Boss to reward Chicharito

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Javier Hernandez deserves a hat-trick for his efforts at Aston Villa and certainly warrants a start in next weekend's trip to Norwich City.

The predatory Mexican came off the bench to score twice - and claim a third even though the equaliser is likely to go down as an own goal by Ron Vlaar. Chicharito now has at least seven goals in his last five games, netting in each of them, and deserves all the plaudits following another sensational comeback by the team.

"As I have been saying for the last few weeks, he's fresh as he had a good summer break and it's made a difference to him," Sir Alex explained to Sky Sports. "When he came to us two years ago, that's what we're seeing again today and, when you score a hat-trick, you pick yourself. I think he'll be playing next week.

"He does his natural thing. He's fantastic in the penalty box with his movement, his quickness and being in space and that has got him three goals today.

"It's an absolutely magnificent result for us, it was a magnificent game, I must say that. Aston Villa played fantastic today, they've run their socks off and you have to feel sorry for them, with the effort they put in. But we never give in. We hit the bar twice. Once we lost the second goal, we came alive. It was a fantastic game."

The boss was critical of his side's display in the opening period but finds it impossible to be too hard on his players when they continue to show such incredible resolve.

"We were careless in the first half with no real tempo to our game," he added. "We hadn't had a shot on goal so we had to improve on that and we did.

"I was disappointed to lose the second goal like that, when a player goes unmarked into your penalty box, but I started to think if we got a goal we could change the game and, once we scored, it did.

"We get inspired with the support we have and the challenge of coming from two-down to win the game is there for us. We didn't let ourselves down in that respect - we really did put in a shift in the second half to sort ourselves out - as did Villa. But we did put pressure on ourselves today, even though we got through it, and I think it's a little lesson that we really need to be defending better.

"I think I admire the team and the tenacity of the performance. When they need to do it, they do it and the attacking play is terrific at times."


Deserved! Chicharito's all round game has improved, his recent form has been sublime:).

Hernandez claims hat-trick

Javier Hernandez is claiming a first hat-trick for Manchester United – even if most observers have awarded the Reds' second goal at Villa Park to home defender Ron Vlaar.

The Mexican showed the same determination in his post-match interview as he did when he inspired his team's comeback from 2-0 down to 3-2.

"I’ve seen the replay and I think it’s going on target," Chicharito told MUTV.

"The defender tried to get it away but I think he kicked it in the same direction as I shot."

Chicharito symbolically carried the matchball off the pitch, and asked his team-mates to sign it in the United dressing room. But even if his triple is eventually downgraded to a double by the Premier League's Dubious Goals Committee, the half-time substitute will be happy to know he still played a pivotal part in the Reds' thrilling victory.

"It felt unbelievable to score the winner," said Chicharito, referring to the final goal that was definitely his – a header from van Persie's free-kick.

"But the most important thing is we get the three points and we’re still on the top with a four-point gap. We’re very happy."

Chicharito was sent onto the pitch for the start of the second half, when United were trailing 1-0 to the first of Andreas Weimann's two goals for Aston Villa. What were Sir Alex's instructions to him?

"To do my best, to do the things I have been doing in my last few games and on the training ground as well," the smiling match-winner revealed.

"I try to do that every time, to help my team with a lot of effort and to do the things I have done today."

United went 2-0 down early in the second half, but eight minutes later Paul Scholes picked out Chicharito with a long pass from the halfway line and the Mexican made his first impact on the match at a crucial time.

"I think it was very important. Sometimes you can score late as well and get the three points and that’s part of the game, but thankfully we recovered quickly after they got the second one.

"In the history of Manchester United, we never want to give up until the end. The game is for 90 minutes and you need to play until the last minute.

"We need to improve because we’re conceding a lot of goals but thankfully we got the three points.

"I have a lot of best moments with this club and this is one of them."


He is such a nice and humble guy:).

Boss hails away fans

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United's travelling support on Saturday evening, claiming the Reds' away fans helped inspire the side to a dramatic win against Aston Villa.

United's supporters at Villa Park initially watched on in horror as the Reds went 2-0 down inside 50 minutes against a side lying 17th in the Barclays Premier League table.

But the 3,127-strong away allocation never gave up hope and roared the Reds on as Javier Hernandez led a thrilling comeback.

The Mexican was involved in all three goals and rightly claimed the post-match plaudits. Sir Alex, however, was at pains to point out the role United's supporters played in the win.

"The supporters were fantastic," he told MUTV. "[Birmingham] is one of the local games for us now, in a way.

"You saw them today - they were great. We were inspired by that. There's no doubt that with great support like that you get inspired and you do something for it.

"The second half today showed we never give in. We can come from behind [and win] against anyone, which is something we've done eight times this season.

"That's encouraging. Anybody who plays against us knows they have to play until the 95th minute."

Reds turning screw

Chris Smalling believes Manchester United's remarkable powers of recovery are piling the pressure on the title rivals at the top of the table.

The leaders stretched the advantage at the Barclays Premier League summit to four points on Saturday evening, having at one stage given hope to Chelsea and Manchester City that they could end the weekend in first place.

The trademark comeback at Aston Villa, turning a two-goal deficit into a wonderful 3-2 triumph, instead left Roberto Di Matteo and Roberto Mancini's sides needing victories against Liverpool and Tottenham respectively just to close the gap.

"I think it's a massive win," Smalling told MUTV. "Especially with the other teams looking at that result when they have got big games on Sunday. It puts pressure on them."

Smalling was given a physical examination by Villa's summer signing Christian Benteke in a second game of the week after missing the start of the season due to injury.

"I'm feeling good actually," he revealed. "I've been thrust back into action but that's what I wanted. Hopefully I can stay fit and carry on. They had a strong striker up front so we had a good battle but, luckily, we won in the end. I think, to be fair, I got sucked in by him for the first goal but we just had to come out for the second half and put on a performance. Thankfully, Chicharito came up with the goals."

Sir Alex Ferguson accepted that the former Fulham man was given a rough ride by Benteke, who set up the opening goal with some positive, muscular approach work down the left flank.

"Chris was in the wars a few times," stated the boss. "He got a lot of knocks. He was up against a real handful today, Christian Benteke. He did a great job for them - strong, physical and he used his physique. It was a tough day for Chris but he came through it."

Smalling never lost belief that United could hit back, even when Andreas Weimann scored his second goal of the game five minutes after the break.

"We knew there was still plenty of time in the second half," said the defender. "All season we've been capable of getting two or three goals in each game, so we knew our chances would come. Our first goal was the important one as it didn't give us too long to dwell on it and allow them to play too deep and sit on the lead. We managed to get a goal straight away and made an impact.

"We know we can play like that from the start, I don't know why we don't, and it took that kick up the bum to get us going. I'm sure the comeback was good for the travelling fans but it did take us a while to get going."

Smalling was full of praise for Javier Hernandez and admits the striker is convinced he deserves a hat-trick.

"Chicharito made a big difference when he came on," added the centre-back. "Full credit to him. He works so hard on the training ground. He gets so many goals just coming on and he got a hat-trick today, not many people have got the ability to do that. He brought in the ball and had us all signing it so I think, to him, it's definitely a hat-trick!"

Chicha storms player poll

There was only ever going to be one winner.

Javier Hernandez, sent on as a half-time substitute at Villa Park, engineered a remarkable Reds comeback on Saturday to ensure Sir Alex's men secured all three points and opened up a four-point gap (reduced to two following Manchester City's win on Sunday) at the top of the table.

The Mexican scored two goals (he claims three) and was heavily involved in United's third as Sir Alex's men battled back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

It's no surprise, then, that fans have voted Hernandez ManUtd.com's Man of the Match.

The striker, who's now scored in each of his last five appearances (seven goals), garnered an incredible 97 per cent of the vote. Robin van Persie finished second on 1.5 per cent.

97% - Javier Hernandez
1.5% - Robin van Persie
1% - Rafael
0.5% - Patrice Evra

Easy:).

Injury rules Rooney out

Wayne Rooney has withdrawn from England's squad to face Sweden this week after collecting an ankle injury in Manchester United's thrilling 3-2 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Reds' no.10 hobbled out of action in the 79th minute and has subsequently been replaced in Roy Hodgson's squad by Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

"Rooney got an ankle knock and he's got some ice on it," Sir Alex informed Sky Sports immediately after the win at Villa Park. "We'll see what it's like tomorrow."

Three other United stars are in Roy Hodgson's plans for Stockholm - Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley. Young was replaced against Aston Villa at half-time by matchwinner Javier Hernandez but the switch was thought to be tactical rather than due to any injury.

Loan watch:

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

U21: Newcastle 1 United 2

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And...ch-report.aspx

:)

RVP out of the Holland squad with a thigh injury, no point in him playing a pointless friendly and I think he will start at Norwich.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3378/...h-thigh-injury

Powell picks up prize

Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell collected the League Two Player of the Year award at Monday night's Northwest Football Awards.

Powell excelled last term at Crewe Alexandra, scoring 16 goals and playing a pivotal role in helping The Alex win promotion to League One.

He finished the season as Crewe's top scorer and starred at the club's internal awards ceremony, as he became the first person to win all five major awards, including Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.

Now Powell has added the fan-voted Northwest Football Awards gong to his collection, beating out competition from Chris McCready (Morecambe) and Padraig Amond (Accrington Stanley).

Antonio Valencia missed out on the Premier League prize, as Liverpool's Martin Skrtel edged out the United winger and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany.

Liverpool also enjoyed success in the Rising Star category, as right-back Martin Kelly was voted ahead of a number of promising players, including United's Mats Daehli, Nick Powell and Blackpool's Tom Ince.


Well done to him:).

From the other night of international fixtures!

United trio set to start

Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley are all set to start for England in Wednesday night's friendly against Sweden.

Journalists travelling with Roy Hodgson's squad have named the XI that's expected to start in Stockholm's Friends Arena. It includes Tom Cleverley in the centre of midfield, Ashley Young on the left wing and Danny Welbeck as the lone striker.

Wayne Rooney was included in the initial squad but withdrew with an ankle injury sustained in the Reds' 3-2 win against Aston Villa last Saturday.

There are other absentees from the international fold, including Jonny Evans, Nani and Robin van Persie, but Angelo Henriquez has profited from Humberto Suazo's exclusion from the Chile squad to earn another call-up at senior level with the South Americans in action in Switzerland against Serbia.

Anders Lindegaard is in the Denmark squad for the clash against Turkey in Istanbul and has spoken to the local media about his frustration at being injured. However, the keeper believes his ankle is now starting to feel 100 per cent again. Meanwhile, Patrice Evra is expected to feature for France in the attractive encounter with Italy in Parma.

Darren Fletcher looks certain to captain Scotland at the Stade Josy Barthel against Luxembourg and Robbie Brady, who is on loan at Hull City, can impress Giovanni Trapattoni further in Republic of Ireland's home game against Greece.

Thorpe catches the eye

Warren Joyce was pleased with Tom Thorpe's outstanding performance in the Under-21s' 2-1 victory at Newcastle on Monday night.

The skipper opened the scoring with a superb header before Tom Lawrence came off the bench to grab the winner as the Reds leapfrogged the Magpies in the table.

"Tom was excellent throughout the game," Joyce told MUTV. "He prefers playing at the back but we've not got an abundance of midfield players at the minute at this level. It's trying to rotate to fit everyone in the team and we've got two or three centre-halves.

"He certainly put in a shift for the side. He headed it at both ends, put some great tackles in and uses the ball sensibly as well."

Joyce felt the team improved after the break following a disappointing opening 45 minutes in the North East with the sides going in goalless at the interval despite the hosts creating most of the chances.

"I thought we were poor in the first half," he added. "We had several passengers and there were some dull minds - poor decisions with and without the ball, not tracking runners and they could have scored a few goals from our errors.

"I thought the second half was a lot better. We didn't have any passengers, we passed it quite well and put some tackles in which was the catalyst for other people tackling. They're a reasonable side but I thought we were deserved winners."

Welsh youngster Lawrence, who has graduated from last year's Under-18s, can expect more involvement after scoring his third goal of the campaign.

"Tom's unfortunate not to start the games," the coach explained. "He's been as patient as he can be because he's a bit of a snapper! But he can come on and change things and it's pleasing now that he's had a good run of training without any injuries.

"He suffered a lot of injuries last year but I'm sure he will build from that and have a really good second half of the season."

Ex-Red's warning for England

Former Red Jesper Blomqvist expects Wednesday night’s friendly between Sweden and England to pack added punch given the circumstances surrounding the match.

The England squad, which includes United stars Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young, will be the first side to play Sweden at the new national stadium, Friends Arena (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

“The Swedish team will be really keen to make sure they open the stadium with a win,” Blomqvist told ManUtd.com. “I think that motivation will lift the Swedish players and they'll want to be part of making history, making sure they get off to a good start.

“It's a fantastic arena, there will be a great atmosphere and I'm looking forward to it. I think the England players will feel privileged to be involved in the occasion.”

Although it’s a big night for Swedish football, Blomqvist isn’t expecting a full-blooded, high-intensity affair.

“People need to be realistic,” he said. “These friendly games are called friendlies for a reason.

“I watched United against Barcelona in pre-season in Gothenburg and I think some people's expectations were far too high. The reality is that there's not the same amount of tension when there are no points up for grabs.

“Hopefully people can just enjoy the game and appreciate the spectacle.”

England manager Roy Hodgson has strong links with Swedish football, having spent the majority of the 1980s coaching in the Allsvenskan (Swedish top flight). He had spells with IK Oddevold and Orebro before winning five consecutive titles with Malmo.

“Roy may as well be half Swede!” Blomqvist joked. “That’s how we look at him. It’s great to have him back.”

Blomqvist, who played a key role in United’s Treble-winning season of 1998/99, is hoping to see Danny Welbeck lead the line in Stockholm... especially since the young striker’s chances at United have been limited of late.

“It must be tough for Danny,” he said. “He was doing so well last season, both for United and England, and then he comes back this season and finds himself down the pecking order.

“It's not through any fault of his own, though. Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez have been fantastic lately, so you can't argue that they keep playing. But I'm glad Danny is still getting picked for England and I hope to see him against Sweden.”

Rafael keeps on learning

Rafael admits he misses his twin brother Fabio but is benefiting from his sibling's loan switch to QPR.

Sir Alex Ferguson decided Fabio needed more first-team experience and the move has also enabled both twins to become more independent and mature. Although Mark Hughes' loanee has been sidelined with injury, he is making good progress in his recovery and is being tipped to make his comeback soon.

"It's not strange but it's different," Rafael told MUTV's Inside Carrington programme. "We're close and I was always together with him but it's been good for us, just to become more mature.

"I used to ask him all the time if I needed something but now I need more of my own mind so I've grown more mature. It's bad because I miss him but it's good to learn more."

The United right-back hopes to be able to critique Fabio's performances over the telephone as there have been plenty of discussions about his own splendid form this term.

"Of course [we often speak]," he stated. "He is always calling me back to say something is not good [about my game]! It's always been like this. He is back in training now and maybe, when he plays again, we'll keep doing this."


Aah I like their brotherly bond:).

Round-up: Welbeck nets

Danny Welbeck scored for the fifth time for England during a 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic netting all of the hosts' goals.

The young United striker volleyed home after some classic wing-play by team-mate Ashley Young, who produced a delightful cross from the left with 35 minutes gone. The strike cancelled out Ibrahimovic's prodded opener in Stockholm and, moments later, Steven Caulker converted a free-kick by captain Steven Gerrard, who earned his 100th cap.

Tom Cleverley and Young made way for Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge around the hour mark and Welbeck shifted to the left to accommodate the Chelsea striker. Ibrahimovic thumped in a powerful strike to level the scores after a raft of substitutions and then beat Joe Hart with a deflected free-kick to notch his hat-trick. With time running out, the PSG hitman pounced on a poor clearance by Hart to bag an incredible overhead kick to stamp his class all over the proceedings.


Chile may have been beaten 3-1 by Serbia in St Gallen, Switzerland, but Angelo Henriquez had a night to remember. The teenager came on for the injured Alexis Sanchez after only 20 minutes and marked his senior debut by scoring with a bullet header from a Matias Fernandez free-kick towards the end - with his side down to 10 men after Arturo Vidal's red card for a two-footed lunge.

Darren Fletcher played the full 90 minutes of Scotland's 2-1 triumph in Luxembourg, Jordan Rhodes hitting both goals. Robbie Brady started Republic of Ireland's 1-0 loss to Greece but was replaced at the break by Wes Hoolahan. Patrice Evra performed well as France came from behind to record a notable success in Parma against Italy but Anders Lindegaard did not see any action in Denmark's 1-1 draw in Turkey.

Boss respects Canaries

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his respect for Norwich City and opposite number Chris Hughton ahead of Saturday's encounter at Carrow Road.

Hughton endured a difficult start as Canaries boss after replacing Paul Lambert but appears to be stamping his influence on the East Anglians. A shock win against Arsenal should act as a warning to the Reds ahead of the weekend and was the start of a five-match unbeaten run for City.

Heavy defeats to Fulham, Chelsea and Liverpool appear to be well in the past and there is little doubt that United face as difficult an examination as last term, when Ryan Giggs popped up with an injury-time winner.

When asked by ManUtd.com if that strike prompted the boss to think it could be the Reds' year, he replied: "Yes, I did. I thought the momentum was there for us.

"It wasn’t an easy game and you see Norwich’s performance against Arsenal. I’ve got a lot of respect for Chris Hughton. I think he’s done a fantastic job at Birmingham and Newcastle and, with that performance against Arsenal, you think they’ve maybe turned the corner in terms of Chris’ introduction there as manager.

"It’s always the same when a manager goes to a new club. There’s a different way of training, there are different ideas about players and maybe Chris is getting it together now. I hope not when it comes to our game, mind you! But that performance against Arsenal was very good."

David De Gea needed to be at his best in last season's fixture and Sir Alex was relieved to head home with all three points.

"They kept whacking in crosses to the big man up front for Norwich, Grant Holt," he recalled. "Anthony Pilkington was wide left that day – he was here as a kid, as was David Fox of course. I remember David well but I don’t remember Pilkington, he was in the academy.

"David Fox was a professional here for a couple of years, he was a great pro. He’s a great footballer with a good family background – his father Peter was a goalkeeper at Stoke City.

"We played well in the first half at Norwich last season although they kept banging in these crosses. In the second half, Norwich did well, they got the goal and for the last 20 minutes it was a bit of a hanging on job for us. But I think we deserved to win all right."

Fingers crossed for Keane

Rio Ferdinand hopes Michael Keane can recover from injury in order to prove his worth at Leicester City.

The England Under-19 defender joined the Foxes on loan last week, along with team-mate Jesse Lingard, but picked up a hamstring injury during his debut against Bolton.

After returning to Carrington for treatment, it's hoped that he could be available again soon to City boss Nigel Pearson.

"It would be a good loan move if he had not got injured!" admitted Ferdinand. "It would have been great for him. He is a great prospect. I have spoken highly of him for a couple of years now. He has a really big future. I am just disappointed he has had a setback with a little injury."

Ferdinand had his own spell away on loan, during his early days at West Ham, and appreciates that it is an important step for any youngster to take.

"I look on my time at Bournemouth with really fond memories," he explained. "It was a very important time in my development. Any young player who gets the opportunity to go out on loan should grab it with both hands if they are not getting the opportunity at the club they are at. It can be the making of you as a player."


Good advice from Rio:). I hope this boosts Michael in his injury recovery!

Rooney doubtful for Norwich

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Robin van Persie to be fit for the trip to Norwich but Wayne Rooney remains doubtful.

Both strikers missed their international commitments in midweek but van Persie should be fine to face the Canaries after resting a thigh problem.

Rooney, however, could be sidelined after hurting his ankle at Aston Villa and Jonny Evans may sit out his second successive Reds match with the groin injury that also forced him out of Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan.

"We've still got some doubts about Wayne and Jonny Evans," said Sir Alex. "I think Robin should be fit. We'll see what they are like today but there is a doubt.

"Phil Jones has been training all week. We will take him to Turkey [to play Galatasaray in the Champions League] with us. He’ll get part of it there, which is a good start for him."

"Bringing on Chicharito [at Villa] was good for us and he should start tomorrow."

Preview: Norwich v United

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

Welbeck is worth the wait

Sir Alex Ferguson says Danny Welbeck must be patient for chances in United’s first team, but he has promised the young striker that his future is as a centre forward.

After a hugely impressive first full campaign last season in which Longsight-born Welbeck excelled through the middle of the Reds' attack, his opportunities have been hindered by the arrival of Robin van Persie and the recent form of Javier Hernandez, often finding game time in a wide left attacking role.

“With Robin coming in and when we’ve got Wayne as well, you tend to rely on the experience of these players,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday. “They are great players too. What we have to try and do is alternate selections so that Danny feels he is making a contribution. At the moment, we have tended to play him wide left. I think he’s capable of playing there. He is a threat coming in off the wing and he has done that many times. But I think he is a natural centre-forward.

“Danny’s best form has actually been with England. He has not had the opportunities with us to play centre-forward all the time. But that will come. We’ve tended to play him wide left, which is maybe a little bit unfair to him. But nonetheless he has shown with his form with England that he can be a real asset to us through the middle. That will come for him.”

Sir Alex’s options up front – with four strikers competing for two places – recalls the healthy selection problems faced in the 1998/99 Treble-winning campaign with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Teddy [Sheringham] was never happy being left out, and certainly Coley was never happy being left out!” Sir Alex added. “He’d be grumpy and groan for days about it. He wanted to play all the time. I think it’s great if the players want to play all the time. I think the important thing is that they feel they make a contribution over the course of the season.

“That’s where [in ‘99] they felt that they made their contribution. They all scored such important goals whether coming on or actually starting. It’s legend that Sheringham and Solskjaer scored those goals in the Champions League final, and Teddy came on and scored in the FA Cup final. It’s contributions like that that you can’t dismiss.”

Welbeck is still developing as a player and Sir Alex is mindful of giving him the opportunities he needs to keep improving. “What you have to do is be fair,” he said. “It would have been harder for someone more experienced to be left out in 99. It wasn’t easy. The day we won the league I took Teddy off against his old team because I felt the change was needed. I was sure he was not happy at all. But their contribution was that they all played their part over the course of the season. Danny will get opportunities.”

:)

Stop conceding early

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United’s habit of falling behind this season is an Achilles heel - but admits his team's ability to fight back is “a credit to the character of the club”.

In all competitions this campaign, United have staged eight dramatic comeback victories and most recently came from two goals down at Villa Park, where Javier Hernandez scored twice and inspired a third to seal an incredible 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Although such feats showcase great resolve and spirit, the boss insists his side must improve defensively and not rely on the team’s game-changing players.

“Certainly after last Saturday’s experience we don’t want to lose two goals and be having to fight back all the time,” Sir Alex said. “That’s certainly an Achilles' heel on the one hand this season. The fact we’ve got players who can change the course of the game is certainly a big advantage to us. When Chicharito came on last week the game changed completely.

“You actually don’t expect it. You don’t expect to be behind by two goals. That’s the part that you always find difficult. It’s not that we underestimate anyone - it’s just that we don’t expect a Manchester United team to be behind. You’ve got to go into games believing you’re going to be two goals ahead rather than two behind. But it has happened a few times this season.

“We’ve been two goals behind against Tottenham and we were a bit unlucky not to come back. But it won’t happen all the time. It’s not definite that you’ll come back from 2-0 down. And this is the area we are going to improve on. We are going to defend better. We don’t want to lose the advantage of what we’ve experienced last week.”

A huge positive that stems from United’s late comebacks, aside from the obvious bonus of gathering three points, is the collective moral boost inside the dressing room – a benefit Sir Alex is aware of.

“It does feel different. I think the dressing room is different too. When you get these late goals and when you’ve come from behind in particular, it does make an impact on the dressing room. There is more excitement and we’ve experienced that many times. It’s a credit to the character of the club that we can do that.”

Carrick: Scholes a genius

Michael Carrick has labelled Paul Scholes a 'genius' on his fellow midfielder's 38th birthday.

The former West Ham and Tottenham man admits he has learned from playing and training alongside his veteran team-mate.

"It is fantastic to play with Paul Scholes," said Carrick. "He is a genius. We all know what he can do. A lot of them you simply cannot teach. You can learn and take things from his game, as I have done since I have been here.

"Whether he realises or not, he has helped me enormously just by watching him and taking things in. But there are some things only he can do. It is fabulous to play with him. I have enjoyed it immensely since I came here."

Carrick will make his 400th career league appearance if he is involved in Saturday's encounter at Norwich.

"It's the first I have heard of that," he admitted. "It is one of those things. I have been playing for a number of years and the games add up. It is not something I look for.

"It is more about the trophies, what people win and what they can achieve. Maybe at the end of your career you can look back and see what you have done. But at the moment, it is just about winning trophies for me."


Nice words by Michael Carrick. Happy Birthday to the Midfield genius that is Paul Scholes!:):amazed::worship::hugesmile:

Rio targets trophies

Rio Ferdinand vows to avoid an unwanted hat-trick - of seasons without a major trophy - in the second part of our exclusive interview, first published in Inside United ...

How do you assess the state of play in the league?
It’s the same old faces up there at the moment but I always think you get a better idea on things when you look at the league table towards the end of December. After Christmas is the time when some teams fall away or others stretch away and we want to be part of the latter group.

The first Manchester derby of the season is not that far away now. Is that something you’ve allowed yourself to get pumped up for yet?
Not really. You just wait for the game to come around. We have some important games before that and we’re just focused on them and not beyond at the moment.

Will the manner in which things ended last season be on your mind before the derby?
It’ll just be another derby game. I wouldn’t have thought what happened last season will be on my mind at all.

Is facing Manchester City one of your toughest assignments of the season as a centre-back, given the class and options they have up front?
It’s just another challenge which you’ve got to make sure you get through. We want to win the game and we know we’ve got to perform to our highest abilities to come out of that game with a victory because they’re a good team. You play against top players who pose different threats week in, week out and you just have to deal with those.

Our results in the Champions League have been positive so far this season but what have you made of the performances?
It’s been a solid start. Everyone has been conscious of last season and what happened and we knew we had to make sure we started things right this season and didn’t drop any silly points, especially at home. Last season people said to us we had an easy group and people have said the same this year, but you’ve got to go out and produce the performances to get the results. We've been a lot more focused on doing that this season.

Up next in Europe is a trip to Galatasaray. Are you expecting a raucous atmosphere?
It’ll definitely be a lively atmosphere. They have fanatical support from their fans at home but I’m sure we’ll be prepared for that. We played at Besiktas a few years ago which was similar so we’ll know what to expect.

What’s the loudest crowd you’ve played in front of?
Probably Celtic away. The noise the fans make there is incredible.

Have you ever known a time at United when the manager has had so many quality options as he does at the moment?
No, I think the manager now has the most options he's had since I’ve been here. There are almost two players for each position. It’s fantastic and great to be a part of it.

Finally, what are your goals for yourself and United for the rest of 2012/13?
Personally I just want to keep playing to a high standard and play as many games as I can. Last season I managed to get 30-odd games under my belt and if I do that again I’ll see that as a successful season personally. But most importantly it’s about the team and we need to make sure we finish the season with some trophies. Last season was only my second season here of not winning anything and I don’t want to experience that again. We want trophies in the cabinet this year – that’s our aim.

Eric Cantona has urged Sir Alex Ferguson to stay on as Manchester United boss 'Forever'.

The Reds legend has insisted such is Fergie's stamina and enthusiasm for the job, he cannot see the day coming soon when he will step down - even if he deposes Manchester City as champions next summer.

The mercurial former star, admits one day he would love to take the hot seat at Old Trafford, a job he reckons no one could turn down.

But Cantona who won four Premier League titles in five years at United including two league and FA Cup doubles, said: 'Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more'.

'And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager forever'.

'He's a winner thats why he has won so many things, its what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that - his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things'.

Asked if he would accept a chance to boss United, Cantona responded using a phrase that rekindles memories of his famous quote, 'When the seagulls follow the trawler its because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea'.

He said 'I would say United is special, of course I would do it'. Today Im with the New York Cosmos. But if one day there is an opportunity, why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists'.


The Sun

Patrice Evra has claimed Manchester City have Never been as good as United.

Roberto Mancini's men ripped the Premier League title from the Red Devils grasp on the final day of last season.

And United defender Evra lit the fuse for next months Manchester derby by declaring : 'There is not really a rivalry between the two clubs, as United have always been superior to City'.

'We have always been Manchester's first club'.

'The fact that they won the title last season changes nothing'.

Those words should ensure a white-hot atmosphere at the Eithad on December 9 when City entertain United.

The Manchester titans look like they will be slugging it out for the title again with United leading the Premier League by two points from their rivals'.

Friday gossip

Manchester United are increasingly hopeful that club captain Nemanja Vidic, 31, could return early from a serious knee injury in time for the derby away to Manchester City on 9 December.

Nike facing fresh Utd kit talks

Nike face having to shell out huge sums of cash if they want to maintain their association with Manchester United.

The American sportswear giants are due to sit down with Red Devils officials in February at the start of an exclusive six-month negotiating period with United over their £303million kit supply deal.

And whilst United officials were giving little away on Wednesday during a conference call to provide information on their first quarter results, it seems obvious Nike will have to come up with an enormous sum to satisfy the club's owners, the Glazer family.

In July, United announced a staggering £357million deal with General Motors for the Chevrolet logo to be worn on their shirts for seven seasons from 2014.

That figure prompted United to buy-out the present deal with DHL for United's training kit, which will now come to an end at the climax of this season.

"We feel we know, with some clarity, the value of our rights, and we are bullish about the abundance of opportunities available to accelerate the growth of this business," said Woodward.

"The planning on DHL started post-GM deal. We are always monitoring the value of our rights. We can improve the amount, duration and rights-package about that deal.

"Our six-month negotiating window with them (Nike) starts in February. We look forward to sitting down with them then."

Privately, United officials do not see the way the Nike deal is structured fits with the more commercially aggressive Glazer regime.

When the present deal was negotiated in 2002, United were a publicly floated company and preferred to take as much risk as possible away from any sponsorship tie-up.

Therefore, a profit-share arrangement was put in place which ensured United received only a proportion of the cash generated from worldwide shirt sales in exchange for a guaranteed sum.

The Glazer family have not gone down the same route. They have even stopped the policy of contracting out pre-season tour arrangements, believing they can negotiate better deals themselves.

As a battle is presently taking place between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne for two proposed matches in Australia during 2013, the value of such an attitude is obvious.

It has also been noted Nike now pay the French Football Federation almost £40million-a-year, without a profit-share arrangement, for a seven-year period which began at the start of last season.

Sponsorship certainly appears to be a lucrative revenue stream for United given they posted a 32% increase to £27.8million for the three months to September 30, 2013.

Including the General Motors contract, United did 10 sponsorship deals during that time, confirming an increase in workforce from 670 to 735 was almost exclusively connected to the marketing sector.

They now have mobile phone partnerships in 44 countries, with Woodward claiming the three-year deal with Japanese soft drinks manufacturer Kagome came as a direct result of opening an office in Hong Kong.

He added that the USA was the "next natural place" for the club to open a regional centre given as many supporters watch United live there as do so in the United Kingdom.

It was also confirmed United received £2.5million as a result of being an Olympic Games football venue, plus £1.3million in compensation for players appearing at Euro 2012.

In addition, United used proceeds of IPO to reduce total debt by 17% to £359.7million.

This is unlikely to appease the vast numbers of anti-Glazer United supporters though.

An 'exceptional item' of £3.1million related to professional advisor fees in connection with the IPO, part of what is estimated to be an overall spend of £550million in interest and fees since the Glazer takeover in 2005.