[bbfan1991]

Well happy with that.

Di Maria and Blind were very impressive. Rojo too with his tenacity. The lads were more creative, we had more speed in our counter attacks and linked up well. We were more better and organised at the back too!

A platform to build on.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United ‏@ManUtd
A fine afternoon at Old Trafford and a first win of the season for #mufc. Read the full story of victory over QPR: http://bit.ly/1pfBZhr

[bbfan1991]

Impressive first game at OT for our debuts. Only Luke Shaw, who has yet to wait to make his debut now for us.

[Tarryn]

Great to watch a totally new look team with a new attitude.
We now have the pace back.
Di Maria is the core of this team now, with Blind & Rojo looking so promising.
Can't wait for Shaw to get a game & Falcao to get some major time.
The future looks bright. Our defence is the concern now with City, Chelsea & Liverpool & Arsenal to come.
But a great day today.

[Brother Leon]

Much better now that we are slowly recovering from injuries. The Falcao chant is going to be epic.

[Legend killer]

Time to send RIP back to Arsenal guy is an utter bum

Blind MOTM not seen a centre midfield at OT with that sort of Mobility for about 5 years

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by brother leon

much better now that we are slowly recovering from injuries. The falcao chant is going to be epic.

lolololooooooooooooo falcao.

[bbfan1991]

Mata hails debutant Di Maria display

Juan Mata was delighted to cap off Manchester United's impressive 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Sunday – and he insisted that Angel Di Maria's opening strike and first goal for the Reds was straight off the training ground.



Man of the Match Di Maria kicked off proceedings on 24 minutes with a curling free-kick which evaded everyone and dropped in at the far post. He played a part in the other three goals and directly set up Mata for the fourth.

Translating for his new team-mate, Mata told Sky Sports: "He said that he is very happy with his debut and to score his first goal at home. He had been practising [this] during the week and he did it in training so it's not a surprise for me."

Most importantly, it's a first win of the season for the Reds. “I think we played much, much better than the first games," added the Spaniard. "From the first minute until the last we tried to score more and more and I think that is what we have to do with the players we have. We have to play well, score goals and be compact in defence.

"It is very important for us [to win]. Hopefully it is the first step in a run of good results. It’s an important three points and now we will be training hard in the week and hopefully we will get another win next weekend.

"For me, I have to get into the box. I can help my team by scoring goals and it is my second of the season so I am happy with that."

[bbfan1991]

United debutants: How did they fare?

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

[bbfan1991]

Van Gaal hails new start for Reds

Louis van Gaal was pleased with United's emphatic response to a difficult start to the season as the Reds put four goals without reply past Queens Park Rangers.



The Reds secured three points for the first time since the Dutch manager took charge, with an attacking display from a side featuring several new faces.

"I said before the game 'let us make a new start'," van Gaal told MUTV. "That's important as after 1 September, after the transfer period, we can now work on a team-building process and make ourselves better every week – we have done it, I believe.

"The most important thing from today is that we created goals. In the other matches we were the better team on the pitch but we didn't make goals. Now we have made four goals and that gives a boost to every player."

Angel Di Maria, making his first home appearance, opened the floodgates with a sublime free-kick straight from a training field move, but other aspects of his new-look side were also praised by the boss.

"The first goal is very important, we trained with it before the game but he did it at the right moment. I think the new players fitted in very well. It's always difficult to come in and adapt to the rhythm of the Premier League but they did very well – not only Di Maria."

The importance of sending United's fans home smiling was also not lost on the manager, who added: "That's also enormously important as they have had to wait a long time for a good result."

LVG is the man. There is more improvement to come from the lads, now we need to push on and get back to where we belong!

[bbfan1991]

Di Maria named Man of the Match

Fans have resoundingly voted Angel Di Maria as Manchester United’s Man of the Match after his stellar performance against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.



The Argentinian was involved in all four United goals on his Old Trafford debut, scoring the first, having a hand in the build-up play for strikes by Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney, as well as teeing up Juan Mata to complete the 4-0 win in the second half.

His vision, attacking intent and energy were all on show and he was given a standing ovation from the home crowd as he departed from the field in the 82nd minute.

Followers of @ManUtd on Twitter and MUTV viewers voted in their thousands as Di Maria and fellow home debutant Daley Blind, plus Herrera, made up the three-man shortlist as chosen by ex-Reds boss Ron Atkinson.

Di Maria took 68 per cent of the vote, while Blind polled 20 per cent and Herrera picked up the remaining 12 per cent of the votes cast.

Blind, who had a commanding game himself as the holding midfielder in a diamond formation in the centre of the park, was happy to let his new team-mate take the limelight. He told MUTV: “Everybody knows how good he is and how good he can be. He showed what he is capable of.”

Well done ADM. He was awesome!

[bbfan1991]

Blind enjoys Reds bow

Manchester United debutant Daley Blind said he felt very proud to play in front of the "amazing" fans at Old Trafford after helping the Reds to a 4-0 win over QPR on Sunday.



The Dutch midfielder was one of three players making a debut for United – Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao being the others – and Blind looked at home in his position just in front of the back four.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV after the victory, Blind spoke of his excitement at stepping out on the hallowed turf and his joy at playing his part in the Reds' first win of the campaign.

"I was really excited before the game,” he revealed. "It was a really good debut which I really enjoyed and the fans were amazing. Everything has gone well. I had a good week of training and everyone has been really nice and open, and given me a great welcome. I felt at home straight away."

Blind is well aware of what is required from a Louis van Gaal team having worked under the manager at international level for the Netherlands. And the £14million signing believes confidence will continue to grow in the United squad as the players learn more about van Gaal's philosophy.

"It is a new team and it can be difficult at first but I think we did well. Everybody is feeling good and everyone helped each other when we lost the ball. It's important that we do that as quickly as possible when we lose it. That is the manager's philosophy. We did a good job as a team. This is a new beginning and we're looking forward to the next game."

[bbfan1991]

Herrera lauds United debutants in QPR win

Ander Herrera has praised the impact of Manchester United's debutants during Sunday's 4-0 win over QPR, paying particular attention to Angel Di Maria following his spectacular maiden outing at Old Trafford.



Di Maria scored the opening goal with a slightly fortuitous free-kick, before having a hand in further strikes for Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata as the Reds cruised to a comfortable first Barclays Premier League victory of the season.

Fellow summer signings Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao also took their first-team bows and Herrera was suitably impressed by their performances.

Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, the Spaniard explained why the future is bright for United. “Angel is one of the best players in the world. Manchester United always has to have top players and he is one of the best.

“We have Radamel Falcao as well, with Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw. I think we have a new team but we are improving, we are working hard and we are looking forward to this season.”

Quizzed specifically on the performances of Rojo and Blind, Herrera said: “I think they played very good football, they had some very good passes and always kept the ball.

"Marcos is very, very aggressive and this is important for the team. Blind never loses the ball and we are happy, but of course we have to improve still.”

Herrera was also delighted to score his first goal for United with a low strike in the 36th minute, a moment he admits he will treasure. However, the former Athletic Club star insists the team's victory is more important than his personal moment of glory.

“I am happy, of course," Ander explained. "It is important to make a goal at Old Trafford, one of the best stadiums in the world. I am happy for my goal but I am happier because we won.

“I wish it can be our first step and I am sure is it. The next games are very important because we want to be as soon as possible at the top of the league.”

[bbfan1991]

Blind excited to learn from van Gaal

Daley Blind is delighted to be working under Louis van Gaal at Manchester United and insists his former Netherlands manager will make him a better player this season.



The Dutchman made his Reds debut as a deep-lying midfielder during Sunday’s 4-0 win over QPR and can't wait to see what the future holds for him at Old Trafford, where he can absorb the knowledge and expertise of van Gaal.

“He is very honest to everybody, he knows what he wants and he knows his philosophy,” Blind explained, while speaking to ManUtd.com after the final whistle. “He can bring that to the players and he can make a team with everybody. That is a good start for us if you want to work for each other. I have really learned a lot from van Gaal and I like working under him.

“I haven’t worked that long with him. I only worked with him at the World Cup and in the qualification games. A lot of the time I worked with Frank de Boer at Ajax and I think Ajax made me more the player I am now. Of course, I was with van Gaal at the World Cup. He also helped me a lot and I have learned a lot from him. I hope to learn a lot from him in the next season as well.

“I think he can make me a better player in terms of positioning, where to stand and tactics in games because midfield is an important position to play. I hope I can get better at it every day.”

While pleased with his first performance for United, Blind is determined to improve his understanding of the holding midfielder role in a division that is much faster than he is used to.

“It was a bit different because the opponents were going back so I had a lot of space to control the ball and play it to the sides, mixing it from side to side. I had a lot of space and that was nice for me. We played our own game and we played well. When we lost the ball we went after it as a team. We won the ball back a lot, so we did a good job.

“Of course it was a higher tempo and I can feel that also in my legs, but I can play 90 minutes and it was okay. I have only played in the Dutch league and in international football, but I think the Premier League is a higher level and there is a higher speed in the game.”

Asked how the new signings are settling in, Blind spoke of a positive team spirit that has eased his introduction: “When I came here there was a really warm welcome and I felt directly good in the team. Also, Robin [van Persie] helped me a lot because I know him from the Dutch squad.

“But I have also been helped by the other guys who came in straight away. Everybody wants to fight for each other and I think we saw that in this game. Everyone wants to give the ball to each other and I like to play in this squad.”

[bbfan1991]

Falcao thanks United fans for warm welcome

Radamel Falcao has thanked Manchester United's fans for the boisterous welcome that soundtracked his debut in Sunday's 4-0 win over QPR - including prolonged renditions of a new terrace anthem in his honour.



The Colombian loan signing was named on the bench by Louis van Gaal and did not emerge from the dugout until the 56th minute, when his much-anticipated warm-up was greeted by rapturous applause from every Reds supporter inside Old Trafford.

Falcao's eventual introduction, as a replacement for Juan Mata just after the hour, was met by an even bigger ovation that lit up the stadium. While the 28-year-old was disappointed not to score on his debut, he was delighted by the reception he received.

"I am very happy for this victory and the support was great," he said. "I want to continue that way. I want to say thank you to the fans and I enjoyed that a lot, this match. It was fantastic. I almost scored. The goalkeeper was good. I hope to score the next game.

"It felt good to make my debut here at Old Trafford and I am happy to get the win. I am enjoying this moment. It is an extraordinary stadium, a legendary stadium. Bit by bit, we will gel together as a team and the new players will feel more comfortable. I hope everything continues for us like it has."

Great guy.

[bbfan1991]

Adnan Januzaj bidding to impress Louis van Gaal

Adnan Januzaj believes his defensive diligence is equally as important as his goalscoring prowess after he fired a hat-trick in Manchester United Under-21s' 4-0 victory over Sunderland.



The Belgium international came off the bench for Louis van Gaal's team against QPR on Sunday and helped a strong second-string side record the same scoreline at Old Trafford on Monday night.

"I tried to do my best," he told MUTV. "Obviously, even if it's Reserves level, I always have to show myself and improve. I got a hat-trick but I think I worked hard defensively as well and these are the kind of things I have to do now and at first-team level.

"Of course, I played a lot of games last season and I'm trying to impress the manager once again and get games again this year as well."

Januzaj was asked if his exemplary attitude will impress van Gaal after he dropped down to Warren Joyce's squad again after being regularly involved with the senior side.

"I think I do it myself," he argued. "I don't for it for any other people but for myself. I look after my [performance]. Even if I have to play Under-18s, I have to do it and try to improve every time I play."

Good attitude he has and his time will come. You can tell that Adnan loves it at United!

[bbfan1991]

United 2014/2015 squad photo.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/7317FC...?w=2560&h=1600

[Tarryn]

Loving the new squad photo.
Wayne looks terrible though

[bbfan1991]

Rojo and Shaw have bright futures

Manchester United's new attacking players are taking the headlines - but Jonny Evans says the additions of defenders Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw are vital too.



Radamel Falcao's dramatic deadline day loan move from AS Monaco and Angel Di Maria's British record transfer from Real Madrid elicited plenty of excitement among United's support, and that was enhanced during Sunday's convincing 4-0 win over QPR.

But Rojo's quietly impressive debut and the promise shown by Luke Shaw in pre-season and in training makes Evans believe the strengthening of the Reds' squad as a whole is equally as significant as the big-name captures.

Evans told United Review: "Looking at our new defenders, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, I've been really impressed.

"I watched Marcos at the World Cup and thought he was excellent for Argentina whether he played at left-back or left wing-back, and he can play centre-back too. I had the chance to work with Luke in pre-season and there is no doubt he is going to be the best left-back in the world."

Ahead of the defence, the protection provided by another debutant, Daley Blind, was a welcome addition on Sunday, while fellow summer signing Ander Herrera continues to prove his worth as an all-rounder in the centre of the park.

"I watched Daley in the World Cup," continued Evans, "and he was very impressive. The manager knows him well and he's come through the Ajax youth system, which is something the manager had a lot of input into so he'll understand the manager's way of playing really well. Ander has settled in brilliantly. He's a great lad and the way he played in pre-season showed just what a good player he's going to be."

[bbfan1991]

Louis van Gaal's United are going for goals

Manchester United's new-look team served up a dynamic attacking display in the 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, raising hopes of plenty more exciting football from the Reds this season.



It was a commanding display of attacking prowess and the matchday squad showcased van Gaal’s impressive armoury of forward options for the first time. Radamel Falcao had to settle for a place on the bench before making his first appearance as a substitute. But the terrace anthem in his honour - sung heartily throughout - highlights how excited fans are to see one of the game's most lauded finishers in action.

The Colombian striker arrived in Manchester with a strike rate of 0.62 goals per game to his name and while he had just one half-chance against QPR, which was saved by Rob Green, it doesn’t appear that he will need many more invitations to find the net. He has already impressed in training, with van Gaal saying last week: “He had one chance [in his first session] and it was in the goal.”

Robin van Persie, too, is a prolific marksman and boasts a record of 48 goals in 79 appearances for United, while Wayne Rooney is chasing goalscoring records for club and country. The skipper's strike in the win over QPR took his Reds tally to 218 – he is third in United's all-time list of top goalscorers.

It's not just the players spearheading United's attack that pose a threat, however. Angel Di Maria produced a sparkling home debut on Sunday. He arrived at Old Trafford boasting 49 assists in four seasons at Real Madrid, including 17 in 2013/14, which was the best return in any of Europe's top five leagues. In his first home game for United he scored one and played a part in all four goals.

Ander Herrera, who scored the Reds' second against QPR, said of Di Maria: “Angel is one of the best players in the world. Manchester United always has to have top players and he is one of the best.”

Juan Mata, who also chipped in to Sunday’s sauntering success, is on a run of nine goals in 11 games in competitive action for United, a sequence that extends backs to March last season. Even in the Under-21s on Monday, Adnan Januzaj produced a performance that hammered on the first-team door, scoring three goals in a 4-0 win over Sunderland. And while young James Wilson has suffered with injuries so far this season, he scored twice on his United debut late last season and hit four against Manchester City in the Manchester Senior Cup final last month.

As van Gaal prepares his squad for the visit to Leicester, the challenge once again is finding places in his team to fit those attacking talents into the equation – one thing he isn’t lacking is a list of players who can create and score goals with great regularity. Before last weekend, the boss told his players, “Let’s make a new start.” And he will hope his players have started as they mean to go on.

As we should!

[bbfan1991]

Van Gaal ponders striking options for Leicester

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is mulling over a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leicester City in the Barclays Premier League with five goal-thirsty strikers jostling for just two places in his starting team.



The boss must choose between club captain Wayne Rooney, Dutch talisman Robin van Persie and summer signing Radamel Falcao, as well as youngsters James Wilson and Adnan Januzaj. While this embarrassment of riches is hardly a problem to lose sleep over, he admits it will not be easy to select just two.

Asked if van Persie and Falcao can play together, van Gaal said: “I don't think that Falcao interferes with van Persie or that he interferes with Falcao. Falcao is a very good striker, I already said that when he came here in his first press conference.

“I like van Persie as well - he is also a very good striker,” the boss continued. “Then we have Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj, and we also have James Wilson. We have five players for the two striker positions and I have to choose.”

Expanding on Januzaj’s limited game time this season - which was just one of the reasons behind his hat-trick appearance in Monday’s Under-21s clash with Sunderland - van Gaal explained the Belgian must show patience and earn his place in the team.

“He has to compete with very good players and that is the reason,” the 63-year-old explained at the Aon Training Complex. “You cannot put 15 players in the squad, only 11, and with this system he has to compete with a lot of very strong strikers.


“When we play 4-3-3, for example, then he should have maybe more chances. It is always dependable on the system that we play. When I have changed my system, he has played.”

The topic of United’s formation was a key talking point during Friday’s press conference following the manager’s decision to utilise the diamond system in the 4-0 win over QPR. While that decision paid obvious dividends at Old Trafford, he is keen for his team to master many different shapes.

“I started with another system because of the quality of the players. Now we have bought quality players in and so you have to look at these qualities and then want to perform the philosophy that we have. Then you are coming out in this system, but that can change also. It is not a fixed solution.

“I have played that already in my first match at Ajax, where it was a law that we played 4-3-3. But I played 4-4-2 as trainer-coach of the second team because I saw it was more suitable for the quality of my players. That was 1998, a long time ago.”

Van Gaal also claimed United's injury worries are decreasing, with Chris Smalling set to return - which leaves just six players in the treatment room at the Aon Training Complex.

A lot of options there!


A boost that Chris Smalling is back from injury too.

[bbfan1991]

Rooney & Blackett upbeat ahead of Leicester game

Wayne Rooney and Tyler Blackett are determined to capitalise on the feel-good factor that has engulfed Manchester United following last weekend’s renascent victory over QPR.



The Reds secured a first win of the Barclays Premier League campaign with a convincing performance full of attacking endeavour and creative energy. As such, Louis van Gaal’s reshaped squad will travel to Leicester City on Sunday with restored confidence and a focus on gleaning three more points.

Rooney hopes his team-mates can produce a similar display following an enjoyable week at the Aon Training Complex, where the club’s raft of summer signings have continued to integrate themselves into the squad.

“QPR was great, it’s always great to play in a game where the team are going forward, playing flowing football and scoring goals,” Rooney told MUTV. “It was an exciting day as there were a lot of new players making their debut for us. It was an exciting day and thankfully we got a good result.

“The performance did look impressive. We’re working hard in training and putting the hours in to make sure that we are playing well together when we go into games. That’s important as we’ve got quite a few new players and we need to make sure that things are right for the weekend.

“I think it’s great for the team and the fans. When you look at the world-class players that we are bringing in it makes for exciting times for us all. For me as a player you just want to go into the team with them and hopefully be successful with them.

“I’m sure it [selecting the team] is a difficult decision for the manager, but it’s a good problem to have. There are so many good players now that are capable of stepping in and doing a job for the team.”

Rooney and Blackett have both played every minute of United’s four Barclays Premier League matches this season and the latter, who hopes to start again on Sunday, is loving the experience of playing senior football for the club he dreamed of representing as a child.

“It’s been good. I’ve played some good games, everyone’s been treating me well and I’ve been enjoying it,” Blackett enthused on MUTV. “It’s everything I have dreamed of since I was little. To be playing at Old Trafford in front of all the fans is everything I’ve always wanted. It’s been brilliant.

“The banter’s been good in the dressing room and on the training pitch too,” Tyler added. “The manager’s enjoyed that too - he’s serious, but he enjoys a laugh as well. This week, especially, everyone’s more upbeat and things are more settled. Everyone’s looking forward to the games that are coming and hopefully we’ll get some good results.”

Tyler Blackett must be buzzing too, he is playing in the first team of the club he loves and has started a few games on the bounce, which he has impressed in and has the talent/potential to keep improving. I really like his attitude and tenacity!

[bbfan1991]

Video: Press conference

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

[bbfan1991]

Rafael: I want to stay here forever

Rafael returned to the starting line-up for the first time since March when Manchester United hosted QPR - a welcome return for one of the Reds' most popular players...



You've been in Manchester United's first team for six years now. You're classified as being homegrown -do you feel like that?
To be honest, definitely. I came here at 15-years-old so I have to say that I feel at home here. I feel this is my home and I would have to say yes.

You also play like you love the club. Why is United special to you?
Because of everything. The club picked me up and helped me ever since I arrived here -everyone, and I would say every single person. I can never say enough about this club. It is one of the best clubs in the world, if not the best in the world.

You're obviously not from Manchester but do you feel Mancunian now?
I live here so I feel it a little bit. I know everywhere in the city and know a lot of people here.

After six years here and following the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, you’re now one of the longest-serving defenders at the club...
Jonny [Evans] as well, of course. I am glad but sad because a lot of friends have left. I am glad I am still here. I want to keep going and stay here forever, if possible. It depends on me to play well, I need to play well. I just want to stay here.

Do you help the new players settle in by referring back to your arrival here?
Of course. When I first came here, I saw how a lot of players helped me -Giggsy, Scholesy and Gary Neville, even though he played in my position, he helped me a lot because he was one of the best right-backs in the world. I want to do the same when I see some young players come in. Sometimes it's difficult so my job is to try to help them.

You've mastered the language -your English is brilliant...
My English is not brilliant. It’s OK now. I can speak and you can understand what I’m saying. I couldn’t speak any English when I first arrived. Nothing. Maybe just ‘hi’ [waves] and that was it. Now I feel I can speak, maybe not properly, but how I would like to speak. Before, I saw some players arriving, foreign players, and they just cannot understand anything and I was exactly the same. Sometimes, I still want to say: ‘What are they saying?’ It’s so hard and I try to help them because I know how difficult that is.

What about your relationship with the fans? The supporters seem to appreciate your commitment and passion for United...
Yes, I have a good relationship with the fans because they are just so passionate. The fans here at Manchester United are simply so good at every game, even if we lose, they are still singing and just don’t stop singing and making noise! It makes you get emotional, you know. I love these fans.

Your enthusiasm and energy are what the fans expect of a United player -is that style of play just part of your character?
This is me. I just really love the game and I really love to win.

Were you like this as a player even before you came to Old Trafford?
I remember I used to play football with my brother Fabio on the pitch and we just used to fight each other to win the match. It was only me versus him and always like that.

Do you see yourself as part of a new era now with the new manager? Definitely, I want to win the league again and I want us to get the winning way back. Then everything will be like it’s always been at this club.

Rafael is awesome, he loves United. My only concern still is how much injury prone he seems to be!

[bbfan1991]

The boss on rumours of @Cristiano's return: "It's a discussion in the papers. I don't think Real Madrid will sell." #mufc

United just couldn't resist tagging Cristiano in the tweet LOL.