Rooney: Ready for action

Wayne Rooney believes his recent rehabilitation from injury has improved his fitness and claims he is ready to fire on all cylinders for both Manchester United and England.

The Reds striker, currently on international duty with the Three Lions, was sidelined for much of the early part of the season after suffering a gashed thigh in the 3-2 win over Fulham in August.

Now, having completed some extensive work in the gym and on the training pitch, Rooney has returned to action in rude health and hopes to reap the benefits in the coming months.

“When I came back in pre-season I wasn't out of shape,” Rooney told reporters at The FA's new St George's Park facility. “I was probably not as fit as I could have been, whether that's because I didn't have the time to get the training in I don’t know.

“I got injured since but I have worked hard. To be honest it probably helped me to get fit getting injured. I feel good, I feel fit, I feel ready to go and play.”

Since returning to the first team fold, Rooney has been deployed in a much deeper, more creative role by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, allowing the 26-year-old to enjoy more input and influence on matches.

The decision has so far proved to be a masterstroke and, as a result, the United star looks set to feature in a similar role for Roy Hodgson in England’s Wembley meeting with San Marino on Friday.

And although the new role is more taxing on the body, drastically increasing the average distance covered by a forward player, Rooney is loving his new position.

“It is physically demanding. You are involved in the game and it is obviously demanding, getting up and down. I enjoy it, if the manager wants me to play there on Friday I will be happy to do so.

“Obviously playing up front you get more opportunities to score goals but as a footballer you want to play football. You are involved and you're on the ball, so I enjoy it.”

Glad he is enjoying it, been class since his return:).

Rooney inspired by captain Keane

Wayne Rooney hopes to replicate the leadership style of former team-mate and Manchester United legend Roy Keane when he skippers England against San Marino on Friday night.

The Reds striker will lead the Three Lions for the first time in a competitive international in the absence of the suspended Steven Gerrard and injured Frank Lampard.

Though traditionally more of a walker than a talker, 26-year-old Rooney is not hesitant when asked how he intends to captain his country and which former skipper has inspired him most.

“Roy Keane, without a doubt, having played with him for a couple of years and seen how he played on the pitch and dealt with things off it,” Rooney explained. “He was vocal on the pitch and helped me off it. He was a great captain.

“I was lucky enough to play with him and, hopefully, I can gain some of his qualities in my own game. I had a few rollickings off him and we had a few debates. We both wanted to win and sometimes, when you want to win, it’s not always about sitting down and talking quietly.

“You have a go at each other purely to try and get the best out of each other. If you saw the way he was with the other senior players, it was the same as with the younger players.

“He was not afraid to tell everybody how he felt and how he wanted them to perform. He treated everyone the same. He wanted to win and he wanted his team to win. That was a great quality.”

Rooney played alongside the talismanic Keane for just over a season, before the Irishman suddenly left United in the early stages of the 2005/06 campaign. However, Wayne clearly relished his time with the legendary leader.

“I respected him. He was one of the best players in Premier League and Manchester United history. He is the type of player I like - when he had a go at me, I wanted to show him what I could do. I wasn't fearful. It was about desire and passion.

"I’m not going to change because I’ve got the armband. I’m quite vocal on the pitch. I speak to players and tend to play with determination, which I hope can lift the players and fans. I’ve always tried to help young players.

"It’s a great honour to captain the team and, hopefully, it will be a successful night for us.”

Silvestre explains return

Mikael Silvestre has revealed the motive behind his return to training at Manchester United - his aim to sign for another Barclays Premier League club.

The French defender, who spent nine trophy-laden seasons with the Reds from 1999 to 2008, is currently a free agent after his contract with German side Werder Bremen expired in the summer. Sir Alex Ferguson invited Silvestre back to Carrington, to help him maintain his fitness as he seeks a fresh challenge.

“I am back here to train,” Mikael told MUTV and ManUtd.com. “I came a few weeks ago and had a chat with the gaffer just before the Capital One Cup game. I said I was coming back to Manchester until Christmas and he said, 'Come and train and stay fit until you move to somewhere else'.

“When you are training with the lads you feel like you are still capable of playing in the Premier League. I am fit, that is the main point, and I still have the hunger for the game. So this level is still the level that I am targeting.

“I have always kept in touch with the club and I almost know everybody here still. There have been some changes in my four years away but there is also a lot of continuity within this club."

A veteran of over 350 appearances as a versatile United defender, Silvestre is perfectly qualified to cast an eye over the left-back berth. The Frenchman believes the recent acquisition of Alexander Büttner should inspire competition for places with his compatriot Patrice Evra.

“I only saw the highlights of the game when Alex started and scored [against Wigan Athletic]. It doesn’t get better than starting at Old Trafford and scoring a goal," said Silvestre.

"Patrice has been there and has been solid in this role, but there hasn’t been any cover for him so he has played a lot of games for United and France. That has demanded a lot of Patrice and it is important to keep the players on their toes and to have fresh legs. There are so many games so you need to rotate at some point. Especially because United full backs do not just sit back and defend, they go and attack and provide width too.”

The question of what the future might hold for Silvestre beyond a playing career remains unanswered, as he considers the different routes and roles available to him within football. However, with one business interest already to his name, the ex-Red could yet make a clean break from the beautiful game.

“I keep thinking about what I will do when I stop playing but I am not sure. Football is my life of course, but I don’t know in which position or area I might stay on.

"I have started a rum business, which is called Rhum St Barth, based in St Barth's [a French island in the Caribbean].

"We started it a year and a half ago but we are just entering the UK market. In fact I will be in London this weekend at the UK Rum Festival to promote it. We are selling in Sweden, in the States and obviously France, and we want to go global.

"So I also have rum on my mind, as well as football!"

Smalling & Jones back in training.

HUGE news.

Reds double up for England

Two braces from two Manchester United players – Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck – helped to ensure there was no embarrassment for England at Wembley in Friday night's World Cup qualifying match.

Some might quibble that statement, however, given that opponents San Marino have only ever won one of their 100-plus international fixtures and there is only one full-time professional footballer in their ranks. The sell-out England crowd could certainly have been forgiven for expecting more goals in the first half than the pair from Rooney and Welbeck.

It took Roy Hodgson’s side 35 minutes to break the deadlock – shortly before he scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot, temporary England captain Rooney missed the target with a diving header at the far post from Tom Cleverley’s first-time cross. He stepped up to convert from 12 yards though after Welbeck was fouled by goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini. The player who won the penalty doubled England’s lead with a reprise of his sublime Euro 2012 strike against Sweden, flicking home Aaron Lennon’s low cross with his back foot.

Of the four United players who started, Michael Carrick was the first to come off after 66 minutes when he was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey, who was last mentioned on this website when he was sent off against United in September. The Liverpool midfielder made a more positive impact on this England debut, however, delivering a cross that led to Rooney putting 3-0 England up with a first-time shot after Lennon lost control of Leighton Baines’ header back across goal. Just as he did in the first period, Welbeck followed his senior strike partner onto the scoresheet within two minutes, this time stabbing in at the near post from Cleverley’s centre. Cleverley also assisted England’s fifth goal, curled in by Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, shortly after Rooney was substituted.

Darren Fletcher was on the wrong end of a more closely-fought contest in Cardiff, where he made his first appearance for Scotland since November 2011. He was on course to be the winning captain after a first-half strike from West Brom's James Morrison but then two goals in the last ten minutes from Tottenham's Gareth Bale - one a long-range screamer, the other a penalty - secured a 2-1 victory for Wales in qualifying Group A. Nani was on the losing side away from home too, as Portugal were defeated 1-0 by Group F rivals Russia.

Another United midfielder Shinji Kagawa had more joy on the road, playing a full 90 minutes as Japan beat France 1-0 in a friendly match. Old Trafford team-mate Patrice Evra looked on as an unused substitute. Robin van Persie also remained in the dug-out as Holland won 3-0 at home to Andorra in qualifying Group D.

Young Reds striker Joshua King came off the bench, however, to help Norway earn an away point in Switzerland. He entered the fray in the 71st minute, not long before Mario Gavranovic and Brede Hangeland traded goals in the 1-1 draw.

Javier Hernandez followed Rooney and Welbeck's lead and also notched a goal for his country in a 5-0 victory. Chicharito scored the fourth goal in Houston, USA, as Mexico finally wore down the 'hosts' Guyana. All of the Mexicans' strikes came in a devastating nine-minute burst between the 77th and 86th minutes.

Antonio Valencia and Angelo Henriquez's countries squared up in Quito - although neither United player was involved as Ecuador beat Chile 3-1 in the South American qualifying group.

Rooney's high five honour

Wayne Rooney marked his first competitive match as England captain by firing his way into the national team's top five goalscorers of all time.

The Manchester United forward entered the World Cup qualifying game against San Marino on 29 goals but a first-half penalty and a second-half strike enabled him to leapfrog a famous trio - Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer - and move into fifth place with 31. The only men now above him are Michael Owen (40), Jimmy Greaves (44), Gary Lineker (48) and United legend Sir Bobby Charlton (49).

"Obviously it's a great honour for me, there are some great players there," Rooney told ITV Sport. "To be in England's top five goalscorers of all time is something I'm extremely proud of. Hopefully there are many more goals to come. I'm still only 26, I've got a long way to go, so hopefully I can score a lot more."

England won 5-0 thanks to Rooney's double, a brace from Danny Welbeck and a final flourish from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but some pundits expected a bigger margin against the part-time minnows with only one international win to their name.

"We possibly could have scored more," admitted Wayne. "We created some good chances and their goalkeeper made some good saves. There was maybe a bit of poor finishing but it's not that easy when the opposition get ten or eleven men behind the ball and defend. It was difficult to break them down at times. We just had to keep moving the ball quickly and create chances. We managed to do that and we scored five goals so it wasn't a bad result."

:)

Carrick: Danny's driven

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United and England are witnessing the best of team-mate Danny Welbeck - as a result of Robin van Persie’s arrival at Old Trafford.

The Dutch superstar signed for the Reds from rivals Arsenal in the summer, prompting fierce competition for places up front amongst fellow strikers Wayne Rooney, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Welbeck.

Rather than wilting under the pressure, 21-year-old Welbeck has reacted magnificently, playing an influential role in most of United’s early season endeavours whilst impressing for the Three Lions, most recently scoring twice during last Friday’s dissection of San Marino.

And with Jermain Defoe pushing to reclaim his starting place against Poland on Tuesday, Welbeck is set for another selection tussle. But Carrick believes his club-mate is braced for the battle after already proving his worth at the Theatre of Dreams.

“I am a massive fan of Danny’s, I am probably a bit biased because of the United connection, but ever since I first saw him I have expected big things of him,” Michael told reporters.

“He has had a terrific couple of years. People were looking at him when we signed van Persie saying, ‘Where is his position, where is he going to fit in?’ But he showed he is still a major part of it and he was terrific against San Marino.

“We have got so much strength, but he has been terrific. If he keeps performing like that he is only going to get better. He can create and score goals. He can play different positions, he can play wide, he can play up top – he is a real talent.

“He is modest too, what you’d expect coming through the ranks at United. The manager sets standards for the young lads and Danny doesn’t get carried away and this won’t change him at all.

“He just gets back and starts working hard again and that is what he does best – that is one of his biggest assets.”

Personally, Carrick is also in a strong position, both domestically and internationally. The Reds midfielder has returned triumphantly to the England fold under new boss Roy Hodgson and he couldn’t be happier.

“I have really enjoyed it. I think the new manager has had a positive impact on the squad. We are playing some good football. Everyone is enjoying it and I think you can see that from the performances.

“Competition is nothing new, so when I play I try to enjoy it and do my best. So let’s see what happens for the next game.”

International Reds:

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...ctober-16.aspx

Neville: Rooney can evolve

Manchester United ambassador Gary Neville has challenged Wayne Rooney to reinvent himself and follow the examples set by Reds team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Friday is the 10th anniversary of Rooney’s first Premier League goal for Everton and at the tender age of 26, Neville insists “there is more to come” from his former club-mate at Old Trafford.

However, the Reds legend and current England coach believes Rooney “must improve” in order to face “the next challenge of his career”, referencing Giggs and Scholes as ideal role models.

“At the age of 26 you have to think there is more to come,” Neville told the BBC. “You can’t get to the age of 26 and think your best years have gone. He has to now challenge himself and that challenge will always exist when you are playing for Manchester United and England.

“At the highest level of football you need to keep reinventing yourself. He has got great examples there of players who have continued to do that in Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, players who have adapted their games.

“Giggs has gone from being a flying out and out winger to somebody who plays off the front, plays inside left and plays in central midfield. Scholes was a goalscoring, off the front, number 10 when he first started playing as a 16-year-old. Now he is a holding midfield player who controls the game.

“You have to adapt. Wayne Rooney is still a centre forward but he will adapt over these next 10 years to continue to become someone who is thought of in that same way as those two players that I have just mentioned.”

Rooney was handed the captain’s armband for England’s 5-0 win over San Marino last Friday, an honour that recognises his burgeoning maturity. In return, the Reds striker scored twice, moving to fifth - overtaking Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer – in the list of all-time Three Lions scorers.

After working with Rooney on a daily basis on international duty for the last week, and having enjoyed seven seasons alongside him at United before retiring in 2011, Neville is excellently poised to assess the forward’s current form and fitness. And he is clearly impressed.

“He is a wonderful player. Wayne Rooney is best when he is like the street kid, the kid who just fights for every ball, loves playing football and wants to take every free kick, every throw-in, tackles, heads and fights with a passion to win.

“We need to see Wayne Rooney improve and Wayne Rooney needs to see himself improve. In the last few weeks, coming back from that injury, I have seen a lean, fit, hungry Wayne Rooney. He looks like he is up for the next challenge in his career.

“He has got people like Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and other huge challenges around him just to retain his position at United but he looks like he is really up for it.”

Thorpe aims to emulate duo

Tom Thorpe is hoping to follow the path of Scott Wootton and Michael Keane into the United first team.

The 19-year-old has seen his fellow Under-21 squad members feature for Sir Alex's side this term and took advantage of their absence to show his talents against Sunderland recently. After coping admirably with the threat of Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won, the FA Youth Cup-winning captain is keen for more chances to prove his worth.

When asked if his aim was to emulate Wootton and Keane, he told MUTV: "Yes, definitely. I think seeing them doing it makes you realise it's not that far away and you will get the opportunity to go on. Hopefully, I can keep progressing and do that.

"I think it's a lot about experience maybe - especially for Scott who has gone out on loan and has understood his role completely now. I probably just have to keep working hard, play well when I get the chance and show people what I can do."

The goalless stalemate against the Black Cats' Under-21 side was most notable for the defensive aspects of the game and Thorpe was pleased on that front.

"We defended well as a team against difficult opposition," he stressed. "We could have done better with the ball but I think we did brilliantly defending as a team. It was not an easy task against Connor Wickham as he's got a lot of experience which is always going to help him. He's a big lad and can handle himself well plus he's got a good eye for goal too."

DANNY WELBECK says his trademark backheel flick is here to stay after bagging his first international double.

The Man United ace’s cheeky first goal against San Marino was just like his winner in England’s European Championship match against Sweden.

Revealing he mastered the technique as a youngster, Welbeck said: “It is something that I’m used to doing. So, once it comes in that position, it’s more of a natural reaction.

“I know once I get into those positions, there are a few different types of finishes I can do. I’m just really looking forward to scoring many more.”

Catch up done as I have not done it for a few days:):D.

Robin's reliable

Robin van Persie was on the scoresheet as the Netherlands recorded a comfortable 4-1 win over Romania in FIFA World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

The United striker started the match at the National Arena and produced an industrious display before finding the back of the net with a neat left-footed finish in the 86th minute.

In Porto, Jonny Evans drew 1-1 with United team-mate Nani as Northern Ireland almost upset the odds against Portugal. The Irish had taken a shock first-half lead through Niall McGinn but were eventually undone as Helder Postiga scored late on after some good work from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Elsewhere, Reds youngster Joshua King netted his first goal in senior international football to help Norway seal a 3-1 win against Cyprus, snatching the win with a late, tidy conversion.

United prodigy Robbie Brady also enjoyed a memorable evening as he made his competitive debut for Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland, who beat the Faroe Islands 4-1.

Unfortunately, Darren Fletcher was on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline as Scotland lost in Belgium. On a positive note, the United midfielder came through a full 90 minutes unscathed.

Shinji Kagawa played all of Japan's 4-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in Poland, creating an early chance for Kengo Nakamura before Alberto Zaccheroni's side fell to Paulinho's strike.

Patrice Evra will be happy after France stole a late draw against Spain at the Estadio Vicente Calderón, where Sergio Ramos’ close-range finish was cancelled out by Oliver Giroud's 93rd minute equalizer.

Wayne Rooney scored England's goal in a 1-1 draw against Poland in the rearranged fixture on Wednesday afternoon.

The United striker gave the visitors the lead in the first half and, although Kamil Glik levelled after the break, the result takes Roy Hodgson's side a point clear of Montenegro at the top of World Cup qualifying Group H.

Rooney made it three goals inside a week for his country when converting Steven Gerrard's corner, apparently via his shoulder in a similar fashion to Robin van Persie's recent effort away to Cluj.

Tom Cleverley worked hard in midfield and dragged one shot wide but the hosts began to dominate with Rooney switching to a position wide on the left and needing to do plenty of defensive work. Danny Welbeck was introduced for Jermain Defoe and instantly carried a threat, prising the ball away from Przemyslaw Tyton and teeing up Rooney, who could only fire over the bar.

It proved costly as Poland bagged a deserved equaliser when Glik beat Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott to thump home a header from a corner and cheer the home supporters who had seen the game washed out on Tuesday.

Hodgson decided to withdraw Rooney with 17 minutes remaining in order to play a natural wide man in Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but there was no further addition to the scoreline with both Michael Carrick and Cleverley playing the full 90 minutes in midfield.

Javier Hernandez came off the bench to score an 86th minute winner as Mexico maintained their perfect run through CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, beating El Salvador 2-0.

The United striker rose off the bench on the hour mark, replacing Aldo de Nigris, to help cement a sixth consecutive victory with a fine right-footed finish at the near post.

Chicharito, as he’s affectionately known, had previously scored another late goal in Mexico’s 5-0 win over Guyana last week, taking his total to two in two for the international break. A huge confidence boost for the striker, though Hernandez insists he never doubted himself.

“I have never been obsessed with scoring goals, I always try to do my part for the team,” Chicha said prior to Tuesday's match. “I will always keep trying. Without all the failures, without all the defeats, without so many negative things that have happened in my life I would not be where I am today.

“We (Mexico) went to a charity event for disabled children recently and seeing all the people there... those are real problems. Mine are only work related, I have to enjoy it, I am playing for one of the best teams in the world, and I am with my national team. What else can I ask for?”

Elsewhere on international duty, Antonio Valencia played a full 90 minutes for Ecuador as they drew 1-1 with Venezuela at the Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui in South America.

Nani targets Stoke win

Nani says his United team-mates “must be strong and play our own game” if they are to beat Stoke City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Following a busy international break playing for Portugal and specifically against Jonny Evans’ Northern Ireland, the Reds winger is hoping to return to domestic action against the Potters at Old Trafford and is confident his team-mates can prevail against Tony Pulis’ side.

“It is always hard to play against Stoke because they play a different kind of football to most teams in the Premier League. They are very physical and have very strong players,” Nani told ManUtd.com and MUTV.

“It is also difficult because most of the game is in the air. We need to be strong and try to play our game. We are playing at home and we have to believe we can win the three points. It is very important because when you play at home, you have a good chance to win these games.”

Saturday’s match at the Theatre of Dreams is also the first of seven Premier League matches in just over five weeks for United, before entering the even busier December period. This provides an opportunity to build some serious momentum, though Nani is only looking at the short-term.

“It is a good time for us. We had a very good result last time against Newcastle before the international break so we are confident and it is a good time to start to believe. But we do not set long-term targets - our only target is to always win the game and to finish on top.”

Nani is one of many United players who have travelled the globe in order to represent their individual nations over the last two weeks, and the Portuguese star is admittedly unsure what effect that might have on performance. Thankfully, he is able to recuperate at Carrington.

“It is very important to recover because we have hard competition and lots of games, so we need to be ready for the next match. At Carrington they are making a bigger space with more facilities for the players to recover and enjoy. It is nice.

“It is a bit hard because we are tired after the (international) games and we have to travel and be ready for the next match. It is a bit difficult but as I said, having good facilities to recover is very important and helpful.”

Interviews with United reserve players Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard:).

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

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

David Gill is now Vice Chairman of the FA and already the conspiracy theories are flying on Twitter and some people getting wound up!:p:joker:

Preview: United v Stoke

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

Date, time and coverage: Saturday 20 October, 15:00 BST.

:)

Boss' King expectations

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Joshua King to have a "good career" after the Norwegian scored his first goal at international level in Cyprus this week.

The lightning-quick forward has impressed for his country and at Under-21 level this term and has been praised for his efforts in training and determination to hone his talents.

"Joshua King has done very well," enthused the boss. "We get mixed fortunes when players go on loan – Federico Macheda had a nightmare twice when he went to Sampdoria and then QPR with a change of manager just as he arrived. And then, with Josh, he didn’t play much at Mönchengladbach last year and came back to us.

"He did really well in pre-season and has been working really hard. He’s shown he has good ability. He won the penalty for Norway and scored the third goal and that’s bound to have given him a boost. He’s very quick with a great physique and he should have a good career."

King is one of a number of striking options open to Sir Alex, which helps explain why Michael Owen was released and allowed to join Saturday's opponents Stoke City.

"Michael is a fantastic player," stated the manager. "With us having the opportunity to sign Robin van Persie at the time and Chicharito and Danny Welbeck improving and developing as players, plus Wayne Rooney of course, and then young strikers like Macheda, Will Keane, King and Bebe it was difficult to hold on to Michael.

"Also for Michael’s own benefit in terms of playing more regularly. He’s a brilliant professional and a top man and I was disappointed to let him go."

Young returns to squad

Ashley Young is fit to return to the United squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Stoke City.

The England winger suffered a knee injury during the win against Fulham in the first home game of the season but has been back in training and is in contention to feature in the Old Trafford clash against the Potters.

"Everyone came back from the internationals fit," declared Sir Alex. "Which is a bonus. It is always a time when you're a bit concerned about getting the players back but, fortunately, we've been lucky this time. Also Ashley Young is fit. Chris Smalling is not quite there but is making progress.

"Young gives us another option. As I’ve said many times over the last few weeks, the strength of our squad is the attacking options we have and we’re getting better with Darren Fletcher coming back which has been terrific for him and for us. There has been some progress with players like Nick Powell, who is progressing well, as is Tom Cleverley and Anderson is getting better all the time so all the fears about the midfield positions are evaporating quite well.

"I wouldn’t say Young has been forgotten," insisted the boss. "It’s always the same when a player gets injured, he’s not there so they can be out of people’s minds. Young has shown his qualities.

"Very few players can cross the ball as well as he can and his goalscoring ratio is very good for us. Didn’t he get 11 goals for us last season? For a wide player that’s very good. I don’t think you can underestimate that or forget it. I think any player coming to our club with ability and who also had a good record at Aston Villa will have the determination to do well.

"The opportunities are there for him, he has the opportunity to win things here and I don’t think that’s lost on him. I’m sure during the time he’s been out he’s been thinking about that. That’s what players do when they’ve been out, they start thinking about what should have been for them and what they can be for him. That will hopefully surface as the season goes on now."

Glad that he is back and that it will not be long till Smalling returns too:):D.

:joker:

Brilliant.


Mr.Webb every match please.

His role will have nothing to do with the disciplinary procedure and he has also been a member of the FA board for 6 years, oh the ABU mentality. What were these people saying when the former Arsenal Chairman, David Dein was in that role before?;)

Match report:

United 4 Stoke City 2

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

:)

Sir Alex: We must start better

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United must break the bad habit of conceding early goals in order to be successful this season.

The Reds had to come from behind once again to ensure maximum points against Stoke City on Saturday after an 11th-minute Wayne Rooney own goal had put the visitors ahead. Rooney netted at the right end just before the half-hour mark before further strikes from Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Rooney again sealed a 4-2 victory.

Sir Alex was pleased with the result, but wants to see an improvement from his players in the way they are starting matches.

"We keep starting badly in games, in the first 20 minutes," the manager told MUTV. "We conceded an early goal against Fulham, an early goal against Tottenham, an early goal today – we’re giving ourselves uphill fights. But there’s a goal threat about us, that has to be said, and some of the movement from the forwards was excellent.

"You don’t want it to happen [going behind] but the forwards are digging us out of a hole at times. Hopefully we’ll get it sorted. It was an own goal, the first goal, and you obviously can’t account for that. The second goal was a really slack goal for us to lose.

"There’s no doubt our attacking play has been the strongest part of our game [thsi season]. But we’re letting in goals at home and that’s disappointing."

The combination play between United's starting front men of Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck caused the visitors all sorts of problems and Sir Alex was delighted to see the two Englishmen in the trio score their first club goals of the season.

"The more games Wayne gets, the better he's going to become and I am pleased he’s off the mark with his two goals and Danny's off the mark too," added the boss. "I think that’s about 15 [different] goalscorers already this season so that’s good.

"We saw that flexible movement we have up front where Robin ended up wide left and put in a great cross for Wayne to score [the first goal] with a fantastic header. That kind of movement does bother teams and I’m glad they have started to gel quite well that way."

Today's match was United's chosen game to show support for Kick It Out's latest anti-racism campaign. Sir Alex said on Friday that all his players would be supporting the campaign by donning special T-shirts during the warm-up. Rio Ferdinand, however, opted not to wear one.

"I’m disappointed because I said in the press conference yesterday that all the players would be wearing the T-shirt," stated Sir Alex afterwards. "We did that in support of the PFA and every player in the country should have adhered to that. We’re all wearing the badges and he goes and lets us all down. We’ll deal with it, don’t worry."