Manchester United Fan Club

[bbfan1991]

Coaches settle in at United

There have been big changes at Manchester United this summer; not only has David Moyes stepped in as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, he also brought with him a trusted backroom team to add to Old Trafford’s already successful set-up.

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During the first full week back at the Aon Training Complex, the coaches have been getting used to their new surroundings while the players are adapting to a new era, and so too the fans are finding out about the new recruits.

MUTV spoke exclusively to Steve Round (assistant manager), Jimmy Lumsden (First-team coach), Phil Neville (coach) and Chris Woods (goalkeeper coach) and the overriding sentiment is that the new men are settling in well and looking forward to the challenge of maintaining United’s success over the past two decades.

Assistant manager Steve Round said of his first few days in the role: “[It’s been] fantastic, absolutely brilliant. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everybody, all the players and the staff. It’s such a magnificent football club that it’s very easy to settle in here.

“As a coach you always have the ambition to work at the most elite level you can work at – a top Champions League and championship-winning team. You want to work with the best players and have the chance to win trophies.”

Ex-Red Phil Neville has also been drafted in after working under Moyes at Everton, and he added: “I’ve got to say it’s been five of the most amazing days I’ve had. I said to my wife and mum and dad, who asked what kind of first day I’d had. I said, ‘It’s probably the best day I’ve had in my professional career.’ This is where I want to be and I’m going to embrace it, every minute detail. I’m going to enjoy it.”

On the subject of what Moyes is like to work for, his backroom team described, in unison, his work ethic. First-team coach Jimmy Lumsden said: “He has great work ethic, and he expects the same from everyone else”. While Round added: “He’s fantastic to work alongside. He has great attention to detail. He has a lot of honesty and integrity and I think that fits well with the club he has just joined.”

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney picks up hamstring injury on Manchester United tour. http://bit.ly/16uUk0Y

[bbfan1991]

Vidic injury not serious

Manchester United left for Thailand on Wednesday without Nemanja Vidic, but the club insist the skipper's injury is "nothing serious".

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The Serbian was not in the 19-man squad that boarded a plane bound for Bangkok on Wednesday, as the Reds flew out for the first leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The defender is likely to join his team-mates on the trip at a later stage, however, with United scheduled to play further games in Australia, Japan (x2) and Hong Kong before returning to the UK at the end of July. A match in Sweden will then follow on Tuesday 6 August.

"It's nothing serious," a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com. "Nemanja has a touch of sciatica [pain stemming from nerves in the back] and may still join the tour at a later date.

"In the meantime, he'll continue his pre-season preparations in Manchester at the Aon Training Complex."

United's first pre-season game is against a Singha All Star XI on Saturday 13 July (14:00 BST).

[bbfan1991]

Fixtures: Nine changes for Reds

Nine of Manchester United's Barclays Premier League fixtures from 17 August until 1 December have been selected for live television coverage.

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The revised dates and / or kick-off times for these nine games are as follows:

Swansea City away - Saturday 17 August, 17:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Chelsea home - Monday 26 August, 20:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Liverpool away - Sunday 1 September, 13:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports


Crystal Palace home - Saturday 14 September, 12:45 BST, Live on BT Sport

Manchester City away - Sunday 22 September, 16:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Sunderland away - Saturday 5 October, 17:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Arsenal home - Sunday 10 November, 16:10 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Cardiff City away - Sunday 24 November, 16:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports*

Tottenham Hotspur away - Saturday 30 November, 12:45 BST, Live on BT Sport**

*The Cardiff match is subject to United’s possible participation in the Champions League the following Tuesday. **If Tottenham qualify for the group stages of the Europa League, this match will move to Sunday 1 December, at 12:00 BST, and will still be live on BT Sport.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Thai work-out

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-first-tour-training-session-in-bangkok.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Rio relishing Thai trip

In the middle of an 11-hour flight, at the beginning of a three-week journey that will take in five cities in four countries and traverse more than 20,000 miles, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could easily have been daunted at what lay ahead.

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But as we sat down in row 37 of our chartered flight to Bangkok - the first stop on Tour 2013 presented by Aon - Ferdinand was unmistakably upbeat. It might be the dawn of a new era at Manchester United but Rio, who celebrates more than a decade at the club with a testimonial game at Old Trafford against Seville on Friday 9 August, has seen it all before.

"Tours like this are great," he said. "You have to embrace them. We have fans all around the world who support us so it's good to give something back. They can't get to Old Trafford easily so it's nice for us to come to them.

"If you sit down and think: 'I'm going to be away from my family for three weeks and it's going to be really tough' then you won't enjoy it. You may as well not bother boarding the plane if that's your attitude. You need to be positive and that's what I try and do."

This year, as he has the past two summers, Ferdinand will be capturing behind-the-scenes footage of life on tour with the Reds for MUTV. Armed with a hand-held video camera, he'll show fans what it's really like to play for one of the biggest clubs in world football.

We can expect plenty of laughs along the way - Ferdinand is, after all, renowned for his unique brand of dressing-room banter - but the defender is quick to point out there's also a steely determination about the squad on this pre-season jaunt.

Rio relishing Thai trip

"I think it's natural that everybody here is trying to impress on this tour. When you get a new manager you want to show him that you should be in the starting XI for that first day of the new season and that process has started already.

"We've been back from our holidays for more than a week and it's been a really good start. It's been very, very hard but it's been enjoyable and I think we'll see the benefits of the work we've been putting in back in Manchester and the work we're about to do on tour.

"That will come in the shape of better fitness and a better understanding of the personalities of the players and the coaching staff, because it's a new era for all of us. Hopefully things will come together and we can get off to a good start once the season begins."

Having landed in Bangkok on Thursday morning at 08:09 local time, Ferdinand and his team-mates' pre-season preparations will continue when the squad convenes for its first tour training session in the afternoon. Thursday and Friday will contain a mixture of training and commercial commitments, before United take on a Singha All Star XI at the Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 14:00 BST).

"I love Thailand," Rio said. "It's a really nice country with great people who love Manchester United. It's crazy whenever we visit this part of the world. The reception we get in the Asian countries is something else entirely. I've never seen fanatics like them.

"They come to airports at mad times in the morning to greet us, they hang around our hotels... it's great and makes us feel really welcome."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Hello Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-arrive-in-bangkok-thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: Thai fans are incredible

David Moyes’ first experience of fan fervour on a Manchester United pre-season tour will live long in his memory.

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The Reds boss arrived in Bangkok with his team on Thursday and, though he was aware how passionate United fans were in Asia, he was still taken aback by the reception.

"The amount of people who were at the airport was incredible and the excitement when we arrived was like The Beatles – it was something else," Moyes told MUTV.

"There are fans in and outside the hotel and everywhere we go. It just shows the power of United. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it!."

Moyes also discussed Wayne Rooney’s injury and you can watch the full interview with Stewart Gardner on MUTV at 10:00 BST.

[bbfan1991]

Welbeck catching the eye

David Moyes says he has been impressed with Danny Welbeck as the striker looks certain to lead the line against the Singha All Star XI on Saturday in the opening match of the Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

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The local lad rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and Wayne Rooney's return home with a hamstring injury has left him as the only out-and-out centre-forward in the squad.

"I've only seen him for a short time but I've been impressed," enthused Moyes at a press conference in Bangkok. "He looks a very good player.

Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."

"A lot of the things he's done have been excellent. If we can add some goals to his tally from last year, it will make a big difference. From what I’ve seen so far, he's an exciting player and someone I'm looking forward to working with."

Jesse Lingard, Michael Keane and Adnan Januzaj who, like Welbeck, have played for the club's Academy, will all be handed a chance to shine during the tour.

"Tomorrow is my first opportunity to manage the team," added Moyes. "And it will take a little bit of time to get used to each other but that's what the games are for. We'll try and give as many people as we can an opportunity to play. We'll see some young players as well. Obviously, we will use all the games to prepare for the start of the season."

Some younger players have also been left behind and are likely to feature in the friendlies taking place in Britain and Ireland. Those competing at the Under-20 World Cup have been granted a break, namely Sam Johnstone, Guillermo Varela, Tom Thorpe, Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."


Welbz:). I am looking forward to seeing how the young lads we have taken on tour do!

[bbfan1991]

Boss provides injury update

David Moyes has had a few injuries to contend with in his first few days as Manchester United manager and he gave an update during a press conference in Bangkok on Friday.

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Wayne Rooney has flown home from the pre-season tour after picking up a hamstring injury, while captain Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young did not travel due to various ailments.

"Vidic is doing fine," the manager said. "He's on a course of injections to help his sciatica. If he improves then we'd consider bringing him out later on. The one thing we don't want to do is make it worse by flying him halfway around the world. So we have to consider that.

"Nani had an operation on his nose to clear a bit of breathing. At the moment we're not sure if flying is allowed so that’s the one downside. We'll have to wait and see."

Moyes also revealed his plans for the first game of Tour 2013 presented by Aon, against a Singha All Star XI on Saturday.

"It’s my first opportunity to manage the team and we'll try and give many people an opportunity to play; some of the younger players will get some game time," he said.

Federico Macheda and Bebe are also missing from the touring party and Moyes added: "At the moment, we’re looking to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time.

"I’ve chosen not to bring them on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

[bbfan1991]

Moyes happy with search

United boss David Moyes says he is happy with how his search for new talent is progressing.

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The Reds manager is continuing to look at ways of adding to this squad following the arrival of Wilfried Zaha and Guillermo Varela this summer.

Reports that Bayern Munich are close to signing Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona were said to be a blow to Moyes' transfer plans, even though he has a policy of not commenting on players from other clubs.

"We're on with targets that we are chasing at this moment in time," revealed Moyes at a press conference in Bangkok. "There are people we are actively chasing and, at this moment in time, we're happy with how things are going."

When asked directly if Thiago was still a target, he replied: "I never said at any time that he was."

Moyes also brushed off the latest questions about the future of Wayne Rooney, after Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expressed an admiration for the England international on Friday.

"People are entitled to talk about good players," he insisted. "I'm sure Jose has been asked about lots of players as well. I'll keep repeating myself: Wayne is a Manchester United player and he'll remain that."

The likely absence for Rooney due to his hamstring injury is expected to be "two or three weeks" and he will work in the gym and pool in Manchester.


The club are trying:). Hopefully there will be some interesting developments soon.

[bbfan1991]

Trio glad to be back

The Manchester United squad have enjoyed a productive two days’ training in the Bangkok humidity and are now looking forward to some match action.

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The first of six games for the Reds on Tour 2013 presented by Aon is against a Singha All Star XI in the Thailand capital on Saturday night.

Speaking to ManUtd.com on Friday evening, three Reds stars admitted they were glad to be back after the summer break and enjoying the welcome they received in Thailand.

"It's only our second day in but it's been good so far," Jonny Evans said. "Training has been good and we're looking forward to the game. You do as much fitness work as you can but it's the games that are the real test for you.

"The reaction we get in Asia is always amazing. A Nike event we went to on Friday had a few thousand people there and it'll be a big crowd at the game. It's always great to see our fans and it reminds you how big our fanbase is when you come to places like this."

Tom Cleverley added: "It's been great to be back together again as a squad after the summer break and start working with the new manager and his staff. It's a good opportunity on tour to get to know them and everyone is looking forward to the season."

Meanwhile, Rafael has been reunited with his twin brother Fabio, who spent last season on loan at QPR, and the Brazilian said: "It's great to have my brother back! We're sharing a room on tour and it's nice to catch up and talk. I'm enjoying spending time with him a lot."

:)

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Open training

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-open-training-session-bangkok-thailand-tour-2013.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Day 3 in Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-arrive-in-bangkok-thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Zaha rejects loan talk

Wilfried Zaha wants to impress new United manager David Moyes after waiting to seal his move to Manchester.

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The exciting England international signed for the club during the January transfer window but was loaned back to Crystal Palace and helped the Eagles clinch promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs.

Following his involvement for his country at the Under-21 European Championship in Israel, Zaha was pleased to link up with his new team-mates in time to travel on the Tour 2013 presented by Aon. Despite talk of interest from other clubs in signing him on loan, he is keen to make his mark at Old Trafford.

When asked about the speculation about his short-term future, he told ManUtd.com: "I've grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay.

"I have moved away from most of my family and friends but it’s progress. Everyone understands that. I wanted to make the move here because it’s what is best for my career."

Zaha only had a few days to settle in at the Aon Training Complex before jetting out to Thailand and he is getting used to life at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I just stayed in my corner of the dressing room really and looked about and tried to get used to everyone," he admitted. "Everybody jokes around in the changing room and all that kind of stuff so it was just enjoyable really. I was a bit nervous coming in but everyone is cool so it was nice.

"I would’ve preferred starting with everyone else so I could make a good impression and put in a good effort so I’m just glad I was here before the tour started."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Day 3 in Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-arrive-in-bangkok-thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Giggs hungry for more

Ryan Giggs says winning the league title last season made it an enjoyable summer, but the veteran insists he was itching to get back to work.

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Giggs has returned to training with an extra string to his bow following the announcement that this season he will be a player/coach.

Like all the players, the 39-year-old is thoroughly enjoying the new United regime under new boss David Moyes and cannot wait for the season to start.

"Things have been going great to so far and everyone is working hard," Giggs told ManUtd.com. "Personally, I feel good. I shut down for about three weeks after the season finished but then started going in the gym a couple of times on holiday after that and also did a bit of swimming and a few runs. I was also in Turkey doing my coaching badges with Gary [Neville] so we were training partners which was good.

"I enjoyed the summer and if you compare it to last year they're like chalk and cheese. It's obviously great to win the league and you can enjoy your summer knowing you're champions, but as it goes on you're itching to get back - you want that challenge again and you can't wait for the season to start.

"Of course, you need that rest after a tough season but two or three weeks into your holiday you're already thinking about coming back and achieving more."


Giggsy:worship:.

[bbfan1991]

Singha All Star XI V Man Utd. Anyone watching the first United pre season game later? Kick off is at 2:00 PM:).

[Ryan57]

Singha All Star XI V Man Utd. Anyone watching the first United pre season game later? Kick off is at 2:00 PM:).

Yes. What a wank match.

[bbfan1991]

Singha All Stars 1 Utd 0

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/match-report-singha-all-stars-manchester-united.aspx

I ended up going out at the last minute, missed the match but not bothered that we lost it is only pre season and it is about the players building their fitness back after returning from their Summer break:).

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Bangkok clash

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-of-singha-all-star-xi-vs-manchester-united-tour-2013-match.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Zaha savours feeling

Wilfried Zaha spoke to MUTV's David Stowell immediately after his first appearance for United, in Saturday's pre-season match in Bangkok...

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How was that for you, pulling on the Manchester United shirt for the first time?
It was an incredible feeling really, to come on and play with the likes of Rio, Ryan Giggs, Anderson... knowing I was on the pitch with them was good enough for me.

It was hot for us just watching the match. What was it like to play in?
The humidity is crazy but we’ve just got to push on. And it will be good for our fitness when we go back to England.

So was this an ideal match for getting fit?
Yes, definitely. We’ve been working hard in pre-season training but a game like this was exactly what we needed. In some ways the weather helps us as well because you don’t even need to run to get a sweat on. It helped our fitness a lot.

You were a lick of paint away from scoring a debut goal. Talk us through it…
I really just out my head down and tried to connect with the ball properly. It would have been a different story if it had gone in. I’m glad I had a go and it would have been a great day for me if I’d scored one. But it doesn’t matter now.

You’re flying off to Sydney now. Is this tour a whirlwind experience for you?
Yes, it’s my first time on a tour like this and I’m not used to it. To have so many fans coming to watch a pre-season game is just different for me but I’m looking forward to the next part. I’m just looking to work hard and get better at everything.


He is down to earth and eager to improve, people were positive about his performance despite us losing.

[bbfan1991]

Reds visit excites Oz

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/australian-fans-excited-for-united-visit.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes in awe of appeal

David Moyes has revealed Sir Alex briefed him on what to expect from Manchester United's pre-season tours... although he admits he is still learning to come to terms with the size and intensity of the Reds' global appeal.

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United landed in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, the second leg of this season's summer tour and the first without Sir Alex Ferguson in 26 years.

Moyes' first exposure to a United pre-season came in Bangkok last week, where the Reds spent three nights in the Thailand capital amid fevered interest from the locals.

Moyes visited Australia with Everton in 2011 but the new United manager admits the level of interest his former side generated is nothing compared to the Reds' pulling power.

"I managed a very good club at Everton and we had great support out here – we visited Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and enjoyed that – but I have to put this into perspective and it's completely different," he said.

"The amount of support we've had, the amount of interest from the press... we're constantly watched and scrutinised and it's something I'll have to come to terms with.

"But the previous manager, Sir Alex, told me what to expect. He told me especially what the tours were going to be like and I think if you have a football club like Manchester United you have to make sure you go to your supporters worldwide and I think as a football club Manchester United do that very well.

"They take the club around the world and try and engage with the supporters wherever they are."

Moyes' first game in charge – a 1-0 defeat to a Singha All Star XI in Thailand on Saturday – may not have gone to plan in terms of the result, but he was pleased with the workout his side underwent in testing conditions.

Pre-season results have never been an accurate barometer for the season that follows and Moyes wasn't too concerned by the shock defeat. Certainly, he still has his sights set high for the 2013/14 campaign.

"The objectives for the season are probably no different from what any Manchester United objectives would be: to win as many trophies as possible.

"It's my first season as manager and I'm following probably the finest football manager that’s ever lived. If I can even win a quarter of what he won I'll have done very well. The first thing is to settle in to the job, get to know everybody and find my own way around."

Manchester United play the Foxtel A-League All-Stars at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday 20 July (10:30 BST).

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Arrival in Australia

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-the-manchester-united-squad-in-sydney-on-tour2013.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Duo join Reds in Sydney

Robin van Persie and David De Gea have joined Manchester United in Sydney for the 2013 Tour presented by Aon.

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Both players missed the first leg of the summer trip, in Bangkok, having been granted extended leave due to international commitments in June.

But the pair reported for duty at the Reds' Sydney hotel on Sunday afternoon, shortly after the rest of the playing staff (now 20-strong) arrived from Bangkok.

The news is a big boost for United fans in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, who will miss out on seeing Wayne Rooney in action after the striker returned to Manchester last week with a hamstring injury.

Van Persie and De Gea will train with the team for the first time since May in Sydney on Monday morning.
:)

[bbfan1991]

Boss relishing Sydney stay

David Moyes is relishing the opportunity to spend a week preparing for the new season with his Manchester United side in Sydney.

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The Reds arrived in Australia on Sunday lunchtime and will be joined by Robin van Persie and David De Gea for the second leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The players will be spending much of the next seven days continuing to work on their fitness, before a friendly against an A-League All-Stars side on Saturday.

But Moyes is also hoping to enjoy some downtime on his second trip to Sydney; he also visited with his previous club Everton.

"I'm very pleased to be back," Moyes told a press conference at the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art. "I came here about three years ago.

"You always enjoy the first time but I think you need to come back a second time to really see the sights. So I'm looking forward to having a look a round but I'm also looking forward to the game – it should be a big crowd and a good night.

"Coming here is a big part of our preparations. We're looking forward to a good week's training and we'll use the fine facilities here to get prepared.

"Robin will join us, which will help a lot. Wayne [Rooney] has gone back and it looks like a two-to-three-week injury – nothing too severe."

United kicked off the tour with a 1-0 defeat to a Singha All Star XI in Bangkok on Saturday and Moyes is looking to improve as pre-season goes on.

"Wherever you go, the games are tough," the Reds boss added. "We found that last night in Thailand. This Saturday will be our second game and the Aussie players will be more in full flow than we are.

"And when you play for United, everybody wants to beat you. The players who have been here for a few years understand that's part of playing for Manchester United.

"But we want to improve in everything we do. Our fitness last night was quite good in testing conditions. A lot of things we did were good. We didn't quite get the goals to go along with our play so that's what we'll be hoping to add to our game on Saturday."

Moyes also revealed why he chose to bring a smaller squad on tour – there were only 19 players in the initial travelling party – though he admitted that injuries could be a factor on the trip around Asia and Australia.

"You're always likely to pick up one or two knocks and niggles," he said. "But we've got players who are starting training back home in the UK – [Ashley] Young, [Chris] Smalling, [Nemanja] Vidic – so we know that if we do need them we can probably call on them.

"My preference was to come with a smaller squad because I wanted to make sure I got as many players playing minutes as possible.

"For example, last night, several players played the full 90 minutes and that will be the case on Saturday: some of them will certainly play a full game."

[bbfan1991]

There is a word that David Moyes conjures with that is pure Glaswegian: gallus. It relays a mix of cheek, front, a bit of chutzpah and belief.

The new Manchester United manager uses it in answering a question about Jose Mourinho’s return to the Premier League with Chelsea and whether he is prepared for any sparring. But Moyes is talking about himself. And how he is big enough; big enough for United.

“When you are a boy from Glasgow, you are quite gallus,” Moyes explains at the start of United’s extensive three-week pre-season tour, starting in Thailand.

“It means you have been through a lot in your time.” And also have that confidence to express it. While Moyes has struck an understandably deferential tone, on occasions, in discussing the scale of his new job, not just taking over at United but taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who anointed him, he will be his own man. It is the only way.

It is why in praising the professionalism, the desire to win, the technical height of the United players he has already delivered his first, blunt dressing-down. It did not take long. And there have been others since.

It came in his first week in charge and on the training field: a domain that Moyes, who loves to coach, intends to dominate just as he did for a decade at Everton and has done throughout his managerial career.

“I told them [the players] to get their finger out and give a bit more,” Moyes explains. “I have no problem with that. It was to let them know this is what is going on. I cannot call it the hairdryer – I think someone else has already done that.”

Like Fergie’s hairdryer; the rebuke had the desired effect. “When you work with top players, if they think they have not got it right it is ‘no problem, you are right, we’ve got the message, we did not do it that well’,” Moyes says.

“The top players are inspiring me. Good coaches see it – and see what the players need. The players see it. I have seen Ryan [Giggs] pull one or two and seen Rio [Ferdinand] say to some of them: ‘Come on, you have to do a bit better’ – settle down a bit’.”

So is the Glaswegian ‘gallus’, for the boy from Bearsden, also a weapon? “I remember getting the manager’s job at Preston,” Moyes recalls, “and people were saying: ‘It shouldn’t be David Moyes, it should be Joe Royle or Ian Rush’. I had to fight that, a wee bit. Not so much at Everton. There was a general feeling at the end they wanted more than they could deliver.

I think the [United] job will come with pitfalls. There will be questions what to do. Hopefully I am tough enough to stand up for myself, when required.” Those who know Moyes know the word “hopefully” was superfluous in that answer.

There is not just Ferguson’s endorsement, plus the endorsement of an impressive six‑year contract at United, and the reassurances of the club’s owners, the Glazer family, but also a sense that with a British manager given the top club job in the country, Moyes has become a standard-bearer.

“A lot of British managers were looking out and thinking the top jobs were not available,” he acknowledges.

“They wanted to feel there were opportunities and it was not a closed shop. Hopefully they will see there is a way. There was a good feeling to me getting the job, there is a route for young managers in this country.”

Moyes, who recently turned 50, certainly feels he is “more equipped and ready” to take on the “new environment, new level, new standard” that United represents. “Professionalism,” Moyes says when asked to sum up what that stands for.

“The players have been really good. How committed they are to their training. Competitive is the big thing; incredibly competitive; a winning habit in a small game or possession game. There is a will to win. I can see it right through the club. I can see something in the players; their mentality. They feel good with it. They are comfortable as winners.

“There is a noticeable aspect about their play I have seen in training. It is one of the big things. It is fierce. They are at it. That has been really impressive. They have not held back.

“The technical level is something. There are lots of good players at Everton but here is excellent. I have been wowed by Ryan Giggs’s technical ability.

"Of course, I knew how good a player he was but getting close quarters and seeing how good he is with the ball is something I am now privy to.”

Giggs, who will be 40 in November, will be a player-coach (and definitely still important, Moyes says) with the new manager having shaken up his backroom staff, bringing in five from Everton including Phil Neville.

Other alterations will be less obvious, however. Indeed one of the significant challenges for Moyes is that “there’s a balance for me not to change things but to move them on a little bit”. He adds: “It’s not a case of me having to go and say: ‘This is terrible, I have to change that’.

“This [United] is a machine that works and there are a lot things I have to learn about it. But the players have a new manager in and they are still expecting ‘what is it you do?’ So it’s a case of getting that balance.”

Communication has been crucial. Moyes is determined to talk in detail to all the players during United’s epic tour to the Far East and Australia. On the flight to Bangkok he sat with Ferdinand while he has already tapped into Gigg’s desire to coach and not given up on eventually bringing Paul Scholes back to the club as part of his staff.

The squad, also, will develop although there is a clear message from Moyes that while the finances at United mean no player is theoretically beyond their reach he remains firmly committed to youth development.

“Isn’t it great that the club says: ‘There’s no budget here, you go get who you want to get, just go and do it’,” Moyes says.

“I will not name anybody but certainly we are always looking at the best players, we are interested in the best players and I definitely am. I am not going to take the focus away from trying to sign good players who are hungry and who are thinking of climbing the ladder.”

The first major signing, Moyes acknowledges, will be a significant moment. “I do think that it’s important that we show people we are carrying on the traditions and trying to take the club forward,” he says.

“But with the same breath we’d like to add one or two players to make the squad stronger as well. They might not necessarily be the top-end of the market. Sometimes the jigsaw puzzle of piecing it all together doesn’t always come exactly the way you want it but I’ve got a picture in my mind of what I’d like and I’m hoping to work towards that.”

Strengthening the midfield, Moyes acknowledges, where the first-team squad is “short” is the priority while, he adds, there is “no pressure to sell” any players. Despite United’s spending power he concedes “it’s a tough market out there” and highlights the emergence of Paris St-Germain as another challenge in Europe.

“There is probably a group of elite, top players who tend to choose between six or seven destinations and it always mean that because they are in demand it’s hard to agree a price to get them,” Moyes says.

“At Everton I would think ‘look at all the players they [United] could go for’. Now I am here, there is a group of players and a group who are not gettable. However much money you have. There is also a valuation. That is why you run a good business. From that point of view all those things have to come together. We are working hard on bringing good players in.”

His ‘sales’ pitch will be simple. “Manchester United speaks for itself, that’s the first thing. Manchester United as a football club and what they have done in world football, their position.

"But I would say to people ‘this is the start of something new, this is something I’m looking forward to do’ and I want them to be part of it. So I’m hoping to bring players in who are hungry for success and I will be saying ‘hey, that can help me as well, let’s work together’. I do feel that’s the way forward.”

Moyes says he feels “comfortable” in the role and is determined not to try to reinvent himself.

“My focus is not to change the reasons why people thought I was the right candidate for the job because if I was going to change it would mean I am starting again,” the United manager explains.

“My style will obviously be different from Sir Alex, it will be mine, but hopefully it will bring the same success as he has.”


An interview The Telegraph did with David Moyes. I believe in our new Manager and he knows that the priority is to strengthen our Midfield!

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Reds duo return

Robin van Persie and David De Gea took part in their first training session of Tour 2013 presented by Aon on Monday afternoon.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-robin-van-perise-and-david-de-gea-first-training-session.aspx#

Glad to see them back:).

[bbfan1991]

Carrick hails Moyes

Michael Carrick has hailed the energy and enthusiasm that David Moyes has brought to the club since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Carrick caught up with ManUtd.com on arrival in Sydney (with the Opera House making a spectacular backdrop) and revealed how much the players are enjoying working under the new manager as they continue preparations for the new season.

"The tour has been really good so far and there is a great atmosphere around the place," the midfielder told us. "The manager has brought that in. He's enthusiastic and energetic and intense with his work, and that's rubbed off on everyone. Training has been good and there is a huge focus and a good feel around the place.

"The manager is hands-on in training. He's a lot different to Sir Alex in that sense – he tended to take a step back and let the coaches deal with things, whereas David likes to be right in the thick of it and that's good. It creates an intensity and everyone has responded to that."

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/video-michael-carrick-enjoying-preseason-tour.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Giggs excited by coaching role

Ryan Giggs is revelling in his new role as player/coach for Manchester United and revealed he’s already seeing the game from a different perspective.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/0F94F383A13C4644B47DEFB888BC4FED.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=57,79,681,1012

Giggs was appointed to the role earlier this month and is learning the ropes alongside the Reds’ new backroom team, though he’s not immersed in the job entirely yet.

"It has worked well so far and I am excited about it," he said. "It is about getting the balance right because I am still playing but I have enjoyed it so far.

"The manager likes to coach and we have Jim Lumsden, Steve Round and Phil Neville, so there is not a big emphasis on that at the moment. It is looking behind the scenes and seeing how everything works.

"It is completely different from playing. Even though I have been playing for 20-odd years, I am seeing the other side of it, how we prepare for games. It is something I had not experienced as a player. Some things I knew, others I didn't. It has been a real education."

Giggs is still very much involved on the playing side and put in an hour-long shift in Saturday’s first pre-season match against a Singha All Star XI, in which several Reds youngsters caught the eye.

The Welshman added: "I am excited. Adnan [Januzaj] did well and looks a really good prospect. He has trained with us quite a bit in pre-season and shown his talent.

"Now it is just about having that experience, learning from the older players and doing what he does best. You don't want to get ahead of yourself – he is only young.

"Wilfried [Zaha] came on and was unlucky not to score, and Jesse [Lingard] got some shots off as well. It was good experience for these lads to come on the tour, play in front of big crowds and get that experience.

"All the players I mentioned, not just Wilfried, are tremendous prospects. They are all exciting and will gain experience from games like that."

[Drew.]

"no thanks"

http://www.footballforums.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59522

[Ryan57]

"no thanks"

http://www.footballforums.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59522

I can't see it, Drew. :suspect:

[Drew.]

see what?

[Ryan57]

The picture.

[Drew.]

oh, it comes up for me :conf:

[Ryan57]

Not working for me for some reason.

[the truth]

rooney is leaving again

[Jemal]

WOW WE JUST REJECTED 10M AND MATA FOR ROONEY? Give me a break!? Jesus ****ing christ. Let that prick go.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United's David De Gea says he's a glutton for punishment after beefing up

Much-clattered keeper has gained muscle by lifting weights and stuffing his face and claims “I enjoy the physical side of it now”

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2056629.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Manchester-United-Training-and-Press-Conference-Sydney-2056629.jpg

Manchester United keeper David de Gea says he is no longer an easy target for the Premier League’s bully-boys, writes David McDonnell in Sydney.

De Gea endured a tough start to his United career, a series of high-profile gaffes suggesting he was not cut out for the job of No.1.

But De Gea bulked up, thanks to a special diet and punishing weights sessions, to give him the physique to cope with the combative nature of the Premier League.

And the Spaniard, 22, said he now had the experience, confidence and physical presence to maintain his status as the champions’ No.1 and not get roughed up.

“I knew I had to become bigger physically,” said De Gea.”You can see I look different to when I first came here and I have much more muscle.

“I’ve worked hard in the gym - lifting heavy weights and doing a lot of exercises.

“It was a very intense regime. I changed my diet as well and now eat an awful lot more than I used to, to build myself up for the physical challenges of the English game.

“In training, the players would deliberately hit high balls into me and barge into me so I’d get used to that side of the English game.

“I actually enjoy the physical side of it now.”

De Gea was dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson after one blunder too many cost United a 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn on New Year’s Eve 2011.

Anders Lindegaard came in for the Spaniard, who looked to have lost his No.1 status until an injury to his replacement saw him reclaim his place.

But De Gea flourished on his return to the side after his enforced spell on the bench - his heroics last season earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

United’s 20th title triumph owed as much to De Gea’s exploits between the post as it did to Robin van Persie’s 30-goal heroics in his debut season.

And De Gea admitted former United boss Ferguson’s decision to drop him was the wake-up call he needed for him to finally realise his potential.

“I know there was a stage when I was dropped to the bench, but that was good for me,” said De Gea. “It made me stronger and better.

“Also, the trust that Sir Alex put in me gave me a lot of confidence. He was like that with me from the very start.

http://.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1838333.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/West-Ham-v-Manchester-United-1838333.jpg

“Eric Steele was a great goalkeeping coach who always looked after me and I will remember that.

“Now I have a new coach, in Chris Woods, and I’m enjoying learning different things with him. I’ve improved over the last year and that’s down to the hard work I have done with all the coaches.

“It was hard at the beginning because I’d come from a different league and didn’t know what to expect in this league and with this type of football.

“I don’t think people appreciated just how hard it was for me coming to a new country at 19, as well as a different type of football.

“My immediate family came over with me from the start, but I missed my friends back home. Everything is now better and I’m very happy in Manchester.”

Real Madrid and Spain No.1 Iker Casillas has claimed De Gea can go on to become the best keeper in the world - a standing the youngster is keen to achieve.

“It’s great that a goalkeeper as good as Iker has said that I could be the best of them all,” said De Gea.

“It’s very humbling but, yes, it’s possible. Those words motivate me to reach that goal. When Edwin van der Sar said he was leaving Manchester United I wanted to be the man to replace him.

“I was given that chance and I’m not going to let it go. I would love if one day the fans speak of me in the same way they speak of Edwin and Peter Schmeichel. That would mean all the hard work has paid off.”


Fair play:). I admire his attitude!

[bbfan1991]

Progress pleases Tony

Head of Fitness and Conditioning Tony Strudwick says the players are putting in plenty of hard work on the training pitch and in the gym during Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

After a three-day stay in Bangkok, the Reds arrived in Sydney on Sunday for a solid week of training.

Strudwick is pleased with how things are going so far at a time he believes is "the most important part of the year."

"We always have a heavy presence of fitness staff during pre-season because it's the time when the players have to work hard in order to hit the ground the running, particularly given the start we have this season," he told MUTV.

"This time is always the most important part of the year and we want to get up to speed as soon as possible."

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/video-tony-strudwick-interview.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Sydney session

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/Gallery-Open-training-in-Sydney.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Cole enjoying club role

Andy Cole is one of several former players in the Manchester United party on Tour 2013 presented by Aon. The Treble-winning striker and current club ambassador has been busy in Bangkok and Sydney, attending various commercial and partner events on behalf of the club. Here he tells ManUtd.com why he's enjoying the role...

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/4CBC270F82174FEF8876172DE1AD11CC.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,21,550,226

It’s a great honour to be an ambassador for Manchester United. When I played for the club, I didn’t realise just how much work went on behind the scenes – I probably didn’t give the commercial team the credit they deserve. But I appreciate it a lot more now I’m on the other side of the fence.

When I first took the role, I didn’t quite know what to expect but it’s very different to being a player. The team here work extremely hard and seem to be a very close-knit bunch. I get on well with them; they don’t look at me as ‘Coley who used to play the game’ – I’m one of them now. That’s a good thing and it’s why it feels different for me now.

The best part of the role is the travelling, which has been phenomenal. Coming to places like this on tour, seeing the fans we have all over the world – I still can’t get my head around it.

Pre-season tours have changed since I played for United. More and more partners have come on board, so the tours are much bigger and a lot more is expected of the players commercially. The first team used to travel separately on scheduled flights but now we charter our own plane!

[bbfan1991]

Amos excited by new era

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/ben-amos-enjoying-working-with-chris-woods.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Evans getting up to speed

Jonny Evans admits the start of pre-season is tough for every Manchester United player but knows it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/2A38E836F0944423A572774475CB6023.ashx?20130717T003 4354885

United are preparing for the new season in Sydney this week, with double training sessions on most days designed to bring the team up to speed for the new campaign.

The Reds blew off some cobwebs in last weekend’s opening game of Tour 2013, a 1-0 defeat in hot and humid conditions to a Singha All Star XI in Bangkok.

But Jonny revealed a lot of work had already been done at the Aon Training Complex the week before the tour started.

"It has been tough," he told us. "The first week back in was pretty hard and, after the first couple of days, a few of the lads were struggling to move.

"But that’s what it’s all about and we want to get as fit as possible before the season."

[bbfan1991]

WOW WE JUST REJECTED 10M AND MATA FOR ROONEY? Give me a break!? Jesus ****ing christ. Let that prick go.

Luiz was included in it too. Either David Moyes wants to keep Rooney or United want more cash for him.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United ‏@ManUtd 16h
Up and running... #mufc players including @carras16, @ALindegaard and @wilfriedzaha film a TV commercial. #mutour

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BPUtBBVCcAAaDvU.jpg

[bbfan1991]

ANZ Stadium: State of Origin tonight and @ALeague v #mufc on Saturday. What a week. #mutour

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BPXHD7JCQAAZxwF.jpg

[Ryan57]

Manchester United ‏@ManUtd 16h
Up and running... #mufc players including @carras16, @ALindegaard and @wilfriedzaha film a TV commercial. #mutour

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BPUtBBVCcAAaDvU.jpg

LMAO at fat Ando.

Awful keeper shirt as well.

[Jemal]

In hearing moyes is gonna offer nani a new contract which i would be so happy with. We need to keep our match winners. Especially selling nani, what wingers are out there to replace him? And also selling rooney aswell. If we was to sell rooney and nani in the same summer i think i would feint.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward leaves club's tour of Australia to carry out transfer business.

Good:).

[Jemal]

If its Fellaini, i won't be happy.

[bbfan1991]

Rafael benefits from Fabio split

Rafael has revealed that Fabio’s spell away from Manchester United last season had a positive effect for him back at Old Trafford.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/8404A75BB80E420290AAF02ACF9B663A.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,22,896,354

Fabio spent the season on loan at QPR, who were relegated as Rafael picked up the Barclays Premier League title with the Reds.

It was a difficult experience for Fabio but his twin admits the rare time they spent apart benefitted his relationships at United.

"When my brother went to QPR, people around the club behaved in a different way towards me," Rafael said.

"Before they tended not to talk that much. Maybe they felt intimidated because we were always together. Last year they started to talk to me. It was different. It helped me a lot."

The pair are reunited now but realise one day they may have to separate permanently.

"When we first came to Manchester we said it was brilliant but we knew it wouldn't last forever and that one day we will have to play in different places," said Fabio.

"It is not made easier because we play in the same position. Unless I play on the left we can't play at the same time. That is always going to create a problem."

Rafael added: "Gary and Phil Neville did it. They played together at Manchester United for a long time but then Phil left and went to play for Everton."

[Ryan57]

_4KgmobWrl0

Cocky bastards.

[bbfan1991]

A-League All Stars v United

United: Lindegaard; Rafael, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra; Zaha, Cleverley, Carrick, Giggs, Lingard, Welbeck.

Subs: De Gea, Anderson, Fabio, Van Persie, Keane, Januzaj.

Kick off is at 10:30:).

[bbfan1991]

Jesse Lingard with a great finish to score the first United goal under David Moyes.

[bbfan1991]

Danny Welbeck scores to put Manchester United 2-0 up in Sydney, a good pass by United player/coach Ryan Giggs.

[bbfan1991]

Jesse Lingard puts United 3-1 up, not long after United conceded.

[Legend killer]

No more beating around the bush Zaha OWNS both Young and Tony he is actually a threat with the ball. Get rid of both and promote Lingard so our wingers next year will look like Nani/Zaha/Lingard/Kag(when needed)

Moyes promoting the youth it's a shame Pogba was not around during the Moyes era

[bbfan1991]

Patrice Evra got barged into by an opposition player and got hurt, he managed to come on for a bit and then got subbed off. He looked better, so hopefully he will be fine.

Best thing was him passing the captains armband to RVP, who has just scored:D.

[Legend killer]

Manchester United manager David Moyes has admitted that signing a midfielder will be his main priority heading into his first season at Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's friendly against the A League All Stars in Sydney, Moyes said: "When I got the job, I was made aware of what could possibly be done to improve things.

"Signing a midfield player was one area where we thought we could possibly add to the squad.

"It's hard to get top quality players who can come in and affect your team. That's why we're trying to go for what we see as the right players and the best players.

"If you're a player and you're brought up to play football, and you look out of the window and see Old Trafford, if you've got any ambitions about being a footballer, and you're a top-end one, then I think you'll want to play for Manchester United."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8832407/david-moyes-seeking-midfielder-to-impove-manchester-united-squad

[Legend killer]

Best thing from the match was the pressing have honestly not seen the team press like that in YEARS.

I said it when he left and I will say it again the best thing to happen to this club was Fergie to leave and Moyes with his attitude this summer has further confirmed this

[bbfan1991]

A-League All Stars 1 Utd 5

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Jul/match-report-foxtel-a-league-all-stars-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Lingard gleeful after goals

Young midfielder Jesse Lingard spoke exclusively to MUTV's Stewart Gardner on Saturday, immediately after the tour match in which he scored two goals for Manchester United against Foxtel A-League All Stars...

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/260869DF90024BAA9C218B244561EFE8.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,73,1024,453

What a night for you Jesse?

Yes, it's been great, getting on the scoresheet and scoring two. Playing in front of all these fans, the fans are great, and the team played very well.

What do you remember of those two goals?

For the first one I remember Welbz [Danny Welbeck] let it go through his legs and I was one-on-one with the keeper. For the second one, Pat made an overlap and took the defender away with him. I cut inside and shot, and it went in. This is my second tour and I wanted to get on the scoresheet and I've done that tonight.

What's it like to tour, train and now play with the first-team squad?

Yes, it's good. You want to be with them regularly. You want to get used to how they train and how they prepare for games. The lads have been great, the banter's flying about and they've welcomed the young lads into the squad very well.

Scoring two goals is a good way to impress the new manager...

I feel I've been doing well in training for the last few days and it was good to get a start tonight. I'm happy to be on the scoresheet.

Are you pleased that Danny Welbeck also scored twice tonight?

Yes. He's been scoring in training, and scoring those two goals in the match tonight will get his confidence up.


I am pleased for Jesse:), he is a likeable guy and has lots of potential as a player. He had a great performance earlier!

[bbfan1991]

First win pleases Moyes

David Moyes was a happy man after Manchester United recorded the first win of his managerial reign by beating the Foxtel A-League All Stars 5-1 in Sydney.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/0BB0D679F46843A6BAA39ACC59A374E9.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,166,1019,545

After a lethargic display in last weekend’s pre-season opener in Bangkok, United looked slick at the ANZ Stadium, comfortably overcoming the hosts in front of 83,000 fans.

"It was a special night to get my first victory as Manchester United manager," he told a press conference. "It was a good performance. We could maybe have got a few more goals – we hit the post and had one or two other chances as well.

"The opposition put on a good show, especially in the first half, when they caused us one or two problems. Once we got the goals we got the chance to control the game a little.

"It was a good game for us. We stepped up and I thought we looked a bit fitter tonight, a bit more ready, and the temperature possibly helped us a bit more than in Thailand."

Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck scored two apiece before, in his first pre-season action, Robin van Persie netted a fifth, and Moyes had praise for them all.

"To get Robin back on and started was good but I think it was impressive that Danny scored a couple of goals – he might have got four or five on another night," Moyes said.

"The keeper saved one from him with his feet in the first half and he was a bit unlucky. He made a couple of great runs.

"Jesse played well and I was hoping he would get a hat-trick because I think for a young boy to do that for Manchester United is a big thing.

"But his performance was very good – he set Robin up for his goal as well with a nice weighted pass. And not only did he play well, he worked hard and showed maturity."

Moyes revealed on Friday that he’d had a one-to-one with Welbeck, who he clearly rates very highly.

The boss said: "I told him that if he continued to work as hard as he has done, he’d get the rewards. I think he showed a little bit of versatility in everything he did tonight."

Wilfried Zaha made his first start in a United shirt and was again promising on the right wing, with Moyes adding: "I thought Zaha made a contribution and was unlucky not to score. We also got the chance to see Michael Keane in the second half."

Moyes, who revealed he had no further updates on his bid to sign Cesc Fabregas, was asked by a Scottish journalist if he was looking forward to mind games with new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"Your accent sounds like mine and if you’re in Glasgow then you enjoy those sorts of things, so bring it on!" he joked.

United move on to Japan on Sunday for the next leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon and Moyes will leave Australia with happy memories.

"To get 83,000 fans here tonight is incredible and I thank all of them for coming," he said. Everybody is saying that the amount of support this club has worldwide has been shown again by coming here to Sydney."


The first win under David Moyes feels brilliant:).

[Ryan57]

Good result. Good performance. Anderson was an absolute embarrassment when he came on. Fat bastard looked useless.

[Legend killer]

As I said many times WE RUINED ANDO. People forget before he joined us he was skilful , tricky and was talked about as being the next Ronaldinho. Fast forward to Fergie for some unknown reason trying to turn him into a box to box dynamo which is not what he is all because "there was no value" in bringing in an actual CM

Although with that being said let's not act like he is OUR ONLY CM he actually drives forward and beats a player just a shame he is so fat and out of shape


Also why was RVP given man of the match yesterday lol? Players who were on a different level to him yesterday Jesse , Wilfred , Danny and Adan was pretty sexual when he came on

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

[Ryan57]

Park got Man of the Match in Korea once, despite not playing.

Even if Ando has been used wrongly, no excuse for the fact he's a fat bastard. And absolutely shocking passing yesterday. Get rid!

Also notice Cleverley has made some long, forward, passes in the first two pre season games. Maybe he's stopped pissing himself at the thought of a long pass.

[bbfan1991]

Cleverley relishes contest

Tom Cleverley is relishing the competition in the Manchester United squad and says he’ll just keep his head down and work hard for his place in the side.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/BDBE5C6FC5F84A5F9D9242502CEC1FE2.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,24,650,507

If the Reds are successful in a bid to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, the Spaniard will become the latest addition to a midfield that is already full of talented options.

But Cleverley told ManUtd.com and PA Sport: "There’s always going to be world-class competition and this club’s always going to be linked with big players. I don’t really take much notice of it – I just play my football.

"Sir Alex challenged us every day, so we were always having to impress him. It’s no different under David Moyes. We’re all working hard to impress."

After picking up his first league winner’s medal last season, Cleverley is hungry for more in Moyes’ new regime. And the 23-year-old believes the younger members of United’s squad have the best possible mentors to achieve that.

"The desire from Giggsy, Rio, Scholesy, Wazza... they’ve all won a number of titles and they’re still so hungry to win more," he said.

"We follow on from that – it passes down to us and we want to be here in 10 years saying we’ve got six, seven or eight medals. You’re brought up like that at this club.

"We did really well last year. We didn’t just win it; we won it in style after the previous year, which really hurt us. We want to retain the title now. That victory parade was incredible and it makes us want to win more and more."

[bbfan1991]

Japan ready for Reds

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/japanese-fans-excited-for-manchester-united-visit.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Cleverley: Sydney ideal

Tom Cleverley believes Manchester United's week in Sydney has been hugely productive on a number of fronts, and says the English champions are now keen to maintain the high standards that helped the Reds beat the Foxtel A-League All Stars 5-1 on Saturday night.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/5FAE9B53056441D2BCAD62911E9704A0.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,10,600,233

The performance was a marked improvement on United's first pre-season outing, a 1-0 loss in Bangkok against a Singha All-Star XI.

"It felt a lot better tonight," Cleverley told ManUtd.com and PA Sport after the final whistle. "We got the cobwebs out in Thailand. I felt much better tonight and this performance will give us confidence going into the rest of the tour."

The young midfielder and his team-mates will have benefited from a week's training in Australia, in the lead-up to Saturday's sell-out fixture at ANZ Stadium.

And while the Reds were given the chance to see some of the sights Sydney had to offer, the focus, Cleverley said, was well and truly on improving fitness.

"I think all the lads would say that the Thursday and Friday sessions were really sharp. We’ve definitely hit that extra gear and we’ll benefit from [Saturday's match] as well. You can definitely see in training that the intensity has stepped up and the players have got to know each other better. We’re moving forward.

"I think all the boys have enjoyed David Moyes' training. We’ve been working hard and we’re all looking really sharp now. We want to keep it like that."

United's next test comes against Yokohama F·Marinos on Tuesday 23 July.


I agree that the weeks training benefited the lads!

[bbfan1991]

Jones: I'll play anywhere

Phil Jones is yet to speak to David Moyes about his long-term position, but he insists he is happy to play anywhere.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/EDF8854FC7FC43568A7F52B29C83F53A.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,36,642,275

The England international enjoyed run-outs in central defence, at full-back and in midfield last season and excelled in every position.

Jones says all the players are relishing life under the new manager and he maintains he will play wherever he is required.

“We haven’t spoken about it yet, but I’m sure as the tour progresses then it will arise,” he told ManUtd.com.

“It’s like I said last season when I was playing right-back, centre-back and centre midfield, I just enjoy playing football and if that means playing in different positions then that’s fine, I just want to play. Hopefully I can play plenty of games.”

Many former players and pundits have tipped Jones as a future United captain and potentially one of the club's best ever players, but the man himself is not getting carried away by the compliments. While flattered by the praise, he insists he remains focused on continuing to work hard.

“Obviously it’s great to hear comments like that, but you’ve still got to prove yourself and go out and do the business on matchday. That’s my aim this season," he declared.


He is versatile:).

[bbfan1991]

Robson backs Moyes

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/video-bryan-robson-on-david-moyes.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United's Darren Fletcher to miss start of season

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is stepping up his recovery after a bowel operation but expects to miss the start of the season.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/68867000/jpg/_68867386_fletcher_getty3.jpg

The 29-year-old Scotland international has been out since Boxing Day and in January had surgery on a long-standing problem of ulcerative colitis.

Asked when he would be back, Fletcher told BBC Radio 5 live: "Hopefully, not too long after the start of the season.

"I think I will just miss the beginning of the season."

Fletcher had to take an extended break from the game in December 2011 because of the chronic bowel disease, and it flared up again 12 months later.

"I've had it for five years but really struggled to control it for the last three years," said the Scotland captain. "It's had a big impact on my day-to-day life, never mind trying to play football.

"Medication wasn't helping me but surgery was the only solution if I wanted to have not only a future playing football but even a quality of life going forward.

He added: "It's all going well. I am still under the hands of the medical team just now and the surgeon who is looking after me. Everything is going to plan so far and I am not that far away now.

"I am doing exercise on my own. I've not been given the green light to join in contact in football training but I am doing my own running and physical activities and feel great. Hopefully, in the next few weeks I am going to get the green light to join in and to start making the comeback, which is looking very good."

Fletcher had been hoping to be ready in time to play in Scotland's match against England on 14 August at Wembley, but he concedes that will not now be possible.

The match will be sandwiched in between the Community Shield on 11 August and the start of the Premier League campaign on 17 August.

Fletcher was quick to reject any idea there will be many withdrawals from the Scotland camp because of the scheduling.

"From the Scotland side of it, [England] is the game that you want to play in when [you] are growing up.

"Maybe England might have a few call-offs but I definitely know in the Scotland camp we won't have many call-offs. I know all the lads will desperate to play in that match.

"It's been so long since we have played against England. Everyone has grown up with stories from their parents or people in football about the old games at Wembley and the old Home Nations matches and how fierce they were.

"Definitely in the Scotland camp we are looking forward to it."


I wish Fletch well with his recovery, but I don't think this news will stop DM in trying to strengthen on our midfield options in the transfer market.

[Legend killer]

We don't want him to be versatile FFS we need to stop with this nonsense playing certain players in as many positions as we can how the **** are they meant to get form . He bloody sucks in midfield can not pass a 5 yard pass CB is his postion

As for Ando his must do his shopping with Wayne two fatties who can't make a 5 yard pass

[Ryan57]

'Fletcher will be like a new signing'. If I hear that I'll smash my dick with a brick.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United look to bring words 'Football Club' back to club crest, saying 'we are an FC, not a business'

Manchester United are considering restoring the words "football club" - which were dropped 15 years ago in a controversial re-design - to their club crest.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02623/rvp_2623372b.jpg

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward confirmed that both he and Joel Glazer, United's joint-chairman, and the member of the Glazer family most closely involved in the day-to-day running of the club, were uncomfortable with the present design.

"I didn't like that change," Woodward said of the 1998 re-design which removed the words "football club" from the United badge. "Joel didn’t like that change. We will look at that and have a think about that.

"We are a football club. We are not a business. The way I described it to the staff was 'we are a 135-year-old club and that's what you have to remember. We are a football club. A club with a capital C: Club'.

"And strapped to that is a commercial business that's going to fund a lot of the player purchases going forward here and we have to be supportive of both. We've got to make sure they co-exist together and don't impact each other and that's where we are trying to balance it."

The design of a club's crest is a highly sensitive issue - as Everton have recently found out after changing theirs - with United having been derided when they altered a design that had been in place for 43 years. It led to accusations that the club was acknowledging it was becoming more of a brand.

Previously the club had "Manchester United" at the top of the crest and "Football Club" at the bottom - but this was changed to simply "Manchester" at the top and "United" below.

Woodward, who formally succeeded chief executive David Gill on July 1, the same day David Moyes officially took over as manager from Sir Alex Ferguson, is regarded as the driving force behind United's huge commercial growth under the ownership of the Glazer family.

He was also a key figure in the Americans' takeover of United in 2005 with the club having since outstripped all others in terms of its worldwide deals.

However, Woodward, 40, stressed that he was "sensitive about the past" and the "traditions of the club" - as was Moyes - and added: "The heritage is not just important it is central to what we are trying to do. As an example we will not re-name Old Trafford, the name is part of the fabric of the club. It means something to our fans."

Woodward confirmed that there was "absolutely no prospect" of the Glazer family relinquishing their ownership.

"They are long-term owners, together with our other shareholders," he said. "They first bought the club eight years ago and there won't be any change for many, many years."

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02623/old-badge_2623370a.jpg

In with the old: what United's badge looked like before the change

He said he spoke "every day to Joel Glazer and have done for eight years", adding: "So I have not necessarily discussed every transfer with Alex but I have with Joel - around the transfers that were happening throughout those eight years."

Woodward also revealed his shock when Ferguson informed him he was retiring.

"I was out for lunch with him when he told me and I was absolutely gobsmacked," he said. "I was looking forward to working with him. I was thinking to myself 'I've got one, two, three, however many years it is working with the greatest manager arguably football has ever seen'. And then that rug was pulled out from underneath me.

"There was a sharp intake of breath and then there's a pause, think about it, totally respect his decision - if it was something where we could have thought 'hang on is that right?' and talking to him and try to persuade him, but we completely agreed with it the moment he sat and explained it.

"So it was really then thinking about the future. As both the old manager and new manager have said, Alex was the best person out there to give advice as to who we should look at.

"He (Alex) has always in his mind had David Moyes right up there and I totally understand why because there are many things in which they are similar. They have that steely determination, extraordinary broad shoulders and in some respects taking on all this responsibility, taking on what is the biggest sports team in the world and taking it in his (Moyes) stride, step by step. It's impressive."

Woodward said the priority for him was to build a "very close relationship" with Moyes: "We will meet every week face-to-face, I'm going to be at every game, I'm going to be around and hopefully we can start building that relationships towards something similar to what David Gill and Sir Alex had.

"It's important to have someone you can completely trust and who you can call up, or let some steam off too, or share a problem with about something that is going on within the team, or within football, and trust to go and deliver things in the transfer market."

United are keen to make a mark in the transfer market this summer - including a £26m bid for Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas - with Woodward quitting the club's pre-season tour to work on deals.

"We have got huge, record revenues, our wage bill is going up because we are bringing in top players - the Robin Van Persie deal was a good example that hopefully dispelled the myth that we have policies on age or amounts.

"If a star player is there we will go after him. We are all aligned on that. I would rather we had 11 of the best players in the world on the pitch than not. These things don't happen overnight but we want to be competing for the best players alongside the other top clubs in the world."


Great news! I shall look forward to seeing the new badge.

[bbfan1991]

Reds relaunch Fabregas bid

David Moyes has revealed Manchester United have launched a second bid to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/5D4D5DE7327345CBB9B1795C26885EA0.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=91,0,800,530

Speaking at a press conference in Yokohama, the boss shed some light on the proposed transfer and even hinted that other deals might be in the making, although he did ask for patience as executive vice chairman Ed Woodward continues negotiations on behalf of the club.

“My understanding is that Ed's had a response and he's spoken with them [Barcelona],” Moyes explained on Monday. “I think we made a second offer but Ed is dealing with that rather than me, personally.”

Expanding on the process behind signing top-bracket players, the manager said: “When you're interested in good players you want to give it every opportunity to materialise and I'll do that. I hope things can continue and move forward.”

As the summer transfer window closes on Monday 2 September, clubs have just over a month to conclude any business. And although that date is slowly edging closer, Moyes is urging supporters to remain calm.

“There isn't any real update I can give you, though. I think everybody had thought this could be the summer where transfers would happen later in the month.

"You have to remember I only started the job on 1 July. So, in truth, I've only been in the job for three weeks at this present time.”


Interesting!

[bbfan1991]

Carrick doubt for Yokohama

Michael Carrick is the only doubt for Manchester United ahead of Tuesday's match against Yokohama F·Marinos in Japan, with the squad now approaching full strength.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/959D63B03A56481680EBEFAEA0A572C5.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,42,695,299

Although Wayne Rooney (hamstring) returned home before the first game in Bangkok and Nemanja Vidic (sciatica) has yet to join the tour, David Moyes' options have been extended by the arrival of Shinji Kagawa, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young in Japan.

The Reds boss could also have Alex Büttner and Jonny Evans back from the minor ailments which caused them to miss Saturday's impressive 5-1 win over the Foxtel A-League All Stars in Sydney.

"Michael Carrick has a tight groin," reported Moyes at Monday's pre-match press conference.

"I expect Jonny Evans to be okay and Alex Büttner to be okay. On the main, we're very close to full strength.

"The three lads [who joined the squad today] probably won't start this game but they'll definitely be involved. Certainly Young and Smalling have been training very hard before flying out here.

"Shinji has mainly been on holiday but he has trained for a few days. We'll get them involved this week."


I hope that Michael Carrick is OK.

[bbfan1991]

Moyes excited by Kagawa

David Moyes hopes to get his first glimpse of Shinji Kagawa on Tuesday evening when Manchester United take on Yokohama F•Marinos in the Kagome Re:Generation Challenge.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/407CF979FA374445BF45689936EC5C98.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,0,696,518

Kagawa rejoined his Reds team-mates for the first time since May on Monday as United jetted into Japan on the third stop of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

And while Shinji isn't expected to start on Tuesday (he was granted an extended holiday following his involvement for Japan in last month's Confederations Cup), Moyes told reporters that he's "looking forward to working with" the 24-year-old.

"I know a little about him as a player," David explained. "Sir Alex spoke in glowing terms about Shinji and how good a player he is. I've just met him today, so we're getting to know each other. I'm trying to learn Japanese and he's trying to understand my Scottish!

"It was his first season in the Premier League last year. He's a young player so we hope his development continues. I look forward to working with him and hopefully he has a really good season coming up."


Nice:).

[bbfan1991]

Shinji proud to be a Red in Japan

Shinji Kagawa was the centre of attention at a packed press conference in Yokohama on Monday night, hours after joining up with his Manchester United team-mates for the first time in pre-season.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/2FDF5869C6E7487297AA323306055B69.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,134,533,531

The Japan star was given time off after summer international commitments and missed the start of Tour 2013 presented by Aon, which comprised stops in Bangkok and Sydney.

But he’s now linked up with his team-mates – and, for the first time, his manager – and is looking forward to Tuesday night’s Kagome Re:Generation Challenge against Yokohama F•Marinos, in which he could play some part.

"I'm very happy to be a member of Manchester United and to be playing in Japan for them," Kagawa said. "I'm looking forward to meeting the fans tomorrow and I hope we have a very good game. I'd like to give them my very best.

"Today I met David Moyes for the first time. We had a good talk in the car. We still need to spend more time to get to know each other but I'm looking forward to building our relationship. As a player, I want to give my best in each game and give a good impression to the manager."

One topic of debate surrounds the role Shinji will ultimately play for United; he played both as a withdrawn forward and a winger in his maiden season, which began slowly but ended strongly.

"It's true I had some difficulties last year but gradually through the season, I was able to participate for longer periods," Kagawa said. "It doesn't matter if I play as a no.10 or not. I'm very confident I can play in any position for the team."

Shinji was asked for his opinion on former team Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final in 2011/12.

"I felt very proud to see Dortmund in the final and I was excited," he said. "I was proud of my former team-mates. I spent more than two years there.

"I don't feel like I made the wrong choice. Of course I wanted to be on that pitch but it just made me feel very strongly about wanting to play in a similar match in the future."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Big in Japan

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-day-one-in-yokohama-japan.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Trio join team in Japan

Ashley Young and Chris Smalling have arrived in Japan to join the Manchester United tour party.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/628CC9099B8F4E1DB4D8C41C65479B9D.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,140,837,451

The duo flew out to Yokohama on Sunday for the remaining three games of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

David Moyes confirmed earlier this week that the pair, both recovering from injuries sustained last season, had been making good progress back at the Aon Training Complex. They will now continue that work with their team-mates in Asia.

Shinji Kagawa has also joined the squad in his homeland, having been given some extra time off following his exertions for Japan in the recent Confederations Cup. Moyes now has 23 players at his disposal for the games against Yokohama F·Marinos (23 July), Cerezo Osaka (26 July) and Kitchee FC (29 July).

[bbfan1991]

Round relishing test

Assistant manager Steve Round sits down with ManUtd.com to discuss life at United so far and the challenges ahead…


http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/80F4169504A34559866CC66DE389A176.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,3,758,283

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/assistant-manager-steve-round-enjoying-life-at-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Yokohama 3 United 2

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/match-report-yokhama-f-marinos-manchester-united.aspx

Oh well. It is only pre season!

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Yokohama drama

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-yokohama-f-marinos-match.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Youngsters knocking on door

David Moyes continues to be impressed by his youngsters despite the narrow 3-2 loss to Yokohama F·Marinos.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/203C991174E04CD58BA78AD55F55B0F2.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=16,1,792,580

Jesse Lingard, Adnan Januzaj and Michael Keane were promoted from the Under-21s to travel on the 2013 Tour presented by Aon while Wilfried Zaha is bidding to make an impact following his move from Crystal Palace.

After Lingard scored his third goal in the last two games with a close-range effort, following a fine run by Zaha, there was plenty to admire from a team where the average age was only 23.

When asked if 20-year-old Lingard is knocking on the first-team door, Moyes replied to MUTV: "He is. It was a tough game for the young boys tonight and it was probably as young a team as we could have put out with Wilf, Adnan and Jesse starting the game.

"We wanted to see how they do and they're all doing well. It was a hard game for them - one of the best pitches I've seen, a full house again and a wonderful stadium - so it's great experience for those young players.

"I want to see how they can do and I want to give them opportunities because it becomes harder when you're going back and the games are of a more serious nature. This is their opportunity and they're not disappointing me. The young players are doing well.

"Wilf did [set up the opener] and created another good chance for Jonny Evans to make it 3-1 but he put it past the post. He's shown really good signs but we'll keep working on him. He's settling in, like me, and getting to know everybody but he's doing a good job at this moment in time."

As for the defeat, the boss was upset with the defending for the three goals and felt enough chances were created to win the game.

"I'm disappointed with the goals we conceded," he admitted. "We had a lot of opportunities to finish the game off.

"When we were 2-1 up, we had a great chance and we had other chances after that, which we didn't take. But they're a decent side and played well."

[bbfan1991]

Tom: Workout was good for us

Although disappointed by Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F•Marinos, Tom Cleverley insists his Manchester United team-mates will benefit from a testing workout at the Nissan Stadium.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/EBC69621C8264B8BBD558D03F2829853.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,19,683,272

Playing in hot and humid Japanese conditions - just 24 hours after jetting in from Sydney – David Moyes’ men were a little lethargic and ultimately beaten in the Kagome Re:Generation Challenge by Yoshihito Fujita’s 87th minute strike.

However, speaking after the final whistle, 23-year-old Cleverley was keen to remain positive and stated his belief that the physical examination against a team in the midst of their domestic season will ultimately benefit the Reds ahead of the new campaign.

“It was very tough, I don’t want to make excuses but we travelled a long way yesterday and we have come up against a sharp team in hard conditions,” Tom told MUTV. “I’m sure we can play better, we weren’t really at the races but it was a good workout for us.

“It will be good for us. You can’t get much better workouts than that. They made us work really hard, they were running for 90 minutes and had great movement. We would like to improve on the technical part of our game but as a workout, it was 100 per cent.”

“It is not easy but is something different,” Cleverley expanded, when quizzed on the difficulty of facing an unknown opponent. “It is a new experience. We would like to win these games to get our confidence but the second most important thing is working hard and getting our fitness up.”

One of the main pluses of Tuesday’s outing in Asia was a third pre-season goal for Jesse Lingard. The Warrington-born youngster netted from close range after scoring twice against the A-League All Stars in Sydney on Saturday – and Cleverley couldn’t be happier for his midfield colleague.

“It is good for young players to be in and around the first team, get used to it and get their confidence up, so I am happy that Jesse has scored a goal.”

[bbfan1991]

Boss provides injury update

David Moyes has provided an injury update from Japan following the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F·Marinos in the latest match of the 2013 Tour presented by Aon.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/D4A6D5FA8D1C41FC86F25FF951D05A76.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,41,600,262

Robin van Persie was substituted as a precaution after being chosen to lead the line while Danny Welbeck also pulled up sharply after challenging for one through ball but soldiered on. Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick were left on the sidelines for the entertaining clash.

"We've got a couple of wee worries," explained Moyes to MUTV. "Robin just felt his thigh in the first half and we didn't want to take any chances.

"Danny Welbeck felt his groin when he came on and we've just got to make sure they're all okay especially with so many games coming up. We've still got a few games to play before the season starts when we get back home."

Chris Smalling and Ashley Young enjoyed run-outs as they step up their bid for full fitness while Wayne Rooney remains on course to feature later in the pre-season campaign.

"With Rio, we just decided to give him a rest. I wanted to get Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling a game so we rested Rio. Michael just felt his groin. It's a bit tight from last night. It's not anything we can see keeping him out. He just missed training and the game tonight.

"As far as we know Wayne [Rooney] is coming on, He's started light jogging and the feedback I'm getting from the physios is that he's progressing. Hopefully those dates are still on track."

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United ‏@ManUtd
Injury update: @WayneRooney on course to make a return against AIK in Stockholm.

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BP7Edf7CYAApE3w.jpg

This picture is funny:joker:.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney eyes Stockholm return

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/wayne-rooney-aiming-for-comeback-in-sweden-against-aik.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Smalling: Aims remain the same

United defender Chris Smalling talks about his return to fitness and the squad’s objectives under a new manager…

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/137F50D2A9E84EA09AA8511258EF5E4F.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=4,41,494,222

How good is it to have joined up with the squad in Japan?
There are only a handful of people back at the training ground and it's been a bit of a long road back for me. I missed the last six weeks of last season so it's good to be back with the lads and straight into playing games.

You obviously played your part last campaign but was it frustrating to miss the business end of the season?
Yeah, it was. I missed the start and the end of the season so it will be nice to hopefully get an injury-free season under my belt. I can't wait to get back onto the pitch and enjoy my football again because it's been a little while.

How are you feeling now, then? Fit and ready to tackle pre-season?
Yeah, I've done some good training back in Manchester, alongside Warren Joyce, the Reserves and a few other first-team guys. Now I've joined the rest of the squad in Japan and I'm ready for the games.

There's a new manager and new coaching staff at United. But do the objectives remain the same for you guys?
Absolutely. Nothing changes on that front. We have a new manager and a few new coaches and it will take time for everybody to get to know each other but it's the same core of players and we still have the same desire to win every competition we take part in. We want to carry last season's success into this season.

We're well and truly in Shinji Kagawa territory here in Japan. What sort of reception have you seen him get already?
Shinji's a massive icon in Japan. Me and Ashley Young picked him up on the way over to an event on Monday morning and as soon as we got out of the car with him we were mobbed. It was pandemonium! They love him here. It's nice for us to come to Japan and have him show us around a little bit.

That said, there were people at the airport who had shirts with 'Büttner 28' and 'Januzaj 44' on them. There's definitely an appreciation of Manchester United and not just Shinji Kagawa...
Definitely. You don't realise that until you arrive here. You think everybody's just Shinji crazy, but they definitely have a keen eye for the game of football and they're big fans of the club as a whole.

What sort of an impact do you think Shinji can have this season?
I think he'll get stronger and stronger. Last season he did very well and contributed significantly. It's always difficult in your first season and for Shinji, who didn't speak much English, it must have been even tougher. I think we'll see big things from him this season now that he's more settled and he's integrated more. I think he could be stronger than ever.


I'm so glad that he is back for United:).

[bbfan1991]

Jones enjoying full pre-season

Phil Jones admits he is feeling fitter and sharper after a heavy involvement in Manchester United’s pre-season so far.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/E853C8DE85B74B15977B747CA772ED82.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,15,896,347

The defender missed the first three months of last season through injury but hopes to hit the ground running for David Moyes’ side this term.

Jones has played in the first three of the Reds’ games on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, including 90 minutes in the last two.

He told PA Sport: "I said I needed a good pre-season and I feel I am getting one. I am getting sharper each game. Hopefully, by the time the season comes round I will be bang on.

"Pre-season is massive building up to the new season. We have a new manager, there is a good vibe and I am enjoying it.

"The training has been as sharp as nails. There is a willingness to impress the new manager and that is the case with all the players, not just me. It has been competitive. It is an exciting few months ahead and I am looking forward to it."

Jones’ long-term role in the United team is still the subject of much interest and he was asked whether he was happy to be cast as a utility man.

"As long as I am in the team it doesn't matter whether I am in goal," Jones insisted. "Of course, towards the middle and end of my career I will want to start cementing a place in a certain position but at the moment I am happy.

"I have said from day one I see myself as a centre-back. But if I am asked to play in midfield or at right-back I am happy to do so."

[bbfan1991]

Adnan eyes success

Exciting prospect Adnan Januzaj took time during his first big summer tour with the Reds to conduct an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com after impressing everybody with some eye-catching performances...

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/54166B54CC494AE597892C0A92F4A868.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=9,11,466,351

You're only 18 but have already won the Reserves Player of the Year and are one of only three of the Under-21 squad on the tour. Are you surprised by the rapid rise or have you managed to take it all in your stride?
I think I worked hard for it because, the year before last, I was injured and couldn't show what I can do. I tried to show it last year and I just grew up and learned loads of things. Obviously, I have my squad number now and that makes me feel happy and want to work harder.

You have played in a number of different positions but where do you feel most at home?
Well, I try to play every position and try to do my best for the team. Where I like to play is in midfield or an inside winger but, like I said, I'm there on the pitch to work hard and that's what I'm trying to do.

Do you think your best chance of breaking into the first team initially may be on the wing?
Well, not really. I can also play as a No10 behind the striker or a No8 or I can play on the wings as well. Last year, I played striker for the Reserves so I can help the team in each position and try to do my best.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly thinks highly of you. Did he say anything to you after announcing his retirement?
To work hard. The only thing you can do if you want to play in the first team is work hard, in training and on the pitch. Outside the pitch, you have to be professional. Just to work hard mainly.

Has the way you've developed your game off the ball become a major benefit now you're in the first team on tour?
Before, I used to like the ball and go to the ball and now I have to do another job and that's defending. You know if you want to help the team, you have to do everything on the pitch and that is what I am trying to do.

What are your aims at United for the next couple of seasons?
I try to play for the first team. Since I was young, I've always loved to play football. My dream was to be a professional player so I will try to give everything to be a professional footballer.


Adnan is such an exciting talent and I think he definitely has the potential to be a first team player at United at some point now he has started a break through.

[bbfan1991]

Young welcomes Zaha

Ashley Young has welcomed the competition Wilfried Zaha will bring to a place on the flanks in David Moyes' Manchester United side.

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The experienced England winger has linked up with the squad on tour after recovering from injury and has been impressed by the glimpses of real quality shown by the summer arrival from Crystal Palace.

Even though the two could be competing for a first-team spot at times in the upcoming season, Young can only see the benefits of bringing the 20-year-old into the squad.

"You've always got to be on point every day as there is so much competition for places," he told MUTV. "It's always good for the club having additions like Wilf and he's been fantastic.

"He's had the experience of joining the tour a bit earlier on and he's got to know the team. As a club, any new player who comes in is welcomed with open arms. From the experience I had, you just have got to work hard and get your head down and that's exactly what I've seen so far from Wilf.

"He's going to be a fantastic player. We wouldn't have signed him if he wasn't going to have a great future and he'll have the experience of listening to the older, experienced players talk. He takes that on board and he'll go on to settle in straight away. It's easy to settle in at a place like this."

It's been two years since Young joined United from Aston Villa and he feels he has become a better player since linking up with the champions.

"I think it's gone pretty quickly," he admitted. "Two years ago, I was walking around a park in Boston and now I'm here in Japan two years on. It's a totally different experience to back then.

Obviously, I'd just joined the club and was new to the surroundings.

"Everything was new to me but, today, speaking two years on, I'm more experienced. I've got older as well and am starting to know more about the club. I've just joined up after being injured and I'm delighted to be out here.

"I think I've changed in those two years. I've grown more and the more you grow, your ability grows at a club like United."

[bbfan1991]

Moyes to rotate squad

David Moyes has revealed he is likely to hand his entire squad a run-out in Friday's tour match with Cerezo Osaka.

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The United boss is aware of the need to ensure everybody is in good shape for the start of the Barclays Premier League season next month and looks set to make a number of substitutions as the Reds aim to bounce back from the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F·Marinos last time out.

"It's very hot and the conditions are difficult for players from our country who are not used to training and playing in these conditions," he told a press conference. "I hope we'll benefit from playing in these conditions when we get home. I think we may need to use all of our players tomorrow night to make sure they don't use too much weight or fluid. I'm sure it will be very hot again."

There was a hint from the manager that Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard could be retained as part of the first-team squad rather than loaned out, providing they continue to impress in training.

"Both have done well and adapted well and made contributions to the team," Moyes asserted. "It's a tradition at United to try and get young players into the team and both have come through the system. Hopefully we can get both some playing time next season but both need to keep their levels up and keep making an impact in training and games."

When quizzed on the latest on the transfer front and the bid for Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas, Moyes replied: "Things are ongoing."


Good news:).

[bbfan1991]

Boss confirms RvP fitness

David Moyes has confirmed Robin van Persie’s full fitness ahead of Manchester United’s friendly match against Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

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The Reds striker sustained a thigh strain during Monday’s 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F•Marinos and was subsequently substituted at half-time, prompting fears that he could miss the start of the highly-anticipated 2013/14 season. Thankfully, the boss has rubbished such wild speculation.

And in a further boost, speaking during Thursday’s press conference in Japan, Moyes also gave positive updates on the progress of Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney, who are all currently training at the Aon Training Complex, as well as a number of tourists.

“There was a practice match at Carrington the other day,” the manager told reporters. “Vida, Nani and Valencia all had playing time in that. Wayne is also running and at the level we thought he'd be at. He'll step that up this week.

“Robin was a precaution the other night. I expect he and (Danny) Welbeck to both play tomorrow. (Michael) Carrick had a tight groin and is doing better. He probably won't feature tomorrow but should resume training over the weekend.”

[bbfan1991]

New United away kit unveiled

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Jul/nike-reveals-new-manchester-united-away-kit-201314.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQBx3vSCYAAQ9Js.jpg

What a legend Paul Scholes is:worship::cool::), class man and player.

[bbfan1991]

Cerezo Osaka 2 United 2

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/match-report-cerezo-osaka-manchester-united.aspx

Well done to Shinji Kagawa in scoring in his home country, Japan and Wilfried Zaha for getting his first United goal:).

[bbfan1991]

Moyes salutes 'best' display

David Moyes hailed Manchester United’s “best performance” of this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon following a dramatic and entertaining 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/6ED226B67DE84E049B956677339CC772.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,28,800,325

Competing for the Yanmar Premium Cup in Japan, United were twice behind but thankfully managed to restore parity on both occasions thanks to goals from homecoming hero Shinji Kagawa – a graduate of Cerezo’s famed youth system - and Wilfried Zaha’s 90th conversion.

And afterwards, when speaking to MUTV, the boss was quick to praise the champions' encouraging display of determination after tipping his cap to the home side's quality.

“I thought Cerezo Osaka played very well tonight,” Moyes explained. “There are some interesting young players here. This club has a reputation for producing young players and it looks like they may have another couple of good players.

“I'm happy. I thought the team played well. I'm delighted we scored the late goal. I thought it was our best performance since we've been on tour.”

When quizzed on Zaha’s impressive endeavours this tour, he continued: “Wilfried has done well. He's done well in the games. He's quite quiet and still getting to know everybody. I think he's performed well. He's had an impact in the games. We just want to try and bring him along nicely.

“I think tonight will help him. He's showed players he can make things happen. At Manchester United we want all players to score goals and he's come up with an important goal in the last minute.”

Attention now turns to United’s final Asian outing against Hong Kong outfit Kitchee FC, a match that will not feature Friday’s goal scoring hero Kagawa – who is temporarily leaving the touring party to take a well-deserved holiday following his exploits with Japan at this summer’s Confederations Cup

“We've given Shinji more holiday because of his football with Japan in the summer,” Moyes told reporters. “We try and give all players four weeks, if possible, and Shinji hasn't quite had that time. So we'll give him another week's rest. I think Shinji's going to do some training with the club, so he can have some more time at home in Japan. He'll do some training here.”

Another player who is unlikely to play on Monday is Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans, according to the boss: “Jonny has a bit of bone bruising in his foot and just felt it's not really improved that much. We don't want to take any chance with it.”

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: All square in Japan

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-cerezo-osaka-v-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Zaha eyes league game-time

Wilfried Zaha is hoping his exciting performances for United can earn him plenty of playing time in next season's Barclays Premier League.

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The winger scored his first goal for the Reds in injury time to earn a 2-2 draw with Shinji Kagawa's former club Cerezo Osaka. After coming off the bench to great effect, he is pressing home his claims for a starting spot in David Moyes' line-up.

"It felt great," Zaha enthused to MUTV. "The goal has been coming for the last couple of games and I'm happy I finally managed to get it.

"It's all about the gaffer really as he's given me chances to prove myself and play with the likes of Rio, Giggsy, van Persie and Welbz. I've enjoyed it and it's a great chance to meet everyone and bond with the team. They have made me feel at home. Everyone encourages me and supports me so it's cool - I feel like a Manchester United player.

"It was hot out there - every minute I was trying to go to the bench and get water but it's good practice for us to play in such conditions as, when we go back to the club, it'll be easier.

"It's been Just playing time is all I wanted and hopefully I'll get that in the season to come"


Glad Wilfried is impressing, he has a lot of potential and also the ability to develop his game!

[bbfan1991]

Wilf's warm welcome

Wilfried Zaha insists he feels right at home at Manchester United, despite only training with his new team-mates for the past two weeks.

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The former Crystal Palace winger has caught the eye in each of his three pre-season performances so far and was singled out for praise from boss David Moyes following the Reds' match in Yokohama on Tuesday night.

And although Zaha has admitted he's still somewhat "starstruck" when he looks around the United dressing room, the 20-year-old says he's settling in well.

"Everyone’s so nice and they make you feel comfortable," he told ManUtd.com. "I was so nervous when I came in, but I was made to feel at home straight away.

"On my first day at the club there were about 100 people I needed to meet. I was going around shaking people’s hands and thinking ‘I’m never going to remember these names!’. But it is like a family here."

Senior members of the squad have also gone out of their way to welcome the new recruit, while Zaha revealed he's struck up a close bond already with Danny Welbeck.

"Everybody’s done their bit," he said. "Rio spoke to me, Giggsy’s spoke to me on the pitch, helping me out with positioning and things like that.

"Welbz is one of the people I speak to the most, though – him, Adnan [Januzaj] and Alex [Büttner].

"Anderson has been good too. Everybody’s tried to make me feel comfortable. It’s been really nice. All the people at the club are chilled out and this tour is giving me the chance to get to know everyone. I’m enjoying it."

[bbfan1991]

Adnan loving tour life

Adnan Januzaj says the pre-season tour has given him a taste for life in the first team which he hopes will continue this season.

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The midfielder has featured in the Reds' three matches so far on Tour 2013 presented by Aon and caught the eye throughout.

The 18-year-old has cited Ryan Giggs as a key person in helping him progress and the Belgian hopes the tour experience will stand him in his good stead for the remainder of the campaign.

"I try to impress the manager and play for Manchester United's first team. That's what I came here for," he told PA Sport.

"I hope I can develop into a top player, but I know I have to work hard to do that and do my best.

"Ryan Giggs has helped me a lot. Every time I need to ask something I go to Giggs. He helps me.

"My target for the season is to try and get some games for the first team. I have not spoken to the manager about it yet, but I would prefer to do that rather than go out on loan. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United."


I am glad that Adnan has been given a chance to show his potential during the tour and has impressed too.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Away kit launch

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-nike-away-kit-launch.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Video: Away kit shoot

http://www.manutd.com/en/Kit-Launch-2013/KitLaunch2013News/2013/Jul/video-of-new-manchester-united-201314-away-kit.aspx

[bbfan1991]

United We Stand Podcast with Rio Ferdinand:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rio-ferdinand-manchester-united-london-2092915

[Ryan57]

How can that be our best performance on tour? We were embarrassing until the youngsters came on. Quite clearly the beating of the Australian 'All Stars' team was the best performance so far.

[bbfan1991]

Zaha eyes more goals

Wilfried Zaha hopes his late goal against Cerezo Osaka in Friday night’s 2-2 draw is the first of many for Manchester United.

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Although appearances and goals in pre-season friendlies don’t count officially in the record books, Zaha admits he's drawn plenty of confidence from the strike. And while he's never been a prolific goal-getter, he says he’s keen to find the net regularly in a Reds shirt this season.

“I’d had so many chances during the previous games so I'm happy I managed to get a goal," he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "I have dreamed about that moment. I just wanted to score for Manchester United and I finally did it.

“I’m not a player who scores all the time, although I'd like to be. I'm just glad I can when I get the chance.”

Zaha also reiterated his desire to stay at United this season and fight for a first-team berth, rather than gain experience elsewhere on loan.

“My target is to get minutes during the season,” he said. “For my first season in Manchester, I don't want to go out on loan. I just want to play when I get the chance.

“[The tour] has been enjoyable. It’s the first time I’ve been away with everyone and I’m getting to know them and bond with them.

“I was awestruck when I first came. But just being around the other players makes me know they are down-to-earth players. They are just like me, really.”


Good lad:).

[bbfan1991]

Today in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/today-in-hong-kong-blog.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Wilf has tools to be top

Rio Ferdinand admits he’s been pleasantly surprised by Wilfried Zaha on Manchester United’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

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The young winger has shone in each of his four performances so far, and rescued the Reds from defeat in Osaka with an injury-time equaliser to cap an impressive cameo from the bench.

Zaha’s direct approach and eagerness to take on defenders has set tongues wagging, both among United’s fan base and inside the Reds’ dressing room.

“The thing that has most impressed me about Wilf is his raw ability,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com and PA Sport after the 2-2 draw in Osaka. “He can take someone on from a standing start. He’s quick and direct but what has surprised me more than anything is how quickly he gets his shots off.

“I hadn’t seen a great deal of him beforehand and obviously he’s a winger, but he seems to have a hunger to get inside and cause trouble in the opponents’ box and that’s a good thing to have.”

Ferdinand was understandably reluctant to heap too much praise on Zaha too early, but admits he’s excited to see what sort of player the 20-year-old matures into.

“I don’t like to say too much too early, but I think he’s a fantastic talent," added the defender.

“He’s a raw talent with great individual skills who can only get better. The early signs are he’s a hard worker who wants to improve and be a top footballer. With those attributes and hopefully that desire and influence from the players at this club means we’ll hopefully have a top player on our hands.

“The advice I’d give him is simply to get his head down and work hard. It’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science. He needs to keep working on all aspects of his game, learn from others around him and keep on improving.”


Nice praise by Rio for Wilfried!

[bbfan1991]

Hong Kong training cancelled

United open training cancelled

* Joint decision between Hong Kong FA, Kitchee FC and Manchester United
* Aimed at preserving the pitch
* Safety of players paramount

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/FB2D25179DE94040BAAD48ABC832F890.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,216,800,513

Manchester United, Kitchee FC and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session planned for tomorrow (Sunday 28 July) evening at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week and has staged a number of games in a very short space of time.

Wednesday's matches (Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City vs South China) had their kick-offs delayed, only proceeding after being shortened to 40-minute halves. The weather has continued to present problems for the pitch and the first consideration of both the HKFA and Manchester United has to be the safety of the players in such conditions.

The club has consulted with the Hong Kong FA and has also taken advice from Kitchee FC. In the absence of any other suitable facility at such short notice, the open session has regrettably been cancelled.

[bbfan1991]

Paul Scholes hopes Manchester United can sign Cesc Fabregas and urges Wayne Rooney to stay

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8842372/paul-scholes-hopes-manchester-united-can-sign-cesc-fabregas-and-urges-wayne-rooney-to-stay

[bbfan1991]

Scholes confirms Moyes talks

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has confirmed he has held preliminary talks with manager David Moyes about one day becoming part of his coaching staff.

Scholes retired from football in 2011 and did get involved with some coaching at Old Trafford only to reverse his decision and return to action in January 2012.

But he called it a day again at the end of last season and is planning on taking a break from the game before considering a coaching position in the future.

"I have spoken to him (Moyes) a couple of times but I am going to take a nice break now and try and get my head away from football for a little bit," Scholes told Sky Sports News.

"You do find it hard with all the pre-season games though, you find yourself watching them.

"I am going to take along break then see how I feel.

"Obviously it's nice there is something there for me if I want to go back to it.

"I am sure ultimately I probably will do (take up the coaching offer)."


Great news, whenever he is ready to join the coaching staff:cool:.

[bbfan1991]

Anders enthused by set-up

Anders Lindegaard is enjoying his job under the new Manchester United coaching set-up.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/19E3660CBBB14E8290A29E1ECB26D66A.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,20,700,541

It’s almost a month since David Moyes took the managerial reins and Chris Woods became the Reds’ new goalkeeping coach.

And Lindegaard has been impressed by how well the duo have taken to their new roles.

"David Moyes has really gelled with the situation," the Danish stopper told PA Sport. "He has given the club and the staff the authority you need to be in that job.

"It has been a pleasure to see and nice to be a part of. And I have had a very good impression of Chris, too."

Lindegaard continued: "David has done a brilliant job. He slid into his new role in Manchester really well. I am enjoying working with him every day. He has gone straight to the heart of it and is doing his job with great authority."

Lindegaard has played in two games so far on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, most recently in the 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday night, when there were drinks breaks in either half to combat the stifling conditions.

"It is tough," Anders admitted. "One of the reasons we are here is to get our fitness levels high and these conditions are pretty much perfect for that.

"People at home can't see through their TVs, or in pictures in the newspaper, how difficult the conditions are. It is hard for us. But in terms of the practical issues of being on a pre-season tour, it definitely pays off."

[bbfan1991]

Phil: Back where I belong

Eight years after leaving Manchester United as a player, Phil Neville has returned as a coach under new manager David Moyes. And the lifelong Red and Treble winner couldn’t be happier to be back…

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/9BFB75B3FAD544FA925DA2D65D3B3FA2.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,1,1024,382

"There is no question this is the dream job for me. When I left eight years ago I always said I wanted to come back to United in some capacity one day. I knew it was probably never going to be as a player so being a coach was the next step.

There was never a day that went by where I wasn’t keeping an interest in what was going on at United and to come back now is the most perfect scenario for me. I know I need to grasp this opportunity with both hands and make sure I tap into everything that’s going on at this club. So far it’s been fantastic.

Arriving at the Aon Training Complex on my first day really was like coming home. Normally when you start a new job you have a few butterflies going but as soon as I walked through the door and saw Kath on reception and other familiar faces it just felt normal. There is that continuity and that loyalty – it’s what makes this club so successful. The transition could not have been any smoother, but at the same time I know this will probably be the biggest challenge of my career. I really can’t wait.

Coming on tour and spending time on and off the pitch with the squad has been fantastic and a really beneficial exercise in terms of getting to know everyone. Training has been brilliant and the thing that has stood out for me has been the players’ professionalism. That is ultimately what sets the good players apart from the great players. You ask them to do something and they do it – they don’t need to be told twice and when they do it they do it properly. You might ask them to do 10 reps and they do 15 because they know what it takes to be a top, top player and they do everything they can in order to achieve that. They don’t cut corners – they train well, they prepare right, they eat the right food and their attitude is top quality.

It’s probably the longest pre-season tour I’ve ever been on and that in itself provides challenges for everyone – the travelling involved, the time difference, being away from your family and the amount of commitments the club has off the pitch. But, as I said before, the professionalism of the players has been fantastic. They have just accepted things and got on with it because at the end of the day we are spreading the gospel of Manchester United. We’ve all seen how fanatical the supporters are in this part of the world and it’s important that we come here and see them. It’s amazing to see how the club has grown since I left. I didn’t think it could get any bigger than it was when I was here, but it has. It’s a global institution and one I’m so proud to be part of."

:worship:

[bbfan1991]

Today in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/today-in-hong-kong-blog.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Reds in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/gallery-manchester-united-in-hong-kong.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: We'll cope with pitch

The Hong Kong Stadium pitch may not be in ideal condition after the recent torrential rain in the city, but David Moyes insists the players are more than capable of coping with the conditions.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/3471B6E09A1C445B9C83709D2B789CC3.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,56,625,288

Amid incredibly wet conditions the pitch has hosted four games in the last four days as part of the Premier League Asia Trophy involving Manchester City, Tottenham, Sunderland and South China.

The club was forced to cancel open training at the stadium on Sunday night in order to preserve the pitch ahead of Monday night's game against Kitchee and Moyes is confident the players will be able to deal with the challenge.

"We're used to playing on good surfaces but the weather has been terrible for a few days. There's nothing people in Hong Kong could do about that. We'll play - players have been brought up on all sorts of pitches, although I do take your point that we're used to good surfaces," he told reporters on Sunday.

"I hope it will be okay. The weather's drying out and I hope the pitch will be fine. It will be the same for both teams.

"Players can get injured on good pitches as well," he added when asked about his concerns over players picking up knocks. "It can happen on any pitch. Obviously we'd rather be on a very good surface but the players are used to it."

[bbfan1991]

Vidic set for return to action

Nemanja Vidic is in line for his first pre-season action for a Manchester United XI against Crewe on Monday night.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/5C329217C6E941029EDF87EDBB807B34.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,42,750,600

The Reds skipper did not travel with the squad on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, due to a mild case of sciatica, but has been working on his fitness at the Aon Training Complex.

And boss David Moyes confirmed at a press conference in Hong Kong on Sunday: "Vidic is coming on well. If everything goes well, he'll play tomorrow evening at Crewe."

Moyes says the Crewe game will come too soon for Wayne Rooney but that the striker is still on course to play in the friendly against AIK in Stockholm on 6 August.

And Jonny Evans is the only definite absentee for the first team’s tour game against Kitchee FC at the Hong Kong Stadium on Monday night.

"When you've been away for three weeks and played games in quick succession there will always be slight problems with strains," Moyes said. "The only one who definitely won't be involved tomorrow is Jonny. He's just feeling his ankle.

"At the moment we still think Rooney is on course to be involved in [the Stockholm] game."


Great news:).

[bbfan1991]

Moyes confident over signings

David Moyes is confident the Reds will bring in some new faces before the transfer window closes.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/3229D564B9E648318735D985D22C7D3E.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,1,547,203

The United manager confirmed earlier this month that the club had made a bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and while the boss had no major update on that situation, he insists he remains optimistic over possible signings.

"We hope we will do [sign new players], but what we've got is a good squad already. You can't forget about the quality that's already here," he told reporters in Hong Kong on Sunday.

"Undoubtedly we hope to add to it and I'm quite confident we'll do that... certainly before the window shuts."

On Fabregas, Moyes added: "I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid. Obviously we'll take stock and make a decision on what we do next."


Hopefully:). I am patient and positive about this Summer transfer window, but not surprised that there has been doom and gloom amongst some fans already about it!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Bobby Charlton: Wayne Rooney will stay and beat my goalscoring record

http://e1.365dm.com/13/07/660x350/WayneRooney_2974134.jpg?20130717131232

Sir Bobby Charlton reckons Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United and go on to beat his goalscoring record.

The England striker, whose tally of 197 goals is 52 short of Charlton's club record, has been left "angry and confused" by comments from David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward since the end of last season and is open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford.

But United continue to insist Rooney - named publicly by Jose Mourinho as Chelsea's sole remaining transfer target this summer - is not for sale at any price.

And Charlton, now a United director, told Sky Sports News: "Wayne Rooney is a Manchester United player and I think that he will continue to be a Manchester United player.

"I don't like losing really, really good players and he is a really great player.

"I was hoping one day that he might score as many goals as I had and that would have been really nice if it was at our club - and I'm still thinking that way."

Injury has kept Rooney out of United's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia and, in his absence, new signing Wilfried Zaha has caught Charlton's eye.

He said: "There's a new player, Zaha, and he's maybe been the star of the tour.

"Give him the ball and all he wants to do is beat defenders and smash it into the back of the net. I think crowds are going to love him."


I hope this happens despite the divided opinion about Rooney, no doubt Sir Bobby will get some stick from the anti Rooney people for wanting him to stay!

[Ryan57]

On this day in 1996, Manchester United signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Norwegian club, Molde for £1.5 million.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sW1flLeaTw/URJNUX93lmI/AAAAAAAADhU/wU4nZzQktBQ/s1600/ole+gunner.jpg

[Ryan57]

Nani scored twice in Man Utd XI vs Crewe.

First goal: Dqv_mEOXwSM

Second goal: 1tNjxnws2rg

[bbfan1991]

Kitchee 2 United 5

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/match-report-kitchee-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

That was from yesterday, glad we ended the first leg of a tour with a win:). I missed the match as I was at work!

[bbfan1991]

Nani scored twice in Man Utd XI vs Crewe.

First goal: Dqv_mEOXwSM

Second goal: 1tNjxnws2rg

Quality goals, especially the free kick.


I hope that Nani stays and works hard for his place, we have a new Manager now and this is a fresh start for him.

[bbfan1991]

Moyes happy with workout

David Moyes was pleased with another good pre-season workout for his players in Monday's 5-2 win over Kitchee FC on a testing pitch in hot Hong Kong conditions.#

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/12DEAD8FFD4D4B4A83E1C669C78E4183.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,350,1300,833

Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Fabio, Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard were all on target at Hong Kong Stadium on the last outing of Tour 2013, presented by Aon, before the Reds return home to complete preparations for the new season.

Moyes is pleased with the progress his squad is making ahead of 2013/14's big kick-off next month. "I thought our players played very well on a difficult pitch," he said at his post-match press conference. "I think we made it look like a good pitch. I thought we played well and it was an exciting game for the supporters to see.

"We didn't worry too much about the pitch conditions at all. We played well. We move on now. We're trying to get the players fit for the start of the season and it was another hard workout in hot conditions. I'm happy with it. Now we return to the UK and we're ready to go to Sweden in a few days' time."

Next the Reds face AIK Fotboll in Stockholm on Tuesday 6 August where several other first-team stars are scheduled to return to action before the season's curtain-raiser against Wigan Athletic at Wembley in the Community Shield.

For now, though, as the squad flies back to the UK, the new United boss can reflect on a useful and eye-opening experience in his first month in the job.

"I've taken away a great experience of my first tour and what this club means around the world," the Scot added. "I've also got to know the players and I've settled in to my new environment. The players have been working with a great manager for a long time and they've got to know me.

"It will take time [but] I've enjoyed working with them. I can see why they're champions - the way they conduct themselves and the way they go about their business.

"I've known these players because I've watched them over the last few years. But to see the young players - Adnan, Lingard and Zaha - who I didn't know so much about, I think they'll go away thinking they've come here and contributed to it."

"In the first half, we were very good. Kitchee came into the game more in the second half. I hope their players enjoyed it and the crowd enjoyed the game."

:)

[bbfan1991]

Progress pleases Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj is determined to continue his personal ascension at Manchester United, having impressed during this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/0C887111A41E4A1EBB7AC86F51DEAB49.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,65,4000,1551

The burgeoning Belgian has produced a number of impressive performances for David Moyes' men and caught the eye once again on Monday, connecting with Alexander Büttner’s cross to head the fourth goal in a clinical 5-2 win over Kitchee FC in Hong Kong.

And now, with just one game to go before heading back to M16, the reigning Reserves Player of the Year is keen to build on his noteworthy work with the first team.

“It felt good to score a goal, it was a good cross from Alex and I was in the right place to put it in,” the 18-year-old told MUTV. “I think we all did well, we kept the ball and that is what made the difference. We scored early in the game and that is what made the difference in this game.

“I have done some good stuff (during the tour) and I hope to keep going. That is what I am going to do. I am going to work hard and try to keep doing what I am doing.”

Chris Smalling, who was also on the scoresheet on Monday, is confident the young forward can make the grade at Old Trafford alongside fellow academy graduate Jesse Lingard.

“They have taken their chance,” he explained. “It’s good that the manager has given these young players a chance and they have really taken their chances. I think all of them have made a claim for the start of the season and they are all in with a good shout.”

[bbfan1991]

Alex hopes to progress

Alexander Büttner is determined to build on the progress he made as a Red last season with his ultimate goal to be United's first-choice left-back.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/A3114AED44E8423B8ED2379DF0E66ECD.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,10,1024,391

The 24-year-old collected his first title winners' medal last term after performing well as Patrice Evra's understudy at full-back.

Büttner says it's positive for the team to have competition for places and he is hopeful of playing an even bigger part going forward in future United successes.

"The first few months were difficult for me last season. I had to settle in. But I think I did very well. I played 13 games which is good. This season my target is to play more games," the Dutch defender told PA Sport.

"Patrice did very well last season and played some good games. I put pressure on him because I did well when I played. I think Manchester United need that, two good left-backs. I want to go for the left-back position. That is my target, to play many games.

"Everyone wants more medals. Next season I want one again," he added.

"My [title] medal is at home in Holland. Everyone wanted to see it. I have started to build a new house and something like that will have a special place. It was unbelievable to win a medal in my first season at Manchester United, but I want more.

"We want to win every game. We want to be champions again and we have a very good team in order to do that."

[bbfan1991]

Rio takes over United Uncovered

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Jul/rio-ferdinand-takes-over-united-uncovered-introduction.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Arnold hails memorable tour

Group managing director Richard Arnold sits down with ManUtd.com to reflect on a highly successful pre-season trip to Asia and Australia as part of Tour 2013 presented by Aon…

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/815E42BB483E45FC8EB08BE460E84E60.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,121,1024,502

We’ve just completed the first part of the club’s pre-season tour with a game in Stockholm still to come next week – how would you sum things up so far?
Everything has gone very well. These tours are always fantastic when it comes to team-bonding amongst the players and the staff and it’s been great to get to know David [Moyes] on the trip. I know everyone is pleased with how the training has been going which is the most important thing on these trips and, of course, the other thing the tours allow us to do is meet our fans across the world and, so far, on this tour we’ve been able to do that in Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. The reaction we’ve had has been great.

David Moyes commented the other day about how impressed he is by the meticulous level of detail that goes into the organisation of the trip – that’s something that’s vital to the trip being a success isn’t it?
Absolutely. A lot of time and effort goes into organising it and it’s a very important part of the season. Obviously we’re away from home and therefore don’t have all the facilities that we have available at the Aon Training Complex but a lot of work goes in to making sure we have the best possible facilities on the trip down to the smallest detail so they’re as close to what we have at the Aon Training Complex as possible. A lot of work also goes into the time management and sleep management of the players to ensure they get the most out of the trip from a training perspective. Everything is factored in to the planning of the trip.

And they seem to get bigger year on year…
Yes and it’s great to see the reaction we get in different countries. All the games on the first leg of the tour were sell-outs and the open training sessions were hugely popular with thousands of fans in attendance at those as well. We’re very fortunate to have been successful off the pitch as well as on it and that enables us to put on a really fantastic show - not just on the pitch on tour, but with the other things that we do involving Manchester United Soccer Schools and our legends, and also engaging with local kids via our partners and the Manchester United Foundation.

As you said earlier, the tour is obviously a vital part of the team’s preparations for the new season, but how important is it for the club from a commercial perspective?
It’s a very important method of engagement for us, both with our fans and our partners. The main reasons for doing tours is to prepare the players for the season and to enable us to interact with our fans all around the world. And it’s fair to say that it is a successful part of the business that helps us compete to buy the best players in the world in order to have more success on the pitch.

You’ve travelled all over the world with the team but are you still amazed at the welcome we receive wherever we go?
It really is quite incredible. The warmth of the welcome and the enthusiasm the supporters have for the club is something you never get tired of experiencing. We talked to fans on this tour who had been waiting at the airport for hours to catch a glimpse of the team, while others had spent days sat outside the hotel to try to do the same. Everyone at the club, from the players to the staff, are always very grateful for the great support we receive.

Our last stop on the first leg of the tour was Hong Kong, a city where we now have an office.

What’s the thinking behind that and how are things going with it?
Asia is obviously an important part of the world for us. More than 300 million of our fans are in Asia – they’re a big part of the United family as are the increasing number of partners we have in the Far East. It was therefore a natural progression for us to have a hub over there so we’re in timezone and only a short flight away from a number of our key partners. We have a very talented team of people in Hong Kong who have been very successful both in generating new partnerships and continuing to build the relationships with have with existing partners. We’ve also brought in staff who can speak many of the Asian languages and that has allowed us to operate much more smoothly. Overall, the results we’ve achieved so far have shown it was a very good move for us to open the office and we’re delighted with how things are going.

Finally, how excited are you for the season to start now?
I can’t wait. It’s been great to watch David train with the players and see the enthusiasm he has brought into the club and also the level of detail which he goes into when it comes to preparing the players. Manchester United has always been very lucky to have fantastic managers and I think he’s continuing that theme. He’s a very bright guy and someone who is hugely dedicated to the cause. One of the things I always believe reflects well on someone is when you meet their staff and see the level of enthusiasm and respect they have for that person, and we've seen that with David's staff. I don’t think there is any better compliment you can pay someone than having your staff be as enthused as David’s are. I just can’t wait for the season to start now.

[bbfan1991]

Video: United Today

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Jul/united-today-latest-video-bulletin-from-mutv.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Fit-again Nani raring to go

Nani is raring to go after scoring both goals in the friendly victory at Crewe Alexandra on Monday night.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/59629C812D7549D2BBF140E988C81862.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,5,1224,915

The Portugal international is fit again after a close-season operation and looked sharp for Warren Joyce's side, netting with a free-kick and a fine solo effort. Although the talented wide man feels he is still a week away from reaching peak fitness, he is expecting to be at his best in time to impress David Moyes on his return from the tour.

"It's always nice to get back to work and start training with all the team-mates," Nani told MUTV. "Of course, all my team-mates have been in Asia but I have been training with a couple of them and it's nice to feel the grass, feel the atmosphere again and start to prepare for the new season.

"I'd played two [behind-closed-doors] friendly games already and am preparing well in myself. I hope, when the season starts, I will be at my best to help the team. I think there's still a lot of work [to do] but, in one more week, then I will be at my best."

When asked about his ambitions for the upcoming campaign, the winger stated: "I hope to win the league again and, for my personal wishes, I want to be at my best and score a lot of goals. Like I said, I just need to be at my best and then everything will come together."

[bbfan1991]

United partner with PepsiCo

Manchester United Football Club (NYSE:MANU) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) today announced a multi-year regional sponsorship agreement in Asia-Pacific.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/E4F7B9DC2F0A496BBF8203064054F979.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=59,1,1294,924

Under terms of the agreement, PepsiCo will become the Official Soft Drinks Partner of Manchester United in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

PepsiCo will hold exclusive rights to use Manchester United branding on its products and point of sale materials within these markets. Manchester United enjoys a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in these seven countries. Connecting this fan base to PepsiCo’s strong portfolio of brands is expected to unlock new growth opportunities and further increase the reach and popularity of the Manchester United and Pepsi brands in the region.

Pepsi has a long and successful heritage in football marketing, leveraging it as a platform to connect with consumers in relevant and engaging ways. Football is the number one sport in South East Asia and Manchester United, the number one club, has a strong ‘home’ in this region.

Throughout Manchester United’s 135 year heritage it has grown to become the most recognisable and biggest sports brand in the world, winning 61 trophies and boasting a global fan base of 659 million followers.

Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold comments: "Manchester United and Pepsi are two iconic brands and the Club is delighted to be teaming up with PepsiCo as our Official Soft Drinks partner in these seven territories in Asia.

"Our huge following in this region and the strong popularity of both brands within Asia-Pacific can only benefit our fans. PepsiCo understands what our fans love and through our partnership will be bringing them exciting promotions and incentives getting them closer to the Club they support.

"PepsiCo is an ideal partner for Manchester United because of its unique understanding of sports and inventive marketing initiatives. We’re excited to team up with PepsiCo during this important time in our history and welcome this world-class company as one of our partners."

Mustafa Moussa, Senior Marketing Director for Social Beverages, PepsiCo Asia-Pacific, comments: "Sports represent a huge global platform for PepsiCo, and we’re delighted to be teaming up with Manchester United in Asia Pacific. The combination of Manchester United’s stature as one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises and PepsiCo’s portfolio of beloved brands will create exciting new opportunities for consumers throughout the region.

"The partnership brings to life Pepsi’s “Live for Now” positioning, which was launched in Asia Pacific in January this year. Working with the biggest names in sports and entertainment, we look forward to enabling consumers to celebrate their passion for Pepsi and Manchester United."


Exciting!

[bbfan1991]

Trio lead by example

United Reserves coach Warren Joyce has expressed his admiration for the three first-teamers involved at Crewe Alexandra on Monday and revealed Nemanja Vidic was always scheduled to be substituted.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/7F3CB9B544C44DA48E3FC15E1035512B.ashx?20130731T093 4244641

The Serbian centre-back played alongside skipper Tom Thorpe in the 2-0 victory and was withdrawn after slightly more than an hour with midfielder Ben Pearson taking his place. Nani was also taken off, following his matchwinning two-goal display, but Antonio Valencia featured for the full 90 minutes.

"I think all three of them worked well," Joyce told MUTV. "While the other boys have been away, they've worked through it and done everything with the younger players.

"They are good examples of how to do things right and I thought all three acquitted themselves very well.

"We've not been careful with Vida really, we've just done what we had to do and put him in situations where he's had to defend under stress in training. I thought he was comfortable out there and we'd planned just to play him that long so, touch wood, he is okay.

"The first-team players started here to work on their fitness and build a level and we're just hoping to get them back to the level where they can join in and be around about the same as the other players and continue in the first-team games."

[bbfan1991]

Confirmed: FA Community Shield: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic. Sunday 11 August at 1.30pm on ITV. (ko 2pm).

[bbfan1991]

Rio Ferdinand @rioferdy5 on MUFC's young players. New Daily Post column. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-mitten-exclusive-rio-ferdinands-5387547#.UfjLx_c0On0.twitter …

Good praise by Rio about some of the lads:).

[Ryan57]

Confirmed: FA Community Shield: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic. Sunday 11 August at 1.30pm on ITV. (ko 2pm).

Oh yeah... forgot ITV had the rights.

[bbfan1991]

Club statement on Old Trafford

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/85C8E672B8AD48EA9AF910E7AA3FDAEB.ashx

Following Trafford Council’s decision regarding Asset of Community Value status on its Old Trafford stadium, the club has issued the following statement:

“The club has received the decision by Trafford Council. Old Trafford is, of course, a special place; it is the heart and soul of the club. The club obviously sees it the same way, which is why over the last eight years it has demonstrated its commitment to Old Trafford by spending around £90m upgrading its facilities and it will continue that investment in the future.

“We do have concerns that the legislation is not being applied correctly which could set a precedent throughout the country. Therefore, we have asked the council to follow the statutory review process to ensure the legislation is being applied as intended and we shall continue to keep open communication with the Council.”

[Ryan57]

Hoping we have a change of formation next season. 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 is so outdated. No other top team in Europe, as far as I'm aware, plays with this formation.

---Carrick---New CM---

Zaha/Januzaj/Kagawa/Lingard/Nani/Welbeck (making up a three)

----------RVP-----------

4-2-3-1 as the formation. Would love the above.

[bbfan1991]

I still think that Rooney is staying put tbh, but hope that Kagawa and Hernandez get more playing time next season.

We need to make one or two CM signings before the window closes, but I still have patience and a positive attitude about it.

[Ryan57]

I hope Rooney stays. If he does, add him to the list playing just off RVP.

[bbfan1991]

Jones' career in pics

Phil Jones has experienced two contrasting seasons at United, so when we asked him to look through five photos of his time with the Reds, it brought back fond memories...

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/video-phil-jones-my-manchester-united-career-so-far.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes' first month

David Moyes has completed his first month in charge of Manchester United and Reds legend Bryan Robson, having seen the Scot at close quarters during the club's preparations for the new season, has no doubts about the new man's managerial pedigree.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/video-bryan-robson-on-david-moyes.aspx

Robson has been very impressed with what he has seen of Moyes so far, saying: "I think he’ll take everything in his stride at Manchester United.

"He’s going to be working with some top-class players and I’m sure he’ll do a great job for the club. He’s handled himself well so far."

The United legend believes Moyes won't make sweeping changes to his squad ahead of the new season, but fancies that we could still see one or two big signings.

"I think David knows that he doesn't need to change much," he adds. "It's just a little bit of fine-tuning. He will want to make one or two new signings to lift the players, lift the fans, and get everyone buzzing before the start of the season."

[bbfan1991]

Schmeichel: AIK test key

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Jul/peter-schmeichel-looks-ahead-to-aik-stockholm-friendly.aspx

[bbfan1991]

It can be Jesse's year

Peter Schmeichel has been hugely impressed with Manchester United youngsters Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane after following their progress since they joined Leicester City on loan last year.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/F0090AB3A41F4B13B1A5FD366E46E4BE.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=41,1,547,760

The Great Dane closely monitors the Foxes as his son Kasper is the club's No and he feels both Reds showed the benefit of the experience during the 2013 Tour promoted by Aon and will aim to be involved again in the final leg against AIK Fotball.

Although Lingard had few opportunities to show his undoubted quality at the King Power Stadium, he was outstanding on the tour, scoring four times. Keane, meanwhile, started the win against Kitchee FC after playing a key role in Leicester's ultimately unsuccessful promotion bid.

"David Moyes will be pleased in the way that some players have grasped their opportunity," Schmeichel told ManUtd.com in an exclusive interview. "I’m thinking about Jesse Lingard who is coming home from the tour as top goalscorer.

"He had a very brief stay at Leicester and it didn’t really come off for him but he played for the Reserves again and was the best player in the Reserves squad. Maybe - just maybe - this is his opportunity and this is his year. It’s very interesting and, again, something for David to make a decision about.

"I feel this game against AIK is the last opportunity where he can really have a feel about the team and try out one or two combinations so it’s a big game for David and a big game for the players.

"Michael Keane had a really good season with Leicester and was very successful with them, Jesse less so, but they can work towards the same goal, having that experience makes players think about the future and which role they can have.

"No doubt about it - Michael is a very, very talented young man and Nemanja Vidic not travelling gave him an opportunity but I think, when the whole squad comes together in Stockholm, David will be spoiled for choice and he’s got to find the right combination."

[bbfan1991]

Late goal wins the Milk Cup

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/The-Academy/Academy-News/2013/Jul/milk-cup-final-co-tyrone-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx

Well done to the team that United sent:).

[bbfan1991]

Treble heroes endorse Zaha

Manchester United legends Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole have tipped Wilfried Zaha for future stardom after watching the 20-year-old excel during this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

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The former Crystal Palace man was one of several outstanding performers in Asia and Australia, catching the eye during his five outings with a number of impressive displays and even scoring the pivotal equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Japanese side Cerezo Osaka.

And ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2013/14 season, Treble winners Yorke and Cole are keen to observe the England international's development at Old Trafford under new manager David Moyes.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com, Cole said: “I think we’re all looking forward to seeing Zaha. He’s a young, up-and-coming player and he did extremely well at Crystal Palace last season and most people I’ve spoken to are looking forward to him playing and being involved this year.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Yorke expanded: “To be a United player, the club will have done a lot of research on him. He’s coming into a new set-up and new surroundings. On tour, when he came on he lit up the stadium because he just loves to attack. That’s the United way.”

Although clearly excited by his seemingly immeasurable talent, Cole is especially wary of the pressure mounting on Zaha and has warned fans not too expect too much of him too soon, stating the fact that at 20-years-old, he still has his whole career ahead of him.

“Of course, there’s a danger you can expect too much of him,” Andy explained.

“You’ve got to take time with him. He has been brought to United based on his potential. He’s a baby, he’s never played in the Premier League before, so it’s a case of him doing as well as he can do.

“He’ll be hoping that he has caught, and continues to catch, David Moyes' eye with his performances in matches and training, and then he can kick on from there.”

[bbfan1991]

Vidic: Focused as ever

Nemanja Vidic sat down exclusively with ManUtd.com to look ahead to the new campaign...

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How was your summer? We're guessing it was an enjoyable one on the back of winning the league…
I had a great summer. I had a six-week break which is the longest I’ve had in the last six or seven years and it was nice to spend time with the family and get a bit of sun.

Did you take any time to reflect on last season and the team’s title triumph or were you already thinking about getting going again this term?
I was already thinking about this season! Of course, we celebrated the title and it was great to go on the bus through Manchester and see so many fans; I'd really like to thank the fans again for coming that day and supporting us. Not just that day, but throughout the season. But now I am not thinking about last season – now it’s all about this season and the challenges we have. We have a new manager as do some other teams and we know we have to improve our game and continue to work harder. The most important thing for me is to stay fit and be ready to help the team.

How were the first few days back in training at the start of the month?
They were good and everyone has been working hard since then. It was nice to talk to the lads and hear about where everyone has been on holiday. We chatted about general football things as well which is something I really missed over the summer. Everyone is excited about the new season.

It’s always a new challenge at the start of every season but this is different with a new
manager in charge – how excited are the players for the new campaign?
I was very impressed with the work we did in the first few days when we came back before the tour. The players are all very focused, ready to work and they want to show what they can do and prove that they are good enough to play for Manchester United and be in the first XI as well. There have been some very good signs which is exciting to see.

What were your early impressions of David Moyes?
The way he’s working with us in training and talking to us and the energy he has brought to the club makes me believe he is going to be really good for United. I can already see he has a great work ethic, he showed that at Everton, and that’s going to be important for this club; United is built on a great work ethic. I think he is a great manager to replace Sir Alex.

You're travelling to Stockholm to play AIK on 6 August – how important will that game be given the first league match of the season will be less than two weeks away?
It’ll be an important match for us and it’s another chance for us to build on our fitness and our form. It’ll be nice to meet the fans over there, too. It’s a nice place to visit. We were there last year and we know we have a great base of fans over there. We’re all looking forward to it.

Is that exactly the kind of test the players will need at that stage of pre-season given the fact AIK are in the middle of their campaign and will be in top form from a fitness perspective?
Yes, it will be good timing. It will be important for us to play a team that is at full fitness and in good shape and who can really test you. They will be a good team to play before the Community Shield. We always use that game [at Wembley] as a real test before the season starts. Of course, we want to win the trophy but when you look at the fixtures we’ve been given [at the start of the season] I think it’s the toughest games we’ve been given for the last seven or eight years. We know we need to be ready and prepared and that’s why it’s been really good to see how focused the players are since we got back.

[bbfan1991]

Coaching too good to refuse

Ryan Giggs admits he “couldn’t turn down” the opportunity to join David Moyes’ coaching staff for the 2013/14 season.

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The Welshman says he’s enjoyed his first forays into coaching, although he still considers himself a player first and foremost.

“I got the call [from David Moyes] when I was in Turkey [over the summer] doing my coaching badges,” he told Inside United, the club’s official monthly magazine.

“My initial thoughts were about how it would affect the playing side of things because I was obviously preparing to play for another year.

“I spoke to a few people and had a think about it and I could only see plus points; I couldn’t see any minuses. It’s an exciting chance for me and one that I couldn’t turn down.”

Giggs had his first taste of coaching the Reds on last month’s Tour 2013, presented by Aon, a three-week trip that took United to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. Although he predominantly prepared for the season as a player, he also spent some sessions assisting Moyes and the other backroom staff.

Coaching isn’t something Giggs has been thrown into overnight. It’s something he says he’s been working towards for the last five years.

“I’ve always concentrated on playing but I’ve been doing my badges at the same time. It’s been tough at times because it’s quite time consuming but I’m really glad I’ve done it.

“Five years ago I didn’t think I’d still be playing at this age so I wanted to make sure I was prepared when I finished so I started doing my coaching badges then.”

Ryan's step into a new role isn't the only change he's had to undergo this summer. He's also lacing up his boots for a 24th season as a Red, but a first under a manager who isn't Sir Alex Ferguson.

Of course, all the United players are in the same boat, but for Giggs, who's been at the club longer than anybody else, it must seem particularly strange. Nevertheless, the 39-year-old says he's been very impressed by the new manager's methods.

"He’s really hands-on," he said. "He’s a manager that coaches and likes to be involved in everything.

"But there is also a good symmetry with Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden, Phil Neville and myself – everyone works well together. He likes to take control of most of the training but he knows he’s got the other guys to help him.

"He’s a real details man. He likes to know everything about every player and I think that’s what you need to be a Manchester United manager. It’s all in the details. And that’s what he is all about."

[bbfan1991]

United's future is bright

Nani is convinced that Manchester United's future is bright as the club continues to develop exciting young talent.

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The 26-year-old has watched the likes of Adnan Januzaj, Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane shine during pre-season on television. By regaining full fitness back home in Manchester, he has also had a first-hand look at other promising talents who joined him in the team at Crewe Alexandra on Monday.

When asked by MUTV for his views on the tour, the winger was clearly impressed by what he witnessed on the official club channel.

"I saw some good football from the team and a good attitude," he replied. "There were a lot of goals from different players and the young lads did brilliantly on tour.

"That is nice for Manchester United - to have all these choices from the younger lads, who had the opportunity, and others have the chance to see if they can stay or go on loan for the future."

Nani was also asked about being a senior figure among a number of youngsters in the victory at Crewe's Alexandra Stadium. "For me, it's fantastic," he enthused. "I have been on that [other] side and know how the feeling is. I try to help all the time, as much as I can.

"They are good lads and they helped us as well at Crewe. I feel that they played good football and think they are improving a lot as well over the years. I can see that the Academy has a lot of very good young players coming up and with strong personalities too so they can be ready to play in the Premier League."

[bbfan1991]

Amos on De Gea's saves


Young keeper Ben Amos is keenly learning from United no.1 David De Gea. The Spaniard made a host of quality saves last season. Here, Ben analyses the best of them…

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/DF4AB3246CF34977AEFF78A883509631.ashx?20130801T121 4548628

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/video-ben-amos-analyses-david-de-gea-best-saves-of-201213.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Rio Ferdinand admits he may move into management when he quits playing

http://e0.365dm.com/13/08/660x350/Ferdinadbook_2982429.jpg?20130804123309

Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand has revealed he is considering moving into management when he hangs up his boots.

Ferdinand, who celebrates his testimonial next week against Sevilla, is planning to take his coaching badges this year as he weighs up his options when he quits playing.

The 34-year-old admits he would be interested in taking up a management role in the future if the right opportunity comes up.

"I want to give myself the option to be a manager. That way if someone does offer me a job, I have the ability to do it," said Ferdinand at the launch of his new book Rio: My Decade As A Red.

"I still don't know if I want to do it or if I would be good.

"But I do think there is something to give back to football from me.

"I started my coaching badges three years ago but I had issues with my back so could not continue it.

"I will start again this year and then hopefully by the time I retire I will have my coaching badges behind me.

"Whether it be with our younger teams, the under-21s or someone else, I have no idea yet."

Rio Ferdinand's new book Rio: My Decade As A Red is out on August 9.

[bbfan1991]

United vs AIK is 0-0 at HT in Sweden.

Nani was having a great game and was the best player until he picked up a groin injury.

Lindegaard, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Zaha, Giggs, RvP.

Subs: Amos, Jones, Smalling, Welbeck, Henriquez, Bebe.

[bbfan1991]

Report: AIK 1 United 1

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Aug/match-report-aik-vs-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Nani and Evans suffer injuries

Nani and Jonny Evans limped off at the Friends Arena during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with AIK Fotboll on Tuesday, but Reds boss David Moyes said their withdrawals were largely as prevention against further damage to minor injuries.

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Portuguese winger Nani had looked very lively in the opening half an hour before he complained of a tight groin muscle, while Evans suffered a knock to his ankle early in the second half.

Moyes confirmed to MUTV after the match: "Jonny actually got kneed on the ankle. He thought that he was going to be able to run it off. But if we left him on then it would only have got worse for him.

"Nani just felt his groin tighten up and he didn’t want to take any risks. Neither did we. We thought it was safer to take him off at that time."

It wasn't all bad news on the fitness front as club captain Nemanja Vidic completed his first full match in pre-season, while Robin van Persie also finished the full 90 minutes.

"[Nemanja] was probably the big thing for us, to get him through the full game," added Moyes. "Robin as well – he got 90 minutes. Robin has played in some of the other games but we wanted to make sure he had 90 minutes under his belt. So a few of them did that.

"It was a tough enough workout for us and they played some good stuff. If we had taken our chances then we would have won the game."


I hope that they are both OK!

[bbfan1991]

Vidic: I'll be ready for 2013/14

Nemanja Vidic says Manchester United were given a tough test in the 1-1 draw against AIK Fotboll at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday – and the Reds skipper believes it was the ideal run-out to improve fitness before the start of the season.

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It was Vidic’s first outing for the first-team this summer and his first full match in pre-season. Now he believes that he will be fit and firing when United’s Barclays Premier League title defence gets underway against Swansea on 17 August.

“I am pleased that I have 90 minutes under my belt,” Vidic told MUTV. “It’s a long time since I’ve played a full game. I am pleased with that and I hope that after this game I can pick up my fitness and I will be ready for the beginning of the season.

“It’s frustrating when you don’t get the games. I’ve done some good training, but it’s different when you’re playing a match. I got 90 minutes tonight and we have two more games before the start of the league season. Hopefully I can get another 90 minutes before then.”

Robin Quaison gave AIK the lead early in the second half as he escaped the attentions of Vidic before smashing the ball past substitute goalkeeper Ben Amos in the United goal. Vidic otherwise was very solid and even picked up the event organisers' Man of the Match award.

“AIK worked very hard and they made some trouble for us,” added Vida. “We allowed them too many chances and we have to improve our shape in defence. We can work on that and I think we will be fine.”

It was Vidic’s first match for a David Moyes United team and the Serbian centre-back is pleased with the progress the Reds are making under the new boss.

“When you change the manager it’s a different type of training and preparation for the games,” he said, “but we’ve done nothing that we didn’t do before. We’ve worked really hard and we have two more games to pick up our freshness and then we will be ready for the start of the season.

“We have trained really well and it’s the matches we need now. These kind of matches, against AIK, are a good test for us. They are in the middle of their season and they played some good football. We found it a difficult, testing match. I want that, I want difficult matches before the start of the season so we are ready for some big matches at the beginning of the campaign.”


I hope so:).

[bbfan1991]

Reserves win Lancashire Cup

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Reserves/Reserves-News/2013/Aug/manchester-united-win-lancashire-senior-cup-final.aspx


Well done to the lads...

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Sweden stalemate

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/Tour2013News/2013/Aug/gallery-match-aik-vs-manchester-united-friends-arena.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes happy with run-out

David Moyes was satisfied with Manchester United’s final Tour 2013 run-out but bemoaned the Reds’ wastefulness in front of goal following the 1-1 draw against AIK Fotboll in Stockholm.

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United needed to come from behind to salvage the result after Robin Quaison gave the home side the lead on 49 minutes courtesy of a stunning strike from 20 yards.

Young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez, on as a first-half substitute for the injured Nani, netted the leveller on 68 minutes but the Reds then missed a handful of chances to win the game and end Tour 2013 on a high.

“It was a tough game for us,” David Moyes told MUTV. “They played a bit better in the first half although I was a bit disappointed that we gave them a few opportunities.

“But in the first 15 minutes we must have got to the byline three or four times and I was hoping that one of our crosses was going to find one of our players. It didn’t do so.

“We got back into it in the second half after going a goal behind. We limited their opportunities in the second half and we had a few of our own. I think we should have won the game in the second half.”

Despite United’s inability to find the net a second time, Moyes was pleased with the test AIK provided the Reds at this crucial point of pre-season preparations.

“It was a tough enough workout for us and they played some good stuff. If we had taken our chances then we would have won the game.

“We're almost there as far as pre-season goes. I think we'd like to have a bit more continuity than what we've had – we've had one or two players dropping in and out because of injury – but the players have been great and I look forward to the season starting.”

[bbfan1991]

Angelo aims to progress

Angelo Henriquez says he wants to keep progressing after scoring on his first appearance for the Reds and earning David Moyes' men a 1-1 draw with AIK Fotboll on Tuesday night.

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The 19-year-old came off the bench to replace the injured Nani at Friends Arena in Stockholm and fired United's second-half equaliser in the final game of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

Henriquz was a happy man after the game and told ManUtd.com that he is determined to build on the experience.

"To be involved in my first game with the first team and score was a great moment for me," he told us.

"It's been fantastic to train with the squad and also spend time with the players. I am learning a lot."

Henriquez says he is yet to speak to David Moyes about whether or not he will remain at Old Trafford or go out on loan again as he did for the second half of last season at Wigan.

The Chilean striker thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Latics and says Sunday's Community Shield clash between Wigan and United will be a big match for him on a personal note.

"Wigan hold a special place in my heart and it will be a special game for me. I am looking forward to the match and hopefully we can get the result we want. It's important for us to win the trophy," he added.

"My time at Wigan helped me a lot. It was a great experience to be in a first-team squad and playing in big matches in the Premier League and FA Cup.

"The biggest thing I learnt is that the Premier League is one of the best and most important leagues in the world, and you have to be at your very best in every game.

"I want to continue to improve and I know that in order to do that I just need to keep training hard and doing my best."

:)

[bbfan1991]

United partner with afb

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2013/Jul/manchester-united-announces-afb-kenya-partnership.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Rio: Five great goals

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/rio-ferdinand-my-top-five-goals-for-manchester-united.aspx

What's Rio really like?

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/video-smalling-lindegaard-and-buttner-discuss-rio-ferdinands-qualities.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Views of Rio: In quotes

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/rio-ferdinand-team-mates-and-colleagues-quotes.aspx

Rio's half-time surprise

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/Rio-Ferdinand-teases-testimonial-surprise.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Rio Ferdinand's testimonial tonight at Old Trafford: KO at 7:30 PM.

Rio deserves his testimonial because of the years of service he has given to United and because he really loves the club, plus he is important on and off the pitch because of his outgoing personality and experience. He is a class act, player and guy!

[bbfan1991]

Moyes eager to get started

David Moyes admits he is itching for the new season to start and walking out at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager for the first time.

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In an exclusive in-depth interview with the new Inside United magazine that has hit the streets this week, the Scot has expressed his gratitude for the level of support he has received already and is focused on bringing more success to the reigning Barclays Premier League champions.

With Rio Ferdinand's Testimonial against Sevilla on Friday granting him a first opportunity to lead the team out in a home game, there is then the chance to win some silverware in the Community Shield encounter with Wigan Athletic on Sunday afternoon.

"I just cannot wait to get the season started," enthused the boss. "As I have said before, I know what it is like to walk out at Old Trafford as the manager of the opposition, so to step out in front of more than 75,000 fans as the Manchester United manager will be a special moment for me.

"Being given the chance to manage a club like this was a dream come true for me and probably more so given that the previous manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, wanted me to be in charge of the club. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The support I've had from everybody has been tremendous. It won't always be easy - I know that - but I just hope we can all work together.

"My sole goal is to be successful and have a winning team. I hope that, over the years, we can enjoy plenty of success."

Sunday's Wembley date with Wigan is always seen as the traditional curtain-raiser to the season and United have sold over 47,00 tickets - which is a
record number of fans from one club attending a game at the new stadium.

"I will be trying to make this the first trophy of many," he stated. "But, if we win, it's really something that will have been earned by Sir Alex.

"It's because of his good work in the Premier League last season that we're in the Community Shield. I'll do my best to finish off the job but it's Sir Alex who will deserve a lot of the credit if we're successful at Wembley."

[bbfan1991]

Rio: My greatest influences

Rio Ferdinand reveals the people, places, matches and Manchester United moments that have inspired him in his career. Click the main image to view our favourite Rio pics...

Greatest footballer I’ve ever seen… Diego Maradona is the best footballer that has ever lived. He was my hero growing up and one of the key inspirations for me growing up. What he did to England in the 1986 World Cup, that goal – not the Hand of God one, the other one – the skill on show was just a dream to watch. I loved everything about the way he played the game. It was like poetry in motion.

Greatest game I’ve been involved in… That would have to be the 7-1 win against AS Roma. I just remember Sir Alex saying after the game that you get that kind of result once in a lifetime. That was the moment when everything clicked and every single one of our players deserved 8 or 9 marks out of 10 that night. We would have beaten any team in the world in that match.

Greatest place I’ve visited… I can’t say one, to be honest. I’ll have to name a couple. Israel… Tel Aviv is an unbelievable place to go to. I had a fantastic time there: the weather, the food, the people. Sydney is up there now. I’ve just been there with United. I had a really good time and I’d like to take my family out there. I really like Asia; I like Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea. I’ve always had a really good time when I’ve gone to those places.

Greatest person I’ve ever met… Nelson Mandela. If you’re talking inspirations, he is the inspiration. For someone to sacrifice their life for a nation of people and still harbour no ill feeling to anyone, I think we can all learn something from that. I find it hard to imagine how one person can achieve what he has, it’s incredible.

Greatest thing about being a Red… Just to be a part of the club’s history. When you read up about Manchester United’s history and the club’s tradition, to immerse yourself in that and become a part of that is a great achievement in itself. To do it while winning silverware makes it that much better. Our fans, wherever we go around the world, are the best fans in the world. So that’s just the best feeling - to be part of that.

[bbfan1991]

Eight Reds in squad

Manchester United have eight representatives in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the Teenage Cancer Trust international against Scotland at Wembley next week.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Wilfried Zaha, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are all included in the party and will hope to face the Scots in the showpiece friendly.

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Zaha will strive to add to his one cap, as a substitute in Sweden, after shining in pre-season following his move from Crystal Palace.

United had seven players actually involved in an England international against Albania back in March, 2001, and the latest call-ups suggest Hodgson could be relying on a core of Reds in next summer's World Cup finals, if England clinch qualification for Brazil.

Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard and Tom Thorpe have been named in an England Under-21 squad for the first time. Scotland also provide the opposition, at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane on Tuesday, with Sam Johnstone and Michael Keane also included.

[bbfan1991]

Evans: I won't stop striving

Jonny Evans has, at the age of 25, accrued an impressive level of maturity, composure and consistency in his game, but he says the challenge at Manchester United is to never stop striving to improve.

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The Northern Ireland international picked up an ankle knock in the Reds' pre-season friendly with AIK Fotboll in Sweden this week, but he will be hoping to be fit for the start of the 2013/14 campaign as United begin the defence of the Barclays Premier League trophy.

As well as being tuned in to United's team aims this term, Evans has personal ambitions of his own that he will be attempting to attain.

"Over time I've realised I must strive to be the best player I can be," he says in the latest issue of Inside United magazine, on sale now. "Every single game you have to be on top form - there's no room for blips."

The answer is to constantly assess and reassess performances, never allowing complacency to creep in. "Some people think you just turn up and play a match at the weekend and then forget about it," continues Jonny. "But it's not like that. You play a game on a Saturday and when you wake up the following morning, it's the first thing on your mind and it's like that for the rest of the week until you play your next game.

"That's the way it has to be at Manchester United: if you let your standards drop for a second, you get found out."

It's a testing, high-stakes environment, but Evans wouldn't have it any other way as he relishes the start of a new campaign and new challenges at Old Trafford.

Of his and the team's aims in 2013/14, Jonny says: "To win as many trophies as we can, that's always the aim here. At Manchester United you've got the opportunity of having a reward, or two or three, at the end of every season. That's a huge incentive for everyone.

"A couple of seasons ago we finished with no trophies and it wasn't a nice feeling at all, so I think getting that bit of silverware gives you some comfort. You want to go through a season and have a reward at the end of it."

[bbfan1991]

Edwin: Rio is always majestic

Most of Rio’s epic Old Trafford career to date was spent working in front of Edwin van der Sar. In a column for ManUtd.com, the Dutchman extols the virtues of his ex-colleague…

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/4646A41129234038AE96B8ABE7028789.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,1,1280,719

When I first came to United, one of the things Sir Alex Ferguson said to me was that I had to organise the defence and make sure they didn't lose concentration for one second of a game. Straight away when I began working with the defenders, it was plain to see Rio's quality.

He hardly ever put a foot wrong. He was always majestic and upright - you never saw him go to ground - and his eye was always on the ball. He would either get in front of the striker and reach the ball first, or hold off and wait for exactly the right moment to get the ball from him.

When you've got a good football brain, you can see things before others and you can react quicker. You can get to the ball first, you can help a team-mate and you can prevent a lot of things. Rio is a master of that. His understanding and his commitment are second to none.

I worked with some great defenders at United, but myself, Rio and Nemanja formed a triangle that was quite solid, where each of us knew what was happening, and what any of the three of us were planning to do at any one time on the field.

I played with a lot of great defenders in my career - when I was 24 I was with Danny Blind and Frank Rijkaard at Ajax - but I would say that the triangle with Rio and Vida was the best I had. I was much older and had the experience of my time in Holland, the negative experience of a spell in Italy and my first years in England with Fulham, so in six years at United I already had that wisdom.

With that, and the abilities of Rio and Nemanja, we were able to anticipate and help each other, and the relationship between the three of us worked very well.

We enjoyed some good success in our time together, and Rio has enjoyed that for even longer in his time at Manchester United. It's great that he's had so many years at the club.

He's worked extremely hard, gotten through difficult times and he's achieved the success and trophies that he dreamed about when he was young. His desire to succeed has always shone through.

[bbfan1991]

Blog: Simply the best?

Is Rio Ferdinand Manchester United’s greatest ever centre-back?

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/News-And-Blogs/2013/Aug/Mark-Froggatt-blogs-on-Rio-Ferdinand.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Squad for Rio's Testimonial: De Gea, Fabio, Ferdinand, Smalling, Buttner Valencia, Anderson, Cleverley, Januzaj, Kagawa, Henriquez.

Manchester United Subs - Lindegaard, M.Keane, Evans, Jones, Lingard, Carrick, Bebe, Giggs and Zaha

[bbfan1991]

United 1 Sevilla 3

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Aug/match-report-manchester-united-vs-sevilla.aspx

Ronaldo pays tribute

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/cristiano-ronaldo-pays-tribute-to-rio-ferdinand.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Preview: United v Wigan

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/preview-of-manchester-united-vs-wigan-athletic.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Evans says Reds are ready

Jonny Evans says the players are raring to go ahead of this weekend's Community Shield clash with Wigan at Wembley and are even more excited about the season proper.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/9E2AA0DE123442208E6CB97C868725D4.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,14,768,299

The Reds take on the Championship side - and last season's FA Cup winners - at Wembley on Sunday with David Moyes aiming to claim his first piece of silverware as United boss.

Evans has hailed the club's new regime under Moyes and after a run of friendly matches in pre-season, the defender says the squad can't wait to get going with some competitive football.

"Personally, I can't wait for the season to start and you can sense that amongst the whole squad," he told MUTV. "We've got a pre-season behind us now and we're kicking off on Sunday at Wembley. We're all looking forward to it.

"It's a one-off occasion, a one-off match that could go either way and that's what makes it a special game, particularly with it being at Wembley. The pitch is always good there and you hope that brings out the best in both teams.

"The staff have been excellent since they came in," he added, when asked about life under Moyes and his coaching team, which also includes Ryan Giggs as a player/coach. "It's been a really smooth transition.

"Nothing has changed too much, they have just put their own style on how we train. It's been a very smooth change. In terms of Ryan's role, he's always been a bit like a coach anyway when it comes to giving advice which is invaluable to the squad.

"We've actually had quite tough games [during pre-season], and also done a lot of training and work on our fitness.

"Going into the first one in Thailand we were probably a bit jetlagged and it took us a while to get settled. We had two very tough matches in Japan against teams who were really fit and they were excellent games for us in terms of fitness and sharpness.

"That's why you play these games - to find out where you're at fitness-wise and hopefully we can push on now."

[bbfan1991]

Rio: We're raring to go

Following a rigorous pre-season training camp, Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United are more than ready for the 2013/14 season and the Reds legend can’t wait to get started.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/7CE6365B5C5249219BCAADED606E2FE8.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,58,576,273

Throughout the Tour 2013 presented by Aon, new manager David Moyes held double training sessions on an almost daily basis and, as a result, the champions are in good shape ahead of Sunday’s FA Community Shield match against Wigan Athletic.

When speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com at a signing session for his new book, 'Rio: My decade as a Red', Ferdinand was clearly excited for the action to begin at Wembley.

“The team is feeling good, we have been training really hard and it has been a tough pre-season physically, but we have enjoyed it and we’ve had a really good time. Now, we are looking forward to getting into the games and the nitty gritty. It’s the first trophy of the season and we’d like to win it."

As Rio states, Sunday’s match offers an opportunity to win silverware and a chance for Moyes to claim the first trophy of his career, which Ferdinand believes would conclude an ideal introduction to life at United.

“It has been a good tour in terms of preparation and the manager has been able to get to know the players, which is a great thing," he added. "And now, we have got the Community Shield game and an opportunity to grab some silverware which would be great.”

[bbfan1991]

Moyes eyes first trophy

David Moyes has just one thing on his mind ahead of the Community Shield clash with Wigan at Wembley - winning.

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The United manager has the opportunity to claim his first piece of silverware on Sunday with victory over the Championship side, now managed by Moyes' fellow Scot and friend Owen Coyle.

After confirming exclusively to MUTV that Nani, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney are not fit for the match at Wembley, Moyes talked about the importance of the game to the club, particularly with a trophy up for grabs.

"It’s a really important fixture because it’s the start of the season for us. Obviously the Premier League season starts next weekend but this is the first real serious game of note, albeit it is still in pre-season, but there is a trophy at stake," he told MUTV.

"I think Wigan will be one of the sides pushing to get back in the Premier League again. They had a great start in their first Championship match against Barnsley so it will be a tough game. They won last time they went to Wembley so we have got to make sure we do a good job and stop them this time.

"This football club is used to winning trophies and we will do everything we can to make sure we win another."

Moyes was also asked about the situation regarding Wayne Rooney's fitness after the striker was selected for the England squad for their international with Scotland in midweek.

"I am pleased about that," said the United boss. "I had a long conversation with Roy [Hodgson, England manager] last week about it and told him Wayne’s situation.

"Wayne has had a shoulder injury which has meant he has not been able to have any contact and it has been sore, so he hasn’t trained with us. He has trained a little bit with the Reserves as a non-contact player, a floating player, so he has at least got a little bit of football work done.

"He trained with the first team on Saturday and did a bit of extra work [afterwards], so he is probably more likely to be ready for England than he will be for us.

"He hasn't had a lot of football practice which I explained to Roy and I would only expect Roy to play him for a short time.

"Hopefully Wayne is not in too good form because it would be good if Scotland could get a result!" he laughed.

[bbfan1991]

Good luck to David Moyes and the lads, hopefully we win the Community Shield later in our first big game under the new boss..

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wembley!

[bbfan1991]

Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Jones, Evra, Giggs, Carrick, Cleverley, Zaha, Van Persie, Welbeck.

[bbfan1991]

Early goal by RVP to put United 1-0 up vs Wigan, quality header from a Patrice Evra cross on the left wing:).

[bbfan1991]

Rafael off injured:(. Chris Smalling on to replace him.

[bbfan1991]

FT 2-0 to United vs Wigan. Well done to David Moyes and the lads for winning the Community Shield.:):D

Encouraging performance today, more professional and composed with the intent to attack and win.

[bbfan1991]

RvP: "I believe in this team. I don't want to be funny, but we are the champions" #mufc

RVP is a legend:worship:.

[Lowkey]

Good performance.

[bbfan1991]

United 2 Wigan 0

Manchester United collected their first trophy of David Moyes’ reign at Wembley on Sunday thanks to a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Community Shield.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Aug/match-report-manchester-united-vs-wigan-community-shield.aspx

:):devil:

[bbfan1991]

Rafael has injured his hamstring and is out for a few weeks:(.

David Moyes said that United are close to bringing some more players in. Good news!

[bbfan1991]

David Moyes on Wayne Rooney: "I didn't fall out with Wayne. He trained with reserves at his asking'' So he won't be sold? "Correct."

[bbfan1991]

Video: Reds lift Shield

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/video-manchester-united-lift-community-shield.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Rafael suffers injury

David Moyes says Rafael da Silva suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s FA Community Shield win at Wembley, though the Reds boss isn’t too concerned about its severity.

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Rafa was replaced by Chris Smalling after just 16 minutes in the capital, where the Reds ran out 2-0 winners against a competitive but ultimately limited Wigan Athletic side.

However, when quizzed on the blow by MUTV, Moyes said the Brazilian’s early exit was more of a precaution than a necessary act. Of course, the injury is almost irrelevant, given that the defender is already suspended from playing in next weekend’s Barclays Premier League opener at Swansea City.

“Rafa said that he felt his hamstring and in a game like this when you have an opportunity to make substitutes, it was fine,” Moyes said. “He is suspended for the first game of the season anyway, so in a way, I wouldn’t say it doesn’t matter but it won’t have an effect on what we do next weekend.”


Gutted:(. I hope that he is OK and has a speedy recovery!

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Shield celebrations

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/Gallery-Celebrations-Community-Shield.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: This is for Sir Alex

David Moyes has dedicated Sunday’s FA Community Shield triumph over Wigan Athletic to Sir Alex Ferguson, his managerial processor at Manchester United.

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The champions recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over the Latics thanks to Robin van Persie’s brace of goals at Wembley, allowing Moyes to lift a trophy following his first competitive match in charge.

And rather than basking in the glory, the boss was quick to credit Sir Alex before outlining his desire to grasp even more silverware: “This is a trophy for Sir Alex, so if he is sitting at home and watching today, this is for you Sir Alex and for the way your team performed last season and won the Premier League.

“The only way you get to the Charity Shield is by winning the league or the FA Cup, so Sir Alex’s team did that last year and the ones from now on will be hopefully for me to win.

“I’ve been here (Wembley) a few times, sometimes I have won and sometimes I have lost. But today, being the manager of Manchester United and leading the team out was something else and my family were here as well, so I’m sure they’ll be extremely proud.”

When quizzed on the performance of Van Persie, the boss was clearly delighted with the Dutchman and reiterated his belief that he will be central to any potential success this term.

“Because Robin was so important to United last year, we know that if we can get him in goal scoring form then it gives us a great chance. If that’s the start for him, scoring two, then we are delighted and we hope it goes to a big total at the end of the season.”

United’s attention now turn to the start of the Barclays Premier League and next Saturday’s trip to Swansea City, which Moyes is more than ready for. However, the boss was refreshingly honest when asked if the imminent international break provides an unwelcomed distraction ahead of that game.

“It does because I would have liked to continue getting to know them and getting to work with them,” he said.” I thought there were bits of our game that were better today and bits that we could do better, so I am looking forward to continuing working with them.

“And I am looking forward to improving the squad and attempting to make Manchester United even better than they have been in the last few seasons.”


In David we trust:).

[bbfan1991]

Robin pleased for Moyes

Robin van Persie was delighted to play his part in helping David Moyes secure his first trophy as manager of Manchester United.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/9DF47C0EEC7045AC94ED2159762E98CD.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,39,1280,513

The Dutch striker's brace at Wembley on Sunday secured a record 16th Community Shield triumph for the club and Moyes' first in charge of the Reds. And van Persie hopes it's the first of many successes under the Scot.

"It's been a very good day. It's the first of five [trophies available this season] and we knew we could win one after just one game today and we did that," he told MUTV.

"Everyone wanted to win for the manager and the new staff and, of course, for the players as well because it's always nice to win a trophy. It's important for the manager and the staff to win trophies and to get the first one in only after a month or so is great."

Van Persie opened the scoring after just six minutes with what he described as an "unusual" type of goal after steering home a header from 14 yards out. He recorded his second via a large deflection off Wigan's James Perch but the Dutchman joked that it remains his strike.

"It's my goal because it was going on target," he added. "It wasn't the nicest goal, but it was an important one because after that Wigan weren't really in the game. We controlled things.

"Today was a good day for us and a good start to the season. It was very important to win. Now we can look ahead to next week's game against Swansea.

"The first five games [of the season] are very tough, but we have to look at things game-by-game. There are some big challenges there, but we are ready."

[bbfan1991]

Carrick buoyed by Shield

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United are ready to defend the Barclays Premier League title after recording an encouraging 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Community Shield.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/8322FCC7085A4B039427D14565A091C5.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,2,600,448

The champions produced a professional performance at Wembley to lift the first trophy of the David Moyes era, thanks partly to a brace of goals from Robin van Persie and a sturdy defensive display.

And following an extensive pre-season programme, which culminated in the capital on Sunday, Carrick is confident that his team-mates are finally prepared for the new season, which begins on Saturday with a testing trip to Swansea City and the Liberty Stadium.

“Every game is important, that’s how it is here,” Michael told MUTV. “We’ve had an up and down pre-season, it’s been well documented, but sometimes you can’t read too much into that. We have put the work into the training field, we have all had enough games now and I think it showed today.

“It was a better team performance all around. We looked well defensively and obviously we scored two goals, so it was a decent performance and a good day. We can move on to next week now.”

Quizzed further on Swansea, Michael said: “We are as ready as we’ll ever be. There is always an element of whether you are ready in terms of fitness because you have played so many friendlies. It’s only when the business starts that you find out where you are at.

“We are confident and we have got a good squad,” last season’s Players’ Player of the Year explained. “A lot has been said about ins and outs, and things like that, but at the end of that we have got a good squad anyway and we are confident going into the new season.”

Carrick was also full of praise for Van Persie, who looked encouragingly sharp against the Latics and extremely high on confidence, picking up exactly where he left off last season by leading the forward line with great style and grace. And hopefully, it is only the start of things to come.

“It’s what you rely on, your strikers scoring goals. Robin did it last season and he’s started well again, so hopefully that continues. He has shown his quality. He didn’t really have many opportunities and yet he still scored two goals. He’ll be delighted with that and will be confident going into next week.”

[bbfan1991]

Giggs: Reds still hungry

Ryan Giggs made his 21st appearance in a red shirt at Wembley in Sunday's Community Shield and collected yet another trophy, and he insists his and the team's desire to win silverware will never waver.

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The 39-year-old Welshman was excellent during the 2013/14 season curtain-raiser as the Reds eased to a 2-0 win over Wigan.

It was the perfect way for David Moyes to begin his reign as United boss and Giggs says that while there will be stiff competition from big-spending Manchester City and Jose Mourinho-led Chelsea, he has faith in the Reds' ability to deliver the goods again this term.

"It's always nice to win the Community Shield. It's a good start to the season. It's good for the new manager and everyone else concerned - we have started the season with a trophy," the veteran told PA Sport.

"It was a lot of the players' first time to win it and obviously the manager's. We wanted to win it and put on a good show.

"Winning is what this club's all about. You can't win every year, but we want to compete and give ourselves the best chance. That's what we've done over the years. We're the champions, we know how hard it is to defend, but we'll do our best."

There have been changes aplenty among the Barclays Premier League title contenders this summer, with new managers and players joining rivals Manchester City and Chelsea. That presents new challenges, but Giggs says the Reds will meet them head on.

"Obviously Mourinho has come into Chelsea and City are spending quite a bit of money, but it is not something we are worried about," he adds.

"We are the champions. We know it's not easy to defend the trophy, but we have experienced it before and we will try to do it again this season. The quality is in the squad. We showed that last year. Now we have to show it again."

The Reds, so far, have not brought in any established signings, but Giggs isn't pinning all United's hopes for the new campaign on new signings.

"I think it has been a slow transfer window," he says. "I said City had done their business early on but other than that, there has not been a lot of movement. It could be a hectic last two weeks. We will just have to wait and see.

"If we sign someone - great. If not we will just get on with it. We are quite happy with the players in our dressing room. We won the league with those players and we are looking forward to the start of the season."

[bbfan1991]

Lingard makes U21 debut

Michael Keane and Tom Thorpe played too:).

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/England-U21s-v-Scotland-U21s.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Smalling: Shield will inspire kids

Chris Smalling says Sunday’s Community Shield victory will act as a big motivation for the squad’s younger players to achieve more.

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Wilfried Zaha and Adnan Januzaj were two of the players collecting their first ever trophy for the Reds following United’s 2-0 win over Wigan at Wembley.

The pair, who along with Jesse Lingard have impressed throughout the pre-season campaign, both played a part in the victory and Smalling says getting your hands on silverware only makes you more determined to make it a regular occurrence.

“Winning a trophy galvanises everyone and really helps you kick on,” the defender told ManUtd.com.

“Celebrating in the dressing room afterwards is always a fantastic feeling and it just makes you hungrier to do it again and again. It’s great for some of the new lads like Wilf and the younger players to experience the feeling – it really gets you in the zone and shows you what you’re fighting for.

“The likes of Wilf, Adnan and Jesse have done really well. The manager is the same as the previous manager when it comes to giving young players a chance. He gave them a good opportunity on tour and they’ve shown what they can do. It can be quite daunting when you go away with the first team for a few weeks but they’ve really bedded in and they’re great lads to get on with.

“We know there are four more trophies up for grabs this season and winning trophies is what this club is all about," he added. "We want to make sure we’re there at the end of the season competing for those honours.”

[bbfan1991]

Ryan starting over in new role

Ryan Giggs accepted a role as player-coach earlier this summer, and when Inside United magazine caught up with this month, he spoke about his new role in depth...

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/6424A1067A594B6190E7B4B1FDB64134.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,1,1280,719

Ryan, how was your summer and how do you feel physically ahead of the new season... ready to go?
Personally, I feel good. I shut down for about three weeks after the season finished but then started going to the gym a couple of times on holiday after that. I also did a bit of swimming, some golf and a few runs. I was in Turkey doing my coaching badges with Gary Neville so we were training partners, which was good. In training, things have been great to so far and everyone is working hard.

Can you explain a bit more about your role - have you got a clear idea of what you'll be doing as a player and coach?
It's a case of seeing how things go and I'm sure it'll evolve as time goes on. With a lot of the old staff leaving, I think the manager wanted to have that continuity and bringing Phil [Neville] back has added to that and that's good for the manager to have. I'm excited to be learning and working with a new boss after working with the old one for so long, and so far things have worked really well.

The average fan is perhaps not clear on how coaching badges and qualifications work - we hear about A and B licences, Pro licences... where are you up to in your education and are you enjoying that side of things?
It's been really enjoyable. As I say, I've been working on my coaching badges this summer. We were in Turkey for eight days at the U20s European Championships and we watched a lot of games. It was about scouting at games and putting presentations together. It was good. There are 21 of us on the course. You spend a lot of time together and I've learnt a lot from other managers and coaches. There's a massive array of different levels of coaching on the course from Premier League to League One to the Conference... I've really enjoyed it. We've got a year to go with three more meet-ups so we're nearly there.

At what stage of your career did you decide that you definitely wanted to go down the coaching route?
I wanted to be as prepared as I could for finishing playing. I've always concentrated on playing but I've been doing my badges too. It's been tough at times because it is quite time-consuming but I'm really glad I've done it. Five years ago I didn't think I'd still be playing at this age so I wanted to make sure I was prepared when I finished so I started doing my coaching badges then.

How does your new role fit in alongside Steve Round (assistant manager), Jimmy Lumsden (first team coach), and Phil Neville (coach)?
I'll just do what I can to help them. They've been really good with me. I'm new to it and I'll be learning along the way. It's like starting all over again in a way. But I've been really lucky at how the lads have helped me so far and I hope I can help them.

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: Fans vital to us

David Moyes has praised the “incredible” Manchester United fans who attended Sunday’s FA Community Shield victory over Wigan Athletic at Wembley.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/9B69B1A0E2B64D3290FB7231FA100A75.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,114,800,411

Around 50,000 Reds supporters flocked to the national stadium to see the champions beat the Latics with competent ease, providing an admirable backdrop of noise from start to finish. And the boss, buoyed by the atmosphere, believes such a backing could prove pivotal this season.

“It was incredible. At the end, most people normally leave and the ground becomes half empty, but three quarters of the ground was full of Manchester United supporters,” he told MUTV.

“I think the supporters had the bit between their teeth. They know we have got a fight on this season, they know we have got a challenge and they are right up for it.

“And we are going to need them. We are going to need their vocal backing at Old Trafford, from the first home game, and hopefully we’re going to be ready to show them what we can do.”

Michael Carrick was similarly impressed by the fans in attendance. “We don’t take it for granted, the support we get both home and away, it is appreciated so much and it helps us, it gives us a boost when we need it and hopefully we made the journey worthwhile for everyone who made it.”

[bbfan1991]

New shirt numbers revealed

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/manchester-united-release-squad-numbers-for-2013-2014.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Reds ready to go at Swansea

Chris Smalling says Saturday’s Barclays Premier League opener cannot come soon enough for the champions.

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The Reds kick off the defence of the title at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday tea-time having already claimed the first trophy of the season last weekend at Wembley in the 2-0 Community Shield win over Wigan.

The match was United’s eighth of pre-season and the perfect way for David Moyes to begin his reign as Reds’ boss.

Smalling says the squad were buoyed by the victory but admits the majority of the team’s focus has been geared towards being ready for Saturday’s season opener.

“The Swansea game has been in our minds for a while,” he told ManUtd.com. “We saw Sunday as an important build-up to it, and after the internationals [in midweek] we’re firing and ready to go. I can’t wait for that first whistle.

“Going into the season as champions brings that expectation. We know that when we step out onto the pitch we’re seen as the best but we know we need to show that we are, and we’re all determined to do that.

“We’ve got some big fixtures at the start of the season but if we can put on some really good performances then it’s going to give us a big boost if we can pick up a few points and possibly set us apart from our rivals. I don’t think there is any better time to play those big games to be honest and in one sense it’s good to get them out of the way.”

Smalling hopes to be fully involved at the start of the campaign after enjoying an injury-free pre-season.

“It makes such a difference when you get a proper pre-season under your belt," he added. "Last season was very frustrating with injuries. When you don’t get a full pre-season it means you’re catching up a little bit. I feel good this season and the more the games I play the sharper I feel.

"It was good to get on at Wembley. I managed to play 90 minutes on the Friday [in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial] and played nearly another full game on Sunday. It’s just good to be out there and playing.

“In terms of targets for the season, I just want to be involved in as many games as I can. Centre-back is where I want to play, but my aim is to get some good training done and stay injury-free.”

[bbfan1991]

Preview: Swansea v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/preview-of-swansea-city-v-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Boss seeks healthy return

David Moyes is hopeful that all of his players remain injury free following this week’s batch of international friendlies, as he prepares for his first Barclays Premier League match as Manchester United manager.

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Four days after lifting the FA Community Shield at Wembley, the boss was back at the national stadium on Wednesday night to watch his native Scotland lose 3-2 to England. Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Wilfried Zaha were all involved and thankfully all emerged unscathed.

Elsewhere, Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa were both in action, for Holland and Japan respectively, while Angelo Henriquez featured for Chile in Denmark. Once again, all three appeared to avoid injury.

Speaking to MUTV on Thursday, Moyes cut a relieved figure. He told the official club channel: “It was great to get Wayne some [game] time, I thought Danny and Tom did well also, but overall the big thing was that they came through without any injuries. Hopefully, we’ll get no injuries from that game. And not just that game, we have to make sure that all of the other players who have been away on international duty return [without a problem].”

Quizzed on the scheduling of this week’s international break, the manager said: “I don’t think anybody likes this friendly in the week before the start of the season. But as far as I know, I think it ends now and this will be the last one which we have in August before the start of a season. It was the same for all clubs and all managers, but I think it is a week when everyone wants to put their final preparations in place and when you don’t have all the players at your disposal, it is difficult.”

Of course, throughout this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon, Moyes was able to analyse his personnel, working out the different strengths and weaknesses of United's title-winning squad. But can something be learned from watching the players in action for their individual nations?

“Over the years, I have watched the United players playing for their countries at different times. But I think when you are the manager you look at it in a different light. I was able to look at Danny and Tom differently, Wayne as well, seeing how they were performing and how they were doing.

“But I was also interested in my phone because I was getting messages from my staff, who were watching the other players in different countries and feeding me reports on how they were and if they got injured. The important thing from last night was getting everybody back fit and well.”

[bbfan1991]

Moyes eyes new signings

David Moyes says Manchester United are still endeavouring to bring in new players as the champions prepare to defend the Barclays Premier League title.

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Speaking at a launch for the new 2013/14 season, the Reds manager told Sky Sports News: "I'm confident we'll have players in.

"We're involved in several players we're looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so, but we're working very hard to do so.

"What I do know is that we have a great group of players already, who won the Premier League last year. We've got a lot of exciting young players - a lot of them played for England last night - so it's important that we focus on the players we've got at Manchester United and how well they did last year.

"Not much has changed so hopefully they'll be able to continue from where they left off last season."

The boss was a guest pundit on ITV's coverage of the England-Scotland match. When asked afterwards if he would welcome the end of the transfer market, Moyes responded: "I'm looking forward to the start of the season, that's what all the managers are looking forward to just now.

"We've all been working hard in pre-season so we're looking forward to kicking it off."

[bbfan1991]

Vidic's title warning

Nemanja Vidic insists the recent changing of guard at Old Trafford has not diminished Manchester United’s unrelenting desire for success and silverware.

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Following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Reds are about to enter a new era under David Moyes and on the eve of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season, fans and pundits alike are predicting how the new campaign will unfold.

And Vidic, who has claimed 10 major honours during his time in M16, feels confident about United’s chances this term and insists his team-mates are motivated by anyone who questions them.

“You always have the determination to win the trophy,” Nemanja told MUTV. “It doesn’t matter who is the manager or who are the players here, there is always going to be the same challenge to win trophies and nothing has changed over the years.

“We’ve had a good pre-season and the pressure to win the trophy, to defend it, is always tough but it's good to compete and challenge yourself. I believe we are ready for that challenge and, at the end of the day, we enjoy being questioned. You try to get the best of yourself to show that you can win again.”

This season, Vidic believes the champions will need the backing of United’s fans more than ever before, particularly away from home. Not that he has any doubts about the Reds’ following after witnessing 50,000 supporters descend on Wembley Stadium for last weekend's Community Shield match.

“To get that much support at Wembley, especially at this time of the year, we were really pleased to see it,” Nemanja explained. “To be fair, we always have good support from United fans wherever we go, especially away from Old Trafford.

“I believe they have always been supportive. Sometimes they are louder, sometimes less, but they are always supportive and this year will be the same. We will definitely need them this year.”

[bbfan1991]

Moyes expects tough test

Manchester United manager David Moyes is hoping to have most of his squad available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener at Swansea City.

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The champions begin the defence of the title with a tricky trip to Wales to take on last year's Capital One Cup winners, who have invested heavily in the squad during the close season and breezed past Malmo in the Europa League qualifiers.

In an exclusive interview with Countdown to Kick-Off on MUTV, the manager outlined how he expects the Swans to provide a stern test but is pleased with the way that things are shaping up ahead of the tea-time kick-off in terms of his own team plans.

"It's a very tough away fixture," explained Moyes to MUTV. "Michael Laudrup has done a really good job there and strengthened the team a lot this summer. I would expect Swansea to have another season as good as last year and they've already had a couple of European games as well which gives them the feeling they are a little more match-ready.

"We know it will be a hard game but we feel we're getting ready as well and getting everybody back fit. Because of that, hopefully we'll go there and give ourselves a good chance of winning. The only real injury we've had is Rafael's that looks like keeping him out for four-to-six weeks with a hamstring. We've had a few other small niggles, keeping people out for a few days, but, hopefully, most people will be available and ready for the game."

Leading United into league combat for the first time, after winning the Community Shield last weekend, is clearly something that excites the new manager.

"Everybody wants to play Manchester United and do well," he stated. "I'm sure I'm going to be made aware of that very early.

"But to be called Manchester United manager is probably the biggest thrill. It's a real privilege to be in that position and I'm going to do everything I possibly can to make it as good as I can and work hard to make sure the club continues to have success."


In David We Trust:).

[bbfan1991]

Moyes reveals Sir Alex chats

United manager David Moyes has revealed that he has met with Sir Alex Ferguson several times as he continues to plot the future at Old Trafford.

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As the new boss prepares for the start of the Barclays Premier League title defence at Swansea City, he has sought counsel with his predecessor and wants him to continue having an input into the new regime.

"Sir Alex is still here and he will be," explained Moyes. "I went to see him at home the other day. He was great and is recovering from his hip operation.

"I will use him for advice and he will be a great mentor for me. I am really looking forward to speaking with him. I have probably had half a dozen conversations with him already.

"But I don't think I have gone there for any advice. I have gone there and said: 'This is how things are going what are you thinking?' He is going to be someone who is around. I want him to be around.

"On the first day I met him, we had discussions about the team within an hour. Within the first 10 minutes of talking, and him telling me I was getting the job, we had already had discussions about the team and what would have to be done and what was expected, like sponsors, media, all the things that come from a big club. There were no airs and graces. He didn't feather it. He told me straight and he told me what it was going to be like. He would expect me to get on and do the job myself."

The Reds boss was also asked if his fellow Scot could get involved in any attempts to get transfer business over the line.

"I don't think we have used him for that," he asserted. "This club has ways and means of attracting the top players to the club but if we needed to use Sir Alex he would be more than happy to help, I have no doubt about that."

Moyes feels it may take a little time to completely stamp his own influence on the team as that is always the case when a new man takes over the helm at a club.

"It might take me 18 months to two years to get things changed around," he explained. "I don't know how long Sir Alex thought it took him to get it the way that he wanted it. At a club like Manchester United, I will get the opportunity to do that. There might be other clubs where you wouldn't."


Great!

[bbfan1991]

United team for the match at Swansea:

De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Welbeck, RVP.

Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Smalling, Zaha, Fabio, Kagawa, Rooney.

Wayne Rooney is on the bench.

[bbfan1991]

United 2-0 up through RVP and Danny Welbeck despite Swansea starting better and dominating possession.

RVP's skill for the first goal was class and RVP/Valencia linked up well for the second! Our away fans are class and ''Come on feel the Moyes, play like Fergie's boys we go wild, wild, wild!'':):D

[bbfan1991]

FT Swansea 1- United 4. RVP's control for his second goal was class and Rooney got two assists, the pass to Danny Welbeck who got his second goal of the game too with a chip.

What a start for David Moyes' first game in charge of United in the Premier League:).

[bbfan1991]

The Match: Flying start for Moyes

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Aug/the-match-feature-swansea-city-v-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Report: Swansea 1 United 4

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2013/Aug/swansea-city-v-manchester-united-barclays-premier-league-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Watch Swansea highlights

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2013/Aug/swansea-v-manchester-united-premier-league-video-highlights.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Poll: Star man voting

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/manchester-united-man-of-the-match-v-swansea.aspx

[bbfan1991]

DIbv2sP4c2Y

[bbfan1991]

http://i.minus.com/ibjQrSl5V2PTk7.gif

[bbfan1991]

http://i.minus.com/iboTDm7rKVwCv4.gif

[bbfan1991]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9532806646_86212f2d91_o.gif

[bbfan1991]

http://i.minus.com/ibbwdOtcSJva7X.gif

[bbfan1991]

Robin voted star man

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/manchester-united-man-of-the-match-v-swansea.aspx

Rightly so:).

[bbfan1991]

Strike trio earn praise

United boss David Moyes enthused about strike trio Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney after the champions tore Swansea City's defence apart to record a convincing 4-1 opening-day triumph at the Liberty Stadium.

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The Reds led 2-0 at the break courtesy of a superb volley by van Persie and a close-range finish by Welbeck and Rooney came off the bench to assist a thumping drive by the Dutchman and the England youngster's third goal in a week - a beautiful chip over Michel Vorm.

Van Persie, who hit both goals in the Community Shield victory against Wigan Athletic at Wembley, looks to be in the same formidable goalscoring form that he displayed in his debut season at Old Trafford.

"I think his foot was seven feet high in the air when he hit it [for the first goal]," commented Moyes. "It was great athleticism and a good pass by Ryan [Giggs] that got us in.

"But I was nearly as pleased by the goal Danny got. I like centre-forwards to score tap-ins inside the six-yard box. If you're ever going to get a lot of goals in the Premier League, you're going to have to get a few of those in the season so it's a good start for Danny. Obviously, he's got the fourth too, which he earned through his hard work throughout the game.

"I've been made very aware at this club about scoring goals and they tell me Danny only got one [league goal] last year so he's got two now. It's a start and if we can get everybody chipping in, it's great but it'll do Danny's confidence a lot of good. The goal he got against Scotland helped him, although I don't like saying that, and I'm pleased with his contribution."

Rooney came off the bench to make a positive impact and received a good reception from the travelling supporters as he looked sharp despite a lack of match action during the pre-season.

"Well, Wayne got 65 minutes in the game against Scotland the other night and I felt he could do a job today if he got a chance to come on," added Moyes. "He's not ready yet physically and has not done enough in training but I said that before the England-Scotland game and obviously that hasn't changed much except for him getting a little more match practice. He came on and made a great run for the van Persie goal and played Danny in for his goal so it's good for Wayne to get those minutes on the pitch.

"[Fans' reaction?] Everybody knows good players. When he came on, he showed what a good player he is. Everybody wants those players in the team and we're delighted to have Wayne playing. He's still short of match fitness as he's not played enough football but I thought he looked quite sharp. I thought all the players looked fit and I'm well pleased with them."

[bbfan1991]

Pics: Liberty excellent

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/gallery-swansea-city-v-manchester-united-barclays-premier-league.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: My job is to win

David Moyes insists it's business as usual at Manchester United after the champions started the Barclays Premier League title defence with a superb 4-1 success at Swansea City.

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Some pundits suggested the Reds would face a stern examination in South Wales in Moyes' first league game in charge with many predicting an upset. However, braces by Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck ensured a perfect opening day for the club.

"In the dressing room, it's quiet as they tell me it's what they do here - move on to the next game. That's what I'm going to do as well," he insisted.

"When you're manager of Manchester United your job is to win the games. I was made well aware of it. The players have done that today and they did really well.

"I thought Swansea had a lot of the ball but any team who does come down here will find they will have a lot of the ball and pass it well. They're very well managed under Michael Laudrup and they've improved the squad so I've no doubt they'll do well this year.

"I think anybody who comes here will be made to work really hard. We had to work hard as we had periods where we didn't have a great deal of the ball.

"But we limited them to very few opportunities and we made incisive, telling passes and created opportunities. More importantly, they were really good finishes by the forward players with a brilliantly-taken first goal by Robin.

"We could've played better at times in the game overall but are more than happy winning here 4-1."

[bbfan1991]

Ryan: Win shows our quality

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United’s doubters should take note of the Reds’ opening day 4-1 win at Swansea, and the 39-year-old believes the performances will only get better.

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Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored two goals to clinch the win at the Liberty Stadium, ensuring victory for the reigning champions, and Giggs says it can be taken as a message to those questioning United’s ability to retain the crown.

“The players don’t take any notice of where people expect us to finish. I got told last week that we were third favourites, but we know the quality we have got in the club,” the Welshman told MUTV. “We can improve on today’s performance, and we will need to. But don’t underestimate the result. To come to Swansea and win first and foremost, then to score four goals, is something special.

“Individually and as a team we can get better. The players know that, we’re not getting too excited as we know it’s only the first game of the season. We can improve and we have to.”

Giggs played a part in United’s first goal, laying on the pass – albeit via a deflection – for van Persie to fire the Reds in front. Three of the four goals were very well taken, but Giggs was impressed with their timing as much as the technique involved.

“There were some great goals for us and importantly they came at a good time,” he added. “Robin and Danny’s goal knocked the stuffing out of Swansea. The two goals in the second half were tremendous finishes, that’s what we’re capable of.

“Danny (Welbeck) has had a great week. It’s probably up there with Rickie Lambert’s week. As a centre forward he’ll want to score goals and he’s got three this week and he’ll be buzzing.”

Giggs was replaced just after the hour mark when Wayne Rooney came off the bench for his first appearance of the new season. But that wasn’t the end of the Welshman’s involvement in the game. As a player-coach, he could still have an input from the bench.

“I’m still getting used to life as a coach,” he said, “being subbed and then having to be involved on the bench. I’m enjoying it, it’s just all about getting the balance right, keeping up with my training and doing the stuff away from the game. The gaffer and the staff have been brilliant with me and the lads are enjoying it.”

[bbfan1991]

Van Persie hails important day

Robin van Persie spearheaded Manchester United’s 4-1 win at the Liberty Stadium and described it as “an important day” for the champions to show their quality.

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With the pressure on the Reds to pull out a good performance for new manager David Moyes’ first league game in charge, United’s no.20 expressed his delight at victory in what he described as a tough encounter.

“It was an important day for us today; you don’t want to lose the first game of the season. I think we played well, everyone looked fit and we worked very hard. I’m very pleased,” van Persie told Sky Sports. “Swansea were better than us for the first fifteen minutes, but the goal changed the game and the second shortly after really helped us.”

With two goals to his name already this season, having notched a double in the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic, van Persie continued to show his importance to United with two well-taken goals to help the Reds to victory.

“My first goal came from a great pass from Giggsy,” he said of the game’s opening goal. “I felt at the time that my touch was a little heavy so I had to really go for it and take it as high as possible. The second goal was back to the streets a little bit!”

Indeed it was. With little back-lift, the striker rifled the ball into the top corner after using Wayne Rooney’s decoy run to buy himself the half-a-yard of space needed to put United in to an unassailable lead. However, when questioned, van Persie was not convinced that his was goal of the day. “The fourth goal from Welbz was unbelievable as well. So, which goal was best? That will be a close call.”

:worship:

[bbfan1991]

United have 'winning habit'

David Moyes has revealed that he senses a 'winning habit' within Manchester United.

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The Scot officially took charge on 1 July and has started his reign in impressive fashion with convincing victories in both competitive fixtures - against Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield and at Swansea City for Saturday's league opener.

Robin van Persie scored twice in each game and Danny Welbeck got his season off to a flier with a double at the Liberty Stadium but all the players have impressed the new man in his short time at Old Trafford.

"There is a winning habit through the club," explained the Reds boss. "I can sense it with them. It is 'game on'. They have a job to do.

"It is difficult to explain. Their mannerisms, the things they do before the game. There is a lot of calmness. I am learning an awful lot from them as well."


We sure do!

[bbfan1991]

Evra: We aim to achieve

Patrice Evra heaped praise on his team-mates after Manchester United swept to a comfortable 4-1 win over Swansea City - but warned the champions have a long road ahead in the quest to retain the title.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/59127019068445E4B1DB94EEE95D1AB3.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,0,814,

The French left-back, who put in a typically solid performance, was in jovial mood post-match as he revelled in the performances of his Reds cohorts.

"It was a great start to the season, and I think we deserved it too as we worked very hard over pre-season," Evra told MUTV.

"[This result] was a message to show people what we want to achieve with this new manager, for us, for the staff, and for the Manchester United fans."

Patrice admitted even he was taken aback by the quality of United’s finishing, particularly from Robin van Persie.

"I keep telling Robin to calm down. I don’t know why he can’t start a little more softly," Evra joked.

"He scored two in the Community Shield and scored two again at Swansea. He’s a great player and he’s hungry, he wants to win more trophies."

Evra was also delighted for Danny Welbeck who, on the back of a successful week on international duty, equalled his United goal tally for all of last season in the very first league game of 2013/14.

"I am really pleased for him as he works so hard," enthused the Frenchman. "And what a finish that was for his second goal."

As one of the senior members of the squad, Evra called for calm and pointed out that victory at the Liberty Stadium, impressive as it was, marked only the start of a long campaign.

"We all know what the manager wants, he wants to win everything, and that is the target. We have gained some confidence from this result, but as I say, it’s only the first game. It is just the beginning."


I love Paddy's passion for United:worship:.

[bbfan1991]

Van Persie's masterclass

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/man-of-the-match-v-swansea-robin-van-persie-video.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Evans: Bring on the big guns

Jonny Evans says Manchester United are relishing the challenge of facing Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City during the opening weeks of the new Barclays Premier League season.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/4CACFDDA188541148D6182DD5444500A.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,90,800,387

In what is arguably the toughest start to a campaign in recent history, the fixtures computer has pitted the champions against those three major rivals in the first five matches. It also sent David Moyes’ men to Swansea City on Saturday, a seemingly tough test which resulted in a fine 4-1 win.

But rather than being daunted by the schedule, Evans insists his team-mates can’t wait to face the big guns who, like United, have all made winning starts to the 2013/14 season. Manchester City's 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night followed Saturday's opening victories for Liverpool and Chelsea at home to Stoke City and Hull City respectively.

“It might not be a bad thing to get straight into the tough games,” Jonny said. “We’ve been waiting all summer to get stuck back into it, so why not bring on the hard games straight away?

“In any competition you always want a good start and the Premier League is no different. A winning start will obviously help you later on, but it’s more important how you finish the season.”

[bbfan1991]

Moyes' record start

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2013/Aug/manchester-united-manager-league-debuts-record.aspx

[bbfan1991]

U21s: United 2 Liverpool 4

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Reserves/Reserves-News/2013/Aug/match-report-manchester-united-u21-v-liverpool-u21.aspx


Grr at us losing to them:bored:.

[bbfan1991]

Joyce wants response

Warren Joyce wants his Manchester United Under-21 side to respond to the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool by showing their true colours to David Moyes, starting with Friday's trip to West Brom.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/F397F2B610A547FEB26E8FA262482178.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=156,2,1642,1112

Last season's champions were beaten in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League opener at the Salford City Stadium, despite taking an early lead through Larnell Cole. It was a rare loss for Joyce's side and a painful one against the Reds' rivals from Merseyside.

At least the 2pm fixture at The Hawthorns, which is live on MUTV, gives the players an opportunity to bounce back quickly and the Reserves coach is keen for them to give a better account of themselves after Moyes was in attendance on Monday.

"I've just told them to dust themselves down and have an improved performance on Friday," explained Joyce to MUTV. "That's the good and bad thing about football - you're only as good as your next game anyway, even if we'd have won comfortably tonight.

"I've said before that this level is all about performances. The disappointing thing is there were some poor individual errors and, collectively, I'd like to see us do better as a team. We've had quite a settled side and not lost in pre-season but it bothers me more about the performance than losing.

"A lot of aspects were poor and not what we're looking for - both with and without the ball.

After a really good pre-season, it's gone pear-shaped in the first game. I think it's the first time we've lost against Liverpool in five years or so as well and they are big games for us. It's disappointing to lose any game but particularly against them and particularly in the manner that we lost it.

"Certainly, in the first half, I thought Fabio Borini bullied the two centre-backs and spoke to them at half time because he could have scored several goals. But I look at it as a team performance and we started off with some decent football. We took the lead with a great goal from a good move and our second goal was the same.

"However, if you look at the goals we've conceded, they are down to poor individual errors. One or two lads played well and I thought gave a good account of themselves and showed the new manager what they are about. But I'm disappointed in a lot of the players and disappointed for them as well because several of them can do a lot better than they have shown tonight."

One definite positive on the evening was the venue as 1,745 fans clearly enjoyed the game at the impressive Salford City Stadium.

"That's one of the better things about the night," admitted Joyce. "It's a decent pitch and a decent venue. We had one or two people watching and would obviously like one or two more here to give a different atmosphere for the boys but that was okay."

[Jesus.]

U21s: United 2 Liverpool 4

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Reserves/Reserves-News/2013/Aug/match-report-manchester-united-u21-v-liverpool-u21.aspx


Grr at us losing to them:bored:.

Little glimpse into the future for you there.

[bbfan1991]

Wootton signs for Leeds

Manchester United and Leeds United have agreed a deal for defender Scott Wootton.

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Wootton, 21, will join the Championship outfit on a three-year contract.

The Liverpool-born defender featured under Sir Alex Ferguson in last season's Capital One Cup ties against Newcastle United and Chelsea, plus gained experience in the Champions League. He's previously enjoyed loan spells with Tranmere Rovers, Peterborough United (twice) and Nottingham Forest.

Wootton won plenty of Reserves silverware during his time at United, including the Lancashire Senior Cup earlier this month. The centre-back arrived from Liverpool in 2007 and has since proven his leadership qualities and pedigree on the pitch.

Leeds manager Brian McDermott said: “I’m delighted to have agreed the signing of Scott Wootton on a three-year deal. He’s a player who has played in the Champions League and someone we feel will develop with us in the coming years.

“I want to say thanks for the owners in doing the deal and bringing another young player to help us go forward.”


Good luck to Scott with his new team:).

[bbfan1991]

Reds announce Apollo Tyres deal

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Club-News/2013/Aug/apollo-tyres-partnership-announced-by-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Milestone men eye new goals

Robin van Persie notched his 50th United appearance in the Reds' 4-1 league opener at Swansea, while Ryan Giggs made his 550th league start - but they're not the only milestone men in the club's ranks this season.

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It's been a whirlwind half-century for the Dutchman, while United's Welsh wizard continues to work his age-defying magic. Such is Giggs' longevity in football that he collects records weekly; he's one outing off 450 appearances at Old Trafford.

Other Reds eyeing landmarks against the Blues are Antonio Valencia (on 149 club appearances), Rio Ferdinand (seeking a 300th league game) and Tom Cleverley (on 49 Reds outings). Here are some other major records on the horizon to look out for:

200 Rooney currently has 197 goals for United
950 Ryan Giggs currently on 943 appearances in total for the club
250 Patrice Evra is on 241 league appearances
150 Manchester City's visit to OT in March will be the 150th league derby
250 Darren Fletcher is on 249 league starts
100 David De Gea made his 82nd outing for United on Saturday
300 Nemanja Vidic has currently made 268 appearances for the Reds.

[bbfan1991]

Carrick up for award

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Aug/michael-carrick-shortlisted-for-northwest-award.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Robson expects Chelsea threat

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Exclusive-Interviews/2013/Aug/bryan-robson-says-chelsea-and-manchester-city-will-challenge-manchester-united-in-the-title-race.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Boss offers injury update

David Moyes is without a number of first team players for Monday’s clash with Chelsea, but the Manchester United manager insists his squad is strong enough to cope.

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Speaking during his first press conference at the Aon Training Complex, the boss confirmed Rafael will be out of action for up to four weeks with the hamstring injury sustained at Wembley earlier this month, whilst also offering an update on the progress of Ashley Young, Nani and Javier Hernandez.

"Rafa picked up an injury in the Community Shield game so we've lost him for three or four weeks," Moyes told reporters. "We have one or two coming back from injury - the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Chicharito. They're still recovering.

"So we've got two or three coming back from really the effects of not having a proper pre-season because they came back from international duty a bit late. Hopefully they'll all not too far away now.

"We've got a really squad here and we're able to cope if you do get injuries. But it's only just a case of getting then up to speed because they've missed pre-season."

Monday’s match sees Chelsea visit Old Trafford for an early season dust-up between the two title rivals and, understandably, Moyes can’t wait for the action to begin. The boss is also keen to welcome Jose Mourinho back to the English game following his recent return to Chelsea.

“I really like Jose, he's had great success and I've not seen him for a long time so I’m looking forward to seeing him," the boss explained.

"I came (to United) for this sort of level of game, but I came to win trophies. If you are going to win trophies then you are going to have to beat teams like Chelsea and Manchester City because that's the way our league is.

“I'm looking forward to it. It's one of 38 league games we've got this season and it's a great first home game."

[bbfan1991]

Moyes has transfer plans

Manchester United boss David Moyes says he is under no pressure to bring in any new signings ahead of the transfer deadline on 2 September.

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The Reds manager addressed the media ahead of the Bank Holiday fixture against Chelsea and was inevitably asked about the latest on the window.

"There is a need to do it," explained Moyes, when quizzed on introducing new faces to the title-winning squad. "But there is no pressure to do it.

"We've been talking about it since I took the job on 1 July. I have an idea of where I'd like to strengthen and what we need to do. But we won't do it because people like you tell us we should be signing players. We'll do it because we think it's the right thing to do. If the right players are available then great, but, if not, the first thing we'll do is encourage our own young players in the squad to do as well as they did last year.

"There is a possibility [we won't sign anybody] but the plan is we bring in one or two if we can. I think there is [value out there] but we have only targeted certain players and don't have a big, big list. There are only certain quality players we want to bring to the club."

The manager also rebuffed another question regarding Chelsea's interest in striker Wayne Rooney ahead of Monday's game.

"We've told you, haven't we?" he asserted. "I hardly need to repeat it again. It doesn't need to be said."

[bbfan1991]

Carrick craves more

Michael Carrick insists the hunger for trophies will never waver at Manchester United, no matter how much silverware the club wins.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/3AEC6A0CBD0846C7A591F72122C50C21.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,39,695,429

The midfielder claimed his fifth Barclays Premier League title medal last term, capping a hugely impressive campaign for the England international who was also named Players' Player of the Year by his team-mates.

The champions face a tough task to retain the trophy with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea - Monday's visitors to Old Trafford - all determined to claim the championship crown. But Carrick insists United's desire to remain top dogs is greater than ever.

"It's not difficult at all [to stay hungry]. It's very easy," he told MUTV. "It's that feeling of picking up the trophy and the satisfaction of achievement you get as a group of players and as a club. You want that feeling again and again. Once you get it you get greedy and you want more.

"You look at someone like Giggsy who has won 13 titles which is incredible. But I can understand why he still wants more.

"This season we've come back as hungry as ever and that's on the back of winning it last season. In some ways you're even hungrier to do it again when it comes to retaining the trophy because everyone wants to beat you. That's what drives us forward."

Three points against Chelsea on Monday night would certainly be a big boost to the title defence, particularly with visits to Liverpool and City coming up early next month.

"It was a good start for us [at Swansea] and important to get off to a win given the whole picture in terms of having a change in manager and a tough start to the season in the first five or six games," added Carrick. "It was a decent performance but there is still an awful lot of improvement we can make and more to come from us.

"Sir Alex said a few years ago about how you used to be able to almost start slowly and then come Christmas really gain momentum until the end of the season. But now, because whichever team wins the league doesn't lose many games or drop many points, you have to be right at it. There has been a real emphasis on that in the last few years. It's something we're all aware of and other teams are aware of too.

"It's tough to know [which teams will be involved until May]. Two years ago Tottenham were right in there, but they faded a way a bit. I think there potentially could be four, five or six teams involved right until January or February. Just after that is when it really gets sorted out and when the pressure kicks in and the expectations change. It's how you deal with that. Hopefully we'll be right in there with a shout by then and we can use our experience to see us through."

[bbfan1991]

Rooney could face Chelsea

David Moyes says Wayne Rooney has a "good chance" of starting Monday's match against Chelsea.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/DE9DBEA00AE44A4D82FAE991A85B134D.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,2,2352,1324

The striker came on in the second half of the Reds' opening day win at Swansea last weekend having been hampered by hamstring and shoulder injuries during pre-season.

Moyes confirmed Rooney had recovered from the minor knock he picked up during his run-out at the Liberty Stadium and could be a starter against Jose Mourinho's men at Old Trafford.

"Wayne's got a good chance of playing. He has good chance of starting," the manager told reporters on Friday.

The Scot added that he is relishing taking charge of the Reds for the first time in a league game at the Theatre of Dreams.

"There has been a lot of things I have been looking forward to - like taking the team on tour and leading them out at Wembley. But to do it at Old Trafford for the first game against Chelsea is a thrill for me, it really is," he said.

"It would have been [a thrill], no matter who we were playing. It is just part of my job though and once you do it, you get on and do your job. It is a great honour to be manager of Manchester United. I don't know anybody who wouldn't want to be in this position."


I do hope so- Controversially!;)

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: Robin's like Ruud

Manchester United manager David Moyes has likened Robin van Persie to fellow Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy after being greatly impressed from working first-hand with the 30-year-old striker.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/FE2F74FF2AB44356B9C5AF504AD4223E.ashx?h=270&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,57,1650,983

Moyes admired ex-Old Trafford idol van Nistelrooy during his time as Everton manager and can see similarities in the way that van Persie goes about his business in the Reds shirt.

"Robin's movement and his understanding of the game with his hold-up play and movement in the box is sensational," declared Moyes. "It really is top-notch.

"There are some things I don't even know if you can coach, nearly instinctive things that you pick up if you're a top player. I used to wonder how Ruud van Nistelrooy scored as many goals as he used to get. I think he was an unbelievable goalscorer.

"I used to show my centre-forwards and ask how did van Nistelrooy score, how did he do it? But Robin has got a little bit of that as well, something different. An ability to score all different types of goals."

Van Persie enjoyed his first campaign at Old Trafford, top scoring in the Barclays Premier League, and has already netted four times in the first two competitive fixtures of 2013/2014.

"I have to say, ever since he joined up in Sydney, he's been terrific," said Moyes. "We've tried to look after him correctly and do all the right things which he needs to prepare him right.

"The biggest thing for me is how much he's bought into it with his work ethic. There was a period in the game last weekend when he worked back after about 70 minutes and has done a job for the team. The big thing, for me, is how much of a team player he is being.

"He's in great nick. He looks after himself and had a really good season without injury last year, a clear run that he got good confidence from.

"We did know he had a couple of spells he went through when he didn't score but it happens with forwards at times. Manchester United did the right thing and tried to play him through it.

"Overall, I've been really impressed by his attitude and the way he has gone about his work. He's been great to work with, he really has. I asked him how many medals he'd won and he said one but I saw a glint in his eye to say: 'I need more than one' and so do I!"

:)

[bbfan1991]

Vidic: Roar us on tonight

Nemanja Vidic says the champions can't wait to run out at Old Trafford for the first time this season - and with the added sub-plots of this being David Moyes' first competitive home match and an early title test against Chelsea, led by Jose Mourinho of course, the atmosphere inside the stadium promises to be electric.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/5365AB984C574475B28285AE7358ADD3.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,156,1280,631

That support from the home crowd will be essential in overcoming Chelsea but Vidic says that the players are already pumped up to prove their pedigree.

"We can't wait," he tells United Review in an exclusive interview. "Chelsea are always a tough team to play against. They have a new manager and some new signings, they're excited as well for their season. But I'm looking forward to it to test myself, to test the team and see where we are at the moment. We're all looking forward to it."

Moyes received constant support throughout United's league-opening 4-1 win at Swansea City, but when the Reds walk out on home turf Vidic expects that to be amplified exponentially.

"It's always nice to walk out at Old Trafford in front of 76,000 people, our fans," he adds. "I believe it will be a great atmosphere and it's a night game as well - that always makes the atmosphere even better.

"We have great support, not just in terms of shouting and singing the songs, but I believe Old Trafford is a positive ground - you always feel like the fans are behind you. That's important for the players to feel like that because then we can show what we can do."


Spot on Vida:worship:.

[bbfan1991]

So tonight is United vs Chelsea.. I am excited and nervous for the big game, but so hope that we beat vile Chelsea and wipe the smug smirk off Jose Mourinho's face!

[bbfan1991]

United team vs Chelsea:

De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Cleverley, Carrick, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie.

I really like this line up and Wayne Rooney starts as expected!

What an occasion for David Moyes and his family tonight for his first match in charge of United in the Premier League at Old Trafford:).

[Brother Leon]

Huge game. Not confident with how we handle their little ****ers up front. Pretty sure we can get at them ourselves though.

[bbfan1991]

FT United 0 Chelsea 0. United played really well and we were organised, quick but lacked that extra edge in attack to be clinical for a break through goal!

[the truth]

united lacked a winger today and as always lack another creative central midfielder
they've failed to get this midfielder for years now, theyre fast becoming 2nd raters on the European stage