Sir Bobby Charlton has commended the work Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his 25-year period at the club, claiming he has been central to the club's title challenge this season.

The Scottish manager has had to pit his wits against the extreme wealth of rivals Manchester City, but the former Red Devils' midfielder feels the services of the “marvellous” Sir Alex are priceless.

Charlton admitted that a lot of credit has to go to the manager for this season's efforts but also conceded that he has run out of superlatives to describe the man who has won 37 trophies during his time at the club.

"So much credit has to go to Alex and his coaches for having United involved in the title race again this season," Charlton told United Review.

"At the start of every campaign you want to avoid injuries and suspensions, and United have had such incredible misfortune with injuries that it's really staggering to be in the position we're in.

"There's been so much said about Alex - especially this season, with him passing his 25th anniversary with the club - that it's hard to add anything new. He's just marvellous, and the way he lifts everyone around him is incredible.

"The best example of that is in the reaction to City's 6-1 win at Old Trafford earlier this season. It shocked everybody associated with the club and it's certainly something you hope will never happen again.

"There's a part of you that would like to set the record straight with a similar win one day. But to come back from that result so strongly speaks volumes for how influential he is."

The season's title race draws many comparisons to the last time Manchester City won the league in 1968, a year in which Charlton was playing.

Although he admitted the pain of losing to their rivals was hard to take, he claimed that winning the European Cup in the same season eased his woes.

"City hadn't won the league for a long time and they were so keen to win it back," he remembered.

"They performed really well to take the title from us on the final day of the season, and I have to say they deserved to win it. It really was a great performance.

"I remember, though, going to a function with Mike Summerbee a few days after we'd won the European Cup at Wembley – three weeks after City had won the league - and Mike was half-laughing when he said: 'You always find a way to beat us, don't you?'

"The European Cup was the most important trophy you could win, and it meant so much for us to win it that it was all anybody was talking about. Unfortunately for City, it overshadowed their achievement so soon after they'd done it."

Sir Bobby the legend spot on!:worship:

David Gill admits it will be an interesting summer after an exciting, if tense, end to the campaign.

The club's chief executive, speaking on a visit of various local projects that formed part of the Manchester United Foundation's Impact Report, is obviously hoping Sir Alex's side hold their nerve in the title run-in before conducting any business regarding transfers and new contracts during the close season.

In an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com, Gill was asked if he would have settled for the current position of chasing a 13th title in 20 years when the Barclays Premier League commenced. "I think we all would," he replied. "It's been an amazing run and it's going to be a tense end to the season. If we do it, it will be fantastic.

"This time of year's not good [for the nerves]. You do get tense but we've done very well and are in good shape now - five points ahead with four games to go. It's going to be tight but it's been wonderful."

When quizzed on whether it will be another busy summer in terms of any deals and contracts, he stressed: "We're looking at all that. The work goes on all year round but obviously intensifies as we come to the end of the season in terms of players.

"There's various contracts we've got to do, we'll look at some acquisitions and there will be some players who will leave. It's an interesting time."

Manchester United stay top of the Forbes rich list for the eighth year running, but second-placed Real Madrid have gained ground again.

United are also comfortably ranked as the most valuable team in any sport. Their worth of £1.4bn is £240m more than baseball's New York Yankees and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Arsenal have fallen to fourth on the list, worth £800m, behind Real Madrid £1.17bn and Barcelona £1.07bn but marginally ahead of Bayern Munich who are worth £766m.

The Forbes list puts Chelsea in seventh place, worth £474m, and Liverpool eighth with a value of £386m.

United's huge global fan base, estimated by Forbes to number 330million, has helped maintain the club's position at the top. But Real Madrid and Barcelona have higher revenues than United, due in part to the fact they have negotiated their own individual television deals for Spanish football.

The figures are also based on last year's financial results, and reflect United reaching the Champions League final. Yet this year, United were dumped out of the competition in the group stages, and their income from European football is likely to suffer a corresponding drop.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona on the other hand, have reached the semi-final stage of the Champions League this year, meaning their revenue will stay at a similar level.

Tottenham are 11th on the list, valued at £351m, and Manchester City have climbed from 15th to 13th, worth £276m

For the last two weekends, Young has received severe criticism for going down far too easily to earn his side penalties.

United legend Bryan Robson has warned the former Aston Villa man that it may come back to haunt him as referees may be reluctant to award him spot-kicks in the future.

Young has also faced criticism from United fans with fanzine Red Issue laying into the winger for 'his latest disgraceful dive’, adding that ‘diving is cheating’ and is a betrayal of the code of conduct instilled at the club by Matt Busby.

Ferguson, however, confirmed this morning that he has spoken to the winger about the situation. "I have had a word with Ashley," said Ferguson.

"He understands where we are coming from. Hopefully it makes a difference."

After watching this week's Champions League semi-finals, Ferguson feels we are in an era where anything goes.

"Last week, if the player doesn't bring Ashley down he is going to score," said Ferguson. "It was a clear goalscoring opportunity.

"He caught him and he did overdo the attempt to get a penalty. I am not sure he tried to get the penalty but he certainly went down quickly.

"But people have reacted because it is Manchester United. I watched Real Madrid and Bayern Munich the other night and it was absolutely ridiculous, players were diving and rolling about, nothing like what Young has been accused of.

"Then you see the other night in the Chelsea game, we are in an age where you expect it now."

Ferguson continues to insist such decisions even themselves out.

"We didn't get one against Wigan during the week. We didn't scream from the rooftops about it. It happens," he said.

"We got one given against us for Newcastle, we didn't scream about that either. You get bad decisions and good ones. Believe me, it does even itself out."

Ferguson, who is preparing his side for Sunday's Premier League contest with Everton, also confirmed that Anderson and Paul Pogba have been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

In truth, neither man was expected to play a significant role over the next four games.

Michael Owen, however, could be involved in the season run-in. The striker has returned to training and could play some part, if not against Everton at Old Trafford, then the following games against Manchester City, Swansea and Sunderland.

"I have said time and time again that Michael is a player who can score important goals if you are struggling in a match," said Ferguson.

"He has had a hard time with injuries. When he gets them it is usually months."

Sunday's game marks another appearance for Wayne Rooney against his old club.

Rooney only requires one more goal to equal George Best and Dennis Viollet in the all-time United scoring charts, that pair reaching 176.

However, Ferguson sees no reason why Rooney cannot overtake the club record of 249 currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton.

"He has every chance of beating that - I am sure he will do it," said Ferguson.

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Paul Pogba will make the right decision for his career and stay at Manchester United after the club agreed a new deal with his agent.

The Reds' boss revealed on MUTV's Countdown to Kick-Off on Friday that United had reached agreement about a new contract for the midfielder, but said the player himself has still to decide whether or not to sign it.

"We've agreed a deal with his agent. It's now down to the boy," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"I must stress, he's going to be a first-team player. There's no doubt about that.

"The boy has great potential and I think he's at the right club. But he has to make that decision."

The 19-year-old, who helped the Reserves clinch the Barclays Premier Reserve League North title on Monday night, has certainly impressed in his seven senior appearances this season - all as a substitute.

Unfortunately though, we're unlikely to see him in action again this season after he suffered ankle ligament damage in United's stunning 6-3 comeback at Newcastle that sealed the title crown.

Wayne Rooney feels team-mate Ashley Young has endured rough treatment from the press merely because he plays for Manchester United.

The Reds winger has been branded a diver in some quarters after being involved in two contentious penalty decisions in the past fortnight.

"I think that whenever anything happens with any United players it gets more press than players from other teams," Rooney told MUTV.

"It's difficult for forwards. At times you are trying to get out of the way of getting kicked and people just think you've dived.

"Obviously no one likes to see [diving] in the game, but the game is so quick these days it's difficult for referees to get some of these decisions right."

Rooney, who was nominated this week for the PFA Player of the Year award, admits United, five points clear with four games to play, are in pole position in the title race.

"It's a great position to be in," he said. "Especially after City went a few points ahead of us and we had to keep fighting to stay in touch with them.

"We have to make sure we do our job right from now until the end of the season and to retain the title."

Will Keane has been praised by Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of a potential loan move next season.

The Reserves' top scorer hit four goals in the recent 6-3 win at Newcastle to take his tally for the domestic campaign to 16 and he's already had a brief taste of first-team action in the New Year's Eve defeat to Blackburn.

Keane has ploughed a lone furrow in attack for Warren Joyce's champions following the departure of Mame Biram Diouf and loan exit for Federico Macheda and is continuing to learn his trade.

"Will's progressing the right way," the manager told MUTV's Countdown to Kick-Off. "He's a good finisher, the lad. I think he just needs a bit of toughening up. Next year, we'll possibly send him out on loan. He's got good potential."

Sir Alex is proud of Joyce's side for clinching their Northern title with games to spare and acclaimed the coach's decision to move Ritchie De Laet into attack at Newcastle.

“Unbelievable!" he exclaimed. "Warren Joyce is a tactical genius. Down 3-0 and he shoves De Laet up front and they win 6-3. I couldn't believe it. I don't know how they were 3-0 down but they recovered and they've won the league and won it well. Congratulations to Warren and all the lads. They've done well."

Reds defender Jonny Evans says the standard of football in the Premier League is higher than ever.

United could finish the season on 94 points, the club's biggest tally since the Premier League began, and yet the team have come under plenty of fire for supposed sub-par performances.

"The bar has been raised again," Evans insists. "Chelsea did it a few years ago.

"Whenever there is an out-and-out challenger the other teams have to be better than they had been before. People keep saying it is a great achievement for this team [to be where we are] but if you look at our record it speaks for itself.

"People say we have not been playing well but some of the football we have played at home has been outstanding. You can't always play well away from home but we have gone away and ground out results."

Victories in United's next two games - at home to Everton and away at Manchester City - would clinch a record-extending 20th title for Sir Alex's men. Not that Jonny's allowing himself to think too far ahead, mind you.

"It would be nice to think we can almost touch another winners' medal but we can't think about that yet," he insisted. "It can change in just a couple of days.

"Five points sounds a lot but it isn't when you think about it. We have to concentrate on getting over the Everton game first and still being five points clear when we play Manchester City.

"A Manchester derby is a massive game, whether a Premier League title is at stake or not.

against your local rivals. They beat us at our place earlier this season so no matter what was on the game we would want to win it."

Despite United's upper hand in the title race, Evans insists City's players won't have given up hope of catching the Reds.

"Although there are only four games left their lead over us changed pretty quickly so it can happen the other way. We're just concentrating on making sure we get the three points and tick the next game off as it comes along."

First on the list is Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday 22 April. And although the Toffees came unstuck in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, they're a side who have enjoyed some good recent results.

"Everton always seem to be slow starters but they have hit a great patch of form in the second half of the season," Evans said. "They are above their local rivals Liverpool so I am sure they will want to finish above them in the league after losing to them in the FA Cup semi-final.

"Getting to the semi-final shows how good a team they are. It is going to be another tough game. It is a game where we will have to be patient because they do defend quite well."

I hope that Paul Pogba decides to sign the deal now a deal has been agreed to end this saga, he is at the right club if he wants to progress:).

He should sign. He could be quality in a couple seasons. I dont see us spending big
On a CM so it is his time soon I think.

I think we will spend big on a CM, as we will have to be prepared for when Scholes retires this time and it is a big weakness in the side that needs addressing if we are going to continue challenging for trophies..

David Gill has said we are in for a busy Summer regarding arrivals/departures.

Danny Welbeck to sign a deserved new contract to stay at United:).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...rm-future.html

Can someone please explain to me why we are going after another bloody winger in Hazard Im bloody sick of this **** year after year ignoring our bloddy midfield. We need a De rossi type player alongside Pogba next year

We also need a new Left Back bring in Baines

Can someone please explain to me why we are going after another bloody winger in Hazard Im bloody sick of this **** year after year ignoring our bloddy midfield. We need a De rossi type player alongside Pogba next year

We also need a new Left Back bring in Baines

Rio Ferdinand says the return of Paul Scholes has been key in Manchester United's push for a 20th league title and wants the 37-year-old to play on past the summer.

Scholes shocked everyone when he came out of retirement on the day the Reds last travelled to City - for an FA Cup third round tie in January - and now, ahead of a match widely agreed to be the most important derby of all time, Ferdinand has heaped praise on the pass master.

"There are a number of reasons why we’ve done well since the turn of the year," he told United's official matchday programme, United Review. "There’s no doubt one of them is Paul Scholes. Would we have been in the same position [without him]? It’s impossible to say. It’s great to have him back, though.

"It’s not just the quality of his football that impresses me but the way he’s adapted physically. He was out of the game for months and yet he’s come straight back into top-level football and he’s hardly looked out of place. At this stage of his career, that’s phenomenal."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed last weekend he has not spoken with Scholes about the possibility of continuing into the 2012/13 season, for fear of clouding the midfielder's mind with issues that are secondary to the team's current focus of winning the league.

"I'm not going to ask him until the end of the season," Sir Alex said. "I don't want to put anything in his mind at all.

"It was a break for us to get Paul back. The form he’s showing now is as good as it’s ever been.

“He brings a calmness to the game and he can dictate the tempo of matches for us. He’s been doing that since he’s come back. He’s probably in better form than he was last season, because when he made his decision to retire it would have been in his mind that it was his last season and maybe it did affect him."

Ferdinand, however, was vocal in his desire to see Scholes pull on the United shirt for a 19th campaign.

"Definitely. It would be nice if he could play another season. With Scholesy, though, you know it doesn’t make a difference what anybody else says. He’s his own man and he’ll make his own decision."

Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged that Manchester United will be going for victory in Monday's derby - even though a draw will also be a fabulous result in the context of the title race.

The manager wants his players to make amends for conceding a 4-2 lead against Everton last weekend and putting the Old Trafford spectators through the mill. With so much experience in his line-up, he's backing the Reds to take a major step towards a 20th title.

"I suppose when the fixture came out, it all pointed to this game," said the boss. "There was an inevitability to it. But we are where we are. Now it's all down to this game. It will be a fantastic atmosphere.

"We're smarting from the four goals we gave away last week. We tend to make it hard for ourselves. We subject our supporters to that sort of drama. For years and years, it's been like that. Hopefully, we'll make amends on Monday."

Roberto Mancini's attempts to claim United are firmly in the driving seat and his City side only have a small chance of glory do not wash with the vastly-experienced Reds manager.

"Roberto wants to take the pressure off his own players," Sir Alex insisted. "It won't affect our approach our attitude to the game. We know the situation we're in.

"We're in a better position than Manchester City. We could come out with two results, whereas they have to win. Although you know this club's attitude - we'll be trying to win.

"I think there's enough experience. Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, even Wayne Rooney. Michael Carrick as well. There's enough experience to cope with this situation.

"I think the previous encounters this season are irrelevant. We've already met three times but the past is the past. It doesn't matter. It's all down to Monday.

"I don't know if you thrive in this sort of situation. I don't know if I'm looking forward to it, but I'm up for it. I'm prepared for it and I think the players are prepared for it."

Owen hoping for chance.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...n-run-out.aspx

He is back from injury at last:eek:.

Evans' biggest year

Nine months is a long time in football.

Last summer, Jonny Evans admitted that if he played like he did in 2010/11 he probably wouldn't be at Old Trafford much longer. Now he's one of the first names on Sir Alex Ferguson's teamsheet.

Indeed, since Nemanja Vidic's season-ending injury in early December, Evans has started all but two of United's Barclays Premier League fixtures - the Reds lost both - and is a leading candidate for United's Player of the Year award.

"Maybe I was too honest and shouldn't have said that!" the Northern Irishman says, chuckling when reminded of his comments last summer. "But that was an honest opinion of myself, I guess.

"Every player goes through that. It was up to me to find a way to get through it. It was a challenge for me and everybody needs to be challenged. You either rise to it or you don't, and if you don't then you don't deserve to be at a club like Manchester United.

"Those are the sorts of challenges everybody here faces - when that happens it's up to you to try and raise your game and get back into the team."

That's never an easy task when two of the world's best defenders - Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic - are ahead of you in the pecking order. But Evans displayed improved form in the first three months of the season and then, when Vidic suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in United's final Champions League group-stage game, stepped into the side and grabbed his chance.

Now, with three games left to play this term, he's already amassed his highest season appearance

tally (39) with the Reds. By the end of 2011/12, it's likely Evans will have turned out more times for United than Jaap Stam, Joe Jordan and Quinton Fortune ever did.

"When I came back from being on loan at Sunderland [in 2007/08] I never thought I'd go on to play more than 30 games in my first season at United. That was crazy.

"And I don't think about how many games I might end up playing. My aim is always to just get into the next team and then play well.

"I've been here about four years and I've played 120-odd games - that's about 30 a season. Hopefully I can add a few more to that next year."

Heard a rumour that we are playing the exact same side apart from Smalling for raf

It looks like that Jonny Evans is out of Monday's match with a concussion:(.

Are you joking??????

Nope the Journalists are reporting it on Twitter:bawling:.

Can't be ****ing life.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney last week offered the first glimpses of an attacking partnership that could be compared to some of the best Manchester United have ever had.

Dwight Yorke's devastating tandem with Andy Cole during United's 1999 Treble-winning campaign is regarded as the most potent of the Ferguson era. Between them, Yorke and Cole plundered 53 goals and both found the net in that famous Champions League semi-final victory over Juventus in Turin when United recovered from two-nil down.

United have not found a better combination since, and Ferguson said: "Last week we saw something really special. I know there was a lot of reference to the Yorke and Cole thing. There were similarities to that. Wayne is 26 now. Danny is 21. For the next few years they can only get better. We certainly hope so."

Welbeck has made such rapid progress this season he has ousted Javier Hernandez from the striking slot he won off record signing Dimitar Berbatov last season. The Longsight-born striker scored his 12th goal of the campaign in Sunday's remarkable 4-4 draw with Everton, when Rooney's double took him to 33 for the season.

With four England caps already and a new contract about to be signed, Welbeck is clearly a talent Ferguson is keen to nurture, and the United boss added: "Danny's movement was fantastic. Now he is fit again and playing consistently, he has developed better."

Welbeck's emergence is yet another example of United investing in youth, either their own or, as with David de Gea and Phil Jones last summer, through the transfer market.

Ferguson tends to be ridiculed for his repeated assertion there is no value in the transfer market, with many believing it is merely a front for a lack of funds being made available by the Glazer family. It is an allegation Ferguson and chief executive David Gill both deny.

And, with Manchester City spending big, along with both Chelsea and Liverpool in recent times, the policy is set to continue.

"It is hard to change our way of doing things," said Ferguson. "After the spell of domination, when we won the Treble and following that we had big point margins there was a transitional period.

"We tried to rebuild a team with young players, like Rooney and (Cristiano) Ronaldo and one or two of our own young players were starting to come through. I think we will probably stick to what we are doing."