ThisisBigBrother.com - UK TV Forums - Manchester United Fan Club

For United it was a case of getting the job done against Reading rather than providing Saturday night entertainment at Old Trafford, but there were still some promising individual displays for the Reds.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=17,0,1005,738

Rio Ferdinand has been in the news recently as his excellent club displays have earned him an England recall and his serene and classy display at the heart of United's defence provided convincing evidence as to why Roy Hodgson reneged on his decision not to include him at international level. He had a significant hand in United's goal following a surging run out of defence.

Fellow defender Alexander Büttner also turned in a noteworthy performance at left-back in place of Patrice Evra. It was only the Dutchman's fourth start of the season but he showed that he is a reliable deputy to the usually ever-present Patrice with a steady defensive display.

Ryan Giggs continued his run of form with another good showing in the middle of the park. His vision at times was excellent and his energy levels and willingness to work for the team continue to astound.

The final name on our shortlist is the match-winner, Wayne Rooney. It was a scuffed shot from the United no.10 that gave the Reds the lead and in the end claimed all three points, but he put in a shift and on at least two other occasions looked to be United's most likely scorer.

Visit www.ManUtd.com/polls to cast your vote.

bbfan1991

17-03-2013 11:54 AM

Rooney: Let's get the job done

Quote:

Wayne Rooney says Manchester United must be professional in order to clinch the Barclays Premier League title.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,24,768,310

The striker sank Reading with his first-half winner and accepts that the Reds are in a great position to regain the domestic crown following Manchester City's defeat at Everton.

"You have to be professional," he told ESPN. "We know we're in a fantastic position - nine games to go and 15 points clear - but as professional players, we have to do our job week in, week out and try to win football matches.

"Whether we're top of the table, second or if the league's won, we have to keep going and try to win our games.

"We knew three points was the most important thing today, especially after City dropped points, but it was a tough game.

"It's always nice to score, deflection or not, it's a goal and, thankfully, it's won us the game. It was great, obviously, that City lost but we had to back that up with three points."

Well said Wayne Rooney:).

bbfan1991

17-03-2013 11:57 AM

Reds won't be complacent

Quote:

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted United will not be complacent in the title chase, despite going 15 points clear of Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=346,0,697,526

The Reds are on course to avenge last term's final-day heartbreak following a 1-0 win against Reading but there are still nine matches to go. Sir Alex felt it wasn't a top performance on Saturday but stresses that his squad rotation will pay off after the international break.

"You don't get points and medals for being complacent and we won't be," he told MUTV. "I think the players are conscious of the importance of the games now and that concentration, which has improved, has helped us do that [in terms of keeping clean sheets].

"I think, before the game, we always thought that winning was the important thing today. It wasn't a great performance but where we are now is not down to today, but the last six months. The team has shown great consistency and played a lot of great football. Our goal difference is big over City now - 13 goals. It's a great position to be in, but the only thing we can do is win our next game."

Rio Ferdinand is to link up with England after playing his part in creating Wayne Rooney's winner and the boss will face an anxious wait before all the international players hopefully return fit and well.

"The problem I've got is a lot of players are away on international duty and play two games," added Sir Alex. "They come back and then we've got a lunchtime game against Sunderland on Saturday [30 March] and then it's lunchtime again against Chelsea on the Monday. We have a squad to use it and that's what we did today."

That is the best way to be, focus on the next game and no complacency.

bbfan1991

17-03-2013 12:00 PM

Vidic: Title is in our hands

Quote:

Club captain Nemanja Vidic believes the Barclays Premier League title is Manchester United’s to lose after the Reds moved 15 points clear at the top thanks to a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,43,768,616

It wasn’t a classic, but victory was all that mattered after Manchester City lost at Everton earlier in the day and Wayne Rooney’s first half strike was ultimately enough to seal a narrow triumph at Old Trafford ahead of the imminent international break.

Saturday's results tighten United’s grip on the title race with just nine games left to play, but Vidic is wary of complacency and warns his team-mates must not let such a fortunate position slip.

“We will take the three points but we didn’t get them easily,” Vida told MUTV. “You want to win your games and play for your country during the international break without any bad feelings and we have done that. Now, we just have to think about the next games that are coming.

“If you look at the 15-point lead, you have to say that it is a big gap and we shouldn’t let anything change. We have the title in our hands but we have games still to play and some especially tough away games that are traditionally hard for us. Nothing is finished yet, but we’re in a good position.

“Sometimes you can feel the fans in the stands getting nervous because they think about last season. I don’t think we should allow that to happen again. We are in a good position now. We should relax and enjoy playing football. It is a good time for us.”

Saturday’s slender win over the Royals also yielded a fifth successive clean sheet in the Premier League following previous shut-outs against Norwich, QPR, Everton and Fulham. And Vidic feels this defensive solidarity is down to all 11 players on the pitch – not just the back four.

“It’s important. Today we didn’t play good football but we got the three points because we defended as a team and a group,” explained Nemanja.

“I think the team worked well. Maybe it wasn’t a good performance attacking-wise, but I have to give the attackers credit as well because they fought for the team and helped us keep a clean sheet which is why we got the three points.”

Well said Vida:).

Legend killer

17-03-2013 01:10 PM

I hate to say it guys but I think RVP has taken the Arsenal bottle gene over with him to us. Has been non existent since we got to the business end of the season which comes down playing for nothing with Arsenal at this time of the season.

Brother Leon

17-03-2013 01:47 PM

He's tired as **** and he's getting next to no service unless Nani or Kag play. Ain't even mad he pretty much carried us into a league lead in the first place.

Legend killer

17-03-2013 01:55 PM

I agree on the service part (comes with having no creative centre mids which you personally have tried to justify the last 2 years so no point in complaining now) but let's be honest he missed a couple of sitters in the Madrid tie which has gone unmentioned

As for Tired LOOOOL. He has had quite a few games off the last couple of months and is as fit as he has ever been so nobody got time for that excuse

I would personally bench him for a couple of games for Chico give him a much needed kick up the ass

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:11 PM

Smalling: Defence is key

Quote:

Manchester United secured a fifth clean sheet in nine games in a routine 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday and Chris Smalling happily admits that the Reds won ugly to move 15 points clear in the Barclays Premier League title race.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,32,645,271

There is a resolute resistance to the back four – regardless of the individuals selected within it – that contrasts sharply with the first half of the season. In 28 games before the turn of the year, United kept four clean sheets and conceded 40 goals. In 2013, the defence boasts seven blank slates in 16 games, conceding just 12 goals.

United's defence was last breached in the league against Southampton on 30 January and so David De Gea can proudly claim not to have conceded in 537 minutes of Premier League action.

“That’s linked in with all our defenders coming back now,” Smalling told MUTV. “It’s just Phil [Jones] who is struggling but I think he will be back soon and our strength is shown by the players that we have available.

“It wasn’t a pretty game [against Reading]. It got pretty ugly in the second half and I think we were just happy to get the three points. That was what we needed and we got a clean sheet as well so we’re happy with that.

“We knew what we had to do before City played, but [City losing 2-0 at Everton] gave us an extra incentive. We would like to have scored a few more goals but we stayed solid and got the 1-0 win.”

It is key!:)

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:12 PM

Vidic: Break is good for me

Quote:

Nemanja Vidic admits he is looking forward to some dedicated work on the training ground while a host of his Manchester United team-mates travel the world representing their countries.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/9B8B62...gn=0,0,550,408

The Reds captain retired from international duty after Serbia failed to qualify for Euro 2012 and, as a result, he is among a small group of players who will report to Carrington during the next two weeks.

But Vidic is not moaning. In fact, the club captain is excited to roll up his sleeves and improve several facets of his game without having to worry about preparing his body for matches.

“The international break is good for me,” Nemanja told MUTV after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Reading. “During the 10 days, I can work on my individual stuff like fitness and other technical things.

“It is also always good to have a few days for yourself. When you have lots of games, like we have recently, you just manage yourself until the next one and you don’t work on yourself that much. Sometimes it is nice to have these days to work on yourself.”

I agree it is good for him and the club!

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:14 PM

Robson tips trio for trophy

Quote:

United legend Bryan Robson has three players on his shortlist for the club's Player of the Year award.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,95,564,304

After Antonio Valencia won the 2012 accolade, the field is wide open with so many players making positive contributions to the campaign.

Old Trafford legend Robson thinks Robin van Persie, Michael Carrick and Rafael all have a good shout of lifting the trophy in May.

"In my mind, there are three players right up there in the reckoning," he told United Review. "Obviously, the way Robin van Persie has come into the club from Arsenal and the way he has played makes him a strong candidate, but I believe Michael Carrick and Rafael are both running him very close.

"Michael has had a great season and it speaks volumes that Sir Alex has played him in more or less all our games. He is a very intelligent footballer and has done excellently all season. Rafael has really progressed and has had a great campaign as well, so it’s a close call between those three, for me."

I agree with his choices and would add David De Gea in there too...

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:15 PM

Duo hope to make semi-finals

Quote:

Adnan Januzaj and Sean McGinty are hoping United's youngsters push on to clinch a place in the semi-finals of the inaugural Barclays Under-21 Premier League competition.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...gn=0,0,471,349

The two players impressed in the 2-0 win at West Brom at The Hawthorns and combined to break the deadlock in the 84th minute when defender McGinty converted a pinpoint cross by Januzaj.

"I think I did well," Belgian prospect Januzaj told MUTV afterwards. "I went one against one and went into the box and saw Sean alone. He finished well.

"We're happy with the three points and I hope we continue like this."

McGinty was not only happy with his strike but focused on winning more silverware following last season's successful campaign at Reserves level.

"It was my first goal this year so I'm pleased with that," he stated. "Adnan's done a lot of good work down the right-hand side and cut it back to me. I was in the right place at the right time and stuck it home. So I'm pleased with that and it's a great win for the lads.

"We've kept a lot of clean sheets recently and have done really well to get two goals and go away with the three points. I think the game started off quite slowly but we came into it a bit more in the second half and there was a lot of good football played by both sides. We had a cutting edge and they were two good finishes - John Cofie came off the bench and did well too [scoring the second goal].

"We're in second place now and are pushing to qualify for the semi-finals so we're really pleased."

Good luck to them and the other young lads:).

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:17 PM

Loans: Fabio frustration

Quote:

QPR's hopes of Barclays Premier League survival suffered a body blow as Fabio watched the closing stages of the 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa from the sidelines.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=198,0,545,521

The Brazilian full-back was substituted in the 66th minute and looked on as his side conceded a late winner to Christian Benteke but is learning from his stint at Loftus Road and being able to prove his versatility.

"Harry Redknapp is good to work with," Fabio told London24 recently.

"I feel I’ve become a better defender. He’s put me on the left wing and right wing as well. I am enjoying it here."

Fabio was pleased to hear Warren Joyce tell ManUtd.com about the high regard that both he and twin brother Rafael are held in at Old Trafford. "It's very nice," he admitted. "Maybe in the future, my brother and I will play as wingers [at United]. I don't know. I'm here now and I want to help QPR get out of the relegation zone."

Wigan boosted their hopes of safety with a 2-1 triumph against Newcastle but Angelo Henriquez was an unused substitute as Arouna Kone snatched a last-gasp winner.

In the Championship, Wilfried Zaha featured in Crystal Palace's 3-0 reverse to Brighton despite reports that he requires canal root surgery on a tooth problem. Fellow promotion hopefuls Leicester were also beaten, 2-1 at Derby, despite a goal from recent Reds trialist Jeff Schlupp. Michael Keane played at centre-back for the Foxes.

Davide Petrucci and Scott Wootton remain injured but Peterborough picked up a useful 1-0 win at Blackpool and Barnsley enhanced their prospects by beating high-flying Watford by the same scoreline, even if Ryan Tunnicliffe was an unused substitute. Reece Brown did not feature in Ipswich's 1-0 success against Bolton with Mick McCarthy explaining that he'd already used the maximum of five domestic loanees in his line-up.

Further afield, there was only fleeting action for overseas Reds Federico Macheda, Bebe and Luke Giverin. Macheda came on as a substitute deep into stoppage time as Stuttgart ended a poor run of results with a 2-1 triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt while Bebe was a 63rd minute substitute in Rio Ave's 1-0 reverse to Moreirense. Giverin did not play in Royal Antwerp's 2-0 loss to Roeselare.

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:19 PM

International Reds

Quote:

United's international stars are flying across the globe to represent their countries during the domestic break in action.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,50,600,498

Sir Alex Ferguson has already informed United Review that the club will lay on private jets to ferry some of the players back in time for the matches with Sunderland and Chelsea during the Easter long weekend.

Shinji Kagawa has a big incentive with Japan as victory against Jordan will enable his nation to become the first team to qualify for next year's World Cup finals. Beforehand, Alberto Zaccheroni's side are in Qatar for a friendly against Canada.

Javier Hernandez also has a long trip as Mexico take on Honduras ahead of a big home fixture in Mexico City against USA. Antonio Valencia arrived in Quito to be greeted by fans as Ecuador prepare for a qualifier against Paraguay with a friendly against El Salvador. Chile have included Angelo Henriquez again in their squad as he continues his loan spell at Wigan.

Closer to home, Nani is out of Portugal's plans due to the hamstring injury he sustained against Chelsea in the FA Cup but Robin van Persie (Netherlands) and Patrice Evra (France) will all be available for action. There was no place for Anders Lindegaard in Denmark's squad for games against Czech Republic and Bulgaria but David De Gea has been called up by Spain as third-choice keeper.

United's representation in the England squad is down to six after Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal on Monday. Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck remain in contention to feature against San Marino and Montenegro.

The Reds' only other Briton involved in World Cup action is Jonny Evans, as Northern Ireland face home fixtures with Russia and Israel.

Good luck to the United lads on International duty and I hope they all come back fit and healthy!

bbfan1991

18-03-2013 05:21 PM

Rio out of England squad

Quote:

The Football Association released the following statement at 13:10 today (Monday)...

Rio Ferdinand has been forced to withdraw from England's forthcoming fixtures with San Marino and Montenegro.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=1,41,598,263

The decision was taken following a meeting in London on Sunday evening with Rio Ferdinand and England manager Roy Hodgson. At the meeting Rio confirmed he wants to continue playing for England and to be selected for summer and autumn fixtures. Hodgson said: "I'm disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it's not possible.

"However, I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me. It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games. This is not to say he cannot play back to back games - he can and has proven so. He's out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme. I must place on record how I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future."

Rio Ferdinand said: "It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever. It is disappointing that I won't be able to play a part in the upcoming games but I told Roy that I want to continue to be available for England and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Well done Rio:):D.

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:40 PM

Ferdinand wins fan poll

Quote:

Rio Ferdinand turned in a Man of the Match display in Manchester United’s 1-0Barclays Premier League win over Reading and he gained a majority percentage of the vote in ManUtd.com’s official poll.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,49,1200,943

The 34 year-old centre-back was at his imperious best against Reading. And although the Royals didn’t provide much of a goal threat at Old Trafford, Ferdinand still managed to turn on the style and gain 61 per cent of votes in ManUtd.com’s Man of the Match poll.

Wayne Rooney’s goal after 21 minutes came after a surging run out of defence from Rio and his class and quality on the ball, particularly when breaking out of defence, was a key feature of his performance.

Rooney was second in the poll with 22 per cent of the vote, while Ryan Giggs gleaned 12 per cent and Alexander Buttner completed the shortlist with 5 per cent, but Ferdinand was the undisputed winner.

Well deserved Rio:):D

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:41 PM

Reds must return focused

Quote:

Manchester United’s internationals temporarily turn their attentions away from the title race in the next two weeks, but Chris Smalling insists that the Reds must have it in mind to return ready and focused for two big games that could help define the season.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=90,0,602,767

Smalling will be on England duty for their World Cup qualifying games against San Marino and Montenegro, but when he returns to Manchester with five other Three Lions colleagues they must prepare to face Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League for a 12:45 GMT kick-off on Saturday 30 March, then Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final replay on Easter Monday, less than 48 hours later.

“The 15-point lead looks good now,” says Chris, “but we go away to join up with our national teams and hopefully everyone can come back fit because we then have two big games against Sunderland and Chelsea. That could be a key edge in terms of how the league and cup goes. So that will be a big few days for us.”

The title remains United’s top priority, particularly after last season's heartbreaking finale. “It’s a massive incentive for us to hold onto this lead,” Chris told MUTV. “It’s a bigger lead than last year but we can’t rest on our laurels and we want to make sure we finish the job this season.”

Smalling isn’t short of company in the England squad. He is one of six Reds in Roy Hodgson’s ranks alongside Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley, while Rio Ferdinand was forced to pull out due to a pre-planned medical and training programme.

Ferdinand's performances could mean he is selected for England in future and Smalling welcomes more familiar faces in the England fold.

“All through the season it has started to pick up in terms of how many United players are in the squad,” Smalling added. “With Phil coming back there could be eight of us. That’s good to keep people around you that you know.”

Well said Chris!

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:43 PM

Johnstone loaned to Walsall

Quote:

Sam Johnstone has joined Walsall on loan for the rest of the season.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/CBBB1F...n=0,37,583,254

The highly-rated keeper will replace Aaron McCarey, who has been recalled by Wolves, and is in line to make his debut for his new club against Hartlepool on Saturday.

Johnstone has impressed for the Under-21s again this term but Ben Amos' return from Hull City has increased the goalkeeping options open to Warren Joyce.

The England Under-19 international has already had temporary spells with Oldham and Scunthorpe.

"I want the next step of competitive football,” Johnstone told ManUtd.com recently. "I think you want to be playing in front of crowds.

“When you get in the first team, you can say: 'Well, I’ve done this already on loan for half a season or a whole season so it’s not so new to me'. It’s just the way it goes and it helps you improve.”

Good luck to Sam with his loan spell!:):D

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:44 PM

Sir Alex admires Swansea

Quote:

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Swansea City, and striker Michu in particular, after being impressed by the Capital One Cup winners.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,20,795,315

The Welsh side earned a 1-1 draw with the Reds at Liberty Stadium in December, with their Spanish top scorer cancelling out Patrice Evra's opener, and have claimed some major scalps under astute manager Michael Laudrup.

After being asked by Inside United if any team or player had taken him by surprise this term, the boss replied: "Swansea have been terrific.

"The boy Michu has been a revelation. To sign him for just £2million and get 20 goals out of him - what a bargain!

"I wouldn't say Swansea have been the surprise package but they've really lifted their performances. They were a newly-promoted side last year and managed to survive in the top flight. This season, they've kicked on to another level and become a good middle-to-top side.

"They also won the League Cup of course and they play really good football. I'd say they're the team of the year with Michu a real bargain buy."

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:45 PM

De Gea proud of "big step"

Quote:

David De Gea feels that his call-up to the Spain squad for the World Cup qualifiers is a "big step" in his career.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,275,576,489

The current ManUtd.com Player of the Month has been rewarded for his fine form between the posts with a place in Vicente del Bosque's plans for the matches against Finland and France.

"I am very pleased and happy," he told As in his homeland. "This is a special moment for me and a big step in my career. I will try to do my best to impress the boss [del Bosque].

"I want to enjoy this and learn from my team-mates, who are my and many other people’s idols.

"It’s a pity Iker Casillas is out. We all know he is our captain and a legend but I'm happy to be here, even if it’s because of his injury."

Barcelona's Victor Valdes and Liverpool stalwart Pepe Reina are the other two goalkeepers in the squad.

Congratulations to David De Gea. I am so pleased for him:):D.

bbfan1991

20-03-2013 08:48 PM

Quote:

David De Gea insists he is very happy at Manchester United, despite reports linking the goalkeeper with a move to Barcelona.

The 22-year-old has improved in recent months following an indifferent start to his Red Devils career and earned plaudits for a sparkling display in a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu last month.

Sir Alex Ferguson parted with £17m to lure De Gea to Old Trafford from Atlético Madrid in 2011, with the Spaniard viewed as a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

With Victor Valdes announcing that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires in 2014, De Gea has been linked with a move to Camp Nou, but the Red Devils youngster says he has no plans to leave Old Trafford.

“For the time being it’s Victor, and it will be difficult that he leaves,” De Gea told Onda Cero.

“I am very happy in Manchester and it will be my club for many years.”

He added: “I’m very happy in Manchester and I have a contract.”

However, De Gea did admit he would like to return to his native Spain in the future, but only after a long career at the Red Devils.

“But with the passage of time returning home is nice. I would always like to return because the love that they gave me there was special,” he added.

De Gea earned his first call-up to Spain’s senior squad for their forthcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France

Great news that David De Gea is very happy and wants to spend many more years at United!

bbfan1991

23-03-2013 02:50 PM

Young wants injury-free run

Quote:

Ashley Young is striving for an injury-free run to the end of the season.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=48,46,600,457

The Manchester United winger has been frustrated by spells on the sidelines this term and hurt his knee in the win against Liverpool in a crunching challenge with Dan Agger back in January. A similarly robust tackle with Reading's Garath McCleary led to his substitution in the last Barclays Premier League outing.

However, the 27-year-old linked up with the England squad as planned and is hoping that he can play a big part in the run-in for the Reds.

"It's been very frustrating as a player when you're injured and seeing the other players training every day," he told MUTV's Inside Carrington programme. "It's where you want to be, not in the gym every day. You want to get yourself outside.

"For me, the injuries have been very disappointing and I just wanted to get myself back fit. Fingers crossed, from now until the end of the season, I can stay injury-free and get a run in the team."

Young is not a great watcher of matches from the stands and prefers to be in the thick of the action.

"I am a bad watcher," he admitted. "Anybody who has been sat next to me knows I'm not a good one to watch games. As long as I keep myself fit and stay in the team, I'm better off doing that than watching the games."

bbfan1991

23-03-2013 02:53 PM

Reds ready for Dallas Cup

Quote:

United will fly out on Friday to compete in the Dallas Cup again this year after reaching the final in 2012.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...gn=0,0,577,430

Warren Joyce is to take a young squad to compete against some of the world's top sides with the Reds looking to make their mark again in the United States.

Although the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have won the Under-19 Super Group in the past, United’s only success in the competition has been at Under-12 level in 1998.

“The Dallas Cup is a great tournament,” enthused Joyce. “There is no doubt that last year helped us on the run-in to achieve all the things we achieved.

“It was really well organised, we played in a great stadium, the teams we faced were very good and it was doubly difficult because we had such a small squad.

“However, it knitted them that tightly together that we were almost indestructible during the run-in and we were able to deal with everything we came up against.

“These are the principles that you’re trying to instil into the boys, that nothing is a problem, and you cannot do that by having it easy all the time. We had to come through difficult circumstances with the travelling and the volume of work.

"It was near enough the same team playing every minute of every game, five matches in six days, after travelling halfway around the world. But we showed that resilience.”

The spirit fostered during the trip clearly stood Joyce’s squad in good stead, with trophies secured in each of the domestic competitions entered last year.

“We had a difficult run-in anyway at the back-end of last season,” he added. “But you either come together or break up as a group under difficult circumstances. The team spirit was second to none last year and helped us to win everything. I don’t think that’s been done before as a group and the team spirit was a big factor.”

Joyce will take a younger side than last year due to the impact of the birth-date rules on his selection but at least he will have a bigger pool of players than in 2012.

"It's something different," he stated. "Tournament football is certainly a good education.

"We have got a few more in terms of numbers than last year but it's a younger side and there will be big tests for them physically and mentally. There will be problems with the heat due to the kick-off times but we're looking forward to playing foreign opposition. I hope we give a good account of ourselves and play some decent football."

Dallas Cup group fixtures

Sun 24 (23:30) v Club America
Mon 25 (21:00) v Dallas Texans
Wed 27 (19:00) v Kashiwa Reysol

KickTV will screen the games live via YouTube

bbfan1991

23-03-2013 02:54 PM

Praise for Charni's form

Quote:

Warren Joyce has revealed that he has been impressed by Charni Ekangamene's form for United's Under-21s.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...gn=0,2,599,224

The Belgian youngster smashed only his second-ever goal for the Reds during the 2-1 reverse to Arsenal and has started to look at home in midfield at this level after graduating from the youth team.

"It was a great strike and I think he's played really well for the last few weeks now," Joyce told MUTV. "His determination in midfield in wanting to tackle, sniff out danger and put himself around for the team has been fantastic.

"A quality moment like that can only give him confidence."

Ekangamene survived a late challenge by Arsenal's matchwinner Hector Bellerin at the end of the match which could have placed his involvement in the Dallas Cup under threat.

"It looked a poor tackle to say the least," added Joyce. "I'm just glad he's okay."

Glad he is doing well:).

bbfan1991

23-03-2013 02:56 PM

Keane earns Under-21s call

Quote:

Reds defender Michael Keane, currently on loan at Leicester City, has been rewarded for a string of fine performances for the Foxes with a first call-up to the England Under-21s squad.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,20,823,326

Keane, twin brother of striker William who has played three times for Stuart Pearce’s side, has made 17 appearances and scored three goals for the Championship outfit since arriving on loan in November. That move followed a dream start to the 2012/13 season, in which Keane made his Manchester United debut in the Capital One Cup against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

The international call-up comes just 24 hours after the Leicester Mercury reported Keane’s desire to represent his country at U-21 level.

“That would be a great achievement," he said. "It would be an honour to be picked. It has been one of my ambitions. Coming to Leicester and playing first-team football in a side going for promotion can help me get a call up, which I hope will come sooner rather than later.”

Keane has been granted his wish and is scheduled to join the England U-21s squad on Saturday. He will now hope to feature in the friendly against Austria at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Monday 25 March.

Stuart Pearce’s side beat Romania 3-0 on Thursday night, thanks in part to a goal by Wilfried Zaha, who joined United in January but was loaned back immediately to Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, in other England youth news, Nick Powell featured in the U-19s’ 1-0 win over Turkey on Thursday night but missed a late penalty.

Congratulations to Michael Keane on his cap and I am glad the other United lads done well!

bbfan1991

23-03-2013 02:57 PM

Reds squad for Dallas Cup

Quote:

Manchester United's squad for the Dallas Cup has a youthful look with the majority of the party still eligible for the Under-18 Academy team.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,42,650,525

Michele Fornasier is one of the senior players, along with Under-21 colleagues Reece James, Tyler Blackett, Luke Hendrie, Gyliano van Velzen and Wednesday's goalscorer at Arsenal, Charni Ekangamene.

Fornasier scored in the 2012 Dallas Cup against Everton and his experience in defence should prove useful.

Adnan Januzaj, a key performer for the Under-21s of late, will look to provide a creative spark while a number of those included will hope to step up to Warren Joyce's side next season.

Coach Joyce, who guided an older side all the way to the final in last year's competition, has also confirmed that one of those stars of that run, Will Keane, is also travelling but only to continue his rehabilitation from injury as he would be ineligible for participation in any case.

Squad: Pierluigi Gollini, Jonny Sutherland; Liam Grimshaw, Nicholas Ioannou, Michele Fornasier, Reece James, Tyler Blackett; Charni Ekangamene, Luke Hendrie, Ben Pearson, Joe Rothwell, Jack Rudge, James Weir, Josh Harrop, Mats Daehli, Adnan Januzaj; Jack Barmby, Gyliano van Velzen, James Wilson.

All times are GMT. The time now is 09:56 AM.

Page 103 of 192

103

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2025 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.