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bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:51 PM
Stories from in the week coming up...

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:52 PM
De Gea enjoying regular run

Quote:
David De Gea feels he is benefitting from a regular run in the side but insists he has always considered himself United’s first-choice goalkeeper, regardless of whether he is picked.

At the start of the season, De Gea was rotated with Anders Lindegaard but Sir Alex now appears to have settled with his Spanish stopper, who has started the last eight games.

The 22-year-old told MUTV: “For a goalkeeper it’s always important to have consistency and to be playing regularly; it’s good for confidence and morale.

“I’m happy with my current form and I just need to keep working hard in training and hope that form continues.

“From the moment I signed I considered myself the first-choice keeper at the club but it’s down to the manager; he rotates us when he feels it’s good for the team.

“But obviously I’ve played a few on the bounce now and that’s positive.”

United have a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League going into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool but De Gea knows there are plenty of twists and turns to come.

“A seven-point gap at the top is obviously very good news for us, but we also know there’s a long way to go in the campaign,” he said.

“We have to keep going and continue to play the way we are, because we’ve been playing well. That points gap starts to count when you get through to March and April, so we must keep picking up the points in each game.”

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:53 PM
Boss: Ugly win will do

Sir Alex Ferguson says he’ll gladly “win ugly” on Sunday when Liverpool arrive at Old Trafford for the weekend’s Barclays Premier League clash.

Although Brendan Rogers’ side lie in in eighth spot, 21 points adrift of Manchester United, the Reds boss knows how tight contests between the sides can be.

“Derby games are very tricky affairs – they always have been,” Sir Alex told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“I'm quite happy to play badly and win this one!”

At any rate, playing well is no guarantee of victory when it comes to tussles with the men from Merseyside.

“Last year we outplayed them in the FA Cup game at Anfield and lost 2-1. You sit there at the end of the game and say to yourself: 'How did that happen?'.

“Derby games are like that, although hopefully this time we play well and win. With the form we're in, we're going into it in the right frame of mind. But Liverpool will always be difficult to beat.”

Liverpool go into Sunday’s match at Old Trafford on the back of a controversial FA Cup win last weekend at Mansfield Town. Striker Luis Suarez clearly handled the ball in the build-up to his side’s second goal but played on regardless, despite fierce protests by the home team.

Sir Alex didn’t see the match but sympathised with the officials who missed the incident.

“When you play a game of football you always hope you don't get a bad break against you,” he said. “In the modern game, though, with the speed of the game, you could cherry pick every week and look at incidents that should or shouldn't have been penalty kicks, for instance.

“Things happen so quickly for the referee and their assistants. The other night when Demba Ba went through for Chelsea and challenged the goalkeeper he was booked [for diving].

“I couldn't see how that was possibly a yellow card, but that's a decision the referee has to make in a split second. He doesn't have the benefit of replays. Everything happens so quickly so it's hard to make the right decisions all the time.

“I didn't see the Mansfield game, so it's difficult to say if Suarez’s handball was deliberate or not. The lad is laden with controversy and... I don't know if he enjoys it or not, but we hope we don't suffer ourselves on Sunday.

“We want a good game on Sunday. Over the years United-Liverpool games have been relatively free from controversy, to be honest with you. No sensational decisions have marred the game and I think that's good. We've got the two most successful clubs in the country and you hope it's a good game.”

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:54 PM
Rio welcomes duo back

Quote:
Rio Ferdinand has welcomed Nani and Anderson back into the squad for the weekend encounter with Liverpool.

Portugal winger Nani has been out since the win against Braga last October while Brazilian schemer Anderson was hurt at Reading on December 1.

The pair, who joined the club on the same day in 2007, will increase the competition for places and give Sir Alex more options with the fixtures continuing to come thick and fast.

"It is good to have them back," stated Ferdinand. "They are both naturally talented footballers. Nani has had injuries for a while. Anderson as well. Hopefully they can get fit, get back into the fold and get back into the team.

"You don't really get players who can beat players in the middle of the park these days. That is a good asset to have and is something Anderson has above anyone else. He can go past players and commit people.

"Nani is the same. He is one of the most talented players I have played with. It is good to have him back in the equation. Hopefully we can get some real good minutes out of them."

Nani has caused Liverpool problems in previous matches and could prove to be a useful asset this weekend, either starting or coming off the bench to weave his magic down the wing.

"Nani has done well against Liverpool in the past," said Ferdinand. "He is always a threat with the amount of ability he had got. He is quick, he is sharp. He shoots off both feet. He can cross the ball. He has everything."

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:56 PM
Sir Alex admires one-club men

Quote:
Sir Alex Ferguson has great respect for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, as he does for United's loyal local lads Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

The manager accepts that times are changing with the number of overseas stars competing in the Barclays Premier League but thinks that will not detract from the commitment shown in Sunday's hotly-contested affair with the Merseysiders.

With the rivalry particularly fierce in bygone years when players on both sides were brought up watching their local club from the terraces, it is easy to understand why that attitude still persists with the homegrown heroes representing the two English footballing giants.

"There's no way either Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher are going to change it," said the boss. "They're going to be there until they finish their careers.

"In the modern-day game, it’s admirable as it’s very difficult to get that now. We’re very fortunate to have the same as Liverpool with Giggs and Scholes, these one-club players. I think it’s fantastic. And Gary Neville too but, unfortunately, he got injuries towards the end of his career. He could’ve still be playing if he hadn’t picked up injuries at the time he did."

The manager recognises that loyalty might be harder to find from imported players, even if United have fared well in this department over the years.


"The minute we started bringing European and South American players into the country, you’re never going to keep them for long periods," he conceded. "With four-year contracts, you’re lucky to keep them for that. We were lucky to have Cristiano Ronaldo for six years, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic for seven years now and Peter Schmeichel stayed eight years. We’re very lucky that way but not every club can say that."

Even though there may not be too many Mancunians and Merseysiders in the starting line-ups this weekend, the passion will not be lacking from the two sets of players.

"You’ll see on Sunday it will be 100 per cent commitment from both teams," Sir Alex added. "But if you look back a number of years, there was a link with more English players and quite a few from this area, who would know exactly what it meant. They grew up supporting United as kids and were in the Stretford End, the likes of Nicky Butt, Scholes, Giggsy and Neville. All of them grew up with it.

"Liverpool, going back a bit further, had a lot of local players too – Ian Rush, Jimmy Case, Sammy Lee - all the local players they had at the time. It would mean a lot to them as they were living in it with that cocoon around them where their neighbours are supporters and things like that."

For the record, in Sir Alex's first battle with Liverpool, at Anfield in 1986, he selected four players who came through the ranks at Old Trafford.

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:57 PM
Chicha relishing Liverpool tussle

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...gn=0,2,752,560

Javier Hernandez believes that any player in the world would want to be a part of the Old Trafford showdown between United and Liverpool.

The Reds from Manchester and Merseyside go head-to-head at 13:30 GMT this afternoon (Sunday) and Chicharito is well aware of the history and tradition of the fixture.

“It’s a derby game and these two teams have won the most titles in England,” Chicharito says in an exclusive interview with United Review, the official match programme. “It’s a match you want to be involved in. Every player wants to play on Sunday – any player in the world would want to be a part of it.”

Chicharito was in the starting line-up in his first appearance against Liverpool in the 1-0 FA Cup third round win in January 2011. And with doubts remaining over the fitness of Wayne Rooney, Hernandez could find a place in the first eleven again.

The livewire Mexican forward has scored twice in five appearances against Liverpool – a consolation strike in March 2011’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield, and then in October that year he snatched a more positive, point-saving late equaliser, again away from home.

“When we lost 3-1 it was a strange feeling for me,” he adds. “It was my first season and to score against Liverpool at Anfield was good, but it doesn’t have the same taste when you lose. It was different when I scored in the 1-1 draw because we were losing and we got a point. It’s a brilliant feeling to score in this game.”

bbfan1991 13-01-2013 02:58 PM
Football moves in cycles

Quote:
Sir Alex Ferguson believes football goes in cycles as Liverpool head to Old Trafford having gone 22 years since their last league title.

The Merseysiders are attempting to rebuild under Brendan Rodgers and challenge towards the summit again but the manager thinks United are always capable of staying one step ahead of all opponents because of the awareness of where top players are beginning to emerge across the continent.

Belgium were handed special praise and have a number of English top-flight stars in their current national team. Meanwhile, the Reds currently have four promising youngsters from the European nation in the Reserves and Academy - Marnick Vermijl, Charni Ekangamene, Adnan Januzaj and Andreas Pereira.

"I think history repeats itself," explained Sir Alex. "The cycles repeat themselves too. For instance, France were producing these players for a long time – Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Zinedine Zidane – that’s gone. Now Belgium are getting a cycle of producing really good players at the moment.

"Spain are in a cycle at the moment, winning the European Championship, the World Cup and European Cups [with Barcelona] – those two teams [Barca and Real Madrid] are definitely dominant in terms of success. But cycles change and that’s where we probably, as a club, are more aware than anyone because we know it does happen. That’s why we try to be one step ahead of everyone."

Liverpool may be 21 points behind United come kick-off time at Old Trafford but that hasn't really entered Sir Alex's thinking. His immediate concern
in the Barclays Premier League is the chasing pack behind his leaders.

"I never even thought about it until Sky Sports mentioned it the other day," he admitted, when asked about the gap with the eighth-placed Merseysiders. "I don’t really look at that. I look at the team that’s behind us, don’t worry. I look at the immediate opposition all the time, their programme and who they have got next."

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:08 PM
Boss delighted with win

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=62,16,687,482

Quote:
Sir Alex Ferguson was suitably satisified with a draining victory against Liverpool and felt United defended stoutly to clinch the three points.

The Reds were forced to hang on in the closing stages, despite taking a two-goal advantage through Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic. But Daniel Sturridge pulled one back to spark a late revival by the visitors.

"All in all, it was an engrossing game, as we expected in a Manchester United-Liverpool match," he told MUTV. "It's full of emotion, intensity and it's great to win. It was a magnificent performance in the first half, as well as we've played for a long time. It was hard work after they scored, to be honest with you, and I'm just glad we won the match.

"I think winning is important – it doesn't matter what league position we are in. I've said many times, it's a fantastic challenge between the two most successful teams in the country. I think those three points today are very, very important ones."

The manager felt Shinji Kagawa deserved a penalty when he appeared to be pushed into Pepe Reina during a scramble just before half time and paid tribute to Danny Welbeck for a tireless display.

"[The first goal] was a great build-up, terrific football, and a great finish by Robin but we should have been three or four up," added the boss. "I thought we should have had a penalty when Shinji was brought down.

"Danny was fantastic. I thought he gave them a real hard day of it, the two centre-backs. He and Robin, particularly in the first half, gave them a very difficult time. The reason Danny played was because we wanted someone who would drop on top of their centre-midfield player. He did that well and put in a great shift. He ran his legs off today and deserved the Man of the Match award."

After revealing that Patrice Evra is not happy the second goal is likely to be credited to Nemanja Vidic, Sir Alex admitted he was disappointed to concede so soon afterwards, although he was impressed by the defending that followed.

"I've not seen their goal again," he admitted. "But, to me, it looked a bit soft for us. Once again, the goalie has parried one out and there's nobody following in on the rebound.

"It did lift Liverpool but some of our defending was a bit erratic and desperate at times. But we managed to get through it. There was a period of three or four minutes where they were shoving players into the box and some interchange between players that we had to defend very well.

"We got through that and the name of the game in the big matches are the moments where you have to defend. Today was one of them."

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:09 PM
Vote: Man of the Match

Quote:
There were plenty of top performances from men in red shirts on Sunday, as United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Although Sir Alex's men were forced to hang on in the closing stages, the Reds were outstanding for long periods in the first half.

Robin van Persie netted his 21st goal of the season when he fired home Patrice Evra's low cross on 19 minutes. The Dutchman and the Frenchman were also heavily involved for United's second, with RvP curling a free-kick over for Evra to head against Nemanja Vidic and into the net. Indeed, Evra is still trying to claim the goal as his own!

Evra was heavily involved at both ends all afternoon, as was fellow full-back Rafael. The Brazilian is always up for the big occasion and against Liverpool he threw himself into every challenge. He also displayed his usual penchant for attack, at one point finding himself clean through on goal before squaring for van Persie to backheel goalwards.

In midfield, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick were superb for the first 60 minutes. Carrick's full range of passing was on show, while Cleverley, who was always on the move, played with pace and penetration. Between them, they took hold of the match and dominated the midfield battle by winning and then using the ball quickly.

Danny Welbeck was Sky Sports' choice for Man of the Match and certainly deserves his place on our shortlist. He worked tirelessly up front, pressing high and forcing Liverpool's defenders into errors. He may have been disappointed with some of his finishing but his all-round contribution was superb.
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-league.aspx

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:11 PM
Hamstring blow for Evans

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=13,33,527,223

Quote:
Jonny Evans missed United's 2-1 success against Liverpool due to a hamstring problem.

The Northern Ireland international has been in splendid form all season but had to watch from the sidelines as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic started the keenly-contested victory.

Vidic went off towards the end of the game with what appeared to be a knee injury, with Chris Smalling replacing the skipper for the closing stages.


Sir Alex Ferguson will now assess his troops ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay with West Ham at Old Trafford.

"Jonny Evans felt his hamstring yesterday afternoon," he informed MUTV. "I was at Nottingham [watching Forest v Peterborough] and got a message at half-time. He trained in the morning so it was strange. But Vidic and Ferdinand are experienced and you can't say any more than that. They were brilliant."

Meanwhile, Anders Lindegaard was ruled out of Sunday's clash with 'flu, so young stopper Ben Amos was on the bench.

I was gutted when this news broke:(. I hope Jonny has a speedy recovery!

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:12 PM
Loans: Goals for duo

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

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:13 PM
Van Persie: We deserved victory

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,31,800,328

Quote:
Robin van Persie believes Manchester United deserved to beat Liverpool on Sunday, claiming afterwards that “everybody felt the importance of this fixture during the week.”

The match had been billed as the battle of the strikers as pundits compared the Dutchman to Luis Suarez, although the former Arsenal star was the clear victor in that rivalry after scoring the opening goal on 19 minutes before helping to create Nemanja Vidic’s winner with a free-kick in the second half.

Although his was a fine finish to break the deadlock, van Persie was quick to credit the build-up play from his team-mates and expressed his belief that the Reds could have scored more goals during a dominant first-half display at Old Trafford.

“It was an unbelievable goal with great combinations,” Robin told MUTV. “Michael Carrick was involved, Danny Welbeck was involved, as well as Tom [Cleverley] and Shinji [Kagawa], and then it went out on the left to Pat, who put a really good cross in and it was a good finish. It was a great goal – especially the build-up.

“Everybody felt the importance of this fixture during the week and we are really happy with the result. We had a good first half and it should have been more than 1-0 in my opinion.

“In the second half, Liverpool played for all or nothing with lots of attackers so we had to dig in and fight for each other, helping each other out where possible. We did that and we fought hard. We got the result we wanted.”

Victory had appeared to be sewn up after Vidic deflected home Evra's header shortly after the half-time break until Liverpool’s new-signing Daniel Sturridge produced a shock riposte, forcing United to cling on to a narrow advantage amid nervy scenes at Old Trafford.

“We didn’t really want that because when you have a two-goal lead you want to keep it for as long as possible and they scored five or six minutes [after our second goal],” van Persie admitted. “Then we had to go again and we had to find the right balance to try and score a third goal but not forget our defensive work.

“It was only a one goal difference so it was a bit tricky and they had a couple of chances, but overall I think it was a deserved win. It was a great game and a very honest game. The defence was great again and it was a proper football game.”

Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford had van Persie lining up alongside Danny Welbeck, providing a rare glimpse of a partnership that hasn’t featured too often this season. Clearly impressed, the Dutchman was full of praise for his young sidekick after the final whistle.

“He [Welbeck] played really well. I think he was good in the combinations and played a big part in the build-up to the first goal, passing and moving to make space. A couple of times he got the ball when they made a mistake. I got it one or two times when they misplaced the ball.

“He has been brilliant. He is still young and has been really good in training, working his socks off. He is a very positive guy who wants and loves to play football. He did really well.”

RVP is class and I like his praise of Danny Welbeck:):worship:.

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:20 PM
http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,85,698,345

Welbeck savours big win

Quote:
Danny Welbeck enjoyed both the historical and current context as Manchester United beat Liverpool for the eighth time in nine Barclays Premier League meetings at Old Trafford.

It was no Sunday stroll for the Mancunian striker and his team-mates, but after an industrious 90-minute shift in the Reds’ attack, he welcomed the fruits of his side’s labour.

“Liverpool are our all-time rivals and it [the match] is a great occasion for both cities,” Welbeck said. “Obviously I know what it's like, being a Manchester lad growing up through the ranks. It's been drilled into us ever since I was a little kid. Beating Liverpool is really big for us and I'm delighted to get the three points.”

Welbeck felt Sir Alex Ferguson’s tactics worked a treat, certainly in the first period when Liverpool were often pinned back and United took the lead through “a great team goal” by Robin van Persie in the 19th minute. “We had our game plan set up and I think it really worked well in the first half,” said Welbeck.

“In the second half, I think Liverpool got into it towards the back end of the game. It was tense. We could feel the pressure they were putting us under for the last 10 to 15 minutes. The main thing was to stay compact, get behind the ball and defend well as a team. I think in the end that's what we did. I think we dug in really well and it was a great team performance.

“It was a really good team move [for the first goal]. We passed the ball well, we switched it across the pitch and we penetrated the lines really well. And once Pat got into the wide position, and squared it to Robin, we knew that Robin had the quality to finish it off. Robin is different class. He produces moments in games that others can't. We're glad to have him on our side and putting the ball in the back of the net, as he did again today.”

Liverpool sent on their own predator for the second half, replacing defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva with new signing Daniel Sturridge. And having played with the former Chelsea striker for England Under-21s, Welbeck wasn’t surprised to see him make an impact.

“We all know Sturridge is a quality player and he's got that goalscoring instinct,” he said. “Once he came on the pitch we had to set up a little bit differently. I think we should have tightened more and done a bit more to stop Sturridge running in to finish it [to score for Liverpool]. But we'll learn from that. It's something we won't want to happen again.”

Fortunately, United were already 2-0 up when substitute Sturridge pulled the goal back for the visitors. But there was initially some confusion over who scored the winner, eventually credited to Nemanja Vidic.

“I didn't notice [Vidic]," said Welbeck. "I just saw Pat [Evra] get his head to it. I wanted him to square it to me, to be honest, but I thought it was Pat's goal. He'll be a bit disappointed because everyone seemed to celebrate as if it was his goal.

“But to get the three points was the most important thing and everyone's delighted in the changing room. It's a massive win and it's a great afternoon for us, to be able to go back home, put our feet up and see how the Manchester City game [away to Arsenal] pans out.”

As for his own performance, worthy of at least a nomination for ManUtd.com’s Man of the Match poll, Welbeck said: “I've got to work hard in the game and when I get my chance to play, I want to show what I can do and try my best for the team. That's the most I can do and I'm not going to give anything less than that.

Danny Welbz was definitely one of my MOTM:). He has such a good attitude and I think he will continue to improve his all round game because his finishing is still one thing he needs to work on, plus composure and control of the ball!

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 01:22 PM
http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,40,762,323

Evra notes change of focus

Sunday's two games in the Barclays Premier League may have only delivered one positive result for Manchester United, but Patrice Evra insists that's just fine.

Following the Reds' 2-1 win over Liverpool, the Frenchman said he wouldn't be watching the subsequent match between Arsenal and title rivals Manchester City. The Blues took advantage of an early red card for Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny to win 2-0, even if Roberto Mancini's men later had Vincent Kompany sent off themselves.

"I never watch what Manchester City are going to do because it's about us," Evra said. "Last year I think we were too focused on City. There was too much focus on what they were going to do in their next game. But this year it's about us and when we are like this, I think we can win the title."

Evra assisted both United goals against Liverpool; delivering a low cross for Robin van Persie to open the scoring and then meeting the Dutchman's free-kick at the far post. Although Patrice's header was probably powerful enough to beat Pepe Reina, the final touch came off fellow defender Nemanja Vidic.

"He [Vidic] said it's my goal but I don't know," pondered Patrice. "Maybe if it was a striker, they would give the goal to Rooney or van Persie. But maybe because it's Evra they will not give the goal to me!"

Even if the Dubious Goals Panel get involved in deciding whose goal it was, Evra won't lose any sleep. The match result is the only outcome that matters. "Seven years I've played for United and to beat Liverpool has always been difficult. We never win easily. But what a great feeling when you get the win against them."


Patrice:worship:.

Brother Leon 14-01-2013 01:22 PM
Always says the right thing. He just seems so happy. First Ruud and now Robin. My live for our Dutch strikers keeps growing.

Raph 14-01-2013 01:23 PM
now now according to Locke this is 'England's second biggest club' -- what is your answer to this boys, we all know Cardiff is the top one

Brother Leon 14-01-2013 01:25 PM
I think Locke needs to take his mind back to yesterday :)

Raph 14-01-2013 01:26 PM
hahaha :)

bbfan1991 14-01-2013 02:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Leon (Post 5759168)
I think Locke needs to take his mind back to yesterday :)
http://cadfael.tv/image/src/1356879792136.gif

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:08 PM
http://www.manutd.com/~/media/944E3A...115T1141278122

FA Cup Replay Preview: Manchester United vs West Ham

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

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:11 PM
http://www.manutd.com/~/media/927561...n=0,14,990,382

Crerand craves FA Cup run

Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand is willing his former club to go all the way in the FA Cup this season - even if some doomsayers might fear the effects of additional fixtures.

The Reds have already added one more match to the busy schedule - this Wednesday's third-round replay against West Ham - but Crerand insists this was preferable to the fate that James Collins' two goals seemed to have inflicted in the first meeting.

"I travelled back on the train with a lot of United fans after the game at Upton Park and there was a sense of relief that we’re still in the competition," wrote Crerand, in his column for Sunday's United Review.

"There’s a real enthusiasm from everyone to see us win it again. You only needed to see the manager’s reaction to Robin van Persie’s fantastic late equaliser – he was over the moon.

"Make no mistake United are in it to win it. Okay, so the replay is a game we could have done without, but we have a lot of players back from injury now and a big squad, and in the long term I don’t think a few extra cup games will damage our league and Champions League aspirations too much."

Writing to fans in the same edition of United Review (Liverpool), Sir Alex said: "I rested a few players at West Ham – van Persie, Ferdinand, Carrick, Evra and Young all enjoyed some measure of a break - and I shall continue to juggle my squad because while December was a busy month there is still no let-up.

"The replay with West Ham is quickly followed by a trip to Spurs and then hopefully we’ll have a fourth round tie against either Fulham or Blackpool to give us another two-game week before another busy week with fixtures against Southampton and Fulham. We have plenty of action coming up that I hope you will enjoy."

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:12 PM
http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=37,4,434,598

RvP named star man

Quote:
Robin van Persie has been voted Man of the Match against Liverpool by ManUtd.com readers after yet another influential display for the Reds.

Van Persie has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 games and we have come to expect great things from the Dutchman – so much so that his classy first-half finish against Brendan Rodgers’ side, allied to his free-kick delivery that led to the second goal, felt like business as usual for the in-form front man.

That hasn’t stopped fans recognising Robin's input as he beat other front-running candidates Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Danny Welbeck – all excellent against Liverpool – in ManUtd.com’s fan poll. Van Persie took 27% of the votes, ahead of Carrick (20%), Evra (19%) and Welbeck (16%). Tom Cleverley and (10%) and Rafael (8%) completed the voting.

Welbeck paid tribute to his strike-partner’s continued excellent form, telling MUTV after Sunday’s match: “Robin is different class. He produces moments in games that others can't. We're glad to have him on our side putting the ball in the back of the net.”

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:15 PM
http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,36,1200,482

Chicharito: We're in it together

Quote:
Javier Hernandez believes a distinct lack of egotism in United’s first team squad and a willingness from the players to work for each other is key to the Reds’ excellent recent form.

Sir Alex Ferguson is managing a large squad of players, all of whom want to be involved on a regular basis. There is healthy competition for places but Hernandez says individual glory is never placed above collective success.

“It’s a real strength of this team that there is such a good atmosphere among the players,” Hernandez told ManUtd.com. “Everyone gets on and there are no egos.

“I don’t think, ‘I only have my job and that is what I concentrate on’. Here we want to win trophies and if we want to do that then we need to help each other and be supportive. You don’t just look out for yourself, you look out for your team-mates and each other.”

It’s an admirable and encouraging approach considering Hernandez is competing for match minutes with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck in United’s attack. But the four forwards get on and urge each other forward.

“When I play with Robin, Wazza or Danny, we always talk a lot about positioning, movement or our defensive duties,” Chicharito explains. “You need to communicate and encourage each other. The strikers all play for each other – there were a few passes I gave to Danny against West Ham, and Robin and Wazza are great when I play alongside them, looking to pick out my runs.”

That attitude brings a freedom to the way the players and the team performs. “In the history of Manchester United, the team plays a very direct, attacking game,” Chicharito adds. “We want to get to the goal as quickly as we can. We play and whether it ends in a goal or a goal-kick, we want to play with speed. But the important thing at this club is that we can express ourselves.

“We don’t feel too much pressure because every time we go out on the field the gaffer tells us, ‘Go out, enjoy yourself and do your best’, and we do what we do on the training ground because if you watched some of our training sessions the quality is so high. That’s been important to us doing well so far this season. But we are not saying that it’s over [in the league]. We have a lot of confidence but we know there are a lot of difficult games coming.”

Hernandez hopes to get plenty more football with the FA Cup, league and Champions League all opportunities to continue his good record in front of goal this term. The Mexican striker hit 20 goals in his first season at Old Trafford and this term he has netted 12 times – matching his tally for the entire 2011/12 campaign. Progress and personal development are never far from Chicharito’s mind, although he discusses it in a team context.

“I am always looking to improve my game, whether that’s my play outside the box or inside it,” he says. “I’m not saying I’m the perfect player inside the box. There is still work for me to do and I try to improve there. I’m learning all the time but the reason I want to improve is so that I can help the team.

“It’s not just that I want to score more goals, I want to be able to help the team and whether it’s me scoring or someone else I don’t mind. It’s a group sport and so I want to do what I can to help us get the right results every week.”

Too right Chicha:). He has such a good attitude!

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:19 PM
Boss: Positive injury update

Quote:
Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered a positive medical bulletin on Ashley Young and Nemanja Vidic after the duo were replaced during the win against Liverpool.

Young was withdrawn at the interval on Sunday following a heavy collision with Daniel Agger while Vidic suffered a blow on the head during an aerial challenge inside the Merseysiders' box.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex also informed MUTV that both Wayne Rooney and Nani will feature in the FA Cup replay with West Ham on Wednesday although Jonny Evans is unlikely to be risked with the trip to Tottenham on the horizon.

Despite reports that Young left Old Trafford on crutches and skipper Vidic had a knee problem, Sir Alex is not overly concerned with their fitness - even if the winger looks set to miss the midweek tie and Sunday's clash at White Hart Lane.

"Actually, Vida's knee is okay," declared the boss in an exclusive interview with MUTV. "It was concussion.

"He had a little bit of concussion but he's okay and fine. He trained yesterday and was good.

"There are no other serious knocks really. I think they're all pretty good. Obviously, Young has got a dull knock, a little bit of a strain on the knee, but it's nothing serious.

"I think he'll be back next week. Maybe not for Tottenham but, the week after, he should be okay."

Good news:), although it will be good to see Wayne Rooney and Nani back for United!

bbfan1991 15-01-2013 02:20 PM
http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,34,787,327

Hammers are special for Rio

Quote:
Rio Ferdinand admits playing against West Ham is always a special occasion for him ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup replay at Old Trafford.

The cultured defender was in good form against Liverpool at the weekend and will hope to feature against his former club after sitting on the bench for the 2-2 draw at Upton Park.

With doubts over Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans' involvement, and the possibility that Rafael might be rested with the likely assignment of marking danger-man Gareth Bale against Tottenham this Sunday in mind, the 34-year-old may play at the heart of the back-four.

"West Ham is special for me," said the centre-back. "I look at West Ham as being a similar club to Manchester United in terms of their history and the way they keep all their people for so many years. Here, you see Cath on reception who has been here 30-odd years. It is similar at West Ham with Jimmy Frith and people like that. It is a club that is close to my heart because I came through the ranks there. I look out for their results, after Manchester United's results. I am sure it will always be that way."

Ferdinand is one of a number of players to learn their trade with the East Londoners and is pleased to see Joe Cole return to his old stamping ground, even if he hopes he does not impress in the replay.

"That will be part of West Ham's history forever now, the era we had there, with so many players who went on to play for England and win league titles with other clubs," stated Ferdinand. "It is unfortunate for West Ham that those players did not stay there and get built upon. That is all history now. Joe Cole has gone there to rewrite a bit of his own history in the coming months. It would be good to see him do something good, but not on Wednesday. We want to get through this round."

When asked if there would be a hole in his medal cabinet if he fails to win the FA Cup, he replied: "I don't know. I will only be able to tell you when I retire. It is something I would love to rectify and change. What will be will be. Fingers crossed, we will win it this year."


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