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Chris Smalling says Saturday’s Barclays Premier League opener cannot come soon enough for the champions.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,156,1858,845

The Reds kick off the defence of the title at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday tea-time having already claimed the first trophy of the season last weekend at Wembley in the 2-0 Community Shield win over Wigan.

The match was United’s eighth of pre-season and the perfect way for David Moyes to begin his reign as Reds’ boss.

Smalling says the squad were buoyed by the victory but admits the majority of the team’s focus has been geared towards being ready for Saturday’s season opener.

“The Swansea game has been in our minds for a while,” he told ManUtd.com. “We saw Sunday as an important build-up to it, and after the internationals [in midweek] we’re firing and ready to go. I can’t wait for that first whistle.

“Going into the season as champions brings that expectation. We know that when we step out onto the pitch we’re seen as the best but we know we need to show that we are, and we’re all determined to do that.

“We’ve got some big fixtures at the start of the season but if we can put on some really good performances then it’s going to give us a big boost if we can pick up a few points and possibly set us apart from our rivals. I don’t think there is any better time to play those big games to be honest and in one sense it’s good to get them out of the way.”

Smalling hopes to be fully involved at the start of the campaign after enjoying an injury-free pre-season.

“It makes such a difference when you get a proper pre-season under your belt," he added. "Last season was very frustrating with injuries. When you don’t get a full pre-season it means you’re catching up a little bit. I feel good this season and the more the games I play the sharper I feel.

"It was good to get on at Wembley. I managed to play 90 minutes on the Friday [in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial] and played nearly another full game on Sunday. It’s just good to be out there and playing.

“In terms of targets for the season, I just want to be involved in as many games as I can. Centre-back is where I want to play, but my aim is to get some good training done and stay injury-free.”

bbfan1991

16-08-2013 04:31 PM

Preview: Swansea v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-united.aspx

bbfan1991

16-08-2013 04:33 PM

Boss seeks healthy return

Quote:

David Moyes is hopeful that all of his players remain injury free following this week’s batch of international friendlies, as he prepares for his first Barclays Premier League match as Manchester United manager.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,98,800,395

Four days after lifting the FA Community Shield at Wembley, the boss was back at the national stadium on Wednesday night to watch his native Scotland lose 3-2 to England. Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Wilfried Zaha were all involved and thankfully all emerged unscathed.

Elsewhere, Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa were both in action, for Holland and Japan respectively, while Angelo Henriquez featured for Chile in Denmark. Once again, all three appeared to avoid injury.

Speaking to MUTV on Thursday, Moyes cut a relieved figure. He told the official club channel: “It was great to get Wayne some [game] time, I thought Danny and Tom did well also, but overall the big thing was that they came through without any injuries. Hopefully, we’ll get no injuries from that game. And not just that game, we have to make sure that all of the other players who have been away on international duty return [without a problem].”

Quizzed on the scheduling of this week’s international break, the manager said: “I don’t think anybody likes this friendly in the week before the start of the season. But as far as I know, I think it ends now and this will be the last one which we have in August before the start of a season. It was the same for all clubs and all managers, but I think it is a week when everyone wants to put their final preparations in place and when you don’t have all the players at your disposal, it is difficult.”

Of course, throughout this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon, Moyes was able to analyse his personnel, working out the different strengths and weaknesses of United's title-winning squad. But can something be learned from watching the players in action for their individual nations?

“Over the years, I have watched the United players playing for their countries at different times. But I think when you are the manager you look at it in a different light. I was able to look at Danny and Tom differently, Wayne as well, seeing how they were performing and how they were doing.

“But I was also interested in my phone because I was getting messages from my staff, who were watching the other players in different countries and feeding me reports on how they were and if they got injured. The important thing from last night was getting everybody back fit and well.”

bbfan1991

16-08-2013 04:34 PM

Moyes eyes new signings

Quote:

David Moyes says Manchester United are still endeavouring to bring in new players as the champions prepare to defend the Barclays Premier League title.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,185,844,498

Speaking at a launch for the new 2013/14 season, the Reds manager told Sky Sports News: "I'm confident we'll have players in.

"We're involved in several players we're looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so, but we're working very hard to do so.

"What I do know is that we have a great group of players already, who won the Premier League last year. We've got a lot of exciting young players - a lot of them played for England last night - so it's important that we focus on the players we've got at Manchester United and how well they did last year.

"Not much has changed so hopefully they'll be able to continue from where they left off last season."

The boss was a guest pundit on ITV's coverage of the England-Scotland match. When asked afterwards if he would welcome the end of the transfer market, Moyes responded: "I'm looking forward to the start of the season, that's what all the managers are looking forward to just now.

"We've all been working hard in pre-season so we're looking forward to kicking it off."

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 11:47 AM

Vidic's title warning

Quote:

Nemanja Vidic insists the recent changing of guard at Old Trafford has not diminished Manchester United’s unrelenting desire for success and silverware.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,62,2196,1696

Following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Reds are about to enter a new era under David Moyes and on the eve of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season, fans and pundits alike are predicting how the new campaign will unfold.

And Vidic, who has claimed 10 major honours during his time in M16, feels confident about United’s chances this term and insists his team-mates are motivated by anyone who questions them.

“You always have the determination to win the trophy,” Nemanja told MUTV. “It doesn’t matter who is the manager or who are the players here, there is always going to be the same challenge to win trophies and nothing has changed over the years.

“We’ve had a good pre-season and the pressure to win the trophy, to defend it, is always tough but it's good to compete and challenge yourself. I believe we are ready for that challenge and, at the end of the day, we enjoy being questioned. You try to get the best of yourself to show that you can win again.”

This season, Vidic believes the champions will need the backing of United’s fans more than ever before, particularly away from home. Not that he has any doubts about the Reds’ following after witnessing 50,000 supporters descend on Wembley Stadium for last weekend's Community Shield match.

“To get that much support at Wembley, especially at this time of the year, we were really pleased to see it,” Nemanja explained. “To be fair, we always have good support from United fans wherever we go, especially away from Old Trafford.

“I believe they have always been supportive. Sometimes they are louder, sometimes less, but they are always supportive and this year will be the same. We will definitely need them this year.”

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 11:49 AM

Moyes expects tough test

Quote:

Manchester United manager David Moyes is hoping to have most of his squad available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener at Swansea City.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,178,1650,791

The champions begin the defence of the title with a tricky trip to Wales to take on last year's Capital One Cup winners, who have invested heavily in the squad during the close season and breezed past Malmo in the Europa League qualifiers.

In an exclusive interview with Countdown to Kick-Off on MUTV, the manager outlined how he expects the Swans to provide a stern test but is pleased with the way that things are shaping up ahead of the tea-time kick-off in terms of his own team plans.

"It's a very tough away fixture," explained Moyes to MUTV. "Michael Laudrup has done a really good job there and strengthened the team a lot this summer. I would expect Swansea to have another season as good as last year and they've already had a couple of European games as well which gives them the feeling they are a little more match-ready.

"We know it will be a hard game but we feel we're getting ready as well and getting everybody back fit. Because of that, hopefully we'll go there and give ourselves a good chance of winning. The only real injury we've had is Rafael's that looks like keeping him out for four-to-six weeks with a hamstring. We've had a few other small niggles, keeping people out for a few days, but, hopefully, most people will be available and ready for the game."

Leading United into league combat for the first time, after winning the Community Shield last weekend, is clearly something that excites the new manager.

"Everybody wants to play Manchester United and do well," he stated. "I'm sure I'm going to be made aware of that very early.

"But to be called Manchester United manager is probably the biggest thrill. It's a real privilege to be in that position and I'm going to do everything I possibly can to make it as good as I can and work hard to make sure the club continues to have success."

In David We Trust:).

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 11:52 AM

Moyes reveals Sir Alex chats

Quote:

United manager David Moyes has revealed that he has met with Sir Alex Ferguson several times as he continues to plot the future at Old Trafford.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,114,800,411

As the new boss prepares for the start of the Barclays Premier League title defence at Swansea City, he has sought counsel with his predecessor and wants him to continue having an input into the new regime.

"Sir Alex is still here and he will be," explained Moyes. "I went to see him at home the other day. He was great and is recovering from his hip operation.

"I will use him for advice and he will be a great mentor for me. I am really looking forward to speaking with him. I have probably had half a dozen conversations with him already.

"But I don't think I have gone there for any advice. I have gone there and said: 'This is how things are going what are you thinking?' He is going to be someone who is around. I want him to be around.

"On the first day I met him, we had discussions about the team within an hour. Within the first 10 minutes of talking, and him telling me I was getting the job, we had already had discussions about the team and what would have to be done and what was expected, like sponsors, media, all the things that come from a big club. There were no airs and graces. He didn't feather it. He told me straight and he told me what it was going to be like. He would expect me to get on and do the job myself."

The Reds boss was also asked if his fellow Scot could get involved in any attempts to get transfer business over the line.

"I don't think we have used him for that," he asserted. "This club has ways and means of attracting the top players to the club but if we needed to use Sir Alex he would be more than happy to help, I have no doubt about that."

Moyes feels it may take a little time to completely stamp his own influence on the team as that is always the case when a new man takes over the helm at a club.

"It might take me 18 months to two years to get things changed around," he explained. "I don't know how long Sir Alex thought it took him to get it the way that he wanted it. At a club like Manchester United, I will get the opportunity to do that. There might be other clubs where you wouldn't."

Great!

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 03:40 PM

United team for the match at Swansea:

De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Welbeck, RVP.

Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Smalling, Zaha, Fabio, Kagawa, Rooney.

Wayne Rooney is on the bench.

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 05:15 PM

United 2-0 up through RVP and Danny Welbeck despite Swansea starting better and dominating possession.

RVP's skill for the first goal was class and RVP/Valencia linked up well for the second! Our away fans are class and ''Come on feel the Moyes, play like Fergie's boys we go wild, wild, wild!'':):D

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 06:25 PM

FT Swansea 1- United 4. RVP's control for his second goal was class and Rooney got two assists, the pass to Danny Welbeck who got his second goal of the game too with a chip.

What a start for David Moyes' first game in charge of United in the Premier League:).

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:07 PM

The Match: Flying start for Moyes

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...er-united.aspx

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:08 PM

Report: Swansea 1 United 4

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ch-report.aspx

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:09 PM

Watch Swansea highlights

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...ighlights.aspx

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:11 PM

Poll: Star man voting

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...v-swansea.aspx

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:20 PM

Youtube video

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:25 PM

http://i.minus.com/ibjQrSl5V2PTk7.gif

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:27 PM

http://i.minus.com/iboTDm7rKVwCv4.gif

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:28 PM

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9...212f2d91_o.gif

bbfan1991

17-08-2013 07:29 PM

http://i.minus.com/ibbwdOtcSJva7X.gif

bbfan1991

18-08-2013 11:32 AM

Robin voted star man

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...v-swansea.aspx

Rightly so:).

bbfan1991

18-08-2013 11:35 AM

Strike trio earn praise

Quote:

United boss David Moyes enthused about strike trio Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney after the champions tore Swansea City's defence apart to record a convincing 4-1 opening-day triumph at the Liberty Stadium.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,251,1544,822

The Reds led 2-0 at the break courtesy of a superb volley by van Persie and a close-range finish by Welbeck and Rooney came off the bench to assist a thumping drive by the Dutchman and the England youngster's third goal in a week - a beautiful chip over Michel Vorm.

Van Persie, who hit both goals in the Community Shield victory against Wigan Athletic at Wembley, looks to be in the same formidable goalscoring form that he displayed in his debut season at Old Trafford.

"I think his foot was seven feet high in the air when he hit it [for the first goal]," commented Moyes. "It was great athleticism and a good pass by Ryan [Giggs] that got us in.

"But I was nearly as pleased by the goal Danny got. I like centre-forwards to score tap-ins inside the six-yard box. If you're ever going to get a lot of goals in the Premier League, you're going to have to get a few of those in the season so it's a good start for Danny. Obviously, he's got the fourth too, which he earned through his hard work throughout the game.

"I've been made very aware at this club about scoring goals and they tell me Danny only got one [league goal] last year so he's got two now. It's a start and if we can get everybody chipping in, it's great but it'll do Danny's confidence a lot of good. The goal he got against Scotland helped him, although I don't like saying that, and I'm pleased with his contribution."

Rooney came off the bench to make a positive impact and received a good reception from the travelling supporters as he looked sharp despite a lack of match action during the pre-season.

"Well, Wayne got 65 minutes in the game against Scotland the other night and I felt he could do a job today if he got a chance to come on," added Moyes. "He's not ready yet physically and has not done enough in training but I said that before the England-Scotland game and obviously that hasn't changed much except for him getting a little more match practice. He came on and made a great run for the van Persie goal and played Danny in for his goal so it's good for Wayne to get those minutes on the pitch.

"[Fans' reaction?] Everybody knows good players. When he came on, he showed what a good player he is. Everybody wants those players in the team and we're delighted to have Wayne playing. He's still short of match fitness as he's not played enough football but I thought he looked quite sharp. I thought all the players looked fit and I'm well pleased with them."

bbfan1991

18-08-2013 11:36 AM

Pics: Liberty excellent

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-league.aspx

bbfan1991

18-08-2013 11:38 AM

Moyes: My job is to win

Quote:

David Moyes insists it's business as usual at Manchester United after the champions started the Barclays Premier League title defence with a superb 4-1 success at Swansea City.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=137,0,692,831

Some pundits suggested the Reds would face a stern examination in South Wales in Moyes' first league game in charge with many predicting an upset. However, braces by Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck ensured a perfect opening day for the club.

"In the dressing room, it's quiet as they tell me it's what they do here - move on to the next game. That's what I'm going to do as well," he insisted.

"When you're manager of Manchester United your job is to win the games. I was made well aware of it. The players have done that today and they did really well.

"I thought Swansea had a lot of the ball but any team who does come down here will find they will have a lot of the ball and pass it well. They're very well managed under Michael Laudrup and they've improved the squad so I've no doubt they'll do well this year.

"I think anybody who comes here will be made to work really hard. We had to work hard as we had periods where we didn't have a great deal of the ball.

"But we limited them to very few opportunities and we made incisive, telling passes and created opportunities. More importantly, they were really good finishes by the forward players with a brilliantly-taken first goal by Robin.

"We could've played better at times in the game overall but are more than happy winning here 4-1."

bbfan1991

18-08-2013 11:40 AM

Ryan: Win shows our quality

Quote:

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United’s doubters should take note of the Reds’ opening day 4-1 win at Swansea, and the 39-year-old believes the performances will only get better.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,57,633,292

Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored two goals to clinch the win at the Liberty Stadium, ensuring victory for the reigning champions, and Giggs says it can be taken as a message to those questioning United’s ability to retain the crown.

“The players don’t take any notice of where people expect us to finish. I got told last week that we were third favourites, but we know the quality we have got in the club,” the Welshman told MUTV. “We can improve on today’s performance, and we will need to. But don’t underestimate the result. To come to Swansea and win first and foremost, then to score four goals, is something special.

“Individually and as a team we can get better. The players know that, we’re not getting too excited as we know it’s only the first game of the season. We can improve and we have to.”

Giggs played a part in United’s first goal, laying on the pass – albeit via a deflection – for van Persie to fire the Reds in front. Three of the four goals were very well taken, but Giggs was impressed with their timing as much as the technique involved.

“There were some great goals for us and importantly they came at a good time,” he added. “Robin and Danny’s goal knocked the stuffing out of Swansea. The two goals in the second half were tremendous finishes, that’s what we’re capable of.

“Danny (Welbeck) has had a great week. It’s probably up there with Rickie Lambert’s week. As a centre forward he’ll want to score goals and he’s got three this week and he’ll be buzzing.”

Giggs was replaced just after the hour mark when Wayne Rooney came off the bench for his first appearance of the new season. But that wasn’t the end of the Welshman’s involvement in the game. As a player-coach, he could still have an input from the bench.

“I’m still getting used to life as a coach,” he said, “being subbed and then having to be involved on the bench. I’m enjoying it, it’s just all about getting the balance right, keeping up with my training and doing the stuff away from the game. The gaffer and the staff have been brilliant with me and the lads are enjoying it.”

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