You dont become a bad player overnight

Report: Wigan 0 United 4

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

Well done United:), we got the win and a second clean sheet in a row thanks to Chicharito and RVP scoring two goals each.

Rest and rotation in FA Cup

Sir Alex has promised to make changes for Manchester United’s FA Cup third round tie at West Ham United on Saturday 5 January.

The Reds, who haven’t lifted the trophy since 2004, travel to London following a packed festive fixture list in which United won three games, drew one and stretched the lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to seven points.

Sir Alex used 19 different players over that period and has promised he’ll continue to utilise his full squad for this weekend’s FA Cup fixture.

“We'll make a few changes for the cup tie,” the manager told MUTV. “Obviously, the likes of Evra and Carrick – who I took off in the second half as soon as we got the third goal – probably deserve a break.

“They've been playing all the games so we'll have a look at the situation.

“We've got fresh players, though. Young Shinji Kagawa came on against Wigan and Tom Cleverley is fresh as he's not had a lot of football – he’s shown a great appetite just now, though.

“We've got plenty of players we can freshen up with.”

Sir Alex: Learn from last term

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his table-toppers not to make the same mistakes as last year as United opened 2013 with a 4-0 triumph against Wigan Athletic.

The Reds are seven points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit but nobody at Old Trafford is getting carried away after Manchester City overtook the Reds from further back late into the 2011/2012 race to take the title.

"Over the years, December has been a good month for us," the boss told MUTV. "There's 17 games left and we have a seven-point lead. It's not what I would say is a healthy lead but it is a lead and it gives us something to kick on with.

"We just don't want to make the mistakes we did last year."

The manner of the success at the DW Stadium, scene of a costly reverse last term, clearly pleased Sir Alex.

"It's a very good result here," he enthused. "If you look at their home record, they're a very difficult team to play against. I thought it was a slow start to the game and we took a bit of time to get going but, once we started to get those corner-kicks, with Robin [van Persie] whipping them in, it was keeping them under pressure.

"After getting the first goal, the good thing about the team is they chased a second one immediately. 2-0 at half time was a good scoreline for us. There were one or two bits and pieces towards the end of the game but you have got to give credit to Wigan.

"They keep going and have got a bit of energy and guts about them.

"But the final two goals, particularly Robin's, were terrific football and it was a really good scoreline."

Sir Alex joked about the importance of a second successive clean sheet, stating: "Don't mention that for goodness sake! Don't tell anybody whatever you do!"

RvP: Surrounded by champions

Robin van Persie insists he’s loving life at Old Trafford and believes he’s “surrounded by champions” at Manchester United.

The Dutch striker netted his 18th and 19th goals of the season in the Reds’ 4-0 win at Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day, a result that helped United maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

“This is a special team,” he told MUTV. “Everybody wants to help each other. Everybody's keen for everyone to score. Defenders are working their socks off for the midfielders, the midfielders are working for the strikers... everybody wants to run and everybody has one target in their mind.

“We have to look at it game by game but everybody wants to be champions. I feel that I'm surrounded by champions. They know how to win and that makes it really easy for me.”

Against Wigan, van Persie and Javier Hernandez netted two goals each in a game the Dutchman lit up with a number of sublime touches. Best of all was his first goal – a calm finish after he’d wrongfooted the Latics defence with a breathtaking dummy.

“[Javier and I] scored two goals each and he gave a really good pass for my first goal. It was a good goal because every single touch was the right touch, in my opinion.

“The first one was a little behind me and I had to drag it onto my left foot. That was a good touch. Then I waited for the guy to slide in, had a good touch inside and then a quick finish. Three touches but all good touches.”

Van Persie’s second was rather easier and arrived on a plate for the Dutchman following unselfish work by substitute Danny Welbeck inside the penalty area.

That goal – United’s fourth – capped a ruthless performance by the Reds against a Wigan side that slumped to defeat by the same scoreline at Old Trafford back in September.

“It was a very good performance we scored the goals at the right time,” van Persie said. “We've played Wigan twice this year and won 4-0 both times, so that's good for goal difference.

“Everybody's helping each other and everybody wants to share the goals. Look at the last goal – Danny wanted to give the ball to me so I could score. Everybody's like that. I'm like that, Chicha is like that... everybody wants to share the goals and that, in my opinion, is the way to score heaps of goals.

“Hopefully we can keep it going. We’ve had a couple of games where we've had high scores but we want to score even more goals because that could be vital come the end of the season.”


RVP is class on the pitch and in interviews:amazed::worship:.

RVP and Javier Hernandez were awesome today and I love their attitudes both on and off the pitch:).

Ryan Giggs performs better when he is in his natural position on the wings, he has actually been playing well recently. It is annoying to watch him when SAF puts him in CM.

Jonny Evans once again was a rock at the back for United and Michael Carrick being the cog in our midfield, vital. Well done to DDG and the defence for keeping our second clean sheet in a row!

RVP always comes out with gems in interviews.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his 71st birthday this week by revealing he has no plans to retire in the immediate future.

Ferguson took his table-topping team to Wigan on Tuesday, the day after his birthday, and was asked in an interview with Abu Dhabi Sports who he thought would replace him when he eventually decides to stand down.

The United boss said: 'There is no-one on the agenda, but somebody will have to replace me.

'I'm hoping to stay on for a bit of time, anyway.

'It's very difficult. Over the years, names have been bandied about but football is such a precarious industry.

'But you could be talking about one of the potentially exciting young managers in the game, but is he going to be here in two or three years' time. The sack race is horrendous.

'Sometimes a manager can only survive four games if he doesn't win a match. It's impossible to say who is going to be there.' Ferguson was asked specifically in the interview about the credentials of Everton manager David Moyes, Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

He added: 'There will always be names bandied about and they are all qualified people. Nobody knows where they are going to be in two or three years time.

'Top managers will always been in demand.

'Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, David Moyes. There are a lot of successful managers out there. But I don't know what their plans will be in two or three years' time.

'In terms of football management, I have achieved everything I always wished for. It's been a great journey for me.

'But being manager of Manchester United, you have to kick on. You can't look back.

'The drive is always on to do better, although it's not easy in the Barclays Premier League. It's a difficult league.

'And European football is getting stronger and stronger.'

Sir Alex hails strike duo

Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie's electrifying showing at Wigan Athletic had Sir Alex Ferguson purring afterwards.

The strike duo were recalled for the short trip to the DW Stadium after starting on the bench against West Brom and shared the goals in the 4-0 triumph, ensuring it was a difficult afternoon for the home defence on New Year's Day.

In the continued absence of Wayne Rooney, the pair's performance in tandem provides options for the boss with Danny Welbeck also coming off the bench to contribute by assisting the final goal.

"Chicha, as we've known since the day he came, is a penalty-box player," Sir Alex informed MUTV. "He's tremendous in the way he latches onto things and reacts to things brilliantly.

"Robin is a completely rounded footballer with his ability to make and take goals. His first goal was an absolutely magnificent bit of football, with his balance in turning defender and then, no drawback, he just side-footed it into the net. It was a really good goal.

"We knew we were getting a top player, a major player, who was going to make the difference to the team. Those were my thoughts when we went for him. I knew he would make the difference because he's got maturity, great international experience and he's played for Arsenal for seven years.

"He's come to us at the very peak of his career, which we're delighted at."

Veteran Ryan Giggs, also impressive at the DW Stadium on Tuesday, was quick to offer his own words of praise to van Persie for another stand-out performance by the Barclays Premier League's leading goalscorer.

"I was right next to him when he scored [his first goal]," said Giggs. "It's the technique and the calmness...everything about the goal epitomises him. He's just a class act and a great goalscorer.

"He's scored all types of goals as well. We're really pleased he's here and he's getting better and better."

Giggs heralds team effort

Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie grabbed the headlines after United's 4-0 thrashing of Wigan, but Ryan Giggs insists the result was down to an excellent team performance.

The Reds' front pair netted two goals apiece in the impressive display at the DW Stadium on New Year's Day and while Giggs hailed the duo's scoring exploits and work-rate, he felt everyone involved played an important role in helping United maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

"Everyone is working as a team - we score goals as a team and we defend as a team, and I thought all over the pitch we worked really hard and limited Wigan to very few chances," he told MUTV.

"Chicha and Robin were brilliant today and it wasn't only about their goals. Their work-rate and the way they defended from the front and closed players down made it so much easier for the midfielders to put pressure on their players. They'll get the plaudits for their goals, but their work-rate was also important for us.

"It was a great performance by the lads and a great result," he added. "We knew it was going to be tough - we experienced that last season, although before that we had a good record against Wigan. We still knew we'd have to work hard, but we felt comfortable during the game and felt the chances would come."

The result ensured United completed the festive period with ten points from a possible 12 and Giggs was quick to praise Sir Alex for the way he has managed to keep the team fresh during a spell of four games in ten games.

"We've got a good squad and the manager has rotated things right for the games. We looked fresh against Wigan and that's credit to the manager," added the veteran.

"You never know what you're going to get when you've got four games in ten days when it comes to injuries and fatigue, and you have to take your hat off to players like Carras [Michael Carrick] and Patrice [Evra] who have played in every game and worked really hard."

King move made permanent

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,37,559,245

Manchester United's first sale of 2013 has been completed with 20 year-old striker Joshua King joining Blackburn Rovers on a permanent basis. The transfer fee is undisclosed.

The Norwegian international initially joined the Lancashire club on loan at the end of November. Now, after scoring two goals in eight appearances, King has signed a contract that ties him to Blackburn until the summer of 2015, with the option of a further year to follow.

"I've enjoyed my time here, we've a great group of lads and I think I've settled in well," King told Blackburn's official website. "I'm happy to be here and I'm really looking forward to the next two-and-a-half years that I've signed for.

"Everybody has made me so welcome here and I feel comfortable here. I'm happy to make the deal permanent."

King was a reserve-team regular at United and made two competitive appearances in the first team, both as a substitute. His debut came in a home Carling Cup victory over Wolves in September 2009, when he played the last nine minutes as Danny Welbeck's replacement.

The Norwegian played his second and last senior game in November this season when coming on for Welbeck again in the 1-0 away defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

We're not a one-man team, insists Rio after Van Persie increases United tally to 19

Rio Ferdinand insists that Robin van Persie cannot take all the credit for Manchester United’s success this season – and has warned the Premier League leaders there is still a long way to go in the title race.

The Holland striker scored twice in a 4-0 win at Wigan on New Year’s Day to take his total for the season to 19 in all competitions and protect United’s seven-point lead at the top of the table.

But Ferdinand said: ‘No matter how you win the league, it is always mainly down to a group of players rather than one individual. At the moment he is scoring the goals but Javier (Hernandez) has chipped in the last couple of games.

RVP is an important player. The manager saw something in him and made it his mission to buy him this summer.

‘At the moment, thankfully, he is doing what he came here to do. He is not only scoring goals. He holds the ball up well and brings others into play. He does a fantastic job.

‘But we are not at the end of the season yet. No medals have been handed out. We don't want to jump about too much. Up to now he has done fantastically well. But the job is still there to be done.

‘It is easy for people to settle in here. We have a great bunch of players. We have a great squad. There is a great ambience in the squad. It is a great place for players to come to if you are willing to come in, work hard and be a member of the team.’

Ferdinand also believes that ignoring arch rivals Manchester City is the key to bringing the title back to Old Trafford.

The two clubs were involved in a titanic battle last season with United eventually losing out on goal difference on the final day after surrendering an eight-point lead.

Ferguson’s side hold another commanding advantage going into the New Year and Ferdinand has told his teammates not to be distracted by the challenge from across town.

‘Last year it was new because it was the first time they had challenged properly and there was a lot of focus on Manchester,’ he said. ‘But we have to make sure we keep our own house in order, make sure we keep ticking off the games. We don't have to focus on anyone else, just ourselves.

‘We’ve had a good period and we have to continue that in the New Year. But no medals have been handed out – we don't want to jump about too much.’

United’s victory at Wigan came on the ground where it began to go wrong in April, and Ferdinand believes it shows that they have learned from their mistakes.

He added: ‘Last season we made it difficult for ourselves. We saw the problems that we had last time, rectified them and put them to the sword. You saw a buinesslike performance and it’s is important to see that at this stage.

‘This is always an important part of the year because the games come so thick and fast. You have to use your squad wisely. The manager has done that perfectly in this period. It is nice to finish it off and put the league away for almost two weeks now.’

Rio: Robin's at home here

Team spirit has been one of the major factors behind Robin van Persie's hugely impressive debut season to date, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Van Persie has excelled since joining the Reds from Arsenal in the summer and has already netted 19 goals and created numerous others.

The Dutchman himself said after his brace in the 4-0 win at Wigan on New Year's Day that he is part of a "special team” and remarked on how "everybody wants to help each other."

Ferdinand echoed those sentiments, insisting that the bond amongst the squad is second to none.

"It is easy for people to settle in here," he told PA Sport. "We have a great bunch of players and a great squad. There is a fantastic ambience in the squad. It is a great place for players to come to if you are willing to come in, work hard and be a member of the team.

"Robin is an important player. The manager saw something in him and made it his mission to buy him this summer. At the moment, thankfully, he is doing what he came here to do.

"No matter how you win the league, it is always mainly down to a group of players rather than one individual, but currently he is scoring the goals.

"He is not only scoring though, he holds the ball up well and brings others into play. He does a fantastic job. But we are not at the end of the season yet. No medals have been handed out. We don't want to jump about too much. Up to now he has done fantastically well, but the job is still there to be done."

United's title challenge has certainly been aided by a positive run of results over the festive period which has seen the Reds stretch the lead over Manchester City to seven points.

"We have had a good period, but we have to continue that in the New Year," added Ferdinand. "It was important for us to get the points on the board - this is always an important part of the year because the games come so thick and fast. You have to use your squad wisely. The manager has done that perfectly in this period. It is nice to finish it off and put the league away for almost two weeks now.

"Last year it was new [to have City as challengers] because it was the first time they had challenged properly and there was a lot of focus on Manchester. But we have to make sure we keep our own house in order, make sure we keep ticking off the games. We don't have to focus on anyone else, just ourselves."

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/D22EDC...n=31,1,993,718

Chicha wins Wigan gong

Javier Hernandez has a new reason to love playing against Wigan Athletic - he's been named Man of the Match for Manchester United's victory over them on New Year's Day.

The Mexican international took his tally in Latics clashes to six goals in six games with his pair of clinical finishes separated by half-time. Chicharito also helped to create the first part of Robin Van Persie's double, providing his strike partner with an intelligent pass just before the break.

Sixty per cent of fans responding to ManUtd.com's online poll picked Chicharito as their star man, while Van Persie finished as runner-up with 29 per cent. Jonny Evans' part in United keeping a clean sheet at the DW Stadium was acknowledged as he claimed third place, ahead of fellow nominees Rafael and Ryan Giggs.

Van Persie tops December poll

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,1,1000,746

Robin van Persie has been named United Player of the Month after a five-goal return for the Reds in December.

The Dutchman is on a scoring run of eight goals in his last eight games, taking in five strikes in six appearances last month. He also assisted goals for Patrice Evra at Swansea and Wayne Rooney against Sunderland in December.

Van Persie claimed 58% of votes across the official website's seven language editions, ahead of Michael Carrick with 27% of fans’ nominations. Carrick’s is a subtler art in the heart of United’s midfield, but nonetheless he has been influential for the Reds in a crucial month in which Sir Alex’s side built a seven-point lead over rivals Manchester City.

Patrice Evra (8% of the votes) also had a good month and bagged two goals, while Wayne Rooney (7%) completes our shortlist having hit five goals in five games in December. However, van Persie has captured the imagination of United fans in a scintillating start to his Reds career - match-winning goals like the one at the Etihad Stadium on 9 December help, but he oozes class and quality in his all-round game.

"Robin is a completely rounded footballer with his ability to make and take goals," Sir Alex said recently. "We knew we were getting a top player, a major player, who was going to make the difference to the team. Those were my thoughts when we went for him. He's come to us at the very peak of his career."

Fabio stars in shock

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...gn=0,2,532,801

Fabio played a key role in QPR's determined rearguard action in the London derby at Chelsea as Harry Redknapp's Rangers pulled off the shock result of the season.

The Brazilian excelled at left-back and helped his side keep a clean sheet against the odds with Shaun Wright-Phillips' winner putting a severe dent in any hopes the Blues had of becoming involved in the title race.

The highlight of his assured performance was perhaps when he confidently chested the ball to keeper Julio Cesar towards the end but he defended with intelligence and industry all night.

"Fabio's a good lad," Redknapp told London24 recently. "He's a nice lad as well. He's enthusiastic and has a good attitude. He's been fine."

In the Championship, Robbie Brady played the full 90 minutes of Hull City's goalless draw with Crystal Palace while Ben Amos watched from the bench.

Michael Keane earned plenty of plaudits for his performance at the heart of the Leicester defence in a 6-1 romp against Huddersfield. The young defender impressed in his first Foxes game since picking up a hamstring injury but Jesse Lingard was not in the matchday squad.

"Michael's loan will finish but we will have a chat with Manchester United to see what their thoughts are about that," City manager Nigel Pearson told the Leicester Mercury. "He played very well."

John Cofie came on in the second half to help Sheffield United battle back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster. The striker is keen to extend his temporary stint at Bramall Lane until the end of the campaign.

Reece Brown again did not feature in Coventry's 1-0 home defeat to Shrewsbury while Sean McGinty was an unused substitute in Carlisle's loss to Crewe by the same scoreline.

I am glad that Fabio had a good game for QPR vs Chelsea and hope he finally gets a run of games for them and stays fit while on loan from United to continue improving as a player:).

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/22982F...gn=0,1,559,209

Boss hopes Bebe will blossom

The club have confirmed Bebe has joined Portuguese side Rio Ave on loan until the end of June and Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the move will prove to be a beneficial one for the attacker.

The 22-year-old has played seven times for the first team and scored two goals since joining in August 2010, but he is yet to feature for the Reds this season having spent much of the campaign training and playing for the Under-21s.

With competition for places in attack particularly fierce in Sir Alex’s senior squad, the United manager feels it’s best for Bebe to gain experience elsewhere for the time being.

“We feel the boy has got to get good experience at a better level than our reserve team,” Sir Alex told MUTV.

“He’s gone to Rio Ave who are fifth in the Portuguese league at the moment – they have a young coach [Nuno] who has a very good reputation.

“Bebe has done quite well in the last two or three months. He got a cruciate knee injury when he was on loan in Turkey last season and that derailed him for a bit. Coming back from these injuries takes time but he’s started to develop quite well.

"Hopefully his spell in Portugal, where he is from anyway, could help him.”

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/1AE3AA...n=0,22,600,244

Duo return from loans

John Cofie and Gyliano van Velzen have returned to United following loan spells with Sheffield United and Royal Antwerp respectively.

Striker Cofie has been part of the Blades' first-team plans for much of their season as they aim to gain promotion to the Championship and recently spoke about hoping to see out the campaign in Sheffield.

The Ghana-born forward scored twice in eight starts for Danny Wilson's side and made eight further substitute appearances, including in the last outing against Doncaster Rovers.

However, he has headed back to Manchester and will be joined at Carrington by van Velzen (pictured). The Dutchman has been stationed at Royal Antwerp and scored his first senior goal whilst in Belgium.

Preview: West Ham

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

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson: I can't predict my successor

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says modern management is so precarious it is "impossible" to predict who could replace him at Old Trafford.

The 71-year-old Scot, who has been in charge at the club for 26 years, plans on staying in the job for another "two or three" years.

And he says it is too early for United to consider a successor yet.

Ferguson said: "There's no-one on the agenda, I can assure you."

"I'm hoping to stay on for a bit of time anyway."

Ferguson could be thinking of Chelsea's decision to sack Roberto di Matteo - only six months after winning the Champions League and FA Cup - when he talks about management being a "precarious industry".

Over Christmas Sean O'Driscoll lost his job at Nottingham Forest within hours of beating promotion rivals Leeds 4-2, and Henning Berg was dismissed only 10 games into his Blackburn reign.

With that in mind Ferguson is refusing to be drawn on candidates to take over his mantle at Old Trafford.

"It's very difficult because over the years names have been bandied about and football is such a precarious industry," he says.

"The sack race, in terms of management, is horrendous. It's a results industry of course, but sometimes a manager can only survive maybe four games if he doesn't win a match.

"You look at certain clubs and that's obvious. So to look two years ahead, it's impossible to say who's even going to be there. It's a difficult one."

There have been plenty of former Manchester United players tipped to eventually take over from the Scot.

Mark Hughes and Roy Keane were both leading candidates before suffering failures at Manchester City and Sunderland respectively.

Current favourites to land the United post include Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and Everton chief David Moyes.

Ferguson said: "There's always going to be names bandied about, no question about that and they're all qualified people but nobody knows where they're going to be in two or three years' time.

"I think top managers will always be in demand: Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, there's a lot of successful managers out there.

"I don't know what their plans are, who knows where we're going to be in two or three years' time?"

It's weird. I want them to go down rock bottom, but I want Fabio to do well :laugh:


EDIT. SCRATHC THAT. I want them to go down via GD in the last second. Lets hope their fans celebrate that goal.

Don't forget they have Park Ji Sung too even if he is not a United player anymore.

Sir Alex eyes FA Cup run

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,54,600,499

Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to “do something” about United’s recent barren FA Cup record as he prepares his side for Saturday’s third-round clash at West Ham.

With each passing season since United’s last triumph in the competition, against Millwall in 2004, more is made of the numerous long-serving players in the Reds squad who have never lifted the trophy, including Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.

Sir Alex insists his side’s recent cup shortcomings haven’t been for a lack of trying and that a variety of factors have contributed, such as tough draws against fellow Premier League teams.

The Reds missed out on penalties to Arsenal in the 2005 final after dominating the game, then succumbed to a late Didier Drogba goal at Wembley two years later, which secured the first of Chelsea’s four cup wins in the last six years.

“Rio has been with us 10 years and never won the cup – it’s amazing,” Sir Alex said. “We’ll have to do something about it.

“The cup is a tournament where form doesn’t necessarily win games. Luck has a lot to do with it.

“We got to the semi-final against City but we’ve had some hard draws – twice away to Liverpool, away to City and a home tie with Leeds, when I rested a few players and we were caught short.

“Chelsea have been fantastic, though I thought they were lucky to beat us in the final when Drogba scored late on. We lost on penalty kicks to Arsenal, which everyone remembers was a travesty of a result.

“But I think with a club like ours, the closer we get to Wembley, the better we become.”

Sam Allardyce’s West Ham continue that run of tricky cup opponents and Sir Alex indicated he’ll field a strong team this weekend to give his side the best possible chance of progressing.

“It’s a particularly hard one as they’re in good form and at home,” the Reds boss said. “Sam has done a great job there, getting them promoted first of all, and their form has been good with some excellent results.

“So it’s going to be a tough game and I don’t think we’ll make too many changes. I think, more or less, we’ll play a strong team and hopefully we’ll get through.”


Too right SAF:).