Well done Rafael Da Silva. Player Of The Month:).

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

Tom in tune with Kagawa

Tom Cleverley has spoken glowingly of his on-pitch relationship with Shinji Kagawa.

Both players have started the season brightly and Cleverley feels their similar pass-and-move styles make for a natural understanding.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing with Shinji,” Tom reveals in the latest edition of Inside United, on sale now. “He’s really on my wavelength when it comes to playing one and two-touch football.”

Cleverely also praised the other new arrivals in midfield and attack.

“They’ve all brought so much,” he says. “We all know what Robin van Persie is about and Nick Powell is a really good footballer and a good lad. He’s definitely one for the future.”

Carrick's England delight

Michael Carrick’s form has been rewarded with another international call-up by England manager Roy Hodgson.

The Reds midfielder, recalled in August following a long spell out of the international spotlight, has kept his spot in Hodgson’s squad for England’s games against San Marino and Poland this month.

Fellow United stars Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have also been included.

Speaking to ManUtd.com last week, Carrick revealed he was delighted to be back in the England squad and hopes to win many more caps to add to the 24 he’s accumulated since his debut in May 2001.

“The long summer break I had really helped me in terms of getting a lot of rest and starting the season well,” he said. “I wouldn't have had that had I gone to the Euros with England.

“But now I'm really pleased to be back in the England plans. I'm looking to be part of things and get as many games as I can.

“I'm still only 31 so I don't want to hang up boots yet. If I can still play a part in England's big matches that's something I'd love to do.

“The new manager seems to want me involved at the moment, so hopefully I can do enough to stay in his plans.”


I am pleased for him, he deserves it:).

Progress delights Wootton

Scott Wootton says he is "made up" to have experienced life in the first team after making his domestic and European debuts in the last week.

After some excellent performances on the Reds' pre-season tour, the 21-year-old impressed on his competitive bow in the League Cup victory over Newcastle last week and came on to replace the injured Jonny Evans for the final 10 minutes in the Champions League win in Cluj on Tuesday night.

Wootton has relished the opportunities he's been given and is delighted with how things have progressed so far.

"The last week or so has been amazing. To make my debut in the League Cup and then to come on and play in the Champions League is a great feeling and it's something I'm made up with," told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"As a young player, obviously you don't wish injuries on someone, but that's how you might get your chance and obviously I got mine against Newcastle through injuries, so that's just the way it is.

"For young players at a lot of top clubs the League Cup is where the managers embed them into the team, so obviously I was delighted with that.

"You want to progress as a footballer and these are the next steps."

Wootton admits being with the senior squad has been an eye-opener with regard to match preparation and playing in front of large crowds, but he says he's just trying to take it all in his stride.

"I don't think you do anything different from normal games - obviously there are some extra special things like the team talks, coming away with the first team and the fans which are different from what you're used to, but you just try and concentrate on your football in the same way," he added.

"The big difference is making sure you're that extra step quicker in your head and on the floor. I think mainly in your head you've got to always concentrate; you can't switch off for one minute because the quality steps up.

"At each level you go up, the quality and speed of the game increases, so you've got to always concentrate and always be on your mark."

:)

Funnn how Carrick gets snubbed when he is in great form and gets called up when he's fell off abit.

Apparently SAF was scouting Robert Lewandowski last night, we have enough Strikers as it is at the moment but RL has been linked to us for ages.

Tom Ince is linked to us now, some rumours going round that he might join us in January. Another Winger?

Kevin Strootman from PSV is going to be available in January and that is the type of player United need, someone who can play in CM or as a CDM. He is only 22 and could develop at a club at United.

Just think he was there to laugh at the joke that is Man City tbh :p

True;).

Happy with the United win and performance yesterday at Newcastle, plus the fact that we got a clean sheat too:):D.

We actually scored from two corners and they finally got past the first man, as normally our corner kicks are dire.

Glad that Evans and Evra scored, although Clevz goal was class!

Match Report:

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

Sir Alex hails emphatic win

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed “an absolutely brilliant performance” after Manchester United swept Newcastle United aside to seal an impressive 3-0 win at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday.

The manager watched with delight as goals from Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra and Tom Cleverley capped a fine display in the north east, where the Reds were disappointed to lose by the same scoreline in January last season.

“It was a great result to come here and win 3-0 against a very powerful and aggressive Newcastle team,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports. “You have to really perform and make sure you keep control of the game and I think we did that for most of the time.

“We were terrific in the second half against Tottenham, it was an absolutely brilliant performance but the first half spoiled the whole day. Whereas today we were really on top of our game in terms of concentration, determination and all of the things you want to see in a team that is going to win.

“I think concentration is important at this level and we concentrated on the way we played in the first 20 minutes. It’s strange that we played so much good football and made good openings, but we scored from two setpieces which is unusual for us.

“Patrice Evra has only scored four goals and I think Jonny Evans has only got two goals. But you take it because winning these games is important and all in all, I thought the football was really good and the concentration was terrific and the determination was there.

“I think there was pressure [on us] because you don’t want to fall too far behind. If we hadn’t won today we would have been seven points behind Chelsea. We are in the frame and we are still there. Obviously, every game is important now because we want to stay up there and hopefully we can do that.”

Although the Reds dominated most of the match, Newcastle had several promising spells and perhaps should have scored when Papiss Cisse’s header was adjudged not to have crossed the line, after David De Gea did well to parry the ball away.

“I had a look at it and the replay is inconclusive,” the boss remarked. “The whole ball was not over the line but I would be disappointed if we didn’t get the goal ourselves if we were in that situation.

“Our goalkeeper has done fantastically to get to it, but if the rule is that the whole ball has to be over the line then it is not a goal. I would have been disappointed though because I thought enough of the ball was over.”

Cleverley meant super strike

Tom Cleverley insists he meant his first Barclays Premier League goal for the club - an incredible shot from the left flank that found the top corner of Steve Harper's net.

The midfielder broke his duck at senior level for the Reds against the Magpies in the recent Capital One Cup tie and followed it up with the strike that wrapped up the three points on a memorable afternoon in the North East.

When asked if it was his intention to go for goal, he replied: "Yeah, I meant to put it in that far corner. I looked to the far corner and, whether it's a good cross or obviously a good finish, luckily it's found the net.

"The ball's come back and I've seen the goalkeeper a little bit off his line so I've hit that area. Whether Welbz [Danny Welbeck] gets across and puts his head on it or the ball goes straight in, so I'd say it's a good finish."

Sir Alex Ferguson disagreed, joking: "I think it was a cross but he says it was a shot!"

Cleverley, who heads off on England duty for the World Cup double-header against San Marino and Poland, was quick to pay tribute to the defenders for their part in the 3-0 success.

"We all knew it was going to be a tough game," he conceded. "Starting like we did was fantastic for us – not just the goals but we were playing really well. I think it took them 20 minutes to cope with us and we were 2-0 up by then and in control. We hit them on the counter-attack times and I thought we really controlled the second half.

"Away from home, any clean sheet is massive. Despite all the balls Newcastle put into the box, the back four and keeper were fantastic and fully deserved the clean sheet.

"We know we've got goals in the team and we've got players who can assist goals from everywhere. Welbz and Wazza [Wayne Rooney] were two of our main goalscorers last season and they've not scored yet so, when everyone clicks, I'm sure we can go on a run."

Cleverley felt the diamond formation worked well again and is hopeful he can continue to find the net after getting off the mark for the Reds this season.

"We played it [the new formation] against Newcastle in the Cup and Cluj and have won all three games," he explained. "It's a good system and something else we can use against teams. We've got plenty of plan Bs and plan Cs.

"My two goals have both come against Newcastle but, in general, I think I'm gettnig into goalscoring positions now. At the start of the season, it just wasn't going in. I had one cleared off the line at Everton and for England so, fortunately, I'm finding the back of the net now and hopefully I can go on a run.

"We said last time [there was an international break] when we managed to win at Southampton that it would've been horrible having no game for two weeks and having a defeat. With all our main competitors winning, we really had to get the three points and thankfully we did."

Diamond pays dividends

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that the 'diamond' formation could figure more prominently for Manchester United this season, after the Reds brushed Newcastle aside on Sunday.

The boss opted for the fluid midfield system at the weekend, following encouraging outings in the Capital One Cup tie against the Magpies and Tuesday’s Champions League triumph over CFR Cluj. This time, Sir Alex fielded Michael Carrick at the base of the diamond with Wayne Rooney at the head, flanked by Tom Cleverley and Shinji Kagawa.

“I wanted to try the diamond again after some success against Cluj, which is not an easy place to go to, and against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “It worked very well for us. Obviously there were moments in the second half when we felt we had to change.

“The diamond closes off the midfield. The only problem is when the ball goes out wide, how far your midfield gets separated. If you try to keep it tight in the centre of the field, then the opposition have to go wide.

“Okay, we took a gamble today because Newcastle are so big up front and they're good crossers of the ball. But the football we played from the central midfield positions through Cleverley, Kagawa, Rooney and Carrick was terrific.

“We played so well on Tuesday against a decent team. People look at the name Cluj and say they expect United to win, but they are a decent side. And because we played so well on Tuesday, I thought we should find out how far we can go with that diamond system.”

Sir Alex eyes defence dilemma

Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a selection headache in defence for probably the first time this season with Chris Smalling close to being available again.

The manager has had to contend with Smalling and fellow England international Phil Jones being sidelined since the start of the season while Jonny Evans was still recovering from an operation in August and Nemanja Vidic has also undergone surgery.

The Reds defended superbly at Newcastle with each individual member of the back four impressing but Smalling will be looking to earn a place in the line-up, starting with the home fixture against Stoke City following the international break. With Sir Alex full of admiration for Evans and Rio Ferdinand in particular, it will be no easy task for the former Fulham defender to force his way into the side.

"Ferdinand and Evans were magnificent [at Newcastle]," enthused Sir Alex. "Absolutely brilliant. That kind of form definitely gives you a solid base. It gives us a security and enables the midfield players and front players to get on with their jobs. They cleared everything.

"We've got to get consistency in the performances and in the results. Once we get that, we'll get into a rhythm. We've got the squad to deal with all the games, we've got a really good squad. And after the international break, we'll have Chris Smalling back which will be another addition to our squad which is very important."

Evans hungry for more

Jonny Evans is targeting more goals for Manchester United after his headed opener helped seal an emphatic and impressive 3-0 win over Newcastle United.

The Northern Irish defender connected with Robin van Persie’s left-wing corner at the Sports Direct Arena to seal his first goal of the season and only the second of his Reds career. Now, after contributing to an excellent victory and an encouraging team performance in the north east, Evans is looking to make more of an impact at the opposite end of the pitch from where he normally operates.

“As a defender, you want clean sheets but scoring a goal put a bit of gloss on my own performance so it was nice to chip in,” Jonny told MUTV. “As soon as I made a connection with it I thought it was going in, so I was delighted with that and hopefully I can add a few more.

“You could see by the way that we started that we wanted to come out and put on a good performance. I think the main thing was that we defended and attacked as a team. We were a real unit out there and we made it hard for a good Newcastle side.

“They had big powerful lads with good goal scoring records, especially up at the Sports Direct Arena. We knew we were in for a hard game but we were up for the challenge and thankfully we were able to keep a clean sheet.

“We were seven points behind Chelsea (before the game) so it was a big gap and if we had dropped points it would have been a big task. Although it is still early on in the season, you don’t want to give a team that kind of advantage so early on.”

Tom Cleverley scored United’s third goal against the Magpies on Sunday, curling an audacious effort into the top corner after cutting inside from the left flank. The strike, quite comically, caused much debate after the match as to whether or not the midfielder meant it.

And although Cleverley insists his finish was deliberate, Evans is not buying it: “There is no way he meant that. To try and shoot from there, especially to bend it, he definitely didn’t mean it. I think he was looking for Robin van Persie at the back post but it went in.

“But that was a really important time for us to score a goal because they kept pumping the ball in the box and were getting one or two chances. It was important for us to get the 3-0 lead.”

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's ability to promote youngsters is perhaps only bettered by Barcelona.

The Reds chief feels the club are "probably the best" domestically at developing youth talent and is expecting the production line to continue operating smoothly following the FA Youth Cup success of 2011.

When asked by Inside United if finding and developing young players was still one of the most satisfying aspects of his job, the boss replied: "Absolutely. Over the years, we've been as good as anyone in the country, probably the best, at doing that.

"You look at the way Barcelona have produced players and we're not far off that.

"We've had so many players come through down the years and, more recently, we've had the likes of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Rafael come into the first team. Then you've got players like Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard and Michael and Will Keane, who are all part of a successful youth team.

"They're progressing very well. So we're still good at it [developing young players] and we enjoy seeing them come into the first-team squad."

Wayne puts wins first

Wayne Rooney's selflessness shone through on Sunday as he turned in a fine performance behind the front line - and then insisted Manchester United's results are more important than his personal stats.

The striker has yet to score in his six appearances this season but even though 13 Reds team-mates have opened their 2012/13 accounts, he's not unduly worried.

"As long as we keep winning, I’m not concerned. If it comes, it comes. We’ve got other players who can score goals for us," Rooney said after United's 3-0 win at Newcastle.

"It was a great result for us. Everyone knows it’s one of the hardest games of the season – Newcastle away – but we came here and defended brilliantly, scored three goals and, overall, fully deserved the victory."

Rooney was satisified with United's solidity on Tyneside, saying it was a real team effort to achieve the club's second league clean sheet of the campaign.

"We didn't defend well enough in the first few league games – not just the back four but the whole team. But today, we were brilliant. They are a really big team, a physical team, so we knew we had to defend our box really well. We managed to do that. There was a focus about us today and we need to do that for the rest of the season if we’re going to be successful.

"I was involved in the game, the whole game. I’m not one who won’t put the work in and I will do my best for the team. That’s all I can do."

Don't let L.K see this!

http://i.minus.com/i1GprJ6z7u8zA.gif

http://i.minus.com/iANksrIuS9SH4.gif

Here's hoping he scores more goals like this during the rest of the season ;)

Paul scholes replacement?

There is no Paul Scholes replacement tbh.



Rooney will probably end up doing what he does now for us in the future.

Rooney voted star man

Wayne Rooney's performance in Manchester United's Barclays Premier League win over Newcastle has earned him ManUtd.com's Man of the Match accolade.

The Reds striker has been in excellent form since returning to the side against the Magpies in the Capital One Cup and he impressed again on Sunday in a deeper midfield role behind front-runners Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck and claimed two assists. A left-wing corner allowed Patrice Evra to grab a rare goal while it was his pass that preceded Tom Cleverley's second-half wonder strike.

Rooney's commitment to the cause and selflessness helped earn him 55 per cent of the vote, ensuring he was the clear choice as the fans' star man on Sunday.

Cleverley, who followed up his Old Trafford goal against Alan Pardew's side with a long-range effort to make it 3-0, came second with a healthy 21 per cent while Evra took third spot after a splendid showing at left-back, including the unstoppable header past Steve Harper.

The other three nominees were Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and Rafael but there were encouraging performances throughout the side ahead of the international break.

Well deserved:).

Tom bemused by Rio critics

Tom Cleverley admits he is baffled by some media criticism aimed at Rio Ferdinand after the defender produced another polished performance at Newcastle.

The centre-back was harshly highlighted in some quarters after Gareth Bale used his exceptional pace to score for Tottenham in the 3-2 win at Old Trafford but has been in top form this term.

Following a superb display at Liverpool in the Reds' previous Barclays Premier League trip on the road, Ferdinand was at his vintage best again at the Sports Direct Arena.

"People were doubting Rio but he's had one bad game in about six months," Cleverley told MUTV. "He was fantastic along with Rafael, Patrice [Evra] and Jonny [Evans] for anyone doubting our defence.

"We have conceded a few goals due to some small mistakes this season but that's a team thing - not just the defence. I couldn't believe some of the stuff I read about Rio in the week. It's definitely not deserved is that."

Evans, Ferdinand's partner on Sunday, was also full of praise for the former West Ham and Leeds stopper.

"The thing with Rio is that he is so experienced," the Northern Irishman told MUTV. "He cruises through games.

"He comes off at the end and there is not a bit of sweat on him, he could probably play on and on. But that just shows the quality he has got and the experience."

Same Tom, Rio for me still has it.

Fletcher eyes league chance

Darren Fletcher is looking forward to getting back into Barclays Premier League action but is willing to bide his time.

The Scotland international, who is away with Craig Levein's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, has made great strides in coming back to football after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

Although figuring in both Champions League ties and the Capital One Cup win over Newcastle, the last time the 28-year-old was on the pitch in the league was back in November 2011 when he came on as a substitute at Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

"It's what it's all about," he told MUTV. "Getting as many games as possible.

"I know the manager has got such a big squad now, especially in the midfield area, and there is a lot of competition for places. I have to be patient and wait for my chances but, hopefully, one will come around sooner rather than later.

"I think my general fitness is fine, it's just match fitness - the sharpness, reaction times, things in your head and things like that. The positional sense, when you're a little bit older, comes back to you fairly quickly."

Fletcher also has some Under-21 and behind-closed-doors matches under his belt as he aims to become a regular again in Sir Alex's side.

"To get as many 90 minutes as possible is great just now," he admitted. "After not playing for a long time, it's important to get games back into your legs. Fortunately, I've had quite a few games for the Reserves as well.

"I was just desperate to get back involved in any way, shape or form. For me, firstly playing for the Reserves was massive and a great achievement. Going into every game, I treat them the same. It doesn't matter where it is - the Reserves, Capital One Cup, back in Scotland - every match is the same when you get across that line and just want to get back to winning ways."

Glad to see him back for us:).

Rafael could land double

In-form Rafael could be on the verge of an awards double thanks to ManUtd.com's readers.

The popular Brazilian impressed the website's readers enough to edge out Paul Scholes as the September's star man. In doing so, the right-back became only the third defender to win the award since its 2007 inception.

"I’m very happy to win this award, especially since I found out that defenders never win it," Rafael laughed. "It’s just an honour to win, especially to beat Paul Scholes, and I’m very proud.

"It was a good month for me, very consistent, playing many games and of course scoring the goal at Liverpool was the high point for me. I think scoring at Anfield probably helped a lot with the voting!"

Furthermore, that stunning strike on Merseyside is very much in the running for our Goal of the Month accolade and the South American went close to netting for a third time this term with a thumping drive that flew inches wide at Newcastle on Sunday.

Now 22 and approaching a century of appearances for the club, Rafael revels in the relationship he has built with United supporters since arriving from Fluminense.

"It’s great to win something voted by the fans," he continued. "The supporters have helped me since I came here and I’m very happy with that.

"Since I arrived here, the fans have been amazing, singing songs for me or stopping me and telling me I’m a true Red! I’ve been coming here to training since I was 15 years old, a long time, so I feel like I am a true Red."

Nice one Rafael:D. He is so likeable!

Internationals: Henriquez joy

Angelo Henriquez has been introduced to Chile's senior squad for the matches with Ecuador and Argentina.

The 18-year-old was called up by coach Claudio Borghi to replace injured Cagliari hitman Mauricio Pinilla and is surprised by his elevation to the World Cup qualifiers.

"Unfortunately, we have important players injured," he told Radio ADN. "That has worked in my favour and I hope to play. Otherwise, I will continue to work the same way to have another call-up. It's not what I expected - I was ready to play with the Under-20s.

"I have been working very hard and intensively in England. Mentally, it is a huge motivation to come and play for the Chilean national team."

Antonio Valencia misses the Quito encounter due to suspension after being red-carded in his last international. The winger hopes to play against Venezuela, however, on 16 October.

Javier Hernandez has flown to the United States to meet up with the Mexico squad ahead of the clash with Guyana in Houston, with a home clash in Torreon against El Salvador to follow.

Closer to home, Shinji Kagawa is in Japan's plans after sitting out their last fixture with a back problem with Alberto Zaccheroni's side tackling Patrice Evra's France in Paris and Brazil in Poland in two prestigious friendlies.

The Reds have four representatives in Roy Hodgson's latest England party. Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick will hope to feature against San Marino and Poland.

Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland) and Darren Fletcher (Scotland) are also in action for the Home Nations while Robbie Brady has been drafted into Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland squad to replace striker Kevin Doyle after initially being on the stand-by list.

Nani is likely to be in direct opposition to Evans in Oporto while fellow established international star Robin van Persie also has World Cup qualifiers with Holland - against Andorra and Romania.

Joshua King is in Norway's plans despite featuring for United's Under-21s on Monday night, when he set up two goals against Southampton. Anders Lindegaard was forced to withdraw from the Denmark squad due to an ankle injury with Steffen Rasmussen taking his place.