Manchester United XI v Reading: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Young, Rooney, van Persie. #MUFC

Man Utd Subs: subs: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Cleverley, Giggs, Hernandez, Welbeck - #MUFC

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

So United win 4-3, well that was a crazy game. We were shocking at the back.

Insane how much difference Vidic makes from Set Pieces.


Thank god for RVP & Rooney bailing us out all the time.

We need a CM so bad and our defending needs to improve big style.

It looks like Anderson will be missing the City game. MUTV confirmed he has an hamstring injury, what a blow:(.

That said a win is a win, three points in the bag but SAF and the players need to sort it out for the City game.

Sir Alex vexed in victory

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United’s defence must improve after the Reds recorded a dramatic 4-3 win over newly-promoted Reading on Saturday.

The boss cut a frustrated figure at the Madejski Stadium, where his side twice came from behind to seal yet another thrilling comeback and retain top spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Victory was bittersweet, however, having conceded three soft goals to Brian McDermott’s struggling side and as a result, Sir Alex was brutally honest in match assessment after the final whistle.

“I thought it was going to be a record score in the Premier League at half-time,” the boss told ESPN and MUTV. “It was unbelievable. It was really bad defending and the worst we’ve been this season. We need to sort that out. Every time the ball came near our box you were just praying!

"We never competed for a cross, but in fairness to Reading they have great deliverers of the ball - [Nicky] Shorey whips in fantastic crosses. But we should have been doing better. We could have been battered today, but thankfully we are always scoring goals and that is rescuing us every time. Wayne [Rooney] was fantastic in the first half, as was Robin [van Persie] and Ashley Young. Ashley is right back to form and he gave them a really hard time.

"We brought Chris Smalling on which made a big difference in terms of height and defending their set pieces, though they didn’t get as many in the second half.

"We should have finished the game off with some of the opportunities that we had and it should have been 5-3 at half-time when the ball was over the line from Robin's shot. In the first half, I said to myself that it would be a miracle if we win this one. I’m just glad that we did.

“It is not a question of our character at all, not with these boys. It's down to us and if you make mistakes like that when you are defending, you are going to have to perform rescue jobs every week and today was yet another rescue job. There were still a lot of plus points in the sense of the boys never gave in and they showed a great determination to get over the line. And that's what it was about today - getting over the line.”

However frustrating the performance might have been, victory at the Madejski Stadium was hugely important after title rivals Chelsea lost to West Ham and Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Everton, meaning the Reds now hold a three point advantage at the top.

“I think it was important to win, knowing the results from earlier,” Sir Alex admitted afterwards. “But you have still got to win your game and today was a real cliff-hanger for us, but fortunately we got the three points.”


Yes SAF is right, the defending must improve big style:).

Rooney enjoys crazy win

Wayne Rooney was left relieved after United's "crazy" victory over Reading gave the Reds a three point lead at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.

United led 4-3 at the interval in a pulsating encounter at Madejski Stadium, but improved defensively in the second half in order to build a points cushion ahead of next weekend's Manchester derby.

"It was crazy, to be honest," Rooney told ESPN, "but we dug in there. In the first half, with the goals it wasn't good enough defending at set-pieces and it could have cost us.

"In the second half we wanted to be more solid. It gave them a bit of easy possession but we wanted to make sure we were solid and we thankfully got the three points.

"When you look back it is (enjoyable), but when you're playing you don't know what's going to happen. It's end to end, a bit like a basketball match, but I'm sure the fans and the neutrals will be delighted to watch it."

United have now fallen behind in 10 of 15 league games this season, emerging triumphant from eight, and Rooney admits there is no question of his side's resolve, even if it does make for nerve-shredding spectacles.

"I'm sure for the coaches and fans watching it's agonising, but we always believe in ourselves," he said. "Even though we went behind twice today we believed we could win the game and we showed that we've got great character in the team."

Anderson 'out for a few weeks'

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Anderson hobbled out of United's dramatic win at Reading with a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian midfielder, who has featured in United's last eight games including the victory at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, was forced off just before half-time having netted United's first goal of the game with an excellent drive into top corner.

Sir Alex told MUTV after the match that Anderson had pulled his hamstring and now faces a spell on the sidelines.

"It's a hamstring unfortunately. He'll be out for a few weeks," Sir Alex confirmed.

"He's been playing really well and scored a great goal today. I'm very disappointed for him."


What a disappointing blow for Ando:(.

Firepower fuels United's belief

United's arsenal of assorted attacking talent provides the belief which fuels this season's spate of comeback victories, according to Michael Carrick.

The Reds trailed twice at Reading before winning 4-3, and midfielder Carrick says the perennial goal threat of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and company means a cause is rarely lost. "That gives us the belief," he told MUTV. "Even if we do go a goal down we always feel we've got the firepower from different people; that's the strength in depth of the attacking options and that's what keeps driving us on and we never give up. Personally I always felt confident, even when we were going goals behind, that we could still get back in the game and win the game, and that obviously proved the case."

Despite delight at having registered a 12th league win of the season (of which eight have required comebacks), Carrick explained the mixed mood in the Reds' dressing room.

"That's the standards we set: we're not happy until we know we're playing to our potential," he said. "The pleasing thing is there's a lot more to come from us. There's a lot more room for improvement in certain aspects of our play but at the same time we're sitting on top of the league and we've won again. We can't get too down about things, there are a lot of positives.

"We've been saying this for too long now; it's not ideal. Coming to places like this is hard enough, but giving them a goal start and having to come back in the game... we can take the positives from that, but we've been saying that for a while. But three points are three points; we can't underestimate coming here and winning, especially with the other teams (Manchester City and Chelsea) dropping off, so overall it's been a good day."

Sir Alex reveals defensive plans

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his defensive plans for Wednesday's Champions League tie against CFR Cluj at Old Trafford.

The boss hopes to have Nemanja Vidic available to make his comeback, although the skipper is unlikely to be considered for the top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester City.

The Reds will field a much-changed line-up, as in the previous fixture against Galatasaray, with qualification as group winners already assured.

"I’m hopeful maybe Vidic will play," stated the manager. "I think there’s a good chance he will but it depends on how he feels himself.

"It allows me to give Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Vidic [a game] in a strong back-four and Alexander Büttner would be left-back. There’s a good foundation to start in the game in terms of respecting the challenge between Galatasaray and Cluj [for second place]. I think we’re doing the right thing."

Vidic's return would provide a real boost ahead of the midweek encounter against the Romanian outfit.

"I knew Vida was doing really well with the physios," explained Sir Alex. "He was doing his football training with them in terms of turning and striking the ball but he came into training last Monday with the first team and did okay.

"He’s a battler, an absolute competitor. He’s got that dour, uncompromising way of his. He likes defending – that’s what he does."

There has been plenty of debate as to whether Manchester City could benefit in the title race if Roberto Mancini's team fail to qualify for the Europa League.

"City need to beat Borussia Dortmund," affirmed the boss. "I don't think losing for a big club is very healthy. On one hand you can be fresh for the second half of the season and play a fresh team every week but how do you keep them all happy if they’re out of the League Cup and they go out of the European Cup? I don’t know enough about the City players as I’ve never worked with any of them apart from Carlos Tevez. Sometimes players want to play every week. And you want to keep the momentum going and the interest going.

"I don’t know if City would have an advantage. I’m not sure it would suit them. You can spend more time on the training ground, no question, but then you have to deal with the fact you’re not in European football and every manager wants to do well in Europe. I do anyway."

Marvellous Mourinho could replace me! Fergie backs Special One for special job at United

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2DwTpZ1vO

FA Cup: Reds face Hammers

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

Boss eyes December haul

The title race may not be won or lost in December but Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players to deliver a message of intent this month and set up a New Year trophy assault.

December often fills managers with dread as winter bites and fixture and injury lists lengthen. It’s usually a month to be endured as much as enjoyed, although the Reds kicked things off this year with a 4-3 win at Reading containing more than enough thrills and spills.

The drama will no doubt continue with a visit to Manchester City on Sunday – after the final Champions League Group H game against CFR Cluj, of course. After that, the Reds welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford, then travel to Swansea before seeing out 2012 with home games against Newcastle and West Brom.

“It’s generally a good month for us,” Sir Alex says in the new issue of Inside United, out 5 December. “We usually get ourselves to the New Year in a challenging position, and that’s where you want to be. When you have the second half of the season in front of you, you know full well that pressure can affect everyone, there’s no question about that. We tend to do not too badly “The start of the month, with City away, is a hard one, but then we’ve got Sunderland, Reading, Swansea, West Brom – we’ve got a reasonable programme, so we should be expected to gather some points there.”

Preparation is key, as is managing the fitness and freshness of his players by making use of the squad. “I tend to sit down and plan that with Mick [Phelan] and Rene [Meulensteen],” added the boss. “But the aspects that they look at are different to what I look at. Their concentration tends to be on the game immediately ahead while I’ll have my eye a few more games ahead.”

Subsequently Sir Alex feels that it is a major plus heading into the busy festive period with defensive injury issues receding. “We’ve managed Rio Ferdinand very well. Rio is doing a lot of work throughout the week to get himself ready for games. If we can keep Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit along with Rio and Jonny Evans – we’ll see how Nemanja Vidic gets on – we’ll have a far better chance.”

Cantona: United are still strong

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=128,0,640,767

Eric Cantona says the current United squad is as strong as previous ones and, in Sir Alex Ferguson, the Reds' legend insists the players have the perfect man to help them fulfil their potential.

Cantona was back at Old Trafford last month for the unveiling of his former manager's statue outside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The ex-striker enjoyed catching up with the man he simply calls 'a genius' and can only see positive things ahead for the current squad.

"Last season United lost the league in the last minute. Sometimes that happens, but they are still a top team and a top team in Europe," Cantona exclusively told the January issue of Inside United, on sale on 5 December.

"They are as strong as years before and it’s great to see Ferguson create a new generation of players. He has spent over 25 years at the club and there have been so many generations. It’s not only generations of players, but generations of people.

"I have said before that the manager is a great psychologist - he is a great example because being a manager is about being a great psychologist.

"I think it’s just as important to be a good psychologist as it is a tactician. Maybe more. And Ferguson is that."


King Eric:worship:.

Loans: King sparkles

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

Rooney earns fans' vote

Wayne Rooney topped ManUtd.com's Man of the Match poll for his two-goal show in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Reading.

The United no.10 clinched fans’ approval with a convincing 81% of the vote, ahead of Ashley Young (8%), Robin van Persie (7%), and Patrice Evra (4%).

Sir Alex praised his three-pronged attack for "a rescue job" having twice gone behind to The Royals. “Wayne was fantastic in the first half, as were Robin and Ashley,” said the boss.

Rooney scored twice to double his Barclays Premier League tally this season, sending Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici the wrong way with a penalty on 16 minutes to put United 2-1 up. Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison put Reading in front, but Rooney rounded off a slick attacking move to level the scores on the half hour mark and then his subtle flick set up van Persie’s match-clincher.

It was an influential all-round performance from Rooney, who, after playing an important role in United’s attacking endeavours in the first half, put in a shift to help tighten up the Reds’ rearguard after the break.

"I'm sure for the coaches and fans watching it was agonising," Wayne said afterwards. "But we always believe in ourselves. Even though we went behind twice we believed we could win the game and showed that we've got great character in the team."


Deserved too:). Well done Wayne!

Draw frustrates Macheda

Federico Macheda admits United's Under-21s were frustrated to leave Southampton with only a point, despite Sam Johnstone's late penalty save denying the hosts a winner at St Mary's.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...1-chances.aspx

Jones hails European form

Injury has forced Phil Jones to watch the majority of United's Champions League campaign from the sidelines this season, but the defender says he has been hugely impressed by what he's seen.

After exiting the competition at this stage last season, the Reds eased into the last 16 as Group H winners with two games to spare.

Jones says last season's disappointment has fuelled United's desire to succeed this time round and he hopes the players can carry their solid group form through to the latter stages.

"It’s not a nice feeling to get knocked out of the Champions League especially when you’re used to being in semi-finals and finals and winning it," Jones told us.

"For a club of Manchester United’s stature it’s not an easy thing to deal with – it was a bitter pill to swallow.

"We’ve bounced back this season incredibly well and the lads have played some terrific stuff in the Champions League games that I’ve seen and gone to this season. That is credit to ourselves and hopefully we can kick on and go a long way in the competition."

Who the Reds will face in the last 16 will not be decided until 20 December, but the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan could all be in the mix depending on the outcome of this week's final round of group games.

"There are no bad teams in the Champions League," insists Jones, who hopes to be involved in United's final group match against CFR Cluj at Old Trafford. "It doesn’t matter who you get it’s always going to be a very difficult game, home and away.

"We’re just looking forward to being in the knock-out stages and are relishing the challenge."

February fixture changes

Two of Manchester United's three league fixtures in February have been given new kick-off times after being selected for live television coverage.

The Reds' Barclays Premier League home match against Everton, initially pencilled in for Saturday 9 February, is now scheduled for Sunday 10 February at 16:00 GMT. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports. However, if United are required to play a UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday 12 February, the Everton game will revert to Saturday afternoon but with a kick-off of 12:45 GMT for live TV. This will be finalised on Thursday 20 December when the draw for the Champions League last 16 is made.

The away trip to Fulham on Saturday 2 February is also affected. This will remain on the same day, but will now kick off at 17:30 GMT for live coverage on ESPN.

United's other league fixture in February, Queens Park Rangers away, will not be shown live on UK television and will therefore kick off at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 23 February.

Finally, ManUtd.com can confirm that all Barclays Premier League matches on the final day of the 2012/13 season, Sunday 19 May, will kick off at 16:00 GMT. United will be away to West Bromwich Albion.

United v Cluj preview

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...ed-v-cluj.aspx

Bring on tomorrow:).

Good news on Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa being back in training and on thwir way to returning for United soon:).

Boss rules Vidic out

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Nemanja Vidic out of making his comeback against CFR Cluj on Wednesday night but Wayne Rooney will start.

The club captain had been considered to return to action after his knee operation but will not be rushed back in the final match of Champions League Group H.

"I don't think Nemanja will play," revealed the boss. "He feels he needs another few days' training so he won't be available. He's not far away. He's training well now but I think another few days will bring him on better.

"I wasn't considering Nemanja for Sunday [against Manchester City] anyway. Playing tomorrow would have been a bonus but Sunday would have been too soon [for that sort of game]."

Sir Alex will be making changes to his line-up with the Reds already assured of top place in the group.

"We'll rest some players tomorrow, as we did against Galatasaray," he stated. "But we have to be fair to all the teams who are trying to reach important positions - whether that's the Champions League or the Europa League. In that respect, we'll play a team that we expect will win. But there will be changes."

However, Rooney will retain his place as the forward needs games under his belt to retain top form.

"When Wayne gets interrupted he needs three games to get back," added the boss. "That's why he'll definitely play tomorrow.

"Wayne needs to play a lot of games to get his match-fitness up. He's a strongly-built lad and when he misses two games, it takes him three games to come back. It's the way he's always been.

"He'll play tomorrow night and hopefully that brings him on further. On Saturday [at Reading], that was his best performance of the season so far.

"Shinji Kagawa's injury has been longer than we thought. He's much better now and I don't think he's far away now."

Boss: Concerns ahead of City

Sir Alex Ferguson admits United have plenty of issues to deal with before making plans for Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

The final Champions League group game against CFR Cluj will allow several players to press their claims with Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Alexander Buttner appearing to be in line to play.

Shinji Kagawa will not make Wednesday's tie but could be a substitute at the Etihad Stadium but the manager confesses he has a headache with regards to the right-wing slot.

"Sunday's five days away but, at this moment in time it, feels like five months," he stressed. "We have so many issues to deal with first. Kagawa started running today. He may make the bench [against City]. Obviously Nani and Antonio Valencia are still out and that's why I played Rooney on wide right. I thought it was his best performance of the season.

"Against Cluj, I'm picking a team without any thought of Manchester City. It's a matter of who needs a game."

The Reds' defensive frailties against Reading are also causing some concern for Sir Alex.

"I think we're getting punished when the ball's going into our box at the moment," he mused. "But we should be defending far better. Albeit, Reading produced some fantastic balls into the box. We should be expecting better. It's a worry. If we perform like that on Sunday, then God knows what's going to happen to us.

"When you see the goals against - we've lost 32 already - I can't remember us losing so many goals before Christmas. It's a concern, there's no question about that. When you see City have Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko - all really tall players - it's going to be a big challenge. But that's on Sunday. Tomorrow we've got a different game."

SAF is right that the defending is a concern, it has been awful this season so far and there have been to many concentration lapses and the issue of there being lots of changes in the backline because of injuries.

United line up vs Cluj:

De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Wootton, Buttner, Giggs, Cleverley, Powell, Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez.

Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Young, Scholes, Fletcher, Vermijl, Macheda.