[bbfan1991]

Rooney expects stern test

Manchester United made light work of Fulham when the Cottagers visited Old Trafford last weekend, but Wayne Rooney expects this Saturday’s league clash in west London to prove more difficult.



The Reds won the FA Cup fourth round clash at a canter – thanks to goals from Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez (2) – but have won just once in the last four league visits to Craven Cottage.

And while Martin Jol’s side have taken just 18 points from a possible 36 at home this season, they’ve tasted defeat by the banks of the Thames just once since the beginning of December, hinting at a recent change in fortune in front of their own fans.

“At home, Fulham are a different team,” Rooney said. “It’s always a difficult game there. It’s a smaller pitch and a compact stadium. That suits them.

“They’ve got players who can take the ball between the lines because the pitch isn’t as big and then create chances. It will be a completely different game [to the one at Old Trafford].

“They are down near the bottom so they will be fighting to get one or three points. We will need to make sure we are at our best to beat them.”

United will certainly need to improve on the second-half showing against Southampton in midweek that almost cost the Reds valuable points in the title race. The Reds not only had to come from behind after conceding an early goal, but had to endure a barrage of Saints attacks after the interval.

Sir Alex’s men dug deep to hang on, however, and now go to Craven Cottage with an opportunity to extend the lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table to 10 points.

Rooney netted both United’s goals on Wednesday night to take his tally for the season to 12. But he insists personal glory means nothing to him.

“It’s nice to score and it helped the team pick up points,” he said. “That’s the most important thing, that the team picks up points. I have always said I am not really too concerned with how many goals I score as long as we keep winning. But it is nice to score and hopefully that will continue.”

Wise word Wayne, he is hitting good form at the right time!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex denies FA charge

At 17:00 GMT on Friday 1 February, the Football Association released the following statement on www.thefa.com:

"Sir Alex Ferguson has denied an FA charge of misconduct in relation to post-match media comments made following Manchester United’s game at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 20 January 2013.

"It is alleged the Manchester United manager breached FA Rule E3 in that he implied that the match official was motivated by bias.

"Ferguson has requested a paper hearing, the date of which will be set in due course."

Well done SAF.

[bbfan1991]

Preview: Fulham v United

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

[bbfan1991]

One track mind: Fergie insists Man United won't suffer from complacency this time

Old Trafford boss promises to treat every game the same after being tested by Southampton



Sir Alex Ferguson insists there will be no complacency from his Manchester United players in the title race run-in.

The Red Devils can go 10 points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City with victory at Fulham tomorrow evening.

City do not host Liverpool until the following day, but Ferguson said there is no danger of his players getting ahead of themselves and believing the title is won.

"Every game is treated the same way," said Ferguson.

"We saw the effort Southampton put in on Wednesday, which is a reminder to us that you get three points for winning a game, not just against the top teams, but also teams in the lower part of the league.

"The great example for us is last season, when we lost at home to Blackburn. It would be quite easy to say that cost us the league.

"But I don't expect my players to be complacent, I really don't. Wednesday was a reminder for us."

Ashley Young and Jonny Evans are still out for United, although Ferguson said he hoped the former would start training today.

"We're quite healthy in terms of the players available," said Ferguson.

"Ashley Young is the one who's still not available, and hopefully Jonny Evans will train today, which will give us another defender, which is good news.

"Fulham got a fantastic result on Wednesday [a 3-1 win over West Ham], a result they really needed.

"We hope we can successfully navigate this one, because we're getting to that stage of the season where every game is important.

"I will make one or two changes and freshen things up. Rio Ferdinand will definitely play, and I'll change a few positions around."

[bbfan1991]

Beckham move surprises boss

Sir Alex Ferguson may not be a fan of the media circus that accompanies transfer deadline day but he noted David Beckham's move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with interest.



The former Old Trafford star sealed a five-month switch to the French capital rather than join one of United's domestic rivals. Despite plenty of Barclays Premier League interest in the veteran midfielder, Beckham has always insisted he would never join another English side out of respect for the Reds.

"I didn't think he'd sign for an English club," Sir Alex told MUTV. "He's always said he would never sign for an English club after his career with United and he was true to his word that way.

"I must admit I didn't see the PSG move coming though, I don't think anyone did. I was surprised."

The live television coverage of deadline day itself may be popular with some fans but the boss was not glued to his screen watching the clock tick past 11pm.

"It's an absolute shambles," Sir Alex laughed. "I mean they [TV] go over to a ground and there's a poor young reporter there being mobbed by about 30 kids. I mean it's humiliation. It's absolutely terrible what they do.

"I don't know what benefit they get to be honest, other than filling some loose time they've got on TV. I'm sure all the managers are glad it's over."

Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about the transfer window are so right.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex demands better

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Manchester United will be made to pay for not killing teams off when given the opportunity.



The Reds boss believes his side should have been “four or five goals up” at half-time when Southampton visited Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Instead, he and the United fans in attendance were forced to endure a nervy second period in which the Saints came perilously close to snatching an equaliser.

“It must be hard for our fans,” he admitted. “It’s the sadistic nature of our team.

“It was poor from us, though. We should have been 5-0 up at half-time.

“In my experience, there are always one or two games a season where you say to yourself: ‘We were lucky today.’ I think we were lucky in the second half.”

Following last season’s dramatic conclusion, in which the Reds lost the league to crosstown rivals Manchester City on goal difference, Sir Alex knows all too well the dangers inherent with not pressing advantages home. And he’s determined not to go through a similar experience this time around.

“We didn't enjoy last season. You couldn't enjoy that. A few times this season we’ve been in comfortable positions but haven't dug our nails into [the game].

“It's frustrating because I know we're capable of doing that. It could go to goal difference again and that's an issue.

“At the moment we're only two goals better off than Manchester City but that could be undone in one game. We've had opportunities to be better.”

Nevertheless, despite the manager’s concerns, United go into the weekend’s fixtures holding a seven-point lead at the top of the table. City host Liverpool on Sunday, meaning a Reds win at Craven Cottage on Saturday would, temporarily at least, extend the Reds’ lead into double figures.

“It's very tempting to think about being 10 points clear,” Sir Alex admitted, “but the most important thing is to keep our feet on the ground and try and win our game at Fulham. Then we'll see where that takes us.

“There's a long way to go [this season. Fourteen games. A lot can happen.

“We're not certainties. Nobody's a certainty in this league - they never have been. We were 11 points clear of Arsenal one year and lost the league. We were 12 points behind Newcastle one year and won it. It's an unremitting league. If you make mistakes you get punished.

“[That’s why] I don't think we can afford to drop any points. When you drop points it only encourages everybody around you.

“I know fine well that points will be dropped, I suppose, by both ourselves and Manchester City. But I hope we don't drop points, particularly in the next few games.”

[bbfan1991]

Rooney reveals penalty chat

Wayne Rooney has revealed it was his decision – not Sir Alex Ferguson’s – to stop taking Manchester United’s penalties.



The striker told MUTV he met with the Reds boss following his FA Cup third round replay miss against West Ham to inform the manager he wished to pass spot-kick duties to Robin van Persie.

Rooney, who’s missed nine of the 28 penalties he’s taken in a United shirt since his arrival from Everton in 2004, acknowledged his recent record wasn’t good enough. Seven of those misses have come since the start of 2010, including two – against West Ham and Arsenal – this season.

“To be honest, it was my choice,” Rooney revealed when asked if he was disappointed to have been relieved of penalty duties.

“It wasn't good enough. I went in to speak with the manager and said I'd spoken with Robin [van Persie] and told him he could take them.

“At a club like this, to miss two penalties like I did and not hit the target, it wasn't good enough.”

Following the England striker’s conversation with Sir Alex, United were subsequently awarded a penalty against Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round.

But with Robin van Persie on the bench, responsibility fell to veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs to dispatch the ball from 12 yards. He made no mistake, slotting home past Mark Schwarzer to give United an early lead.

Rooney's admission suggests it's likely he won't take the Reds' next spot-kick, although Sir Alex remains confident the striker will, at some point, return to penalty-taking duties.

Well done Wayne, a mature decision to do for the sake of the team. I am sure he will be back on penalty duties again when he has more practice because of his current bad luck with them!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex's faith in full squad

Sir Alex Ferguson has placed his trust in all the players in his Manchester United squad ahead of what promises to be an exciting push for glory this term.



The Reds can open up a 10-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit with victory away to Fulham ahead of Manchester City's clash with Liverpool on Sunday. The manager firmly believes he has enough depth and talent at his disposal to challenge for all the top honours with Real Madrid and Reading up next in the Champions League and FA Cup respectively.

After utilising his squad to good effect thus far, decisions are going to prove difficult with the games continuing to come thick and fast but Sir Alex will have no qualms about throwing any of his charges into the fray.

"I think the freshness is good," he explained. "If you trust players and believe in them, then why not play them? There's not a player I'm reluctant to play.

"Everybody can take part in the games, without question. When we played West Ham at home, I was surprised by how strong a side Sam Allardyce put out that night, but we made 10 changes and they played really well. It was a good performance and I was quite pleased with that. I made 10 other changes the next week.

"It's simply because these are international footballers. There's only Alexander Büttner and Nick Powell who don't have full senior caps. Nick Powell's had an injury for the last few weeks, although he's back in training now. He's one player who could make a difference to us. He's a talented boy. Büttner's also settled in very well, but he's not an international. But everyone around about him is, so why not play him?"

[bbfan1991]

Man Utd line up to start at Fulham - De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Rooney, Valencia, RVP.

Man Utd subs: Anderson, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Welbeck, Kagawa, Amos.

I like the look of that strong line up, hopefully a win for United. Glad to see Jonny Evans back, plus Nani and Antonio Valencia have a vital opportunity on the wings to try and find some form.

[bbfan1991]

Vital win and United are 10 points clear until tomorrow when City play at least.

It was an end to end game with both sides having chances to score, although Fulham were hard to break down until Wayne Rooney finally broke them down in the second half with a quality individual move for his goal.

Our defence were awesome and DDG too, who produced some good saves and kicks etc, so he must have been buzzing hearing the fans shout his name and showing support.

Carrick and Cleverley worked hard in Midfield and I enjoy their partnership and understanding.

A clean sheet feels nice. It was so funny when the floodlights went off before half time too!

[bbfan1991]

Fair play to the United fans who made this flag.

[bbfan1991]

Report: Fulham 0 United 1

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

[Brother Leon]

We're Man United..We'll play in the dark.

[bbfan1991]

Vote: Man of the Match

United went 10 points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit with a 1-0 win at Fulham.

Wayne Rooney was the matchwinner with his second-half strike enough to earn another precious victory, as the goal that evoked memories of Cristiano Ronaldo's famous effort at Craven Cottage in 2007. The No10 is an obvious contender for Man of the Match, after also hitting a post, but we have four other options in our poll.

David De Gea surely silenced any critics with a splendid performance, with two saves in the first half right out of the top drawer. The touching of a Bryan Ruiz shot onto an upright was probably in the world-class category. The Spaniard also caught all the crosses thrown into the box and kicked with confidence.

In defence, Jonny Evans returned from injury and looked as though he had never been away. The Northern Ireland international put his body on the line, particularly late on, and made several crucial interceptions. The centre-back's long ball forward also means he claims an assist for the winner.

Nani also warrants a place on our short-list in his first league start since September as he tricked his way down both flanks and was often an outlet in the attacks. Although some of his crosses were disappointing, he is regaining his sparkle and can be a key figure going forward.

Rio Ferdinand was immaculate, alongside Evans, and helped ensure a clean sheet on the road was maintained. One vital header from deep inside his own area towards the end summed up his presence as this was another fine display by the veteran campaigner.

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

[bbfan1991]

Tour 2013: More destinations revealed

ManUtd.com will be making a series of special announcements about Manchester United’s 2013 Tour from Monday morning onwards.



The club announced, in December, a friendly match in Sydney on 20 July – United’s one and only game in Australia during the tour – as part of the team’s pre-season preparations. And throughout this week we will confirm more cities Sir Alex’s men will be visiting in July.

Make sure you visit the official club website at 03:00 GMT on Monday morning when the first announcement will be made. Others will follow on Tuesday 5 February and Thursday 7 February - we will confirm specific times for these announcements in due course.

United's official travel partner Thomas Cook Sport will be making supporter travel and accommodation packages available for the 2013 Tour in due course. Register your interest here for updates.

You can also sign up for more information on Tour 2013, including priority ticket updates and to enter exclusive competitions, by visiting www.ManUtd.com/Tour2013.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex hails excellent win

Sir Alex Ferguson described Manchester United’s tight 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage as “an excellent result” and highlighted his side’s dogged commitment as the defining factor in a win that extends the Reds’ top-of-the-table advantage to ten points.



Wayne Rooney struck in the second half to clinch a valuable three points that puts pressure on rivals Manchester City, who play Liverpool on Sunday.

“It's an excellent result for us and I'm very pleased with that,” said Sir Alex. “They've had a great home record over the years and that's a really important result for us. It's a good position [being ten points clear], we're pleased.

"It was a fantastic, battling performance," he told MUTV. "There was a great determination about us. I thought they were really up for it, the players, making sure they weren't going to lose the game.

"This is not an easy place to come to, as everyone knows, and over the years they've been difficult to beat here. It's a good performance, a really good game, an important result... they're all important now. It's three points for each team you play against, it doesn't matter if it's the top, the bottom or the middle, they all count."

Rooney got the crucial goal with little over ten minutes remaining, but David De Gea’s key saves and the willingness of United’s back four to put their bodies in the way of shots and crosses was equally influential.

“When you look at our performance, you saw players who were prepared to put their body on the line," the boss added in an interview with ESPN. "We blocked shots, had great headers out of the defence, it was a really determined effort by the players and we still played our football into the bargain.

“Fulham had some great chances and our goalkeeper, Rio and Jonny were terrific. We had a few chances ourselves, in the second half in particular – clear chances for Robin van Persie, Chicharito.

"In the first half we hit the woodwork three times. I think we've deserved to win, but it was a smashing game. There were so many chances in the match and some terrific football."

It was a vital win indeed.

[bbfan1991]

Reds all backing De Gea

Wayne Rooney says everybody at United is fully behind David De Gea after the Reds' No1 silenced any critics with an outstanding performance at Fulham.



The Spain Under-21 international kept a clean sheet at Craven Cottage and pulled off some stunning saves to once again prove his quality. Despite evidence to the contrary, the media continue to cast doubt over the youngster's grip on the goalkeeper's position at the club.

However, Rooney was joined by Jonny Evans and Sir Alex Ferguson in praising the former Atletico Madrid man for his display in West London after his last trip to the capital ended with harsh criticism for his part in the build-up to Clint Dempsey's late equaliser for Tottenham.

"He was superb," stated Rooney. "I think he's been great for us over the last few weeks as he's made some great saves.

"I know he got a little bit of criticism after the Tottenham game but he made five or six world-class saves in that game and it wasn't the biggest mistake I've ever seen.

"We're all behind him and backing him. He's a great player for us and for the future as well."

Commanding centre-back Evans claims he was not surprised to see De Gea pull off a magnificent fingertip save to divert a Bryan Ruiz shot against the woodwork.

"He made some outstanding saves, especially the one from Ruiz, which he tipped onto the post," explained Evans. "We’re used to seeing that from him. We didn’t necessarily think, ‘great save’, because we’re used to him doing that. I think people underestimate his shot-stopping ability."

The manager explained how it is important for his first-choice keeper to relish the challenge at Old Trafford, no matter how difficult sections of the media may make it for him at times.

"It's not fazed him, for sure," Sir Alex stated. "He's enjoyed this game tonight. We've said that to him - Eric Steele has in particular - to enjoy playing here. It's a challenge and it's not easy for a young goalkeeper, but he's enjoyed tonight.''

Well said Sir Alex and Wayne. United and us fans are behind David De Gea!

[bbfan1991]

Rooney spots similarities

Wayne Rooney hopes that his winner at Fulham can prove to be a lucky omen for Manchester United after extending the lead at the top of the table to 10 points.



The England international netted his 10th goal in 10 games in a manner similar to the way Cristiano Ronaldo bagged an all-important late strike during the 2006/2007 title-winning campaign.

"It was obviously a little bit similar," he admitted afterwards. "I think, after that [Ronaldo's winner], we went on to win the league and went on a great run that season. Hopefully that can happen again after today.

"I think, as you run through, that you always try and assess the situation and what you feel is best to do - if you feel you can score or if a team-mate is in a better position to score. But I fancied the shot and, thankfully, it's gone in."

Rooney conceded United had to dig deep to earn another vital three points with the Cottagers creating chances themselves throughout the 90 minutes.

"It did feel significant," he added. "It was a tough game. It's always difficult coming here and they made it difficult for us. We had a few chances in the first half - hit the post and crossbar three times, I think - bu they made it difficult in the second half.

"We just had to keep going and believe we could get the goal, and thankfully we did. After that we hung on really well. It's a massive three points for us."

The focus shifts to Manchester City as the champions look to reduce the deficit at the top in Sunday's home clash with improving Liverpool.

"We're in a good position, of course, but we're not going to get carried away," insisted Rooney.

"We need to just keep going and taking each game as it comes and see where we are with three or four games to go. That'll be the time we can really believe we're going to win it.

"You never know about tomorrow. The most important thing for us was winning today and then we'll see what happens. Hopefully, City will drop points but, if not, we'll have to just keep going."

[Brother Leon]

I was at Cottage and he looked chuffed when we kept singin his name. Kept giving us a thumbs up and thanks. Really want him to shut everyone up.

[bbfan1991]

Evans: It's good to be back

Jonny Evans is back playing after a month on the sidelines through injury and he relished the hard slog seeing out United’s victory against Fulham on Saturday.



The 25-year-old defender put in a hard shift at Craven Cottage as the Reds held out for an important 1-0 victory courtesy not only of Wayne Rooney’s 79th minute strike but some resolute defensive work.

Evans admitted to feeling rusty after a month out with a troublesome hamstring problem. “It’s good to be back but I got cramp in my calves in the last ten minutes!” he told MUTV. “It took me a while to get into the game in the first 20 minutes. Once I got over that I felt all right. I’m just glad to be back out there.

“It was a tough game. Once we scored it actually gave them a bit of impetus to put pressure on us. Our main concern was not wanting to sit back and invite the pressure, but that turned out to be the case. We defended well and won some good headers to see out the game.”

Rooney’s late intervention felt like it could be more broadly significant in the title race. “It was a good time to get the goal and I think I should get an assist for that,” Evans joked. “Wazza took the goal brilliantly. He showed great composure and put it right in the bottom corner.

“It does feel [like a significant result], especially going ten points clear, even with City having a game in hand. We had a great result at Fulham last year when we won 5-0, but in seasons gone by it has been really tough for us. It’s a hard place to come and we had to grind out the result. We had quite a few chances but once the goal went in it was a bit of a relief. After that we just had to defend well.”

I am glad you are back for us Jonny too.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Brother Leon

I was at Cottage and he looked chuffed when we kept singin his name. Kept giving us a thumbs up and thanks. Really want him to shut everyone up.

Cool, that is nice of him. Wayne Rooney is in superb form right now and for me he is the heartbeat of this United team, although RVP is too and our entire squad is full of quality.

He has definitely matured and put past mistakes on/off the pitch behind him and is totally committed to the United cause and will go down as our top goalscorer.

[bbfan1991]

I would have preferred a Liverpool win, although Manchester City dropping points is a result for United.

United cannot afford to get complacent because there are still more twists and turns to come in this title race IMO.

[bbfan1991]

Wayne backs Welbeck

Wayne Rooney has urged critics to stop judging Danny Welbeck purely on his goals return.



Welbeck, 22, came second behind Steven Gerrard at the FA’s England Player of the Year awards on Sunday night, but has found the net just once for Manchester United in 2012/13.

Rooney, however, is at pains to point out that the young forward hasn’t always been deployed as an out-and-out striker.

“We're not too concerned about him not scoring too many this season. He’s a fantastic player who works hard and brings a lot of energy to the team.

“He hasn’t been playing up front a lot – he’s been playing out wide. He’s been doing a job for the team, which, as players, we’re all grateful for.”

Rooney admits he’s suffered similar criticism in the past when he’s dropped deep and his goal tally has, naturally, slowed.

“Everyone labels Danny as a striker and I have had that at times when I have played in different positions. Someone will bring up the fact that I haven't scored for eight games when I hadn't played up front!

“Danny has been out wide a lot this season. He is a great player and his time will come when he gets that run up front. I am sure then he will score goals.”

Spot on Wayne and I believe that Welbz has the potential to improve.

[bbfan1991]

Loans: Bebe in top form

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...r-rio-ave.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Tour 2013: Third date due soon

Following the announcement of Manchester United’s summer visit to Hong Kong, ManUtd.com will reveal another pre-season destination on Tuesday.



With games already confirmed for Sydney (20 July) and Hong Kong (29 July), a further city and date will be revealed at 01:00 GMT on Tuesday morning. All of the matches are part of the club's Tour 2013, presented by Aon.

Tickets for the game against the Australian A-League All Stars in Sydney have been selling extremely well – the first two batches of tickets were snapped up in minutes when they went on sale in December. A third phase of tickets is scheduled to be released in April 2013; in the meantime, fans can sign up to a waiting list on the Football Federation Australia website. Tickets for the match against Kitchee FC at Hong Kong Stadium will go on sale on 20 February at www.cityline.com.

Fans can register their interest for travel and accommodation packages with United's official travel partner Thomas Cook Sport.

To register for official tour emails, including priority ticket updates and exclusive competitions, please visit www.manutd.com/tour2013.