[bbfan1991]

Schmeichel lauds De Gea save

David De Gea's one-handed save in the first half at Sunderland was one of the best ever seen in the Premier League, according to Peter Schmeichel.



The stunning save to his right from United's Spanish goalkeeper denied a powerful header from Emanuele Giaccherini, and prevented the home side from taking a two-goal lead.

It proved to be a pivotal moment. After Giaccherini missed an easier chance before the break, the Reds hit back to claim three points through two superb goals from Adnan Januzaj.

Reds legend Schmeichel described the save, saying: "He's got to look at the ball, follow the ball and he has to readjust and come back. This is for me one of the best saves I've ever seen in the Premier League. And it can prove to be one of the most important moments as well. That could be the kickstart."

Reds boss David Moyes continued: "It was an incredible save. We had been playing quite well but at 1-0 down they managed to spring a few counter attacks on us and David made an incredible save. I said it at half time that David De Gea might have kept us in this game with that save."

The timing and context of De Gea's brilliance - at that stage in the match and on the back of United having lost the two previous Premier League games - was not lost on Schmeichel, who told Sky Sports: "This is six games into a new season under a new manager. If you go 2-0 down there, they could have lost the game. It's an important save."

Wow at that praise from a United GK legend for David De Gea! DDG is awesome and he will keep continue to improve and become more world class than he already is at the level he is at right now...

[bbfan1991]

Fellaini to see specialist

Marouane Fellaini is to see a specialist about the wrist injury that kept the midfielder out of United's win at Sunderland.



Saturday's trip to the Stadium of Light was the first time the 25-year-old had not been involved for the Reds since his arrival from Everton on transfer deadline day.

"He’s got a wrist injury," said manager David Moyes after the 2-1 win over the Black Cats.

"He’s going to see a specialist. It doesn’t sound too good but we’ll wait and find out on Monday.”

Fellaini has started three games and appeared twice as a substitute for United.

I hope he is back soon for us.

[bbfan1991]

Januzaj voted star man

Adnan Januzaj was the unanimous choice for the fans' Man of the Match award after his double strike inspired United's comeback at Sunderland.



The Belgian-born youngster made the most of his first start in the Barclays Premier League by smashing two superb finishes past Kieren Westwood and earning an important three points for the champions.

Users on ManUtd.com and followers of our official Twitter page @ManUtd had their say and Januzaj polled 86 per cent of the vote to become the runaway victor.

David De Gea, who made an astounding save to keep out Emanuele Giaccherini's header, was second with nine per cent while Wayne Rooney finished third on five per cent.

Former United stars Lou Macari and Lee Martin made the nominations on MUTV.

"I think the first thing about today was it was a shock to everybody that Januzaj was playing from the start," commented Macari. "Everyone was saying, ‘Can he do it for 90 minutes? Will he last the 90 minutes?’

"In the first 45 minutes, I thought he looked like one of our brightest players, if not the brightest player. And then in the second half he scored the two goals. The first goal was brilliant, the second goal was magnificent. He showed that he is certainly a star for the future."

Well done Adnan, thoroughly deserved.

[bbfan1991]

Jones: We put the record straight

Phil Jones has hailed a battling United display in the Reds’ comeback win away at Sunderland.



The home side belied their status at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table to take the lead after only five minutes through Craig Gardner, but two well-taken goals from Adnan Januzaj, who was starting a league match for the first time, gave United all three points.

“Everyone dug in today, it was a great performance and a massive three points,” Jones declared to MUTV. “We were put on the back foot right from the first minute, and perhaps we didn’t get out of the traps as well as we should have done.

"They were fired up, and perhaps we didn’t expect it quite as much as we should have in the first 10 minutes, but once we got to grips with the game I thought we played some terrific stuff.

“That was the sign of champions out there. When your backs are against the wall and everyone’s raising questions, a performance like that puts the record straight.”

Jones was full of praise for Januzaj following the young Belgian’s outstanding performance, which won him the Man of the Match award from United fans on ManUtd.com and the club’s official Twitter account @ManUtd.

“He’s a massive talent and he’s got a lot of ability,” he added. “If Gareth Bale scores one like the second goal, everyone’s raving about it. He’s a bubbly lad and a fantastic footballer, but he’s a level-headed guy as well. He knows what he has got to do, he has to keep his head down and if he keeps playing like that he is going to hit the heights.”

Key to the turnaround in the Reds’ fortunes at the Stadium of Light was a brilliant one-handed save by David De Gea to deny Emanuele Giaccherini in the first half, a moment acknowledged by the grateful and impressed England international.

“It was a terrific save, and one of the reasons why we got three points today. It was out of the blue, and a great reaction save from David.”

[Ryan57]

Seems Fellaini's masturbation injury hasn't kept him out for long. He's available for Belgium according to SSN.

[Legend killer]

I said to Ferguson: 'Play me, and I will show you if I'm ready or not'," the French international told Telefoot.

"Against Blackburn, on December 31, 2011, I was on the bench. Ferguson puts Rafael in midfield with Ji Sung Park. Then I gave up. I was really bummed.

Disgusting how Pogba was treated say what you want about Moyes but he gave Adnan his chance(let's be honest if Fergie was manager would be getting ZERO GAMETIME) and is already giving the likes of Lingard more of a chance

Pogba IS EXACTLY what are missing and the way he was treated is quite disgusting

[bbfan1991]

Januzaj signs new United deal

Manchester United is delighted to announce that Adnan Januzaj has signed a new five-year contract to June 2018.



The 18-year-old Belgium-born winger made his competitive first-team debut as a substitute in this season’s Community Shield at Wembley. In his first Barclays Premier League start, he scored both United's goals in a 2-1 win at Sunderland before the recent international break.

David Moyes said: "I'm delighted that Adnan has committed his future to United. He is an outstanding talent and has impressed me consistently since I came to United in July. His balance, poise and ability to beat players is truly exceptional for a boy of his age. It’s great that he recognises that this club, with its tradition for developing young players and giving them a chance on the biggest stage, is the best place for him to be."

Adnan Januzaj said: "It’s a great thrill to be able to sign for Manchester United. Since arriving here I have always felt like this was the right club for me. This season has been great for me – going on the pre season tour, making my debut in the Community Shield win at Wembley and then breaking into the team at Sunderland – it’s like a dream. I want to work hard now and establish myself as a Manchester United player."

So pleased about this. He has so much more potential to improve and is down to earth too!

Now come on United later!

[bbfan1991]

Moyes' Adnan admiration

David Moyes is excited about Adnan Januzaj's potential and insists he is willing to blood more of Manchester United's young talents.



The Reds boss admits he is still unsure where the 18-year-old's best position will be in the future but has paid tribute to Januzaj's attitude and upbringing as he deals with the media glare that has followed his spectacular showing at Sunderland in the last Barclays Premier League outing.

Speaking the day before it was confirmed that Januzaj had signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford, Moyes told reporters: "He’s a really, really good football player who is going to be able to play in several positions.

"Time will tell what his best one will be. He could arguably be a centre-forward – he’s that good as well with his back to goal but is also very good coming in off the left or right. Maybe he could be a no.10 when he grows with experience and gets better. As you saw with his goals at Sunderland, he’s got a goal in him as well, is a maker of goals and is all-round a very, very good and talented football player.

"I think you’ve got to remember – he’s 18 not 20. Some players play for other clubs that are 18 who are good players but I think, when you play for Manchester United at 18, it’s a big thing."

The teenager's professionalism has impressed the manager as he has adapted incredibly quickly to top-level football but remains grounded.

"He has no problem training with the Reserves or youth team," added Moyes. "He’s got no ego to him. He’s a real humble boy who has been really well looked after by his dad and family. They have kept him really the right way as he’s a good boy and level headed. I think he can handle anything that comes, I really do. Obviously I won’t play him in all the games or use him all the time but we’ll certainly consider using him when we think the time is right."

The overall objective is to continue promoting some of the outstanding talent available within the ranks at the Aon Training Complex.

"I think when I got it, part of this job was to introduce young players," explained the manager. "When we’re in the dressing room area I see Matt Busby’s comment that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and, from that point of view, that has near enough been the philosophy through this club.

"The last manager put young players in when he had them. If I have got more young ones, I’ll look to play them and I’ll try to bring them on. It’s what they do well here."

[bbfan1991]

Danny relishes home comforts

Danny Welbeck is relishing a run of four home games after a three-week spell away from Old Trafford.



Trips to Donetsk and Sunderland at the start of the month were followed by the international break which was a highly enjoyable one for Welbeck who, along with Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones, helped England secure a spot at next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Four consecutive home matches, in three competitions, now lay ahead for the Reds with Southampton first up on Saturday afternoon.

"It’s nice to be back playing at home," Welbeck told ManUtd.com. "Before we went away for the internationals we were away in Ukraine for three days, then at Sunderland and then away with our countries so it’s nice to be in Manchester again for a bit.

"We’ve got four games at Old Trafford now and we want to win every single one of them. It’s really important that we kick on.

"Southampton have done very well and had a good start to the season so we know it won’t be easy for us. They’ll come to Old Trafford with confidence wanting to pick up some points. We just have to focus on ourselves and make sure we’re ready.

"We love this kind of period when the games are coming thick and fast. You just can’t wait to get out on the pitch for every match.

"Everyone is in good spirits," he added, "particularly those who have been away on international duty as a lot of us had have some good results. The focus is on United now though and we can’t wait for the game on Saturday."

[bbfan1991]

Van Persie doubtful

David Moyes has revealed he is concerned about Robin van Persie's fitness ahead of Saturday's visit of Southampton.



The Netherlands striker was withdrawn at half-time during his country's victory against Turkey on Tuesday and must be a doubt for the Old Trafford encounter with the high-flying Saints.

Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez also need to be monitored after their international exertions and all three look set to face late checks before the return to Barclays Premier League action.

"We've got a few who came back with a few bumps and bruises," the manager told MUTV. "Probably the one we're most worried about is Robin van Persie. Antonio is very late coming back from South America. Chicharito too. They're the ones who always have long-haul flights. But we're a bit worried about Robin and the condition he's come back in. We'll see how he is tomorrow.

"He got a kick in the calf and he came off at half-time in the second game. He had a kick in the calf and he also had problems with his toes as well. We'll see how he is."

Moyes was also quick to pay tribute to van Persie for overtaking Patrick Kluivert's all-time goals tally for the Netherlands.

"It's an incredible achievement and I've spoken to him about it," added the boss. "I think what he wants to do now is go on and score more goals for Holland and do it in the World Cup where it matters. There have been some brilliant Dutch centre-forwards over the years - to be at the top of that list is something special for him."

[bbfan1991]

Preview: Southampton

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

[bbfan1991]

Rio hails Adnan impact

Rio Ferdinand says Adnan Januzaj has been the shining light of the season so far.



ManUtd.com confirmed on Saturday morning that the 18-year-old had signed a new five-year deal with the club. And in an exclusive interview with United Review, Ferdinand discussed how impressed he's been by the youngster's form this term, particularly in the Reds' last game against Sunderland when Januzaj fired United to victory.

"There have been positives about this season with the best one of those being the emerging talent of Adnan," declared the defender. "We saw how well he did in pre-season and he’s taken that into the season and when he’s had his opportunities for the first team he’s done really, really well. Even if he hadn’t have scored [at Sunderland] it would have gone down as a very good performance.

"The manager and the lads at the club won’t let him get carried away with anything and will make sure he keeps his feet on the ground. He’s a really good lad and he wants to be a top player, that’s the most important thing. But he knows he has to work hard to achieve his dreams.

"The best advice I can give him is just to work hard and not let anything get in the way of becoming a top player. He’s got natural ability which is something a lot of kids have and rely on to get them where they want to go. But you can’t just rely on that – you have to work hard and make the right decisions, especially in the early part of your career and make training the be all and end all of your life."

[bbfan1991]

In profile: Adnan Januzaj

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

Gallery: Januzaj in pics

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

[bbfan1991]

Rooney advice for Januzaj

Wayne Rooney says that Adnan Januzaj will need to be patient following the eye-catching start to his United career.



Two goals in his first Premier League start for the senior side, in the 2-1 win at Sunderland in United's last match before the international break, gave the teenager the kind of debut all young players dream of. It was a performance reminiscent of the one that brought a young Rooney to the world’s attention in 2002, when the then-16-year-old scored a spectacular winner for Everton against Arsenal.

The England international, now aged 27, is one of the senior figures in the United squad and is happy to lend his advice to any of United’s other younger players, but he has particular words of wisdom for the Belgian-born youngster.

“You can help, of course you can, from experience you can tell them what to expect,” Rooney exclusively told MUTV. “Maybe now he might be expecting to play every game, which is not going to happen, but I think he’ll understand that and understand the way he has to come into the team.

“I’m sure he’ll do that and then obviously he has to help himself by performing so it’s a big challenge for him. But we see him every day, he’s got the talent so hopefully he can continue that form for the rest of the season.”

Januzaj’s match-winning performance at the Stadium of Light catapulted the 18-year-old into the spotlight, something that happened to Rooney at a slightly younger age, also while managed by David Moyes in his guise as Everton boss. Within 24 hours of his goals against Sunderland, Januzaj was being photographed while shopping in Manchester, the kind of attention that is part of the modern footballer’s life and something that Wayne has plenty of experience with.

“It’s a change, I’m sure. Some people enjoy it, some don’t,” added Wayne. “I don’t know what he’ll feel over it, but I’m sure he’ll get tired of it and he’ll want to be left alone. But it’s great, he deserves that attention for the way he has started the season and certainly for the two goals at Sunderland.”

[bbfan1991]

Fellaini op delayed

United manager David Moyes has confirmed Marouane Fellaini will have to undergo surgery to correct a recently sustained wrist injury. However, the Scot stated the Reds intend to delay the operation while the club doctors decide on the best cause of action.



"Fellaini needs an operation, unfortunately. It's quite a bad wrist injury," the manager told MUTV. "There's a bit of bone and ligament sticking out but we've been told we can get away without operating for now."

The Belgian midfielder's injury threatened to leave United short in the middle of the park with Tom Cleverley also picking up a calf injury, but the boss is confident the club will be able to put off the procedure for as long as possible.

"We can put it off for as long as two years. It's not in desperate need of doing, but it's whether he feels okay to play or not," Moyes stated.

Fellaini is likely to play in the intervening period between his operation, wearing strapping on his hand in order to avoid exacerbating the problem. However, Moyes is wary that a degree of care and attention needs to surround the Belgian's injury if he is to continue playing.

"Obviously you use your arms quite a bit to hold people off in the game and it's important that we make sure his wrist doesn't get any further damage."

[bbfan1991]

De Gea tipped for the top

United goalkeeper David De Gea will go on to become one of the best in the world, says Reds boss David Moyes.



The Spanish stopper bore the brunt of criticism from some quarters following his move to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011, but he is now established as United's first-choice as the last line of defence.

Having shared goalkeeping duties with Anders Lindegaard throughout the first half of his maiden season in England, De Gea's increasingly assured performances saw him become one of the first names on the United team sheet. His save to deny Emanuele Giaccherini at the Stadium of Light proved to be a turning point in United's recent 2-1 win over Sunderland, and was hailed by Peter Schmeichel as "one of the best seen in the Premier League."

Still a couple of weeks short of his 23rd birthday, De Gea is now approaching 100 appearances for United, and the manager is convinced the keeper will be adding more to the Premier League title he won with the club last season.

"I think David over the years has come in here and proved himself at Manchester United," Moyes declared. "Sir Alex brought him young and played him at a time when it could be difficult to play a young goalkeeper. Goalkeeper and centre back these days are two of the hardest positions on the pitch for a young player. Manchester United doing that over the last couple of years has shown what you can get.

"He is a top goalkeeper. He will go on in time to be one of the best there is, I have no doubts about that. He's still young for a goalkeeper, people will be looking at him for the next 10 years."

DDG is simply awesome.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney can be main man

Wayne Rooney has been in fine form for Manchester United this season and Reds boss David Moyes says it is no surprise to him that the United no.10 has been the main man for club and country in recent weeks.



Rooney scored in both of England's recent international matches, against Montenegro and Poland, helping to secure his country's qualification for the World Cup finals in Brazil next summer.

That is a continuation of his strong performances for United so far in 2013/14, in which he has scored five goals and already edged past the 200-goal mark for the club.

At 27, Rooney is at his physical peak and so his form is to be expected, according to Moyes. "I think he's at the age in his career where he would be one of the main players and he's certainly a main player for Manchester United and England," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"From that point of view, it's what you'd expect," he added. "He takes responsibility, scores the goals that are required and he's done that from a young age. The age he is now, he's got that maturity and it shows in how he plays and the condition he is in with the way he is playing for club and country.

"I saw Wayne on that first day of pre-season and yet you people [the press] were telling me you felt differently. I saw him in great form and great fettle, training fantastic from day one, but you want to say different things."

Indeed!

[bbfan1991]

Sir Bobby's degree

Sir Bobby Charlton is now a Doctor of the University of Manchester, after receiving an honorary degree from the establishment on Wednesday 16 October.



Reds legend Charlton established the Find A Better Way charity in 2011 to help develop new technology to assist in the detection and removal of landmines around the world. The charity has close links to the University of Manchester and other partners in the North West of England.

He’s also a member of the Laureus Academy, which aims to utilise sport to effect positive social change through the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation projects.

Sir Bobby attended the ceremony on Wednesday at the University of Manchester with his wife Norma and a dinner in the evening alongside fellow honorary doctorate recipient and Nobel Prize-winner Professor Peter Higgs.

Deserved accolade for a legendary man.

[bbfan1991]

United team: De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Evans, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Fellaini, Januzaj, Rooney, Van Persie.

Lindegaard, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Welbeck, Kagawa, Zaha.

Strong line up and loving the strong bench too.

[bbfan1991]

Phew, what a relief that win was on Saturday vs Stoke, even though we had to come from behind to do it. Rooney was class and I am glad that Chicharito scored the winner, hopefully David Moyes will give him more game time.

That win was a morale and confidence booster and hopefully we can improve especially in the Premier League.

Tonight is Norwich in the Capital One Cup at Old Trafford, there will be some changes for this game and hopefully we win!

[bbfan1991]

Van Persie up for Ballon d'Or

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been nominated for FIFA’s prestigious Ballon d’Or award, a prize given to the world’s best player.



The Dutchman, whose goals helped clinch the title last season, is among the leading contenders on a 23-man shortlist that was announced on Tuesday morning, with the winner set to be unveiled in Zurich, Switzerland on 13 January.

Van Persie is joined on the list by four other Premier League players with Manchester City's Yaya Toure, Liverpool frontman Luis Suarez, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard and Arsenal's recent addition Mesut Ozil all making the cut. Notably, no Englishmen were nominated.

Favourites for the award include ex-Reds hero Cristiano Ronaldo, Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who has taken home the gong for the last four years.

Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also headlines a 10-man coach of the year shortlist alongside Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque.

Ballon d’Or shortlist: Gareth Bale, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar, Thiago Silva, Radamel Falcao, Andrea Pirlo, Franck Ribery, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Yaya Toure.

[bbfan1991]

United line up to play Norwich:

Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Büttner, Zaha, Cleverley, Jones, Young, Januzaj, Hernandez.

Subs: Amos, Anderson, Rooney, Giggs, Smalling, Fabio, Valencia.

[bbfan1991]

FT United 4 Norwich 0.

Good win and performance. I am glad that Javier Hernandez scored twice, the first a penalty and then a header.

We then got treated to a Phil Jones volley in the second half for the third goal and then Wayne Rooney coming on as a substitute putting in a class ping of the ball for another substitute Fabio to score with a shot.

Glad to see Wilfried Zaha get a start tonight too and he had a decent game, linked up with Adnan Januzaj well too.

[bbfan1991]

Report: United 4 Norwich 0

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

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United ‏@ManUtd 5m

MUFC XI vs @FulhamFC: De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Jones, Cleverley, Janzuaj, Rooney, van Persie.

Lindegaard, Smalling, Fellaini, Kagawa, Nani, Young, Hernandez.

I'm pleased with that line up, hopefully the lads play well and get us a win!