[bbfan1991]

Tunnicliffe makes debut

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

[bbfan1991]

Rafael romps Reds poll

Rafael is used to catching the eye this season following a string of mature and confident displays in United's defence, and his stunning strike against Queens Park Rangers is up there with his finest moments – it also helped earn him ManUtd.com’s Man of the Match award.



The Brazilian defender struck his thunderbolt shot from 20 yards in the 23rd minute to set the Reds on the way to a comfortable 2-0 win at Loftus Road. He then went about helping United to an eighth clean sheet of the Barclays Premier League campaign, whilst retaining a 12-point lead at the top of the table.

Rafael bagged a majority 72 per cent of votes in ManUtd.com’s Man of the Match poll, ahead of Ryan Giggs (18 per cent), Nemanja Vidic (5 per cent), Michael Carrick (4 per cent) and Danny Welbeck (1 per cent).

Giggs turned in another impressive display on his 999th appearance as a professional, scoring United's second, while Carrick's name was sung loudly in the second half as the Reds' away following applauded his efforts.

But Reds boss Sir Alex was quick to praise his 22-year-old right-back's excellent form. "Rafa's had an absolutely magnificent season,” he said. "He's got three goals this season and he's maturing all the time. He had a fantastic day."

Well done Rafael.

[bbfan1991]

Brown set for Town

Reece Brown is joining Ipswich Town on loan for the remainder of the Championship season.



The two clubs have agreed a deal that will take the defender to Portman Road in time to aid Mick McCarthy's side and their bid to remain clear of the relegation zone.

After spending the first part of the season with Coventry City, the versatile centre-back has made five appearances at Under-21 level for the Reds.

Brown, younger brother of Sunderland's ex-United star Wes, has represented England at Under-19 and Under-20 level.

"This is a big challenge for me and I’m excited to be signing for Ipswich," Town's new No21 told Ipswich Player.

"It’s a big club with great facilities and I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads and getting started."

Good luck to Reece with his loan spell.

[bbfan1991]

Carrick quashes title talk

Michael Carrick says nobody inside the Manchester United dressing room believes the title race is over, despite the Reds' healthy lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League.



Sir Alex's men have established a 12-point gap with just 11 league games remaining but United midfielder Carrick insists not even a hint of complacency has crept into the Reds' camp.

"We're trying the best we can [to block out talk of the title being won already]," he told MUTV.

"We have a job to do and the manager has said we need to think game to game and just win the next match, what's in front of us.

"You can't look too far ahead because it can come back and bite you."

Last season the Reds blew an eight-point lead with six games to play, an experience Carrick and his team-mates will be determined not to repeat this time around.

Certainly, the current signs are good. United are unbeaten in all competitions since 5 December and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has almost a full squad at his disposal. Only Phil Jones (ankle) and Robin van Persie (hip) are doubts for this Saturday's game against Norwich, with Paul Scholes almost certainly ruled out with a knee injury.

"We've got the experience around the place [to cope with the pressure]," Carrick said. "You saw at QPR, it was all about getting a result and that's what we focused on. Now we move onto the next game."

Spot on!

[bbfan1991]

Welbeck set for busy March

Danny Welbeck is still buzzing after scoring at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid as he prepares for four consecutive home matches with Manchester United.



The England international headed the priceless away goal in the Spanish capital and has since played his part in the victories over Reading and QPR. Indeed, he won possession in the build-up to Ryan Giggs' victory-sealing goal at Loftus Road after replacing Robin van Persie as a substitute.

Welbeck told ManUtd.com and MUTV: "It was a great feeling to get a goal at the Bernabeu, especially because of the whole occasion with all our fans travelling over and with it being such a big game.

"It was a big goal - probably the biggest goal I've scored. It's something you strive for since being a little kid. Playing for Manchester United in one of the biggest games made me feel proud and it gives you motivation to strive for more."

Although the Champions League second leg is only a week away, the players are fully aware that Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Norwich City currently takes precedence. The first target will be to extend the Reds' lead at the summit again, after Manchester City cut it back to 12 points with victory over Chelsea.

"The manager and coaching staff keep reiterating the fact that the next game is the most important," explained Welbeck.

"I think the whole squad has got that into their heads and we've all got the same mentality of going into the next game and needing to win to gain momentum.

"Once we come to the Real Madrid game, we'll see what happens. It will be good not to have to travel anywhere for the next four matches in a row and we can try to get wins in every single game.

"All credit to the squad as well because every single player is fighting for their place. They all want to get on the pitch to do the best they can in every competition this year. We are still in three competitions and yet we’re coming to the end of the season. It’s good for the whole squad."

The 22 year-old is keen to add to his tally of two goals this term as the Reds continue to hunt glory on three fronts.

"I've been played out wide a lot of times," Welbeck added on MUTV.

"I'd like to get more goals but it's more difficult to score when playing out wide. You need to be more creative as well but scoring is part of my game I'd like to resurrect.

"If I can add goals from playing on the wing then it's going to be beneficial to the whole team."

[bbfan1991]

Vote: Player of the Month

United were unbeaten in five games in February, with the excellent draw in Madrid the only fixture that did not yield a victory.



Once again, it means there are plenty of candidates for our Player of the Month award and whittling the shortlist down to six names was a task in itself that generated plenty of debate.

Ultimately, we have plumped for this sextet so make your vote count here.

David De Gea is a clear contender following an outstanding run of form that includes the man-of-the-match display in the Bernabeu. The Spanish shot-stopper was also voted star man in the win at Fulham and was nominated for the prize in four of the five games.

Rafael also has two man-of-the-match gongs to his name (against Everton and QPR) and the Brazilian has been superb of late. Even when tested in the first half against Real Madrid, he recovered his composure to rediscover his usual form after the interval.

Defenders feature prominently this month with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both worthy of inclusion for their efforts. The experienced centre-backs played together at Loftus Road, keeping a clean sheet, and look in a formidable mood.

It's been encouraging to see Michael Carrick finally getting the recognition he deserves, as the away fans' chanting on Saturday illustrated, and his consistent work should guarantee he is in the running for the overall United Player of the Year award.

And everybody is running out of superlatives to describe Ryan Giggs' incredible longevity. The Welshman has scored in consecutive Barclays Premier League matches and is providing plenty of experience and nous to help guide the Reds through at key moments.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/Com...-BC1DDB99C2A5}

[bbfan1991]

Joyce enjoys late win

Warren Joyce was pleased to see his Under-21 side snatch a dramatic victory against Liverpool on Monday night.



The Reds won the league clash at the death with a Michele Fornasier effort in injury time after the Merseysiders were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Stephen Sama.

The victory moves Joyce's side into fourth place in the table, with games in hand on the top three - runaway leaders Tottenham, Liverpool and Southampton.

"I'm obviously pleased with the win," he told MUTV. "We kept going until the end and I thought we deserved it.

"I'm disappointed we didn't capitalise and make more use of the sending off. I thought we played better against 11 men than 10. We didn't move the ball quickly enough, work hard enough and weren't creative enough.

"There were a few mistakes defensively as well. We were sloppy at times and a little bit casual getting out to people. We should have really drove the tempo of the game when they were down to 10 men."

Jeff Schlupp, who is on trial from Leicester City, caused problems for the hosts all evening in a central attacking role.

"Jeff was unlucky a couple of times not to score with his bright movement," stated Joyce.

"It's never easy for players coming in but I thought his movement and work-rate were good and he played a part in the goal at the end as well."

The Under-21s' next assignment is a trip to West Ham's Upton Park on Friday night with the action live on MUTV.

The chance to play at a Barclays Premier League stadium is an ideal scenario for Joyce, who is always mindful that his youngsters are building their experience as the campaign progresses.

"Nights like tonight are good games," he stressed after Monday's success. "Playing in front of crowds in stadiums are a massive benefit for the boys as opposed to playing on training grounds during the day."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex seeks home advantage

Manchester United are about to embark on a run of four consecutive home games in three different competitions and Sir Alex Ferguson is urging his side to “take full advantage” of the situation.



The Reds are already well-placed in three competitions and will face Norwich in the Barclays Premier League this weekend, then Real Madrid in the Champions League, Chelsea or Middlesbrough (to be confirmed tonight, Wednesday) in the FA Cup and Reading again in the league – all at Old Trafford – before closing out March with a trip to Sunderland.

There is a rearranged league trip to West Ham to fit in before the end of the season but as yet that has not been allocated a new date. Therefore, as it stands, preparations for the next few matches will not suffer the distraction of travelling up and down the country or to the continent, and United can count on the familiarity of playing at Old Trafford and, of course, home support.

“We’re hopeful that we can take full advantage of this spell,” Sir Alex told MUTV.

The boss is also confident the Old Trafford pitch, which came under scrutiny earlier this year, has improved drastically thanks to the dedicated work of United’s groundstaff.

"I must say, the one thing that is going to help us [in this period] is that the pitch has improved a tremendous amount,” added the boss. "Against Reading it was much, much better. It was not as good as the start of the season obviously but it is getting there. With a further 10 days between the Reading and Norwich games, I expect it to be back to normal."

[bbfan1991]

Robins' Norwich regret

Huddersfield Town boss Mark Robins has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson's winning mentality ahead of the clash between two of his former clubs this weekend.



In an exclusive interview with Inside United, the ex-Reds striker recalled joining Norwich City in 1992 and admits he still enjoys watching the league leaders in action. It is clear that the new Terriers chief has certainly learned some important lessons from his manager at Old Trafford.

"Win at all costs was the strapline and the manager actually demanded that and taught us that," said Robins.

"It was something he wanted in his squad - a winning mentality. It's probably a bit tongue-in-cheek saying 'at all costs' but you have to have that winning mentality.

"Sir Alex came in and knew he needed to win trophies. It took him a bit of time but, thankfully, he remains in the post today after 26 years and has had phenomenal success. It is all down to what he instilled, well reintroduced [from Sir Matt Busby], in the building at that particular time and from then on.

"It's a club synonymous with success in a style that is fantastic to watch. It's intriguing at times and nailbiting. The way they go about their business is fantastic in the way they play and grind teams down.

"It's not just grinding out results but they do it with a swagger at times. The players in there have got real attacking instincts and it's tremendous to watch. In a nutshell, United are an attacking, successful brand."

Robins admits he should not have asked to leave United before heading to Norwich instead of signing a new contract around the time of the inception of the Barclays Premier League.

"I'd asked to move on because I wanted to play," he revealed. "It's one of my regrets. Sometimes you make a decision when you're headstrong and young and make decisions for yourself that you think are right when you really haven't got a clue.

"That was the category it fell into. I should have stayed and waited as the season I left, they won the league. Being young, you don't know how it's going to pan out and, in hindsight, and hindsight is brilliant, I would have stayed a little bit longer.

"The gaffer did offer me a three-year contract which, looking back, was absolutely generous but, me being me, I decided it wasn't for me and I needed to go and play. Yet I was at, for me, the best club in the country by a million miles and I should have scrapped to stay and hang on in there.

"After you've made decisions, you can't afford to have regrets and I had good times at every club I went to and played for but nothing replaces the feeling of playing for a club like United, without a shadow of a doubt."

[bbfan1991]

Final tour date announcement

Following the recent announcements about Manchester United’s summer visits to Yokohama, Osaka and Hong Kong, ManUtd.com will reveal the Reds' final pre-season destination on Thursday.



With games now confirmed for Sydney (20 July), Yokohama (23 July), Osaka (26 July) and Hong Kong (29 July), one more city and date will be revealed at 09:30 GMT on Thursday morning. All of the matches are part of the club's Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

Tickets for United's matches in Japan against Yokohama F·Marinos and Cerezo Osaka went on pre-sale on 8 February and will be on general sale from 7 April. Tickets can be purchased from Ticket Pia (www.pia.co.jp).

Fans can book their seats for the game against Kitchee FC at Hong Kong Stadium now via www.cityline.com, while a third batch of tickets for the friendly against the Australian A-League All Stars in Sydney will be released in April. In the meantime, fans can purchase tour packages from Thomas Cook Sport that include both ticket and accommodation, or sign up to a waiting list on the Football Federation Australia website.

[bbfan1991]

FA Cup: Chelsea next for United

Manchester United's next FA Cup opponents were confirmed tonight (Wednesday) when Chelsea won their fifth-round match at Middlesbrough.



Ramires and Victor Moses scored in the second half as Rafa Benitez's team triumphed 2-0, to line up Sir Alex Ferguson's sixth FA Cup tie against the West London side.

The quarter-final at Old Trafford on Sunday 10 March (kick-off 16:30 GMT) will be the clubs' first meeting in the competition since the 2007 final, when an extra-time goal by Didier Drogba snatched glory for Chelsea, then managed by current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho. However, the Reds have much the better record in FA Cup contests, having beaten the Blues emphatically, 4-0, in the 1994 final and knocked them out in 1996 (semi-final), 1998 (third round) and 1999 (quarter-final replay).

United will hope for better fortune against Chelsea in the FA Cup after losing a nine-goal thriller to the same opponents in the Capital One Cup earlier this season at Stamford Bridge. A fourth clash for 2012/13 is due in early May, when the Blues will return to Old Trafford for the Reds' penultimate home match in the Barclays Premier League.

Official Members can apply online for home match tickets for United vs Chelsea.

Bring it on.

[bbfan1991]

Nemanja Vidic: Manchester United captain managing knee problem

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is confident that he will soon be available for every game as he seeks to overcome a troublesome knee injury.

Vidic admitted he is currently managing the problem that has limited him to only 14 starts since December 2011.

"With playing Wednesday and Saturday, some games I have to think if it's good for myself to play or not," the Serbia defender told BBC Radio Manchester.

"After every game I feel better and better, which is a good sign."

The 31-year-old believes his knee will be in peak condition before the end of the campaign, after revealing he has experienced swelling - but no pain - after some recent outings.

"Sometimes I will get reactions, sometimes not," added Vidic, who has played 256 times for the Premier League leaders.

"When I have got through two or three months without injuries, I will be fine. It's not long-term. It's normal procedure after this kind of operation.

"We have to manage the knee for the next two or three months and after that it's going to be normal."

Vidic's injury issues began when he suffered ligament damage in his right knee during a Champions League tie against Basel.

He missed the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign and required another operation in September after complaining of tightness in the knee.

The centre-back returned to action in mid-December and has appeared in 10 of United's last 16 games in all competitions, including the 2-0 win at lowly QPR on Saturday, which maintained the club's charge towards a record 20th domestic league title.

Keen for his skipper to avoid another lay-off, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed Vidic time to rest between games and even left him out of the side for the first leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid earlier this month, instead pairing Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans at the heart of defence.

[bbfan1991]

The papers are at it again stirring with their nonsense story linking Wayne Rooney to PSG again, he is such a vital player to United and I don't think SAF would sell him now he is settled at the club again and is doing his best since that contract saga.

The stories linking Cristiano Ronaldo back with a move to us in the Summer are interesting because of him having two years left on his Real Madrid contract and is stalling on agreeing a new one, so I am not sure if the club would sacrifice Rooney to buy Ronaldo if we were interested in getting CR7 back.

I would love to see Ronaldo back, but I would not want to see us sacrifice Wayne Rooney and the financial side would always be a problem if it came to getting Ronaldo back unless the sponsorship people stepped in to help and they would get their money back through the commercial aspect and shirt sales etc...

[the truth]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

The papers are at it again stirring with their nonsense story linking Wayne Rooney to PSG again, he is such a vital player to United and I don't think SAF would sell him now he is settled at the club again and is doing his best since that contract saga.

The stories linking Cristiano Ronaldo back with a move to us in the Summer are interesting because of him having two years left on his Real Madrid contract and is stalling on agreeing a new one, so I am not sure if the club would sacrifice Rooney to buy Ronaldo if we were interested in getting CR7 back.

I would love to see Ronaldo back, but I would not want to see us sacrifice Wayne Rooney and the financial side would always be a problem if it came to getting Ronaldo back unless the sponsorship people stepped in to help and they would get their money back through the commercial aspect and shirt sales etc...

but if it came down to a straight swap between the 2, who would you choose?

rooney is being paid too much at £250,000 hes only £250000 a year less than messi who is light years better.....ronaldo wages are more confusing with commission increases every season, but I think he may be on a bit more even than messi.

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by the truth

but if it came down to a straight swap between the 2, who would you choose?

rooney is being paid too much at £250,000 hes only £250000 a year less than messi who is light years better.....ronaldo wages are more confusing with commission increases every season, but I think he may be on a bit more even than messi.

Rooney isn't on £250,000. It's the papers stirring. He will only earn £250,000 if he completes the bonuses in his contract.

[bbfan1991]

De Gea voted February star

David De Gea says he’s delighted his February performances have earned him the ManUtd.com Player of the Month award.



The Spanish stopper kept three clean sheets in five games and turned in Man of the Match displays away at Fulham and, most memorably, Real Madrid.

That game at the Bernabeu was even described by some media outlets as De Gea’s “coming of age” moment and drew praise from those who had previously been among his harshest critics.

United fans have always been behind the goalkeeper, though, and they voted in their thousands across the club's seven language websites in our end-of-month poll. De Gea collected 57 per cent of the vote, ahead of Rafael (21 per cent) and Ryan Giggs (12 per cent). Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand shared the remaining votes.

It’s the third time De Gea has won the Player of the Month award since joining the Reds at the beginning of the 2011/12 season. No other United player has won it more often in that period.

"It’s very good to have the support of the fans, so I’m happy to win this award," De Gea told ManUtd.com. "I can hear the supporters during the games so I know they’re singing about me. I’m very grateful for that."

De Gea was loathe to take all the credit for his award, however, and was quick to acknowledge those who play in front of him, while revealing his favourite save of the period came at the Bernabeu.

"I think we’ve been very good in defence as a whole and have been keeping some clean sheets," he added.

"I think my favourite save from the last month was definitely the one with my left hand against Real Madrid, when I pushed Fabio Coentrao’s shot against a post."

Thanks to everybody who voted in the poll.

Well done to David De Gea. I am pleased for him and glad that he knows that the fans are fully backing him.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney's home help

Wayne Rooney admits it will be to Manchester United's benefit to have a run of four consecutive home games.



The upcoming agenda includes outings in all three competitions - the Barclays Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup - at Old Trafford and the lack of travelling should provide a boost during a busy spell.

"The day before away matches, we travel down and stay in a hotel," explained Rooney to ManUtd.com at his book signing event in Manchester this week.

"We prepare as normal for the game but, with home matches, we go to the hotel on the night before to have our dinner there and then stay over. We get up and prepare for the game but it's not much different in terms of preparation. However, having that home advantage is a great help to us. That's a real difference.

"When we play away, we finish the game and then are either flying back or getting the train or coach. With home matches, we finish the game and I can be back at my house within 40 minutes or something like that. So that's one big help as well.

"It's always nice to play at home so to have a few games there back-to-back is good."

[bbfan1991]

Preview: United v Norwich

Date, time and coverage: Saturday 2 March, kick-off 15:00 GMT.

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

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Ryan57

Rooney isn't on £250,000. It's the papers stirring. He will only earn £250,000 if he completes the bonuses in his contract.

This, the rumoured wage Rooney gets from United is actually between £150,000-160,000 per week and the rest of the amount adding up to £250,000 is from sponsorship/commercial stuff he does.

[Legend killer]

I have an AWFUL feeling Giggs is going to start in CM vs Madrid. It has been nagging me since the QPR game and SAF pretty much said Giggs will start in his press conference today. He deserves to start left wing but should be know where near Xabi or Khederia in the centre

As for Rooney if he is not starting up top im sorry guys he should be left on the bench vs Madrid. He is useless out wide and for all his supposed work rate left Raf utterly exposed vs Ronnie Ozil by himself the fact he would take Nanis spot on the wing makes it even worse

[thesheriff443]

im waiting in, for ticket's for man u v rael madrid.

[the truth]

Originally Posted by Legend killer

I have an AWFUL feeling Giggs is going to start in CM vs Madrid. It has been nagging me since the QPR game and SAF pretty much said Giggs will start in his press conference today. He deserves to start left wing but should be know where near Xabi or Khederia in the centre

As for Rooney if he is not starting up top im sorry guys he should be left on the bench vs Madrid. He is useless out wide and for all his supposed work rate left Raf utterly exposed vs Ronnie Ozil by himself the fact he would take Nanis spot on the wing makes it even worse

he will do a terrific job if selected there as usual
Id hope you will give him a standing ovation in his 1000th first class game

[Legend killer]

If you think Giggs should be starting in centre midfield vs Madrid you are honestly more clueless then I originally thought SMH did you not watch him get ABUSED by both Norwich and Spurs this year. Heck why don't we chuck Scholes in there too and play him in Giggs and a midfield 2

It's not a coincidence his best run of form this year started with him playing back out on the wing

[the truth]

Originally Posted by Legend killer

If you think Giggs should be starting in centre midfield vs Madrid you are honestly more clueless then I originally thought SMH did you not watch him get ABUSED by both Norwich and Spurs this year. Heck why don't we chuck Scholes in there too and play him in Giggs and a midfield 2

It's not a coincidence his best run of form this year started with him playing back out on the wing

will you be giving him a standing ovation on his 1000th first class appearance?

[Legend killer]

Why would i give someone a standing ovation for being paid millions to do there hobbie as a job. And before you start crying i gave him a standing ovation for smashing Imogen Thomas already