Get in United:). 3-1 win, even though performance wise we were awful but it is a smash and grab.

The winning mentality is there and United have won games before when not at our best!

Update. Glad United won at Braga the other day, it was an awful performance overall but a win is a win and the lights going out were funny:joker:.

Match report from that game is here:).

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

Giggs proud of response

Ryan Giggs has hailed the manner in which Manchester United have bounced back from last season's European disappointment and called on the Reds to continue the team's current winning form.

Victory against Braga on Wednesday night secured qualification to the Champions League knockout phase with two games to spare, a year after Sir Alex's men tumbled out of the competition.

"We were all disappointed [last season]," Giggs told Sky Sports. "It wasn’t good enough. We knew we had to do something about it and we have.

"We hope this continues now. We’re in good form, both in the league and the Champions League, so we have to carry it on now."

United's win at Braga was far from straightforward. The Reds went behind early in the second half before floodlight failure at Estadio AXA caused a 10-minute stoppage. When the game resumed, the home team continued to look the likeliest to score until Robin van Persie came off the bench and pulled United level with 10 minutes to play.

Wayne Rooney then won and converted a spot-kick to send the Reds in front before Javier Hernandez wrapped up the points in injury time.

But it was van Persie's coolly-taken equaliser, his 11th for United since his summer transfer, that had Giggs purring.

"Robin gets one chance and he puts it away," Giggs said. "He’s just scoring goals for fun at the moment. With the form he’s in, his confidence is high and I think everyone knew he was going to score."

Rooney: Let's kick on now

Wayne Rooney believes the Reds’ come-from-behind victory in Portugal on Wednesday night can be the catalyst for a winning run in November.

The United striker netted a penalty in the 3-1 win against SC Braga to help secure safe passage to the Champions League knockout phase with two games to spare.

Now Rooney wants the Reds to build on the result and hit top form as Sir Alex’s men prepare for trips to Aston Villa, Norwich City and Galatasaray before ending the month hosting Queens Park Rangers and West Ham at Old Trafford.

“There have been games this season where we've been fantastic and there have been games where we've had to grind out results,” he told Sky Sports.

“Tonight we had a difficult night and we weren't at our best but we won the game and that's all we can ask. We've topped the group and that's the main thing. We're happy with that.

“We're in a good position and we know we can play better football. Now we have a run of games where we feel we can get maximum points, so hopefully we can do that.”

United are the only side in this season’s Champions League competition to have collected four wins from the first four games and the Reds are assured of a first-place finish in Group H, regardless of what happens in the final two fixtures.

It’s a far cry from the position Sir Alex’s men found themselves in last season, when United tumbled out of the competition with defeat in Basel on matchday six.

Rooney believes the side learnt valuable lessons from that experience, though, and says the Reds have what it takes to go on and win the competition.

“We were disappointed to go out at the group stage last year so our target this year was to qualify and then take it from there. Thankfully we've done that after four games and topped the group. We're really pleased with that.

“Last season we had a lot of new young players come into the team and [Champions League football] is a different experience for them. They've gained experience from last season and the manager's given them further chances this season and that's paid off for us.

“Anyone can go on a run and win the tournament. We have to make sure we're at our best and you need to be a bit lucky in the draw for the early rounds of the knockout stages but we're ready and with the final at Wembley it's a great incentive for us."

Evans, Nani suffer knocks

Manchester United will wait to see the extent of injuries to Jonny Evans and Nani after both players were forced from the pitch in the Reds' 3-1 win against SC Braga on Wednesday night.

Neither injury is believed to be serious, although Evans left the pitch after complaining of a groin niggle and Nani had to be helped off after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

United assistant manager Mike Phelan explained: "Jonny felt his groin a little bit – I think it probably happened during the penalty incident. As a precaution we took him off quickly.

"With Nani I think it was probably just a lack of games and his hamstring started to tighten up, so we weren’t taking any chances with that."

In more positive injury news, Chris Smalling came through his comeback relatively unscathed. The defender did require treatment early in the first half after receiving a blow to the head, but there was no reccurence of either the groin or foot injury that has kept him out since May and he completed the 90 minutes.

Phelan: Subs were super

Mike Phelan cited second-half changes for the reason behind United's late surge to victory in Braga.

Trailing the Portuguese side by a single goal as the game was unexpectedly hit by floodlight failure, the Reds were forced into replacing the injured Jonny Evans with Rio Ferdinand, then introduced Robin van Persie in place of Danny Welbeck.

An out-of-sorts display was forgotten after 80 minutes when the Dutchman levelled, before a Wayne Rooney penalty and Chicharito's close-range effort sealed an unlikely victory.

"It is a little bit surprising that we have scored three goals here tonight," Phelan told journalists at the post-match press conference. "In the first half we were not really doing anything in the game other than keeping possession of the ball.

"Possibly with the way the evening panned out – with the lights going out and the heavy rain, and then us having to make a quick substitution, bringing Rio Ferdinand on – I think that changed things for us, with the tempo of our game going up.

"Robin was instrumental in getting us further up the field. We played a little bit more in behind their midfield once Robin came on, and obviously he took his goal really well."

A fourth straight Group H victory guarantees United's progress to the knockout stage as group winners, underlining an immaculate response to last season's disappointing relegation to the Europa League.

"Our intention this year was to get into [the knockout phase] very quickly," Phelan said. "We were disappointing last year – the players and staff knew that, and I think the supporters wanted a reaction to that.

"I think it was really important that we got into it quickly and we have done that – four games gone and we are more than happy with it."

Sir Alex had admitted that early qualification would allow him some much-needed squad rotation in the final group games against Galatasaray and Cluj, but Phelan insists United will still respect the ramifications of those games for the remaining three sides in Group H.

"It does now give us that opportunity to have a look at a couple of other players on this stage, and I am sure we will do that," he said, "but we have to give credit to the competition as well.

"And as Manchester United we will do that. But it was important we got the job done as quickly as possible, in order for us to concentrate on the Premier League."

Smalling savours return

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/56D620...n=72,1,560,735

Chris Smalling is hungry for more match action with Manchester United after making a victorious comeback against Braga.

The Reds defender had been touted by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson to play “some part” of the Champions League group match in Portugal – in fact, he played the full 90 minutes as centre-back, firstly alongside Jonny Evans and then substitute Rio Ferdinand as the Reds came from behind to win 3-1 and confirm a place in the next round.

“Watching the Champions League games from the stands was frustrating for me, so it was good to be back out there,” Smalling said after the match.

“It’s good to be able to come back with a win as well, so I’m feeling happy.

“To be able to qualify with two games to go really gives the manager a chance to play other players and keep people fresh for what’s going to be a very long season.”

Wednesday’s match was Smalling’s first competitive fixture since 6 May, so the recent step-up in his training and of course the recall into United’s defence were long awaited.

“It was a really frustrating time for me, especially over the summer when I had to work hard while the lads were on pre-season, and then had a breakdown again,” Smalling admitted.

“I had been looking at this period of October and November for being able to come back and make an impact. I’ve been able to train over this last week or so and I feel ready.

“I’m hoping I can stay away from injuries now because I think I’m due that. I had a clash of heads during the match but I was fine after about five minutes.

“I feel good after playing the game, so bring on Saturday.”


Pleased that he is back from injury:). Hopefully he will be able to get back into the rhythm and compete for a place in Defence!

Giggs salutes Robin's influence

Ryan Giggs pinpointed the arrival of Robin van Persie as the spark which lit the fuse on United's dramatic comeback victory in Braga.

The Reds became the first team to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages with a hard-fought fourth win of this term's Group H campaign, but made heavy weather of overcoming their Portuguese hosts.

"The tempo wasn't really there in the first half," Giggs told MUTV. "They made it difficult, got everyone behind the ball and tried to counter-attack, and they were probably the better team in the first half with the better chances.

"It wasn't until we went one-nil down - probably when Robin came on - that we started to play a little bit better."

The Dutchman needed only one half-chance to haul United level with a crisply-taken finish, and Giggs conceded that the United new boy is brimming with confidence after a scintillating run of form.

"The keeper came rushing out but he's still a great finisher," said the Reds veteran. "I think everybody knew when he went through that there was only going to be one outcome.

"His confidence is just sky high at the moment. I read last week that a lot of the players think he's similar to Ruud in the respect that Ruud used to get a chance and more often than not he'd put them away. That's the case with Robin at the minute; his confidence is high, we're creating chances for him and he's putting them away."

Young's England recall

United have four representatives in England's 23-man squad for next week's friendly with Sweden.

Ashley Young returns to the fold after recovering from injury while Tom Cleverley, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are also selected by coach Roy Hodgson.

Former Red Ryan Shawcross is again included for the friendly that takes place in Stockholm on Wednesday 14 November.

England: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Man City), John Ruddy (Norwich); Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Spurs), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Kyle Walker (Spurs); Tom Cleverley (Man United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Aaron Lennon (Spurs), Leon Osman (Everton), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man United); Wayne Rooney (Man United), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Man United).

Meanwhile, Sam Johnstone has been elevated to the Under-21 squad for the first time and will compete for a place alongside fellow Old Trafford team-mate Ben Amos, who is currently on loan at Hull City. Nick Powell is also in Stuart Pearce's plans for the friendly against Northern Ireland in Blackpool on 13 November.


Good luck to the lads going on International duty:). I hope there are no injuries.

Rooney is Braga star

Wayne Rooney has romped to victory in our Braga Man of the Match poll.

The striker won and converted the penalty which put United 2-1 up in the Champions League Group H clash in Portugal, before flicking on Antonio Valencia's cross to Chicharito who, eventually, netted the Reds' third goal in injury-time to seal a 3-1 victory and book United's spot in the knock-out stages of the competition.

Rooney scooped 57 per cent of the votes cast in our poll, with David De Gea, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Wednesday, finishing second with 21 per cent. Ryan Giggs and Chris Smalling completed the shortlist with each receiving 10 per cent of the votes.

November’s first Man of the Match poll – for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal – was won by the first goalscorer, Robin van Persie. The Dutchman’s display against his old club at Old Trafford earned 47 per cent of the votes on ManUtd.com while Wayne Rooney was the runner-up with 31 per cent.

Patrice Evra’s performance – including the Reds’ decisive second goal – claimed third place in the Arsenal poll, ahead of fellow defenders Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand who made up the rest of the shortlist.

Braga Man of the Match results:

Wayne Rooney - 57%
David De Gea - 21%
Ryan Giggs - 10%
Chris Smalling - 10%

Well done to Wazza:):D.

Boss' fond Villa memories

Villa Park holds a special place in all United fans' affections and the Reds travel to the Midlands in good heart this weekend.

With his side looking for another three points that will ensure top spot in the table is retained, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed some of his favourite memories of playing away to Aston Villa after securing 12 Barclays Premier League wins at the ground.

Of course, the famous 1999 victory over Arsenal in the last-ever FA Cup semi-final replay and the 2004 triumph against the Gunners at the same stage of the competition also spring to mind when thinking of other fixtures at the venue.

"I think some of our performances have been terrific there," he told ManUtd.com. "There are a couple of memories - when we were 2-0 down in the FA Cup in 2002. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the other, as we came back to beat Villa 3-2.

"And we went there in the last game of the season in 1999/2000 needing four goals to reach 100. Teddy Sheringham scored in the second half to put us on 97 but we missed countless chances so the century eluded us.

"I was close to giving a young Darren Fletcher his debut that day – he was 15 – but the rules didn't allow me to."

:)

Sir Alex sets target for duo

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Wayne Rooney and Chicharito will both break the 20-goal mark for Manchester United this season.

The pair have been in excellent goalscoring form of late alongside top scorer Robin van Persie.

Van Persie has found the net 11 times already, while Chicharito and Rooney are on six and three respectively.

All three front men netted in the 3-1 win over Braga on Wednesday night and Sir Alex fully expects plenty more goals to follow from the trio.

"It's a healthy combination we've got," said the boss. "Robin has come to us at the right time, no doubt about that. He's got us 11 goals so far.

"I don't think it's a problem relying on Robin. Last year, we lost on goal difference and I don't expect us to lose on goal difference again. I think Robin may make that difference.

"The way young Chicha has started this season, I'm certain he'll get to 20 goals plus. He's on six and he's getting back to where he was a couple of years back. The summer's rest has helped him enormously and he's looking fresh and aggressive in his running. The boy is always a handful.

"Wazza will get there too, he'll get 20 goals plus I'm sure."

Nani out, Evans a doubt

Jonny Evans could recover from a minor groin strain sustained in Braga to face Aston Villa on Saturday, but Nani is set to be sidelined for 10 days.

The winger was substituted in United's midweek Champions League victory after complaining of a tight hamstring and will need a short period of rest before he can take to the field again.

"We're hoping Evans will be okay for Saturday," Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

"He's a doubt, although not a serious one.

"Nani is out with a tight hamstring and that will be around 10 days but he should be okay. It's not torn, just tight."

Should Jonny Evans fail his fitness test, the manager will ask Chris Smalling to step into the breach.

Smalling played his first football since early May in Braga, having been sidelined after sustaining a broken foot during pre-season training.

"We're monitoring the situation with Jonny," Sir Alex confirmed. "If he doesn't make it then Chris will have to play.

"It's asking a lot for him to play Wednesday and then Saturday [when he's just come back]. The great thing is that he's back and there are no issues with him at all. He did very well on Wednesday - we were pleased with that."

The Reds travel to Villa Park on Saturday as league leaders and with a formidable record at the ground. United have lost there just twice in 20 previous Premier League games.

But after seeeing Tottenham win at Old Trafford this season for the first time since 1989, Sir Alex is well aware records count for little.

"Although we have a great record at Villa Park we never take them for granted.

"We've always had to perform there. It's been a good ground for us as a team, though, and I've always enjoyed it.

"It's one of the old traditional grounds. There's always a good atmosphere and the support is always fantastic.

"Hopefully we can keep the momentum going as it's got us into a good position."


Expected after they went off against Braga, but what is it with United and injuries? We are cursed:(.

Chicharito thanks Reds fans

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/6ADDEA...gn=0,1,536,803

Javier Hernandez has thanked the ManUtd.com readers for voting him October's Player of the Month.

In an exclusive interview with the official website, the six-goal striker reflected on a fabulous month that saw him hit winners against Braga and Chelsea.

When asked if it was extra special to win an accolade decided by the supporters, he replied: "Of course, I always say that I always have thanks for all the fans for their support. Not only for myself but for all the players and all the team, we thank all the fans who go to the stadium and all the fans who watch on TV. I always have words of thanks to them.

"It was a very good month. The only bad result was in the Capital One Cup when we lost a goal with 30 seconds to go. But we're really happy we went there and won against Chelsea in the league. It was a very tough game and we know Stamford Bridge is obviously a very difficult place to go - we hadn't won there [in the league] for the last 10 years.

"We're very happy we've won all our games in the Champions League and [Barclays] Premier League as well as we got some results that went in our favour so we're very pleased with that."

Chicharito was asked about Sir Alex Ferguson setting a 20-goal target for the campaign for his Mexican marksman.

"I never have a target," he asserted. "I never do that. The only target here is to play a lot of games to help my team and with my professional aims to do my business on and off the pitch."


Chicharito is so humble and nice, well deserved:).

Wayne Rooney hailed fellow Manchester United strikers Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez after all three scored to seal a 3-1 comeback win at Braga.

The Red Devils made it four wins from four in Group H to qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League as pool winners.

Rooney netted from the penalty spot after Van Persie had come off the bench to cancel out Alan's opening spot-kick for Braga, while Javier Hernandez scored in stoppage time to wrap up the comeback.

The England striker was full of praise for his team-mates, saying of Van Persie: "He's a fantastic player. He's been a great addition to the team, scoring goals, and he's great to play with.

"Not just him but 'Chicharito' (Hernandez) has been brilliant in recent weeks when he's played, scoring goals, so I think we're sharing the goals out and it's great for the team."

Rooney admits United were not at their best in a game which was delayed for 12 minutes in the second half after a floodlight failure in Braga.

He said: "There's been a few tough games and sometimes we've made hard work of it, to be honest.

"Tonight it was a difficult night and we maybe weren't at our best but we won the game and that's all we can ask.

"Thankfully we're through now and top of the group. We're happy with that."

Motivation

The striker feels United have added motivation to reach the Champions League final this year with Wembley the setting for May's showdown.

"We're ready and it's a great incentive for us with the final being at Wembley," he said.

"You've seen in previous years, anyone can go on a run and win the tournament. We have to make sure we're at our best and obviously be a bit lucky as well in the draw in the earlier rounds of the knockout stages."

Rio won't get carried away

Rio Ferdinand is refusing to get carried away with United sitting at the top of both the Barclays Premier League table and Champions League Group H ahead of Saturday's domestic trip to Aston Villa.

The experienced centre-back, who turned 34 this week, is convinced a run of clean sheets is just around the corner as the Reds focus, first and foremost, on getting three points in the Midlands.

"I wouldn't say we are over-happy [at the moment]," he said. "We are in the position we want to be. We set our stall out at the beginning of the Champions League to make sure we qualify comfortably. We have done that with games to spare. We are sitting nicely in the group.

"In the league, Christmas-time is when we really evaluate it, through the January period and the turn of the year. If we are in the same position then as we are now, we would say it is a good start to the season. But it is still too early to look at the league table and start singing and dancing.

"We always know Villa is a tough game and they always save their best for us. We always feel we have to perform to our strongest to make sure we get a result there. That is how it has been for the last few years. Long may it continue."

With qualification for the knockout stages in Europe already assured, Ferdinand can perhaps expect to be rested for the final two group games, although he has no problem playing midweek matches - as he proved when coming on as a substitute in Braga.

"I have not been speaking about my injuries because there haven't been any," he stressed. "Over the last 18 months, I have managed it really well. The club have helped me.

"It is testament to the club, and the medical and science department for helping me along. I am just happy to be playing consistently week in, week out. If the manager needs me to play during the week, that is fine as well. I am more than capable of doing that as I have proved over the past 18 months."

Ferdinand feels a settled defence will ensure things tighten up at the back as the squad have been working hard on becoming more difficult to break down.

"I just think no matter what goes on with the team, when you have a bit of stability in terms of personnel, results start forming a bit more consistently," he explained. "The manager has not been able to do that this season with players getting injured in various different areas. That is what it has been like for about 18 months.

"We have not been able to find the same level of consistency and put the same team out every week. That is unfortunate when you play so many games and are in the later stages of tournaments. You have to be able to deal with that and we do it better than anyone else.

"We are working on keeping clean sheets and defending as a team. I have seen good signs in the last few weeks. We are getting a better shape, becoming harder to break down and conceding fewer chances. It is only a matter of time before you start seeing a consistent run of clean sheets."

Thank you Chicharito:D, so once again United had to come from behind to win. I did not see the match so am waiting for MOTD shortly but it seems Villa gave it a right go and credit to them!

United defence needs to work at keeping a clean sheet and I hope that Wayne Rooney's injury is not too bad:(.

Match report of Aston Villa vs Manchester United:

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

:)

Amos' warm welcome for Sam

Ben Amos is delighted to be joined in the England Under-21 squad by fellow United keeper Sam Johnstone.

The 23-year-old, currently on loan at Hull City, feels the teenager's maiden call-up to Stuart Pearce's party is just reward for his efforts.

"He's a great lad," Amos told TheFA.com. "I've come up through the ranks with Sam and he's always looking to learn and improve. It will be a good experience for him to come in and see what the Under-21s set-up is all about."

Amos is hoping to start between the sticks against Northern Ireland after impressing during his stint with Steve Bruce's Tigers.

"It's a good chance for me as I was only involved in one of the qualification games," he added. "So hopefully I'll be able to get some minutes.

"We've not got a lot of time together, but the game will be a competitive one against Northern Ireland. They'll want to beat us, so I think there'll be an extra edge to the game."

Rafael enjoys rest

Rafael has established himself as Manchester United’s first-choice right-back this season with a series of combative, injury-free displays.

The Brazilian started 14 of the Reds' first 16 games in all competitions, weighing in with two valuable goals and garnering plenty of praise.

So it was something of a novelty to see him on the bench for the late 3-1 win over Braga on Wednesday, when the Reds sealed qualification to the Champions League knock-out stages with two games to spare.

But the 22-year-old says he benefited from the break and even benefitted from watching his stand-in, Antonio Valencia, before entering the fray in the final 20 minutes.

"Everyone needs a rest sometimes," Rafael admitted to MUTV. "I had a good break and then came on, which was also good as I don’t want to be playing no football at all.

"My friendship with Antonio is good. He plays well in every position and it's good to watch him and learn something you're not doing. Being the number one right-back at this club is important to me."

United’s European progression has helped to erase the disappointment of last season.

"It's very good to get through with two games to go," Rafael continued. "We focused more in the games this time.

"Last season we did not do well, so we had to improve and concentrate better, and that's what we did."

Jones closing on comeback

Phil Jones is in line to potentially make his comeback in Manchester United's next home fixture but Nemanja Vidic may be absent beyond Christmas.

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Jones is close to taking part in full training again and he could be available in time for the visit of Mark Hughes' QPR on 24 November.

However, Vidic still needs more time to recover from a knee operation and will not be rushed back.

"Nemanja is a long way off," Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday. "We can forget about him until after Christmas, I think.

"Jones trains with the first team on Monday with the football side, which is good, and he should be available maybe 10 days after that so things are looking better that way."


Some good news about Phil:). No point in rushing Nemanja back, he needs a full recovery.

Giggs is best penalty-taker

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Ryan Giggs is probably the best penalty-taker at the club.

The Welshman may have had a spot-kick saved by Southampton's Tim Flowers in the Reds' first-ever FA Cup shoot-out when a teenager but has shown great reliability since and converted in the recent Capital One Cup exit at Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney is still first-choice, as Giggs is not a regular starter, and made it 17 out of 25 penalties for United with his effort in Braga on Wednesday, while Nani and Robin van Persie have also taken responsibility from 12 yards this term.

"I think Wayne has to accept he must have a better strike-rate at penalties," stated Sir Alex. "He took one the other night and, even though he has slipped, it still went in and he's hit the target. That's important - to hit the target - if you hit it well and the keeper saves it, full marks to him, but you have to make him make a great save.

"The one thing about Rooney is it won't matter if it's the World Cup final or the first round of the cup against an amateur team, he will want to score and his temperament, if he misses it, doesn't affect him.

"That's important as that's an issue with a lot of players taking penalty kicks. In the case of Rooney, his temperament is good that way.

"I think Giggs is probably the best penalty-taker. I can't ever remember him missing since he had one saved against Southampton in the FA Cup in 1992. But he doesn't play every week. Maybe I'll bring him on like in American Football games!"

Sir Alex: Lambert has big task

Sir Alex Ferguson harbours both empathy and respect for Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, a young Scot instilling his own philosophy at a new club. But the United boss will nevertheless seek to exploit a still-evolving set-up when his team heads there for Saturday’s late kick-off.

The Reds moved top of the league with a 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend, while Manchester City and Chelsea both dropped points. Villa, meanwhile, recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they followed a 3-2 League Cup win over Swindon Town with a narrow 1-0 league triumph over Sunderland. They remain one place above the relegation zone.

Lambert is the eighth different man to take charge of team affairs at Villa Park in the last decade, and although most clubs pale into comparison with the United manager's longevity, Sir Alex feels that kind of instability is difficult to regulate.

"Paul Lambert is a new manager there,” Sir Alex said at his pre-match press conference. "It's a big task and a daunting one as Villa are not where everyone expects them to be. If you look at the team, it's a completely new team: a new back four, a new midfield and a new striker from the Belgian league [Christian Benteke]. It does take time to change teams. When you've got that many new players, it's hard but Paul has done well as a manager and is still young.

"Villa have a great history of course, winning the European Cup in 1982 by beating Bayern Munich, having won the league the year before. I think it's probably correct to say they haven't matched their expectations over the years. When we pipped them to the title [in 1992/93], that was a good team, but you wonder if the managers changing has a big effect on the playing standards of the team. They've had quite a few managers over the years, including Brian Little, John Gregory, David O'Leary, Martin O'Neill and Alex McLeish. It's quite a collection."

Villa Park has been a favourite ground of Sir Alex’s down the years. United last lost at Villa Park in the League Cup in October 1999 and haven’t been defeated there in the league since August 1995. Perhaps more memorably, it has served as the stage for numerous FA Cup semi-final triumphs – 1999’s semi-final replay against Arsenal is fondly recollected but there have been wins there against Watford (4-1, 2007), Arsenal (1-0, 2004), Chelsea (2-1, 1996) and Crystal Palace (2-0, 1995).

Such statistics can act as a siren calling you to shipwreck, but Sir Alex isn’t getting misty-eyed. “Although we have a great record at Villa Park, we have never taken them for granted,” he said. “We've always had to perform there but it's been a good ground for us as a team. We've always enjoyed it. It's one of the old traditional grounds and always has a good atmosphere – their support is always fantastic. Hopefully we can keep our current momentum going as it's got us into a good position at the moment.”

Congrats to united, I don't know how you do it but you do it bloody well

It is that winning mentality, never give up. It will be disappointing for Villa to lose after being 2-0 down but hopefully the players and Paul Lambert will take the positives out of this game and push on:).