Ferdinand: We'll bounce back

Rio Ferdinand is adamant Manchester United will return next season to reclaim the Barclays Premier League title.

Despite his obvious disappointment at losing the league to Manchester City in such dramatic fashion, the United defender fronted up to Sky Sports at the final whistle to offer his congratulations to the Blues... and issue a warning to Roberto Mancini's men.

"It's a cruel way to have lost it," he said. "But you have to congratulate the other team. Any team that wins it obviously deserves it and they have played well throughout the season. It's now about us dusting ourselves down and winning the title back next season.

"This year we've had to use our squad to the maximum and that bodes well for the future. That's one positive we can take from this. I don't think any other team could have coped the way we have."

There was drama in Sunderland at the final whistle as United players ended the game in a position to lift the trophy. Seconds later, however, Sergio Aguero's goal at the Etihad Stadium secured a dramatic victory for Manchester City and, more significantly, their first Premier League title.

"I got the word during the game that City had scored to make it 2-2," Rio said. "Then, after our game finished, it went flat and silent, with everyone waiting. The cheers from the home supporters let us know City had scored and the title had gone to them. It's disappointing."

Evra: Room for improvement

Manchester United stand-in skipper Patrice Evra admits the Reds need to improve next season, although is adamant there is no need for a mass overhaul of Sir Alex’s squad.

United lost the league title to neighbours City on goal difference, a shift in power in Manchester that has prompted some to suggest major personnel changes are required at Old Trafford.

But Evra insists there’s no need for kneejerk reactions... and trusts the manager to make the right decisions in the transfer market.

“We always need to improve,” he said. “I'm not crazy. Every player has to be better next season than we were this season, even if we haven't been as poor as a lot of people are saying. And yes, fans will want to see a few new players.

“But that's not my job. I trust totally in the boss. He'll do the right thing. There aren't many players who can play for Manchester United. It's not easy. But transfers are not my job. If we need players, the boss will make the best decision.

“What we have to do - the players who are already here - is try and improve and realise that it is always a privilege to play for Manchester United. We will make sure we work hard in pre-season and ensure we're ready for the next challenge.

"We killed ourselves this season when we were eight points clear with six points to go. To be winning 4-2 against Everton and then, in the last six minutes, end up with a draw at Old Trafford... I thought something like that wasn't possible.”

In the end, United took City right to the edge - to the final minutes of the season, in fact - before ultimately falling at the final hurdle.

And while Patrice admits there is only scant consolation in finishing second on goal difference rather than by 20 points - after all, it's still second - he says he’s proud of how the Reds kept pace with Roberto Mancini’s men during a season that was plagued by injuries and illness.

“Because we play for Manchester United, people will say we've had the worst season ever,” he said.

“But this is not the truth. This is not the reality. The season we've just finished has been a miracle.

“I don't want to try and find excuses, but I think it's a miracle we're still there at the top when you consider the problems we've had.

“Take Vincent Kompany out of Manchester City for most of the season and I want to see if they are still top of the league. That's what we've had to deal with in Nemanja Vidic.

"We've also lost a player like Darren Fletcher and Anderson as well. I had to play at centre-back against Wigan Athletic with Michael Carrick. Those are all facts.

“Still, after all that, we're nine points better than last season, so we've done well. You have to give credit to City for doing even better.”

Ultimately, though, it’s the lofty standards Manchester United have set in the past that dictate how harshly the Reds are now judged.

“People will say bad things about United and we accept that - they say that because they want to see United win every year. Even with myself I feel like I've done poorly this season because I haven't won a league title. But at the end of the day that's not the truth.

“We only think we've failed because we haven't won and winning is the Manchester United spirit, it's the Manchester United way.

“If I played for another team then maybe we'd say to ourselves, ‘Well done for coming second, you've had a good season’. We might even celebrate.

“But when you play for United you have to accept that you have pressure to win every year, no matter what happens to you along the way. It doesn't matter if you've only got one leg, you have to win.”

Gutted that Ruud Van Nistelrooy has retired:(, he was a legend at United and such a class act, popular, nice guy and an awesome player:).

Good news about Gary Neville becoming involved with the coaching in the England set up and continuing his Sky role!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...ayer-year.html

So delighted for Tony V and I voted for him to get the main award:D, he spoke some English at the end and he is normally so shy and quiet, plus he hates this press stuff but does it just for the fans.

He is such a likeable guy and is a hardworker, team player and continues to improve at United:).

Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs win Premier League awards:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18074986

So deserved!:amazed::cool::worship:

Manchester United chief David Gill says money is available to manager Sir Alex Ferguson for this summer's market.

Gill had insisted cash was available for Ferguson to invest in his squad.

"Funds are available without a doubt," he said.

"We can still pay very well in terms of wages and transfer fees. Clearly City have raised the bar again. We have seen that with what they are prepared to pay for players and to them.

"But we need to move on. Financial Fair Play is just around the corner.

"It is a flagship programme for Michel Platini and how that is implemented and the sanctions that are imposed are going to be interesting.

"But we are a very successful club. Our turnover is amongst the top three in world football - over £300million a year.

"That generates income to invest in players and we will continue to do that."

Sir Alex ready to respond

Sir Alex Ferguson is still smarting from Sunday's agonising title defeat to Manchester City but has warned that United will respond next season.

In a passionate declaration of intent, the manager told MUTV that the Reds will continue investing in young players who will continue to form the character of the club. The manner in which United lost the crown to neighbours City may hurt but he retains faith in old heads like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes and will be adding to the squad this summer.

"Obviously we knew QPR were in front," he admitted. "I said to Mike Phelan, ‘If City equalise, I’m worried they’ll get a big impetus from it.’ And that’s exactly what happened. I think everyone expected City to win and they made it difficult for themselves. Queens Park Rangers performed very well until they knew they were safe. That was disappointing. It’s hard to digest because we played so well at Sunderland. Their keeper made four fantastic saves, we’ve hit the post twice, hit the bar, missed a couple of good chances, we could have scored eight. When it comes down to goal difference, we’ve only ourselves to blame. This club always misses chances. We’re very charitable to our opponents.

“I think we’re disappointed about [losing] the eight-point lead. But I’m not going to have any recriminations for any of my players. They’re a solid bunch of lads, they’re honest, they’ve tried their best. Okay, they’ve made mistakes but there’s a lot of young players who make mistakes and we invest in that. That’s what we’re good at. We’re not like other clubs who can spend fortunes. We invest in players who’ll be with the club for a long time, who’ll create the character of the club, who’ll create excitement for our fans. And we have many players like that. We’re good at that and we’re going to continue that way.

“I think we’re good at it. And there’s an old saying, ‘ if you’re good at something, don’t mend it.’ But we have obviously lots of maturity in the team. I’m sure next season will be Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes’ last season – actually, I’m not so sure about Ryan. He defies age. But it will be probably Paul’s last year. Rio’s 33. But after those three we’ve no issues with age, no issues at all."

Sir Alex will be dipping into the transfer market to enhance his squad and he has specific targets already in mind.

“Yes, we want to add to the squad," he admitted. "That’s in process at the moment. We have set our stall out for certain players. We want to make sure the evolution of United continues because I’ve been at the club for 25 years and I have to maintain a certain standard that keeps us there all the time.

"We don’t always win it but we’re always there which is great credit to our medical staff, our coaching staff – Rene, Mick and Eric Steele have been fantastic – our sports science staff.. they’ve put a lot into our club. There’s nothing materially wrong with us. It’s interesting that one paper said today – I didn’t read it, I was told – that we’ll have to spend millions. And we had 89 points!"

The manager accepts Roberto Mancini's team will remain a threat - not only off the field but on it with the Etihad Stadium outfit competing for similar transfer targets and offering mind-boggling fees and salaries.

"We know that City are going to spend fortunes on players and pay silly salaries," he conceded. "We can’t do anything about that. We’ll look at what we can do in terms of attracting players for the right reasons. Obviously we’ll benefit them financially too, we’re not missing that aspect of it. But we do what we do well and we’re going to stay that way."

Four Manchester United players have made the cut for England's Euro 2012 squad.

Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney will all compete in Poland and Ukraine after being named in new manager Roy Hodgson's 23-man party for the big summer tournament.

There is no place for the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling, who has been ruled out through injury. Contrary to some speculation, Paul Scholes is not involved either as England take on France, Sweden and Ukraine in the finals when they begin life after Fabio Capello.

Rooney is suspended for the opening two games but will return for the clash with co-hosts Ukraine, while Welbeck is obviously a major contender to stand in for his Reds team-mate in the opening two fixtures.

Both Jones and Welbeck were impressive in the Under-21 European Championship last year while Smalling would surely have joined them had he not been ruled out with a groin injury.

Young is in hot form for his country, having scored five times since the start of 2011 in only give six starts with two further appearances as a substitute. Rooney, is of course, the leading man for England and will be expected to shine on the big stage.

Vidic relishes competition

Nemanja Vidic is pleased there will be intense competition for a centre-back spot next season.

The inspirational skipper was missed by the Reds after a cruciate knee injury ended his campaign back in December and, although he will not make the pre-season tour, it's expected he'll be fit for the start of the 2012/2013 term.

It promises to be a huge season for the club as United will bid to wrestle the Barclays Premier League trophy back across Manchester and Vidic feels the players will be up for the challenge.

When asked by MUTV if it may be hard to win his place back, he replied: "Definitely. Jonny [Evans] has had a great year. I think Chris [Smalling] as well, before he got injured, is looking for that position as central defender. Rio [Ferdinand] is fit after a long time and was fit for so many games so we now have really big competition next year.

"I don't mind that. I don't think any player minds that. It makes you train harder, play better and obviously we have so many games during the season that we need good players."

With the team still in evolution, accruing 89 points was some feat but obviously not enough to retain the title, something that hurts the Serbian.

"We cannot say we did well because we didn't win a trophy obviously," he stated. "But we have to remember a few players left, a few young players had to get used to playing every week for a club like Manchester United and we always have high expectations.

The young players did well and it was great experience for them this season. I think they managed really well but didn't have the luck in the end.

"I definitely believe we're going to be better next year. We want the trophy back. You have to remember we've had so much success in the past few years but generations have changed with new players.

"The club is looking to the future. We have to take some positives from this year. I believe next year will be a good year for the club and I believe we can win trophies again."

Fabio admits he will miss twin brother Rafael when he completes a loan move away from United.

The promising full-back will spend a season away from Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson has already suggested a stint in Portugal is on the cards.

The Brazilian siblings are inseparable off the field but the manager feels Fabio will benefit from a new experience after being unable to dislodge Patrice Evra from the team.

"It's so, so hard," he told MUTV about the potential move. "It's very, very difficult for me and my brother as well but this is life.

"I have to play more games to improve my football and it's why I think it's better for me and for him as well.

"I had a good start and played a lot of games in the Champions League but, at the end, I've not played in many games. But it's okay and we go to the next season."

Giggs hails Gregg

Ryan Giggs says the Reds were only to happy to play their part in making it a night to remember at Harry Gregg's Testimonial in Belfast on Tuesday night.

A strong Reds' team secured a 4-1 victory over an Irish League XI thanks to goals from Patrice Evra, Ashley Young (2) and Wayne Rooney.

A sell-out crowd at Windsor Park, virtually all supporting Sir Alex's men, were clearly delighted with the result on a night when everyone came together to pay tribute to one man.

"All the lads are really proud to be involved in a night like this for someone who is a hero both on and off the pitch," Giggs told MUTV. "The testimonial is just reward for a great career and a great life.

"It's always nice to come back to Northern Ireland. The fans over here are unbelievably loyal.

"There was a full house tonight even after the disappointment of Sunday and they cheered us on all night. We always get a great welcome over here and we know how much the fans over here love the club.

"The standard [of the game] was pretty decent," added Giggs. "There were plenty of goals and plenty of good goals too. Hopefully we sent the crowd home happy."

Evra: My toughest year

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe....aspx?pageNo=1

Michael Owen has been released by United, shame that injuries got in the way of his spell with us but in the games he played he did contribute and I wish him well in whatever he does next.

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Michael Owen's professionalism and talent following confirmation the striker is leaving Manchester United.

The boss told his number seven he would not be offered a new contract when the pair were in Belfast for Harry Gregg's Testimonial match on Tuesday night. In what proved to be his final appearance for the Reds, Owen played the first hour of United's 4-1 win before being replaced by Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex told ManUtd.com: "It is a pleasure to have had Michael at Manchester United. Michael is a consummate professional and was an influential figure in our dressing room. Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season.

"Michael’s record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish him all the best for the future."

The Tactician ‏@thetactician

Man Utd's deal to bring Shinji Kagawa in from Dortmund is rumoured to be worth €12m plus Ji-Sung Park. #MUFC #BVB

LK will be happy

I am suspicious when it comes to Twitter supposed ITK, would be gutted if Park Ji Sung goes tbh:(.

Only a matter of time, BVB bought Reus ages ago cause they knew this was going to happen

Just hope United play him as an attacker and not a defensive winger like Park

SAF does love his Wingers:joker:.

I think he will change United's formation after this season and change to a 4-3-3 or the formation that Manchester City play 4-3-1-2 so it is more attacking and has pace.

Kagawa will probably play in CAM now United have enough quality for the wings anyway.

Kagawa will be the link between the midfield and wings, aswell as abit of a driving force forward. It's what we need.

Full back,Back Up Forward and Asamoah and we are good to go.

Well done to the Reserve lads and Warren Joyce winning the Manchester Senior Cup 2-0 vs Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Lots of fans stormed the pitch at the end and the Referee had to end the extra time early:joker:.

Ji-sung Park has reiterated his desire to end his career with United, despite not playing as much as he would have liked this season.

The Korean winger made 28 appearances in 2011/12, but was limited to a substitute role for much of the second half of the campaign.

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old told reporters in his homeland that he wants to see out his playing days at Old Trafford and help the Reds recover from this year's title heartache.

"It was a disappointing end to the season, both for the team and me personally," said Park, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

"But the past is the past and we must look forward. I'll focus on what to do from now on. It's true that I want to retire at United, but it does not depend on me.

"The season is over now; I just want to take a rest and not think about anything."

Will Keane hopes the first-teamers are proud of the Reserves after a 2-0 victory in the Manchester Senior Cup final at the Etihad Stadium.

Warren Joyce's side triumphed in the final game of United's campaign with the 19-year-old striker scoring his 19th goal of a successful campaign. Victory ensured the squad could celebrate lifting a trophy for the second Thursday in succession after last week's play-off triumph against Aston Villa.

Keane produced a selfless display as a lone striker in a hard-fought success and also claimed the assist for Luke Giverin's injury-time clincher. Yet the centre-forward, who is linking up with the England Under-19 squad, felt it was not one of his better performances.

"It's been another successful year," he told MUTV. "Capped off with another two trophies. I'm delighted as it's what we aimed to do at the start of the season.

"You can see how much it means to the lads. The fact it's against City made it even more special. With everything that happened with the first-team last weekend, we wanted to make them proud. We've done that as it was a good, professional performance.

"It wasn't one of my greatest games. I didn't have many chances but, when I got one, I took it. I didn't have the ball much in the second half but we defended well and saw it out. We knew City were going to be a strong team because we played them in the same competition earlier in the season and they play a similar way to their first-team with little players who are clever on the ball. We knew we weren't always going to have the ball so we stayed with the runners and saw the game out."

When asked about the possibillity of going on tour with the Reds, although his participation could be complicated if England qualify for the Under-19 European Championship finals, he replied: "I always aim to keep improving and pushing on.

"If that's the next step, so be it. But I'll just take it as it comes and do my best."

Luke Giverin made his first-team debut in the Harry Gregg Testimonial on Tuesday and is rewarding the club's patience in his development.

The 19-year-old left-back came on for the second half of the 4-1 victory, replacing Patrice Evra, and was one of two youngsters to make his bow with Michele Fornasier also getting a run-out.

Giverin has not had much football this term, making only two substitute appearances for the Reserves at league level and a solitary outing as an over-aged player in the Under-18s. The teenager has featured more in the cup competitions for Warren Joyce's side and enjoyed plenty of action out in Dallas recently.

"We're waiting for his physical development," director of youth football Jim Ryan revealed to ManUtd.com. "He struggled a bit in the first game against FC Dallas but, in the second match, he suddenly burst into life and it was a fantastic piece of football from him for the Larnell Cole against Tigres. From then on, he did well. We hope he develops physically and can be another one who comes through."

Giverin capped an incredible week on a personal level by coming on towards the end of the Manchester Senior Cup final at the Etihad Stadium and running through to score the clincher deep into stoppage time to make it 2-0 to the Reserves.

Fergie 'ambulance drama': Reds boss 'rushed to hospital with suspected heavy nose bleed'

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...ospital-839724

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is grateful for the part Wayne Rooney has played in his rise to England's Euro 2012 squad.

Welbeck has been included in Roy Hodgson's squad for this summer's European Championships and could be set to replace Rooney during his ban for the first two games of the tournament.

The 21-year-old has usurped Javier Hernandez as Rooney's first-choice strike partner at United this season and he believes the former Everton wonderkid has been a huge help in his career.

"Wayne's funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it's Danny or Welbz. Don't ask me why."
Danny Welbeck on Wayne Rooney Quotes of the week

Welbeck told The Sun: "I owe Wayne a lot. He has been a terrific friend and a brilliant help to me. We have really forged a great partnership.

"And he is amazing during a game. He never stops yapping in my ear, telling me, 'Daniel this' and 'Daniel that'.

"Wayne's funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it's Danny or Welbz. Don't ask me why.

Lucky

"I'm so lucky he wants me to do well and is always trying to advise what's best for me. You can't buy that sort of insight. He knows what it's like as a young player coming through in the Premier League and with England."

Welbeck also revealed another United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who was controversially left out of Hodgson's squad, contacted the forward to congratulate him on his inclusion.

Welbeck said: "He made the effort to get in touch which I think tells you all about the man.

"He was obviously gutted not to be a part of it and must have been really down. But he still took the time to contact me and say 'Well done'.

"I'm really disappointed for him."