what they're like. That's the animal we're dealing with.

"Today it was a magnificent performance from him. There's no problem with the boy's temperament, no problem with him at all. It's just off the field he's going to be spotlighted all the time."

Mixed Emotions For Sir Alex

2012-01-09T09:50:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup third round but, at the same time, lamented his side’s inability to kill the game whilst holding a three-goal advantage.

The Reds raced to a convincing half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium thanks to Wayne Rooney's double and Danny Welbeck’s neat finish. And with the opposition downgraded to 10-men following Vincent Kompany’s dismissal, the tie appeared to be over.

After the match, the boss admited his side showed a level of “carelessness” that allowed City to re-establish a foothold on proceedings with individual strikes from Aleksander Kolarov and Sergio Aguero sparking fears of a dramatic comeback after the break.

“I think we made them look better than they were,” Sir Alex told ITV and MUTV. “We just had a carelessness in the second half. The problem was, we were 3-0 up at half time and we thought we were through and they took our foot off the pedal.

“We lost possession just after half time; they got a free-kick and scored. They went into a defensive formation and you have to give them full credit for that. They waited and waited, hoping we would make mistakes and we did make mistakes, which made it a scoreline that it shouldn’t have been.

“The game happened in three phases; first we scored the opening goal which was terrific as were going to be very difficult to beat from that point. The sending off was obviously next, which was a two-footed tackle and we were lucky because if Nani gets contact then he’s got a real bad problem.

“But I think the referee was right in that instance. The third phase was when we were 3-0 and should have been home and dry. We made mistakes and you suffer if you make mistakes. That’s really what I thought about the game.”

Victory at the Etihad is a welcome boost for United following the woes of the 6-1 derby defeat earlier this season. It also ends any chance of the Reds recording a third successive defeat in light of disappointing losses against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle over the New Year period.

Although the boss, ever the perfectionist, believes the performance could have been better and has played down the win's significance on the rest of United’s season.

“I don’t think it does us any good at all today. It was a careless performance in the second half and we should have been home and dry. We had a clear scoreline but we were too careless and that’s the area where, if we keep doing that, we will make mistakes.”

Rooney Double Sees Off Resurgent City

2012-01-09T09:44:00.001+08:00

United edged into the fourth round of the FA Cup after an enthralling, draining victory over holders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Reds bossed a thrilling first half in which City skipper Vincent Kompany was contentiously dismissed, and had a three-goal lead at the interval through Wayne Rooney's brace and Danny Welbeck's acrobatic volley.

To their credit, City rallied after the break and pulled goals back through Aleksander Kolarov and Sergio Aguero, and almost snatched an injury-time leveller when Anders Lindegaard had to fist away a Kolarov free-kick.

The pre-match build-up was overshadowed by the shock announcement that Paul Scholes had reversed his retirement, signing a deal to return until the end of the season and immediately taking a place on the United bench.

Amid the furore, the news that Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans had returned from injury was almost lost. The former was fit enough to start at centre-back, with Phil Jones moving over to right-back, while Evans took a place on the bench.

Just as United could savour some rare good news on the injury front, the hosts found themselves deprived of several important players. Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko missed out through knocks, while Gareth Barry served a one-match ban and both Yaya and Kolo Toure reported for international duty.

Nevertheless, City began the game on the front foot, herding United back and coursing with confidence on their fruitful home turf. The Reds were given no time on the ball, evidenced in heart-stopping fashion when Aguero charged down Lindegaard's clearance. Fortunately for the Dane, the ball ricocheted wide of the target.

Having survived that brush with a deficit, United were soon ahead. Rooney dropped between City's lines to collect the ball before spreading it wide to Valencia. The Ecuadorian swung the ball towards the far post, where Rooney bulldozed between Nani and Micah Richards to power a header against the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

The away end was presently a heaving, writhing mass of delirium - and the mood was further heightened two minutes later when City skipper Kompany was dismissed in controversial fashion. The Belgian launched into a two-footed challenge to rob Nani of possession, but cleanly won the ball. Referee Chris Foy paused before brandishing his red card, whipping the Etihad Stadium into a storm of fury.

City's initial response was one of defiance. Aguero forced a magnificent full-strength save from Lindegaard with a curling effort from the edge of the area, then smashed another effort into the side-netting after seizing on a defensive misunderstanding between Ferdinand and Jones.

Soon, though, United made the extra man tell.

Nani fed Patrice Evra down the left flank and, though the Frenchman's cross was half-cleared, Welbeck pounced on the loose, looping ball and hooked an unstoppable volley into Constel Pantilimon's bottom corner from 12 yards. The game's only Mancunian starter revelled in the moment, kissing his United badge as he wheeled away in delight.

Welbeck was involved again 10 minutes later as United established a three-goal lead. The 21-year-old was needlessly scythed down by Aleksander Kolarov inside the City area, prompting the award of a clear penalty by referee Foy. Pantilimon superbly parried out Rooney's penalty, only for the United striker to calmly nod the rebound into the unguarded goal.

The overriding lesson learned by United after October's 1-6 debacle at Old Trafford was when to shut up shop, and Roberto Mancini showed that he had also heeded those events, withdrawing David Silva and Adam Johnson and replacing them with Stevan Savic and Pablo Zabaleta in a 3-5-1 formation.

The Italian's approach bore fruit when Kolarov arrowed home a spectacular free-kick from almost 30 yards within two minutes of the restart. United immediately hit back, as Nani drifted a header wide and Rooney shot off-target from 25 yards.

Sir Alex sought to shore up his side's midfield with the introduction of his new signing. Sporting number 22 for the first time since the 1996 FA Cup final, Scholes trotted onto the field in place of Nani, who was carrying a booking.

Shortly after United had been denied what appeared another clear penalty, as Kolarov felled Valencia without censure, City took another chunk out of the visitors' lead. Milner crossed for Aguero and, when his initial shot was spilled by Lindegaard, the little striker pounced to send the home fans wild.

The Reds needed to remain calm. The lion's share of possession was assured, but City's counter-attacking menace was ever-present. The home support were suddenly resurgent, and were baying for a penalty when Kolarov's cross struck Jones on the arm, via his thigh, only for referee Foy to decline.

Hearts were in mouths for all of a Red persuasion when Kolarov lined up a free-kick just outside the area in injury-time, but Lindegaard just about palmed the ball to safety and United held on for a draining victory.

Despite the feelings of relief which greeted the full-time whistle, the bottom line remains United's progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup, having eliminated the holders on their own pitch.

De Gea Backed By The Boss

2012-01-09T09:37:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has provided more backing to David De Gea and made it clear that the Spanish goalkeeper was not dropped for Manchester United's match at Newcastle.

The manager has been playing both De Gea and Anders Lindegaard this season but after Grant Hanley's winner for Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve, the summer signing from Atletico Madrid faced some harsh criticism in the press.

It led to speculation that Lindegaard would be promoted above the youngster in the pecking order but Sir Alex was very clear when asked if he does have a "number one" at the club.

"I think De Gea is the long-term prospect," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "No question about that.

"I think Anders has done very well and provided tremendous competition to David but the potential of David is obvious.

"We've been doing it [rotating] quite regularly in games. It's been a nice mix of opportunities for Anders, playing in Europe and some of the league games, and we've done it maybe half a dozen times.

"Because we lost two bad goals against Blackburn doesn't mean we're neglecting that part of both of them playing."

Scholes Rejoins United

2012-01-09T09:33:00.000+08:00

Paul Scholes has rejoined the playing staff at Manchester United for the remainder of the season with immediate effect, after approaching Sir Alex Ferguson to reverse his decision, made at the end of last season, to retire.

He has gone straight onto the bench for this afternoon’s FA Cup third round tie against Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It’s fantastic that Paul has made this decision. It’s always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It’s terrific to have him back."

Paul Scholes added: "I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.”

Rooney: Manchester United Deny Plans To Sell Player

2012-01-08T03:45:00.000+08:00

Manchester United have denied a report that Wayne Rooney is to be sold in the January transfer window.

Saturday's Independent claims Rooney's relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson has broken down.

Earlier this week, Rooney accepted a fine for his performance in training following a night out.

But a joint statement from Rooney and the club said: "Any suggestion that Manchester United and Wayne Rooney are to part company is complete nonsense."

The statement continued: "We can assure all United fans that the manager and the club are committed to Wayne Rooney and Wayne is committed to the manager and the club.

"The player and the manager have always had and retain utmost respect for each other and look forward to working together in the coming seasons."

Rooney himself said on Twitter: "The Independent are talking absolute rubbish, my future is with Manchester United and the club and I am totally committed, the manager and I have no issues and anyone who says different doesn't know what they are talking about."

Independent journalist James Lawton, who wrote the story, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I understand that the problems that Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced with Wayne Rooney going into a key time of the season has seriously undermined their relationship and there is a feeling that Ferguson has been deeply offended by the reaction of his most talented player at a pivotal time of the season."

When pushed about the claim that Rooney would be sold this month, Lawton attempted to defend himself: "The point I'm trying to make in the story, and I think it's a valid one, is that there is a real problem in the relationship between the Manchester United manager and his star player.

"I stand by the essence of what I've said in that there is a problem. Ferguson is famous for asking for trust and loyalty in his players and when that breaks, it can have a lasting effect. But if Rooney starts to perform to the level of consistent professionalism, which is a reasonable expectation, perhaps the crisis will pass."

Rooney, 26, agreed a new five-year contract at Manchester United in October 2010, just two days after announcing his intention to leave.

He went on a night out on Boxing Day with wife Coleen and fellow players Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans after his side's 5-0 win over Wigan.

But he was fined a week's wages and was dropped for the 3-2 defeat by Blackburn on Saturday before returning in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, when he was substituted after 74 minutes.

Earlier on Friday, Ferguson refused to discuss the matter at his press conference to preview Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie with Manchester City.

Indeed, Ferguson offered only the briefest of responses to questions about the reason for Rooney's below-par performance in the midweek game.

"It is not a crime to try too hard," said Ferguson when asked whether his star player's desperation to succeed was the issue.

Lawrenson: Vidic Is Biggest Loss

2012-01-07T04:09:00.000+08:00

Mark Lawrenson believes that the loss of the injured Nemanja Vidic has forced Manchester United to rely too heavily on the ageing Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand, 33, has played 13 of United's 20 league games this season.

He and Phil Jones were given a torrid time by Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.

"Rio is coming slowly towards the end of his career. But the biggest problem is that Vidic is not playing," Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

"He is the rock and I do not believe, if he had been playing at Newcastle, Demba Ba would have been so spectacular. Newcastle's strikers terrorised Jones and Ferdinand.

"Because there is no-one else available, he is having to play every match. It is a simple fact that he is much nearer to the end of his career than the start.

"I am not saying for one second he is finished because, as you get older and your pace goes, you get wiser. The problem at Manchester United is that you are playing against some players who are seriously rapid.

"The difficulty United have with Rio is getting him fit and keeping him fit and you do take longer to recover as you get older."

United's defence has come under close scrutiny after conceding three goals for a second successive game, having been beaten 3-2 at home by Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve. And, following Ferdinand's return at St James' Park after three games out, there was much focus on the performances of both him and 19-year-old Jones.

With Vidic ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery, BBC Sport pundit Lawrenson admits that United's resources are being stretched.

"Don't get me wrong, he is still a good player," added Lawrenson. "But the one player United did not want to get a long-term injury was Vidic.

"You cannot underestimate the difference it makes to United, or the difference it would make to any side, to be without a player like Vidic. It was a massive blow.

"To be fair, the problems were not just in defence on Wednesday. It was a very impotent Manchester United we saw at Newcastle and a very poor performance."

Ferdinand still has hopes of making Euro 2012 with England - and Lawrenson's belief is that coach Fabio Capello will not rush into making a choice over his involvement.

"You don't need to make those decisions in January," he said. "You see how many games he plays and how things are going in May."

Jones has been impressive since his £16m summer move from Blackburn, but Lawrenson is convinced that he would have been afforded a breather had United had more defensive resources.

"He is an outstanding young player and has done fantastically well, but I think if the likes of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Vidic had been available to Sir Alex Ferguson, he would have given the lad a rest," said Lawrenson.

Ferguson has until the end of January to decide whether to add reinforcements, but Lawrenson said: "He has got the players we have mentioned to come back and this is Manchester United.

"The players Sir Alex will want will be of Champions League quality - and you will find they will all be playing in the Champions League, so you are talking about a king's ransom there.

"He also hates paying over the odds, which is fair enough, so I don't see him reaching for the chequebook unless the right player that he really wants becomes available at the right price, which is absolutely right."

Fergie: No Lampard Deal

2012-01-07T04:07:00.000+08:00

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will not join Manchester United in January according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lampard has been linked with a surprise move to United but Ferguson is not expecting to sign any players in this month's transfer window.

He said: "Do you really believe that? There is no foundation to it. We won't get the players that we would like.

"What can you get in January? What do you do? Do you take a second-rate player? No, of course you don't."

Chelsea assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo said he could not see Lampard leaving Stamford Bridge.

"He has been here for 10 years and he's part of the successful history of this club.

"I don't know what the future will hold but I can't see him going anywhere, he is part of our plans and important for us.

"We are very happy Frank is in our team. He's a fantastic player and has been a fantastic player season after season for this club and for his country.

"It is not a surprise other managers like him."

United have lost successive Premier League games, at home to Blackburn and away to Newcastle, prompting speculation that the midfield needs bolstering as Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley are long-term absentees.

Lampard, who has scored nine goals this season, admitted last week that he has been frustrated at Chelsea, where he has either been substituted or come off the bench in 11 of his 25 games this season.

He has 18 months remaining on his contract but Ferguson added: "You are not going to tell me Chelsea would sell Frank Lampard to Manchester United in January.

"Chelsea are like us. They want to do something. The second half of the season is going to be important to them.

"If they want to try to win the league they will need to have all their best players."

Ferguson believes he would be better to trust the players he already has at Old Trafford.

"The injury situation has accelerated a lot of our fans into saying we will have to get someone.

"I would rather stick with the ones I have got than bring someone in who ends up not having a game anyway because they are not good enough."

No Question Of Kiko Deal

2012-01-06T00:27:00.000+08:00

Neil Warnock has stressed that Sir Alex has no intention of losing Federico Macheda on a permanent basis.

The Italian striker has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the rest of the season and made his debut as a substitute in the home defeat to Norwich.

As Macheda looks to impress and make up for a disappointing temporary stint at Sampdoria this time last year, there is no question in the Rangers manager's mind that a full-time transfer can be struck.

"He's a big fan of him is Sir Alex," Warnock told a press conference. "He doesn't want to let him go. He thinks there's something there in the player and he's no thoughts about a sell-on if we'd like to buy him.

"He doesn't want to let him go and Sir Alex doesn't do that with many, unless he thinks there's something there."

The stunning debut winner against Aston Villa seems like a distant memory and Macheda is keen to put it in the past and forge his own future. It's something Warnock fully understands.

"They've got some great players and for a 17-year-old to try and get established, irrespective of what he did on his debut, is almost impossible with what they have," he added. "This is a chance for Kiko to try and get into the team."

Macheda, meanwhile, has backed United to recover from successive defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle.

It's clear that the 3-0 reverse at the Sports Direct Arena, the scene of the hat-trick for the Reserves that propelled him into first-team contention for that Villa strike in 2009, hurt the 20-year-old.

"I saw the game on TV and United, at the moment, are struggling with injuries so it is not a good moment for them," he said. "However, they will get back because they have great players, the players to win and fight.

De Gea's A Cool Customer

2012-01-06T00:26:00.000+08:00

United's official monthly magazine, Inside United, caught up with Reds goalkeeper David De Gea just before Christmas.

In the second of our two-part excerpt, the Spanish goalkeeper speaks of his boyhood heroes, his life off the pitch and his taste for English food.

When you were growing up, who were the goalkeepers that inspired you?
Peter Schmeichel, of course. He was legendary and a role model for any goalkeeper. I've always admired and followed goalkeepers since I was very young. Another one is Iker Casillas of Real Madrid. I think he is an excellent role model for anyone thinking of goalkeeping.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself as a person? What sort of character do you have?
Well I'm pretty cool, I'm chilled out, I'm relaxed, happy... on the field and off the field. Obviously when you're playing it's a serious thing and you've got to be serious about it but in life generally I am easy going. I like to be with my family, my friends, my girlfriend. I'm a regular guy.

What were your impressions when you first met Sir Alex Fergusion?
Well you can imagine what it is like, of course, with the record he has got, having spent 25 years at the top and at a club like this – it's amazing. It's a unique experience in itself and I was very proud to be able to meet him and spend time with him. All you can say is it's a privilege to meet the boss.

You've settled really well into the United goalmouth. How have you settled in Manchester and in England?
Very well. I'm very happy here in Manchester. I have my family with me, my brother's here, my girlfriend. Who wouldn't be happy? I'm playing at the best club in the world and it's all going great.

Are you enjoying the English food?
You know, before I came here people talked badly about English cuisine but to me, I've been surprised how good it is. I've never come across any unpleasantness about food in Britain. Maybe it's that bit easier for me because my mum is at home and she helps me with food. I'm putting weight on and growing into a big strong lad!

Football aside, what about the difference in culture between Spain and England, how are you finding that experience?
It is very different. The first thing that springs to mind is that people seem to be focused on home life more here in the UK. Things like most shops closing at 5pm - that's very different to Spain, where people tend to spend more time out and about, around the streets, around the shops and restaurants, the shops close very late over there. For me, I like to be relaxed, I like to be at peace so this comfortable, homey kind of life suits me.

This interview originally appeared in Inside United (February 2012 edition).

Sir Alex Refuses To Panic

2012-01-06T00:24:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United won't panic after back-to-back defeats enabled Manchester City to regain a clear lead on points in the Barclays Premier League.

Twenty-four hours after the Blues beat Liverpool 3-0, the Reds were unable to match their title-race rivals' winning start to 2012, instead losing to Newcastle United by the same margin.

"It's advantage to them of course," said Sir Alex. "We were playing tonight, they played last night. They won, we lost.

"It's not a time to panic. We’ve got the patience and experience to cope. But we need to get the show on the road for the run-in, particularly March and April."

Sir Alex admitted that "losing a game at the turn of the year" was unwanted but he pointed to a growing number of options as reason to still harbour hopes in this new year.

"The plus is that we had two or three players back tonight and hopefully we have one or two on the road back, that will make a difference."

The Reds manager gave great credit to the first two goals his men conceded at the Sports Direct Arena - Demba Ba's volley from Shola Ameobi's flick-on, followed by Yohan Cabaye's world-class free-kick.

"We started reasonably well," reflected Sir Alex. "The goalkeeper made a good save from Nani and we had a good chance when Wayne Rooney was through and the ball ran under his foot. That was a great opportunity and if we'd taken it, we could have gone on to win the game.

"Newcastle scored not long after that. It was a fantastic goal and it really got their fans up. They became aggressive, they got stuck right into us and made it difficult for us. It (Ba's goal) was a great hit on the volley and the second one just after half-time - a marvellous free-kick, you have to give the boy credit - was a killer for us. That really put them in the driving position, they were very difficult to beat after that.

"We didn’t make enough of our possession with the ball. We had some chances after that [Newcastle's second goal] and a shot knocked off the line. You've got to take your chances away from home. We didn't play well enough to win the game."

The Reds conceded a third goal for the second game in a row when Phil Jones steered a bouncing long ball from Newcastle's Tim Krul past his own goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

"The own goal just summed up the whole night to be honest," reflected Sir Alex. "But take nothing away from Newcastle, they fought hard and deserved their victory, no question."

Sir Alex was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Giggs: We Must Move On

2012-01-06T00:21:00.000+08:00

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United must recover and regroup after losing 3-0 to Newcastle United in the Barclays Premier League.

The veteran midfielder had hoped to help close the gap on leaders Manchester City with victory at the Sports Direct Arena, but was in the end left to rue a disappointing night against an impressive Magpies side.

“You can have these nights, nobody likes them and nobody wants them but it can happen,” Giggs admitted. “You have got to give credit to Newcastle. They worked hard, closed us down and scored a couple of good goals so we have just got to take it and move on.

“It is a difficult place to come and get a win but we didn’t play to our capabilities and when you don't do that against a team like Newcastle, who are riding high this season, you are always going to come unstuck.”

The opening exchanges were tight with both teams going close to opening the scoring on several occasions - Yohan Cabaye forced a low save from Anders Lindegaard before Dimitar Berbatov struck the post with a deflected far post header.

The deadlock was eventually broken by Demba Ba, whose neat finish was one to be admired. Newcastle’s lead was too narrow to consider comfortable however and the champions felt confident of overturning the deficit after the break.

What the Reds hadn’t planned for, though, was Cabaye’s stunning free-kick just moments into the second half. And as Giggs admits, it was a killer blow: “We started okay. Obviously their goal knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit but we were still in the game at 1-0 and thought we were going to create chances. We weren’t too disheartened at half-time and we felt that we could get back into the game.

“It wasn’t how we envisaged or hoped how the second-half would start. It was a great free-kick; you can’t do anything about those unfortunately,” the Reds legend said. "But even at 2-0, we still felt we could get back into the game with just one goal and we had chances. We had a ten or fifteen-minute spell when we created a couple of half-chances, Simmo (Danny Simpson) blocked one off the line from Wayne and it just didn’t go for us.”

The defeat is United’s second in a row following the weekend loss to Blackburn and leaves the Reds three points short of Manchester City, who Sir Alex Ferguson’s side face in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Giggs believes the cup tie could rejuvenate his team-mates following two disappointing results and an unusual failure to score against Newcastle. “We have a great scoring record this season so hopefully this is just a one off and we can get back to scoring ways on Sunday.

“It is obviously a big game against City in the FA Cup. The atmosphere will be good, we’ll take a load of fans there and hopefully we can get back to winning ways.”

Poor Day For Red Devils

2012-01-05T08:59:00.003+08:00

Manchester United's miserable turn of the annum continued into 2012 itself as Newcastle United emulated Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve by putting three goals past the champions to inflict a damaging defeat.

Despite the return of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, the Reds were second best at the Sports Direct Arena where the Magpies scored in each half with exquisite strikes from Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye. The third and final nail wasn't quite in the same class - Phil Jones bundling an own goal past Anders Lindegaard, the keeper of a clean sheet in all of his previous league appearances.

Demba Ba was involved in two half-chances for Newcastle as the home side opened proceedings with a rapid tempo. First, the Senegal striker swung a boot at and missed Danny Simpson’s cross when any connection might have tested Lindegaard – shortly after, he laid the ball off for Yohan Cabaye to successfully let fly and find the gloves of the Reds’ diving Danish goalkeeper. Chiek Tiote, the Mohican-sporting Ivorian, also brought a straightforward save from Lindegaard with his early strike from distance.

At the opposite end, Tim Krul – a defiant obstacle in the sides’ 1-1 draw at Old Trafford six weeks ago – parried an effort from Nani and was perhaps lucky to gather the ball when the rebound proved too high to present Rooney with a shooting chance. Patrice Evra set up Nani for that first Reds attempt and he was again the supply line when Dimitar Berbatov’s header, via an unspotted deflection off Davide Santon, struck the base of Krul’s right-hand post.

Rooney’s first real chance to make positive headlines came with a direct free-kick, awarded against Cabaye for handball, but his setpiece was diverted wide by Tiote in the wall.

Giggs tried to give Rooney another sight of goal when he slid a delicious ball between two Newcastle defenders but the striker couldn’t strike it and Krul smothered the threat.

Ferdinand’s concession of a costly spot-kick in the previous meeting was controversial to say the least, so perhaps there was some karma when the defender’s penalty-box tangle with Demba Ba on 25 minutes brought a ‘play on’ gesture from referee Howard Webb – despite howls for the opposite decision from the partisan Tyneside crowd.

If replays suggested Ba was rightly aggrieved not to get a penalty, he meted out some justice of his own by breaking the deadlock in style. The approach at the Sports Direct Arena was certainly direct with Krul hoofing a long kick to the edge of the Reds’ area but the finish was accomplished as Ba hooked Ameobi’s flick-on over Ferdinand and Lindegaard and into the net.

It was the first league goal against Lindegaard in England, and the first against the Reds on the road domestically since the now infamous October draw at Anfield. But the rarity of the concession was of no interest or consolation to Sir Alex’s men with the live league table showing a three-point lead for Manchester City with the same number of games, 20, played.

With the excitable home fans baying for more, Ryan Taylor's free-kick just failed to meet their expectations, marginally clearing the crossbar after an angry Giggs was deemed to have brought down Demba Ba. The half ended with Lindegaard saving from Ba and then Rooney banging the turf in frustration at the other end after an apparent foul against him was ignored by Webb.

Sir Alex’s players may have been first onto the pitch for the second half but the hosts beat the Reds to it in terms of making an impact, with Demba Ba driving forward until Jones’ barge brought the game’s first booking as Webb awarded Newcastle another free-kick. This time, Cabaye took it and how, arrowing a Goal of the Season contender into the top left-hand corner with Lindegaard well beaten – just like any other keeper in the world might have been. It was the most delicious of deadballs from the Frenchman, reminiscent of Ronaldo or Beckham’s finest for the Reds. But this was no time to be misty-eyed of course; it was eyes down for the champions and minds firmly on a difficult job with two goals now to be clawed back.

Danny Welbeck, replacing Dimitar Berbatov, was sent on to assist, and assist he almost did when his flick from Nani’s cross was volleyed towards goal by Rooney, only for former Reds defender Simpson - celebrating his 25th birthday - to block brilliantly on the line. Welbeck instantly kept the attack alive but the ball he fizzed across the six-yard box couldn’t find Park and the Magpies escaped.

Park was substituted soon after, with Sir Alex bringing on Javier Hernandez – the last Red to score against Newcastle, in November. The manager's third change, to the delight of the home fans, was the withdrawal of Rooney with 15 minutes to go. Anderson came into the engine room for a reshuffle with Giggs, one of the champions' better attacking players, going 'home' to his familiar left flank.

The midfield scrap, yielding yellow cards for Valencia's aerial challenge on Gutierrez and Tiote's mistimed tackle on Carrick, seemed to suit Newcastle more as they battled to preserve the two-goal cushion held since just after half-time. Certainly the likes of Tiote and Perch worked hard to screen Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson but even when the Reds did manage to attack the Newcastle centre-backs, they were equal to the task.

The Reds' rearguard, by contrast, had endured a difficult night - never more so than when Jones, trying to prevent another long kick from Krul reaching Newcastle sub Leon Best, thighed the bouncing ball past Lindegaard for an awful own goal. Three-nil down, the final whistle couldn't come quick enough for Sir Alex's men - even if Manchester City, clear league leaders again, lie in wait at the weekend in the FA Cup third round.

De Gea Loves Life At Old Trafford

2012-01-03T23:05:00.001+08:00

United's official monthly magazine, Inside United, caught up with Reds goalkeeper David De Gea just before Christmas.

In the first of our two-part excerpt, the Spanish goalkeeper speaks of adjusting to English football, communicating with his defenders and his title ambitions.

You've now experienced a few months in the Premier League after two seasons in Spain's La Liga. What are the differences?
Well, I think it's fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world and in that sense they're very similar, they're at a similar level. But it's well known that here in England the style of play is rather more physical and as a goalkeeper you've got to be right on it, you've got to be attentive all through the match. The players coming at you can shoot from any angle, they can shoot from distance – you need to be aware that you might get a shot from distance at any time. Having said that, there's also a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play. So you've got to be able to get in there and block, interfere and stop shots being taken.

Have you had to adjust much to this, or were you expecting these differences?
I knew when I was coming that this was the style of play I was coming into, so I was pretty much ready and I was already confident when I came here. I knew I'd need to train a lot, which I do. I concentrate a lot on blocking shots and it is going well for me.

Which players were the first to help you settle in when you initially arrived at the club?
Those who speak my language: Chicharito, Antonio [Valencia], Nani. All of them, of course, but specifically those guys because of the language. If I had any questions or problems I could ask them, they helped me a great deal.

In terms of communicating with your defence, how's your English?
[The interpreter asks this question in English and the reply comes in the same language] Good, yes. [English classes going ok?] Yes. [De Gea goes back into Spanish] I understand a lot but it is more difficult for me to express myself. Shouts to my defence, warning calls and that sort of thing: I can do all that fine.

The United defence has chopped and changed a lot, with injuries and rotation. Does that make life more difficult for you?
First thing's first: whoever starts for United, we've got the squad, we've got the players and they're all really good. The level of expectation and the level of play is very high at United but we do have a substantial squad and we are free to rotate, and each player who comes in is a great player – I'd say each is the measure of the other.

You're very good with your feet. Did you ever play outfield as a youngster?
When I was really young, yeah, I did play outfield and I liked it a lot. I have to say, I scored quite a few goals! But when I got into a proper team I moved into goal and that's probably for the best because obviously that's what I now am. There are times in training when you share the outfield players' training methods, to develop ball skills and skills with your feet. It's all part of the game.

What have you made of the team’s season so far?
We made a very good start as a team but it was clear then that it would be difficult to maintain that level. So after five or six games our form did dip a little bit but now we're working hard and we're progressing. We're playing well, we're keeping the ball and we're going in the right direction.

Are you aware of United's reputation of coming into form in the second half of the season?
Yes, I do know about the second half syndrome. Last year we managed to peg Chelsea back a lot of points and went on to win, of course. I think generally as a club we have to maintain a hard line all season and keep our level high, and if the team can maintain that I think we can go on to do great things.

So what are your goals, both this season and in the long term?
Look where we are in the Premier League. We've got to keep up the pressure to go on and win that – obviously Manchester City are causing us a few headaches so it's not going to be easy but we've got to keep that up, that's our principle objective. As for me, longer term, I've every intention of spending many years here and I want to on to become a great United keeper, I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to engender. And I want to help United make history here.

This interview originally appeared in Inside United (February 2012 edition).

Rio's Role In Kiko Switch

2012-01-03T23:04:00.001+08:00

Federico Macheda has revealed he sought advice from Rio Ferdinand before joining Queens Park Rangers on loan.

Ferdinand's brother, Anton, signed for the West London club last summer and Macheda, who will spend the remainder of the 2011/12 season there, has revealed the Reds defender assured him the loan deal would prove positive.

"I spoke with Rio and he told me that QPR is a very good club and that if I did come here it would be good for me and would help me develop as a player," Macheda told Queens Park Rangers' official website.

The young Italian striker will hope to play regularly for the R's, but knows a first-team place isn't guaranteed.

"I am here to train hard, firstly. Then I hope to play a big part in the games. I want to play more but I know this won't be easy. I will work very hard for this."

Macheda's loan move shouldn't be seen as the first step in an eventual Old Trafford departure. Rather, it is vital experience for a young striker who, naturally, is finding it difficult to force the Reds' other world-class forwards out of the side.

"There is a lot of competition at Manchester United," the 20-year-old said. "There are some very good strikers there.

"But I am still young and I need to get more experience in the Premier League."

Macheda Joins QPR On Loan

2012-01-03T23:03:00.000+08:00

Federico Macheda has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Italian striker, who has made just six first-team appearances for United this term, will hope to become a regular under R's manager Neil Warnock as the West London club strive to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

Macheda will wear the no.33 shirt at Loftus Road and told QPR's official website that he's determined to make his mark at the club.

"I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer," Macheda said.

“There are some very big players at the club now and I am really looking forward to training and playing with them. I also know the fans are very, very passionate, and this interested me also.”

Rangers boss Warnock was delighted to secure Macheda's services but stressed his belief that Macheda's long-term future lies with Manchester United.

"This is a great opportunity for both parties. Federico is not getting a regular game at United quite obviously because of the quality of the squad they’ve got," Warnock said.

“Everybody in the league is in envy of what Sir Alex has there, but what he is trying to do is get Federico some game time in the Premier League. I am sure he is still a part of their future plans.

“I believe this can really work for us because he is positive and always in and around the box. He can finish too.

“He puts defenders under pressure, he’s a strong lad and he’s got a yard of pace as well. If we can get him the ball in the right areas I am sure he can get us a few goals. It’s a great way for us to start the January transfer window."

United record
Apps: 15(18)
Goals: 5

Debut: v Villa, 5 April 2009

"I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer." - Federico Macheda

Boss: 3 More Years

2012-01-01T03:48:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to remain as Manchester United manager for another three years.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV aired on his 70th birthday (today), Sir Alex revealed that he intends to continue at the Old Trafford helm to see his exciting crop of young players bloom.

“I think I’ve got three years at the club,” he said. “As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best.”

When asked if he is still motivated by the challenge of new achievements, Sir Alex replied: “Yes. There are new players that have come in, like (Phil) Jones, (Chris) Smalling, Ashley Young, (Danny) Welbeck… and they haven’t won any league medals yet.

“We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and, without question, winning a European Cup is important at this club. We should have been in at least another three finals. But you can’t be greedy, I suppose, and having won two in my time is an achievement. They were special, it was terrific to win them. I think I’d be very keen to do that (again).”

Seeing his side jostling for the Barclays Premier League title despite a major summer revamp has given the boss cause for optimism – as has the new-look Reds’ reaction to adversity.

“You don’t win every time," he said. "People maybe say we’re great winners and all that type of thing, but I think we’re great losers. You know why? Because we don’t let it happen too many times and we’ve a certain attitude about that.

“The players help in that respect. They address the situation. We’ve had three major defeats this season and we’ve responded. That tells you they don’t like losing. Losing those games had impact in terms of the criticism we received. We responded, and that is Manchester United.”

Vidic Surgery Successful

2012-01-01T03:47:00.000+08:00

Nemanja Vidic is on course to return to action in the 2012/13 season, after successfully undergoing knee surgery earlier this week.

The United skipper suffered cruciate ligament damage in this month's Champions League defeat at Basel, but Sir Alex Ferguson revealed on Friday that the Serbian's resultant operation went according to plan.

"He had surgery on Wednesday and came through fine," said the manager. "They didn’t remove anything at all, everything’s clear, but it’s a cruciate so it’ll be next season."

While Vidic will miss the remainder of the Reds' 2011/12 campaign, the boss broke better news about other members of Carrington's walking wounded.

"Anderson’s coming on great," he said. "He’s showing great progress. He's trained well. We’re just monitoring him because he still has to do a lot of work in the gymnasium but he’s coming along. Fabio Da Silva’s not far away, he should be back in maybe 10 days. The centre-backs aren't long-term – they should be available in the next week or two."

Less encouraging was Sir Alex's assertion that Michael Owen and Tom Cleverley are "still nowhere near" returning to action, and he added that the latter has been sorely missed.

"Cleverley’s a massive loss," he said. "He, to my mind, is probably the best midfield player in Britain, potentially. He has fantastic promise, so it’s a loss to us."

Jones Dejected By Defeat

2012-01-01T03:45:00.000+08:00

Phil Jones is as disappointed with the defeat to Blackburn as he was when being part of the Rovers team demolished 7-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

However, the centre-back insists the champions will bounce back from the major disappointment by looking to win at Newcastle on Wednesday.

United missed the chance to usurp Manchester City at the top of the table and Jones was clearly dejected afterwards, feeling the champions have nobody to blame but themselves.

"Gutted pretty much sums that day up," he told MUTV. "And on his [Sir Alex's] birthday too. We weren't at the races today and we punished ourselves in the first half. We were too slow, too laboured and not quick enough. We're just generally disappointed."

When asked why the Reds started so lethargically, he replied: "I don't know. You'll have to ask everyone how they thought they felt but, from my point of view, probably everybody's point of view, we should have kicked on from there but we'll pick ourselves up and go again on Wednesday night.

"The injuries don't help but it's no excuse. We weren't good enough, nowhere near good enough. We've just got to kick on from here and get back to winning ways."

Jones admitted he felt coming back to 2-2 so quickly after falling two goals behind, thanks to a Dimitar Berbatov brace, may not have helped United's cause in the long run.

"I think that was our downfall," he reasoned. "Coming back too soon. I think we thought we'd won it.

"We got one back, got two back and probably thought we'd won it. We eased off and they punished us. I knew it'd be a tough game - they came here and full credit to them. They thoroughly deserved the win as we weren't at the races today.

"I feel worse now than I did last season when Blackburn were smashed 7-1 by United. That puts into perspective how disappointed I am. So we've got to pick ourselves up. It won't be easy but the Manchester United way is to pick ourselves up and go again on Wednesday night, looking for those three points."

Sir Alex: Errors Were Costly

2012-01-01T03:44:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Blackburn’s defending while bemoaning his own side’s errors after United slipped to a 3-2 defeat against bottom-of-the-league Rovers on New Year’s Eve.

On the manager’s 70th birthday the Reds went two goals behind before rallying to equalise, only to ship a third goal with 10 minutes to play.

“It's a disappointment. We never expected that,” Sir Alex told ESPN. “We've lost two terrible goals and you can't do that in games like this.

“You can expect Blackburn to put up that sort of fight, though. They were resilient, they defended well, blocked shots on the line. They did that all day. But if you lose goals like that it gives them a big opportunity to hang on.”

The visitors were certainly under the cosh from the first whistle. United enjoyed 63 per cent possession, won 17 corners and fashioned 27 attempts at goal, forcing Blackburn players into making an incredible nine blocks, 20 interceptions and 74 clearances.

What those statistics don’t show, however, is the sluggish nature of the Reds’ play, particularly in the first half.

“We found the speed of the pitch difficult,” the manager said. “We've had really heavy rain the whole week and it's made the pitch very boggy. It was difficult to get the speed of our passing up.

“But in the second half we rallied and got back to 2-2. I thought at that point we were a certainty to win it.”

Anderson’s introduction at half-time – sent on for Javier Hernandez – helped inject urgency into the side, but with the Brazilian having missed United’s last 11 fixtures, it was a substitution Sir Alex had hoped he wouldn’t have to make.

“We have a lot of injuries at the moment and I had to take a gamble on Anderson's fitness,” he explained. “He's been training very well for 10 days but it was his first game back and it wasn't easy for him. But he didn't let us down. He did his best.”

The defeat means United will end 2011 in second place, trailing crosstown rivals Manchester City. But Sir Alex is still confident the Reds will have a major say in where the Barclays Premier League trophy ends up come May.

“We know we can improve on today's performance,” he said. “We won't get many like that. I'm confident we'll give it [the title] a real go.”

United Suffer Shock Home Defeat By Blackburn

2012-01-01T03:37:00.002+08:00

Manchester United made it an unhappy 70th birthday for manager Sir Alex Ferguson by slipping to a shock 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

After conceding two goals to Yakubu either side of half-time - the first one a penalty - the Reds battled back magnificently to draw level courtesy of a double by Dimitar Berbatov. However, Grant Hanley scrambled a late winner for Rovers against the run of play to ensure the champions finished 2011 on a low note, missing out on the chance to go top of the table.

United's injury problems led to Rafael and Ji-sung Park forming a makeshift central midfield partnership with Michael Carrick continuing in defence. Rovers had problems of their own with David Dunn and Junior Hoillett adding to the list of absentees.

Steve Kean's side didn't start like a team at the foot of the table as they passed the ball around with composure while the Reds started with unusual lethargy. Nani sent a left-footed shot wide and Carrick was squeezed out by Mark Bunn at the near post from a Nani corner but Paul Robinson's deputy in the Blackburn net was rarely troubled.

Disaster struck when awkward customer Chris Samba was felled inside the box as he grappled with Berbatov following a long free-kick by Bunn. Mike Dean had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Yakubu nervelessly sent David De Gea the wrong way to stun Old Trafford with 16 minutes on the clock.

United's response was muted. There was a shout for another penalty when Patrice Evra was sent flying by Radosav Petrovic and man-mountain Samba got his head in the way of a Danny Welbeck drive but the Reds were showing little of the sparkle of the recent fixtures.

Phil Jones was denied a goal against his former club when he met a Nani corner but could only fire against team-mate Javier Hernandez. The Mexican tried to atone with a firm shot from outside the area that flew wide after some fine play by Evra before Nani lashed over after an intricate move inside the box.

Berbatov escaped after another grappling match with Samba at the other end but it was largely one-way traffic and the champions finally started to build a head of steam as half-time approached. Nani, the likeliest source of inspiration, finally extended Bunn with a snap-shot after controlling an Evra cross and the keeper also thwarted Hernandez at his near post as the pressure grew.

Frustrated by some time-wasting antics from the visitors, United played with more fire and the end to the opening 45 minutes at least showed promise of an improved display after the break with Samba hacking over his own bar from another dangerous centre by Nani. Sir Alex introduced Anderson for Hernandez at half-time and reshuffled with Rafael, Nani and Valencia all switching positions.

After Nani had the first effort of the second period, looping a curler over the bar, Rovers doubled their lead with a goal out of nothing. The excellent Yakubu went through Carrick's slide tackle and advanced past Jones to bury a fierce drive under De Gea.

This time, the response was immediate. Rafael drove into the box and fired across goal for Berbatov to steer in a diving header to reduce the arrears and get the crowd on its feet. There is no finer sight in football than Manchester United attacking the Stretford End with gusto and, for the first time in the game, the visitors started to creak.

Bunn kicked away an Evra cross at his near post but was beaten again on 62 minutes when Rafael headed to Valencia and the Ecuadorian, revelling in a return to his familiar right-wing role, sped past a couple of defenders to tee up a firm finish by Berbatov for his second goal of the match and his sixth in three games.

A great run by Rafael led to Berbatov's cross being scrambled away and Jones headed wide from a Valencia cross as the champions attempted to take the lead for the first time in the match. Although Mauro Formica offered a deflcted shot off target at the other end, the Reds had the upper hand and Valencia thrashed a volley over the top when the ball fell to him at the far post.

However, with 10 minutes left, Hanley headed into the air by beating De Gea to a corner and showed enough desire to get the second ball himself through a crowd of players, nodding over the line to the immense frustration of most of the Old Trafford crowd. It was a sloppy goal to concede and it left United with a mountain to climb in the closing stages.

After Berbatov headed a Carrick cross over, a final throw of the dice saw Will Keane introduced for his senior debut in place of Rafael. But there were to be no late heroics and no salvation for the Reds, despite dominating much of the encounter. Keane was denied by a last-ditch Samba tackle and Jones was frustrated by what looked like a combination of Bunn and inadvertently Keane on the line.

Ultimately, the injury problems meant this was one match too many over the festive period and Sir Alex must pick his troops up for the testing trip to Newcastle in midweek.

Shocker: Blackburn got the winner after De Gea was well beaten by Hanley's header

Boss Approves Of New Rules

2011-12-31T04:23:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex is looking forward to the Academy rule changes being pushed through after accepting it's hard for a club like United to build teams out of players exclusively from the local Manchester area.

The Elite Player Performance Plan is due to be introduced next season which will allow top clubs to spread the net and recruit Under-16s nationwide rather than be restricted to the talent pool available within 90 minutes' drive .

"It’s bound to help," he stated. "The format with the Academy rules, about players you can sign within an hour and a half up to 14, they seem ridiculous when you think I can bring a boy over from Amsterdam, or from Ireland. It seems silly.

"We do all parts of the world. We saw the Da Silvas when they were 14. It seems crazy. I always think in terms of our own club in particular, and the energy we spent in terms of scouting all over the country, all over the world.

"We had a school of excellence in Durham that the FA forced us to close after protests from Newcastle and Sunderland. There are some players who are playing Premier Division football at this moment in time from that centre of excellence we had there.

"That was all stopped when the Academy came along and therefore you have to deal with local boys, really. It’s very difficult for a club like Manchester United to build teams of local boys all the time, so therefore we embarked on increasing our scouting in other countries.

"That’s how it is at the moment. I think the new guidelines will allow clubs to put their energy into scouting and coaching in their own country."

Berbatov Set For New Contract

2011-12-31T04:22:00.001+08:00

Dimitar Berbatov is to be rewarded with a new contract at Old Trafford.

The Bulgarian, joint-top goalscorer in last season's Barclays Premier League, followed up a cheeky backheel at Fulham with a splendid hat-trick in the Boxing Day win over Wigan.

Sir Alex confirmed that the champions will be exercising the option to extend the former Spurs striker's deal until the end of the 2012/2013 season with the paperwork due to be finalised in the first few months of next year.

"We'll be exercising (the option to renew]," stated the manager. "I think it kicks in in March."

Berbatov will be keen to start against Blackburn on Saturday and continue his scoring streak after slamming five goals past Rovers in the fixture last season.

Reds Are At The Ready

2011-12-30T04:42:00.000+08:00

Ryan Giggs feels United are in the perfect position to kick on with the pursuit of another league title.

Eight wins from the last nine Barclays Premier League matches have drawn United level on points with leaders Manchester City, while the Reds' impressive form has also yielded a flood of goals to make a significant dent in City's goal-difference advantage.

Injuries may be continuing to mount for the Reds, but Giggs says they will not detract from the team's focus and he insists United's knowhow of dealing with pressure situations in the second half of the campaign will once again be key to the title challenge.

"The experience that the manager, the players and the coaching staff have of what's required in the second half of the season, as well as the overall hunger and desire to win competitions, will help us," Ryan told ManUtd.com.

"Big players can't wait for big games. Towards the end of the season the games just get bigger and bigger. For me personally, you want that in the run-in - you want to be involved in big games and going for the title. That's why you become a footballer."

The unexpected exits from the Champions League and Carling Cup have been obvious low points this term, but bar those disappointments, Giggs says everyone is reasonably satisfied with the way things have unfolded in the league.

"It's been a strong start from us," he added. "Obviously City have got off to a better start but we're pleased with where we are in the table and especially the form at the moment.

"We'll just look to kick on as we always do in the second half of the season and hopefully we'll have a bit more luck with injuries and have a strong run after Christmas."

After starting the season at a canter, the Champions League and Carling Cup failures coupled with the 6-1 league defeat to City brought a barrage of criticism. But Giggs maintains the constant scrutiny of the team's form is simply part of life at Old Trafford.

"You're always going to get criticism here. If you're not top of the league there's something wrong and if you get knocked out of competitions then we're always going to get criticised," he continued.

"That's something that you just have to get used to. You can't sulk or moan about it, you've just got to get on with it and play good football like we have been doing.

"We've had setbacks throughout the years and you learn from them and they can help in a way. I've experienced that throughout my career - you might hit bad form or you miss a good chance, and you can't wait for the next game so you can rectify it.

"I'm sure all the lads felt like that after the City game and after the Basel game, which was a big disappointment too. You're going to get setbacks but it's how you react to them and thankfully we've come back strong."

Vidic Quit Fears Denied

2011-12-30T04:40:00.000+08:00

Nemanja Vidic's agent has dismissed worries that the Manchester United captain’s career could be jeopardised by the serious knee injury he suffered in Basel at the start of the month.

Vidic is expected to have surgery later this week and could be out for up to a year after rupturing three major ligaments in his right knee.

It has raised concerns that he may struggle to return to his best at the age of 30, but the Serb’s agent Silvana Martina insisted: "The first forecasts say it can last for a year, but it is meaningless to talk about the end of his career. It’s a serious injury but club doctors assure us that the recovery will run smoothly and he will be back on the field. It will take time to get back into the old rhythm, but there is no doubt that Vidic will be his old self again. Nemanja is feeling good. He will be back next year stronger and better."
Chris Wheeler, The Daily Mail

Evans Hails Reds' Focus

2011-12-29T04:06:00.000+08:00

Jonny Evans feels hard work and concentration are behind Manchester United's scintillating run of league form in the last two months.

Since the 6-1 derby defeat, the Reds have taken 25 points from a possible 27 to draw level with Manchester City at the Barclays Premier League summit. Evans feels the loss to City made the players re-focus their efforts and United have reaped the benefits since.

"At the start of the season we were playing this open, attacking football. It seemed like it didn't matter if somebody scored two goals against us because we'd go out and score three. It's hard to maintain that throughout a season, though," Evans told ManUtd.com.

"Since the Manchester City game we've defended better, but it wasn't a case that we all sat down and discussed what needed to be done - it was just a realisation in people's minds that we had to work that little bit harder. I think sometimes if you start to find games easy you can take your foot off the pedal and your eye off the ball. But we're now working hard for each other and making it hard for other teams to beat us."

And Evans, who is likely to miss the next two weeks with a calf strain, feels the squad's desire for success will stand the Reds in good stead in 2012. He told us: "When you win all the time you get a real hunger for it. That's something the manager's built here over the years. You don't like the feeling you get when you lose - even in training. And we don't want to get to the end of the season with nothing to show for it."

Evra Pleased For Berbatov

2011-12-29T04:05:00.000+08:00

Patrice Evra says he has huge respect for the way Dimitar Berbatov has performed whenever he's been given his chance this season, despite only being afforded limited opportunities in the starting XI.

The Bulgarian made only his second league start this term in the 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, but managed to bag a hat-trick on the back of coming off the bench to net United's fifth in the victory at Fulham five days earlier.

Evra says Berbatov has refused to get downhearted about the situation and has instead put in some hard graft on the training pitch.

"I'm always happy when Dimitar is scoring because he's a nice guy and he deserves it," Patrice told MUTV. "He's had a difficult moment not playing a lot, but he's been working really hard.

"You see the strikers we've got: Danny Welbeck is on fire, Chicharito, Wayne Rooney... this is United. We have to have the competition for every place, everyone has to fight for their place.

"You see Berba scored a hat-trick [against Wigan] and he deserves it because he wants to play."

Evra was part of a makeshift back four against the Latics with United's mounting injury list forcing the Frenchman to finish the game at centre-back alongside midfielder Michael Carrick.

And United's stand-in skipper - in the absence of captain Nemanja Vidic who is out injured for the season - admits the Reds' run of bad luck on the fitness front is getting very frustrating.

"It's starting to be annoying, because it's not the first year we got so many injuries," adds Evra. "Two or three years ago, I played at the back with Carrick and Fletcher.

"It's not the first time but I hope everyone gets fit because Blackburn [on New Year's Eve] is another big, big, big game and we need all our defenders.

"I'm lucky I'm always the one to stay fit, but I'm a little bit worried because we need everyone if we want to win the league."

Berbatov Wanted Back By Bayer

2011-12-29T04:01:00.000+08:00

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov's representatives have confirmed there has been contact with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a potential return to the Bundesliga club.

Berbatov spent five years with Leverkusen before moving to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 and on to United two years later.

However, his future at Old Trafford is uncertain as he has started only two Premier League games this season after being the division's joint top scorer last term.

His current contract expires at the end of the season, although United do have an option of a further 12 months and Sir Alex Ferguson recently admitted the club were likely to exercise that deal.

The rumours concerning a January exit, though, have not gone away and the Bulgarian's representatives are waiting for United to make a decision regarding Berbatov's contract.

A formal approach from Leverkusen has yet to be made, but Berbatov retains affection for a club he helped to reach the 2002 UEFA Champions League final at United's expense.

"It's more than a rumour," Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the group which represents Berbatov, told Bild. "Leverkusen have it on their minds to get Berbatov.

"There is contact, but nothing concrete yet. It all depends on United's plans.

"We wait until 2nd January. Until then, United have the option but if that does not happen then Berbatov would be a free transfer in the summer.

"The player has never forgotten Leverkusen, the club is still very dear to him. Furthermore, he has a good relationship with the leadership at Bayer."

Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser echoed Dobrinov's comments and is also waiting to see whether the Red Devils decide to keep the 30-year-old.

Holzhauser said: "I would even say that the contact is friendly. But there is certainly nothing concrete at the moment.

"I also read that Manchester United would like to extend his contract."

Carrick: Bring On The Flak

2011-12-28T03:57:00.001+08:00

Michael Carrick says United possess sufficiently thick skin to cope with any criticism directed towards Old Trafford.

The Reds' October mauling by Manchester City, allied to premature exits from the Champions League and Carling Cup, prompted widespread condemnation of the champions' form.

Now that United have drawn level on points with Roberto Mancini's side at the head of the Barclays Premier League table, Carrick insists external views of the club count for little.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 30-year-old smiled: "Keep criticising, we don't mind! Since I've been here we've had it at some stage every year, and more or less we've had good seasons.

"We'll keep doing what we're doing. We know the potential here and how well we're playing of late, and we'll just keep doing the things we know best and hopefully that'll be enough."

In addition to joining City on 45 points, the Reds' successive 5-0 wins over Fulham and Wigan have hacked sizeable chunks from the Blues' goal difference advantage, which now stands at just five in City's favour.

"That was on our mind at half-time [against Wigan]," admitted Carrick. "We wanted to keep going, we didn't want things to fizzle out as they can do sometimes when you're a couple of goals up against 10 men and they sit back.

"It was a different game in the second half but we just kept plugging away, kept going and we're obviously delighted with 5-0."

Manchester United To Offer Ryan Giggs New Contract

2011-12-28T03:51:00.001+08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed midfielder Ryan Giggs will be offered a new contract.

The 38-year-old, who has scored in every Premier League season, has been on a rolling one-year deal at Old Trafford since the age of 30.

Ferguson said: "We know he can't go on forever, but he can play for another year."

Giggs has been linked to the vacant Wales managerial job, following the death of Gary Speed.

Giggs, who made his United debut in 1991, has made 624 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 111 goals.

In his 21-year career, the Welshman has won 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups.

Though long-time team-mates Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have both retired in the past 12 months, Giggs has continued to play an integral role when called upon by Ferguson.

Despite his age Giggs has featured in 15 matches in all competitions this season - including recent victories against QPR and Aston Villa - and 70 more between 2009 and 2011.

And, providing the veteran wants to, Ferguson cannot see any reason why he should not stay for yet another campaign.

"I think Ryan can play for another year," said Ferguson.

"There is no evidence at this moment in time that his energy, stamina or speed are decreasing. In fact, it's exactly the same as it was the last two or three years. It's amazing."

Giggs has helped himself by maintaining a strict training regime, including regular yoga sessions to maintain suppleness in previously troublesome hamstrings, and has been fortunate to avoid major injuries.

"I know it's mid-season now and it all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future, too," Ferguson added.

Ryan Giggs Factfile
Full name: Ryan Joseph Giggs
Date of birth: 29 November 1973
Place of birth: Cardiff, Wales
Playing position: Midfielder/winger
Senior club career:
1990-Present Manchester United, apps 624 (111)
National team:
1991-2007 Wales apps 64 (12)

Evra: Our Spirit Can Be Telling

2011-12-27T04:16:00.001+08:00

United possess a culture of selflessness and togetherness which can be the difference in the bid to retain the Barclays Premier League title.

That's the view of Patrice Evra, who started at left-back but later formed a makeshift centre-back pairing with Michael Carrick in the Reds' 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic. The result moved the champions level on points with league leaders Manchester City.

"This is the United spirit: you can play everywhere," Evra told MUTV. "If you want to win, you have to accept it. You can see Antonio Valencia playing right-back as well. Only because United play like a team.

"The team is the star, not only one player, that's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back; we're going to win because it's the team effort and team spirit. That's why I'm confident.

"I've said that from the beginning - in six years playing here - the Man United spirit... no one team has got that spirit. This is United. This is why I'm so proud to play here."

The Boxing Day win marked an eighth league victory in nine games for the Reds, and a fourth successive win since the Champions League defeat at Basel which Evra views as a potential watershed moment in United's season.

"I think it was a big disappointment when we went out early in the Champions League," the Frenchman said, "but I think it was a wake-up call, because maybe everyone looked at themselves in the mirror and said 'we can do much better'.

"What the fans expect of every player, we are doing now. That's why I'm very pleased. Nothing is easy; it's because we're working hard. If we stopped working hard and think only with the United name, everything is going to be wrong.

"That's why we have to keep going with this momentum and trust each other because it's a big squad and everyone wants to show they deserve to play. If we win and score goals and keep many clean sheets, like we did tonight, we're going to be at the top of the league at the end of the season."

Early Strike Pleases Ji

2011-12-27T04:15:00.001+08:00

Ji-sung Park was delighted to be able to get the Reds off and running by firing the opening goal in the 5-0 Boxing Day win over Wigan Athletic - and insisted afterwards that early strikes always help to settle the team down.

The Korean found the net in the eighth minute, after being well set-up by best friend Patrice Evra, with a cool and controlled finish into the far corner from ten yards out. United went on the rampage thereafter on a day when Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all dropped points.

"It's our aim to be at the front. We always try to perform in this period of the season and we're just trying to make our performance higher," Park told MUTV.

"We're still only halfway through the season and we will continue to press City.

"Quite a few players changed [against Wigan] compared to the last game, but we still kept up the same performance as we did against Fulham. It's good for the team and it proves that our squad is strong.

"Early goals make us more confident and energetic for the rest of the game," he added. "We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot."

Park admits he has never known the Reds to have as many injuries as at present, but insists the performance and result against Wigan proves United can cope.

"You know over the last couple of years we've always done that [carried on winning despite injuries]," Park reflected. "We'll hopefully get our defenders back quickly because the coming games are very important for us.

"We changed a lot of players but still we kept the performance high and that has helped us win the league [in the past]. Hopefully that won't change this season."

Boss: We Are In Top Form

2011-12-27T04:14:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Reds are coming into form at just the right time after Monday's 5-0 victory over Wigan Athletic put the champions level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table.

A Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick plus goals from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia ensured United maintained the 100 per cent league record against the Latics and helped make another big dent into City's superior goal difference.

"As I said some weeks ago, somebody was going to suffer," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments.

"If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."

The United manager also paid tribute to Berbatov after another excellent treble from the Bulgarian.

"It was the right game for him. I needed his height for set-pieces against us and he's weighed in with a hat-trick. We're really pleased for him and it helps with confidence," said Sir Alex.

"Dimitar hasn't had the best of starts to the season in terms of selection given the options I have with Welbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, so I'm really happy for him."

Red Devils Run Riot Against Hapless Wigan

2011-12-27T04:10:00.002+08:00

A clinical hat-trick from Dimitar Berbatov and well-taken finishes from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia gave United a second successive five-goal victory and moved the Reds level on points with Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.

Park opened the scoring inside 10 minutes and Berbatov added a double either side of the interval, before Valencia blasted home against his former club and Park won a penalty for Berbatov to confidently convert with 10 minutes remaining. City's unexpected stalemate at West Brom means now only goal difference separates the two title rivals.

A much-changed Reds side coped comfortably with widescale reshuffling, though their cause was aided by the harsh dismissal of Wigan striker Conor Sammon for a perceived elbow on Michael Carrick, who again deputised in defence.

Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to make several personnel changes to his side. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling missed out through illness, and were replaced by serial moonlighters Valencia and Carrick. In turn Darron Gibson stepped into midfield while Park took up a berth on the left wing and Nani shunted over to the opposite flank. The visitors, conversely, were unchanged from their previous outing. The Reds' perfect league record against the Latics had been aired repeatedly in the run-up to the match, but Roberto Martinez's side arrived at Old Trafford on the back of successive away wins at Sunderland and West Brom, as well as creditable home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool.

Buoyed by the champions' comparative unfamiliarity, Wigan's early approach demonstrated a willingness to commit numbers to counter-attacks, and one surging run from Victor Moses culminated in a shot which Carrick chested to safety. The bulk of the visitors' early play was, however, spent trying to congest central areas; a plan which United tore up inside eight minutes.

Patrice Evra ended some patient possession play by bursting into the Wigan area, bypassing challenges from Moses and Antolin Alcaraz and sliding a ball across the area for Park, who stabbed a neat finish around Maynor Figueroa and past the unsighted Ali Al-Habsi. Scenting blood, United continued to pour forward down the flanks, flooding the space afforded by Wigan's three-man central defensive line-up. Park found Berbatov, whose pull-back was destined for Chicharito until Caldwell intervened. Moments later the Mexican's neat turn was negated by a hooked challenge from Alcaraz, yet referee Phil Dowd ignored the United striker's compelling claim for a penalty.

A second goal seemed inevitable. Caldwell escaped embarrassment as his pressured clearance ricocheted against Al-Habsi, while Gibson's effort from 25 yards was deflected wide by Ronnie Stam and Nani's free-kick from similar range curled a yard off-target.

Jordi Gomez spurned a promising free-kick from a similar position for the visitors, scuffing his shot against the wall, before Moses drew an important block from Gibson after fashioning space for himself in the United area. Stam then flung a superb ball across Anders Lindegaard's area, only for the Latics' lack of attacking numbers to undo its excellence.

Just as the visitors were growing in confidence, however, they were dealt a crippling double blow, as they lost a player and a second goal in the space of two minutes. Referee Dowd judged that Sammon deserved a red card for catching Carrick with a stray arm, but the apparent lack of intent in the striker's flailing prompted irate protests from his colleagues. Their fury was compounded soon afterwards, as Gibson's curled cross found its way to Berbatov on the edge of the six-yard box. Though the Bulgarian's first touch, for once, sent the ball looping out of control, he admirably held off Alcaraz and clinically tucked a left-footed finish underneath the onrushing Al-Habsi.

Events prompted minor half-time tinkering from both managers. Sir Alex withdrew Jonny Evans - his only fit central defender, and one carrying a booking - moved Evra inside and introduced Zeki Fryers at left-back. Roberto Martinez compensated for Sammon's loss with the arrival of striker Franco Di Santo in place of Mohamed Diame. The Argentine moved forward to partner Moses in a 3-4-2 formation which, while bold, left Wigan fragile in the face of United attacks. Park might have doubled his own tally within moments of the restart, as his header was palmed out by Al-Habsi, only for the rebound to fall tantalisingly shy of the Korean's reach.

Berbatov then headed a floated Giggs corner narrowly over, before the Bulgarian assured United's victory with another goal drenched in his unquestioned class. Valencia embarked on another voyage down the yawning right flank and slipped a pass inside to the striker, who controlled the ball with his right instep and spun to face the goal in one motion, before toe-poking a fabulous finish high into Al-Habsi's net.

That was the cue for further changes, with Giggs and Nani removed and preserved for forthcoming festive action, and Kiko Macheda and Wayne Rooney on in left wing and central midfield berths respectively. Though the game slowed markedly, only a stunning close-range stop from Al-Habsi prevented Chicharito from turning in Rooney's mis-hit volley.

Having cruised through much of the second period, United cranked up the pressure with 20 minutes remaining. Macheda's cross-shot was palmed over by Al-Habsi and Caldwell's inadvertant header dropped just wide, before Valencia heaped further misery on his former employers with a cracking strike. A half-cleared corner was worked across to the Ecuadorian by Carrick, and Valencia thundered a low shot across a packed area and into the far corner; his second goal in as many Old Trafford outings against the club who brought him to England.

United were making substantial inroads into the goal-difference deficit City had built up during the opening months of the campaign, and notched up another when Alcaraz felled Park on the cusp of the area. Berbatov duly stroked home the penalty to complete his treble.

The joyous feel around Old Trafford was further heightened by news of City's stalemate at West Brom. As the Reds continue to gather momentum in spite of a raft of injuries, drawing level at the top proved an unexpected, yet highly welcome, festive fillip for the champions.

Berbatov: Hat-trick hero

Seasons Greetings!

2011-12-25T15:00:00.001+08:00

To all readers:

Will Power would like to wish all readers Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Thank you for your support!

Warmest Regards,

Will Power

Carrick Has 'Sixth Sense'

2011-12-24T04:48:00.001+08:00

Phil Jones thinks Michael Carrick is still under-rated, even though the elegant midfielder is starting to get the recognition he deserves for a string of fine displays this term.

The summer signing from Blackburn has seen Carrick's qualities at close quarters after partnering him in midfield of late and believes his footballing instinct is second-to-none.

"He’s terrific," he told ManUtd.com. "I don’t think everybody realises what he does for the team. He’s a super footballer and a great lad. He’s massively under-rated.

"Other people may not notice what he does but when you’re playing alongside him, you can’t help but be impressed.

"He seems to have this sixth sense – he knows where to be, where the ball’s going to be. He’s always in the right place at the right time to either receive the ball or break up an attack. He has a great range of passing, too, and, as we saw at QPR, he has goals in him as well."

As for his own scoring ability, after netting in consecutive games recently and hitting the woodwork at Loftus Road, Jones has set his own target for the campaign.

"I’d probably like to end the season with five or six goals," he admitted. "That would be great. If I keep playing in midfield I’m sure I can get into goalscoring positions and bang in a few more."

Fergie Wants More Midfield Goals

2011-12-24T04:47:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex is looking for more goals from midfield in order to take some of the pressure off the likes of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in attack.

The fact that the five goals at Fulham were all netted by different scorers pleased the boss after Michael Carrick broke a 70-game Barclays Premier League duck in the victory at QPR.

"It's unusual when you score five goals like the other night," stated the manager. "We can't always depend on Chicharito or Wayne to score all the goals.

"The spread is very pleasing. One of the criticisms of this team has been a lack of goals from midfield. We can't always depend on the strikers."

One of those to find the net at Craven Cottage was evergreen midfielder Ryan Giggs, who kept up his remarkable record of scoring in every top-flight season he's been involved in.

"I thought Ryan Giggs was unbelievable on Wednesday," admitted Sir Alex. "Danny Murphy was finding it very difficult.

"We know Ryan's incredible though - it's an established fact. He is an incredible footballer."

Giggs Could Carry On

2011-12-24T04:43:00.000+08:00

Ryan Giggs says he is enjoying his football "more than ever" and will sit down with the club in the coming weeks to discuss his future.

The 38-year-old produced yet another vintage display in the 5-0 victory at Fulham and kept up his incredible record of finding the net in every top-flight season he has been involved in, 22 in all. For the last few years Giggs has opted to assess his future each season and with his current one-year deal set to expire in the summer says he will do the same again in the near future.

"It's almost that time when I'll sit down with the manager and see what his plans are [for the future] and I'll see how I'm feeling," Ryan told ManUtd.com. "At the moment I feel really good and I'm enjoying things more than ever. We'll just have to wait and see."

Giggs was in top form at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night, pulling the strings alongside Michael Carrick in the centre of the park.

"I love playing there. I've made no secret of that and it's probably my preferred position now," he added. "I said the other night it's a joy for me and Michael to play in midfield when you've got the movement in front of you like we had at Fulham.

"It makes our job so much easier when you've got three or four players making great runs when you're on the ball."

Macheda Set To Join Wigan On Loan?

2011-12-23T02:04:00.000+08:00

Wigan are hoping to take Manchester United striker Federico Macheda on loan.

Sportsmail revealed manager Roberto Martinez’s interest last month but United’s run of injuries left Sir Alex Ferguson unwilling to release the 20-year-old Italian.

However, Dimitar Berbatov’s return to action and the emergence of Will Keane could enable the deal to go through on January 1.

Macheda’s agent Giovani Ba revealed he spoke to the United boss last week and expects the loan deal to be approved.
- Staff reporter, Daily Mail -

No Keeper Conundrum For Sir Alex

2011-12-23T02:02:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex has no issue with enjoying the luxury of having two top-class goalkeepers competing for a starting spot.

David De Gea has settled well into life in England since his summer move from Atletico Madrid, impressing sufficiently to earn the ManUtd.com Player of the Month award for November.

After the young Spaniard kept a clean sheet at QPR last weekend, Anders Lindegaard came into the team for the 5-0 romp at Fulham to extend his run of shut-outs in the Barclays Premier League this term to four.

Indeed, the Denmark international has only been beaten once, in the 1-1 draw against Benfica, in all of his six matches this term.

When asked by MUTV if having two quality keepers is a nice problem to have, Sir Alex replied: "It’s not a problem because I think Anders has that little bit more experience. I felt his was the right time to change and we’re going to do that with David.

"He’s only 20 years of age and is going to be a fantastic goalkeeper, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. Having Anders as a back-up in terms of giving the lad a break at the right time, is proving its worth. Anders is an outstanding goalkeeper and has a little bit more experience."

2011/2012 season:

David De Gea:
Clean Sheets: 6

Anders Lindegaard:
Clean Sheets: 5

Lindegaard: Watch Out City

2011-12-23T02:01:00.000+08:00

Anders Lindegaard believes United’s excellent recent form is putting pressure on league leaders Manchester City.

Lindegaard kept his fifth consecutive clean sheet in Wednesday night’s 5-0 thrashing of Fulham at Craven Cottage, which kept the Reds two points behind City at the top.

United have won seven games and drawn one since October’s 6-1 derby hammering – and Anders expects the champions to get stronger in the new year.

"I think City are already under real pressure," the Danish keeper told MUTV. “Ever since the City match we have performed well.

"We were unlucky to go out of the Champions League and we can only blame ourselves for that, but apart from that we have performed very well – especially recently.

"We have played some really good games; we haven’t scored as many goals as we should have but we have played some good football.

"As far as I know, United have a tradition for being strong in the winter programme, so it is going to be a very tight spring to decide who will be champions."

Lindegaard once again impressed as David De Gea’s understudy in west London and is pleased to have been given several opportunities to stake his claim this season.

"Every position has two world-class players and the manger is not afraid of using the whole squad," he said. "I am one of the players who is very glad he is doing it like that.

"As I have said before, in 10 matches nobody will remember any of the saves; they will remember the stats.

"I have played five games in a row without letting a goal in. That is a very beautiful stat and I am very happy with that."

Boss Pleased With Win

2011-12-23T01:59:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see United thrash Fulham in the Barclays Premier League following some indifferent form at Craven Cottage.

Goals from Danny Welbeck, Nani, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov sealed an impressive 5- 0 win in West London, the Reds' first at Fulham since the 2008/09 season.

And, as the boss explained to MUTV, victory at Craven Cottage does not come easily. “The games against Fulham over the last three years tell you how difficult it is to come here; we’d only won one point from nine.

“We were very patient with the ball in the early part of the match. We worked our way through the Fulham midfield and it was a great cutback for Danny to score his goal. He took it well. Good starts are really important in games like this and it gave us control until half-time.

“We had to make some changes before the match and then Phil Jones picked up his injury. So it says a lot for the players. They stood up to a really difficult game.”

Having built a three-goal lead by the break, the Reds were perhaps guilty of taking the foot off the gas as Fulham tried to gain a foothold on proceedings in the second half.

Any lingering hopes of a dramatic comeback were ended, though, as Rooney smashed home from 30 yards before Berbatov sealed the rout with an audacious backheel.

Both goals were worthy of winning any game and, in particular, Sir Alex's respect.“They were two great goals to finish. We were under the cosh for a lot of time in the second half and we stood up to that. Fulham are very good passers of the ball in tight areas and Andy Johnson missed a hat-trick.

“But in the context of having to make the changes, we have to be pleased that we survived that and the two deciding goals – the one from Wayne from 25 yards was an absolutely great goal, followed by a lovely touch from Berbatov and a great pass from Antonio – made it a really good night for us.”

Giggs: We Are On Top Form

2011-12-23T01:57:00.000+08:00

Ryan Giggs believes any side would struggle to contain United at the moment.

The Welshman, speaking after the Reds thrashed Fulham 5-0 at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, told MUTV that United’s current form was “first-class”.

“It’s been a good few weeks,” he said. “You saw what we’re capable of [at Fulham] and that’s the standard we set ourselves.

“It was a similar story at Queens Park Rangers [last Sunday]. There, we just didn’t finish the chances off. Today we managed to score the goals.

“To come to a place like Craven Cottage and have that sort of movement and interplay was first-class.”

Sir Alex’s men now welcome Wigan and Blackburn to Old Trafford over the festive break and Giggs is confident the Reds can pick up maximum points.

“We have to carry on the form we’re in at the moment. If we do that we’re a very hard team to beat, especially at home.

“At Old Trafford we always expect to go out and win but we still need to go out with the same hunger and appetite as we had [at Fulham].

“For myself and Michael Carrick in midfield, the movement in front of us was brilliant. Obviously the defending was good as well. But when you have so many options on the ball – people running in behind, people dropping in the hole – we’re a very difficult team to play. The performance was really pleasing.”

Giggs notched United’s third goal at Fulham, albeit via a sizable deflection off Cottager defender Philippe Senderos. Unless the Dubious Goals Panel take the goal away from the Reds legend (they shouldn’t as the shot was on target anyway), Giggs has now scored in each of the past 22 top-flight campaigns.

“I was starting to get worried [I wouldn’t score this season”, he told MUTV. “Last season I scored in one of the first games so I didn’t have to worry about it after that. I’ll definitely be claiming this one. A centre-forward would definitely claim it.”

High 5 For United At The Cottage

2011-12-23T01:53:00.001+08:00

United kept up the pressure on Manchester City with another impressive performance on their travels to secure a first league victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage for almost four years.

Danny Welbeck set the Reds on their way to a convincing 5-0 win with a smart finish after just five minutes. Nani doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, before the outstanding Ryan Giggs claimed a deflected effort, ensuring he has scored in the top flight for 22 consecutive seasons. Wayne Rooney netted a 30-yard screamer two minutes from time, before Dimitar Berbatov put the icing on the cake with a delightful back-heeled finish from close-range.

It wasn’t all good for the Reds, however, with both Phil Jones and Ashley Young picking up injuries. Jones’ in particular looked a nasty one after he was grounded by an accidental elbow to the face by Clint Dempsey in the opening seconds. He lasted until the 20th minute before being replaced by Young, who limped off midway through the second period.

Sir Alex made two changes to the starting XI that beat QPR three days earlier – Anders Lindegaard came in between the sticks, while Giggs was brought into midfield to replace Jones, who switched to right-back, with Chris Smalling moving into a central position alongside Jonny Evans to cover Rio Ferdinand’s absence through injury.

Jones seemed set to join Ferdinand in the treatment room after just a minute of play when he was caught by Dempsey. The 19-year-old was closely examined by United’s medical team before being given the thumbs up to continue.

The prolonged stoppage wasn’t about to derail the Reds who had started brightly and, just as they did at Loftus Road, United made the most of their first sight of goal and duly took another early lead.

After Nani had collected possession just inside the Fulham half, he worked his way down the left wing before pulling a low cross back to the unmarked Danny Welbeck to sweep into the far corner in the fifth minute. In truth, it was poor marking from the Cottagers, but a very tidy finish from the England international.

Giggs could have made it two three minutes later, but Jones’ lovely curling cross was just too far ahead of the midfield veteran who had burst into the area.

The Reds looked very much in the mood, while Martin Jol’s side looked distinctively out of sorts and unable to cope with United’s attacking exploits. Rooney, Giggs and Nani all tested David Stockdale soon after, but the Fulham keeper was up to the task to ensure the Cottagers remained in the game, for the time being anyway.

At the other end Bryan Ruiz got in ahead of Jones after a neat one-two in the area, but the defender recovered brilliantly with a last-ditch tackle to clear the danger. It was even more impressive given Jones was clearly still struggling with the earlier head injury; indeed his fine tackle turned out to be his last piece of action after he signalled to the bench he couldn’t carry on.

Ashley Young replaced him and immediately took up a position on the left with Nani switching to the right and Antonio Valencia moving to Jones’ right-back position. And it was the Ecuadorian’s link-up with Giggs, from a short corner, which led to United’s second on 28 minutes. Giggs and Valencia swapped passes before the veteran curled an inviting cross into the area which Nani headed into the far corner.

The Reds should have been given the opportunity to make it three just after the half-hour mark, but referee Mark Halsey somehow managed to miss Philippe Senderos’ blatant foul on Welbeck inside the area, despite having a completely clear view.

United had victory all but sealed two minutes before the break though, as Giggs ensured he kept up his phenomenal record of having found the net in 22 consecutive seasons in the top flight, albeit via a pretty big deflection. Nani weaved his way into the area before pulling the ball back to Giggs whose goal-bound shot hit Senderos and looped over the top of the helpless Stockdale.

Fulham were still keen to have a go after the break and Lindegaard had to be alert to save Dempsey’s header, from a corner, just before the hour. Moussa Dembele and John Arne Riise flashed efforts just wide soon after, while the Reds lost yet another player to injury as substitute Young was replaced by Ji-sung Park after suffering a knock to his knee.

United had struggled to keep up the momentum of the first period since the restart, but still looked a threat on the counter-attack and went close to grabbing a fourth on 66 minutes when Nani crossed for Valencia, who had burst into the area; Stockdale came out to block.

Rooney and Welbeck then both saw efforts deflected wide, while Welbeck wasted a great opportunity when put clean through by Nani after clipping the ball over the bar.

Fulham continued to probe at the other end with Lindegaard needing to be on top form to save three times from Andy Johnson in quick succession late on.

The Reds rounded things off in style when Rooney blasted a stunning 30-yard drive past Stockdale and substitute Dimitar Berbatov back-heeled Valencia's cross into the far corner to ensure back-to-back wins in London.

Smalling Credits Old Boss

2011-12-22T04:30:00.000+08:00

Chris Smalling says he will be forever indebted to Roy Hodgson and insists his dream move to Old Trafford wouldn't have happened without the former Fulham manager.

The young defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise through football's ranks, having been plucked from the relative obscurity of Maidstone United by Hodgson before signing for United in 2010.

And speaking ahead of the Reds' trip to Craven Cottage on Wednesday, Smalling expressed his gratitude towards the current West Brom boss and explained why he’s excited to face his old club.

"I see my time there as a big two years," he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "My first year was about finding my feet and the second was about showcasing what I can do.

"Without Roy Hodgson giving me my chance there I wouldn't be here so it's a time I look upon fondly. It'll be nice to go and see a few of the players and play back at the Cottage."

Smalling's arrival at United was at first considered a move for the future, however, the England international proved to be an instant success, making 33 appearances during his inaugural campaign.

The central defender, currently flourishing at right-back, is hoping to use his newfound first-team experience throughout the Christmas period.

"The players always look forward to this time of year with plenty of games," he added. We're used to the demands and it’s a big opportunity to pick up a lot of points - we want to get maximum points.

"Christmas can be a hindrance on some and can sometimes make or break you in terms of kicking on, but this is a period where we really need to kick on and show everybody we mean business."

The Reds kick off the festive season against Fulham before hosting two north-west derbies against Wigan and Blackburn at Old Trafford on Boxing Day and New Year's Eve respectively, closely followed by a trip to Newcastle on 4 January.

Rooney Buys Racehorse

2011-12-22T04:26:00.000+08:00

Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney has bought a yearling which is set to go into training with Tom Dascombe.

Dascombe's yard, which houses almost 100 horses, was purchased by Rooney's United team-mate Michael Owen in 2007.

Rooney paid a recent visit to the Manor House Stables in Cheshire and was so impressed he decided to buy the as-yet unnamed horse.

Dascombe enjoyed success this year with stable star Brown Panther.

After winning at Royal Ascot, the colt went on to finish second in the final Classic of the Flat season, the St Leger at Doncaster.

Brown Panther's success has helped Dascombe to 51 winners this year and more than £500,000 in prize money. In 2010 he had 37 winners and won £435,000 in prize money.

A spokesman for the yard said: "I can confirm that Wayne and Coleen [Rooney's wife] have bought a horse.

"I can't confirm all the details as yet as it's very early stages.

"He's been down here and obviously liked what he saw and he's bought a yearling to go into training with us next year.

"If it's the next Brown Panther, that would be amazing."

Pogba's Chief Ambition

2011-12-20T04:32:00.001+08:00

Paul Pogba is driven by one goal - to become a first-team regular at United.

The promising midfielder has had a taste of senior action in the Carling Cup and admits he is hungry for more chances to impress Sir Alex. After returning to top form in the Reserves' 4-0 win against Liverpool, the youngster has his eyes firmly fixed on stepping up a level again in 2012.

"It's very good [here]," he told MUTV. "I'm getting in the first team and I enjoy it a lot. I have to carry on and try to play more games.

"[My debut at] Leeds was a great feeling. I played away, in a derby as well, and came on for Ryan Giggs. I thought: 'Okay, now is a good chance to prove myself and to show them what I can do'. We won that game and it was a very good feeling.

"I told myself I've just tasted it, now I want to eat it - I want all the cake now! I want to play, work hard and do my best to get in the first-team squad."

Pogba aspires to making a real mark at Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of many of his fellow countrymen - such as Eric Cantona, Fabien Barthez and Patrice Evra.

"I think you grow up a lot at United," he admitted. "I came from France. I'm here and I know what I want to do. I just want to be a first-team player, a great player here and that's it. I want to play with the first team."

Evans Hails Team Effort

2011-12-20T04:29:00.001+08:00

Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand may have earned special praise from their manager after the 2-0 win at QPR, but Evans insists the victory and clean sheet were down to an impressive collective effort from the Reds.

The Northern Ireland international produced a towering display alongside Ferdinand at the heart of the back four, but Evans was quick to salute the contribution of everyone in a red shirt after the game.

"A clean sheet is all you can ask for as a defender," he told MUTV. "It doesn't matter how you play, if you get a clean sheet you're happy. It was a nice to get it [on Sunday] - it was a solid performance from us.

"It really helps when the team is working really hard around you as well. The front players and the wide men work hard to make things a lot easier for you.

"We created a lot of chances and felt we were a bit unfortunate not to go in [at half-time] with a couple more goals [under our belts], but we weren't able to kill them off in the first half," he added.

"That's the way these games go sometimes and you've always got to be on your guard. They had a good chance in the second half [through DJ Campbell], but thankfully they couldn't take it.

"We'd like to have scored a few more goals - that's something we haven't been doing lately. But we've just got to make sure we keep creating the chances."

Evans himself had a host of good opportunities from set-pieces, but that first ever United goal continues to elude the 23-year-old.

"Nani put in some good deliveries from our corners and I found it quite easy to lose my marker. It's just unfortunate one didn't go in for me," joked Jonny. "I must have had about three or four chances - hopefully a goal will come soon."

Central Strength Was Key

2011-12-20T04:27:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson praised his side's strength in central areas after a comprehensive, controlled victory over Queens Park Rangers.

The central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans were immovable, while midfield cohorts Michael Carrick and Phil Jones set the Reds' tempo en route to an invaluable win at Loftus Road.

"We could have scored a lot of goals today," the boss told MUTV. "The one good thing that comes out of today is that Queens Park Rangers in their home games have been a real problem to a lot of teams, but we kept them quiet for most of the game and we played some terrific football at times.

"When Michael Carrick scored that second goal I think that put it to bed. He's supposed to sit in the middle of the pitch. I'll maybe have to fine him! But he's right bang on form, Michael, he's been terrific in the last few weeks and we're pleased with that.

"Phil is only 19 years of age but he's got tremendous potential and he has great energy. You saw today, he's up and down the pitch making fantastic runs through the middle, he could have scored two or three today. He hit the post, the goalkeeper made a good save, his energy is really important to the team at the minute."

After a sixth away clean sheet of the season, the Evans-Ferdinand also drew praise for quelling the hosts' aerial threat and giving Neil Warnock's side short shrift in their efforts to reignite the contest. "Jonny and Rio were terrific, Rio's experience is so important," said Sir Alex. "I don't think David (De Gea) had a real save to make. The two of them were immense."

The victory temporarily put the Reds ahead of Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table, but the manager insists his short-term aim is merely to be in the mix when 2011 makes way for 2012.

"The important thing is to be there on New Year's Day," he stressed. "If you're involved right in the top part then, then you know the second half of the season, we'll relish that."

Rooney Spearheads United's Victory

2011-12-20T04:23:00.002+08:00

United turned in a devastating display of incisive attacking football, which might have yielded a resounding win over Queens Park Rangers, but the Reds can still reflect on an impressive victory secured by goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.

Rooney headed home the opening goal inside a minute at Loftus Road and Carrick added a fine solo goal early in the second period, and only the woodwork and some inspired goalkeeping from Radek Cerny prevented the Reds from running up an eye-catching scoreline.

From front to back, the Reds were impressive, but it was in central areas where the champions most exuded authority. Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand provided a rock-solid defensive core, Carrick and Phil Jones shone in tandem in midfield and Rooney oozed class throughout.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s hand was strengthened by the return of Dimitar Berbatov and Chicharito, yet the United manager opted against shuffling and named the same line-up that overpowered Wolves last weekend.

Among the highlights of the victory over Mick McCarthy’s side were the return to goalscoring form of Wayne Rooney and an incisive display of wingplay from Antonio Valencia. Both parties combined after just 52 seconds at Loftus Road to give United a dream start.

Having nicked possession, Valencia redirected the ball to Rooney and raced onto the striker’s headed return pass before arcing a magnificent cross into the path of the onrushing Rooney. Though the striker had to contend with the attentions of Rangers defender Matthew Connolly, he managed to fling himself and redirect the ball inside Cerny’s post to register United’s quickest goal of the season so far.

The visitors’ red-hot start almost yielded further reward before three minutes were up. Nani pounced on a loose ball, exchanged passes with Rooney and fed Danny Welbeck, whose scuffed effort was blocked by Cerny.

Aside from a Heidar Helguson header that drifted just wide, QPR’s riposte was one of physicality. A strong challenge by Connolly on Rooney went unpunished – a decision that prompted Rio Ferdinand to earn a caution for dissent – before Danny Gabbidon joined him in the book for a lunge on Valencia.

Unruffled, United continued to forge openings. Rooney released Welbeck to finish neatly, though it was contentiously deemed offside, before the Reds enjoyed a spell of pressure around the half-hour that should have killed the contest.

First, after Welbeck had beaten Cerny to Nani’s corner, Evans nodded onto the top of the crossbar from inside the six-yard box. Phil Jones was then thwarted in a one-on-one encounter with Cerny, who then heroically flung up an arm to deny Valencia from close range. From the subsequent corner, Evans’ header was hoofed off the line by Alejandro Faurlin.

The danger of creating and spurning such a procession of chances was underlined by a rally from the hosts late in the half. Though Evans and Ferdinand coped admirably with the aerial onslaught, they and their colleagues could only watch with baited breath as Jay Bothroyd’s marvellous cross rolled across De Gea’s six-yard box without conversion.

The second period began in bizarre fashion, as referee Webb kicked-off proceedings before Danny Gabbidon has retaken the field. United looked to expose the numerical advantage, but Rooney could only fire straight at Cerny before Gabbidon was waved into the fray.

United’s attacking play continued to threaten a second goal, and it was duly delivered by Carrick’s first strike of the campaign. Pouncing on an errant pass from Joey Barton, the midfielder surged into a yawning gap in the hosts’ half and slotted a low finish past Cerny.

The Czech might have lamented his failure to keep out Carrick’s effort, though he may well have been fooled by the midfielder’s refusal to even glance at the goal before shooting. Soon enough, however, Cerny redeemed himself with a spectacular save to fend away Welbeck’s curling effort. Rooney then jabbed over as he tried to redirect Evans’ stabbed effort, before Jones curled a superb low shot against the base of Cerny’s post.

In a bid to improve his side’s fortunes, Neil Warnock introduced Adel Taarabt and DJ Campbell from the bench, and the latter wastefully spooned the former’s superb cross over the bar from close range almost immediately.

That was one of the rare occasions in which the hosts managed to pierce United’s imperious backline, providing further evidence that the Reds have heeded Sir Alex’s insistence on shoring up defensively after a cavalier opening to the season. Now allied to that familiar attacking swagger – and a run of six wins and a draw in seven league games – United are building a promising momentum at a key stage of the season.

Carrick celebrating his fantastic strike against Queens Park Rangers

Manchester United Could Be Handed Champions League Place

2011-12-18T04:25:00.001+08:00

Manchester United could return to this season's Champions League if the Swiss Football Association fails to comply with Fifa and punish FC Sion.

Sion were thrown out of the Europa League for fielding ineligible players in their match against Celtic.

The Swiss FA has until 13 January to act and Fifa has threatened to suspend Switzerland and their club sides.

If the ban took effect, FC Basel would be ejected from the Champions League and United could be reinstated.

The Swiss champions knocked Sir Alex Ferguson's side out of European football's elite competition and into the Europa League, earning a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford before winning the home match 2-1.

Sion were put under a transfer embargo over the signing of Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, but proceeded to sign six players in the summer.

The six players took their case to a civil court in the canton of Valais, which ruled they could play, and subsequently fielded them in the Swiss league.

Sion then fielded five of the six players during the Europa League play-off tie against Celtic and were kicked out of the competition as a result, with Uefa's decision to expel them upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday.

Fifa has now ordered the Swiss FA to enforce a ban on registering six Sion players signed during the transfer embargo.

"As a consequence, all matches in which the relevant players participated shall be declared forfeit or three points shall be deducted respectively," Fifa said. "Should this deadline not be respected, the Swiss FA will be automatically suspended from 14 January 2012 onwards."

Under the terms of a Fifa suspension, a country's national and club teams, referees and officials are prohibited from taking part in international matches and meetings, or receive Fifa funding.

Reds Top Carbon Reduction League

2011-12-18T04:23:00.001+08:00

Manchester United recently celebrated coming top of the league after being ranked in joint first place of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) table.

The CRC performance league table rewards companies for their efforts in reducing energy and carbon consumption – with United as a frontrunner in this field. The Club is thrilled to have topped the table with a score of 100 per cent. This was achieved through hard work and energy saving commitments over several years.

United became the 250th organisation to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard which demonstrated the positive commitment to continue to become an environmentally-responsible football club and company. The Carbon Trust Standard has become one of the most recognised and prestigious environmental and carbon accreditation schemes in the UK, only rewarding organisations that achieve target reductions by taking responsibility of their own emissions. It requires year-on-year carbon savings together with an assessable carbon reduction strategy.

The Carbon Trust Standard auditor stated that "the Manchester United Carbon Trust Standard Portfolio was the best [he had] received from any client" and a "model carbon reduction strategy."

Manchester United is currently in the process of reviewing the latest technology in renewable energy and hopes to make further ambitious energy savings in the near future.

Pogba Urged To Sign New Deal

2011-12-18T04:21:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Paul Pogba will sign a new deal with the club after earmarking the young starlet as a potential midfield option for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old was part of the Youth Cup-winning side last season and made his first-team debut in the Carling Cup win at Leeds back in September.

The United manager says the club are in discussions with Pogba's representatives about a new contract and remains optimistic he will sign.

"We are negotiating with his agent and we want the boy to stay," he told reporters on Friday. "If he doesn’t want to there is not a lot you can do about it.

"We have an option on his contract which takes us into a year and a half away so in that respect there is not a great emergency. But we would like him to sign a new contract and if he wants to be a Manchester United player he knows what to do."

Sir Alex remains hopeful the French teenager will stay and insists he is at the perfect club to learn his trade and continue his progression.

"You hope he gets the right advice," added the boss. "All young players who remain here always do well particularly the ones with talent.

"It is down to the individual also. Matt Busby summed it up perfectly when he said you don't need to chase money at a club like Manchester United. He said it will eventually find you if you are a good enough player you will earn money. You become rich playing for Manchester United.

"Players can chase their money early in their career but at the end of it it's not the same as if they’d stayed here.

"You wouldn’t think you’d need to consider what he has here too long because he just needs to look around about him to realise that. A player has to take the decision himself as to what they think their best future will be. Most of the players who stay here have a good future."

Boss' Pledge To Fletcher

2011-12-18T04:20:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex has pledged to give Darren Fletcher all the time and support he needs in order to regain full fitness.

The club announced this week that the Scotland international is taking an extended break from football as he has been suffering from ulcerative colitis. Whilst accepting the absence of one of his loyal servants is a blow, the boss has been quick to stress that the player's health is his paramount concern.

"The medical people have made the right decision," stated the manager. "They regarded Darren's health as the more important issue and we as a club agree completely with that. He's not been in training – he was in hospital for a few days, and he'll rest now.

"Darren is a loss - he's such a great professional and it's not easy to replace that, but we'll have to think about that. Hopefully he'll make a full recovery. It's obviously going to take a bit of time and rest is the most important thing at the moment. It’ll be the medical people who make all the decisions and we’re quite happy with that. I can't put a timescale on it."

The boss revealed there was no question of persuading Fletcher to take a rest - it was a simply a decision that needed to be made for his long-term benefit.

"I don’t think persuasion comes into it at all," he said. "It’s an accurate assessment by the medical people and also Darren knowing his own situation and how he was feeling. There was no persuasion needed at all. He’s disappointed but you have to deal with these things, but he can do that because he has a strong character.

"It's easier now it's out in the open. That was the big decision he had to make. We were trying to address the confidentiality part of it in a different way by talking about a virus but that was down to protecting Darren. He got to the position, particularly in Scotland, where there was more delving into why we kept talking about a virus, and I think he felt a bit uncomfortable about it. So he decided to make it public."

Sir Alex was asked if another midfield absentee means he will be forced into making a signing during the January transfer window.

"Not necessarily," he replied. "I don’t why people keep going on about that [buying in January]. It’s never been a route we’ve taken consistently unless a player that we’ve been interested in appears but there is no sign of that at the moment. So therefore it’s not always suitable to us.

"If you look at the options we have [in midfield] - [Phil] Jones has played a few games there, Ryan [Giggs] obviously can play there too and Ji [-sung Park] is capable of playing there too. There are maybe one or two other options - Darron Gibson is an option. He had an early season injury, but he has experience needed to play in central midfield. The options are not too bad.

"Young [Paul] Pogba is an option. He’s progressing very well. It’s one of these situations – unless there is a player we’ve been interested in for a while appears and you can get him, then there isn’t much point in bringing an individual in because it gives you another player.

"Pogba is a possibility. He’s a big strong lad, a good athlete. He's improving and developing well.

"Since he’s come to the club we’ve seen the progress he’s made and in terms of that youth team we had last year, six of them have all had a bit of experience of the first team this year. Of course, young [Ryan] Tunnicliffe is another member – he’s over at Peterborough – he’s playing Championship football at 18 years of age, so he’s doing very well.

"It’s a good group that – it’s turned out very well. Pogba physically is better than the rest of that group, maybe apart from Zeki Fryers who is a very good athlete."

Europa League Round of 32: United To Meet Ajax

2011-12-18T04:17:00.000+08:00

United will face Ajax in an attractive two-legged tie in the Round of 32 of the Europa League.

The first leg will take at the Amsterdam ArenA on Thursday 16 February, KO 18:00 GMT, with the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday 23 February, KO 20:05 GMT. Ticket prices for the home game have now been announced.

The Reds were paired with the Dutch giants in Friday's draw, a repeat of the UEFA Cup matches in 1976 when a 1-0 deficit from the away game was overturned 2-0 in the second leg in Manchester. United have also competed in the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament on four occasions, winning it in 2006, and Edwin van der Sar's testimonial took place at the Amsterdam ArenA in August, featuring several Reds in a side managed by Sir Alex.

"Ajax are a good team and I've never faced them in competitive European football," the manager told ManUtd.com. "I'm looking forward to it."

Frank De Boer's side have a great pedigree, having won the European Cup/Champions League four times and the European Cup-Winners Cup and UEFA Cup once. The dates for the fixtures in February will be confirmed soon. The victors will progress to meet either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16.

Defender Chris Smalling told ManUtd.com he was looking forward to facing Ajax and said United would strive to win the Europa League. "It was a massive disappointment [going out of the Champions League]," he said. "But look at the calibre of teams that are in the Europa League...

"We've drawn Ajax and they have a lot of history. That will be a good test. A lot of the teams will be keen to do well. Whoever wins the competition will be a good team."

Elsewhere, Manchester City face holders Porto with Stoke City tackling Valencia.

Round of 32
FC Porto v Manchester City
Ajax v United
Lokomotiv Moscow v Athletic Bilbao
FC Salzburg v Metalist Kharkiv
Stoke City v Valencia
Rubin Kazan v Olympiacos
AZ Alkmaar v Anderlecht
Lazio v Atletico Madrid
Steaua Bucharest v FC Twente
Viktoria Plzen v Schalke 04
Wisla Krakov v Standard Liege
Braga v Besiktas
Udinese v PAOK
Trabzonspor v PSV
Hannover 96 v Brugge
Legia Warsaw v Sporting

United Tipped For Top Winter

2011-12-16T04:53:00.000+08:00

Nemanja Vidic believes United can turn up the heat during the busy Christmas period as the Reds chase glory in the Barclays Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are traditionally strong during the festive season. Recently-published statistics show United have won more points than any other top-flight team in the 17-31 December period since 2007.

And despite being sidelined for the rest of the campaign after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments in Basel, Vidic is sure his team-mates can maintain this Yuletide custom and build momentum with international football now on the backburner until February.

The skipper told Inside United: “Often we’ll play on Wednesday and then Saturday, Wednesday and then Saturday. This helps you get into a rhythm and training during this time is all about recovery and rest. Physically, it’s easier on your body when you’re not travelling for international football.

“If you’ve been away with your country it can sometimes take you two days to adjust when you get back to Manchester. Now, until February, all the players will be together and concentrating only on Manchester United.

“We can work on a lot of different things together and focus ourselves for the end of the season. Traditionally we tend to do well over winter, our form tends to improve. Hopefully we can do the same this year.”

The Serbian colossus, whose transfer from Spartak Moscow was famously announced on ManUtd.com on Christmas Day in 2005, also explained why he originally struggled to cope with festive football, having previously enjoyed the rejuvenating benefits of the Russian Premier League’s winter break.

“December and January can be very difficult mentally, not just physically,” Vidic said. “When you play so many games in one year without a break it can be very hard. There’s always pressure at this club; you have pressure to win this game and then the next game and then the game after that.

“If you do that for one whole year without any rest, without any time to relax or take your mind off football, this can be tough. But, I have to say, when I arrived here in England I found the winter much more difficult. Now we all know what to expect.”

United’s Christmas schedule begins with a trip to QPR on Sunday before a meeting with Fulham next Wednesday. These fixtures are followed by consecutive north-west derbies against Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.

Rooney Wants Europa League Glory

2011-12-16T04:50:00.000+08:00

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insists he wants to win the Europa League after crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage.

United dropped into Uefa's secondary competition, where they could play on Thursdays and domestically on Sundays.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson described it as a "penalty for not qualifying".

Rooney, 26, said: "I don't think the manager's won the Europa League, so I'm sure he'll want to win it. Every competition we enter we want to win."

After making three of the last four Champions League finals, beating Chelsea on penalties in 2008 before losing to Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, dropping into the Europa League is a big blow for United.

Rooney does not want to dwell on the disappointment of their shock exit.

And he dismissed any suggestion that the club would not be taking the competition seriously.

The England striker told the club's official website: "It's a shame we're out of the Champions League. That's what we all want to play in.

"Unfortunately we went out and now we turn our attention to the Premier League and Europa League.

"There are some good teams but we have to believe, keep working and hopefully we can go on and win it."

United are the first team to be knocked out at the group stage the season after reaching the final and it is only the third time in 17 years that they have departed Europe's elite club competition at this stage.

After losing 2-1 in Basle to confirm their place in the Europa League, Ferguson said: "It's a competition I've never been in with United.

"It does mean Sundays right through and Thursday-Sunday matches. That has to be dealt with."

DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester United never went beyond the quarter-final stage in the Uefa Cup, the tournament that preceded the Europa League. They were knocked out in the first round on four of six attempts.

Mick McCarthy: Phil Jones 'Is The New Paul McGrath'

2011-12-14T00:43:00.000+08:00

Phil Jones is the new Paul McGrath and will be one of Europe's top players, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes.

McCarthy says he tipped Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson off about the former Blackburn man and was not surprised when he signed in the summer.

"I said he was one of the top players - I sensed [Ferguson] already knew that, but I was offering my opinion," McCarthy said of the utility player.

"He's just a fabulous player. He's got a great attitude too."

McCarthy played with former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland legend McGrath, who could operate equally well in defence and midfield - and he sees the same qualities in Jones.

"I think he's one of the best around, whether he plays at centre-half, full-back or wherever.

"This is a kid of 19 or 20, and the only other bloke who played like that was Paul McGrath."

McCarthy witnessed Jones in action when his Wolves side played Blackburn, before they sold Jones to United for £17m.

"He was just dominant. He breaks out from the back with the ball and he's quick, he's good in the air, he seems to have two good feet. He's just got everything as a footballer.

"I would say he is nailed on for England's Euro 2012 squad.

"I really think he'll be one of the best players in Europe for a long time because he's fantastic."

Fletcher Takes A Break

2011-12-14T00:35:00.000+08:00

On behalf of Darren Fletcher, Manchester United wishes to announce that he is taking an extended break from football for health reasons.

Over the past year he has had several absence periods which we have attributed to a viral illness in order to respect his right to medical confidentiality. Darren has, in fact, been suffering from ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory bowel condition) for some time preceding this.

Whilst he was able to maintain remission of symptoms for a considerable period this has proved more difficult recently and Darren’s continued desire to play and his loyalty to both his club and country has probably compromised the chances of optimising his own health and fitness.

He has therefore accepted medical advice to take an extended break from the demands of training and playing in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again.

We request that his privacy is respected and hope that the removal of the additional stress associated with speculation regarding his health will also aid his recovery.

Credit: Manchester United Official Website

Vidic: We Strive To Entertain

2011-12-14T00:33:00.000+08:00

Nemanja Vidic had to sit out Manchester United’s 4-1 win against Wolves at the weekend, but the Serbian centre-back will have been delighted with the team’s display.

For only the second time since September, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men found the net more than twice in a game, as the Reds bounced back strongly from last week’s European disappointment.

It certainly made a change to the narrow wins United have eked out in recent weeks. Before the Wolves game, the Reds had scored only once in eight of the previous nine league fixtures, winning four of them 1-0.

And although a win is a win, no matter how it’s achieved, Vidic told Inside United that Manchester United players have a duty to entertain.

“I know it’s unlikely we will play entertaining football every time we go out on the pitch,” said Vidic. “We should always try, though.

“Nobody wants to be part of a team that plays boring football. When you come off the pitch you want to be proud of what you’ve done and you want to have entertained the fans.”

There were certainly no complaints after the Wolves mauling from Old Trafford’s largest crowd of the season. Two goals apiece from Wayne Rooney and Nani, not to mention a host of other chances and sustained spells of attacking football, had the fans on their feet at full-time.

“We play for the fans – we don’t play for ourselves,” said Vidic, speaking before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in last week's defeat to Basel.

“If we can make the fans happy and, at the same time, win games and win trophies, that’s the perfect scenario.

“Sometimes, though, there will be tough games, games that we have to fight for, games that are a struggle. But when you’re playing for Manchester United you have to strive to entertain and win.”