Warrior Vida boosts back four

Nemanja Vidic was given a rousing Old Trafford ovation on his return to action against Sunderland after overcoming a knee injury, with Sir Alex Ferguson describing the Serbian centre-back as a “warrior”.

Vidic completed just five games earlier this season when it was discovered he had damaged the meniscus cartilage in his right knee, but his comeback in Saturday’s 3-1 Barclays Premier League win further bolsters United’s defensive options.

Following the vocal approval of United fans, Sir Alex told MUTV: “He is a warrior and a captain who has always battled for you. He sticks his head on the ball in that penalty box and he’s great at that.”

Chris Smalling, who started ahead of Vidic against the Black Cats, welcomes Nemanja's return to the fray: "It's brilliant to see him back. He's been training really well and we've got real strength in numbers now because we've been a bit stretched, particularly in defence. It's good to see him back."

Meanwhile, Phil Jones was handed his first league start of the season at right-back and, although Rafael and Evans have picked up hamstring injuries in the last week, the United boss feels he is close to having a full complement of defenders at his disposal.

“Rafael has a tight hamstring so we didn’t risk him against Sunderland,” the boss confirmed. “But having Vidic back means I’ve got all of my defenders fit which will help us in the next few games.”

Reds in a great position

Phil Jones believes United are in a commanding position in the league after following up a 3-2 win over Manchester City last weekend with Saturday's 3-1 triumph against Sunderland.

The Reds’ performance in the first 45 minutes was scintillating and yet the 2-0 half-time scoreline didn’t quite reflect United’s dominance. However, the three points were all but wrapped up after an hour’s play, despite Sunderland keeping David De Gea busy in the final 20 minutes.

Rather than focus too much on minor faults, Jones prefers to concentrate on three crucial points. “We're in a great position in the league now and hopefully we can stay there and maintain our good form,” he told MUTV.

“We probably should have scored more than three today. We created numerous chances which we should have put away and on another day we could have scored six or seven. But as long as we score a few more than the opposition then that will do us. Some of our football was brilliant - we popped it around really well with some nice one-touch passing and we created a lot of chances.”

Jones was busy in the first half making rampaging runs down the right flank to support Antonio Valencia, but his defensive duties took precedence towards the end.

“Sunderland had a right good go in the last 25 minutes or so and it was a pretty much a backs to wall job and then trying to hit them on the counter-attack. They scored a goal which was a scruffy one to concede on our behalf, but the main thing is we got the three points. That was all that matters."

The Reds remain six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league and Jones is looking forward to helping the team maintain that advantage over a busy Christmas spell.

“I'm just happy to be back playing and hopefully I can force my way back into the team," Jones added. "There are a lot of games coming up. The Christmas period is never an easy one, but we've got a great squad and hopefully we can keep everyone fit.”

Boss wants ruthlessness

Sir Alex Ferguson was frustrated not to score more, but admitted some of Manchester United’s play was “fantastic” following Saturday’s 3-1 win over Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds dominated for much of the game at Old Trafford and held a comfortable lead midway through the second half thanks to goals from Robin van Persie, Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney, before Fraizer Campbell’s consolation strike forced a more competitive finale.

After the match, the boss lamented his side’s inability to build a more commanding lead but praised the Black Cats for resisting what had seemed an inevitable defeat, stating his opinion that Sunderland “won’t have any problems” and “have a reasonable team.”

“A lot of our football was fantastic and some of our interchange play was terrific,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “I don’t know if we relaxed when we went 3-0 up or if Sunderland got a grip of the game, but towards the end they played very well and could have scored two or three goals.

“Some of our play was fantastic and we should’ve scored more. Tom Cleverley’s goal was a marvellous piece of interchange play, a first time finish and a really superb goal which epitomised the way we were playing at that point. I’d no complaints for an hour and it was wonderful to watch.

“We don’t pick out Robin van Persie’s runs as well as we should - his movement is great and he kept them on the back foot. But Wayne could’ve scored three of four goals, he hit the bar and missed two or three chances in the first half. But he got one which is important as it keeps his run going.”

“Sunderland deserved a goal because they worked so hard for it. They had a lot of injuries in the second half, they’re a youngish team and they kept going. I don’t think they are going to have any problems, I see quite a reasonable team there.”

Tom Cleverley produced a fine performance at the Theatre of Dreams, particularly in the first half, when the youngster combined brilliantly with central midfield partner Michael Carrick to clip an excellent finish past Simon Mignolet and double United’s advantage on 19 minutes.

That combination is one that had previously impressed during last weekend’s Manchester derby triumph at the Etihad Stadium, earning both their starting places against the Black Cats on Saturday and as Sir Alex admits, the pair’s performances gives him another selection headache.

“Cleverley did very well in the derby and deserved his position. We have a lot of options in midfield with Anderson, who is injured at the moment, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. People says we’re weak in midfield but these are very good players.

“Sometimes it gives me a problem with selecting the correct two but today (Saturday) was very simple though because Carrick and Cleverley deserved to play after last week.”

Smalling eyes clean sheets

Chris Smalling was disappointed to concede a goal to Sunderland and says United’s defenders are working hard to record more clean sheets.

Substitute Fraizer Campbell headed what proved to be a consolation goal for the Black Cats with 20 minutes left on Saturday, after Stephane Sessegnon reached a ball that looked to be going out of play.

The Reds won 3-1 but have now kept only three clean sheets in the opening 17 league games, a statistic on which Smalling is keen to improve over the busy festive period.

The defender, who played the full 90 minutes alongside Rio Ferdinand and, later, Nemanja Vidic, told MUTV: “There was a bit of carelessness from us [in the second half].

“We were disappointed with the goal we conceded because we wanted to get a clean sheet. We have to make sure it doesn't cost us next time.

“Getting a clean sheet means to a lot to us as defenders but also because our record recently hasn't included a lot of them. It would have been ideal to get one today.”

Like his manager, Smalling also felt United should have scored more against Martin O’Neill’s side, though he was impressed by the Reds’ attacking prowess, and the displays of midfielders Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick.

“It could have been more than 3-1,” he mused. “We had so many chances in both halves to make it a bit easier for ourselves, but we got the three points, which was the main thing.

“We took the momemtum forward from Sunday [against Manchester City] and Clevs and Carrick were playing some great balls and moving it very quickly around the field. It's great to watch that going on in front of you.”

United, six points clear of Man City at the top, now head to Swansea on 23 December for the first of four games in 10 days that could have a significant bearing on the title race.

Smalling added: “The Christmas period is crucial because there are games every few days, but we've got a big squad and players coming back who are going to feel fresh.

“We need to put on some good performances and keep things going.”

SAF really is stubborn when it comes to the current Midfield, it is obvious that we need more quality but he cannot see it:(.

Reds hail Robin reliant

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have heaped praise on Robin van Persie after he netted his 15th goal of the season in the 3-1 win over Sunderland.

The Dutchman fired the opener against the Black Cats with a smart finish on 16 minutes and laid on the third for Wayne Rooney after brilliantly skipping free of two Sunderland defenders.

Van Persie has been a revelation since he arrived at Old Trafford in the summer and his team-mates say he is a joy to play alongside.

"Robin has been incredible since he joined. He's a fantastic player," Jones told MUTV.

"He went straight into the firing line after he arrived and has scored a lot of goals. And he's such a nice lad off the field as well, so it's great to have him here."

Smalling echoed those sentiments in an interview with MUTV: "He's really making the difference.

"He only came here in the summer and didn't have much of a pre-season so it was a case of just getting straight into the games, but you can see in every match he plays that he's such a threat and he puts teams on the back foot. His understanding with Wayne [Rooney] is growing all the time."

Van Persie tops fan poll

Robin van Persie has been voted ManUtd.com Man of the Match against Sunderland after netting his 15th goal of the season and teeing up United’s third of the game for Wayne Rooney.

Van Persie took 35 per cent of fans’ votes in our poll, although it is telling of the game itself that David De Gea finished in second place (24%) as Sunderland threatened United’s goal in the second half and forced a string of important saves from the Spaniard, particularly in a frantic last 20 minutes.

Tom Cleverley’s speed, energy and well-taken goal earned him third spot (22%), with Ashley Young (10%) and Phil Jones (6%) completing the shortlist.

It was a typically classy display from van Persie and, as well as all the usual elegant touches in United’s build-up play, he proved a threat inside the penalty area all afternoon. The Dutchman’s goal after 16 minutes was neatly taken on the bounce and the skill and imagination shown in beating Carlos Cuellar and Titus Bramble to assist Rooney’s second-half goal was exceptional.

As if Barclays Premier League defenders didn’t already have enough to worry about against a United side in fine scoring form this season, Sir Alex Ferguson still feels his team aren’t making full use of his Dutch marksman's considerable talents.

The boss said on Saturday: “A lot of our football was fantastic and some of our interchange play was terrific, [but] we don’t pick out van Persie’s runs as well as we should - his movement is great and he really kept Sunderland on the back foot.”


Right call:worship:.

Loans: Bruce lauds Brady

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

Rafa's year to remember

As we near the end of 2012, Rafael says he will look back on the last year with fond memories.

While the disappointment of a trophyless 2011/12 season still rankles, on a personal level 2012 has arguably been the Brazilian’s best in a red shirt.

The 22-year-old, who has started more games than anyone else this term, says he has matured as a player and a person this year and insists his confidence is growing with every match.

“It’s been a great year for me,” he told ManUtd.com. “I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing - my daughter was born this year which has helped me a lot too. And on the pitch I have been able to play a lot of games. So I’ve had a lot of good moments not just in football but in life this year.

“Playing games week in, week out helps you feel more comfortable and confident on the pitch and I’m pleased I’ve been able to do that this season.

“I feel more experienced and like I am growing as a player and a person. I was only 18 when I first came here, I was just a boy. Some people may think I am still young and still a boy but now I feel like I am a man.”

With a satisfying 12 months almost complete, the right-back says he wants to build on the progress he has made and play his part in more team success in the next year.

“My target for 2013 is like every player – we want to win trophies,” adds Rafa. “When you’re at this club that has to be your focus, we all want to win. And personally I want to play as many games as I can and be consistent in my performances.

"When you get into January you know the really important time in the season is not far away and there will be big game after big game. Of course, every game is important but after Christmas they become massive matches. Hopefully we can do well.”


I am so happy for Rafael:).

Interview with Phil Jones:

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

Interview with Marnick Vermijl:

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

De Gea: Difficult times at Manchester United have made me stronger

The Spain Under-21 international has suffered patchy form since joining the club from Atletico Madrid 18 months ago but believes his performances are improving.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea believes his difficult start to life at the club has made him a stronger person.

De Gea arrived from Atletico Madrid 18 months ago to fill the void left by Edwin van der Sar’s retirement, but came in for criticism after several high-profile blunders.

However, having capped a strong showing against Manchester City with an impressive shot-stopping performance against Sunderland, the Spaniard says he is beginning to feel more comfortable.

“The biggest thing for me is that I’ve managed to work through some difficult times and those moments always make you stronger,” he told The Sun. “It makes you a stronger person and a better player.

“I think I’ve improved right across the board, in all aspects of my game. I’m still only young and I feel as though I’m learning every day. I’ve hopefully got a long career ahead of me, so I want to soak up as much knowledge as I can while I’m young.

“I’m at a huge club now and there are big demands on you. As a goalkeeper, I’m well aware that any mistake can be magnified by the fans. But it’s true that here at Manchester United there’s added pressure.

“It’s bigger right now than it was for me at Atletico Madrid and also for Spain Under-21s.”

United have pulled off a number of comeback wins this season and De Gea says he is enjoying being part of a squad with such character.

He added: “When I was in Spain I’d seen the way the team always seemed to conjure up a late goal to either draw or win matches.

“I think dramatic comebacks are part of the heart and soul of this club. I love being a part of it and experiencing it.

“I’m very settled and feel like part of the furniture around the club. I feel very much at home in the Premier League and, of course, with my team-mates here at the club. I’m enjoying life here and I feel I’ve settled well."

Home comforts wanted

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men travel to Wales on Sunday to face Swansea City, but fast on the heels of that trip are home matches against Newcastle on Boxing Day and West Bromwich Albion on 29 December – and the Reds boss wants to make the most of home advantage.

United endured mixed results in two home games between Christmas and New Year last year, with a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day followed by a hugely frustrating 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Sir Alex says the same opportunity cannot be passed up this year.

“For years they used to send us up to Middlesbrough or Sunderland around Boxing Day or New Year,” the boss jokes in Inside United. “This time they’re giving us a bit of clemency, forgiving us for our previous sins!"

Those two dates in the fixture calendar have yielded 20 games apiece at home and away in the Premier League, but Sir Alex is most likely referring to three consecutive away Boxing Day fixtures between 2000-2002, ending with a 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, and a similar run between 2007-2009 against Sunderland, Stoke and Hull.

“Whether at home or away you’ve still got to win the games,” the boss adds. “In the modern game we’d fly to Newcastle, so it’s not the same burden as it was a few years ago. But we usually get ourselves to the New Year in a good position and that’s where we want to be.”

Asked to recall some of his favourite festive fixtures, Sir Alex pinpointed an epic 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day, 1992. “If you go back, you’ll remember that great game when we went to Sheffield Wednesday,” he said. “It was a lunchtime kick-off and we were 3-0 down and came back – Eric Cantona scored and Brian McClair scored two. I always remember the interview at the end of the game, when Steve Bruce said, ‘We need to remember that games start at three o’clock, not 20 past three’ And the interviewer says, ‘Well, it was a lunchtime kick-off today'!

“That was one, and another would be when we beat Oldham 6-3 on Boxing Day,” he added, referring to 1991’s clash with Latics in which McClair and Denis Irwin each scored two, with Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis also chipping in. At the rate United are going this season – with an average of 3.76 goals a game - there’s every chance fans could be in for equally high-scoring games this Christmas.

Reds remain calm

Darren Fletcher insists the players will not get carried away by the healthy points advantage the Reds currently hold over title rivals Manchester City.

Sir Alex's men know all too well what happened last season when United were eight points clear with six games to play and still lost out to the Blues in the title race, albeit in dramatic fashion, on the final day of the campaign.

While happy to be setting the pace at the Barclays Premier League summit, Fletcher says the Reds are firmly focused on maintaining their lead by putting together a lengthy run of victories.

"We do feel this Christmas period, if we go on a good run of winning games it would really put us in a good position. Come the New Year then we can then really kick on," the Scot told PA Sport.

"We have been in this position before - we were eight points in front of them last season with far fewer games to play and we didn't win the title. We can't take anything for granted and look at the league table and think we are in a comfortable position. We use the experience of last season to realise that is not the case.

"The manager speaks about going on runs of winning matches - that is what we will try to do now. We have to kick on and win as many games as possible. If we can do that we'll find ourselves in an even stronger position."

In order to help gain the current advantage over City, the Reds have had to produce a string of memorable comebacks of the highest order, not least because clean sheets have been, surprisingly, very hard to come by this term. Nevertheless, Fletcher insists never giving up is something that has always been and always will be part of the team's make-up.

It is hard to explain, but the never-say-die attitude is ingrained in this club," he says. "It comes from the players, who believe, and opposition teams, who fear it. The club has such a history of it you almost expect it to happen.

"We have a great bunch of players with a great attitude - we will always fight right to the very end. The history of the club definitely plays a part. There is a psychological factor of going into the last 10 minutes of games and if we are drawing the opposition know United will throw everything at them.

"They withdraw because they realise what is coming and they find themselves on the edge of their own box. We are very patient, we get the ball wide and try to create chances. It is not route one, it is always with a purpose. We always seem to create chances and long may it continue."

Real test for United

Manchester United will face Real Madrid in a mouthwatering tie in the Champions League round of 16, a clash Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled "the tie of the round".

Former Real midfielder Steve McManaman pulled out the Reds in the draw to face Jose Mourinho's current Spanish champions. Of course, the second leg at Old Trafford will see Cristiano Ronaldo return to play again at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since leaving for the Bernabeu, and Sir Alex can't wait for the tie.

"Well, it's the tie of the round," the manager told ManUtd.com. "It's a great opportunity for our fans to see Cristiano again and also for me to meet up with Jose again - I'll need to order some good wine!"

Group H winners United have met the Madrid giants eight times and only won twice, which shows the size of the task in hand, particularly as the most recent of those victories – in 2003 – was still in defeat over the two legs.

Last 16 draw: Galatasaray v Schalke, Celtic v Juventus, Arsenal v Bayern Munich, Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan v Barcelona, Valencia v PSG, Porto v Malaga.

What a draw for United, it will be tough but both teams will be up for it and Football is unpredictable, even if Real Madrid will start out as favourites to progress.

It will be exciting to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford since leaving, although I hope he will leave unhappy when United prevail the winners over the two legs:p.

Man Utd v Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo will not celebrate goals

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he will not celebrate if he scores against Manchester United.

United will face Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League at the Bernabeu on 13 February and then at Old Trafford on 5 March following Thursday's draw.

"I won't celebrate if I score," Ronaldo, who spent six years with the Reds, told Spanish newspaper AS.

"It is thanks to Manchester United that I play for Real Madrid. Without them, I wouldn't be the player I am today."

The draw means Ronaldo, 27, will visit Old Trafford for the first time since his £80m move to Spain in June 2009.

Ronaldo joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and went on to win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his spell in England.

"I still speak with [United manager] Sir Alex Ferguson. I miss him a lot, and I miss Manchester United," added Ronaldo.

"I felt very good there, it was like a family. I had six great years there and am still friends with my team-mates."


Nice words:), but on the day of this match I think he should be cheered by the United before the match and then no ''Viva Ronaldo'' chants during the match.

Rafael up for Samba Gold

Reds defender Rafael has been nominated for the prestigious Samba Gold Trophy, awarded to the best Brazilian player in Europe.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed his best 12 months yet in a United shirt and is on a 30-man shortlist for the prize, which will be announced on 31 December.

Fans, top journalists and an expert panel consisting of former players and managers have until 30 December to vote for the winner. Defender Thiago Silva is the reigning holder of the trophy, while Manchester City's Maicon (then with Internazionale) won the award in 2010.

One of Rafael's defensive partners at United, Jonny Evans, recently admitted the young Brazilian "sets the tone for the rest of the players" at the club with his energy and enthusiasm.

"He’s a credit to himself," Evans said. "He’s going to be one of the best right-backs in the world, no doubt about that.”

You can cast your vote for Rafael at the Samba Foot website. Paris Saint-Germain's Thiago Silva is again nominated, as are the likes of Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Diego (Wolfsburg), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg) and Felipe Melo (Galatasaray). Other English-based nominees include David Luiz (Chlesea), Ramires (Chelsea) and Sandro (Tottenham).

Yorke toasts Robin impact

Former Reds striker Dwight Yorke has lavished praise on current favourite Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman is joint-top scorer in the Barclays Premier League with Michu of Sunday's opponents Swansea City. And Yorke, who enjoyed an incredible debut season at Old Trafford when helping fire the club to the Treble in 1999, is delighted with the way that the 29-year-old has adapted to life in Manchester.

"You have to look at Robin as being our player of the season so far," Yorke told ManUtd.com. "He’s come with a big reputation on the back of a fantastic year of goalscoring for Arsenal and he’s carried that on here. And he has stayed fit which has been key.

"He’s been scoring on a regular basis which has been great to see. When you’re a striker it doesn’t matter how well you play, you’re always judged on goals and he’s been firing them in. He’s been outstanding."

Yorke is fully aware that the busy festive period can have a huge impact on the race for the title but is confident that Sir Alex's side can remain in top gear. "Things have gone pretty well so far," he added. "To be six points ahead at this stage is a good achievement, but the manager knows how important it is to maintain that advantage over the Christmas period and make sure we’re on top.

"It’s great that we have players coming back from injuries, particularly Nemanja Vidic and I think the team is looking stronger and stronger and competition for places is very healthy. This is hopefully we can do that."

Evra eyes Ronaldo reunion

Patrice Evra is looking forward to next year's reunion with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Frenchman feels the Portuguese star will be welcomed back to Old Trafford by the supporters who worshipped him during his United days and still regularly chant his name.

The tie of the Champions League last 16 promises to provide two spectacular matches between the famous clubs and Evra is convinced the Reds can progress and remain on the road to Wembley.

"It's not an easy one as Madrid are a big team," the left-back told MUTV during a Christmas visit toThe Christie and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. "On a positive front, I think everyone is going to be ready for that game.

"It's a big game and everyone will be wanting to play well. It's not easy but we can do it.

"Also, I'm happy to see Ronny back at Old Trafford. I think the fans will be very nice with him as he did a fantastic job when he was playing for United. I just hope, against us, he will do nothing and we are going to win against Madrid.

"It's a tough draw but we can do it."

New deal for Evans

Jonny Evans has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until at least June 2016.

The Northern Irish defender, 24, has made 141 appearances for United, scoring four goals since his debut against Coventry City in the League Cup, in September 2007.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Jonny has risen through the ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad. He has developed into a top player for us and has scored a couple of important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”

Jonny Evans said: “I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club, and there’s no better feeling than playing football in this team and winning games.

“I have always felt that this is the right club for me. Even when I was 9 or 10 years old back home in Northern Ireland, clubs asked me to go on trial but I didn’t go because I knew that Manchester United was the place I wanted to play football. I have come through the Academy here and developed as a player with the help of all my team-mates, the manager and the coaching staff. I would love to play here throughout the rest of my career.”


So pleased for Jonny:), he deserves it and has become such an important player for United at the back and is developing into a world class defender.

Rafael still out for Swansea trip

Rafael misses United’s trip to Swansea on Sunday, while Jonny Evans is available again and Nemanja Vidic is set to be named on the bench after his comeback from a knee injury.

Brazilian right-back Rafael missed the 3-1 win over Sunderland last weekend with a hamstring strain and he will not be risked for the trip to Wales. Vidic was a second-half substitute against the Black Cats in his first outing since September, but he is unlikely to play from the start.

Evans, who has just signed a new contract, suffered a groin injury at Manchester City but is available for selection. Elsewhere, Nani is still suffering from a hamstring injury and will not travel, while Shinji Kagawa is due to start training next week.

“Jonny has had one or two injuries but hopefully they're behind him now,” the boss said at his pre-match press conference. “He's fit for Sunday, while Kagawa takes training with the first team on Monday.

“Vida is doing great in training, it's just a matter of picking the time to bring him back. It gives me options with Smalling, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans. It's very good, and better for us. Rafa won't make Sunday's game as he's still out with a hamstring. Nani is still injured. Apart from those players, we're all right.”

Sir Alex isn't expecting an easy game against Swansea. "You've seen the results they have had and the progress they have made as a football club over the last years," he said. "The important thing for me is that they try to play and have the courage to play their football. At this time of year, all the games are challenges and they come thick and fast now. Utilising the squad is important, as is picking the right team, but hopefully we can get through it and be in the same position as we are now."

Ronaldo will be welcomed

Sir Alex Ferguson is already looking forward to an enticing Champions League tie with Real Madrid and a reunion with former United idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Reds were pitted against the Spanish giants in Thursday’s last 16 draw, with the first leg taking place at the Bernabeu on 13 February.

And Sir Alex says Ronaldo will get a warm reception when he returns to Old Trafford for the second leg three weeks later – even if he’d prefer not to be facing the Portuguese star.

The Reds boss joked: “I think the contract we had stated Ronaldo can't play against us! I think it's a disgrace if he plays against us – no loyalty!

“One thing for sure is he'll get a great reception when he comes to Old Trafford – and quite rightly. After that, they can boo as much as they like!”

Sir Alex has no hard feelings about Ronaldo’s decision to end a glorious six-year spell at United when he left for Real in 2009.

“Ronaldo came here as a 17-year-old and developed as a great footballer,” he said. “We're proud of the part we played in his career.

“He always had a hankering to go to Real at some point in his career and we helped him. I don't think it's disloyalty as I got another year out of him when he wanted to go.

“He honoured that and did fantastically that year, so he went with our blessing, really. My way of looking at it is we were lucky to have him for six years and the fans will share that.”

March’s game against Jose Mourinho’s side will signal the much-awaited return of a great European night to Old Trafford, following the disappointment of last season’s campaign.

“I've not got a great record against Jose and need to put that right but the main focus will centre around Cristiano,” Sir Alex added.

“It's a fantastic tie and hopefully we can get them back here with a good chance.

“It will be absolutely buzzing and we've not had a really good European game for quite a while after last year, so it's a big opportunity for United to kick on and step up in European football again.”

:)_

Boss refutes Scholes talk

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed newspaper speculation that Paul Scholes has already decided to quit at the end of the season.

The reports claimed the midfielder had told friends he was hanging up his boots - for good this time - after coming out of retirement last term.

The manager is sceptical about the rumours as he has yet to have his own conversation on the subject with the veteran playmaker.

"It's interesting that as Scholesy says very little so I'm surprised if he spoke to some pal before he spoke to me, which he hasn't done," said Sir Alex at his weekly press conference. "So you can dismiss that."

The manager also responded to the suggestion that Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand will also depart next summer.

"I think Giggs can play for another year or two years and Rio's form has been fantastic," he opined. "It's that type of speculation you expect with people on one-year contracts but I wouldn't give it too much credence."

Evans can rule for 10 years

Jonny Evans is keen to avoid feeling too settled, despite having just signed a new contract at Old Trafford, and yet Sir Alex Ferguson believes this is one step towards another decade at United for the Northern Irish defender.

Evans penned a new deal on Friday, which keeps him tied at the club until June 2016. Even though he believes this is "the place that I want play", he is taking nothing for granted.

“It's nice to get a new contract,” he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. “It does give you extra security but the club could still decide to sell me in the summer if they want! I don't think it means an awful lot these days.

"But I'm delighted with it. It gives me the security that I need. It's the place that I want to play. I love the club. It's 10 years since I moved across the water to join this club and I am delighted to extend my stay.”

The 24-year-old is fast approaching 150 appearances for United since making his debut five years ago and Sir Alex feels the opportunity is there for Evans to dominate at the heart of the Reds’ defence for years to come.

the Belfast-born defender.

“Jonny was at the school of excellence in Belfast and has been with us ages,” the boss added. “He always had that talent. In fact, when he was a youngster I wasn't sure if he was a midfielder or centre back as he's such a good footballer. But I think he fought his way into that [position] last year. When he and Rio played consistently our results improved.”

No United centre-back has made more appearances than Evans in the last 18 months and that has been key to his development and fine form.

“As every game and season goes by, I'm improving,” Evans says. “As long as I feel I'm doing that I feel I can contribute as part of the squad. I really feel I am part of it. I don't feel like a youngster anymore who is coming to fill in the gaps or get the odd game here and there. I want to be competing for a place every week.

“Since I came back from Sunderland, in most of the seasons I've had 30 starts, plus substitute appearances. There was only one season in there where I didn't make as many as I had planned. I've always felt I've had plenty of game time. You do have to be patient. Just look at the squad.

"There are so many players having to be patient in all sorts of positions. I don't just think it is the defensive positions at this club. It's all over the squad. The manager is good at rotating things. He always seems to find time for players to get their match time.”


I really like Jonny's attitude:).

Preview: Swansea v United

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

:)