Manchester United Fan Club

[bbfan1991]

Evans now a goal threat

Jonny Evans has put his new-found goalscoring touch down to inviting deliveries from set-pieces.

The Reds have been a much bigger threat from corners in particular this term and scored again from a flag-kick when the central defender stabbed in the equaliser during the 3-2 triumph against SC Braga.

Evans, who is in outstanding form, bulleted home a header at Newcastle, was only denied by Asmir Begovic's save from point-blank range last weekend and netted his first-ever senior Old Trafford goal on Tuesday night. As his opening Champions League strike was only his third for the club in 134 games, it's fair to say he's adding another string to his bow.

"I probably should have had another one at the weekend," he confessed to MUTV. "I think the delivery has been better from set-plays and it has given us a chance to get on the end of things.

"I was devastated when I miskicked it but I turned around and managed to get a bit of a toe on it. I didn't know how it went in and thought it might have been an own goal or something but I've come in, seen it back and I got a touch on it."

The Reds fell behind for an eighth time in 12 games this season and Sir Alex's side's powers of recovery continue to be tested.

"We lost the two goals early doors so we were glad to get the result in the end," admitted Evans. "It's happened quite a lot and is becoming a bit of a habit. Hopefully, it's something we can eradicate as we don't want to give ourselves that kind of deficit at the start of games. We need to get a better start in the future.

"I think some of the link-up play was fantastic with Robin [van Persie], 'Wazza' [Wayne Rooney], Chicharito, [Shinji] Kagawa and [Tom] Cleverley. The forward play was excellent and I thought we were unlucky to go in 2-1 at half time actually.

"Obviously, we want to wrap up the group as soon as possible and give the manager a chance to maybe rest one or two players in the last couple of games as there's a hectic fixture schedule coming up for us - especially coming into December - so it'll be nice to get that sewn up."

[bbfan1991]

Fletch: One more win

Darren Fletcher says the Reds are determined to wrap up qualification for the Champions League knockout stages with a win in Braga next month.

United's come-from-behind victory against the Portuguese side on Tuesday night gave Sir Alex's men a third win in as many European games this term and ensured United remain in the driving seat at the top of Group H.

Another three points in Portugal will seal a place in the last 16 and banish last season's early-exit memories.

"After last year the aim was to get ourselves through the group as quickly as possible," the Scot told MUTV. "One more victory should see us through and hopefully we can do it in the next game in Braga with two games to spare.

"If you take away the first 20 minutes when we went 2-0 down it was a good performance," he added, in reference to the win over Braga at Old Trafford.

"People will talk about slow starts and giving away early goals but the fact we came back to win showed great character. Nevertheless, we know we can't keep doing it [giving away early goals]."

The game was Fletcher's third full match for the Reds this season following his battle with ulcerative colitis last term. And the 28-year-old is delighted to be involved again.

"I feel fine. It was good to get another 90 mintues under my belt and the more of them I get the better I'll feel," he said. "I'm fully aware there is huge competiton for places in midfield. I've just got to get as many minutes under my belt as I can and keep taking my opportunities when they come.

"There is great competition for places all over the pitch and the more of us that can stay fit the better it will be [for the team in the long run]."

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has never been denied transfer funds by the club’s American owners, according to vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The Glazer family have been heavily criticised on a number of occasions in the past, with large sections of the Red Devils faithful believing finances have been withheld when it comes to the transfer market.

However, Woodward insisted that players like Lucas Moura were not missed because of a lack of financial resource, and that the Old Trafford chief has always been given complete backing when chasing a transfer target.

“The Glazers have never said ‘No’ to Sir Alex’s request for a player,” Woodward told The Independent, according to Goal.com.

“There is no difference between staying as a plc [the corporate structure of the club pre-May 2005] or the Glazer takeover in terms of the team on the pitch. We do have a majority of very happy set of fans because of what happens on the pitch.

“The purchase of Robin van Persie was an example of Sir Alex buying players and always being allowed to buy players he wants.”

Dutch international Van Persie signed for Manchester United in a £24 million deal this summer, joining Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell as the latest additions for last season’s Premier League runners-up.

Other targets were missed, but Woodward insists it was for a number of reasons that don’t include a lack of finances.

“It can be a whole raft of reasons [that a player does not sign]. It can be the change in the players’ attitude through the negotiations,” he added.

“It can be an agent getting involved in a certain way that changes things. Or someone turning their head for a different reason, and all these things can happens.”

Woodward concluded by admitting that lines of communication between the Manchester United owners and fans should to be improved, although supporters have no reason to worry about the current situation at the club.

“I really hope that we can continue to communicate and get fans comfortable and demonstrate that we are financially strong by buying players,” Woodward concluded.

“Obviously that helps so that they don’t feel concerned. They really shouldn’t be concerned.”

[bbfan1991]

Man United line up whopping £1bn Nike extension to boost the coffers:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2222096/Manchester-United-line-1bn-Nike-kit-deal.html

[bbfan1991]

Nani: I know why I'm out of favour at Manchester United - but I'm ok

Manchester United winger Nani insists he’s content to stay at Old Trafford, and revealed he knows the reasons why is not being used on a regular basis by Sir Alex Ferguson.


The Portuguese international has struggled for a regular run in the side this season, and has recently been linked with a move to Italy, with Juventus rumoured to be monitoring his situation.

However, Nani, who joined United for £17 million from Sporting Lisbon back in 2007, announced after the 3-2 win over Braga in the Champions League that he knew why he was being overlooked by the manager, and suggested he was willing to stay and fight for his place in the side.

‘I’m fine [at Manchester United],’ Nani reportedly told Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

‘I know my future and I also know why I’m not playing more often.

‘Only God knows what awaits me.’

It has been rumoured that United chiefs were unhappy with Nani’s lofty pay demands during negotiations over a new contract this summer, and his subsequent drop in form at the start of the season prompted Ferguson to axe him from his line-up.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United plan for when Sir Alex Ferguson steps down as manager

Manchester United have devised plans over how to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

Ferguson, 70, who completes 26 years at Old Trafford next month, has made no public pronouncement over when he plans to step down but there has been speculation it could be at the end of this season, depending on what his side achieve.

United’s vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, revealed on Tuesday that the club already had a strategy in place to replace Ferguson, although he said it was presently “in the drawer”.

Woodward said: “We have a view as to what that process will look like in terms of finding a replacement and what type of manager we want and how and when we’ll go about it. But it’s in the drawer and long may it stay in the drawer.”

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who is taking a year off from management, is likely to feature on any list of candidates, although he also has admirers at Chelsea.

The final say on who replaces Ferguson will be made by the Glazer family, who are exploring options for the club to become the first Premier League team to tour India after ruling out the prospect of selling up.

Having sold off 10 per cent of their stake in the club on the New York Stock Exchange in August in order to help alleviate United’s debt, which stands at £360 million, the possibility of the Glazers using the partial flotation as a precursor to a possible sale has been dismissed by Woodward.

Interest from the Middle East remains strong, with the Glazers having rejected a £1.5 billion bid for the club from that region in late 2009. But despite the balancing act of servicing the club’s debt and funding the manager’s transfer plans, the Glazers, who completed their leveraged takeover at Old Trafford in May 2005, remain determined to extend their stay at United for the long-term.

Woodward said: “There is always interest in this business. It is a phenomenal brand and club, but they [Glazers] are not willing sellers at all, they won’t even engage, they are long-term investors.

“It’s a very popular business that people have interest in. The answer is: ‘Not for sale’. I talk to them every day and the excitement they have in this club is undiminished and I don’t see them selling completely for many, many years.”

With six members of the Glazer family on the Manchester United board, however, Woodward conceded that some of the Americans could choose to relinquish their interest.

He said: “They could, they are a family of six siblings and from time to time, seven to 10 years, who knows if one wants to sell a small piece or not.”

The Glazers’ plans to tap into the growing football market in India could open up a hugely lucrative new stream of revenue for United.

Although Blackburn Rovers, owned by Indian poultry producers Venky’s, played a game in Pune last season, no Premier League club have yet undertaken a tour of the country.

However, with Bayern Munich drawing crowds in excess of 100,000 on recent visits to the subcontinent and United aware of the vast English-speaking middle-class in the country, offers to play in India next year are being discussed at Old Trafford.


I dread the day when SAF has to leave:(, although it will happen one day. He splits opinion but the man is a legend to me!:worship:

[bbfan1991]

Ferdinands issue statement

Statement issued by New Era Global Sports

It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road. During that time, some of the deep divisions that exist in football have been exposed. In the coming months there will be ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to participate in these discussions, along with numerous other current and ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards, across the football community as a whole.

On the issue of Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However, times change and organisations need to change with them. We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make Kick It Out more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.

Although we have been left disappointed by the PFA and the FA's actions over the last year, as a family, we are committed to working with football's existing organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve immediate action.

We would like to thank all the fans and the staff at Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United for their support in what has been a difficult year. In particular we want to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes.

We will not be discussing publicly any issues connected with the case. We are now going to concentrate on playing football.

- Rio and Anton Ferdinand

[bbfan1991]

Paul Scholes might take charge of Oldham Athletic one day http://bit.ly/XgVBYc #mufc

[Alf]

Sir Alex: Chicha makes me think

Sir Alex Ferguson has a selection dilemma for Sunday's crunch match with Chelsea after Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's match-winning brace against Braga.

The Mexican threw his hat into the ring by pulling a goal back against the Portuguese outfit before half-time at Old Trafford and later making sure of maximum points in Champions League Group H by scoring a second header. The goals capped a best performance of the season so far from a player who is "improving all the time" according to his manager.

"Chicharito has given me a good problem," said Sir Alex. "He’s got me thinking, I must say that. He and van Persie and Rooney and Welbeck... I don’t know what to do with them to be honest with you.

"The boy is improving all the time. He has a great enthusiasm for the game, he trains magnificently, he practices all the time and his goal ratio is fantastic.

"It was a great ball from Tom Cleverley for the second goal but Chicharito's movement in behind the defender for the second goal was terrific."

Chicharito's two goals, sandwiching an equaliser by centre-back Jonny Evans, means all four of Sir Alex's senior strikers have scored in the space of three days after goals from Rooney (2), van Persie and Welbeck saw off Stoke at the weekend in a similar match. Similar because Braga, like Stoke, scored twice on United's home turf including a shock opening goal.

"It’s been the story of our season really at home, starting badly, conceding goals and having to fight back to rescue games. And it’s the front players who are doing that for us," admitted Sir Alex.

"It is a concern we’re losing a lot of goals, but I must say some of our football was terrific tonight, we played some fantastic football and we created a lot of chances. We kept a really good momentum to our game and played with good speed.

"We got a result most people would not have expected us to get after being 2-0 down - being 2-0 down in a European tie is very difficult - but credfit to the players for the way we came back."

The manager disagreed with the interviewer's notion that playing Michael Carrick out of position at centre-back and handing a Champions League debut to Alexander Buttner were reasons behind Braga going 2-0 up early on.

"I think we did the right thing [to rest Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra]," replied Sir Alex.

"It wasn’t Michael Carrick’s fault for the first goal. He did his job well.

"I think you have to look at the big picture with Rio’s age. We have a big game on Sunday against Chelsea, Chelsea on the Wednesday, Arsenal on the Saturday, we’ve a massive programme coming up now and it’s important to utilise the squad we have.

"Okay, at the moment with Vidic out and Jones and Smalling not available, then putting Michael back there in defence is not the best but he does his job well."
are you after a job at the manchester evening news?

[Brother Leon]

are you after a job at the manchester evening news?

Are you after the job of being a twat?

Cut out the thread.

[bbfan1991]

Nice one BL:).

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney trolling the hypocritical moron that is Piers Morgan, he who has retreated back to slagging off Arsene Wenger again:joker:.

[bbfan1991]

Ruud van Nistelrooy is coming back to Old Trafford for the unveiling of Sir Alex Ferguson's statue on 23/24th November 2012.

Ruud coming back for this special reason, cannot wait to see him and the statue of SAF:worship:.


Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuddd!!!!!

[bbfan1991]

Chicharito earns fans' acclaim

Javier Hernandez was the runaway victor of the ManUtd.com poll for the Man of the Match award against SC Braga.

The Mexican was at his brilliant best against the Portuguese visitors and converted two headers to help the Reds to a 3-2 success which takes the club a huge step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Indeed, he was afforded a standing ovation when being substituted towards the end.

Almost 4,500 fans backed Chicharito as he logged 89 per cent of the vote - just reward for his exertions on Tuesday night.

Tom Cleverley, who provided the cross for the winner, and Wayne Rooney finished second and third respectively.

Thanks to everybody who voted.


Well done Chicharito, he was sublime:).

[bbfan1991]

Evans: Reds may have edge

Jonny Evans believes United might have a slight advantage over Chelsea in Sunday's Barclays Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge.

The top-of-the-table encounter allows the Reds to close the gap on the European champions following their excellent start to the campaign.

Evans hopes that the decision to leave the likes of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Antonio Valencia, Danny Welbeck and Paul Scholes out of the starting line-up against SC Braga will pay off with a full-strength Chelsea team making a gruelling trip to Shakhtar Donetsk and losing in Ukraine.

"I think the manager has been good at rotating the squad over the years," Evans told MUTV. "He always seems to get it right.

"Whereas Chelsea always seem to play a full-strength squad in most games so it may give us a wee bit of advantage going into the game. But it's going to be a tough away game down there, it always is, and it's up to us to put on a good performance.

"I think you can see the way Chelsea have been scoring goals, they scored four again at the weekend [at Tottenham]. It's going to be a tough game and I don't think our record has been great down there in the last few seasons so we have to put on a good away performance like we did at Newcastle."

Darren Fletcher, also speaking to MUTV, accepts the Blues will provide a stern challenge that will test United's title credentials.

"It's always difficult there," stated the Scot. "We haven't won there for a few years and we're well aware of that.

"We know how well Chelsea have started the season, even though I know they lost in Donetsk.

"We'll go there in good confidence. We believe in ourselves as a team and we're capable of getting a good result. Hopefully, we can get a win."

[bbfan1991]

Connelly passes away

Manchester United are saddened to hear of the death of former star John Connelly.

The St Helens-born winger died peacefully at his home at the age of 74.

The former England international joined the Reds in April, 1964 and lifted the league championship in his first full season at Old Trafford. After joining Burnley as a teenager, he became a real favourite at Turf Moor and cost United £60,000 after winning another title medal in 1960.

An ever-present in the successful 1964/65 league campaign, he scored 15 times and went on to make 112 starts for United before joining Blackburn Rovers for £40,000. He scored one of the goals in the famous 5-1 demolition of Benfica in Lisbon in 1966.

Connelly was also a member of England's World Cup-winning squad of 1966, one of three Reds representatives in Sir Alf Ramsey's party, but had to wait until 2009 to get a medal as FIFA decided to change their rules of only those featuring in the final receiving the honour.

Looking back on his career with United Review, he said: "Burnley's success was essentially down to teamwork and relying on tactics, whereas there were great individuals at United. Bobby Charlton, the best player I ever appeared alongside, would shoot from everywhere and you could also rely on Denis Law and George Best producing pieces of brilliance to win us a game."

Speaking in 2010, he added: "I am enjoying retirement in Barrowford, Lancashire, with my wife Sandra in the house we’ve lived in since 1966. We have a motor home, and since retiring have travelled all over Great Britain and Europe. Sandra and I ran a fish and chip shop in Brierfield (near Burnley) for 31 years."

Connolly finished his professional career with Bury in 1973 and won 20 England caps in total, scoring seven times for his country.

Our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this sad time.

RIP:(.

[Alf]

Are you after the job of being a twat?

Cut out the thread.
very nice, you sound like an aggresive thug

[Brother Leon]

Well if you come into The Man United thread you can expect news stories on Ma United.


Like it or lump it :pipe:

[Alf]

Well if you come into The Man United thread you can expect news stories on Ma United.


Like it or lump it :pipe:
their name's Manchester united to their real fan's

[bbfan1991]

Kagawa out for weeks

Shinji Kagawa will be sidelined for a few weeks after a knee injury forced him to miss the second half of the midweek win against SC Braga in the Champions League.

The former Borussia Dortmund star is out of Sunday's top-of-the-table encounter at Chelsea and it is likely to be "three or four weeks" before he is playing again, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It's a knee injury similar to the one Ashley Young had but not as bad," revealed the boss. "I think playing on with the injury did not help the situation for him, even though he did well to play on with it. It's disappointing for him."

More positive news is that defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones continue to make progress in their bid to return to first-team action.

"Smalling is back training on the football side of things," added Sir Alex. "Phil Jones will hopefully start full training a week on Monday so things are getting better on that front.

"Certainly getting Smalling back is a big bonus for us. Other than that, everyone else is available for Sunday's game."


Gutted:(. I hope he makes a speedy recovery!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex tackles striker problem

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the only problem posed by having four in-form strikers to choose from “is having to tell one or two of them they're not playing”.

The manager has a major selection headache ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League, after Javier Hernandez scored twice in midweek to stake his claim for a starting place alongside either Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie of Danny Welbeck.

“It’s a good problem to have” said Sir Alex. “I don’t always enjoy it [telling players they’re not playing] but it has to be done. In fairness to all the players they've accepted it well and adapted to it. I don’t have any great problems other than having to tell one or two of them they're not playing.

“Chicha was tremendous the other night. He’s a really terrific player and such a dedicated footballer and professional in every training session. He’s improving – that’s the good thing about him.

“The thing that is making the difference to him is he got a proper rest in the summer. It was exhausting in the way it had been in the previous three years for him. That’s helping him.”

United travel to Stamford Bridge with a disappointing record and have not won a single Premier League match there since the 2001/02 campaign, losing or drawing the 10 fixtures that followed - an irregular streak of results that was almost broken on several occasions.

Last season, the Reds climbed off the canvas at the home of the Blues to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw, coming from three goals down to claim what had seemed an unlikely point and narrowly miss out on what was almost a deserved victory.

“It’s an amazing record but it’ll change, sometime - hopefully on Sunday. Last season we were actually very unlucky. In the main I don’t think we’ve played badly. The games that we’ve lost, not last year, but in the years before that, we actually played well in only to get bad decisions against us.

“Last season we did really well to rescue it after being 3-0 down. I think we scored three goals in about eight minutes or something like that. We should have won it really. We were the better team in the first half yet we were 3-0 down just after half-time.

“It was amazing. Apart from last season if you look at the last six or seven seasons before that it was always us and Chelsea vying for the title so that gives you an idea of how we’ll approach this game on Sunday – it’s going to be hard one.”

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex eyes Blues threat

Sir Alex Ferguson admits United must contend with Chelsea's fluid formation at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The European champions have only dropped two Barclays Premier League points all season and sit proudly at the summit, four points clear of the two Manchester sides.

With Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar all impressing with their clever play, it promises to be a real test for the Reds.

"It’s always a very difficult game at Chelsea for both sides," explained Sir Alex. "You’ve got two good teams. They’re top of the league after a great start to the season – they’ve done really well. They've played an interesting formation and it’s something we have to deal with.

"They've brought Oscar and Hazard into the team – they’re similar types of players, I think. They're adapting to having players like Mata also in the same position - there is a situation where they're in behind the front player all the time. It’s not an easy system to deal with, but we just have to find a way.

"They’re all similar players, they play in behind the main striker. Of course they don't have Didier Drogba so their game had to change anyway. They always had that alternative route of playing with Drogba up front – they could play it long or they could play it through midfield. Now it’s straightforward, it’s through midfield all the time."

[bbfan1991]

Scholes up for huge week

Paul Scholes is relishing a huge week for Manchester United, with the Reds aiming to close the gap on Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

The trip to Stamford Bridge is followed by a Capital One Cup tie on Wednesday against the European champions at the same venue with Arsenal travelling to Old Trafford next Saturday.

Scholes expects a fabulous game of football against Roberto Di Matteo's men and is determined to improve on the team's recent league record on the Blues' home ground.

"We've got three massive games really in a week," he told MUTV. "Obviously Chelsea twice and then Arsenal at home. Sunday is a big one. We've not got a brilliant record at Chelsea over the last few years and it's something we hope we can change.

"We watched them against Tottenham last week. They've signed a different type of player to a couple of years back when you were looking at a big, powerful team. Now they've signed smaller, better footballers who are difficult to play against. We know each of them is capable of creating chances and scoring goals themselves.

"They're a good team to play against because they like to play football and you always get a fair share of the ball there and a fair share of the chances. There's always a good atmosphere and we want to change the results we've had over the years there."

The midfield veteran is refusing to get too concerned with the frustrating habit of conceding first in matches this season.

"I've no idea," he conceded, when asked for an answer to the problem. "I think the manager is a bit puzzled as to why it's happening. We go out with every intention to start the game well but, for some reason, it hasn't worked in the last few games.

"I'm just thankful we've got the attacking players that can score more goals than the opposition at the minute. I'm sure it will change. It's just the start of the season and it's only early so there is plenty of time to put it right."

[bbfan1991]

Giggs: Diamonds not forever

Ryan Giggs insists width will always be important at Manchester United, despite the manager’s recent decision to employ a diamond formation in games against Newcastle United, CFR Cluj and SC Braga.

The diamond eschews wide men in favour of more bodies in the central channel but Giggs, who was perhaps the archetypal modern winger for more than a decade, says there’s no need for fans to panic. Wingers, he says, are here to stay.

“I think it’s important to have flexibility,” he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. “In the game against Newcastle at St James’ Park, that first 20 minutes was probably the best football we’ve played all season. That was with the diamond.

“With Antonio missing the game and Ashley Young injured we were short of width a little bit. So the diamond made sense and it means we have that flexibility now.

“Wayne can drop deeper, Shinji Kagawa can play in the majority of midfield positions, Tom Cleverley can play behind the strikers... we have the sort of personnel where we can chop and change and play different systems.

“Maybe we’ll need to use it in some big games – you might see it in Europe – but United, more often than not, will play with wingers.”

What formation Sir Alex employs on Sunday when United travel to Stamford Bridge to take on top-of-the-league Chelsea remains to be seen, but there’s one sight fans certainly don’t want to see: an early concession.

“That’s probably the biggest disappointment from this year, the number of times we’ve gone behind,” Giggs said of the eight games in which the Reds have conceded first this season.

“On the plus side, though, we’ve managed to come back in the majority of those games and win them.

“Obviously we can’t go throughout the season like we have been doing. But we know that if we get clean sheets and we start getting zeros against our name then we’ll create chances at the other end and win more games than we lose.”

Giggs has started in four of United’s last six trips to Stamford Bridge and although he turns 39 next month he says he’s hungry for the chance to take on Chelsea in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.

“I’m in good shape,” he said. “I was at the Olympics so I missed the majority of the pre-season training we do.

“That meant I was perhaps a little bit behind in relation to other players – I’d played more games rather than trained.

“But I’ve managed to get that back in order over the last few weeks, working with the coaches. I feel good at the moment.”

[bbfan1991]

Giggs: Chelsea will challenge

Ryan Giggs expects top-of-the-league Chelsea to maintain their challenge until the end of the season.

The team from Stamford Bridge have flown out of the traps this term and won seven of their first eight league fixtures.

The Blues enjoyed a similarly strong start in 2010/11 but fell away sharply (they won just four of 14 league games between mid-October and early January) and ultimately finished nine points behind the Reds.

Two years down the line, Giggs believes they're better equipped to produce more consistently.

"What they've got is that experience and the know-how of how to win a league," he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"Obviously, having added to the squad like they have done, they’re going to be right up there this season. Come the crunch, if they’re there or thereabouts, they’ve got the experience like ourselves (and Manchester City now) to go all the way. I expect them to be up there at the end of the season."

Giggs says Chelsea's new signings will make life difficult for United at a ground where Sir Alex's men haven't won in the league since 2002.

"I think this is a different sort of Chelsea team. In past years they’ve had Didier Drogba’s power and the runs through from midfield of Frank Lampard. We’ve always thought of Chelsea as a big, strong, powerful team.

"They’ve still got that but they’ve added the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard and Juan Mata is into his second season and coming along nicely. They’ve got clever players who can play in the pockets and make it difficult for teams.

"Sometimes new players settle in straight away and that seems to be the case at Chelsea. They’ve got off to a great start this season and we’re going to have to play well if we’re going to get a result.

"I don’t know why we’ve found it so tough [at Stamford Bridge]. In the 90s we used to go there and win quite regularly.

"Last year we can take heart from how well we played and I think we probably deserved to win. We came back from three goals down and managed to draw 3-3. Also, in the Champions League a couple of years ago, we played well and won. I think we’ve shown good form there in the last few years but just haven’t got the results we’ve wanted."

[bbfan1991]

Preview: Chelsea v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Oct/Preview-Chelsea-v-Manchester-United.aspx

[Brother Leon]

their name's Manchester united to their real fan's

Don't belittle me about real fans. I've paid and travelled to see them in places from Amaterdam to Portugal. Acting like I called them Man U or something.



Anyway. So excited to see Ruud again. We were such a one man team is his days.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has shutdown talk of a move to Real Madrid.

De Gea, 21, has a fight on his hands with United’s No 2 Anders Lindegaard.

But, ahead of today’s crucial trip to Chelsea, De Gea told The Sun: “I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain.

“I’ve accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional.

“And fighting for my place gives me a bigger incentive to play well.”

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie cannot split Sir Alex Ferguson and his former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Van Persie will face his former club for the first time since defecting to Manchester United in the summer when the Gunners go to Old Trafford on Saturday.

RVP said: “I am the only player who can judge what it’s like working with Arsene and Sir Alex.

“It is an absolute privilege to say that in my career I have had both these managers at the clubs I have played for. They are both icons as managers in football. They are both world class, one not more nor less than the other. I purely look at this comparison as a footballer. I look at the way they both work on the pitch, in training, at the club and off the field.”

Van Persie added: “I had a fantastic time with Arsene. I enjoyed training, playing, talking and all the other times I spent with him. I love it that I now experience the same with Sir Alex.

“But what I love about both managers is that they came to their clubs for a good cause.

“They both wanted to be at the club for a really long time.”


He has forgotten Mikael Silvestre:suspect::joker:.

[bbfan1991]

About time we got a win at Chelsea:):D.

UUFB9hwFaeY

[bbfan1991]

Report: Chelsea 2 United 3

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Oct/chelsea-v-manchester-united-premier-league-report.aspx

:)

[bbfan1991]

Chicha ignores controversy

Javier Hernandez shrugged off the controversial nature of United's victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, focusing instead on the importance of the Reds' thrilling 3-2 triumph.

The Mexican striker was in an offside position when he turned home Rafael's 75th-minute cross-shot, prompting fury among a home support still smarting from seeing their side reduced to nine men.

Chicha was hardly perturbed, however, telling Sky Sports: "We don't care. We win, we have the three points. That was the only thing we had on our mind. Probably for some people it was very controversial, for other people not.

"For us, we won the three points and it is very difficult to come here to Stamford Bridge and take the three points, and we're very lucky and happy with that."

Asked if he had suspected he was offside because he immediately turned to check for an official's flag, the Mexican shrugged: "Probably. I think it's a habit that I have to look to the linesman.

"It was a really difficult game because the final part of the first half they came on, but we were lucky we scored the last goal. Every time we play with our rivals to win the Premier League, every game is tough, so we're very happy we got the three points."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: We got a break

Sir Alex Ferguson felt United had a little slice of luck with Javier Hernandez's winner at Chelsea as TV replays showed the substitute was marginally offside when converting Rafael's driven cross.

However, the boss had little sympathy for Fernando Torres after the striker was shown a second yellow card for simulation, leaving the Barclays Premier League leaders down to 10 men.

"It's 10 years since we won here [in the league]," he told Sky Sports after the 3-2 triumph. "I said before the game that we've had some shocking decisions down here. It's very difficult to come here and get all the decisions as it's a very difficult place. The crowd played a part, they were terrific and right behind their team, and we buckled in the minutes before and after half time.

"I think we gathered ourselves well and got back into the game. They said the winning goal could have been offside, so that's a bit of luck we got, but we started the game so well. We were absolutely brilliant but then, 10 minutes from half time, we lost our way a bit. I couldn't wait for half time, to be honest, then they got the second goal and, from that moment, we had to start performing properly and I think we did that."

Sir Alex was asked on his views of the red cards for Branislav Ivanovic, for a blatant trip on Ashley Young, and Torres.

"The sending off of the right-back was the turning point for us," added the manager. "I think we would have won it from that point. I put Chicharito on and he got the winning goal as I think the momentum was with us then.

"Did he [Torres] intend to dive when he could've gone through? I thought he went down. I think Jonny [Evans] may have just caught him a little bit but you can either carry on running, which he could've done, or gone down. He could've carried on and scored that, which I can't understand about goalscorers. I would never have missed that chance - I'd have taken it any time and never gone down. He did go down and had already been booked so it's his own fault.

"You have to give credit to Chelsea, they never gave in and you saw David Luiz running around like a whirling dervish, that's his desire to get back into the game. They gambled - it failed obviously - but they showed great desire to try and win the game. You've got to give them credit for that."

[bbfan1991]

Boss lauds Chicha bravery

Sir Alex Ferguson led the praise for Javier Hernandez after the predatory striker bagged the winner in the 3-2 thriller at Chelsea.

Chicharito nodded the equaliser as the teams shared six goals in last year's fixture at Stamford Bridge and followed up his double strike against SC Braga by converting Rafael's driven cross-shot from close range.

It was an excellent finish, even if he may have been fractionally offside when the ball left the Brazilian defender's foot, and took United back above Manchester City to sit only a point behind Chelsea in the table.

"You want to win the big games and Chelsea hadn't lost a match and are top of the league so it was an important win," Sir Alex told MUTV afterwards.

"We could've been four-up as we had some fantastic football through Rafael and Antonio [Valencia] and we tore them apart on that side. I think they took a long time to get their game going but I was worried in the 15-minute period before half time.

"We could've started the game a bit better in the second half but started to play better when they got their second goal. It was a wake-up call to be honest.

"At that point, I had Chicharito warming up and then they had a man sent off so it consolidated that opinion to bring him on. He's brilliant in there. He took a lot of punishment too. There were a lot of tackles against him but he's such a courageous little lad, such a tough, wee cookie, and he's always going to be a threat to defenders. He's scored the winning goal in an important game."

The Reds' next assignment is also at Stamford Bridge in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night, although both managers are expected to make changes to their teams.

When asked if it could be a lively affair, the boss replied: "Good luck to the referee! But it's a different game with different players. I'm sure they will make changes and we will."

Following the midweek action, the Reds meet another London side in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford.


SAF spot on about Chicharito:):amazed:.

[bbfan1991]

Evans salutes Reds' character

Jonny Evans saluted the character United showed in registering a first domestic win at Stamford Bridge since 2002.

The Reds stormed into a two-goal lead, then won through Javier Hernandez's late tap-in after Chelsea - who also lost two players to red cards - had restored parity.

Now just a point behind the Barclays Premier League leaders, United demonstrated requisite fortitude - particularly as the Blues fought back from two goals down.

"I think that's probably the hardest game we've had this season, especially towards the end of the first half," the defender told Sky Sports. "Chelsea really came at us and put the pressure on us. It was a tough game and we were probably lucky to see it out to 2-1 at half-time.

"Going in 2-1 up was great because it was a bit of an onslaught at that stage, but you've got to show character in games like this. We came out for the second half and you've got to stand up coming here to Stamford Bridge.

"It's a tough game, we knew we were going to be under pressure. They got the equaliser and obviously the sending offs are in-between that, and we managed to finish the game off in the end."

Evans played a central role in the game's second sending off. Fernando Torres, booked for an earlier lunge on Tom Cleverley, tumbled under the defender's challenge and picked up a decisive second caution.

Though Chelsea animatedly protested the decision, Evans concluded that referee Mark Clattenburg had ultimately made the right call - despite admitting he had brushed the Spaniard.

"At the time I didn't feel like I'd made contact," he said. "I've seen it again and there was a bit of contact but I didn't feel like it was enough to bring him down. I think he probably realised he wasn't getting the ball, he's gone down and I think the referee's made the right decision and sent him off."

[bbfan1991]

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/stugrimson/ddg.gif

Class save:cool:.

[Brother Leon]

David :lovedup:

[bbfan1991]

He is going to be world class, it will take time but he will prove his critics wrong. Class performance against Chelski.

[Brother Leon]

He gets so much unfair stick it annoys me. You see Hart and Reina do worse things than him this season and hardly a mention.

[bbfan1991]

He gets so much unfair stick it annoys me. You see Hart and Reina do worse things than him this season and hardly a mention.

Exactly, although I have noticed that some sensible Liverpool have finally started to notice about Reina and have given him some stick;). Joe Hart is being too overhyped by the press but he is a very good GK!

So Chelsea again away in the COC, **** is gonna go down:devil:. Arsenal at home in the league after that.

[bbfan1991]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/29/article-2225063-15BBAE91000005DC-660_634x494.jpg

Chicha trolling the Cockney's:D.

[bbfan1991]

Win delights Carrick

Having seen a string of impressive performances go unrewarded at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, Michael Carrick feels Manchester United's thrilling victory at Chelsea was long overdue.

The Reds edged a game shrouded in controversy as Chicharito turned in a late winner against the nine-man hosts, but the midfielder cared not a jot as the Blues' lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League was trimmed to one point.

"It's a huge three points," Carrick told MUTV. "Not winning here for a long time against our biggest rivals, we wanted to put that right and we wanted to win for that.

"Plus the fact that if we had lost today we would've been well adrift. I know there's a long way to go, but it wouldn't have been a good position for us to be in. So for those two reasons it was a big result.

"Over the last three or four years we've had some really great performances here and not come away with what we deserved, so today it was sweet to get the three points.

"We've really played some great stuff and the performances have been spot on, so to come away with no wins has been disappointing and we felt the next win was close. We have had some decisions not go our way and it's been tough for us here, but maybe that turned around for us today. We'll take what we get!"

Chelsea, United and Manchester City are now separated by a single point at the head of the table and, buoyed by the Reds' impressive form at imposing venues this term, Carrick insists it is key to keep winning such headline-grabbing encounters.

"Especially against your rivals – the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, Arsenal next week – it's important you take points off them," said the midfielder.

"That's why it was important and next week is just as important. It's a good start to the season. We've obviously had a couple of defeats but we've bounced back and we're still in a good position, so we can be happy."

[bbfan1991]

Loans: Ex-Red inspires Amos


http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Oct/Loans-Ben-Amos-learning-from-Gary-Walsh.aspx

[bbfan1991]

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/E9651894B17F45A3AA9CBCEC7BFC3A6D.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,37,519,229

Keane hopes for call-up

Michael Keane is hoping for another first-team chance in the Capital One Cup tie at Chelsea on Wednesday after starring in the victory against Newcastle in the previous round of the competition.

The 19-year-old performed superbly during the 2-1 triumph against the Magpies and also played in last year's win at Aldershot, when he came off the bench for his senior debut.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, the promising centre-back admits he learned plenty of lessons at Old Trafford in the win on 26 September.

"You play games with more pressure when you get to a higher level," he stated. "Every game you play, you've got more experience of playing for points and playing because it means something rather than just friendlies. When you get called into the first team, you're used to being desperate to win and getting the three points [or getting through].

"I was so tired [after the Newcastle tie]. I've never been that tired after a game. Mentally as well as physically because of the concentration, how the day went building up to it and then the 90 minutes was tough but we did well.

"Obviously it was harder physically being on the big Old Trafford pitch but mentally playing against more experienced players means you have to be concentrating the whole time and not taking any breaks. It does take it out of you but, as long as you concentrate for 90 minutes, you're fine.

"Shola Ameobi has played in the [Barclays] Premier League for years so you know if you're playing against him, you're probably good enough to play in the Premier League. I see it as a challenge to yourself and the whole back four coped reasonably well."

Last year's Reserves Player of the Year has been included in a couple of first-team squads this term and is clearly forcing himself into Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts.

"I've been training every day," the England Under-19 international continued. "Working hard and getting fitter every day so it's going well.

"When you go on tour and play a few games, it gives you a good taste of first-team football and it just makes you want to play more when you get back. I know there's probably only going to be one or two opportunities because of the players involved but I can't think like that. I've just got to work hard every day in training and prove I'm good enough to play and, hopefully, get picked.

"A lot has happened in the last year but it's been good experience for me. I keep stepping up a level and, hopefully, that will keep happening and I can progress with England and keep getting my chances here in the first team."

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are on the shortlist of 23 players nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

The contenders for FIFA's World Footballer of the Year award were announced on Monday with 11 of the names different from the 2011 list.

Rooney is rewarded for another impressive year at Old Trafford while van Persie's explosive final months at Arsenal contribute to his recognition. Former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are expected to battle it out for the award with the Barcelona superstar striving to win it for the fourth consecutive year.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of 10 managers up for the Coach of the Year prize - alongside fellow Barclays Premier League bosses Roberto Mancini and Roberto Di Matteo.

Ballon d'Or nominees: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Mario Balotelli (Man City), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, now Shanghai Shenhua), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ACMilan/PSG), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Santos), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Man United), Yaya Toure (Man City), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/Man United), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona).

Ballon d'Or Coach nominees: Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea), Sir Alex Ferguson (Man United), Pep Guardiola (ex-Barcelona), Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Low (Germany), Roberto Mancini (Man City), Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid), Cesare Prandelli (Italy).

[bbfan1991]

Praise for pair


FIFA.com on Wayne Rooney:
With 14 goals between February and May 2012, Wayne Rooney was indispensable for Manchester United, even though his efforts in front of goal were not quite enough for the Red Devils to hold off the challenge of their cross-city rivals in the race for the title. Rooney’s overall tally of 27 was not enough for him to be crowned as the Premier League’s top goalscorer either, an accolade that went to Robin van Persie with 30, and although he also found the back of the net at EURO 2012, England bowed out at the quarter-final stage. An injury sustained at the start of the new Premier League season kept “Wazza” out for a month, but he bounced back to goalscoring ways with a brace against Stoke City on 20 October.

FIFA.com on Robin van Persie:
Although no major team titles came his way in 2012, Robin van Persie was unstoppable in front of goal, finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer with 30 goals for Arsenal. This season, the Dutch striker will be aiming to defend his crown in a Manchester United shirt after his move in August. Since the start of the year, he has scored four braces and two hat-tricks (against Blackburn Rovers for Arsenal in February, and against Southampton for United in September).

[bbfan1991]

De Gea voted star man

David De Gea fended off strong competition from Robin van Persie to earn the ManUtd.com Man of the Match accolade in the superb win at Chelsea.

The Spanish keeper made a string of fine saves, the best of which was a world-class stop to thwart his fellow countryman Fernando Torres in the first half.

By improvising and using his feet to block a couple of difficult attempts by the home side, the youngster again showed his quality after also excelling at Stamford Bridge in last term's 3-3 draw.

Almost 5,500 fans plumped for De Gea, earning the former Atletico Madrid man 52 per cent of the votes with van Persie having to settle for second place.

The Dutch striker's shot crashed off an upright and into the net off David Luiz for the opener before he confidently converted a driven centre by Antonio Valencia to double the lead. After his spin and pass released Ashley Young in the build-up to Branislav Ivanovic's red card, it was also van Persie's shot, touched onto the woodwork by Petr Cech, that ultimately led to Javier Hernandez finishing off Rafael's dangerous ball into the six-yard box.

Wayne Rooney came third in our poll - ahead of defenders Rafael and Rio Ferdinand after another eye-catching performance in a midfield role.

Man of the Match

1st - David De Gea (52 per cent)
2nd - Robin van Persie (34 per cent)
3rd - Wayne Rooney (6 per cent)

Also nominated: Rafael, Rio Ferdinand.


Well done DDG, he deserves it:):D.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will return to action within the next week.

Both players have yet to feature this season with Smalling having broken a metatarsal in the summer and Jones struggling with back and knee problems.

Smalling, 22, is back in training and although Wednesday night's Capital One Cup clash with Chelsea will be too soon, Ferguson expects him to return for United's Champions League match with Braga next week.

Meanwhile Jones will return to training on Monday in a major boost for United with Nemanja Vidic currently sidelined after knee surgery.

Ferguson said: "We will try to push Chris on quickly. I don't think he will make Wednesday's game but I am sure he will be ready for the following week.

"There was some hope both he and Phil would be back for this busy schedule.

"Phil will be starting football training next Monday. He still has some running to do. The good news is they are not far away."

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Reds aim for progress

Sir Alex Ferguson has outlined United's aims to follow up the weekend win at Chelsea by knocking the Londoners out of the Capital One Cup.

Although the competition may not be viewed by some as a priority for the Reds, the club have enjoyed an excellent record in recent years and it enables the boss to hand game-time to fringe members of his squad and promising youngsters.

With another huge Barclays Premier League encounter to come in an early kick-off on Saturday, against an Arsenal side buoyed by the remarkable 7-5 win at Reading, there will be changes but the manager is clear on his objective.

"Obviously, we'll make changes for Wednesday," he informed MUTV. "The squad that played against Newcastle will be in place again. I think I will make some changes there but not a lot as we don't want to lose down there anyway. We want to continue in the Cup but there will still be some changes."

The fourth round tie looks like coming too soon for defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

"Chris has been doing training with us back on the football side of it and we'll try and push him on quickly," added Sir Alex. "But I don't think he'll make the midweek game at Chelsea, although I'm sure he'll be ready for the following week.

"Phil Jones maybe needs another week on the physical part before he can train with us but the good news is he's not far away."

[bbfan1991]

Over yesterdays loss already, although an experience like this will be a benefit for the young lads in order to improve. Focus is on the Arsenal game now:).

[bbfan1991]

Giggs: Cup loss tough to take

Ryan Giggs admitted United's Capital One Cup defeat at Chelsea was "tough to take," but the veteran took a lot of heart from the performances of some of the squad's younger members.

While the likes of Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Nani brought a wealth of experience to the Reds' side, Sir Alex also included a number of his rising stars, namely Michael Keane, Scott Wootton and, from half-time, Nick Powell.

United were just seconds away from going through to the next round of the competition, but an injury-time Chelsea penalty sent the entertaining clash into extra-time with the Blues eventually running out 5-4 winners.

"It's tough to take," Giggs told MUTV afterwards. "When you score four goals away from home more often than not you win the game, but it just seems to be one of those weeks in the Cup.

"We had the game in the bag with seconds to go. We had the ball deep in their half, lost it and they went up the other end and got the penalty. When it goes to extra-time it's anyone's game.

"I'm proud of the young players who played though - there were some great performances. They will have learnt a lot and you learn more from losing as well. You try and take the positives from a game like that but there are a lot of disappointed lads in there and rightly so because they put in good performances. But they'll learn from it and the experience they'll gain from this is more than they could ever get from a Reserve game.

"Out of the two sides they probably had the most experienced players with a lot of quality to come off the bench. They had to stick all their big guns on in the end to make an impact which they did.

"As I said though I'm proud of the young players - they never stopped battling. We're just disappointed to put on a good performance, score four goals and come away with nothing."

Having played over 917 matches for the Reds you'd have thought Giggs would have seen it all in his career, but he admitted afterwards that, even now, the beautiful game still never ceases to amaze you.

"After seeing the Reading/Arsenal game last night nothing should surprise you in football!" he joked. "It was unbelievable and it was similar tonight.

"You've got to be prepared for anything and fight right to the end. Unfortunately it wasn't to be for us. We put so much effort in but we go home disappointed and feel completely different to Sunday [after the league win over Chelsea].

"But we'll take the loss and look forward to the rest of the season because there are plenty of positives to take going forward."

[bbfan1991]

Giggs hails van Persie

Ryan Giggs has hailed the impact made by Robin van Persie this season, not just on the goalscoring front, but on the creation of opportunities too.

Not only is the Dutchman top of the Reds scoring charts this terms with nine goals, he has been the provider for many of United's strikes from set-pieces.

Giggs says having a player of van Persie's quality has boosted the whole squad and he hopes the striker can maintain his good form in the coming weeks.

"When a ready-made, world-class player comes into the team it gives everybody a lift," Giggs told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"We’re like the supporters – we look forward to playing with and seeing quality players come into the team. Robin is certainly that – he’s proven that with his goals and all-round play since he’s come to the club.

"Robin’s set-piece delivery has been really important to us. It’s a big plus this season that we’re scoring from set-pieces and corners. That’s something we haven’t done over the last few years as often as we’d have liked.

"So with Robin it’s not just goals you get. He’s helped add more goals to the scoresheet and helped a few different names get on there."

The Reds will be hoping to maintain their impressive goalscoring form against van Persie's former side Arsenal on Saturday, although Giggs insists staging a repeat of last season's 8-2 victory will be near impossible.

"I think that was one of those fluke performances," said the 38-year-old. "We always expect a tough performance against Arsenal, both home and away. It’s no different this time.

"They got off to a really good start. They’ve stuttered a little in recent weeks but they have plenty of quality."

[bbfan1991]

Boss ponders Arsenal options

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Anderson could have played his way into the manager's plans for Saturday's visit of Arsenal.

The Brazilian was outstanding in the 5-4 Capital One Cup defeat against Chelsea, assisting all three of United's goals in his time on the pitch, and is giving the manager plenty of encouragement.

"Ando was the best player on the pitch [on Wednesday] until he tired," said Sir Alex. "He needs games now and hopefully we can give him them."

The Reds have no additional injuries coming out of the two action-packed clashes with Chelsea.

"Chris Smalling is training with the first-team squad on the football side which is good news," stated the boss. "He's not ready for us yet but it's still encouraging. We've got options. Chicharito is in terrific form. He is improving all the time. The key to Chicha's form is the decent rest he's had in the summer.

"Every game against Arsenal is always a big one," he added. "It won't be any different tomorrow.

"They have proved defensively this year that they're a stronger, more physical team. I watched them last week against QPR and it'll be a hard game."

[bbfan1991]

RvP should be respected

Sir Alex Ferguson has echoed Arsene Wenger's sentiments regarding the reception Robin van Persie faces from the away end on Saturday.

The Dutchman was a huge favourite at Arsenal before rejecting a new contract and joining United in the summer. Wenger hopes the London club's supporters respect the service the striker gave in the capital rather than barrack their former idol and Sir Alex has similar thoughts on the subject.

"I think Arsene has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him," stressed the manager. "If you think about all the former players who come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause. I don’t think that will be a problem tomorrow, I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and that will be nice."

Sir Alex has been impressed with the impact his major acquisition has made since arriving at Old Trafford.

"Robin is a mature player and I think that helps," he stated. "The experience he’s got of playing eight years in England makes it easier for him to play for another English club. He’s been very satisfying for us. He’s made a fantastic start for us and hopefully he can keep it going."


Wrong, he was booed as expected.

[bbfan1991]

Vidic out until Christmas

United skipper Nemanja Vidic is likely to be sidelined until the festive period.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed to MUTV that he does not expect his commanding centre-back to return to action until late December, although Shinji Kagawa should only be missing for another month or so.

After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in last year's Champions League exit at Basel, the Serbian suffered another knee problem that required surgery.

"With Kagawa, it's easy to assess that one whereas with Vidic it's a bit more difficult," the boss told MUTV. "Maybe around Christmas time.

"I think Kagawa should be available in four weeks' time but Vidic I think we're talking about December, maybe around Christmas time."


Gutted:(, although at least we are not rushing him back like what happened last time.

[bbfan1991]

Young eyes victory

Ashley Young says victory over Arsenal at the weekend would be “massive” and would set the Reds up nicely for a testing few weeks at home and abroad.

Sir Alex’s men face four consecutive away games, in the league and Champions League, after Saturday’s Old Trafford meeting with the Gunners and, after picking up an important three points at league leaders Chelsea last Sunday, Young says United are determined to follow it with a positive result against another of their big rivals.

“Winning on Saturday would be massive,” the winger told ManUtd.com. “We want to stay in touching distance with the other teams at the top so we know Saturday is vitally important. We got the win last week against Chelsea and if we can kick on tomorrow and win again it sets us up for the next few weeks.

“When you think of Arsenal teams normally you think of them passing non-stop and pretty much passing their way to the goal. But I think they have got stronger physically this season and they look very motivated. We can’t concentrate too much on them though, it’s important we focus on ourselves and make sure we’re on top of our game.”

Last season’s corresponding fixture ended emphatically in United’s favour following an 8-2 win for the Reds, which also included Young’s first goals for the club.

“I have good memories of the game last season,” beamed the 27-year-old. “I obviously got the two goals, my first two United goals, which was special. We scored eight that day, but we know it’ll be a tough game on Saturday, and if we can just score one and get the three points then that will be the most important thing. We’re all looking forward to it.”

Young is delighted to be back in action after a frustrating two-month spell in the treatment room. The winger returned in last weekend’s win at Chelsea and he’s thoroughly enjoying being part of a side so fluent in attack.

“It’s brilliant to see us scoring so many goals. As a winger that’s what you want, you want that freedom to go and attack and destroy defences,” he added.

“When you’ve got players in the team like we’ve got with so many different options it’s amazing to see. I certainly wouldn’t want to be a defender when you see the different combinations we can have! It’s always nice when you have so many different options and when we attack we always look like we’re going to score.”

The man who has found the net more times than anyone else for the Reds this season, Robin van Persie, comes up against his former team on Saturday. And Young has nothing but praise for the contribution the Dutchman has made already this term.

“Robin is a world-class player - he’s in the team to score goals and that’s exactly what he’s doing,” says Young. "His all-round work-rate and his effort on the pitch are fantastic and he’s scoring goals. He’s someone who can link up with any of the players and he’s been brilliant since he arrived.”

[bbfan1991]

Rio: Robin has slotted right in

Robin van Persie's fine start to life at United owes much to his seamless integration into the club's dressing room dynamic, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking to United Review, the veteran defender admitted the Reds' top scorer has quickly adapted to life with his new colleagues after joining from Arsenal last summer.

"He’s done really well," said Rio. "He’s come in with no airs and graces about him – that’s the first thing you notice. He’s come into a really down-to-earth changing room; there’s no way anybody could come in as the big ‘I am’ and that’s definitely not in his make-up.

"He’s a really nice guy. The best way you can settle in at a new club is to get on with the other lads and he’s done that straight away. Going on from that you’ve obviously got to be able to put your foot on the ball and put the ball in the back of the net, and you can’t ask him to have done any more than he has."

Having notched nine goals and four assists in his 12 United appearances so far, van Persie is likely to face his former employers for the first time on Saturday, and the manner in which Arsenal supporters will react to their former idol remains unclear.

While a potentially disconcerting ordeal, Ferdinand - armed with his own experiences of facing West Ham and Leeds - feels the Dutchman can rise above the pre-match hype surrounding his part in proceedings.

"It is hard," he admitted. "But Robin’s experienced enough to put it to one side, get on with it and play the game. You just have to treat it like any other game. That’s the difficult thing: trying to make it normal when everyone around is trying to make it into something it isn’t."

[bbfan1991]

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/F26E89825CA44A44BB9AF80E25210DC1.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,1,417,627

Boss plots best form of attack

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is still trying to figure out how best to utilise Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

The Dutchman has settled quickly since arriving from Arsenal, which has come as no surprise to the manager, but it helps provide an embarrassment of riches in attack. Javier Hernandez's return to top form and the emergence of Danny Welbeck as an international-class forward means competition for places is particularly fierce at the sharp end of the side.

When asked about his plans for van Persie and Rooney, Sir Alex replied: "You’ve got to think of Chicharito’s form as well and I’m trying to think of all sorts of ways I can utilise the three of them together and Danny Welbeck of course. It’s difficult to work out how to utilise three of them – we did it at Newcastle but we won’t be able to do in every game. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic problem for me."

Van Persie has hopefully shed the 'injury-prone' tag that dogged him for some time during his Arsenal career and is capable of enjoying one of the finest debut campaigns for a major signing by the club.

"I think he’s had different types of injuries," said the boss. "He had an ankle injury when we were assessing him, but I think last season he proved that he’s over that kind of thing [lots of injuries]. Hopefully it’s not a problem for me.

"We’ve had a lot of players that have settled quickly. Dwight Yorke was unbelievable in his first season. It’s not easy I suppose coming to a club like ours and expecting them all to settle right away. Some take time but, in the main, we’ve been quite lucky - particularly in recent years because there is a far more consistent thread to the club than there was, say, 25 years ago."

[bbfan1991]

Rooney unmoved by penalty miss

Wayne Rooney says he was left bemused by his penalty miss during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, but stressed the incident is already in the past.

The English striker dragged his first half spot-kick just wide of the left-hand-post during an impressive performance at Old Trafford, where the Reds eventually sealed a surprisingly routine win over the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League.

Though the miss is a worry, Rooney insists it will not play on his mind: “I don’t know what happened but these things happen. Obviously, I am disappointed with the penalty but I will move on because we won the game and that is the most important thing. It’s something that is gone now for me.

“We had plenty of chances,” Wayne told Sky Sports. “Obviously, it was a poor penalty from myself but we should be taking care of the games and we had a lot of chances late doors, especially when they went down to 10 men, to kill the game off and we didn’t do it. That could cost us in the future. We need to make sure we are more clinical to finish games off.

“We tried to stop them playing. They are a fantastic football team but if you stop their playmakers then you have a chance, especially when you win the ball. If you win it high up the pitch you can break off them and create chances. We did that quite well and the led to a lot of chances for us It certainly the game plan – to stop them playing and press the high.”

Victory over Arsenal during Saturday’s midday kick-off saw United temporarily move ahead of Chelsea at the top of the league, capping an impressive week for the Reds following last weekend’s dramatic and entertaining 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.

Obviously, league positions matter very little at this stage of the season, but as Rooney points out, United’s good form and momentum is a huge positive following the disappointment of losing away at Everton on the opening night of the season back in August.

“We knew we would go top if we won before the game. It is important to us after dropping two points on the first game of the season.

“We have done well and dug in at times to grind out some results whilst playing some good football. It’s nice to top of the league, it might not be for long but we are happy to be there.”

[bbfan1991]

Boss wants more goals

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see his side take another important three points off one of their rivals, but he was frustrated that the Reds failed to convert more chances during the 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Robin van Persie put the hosts in front after just three minutes, but United had to wait until the 67th before a second goal arrived via Patrice Evra.

Numerous chances had gone begging before Evra found the net, including a Wayne Rooney penalty which he fired wide, and it's something that is worrying Sir Alex.

"It looked as if it was going to be self destruction," the manager told MUTV and Sky Sports. "It only takes a second to lose a goal.

"They had some possession without really threatening us, but thank god we got the second one because the fact they scored right on full-time would have been an embarrassment [if we'd only have been 1-0 up].

"It was a strange game and the chances we missed... well, we should have put the game to bed a long, long time ago. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't.

"There was a lack of urgency in our game throughout. We were far too casual. It was an unusual Manchester United/Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United/Arsenal games of the past.

"I was just really disappointed in our ability to hammer home the advantage," he added.

"I spoke about goal difference to the players at the start of the season. We lost [the title] on goal difference last season and I don't want to see that again. We had an opportunity to add to the goal tally today."

After joking that he would take United's penalty following the Reds' fourth spot-kick miss of the season, the manager took time out to praise his side's opening goalscorer Robin van Persie.

"It was good for Robin to get the goal and he took it very well," said Sir Alex. "I thought he was fantastic today - his movement and his penetration were brilliant.

"He did the right thing [not celebrating his goal]. He had eight great years at Arsenal and he respects that and I thought the Arsenal fans were fine too."

[bbfan1991]

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/E33948F8DBFC4CE09FAC77FD9AD7FDAC.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=480&rgn=0,50,600,272

Van Persie hails special day

Robin van Persie hailed a “special day” after scoring against his former club during Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Much of the talk ahead of the Barclays Premier League match had focused on the Dutchman’s first match against the Gunners since switching the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford in the summer.

Undeterred, the 29-year-old raced out of the blocks to break the deadlock in the third minute, taking advantage of a poor clearance from Thomas Vermaelen to finish with his unfavoured right foot.

Despite being roundly and perhaps unfairly booed by Arsenal’s travelling support, van Persie showed his class by not celebrating his goal - favouring a more dignified, respectful reaction.

“I think it speaks for itself,” Robin declared, when asked why he didn’t celebrate his goal. “I played there for eight years. I had a fantastic time there and I respect the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club. So that’s why.

“It was a special day and in the end it was quite a game, I think we played well. We were a bit sloppy with chances and should have scored two or three more. But in the end we are happy with three points because that is all that matters.”

Saturday’s encounter between the two giants of English football resulted in a more timid affair than previously expected, despite referee Mike Dean handing out eight yellow cards, as United largely dominated the match without showing too much ruthlessness in front of goal.

Surprisingly, van Persie was one of many Reds to spurn chances to score after the half-time break and perhaps should have done better with a glorious opportunity midway through the second half, when his low shot was tipped just wide by goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

However, the Dutchman is content with his solitary strike against his former club, despite admitting he should have scored more than just one goal: “Yes I did have an easy chance in the second half. I didn’t expect so much time on the ball to be fair.

“I thought that Thomas Vermaelen was a bit closer to me so I decided to shoot quickly. It was a bad choice because I could have taken one more touch and finished it. I should’ve scored two but I am happy with one.

“As I said, it was a special day. It was the first time I have ever played against my former club because I only have three. It was a special day but in the end it is about the game, which won so I am pleased with that.”

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United vs Arsenal- Match Report:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/manchester-united-v-arsenal-premier-league-report.aspx

Not at our best and we had lots of chances to put the game to bed but a win is a win:):D.

[Legend killer]

I'm telling you now if Fergie puts out the right team I fancy our chances of winning in Europe this year. Barca are not the team they were and I think we could cause an upset. I think he has slowly started to get the message that Giggs and Scholes to a lesser extent stink up the place, now if he would finally start playing our best CM Ando

Carrick Clev
Ando

I really believe that trio could do the damage in euro and with Paddy actually defending again I am very optimistic. However Young is a BUM and should never start for us and Tony is shown up every time we play higher oppostion

[bbfan1991]

Rafael can emulate Neville

Sir Alex believes Rafael can achieve the same legendary status as Gary Neville.

The Brazilian has once again earned praise for his development after emerging as one of the club's best performers this season. Critics may have pointed out flaws in his game as a youngster but, now 22, the right-back is looking a world-class talent.

"He's a Brazilian who trains like a beast," said Sir Alex. "He never misses training - the boy is just a football fanatic. When he goes home in the summer, he plays every day for his street team back in Brazil.

"Maybe he had rashness and the impetuosity of a young boy but somewhere along the line that maturity comes along and the rashness disappears. His form this season has been brilliant and the boy is really tough now."

Sir Alex was asked if he can see Rafael going on to enjoy a career similar to Gary Neville's distinguished stint. "Definitely," he replied. "There's no doubt about that. Gary was not the finished article when he came into the team but was lucky in the sense that he came in at a time when we were trying to push forward all our young players. But Gary improved and became absolutely fantastic - probably the best right-back the club has ever had.

"It did take time for him in terms of his use of the ball and crossing but all these things developed because he wanted to work on them. Rafael is definitely the more naturally talented. Gary came to us as a centre-back, don't forget."

Rafael showed no ill effects from playing the full 120 minutes at Chelsea in midweek when producing another accomplished display in the 2-1 win over Arsenal.


Rafael has been awesome so far this season:). I wonder if SAF will rest him soon?

[bbfan1991]

Evra hails 'terrific' week

Patrice Evra has hailed a "terrific week" for United in the league after back-to-back wins over rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

After last Sunday's hard-fought victory at Stamford Bridge, the Reds secured a 2-1 triumph over the Gunners at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and a second of the season from Evra himself.

"Accidents can happen and it's happened twice now this season!" he joked to MUTV in reference to his strikes against Newcastle and now Arsenal.

"I'm really happy to score again but the most important thing is the three points. We're a little bit disappointed we didn't keep a clean sheet but in the end it was an important win and that's what everyone was looking for before the game. It's been a terrific week for us."

Much like his manager, the Frenchman bemoaned United's inability to take more of the chances that were created, but he insists confidence remains high in camp.

"The expectations are very high here and we should have scored more goals - we felt like we had lost the game in the dressing room afterwards," he revealed.

"If we had taken every chance we created it would have been a different game, but to only finish 2-1 is a bit disappointing. That isn't because we don't respect Arsenal, it's because the expectations are very high here.

"When they are so high you can sometimes forget that you've beaten a team like Arsenal. It's a big game we have won. We've won at Liverpool, at Chelsea and now we have beaten Arsenal. Last season we didn't do that and that's why as a team we know we have the potential and the quality to win the league.

"The reason we are not really happy is because we didn't score more goals, but in the end he has been a terrific week for Manchester United. The confidence is really high in the team."

[bbfan1991]

RvP revels in 'new' position

Robin van Persie believes his flexible, interchangeable partnership with Wayne Rooney has forged a new position up front for Manchester United.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, the Dutchman has been in sensational form and is enjoying an irresistible attacking alliance with his English team-mate. He feels their fluidity and tactical knowhow means they no longer fit the classic definitions of 'a number nine' - normally the poacher in the penalty area - and 'a number ten' - the more creative player linking midfield and attack.

“I call it a nine-and-a-half because you have two positions, the nine and the ten, and we are both nine-and-a-half ,” says van Persie. “We are just helping each other out. We both play behind and a bit higher up. It seems to be working well and I am very happy with Wayne - hopefully we can keep it going.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, a former centre-forward who scored an impressive 186 goals in just under 350 appearances as a player, agrees with van Persie’s theory and says there is more to come from the burgeoning strike partnership.

“I think he's right,” the boss declared. “There's flexibility there and the right type of movement. They also both have the courage to play in these positions. Robin’s not far away in that respect.

“They're both mobile players and good footballers with a great desire to play and win. I don't think you saw the best of them as a partnership against Arsenal.”

:devil:

[bbfan1991]

Best is yet to come

The underlying message from Rio Ferdinand sounds ominous for Manchester United's opponents: we might be in pole position but we can still improve.

Although the Reds have now beaten Arsenal and Chelsea in successive league games, the defender admitted his team have yet to find top gear over a sustained period; the complete performance and with it a comprehensive victory, remain on United's wishlist.

"Yes it's been good but we're aiming for better," said Ferdinand, when asked to reflect on that significant pair of victories.

"I don't think we have hit a real purple patch yet, which we are really searching for. We played quite well today as a team and we defended well. But getting it all in one package and doing it all in a ninety minutes at the right times, we're still aiming for that and it will come soon, don't worry."

Whether it will come in the next few weeks remains to be seen, with United heading into four away games on the bounce.

But should everything fall into place on the road, or back at Old Trafford towards the end of the month, it seems inevitable Robin van Persie will be involved.

"He's been doing well for us, he's a natural born goalscorer and long may it continue that he keeps scoring the goals," praised Ferdinand, after witnessing van Persie's tenth strike of the season on Saturday.

The defender commended his colleague for the way he played against his former club Arsenal for the first time.

"Those games against your old team go one of two ways normally," said Rio. "Either you get a goal, you play well and you win, or you have an absolute beast, get sent off and lose the game. So it was good to see Robin get on the scoresheet and he celebrated in the right way I think. He showed a bit more class than probably their fans did towards him."

[bbfan1991]

Reds set to loan out trio

Warren Joyce has confirmed to MUTV that Michael Keane, Jesse Lingard and Robbie Brady are poised to leave United on loan.

Keane and Lingard will surely relish the prospect of some first-team football with a temporary move to Leicester City. The Championship promotion-chasers signed a pair of Reds Reserves in the summer, with Ritchie De Laet and Matty James joining the Foxes, and are to strengthen their squad further with a shrewd double acquisition.

Centre-back Keane performed well in the Capital One Cup ties against Newcastle and Chelsea while livewire Lingard has been in and around Sir Alex's squad a few times after impressing on the DHL tour.

Brady, a full Republic of Ireland international, is to rejoin Hull City and play under Steve Bruce. The winger spent last term with the Tigers and is expected to link up with team-mate Ben Amos at the KC Stadium.

All three were not involved in the Under-21s' 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Monday night with Joyce admitting afterwards that the deals are set to be completed.


Good luck to the lads going out on loan and I hope they get some games to help their development:).

[bbfan1991]

Duo tie up switch

Michael Keane and Jesse Lingard have joined Leicester City on loan for a month.

The talented Reds youngsters will be available for the Foxes' next six matches - starting with Tuesday night's away npower Championship clash at Bolton.

City boss Nigel Pearson told the club's official website: "Not only do Michael and Jesse add a great deal of quality to the group, they are also the type of hungry, young players that will fit in well with what is already a very strong squad."

Speaking to ManUtd.com recently, Lingard admitted he was relishing the prospect of obtaining regular first-team football.

"I think it will be a lot more physical going out on loan but we're going to have to adapt to that anyway," he confessed. "I don't know if I will be sent out on loan this year or next year but I'm still training with the first team every now and then and am getting stronger with them."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex wins monthly award

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/4B229813AB7B4864A6D0E3F238A2250D.ashx?h=179&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,0,721,538

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the Barclays Manager of the Month for October.

The Manchester United manager guided his team to three wins from three Barclays Premier League games, a run that included 10 goals scored, two victories away from home and a first sucess at Stamford Bridge for more than a decade.

At the conclusion of the month, the Reds had moved to within a point of league-leaders Chelsea - a position since improved by opening November with Saturday's victory over Arsenal.

Sir Alex is no stranger to the Manager of the Month award, of course. This is the 27th time he's had the honour bestowed upon him.

"We've got a great set up here," Sir Alex said. "I've got great staff and the players, of course. They are the reason I'm getting this award. There is no question about that. I am very pleased."

The boss's next assignment comes in European competition, as the Reds travel to Portugal to take on SC Braga on Wednesday night in the Champions League.


Legend and on this date 26 years ago is when SAF first took charge of United as Manager:amazed::devil:.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex eyes top spot

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players to finish the job and qualify as winners of their Champions League group after an ideal start to the campaign.

United have taken maximum points from the first three games in Group H - an improvement on last season, when the Reds had only mustered five points at the equivalent stage and ended up paying the price.

The first target is victory over Braga in Portugal on Wednesday and with it progression to the knockout stages - sounds like an ideal anniversary present for Sir Alex, who marks 26 years as Reds manager today (Tuesday).

"Yes, it would be a nice one," agreed the manager, when speaking to Inside United. "And with nine points from the first three games we really should be kicking on and make sure we confirm the number one spot. That’s the important thing. It’s always good to win your group."

Sir Alex attributes United's better results in Europe to selecting more experienced players in his sides this time round.

"After the experience of last season, we’re showing that we’re paying more attention to team selection in the sense that we’ve used a big proportion of experienced players," he said.

"The front players in our home game against Braga would be a handful for any team – van Persie, Chicharito and Rooney. Having a goal threat like that gives you a backbone."

That experience helped United come from behind to beat Braga a fortnight ago after the visitors had shocked Old Trafford by racing into a 2-0 lead - at a time when going behind was becoming a worrying trend for the Reds.

"It wasn't down to an individual player or a system, it’s just that we were taking too long to get our feet into the game," Sir Alex asserted.

"Braga attacked us straight from the kick-off and got a throw-in right away, right on the edge of the box. Maybe that created a bit of anxiety among the players, making them think, 'Oh no, we can’t afford to lose an early goal here.' But we did, we lost two early goals and Braga weren't in a hurry at 2-0 up. Against our diamond, it was easy for them to get the ball out to the wide positions and control the game that way.

"We actually played some good stuff and we made some good chances. There were some really good bits of football. But we had to get in at half-time and still be in the game. So I put Tom Cleverley a wee bit to the right and Wayne Rooney to the left, and we got the goal.

"In the second half we had to kill off Braga's width so they couldn't get out. Nani came on on the right and Rooney played on the left so we were blocking off their avenues and forcing them to play through the middle of the pitch. We really did play really well in the second half. In general it was a good attacking performance and we played some really good football in the game."

[bbfan1991]

Reds head to Braga

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a 20-man squad to Portugal for the Reds' Champions League Group H clash in Braga.

The Group H leaders, who flew out of Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, secured a come-from-behind victory over the Portuguese side two weeks ago at Old Trafford and know a win in Braga will secure a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Sir Alex told ManUtd.com a fortnight ago he'd consider Saturday's subsequent trip to Villa Park and weigh up his midfield options in particular when picking his team to take on Braga.

"My team selection for Braga will reflect the game we play afterwards, Aston Villa away, so I’ll change the squad around," the manager said.

"Think, for example, about the midfield options I’ve got. This is an area where some people say we’re weak but I’ve got Darren Fletcher coming back from illness, Tom Cleverley developing as a player, young Nick Powell improving, Anderson back fit and looking terrific, plus Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs. I’ve got heaps of midfield options now.

"In the wide positions I’ve got Ashley Young fit again, Nani and Antonio Valencia. Then I’ve got the strikers. My area of worry for a long time now has been the back four.

"I haven’t had great options so far this season in defence. There’ll be an option with Alexander Buttner – that’s maybe the one that will definitely happen. I’ll need to see how we are in terms of a centre-back pairing for that game. But away from home in Europe you really do need a bit of experience so it’s likely that it will still be Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans.

At right-back, Rafael’s fit and his form this season has been absolutely fantastic. So I’ll probably have the same or similar back four but I’ll make changes in midfield and up front."

Travelling squad: De Gea, Lindegaard; Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Buttner, Smalling, Evra; Cleverley, Giggs, Anderson, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Young, Powell; Rooney, Welbeck, Chicharito, van Persie.

[bbfan1991]

Match Preview: Braga vs United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/Preview-SC-Braga-v-manchester-united.aspx

I hope that United perform better and get the win that would secure our qualification for the next round of the Champions League:).

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United Starting XI to play at Braga: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Welbeck; Rooney, Hernandez.

Manchester United Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Carrick, Young, Cleverley, Van Persie.

[bbfan1991]

Come on United:).

[bbfan1991]

Get in United:). 3-1 win, even though performance wise we were awful but it is a smash and grab.

The winning mentality is there and United have won games before when not at our best!

[bbfan1991]

Update. Glad United won at Braga the other day, it was an awful performance overall but a win is a win and the lights going out were funny:joker:.

Match report from that game is here:).

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/sc-braga-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Giggs proud of response

Ryan Giggs has hailed the manner in which Manchester United have bounced back from last season's European disappointment and called on the Reds to continue the team's current winning form.

Victory against Braga on Wednesday night secured qualification to the Champions League knockout phase with two games to spare, a year after Sir Alex's men tumbled out of the competition.

"We were all disappointed [last season]," Giggs told Sky Sports. "It wasn’t good enough. We knew we had to do something about it and we have.

"We hope this continues now. We’re in good form, both in the league and the Champions League, so we have to carry it on now."

United's win at Braga was far from straightforward. The Reds went behind early in the second half before floodlight failure at Estadio AXA caused a 10-minute stoppage. When the game resumed, the home team continued to look the likeliest to score until Robin van Persie came off the bench and pulled United level with 10 minutes to play.

Wayne Rooney then won and converted a spot-kick to send the Reds in front before Javier Hernandez wrapped up the points in injury time.

But it was van Persie's coolly-taken equaliser, his 11th for United since his summer transfer, that had Giggs purring.

"Robin gets one chance and he puts it away," Giggs said. "He’s just scoring goals for fun at the moment. With the form he’s in, his confidence is high and I think everyone knew he was going to score."

[bbfan1991]

Rooney: Let's kick on now

Wayne Rooney believes the Reds’ come-from-behind victory in Portugal on Wednesday night can be the catalyst for a winning run in November.

The United striker netted a penalty in the 3-1 win against SC Braga to help secure safe passage to the Champions League knockout phase with two games to spare.

Now Rooney wants the Reds to build on the result and hit top form as Sir Alex’s men prepare for trips to Aston Villa, Norwich City and Galatasaray before ending the month hosting Queens Park Rangers and West Ham at Old Trafford.

“There have been games this season where we've been fantastic and there have been games where we've had to grind out results,” he told Sky Sports.

“Tonight we had a difficult night and we weren't at our best but we won the game and that's all we can ask. We've topped the group and that's the main thing. We're happy with that.

“We're in a good position and we know we can play better football. Now we have a run of games where we feel we can get maximum points, so hopefully we can do that.”

United are the only side in this season’s Champions League competition to have collected four wins from the first four games and the Reds are assured of a first-place finish in Group H, regardless of what happens in the final two fixtures.

It’s a far cry from the position Sir Alex’s men found themselves in last season, when United tumbled out of the competition with defeat in Basel on matchday six.

Rooney believes the side learnt valuable lessons from that experience, though, and says the Reds have what it takes to go on and win the competition.

“We were disappointed to go out at the group stage last year so our target this year was to qualify and then take it from there. Thankfully we've done that after four games and topped the group. We're really pleased with that.

“Last season we had a lot of new young players come into the team and [Champions League football] is a different experience for them. They've gained experience from last season and the manager's given them further chances this season and that's paid off for us.

“Anyone can go on a run and win the tournament. We have to make sure we're at our best and you need to be a bit lucky in the draw for the early rounds of the knockout stages but we're ready and with the final at Wembley it's a great incentive for us."

[bbfan1991]

Evans, Nani suffer knocks

Manchester United will wait to see the extent of injuries to Jonny Evans and Nani after both players were forced from the pitch in the Reds' 3-1 win against SC Braga on Wednesday night.

Neither injury is believed to be serious, although Evans left the pitch after complaining of a groin niggle and Nani had to be helped off after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

United assistant manager Mike Phelan explained: "Jonny felt his groin a little bit – I think it probably happened during the penalty incident. As a precaution we took him off quickly.

"With Nani I think it was probably just a lack of games and his hamstring started to tighten up, so we weren’t taking any chances with that."

In more positive injury news, Chris Smalling came through his comeback relatively unscathed. The defender did require treatment early in the first half after receiving a blow to the head, but there was no reccurence of either the groin or foot injury that has kept him out since May and he completed the 90 minutes.

[bbfan1991]

Phelan: Subs were super

Mike Phelan cited second-half changes for the reason behind United's late surge to victory in Braga.

Trailing the Portuguese side by a single goal as the game was unexpectedly hit by floodlight failure, the Reds were forced into replacing the injured Jonny Evans with Rio Ferdinand, then introduced Robin van Persie in place of Danny Welbeck.

An out-of-sorts display was forgotten after 80 minutes when the Dutchman levelled, before a Wayne Rooney penalty and Chicharito's close-range effort sealed an unlikely victory.

"It is a little bit surprising that we have scored three goals here tonight," Phelan told journalists at the post-match press conference. "In the first half we were not really doing anything in the game other than keeping possession of the ball.

"Possibly with the way the evening panned out – with the lights going out and the heavy rain, and then us having to make a quick substitution, bringing Rio Ferdinand on – I think that changed things for us, with the tempo of our game going up.

"Robin was instrumental in getting us further up the field. We played a little bit more in behind their midfield once Robin came on, and obviously he took his goal really well."

A fourth straight Group H victory guarantees United's progress to the knockout stage as group winners, underlining an immaculate response to last season's disappointing relegation to the Europa League.

"Our intention this year was to get into [the knockout phase] very quickly," Phelan said. "We were disappointing last year – the players and staff knew that, and I think the supporters wanted a reaction to that.

"I think it was really important that we got into it quickly and we have done that – four games gone and we are more than happy with it."

Sir Alex had admitted that early qualification would allow him some much-needed squad rotation in the final group games against Galatasaray and Cluj, but Phelan insists United will still respect the ramifications of those games for the remaining three sides in Group H.

"It does now give us that opportunity to have a look at a couple of other players on this stage, and I am sure we will do that," he said, "but we have to give credit to the competition as well.

"And as Manchester United we will do that. But it was important we got the job done as quickly as possible, in order for us to concentrate on the Premier League."

[bbfan1991]

Smalling savours return

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/56D620EF1B804671ADD45AE83262146E.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=72,1,560,735

Chris Smalling is hungry for more match action with Manchester United after making a victorious comeback against Braga.

The Reds defender had been touted by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson to play “some part” of the Champions League group match in Portugal – in fact, he played the full 90 minutes as centre-back, firstly alongside Jonny Evans and then substitute Rio Ferdinand as the Reds came from behind to win 3-1 and confirm a place in the next round.

“Watching the Champions League games from the stands was frustrating for me, so it was good to be back out there,” Smalling said after the match.

“It’s good to be able to come back with a win as well, so I’m feeling happy.

“To be able to qualify with two games to go really gives the manager a chance to play other players and keep people fresh for what’s going to be a very long season.”

Wednesday’s match was Smalling’s first competitive fixture since 6 May, so the recent step-up in his training and of course the recall into United’s defence were long awaited.

“It was a really frustrating time for me, especially over the summer when I had to work hard while the lads were on pre-season, and then had a breakdown again,” Smalling admitted.

“I had been looking at this period of October and November for being able to come back and make an impact. I’ve been able to train over this last week or so and I feel ready.

“I’m hoping I can stay away from injuries now because I think I’m due that. I had a clash of heads during the match but I was fine after about five minutes.

“I feel good after playing the game, so bring on Saturday.”


Pleased that he is back from injury:). Hopefully he will be able to get back into the rhythm and compete for a place in Defence!

[bbfan1991]

Giggs salutes Robin's influence

Ryan Giggs pinpointed the arrival of Robin van Persie as the spark which lit the fuse on United's dramatic comeback victory in Braga.

The Reds became the first team to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages with a hard-fought fourth win of this term's Group H campaign, but made heavy weather of overcoming their Portuguese hosts.

"The tempo wasn't really there in the first half," Giggs told MUTV. "They made it difficult, got everyone behind the ball and tried to counter-attack, and they were probably the better team in the first half with the better chances.

"It wasn't until we went one-nil down - probably when Robin came on - that we started to play a little bit better."

The Dutchman needed only one half-chance to haul United level with a crisply-taken finish, and Giggs conceded that the United new boy is brimming with confidence after a scintillating run of form.

"The keeper came rushing out but he's still a great finisher," said the Reds veteran. "I think everybody knew when he went through that there was only going to be one outcome.

"His confidence is just sky high at the moment. I read last week that a lot of the players think he's similar to Ruud in the respect that Ruud used to get a chance and more often than not he'd put them away. That's the case with Robin at the minute; his confidence is high, we're creating chances for him and he's putting them away."

[bbfan1991]

Young's England recall

United have four representatives in England's 23-man squad for next week's friendly with Sweden.

Ashley Young returns to the fold after recovering from injury while Tom Cleverley, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are also selected by coach Roy Hodgson.

Former Red Ryan Shawcross is again included for the friendly that takes place in Stockholm on Wednesday 14 November.

England: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Man City), John Ruddy (Norwich); Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Spurs), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Kyle Walker (Spurs); Tom Cleverley (Man United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Aaron Lennon (Spurs), Leon Osman (Everton), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man United); Wayne Rooney (Man United), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Man United).

Meanwhile, Sam Johnstone has been elevated to the Under-21 squad for the first time and will compete for a place alongside fellow Old Trafford team-mate Ben Amos, who is currently on loan at Hull City. Nick Powell is also in Stuart Pearce's plans for the friendly against Northern Ireland in Blackpool on 13 November.


Good luck to the lads going on International duty:). I hope there are no injuries.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney is Braga star

Wayne Rooney has romped to victory in our Braga Man of the Match poll.

The striker won and converted the penalty which put United 2-1 up in the Champions League Group H clash in Portugal, before flicking on Antonio Valencia's cross to Chicharito who, eventually, netted the Reds' third goal in injury-time to seal a 3-1 victory and book United's spot in the knock-out stages of the competition.

Rooney scooped 57 per cent of the votes cast in our poll, with David De Gea, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Wednesday, finishing second with 21 per cent. Ryan Giggs and Chris Smalling completed the shortlist with each receiving 10 per cent of the votes.

November’s first Man of the Match poll – for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal – was won by the first goalscorer, Robin van Persie. The Dutchman’s display against his old club at Old Trafford earned 47 per cent of the votes on ManUtd.com while Wayne Rooney was the runner-up with 31 per cent.

Patrice Evra’s performance – including the Reds’ decisive second goal – claimed third place in the Arsenal poll, ahead of fellow defenders Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand who made up the rest of the shortlist.

Braga Man of the Match results:

Wayne Rooney - 57%
David De Gea - 21%
Ryan Giggs - 10%
Chris Smalling - 10%

Well done to Wazza:):D.

[bbfan1991]

Boss' fond Villa memories

Villa Park holds a special place in all United fans' affections and the Reds travel to the Midlands in good heart this weekend.

With his side looking for another three points that will ensure top spot in the table is retained, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed some of his favourite memories of playing away to Aston Villa after securing 12 Barclays Premier League wins at the ground.

Of course, the famous 1999 victory over Arsenal in the last-ever FA Cup semi-final replay and the 2004 triumph against the Gunners at the same stage of the competition also spring to mind when thinking of other fixtures at the venue.

"I think some of our performances have been terrific there," he told ManUtd.com. "There are a couple of memories - when we were 2-0 down in the FA Cup in 2002. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the other, as we came back to beat Villa 3-2.

"And we went there in the last game of the season in 1999/2000 needing four goals to reach 100. Teddy Sheringham scored in the second half to put us on 97 but we missed countless chances so the century eluded us.

"I was close to giving a young Darren Fletcher his debut that day – he was 15 – but the rules didn't allow me to."

:)

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex sets target for duo

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Wayne Rooney and Chicharito will both break the 20-goal mark for Manchester United this season.

The pair have been in excellent goalscoring form of late alongside top scorer Robin van Persie.

Van Persie has found the net 11 times already, while Chicharito and Rooney are on six and three respectively.

All three front men netted in the 3-1 win over Braga on Wednesday night and Sir Alex fully expects plenty more goals to follow from the trio.

"It's a healthy combination we've got," said the boss. "Robin has come to us at the right time, no doubt about that. He's got us 11 goals so far.

"I don't think it's a problem relying on Robin. Last year, we lost on goal difference and I don't expect us to lose on goal difference again. I think Robin may make that difference.

"The way young Chicha has started this season, I'm certain he'll get to 20 goals plus. He's on six and he's getting back to where he was a couple of years back. The summer's rest has helped him enormously and he's looking fresh and aggressive in his running. The boy is always a handful.

"Wazza will get there too, he'll get 20 goals plus I'm sure."

[bbfan1991]

Nani out, Evans a doubt

Jonny Evans could recover from a minor groin strain sustained in Braga to face Aston Villa on Saturday, but Nani is set to be sidelined for 10 days.

The winger was substituted in United's midweek Champions League victory after complaining of a tight hamstring and will need a short period of rest before he can take to the field again.

"We're hoping Evans will be okay for Saturday," Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

"He's a doubt, although not a serious one.

"Nani is out with a tight hamstring and that will be around 10 days but he should be okay. It's not torn, just tight."

Should Jonny Evans fail his fitness test, the manager will ask Chris Smalling to step into the breach.

Smalling played his first football since early May in Braga, having been sidelined after sustaining a broken foot during pre-season training.

"We're monitoring the situation with Jonny," Sir Alex confirmed. "If he doesn't make it then Chris will have to play.

"It's asking a lot for him to play Wednesday and then Saturday [when he's just come back]. The great thing is that he's back and there are no issues with him at all. He did very well on Wednesday - we were pleased with that."

The Reds travel to Villa Park on Saturday as league leaders and with a formidable record at the ground. United have lost there just twice in 20 previous Premier League games.

But after seeeing Tottenham win at Old Trafford this season for the first time since 1989, Sir Alex is well aware records count for little.

"Although we have a great record at Villa Park we never take them for granted.

"We've always had to perform there. It's been a good ground for us as a team, though, and I've always enjoyed it.

"It's one of the old traditional grounds. There's always a good atmosphere and the support is always fantastic.

"Hopefully we can keep the momentum going as it's got us into a good position."


Expected after they went off against Braga, but what is it with United and injuries? We are cursed:(.

[bbfan1991]

Chicharito thanks Reds fans

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/6ADDEA05B47D41479CE57142AA993F04.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=0,1,536,803

Javier Hernandez has thanked the ManUtd.com readers for voting him October's Player of the Month.

In an exclusive interview with the official website, the six-goal striker reflected on a fabulous month that saw him hit winners against Braga and Chelsea.

When asked if it was extra special to win an accolade decided by the supporters, he replied: "Of course, I always say that I always have thanks for all the fans for their support. Not only for myself but for all the players and all the team, we thank all the fans who go to the stadium and all the fans who watch on TV. I always have words of thanks to them.

"It was a very good month. The only bad result was in the Capital One Cup when we lost a goal with 30 seconds to go. But we're really happy we went there and won against Chelsea in the league. It was a very tough game and we know Stamford Bridge is obviously a very difficult place to go - we hadn't won there [in the league] for the last 10 years.

"We're very happy we've won all our games in the Champions League and [Barclays] Premier League as well as we got some results that went in our favour so we're very pleased with that."

Chicharito was asked about Sir Alex Ferguson setting a 20-goal target for the campaign for his Mexican marksman.

"I never have a target," he asserted. "I never do that. The only target here is to play a lot of games to help my team and with my professional aims to do my business on and off the pitch."


Chicharito is so humble and nice, well deserved:).

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney hailed fellow Manchester United strikers Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez after all three scored to seal a 3-1 comeback win at Braga.

The Red Devils made it four wins from four in Group H to qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League as pool winners.

Rooney netted from the penalty spot after Van Persie had come off the bench to cancel out Alan's opening spot-kick for Braga, while Javier Hernandez scored in stoppage time to wrap up the comeback.

The England striker was full of praise for his team-mates, saying of Van Persie: "He's a fantastic player. He's been a great addition to the team, scoring goals, and he's great to play with.

"Not just him but 'Chicharito' (Hernandez) has been brilliant in recent weeks when he's played, scoring goals, so I think we're sharing the goals out and it's great for the team."

Rooney admits United were not at their best in a game which was delayed for 12 minutes in the second half after a floodlight failure in Braga.

He said: "There's been a few tough games and sometimes we've made hard work of it, to be honest.

"Tonight it was a difficult night and we maybe weren't at our best but we won the game and that's all we can ask.

"Thankfully we're through now and top of the group. We're happy with that."

Motivation

The striker feels United have added motivation to reach the Champions League final this year with Wembley the setting for May's showdown.

"We're ready and it's a great incentive for us with the final being at Wembley," he said.

"You've seen in previous years, anyone can go on a run and win the tournament. We have to make sure we're at our best and obviously be a bit lucky as well in the draw in the earlier rounds of the knockout stages."

[bbfan1991]

Rio won't get carried away

Rio Ferdinand is refusing to get carried away with United sitting at the top of both the Barclays Premier League table and Champions League Group H ahead of Saturday's domestic trip to Aston Villa.

The experienced centre-back, who turned 34 this week, is convinced a run of clean sheets is just around the corner as the Reds focus, first and foremost, on getting three points in the Midlands.

"I wouldn't say we are over-happy [at the moment]," he said. "We are in the position we want to be. We set our stall out at the beginning of the Champions League to make sure we qualify comfortably. We have done that with games to spare. We are sitting nicely in the group.

"In the league, Christmas-time is when we really evaluate it, through the January period and the turn of the year. If we are in the same position then as we are now, we would say it is a good start to the season. But it is still too early to look at the league table and start singing and dancing.

"We always know Villa is a tough game and they always save their best for us. We always feel we have to perform to our strongest to make sure we get a result there. That is how it has been for the last few years. Long may it continue."

With qualification for the knockout stages in Europe already assured, Ferdinand can perhaps expect to be rested for the final two group games, although he has no problem playing midweek matches - as he proved when coming on as a substitute in Braga.

"I have not been speaking about my injuries because there haven't been any," he stressed. "Over the last 18 months, I have managed it really well. The club have helped me.

"It is testament to the club, and the medical and science department for helping me along. I am just happy to be playing consistently week in, week out. If the manager needs me to play during the week, that is fine as well. I am more than capable of doing that as I have proved over the past 18 months."

Ferdinand feels a settled defence will ensure things tighten up at the back as the squad have been working hard on becoming more difficult to break down.

"I just think no matter what goes on with the team, when you have a bit of stability in terms of personnel, results start forming a bit more consistently," he explained. "The manager has not been able to do that this season with players getting injured in various different areas. That is what it has been like for about 18 months.

"We have not been able to find the same level of consistency and put the same team out every week. That is unfortunate when you play so many games and are in the later stages of tournaments. You have to be able to deal with that and we do it better than anyone else.

"We are working on keeping clean sheets and defending as a team. I have seen good signs in the last few weeks. We are getting a better shape, becoming harder to break down and conceding fewer chances. It is only a matter of time before you start seeing a consistent run of clean sheets."

[bbfan1991]

Thank you Chicharito:D, so once again United had to come from behind to win. I did not see the match so am waiting for MOTD shortly but it seems Villa gave it a right go and credit to them!

United defence needs to work at keeping a clean sheet and I hope that Wayne Rooney's injury is not too bad:(.

[bbfan1991]

Match report of Aston Villa vs Manchester United:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/aston-villa-v-manchester-united-premier-league-report.aspx

:)

[bbfan1991]

Amos' warm welcome for Sam

Ben Amos is delighted to be joined in the England Under-21 squad by fellow United keeper Sam Johnstone.

The 23-year-old, currently on loan at Hull City, feels the teenager's maiden call-up to Stuart Pearce's party is just reward for his efforts.

"He's a great lad," Amos told TheFA.com. "I've come up through the ranks with Sam and he's always looking to learn and improve. It will be a good experience for him to come in and see what the Under-21s set-up is all about."

Amos is hoping to start between the sticks against Northern Ireland after impressing during his stint with Steve Bruce's Tigers.

"It's a good chance for me as I was only involved in one of the qualification games," he added. "So hopefully I'll be able to get some minutes.

"We've not got a lot of time together, but the game will be a competitive one against Northern Ireland. They'll want to beat us, so I think there'll be an extra edge to the game."

[bbfan1991]

Rafael enjoys rest

Rafael has established himself as Manchester United’s first-choice right-back this season with a series of combative, injury-free displays.

The Brazilian started 14 of the Reds' first 16 games in all competitions, weighing in with two valuable goals and garnering plenty of praise.

So it was something of a novelty to see him on the bench for the late 3-1 win over Braga on Wednesday, when the Reds sealed qualification to the Champions League knock-out stages with two games to spare.

But the 22-year-old says he benefited from the break and even benefitted from watching his stand-in, Antonio Valencia, before entering the fray in the final 20 minutes.

"Everyone needs a rest sometimes," Rafael admitted to MUTV. "I had a good break and then came on, which was also good as I don’t want to be playing no football at all.

"My friendship with Antonio is good. He plays well in every position and it's good to watch him and learn something you're not doing. Being the number one right-back at this club is important to me."

United’s European progression has helped to erase the disappointment of last season.

"It's very good to get through with two games to go," Rafael continued. "We focused more in the games this time.

"Last season we did not do well, so we had to improve and concentrate better, and that's what we did."

[bbfan1991]

Jones closing on comeback

Phil Jones is in line to potentially make his comeback in Manchester United's next home fixture but Nemanja Vidic may be absent beyond Christmas.

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Jones is close to taking part in full training again and he could be available in time for the visit of Mark Hughes' QPR on 24 November.

However, Vidic still needs more time to recover from a knee operation and will not be rushed back.

"Nemanja is a long way off," Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday. "We can forget about him until after Christmas, I think.

"Jones trains with the first team on Monday with the football side, which is good, and he should be available maybe 10 days after that so things are looking better that way."


Some good news about Phil:). No point in rushing Nemanja back, he needs a full recovery.

[bbfan1991]

Giggs is best penalty-taker

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Ryan Giggs is probably the best penalty-taker at the club.

The Welshman may have had a spot-kick saved by Southampton's Tim Flowers in the Reds' first-ever FA Cup shoot-out when a teenager but has shown great reliability since and converted in the recent Capital One Cup exit at Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney is still first-choice, as Giggs is not a regular starter, and made it 17 out of 25 penalties for United with his effort in Braga on Wednesday, while Nani and Robin van Persie have also taken responsibility from 12 yards this term.

"I think Wayne has to accept he must have a better strike-rate at penalties," stated Sir Alex. "He took one the other night and, even though he has slipped, it still went in and he's hit the target. That's important - to hit the target - if you hit it well and the keeper saves it, full marks to him, but you have to make him make a great save.

"The one thing about Rooney is it won't matter if it's the World Cup final or the first round of the cup against an amateur team, he will want to score and his temperament, if he misses it, doesn't affect him.

"That's important as that's an issue with a lot of players taking penalty kicks. In the case of Rooney, his temperament is good that way.

"I think Giggs is probably the best penalty-taker. I can't ever remember him missing since he had one saved against Southampton in the FA Cup in 1992. But he doesn't play every week. Maybe I'll bring him on like in American Football games!"

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: Lambert has big task

Sir Alex Ferguson harbours both empathy and respect for Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, a young Scot instilling his own philosophy at a new club. But the United boss will nevertheless seek to exploit a still-evolving set-up when his team heads there for Saturday’s late kick-off.

The Reds moved top of the league with a 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend, while Manchester City and Chelsea both dropped points. Villa, meanwhile, recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they followed a 3-2 League Cup win over Swindon Town with a narrow 1-0 league triumph over Sunderland. They remain one place above the relegation zone.

Lambert is the eighth different man to take charge of team affairs at Villa Park in the last decade, and although most clubs pale into comparison with the United manager's longevity, Sir Alex feels that kind of instability is difficult to regulate.

"Paul Lambert is a new manager there,” Sir Alex said at his pre-match press conference. "It's a big task and a daunting one as Villa are not where everyone expects them to be. If you look at the team, it's a completely new team: a new back four, a new midfield and a new striker from the Belgian league [Christian Benteke]. It does take time to change teams. When you've got that many new players, it's hard but Paul has done well as a manager and is still young.

"Villa have a great history of course, winning the European Cup in 1982 by beating Bayern Munich, having won the league the year before. I think it's probably correct to say they haven't matched their expectations over the years. When we pipped them to the title [in 1992/93], that was a good team, but you wonder if the managers changing has a big effect on the playing standards of the team. They've had quite a few managers over the years, including Brian Little, John Gregory, David O'Leary, Martin O'Neill and Alex McLeish. It's quite a collection."

Villa Park has been a favourite ground of Sir Alex’s down the years. United last lost at Villa Park in the League Cup in October 1999 and haven’t been defeated there in the league since August 1995. Perhaps more memorably, it has served as the stage for numerous FA Cup semi-final triumphs – 1999’s semi-final replay against Arsenal is fondly recollected but there have been wins there against Watford (4-1, 2007), Arsenal (1-0, 2004), Chelsea (2-1, 1996) and Crystal Palace (2-0, 1995).

Such statistics can act as a siren calling you to shipwreck, but Sir Alex isn’t getting misty-eyed. “Although we have a great record at Villa Park, we have never taken them for granted,” he said. “We've always had to perform there but it's been a good ground for us as a team. We've always enjoyed it. It's one of the old traditional grounds and always has a good atmosphere – their support is always fantastic. Hopefully we can keep our current momentum going as it's got us into a good position at the moment.”

[King Gizzard]

Congrats to united, I don't know how you do it but you do it bloody well

[bbfan1991]

Congrats to united, I don't know how you do it but you do it bloody well

It is that winning mentality, never give up. It will be disappointing for Villa to lose after being 2-0 down but hopefully the players and Paul Lambert will take the positives out of this game and push on:).

[bbfan1991]

Boss to reward Chicharito

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Javier Hernandez deserves a hat-trick for his efforts at Aston Villa and certainly warrants a start in next weekend's trip to Norwich City.

The predatory Mexican came off the bench to score twice - and claim a third even though the equaliser is likely to go down as an own goal by Ron Vlaar. Chicharito now has at least seven goals in his last five games, netting in each of them, and deserves all the plaudits following another sensational comeback by the team.

"As I have been saying for the last few weeks, he's fresh as he had a good summer break and it's made a difference to him," Sir Alex explained to Sky Sports. "When he came to us two years ago, that's what we're seeing again today and, when you score a hat-trick, you pick yourself. I think he'll be playing next week.

"He does his natural thing. He's fantastic in the penalty box with his movement, his quickness and being in space and that has got him three goals today.

"It's an absolutely magnificent result for us, it was a magnificent game, I must say that. Aston Villa played fantastic today, they've run their socks off and you have to feel sorry for them, with the effort they put in. But we never give in. We hit the bar twice. Once we lost the second goal, we came alive. It was a fantastic game."

The boss was critical of his side's display in the opening period but finds it impossible to be too hard on his players when they continue to show such incredible resolve.

"We were careless in the first half with no real tempo to our game," he added. "We hadn't had a shot on goal so we had to improve on that and we did.

"I was disappointed to lose the second goal like that, when a player goes unmarked into your penalty box, but I started to think if we got a goal we could change the game and, once we scored, it did.

"We get inspired with the support we have and the challenge of coming from two-down to win the game is there for us. We didn't let ourselves down in that respect - we really did put in a shift in the second half to sort ourselves out - as did Villa. But we did put pressure on ourselves today, even though we got through it, and I think it's a little lesson that we really need to be defending better.

"I think I admire the team and the tenacity of the performance. When they need to do it, they do it and the attacking play is terrific at times."


Deserved! Chicharito's all round game has improved, his recent form has been sublime:).

[bbfan1991]

Hernandez claims hat-trick

Javier Hernandez is claiming a first hat-trick for Manchester United – even if most observers have awarded the Reds' second goal at Villa Park to home defender Ron Vlaar.

The Mexican showed the same determination in his post-match interview as he did when he inspired his team's comeback from 2-0 down to 3-2.

"I’ve seen the replay and I think it’s going on target," Chicharito told MUTV.

"The defender tried to get it away but I think he kicked it in the same direction as I shot."

Chicharito symbolically carried the matchball off the pitch, and asked his team-mates to sign it in the United dressing room. But even if his triple is eventually downgraded to a double by the Premier League's Dubious Goals Committee, the half-time substitute will be happy to know he still played a pivotal part in the Reds' thrilling victory.

"It felt unbelievable to score the winner," said Chicharito, referring to the final goal that was definitely his – a header from van Persie's free-kick.

"But the most important thing is we get the three points and we’re still on the top with a four-point gap. We’re very happy."

Chicharito was sent onto the pitch for the start of the second half, when United were trailing 1-0 to the first of Andreas Weimann's two goals for Aston Villa. What were Sir Alex's instructions to him?

"To do my best, to do the things I have been doing in my last few games and on the training ground as well," the smiling match-winner revealed.

"I try to do that every time, to help my team with a lot of effort and to do the things I have done today."

United went 2-0 down early in the second half, but eight minutes later Paul Scholes picked out Chicharito with a long pass from the halfway line and the Mexican made his first impact on the match at a crucial time.

"I think it was very important. Sometimes you can score late as well and get the three points and that’s part of the game, but thankfully we recovered quickly after they got the second one.

"In the history of Manchester United, we never want to give up until the end. The game is for 90 minutes and you need to play until the last minute.

"We need to improve because we’re conceding a lot of goals but thankfully we got the three points.

"I have a lot of best moments with this club and this is one of them."


He is such a nice and humble guy:).

[bbfan1991]

Boss hails away fans

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United's travelling support on Saturday evening, claiming the Reds' away fans helped inspire the side to a dramatic win against Aston Villa.

United's supporters at Villa Park initially watched on in horror as the Reds went 2-0 down inside 50 minutes against a side lying 17th in the Barclays Premier League table.

But the 3,127-strong away allocation never gave up hope and roared the Reds on as Javier Hernandez led a thrilling comeback.

The Mexican was involved in all three goals and rightly claimed the post-match plaudits. Sir Alex, however, was at pains to point out the role United's supporters played in the win.

"The supporters were fantastic," he told MUTV. "[Birmingham] is one of the local games for us now, in a way.

"You saw them today - they were great. We were inspired by that. There's no doubt that with great support like that you get inspired and you do something for it.

"The second half today showed we never give in. We can come from behind [and win] against anyone, which is something we've done eight times this season.

"That's encouraging. Anybody who plays against us knows they have to play until the 95th minute."

[bbfan1991]

Reds turning screw

Chris Smalling believes Manchester United's remarkable powers of recovery are piling the pressure on the title rivals at the top of the table.

The leaders stretched the advantage at the Barclays Premier League summit to four points on Saturday evening, having at one stage given hope to Chelsea and Manchester City that they could end the weekend in first place.

The trademark comeback at Aston Villa, turning a two-goal deficit into a wonderful 3-2 triumph, instead left Roberto Di Matteo and Roberto Mancini's sides needing victories against Liverpool and Tottenham respectively just to close the gap.

"I think it's a massive win," Smalling told MUTV. "Especially with the other teams looking at that result when they have got big games on Sunday. It puts pressure on them."

Smalling was given a physical examination by Villa's summer signing Christian Benteke in a second game of the week after missing the start of the season due to injury.

"I'm feeling good actually," he revealed. "I've been thrust back into action but that's what I wanted. Hopefully I can stay fit and carry on. They had a strong striker up front so we had a good battle but, luckily, we won in the end. I think, to be fair, I got sucked in by him for the first goal but we just had to come out for the second half and put on a performance. Thankfully, Chicharito came up with the goals."

Sir Alex Ferguson accepted that the former Fulham man was given a rough ride by Benteke, who set up the opening goal with some positive, muscular approach work down the left flank.

"Chris was in the wars a few times," stated the boss. "He got a lot of knocks. He was up against a real handful today, Christian Benteke. He did a great job for them - strong, physical and he used his physique. It was a tough day for Chris but he came through it."

Smalling never lost belief that United could hit back, even when Andreas Weimann scored his second goal of the game five minutes after the break.

"We knew there was still plenty of time in the second half," said the defender. "All season we've been capable of getting two or three goals in each game, so we knew our chances would come. Our first goal was the important one as it didn't give us too long to dwell on it and allow them to play too deep and sit on the lead. We managed to get a goal straight away and made an impact.

"We know we can play like that from the start, I don't know why we don't, and it took that kick up the bum to get us going. I'm sure the comeback was good for the travelling fans but it did take us a while to get going."

Smalling was full of praise for Javier Hernandez and admits the striker is convinced he deserves a hat-trick.

"Chicharito made a big difference when he came on," added the centre-back. "Full credit to him. He works so hard on the training ground. He gets so many goals just coming on and he got a hat-trick today, not many people have got the ability to do that. He brought in the ball and had us all signing it so I think, to him, it's definitely a hat-trick!"

[bbfan1991]

Chicha storms player poll

There was only ever going to be one winner.

Javier Hernandez, sent on as a half-time substitute at Villa Park, engineered a remarkable Reds comeback on Saturday to ensure Sir Alex's men secured all three points and opened up a four-point gap (reduced to two following Manchester City's win on Sunday) at the top of the table.

The Mexican scored two goals (he claims three) and was heavily involved in United's third as Sir Alex's men battled back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

It's no surprise, then, that fans have voted Hernandez ManUtd.com's Man of the Match.

The striker, who's now scored in each of his last five appearances (seven goals), garnered an incredible 97 per cent of the vote. Robin van Persie finished second on 1.5 per cent.

97% - Javier Hernandez
1.5% - Robin van Persie
1% - Rafael
0.5% - Patrice Evra

Easy:).

[bbfan1991]

Injury rules Rooney out

Wayne Rooney has withdrawn from England's squad to face Sweden this week after collecting an ankle injury in Manchester United's thrilling 3-2 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Reds' no.10 hobbled out of action in the 79th minute and has subsequently been replaced in Roy Hodgson's squad by Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

"Rooney got an ankle knock and he's got some ice on it," Sir Alex informed Sky Sports immediately after the win at Villa Park. "We'll see what it's like tomorrow."

Three other United stars are in Roy Hodgson's plans for Stockholm - Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley. Young was replaced against Aston Villa at half-time by matchwinner Javier Hernandez but the switch was thought to be tactical rather than due to any injury.

[bbfan1991]

Loan watch:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/loans-lingard-comes-on-for-leicester.aspx

U21: Newcastle 1 United 2

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/Reserves/Reserves-News/2012/Nov/newcastle-u21-v-manchester-united-u21-match-report.aspx

:)

[bbfan1991]

RVP out of the Holland squad with a thigh injury, no point in him playing a pointless friendly and I think he will start at Norwich.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3378/international-friendlies/2012/11/12/3522141/van-persie-pulls-out-of-netherlands-squad-with-thigh-injury

[bbfan1991]

Powell picks up prize

Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell collected the League Two Player of the Year award at Monday night's Northwest Football Awards.

Powell excelled last term at Crewe Alexandra, scoring 16 goals and playing a pivotal role in helping The Alex win promotion to League One.

He finished the season as Crewe's top scorer and starred at the club's internal awards ceremony, as he became the first person to win all five major awards, including Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.

Now Powell has added the fan-voted Northwest Football Awards gong to his collection, beating out competition from Chris McCready (Morecambe) and Padraig Amond (Accrington Stanley).

Antonio Valencia missed out on the Premier League prize, as Liverpool's Martin Skrtel edged out the United winger and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany.

Liverpool also enjoyed success in the Rising Star category, as right-back Martin Kelly was voted ahead of a number of promising players, including United's Mats Daehli, Nick Powell and Blackpool's Tom Ince.


Well done to him:).

[bbfan1991]

From the other night of international fixtures!

United trio set to start

Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley are all set to start for England in Wednesday night's friendly against Sweden.

Journalists travelling with Roy Hodgson's squad have named the XI that's expected to start in Stockholm's Friends Arena. It includes Tom Cleverley in the centre of midfield, Ashley Young on the left wing and Danny Welbeck as the lone striker.

Wayne Rooney was included in the initial squad but withdrew with an ankle injury sustained in the Reds' 3-2 win against Aston Villa last Saturday.

There are other absentees from the international fold, including Jonny Evans, Nani and Robin van Persie, but Angelo Henriquez has profited from Humberto Suazo's exclusion from the Chile squad to earn another call-up at senior level with the South Americans in action in Switzerland against Serbia.

Anders Lindegaard is in the Denmark squad for the clash against Turkey in Istanbul and has spoken to the local media about his frustration at being injured. However, the keeper believes his ankle is now starting to feel 100 per cent again. Meanwhile, Patrice Evra is expected to feature for France in the attractive encounter with Italy in Parma.

Darren Fletcher looks certain to captain Scotland at the Stade Josy Barthel against Luxembourg and Robbie Brady, who is on loan at Hull City, can impress Giovanni Trapattoni further in Republic of Ireland's home game against Greece.

[bbfan1991]

Thorpe catches the eye

Warren Joyce was pleased with Tom Thorpe's outstanding performance in the Under-21s' 2-1 victory at Newcastle on Monday night.

The skipper opened the scoring with a superb header before Tom Lawrence came off the bench to grab the winner as the Reds leapfrogged the Magpies in the table.

"Tom was excellent throughout the game," Joyce told MUTV. "He prefers playing at the back but we've not got an abundance of midfield players at the minute at this level. It's trying to rotate to fit everyone in the team and we've got two or three centre-halves.

"He certainly put in a shift for the side. He headed it at both ends, put some great tackles in and uses the ball sensibly as well."

Joyce felt the team improved after the break following a disappointing opening 45 minutes in the North East with the sides going in goalless at the interval despite the hosts creating most of the chances.

"I thought we were poor in the first half," he added. "We had several passengers and there were some dull minds - poor decisions with and without the ball, not tracking runners and they could have scored a few goals from our errors.

"I thought the second half was a lot better. We didn't have any passengers, we passed it quite well and put some tackles in which was the catalyst for other people tackling. They're a reasonable side but I thought we were deserved winners."

Welsh youngster Lawrence, who has graduated from last year's Under-18s, can expect more involvement after scoring his third goal of the campaign.

"Tom's unfortunate not to start the games," the coach explained. "He's been as patient as he can be because he's a bit of a snapper! But he can come on and change things and it's pleasing now that he's had a good run of training without any injuries.

"He suffered a lot of injuries last year but I'm sure he will build from that and have a really good second half of the season."

[bbfan1991]

Ex-Red's warning for England

Former Red Jesper Blomqvist expects Wednesday night’s friendly between Sweden and England to pack added punch given the circumstances surrounding the match.

The England squad, which includes United stars Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young, will be the first side to play Sweden at the new national stadium, Friends Arena (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

“The Swedish team will be really keen to make sure they open the stadium with a win,” Blomqvist told ManUtd.com. “I think that motivation will lift the Swedish players and they'll want to be part of making history, making sure they get off to a good start.

“It's a fantastic arena, there will be a great atmosphere and I'm looking forward to it. I think the England players will feel privileged to be involved in the occasion.”

Although it’s a big night for Swedish football, Blomqvist isn’t expecting a full-blooded, high-intensity affair.

“People need to be realistic,” he said. “These friendly games are called friendlies for a reason.

“I watched United against Barcelona in pre-season in Gothenburg and I think some people's expectations were far too high. The reality is that there's not the same amount of tension when there are no points up for grabs.

“Hopefully people can just enjoy the game and appreciate the spectacle.”

England manager Roy Hodgson has strong links with Swedish football, having spent the majority of the 1980s coaching in the Allsvenskan (Swedish top flight). He had spells with IK Oddevold and Orebro before winning five consecutive titles with Malmo.

“Roy may as well be half Swede!” Blomqvist joked. “That’s how we look at him. It’s great to have him back.”

Blomqvist, who played a key role in United’s Treble-winning season of 1998/99, is hoping to see Danny Welbeck lead the line in Stockholm... especially since the young striker’s chances at United have been limited of late.

“It must be tough for Danny,” he said. “He was doing so well last season, both for United and England, and then he comes back this season and finds himself down the pecking order.

“It's not through any fault of his own, though. Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez have been fantastic lately, so you can't argue that they keep playing. But I'm glad Danny is still getting picked for England and I hope to see him against Sweden.”

[bbfan1991]

Rafael keeps on learning

Rafael admits he misses his twin brother Fabio but is benefiting from his sibling's loan switch to QPR.

Sir Alex Ferguson decided Fabio needed more first-team experience and the move has also enabled both twins to become more independent and mature. Although Mark Hughes' loanee has been sidelined with injury, he is making good progress in his recovery and is being tipped to make his comeback soon.

"It's not strange but it's different," Rafael told MUTV's Inside Carrington programme. "We're close and I was always together with him but it's been good for us, just to become more mature.

"I used to ask him all the time if I needed something but now I need more of my own mind so I've grown more mature. It's bad because I miss him but it's good to learn more."

The United right-back hopes to be able to critique Fabio's performances over the telephone as there have been plenty of discussions about his own splendid form this term.

"Of course [we often speak]," he stated. "He is always calling me back to say something is not good [about my game]! It's always been like this. He is back in training now and maybe, when he plays again, we'll keep doing this."


Aah I like their brotherly bond:).

[bbfan1991]

Round-up: Welbeck nets

Danny Welbeck scored for the fifth time for England during a 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic netting all of the hosts' goals.

The young United striker volleyed home after some classic wing-play by team-mate Ashley Young, who produced a delightful cross from the left with 35 minutes gone. The strike cancelled out Ibrahimovic's prodded opener in Stockholm and, moments later, Steven Caulker converted a free-kick by captain Steven Gerrard, who earned his 100th cap.

Tom Cleverley and Young made way for Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge around the hour mark and Welbeck shifted to the left to accommodate the Chelsea striker. Ibrahimovic thumped in a powerful strike to level the scores after a raft of substitutions and then beat Joe Hart with a deflected free-kick to notch his hat-trick. With time running out, the PSG hitman pounced on a poor clearance by Hart to bag an incredible overhead kick to stamp his class all over the proceedings.


Chile may have been beaten 3-1 by Serbia in St Gallen, Switzerland, but Angelo Henriquez had a night to remember. The teenager came on for the injured Alexis Sanchez after only 20 minutes and marked his senior debut by scoring with a bullet header from a Matias Fernandez free-kick towards the end - with his side down to 10 men after Arturo Vidal's red card for a two-footed lunge.

Darren Fletcher played the full 90 minutes of Scotland's 2-1 triumph in Luxembourg, Jordan Rhodes hitting both goals. Robbie Brady started Republic of Ireland's 1-0 loss to Greece but was replaced at the break by Wes Hoolahan. Patrice Evra performed well as France came from behind to record a notable success in Parma against Italy but Anders Lindegaard did not see any action in Denmark's 1-1 draw in Turkey.

[bbfan1991]

Boss respects Canaries

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his respect for Norwich City and opposite number Chris Hughton ahead of Saturday's encounter at Carrow Road.

Hughton endured a difficult start as Canaries boss after replacing Paul Lambert but appears to be stamping his influence on the East Anglians. A shock win against Arsenal should act as a warning to the Reds ahead of the weekend and was the start of a five-match unbeaten run for City.

Heavy defeats to Fulham, Chelsea and Liverpool appear to be well in the past and there is little doubt that United face as difficult an examination as last term, when Ryan Giggs popped up with an injury-time winner.

When asked by ManUtd.com if that strike prompted the boss to think it could be the Reds' year, he replied: "Yes, I did. I thought the momentum was there for us.

"It wasn’t an easy game and you see Norwich’s performance against Arsenal. I’ve got a lot of respect for Chris Hughton. I think he’s done a fantastic job at Birmingham and Newcastle and, with that performance against Arsenal, you think they’ve maybe turned the corner in terms of Chris’ introduction there as manager.

"It’s always the same when a manager goes to a new club. There’s a different way of training, there are different ideas about players and maybe Chris is getting it together now. I hope not when it comes to our game, mind you! But that performance against Arsenal was very good."

David De Gea needed to be at his best in last season's fixture and Sir Alex was relieved to head home with all three points.

"They kept whacking in crosses to the big man up front for Norwich, Grant Holt," he recalled. "Anthony Pilkington was wide left that day – he was here as a kid, as was David Fox of course. I remember David well but I don’t remember Pilkington, he was in the academy.

"David Fox was a professional here for a couple of years, he was a great pro. He’s a great footballer with a good family background – his father Peter was a goalkeeper at Stoke City.

"We played well in the first half at Norwich last season although they kept banging in these crosses. In the second half, Norwich did well, they got the goal and for the last 20 minutes it was a bit of a hanging on job for us. But I think we deserved to win all right."

[bbfan1991]

Fingers crossed for Keane

Rio Ferdinand hopes Michael Keane can recover from injury in order to prove his worth at Leicester City.

The England Under-19 defender joined the Foxes on loan last week, along with team-mate Jesse Lingard, but picked up a hamstring injury during his debut against Bolton.

After returning to Carrington for treatment, it's hoped that he could be available again soon to City boss Nigel Pearson.

"It would be a good loan move if he had not got injured!" admitted Ferdinand. "It would have been great for him. He is a great prospect. I have spoken highly of him for a couple of years now. He has a really big future. I am just disappointed he has had a setback with a little injury."

Ferdinand had his own spell away on loan, during his early days at West Ham, and appreciates that it is an important step for any youngster to take.

"I look on my time at Bournemouth with really fond memories," he explained. "It was a very important time in my development. Any young player who gets the opportunity to go out on loan should grab it with both hands if they are not getting the opportunity at the club they are at. It can be the making of you as a player."


Good advice from Rio:). I hope this boosts Michael in his injury recovery!

[bbfan1991]

Rooney doubtful for Norwich

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Robin van Persie to be fit for the trip to Norwich but Wayne Rooney remains doubtful.

Both strikers missed their international commitments in midweek but van Persie should be fine to face the Canaries after resting a thigh problem.

Rooney, however, could be sidelined after hurting his ankle at Aston Villa and Jonny Evans may sit out his second successive Reds match with the groin injury that also forced him out of Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan.

"We've still got some doubts about Wayne and Jonny Evans," said Sir Alex. "I think Robin should be fit. We'll see what they are like today but there is a doubt.

"Phil Jones has been training all week. We will take him to Turkey [to play Galatasaray in the Champions League] with us. He’ll get part of it there, which is a good start for him."

"Bringing on Chicharito [at Villa] was good for us and he should start tomorrow."

[bbfan1991]

Preview: Norwich v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/Preview-Norwich-City-v-Manchester-United.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Welbeck is worth the wait

Sir Alex Ferguson says Danny Welbeck must be patient for chances in United’s first team, but he has promised the young striker that his future is as a centre forward.

After a hugely impressive first full campaign last season in which Longsight-born Welbeck excelled through the middle of the Reds' attack, his opportunities have been hindered by the arrival of Robin van Persie and the recent form of Javier Hernandez, often finding game time in a wide left attacking role.

“With Robin coming in and when we’ve got Wayne as well, you tend to rely on the experience of these players,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday. “They are great players too. What we have to try and do is alternate selections so that Danny feels he is making a contribution. At the moment, we have tended to play him wide left. I think he’s capable of playing there. He is a threat coming in off the wing and he has done that many times. But I think he is a natural centre-forward.

“Danny’s best form has actually been with England. He has not had the opportunities with us to play centre-forward all the time. But that will come. We’ve tended to play him wide left, which is maybe a little bit unfair to him. But nonetheless he has shown with his form with England that he can be a real asset to us through the middle. That will come for him.”

Sir Alex’s options up front – with four strikers competing for two places – recalls the healthy selection problems faced in the 1998/99 Treble-winning campaign with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Teddy [Sheringham] was never happy being left out, and certainly Coley was never happy being left out!” Sir Alex added. “He’d be grumpy and groan for days about it. He wanted to play all the time. I think it’s great if the players want to play all the time. I think the important thing is that they feel they make a contribution over the course of the season.

“That’s where [in ‘99] they felt that they made their contribution. They all scored such important goals whether coming on or actually starting. It’s legend that Sheringham and Solskjaer scored those goals in the Champions League final, and Teddy came on and scored in the FA Cup final. It’s contributions like that that you can’t dismiss.”

Welbeck is still developing as a player and Sir Alex is mindful of giving him the opportunities he needs to keep improving. “What you have to do is be fair,” he said. “It would have been harder for someone more experienced to be left out in 99. It wasn’t easy. The day we won the league I took Teddy off against his old team because I felt the change was needed. I was sure he was not happy at all. But their contribution was that they all played their part over the course of the season. Danny will get opportunities.”

:)

[bbfan1991]

Stop conceding early

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United’s habit of falling behind this season is an Achilles heel - but admits his team's ability to fight back is “a credit to the character of the club”.

In all competitions this campaign, United have staged eight dramatic comeback victories and most recently came from two goals down at Villa Park, where Javier Hernandez scored twice and inspired a third to seal an incredible 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Although such feats showcase great resolve and spirit, the boss insists his side must improve defensively and not rely on the team’s game-changing players.

“Certainly after last Saturday’s experience we don’t want to lose two goals and be having to fight back all the time,” Sir Alex said. “That’s certainly an Achilles' heel on the one hand this season. The fact we’ve got players who can change the course of the game is certainly a big advantage to us. When Chicharito came on last week the game changed completely.

“You actually don’t expect it. You don’t expect to be behind by two goals. That’s the part that you always find difficult. It’s not that we underestimate anyone - it’s just that we don’t expect a Manchester United team to be behind. You’ve got to go into games believing you’re going to be two goals ahead rather than two behind. But it has happened a few times this season.

“We’ve been two goals behind against Tottenham and we were a bit unlucky not to come back. But it won’t happen all the time. It’s not definite that you’ll come back from 2-0 down. And this is the area we are going to improve on. We are going to defend better. We don’t want to lose the advantage of what we’ve experienced last week.”

A huge positive that stems from United’s late comebacks, aside from the obvious bonus of gathering three points, is the collective moral boost inside the dressing room – a benefit Sir Alex is aware of.

“It does feel different. I think the dressing room is different too. When you get these late goals and when you’ve come from behind in particular, it does make an impact on the dressing room. There is more excitement and we’ve experienced that many times. It’s a credit to the character of the club that we can do that.”

[bbfan1991]

Carrick: Scholes a genius

Michael Carrick has labelled Paul Scholes a 'genius' on his fellow midfielder's 38th birthday.

The former West Ham and Tottenham man admits he has learned from playing and training alongside his veteran team-mate.

"It is fantastic to play with Paul Scholes," said Carrick. "He is a genius. We all know what he can do. A lot of them you simply cannot teach. You can learn and take things from his game, as I have done since I have been here.

"Whether he realises or not, he has helped me enormously just by watching him and taking things in. But there are some things only he can do. It is fabulous to play with him. I have enjoyed it immensely since I came here."

Carrick will make his 400th career league appearance if he is involved in Saturday's encounter at Norwich.

"It's the first I have heard of that," he admitted. "It is one of those things. I have been playing for a number of years and the games add up. It is not something I look for.

"It is more about the trophies, what people win and what they can achieve. Maybe at the end of your career you can look back and see what you have done. But at the moment, it is just about winning trophies for me."


Nice words by Michael Carrick. Happy Birthday to the Midfield genius that is Paul Scholes!:):amazed::worship::hugesmile:

[bbfan1991]

Rio targets trophies

Rio Ferdinand vows to avoid an unwanted hat-trick - of seasons without a major trophy - in the second part of our exclusive interview, first published in Inside United ...

How do you assess the state of play in the league?
It’s the same old faces up there at the moment but I always think you get a better idea on things when you look at the league table towards the end of December. After Christmas is the time when some teams fall away or others stretch away and we want to be part of the latter group.

The first Manchester derby of the season is not that far away now. Is that something you’ve allowed yourself to get pumped up for yet?
Not really. You just wait for the game to come around. We have some important games before that and we’re just focused on them and not beyond at the moment.

Will the manner in which things ended last season be on your mind before the derby?
It’ll just be another derby game. I wouldn’t have thought what happened last season will be on my mind at all.

Is facing Manchester City one of your toughest assignments of the season as a centre-back, given the class and options they have up front?
It’s just another challenge which you’ve got to make sure you get through. We want to win the game and we know we’ve got to perform to our highest abilities to come out of that game with a victory because they’re a good team. You play against top players who pose different threats week in, week out and you just have to deal with those.

Our results in the Champions League have been positive so far this season but what have you made of the performances?
It’s been a solid start. Everyone has been conscious of last season and what happened and we knew we had to make sure we started things right this season and didn’t drop any silly points, especially at home. Last season people said to us we had an easy group and people have said the same this year, but you’ve got to go out and produce the performances to get the results. We've been a lot more focused on doing that this season.

Up next in Europe is a trip to Galatasaray. Are you expecting a raucous atmosphere?
It’ll definitely be a lively atmosphere. They have fanatical support from their fans at home but I’m sure we’ll be prepared for that. We played at Besiktas a few years ago which was similar so we’ll know what to expect.

What’s the loudest crowd you’ve played in front of?
Probably Celtic away. The noise the fans make there is incredible.

Have you ever known a time at United when the manager has had so many quality options as he does at the moment?
No, I think the manager now has the most options he's had since I’ve been here. There are almost two players for each position. It’s fantastic and great to be a part of it.

Finally, what are your goals for yourself and United for the rest of 2012/13?
Personally I just want to keep playing to a high standard and play as many games as I can. Last season I managed to get 30-odd games under my belt and if I do that again I’ll see that as a successful season personally. But most importantly it’s about the team and we need to make sure we finish the season with some trophies. Last season was only my second season here of not winning anything and I don’t want to experience that again. We want trophies in the cabinet this year – that’s our aim.

[bbfan1991]

Eric Cantona has urged Sir Alex Ferguson to stay on as Manchester United boss 'Forever'.

The Reds legend has insisted such is Fergie's stamina and enthusiasm for the job, he cannot see the day coming soon when he will step down - even if he deposes Manchester City as champions next summer.

The mercurial former star, admits one day he would love to take the hot seat at Old Trafford, a job he reckons no one could turn down.

But Cantona who won four Premier League titles in five years at United including two league and FA Cup doubles, said: 'Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more'.

'And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager forever'.

'He's a winner thats why he has won so many things, its what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that - his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things'.

Asked if he would accept a chance to boss United, Cantona responded using a phrase that rekindles memories of his famous quote, 'When the seagulls follow the trawler its because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea'.

He said 'I would say United is special, of course I would do it'. Today Im with the New York Cosmos. But if one day there is an opportunity, why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists'.


The Sun

Patrice Evra has claimed Manchester City have Never been as good as United.

Roberto Mancini's men ripped the Premier League title from the Red Devils grasp on the final day of last season.

And United defender Evra lit the fuse for next months Manchester derby by declaring : 'There is not really a rivalry between the two clubs, as United have always been superior to City'.

'We have always been Manchester's first club'.

'The fact that they won the title last season changes nothing'.

Those words should ensure a white-hot atmosphere at the Eithad on December 9 when City entertain United.

The Manchester titans look like they will be slugging it out for the title again with United leading the Premier League by two points from their rivals'.

[bbfan1991]

Friday gossip

Manchester United are increasingly hopeful that club captain Nemanja Vidic, 31, could return early from a serious knee injury in time for the derby away to Manchester City on 9 December.

[bbfan1991]

Nike facing fresh Utd kit talks

Nike face having to shell out huge sums of cash if they want to maintain their association with Manchester United.

The American sportswear giants are due to sit down with Red Devils officials in February at the start of an exclusive six-month negotiating period with United over their £303million kit supply deal.

And whilst United officials were giving little away on Wednesday during a conference call to provide information on their first quarter results, it seems obvious Nike will have to come up with an enormous sum to satisfy the club's owners, the Glazer family.

In July, United announced a staggering £357million deal with General Motors for the Chevrolet logo to be worn on their shirts for seven seasons from 2014.

That figure prompted United to buy-out the present deal with DHL for United's training kit, which will now come to an end at the climax of this season.

"We feel we know, with some clarity, the value of our rights, and we are bullish about the abundance of opportunities available to accelerate the growth of this business," said Woodward.

"The planning on DHL started post-GM deal. We are always monitoring the value of our rights. We can improve the amount, duration and rights-package about that deal.

"Our six-month negotiating window with them (Nike) starts in February. We look forward to sitting down with them then."

Privately, United officials do not see the way the Nike deal is structured fits with the more commercially aggressive Glazer regime.

When the present deal was negotiated in 2002, United were a publicly floated company and preferred to take as much risk as possible away from any sponsorship tie-up.

Therefore, a profit-share arrangement was put in place which ensured United received only a proportion of the cash generated from worldwide shirt sales in exchange for a guaranteed sum.

The Glazer family have not gone down the same route. They have even stopped the policy of contracting out pre-season tour arrangements, believing they can negotiate better deals themselves.

As a battle is presently taking place between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne for two proposed matches in Australia during 2013, the value of such an attitude is obvious.

It has also been noted Nike now pay the French Football Federation almost £40million-a-year, without a profit-share arrangement, for a seven-year period which began at the start of last season.

Sponsorship certainly appears to be a lucrative revenue stream for United given they posted a 32% increase to £27.8million for the three months to September 30, 2013.

Including the General Motors contract, United did 10 sponsorship deals during that time, confirming an increase in workforce from 670 to 735 was almost exclusively connected to the marketing sector.

They now have mobile phone partnerships in 44 countries, with Woodward claiming the three-year deal with Japanese soft drinks manufacturer Kagome came as a direct result of opening an office in Hong Kong.

He added that the USA was the "next natural place" for the club to open a regional centre given as many supporters watch United live there as do so in the United Kingdom.

It was also confirmed United received £2.5million as a result of being an Olympic Games football venue, plus £1.3million in compensation for players appearing at Euro 2012.

In addition, United used proceeds of IPO to reduce total debt by 17% to £359.7million.

This is unlikely to appease the vast numbers of anti-Glazer United supporters though.

An 'exceptional item' of £3.1million related to professional advisor fees in connection with the IPO, part of what is estimated to be an overall spend of £550million in interest and fees since the Glazer takeover in 2005.

[bbfan1991]

Goal rush: Rooney aiming to become top scorer for Man United and England

Striker needs to net 65 more at club level and 17 internationally to beat Sir Bobby Charlton's records - and aims to play on for 10 more years

Wayne Rooney has his sights set on eclipsing Sir Bobby Charlton as record scorer for England and Manchester United.

Charlton tops England’s all-time goal-list, with 49 from 106 international appearances. He also managed 249 goals for United.

But Rooney is closing in on the 1966 World Cup winner’s double record, currently sitting on 184 goals for the Reds and 32 for his country.

The Scouser has played just half as many games for United so far as Charlton did – 377 to 758 – but trails their all-time leading scorer by just 65 goals, and *potentially has many more years left at the top of the game.

If Rooney carries on scoring at his current rate, he could overtake Charlton’s United haul in a little over two seasons - and the England record could also be his within a similar time-frame.

Rooney is determined to claim both records, and said: “It’s a great challenge.

“Sir Bobby is a legend and is such a presence around the club. If I could break his record as Manchester United’s top goalscorer and maybe even England’s... wow!

"That is such a great incentive.”

Catch me if you can: Sir Bobby's the man to beat for club and country

Rooney turned 27 last month and celebrated a decade playing in the Premier League this season, but reckons he still has another 10 years left in him at the highest level.

The striker, who joined United from Everton for £27million in 2004, wants to emulate the longevity of his Old Trafford team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes by playing on into his late 30s.

Giggs and Scholes turn 39 and 38 respectively later this month, and Rooney's determined to match their remarkable endurance.

“I want to play as long as I can and to have shared a dressing room with the likes of Giggsy and Paul Scholes is inspiration to do just that,” said Rooney.

“At least another 10 years would be great. I’m not sure about doing yoga (as Giggs does) but, to be fair, we all have different regimes and a fantastic sports science team at United.

“So I’m confident I can keep going almost as long as both of them. I can see myself one day moving back into midfield.

“I can do it, but I’m not ready yet. I’m a centre-forward and I score goals. And I feel I have plenty of goals left in me.

“I’ll play there if I have to and I have done so at United, but goals are still my main aim and the biggest part of my game.”

Golden oldies: Giggs and Scholes are an example for Rooney

Rooney also revealed a previously unknown religious side to his character as he explained that he prays when he plays.

“I’m not overly religious, but that is something I like to do,” he said. “I pray for my family, for myself and I pray for the good health of everyone about to take part in the game.”

Rooney, who has missed several penalties in 2012, also revealed the most nerve-wracking moment of his career was when he scored a penalty to earn a 1-1 draw at Blackburn, which clinched United a record 19th title.

“We had a penalty at Blackburn in 2011,” said Rooney. “It was late in the game and we were losing - if I missed it, the title was on the line. That was hard.

“I had to compose myself, but you know how much is at stake. Score and the title is in the bag but miss and it’s not.

“I was scared, but thankfully it went in.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Rooney he must improve his strike-rate from the spot to stay on penalty-taking duties, with Robin van Persie capable of taking over from him.

Rooney also fingered former England skipper and Chelsea captain John Terry as his toughest opponent.

Friend AND foe: Rooney's happier playing with Terry than against him
Laurence Griffiths

Rooney said: “He is the hardest I have faced. He is big, good in the air and powerful, but he is also a very *intelligent footballer who reads the game so well.

“You come off feeling like you’ve been in a real game.”

[bbfan1991]

United team to start at Norwich:

Lindegaard
Rafael
Smalling
Ferdinand
Evra
Carrick
Giggs
Valencia
Hernandez
Young
RVP

Subs:

Johnstone
Jones
Anderson
Welbeck
Scholes
Cleverley
Fletcher

DDG out after having an operation on his wisdom tooth. I am surprised about Giggs starting, hope he has a good performance but I have my doubts about him in CM. I was hoping to see Anderson, Cleverley or Fletcher in there with Carrick.

[bbfan1991]

A bit disappointed that United lost to Galatasaray tonight but not too bothered because our qualification for the next CL stage is already confirmed, although tonight was a chance to play some of the young lads and they did well despite the loss:).

Nick Powell impressed, he has lots of potential and it was good to see Phil Jones back in action after his injury.

[bbfan1991]

Match Report:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/galatasaray-v-manchester-united-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Fletch values Turkish experience

A narrow defeat to Galatasaray amid taxing conditions will provide a valuable lesson for United's younger players, according to Darren Fletcher.

An entertaining, hard-fought encounter was settled by Burak Yilmaz's second-half header for the Turks, and Fletcher saw plenty of positives in his side's evening.

"All the young players who played tonight did fantastic, and playing in an atmpsphere like this will only stand them in good stead for the future," the Scot told Sky Sports.

"In difficult conditions - the pitch wasn't great and it was an intimidating atmosphere - I thought we did extremely well, especially in the first half.

"As soon as they got the game they slowed the game right down with a lot of tactical fouls, got behind the ball and made it difficult. But we really should have got a goal in the first half and we had great opportunities when we broke on the counter-attack."

A predictably raucous atmosphere in the Turk Telekom Arena provided a distracting soundtrack to the evening, but Fletcher found greater difficulties in the unpredictable playing surface.

"Simple shouts like 'man on' and 'turn' were proving difficult to hear, but you've got to experience that, you've got to deal with that," said the midfielder.

"The biggest problem was the pitch, which wasn't good at all. It was difficult to play one-twos and quick passing because the ball was bobbling up, but I thought especially in the first half we did enough."

[bbfan1991]

Anders Lindegaard has urged United to get back to winning ways on Saturday against QPR after consecutive defeats without scoring a goal.

The Dane was beaten by Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington's superb header at the weekend and had no chance with Burak Yilmaz's winner for Galatasaray. Despite an impressive display by the keeper, and the team in general, Lindegaard found it hard to take too many positives from another reverse.

"We've lost two games in a row," he told MUTV. "I played two games in a row and we've lost two games in a row. It's very hard to find smiles about anything or a positive side.

"We have an important game on Saturday against QPR and need to get back on track."

Lindegaard admits the incredible atmosphere at the Turk Telekom Arena affected his performance, even though he pulled off a string of fine saves.

"It was quite a special atmosphere to play in," he admitted. "Very hectic, very noisy and loud. You can't really communicate on the field by yelling and talking. You need to be more visual.

"At times, obviously it was very difficult for me. It's a way of keeping me on my toes and keeping myself in the game communicating, even though they can't hear me! So I was being more visual and showing where I wanted the ball and what kind of pass I was giving - whether they should turn on it or play it back.

"I think Phil [Jones] did well. He showed he's on the way back and he's an important player for us. He's going to be very important in the next couple of months when we have plenty of games coming up."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex takes the positives

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with his much-changed side's performance despite the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray.

With United already safely assured of winning Group H, the boss elected to rest several key figures and handed starts to the likes of Alexander Buttner, Nick Powell and fit-again Phil Jones.

"I think they handled the atmosphere and the temperament was good," stated Sir Alex. "They handled that okay. Parts of the game were good but the area in which we were worried about - set-pieces - we suffered. That was always going to be a worry for us.

"Other than that, I was satisfied and it was a decent performance. We had some good attacking play in the first half and at that point the only trouble they gave us was from outside the box. It was a very competitive, good game."

The boss was upset with two dreadful tackles early in the proceedings. was booked for a two-footed lunge at Buttner while Felipe Melo inexplicably escaped any punishment for a crude foul on Tom Cleverley.

"I think they were lucky to keep two men on the pitch in the first 10 minutes," admitted the boss. "They were two shocking challenges. But, as we often see, so early in the match, you get away with that."

Sir Alex also felt that there should have been additional stoppage time after only three extra minutes were played at the death.

"I thought we should have had much more than three minutes," he complained. "Players had been lying down for long periods, which is understandable, but it's up to the referee to control that. I thought there should be more than three minutes added on."

[bbfan1991]

This was confirmed yesterday, Shinji Kagawa out for another few weeks due to his injury, disappointing blow:(. I hope he has a speedy recovery!

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/shinji-kagawa-to-miss-four-more-weeks-of-manchester-united-matches.aspx

[bbfan1991]

A midfield of Fletcher, Powell, Cleverley and Anderson is needed because they have energy. Scholes and Giggs are class players but in CM they are obviously too slow to keep up the tempo in the match.

I really hope that United sign a CM when we next do transfer business and hopefully a defender too.

I also hope that United get back to winning ways against QPR at the weekend too:).

[bbfan1991]

Jones impresses Carrick

Michael Carrick was pleased to see Phil Jones return to action in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray.

Jones played alongside Carrick at the heart of the defence and the duo defended stoutly throughout, only for Burak Yilmaz to head the winner from a second-half corner.

"He's been off for a while and it's not easy to come back in a game like that - especially with me playing alongside him!" the former Tottenham midfielder told MUTV. "He's not got someone like Rio [Ferdinand], Jonny [Evans] or Vida [Nemanja Vidic] next to him so he did ever so well and helped me out a few times."

Carrick feels the Reds, already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, can afford to take the positives despite being unlucky to lose.

"It's disappointing to lose the game because we don't like losing games," he stressed. "But there were a lot of positives, especially in the first half. We played some good football at times, it was just that the final ball didn't fall for us as we could've easily scored.

"The way the younger lads went about it with the crowd and whole occasion, it didn't affect them, and I'm sure they would have gained from that and we can move on and be better for it.

"Of course, in many ways the main work was done to get us through. We're still disappointed coming away not getting anything from the game but, at the end of the day, we're through and we need to kick on with our league form really."

[bbfan1991]

Jones glad to be back

Phil Jones expressed his delight at making his first appearance of the season after a rough time with injuries.

The defender feels ready to contribute with games coming thick and fast after proving his fitness with an impressive comeback against Galatasaray.

"I'm knackered to be honest," he admitted. "It wasn't the best of pitches to play on either. It was quite heavy on the legs but I'm delighted to get through 90 minutes. I'm buzzing about that. It's been difficult. I've had my downs. I picked up a few niggles and had surgery on my knee so I've had a pretty wretched four or five months.

"I've been in the gym every day and it's not easy. I had to concentrate on getting myself fit and worked quite hard to get to where I am now so I'm just delighted to be back. I'll feel stiff on Wednesday but everything is fine. Hopefully I can push on now, get back in the team and prove why I should be here."

Jones praised Galatasaray's fans for making so much noise during their 1-0 win. "It's the best [atmosphere] I've ever played in," he added. "From start to finish. I couldn't hear the keeper. I couldn't pass messages on. It was very difficult but the same for both teams.

"We should have switched on and dealt with the corner. We shouldn't be getting punished on set-pieces. It's happened and we still had chances to go on and draw, if not win, but it just wasn't our night. There were a lot of positives. We controlled a lot of the play - we were lacking a bit with the final cross or final ball and perhaps should have finished it off. But I think we were a bit unfortunate."


I am glad that he is back for United too:).

[bbfan1991]

Mourinho hails Sir Alex

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements as the United manager is set to be honoured by the unveiling of a statue at Old Trafford on Friday.

Mourinho may have been a regular adversary in his Chelsea days but the two major footballing personalities have always maintained a healthy friendship away from the field based on mutual respect.

The Portuguese coach is in Manchester for Wednesday's Champions League tie against City at the Etihad Stadium and took time out to pay his own tribute to the United chief.

"He's unique," said Mourinho. "Especially in the modern day.

"If you go back many years, then you will find somebody like him but [it's amazing] in the modern day at the highest level, where it is really difficult to survive in our job.

"He's absolutely incredible at what he does and we can't even imagine when he'll stop. He's unbelievable."


Nice words from Jose. SAF is a legend and I cannot wait to see his deserved statue unveiling tomorrow!:amazed::cool::hugesmile:

[bbfan1991]

Cole aims to maintain form

Larnell Cole is pleased to be fully fit again after being rewarded for his form with a place on the bench in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray.

As well as helping lead United’s quest for more honours at Reserves level, the 19-year-old will have gained plenty of experience from the trip to Turkey.

The talented midfielder has already enjoyed plenty of success with Warren Joyce’s side but is targeting more glory in the inaugural Barclays Under-21 Premier League.

“I’m just aiming to get a good run of form going and to stay fit,” he vowed to ManUtd.com. “I had a knee injury towards the end of last season that carried on into this campaign. I was still feeling it in training and so I missed out on the tour, which was unfortunate and a shame because it would have been a great experience.

“So I want to keep my form and consistency going. I’ve had a year in the Reserves last season but the Under-21 league is still physical and competitive. We’re coming up against men and a lot of players who have experience of the Premier League. Therefore, it’s always difficult and you have to step your game up as we’re often playing against a strong team.”

Cole skippered the Reserves in a recent friendly against Tranmere Rovers and is growing accustomed to being one of the senior figures in the side this time around.

“It was the first time I’d captained the Reserves,” he revealed. “It’s no different really as you just have to play your normal game. Obviously, there is added pressure but you just have to focus on playing well and trying to show everybody else the right things to do by leading by example.”

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex praises QPR pair

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken highly of two players who swopped the red shirt of Manchester United for the blue and white hoops of Queens Park Rangers this summer.

Ji-sung Park and Fabio are both set to be in the stands with QPR this Saturday instead of playing on the familiar Old Trafford turf, due to injury and ineligibility respectively. But both men are still in the United manager's thoughts after their moves to West London - permanent in Park's case, and for a season-long loan where Fabio is concerned.

"The great thing about Ji-sung Park is he's one of the best professionals we've had here," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com.

"He was truly fantastic, and particularly in big games. I loved playing him in the big games. His record against Arsenal, for instance, was fantastic."

This week's performance of Andrea Pirlo for Juventus against Chelsea also brought to mind some of Park's best displays for the Reds.

"The Milan games over there and at Old Trafford, when I asked Park to play directly against Pirlo, are memorable. He never gave Pirlo a kick and he kept running off him which was brilliant too.

"Park had roles that only a disciplined and selfless player could have. That’s exactly what Ji-sung was, selfless. He played for the team and whatever role you gave him, he would stick to that role. So he was a really wonderful, disciplined professional for us."

Fabio remains a current United player, of course, and while his brother Rafael seems to have raced ahead of him with his form for the Reds this season, the boss believes the pair could show parity again in the future.

"Ability wise, there’s very little between the two," assessed Sir Alex. "But Rafael’s got more experience now because he’s played more games for us.

"Fabio’s had quite a long list of injuries during his time here but I think in a couple of years’ time, once he matures, he’ll be fine."

Nice words for both:). I will always look fondly on JSP's time with United, although I do wish him well even if I cannot stand QPR!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Bobby Charlton allays Fergie quit fears, saying: Sir Alex will be with United for as long as he wants

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2236465/Sir-Bobby-Charlton-allays-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-Manchester-United-quit-fears.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[bbfan1991]

Quotes about SAF!

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/Players-past-and-present-pay-tribute-to-Sir-Alex-Ferguson.aspx

[bbfan1991]

King joins Berg at Blackburn

Manchester United forward Joshua King will spend the rest of 2012 with Blackburn Rovers following the completion of his loan move from Old Trafford.

Former Reds defender Henning Berg, recently appointed as Blackburn boss, has snapped up his fellow Norwegian as he bids to steer Rovers back into the top flight. King will no doubt be in confident mood for the weeks ahead, having made his second senior appearance for the Reds in midweek - albeit as a late substitute in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

The 20 year-old could make his Blackburn debut in Saturday's home match against Millwall. Rovers are currently sixth in the Championship after winning 4-1 away at Peterborough, the side managed by Sir Alex Ferguson's son Darren.

[bbfan1991]

The boss is a winner

Nemanja Vidic has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the Manchester United manager's statue unveiling on Friday, labelling him "a winner."

The Reds' captain says the boss has had a big influence on football in general, not just United during his 26 years in the Old Trafford hot seat. And Vidic feels very lucky to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Sir Alex.

"He's a great example for all managers and it's great to work with him," Vidic told MUTV.

"You learn something new from him every day - I have learnt a lot from him, not just as a footballer but in life [in general]. He gives all the players great confidence and belief and he does all he can to get the best out of his players. I think this is his biggest strength. He has faith in us and he trusts us and I'm really glad I have been able to spend nearly seven years working with him. He is a winner."


Nice praise by Nemanja:). SAF is a legend!

:worship:

[bbfan1991]

Carrick: First goal crucial

It's been the season of comebacks for the Reds this term, but Michael Carrick says it's vital United start taking the initiative in games rather than having to claw their way back into them.

The Reds have lost the first goal yet come back to win in eight of their 19 games this season. While the recoveries have been as dramatic as they have been impressive at times, Carrick insists going behind first is a habit that needs to be broken sooner rather than later.

"It is not ideal - it is just a phase we are going through," the midfielder told reporters after United's defeat in Galatasaray. "The positive is that we have come back and we have scored enough goals, although not on Saturday, so we have got things to improve upon.

"We conceded the first goal [at Norwich] and it was difficult to come back - and again against Galatasaray. Over the season we have managed to do it [come from behind to win] but it is not ideal and you can't do it all the time. We need to make things a lot easier for ourselves by scoring the first goal and play from there.

"It's hard to say [why it's happening] to be honest," he added. "I'll go with the boss and say concentration. I agree with him. It is hard to put your finger on it.

"It is different things, different types of goals we are conceding, so it is not as if there is one particular problem. But I'm sure we can put it right. We have had issues in the past and put them right and overall we are not in bad shape."

Getting back to winning ways is the team's main priority after back-to-back defeats at home and abroad. Bottom-of-the-table QPR visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon and Carrick admits he has been surprised by their plight this season.

"[I'm surprised], but it is a hard league and sometimes when you buy players and early in the season a couple of results don't go for you, it suddenly becomes harder to win a game.

"I've been there myself with West Ham. I know how difficult it can be. We had a good squad of players but for whatever reason, it just didn't work for us that season.

"QPR have got a good squad of players and hopefully Mark Hughes can turn it round although not starting on Saturday.

"It is massively important for us to bounce back," added the England international. "We were disappointed with the result against Galatasaray but we are in a good position in this group. The Norwich game was disappointing too.

"We are normally very good at bouncing back and after losing back-to-back games we will look to do that on Saturday."

[bbfan1991]

Eric at statue unveiling

Eric Cantona is one of a host of famous Reds, past and present, who will be at Old Trafford on Friday for the unveiling of the Sir Alex Ferguson statue.

Cantona will join the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Neville brothers and Edwin van der Sar at the stadium for the ceremony which starts at 14:00 GMT.

The entire current squad will also be in attendance for the revealing of the statue, created by sculptor Philip Jackson, which was commissioned to mark the manager's 25 years in charge last November.

There will be an area for fans to watch the unveiling which will take place in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, while MUTV will be showing the event live from 13:30 GMT. It will be free-to-air for Sky subscribers.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney back for Reds

Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling should be available for United's clash with managerless QPR on Saturday.

Rooney has been absent for the past two games while Smalling missed the defeat against Galatasaray with a shoulder problem. Jonny Evans is still rated doubtful for the match against the struggling Londoners.

"Wayne Rooney is fit," said the boss. "He had tonsillitis but has been training all week, which is good. Jonny Evans will hopefully train today but I don't know if he will be available for tomorrow. Chris Smalling had a small shoulder injury on Tuesday night.

"I wanted to play Phil Jones anyway - at least the two of them are back because I thought Jones did very well in his first game back, which is really good news. Nani is not available yet, he's not fit yet. He's still got a little problem with his hamstring."

Sir Alex is focused on getting back to winning ways against the capital club, who are currently bottom of the table and surprisingly dispensed of Mark Hughes' services on Friday morning.

"Hopefully, we can get back on track tomorrow after the disappointment of last week," he stated.

"If you analyse things a little bit more closely, it’s probably a lesson to everyone that changing a team and bringing 11 new players in to the [Barclays] Premier League is not easy. But I am surprised they’ve only got four points. I didn’t expect them to immediately set a blazing trail or be up at the top of the league or anything like that with 11 new players to bed in. But they’ve only four points and of course that creates its own headlines."

Sir Alex was asked to comment on reports that the Old Trafford encounter could be Hughes' final fixture before the surprise announcement that the Welshman would not be returning to his old stamping ground.

"I don’t know where that’s come from," he replied. "I’m not privy to that. But realistically if you don’t fancy a manager why wait until next week? I think Tony Fernandez has come out and said he supports Mark and that he wants long-term management."

Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take temporary charge of team affairs for the trip to Manchester.


Good news about Wayne Rooney. I hope that Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans will be OK for tomorrows game too!

[bbfan1991]

Preview: United v QPR

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/Preview-Manchester-United-v-Queens-Park-Rangers.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: Still a three-horse race

Sir Alex Ferguson still believes the Barclays Premier League title is a three-horse race involving United, Manchester City and Chelsea, despite the managerial changes at Stamford Bridge this week.

The United boss expressed his sympathy for Roberto Di Matteo, who was dismissed by Roman Abramovich and replaced by Rafael Benitez. But, according to Sir Alex, the changes at the top do not alter the fact that Chelsea have undeniable quality in their squad.

"Certainly a few week ago we were thinking it looked like a three-horse race," the boss told reporters on Friday. "I don’t think that is out of the question either because there are only a few points between the three teams anyway.

"Chelsea have got a big squad of players. They have a lot of experience and have brought in a couple of young players – Oscar and Hazard. There is a bit of youth throughout their team now, there is a sprinkling of youth coming through and a good blend of experience and young players. So there is no way you can possibly dismiss Chelsea."

Di Matteo's dismissal had an air of inevitability about it. Sir Alex is an advocate of giving managers opportunity to prove themselves and can't help but feel the Italian wasn't given a fair crack of the whip.

"Everyone feels for Roberto Di Matteo and quite rightly," he said. "It’s quite amazing when you consider he has won the FA Cup and Champions League. The biggest disappointment for me is in two weeks time they are going to play in the Club World Cup. You would have thought they would have waited two weeks to give the guy a chance to win a world title.

"Of course, Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks' time he could have two world club titles to his name [he won one with Inter] and had nothing to do with the teams. Jose Mourinho won the Treble at Inter; Rafa took over and they won the world title without having to do anything. He had nothing to do with the construction of the teams – that’s why I really feel disappointment for Roberto – he could have an FA Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup on his CV. It’s a pity for him."

That said, Sir Alex is hopeful that a new arrival in the Chelsea hot-seat bodes well as they welcome title rivals Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Benitez has been trying to get a job for a long time," he added. "I hope he is lucky on Sunday too! It happens time and time again when a new manager comes in they win their first few games. We’ve seen it before, it’s a strange thing how it happens. Sometimes you wonder if it encourages chairmen at football clubs to make changes because they think if we get a new manager we’ll win the next two or three games. History tells you that but you never know."


Ooh I like SAF's comments;):D.

[bbfan1991]

QPR sack Mark Hughes

Queens Park Rangers will come to Old Trafford on Saturday without Mark Hughes, whose contract was terminated by the London club on Friday morning.

The R's are without a win in the Barclays Premier League this season and have taken just three points from a possible 57 in their last 19 away games.

A statement released by QPR read: "The circumstances we find ourselves in have left the board of directors with very little choice but to make a change.

"This decision has been taken after careful consideration by the board of directors, following numerous meetings over the last few days.

"The board of directors wish to thank Mark for his commitment, hard work and dedication in his 10 months in charge.

"Mark has shown integrity and professionalism throughout his time."

Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki will take charge of QPR for the Old Trafford clash, with many papers already reporting Harry Redknapp has been lined up to take over the manager's role thereafter.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex Ferguson, what a legend:). Here is his statue:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/A8ZHZrWCAAAbc3k.jpg

It was a nice touch having his wife Lady Cathy Ferguson rightly unveiling the statue too. Glad all the fans there had a great day and it was nice seeing lots of former players there and of course the current squad to pay tribute:cool:.

[bbfan1991]

Loving it! It does really look like SAF closer up:).

[Brother Leon]

:worship:


Missing it. Hope the whole thing is up on YouTube or something soon enough.

[bbfan1991]

I think MUTV might replay it again?

[bbfan1991]

King Eric earlier:worship:. He is so cool!:cool:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/A8ZJ_DYCAAA8ZpW.png

[bbfan1991]

David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo both made tribute to SAF by video, they could not be there due to other commitments and CR7 still calls SAF ''The Boss'':D.

[bbfan1991]

Cristiano Ronaldo to SAF: "Well done for what you do at #mufc you 100% deserve it."#mufc #mutv

SAF:"It's a proud moment. Normally people die before people see their statue. I'm outliving death!"

SAF on Cathy:"Someone has to control me & she's the only one she can.She has promised she'll come & bow to the statue every Sat!"

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex Ferguson has outlasted 5 British Prime Ministers, 5 American Presidents, 10 Liverpool, 18 Chelsea and 19 Man City Managers. #MUFC

[bbfan1991]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdy793V7AZ1qllzizo1_500.jpg

:amazed::worship:

[bbfan1991]

United do like to make things hard for ourselves, we had to come from behind to win again, but a win is a win.

Thanks to Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher and Javier Hernandez to score the goals. I hope that Tom Cleverley and Anderson start vs West Ham to give more energy in our very slow midfield.

Some cracks have been papered over but we are top of the table for now depending on the Chelsea vs City result tomorrow, so I will enjoy for now and it is all about the points in football;).

[bbfan1991]

Report: United 3 QPR 1

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/manchester-united-v-qpr-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Boss hails Anderson

Sir Alex Ferguson enthused about Anderson's performance after the Brazilian came off the bench to help spark another comeback in the Barclays Premier League.

The South American added energy to the midfield as the Reds roared back from conceding first to QPR to clinch a 3-1 win to go back on top of the table.

"I thought Anderson changed the game," the boss told MUTV. "We played for about 10 or 15 minutes, that was the sum total of a real performance for Manchester United. Queens Park Rangers had a surge of determination and belief, they worked really hard and that's what you expect when a team loses its manager. We saw that again today.

"Of course it is frustrating [to keep conceding first] and you have to be concerned about it. The one thing about it is their goal sparked us off. From that moment on, we really got at them and played with great determination and speed and it made a difference."

Sir Alex has plenty of players at his disposal and Anderson was one who promoted his claims and showed he wants to force his way into the starting line-up.

"They all want to play," he insisted. "We've got a great squad of players. Anderson played his part today. He didn't let us down, he was terrific.

"Jonny Evans is capable of doing that but it's only this season that he's emerged as a goalscoring centre-back. We've had a few in the past - Vida [Nemanja Vidic] and Steve Bruce way back. It's nice to get a defender who can weigh in with a few goals.

"I think everyone is delighted with Darren. It's been a long road back for him and it's the first time I've used him twice in a week. He didn't let us down again. He never does and lovely to have him back. Obviously, we'll review the situation on Wednesday [against West Ham] but he made a great contribution today.

"Ando laid the third goal on a plate for Chicharito but it was a great first touch and a great finish. In that period, we really looked fantastic but, once we went 3-1 up, we just idled and saw the game out. We had opportunities to get four or five but there were one or two careless passes at the end of the moves which would have made it a far better day."


SAF is right. When Anderson came on he did well and changed the game along with Chicharito. I hope Ando starts vs West Ham on Wednesday:).

[bbfan1991]

Fletcher demands better

Darren Fletcher was delighted to help United to victory with a goal against Queens Park Rangers, but says it’s important the Reds improve and go on a winning run.

Fletcher, in his first Barclays Premier League start in more than a year, headed Sir Alex’s men into the lead after Jonny Evans had cancelled out QPR’s shock opener.

But it was that concession at the start of the second period that annoyed Fletcher, who admits the United players are rankled by the growing number of times opposition teams score first.

“We're very frustrated,” he told MUTV. “It shouldn't take going a goal behind for us to start playing.

“The only positive thing we can take from it is that every time we do it we seem to respond. But we can't keep making a habit of it.”

Indeed, United have conceded first in 13 of 20 fixtures this season, including the last five.

“We want to go on a run of winning games now and not keep conceding first,” Fletcher said. “After the defeat at Norwich and at Galatasaray it was important we got a win today.

“Hopefully now we can kick on and see an improvement in our performances.”

Fletcher’s goal, a bullet header direct from a corner, was his first since November 2011. But the midfielder claims he thought nothing of personal glory when the ball nestled in the back of the net.

“The biggest thing it meant was that it put us in the lead,” he said. “It didn't mean anything personal to me – it got us back in the game.

“It's great to be back and to score goals but it has to be in winning teams. That's what made today special. It wasn't great to go a goal down in my first league game back. I was thinking: 'Here we go'.

“But the lads always respond and the most pleasing thing for me about my goal was that it put us 2-1 up.

“You have to give credit to QPR. They made it very difficult. Their strikers dropped onto me and Paul Scholes and then we had two banks of four to break down in front of us.

“At times we could have played a bit quicker and took a few more risks with our passes. There's a risk that you'll give it away but you have to do that if you want to break through. They were very resillient but we really lifted the pace of the game once we went a goal down.

“It was an important win, especially with Manchester City and Chelsea playing tomorrow.”


I am pleased for Fletch that he scored:), however he is right that United need to perform better and stop going behind too much as it is getting a right habit this season. The defending looked better vs QPR yesterday though.

[bbfan1991]

Valencia out with hip problem

Antonio Valencia missed the victory against Queens Park Rangers due to a hip problem.

The Ecuador winger could also be forced to sit out the visit of another London side, Sam Allardyce's West Ham, on Wednesday night in the Reds' next Barclays Premier League assignment.

"He had a hip injury," the boss revealed to MUTV. "Just towards his back.

"He's had a bit of pain there for the last couple of weeks but he's been playing with it. That's the type of guy he is. He never mentioned it and plays on.

"All of a sudden, you ask him and he says: 'Yes, it's sore.'

"It won't be too long and he should be ready for maybe next week."


I hope he gets better and is alright to play in the next game:). I wonder if that explains Tony V's current poor form too? I hope he gets back to top form soon.

[bbfan1991]

Lindegaard regrets QPR goal

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard insists his side “should not have conceded” a goal in the Barclays Premier League victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Jamie Mackie's shock opener at Old Trafford prompted a second-half backlash from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, with three goals in just seven minutes turning the match on its head.

After this latest comeback, Lindegaard bemoaned United’s now familiar pattern of falling behind in games but praised his outfield colleagues' ability to recover from such deficits.

“Conceding first is a bad habit but on the other hand it’s a good habit that we can turn it around,” Anders told MUTV. “Last weekend against Norwich we were not able do it. It is something we have to look at. We have to be stronger, take our chances and score goals when we have opportunities.

“I don’t think we should have conceded in this match, it is very disappointing. But we have to be happy about getting the three points, although we maybe should have scored a few more goals.

“I asked one of my team-mates in the locker room about what would have happened if we hadn’t conceded a goal. It was like a wakeup call for us and it is a flat feeling to stand here after conceding a goal in this match. But we won it and I think rather comfortably after going 3-1 up.

“I thought Anderson came on and turned the match around. He is one of the best players in the world at running with the ball, passing it and keeping a dynamic motion. He showed that today and turned the game around. He is a brilliant player.

“It was very important but more in the sake that we lost last weekend and also very important to put pressure on Chelsea and Man City, who are playing each other. That will be a very interesting match to watch with a good feeling in the stomach after winning our game today.”

Saturday’s clash with QPR provided a third consecutive start for Lindegaard after featuring against Norwich and Galatasaray in the absence of David De Gea, who was unavailable after having his wisdom teeth removed.

Both goalkeepers were fit at the weekend, however, causing another selection headache for Sir Alex Ferguson, who has repeatedly rotated the pair for much of this season and last.

“I was very pleased to start because I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out,” Anders admitted. “David has been unlucky with his teeth and for me it is a sign that I did well in the last couple of games. I am very happy every time I play.”


Anders spot on!

[bbfan1991]

Scholes suspended

Paul Scholes will sit out Manchester United’s game against West Ham on Wednesday after collecting his fifth booking of the season on Saturday.

Referee Lee Probert showed Scholes a yellow card for a late challenge on Queens Park Rangers midfielder Kieron Dyer early in the second half.

It followed earlier bookings this term in matches against Stoke City, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton. Now, in line with the Premier League’s disciplinary process, the 38-year-old must serve an immediate automatic one-game suspension.

Should any other United player pick up five bookings before 31 December, they will face the same fate.

It was the 95th yellow card Scholes has been shown in his Premier League career; only Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer have collected more.

As well as having to do without Scholes against West Ham on Wednesday night, Sir Alex is also unlikely to be able to field Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian winger is currently sidelined with a hip injury.

[bbfan1991]

Schmeichel lauds Sir Alex

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was understandably proud to be part of another special day at Old Trafford with the unveiling of the new Sir Alex Ferguson statue on Friday.

The Dane was one of the VIP guests at the Theatre of Dreams on Friday and was quick to pay tribute to his former boss for transforming the fortunes of the club after taking over in 1986.

"It is a special club," he told Red View, the official club newsletter. "I’m happy for Sir Alex. One thing he said out there is normally when you get a statue like that, you’re dead but he gets to see these people turning up for the unveiling.

"He deserves that. He touched on so many lives – the people who work in the club every day, his staff, his players but, beyond all that, all the supporters of Manchester United and football in general.

"He has had an influence on their lives over many years and should be credited for a lot of what has happened in the Premier League with it now being the best league in the world. He saw that very early on, when he first arrived at the club, and started a process that was designed to have an effect many years later. When the whole culture of football had to change, he saw that and changed that."


Nice words:).

[bbfan1991]

Some stories from earlier on in the week coming up...

[bbfan1991]

Young glad to be home again

Manchester United winger Ashley Young is pleased to be back at Old Trafford today after two contrasting pairs of away results.

It all started well for the Reds on the road with victories in Braga and Birmingham - the latter against his old club Aston Villa - but the wheels have since loosened with the losses to Norwich City last weekend and Galatasaray on Tuesday night.

Young is hoping United can now take full advantage from playing at Old Trafford - firstly against QPR today - while also benefiting personally and privately from a home run of fixtures.

"Over the last few weeks we’ve barely been home," Young tells United Review, today's matchday programme.

"We’ve not spent much time with our families and we’ve not seen Old Trafford, so it will be good to be back at the stadium this afternoon. As long as we’re picking up points on the road all that travelling isn’t so bad - winning definitely makes it easier to take.

"We were all disappointed in the dressing room after the performance at Carrow Road and it’s something we’re very keen to put right today.

"Every team has bad results at some point and I’d like to think last weekend was a one-off. Now we’re back at Old Trafford we’re confident we can get back to winning ways."

Young has emerged from both dressing rooms at the Theatre of Dreams, of course, and he accepts that playing there can sometimes inspire the away team enough to make them dangerous.

"Coming to Old Trafford as an opposition player is like playing in a cup final. It was the same for me when I was at Aston Villa. If we could beat Manchester United at Old Trafford then it would be a day we’d always remember. I never managed to do that, but I think every player feels the same way.

"I'm sure QPR will be up for this game. But we feel comfortable at home and we want to pick up maximum points from the next two fixtures here."

[bbfan1991]

Wayne targets winning return

Wayne Rooney is seeking a winning comeback with Manchester United against Queens Park Rangers after missing two consecutive defeats in the last seven days.

The Reds striker missed last Saturday's trip to Norwich City with tonsillitis and while he might have been rested from Tuesday's game against Galatasaray anyway, with Champions League progress already assured, he admits the second loss was also hard to take.

"We were still disappointed to lose the game, even though we'd already qualified in the Champions League as group winners," Wayne said on Friday.

"Obviously last week [at Norwich] was a massive disappointment for us. After losing that one, this QPR game couldn't have come quickly enough. We're looking to get back out there in the league and try and get the three points."

Rooney acknowledges the extra incentive provided by this weekend's order of fixtures, with current league leaders Manchester City not playing until Sunday when they meet Chelsea.

"If we can get the three points, that will take us to the top again. It might only be for 24 hours but it's always great to be there," he contemplated, before reminding the fans it's far from a formality.

"QPR last season made it difficult for us. They went down to ten men early on and got players behind the ball and made it difficult. I'm sure it will be the same this season.

"They haven't got a manager at the moment but I'm sure whoever does take over from Mark Hughes will get them organised to play that way.

"We just have to work on what we think is the best way to win the game and concentrate on ourselves. I'm sure if we do that and we do that right, we'll be okay to get the three points." Wayne could again be asked to play a deeper role if Javier Hernandez is given another chance to build on his match-winning performance against Villa Park and Robin van Persie is picked for the ninth Barclays Premier League game in a row. But wherever he plays, he'll be happy just to be back on the pitch.

"I've always said I've no problem doing that [playing deep]. I think we've got the balance right now. We've got the squad of players and the forwards more importantly who can go and score goals. So we've got options up front and that gives the manager the option to play me deeper or play another forward as well. That's great for the team.

"Of course I want to score goals, but [the main aim is] to try and help the team win the game and be successful. Hopefully we can do that against QPR and get the Norwich result out of the way."

[bbfan1991]

Ruud's respect for boss

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford on Friday for the first time since leaving the club because, he says, he was keen to pay his respects to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutch striker left United under a cloud in 2006 after he fell out with the manager. The pair spoke on the phone earlier this year – Ruud told the press he "wanted to apologise... it was a shame it ended like it did" – but Friday's meeting, at a ceremony to unveil a Sir Alex Ferguson statue at Old Trafford, was the first time they'd come face to face since van Nistelrooy's exit.

"It's great to be back," Ruud said, "especially as it is to pay respect to the manager, who deserves all the credit for today. He's the reason we are here.

"I have a great five years and I want to pay my respects. I'm very grateful for the chances Sir Alex gave me.

"What stood out for me was Gary Neville's comment [in the ceremony's video tribute]. He's able to get the best out of people. He did that with me as well. Not just on the pitch but off it he gave me a lot, which I am very grateful for.

"Of course, we had our things with the way it ended at the club. But overall I look back on a great time here with a lot of respect for him."

Van Nistelrooy, who netted 150 goals for United in just 219 appearances, bears no grudge towards the man who called time on his Old Trafford career.

"When he is building new teams he is willing to do that [be ruthless]. That is all credit to him. The club is the most important thing.

"That is what he always said. It is his most-repeated sentence. He proves that. You move on. I moved on to Madrid and had four great years there. He
moved the club further onwards. It is fair enough.

"I didn't find it hard to deal with. I accepted it. I am grateful for five great years here and it gave me another opportunity to be part of Real Madrid for a good while and be successful there. It opened up a door and I moved on. Thank God, that was a successful period as well."

Sir Alex took charge of United when van Nistelrooy was just 10 years old. Since then, Ruud has forged one of the most successful professional careers of the modern era and now, aged 36, is enjoying retirement.

And still Sir Alex goes on.

"It is incredible," he said. "It is difficult to get your head around. Twenty-six seasons!

"Ten years in football is an awful long time for a manager to be at a club. He is going on and on. In three or four years we will be talking about 30 years. It is out of this world.

"But he's doing it. As he said, he has outlived death. He is outliving everyone."


Refreshing honesty from Ruud:). It was good to watch him at SAF's statue unveiling on Friday and he never has a bad word to say about United, one of the many great players we have had IMO.

[Brother Leon]

Ruud :worship:. What a guy. Carried us pretty much during his time.

[Raph]

Reggie, this really is YOUR thread :p

[bbfan1991]

Reggie, this really is YOUR thread :p

Thanks:blush:. You should have a Cardiff City one.. I would join!

[Raph]

Thanks:blush:. You should have a Cardiff City one.. I would join!

Ok I'll make one tonight when I'm done with work! The way things are going Cardiff will be the next team making it into the premier league! :D

[bbfan1991]

Ok I'll make one tonight when I'm done with work! The way things are going Cardiff will be the next team making it into the premier league! :D

Cheers and I do hope so, fingers crossed:);).

[bbfan1991]

Anderson tops fan poll

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/anderson-man-of-the-match-vs-qpr.aspx

Anderson named fans MOTM after the QPR game and rightly so:).

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Anderson picks himself

Sir Alex has confirmed Anderson will start against West Ham United on Wednesday night.

But the boss is still without Nani and will wait until Tuesday afternoon to make a decision on fellow winger Antonio Valencia, who's nursing a hip injury. Paul Scholes is also unavailable due to suspension.

ManUtd.com users voted Anderson United's Man of the Match following his performance against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday – a choice Sir Alex certainly doesn't disagree with.

"I thought Ando won the game for us," he told MUTV.

"His performance was outstanding. He took the game by the scruff of the neck and he was so positive and determined in his play that he picks himself on Wednesday.

"We'll see what Antonio is like today and tomorrow. Nani is still going to be out [but] Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were on the bench on Saturday and they're available.

"It's good to have them as back-up and in the back four things are much healthier. We've got plenty of options in the midfield and up front – it's just the two wide positions [where we have problems in terms of availability]."


Good news:). Anderson deserves a start for the West Ham game!

[bbfan1991]

Twelve days of Cantona

Twenty years ago today (26 November), Sir Alex Ferguson pulled off the transfer masterstroke that defined his reign at United, signing a talismanic player who would go on to have an impact like no other in the club’s history.

In four-and-a-half short, trophy-laden seasons at Old Trafford between 1992 and 1997, Eric Cantona inspired, enthralled and very occasionally appalled, helping to transform United from also-rans to the most successful club in English football.

It wasn’t just the Frenchman’s memorable goals, leadership or influence on the team’s talented youngsters that fans loved. It was his swagger, his artistry and passion, his refusal to conform and his unadulterated love for everything connected to United and Manchester.

Colourful, controversial, enigmatic and, above all, supremely talented, Cantona remains in the hearts and minds of every Reds fan. His legacy lives on, most patently in the chants that still fill the air on matchday.

In homage to one of those songs, ManUtd.com is running 12 days of special Cantona content, looking back at his career highs and lows, enjoying every one of his goals and reliving some classic Eric interviews.

We’ll show 'Le Roi' through the eyes of fans, journalists and team-mates, and there’ll be iconic imagery, wallpaper downloads, a podcast special and more.


King Eric!:amazed::worship:

[bbfan1991]

Rooney seeks Manchester United improvement

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes the players still have plenty of room for improvement, despite sitting top of the Premier League table with a third of the season gone.

The Red Devils lead local rivals Manchester City by a point, despite having lost three times already this campaign, whilst the reigning champions remain undefeated.

But, Rooney has urged his team-mates to up their game, following a series of under-par performances, which has seen Sir Alex Ferguson's side ship 18 goals in 2012/13.

"Clean sheets are the foundation we hope for, we know we have players who can score goals and win us games," said the 27-year-old. "If we can get a clean sheet, then I'm sure we can get them at the other end and win games.

"As a team, we've played some good stuff at times but we've also ground results out as well. To lose three games this early is something we need to put right.

"We're lucky that we've won all the other games and not drawn any. It means we're still in a good position in the league. So we need to make sure we are full focused now and try to kick on, try to go on a good run."

United's leaky back-line has seen them concede first in 12 of their last 20 matches, including in Saturday's 3-1 victory over basement boys Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford.

It's a trend that Rooney is keen to end, by addressing the team's form and tightening up in defence with a renewed emphasis placed on keeping clean sheets.

"I don't know why it is but it's happening too many times," he continued. "We need to just go out now and try to get the early goal. As soon as we get a goal, the team settles down and the game settles.

"We tend to take control of the game. But more often than not we've conceded first and made it hard for ourselves to try to get back in the game then go on and win it."

Next up for Manchester United is the visit of West Ham, who travel to Old Trafford off the back of a 3-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, having won just one of their last six games.

[bbfan1991]

Schmeichel: I admire De Gea

Reds legend Peter Schmeichel has spoken of his admiration for United no.1 David De Gea.

From the moment the Spanish goalkeeper arrived in England in the summer of 2011, he's been the subject of criticism, with some media outlets reguarly questioning his suitability for the Old Trafford role.

Throughout it, though, Schemichel says De Gea has carried himself with grace.

"I admire the fella,” Schmeichel told PA Sport and the Manchester Evening News last week.

"I cannot remember anyone coming into Manchester United and being criticised the way he was criticised. He was ridiculed every day. He was the subject of every debate in the media.

“Every programme possible was talking about him and debating the situation. Yet he still went out there with a smile on his face."

Of course, the best way to combat criticism is to prove yourself on the pitch and Schmeichel says De Gea can be proud of his performances.

“He managed to dig himself out of it. By the end of last season people were starting to say this guy is a good goalkeeper. But at the beginning he wasn’t.

“I admire someone who has the mind to do that. Very slowly he is working his way away from what people thought of him 18 months ago.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this fella has a strong mind and to play for Manchester United you need a strong mind.

“You don’t see him in the newspapers defending himself or trying to shift the blame elsewhere. He just gets on with it. United players are like that.

“They just get on with it. Can you remember any United player at a high level that ever complained?

“I have racked my brains and cannot think of anyone. David is like that. He just gets on with it."

[bbfan1991]

Rooney sees Carroll threat

Wayne Rooney admits Andy Carroll is likely to pose a threat in Wednesday's Barclays Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.

West Ham's loan signing from Liverpool got off the mark for his new club with a consolation effort in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham and is likely to be the focal point for many of the Hammers' attacks.

Rooney has worked with Carroll at international level and thinks the £35million hitman will pose problems for the United back four.

"Andy Carroll is a handful," said Rooney. "I am sure if you ask any defender, they find it difficult to play against someone like that who is good in the air and on the floor. He is physical and he makes it difficult. That type of player doesn't always get all the goals but they can cause trouble up front and create problems. I am sure that is what Sam Allardyce wants him to do."

The Reds go into the West Ham clash top of the table after Manchester City and Chelsea played out a goalless draw at the weekend.

"We know City and Chelsea will be looking out for our results as we look out for theirs," accepted Rooney. "But it is important for us to concentrate on our own performances and make sure we get the wins because there are a lot of games coming up. It is tough. I am sure the manager will use his squad. It will have to come through for him."

[bbfan1991]

Ruud: Reds can rely on Robin

Ruud van Nistelrooy is backing Robin van Persie to become another Dutch Manchester United legend.

Van Nistelrooy netted 150 goals in just 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006 and believes the former Arsenal striker (whose current strike-rate almost mirrors Ruud's 0.68 goals per game) can score just as many.

"I hope so," Ruud said. "My time has gone and now others have taken over, so I hope he does [score as many as me].

"Robin has proved he's fitting in easily. It's like he has always played for the club.

"He didn't need any time to settle in. He was straight on his level, scoring important goals and winning games for the team."

Van Nistelrooy was in Manchester last week for Sir Alex Ferguson's statue unveiling and admits he caught up with United's current Dutch striker during the trip.

"I spoke to him [before the statue ceremony]," he said.

"He feels very good at the club. But that's the feeling everybody gets when you come here. I felt the same. I felt very comfortable.

"You feel part of the family and of a tradition. You just want to go out and perform and Robin's doing that now."

Although van Nistelrooy and the United manager had their differences towards the end of the Dutchman's spell at Old Trafford, Ruud says the pair's relationship has been repaired now and he's confident Sir Alex will help Robin van Persie thrive at the club.

"I think he will," Ruud said. "That is what the manager does: he makes you feel strong and gets the best out of people.

"Robin's style – the way he wants to play, the way he likes to play – fits United so well. I'm happy for him that he’s made such a great start because he deserves it. He’s a great player and I hope he can continue like this for a long time.

"It’s not just scoring goals, either. He's great in his ability to get involved in the play as well as his finishing, which is fantastic."

[bbfan1991]

Lindegaard wary of West Ham

Anders Lindegaard admits he's been impressed with West Ham United's bright start to life back in the Barclays Premier League.

The variety of playing styles in England's top-flight demand instant adaptation on a game-by-game basis, and Lindegaard is looking forward to facing Sam Allardyce's side should he keep his place ahead of David De Gea. The Dane told ManUtd.com: "Teams like West Ham offer a different kind of challenge for a goalkeeper.

"You have to reset your mind when you play against Barcelona or Arsenal because there's a lot of short passing so you have to be on your toes in and around the box all the time. But when you play against teams like West Ham, Southampton or Stoke for example, you also have to be aware of crosses and set-pieces and get ready in your mind to deal with them.

"Other leagues around the world might look at English football and think it's just a physical game. But I found that it was more physical where I played before, in Norway, where there was little quick play around the box."

The Hammers have earned a place in the top half of the table on merit, by deploying an efficient, dynamic midfield and by looking to the wings to deliver the ball into the box.

"West Ham are playing towards percentages," acknowledges Anders, "and it's a clever way of handling it in their first season after coming back up. They know if they put so many crosses into the box they are going to score so many goals. I imagine coming up as West Ham did from [the Championship], the first year is all just about survival, then you can build on it. I can understand why they've had success with their style and you have to respect that."

[bbfan1991]

De Gea relishes Reds pressure

David De Gea admits the pressure of being a goalkeeper for Manchester United is more intense than at other clubs, but the Spaniard insists he is relishing the challenge.

The former Atletico Madrid stopper has been exposed to close scrutiny since moving to Old Trafford in 2011 as a long-term replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, despite producing a series of impressive performances throughout his 51-match career with the Reds.

The good form of Anders Lindegaard, who has impressed whenever called upon, has also sparked debate over who is Sir Alex Ferguson’s first choice this season. Thankfully, De Gea is enjoying the competition and hopes to produce his best form as a result.

“I’m at a huge club and there are big demands on you,” David told United Review. “As a goalkeeper I’m well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the press and the fans. That’s always the case for goalkeepers, no matter where you play.

“But it’s true that here at Manchester United there’s added pressure. It’s bigger than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for the Spain Under-21 team. It’s a challenge that’s enjoyable and it ensures you’re always striving to operate at 100 per cent.”

United have conceded the first goal in 13 matches this season, salvaging a victory from eight of those games. It's a worrying habit, yet it also highlights the never-say-die attribute that has helped define Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

Although such comebacks are typical of United, De Gea has been surprised by the frequency of turnarounds - admitting he loves being a part of a team with so much self-belief.

“I have been surprised. Certainly, when I was in Spain I’d heard about this aspect and seen for myself on TV the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches. So it’s great to be a part of it myself.

“I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club and it’s almost written in the history of Manchester United that these sorts of things happen so often. I love being a part of it and experiencing it for myself.”

[bbfan1991]

United v West Ham preview

8:00 PM kick off:).

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/Preview-of-Manchester-United-v-West-Ham-match.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Glad that United won 1-0 vs West Ham thanks to RVP's goal at 32 seconds:):D. A few more goals would have been nice for GD, but we kept a CLEAN SHEET at last!

[bbfan1991]

Match Report:

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Nov/manchester-united-v-west-ham-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex set for marathon

Sir Alex thinks it's going to be a long season for United with Manchester City only a point behind the Reds in the table.

United scored after 31 seconds through Robin van Persie but it became a nervous night against West Ham on Wednesday with the victory not assured until the final whistle.

Manchester City's 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic keeps them in contention with the derby taking place at the Etihad Stadium on 9 December after United's trip to Reading at the weekend.

"We've got the three points and are still ahead in the league," the boss told MUTV. "Chelsea drawing tonight means it draws us away from them a little bit further. City are still on our tails so it's going to be a long season."

Sir Alex was pleased to keep a clean sheet and praised defenders Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Rafael for their stellar performances.

"It was a hard night and we played a lot of good football but we never quite finished them off," said the manager. "West Ham fought really hard and made it difficult for us.

"It was a great start and hopefully you go on from such a great start but we never quite finished it off.

"They had skirmishes around the box and played high balls in there but you've got to defend them really well. They had a few blocked shots and that kind of thing but, in the main, we did defend very well. Evans, Smalling and Rafael, in particular, had fantastic nights.

"Rafael is maturing. He's 22 years of age but came here as a young kid and was in the first-team at 18. He made rash mistakes because he's such an enthusiastic boy but he's maturing and is learning from that."

Sir Alex refused to accept that a lack of a width was an issue with no out-and-out wingers in the starting line-up, although Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck played on the flanks when coming on as substitutes.

"We've operated with a diamond quite a few times this season so I don't think that's any excuse," he stated.

Nice praise by SAF:).

[bbfan1991]

Rafael earns rave reviews

Sir Alex, Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans all praised right-back Rafael following United's 1-0 win against West Ham on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian, who's on our shortlist for the Man of the Match award, produced a defensive masterclass against the Hammers, winning almost every tackle and ball he contested.

The Reds boss repeated his recent claim that Rafael is "maturing and learning from [past mistakes]", while Carrick believes he'll get even better.

"He has progressed every year he has been here," Carrick told MUTV. "He came across at a very young age and it was a big change from Brazil and what he was used to.

"Every season he has got better and better. He has played nearly every game this season and has been terrific. There is still more to come from him, he is still learning the game and is still improving, so it is great for him and he is having a good time."

Jonny Evans was similarly effusive in his praise and insists Rafael sets an example for others when he's on the pitch. "He's been outstanding all season," he said. "There’s not really been anybody challenging for his right-back position but he’s done fantastic.

"With his energy, he really sets the tone for the rest of the players. He’s a credit to himself. People might have thought it would be tough for him with his brother going away but he’s got his head down, he’s working hard and he’s going to be one of the best right-backs in the world, no doubt about that."

[bbfan1991]

Evans checks the balance

Jonny Evans admitted Manchester United lost some attacking prowess in the process of winning to nil on a "nervy" night against West Ham United.

He was part of a defensive unit rightly praised by Sir Alex Ferguson after the Reds stopped the opposition from scoring for only the third time in this season's 14 league matches so far. But Evans accepted that a more cautious approach from the team as a whole also contributed to the shut-out, probably at the expense of a spectacle.

"We didn’t play well," he admitted on MUTV. "The game was a bit slow and laboured. It was fortunate that we got the goal early doors but we didn’t really kick on from that. It was a bit nervy towards the end in some instances - you know what you’re going to get with West Ham, they’re going to put the ball in the box at every opportunity.

"The lads did well, not conceding too many fouls which is important. We don’t want them putting free-kicks in the box to put you under pressure and push you back. The two big lads up front, Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole, are hard to deal with. They’re never really going to run away from you but you have to be prepared to stick your head in when it hurts. We're happy we managed to keep a clean sheet.

"The clean sheet is good for the confidence, even if we didn’t play in the normal United way," he added. "We probably were a bit more cautious going forward and holding our positions a bit more. I think it’s up to us to find the right balance and decide when it’s the right time to go forward and the right time to hold your position and defend. I think once we get that sorted, we’ll be okay."

Evans felt like many fans may have done when Robin van Persie got the Reds off to a flyer, but the floodgates failed to open.

"I was thinking at the time ‘this is great, we’ve got a goal early doors and we can score a lot here’ because everybody is looking at the goal difference especially after what happened last season," he continued.

"I think we all know we didn’t play to our usual standards. We'd had a tough game at the weekend or at least we made it tough for ourselves. It was quite a physical game, a lot of running was done and it was probably one of our highest running stats of the season. So there were some tired legs in the squad and I think it was all about seeing it out to get the three points."

[bbfan1991]

Clean sheet is key

Michael Carrick admits Manchester United’s 1-0 win over West Ham “was not a classic”, but insists the Reds can build on keeping a third clean sheet of the season on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old midfielder also praised centre-halves Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, who coped admirably with the towering threats posed by Hammers strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole.

“It was by far not a classic,” Carrick told MUTV. “Obviously we weren’t at our best and the flowing football that you want to play and the chances that you want to create didn’t quite happen. But we got a clean sheet which was quite pleasing and I thought we defended well.

“They had a couple of opportunities and when they put balls into the box like they did, those can fall to anybody. But overall I thought we defended well - we didn’t play as well as we could have but we won the game and managed to keep a clean sheet.

“A clean sheet is the biggest plus that we can take from tonight. They pumped a lot of balls into the box, asked questions and made us defend. Our two centre halves were terrific. West Ham had two big guys – as Carroll goes off, Carlton Cole comes on – and it can be tough.

“But we got the clean sheet. It is something to build on because the performance needs to be better. A second goal would’ve put us in a much better position going into the final few minutes but, in the end, we held on and we’re still in a good position at the top of the league. We are quite satisfied.”

Robin van Persie gave United the lead at the Theatre of Dreams on Wednesday night, clipping a heavily deflected shot over the stranded Jussi Jaaskelainen after just 31 seconds to clock the fastest goal in the Barclays Premier League this season.

As Carrick admits, it was almost a novelty to see the Reds score first, having conceded the first goal on 13 separate occasions this campaign, and the midfielder is now challenging his teammates to make a habit of taking an early lead in future matches.

“It has been a while,” Michael explained. “We had a spell, about a year or two ago, when we were starting games really well and killing teams off really early. We want to get back to that because Old Trafford is a difficult place to play when you go a goal down.

“We want to make it that way, certainly in the games that are to come because going a goal down has made things a lot harder for us than they should have been. Keeping a clean sheet gives us something to build on in the future.”

[bbfan1991]

Vidic could face Cluj

Sir Alex has revealed Nemanja Vidic could make a surprise return in Wednesday's Champions League tie against CFR Cluj.

The United captain has been sidelined after a knee operation and was tipped to make his comeback around the festive period. However, the manager feels the Serbian may be ready for midweek after starting training again with the main group.

"For the last year and a half, I think he's only played around 10 or 12 games [note: it's 13 since October 2011]," the boss stated. "The best way forward for us is to listen to Vida himself. He has the experience to know what's best for him and know when the time is right to come back into the team.

"He started training in the week and he did okay. He hasn't been involved in the real competitive part but at least he's back training with the first team. It would be nice to play him on Wednesday [v Cluj]. I wouldn't be adverse to playing him on Wednesday. I think he’s done all his work but he needs matches.

"Good defenders win you the league. I gave Rio a rest on Wednesday with tomorrow's game in mind. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones being back gives the right problem that I need."


Good news about Vida:). I hope he is not rushed back though!

[bbfan1991]

Wingers miss trip to Reading

Wingers Antonio Valencia and Nani will miss Saturday's trip to Reading.

Although Valencia is expected to return for the derby with Manchester City, Nani will be sidelined for at least another month.

Nick Powell and Ryan Giggs should be fit enough to be considered for the weekend and Nemanja Vidic has started training as he bids to make his comeback soon, possibly as early as Wednesday against Cluj. Rio Ferdinand will return to the starting line-up after being rested for the win against former club West Ham.

"Nani and Valencia are still out," confirmed Sir Alex. "Nani will be out for four or five weeks. It's a hamstring injury and you have to take your time with it.

"Antonio should be fit for next week. He's got a hip injury, which is painful, but getting better.

"Nick Powell has had a virus but should be okay for tomorrow and Giggs had a slight hamstring strain but should also be okay. Nemanja Vidic has started training, which is good news, and Paul Scholes is back from suspension. It's quite late for Scholesy to get a suspension - it's usually about October!"

"It’s amazing that we’ve had defensive injuries for such a long period and now we’ve got the defenders back we’ve got two wide players injured. That’s the game for you. Everyone else is fine."

Although Reading are favourites to go down, the boss expects a difficult game against Brian McDermott's Royals.

"I think away games are getting more difficult in the Barclays Premier League," he explained. "Our game at Norwich is a good example of that.

"Norwich fought like tigers. They were really organised and motivated and made it a difficult day for us and I think we can expect the same at Reading. When Brian became manager there it took him a little bit of time to get his ideas across but look at the second half of last season – they came from nowhere to win the league.

"They’re definitely a club that are improving and although they’ve not had a lot of wins, they’re always hard games against them. I expect what we got at Norwich – a really difficult game."

[bbfan1991]

Reds await FA Cup fate

Manchester United's first opponents in the 2012/13 FA Cup will be announced this Sunday 2 December.

The draw for the third round will be made at 14:40 GMT by former Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King and former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba.

The number 25 ball will represent the Reds in the proceedings and ManUtd.com will publish the outcome as soon as it's confirmed. The third-round ties will be played over the weekend of 5 and 6 January 2013.

United, who last won the trophy in 2004, won away at Manchester City in last year's third round, but bowed out in round four after a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

[bbfan1991]

Jones feeling good

Phil Jones says he is feeling “fit and strong” since making his comeback from a long injury lay-off earlier this month.

The defender had not featured this season until the Champions League away trip to Galatasaray on 20 November following knee surgery earlier in the campaign. And after coming through the 90 minutes unscathed and a cameo appearance in the latter stages of the Reds’ win over West Ham in midweek, Jones says he is looking to kick on with his match fitness and performances in the coming weeks.

“I feel good and fit and strong,” Jones told us. “Obviously I haven’t played a lot of minutes yet, I’ve had one full game, but I felt good. I’d done a lot of work in the gym and worked on my strength and conditioning so I went into that game relatively confident in myself. I got through the 90 minutes and felt comfortable.

“Now, I’ve just got to knuckle down, train well and when I get the chance perform well. Hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt and get up to speed with my match fitness. It may take a few games to get back to that level but I’m champing at the bit and I hope I can pick up some more minutes as the season progresses.”

Jones is full of praise for his team-mates this term after coming back into a side that has qualified for the Champions League knock-out stages with ease and currently leads the way at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

“We’re playing well,” he declared. “We’re passing the ball well, creating chances and scoring goals and hopefully the clean sheet against West Ham will spur us on to have more of them. It’s nice for all of us to be sat in this position [top of the league and qualified for the Champions League knock-out stages] We’re in a great position in the league and we’re hoping to kick on and really push up.”

:)

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Rooney goals will come

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no problem with Wayne Rooney's goal dearth.

The striker has only scored from open play in one game this term, when bagging a brace in the 4-2 win against Stoke City in October. Rooney also converted a penalty in Braga but missed from the spot during the 2-1 win over Arsenal.

The boss believes it is only a matter of time before the England international is firing on all cylinders again in front of goal after he went close against West Ham when forcing Jussi Jaaskelainen to make a smart save.

"Wayne is going through a period like all strikers do," said Sir Alex. "He is not scoring. It will change once he starts to score reasonably regularly. Then it will become better for him. Also, he has missed bits of games. He has been off with tonsillitis. Wayne is the type of player who can't miss games. He needs to play all the time. I am happy with that part of his game [assisting goals], that is fine. If he can contribute to the team's success, then fine. But we would obviously like him to score more."

Any partnership with Robin van Persie is still a work in progress but the manager thinks the team are starting to learn how to bring the best out of the summer acquisition from Arsenal.

"With Robin coming, without doubt he is an up-front player," explained Sir Alex. "There is no question about that. He has experience and now our players are starting to realise how good he is. Hopefully that understanding gets better. There were some games where the way we kept possession was middle to wide, to middle to wide, without using the frontal area. We are getting more aware of the runs he's making and his movement up front."


I hope so!

[bbfan1991]

Lindegaard merits his place

Sir Alex Ferguson says Anders Lindegaard is currently earning the right to keep his place in goal after some solid displays between the posts for Manchester United.

The Reds' two senior goalkeeper had been rotated for the first couple of months of the season, before David De Gea enjoyed a solid run in the side from the start of October to mid-November. But after the Spaniard was afforded some time off to deal with a wisdom tooth problem, Lindegaard has grabbed his opportunity to be first choice with both hands. And Sir Alex appears to have no plans to change anything for the time being.

“I don't think Anders has done anything wrong since he came into the team. That’s what is keeping him in,” the manager told reporters on Friday. “They are both good goalkeepers. I have no issue with that. I am going with Anders at the moment because he has not let me down.

“It’s good that you’ve got two competing for a position - that applies to anywhere in the team.

“I am not happy to rotate all the time - I don't think that creates consistency. That’s why I kept Anders in on Wednesday [against West Ham]. I could easily have changed it again but as I said before he has done nothing wrong.

“David is fine. He is still young. He had that tooth infection and had to have two teeth out which meant his jaw was quite badly swollen. We gave him that time off. But Anders has come in and done well.

“It is one of those situations where there is no actual reason to leave Anders out in terms of form. Hopefully David understands that - there is no long term issue there.”

[Brother Leon]

Nemanja :amazed:

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex's away match warning

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping his players can learn from November’s trip to Norwich City as Manchester United look to open December with a win at Reading.

The Reds lost the first away match of the season in the Barclays Premier League and the most recent one, the 1-0 reverse at Carrow Road, and even though each road trip in between yielded three points, only the victory at Newcastle was anything like comprehensive. United had to come from behind at Southampton, Liverpool and Aston Villa and were, as expected, pushed all the way by Chelsea at the end of October.

“I think away games are getting more difficult in the Premier League,” said Sir Alex on Friday morning. “Our game at Norwich is a good example of that. Norwich fought like tigers. They were really organised and motivated and made it a difficult day for us and I think we can expect the same at Reading.”

This Saturday’s hosts are in the relegation zone, only four points above last Saturday’s rock-bottom opponents QPR. But Sir Alex has seen enough in the Berkshire club to make him caution his men against complacency.

“When Brian McDermott became manager at Reading, it took him a little bit of time to get his ideas across but look at the second half of last season in the Championship – they came from nowhere to win the league. They’re definitely a club that are improving and although they’ve not had a lot of wins, they’re always hard games against them. I expect what we got at Norwich – a really difficult game.”

Whatever happens at Reading and elsewhere this weekend, the boss isn’t yet buying into the notion that only United or local rivals Manchester City can win the title in 2013.

“I don’t think you could be certain of saying it’s going to be a two-horse race at this stage," mused Sir Alex. "Over the years we’ve said that the top five or six are all capable of winning the league but eventually it ends up a two-horse race. Year after year it’s been like that – there was again space between the top two teams [United and City] and the others last year. The important thing to do is just look at yourselves – we want to be up there all the time and we need to stay up there. It’s not an easy league to do that in.”

[bbfan1991]

Reading v United preview

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/preview-of-reading-v-manchester-united.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United XI v Reading: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Young, Rooney, van Persie. #MUFC

Man Utd Subs: subs: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Cleverley, Giggs, Hernandez, Welbeck - #MUFC

[bbfan1991]

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Dec/reading-v-manchester-united-premier-league-report.aspx

So United win 4-3, well that was a crazy game. We were shocking at the back.

[Brother Leon]

Insane how much difference Vidic makes from Set Pieces.


Thank god for RVP & Rooney bailing us out all the time.

[bbfan1991]

We need a CM so bad and our defending needs to improve big style.

It looks like Anderson will be missing the City game. MUTV confirmed he has an hamstring injury, what a blow:(.

[bbfan1991]

That said a win is a win, three points in the bag but SAF and the players need to sort it out for the City game.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex vexed in victory

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United’s defence must improve after the Reds recorded a dramatic 4-3 win over newly-promoted Reading on Saturday.

The boss cut a frustrated figure at the Madejski Stadium, where his side twice came from behind to seal yet another thrilling comeback and retain top spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Victory was bittersweet, however, having conceded three soft goals to Brian McDermott’s struggling side and as a result, Sir Alex was brutally honest in match assessment after the final whistle.

“I thought it was going to be a record score in the Premier League at half-time,” the boss told ESPN and MUTV. “It was unbelievable. It was really bad defending and the worst we’ve been this season. We need to sort that out. Every time the ball came near our box you were just praying!

"We never competed for a cross, but in fairness to Reading they have great deliverers of the ball - [Nicky] Shorey whips in fantastic crosses. But we should have been doing better. We could have been battered today, but thankfully we are always scoring goals and that is rescuing us every time. Wayne [Rooney] was fantastic in the first half, as was Robin [van Persie] and Ashley Young. Ashley is right back to form and he gave them a really hard time.

"We brought Chris Smalling on which made a big difference in terms of height and defending their set pieces, though they didn’t get as many in the second half.

"We should have finished the game off with some of the opportunities that we had and it should have been 5-3 at half-time when the ball was over the line from Robin's shot. In the first half, I said to myself that it would be a miracle if we win this one. I’m just glad that we did.

“It is not a question of our character at all, not with these boys. It's down to us and if you make mistakes like that when you are defending, you are going to have to perform rescue jobs every week and today was yet another rescue job. There were still a lot of plus points in the sense of the boys never gave in and they showed a great determination to get over the line. And that's what it was about today - getting over the line.”

However frustrating the performance might have been, victory at the Madejski Stadium was hugely important after title rivals Chelsea lost to West Ham and Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Everton, meaning the Reds now hold a three point advantage at the top.

“I think it was important to win, knowing the results from earlier,” Sir Alex admitted afterwards. “But you have still got to win your game and today was a real cliff-hanger for us, but fortunately we got the three points.”


Yes SAF is right, the defending must improve big style:).

[bbfan1991]

Rooney enjoys crazy win

Wayne Rooney was left relieved after United's "crazy" victory over Reading gave the Reds a three point lead at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.

United led 4-3 at the interval in a pulsating encounter at Madejski Stadium, but improved defensively in the second half in order to build a points cushion ahead of next weekend's Manchester derby.

"It was crazy, to be honest," Rooney told ESPN, "but we dug in there. In the first half, with the goals it wasn't good enough defending at set-pieces and it could have cost us.

"In the second half we wanted to be more solid. It gave them a bit of easy possession but we wanted to make sure we were solid and we thankfully got the three points.

"When you look back it is (enjoyable), but when you're playing you don't know what's going to happen. It's end to end, a bit like a basketball match, but I'm sure the fans and the neutrals will be delighted to watch it."

United have now fallen behind in 10 of 15 league games this season, emerging triumphant from eight, and Rooney admits there is no question of his side's resolve, even if it does make for nerve-shredding spectacles.

"I'm sure for the coaches and fans watching it's agonising, but we always believe in ourselves," he said. "Even though we went behind twice today we believed we could win the game and we showed that we've got great character in the team."

[bbfan1991]

Anderson 'out for a few weeks'

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Anderson hobbled out of United's dramatic win at Reading with a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian midfielder, who has featured in United's last eight games including the victory at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, was forced off just before half-time having netted United's first goal of the game with an excellent drive into top corner.

Sir Alex told MUTV after the match that Anderson had pulled his hamstring and now faces a spell on the sidelines.

"It's a hamstring unfortunately. He'll be out for a few weeks," Sir Alex confirmed.

"He's been playing really well and scored a great goal today. I'm very disappointed for him."


What a disappointing blow for Ando:(.

[bbfan1991]

Firepower fuels United's belief

United's arsenal of assorted attacking talent provides the belief which fuels this season's spate of comeback victories, according to Michael Carrick.

The Reds trailed twice at Reading before winning 4-3, and midfielder Carrick says the perennial goal threat of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and company means a cause is rarely lost. "That gives us the belief," he told MUTV. "Even if we do go a goal down we always feel we've got the firepower from different people; that's the strength in depth of the attacking options and that's what keeps driving us on and we never give up. Personally I always felt confident, even when we were going goals behind, that we could still get back in the game and win the game, and that obviously proved the case."

Despite delight at having registered a 12th league win of the season (of which eight have required comebacks), Carrick explained the mixed mood in the Reds' dressing room.

"That's the standards we set: we're not happy until we know we're playing to our potential," he said. "The pleasing thing is there's a lot more to come from us. There's a lot more room for improvement in certain aspects of our play but at the same time we're sitting on top of the league and we've won again. We can't get too down about things, there are a lot of positives.

"We've been saying this for too long now; it's not ideal. Coming to places like this is hard enough, but giving them a goal start and having to come back in the game... we can take the positives from that, but we've been saying that for a while. But three points are three points; we can't underestimate coming here and winning, especially with the other teams (Manchester City and Chelsea) dropping off, so overall it's been a good day."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex reveals defensive plans

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his defensive plans for Wednesday's Champions League tie against CFR Cluj at Old Trafford.

The boss hopes to have Nemanja Vidic available to make his comeback, although the skipper is unlikely to be considered for the top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester City.

The Reds will field a much-changed line-up, as in the previous fixture against Galatasaray, with qualification as group winners already assured.

"I’m hopeful maybe Vidic will play," stated the manager. "I think there’s a good chance he will but it depends on how he feels himself.

"It allows me to give Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Vidic [a game] in a strong back-four and Alexander Büttner would be left-back. There’s a good foundation to start in the game in terms of respecting the challenge between Galatasaray and Cluj [for second place]. I think we’re doing the right thing."

Vidic's return would provide a real boost ahead of the midweek encounter against the Romanian outfit.

"I knew Vida was doing really well with the physios," explained Sir Alex. "He was doing his football training with them in terms of turning and striking the ball but he came into training last Monday with the first team and did okay.

"He’s a battler, an absolute competitor. He’s got that dour, uncompromising way of his. He likes defending – that’s what he does."

There has been plenty of debate as to whether Manchester City could benefit in the title race if Roberto Mancini's team fail to qualify for the Europa League.

"City need to beat Borussia Dortmund," affirmed the boss. "I don't think losing for a big club is very healthy. On one hand you can be fresh for the second half of the season and play a fresh team every week but how do you keep them all happy if they’re out of the League Cup and they go out of the European Cup? I don’t know enough about the City players as I’ve never worked with any of them apart from Carlos Tevez. Sometimes players want to play every week. And you want to keep the momentum going and the interest going.

"I don’t know if City would have an advantage. I’m not sure it would suit them. You can spend more time on the training ground, no question, but then you have to deal with the fact you’re not in European football and every manager wants to do well in Europe. I do anyway."

[bbfan1991]

Marvellous Mourinho could replace me! Fergie backs Special One for special job at United

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2242006/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-admits-Jose-Mourinho-replace-Manchester-United.html#ixzz2DwTpZ1vO

[bbfan1991]

FA Cup: Reds face Hammers

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Dec/manchester-united-learn-fa-cup-third-round-opponents.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Boss eyes December haul

The title race may not be won or lost in December but Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players to deliver a message of intent this month and set up a New Year trophy assault.

December often fills managers with dread as winter bites and fixture and injury lists lengthen. It’s usually a month to be endured as much as enjoyed, although the Reds kicked things off this year with a 4-3 win at Reading containing more than enough thrills and spills.

The drama will no doubt continue with a visit to Manchester City on Sunday – after the final Champions League Group H game against CFR Cluj, of course. After that, the Reds welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford, then travel to Swansea before seeing out 2012 with home games against Newcastle and West Brom.

“It’s generally a good month for us,” Sir Alex says in the new issue of Inside United, out 5 December. “We usually get ourselves to the New Year in a challenging position, and that’s where you want to be. When you have the second half of the season in front of you, you know full well that pressure can affect everyone, there’s no question about that. We tend to do not too badly “The start of the month, with City away, is a hard one, but then we’ve got Sunderland, Reading, Swansea, West Brom – we’ve got a reasonable programme, so we should be expected to gather some points there.”

Preparation is key, as is managing the fitness and freshness of his players by making use of the squad. “I tend to sit down and plan that with Mick [Phelan] and Rene [Meulensteen],” added the boss. “But the aspects that they look at are different to what I look at. Their concentration tends to be on the game immediately ahead while I’ll have my eye a few more games ahead.”

Subsequently Sir Alex feels that it is a major plus heading into the busy festive period with defensive injury issues receding. “We’ve managed Rio Ferdinand very well. Rio is doing a lot of work throughout the week to get himself ready for games. If we can keep Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit along with Rio and Jonny Evans – we’ll see how Nemanja Vidic gets on – we’ll have a far better chance.”

[bbfan1991]

Cantona: United are still strong

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell/~/media/A3E45F0D1F26461EA2D91623207A2043.ashx?h=359&la=ar-SA&w=240&rgn=128,0,640,767

Eric Cantona says the current United squad is as strong as previous ones and, in Sir Alex Ferguson, the Reds' legend insists the players have the perfect man to help them fulfil their potential.

Cantona was back at Old Trafford last month for the unveiling of his former manager's statue outside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The ex-striker enjoyed catching up with the man he simply calls 'a genius' and can only see positive things ahead for the current squad.

"Last season United lost the league in the last minute. Sometimes that happens, but they are still a top team and a top team in Europe," Cantona exclusively told the January issue of Inside United, on sale on 5 December.

"They are as strong as years before and it’s great to see Ferguson create a new generation of players. He has spent over 25 years at the club and there have been so many generations. It’s not only generations of players, but generations of people.

"I have said before that the manager is a great psychologist - he is a great example because being a manager is about being a great psychologist.

"I think it’s just as important to be a good psychologist as it is a tactician. Maybe more. And Ferguson is that."


King Eric:worship:.

[bbfan1991]

Loans: King sparkles

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Dec/Loans-Joshua-King-sparkles-for-Blackburn.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Rooney earns fans' vote

Wayne Rooney topped ManUtd.com's Man of the Match poll for his two-goal show in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Reading.

The United no.10 clinched fans’ approval with a convincing 81% of the vote, ahead of Ashley Young (8%), Robin van Persie (7%), and Patrice Evra (4%).

Sir Alex praised his three-pronged attack for "a rescue job" having twice gone behind to The Royals. “Wayne was fantastic in the first half, as were Robin and Ashley,” said the boss.

Rooney scored twice to double his Barclays Premier League tally this season, sending Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici the wrong way with a penalty on 16 minutes to put United 2-1 up. Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison put Reading in front, but Rooney rounded off a slick attacking move to level the scores on the half hour mark and then his subtle flick set up van Persie’s match-clincher.

It was an influential all-round performance from Rooney, who, after playing an important role in United’s attacking endeavours in the first half, put in a shift to help tighten up the Reds’ rearguard after the break.

"I'm sure for the coaches and fans watching it was agonising," Wayne said afterwards. "But we always believe in ourselves. Even though we went behind twice we believed we could win the game and showed that we've got great character in the team."


Deserved too:). Well done Wayne!

[bbfan1991]

Draw frustrates Macheda

Federico Macheda admits United's Under-21s were frustrated to leave Southampton with only a point, despite Sam Johnstone's late penalty save denying the hosts a winner at St Mary's.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Dec/federico-macheda-on-u21-chances.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Jones hails European form

Injury has forced Phil Jones to watch the majority of United's Champions League campaign from the sidelines this season, but the defender says he has been hugely impressed by what he's seen.

After exiting the competition at this stage last season, the Reds eased into the last 16 as Group H winners with two games to spare.

Jones says last season's disappointment has fuelled United's desire to succeed this time round and he hopes the players can carry their solid group form through to the latter stages.

"It’s not a nice feeling to get knocked out of the Champions League especially when you’re used to being in semi-finals and finals and winning it," Jones told us.

"For a club of Manchester United’s stature it’s not an easy thing to deal with – it was a bitter pill to swallow.

"We’ve bounced back this season incredibly well and the lads have played some terrific stuff in the Champions League games that I’ve seen and gone to this season. That is credit to ourselves and hopefully we can kick on and go a long way in the competition."

Who the Reds will face in the last 16 will not be decided until 20 December, but the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan could all be in the mix depending on the outcome of this week's final round of group games.

"There are no bad teams in the Champions League," insists Jones, who hopes to be involved in United's final group match against CFR Cluj at Old Trafford. "It doesn’t matter who you get it’s always going to be a very difficult game, home and away.

"We’re just looking forward to being in the knock-out stages and are relishing the challenge."

[bbfan1991]

February fixture changes

Two of Manchester United's three league fixtures in February have been given new kick-off times after being selected for live television coverage.

The Reds' Barclays Premier League home match against Everton, initially pencilled in for Saturday 9 February, is now scheduled for Sunday 10 February at 16:00 GMT. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports. However, if United are required to play a UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday 12 February, the Everton game will revert to Saturday afternoon but with a kick-off of 12:45 GMT for live TV. This will be finalised on Thursday 20 December when the draw for the Champions League last 16 is made.

The away trip to Fulham on Saturday 2 February is also affected. This will remain on the same day, but will now kick off at 17:30 GMT for live coverage on ESPN.

United's other league fixture in February, Queens Park Rangers away, will not be shown live on UK television and will therefore kick off at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 23 February.

Finally, ManUtd.com can confirm that all Barclays Premier League matches on the final day of the 2012/13 season, Sunday 19 May, will kick off at 16:00 GMT. United will be away to West Bromwich Albion.

[bbfan1991]

United v Cluj preview

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Dec/preview-of-manchester-united-v-cluj.aspx

Bring on tomorrow:).

[bbfan1991]

Good news on Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa being back in training and on thwir way to returning for United soon:).

[bbfan1991]

Boss rules Vidic out

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Nemanja Vidic out of making his comeback against CFR Cluj on Wednesday night but Wayne Rooney will start.

The club captain had been considered to return to action after his knee operation but will not be rushed back in the final match of Champions League Group H.

"I don't think Nemanja will play," revealed the boss. "He feels he needs another few days' training so he won't be available. He's not far away. He's training well now but I think another few days will bring him on better.

"I wasn't considering Nemanja for Sunday [against Manchester City] anyway. Playing tomorrow would have been a bonus but Sunday would have been too soon [for that sort of game]."

Sir Alex will be making changes to his line-up with the Reds already assured of top place in the group.

"We'll rest some players tomorrow, as we did against Galatasaray," he stated. "But we have to be fair to all the teams who are trying to reach important positions - whether that's the Champions League or the Europa League. In that respect, we'll play a team that we expect will win. But there will be changes."

However, Rooney will retain his place as the forward needs games under his belt to retain top form.

"When Wayne gets interrupted he needs three games to get back," added the boss. "That's why he'll definitely play tomorrow.

"Wayne needs to play a lot of games to get his match-fitness up. He's a strongly-built lad and when he misses two games, it takes him three games to come back. It's the way he's always been.

"He'll play tomorrow night and hopefully that brings him on further. On Saturday [at Reading], that was his best performance of the season so far.

"Shinji Kagawa's injury has been longer than we thought. He's much better now and I don't think he's far away now."

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Concerns ahead of City

Sir Alex Ferguson admits United have plenty of issues to deal with before making plans for Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

The final Champions League group game against CFR Cluj will allow several players to press their claims with Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Alexander Buttner appearing to be in line to play.

Shinji Kagawa will not make Wednesday's tie but could be a substitute at the Etihad Stadium but the manager confesses he has a headache with regards to the right-wing slot.

"Sunday's five days away but, at this moment in time it, feels like five months," he stressed. "We have so many issues to deal with first. Kagawa started running today. He may make the bench [against City]. Obviously Nani and Antonio Valencia are still out and that's why I played Rooney on wide right. I thought it was his best performance of the season.

"Against Cluj, I'm picking a team without any thought of Manchester City. It's a matter of who needs a game."

The Reds' defensive frailties against Reading are also causing some concern for Sir Alex.

"I think we're getting punished when the ball's going into our box at the moment," he mused. "But we should be defending far better. Albeit, Reading produced some fantastic balls into the box. We should be expecting better. It's a worry. If we perform like that on Sunday, then God knows what's going to happen to us.

"When you see the goals against - we've lost 32 already - I can't remember us losing so many goals before Christmas. It's a concern, there's no question about that. When you see City have Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko - all really tall players - it's going to be a big challenge. But that's on Sunday. Tomorrow we've got a different game."

[bbfan1991]

SAF is right that the defending is a concern, it has been awful this season so far and there have been to many concentration lapses and the issue of there being lots of changes in the backline because of injuries.

[bbfan1991]

United line up vs Cluj:

De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Wootton, Buttner, Giggs, Cleverley, Powell, Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez.

Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Young, Scholes, Fletcher, Vermijl, Macheda.

[bbfan1991]

Danny Welbeck says he is as much a beneficiary of Robin van Persie's form as Manchester United.

Van Persie has been a revelation since joining the Reds in the summer, netting 13 goals in 19 appearances so far. While his arrival has had an impact on Welbeck's opportunities in the first team, the Manchester-born striker believes being able to learn from one of the world's best can only have a positive effect on his game.

"It's a great motivation to see somebody with so much class come into the side and score goals," said Danny at Tuesday's press conference for the Cluj match. "But it's not just his goals that have been pleasing - it's the way he's played all round and the assists he's got.

"Robin's a world-class striker and that's of great benefit to me, as I can watch him week in and week out. He's someone I can look up to.

"He's a different type of striker to what we've previously had at the club. You can look at his qualities and the things you can take into your own game. I'll keep watching him so I can take a leaf out of his book in some areas."

[bbfan1991]

Match Report from the Cluj game. United were awful and deserved to lose the game.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2012/Dec/manchester-united-vs-cluj-match-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Alex's dreams come true

Alexander Büttner has gone from playing alongside Ryan Giggs and co. on computer games to training with the real thing, and the Dutchman still can't quite believe how his life has changed.

The 23-year-old left-back arrived from Vitesse Arnhem as a virtual unknown in the summer as cover for Patrice Evra and made an immediate impact on his debut against Wigan in September, with an impressive display and goal.

While Evra remains first choice on the left side of defence, Büttner insists he is just enjoying being able to learn from players he has admired from afar for so long.

"I feel so lucky to be here and it’s great to play with so many great players like Giggs and Scholes – before I came I used to play with them on FIFA [the computer game], now I get to train with them every day!" he told the Cluj edition of United Review.

"We have so many great players in the squad and the fighting spirit is fantastic. Everybody works so hard.

"Look at someone like Wazza – he plays no.10 but he is everywhere on the pitch. He’s a great player for the team. The thing that makes United so special is the fact we have so many top players, not just in the first eleven but the on the bench as well.

"I am learning from everyone every day and I hope I can become a better player here."

[bbfan1991]

Reds trio extend loan deals

Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane have extended their loan spell at Leicester City until 2 January with Robbie Brady doing likewise at Hull City.

Lingard returned to the United Under-21 fold and helped create Federico Macheda's goal in the 1-1 draw at Southampton on Monday before being sent off for handling the ball on the line.

The 19-year-old livewire made four appearances for the Foxes but Keane's prospects were curtailed by a hamstring injury he sustained when making his City debut against Bolton. The England Under-19 centre-back Keane will link up with Leicester soon when he reaches full fitness.

"It was a tremendous education for Michael," explained Under-21 coach Warren Joyce to MUTV. "He went into his first game at Leicester playing against Kevin Davies and realised some of the things we've been saying to him over a 12-month period. You can't buy that sort of experience to play against people like that."

Nigel Pearson will be able to call upon the United youngsters for a hectic festive schedule that includes six Championship games with the East Midlanders pushing for promotion to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Hull have confirmed that Brady has extended his second stint with the Tigers until the New Year after impressing manager Steve Bruce.

[bbfan1991]

Cleverley to be assessed

Sir Alex Ferguson says Tom Cleverley's calf injury will be assessed on Thursday morning after the midfielder limped out of the Champions League defeat to Cluj.

Cleverley was replaced by Paul Scholes just before the break after the injury flared up and Sir Alex revealed afterwards that the initial prognosis does not look good.

"We'll assess Tom in the morning," the boss told reporters at his post-match press conferece.

"He felt his calf a little but it's not good news. We'll see what he's like in the morning."

There was better news on Shinji Kagawa, however, who has not featured since 23 October at home to Braga because of a knee injury.

"Shinji is now back and is doing some running," confirmed Sir Alex. "I don't know if he'll make Sunday's game [against Manchester City]. It might be a bit early for him.

"At least he's back training and he'll hopefully join in the football part next Monday."

[bbfan1991]

Jones rues misfortune

Phil Jones feels Manchester United were unfortunate at both ends of the pitch as the Reds ended the Champions League group stage with a second successive defeat, this time at home to Cluj.

The fit-again defender was deployed at right-back and helped to raise the tempo in the second period, especially after the Group H winners fell behind to a stunning strike from Luis Alberto in the 56th minute. But Jones and United were left to rue an unusual lack of ruthlessness in front of an expectant Stretford End.

"We were probably missing a little bit of urgency in the first half," admitted Jones on MUTV, "but I think we had that in the second half. Cluj were difficult to break down but we created enough chances, enough to win two games, and we put enough balls into the box. We just couldn’t stick our chances away while it was unfortunate they scored a wonder goal. These things happen."

This was Jones' second start of the season, and he started in a different position to the one he occupied in the first - when he partnered Michael Carrick in central defence for the 0-1 defeat to Galatasaray. But as for which is his best berth... "That's up to the manager. I’ve always said I prefer centre-back but I’m happy to play wherever I’m asked.

And if Sir Alex Ferguson asks Jones to clock up another 90 minutes against Manchester City on Sunday, he'll be ready.

"We all are [up for it]," Jones said. "We know it’s a big game for both clubs and hopefully we can come out on top. We're aiming to extend our lead, let's hope we can do that.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex sees the positives

Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed to lose to CFR Cluj on Wednesday night, but insists there were still positives to take from the fixture.

With the Reds already through to the Champions League knockout stages, Wednesday's result was inconsequential for a United side sprinkled with youth and players only recently returned from injury.

"We achieved what we wanted to achieve, without getting the result," the manager said. "We gave players game time and brought young players back in. The more game time Chris Smalling and Phil Jones get can only help us.

"I thought Phil was outstanding tonight. Getting him and Chris back is a big plus-point.

"I think all our defenders did their job pretty well. Scott Wootton's only had a few games with the first-team, Jones and Smalling have been out a long time and Büttner's only played three games for us. Considering that, I was pleased with their composure."

Despite dominating the match and producing 23 attempts at goal, United lost to a Luis Alberto strike Sir Alex described as "a wonder-hit".

"It's a fantastic goal they scored to beat us," he said. "He bent it away from David [De Gea], who had no chance with it. It was just one of those nights. We didn't take our chances.

"It was cold and the ground became a bit dead so the ball didn't run as fast as normal. But we still could have won the match and I think the best football came from us."

[bbfan1991]

Büttner bemoans luck

Alexander Büttner believes Manchester United were “unlucky” to lose to CFR Cluj in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Dutch defender, starting as part of a youthful and rotated Reds team, also says his side could do nothing to prevent the game’s deciding goal - a long range wonder strike from Luis Alberto.

“We played well and made many chances, but we need to score more goals,” Büttner told MUTV. “They got lucky, they had one shot and it was a goal. We were unlucky with our chances. It was a good goal and we could do nothing about it.

“Their goalkeeper played well and took many balls, both in the first and second half. I think we were just unlucky. We did well and they had one chance and scored one goal. They were waiting to counter attack and they played it well.”

On a personal level, Büttner was delighted to start his second consecutive Champions League match after featuring against Galatasaray, though the former Vitesse Arnhem man admits his thoughts are focused more on Sunday’s Manchester derby.

“I think I played a good game. I gave a lot of crosses but we have to score more goals. What is more important is the next game, which is Man City away. We have to focus on this game.

“I am excited for every game that I play for Manchester United, but I don’t know much about the derby and I will see it next week. We have to do everything to win there and it is important to win this game if we want to be champions.”

[bbfan1991]

Wootton's mixed emotions

Scott Wootton was “delighted” to make another Manchester United first team appearance on Wednesday, but admits defeat to CFR Cluj made it a bittersweet night at Old Trafford.

The young defender made his fourth club appearance against the Romanians, producing a fine display alongside Chris Smalling after Sir Alex Ferguson blended youth and experience with qualification to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages already secured.

In the end, Luis Alberto’s solo goal sealed a shock victory for the visitors, who now enter the Europa League by finishing third in Group H. But as Wootton says, United were unlucky to lose and could have perhaps won the game by a margin.

“It felt great, it’s another first team start and I’m delighted about that,” Wootton told MUTV. “But obviously the main thing is the team and we are all disappointed that we lost the game, even though we’d already qualified.

“We created loads of chances and on another night, with a bit more luck, we could have been three up by half time and the game could have been out of sight. Thankfully, we were already through and there was no pressure.

“There is nothing you can do about goals like that. Fair play, it was a great strike from their player. It was probably the biggest game in their history so to come to Old Trafford and get a win in front of a near full house was massive for them, fair play to them, but we’re very disappointed.

“Our players are very professional and we want to win every game we go in to. I don’t think it was anything to do with a lack of effort or anything like that. Like I said, with a little bit of luck and if we were a bit more clinical in front of goal, we might have won by three goals.”

United’s attention now turns to Sunday’s Manchester derby match at the Etihad Stadium and although Wootton is unlikely to feature, given the expected return of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans, the 21-year-old is more than aware of the importance of such a fixture.

“It’s a massive game for the club. Rio and Jonny have been in great form all season. If we can go there and get a result then it will stand us in good stead. We take it one game at a time so I’m sure the preparations will step up in the next couple of days.”

[bbfan1991]

Rooney ready for derby

Wayne Rooney says United have the confidence and belief to get a result against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.

The Reds have a three-point advantage over their closest title challengers following another come-from-behind win at Reading last Saturday after City had earlier been held to a draw at home to Everton.

Rooney believes it is already starting to look like a straight fight for the title between the two Manchester clubs and says the Reds are feeling good ahead of Sunday's showdown.

"It’s a massive game [on Sunday] and it was nice to get the win at Reading - we can go into the game knowing we are three points above City," Wayne told MUTV last weekend straight after the win at the Madejski Stadium.

"It gives us that extra belief and confidence to go there and try and get the three points.

"It looks like it is starting to go that way [being a two-horse race], but this is a crazy league and anything can happen.

"We saw Chelsea at the top for the first eight or nine games and we were five or six points behind then, so you have to stay focused for all of the games and try to stay near the top of the league."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: Derby is huge

Sir Alex Ferguson says victory in Sunday's Manchester derby would represent one of United's best ever results during his 26-year reign.

The Reds go into the game at the Etihad three points ahead of their city neighbours at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

While the Blues remain unbeaten in the league so far this season, they have been held to draws in two of their last three games. Sir Alex says he and his players are well aware of the qualities Roberto Mancini's men possess and is urging his side to rectify recent defensive lapses in order to hopefully make it a memorable day for the red half of Manchester.

"It's going to be a massive game and if we defend like we did at Reading we'll be in trouble," the boss told MUTV after United's victory at Reading last weekend. "If we win [on Sunday] it will be one of our best ever results because they're a really good, powerful team with massive players. It won't be easy."

Commenting further on the derby in his exclusive United Review column for the Cluj match, he explained: "It's a big, big game for what, at least on paper, is a match between the two best teams in the country.

"As the table tells us, there is not much between us, though I recognise that City hold the crown as reigning champions. We need to come out unscathed and, with so much at stake, I wonder if there will be a little bit of caution from both clubs. Roberto Mancini and I will both have to think deeply about our selections and tactics and there may well be an element of playing safe.

"But don't count on it because it's a derby match when anything can happen and often does. The passion of the fans can easily spill over and affect the players so that tactics go out of the window as emotion takes over and each side, or both, slide into gung-ho mood. An early goal can dictate the shape of the same so, as I say, we could be in for a masterclass of attacking from both teams. In which case, hold onto your hats - and enjoy."

It already looks set to be a two-horse race for the league title with clear daylight between the two Manchester clubs and their nearest rivals; indeed, third and fourth-placed Chelsea and Tottenham currently lie 10 points behind leaders United. Nevertheless, Sir Alex says it's still too early to discount anyone in the race for the championship.

"At this time in the season you can't really say it's a two-horse race," he adds. "If you think back we were 12 points behind Chelsea at one point and when Arsenal beat us in the league in 1998 we were 11 points clear.

"The important thing for us is to take lessons from the mistakes we're making and do something about it. We need to find a solution."

[bbfan1991]

Giggs hoping to feature

Ryan Giggs hopes to be involved against Manchester City despite playing 86 minutes of Wednesday's Champions League tie with CFR Cluj.

The 39-year-old is keen to feature against United's neighbours in Sunday's top-of-the-table clash and is targeting a winning run beyond Christmas to put the club in pole position to wrest the title back from Roberto Mancini's side.

It's incredible to think that Giggs was scoring in the derby as long ago as 1991, even if the ball did go in off Colin Hendry, and the midfielder is awaiting confirmation of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the Etihad Stadium.

"I hope not," he replied, when asked by PA Sport if playing most of the midweek defeats means he will not be selected on Sunday. "I want to be involved in every game. I realise it is a squad game. The manager has plenty of options, which you want going into a game like this. We trust his judgement so we will have to wait and see.

"We want perfection. We want to be the best team and each individual wants to be the best player. You want to be involved when the games come around. There is always room for improvement but I agree with the manager, we must be doing something right because we are in a good position."

The veteran campaigner is more interested in the bigger picture in terms of the Barclays Premier League title, even if victory would take the Reds six points clear at the summer.

"Six points in front would be a great position but we are not fussed if we are winning at the turn of the year or a couple of points behind," he argued. "You would always take a lead but as long as we are there or thereabouts. We would like to go on a run after Christmas. Now the Champions League is out of the way, we can concentrate on the league.

"We have found over the last couple of years that City, with the money they have spent and the quality they have brought in, the derby has got bigger and bigger. With them winning the league it is a huge game and there will be a massive build-up.

"If we had won that match [the 1-0 when Vincent Kompany got the winner], we would have won the league. The two games against them were the difference. Hopefully we can get the right result and that will be the difference come the end of the season."

[bbfan1991]

Kanchelskis tips the Reds

Andrei Kanchelskis believes United will come out on top in a battle with another of his former sides in Sunday's Manchester derby.

The winger terrorised defences after Sir Alex raided Shakhtar Donetsk for his services in 1991 and was a key member of the first-ever Reds team to do the Double three years later. Currently assistant coach at Volga Nizhniy Novgorod, the 43-year-old still keeps tabs on the Barclays Premier League and is confident that United can avenge last term's defeats to Roberto Mancini's champions.

"I still watch United on TV and always try to do that when they play," Kanchelskis told ManUtd.com. "Every year, Manchester United have a strong team with strong coaches as well as the history and the atmosphere.

"I hope United win and I think they will because I remember last season when they lost 6-1 at Old Trafford and 1-0 away from home. Now it's a new year, a new championship and a new season and I think United are definitely stronger and are playing much better. So it's Manchester United to win - definitely to win."

Antonio Valencia has drawn comparisons with Kanchelskis for his blistering speed on the right flank although the Ecuador international could be doubtful for Sunday's clash.

"Valencia plays only one way and that's in his role on the right," explained Kanchelskis. "He does not go through the middle and is perhaps not the best dribbler but he's still anyway a main part of Manchester United. He's a really interesting player whose game is important for the team."

The Ukrainian has fond memories of scoring three times in a famous 5-0 thrashing of City in a derby encounter at Old Trafford back in 1994.

"If I have to pick a favourite game, that was it," he continued. "A derby and a hat-trick, my first hat-trick, and it's a great game that I remember."

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Just the two of us

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the title battle is a two-horse race ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby with champions City.

The Reds are three points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit while the Blues are seven points ahead of third-placed Chelsea. Despite confessing he thinks it is a tough division where shock results can happen every week, the manager admits it would be a major upset if the trophy does not remain in Manchester come May.

"I think the two sides have that gap over Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham," he said at Friday's pre-match press conference. "It will be difficult to think the two of us will collapse. I think it will be between the two of us."

However, the boss does not think a six-point gap at the top would count for too much with the busy festive period ahead, if his team were to end City's long unbeaten run at the Etihad Stadium.

"It won't mean a great deal because there's such a long way to go until the end of the season," he stated. "You can never be sure and you can lose to anyone. That's the kind of league we're in. It's a tough league.

"The derbies had a big impact [last season], particuarly that 6-1 defeat, on goal difference. That's what cost us."

Sir Alex is also quick to recognise that the derby has now become the most important fixture on United's calendar.

Liverpool and United games over the last 25 years have been unbelievable," he said. "They've always been important games. But it's shifted because, at this moment, Liverpool aren't challenging for the league like City are.

"City are our biggest threat, so that's changed. And we're their biggest threat. We have to accept their challenge like we did when Chelsea came along and when Arsenal overtook Liverpool in the early 90s. We have to do it again."

[bbfan1991]

Carrick ignores derby hype

Michael Carrick insists United's players must not be sucked into the whirlwind of hype whipped up by the looming Manchester derby.

The fixture has steadily become the most anticipated in the Barclays Premier League as City have grown in stature over recent seasons, and the scene is set for another high-stakes encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Champions City currently trail league leaders United by three points, but Carrick will not read too much into the ramifications of leadership at this early juncture of the season and says the Reds must ignore any distractions surrounding the game.

Speaking to MUTV last Saturday, the midfielder mused: "We want to be top of the league, but at this stage does it mean a lot? I'm not too sure how much it really means.

"It's a one-off game regardless of who's top of the league. It's nice because we want to be top and we go there in good shape, so we go there full of confidence and looking forward to the game.

"It's a big game, of course it is and we know that, but it's important not to get too carried away with it as players because we want to go there and put in a good performance, get a good result and keep our position in the league."

[bbfan1991]

Valencia out of derby clash

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Antonio Valencia out of the Manchester derby, revealing the United winger will be out of action "for a few weeks."

The boss also says Sunday's match at the Etihad Stadium has come too soon for Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa, who are now set to return against Sunderland, while Nani is still sidelined.

Tom Cleverley will today have a scan on the calf injury sustained against CFR Cluj on Wednesday and, as a result, is definitely unavailable to face Roberto Mancini's title rivals.

“On the injury front, Tom Cleverley will have a scan this morning and we'll see what he's like. It's his calf, which is always a worry, but we'll see,” Sir Alex told during his Friday press conference.

“I thought Kagawa may have done enough to make the bench on Wednesday but no, he’s well short. But I don't think he'll be available until the Sunderland game. Vidic has certainly been doing well in training and it suits his own confidence to play but I think the game on Sunday is a bit soon for him. I think he'll be ready for Sunderland.

“I know we've got a few injuries at the moment but we've got a big strong squad of players. Nani and Valencia are still out. It will be a few weeks with them.”

Gutted!

[bbfan1991]

Preview: City v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Dec/Preview-of-Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Van Persie: I can still improve

Robin van Persie has been banging in the goals at the top level for a decade – but he still feels there’s room for improvement in his game.

After eight prolific seasons at Arsenal, the Dutchman has quickly settled into life at United, scoring 13 goals in 19 games and looking at home in the red shirt.

But in a revealing interview with MUTV, the striker admitted he’s still not satisfied and warned there’s more to come from him this season.

His perfectionism even extended to taking his share of the blame for the goal that was wrongly disallowed at Reading last weekend after his shot crossed the line.

“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on,” the 29-year-old said.

“At Reading I could have taken a small touch and put it in instead of shooting. So I’m always thinking like that: how could I have done better?

“I try to improve however I can, on and off the field, by doing little things in the gym, extra work after training, practising headers, crossing and finishing.

“I’m not satisfied yet. If you look at the stats, they’re OK. But I want more goals, more assists, more wins; I want to go for everything possible this year.”

Players often talk about the familial spirit at United and van Persie is no different, crediting the club’s welcoming atmosphere and the staff for his positive start on the field.

“I have to thank my team-mates, the manager and coaches,” he said. “Rene Meulensteen and Mike Phelan are doing a fantastic job, then you have the manager with his speeches, which get us ready for the games. It’s just different class and I love it.

“Since day one everyone has been very helpful and happy to have me here. When you feel wanted by everyone, it gives you wings.

“I come to work with a big smile on my face and I believe that when you’re having a good time, things go your way, which is happening now.”

So much has been said about Sir Alex Ferguson in recent weeks in the build-up to his statue unveiling at Old Trafford. But it’s interesting to hear a new perspective on the boss from a player who is experiencing his managerial style relatively late in his career.

“The things he says have a big influence on the players, especially me, because they’re spot-on – he says the right things at the right moments,” van Persie revealed.

“He tells you how it is – it’s a bit Dutch as we like to be straight and honest too! If it’s good, he will say so; if it’s not good enough, he will tell you so you know you have to improve.

“One of the big strengths of this club is the attitude of the players and coaches. It’s just as important as what you have quality-wise.

“In the end it’s about winning and everyone here gives that message all the time. The game of football is about winning, no matter how – that’s why we’re playing.”


RVP:worship:. Those quotes were the ones where he also said about having no regrets snubbing Manchester City!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex enjoys City challenge

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he relishes Manchester City’s challenge to Manchester United’s dominance of English football.

The Blues may have won the league on goal difference last term, but the Reds pushed them all the way – right up to the season’s final climactic seconds. Indeed, United have been heavily involved in each title race since the Premier League began 20 seasons ago.

In that time, challengers have come and gone. The latest (and, perhaps, strongest) are United’s nearest rivals geographically, a club Sir Alex famously referred to as the Reds’ “noisy neighbours” in September 2009.

“They’re screaming now!” he joked at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s 164th Manchester derby.

“Challenges are what we’re made of. I’ve been lucky that, in my time here, I’ve been involved with great competitions against individual teams: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and now City. It’s fantastic. There are no dull moments.”

City’s challenge only began in earnest in 2008, when Sheikh Mansour bought the club. Some reports suggest he’s since injected more than £1billion into the club.

“Chelsea did [a similar thing, when Roman Abramovich took over] it and we recognised it immediately.

“What they did well was start seasons quickly. They had almost gone by the time we got to October. We couldn’t play catch up with them – we never got near them.

“So we changed our programme in pre-season and made sure we started the season correctly. In that third season we did that and we won the league.

“That’s the great thing about this club. We can accept challenges and we don’t run from them. We move on and we always try and improve where we think it’s necessary. In the main, I think we should take great credit for that.

“This season we’ve responded to [City’s challenge] by adding van Persie and Kagawa. Kagawa is on his way back [from injury] now, but van Persie has been unbelievable. He’s scored 13 goals already. His intelligence and maturity definitely bring an improvement to the attacking side of our game.”

Despite losing out to City at the final hurdle last season, Sir Alex insists that disappointment won’t fuel emotions in Sunday’s derby.

“I’ve never entered into the revenge stuff – it doesn’t work,” he said. “At this club you can’t enjoy losing to anyone. Let’s be straight about that point.

“The consequence of losing a game here is always huge. We’re either front page or back page and when we lose we’re front page. You get used to that part but you still don’t like losing, no matter who it’s to.”

[bbfan1991]

Rafael itching for Etihad action

Rafael is seeking instant reinstatement in Manchester United’s league line-up this weekend when the Reds head to the Etihad Stadium for a derby blockbuster.

The Brazilian right-back was among the players rested from the midweek defeat to Cluj in the Champions League but his absence from the last hour of the rollercoaster win at Reading last Saturday was a different matter.

Already on a yellow card, Rafael was the ‘victim’ of a rare first-half substitution as Sir Alex tried to seize control of a frenzied game and keep a full complement of players on the pitch. But although that tactical ploy paid off for the boss, many pundits would fancy Rafael – one of United’s best performers this term - to reclaim his place from Chris Smalling on Sunday.

“Every player wants to be involved, derbies are always great games to be a part of,” acknowledged Rafael in Inside United. “It will be huge, as it is every time we play them now. It’s funny, though – I remember when I first joined United, the game against City was just a normal match. It wasn’t any bigger or smaller than most other fixtures, but now it’s probably the biggest one on the calendar. We’re hoping to get a good result there.”

While some might think City’s exit from Europe this week will give them an advantage in the 2013 title race, Rafael insists the Reds are also greatly focused on the league. “At United we start the season wanting to win every competition we play in," he said. "But the league is special. Winning it is an incredible feeling and we want to feel that again. It’s important to us this season and we’ll battle as hard as we can to make sure we lift the trophy.”


Rafa:).

[Brother Leon]

RVP has a great attitude. Always wants to improve and genuinely loves it here.

[bbfan1991]

Yeah we need him and Rooney in form tomorrow, our defence to hopefully defend better and our midfield to win the ball back better instead of being slow and pedestrian and most of all not to keep going behind, as this is happening too much no.

The nerves are kicking in for tomorrow:devil:.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United team to play Manchester City: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young, Rooney, Van Persie...

Subs: Johnstone, Jones, Giggs, Scholes, Smalling, Hernandez, Welbeck.

I like that line up:).

[bbfan1991]

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss:D:devil:. What a win against that lot!

SAF got the team spot on today and thank you to Rooney for his goals and then RVP for the last minute winner.

I hope that Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia's injuries are not too bad.

[AnnieK]

Sweet sweet justice.....