Like I said in the other thread. We just can't have a Rio/Vidic partnership. Such a shame as it was definitely the best partnership from 07-09.

I know i am hard on this team but it just annoys me that we are a De Rossi type player away from being the best team in Europe with the attacking prowess we currently however this leads me on to something more negative.

Fergie has to take the blame for out ship performances this year. What was the point in bringing in Kagawa and RVP if we are not gonna play though them and persist on playing down the wings. All our players seem confused as to whether play through middle or wing and the manager has to take blame for that.

He either plays the traditional 4-4-2 which means the signings of RVP and kag like the last few years of signings were completely pointless or he changes to a formation like 4-3-3 where we use them to the best of there abilities

Reds can still improve

United may have won five games on the trot and sit second in the Barclays Premier League table, but assistant manager Mike Phelan admits there’s still room for improvement.

“We’ve got to be happy with the position we’re in,” Phelan told ManUtd.com. "But obviously for a club like ours and with the quality of players we have we need to be producing better football.

“We know we can do that, we just need to get into our rhythm. There is certainly room for improvement.”

Indeed, the Reds have conceded first in four of the season’s six matches so far and have led at half-time just twice. It’s hardly the hallmark of champions, and yet nobody else in England has looked any more assured.

“Everyone is feeling their way into the season and looking at the depths of squads of each club and who’s playing and who’s not,” Phelan said.

“It’s a bit like you’re putting a jigsaw together at the moment, but you’ve still got to make sure you get results and we’re managing to do that.

“We’re not in a great vein of form but we’re managing to get results and that will only help us when we do kick into gear and the team starts to perform as a whole.”

Phelan has been impressed, however, by a number of individuals’ performances, especially the new arrivals.

“Robin [van Persie] has come in and made an instant impact,” he said. “He’s still chasing a little bit of fitness and is still in that settling-in period, but he’s a top-drawer player and that’s what we needed.

“Shinji Kagawa has had a few games and now knows what the Premier League is all about and he’s obviously played in Europe quite a lot. You can see his work-rate and he’s started to show some real intent with his football and what he’s going to bring to this club so it’s exciting on his part.

“Alex [Büttner] is an up-and-coming young player who has done well but is still finding his feet and Nick [Powell] came on against Wigan and scored a great goal. He’ll want to keep impressing and be part of this team.

“This is what being at Manchester United is all about. You’re preparing, training, playing and recovering for the challenges that are coming your way every three or four days and the whole squad now comes into play.

“Everyone is at the right levels of fitness and is ready to take on that challenge. We’re going into a hard period of football, but that’s exactly where you want to be at this stage.”

Powell buoyed by boss claim

Nick Powell admits it was "amazing" to hear Sir Alex Ferguson suggest the summer signing from Crewe Alexandra can ultimately replace Paul Scholes in the United midfield.

The England Under-19 international marked his senior debut with a tremendous strike in the 4-0 league defeat of Wigan Athletic and is likely to be in the frame for another run-out against Newcastle United in the Capital One Cup.

When asked by United Review if it was exciting and daunting at the same time to hear the manager's comments, Powell replied: "A bit of both really. For someone like him to say he thinks you can do that is amazing to hear.

"The expectations of you are there, but it’s fulfilling those expectations which is the challenge, especially when you consider that there will probably never be another Scholes. What he has achieved in his career is more than most people can dream of – to achieve even half of what he has would be brilliant. Hopefully I’m on the right path."

Alan Pardew's Newcastle side are sure to provide a formidable barrier to progress in the competition but Powell remains keen to show he can handle playing against Barclays Premier League opposition.

"It will definitely be a good test for us," he insisted. "Newcastle did really well last year and were pushing for a top-four place. They’re a good side. It’ll be a great experience for whoever is playing this evening and a tough challenge. If I’m involved, I hope it’s one I can rise to. If I get my chance, I'm determined to take it with both hands."

Phelan: Cup's a chance to shine

Tonight’s Capital One Cup clash against Newcastle United at Old Trafford will, once again, allow Sir Alex Ferguson to give a number of players some important game-time, but assistant manager Mike Phelan insists a successful League Cup campaign is high on the club's agenda.

The Reds have gone out of the competition at the fifth-round stage in the last two seasons having won the trophy back-to-back in the two previous seasons.

Phelan confirmed there will be changes this evening – for example, both Darren Fletcher and Nick Powell will feature – but with the quality and size of United’s squad he insists there are plenty of players capable of coming in and putting on a good display.

“We've got options and we have to make sure this game helps us involve other players as well as the ones who have been playing in the last five or six games,” he told ManUtd.com. “It's important we give them the opportunity to perform.

“We've got a good mix of youth and experience and we want to make sure we perform and the players involved show their abilities and what they can offer.

“The manager has always seen these games as an opportunity to look at individuals' progress, to see where some players are at and if they're capable of being part of a long season. The hardest part is giving them the competitiveness and the games in order to prove that. You don’t just want one game, either – you want more than one. And hopefully this cup competition offers us that.

“I don't know what Newcastle will do [in terms of team selection], but over the past year or two, teams in general have started to look at this competition as an opportunity, not just to blood one or two youngsters, but to chase the cup and try and win it. There's a trophy at the end of it for someone, and we always set out to win every competition we’re involved in.”

Cleverley aims to please

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is keen to make a big impression at Old Trafford this season following another positive start to a campaign.

It was around this time last year when Cleverley, in impressive form for the Reds and knocking on the door of the England set-up, suffered injuries at Bolton and then Everton that effectively ruined the rest of his season. Indeed, the talented young midfielder, a product of United’s Academy programme, made just eight appearances between the end of October and the middle of May.

This season, Cleverley has again started with a bang. A key member of Team GB’s quest for Olympic glory in the summer, the 23-year-old then started United’s first three fixtures, impressing on each outing. His much-anticipated international call-up has come, too. He won his first England cap in a friendly against Italy in August and then kept his place for the Three Lions’ subsequent World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

Finally, all the pieces seem to have fallen into place. But given Tom’s rotten luck last year, surely there’s a part of him that’s just waiting for something to go wrong?

“Not at all. That’s not how I think,” he told ManUtd.com. “I’m a positive thinker.

“My season started with the Olympics, which was a great experience. Unfortunately we didn’t get a medal but it was good for me to play those games and I was pleased with my form there.

“I managed to carry that form into the season with United and hopefully I’ve impressed the manager as well. I've also picked up three international caps, so it’s been a great start.

“Things have been going really well but I just want them to get even better. I want to keep playing, keep winning and hopefully start scoring.”

Of course, goals shouldn’t be the benchmark by which Cleverley, who’s yet to find the back of the net for the Reds at senior level, should be judged. Particularly not this season when the arrival of playmaker Shinji Kagawa has prompted Tom to curb some of his attacking instincts.

“I feel like I've played a little deeper,” he said. “I always watch the games back and I’ve noticed I’ve been intercepting and tackling a bit more than usual.

“I’ve been happy with that but that’s not something that’s going to affect my play. I just hope it’s something I’ve added to my game.

“I know I’ve got a few goals in me. Hopefully my first arrives soon. If the midfield can chip in with 30 goals this season it will be a massive help to the team.”

Cleverley could well get a chance to open his United account in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup tie against Newcastle. Left on the bench for the Reds’ last three encounters, he’ll be itching to play a key role in the fixture.

“I’m always wanting to impress,” he said. “I want to impress the fans, impress the manager, impress my team-mates and impress myself.

"I look on it as another chance to play and another chance to win a trophy. Every game United play I want to play."

Good win for United yesterday:). Glad that Rooney is back and that Anderson/Cleverley scored goals, some young lads got their chances on the pitch too and Fletcher starting as captain!

Chelsea away in the COC next then...

Report: United 2 Newcastle 1

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

Manchester United will play Chelsea away in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup after knocking out Newcastle United.

Former Old Trafford favourite Nicky Butt and ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith made the draw, as the Reds' number 13 came out with the current Barclays Premier League leaders.

"We want to progress as far as we can and will do our best to try and do that," Sir Alex told Sky Sports earlier. "Winning is always important at this club."

"You've got to beat the best teams to win the cup," said Tom Cleverley after the draw.

"Obviously we would have preferred a home match because you don't want to travel too much in a busy fixture list but whoever plays for us will go down there to Chelsea and do their stuff."

The ties will be played in the week commencing 29 October, so the Capital One Cup meeting will come just two or three days after the rivals meet in the league at Stamford Bridge.

Full fourth round draw: Sunderland v Middlesbrough, Swindon v Aston Villa, Wigan v Bradford, Leeds v Southampton, Norwich v Tottenham, Liverpool v Swansea, Chelsea v United, Reading v Arsenal.

Progress pleases Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson was satisfied and encouraged by his side's performance in the Capital One Cup triumph against Newcastle.

United progressed to a blockbuster tie in the fourth round at Chelsea despite fielding a very inexperienced defence and handing out a total of four senior debuts on the night at Old Trafford.

"I'm very pleased," he admitted. "First of all, given the tie was an all-Premier League one and Newcastle are probably a stronger team than us physically, we played some fantastic football. We kept on playing our football and perservered with that and had good composure in our game.

"I was really pleased with that and I think we deserved to win. Newcastle are a very powerful team so it's good to get through that one.

"Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher were excellent - Wayne understandably tired a little towards the end but that was to be expected. I'm really pleased for the both of them. They have all done really well. Some of them tired but that was understandable as it was a first game for some of them.

"I'm very pleased for Anderson and Cleverley - both of them were terrific strikes. The second goal was a great bit of football and Tom has done well to sidefoot the ball home. It was a really good performance."

The boss felt the youthful back four did well to cope with the threat posed by Shola Ameobi and substitute Papiss Cisse.

"They did their best," he stated. "It was difficult.

"Ameobi is a massive big lad, a handful, and Cisse has a lot of experience and is a terrific player. He's one of the best players at the club and it was a compliment to us that they did that. So I thought they handled it quite well.

"The name of the game here is to win football matches. Tonight we've given a lot of youngsters and squad players a game. If we progress, they will be involved."

Return pleases Rooney

Wayne Rooney was thrilled to make a winning return to action as Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Capital One Cup third round.

The Reds striker started a match for only the second time this season and impressed for 76 minutes before being given a breather by Sir Alex Ferguson bringing on Nick Powell.

“It’s just over four weeks now since I last played and I’m delighted to have the time on the pitch.” Rooney told Sky Sports.

“It’s always difficult, your first game back after a few weeks out, but it’s great for me to get the minutes under my belt and hopefully that will benefit me.”

The forward is now hopeful of building upon his successful return.

“It was a good run out for me and I’m obviously delighted. Hopefully there’s a lot more games to come.”

A stunning effort from Anderson and a first senior strike for Tom Cleverley sealed the victory for the Reds. Rooney praised the latter for securing his landmark goal.

“Tom obviously had that miss in the first half and the manager wasn’t too pleased with that at half-time," revealed Wayne.

"But Tom's then gone out and scored a nice goal. I’m delighted for the two of them [both scorers] but especially Tom as it's his first goal.”

Fletcher a proud skipper

Darren Fletcher admits he was a proud man to skipper United for the first time in the Capital One Cup win against Newcastle.

The Scot made his first start following a protracted absence from the game due to ulcerative colitis after coming on as a subsitute in the recent Champions League victory over Galatasaray. Although clearly delighted to be representing the Reds again, he was quick to stress that the team's success is at the forefront of his mind.

"It's my first time as captain of Manchester United," he told MUTV. "It's a fantastic moment, something you dream about. Obviously, having done it for my country means a lot but to do it for United as well [is incredible]. However, the most important thing, despite all these things like me coming back and being captain, was for us to win the game.

"I thought we played very well. We had a diamond formation in midfield and passed the ball well, creating some good chances. We were unfortunate not to go in a couple of goals ahead at half time and, when we went 2-0 up, we conceded a goal and it was a little bit difficult towards the end. They had a lot of high balls in the box but we defended it reasonably well, have seen it out and got a victory."

Fletcher felt Wayne Rooney was a major influence in a deeper role than usual and also lavished praise on rookie defenders Michael Keane and Scott Wootton.

"Wayne was slotting in behind the strikers and enjoying it," added the Scot. "He was getting on the ball, pinging it wide left and right and using his experience. He's a fantastic player with great imagination and enthusiasm and it's great for United to have a lot of players competing for places.

It's going to bring out the best in everyone.

"The two centre-backs were talking to me the whole game and for two young centre halves playing against good strikers they were fantastic and it was a fine performance for them. I think it was a good team performance.

"It's brilliant [to see the kids come through]. It's what this club is all about. You're prepared for that at a young age and to finally make your debut at Old Trafford, all of them performed fantastically and showed they're capable and they're ready. It bodes well for the future.

"It's obviously great to be back. But the most important thing was winning the match."

Pleased for Fletch:), it is great to see him back and his experience is vital in our static Midfield.

Tom eyes more goals

Tom Cleverley hopes his first senior goal for the Reds, in Wednesday's League Cup win over Newcastle, will now spark a flurry of goals for the midfielder.

Cleverley's excellent 58th-minute strike proved to be the decisive goal in an entertaining tie at Old Trafford as Sir Alex's men ran out 2-1 winners.

The 23-year-old admitted the drought in front of goal has been playing on his mind, especially after he struck the ball wide in the first half after being put clean through. But he hopes that having finally broken his duck, the floodgates will now open.

"It's been playing on my mind a little bit because I've always scored goals when I've gone out on loan but I've not been doing it for my club and country," he told MUTV.

"The gaffer gave me a bit [of stick] at half-time for missing the chance in the first half so it was nice to stroke that one in. Hopefully that sets me off on a run now.

"I practice those sorts of finishes a lot in training with Rene [Meulensteen] and when it came to me from Welbs [Danny Welbeck] I always knew what I was going to do. Luckily it found the back of the net. I've got that first one now and hopefully more will come."

Cleverley was full of praise for his fellow youngsters on the night, four of which made their senior debuts.

"It was quite a young team but I thought everyone did fantastically well," added the England international.

"I think all the young lads can be pleased with their performance – there won't be many tougher strike forces to play against than Newcastle's in a physical sense.

"It was fantastic to have both Wazza [Wayne Rooney] and Fletch [Darren Fletcher] back as well," he continued. "Fletch is a big-game player who can bring positive things to any squad in the world and Wazza came back and put in a great performance.

"We've been a bit unlucky with injuries but that's what we've got a squad for – as players get injured, others are coming back. There is good competition in the squad at the moment and we're winning games so it's all good."

Reds relishing Chelsea tie

United are already relishing the Capital One Cup fourth round trip to Chelsea, according to Darren Fletcher.

There was only one club higher in the Barclays Premier League table than the Reds when the draw was made and yet it pitted Sir Alex's side with a taxing trip to the league leaders. A similar thing happened, of course, in last season's FA Cup third round when United had to travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

Yet Fletcher is far from daunted about the prospect of facing the European champions twice in quick succession next month, before another blockbuster encounter with Arsenal the following weekend.

"It's exciting," he insisted to MUTV. "It is what it's all about. This club is all about big games and that's another one.

"We want to progress in the competition. So we'll be going to Chelsea and looking to win.

"We know it's going to be difficult as they have started the season very well but the manager has got a big squad to choose from. Those three games will be massive so I'm sure everyone will play a part.

"We want to be in the next round and want to win every competition we're in."

Well the Spurs defeat was very disappointing but it once again highlights how weak our Midfield is and the injury curse that is happening at the club:(.

Reds taking care of Rio

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Rio Ferdinand and the treatment that's helping Manchester United's longest-serving defender to remain at the top level.

Between the brace conceded at Southampton and the triple scored by Tottenham on Saturday, the Reds defence tightened up to the point that Rio played his way onto ManUtd.com's Player of the Month shortlist.

It represents a fine start to Ferdinand's eleventh season at United and Sir Alex sees no reason to expect it will be his last campaign with the club.

"We're managing Rio's back very well so, touch wood, we've not had any great issues with it," explained the boss in Friday's briefing with the Sunday newspapers.

"He's 33 now and he will be important for us again this season. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are still playing. If he looks after himself, which he's doing well now, and we manage the situation with his back, there's no reason why he can't play on.

"When he first started getting the back trouble, he was out for longer periods than ever before. Now we just take care of him in training. The treatment he's getting and the yoga he's doing is all contributing to him staying fit.

"He's using his experience now, whereas six or seven years ago he had such a great turn of pace. He used to almost leave it until the last second and just turn on the gas and get there. But he can't do that now and, as everyone does, they lose their pace as they get older and he's using his experience to compensate for that. He's not taking any chances now."

Ferdinand is also known to be influential around Carrington, particularly with the rookies trying to work their way up through the ranks.

"Rio's very good with the young players," added Sir Alex. "He has a good manner with them and is well respected."

One of those afore-mentioned rookies could even fill in for Rio against CFR Cluj on Tuesday if, as last season, the elder statesman is excused from the early overseas excursions in the Champions League.

"I think the boy Wootton did very well actually [against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup], I like him," added Sir Alex.

"He had a spell out on loan last season and he's a good user of the ball. He’s a good positional player, he reads the game well. He lacks an inch in the air which Evans and Ferdinand have got but then Steve Bruce wasn’t the tallest centre-half either.”

Wootton may have to be content with another watching brief from the bench, however, with Sir Alex saying there's "no chance" of fielding a so-called weakened team against the Group H leaders.

"Cluj knocked Basel out in the qualifiers, winning both games. And they won 2-0 at Braga, which is not an easy place to go. They'll be thinking they can go through after that result so we're taking the game very seriously. We’ll play the experienced players on Tuesday."

Anders: Each game vital

The Reds may be up against Champions League minnows on Tuesday night in CFR Cluj, but Anders Lindegaard insists the players won't take anything for granted.

The Danish goalkeeper is relishing the opportunity to play in Europe’s biggest club competition having enjoyed two run-outs last season, including an appearance in United’s last game in Romania against Otelul Galati. And he insists the Reds know the importance of picking up a positive result at the CFR Stadium.

“We want to get through the group. We need it to be a no-nonsense campaign for us this time – we cannot afford to make the same mistakes as we did last season,” he told ManUtd.com.

“The Champions League is always a very special competition to be involved in. Hearing the music before the game and the whole atmosphere around the matches is something special every time.

“Tuesday’s game is another important one for us, but we look at every match as being important,” he added. “As I have said before, the amazing thing about being at United is there no difference between, say, playing Crawley at home in the FA Cup or Liverpool away in the league; we take the same approach every time and that is to work in the professional manner that has made the club into what it is today.

“We played in Romania last season and we hope for a similar result there on Tuesday. We have to go out there and win again.”

Wayne Rooney insists United are heading to Romania intent on bringing home all three points from Tuesday night's clash with CFR Cluj.

A narrow victory over Galatasaray gave the Reds a winning start to this season's Champions League campaign, but Cluj top the Group H table after a counter-attacking triumph at Braga and Rooney is keen to take a stranglehold of the group at an early stage.

"It is a big game for us," the striker said. "Hopefully we will get a win which will put us in a good position to go through so early on in the group. The next two Champions League games are big ones for us. We are looking to get maximum points."

Rooney missed United's win over Galatasaray, but could be involved in Tuesday's game after impressing in his recent comeback games against Newcastle and Tottenham.

The striker is desperate to feature in Europe's premier club competition on a personal level, while also seeking to demonstrate that the Reds have collectively learned from last term's shortcomings.

"I still think it is exciting," he said. "It is a great competition to be in. You look at the teams involved and it is a great challenge for everyone. It is something I love playing in.

"We brought a lot of young players into the team [last year]. The Champions League is completely different to the Premier League. If you are not at your best you get punished, which is what happened to us last season. We have to make sure that won't happen again this year."

Reds train ahead of Cluj

Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia were missing from Manchester United's training session at Carrington on Monday morning ahead of the Reds' early-afternoon flight to Romania for Tuesday's Champions League fixture against CFR Cluj.

Although the travelling squad has yet to be confirmed – we'll bring you news of the squad from Manchester airport at approximately 12:30 BST – Sir Alex watched 24 players in action at the training ground on Monday, including young defenders Scott Wootton, Michael Keane and Alexander Büttner.

Long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are still missing and not expected to make the trip to Romania, where United face Group H leaders – ahead of United on goal difference, having won their opening fixture 2-0 in Braga – on Tuesday night.

Ashley Young also appeared to work with fitness coaches away from the main group, while former Red Mikael Silvestre was also present, although the defender (currently without a club) is merely training with the club temporaily in an effort to maintain fitness levels.

Monday training squad: De Gea, Johnstone, Lindegaard; Büttner, Evans, Evra, M Keane, Ferdinand, Rafael, Wootton; Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher, Giggs, Lingard, Nani, Powell, Scholes, Tunnicliffe; Hernandez, Kagawa, Rooney, van Persie, Welbeck

Reds squad flies to Romania

United are taking a 21-man squad to Romania for the Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj.

The Reds are looking to build on the opening Group H victory against Galatasaray but experienced midfielders Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick have not travelled.

Antonio Valencia, who injured his ankle in the win at Liverpool, is not ready to return and fellow winger Ashley Young remains sidelined, along with the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Jonny Evans is available, despite picking up a knock late on against Tottenham, but Michael Keane and Scott Wootton provide cover at the heart of the defence. Youngsters Jesse Lingard, Nick Powell and Ryan Tunnicliffe join Darren Fletcher amongst the midfield options while Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie could combine in attack again after showing promising signs in the second half on Saturday.

United: De Gea, Lindegaard; Büttner, Evans, Evra, Ferdinand, M.Keane, Rafael, Wootton; Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher, Lingard, Nani, Powell, Tunnicliffe; Hernandez, Kagawa, Rooney, van Persie, Welbeck.

United team playing at Cluj: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Anderson, Fletcher, Cleverley, Rooney, Hernandez, Van Persie.

Wayne Rooney has urged United to stop falling behind after Robin van Persie's double overturned CFR Cluj's early opener.

The Reds had already conceded first to Everton, Fulham, Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham this term when Pantelis Kapetanos shot Cluj ahead from the Romanians' first truly dangerous attack.

Rooney, who was excellent again in a deeper role, acknowledges that it is a dangerous habit that needs fixing in order to compete for silverware.

"Obviously it's not nice," he told MUTV. "It's something we need to make sure we stop doing. We can't keep affording to let teams get a headstart on us, especially in the Champions League when it's very difficult to win the game anyway.

"We have to make sure we're more solid than we have been and hopefully we can be in future games."

Cluj were difficult opponents and the surface did not aid the Reds' cause but Rooney was pleased to make it six points out of six in the competition.

"It was quite tough at times but, thankfully, we've got the three points and that's the main thing," he stated.

"I played a bit deeper tonight and had some good moments [with van Persie]. Robin has got two goals tonight and we're delighted. I didn't know the first one was off his shoulder until he said it at half time but as long as it goes in, it doesn't matter.

"It was a great finish for the second goal. I was right behind it. I could see it was a fantastic finish.

"It was a difficult pitch to play on, really bobbly and hard. So we had to make sure we were fully concentrated to get our touch and passing right. I don't mind playing in a deeper position because I get on the ball more but the main thing for us is just getting out of this group and progressing to the knockout stages.

"We're in a good position now and, if we win our next game against Braga, we'll be in a great position."

Evans battling to be fit

Jonny Evans faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at Newcastle after failing to shake off a dead leg against CFR Cluj.

The centre-back was hurt in the closing stages of the defeat to Tottenham but kept his place in the line-up for the trip to Romania, partnering Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence.

Unfortunately, Evans was troubled again by the problem during the course of the 2-1 victory in the Champions League, and replaced by Scott Wootton, but Sir Alex has stressed the stopper has time to recover before the journey to the North East this weekend.

"Jonny got injured on Saturday," stated the manager. "He had a recurrence of that. It is a dead leg.

"He has five days to recover for Sunday. Hopefully he will be okay."

I hope he will be fine considering our current problems in Defence:(.

Evra eyes better start

Patrice Evra has demanded that United do not make a slow start against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Reds get back to Barclays Premier League action after a second win in the Champions League and the memory of last season's 3-0 reverse at the Sports Direct Arena is still fresh in the players' minds.

Following defeats to Everton and Tottenham, the Reds do not want to be losing any more ground at the top of the table ahead of another international break.

When asked by MUTV about the tendency to often concede first this season, Evra replied: "It's not a worry but I will say it's a bad habit.

"The positive thing is we can say we have had a good reaction but, in football, it’s better to act not react - that’s what my old coach taught me. We have to make sure on Sunday against Newcastle that we don’t go behind and ensure we score first and, afterwards, control the game.

"I think last year was a disaster at Newcastle. We played very badly and lost 3-0. This year it’s going to be really important. We’ve already lost against Tottenham and have to react. We must have a big reaction against Newcastle but it’s not an easy game. We just need to be focused on trying to score first and making sure we control the game."

Evra hails Wayne and Robin

Robin van Persie may have been the one banging in the goals this season, but Patrice Evra insists the contribution of the fit-again Wayne Rooney cannot be underestimated.

After coming off the bench on Saturday to help drag United back into the Spurs game – even though ultimately the Reds were unable to avoid defeat – Rooney set up both of van Persie’s goals in the 2-1 win over Cluj on Tuesday night.

And Evra insists both will have an important role to play this season.

“Both Wayne and Robin are outstanding players. It’s great to have those kinds of players,” Patrice told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

“A lot of people were talking a lot when Robin was playing on his own and scoring goals but people can’t forget what Rooney has done for this club. He showed that when he came on against Tottenham and on Tuesday.

"He’s a big player for us and he looked sharp. And I’m definitely sure they can both play together although I’m not the boss!

“Robin is an amazing player and that’s good, but everyone will want to show they can play with Robin. When someone new comes in, everyone expects a lot and forgets the old things. It’s why Wazza has to show everyone [what he can do]. It’s the same for me as well, and everyone, we all have to play their best to play for this team now. The star is the team not one player.”