Giggs: Cup loss tough to take

Ryan Giggs admitted United's Capital One Cup defeat at Chelsea was "tough to take," but the veteran took a lot of heart from the performances of some of the squad's younger members.

While the likes of Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Nani brought a wealth of experience to the Reds' side, Sir Alex also included a number of his rising stars, namely Michael Keane, Scott Wootton and, from half-time, Nick Powell.

United were just seconds away from going through to the next round of the competition, but an injury-time Chelsea penalty sent the entertaining clash into extra-time with the Blues eventually running out 5-4 winners.

"It's tough to take," Giggs told MUTV afterwards. "When you score four goals away from home more often than not you win the game, but it just seems to be one of those weeks in the Cup.

"We had the game in the bag with seconds to go. We had the ball deep in their half, lost it and they went up the other end and got the penalty. When it goes to extra-time it's anyone's game.

"I'm proud of the young players who played though - there were some great performances. They will have learnt a lot and you learn more from losing as well. You try and take the positives from a game like that but there are a lot of disappointed lads in there and rightly so because they put in good performances. But they'll learn from it and the experience they'll gain from this is more than they could ever get from a Reserve game.

"Out of the two sides they probably had the most experienced players with a lot of quality to come off the bench. They had to stick all their big guns on in the end to make an impact which they did.

"As I said though I'm proud of the young players - they never stopped battling. We're just disappointed to put on a good performance, score four goals and come away with nothing."

Having played over 917 matches for the Reds you'd have thought Giggs would have seen it all in his career, but he admitted afterwards that, even now, the beautiful game still never ceases to amaze you.

"After seeing the Reading/Arsenal game last night nothing should surprise you in football!" he joked. "It was unbelievable and it was similar tonight.

"You've got to be prepared for anything and fight right to the end. Unfortunately it wasn't to be for us. We put so much effort in but we go home disappointed and feel completely different to Sunday [after the league win over Chelsea].

"But we'll take the loss and look forward to the rest of the season because there are plenty of positives to take going forward."

Giggs hails van Persie

Ryan Giggs has hailed the impact made by Robin van Persie this season, not just on the goalscoring front, but on the creation of opportunities too.

Not only is the Dutchman top of the Reds scoring charts this terms with nine goals, he has been the provider for many of United's strikes from set-pieces.

Giggs says having a player of van Persie's quality has boosted the whole squad and he hopes the striker can maintain his good form in the coming weeks.

"When a ready-made, world-class player comes into the team it gives everybody a lift," Giggs told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"We’re like the supporters – we look forward to playing with and seeing quality players come into the team. Robin is certainly that – he’s proven that with his goals and all-round play since he’s come to the club.

"Robin’s set-piece delivery has been really important to us. It’s a big plus this season that we’re scoring from set-pieces and corners. That’s something we haven’t done over the last few years as often as we’d have liked.

"So with Robin it’s not just goals you get. He’s helped add more goals to the scoresheet and helped a few different names get on there."

The Reds will be hoping to maintain their impressive goalscoring form against van Persie's former side Arsenal on Saturday, although Giggs insists staging a repeat of last season's 8-2 victory will be near impossible.

"I think that was one of those fluke performances," said the 38-year-old. "We always expect a tough performance against Arsenal, both home and away. It’s no different this time.

"They got off to a really good start. They’ve stuttered a little in recent weeks but they have plenty of quality."

Boss ponders Arsenal options

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Anderson could have played his way into the manager's plans for Saturday's visit of Arsenal.

The Brazilian was outstanding in the 5-4 Capital One Cup defeat against Chelsea, assisting all three of United's goals in his time on the pitch, and is giving the manager plenty of encouragement.

"Ando was the best player on the pitch [on Wednesday] until he tired," said Sir Alex. "He needs games now and hopefully we can give him them."

The Reds have no additional injuries coming out of the two action-packed clashes with Chelsea.

"Chris Smalling is training with the first-team squad on the football side which is good news," stated the boss. "He's not ready for us yet but it's still encouraging. We've got options. Chicharito is in terrific form. He is improving all the time. The key to Chicha's form is the decent rest he's had in the summer.

"Every game against Arsenal is always a big one," he added. "It won't be any different tomorrow.

"They have proved defensively this year that they're a stronger, more physical team. I watched them last week against QPR and it'll be a hard game."

RvP should be respected

Sir Alex Ferguson has echoed Arsene Wenger's sentiments regarding the reception Robin van Persie faces from the away end on Saturday.

The Dutchman was a huge favourite at Arsenal before rejecting a new contract and joining United in the summer. Wenger hopes the London club's supporters respect the service the striker gave in the capital rather than barrack their former idol and Sir Alex has similar thoughts on the subject.

"I think Arsene has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him," stressed the manager. "If you think about all the former players who come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause. I don’t think that will be a problem tomorrow, I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and that will be nice."

Sir Alex has been impressed with the impact his major acquisition has made since arriving at Old Trafford.

"Robin is a mature player and I think that helps," he stated. "The experience he’s got of playing eight years in England makes it easier for him to play for another English club. He’s been very satisfying for us. He’s made a fantastic start for us and hopefully he can keep it going."


Wrong, he was booed as expected.

Vidic out until Christmas

United skipper Nemanja Vidic is likely to be sidelined until the festive period.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed to MUTV that he does not expect his commanding centre-back to return to action until late December, although Shinji Kagawa should only be missing for another month or so.

After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in last year's Champions League exit at Basel, the Serbian suffered another knee problem that required surgery.

"With Kagawa, it's easy to assess that one whereas with Vidic it's a bit more difficult," the boss told MUTV. "Maybe around Christmas time.

"I think Kagawa should be available in four weeks' time but Vidic I think we're talking about December, maybe around Christmas time."


Gutted:(, although at least we are not rushing him back like what happened last time.

Young eyes victory

Ashley Young says victory over Arsenal at the weekend would be “massive” and would set the Reds up nicely for a testing few weeks at home and abroad.

Sir Alex’s men face four consecutive away games, in the league and Champions League, after Saturday’s Old Trafford meeting with the Gunners and, after picking up an important three points at league leaders Chelsea last Sunday, Young says United are determined to follow it with a positive result against another of their big rivals.

“Winning on Saturday would be massive,” the winger told ManUtd.com. “We want to stay in touching distance with the other teams at the top so we know Saturday is vitally important. We got the win last week against Chelsea and if we can kick on tomorrow and win again it sets us up for the next few weeks.

“When you think of Arsenal teams normally you think of them passing non-stop and pretty much passing their way to the goal. But I think they have got stronger physically this season and they look very motivated. We can’t concentrate too much on them though, it’s important we focus on ourselves and make sure we’re on top of our game.”

Last season’s corresponding fixture ended emphatically in United’s favour following an 8-2 win for the Reds, which also included Young’s first goals for the club.

“I have good memories of the game last season,” beamed the 27-year-old. “I obviously got the two goals, my first two United goals, which was special. We scored eight that day, but we know it’ll be a tough game on Saturday, and if we can just score one and get the three points then that will be the most important thing. We’re all looking forward to it.”

Young is delighted to be back in action after a frustrating two-month spell in the treatment room. The winger returned in last weekend’s win at Chelsea and he’s thoroughly enjoying being part of a side so fluent in attack.

“It’s brilliant to see us scoring so many goals. As a winger that’s what you want, you want that freedom to go and attack and destroy defences,” he added.

“When you’ve got players in the team like we’ve got with so many different options it’s amazing to see. I certainly wouldn’t want to be a defender when you see the different combinations we can have! It’s always nice when you have so many different options and when we attack we always look like we’re going to score.”

The man who has found the net more times than anyone else for the Reds this season, Robin van Persie, comes up against his former team on Saturday. And Young has nothing but praise for the contribution the Dutchman has made already this term.

“Robin is a world-class player - he’s in the team to score goals and that’s exactly what he’s doing,” says Young. "His all-round work-rate and his effort on the pitch are fantastic and he’s scoring goals. He’s someone who can link up with any of the players and he’s been brilliant since he arrived.”

Rio: Robin has slotted right in

Robin van Persie's fine start to life at United owes much to his seamless integration into the club's dressing room dynamic, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking to United Review, the veteran defender admitted the Reds' top scorer has quickly adapted to life with his new colleagues after joining from Arsenal last summer.

"He’s done really well," said Rio. "He’s come in with no airs and graces about him – that’s the first thing you notice. He’s come into a really down-to-earth changing room; there’s no way anybody could come in as the big ‘I am’ and that’s definitely not in his make-up.

"He’s a really nice guy. The best way you can settle in at a new club is to get on with the other lads and he’s done that straight away. Going on from that you’ve obviously got to be able to put your foot on the ball and put the ball in the back of the net, and you can’t ask him to have done any more than he has."

Having notched nine goals and four assists in his 12 United appearances so far, van Persie is likely to face his former employers for the first time on Saturday, and the manner in which Arsenal supporters will react to their former idol remains unclear.

While a potentially disconcerting ordeal, Ferdinand - armed with his own experiences of facing West Ham and Leeds - feels the Dutchman can rise above the pre-match hype surrounding his part in proceedings.

"It is hard," he admitted. "But Robin’s experienced enough to put it to one side, get on with it and play the game. You just have to treat it like any other game. That’s the difficult thing: trying to make it normal when everyone around is trying to make it into something it isn’t."

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Boss plots best form of attack

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is still trying to figure out how best to utilise Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

The Dutchman has settled quickly since arriving from Arsenal, which has come as no surprise to the manager, but it helps provide an embarrassment of riches in attack. Javier Hernandez's return to top form and the emergence of Danny Welbeck as an international-class forward means competition for places is particularly fierce at the sharp end of the side.

When asked about his plans for van Persie and Rooney, Sir Alex replied: "You’ve got to think of Chicharito’s form as well and I’m trying to think of all sorts of ways I can utilise the three of them together and Danny Welbeck of course. It’s difficult to work out how to utilise three of them – we did it at Newcastle but we won’t be able to do in every game. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic problem for me."

Van Persie has hopefully shed the 'injury-prone' tag that dogged him for some time during his Arsenal career and is capable of enjoying one of the finest debut campaigns for a major signing by the club.

"I think he’s had different types of injuries," said the boss. "He had an ankle injury when we were assessing him, but I think last season he proved that he’s over that kind of thing [lots of injuries]. Hopefully it’s not a problem for me.

"We’ve had a lot of players that have settled quickly. Dwight Yorke was unbelievable in his first season. It’s not easy I suppose coming to a club like ours and expecting them all to settle right away. Some take time but, in the main, we’ve been quite lucky - particularly in recent years because there is a far more consistent thread to the club than there was, say, 25 years ago."

Rooney unmoved by penalty miss

Wayne Rooney says he was left bemused by his penalty miss during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, but stressed the incident is already in the past.

The English striker dragged his first half spot-kick just wide of the left-hand-post during an impressive performance at Old Trafford, where the Reds eventually sealed a surprisingly routine win over the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League.

Though the miss is a worry, Rooney insists it will not play on his mind: “I don’t know what happened but these things happen. Obviously, I am disappointed with the penalty but I will move on because we won the game and that is the most important thing. It’s something that is gone now for me.

“We had plenty of chances,” Wayne told Sky Sports. “Obviously, it was a poor penalty from myself but we should be taking care of the games and we had a lot of chances late doors, especially when they went down to 10 men, to kill the game off and we didn’t do it. That could cost us in the future. We need to make sure we are more clinical to finish games off.

“We tried to stop them playing. They are a fantastic football team but if you stop their playmakers then you have a chance, especially when you win the ball. If you win it high up the pitch you can break off them and create chances. We did that quite well and the led to a lot of chances for us It certainly the game plan – to stop them playing and press the high.”

Victory over Arsenal during Saturday’s midday kick-off saw United temporarily move ahead of Chelsea at the top of the league, capping an impressive week for the Reds following last weekend’s dramatic and entertaining 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.

Obviously, league positions matter very little at this stage of the season, but as Rooney points out, United’s good form and momentum is a huge positive following the disappointment of losing away at Everton on the opening night of the season back in August.

“We knew we would go top if we won before the game. It is important to us after dropping two points on the first game of the season.

“We have done well and dug in at times to grind out some results whilst playing some good football. It’s nice to top of the league, it might not be for long but we are happy to be there.”

Boss wants more goals

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see his side take another important three points off one of their rivals, but he was frustrated that the Reds failed to convert more chances during the 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Robin van Persie put the hosts in front after just three minutes, but United had to wait until the 67th before a second goal arrived via Patrice Evra.

Numerous chances had gone begging before Evra found the net, including a Wayne Rooney penalty which he fired wide, and it's something that is worrying Sir Alex.

"It looked as if it was going to be self destruction," the manager told MUTV and Sky Sports. "It only takes a second to lose a goal.

"They had some possession without really threatening us, but thank god we got the second one because the fact they scored right on full-time would have been an embarrassment [if we'd only have been 1-0 up].

"It was a strange game and the chances we missed... well, we should have put the game to bed a long, long time ago. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't.

"There was a lack of urgency in our game throughout. We were far too casual. It was an unusual Manchester United/Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United/Arsenal games of the past.

"I was just really disappointed in our ability to hammer home the advantage," he added.

"I spoke about goal difference to the players at the start of the season. We lost [the title] on goal difference last season and I don't want to see that again. We had an opportunity to add to the goal tally today."

After joking that he would take United's penalty following the Reds' fourth spot-kick miss of the season, the manager took time out to praise his side's opening goalscorer Robin van Persie.

"It was good for Robin to get the goal and he took it very well," said Sir Alex. "I thought he was fantastic today - his movement and his penetration were brilliant.

"He did the right thing [not celebrating his goal]. He had eight great years at Arsenal and he respects that and I thought the Arsenal fans were fine too."

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Van Persie hails special day

Robin van Persie hailed a “special day” after scoring against his former club during Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Much of the talk ahead of the Barclays Premier League match had focused on the Dutchman’s first match against the Gunners since switching the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford in the summer.

Undeterred, the 29-year-old raced out of the blocks to break the deadlock in the third minute, taking advantage of a poor clearance from Thomas Vermaelen to finish with his unfavoured right foot.

Despite being roundly and perhaps unfairly booed by Arsenal’s travelling support, van Persie showed his class by not celebrating his goal - favouring a more dignified, respectful reaction.

“I think it speaks for itself,” Robin declared, when asked why he didn’t celebrate his goal. “I played there for eight years. I had a fantastic time there and I respect the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club. So that’s why.

“It was a special day and in the end it was quite a game, I think we played well. We were a bit sloppy with chances and should have scored two or three more. But in the end we are happy with three points because that is all that matters.”

Saturday’s encounter between the two giants of English football resulted in a more timid affair than previously expected, despite referee Mike Dean handing out eight yellow cards, as United largely dominated the match without showing too much ruthlessness in front of goal.

Surprisingly, van Persie was one of many Reds to spurn chances to score after the half-time break and perhaps should have done better with a glorious opportunity midway through the second half, when his low shot was tipped just wide by goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

However, the Dutchman is content with his solitary strike against his former club, despite admitting he should have scored more than just one goal: “Yes I did have an easy chance in the second half. I didn’t expect so much time on the ball to be fair.

“I thought that Thomas Vermaelen was a bit closer to me so I decided to shoot quickly. It was a bad choice because I could have taken one more touch and finished it. I should’ve scored two but I am happy with one.

“As I said, it was a special day. It was the first time I have ever played against my former club because I only have three. It was a special day but in the end it is about the game, which won so I am pleased with that.”

Manchester United vs Arsenal- Match Report:

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

Not at our best and we had lots of chances to put the game to bed but a win is a win:):D.

I'm telling you now if Fergie puts out the right team I fancy our chances of winning in Europe this year. Barca are not the team they were and I think we could cause an upset. I think he has slowly started to get the message that Giggs and Scholes to a lesser extent stink up the place, now if he would finally start playing our best CM Ando

Carrick Clev
Ando

I really believe that trio could do the damage in euro and with Paddy actually defending again I am very optimistic. However Young is a BUM and should never start for us and Tony is shown up every time we play higher oppostion

Rafael can emulate Neville

Sir Alex believes Rafael can achieve the same legendary status as Gary Neville.

The Brazilian has once again earned praise for his development after emerging as one of the club's best performers this season. Critics may have pointed out flaws in his game as a youngster but, now 22, the right-back is looking a world-class talent.

"He's a Brazilian who trains like a beast," said Sir Alex. "He never misses training - the boy is just a football fanatic. When he goes home in the summer, he plays every day for his street team back in Brazil.

"Maybe he had rashness and the impetuosity of a young boy but somewhere along the line that maturity comes along and the rashness disappears. His form this season has been brilliant and the boy is really tough now."

Sir Alex was asked if he can see Rafael going on to enjoy a career similar to Gary Neville's distinguished stint. "Definitely," he replied. "There's no doubt about that. Gary was not the finished article when he came into the team but was lucky in the sense that he came in at a time when we were trying to push forward all our young players. But Gary improved and became absolutely fantastic - probably the best right-back the club has ever had.

"It did take time for him in terms of his use of the ball and crossing but all these things developed because he wanted to work on them. Rafael is definitely the more naturally talented. Gary came to us as a centre-back, don't forget."

Rafael showed no ill effects from playing the full 120 minutes at Chelsea in midweek when producing another accomplished display in the 2-1 win over Arsenal.


Rafael has been awesome so far this season:). I wonder if SAF will rest him soon?

Evra hails 'terrific' week

Patrice Evra has hailed a "terrific week" for United in the league after back-to-back wins over rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

After last Sunday's hard-fought victory at Stamford Bridge, the Reds secured a 2-1 triumph over the Gunners at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and a second of the season from Evra himself.

"Accidents can happen and it's happened twice now this season!" he joked to MUTV in reference to his strikes against Newcastle and now Arsenal.

"I'm really happy to score again but the most important thing is the three points. We're a little bit disappointed we didn't keep a clean sheet but in the end it was an important win and that's what everyone was looking for before the game. It's been a terrific week for us."

Much like his manager, the Frenchman bemoaned United's inability to take more of the chances that were created, but he insists confidence remains high in camp.

"The expectations are very high here and we should have scored more goals - we felt like we had lost the game in the dressing room afterwards," he revealed.

"If we had taken every chance we created it would have been a different game, but to only finish 2-1 is a bit disappointing. That isn't because we don't respect Arsenal, it's because the expectations are very high here.

"When they are so high you can sometimes forget that you've beaten a team like Arsenal. It's a big game we have won. We've won at Liverpool, at Chelsea and now we have beaten Arsenal. Last season we didn't do that and that's why as a team we know we have the potential and the quality to win the league.

"The reason we are not really happy is because we didn't score more goals, but in the end he has been a terrific week for Manchester United. The confidence is really high in the team."

RvP revels in 'new' position

Robin van Persie believes his flexible, interchangeable partnership with Wayne Rooney has forged a new position up front for Manchester United.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, the Dutchman has been in sensational form and is enjoying an irresistible attacking alliance with his English team-mate. He feels their fluidity and tactical knowhow means they no longer fit the classic definitions of 'a number nine' - normally the poacher in the penalty area - and 'a number ten' - the more creative player linking midfield and attack.

“I call it a nine-and-a-half because you have two positions, the nine and the ten, and we are both nine-and-a-half ,” says van Persie. “We are just helping each other out. We both play behind and a bit higher up. It seems to be working well and I am very happy with Wayne - hopefully we can keep it going.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, a former centre-forward who scored an impressive 186 goals in just under 350 appearances as a player, agrees with van Persie’s theory and says there is more to come from the burgeoning strike partnership.

“I think he's right,” the boss declared. “There's flexibility there and the right type of movement. They also both have the courage to play in these positions. Robin’s not far away in that respect.

“They're both mobile players and good footballers with a great desire to play and win. I don't think you saw the best of them as a partnership against Arsenal.”

:devil:

Best is yet to come

The underlying message from Rio Ferdinand sounds ominous for Manchester United's opponents: we might be in pole position but we can still improve.

Although the Reds have now beaten Arsenal and Chelsea in successive league games, the defender admitted his team have yet to find top gear over a sustained period; the complete performance and with it a comprehensive victory, remain on United's wishlist.

"Yes it's been good but we're aiming for better," said Ferdinand, when asked to reflect on that significant pair of victories.

"I don't think we have hit a real purple patch yet, which we are really searching for. We played quite well today as a team and we defended well. But getting it all in one package and doing it all in a ninety minutes at the right times, we're still aiming for that and it will come soon, don't worry."

Whether it will come in the next few weeks remains to be seen, with United heading into four away games on the bounce.

But should everything fall into place on the road, or back at Old Trafford towards the end of the month, it seems inevitable Robin van Persie will be involved.

"He's been doing well for us, he's a natural born goalscorer and long may it continue that he keeps scoring the goals," praised Ferdinand, after witnessing van Persie's tenth strike of the season on Saturday.

The defender commended his colleague for the way he played against his former club Arsenal for the first time.

"Those games against your old team go one of two ways normally," said Rio. "Either you get a goal, you play well and you win, or you have an absolute beast, get sent off and lose the game. So it was good to see Robin get on the scoresheet and he celebrated in the right way I think. He showed a bit more class than probably their fans did towards him."

Reds set to loan out trio

Warren Joyce has confirmed to MUTV that Michael Keane, Jesse Lingard and Robbie Brady are poised to leave United on loan.

Keane and Lingard will surely relish the prospect of some first-team football with a temporary move to Leicester City. The Championship promotion-chasers signed a pair of Reds Reserves in the summer, with Ritchie De Laet and Matty James joining the Foxes, and are to strengthen their squad further with a shrewd double acquisition.

Centre-back Keane performed well in the Capital One Cup ties against Newcastle and Chelsea while livewire Lingard has been in and around Sir Alex's squad a few times after impressing on the DHL tour.

Brady, a full Republic of Ireland international, is to rejoin Hull City and play under Steve Bruce. The winger spent last term with the Tigers and is expected to link up with team-mate Ben Amos at the KC Stadium.

All three were not involved in the Under-21s' 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Monday night with Joyce admitting afterwards that the deals are set to be completed.


Good luck to the lads going out on loan and I hope they get some games to help their development:).

Duo tie up switch

Michael Keane and Jesse Lingard have joined Leicester City on loan for a month.

The talented Reds youngsters will be available for the Foxes' next six matches - starting with Tuesday night's away npower Championship clash at Bolton.

City boss Nigel Pearson told the club's official website: "Not only do Michael and Jesse add a great deal of quality to the group, they are also the type of hungry, young players that will fit in well with what is already a very strong squad."

Speaking to ManUtd.com recently, Lingard admitted he was relishing the prospect of obtaining regular first-team football.

"I think it will be a lot more physical going out on loan but we're going to have to adapt to that anyway," he confessed. "I don't know if I will be sent out on loan this year or next year but I'm still training with the first team every now and then and am getting stronger with them."

Sir Alex wins monthly award

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Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the Barclays Manager of the Month for October.

The Manchester United manager guided his team to three wins from three Barclays Premier League games, a run that included 10 goals scored, two victories away from home and a first sucess at Stamford Bridge for more than a decade.

At the conclusion of the month, the Reds had moved to within a point of league-leaders Chelsea - a position since improved by opening November with Saturday's victory over Arsenal.

Sir Alex is no stranger to the Manager of the Month award, of course. This is the 27th time he's had the honour bestowed upon him.

"We've got a great set up here," Sir Alex said. "I've got great staff and the players, of course. They are the reason I'm getting this award. There is no question about that. I am very pleased."

The boss's next assignment comes in European competition, as the Reds travel to Portugal to take on SC Braga on Wednesday night in the Champions League.


Legend and on this date 26 years ago is when SAF first took charge of United as Manager:amazed::devil:.

Sir Alex eyes top spot

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players to finish the job and qualify as winners of their Champions League group after an ideal start to the campaign.

United have taken maximum points from the first three games in Group H - an improvement on last season, when the Reds had only mustered five points at the equivalent stage and ended up paying the price.

The first target is victory over Braga in Portugal on Wednesday and with it progression to the knockout stages - sounds like an ideal anniversary present for Sir Alex, who marks 26 years as Reds manager today (Tuesday).

"Yes, it would be a nice one," agreed the manager, when speaking to Inside United. "And with nine points from the first three games we really should be kicking on and make sure we confirm the number one spot. That’s the important thing. It’s always good to win your group."

Sir Alex attributes United's better results in Europe to selecting more experienced players in his sides this time round.

"After the experience of last season, we’re showing that we’re paying more attention to team selection in the sense that we’ve used a big proportion of experienced players," he said.

"The front players in our home game against Braga would be a handful for any team – van Persie, Chicharito and Rooney. Having a goal threat like that gives you a backbone."

That experience helped United come from behind to beat Braga a fortnight ago after the visitors had shocked Old Trafford by racing into a 2-0 lead - at a time when going behind was becoming a worrying trend for the Reds.

"It wasn't down to an individual player or a system, it’s just that we were taking too long to get our feet into the game," Sir Alex asserted.

"Braga attacked us straight from the kick-off and got a throw-in right away, right on the edge of the box. Maybe that created a bit of anxiety among the players, making them think, 'Oh no, we can’t afford to lose an early goal here.' But we did, we lost two early goals and Braga weren't in a hurry at 2-0 up. Against our diamond, it was easy for them to get the ball out to the wide positions and control the game that way.

"We actually played some good stuff and we made some good chances. There were some really good bits of football. But we had to get in at half-time and still be in the game. So I put Tom Cleverley a wee bit to the right and Wayne Rooney to the left, and we got the goal.

"In the second half we had to kill off Braga's width so they couldn't get out. Nani came on on the right and Rooney played on the left so we were blocking off their avenues and forcing them to play through the middle of the pitch. We really did play really well in the second half. In general it was a good attacking performance and we played some really good football in the game."

Reds head to Braga

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a 20-man squad to Portugal for the Reds' Champions League Group H clash in Braga.

The Group H leaders, who flew out of Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, secured a come-from-behind victory over the Portuguese side two weeks ago at Old Trafford and know a win in Braga will secure a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Sir Alex told ManUtd.com a fortnight ago he'd consider Saturday's subsequent trip to Villa Park and weigh up his midfield options in particular when picking his team to take on Braga.

"My team selection for Braga will reflect the game we play afterwards, Aston Villa away, so I’ll change the squad around," the manager said.

"Think, for example, about the midfield options I’ve got. This is an area where some people say we’re weak but I’ve got Darren Fletcher coming back from illness, Tom Cleverley developing as a player, young Nick Powell improving, Anderson back fit and looking terrific, plus Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs. I’ve got heaps of midfield options now.

"In the wide positions I’ve got Ashley Young fit again, Nani and Antonio Valencia. Then I’ve got the strikers. My area of worry for a long time now has been the back four.

"I haven’t had great options so far this season in defence. There’ll be an option with Alexander Buttner – that’s maybe the one that will definitely happen. I’ll need to see how we are in terms of a centre-back pairing for that game. But away from home in Europe you really do need a bit of experience so it’s likely that it will still be Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans.

At right-back, Rafael’s fit and his form this season has been absolutely fantastic. So I’ll probably have the same or similar back four but I’ll make changes in midfield and up front."

Travelling squad: De Gea, Lindegaard; Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Buttner, Smalling, Evra; Cleverley, Giggs, Anderson, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Young, Powell; Rooney, Welbeck, Chicharito, van Persie.

Match Preview: Braga vs United

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

I hope that United perform better and get the win that would secure our qualification for the next round of the Champions League:).

Manchester United Starting XI to play at Braga: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Welbeck; Rooney, Hernandez.

Manchester United Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Carrick, Young, Cleverley, Van Persie.

Come on United:).