Rooney glad to be off the mark

Wayne Rooney was thrilled after another afternoon of milestones yielded three important points for Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The striker's first goal of the season, first career own goal and 200th strike at club level for the Reds and Everton all contributed to a rollercoaster game against Stoke City which the hosts ultimately deserved to win - despite going behind through Rooney's error.

"It was my first own goal but thankfully we came back from that and managed to go in at the break in the lead, that was great for us," Rooney told MUTV.

"I think it was a good performance from us. Stoke put a lot of high balls into the box and in the main we dealt with it well. There was just that one slip when I’ve scored the own goal. I was marking Ryan Shawcross and he ran me in there, there were bodies in the way and it [Charlie Adam's free-kick] just hit me.

"I think it was important that I moved on from it quickly and didn’t let it affect the rest of my game. I think overall we deserved the three points."

Rooney's first goals for anyone this season came while he was on international duty last week, when he netted a brace in England's 5-0 win over San Marino and then followed up with an away strike in Poland. Now he's done the business at club level as well, joy rather than relief is his overriding emotion.

"I think as long as I’m playing well it doesn’t really concern me that much if I’m not scoring for United. Obviously as a forward you want to score. I’m delighted to get off the mark and to get amongst the goals. Hopefully there’s more to come but if I can keep up my performances, playing well and working well with the team, I’ll be happy with that."

Wayne gave great credit to the creator of his first goal, which he plundered with a fine header from van Persie's glorious left-wing cross.

"I think when you’ve got quality like that, someone who can deliver a ball into the box, then you know if you make a run you’ve got a chance of getting on the end of it. Thankfully it’s a great ball and I’ve managed to head it home. I think it was a great goal.

"That’s the first game we’ve started together up front and we’ve both scored. I’m sure it will get better and better, we have to keep working on that – not just the attacking but the defending side of it as well. We’re both pleased with the way it’s going and when we’ve also got Danny who’s also scored today and Chicharito came on, we’ve got great attacking options. It’s down to the manager to pick from them."

It was ten years ago this weekend that Rooney scored his first-ever goal in senior club football - when Everton beat Arsenal. He's rightly proud to have reached a double century in only a decade.

"I didn’t know I’d reached 200 club goals until after the game. I’m obviously delighted with that," he added."

Butt back at United

Nicky Butt is coaching Manchester United's reserves as he eyes a potential step into management.

The former midfield favourite, who came through the ranks to make nearly 400 appearances for the Reds, is assisting Warren Joyce as the youthful squad competes in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League, Lancashire Senior Cup and Manchester Senior Cup.

"Nicky is with the reserves," confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's completed his badges and is just getting a bit of experience with us so there's every chance of that [him going into management].

"He's had a few opportunities to take on jobs but wanted just a wee bit of a chance to revisit the training ground again to get himself back into sync, which we're happy to do because he was a fantastic servant to us.

"I don't know what his long-term future is but, in the meantime, he's helping out with the reserves."

Reds defender Tom Thorpe told MUTV that it is a bonus for the younger players to work with a former star of Butt's calibre.

"It's brilliant," Thorpe enthused. "Especially when a player with a lot of experience comes back and has done it from an early age. He was at the club for quite a while and has gone through to the first team. It's great for him to pass on his experience and different ways of playing with different styles."


That will be good for the young lads to learn from him:).

give us a match report on the first game of the season when you were played off the park by everton, and didn't have a clue how to handle fellaini.
your glory days are over, the futures blue, the futures everton

Van Persie hails Rooney pairing

Robin van Persie says his understanding with fellow Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is "getting better all the time."

The duo were both on target in Saturday's 4-2 win over Stoke City at Old Trafford - with the Dutchman also helping to set up both of Rooney's goals with a left-wing cross and later a right-wing corner. Van Persie is thoroughly enjoying his link-up with the England front man and says their ability to interchange positions in the forward areas can only be a positive for the Reds.

"Things are going well and our understanding is getting better all the time," van Persie told MUTV. "Everyone could see from day one that we were working well together. We like to play together and we help each other.

"Sometimes Wayne plays at the top, sometimes I do and then he drops in and then you have Danny coming in from the left sometimes too. I might also go out there for a few minutes in a game or Wazza does. I think it's only the second or third time that we've played in this formation, but the main thing is we've had a good game and got three points."

Van Persie is also pleased with the variety of goals United are scoring and says that ability is one that can help the team be successful this term.

"We can score from any angle," declared the Dutchman. "The first one against Stoke was from a cross from the left and a good header, the second was from a low cross, the third came from a cross again from the opposite side [to the first] and then the fourth goal came from a corner, so we've scored all sorts of different goals. In previous games as well we've shown we can score from every sort of angle which is a good sign and a good weapon for us."

:worship:

Still a fixture to come at Old Trafford and the chance to get revenge:p.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson is relishing the battle for a first-team place with the Old Trafford outfit.

The Brazil international arrived at United from Porto with such high expectations in 2007.

So far though, the promise has been largely unfulfilled.

A succession of injuries have not helped. But there have also been suggestions Anderson's attitude is not all it might have been.

This season though, there have been undeniable signs of improvement from the 24-year-old.

His four appearances so far this season include a goalscoring contribution to United's Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle, whilst Anderson also impressed as the Red Devils extended their 100% record in this season's Champions League against Romanian champions Cluj.

So, as United prepare to meet Portuguese outfit Braga on Tuesday, the former Porto star seems to be enjoying life again.

"I've been here for five years," he told www.manutd.com.

"Sometimes I have had difficult moments but I've always got through them.

"I know this is the best club for me and I am very happy here."

Thankfully, Anderson has been injury-free since reporting for the start of pre-season.

He needs to retain that fitness too to prevent Ferguson harbouring any thoughts about finally cutting his losses.

And Anderson seems to have finally grasped the need to stay in shape.

"I hope my injuries are behind me," he said.

"I'm 24 now and I've learnt a lot in the last few years.

"I understand that to do well in my career, I have to look after myself and train hard."

Anderson will hope to be involved on Tuesday night, when United entertain Braga.

The Portuguese outfit suffered a surprise home defeat to Cluj in the opening round of fixtures, only to make up for it with an equally eye-catching 2-0 success at Galatasaray last time out.

Braga are also currently on a five-match unbeaten run against English opposition, although that was preceded by a six-goal hammering by Arsenal in 2010.

"Traditionally there have always been three teams in Portugal - Sporting Lisbon, who have dropped off a bit at the moment, Porto and Benfica," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"But now Braga have become the third best team in Portugal.

"And when you look at the number of Portuguese players who make it you can see there is quality there."

Ferguson admitted his surprise at learning Braga had lost that opening match to Cluj.

However, after seeing an improvement against Benfica recently, he accepts the Europa League finalists represent a significant test.

"They drew 2-2 at Benfica, played really well and should have won," said Ferguson.

"They were top of the league for quite a while last season too, so the Cluj result surprised me.

"I spoke to Nani, who said they are very positive away from home.

"I saw that in the Benfica game, so we won't be taking anything for granted."

Manchester United great Ryan Giggs says managing will be the next best thing when he hangs up his boots.

No player understands the DNA of Manchester United quite like Ryan Giggs. He has been wearing that famous red shirt for 21 years. He has seen all the changes, the expansion of Old Trafford, the move from the intimate Cliff to gleaming Carrington and the commercial phenomenon that Manchester United have become, yet believes the dressing room remains the heart and soul of the place.

“We regard it as the biggest and best club in the world but it is still a family club,’’ Giggs said.

United’s No 11 was sitting in a corporate box at Old Trafford on Thursday afternoon, contemplating the latest stage in United’s development.

He was looking at details of how United are enhancing their facilities with a new complex at Carrington, in a £10 million partnership with Toshiba Medical Systems, bringing scanners for early diagnosis of everything from soft-tissue injuries to cardiac conditions.

“I saw Steven Gerrard saying about St George’s Park that there are no excuses now for England,’’ reflected Giggs. “That’s been the case at Manchester United for a long time. It’s changed massively. When I was at the Cliff, we had one ultrasound machine!

"The move to Carrington got things developing quite quickly with the sports science coming into the equation. Even with that, I don’t think we would have foreseen having an MRI scanner within the training facility.”

United still endure injury problems, hence the investment, yet Giggs is the picture of health at 38, hoping to feature against Stoke City on Saturday, still hungry after all these years. “People say, ‘How are you still playing?’ It’s not one thing. I tap into everything.” Sports science, yoga, eating sensibly.

Giggs still knows the sands of time slip quickly through his fingers.

Was this his last season? “It could be, yes. I’m a similar mindset that I’ve been for the past couple of years: evaluate after Christmas, see how I feel, see what the manager thinks.

"If I’m not enjoying it, if I’m not contributing like I have done in the last couple of years then I’ll finish. I’m 39 in November. I’m not worried by it [retirement]. It’s been coming for a couple of years. But I’m still enjoying it. I still feel I’m contributing to the team.

"I speak to so many players who I played with, Brucey, Robbo, Denis Irwin, and they always say to me, ‘Play as long as you can’. I imagine there’s no substitute for the feeling you get playing, the adrenalin.’’

He reflected on the many years, the many opponents. “The most difficult was Javier Zanetti. We played Inter Milan here when we won the Treble, and he was right-back. He had everything: power, experience, intelligence. The stadiums I’ll miss are those where you wait in the tunnel, and you can’t wait to get out there, knowing you’re in for a test. Take your pick: San Siro, Bernabeu, Nou Camp, Anfield.

"Anfield is the ultimate test for a United player because of the atmosphere. It’s not intimidating. No. It’s the ferocity of the rivalry. It’s a true test. It’s an old-school stadium. It’s those games when you know you have to be at your best.

“When I do finish playing, I’ll try to find the next best thing. Management does interest me. The nearer I get to finishing, the more I think about it. All I can do is prepare myself as best I can for when I do finish. I’ve been doing my coaching courses with Nev [Gary Neville] – levels one two, A-Licence. We’re starting the Pro-Licence next year.”

What would a Ryan Giggs team be like? “I’d like a few wingers in there!” he laughed. Like Sir Alex Ferguson. Giggs has listened constantly to the United manager, storing up ideas for the future.

“I’ve learnt from the master here,’’ said Giggs, admiring how the Scot sets the tone for the “family club”. “It all comes from the manager. You see him joking with all the staff in canteen. He knows every schoolboy’s name who comes in during the holidays, every apprentice’s name. It still fascinates me how he still does that.’’

There is a feeling of continuity, longevity, solidity. “There is still that nucleus of coaching staff. Mick Phelan was an ex-player. Rene Meulensteen has been here a long time. The medical department have been there a long time.

"Players like me, Scholesy, Nev, even Rio and Wayne, have all been here a long time. It’s keeping that nucleus really, recognising the DNA of Manchester United. We regard it as the biggest and best club in the world but it is still a family club.

“The fans here want to see young players coming through which is massive in the history of Manchester United. It gets harder and harder each year because the bar gets raised. There’s a bit of pressure of having the time to see players through and not just buying the best.”

There is a balance. Ferguson blends recruits such as Robin van Persie with the home-grown Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley. “When you start off scoring that always helps you bed in,’’ said Giggs of Van Persie.

“When you score a hat-trick in your second start [against Southampton] it’s a dream start. Robin has carried on scoring [seven in nine]. His performances have been good.’’

The arrival of a superstar is rare at United. “It doesn’t happen very often. The manager likes to buy young players and groom them. When you buy a ready-made world-class player we are good at acknowledging the qualities they’ve got and welcoming them to the club.

"Robin’s come into an environment that’s good to work in, to train in. We’ve always had a good team spirit, always worked hard in training. Robin has bought in to that.’’

Welbeck, meanwhile, continues to mature. “Because Daniel is so big and had growing spurts throughout 18, 19, and with that comes a few injuries, he never really got a run in the team,’’ Giggs added.

“Now over the past 18 months he’s had a run in the team. He’s a man now, strength-wise, power-wise. He’s always had the talent. Now he’s got the physique, the experience of playing with the likes of Wayne and Dimitar Berbatov, learning from them and other players, he’s got stronger and stronger.

“Tom has had to wait his turn because of the quality we’ve had in the team. Some players like Wayne burst on to the scene at 16. Others develop a bit later. Becks developed a little bit later than Butty, Scholesy and Nev. You’re probably getting that with Tom. He’s had a couple of years getting loaned out. He’s got rid of all the injury niggles. Now you’re seeing his full potential.

“I had first-hand experience at the Olympics, not only in the games but in training, of his enthusiasm. He’s the sort of lad who wants to get better, wants to learn and wants to become a top player. When you have that attitude and with the talent he’s got, I’m pleased how well he’s doing for United and England.”

As for Rooney, Giggs agreed with England manager Roy Hodgson that the striker can deal with the pressure of being captain when Gerrard steps down.

“Wayne can handle that no problem. There has been pressure on his shoulders since he was 16 and he’s handled it really well. Even though he’s still young, only 26, he’s been 10 years as a top-flight footballer. He’s got the experience, he’s got the head on his shoulders and, of course, he’s got the talent.”

Was Ferdinand still good enough to play for England? “Yes. He’s playing for United. That says it all. Rio’s pedigree is brilliant. His not playing for England is good for United, because he’s getting the rest during the international breaks that I've experienced over the last four or five years. I know the benefits it can give you. It’s great for United.”

United will need such experience in the fight to regain the Premier League title.

“At the top it is as strong as I’ve known it. City with the money they’ve had, the players they’ve brought in. Chelsea are Champions League winners. Arsenal are a great club, who are always going to be there. Ourselves. Liverpool are always going to be there because of their history. The likes of Tottenham.’’

He looked out of the window, recalling Gareth Bale’s display for Spurs recently. “Gareth’s a talent, at the top of his game. He can do anything. He’s a very difficult player to pin down because of his power and strength.

"The other night, I saw a couple of the Croatia lads trying to take him out but because of his power and pace they couldn’t get near him. It’s great for Wales. But when you play against Spurs, it’s always difficult to play against him which we’ve seen here.

“You’ve got other clubs doing so well, playing really good football like Swansea over the last couple of years. West Brom have started well this year. Credit to Tony Pulis, he has got strength, power and talent with some of the players he has got at Stoke. He has brought in Charlie Adam, one of the best passers in the league. The gulf has come in a little bit.”

Giggs is still up for the challenge.

Manchester United Star Begins Injury Comeback

Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic is believed to be recovering ahead of schedule from a September knee operation.

Manchester United's 31-year-old Serbian international defender Nemanja Vidic suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee during a Champions League match against FC Basel in Switzerland, last December. Although he subsequently recovered, fears over his long-term fitness and physical condition resurfaced when he missed United's league game against Liverpool earlier this season. The defender, the Daily Mail reported, complained of "tightness" in his right knee and was therefore rested. Medical tests later confirmed the severity of the problem and a club spokesman said Vidic would need surgery and eight weeks to recover.

However, in good news for Sir Alex Ferguson and Red Devils' fans, Goal.com reports Vidic is back in training and working to a specially designed fitness programme to help recover body strength. The training regimen focuses on cardiovascular work and will ease Vidic into more strenuous work in the gym.

United sources remain wary of fixing a date for the defender's return, and as with Jack Wilshere at Arsenal (who is being eased back into first team football after a 14-month injury lay-off), the report says Ferguson is reluctant to rush Vidic back.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/CBBB1F...n=0,37,583,254

Young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone accepts he needs to be patient but is striving to push David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard for the first-team spot at United.

The highly-rated keeper had a taste of life in Sir Alex's side during the DHL pre-season tour and has started the campaign in impressive form at Under-21 and Reserves level. Although still a teenager, the Preston-born shot-stopper appreciates he needs to be ready for when his opportunity comes.

"You've got to up your performance with the first-team so it helps you step up," explained Johnstone to MUTV. "You have to have a lot of hunger anyway just to be able to want to go up and play, get your chance and do well.

"Having a taste of it makes you hungrier to go for it, give it a good go and do your best. As a goalkeeper, you've got to be patient but, also, your chance can come very quickly so you have to be ready as well.

"Obviously, David and Anders are top keepers. David is young and Anders has got an older head on him but both are playing and doing well, which shows the manager has got faith in them and doesn't have a problem playing whoever.

"But I want to work hard to push those two and show I can step up if I'm needed."

The 19-year-old is also determined not to rest on his laurels after helping the Reserves sweep the board in terms of trophies in 2011/2012.

Warren Joyce's side have continued that form into this campaign by topping the Barclays Under-21 Premier League table and winning both Manchester Senior Cup ties.

"The lads have to realise we've done that but that's gone," he insisted, when asked about the impressive haul of silverware. "People are watching you now and not remembering you for last season.

"Warren always says before we go out for a game that there could be someone watching in the stands and it's the first time they've seen you and don't know if you're good. So you have to perform and show them.

"I think it's very important to kick on and not just relax because we've won something."

Carrick: Work to do

Michael Carrick says two wins out of two in the Champions League this season is pleasing, but he insists there is still plenty of hard work left to ensure qualification for the knock-out stages.

The Reds currently sit top of Group H having taken maximum points from their opening two matches against Galatasaray and Cluj.

A double-header with Portuguese side Braga is next up with the pair facing each other at Old Trafford on Tuesday night before meeting in Portugal in two weeks time.

"We are not getting carried away," Carrick told PA Sport. "We cannot afford to think that just because we have had a good start it is going to be an easy ride. That is not the case

"It could come back and bite us. We will go into this game [against Braga] like any other and just look to put ourselves in an even better position without looking too far ahead.

"It can be quite tough in the Champions League to judge [who will qualify from each group]. Some people might pick out two teams in a group and say they will be the top two and the others will struggle. Quite a lot of the time, that is not the case.

"It isn't necessarily the teams that catch your eye [namewise] who are the ones that cause you problems. We know even in Cluj, it wasn't straightforward. The lads had to play well to get a result. That is the nature of European football.

"Braga are a good team. You have to respect them for getting to this stage to start with. It is not easy in any league to go through the whole season near the top [and qualify for the Champions League]. You have to respect them. They are going to be of a certain standard and we have to match it."

With six points already in the bag, Carrick says the players are determined to have qualification for the last 16 wrapped up as soon as possible and ensure there is no repeat of last season's early exit.

"It does help the league form if you can get through early. The manager can change things around and rest players," added the 31-year-old.

"He can use the squad and give players game time. The pressure is off. He can start planning ahead knowing the next stage is already secure.

"It's not always possible though. Sometimes it can go down to the last game, which in itself is not always a bad thing. But it's definitely better to get it done and dusted. We hope we can do that."

Boss gives defensive update

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed injured defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are “two to three weeks away” from returning to action.

Neither player has featured for Manchester United this season, leaving the Reds seriously depleted at the back throughout the early stages of the 2012/13 campaign.

However, speaking at the pre-match press conference for United’s UEFA Champions League clash with Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday, the boss explained how both are on the road to recovery.

“Chris Smalling trained this morning with Warren Joyce's Reserves," Sir Alex said.

"He's trained with them for a couple of days. It's non-contact for him at the moment - he's just playing as a free player, a floating player, in the training sessions. The encouraging thing is that he's on the road back. There's no question about that.

“I expect Phil Jones to start on the football side of things on Monday. They're both around two or three weeks away, which is good news. They're not far away.”


Good news in terms of our defence, we need to stop conceding early on in games or having to come back from being behind and leaking a lot of goals.

Rio and Evra sit out Braga tie

Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will miss Tuesday's Champions League assignment with SC Braga as Sir Alex Ferguson has one eye on the weekend clash at Chelsea.

The experienced defenders are to be rested for the European encounter but Ashley Young will feature as he has now fully recovered from a knee problem.

"I'm not playing Rio tomorrow," explained Sir Alex. "We have a game on Sunday against Chelsea and it’s a big one for us so I'm leaving a couple of players out. Rio and Patrice Evra are the older players – those are the two main changes for tomorrow. Other than that we’ve got a big squad.

"We've got Ashley Young back and he'll be involved tomorrow. We've got Nani, Valencia, Giggs... plenty of wide players. Of course, we also have plenty of central midfield players. So I have an issue in terms of picking the team. Hopefully I get it right.

"Shinji Kagawa didn't play on Saturday so he can prepare for tomorrow. Also, Stoke's a different team to any other side he's played. But mainly it was to give him a rest before tomorrow."

The manager was at pains to make clear that Ferdinand's exclusion was absolutely nothing to do with him refusing to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt before the Stoke City match.

"The issue's quite simple," he said. "I've spoken to Rio. I think there was a communication problem. He felt I should have spoken to him on Friday and I obviously didn't anticipate that he'd have a problem wearing the shirt.

"My advice to him was that I always feel a union is stronger than an individual. It's important he airs his grievances to the right people, to the PFA or the FA. It's been a communication problem rather than anything else.

"As the manager of a club you lay down policy and you don’t want to see it ignored. That’s where my anger came from on Saturday. But we've resolved the situation, there's no lingering problems and we move on. That's the end of the matter.

Sir Alex was also keen to stress that leaving out Ferdinand and Evra does not mean he is taking Braga lightly.

"We've kept players back from the Stoke game to play against Braga," he explained. "So we're not under-estimating Braga.

"Braga, to my mind, are better away from home. They showed that by beating Galatasaray. Turkey's not an easy place to go and they managed a 2-0 victory. Counter-attacking will rear its head."


Glad that them two are having a rest and that SAF/Rio have talked about what happened on Saturday, settled their differences and have agreed to move on:).

Preview: United v Braga:

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

:)

I hope that United beat Braga tonight, it would mean another 3 points and we cannot afford another repeat of last years disaster.

Boss hails Rafa's maturity

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the maturity being shown by Rafael this season as he looks to make the right-back position his own.

The Brazilian has started all but two games this term and has also chipped in with a couple of goals. The 22-year-old has been pulled up in the past for his over-exuberance in attack that has sometimes led to him getting caught out in defence, but his manager feels he is making big strides forward with his decision-making.

"Rafael was our best player on Saturday [against Stoke]," the boss told reporters at a press conference at Old Trafford on Monday.

"He's maturing and learning all the time and he's blessed with great enthusiasm to play. He has good skill, speed, determination... he has all the qualities and maturity brings all those qualities together. Bit by bit he's done that in the last two or three years.

"Last year and the year before he was impulsive, over-commiting himself. He knows that and we've been over it a few times. But he's maturing fantastically."

Rafael himself agrees. "I think mature is the right word. I've learnt to hold a little bit. I always want to know more and read the game more to find out what a player is going to do next. I'm definitely more mature.

"The way I play for United has changed a bit and maybe that's why fans are looking at me differently. I'm playing more maturely and I'm scoring goals as well. I hope I can keep improving."


I agree with this. Rafael is improving a lot and is our most consisent player so far this season IMO:).

Anderson stays patient

He may have been restricted to just three of the Reds' 11 games so far this term, but Anderson is simply preparing for his time to shine.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted earlier this month that the Brazilian had been unfortunate not to feature more often in 2012/13, with Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes excelling in midfield.

"It feels good to hear that," Anderson told United Review.

"I believe in myself and it’s nice to hear the boss say things like that. It’s been one game here and one game there and a bit up and down, but my aim is to just keep progressing and to play consistently."

The midfielder knows all he can do is master his fitness and wait for openings, saying: "If I can stay fit and play well I know I’ll get opportunities. I’m really trying to look after myself and get as fit as I can.

"In the past I might have had the odd niggle but just wanted to keep on playing. Eventually, though, that caught up with me. I understand now that if I’m not 100 per cent fit then I have to wait because I will still get opportunities.

"It’s hard because as a footballer you don’t want to miss any games, but in the past I’ve tried to push myself and have ended up with more injury problems. I now understand that I need to be completely right."

Reds' element of surprise

Sir Alex Ferguson says the Reds' increased tactical flexibility means United now boast a vital element of surprise.

Although the boss has always made subtle tweaks to his teams, he has generally sent the players out in either a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation.

Certainly, width has always been present and central to United's attacking philosophy. In recent weeks, however, Sir Alex has experimented with a narrower diamond formation that eschews the traditional wingers in lieu of more bodies in the middle.

It's proved successful – United beat both CFR Cluj and Newcastle using the diamond – and the manager believes it now forms a crucial part of the Reds' armoury.

"The diamond is seen as a little revolutionary because it goes against our history," he conceded. "But the level of the game in England and Europe is so high now that making yourself unpredictable is a strength.

"Teams will now have to think about whether we will play with two wide players or in the diamond because we have the players who are capable of doing both things.

"Players like Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley can play very well in the diamond, while in Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young I also have very good wide players."

Abandoning width completely would never be popular with United fans – some of the club's most celebrated figures have been wingers – but evolution is key in the modern game and Sir Alex must employ the formation that gets the best out of his personnel.

"The initial reason for signing Shinji Kagawa was his ability to play behind the strikers," Sir Alex explained.

"In the last couple of games he's played in the middle to the right of the diamond, which isn't a problem for him.

"He's still in a forward position, he still has the ability to create as he does from a central position.

"There's no big issue for me, particuarly if we're playing the diamond formation because the central midfielders can all get forward and play in the central role."

Patrice: Time to shine

The United left-back sits down with ManUtd.com to discuss the season so far, a challenging few weeks ahead and his goalscoring competition with Anderson…

With a busy schedule of games between now and the end of the year, does it feel like we’ve entered a really important stage of the season?
Of course. Now I think this is a really important time of big moments. There are important games coming up and we need to show our best. I think we started to do that at Newcastle but now we need to make sure we continue to do our job. It’s going to be a busy few weeks with a lot of important games and now is the time when we need to show what we can do and win every game.

Chelsea are leading the way at the top of the league, but no-one has been able to establish a big gap. Are you surprised?
I’m not surprised because I think the Premier League is a difficult league. You can see that already this season. It’s not only about United and City this season – Chelsea are top at the moment, Tottenham are doing well and there's also Arsenal. And I’m sure Liverpool will come back strongly before the end of the season. The Premier League is not an easy league – this is why everyone wants to play in this league.

Is the current squad the strongest you’ve known at United? The manager could play two strong XIs couldn’t he?
Definitely. The manager could pick two XIs. There is great competition for every place and you have to work hard in training and every game because you know you might be on the bench or in the stands for the next game. This is Manchester United – it’s good for everyone because you’re under pressure to perform every day.

On a personal note, have you been pleased with your form this season?
I feel very good this season. I’ve had some good results with United and also some good ones with my national team so I’m happy. I just want to keep playing, maintain my form, defend well and, why not, score some more goals!

Tell us about the goalscoring competition you and Anderson have going on. He told us that you said if he scores 12 goals you’ll give him some presents…
[Laughs] Yes, it’s true! If he scores 12 I have to give him a big present. I’m happy for him and created this competition for the benefit of the team. If he scores 11 goals and we win the league I’ll be happy, but not 12 because then I have to give him a present!

I like you Patrice but the defending needs to improve;). He has a good rapport with most of the lads though!

Relieved that United won, even though yet again we had to come back from behind and conceded early. SAF needs to really sort our Defence out!

I thought that Javier Hernandez was our MOTM and was pleased when he scored to make it 3-2. Tom Cleverley and Rafael impressed me too. Hopefully SAF will never play Michael Carrick at CB again.

Our formations are unpredictable this season and Chicharito having a great game tonight gives SAF an headache in who to play upfront before the Chelsea match on Sunday.

Shinji Kagawa twisted his knee and might be out for a month:(.

Kagawa sustains knee injury

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Shinji Kagawa picked up a knee injury in the 3-2 win against SC Braga.

The Japan international was replaced at half time by Nani as the Reds switched from a diamond formation to a more traditional 4-4-2 but the substitution was an enforced one.

"Shinji twisted his knee," revealed the boss. "We had to take him off. He struggled on for 20 minutes after he got the injury. We'll assess it in the morning as it's too early to say what the damage is.

"I was confident the diamond would be important for us but, when you're 2-0 down, it's easy for them to kill the game by playing it out wide. So we had to change things with Nani on the right and [Wayne] Rooney on the left. Kagawa's injury forced my hand to play Nani as a wide player and it made a difference in terms of their possession."

Anders Lindegaard will definitely miss Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Chelsea to face Roberto Di Matteo's table-topping team.

"Anders hurt his thumb on Sunday morning in training," admitted Sir Alex. "He should be okay in a week's time but he won't be available for the weekend."

Report: United 3 Braga 2

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

:)

cant believe you didn't go in for fellaini from everton, he's a domminant midfield player, which is something you seem to be lacking at the moment.

Kevin Strootman from PSV is apparently available next Summer, he can play in CM/CDM and would cost around £15 million, he is the type of player we need but I am sure that SAF would have more targets even if he tends to love wingers too much;).

Sir Alex: Chicha makes me think

Sir Alex Ferguson has a selection dilemma for Sunday's crunch match with Chelsea after Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's match-winning brace against Braga.

The Mexican threw his hat into the ring by pulling a goal back against the Portuguese outfit before half-time at Old Trafford and later making sure of maximum points in Champions League Group H by scoring a second header. The goals capped a best performance of the season so far from a player who is "improving all the time" according to his manager.

"Chicharito has given me a good problem," said Sir Alex. "He’s got me thinking, I must say that. He and van Persie and Rooney and Welbeck... I don’t know what to do with them to be honest with you.

"The boy is improving all the time. He has a great enthusiasm for the game, he trains magnificently, he practices all the time and his goal ratio is fantastic.

"It was a great ball from Tom Cleverley for the second goal but Chicharito's movement in behind the defender for the second goal was terrific."

Chicharito's two goals, sandwiching an equaliser by centre-back Jonny Evans, means all four of Sir Alex's senior strikers have scored in the space of three days after goals from Rooney (2), van Persie and Welbeck saw off Stoke at the weekend in a similar match. Similar because Braga, like Stoke, scored twice on United's home turf including a shock opening goal.

"It’s been the story of our season really at home, starting badly, conceding goals and having to fight back to rescue games. And it’s the front players who are doing that for us," admitted Sir Alex.

"It is a concern we’re losing a lot of goals, but I must say some of our football was terrific tonight, we played some fantastic football and we created a lot of chances. We kept a really good momentum to our game and played with good speed.

"We got a result most people would not have expected us to get after being 2-0 down - being 2-0 down in a European tie is very difficult - but credfit to the players for the way we came back."

The manager disagreed with the interviewer's notion that playing Michael Carrick out of position at centre-back and handing a Champions League debut to Alexander Buttner were reasons behind Braga going 2-0 up early on.

"I think we did the right thing [to rest Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra]," replied Sir Alex.

"It wasn’t Michael Carrick’s fault for the first goal. He did his job well.

"I think you have to look at the big picture with Rio’s age. We have a big game on Sunday against Chelsea, Chelsea on the Wednesday, Arsenal on the Saturday, we’ve a massive programme coming up now and it’s important to utilise the squad we have.

"Okay, at the moment with Vidic out and Jones and Smalling not available, then putting Michael back there in defence is not the best but he does his job well."

Chicha up for Chelsea

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is setting his sights on Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge after scoring twice against SC Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Mexican made a match-winning intervention after Braga moved into a surprise two-goal lead - and it was a similar story away to Chelsea last season, although on that occasion the opposition went 3-0 up and Hernandez had to be content with an equaliser rather than a victory-sealing goal.

"We knew the importance of this game, but the start was bad for us to be honest, conceding two goals at home. But happily we scored three and now we can look forward to the next game which is another very important one against Chelsea," Hernandez told ITV Sport.

While Sir Alex admitted the Mexican had forced him to think about his striking options, Chicharito himself denied having a point to prove in a campaign when Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have been hogging the headlines.

"No, [I have] nothing [to prove]," he said. "I always say I enjoy it a lot here. I have been ready since the start of the season and when the gaffer gives me my chance, I have to do my best. If I score it's good. But if I don't score the most important thing is the team."

The team started off with a narrow diamond formation and then evolved to have greater width in the second period. Both of Chicharito's goals came from good examples of wide play, culminating in crosses from Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley, but he wouldn't be drawn on which system suits him best.

"Which is the best formation is a question for the gaffer. As a player I need to do my best on the pitch. It doesn't matter which position I'm in or which formation he plays. As players we need to follow the things that the gaffer says to us," said the Mexican striker.

Chicharito could consider himself unfortunate not to have claimed a hat-trick, after a first-half goal was chalked off for offside. But again he refused to dwell on what would have been an even bigger piece of personal glory. "The most important thing is the three points, not who the heroes are," he concluded.


Chicharito has such a fantastic attitude:).