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De Gea: Let's halt the Hammers

David De Gea wants Manchester United to deal with the aerial threat that helped West Ham come within a whisker of knocking the Reds out of the FA Cup.

The sides meet in Wednesday's third-round replay at Old Trafford after Robin van Persie rescued a 2-2 draw in the first game with a superb injury-time equaliser.

The Hammers had overturned Tom Cleverley’s first-half opener through two towering James Collins headers, which capped a physical display from the home side.

De Gea told MUTV: “We conceded two goals from headers in the first game and it’s a type of play that you come across in this league quite a bit.

“But we have players at the back who are perfectly capable of dealing with the threat of big powerful strikers who like the ball in the air. We have enough nous to cope with that.

“It’s something we work on and try to come up with solutions in training."

The Spaniard acknowledged the challenge provided by Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan inside his penalty area during the first match. "It’s made even more difficult when you have a tall player like Nolan as well.

“But if there’s a big man next to you it almost gives you more encouragement to come out with more force and strength to take everything and come away with the ball.”

De Gea insists people should make no mistake about the importance of the cup to United.

“Whatever game you’re playing in, it gains importance when you play for this club,” he added. “This is a trophy we enter into seriously and want to win.”

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Rooney and Nani looking sharp

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney and Nani are both impressing in training ahead of their return to action against West Ham on Wednesday night.

The attacking duo will play in the FA Cup third-round replay and increase the options open to the boss at a busy time for the club.

Rooney has been out since the draw at Swansea before Christmas while Nani's last appearance was 15 games ago in Braga. Sir Alex also hinted that Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia appear primed to complete the front-four positions.

"Both [Rooney and Nani] will play," confirmed the boss to MUTV. "Both are fit.

"[There's] Chicha and Antonio, we've got a strong squad, you know. There won't be many changes really. Wayne coming back is good news. He's been training for a week and looking good. As for Nani, he came back from his spell abroad [having a break in Dubai] and is really looking very good. So I'm fine and will play a strong team."

The manager, whose celebration at Upton Park after Robin van Persie's last-gasp leveller left no doubts as to his passion for the competition, feels United are overdue a good cup run after last lifting the trophy back in 2004.

"Of course, we've got a big squad but it's also an important tie tomorrow for the club," he asserted. "We want to try and have a go at this FA Cup.

"We haven't had a run for a long time, two or three years, as we had some bad draws of course. We're at home and we have got to take advantage of that. If we get through, we have got another home tie [against Blackpool or Fulham] so there's a big incentive for the club to make sure we get through."

The replay will come too soon for Jonny Evans, who missed the victory against Liverpool after feeling his hamstring in training over the weekend.

"I could risk Jonny," admitted Sir Alex. "But I'm looking at Sunday's game [at Tottenham] for him."

Good news that Rooney and Nani are back. I am glad that Javier Hernandez will be starting tonight too!

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Tom: Control the tempo

Tom Cleverley has urged United to take unassailable control of tonight’s FA Cup tie by playing a rapid passing game and not allowing West Ham to force their way into the match.

That’s exactly what the Reds did at the start of the third round match at Upton Park, and Cleverley’s 23rd-minute opener was reward for some bright attacking play.

However, West Ham soon imposed themselves more physically on the game and James Collins’ two headed goals in either half looked like earning Sam Allardyce’s side a place in the fourth round until substitute Robin van Persie intervened. United now have a second shot at instilling that game plan.

“I thought we started really well in the first leg,” Tom says in tonight’s United Review. “We got a deserved lead and then they came back into it. A draw was maybe a fair result and hopefully we can finish the job tonight.

“We knew what their strengths were and they played to them well. Two good crosses, two good headers and suddenly we were behind. I didn’t think we deserved to lose the game, and it was a great ball from Giggsy and a great finish from Robin to keep us in it.”

So how do United go about booking a place in the fourth round? “We’ll try and get the passing game going and make a game that will suit us more than them,” Tom adds. “As long as we take the initiative and start the game well, I’m sure we can get a good rhythm going.”

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United team vs West Ham : Lindegaard, Rafael, Jones, Valencia, Anderson, Smalling, Nani, Buttner, Rooney, Hernandez.

Subs: Amos, Ferdinand, Carrick, Scholes, Kagawa, Welbeck, RvP.

Glad to see Rooney, Nani and Anderson are back for United.

[bbfan1991]

Well done United! Bring on Fulham in the next round at Old Trafford.

Nani did OK on his return from injury, but that was expected as he needs some games to find form. Javier Hernandez was good with his assist for the only goal which Rooney scored and what a ball by Anderson!

Ryan Giggs was class and the MOTM for me. I thought Rafael, Smalling and Jones all did great at the back too, although Buttner was a bit hit and miss.

[bbfan1991]

United 1 West Ham 0

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

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Reds relish Fulham tie

Manchester United's reward for knocking West Ham United out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford will be another home match against a London club.

Martin Jol will bring his Fulham team to Old Trafford for the second time this season on Saturday, 26 January for the late afternoon kick-off at 17:30 GMT. The Cottagers were the Reds' first visitors of the current campaign, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men winning August's league meeting 3-2. "You can't ask more from a cup draw," said Sir Alex, adding that "another home tie against Fulham" had been an incentive for his side to beat West Ham.

Fulham, like United, needed a replay to reach the fourth round but they were a whisker away from losing the second game away to Blackpool on Tuesday night. Nathan Delfouenso broke the deadlock for the hosts with just eight minutes to go, only for former Reds midfielder Kieran Richardson to force extra time with the last kick of normal play. Brede Hangeland ended Blackpool's hopes of an upset when he headed in the 116th minute-winner.

Dimitar Berbatov did not feature in Fulham's ranks for the replay but if he's involved on 26 January, it will be the first time the striker has played at Old Trafford since leaving the Reds at the end of the summer transfer window. The Bulgarian could face his former employers on consecutive weekends in fact, as United will travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday 2 February for a league game.

Full FA Cup fourth round draw
Norwich City v Luton Town, Oldham Athletic v Liverpool, Macclesfield Town v Wigan, Derby County v Blackburn Rovers, Hull City v Barnsley, Middlesbrough v Aldershot Town, Millwall v Aston Villa, Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal, Stoke City v Manchester City, Manchester United v Fulham, Brentford v Chelsea, Reading v Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town v Leicester City, QPR v MK Dons, Bolton v Everton.

[bbfan1991]

Vote: Man of the Match

United are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup following a 1-0 replay victory against West Ham at Old Trafford.

There were some eye-catching performances and we have produced a short-list of four for the man of the match award.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his two centre-backs, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, as magnificent. "I could not be more pleased," he said afterwards.

Both defenders excelled and showed the understanding they built up with England at Under-21 level. Another member of the back-four, Rafael, is also on our list after a typically energetic performance.

One man who was impossible to ignore was Ryan Giggs, who produced a midfield masterclass. Fittingly, it was he who had the ball at the final whistle as he dictated matters for much of the 90 minutes.

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

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Boss: Giggs will play on

Sir Alex Ferguson has informed MUTV that he is confident Ryan Giggs will play on for at least another season at Manchester United.

The 39-year-old continues to impress and produced a wonderful performance during the 1-0 FA Cup replay victory against West Ham.

With his form making a mockery of those who doubted his enduring influence towards the start of the campaign, Giggs remains a tremendous option to feature either in the centre of the pitch or on the left.

"He will play for another year," Sir Alex told MUTV. "There are no discerning signs of tiredness or weakness in his game, his quality is still there and he has fantastic balance.

"He has the appetite for it and he is just an incredible human being."

Giggs himself was rather more coy about his future and laughed when told that the boss had suggested he could easily play another year.

"I don’t feel like that now!" he said, smiling after completing 90 minutes against the Hammers.

"I’m enjoying it more than ever at the moment, though. The FA Cup at Old Trafford... if you don’t enjoy it you need to pack it in."

Interesting. He was class yesterday!

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Sir Alex praises defensive duo

Sir Alex Ferguson praised the performances of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling after Manchester United beat West Ham to book a place in the FA Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

The Reds boss was delighted with the two centre-backs, who both produced outstanding displays to thwart the Hammers’ daunting physical presence and seal a comfortable 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

“Jones and Smalling were fantastic, absolutely brilliant,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “The two of them were absolutely marvellous and I couldn’t be more pleased. They have been injured for a while and needed games, so today would only help them.

“We have several other players who needed a game like Nani, Rooney, Anderson and Büttner. So we had six players who had a run-out at a crucial time of the season with Real Madrid coming up ad Tottenham on Sunday, so that is good news for us tonight.

“We missed a lot of chances tonight really and we played some good football at times. The 15 minute period after half-time was the hardest for us because they just knocked that ball into the box, there were so many bodies all shoving all over the place.

“You really have to handle that and thankfully our two centre-halves were absolutely magnificent in how they dealt with it. It was a physical contest to be under and you have to stand up to it.”

United were on top for much of the game and created several goal scoring opportunities but ultimately stumbled at the finishing line and were perhaps guilty of missing too many chances – although Sir Alex is content that his side were inventive on a difficult night.

“It was a magnificent pass from Anderson for the first goal and it was unselfish play from Chicharito to roll it across for Wayne, who scored an easy goal. We had one cleared off the line from Nani, Chris Smalling could maybe have done better with his header that went into the goalkeeper’s hands and Chicharito missed a chance, plus we missed a penalty kick. All in all, we created a lot of chances.”

As a result of Wednesday’s win, the Reds will now face Fulham and Dimitar Berbatov at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday 26 January, a fixture that the boss is happy with: “It’s a home draw, we’ll take it every time.”

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Smalling fancies cup run

Chris Smalling admits he fancies United for a good run in the FA Cup after helping dispose of West Ham in the third-round replay.

The defender is looking forward to coming up against his former club Fulham on 26 January after the Cottagers squeezed past Blackpool on Tuesday.

"Before this game, we knew we'd get a home draw and whoever it was against would be strong opponents," he told MUTV. "I saw some highlights of the Fulham game [at Blackpool] and it will be a nice game come Saturday week. At least we're at home and we fancy ourselves.

"It does mean a lot. I know Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes [and Darren Fletcher] are the only players who have won it and Rio and others have emphasised how important it is that they want to get on it. We want to help that."

Smalling was outstanding alongside Phil Jones in the 1-0 win with both centre-backs earning praise from Sir Alex Ferguson afterwards.

"All the defenders know each other as we play a lot together in training," he said. "We've not played too much together in matches but we're both centre-halves and both out there to do a job.

"It's the third time we've played them this year and we knew exactly what to expect. You can stop giving away cheap fouls but you know it's coming into the box at one stage and everyone needs to stand up for themselves.

"We're starting to pick up a couple of clean sheets, which is nice. The whole team defended well and, luckily, we kept a clean sheet."

The 22-year-old reserved special praise for his captain on the night, Ryan Giggs, who rolled back the years with another vintage display.

"From the first minute to the 90th minute, he was doing jinking runs," he added. "He did great for the penalty which was near the end of the game. He is just a machine."

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Ryan relief at Cup win

Ryan Giggs admits the final whistle came as a relief on Wednesday night, as Manchester United edged past West Ham and into the FA Cup fourth round.

An early Wayne Rooney strike proved the difference, and although the Reds dominated for long periods, the visitors also enjoyed spells of sustained pressure as they pursued an equaliser, ultimately in vain.

“In the FA Cup anything can happen. We’re relieved to be in the next round,” Giggs told MUTV.

“We got off to a great start but then we didn’t capitalise on that. We were a little bit sloppy in the last third. West Ham made it difficult for us. We should have built on that early goal. But credit to West Ham – they’re a tough team to play against.

“You’re always concerned when it’s only 1-0, no matter who you’re playing. But especially against West Ham – they can cause you problems from set pieces and when they put the ball into the box. We [ideally] needed to get that second goal, but luckily we hung on.”

The Reds’ best opportunity to put the game beyond doubt fell to Rooney, but the striker fluffed his 79th-minute penalty kick, sending it sailing over the bar. Giggs conceded his colleague will have been disappointed with his failure to find the net.

“Wayne, under pressure, has scored so many crucial penalties for us,” he said. “It’s not so bad when it doesn’t alter the result, but Wayne will be disappointed because he wants to score goals.”

[bbfan1991]

Live: Spurs v United

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

[bbfan1991]

Berba return excites Ryan

Ryan Giggs is looking forward to welcoming Dimitar Berbatov and his Fulham team-mates to Old Trafford for the FA Cup fourth round, but insists Manchester United's goodwill will end when the match begins.

Berbatov spent four seasons at Old Trafford before leaving last August for Craven Cottage, where he's dazzled supporters with his sublime skill and, so far, seven goals.

"It will be good to see Berba," Giggs told MUTV after the Reds' 1-0 win against West Ham on Wednesday night.

"He gave United great service and he was such a talent. We'll have to keep an eye on him. It will be nice to see him again and I'm sure the crowd will give him a good reception."

But while Giggs and many United fans are relishing seeing Berbatov at Old Trafford again, they'll be hoping the Bulgarian doesn't help Fulham knock Sir Alex's men out of a competition the Reds haven't won since 2004.

"We haven't done as well as we should have done in the FA Cup over the last 10 years," Giggs admitted. "We had a great record in the 1990's and now we want to get to the final and give ourselves a chance of winning it.

"There are so many players in that dressing room who have won a lot but haven't won the FA Cup. We want to go far."

Me too Giggsy.

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Giggs wins fans' approval

Ryan Giggs was a deserving victor in ManUtd.com's Man of the Match poll after Wednesday's 1-0 triumph over West Ham.

The veteran midfielder produced a classy display from start to finish to earn plaudits from Sir Alex Ferguson and his team-mates. The Welshman was subsequently the runaway winner of our poll, with 76 per cent of the votes placing him comfortably clear of his three rivals for the prize. Phil Jones finished in second spot after some sterling work at centre-back, ahead of his fellow defenders Rafael and Chris Smalling.

Smalling described Giggs afterwards as a "machine" while Sir Alex backed his midfielder to play on for at least another season. Ryan himself told PA Sport, "Obviously the manager knows how to look after me and I am not going to play every game. But I have to be ready and prepared when called upon.

"I am not thinking about my contract at the moment. As in previous seasons, I am quite relaxed about it. There are so many crucial games at the moment I am not too bothered about what is happening next year. I will just keep enjoying my football."

Well deserved. He was class.

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Sir Alex demands better penalties

Wayne Rooney's penalty miss against West Ham may not have proved costly - but Sir Alex Ferguson still wants his spot-kick takers to improve.

Penalties awarded to Manchester United this season have resulted in more misses than goals, and the boss admits it's a concern. Sir Alex told MUTV: "I don’t think it is [just] one of those things, we must improve on that, I must say.

"There's been a lot of talk about the boy (Rickie) Lambert at Southampton, who has scored 31 out of 31 – that’s what penalty-kick taking is all about.

"There have been several other great examples from over the years. Matt Le Tissier scored 47 out of 48 and there was a player in Scotland who played for Rangers [Johnny Hubbard, who scored 65 out of 68].

"A penalty kick is your opportunity to take an advantage, whether it was a foul or a handball that led to it. You have to score a goal."

Rooney's failure from the spot in Wednesday's FA Cup replay was his second of the season - he also missed in the November win over Arsenal - and the team's fifth penalty miss of the campaign overall.

The other players who've spurned spot-kick opportunities are Javier Hernandez at home to Wigan, Nani against Galatasaray in the Champions League and Robin van Persie at Southampton, where he scored a hat-trick in open play.

So far, all of this season's penalty failures have come in victories for the Reds but Sir Alex will insist his side don't take that statistic for granted going forward.

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Fletcher misses rest of season

Darren Fletcher will be unavailable for the remainder of this season having undergone surgery to resolve his Ulcerative Colitis condition.

We wish to stress this was a planned procedure undertaken at the optimal time having achieved a period of sustained good general health, as illustrated by the fact that Darren has trained with the team regularly this season and been available for selection right up to the operation.

Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the Club that he won’t be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long-term health and we look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.

We would be grateful if his privacy could be respected at this time and in the coming months in order to aid his recuperation.

Get well soon Fletch. I am gutted about this news, but hope all goes well for him with the surgery.

I wonder if this news will further convince United to buy a CM in the Summer?

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Reds announce Kansai deal

Manchester United has announced a three-year sponsorship with Japanese paint manufacturer Kansai, who will be the club’s first official paint partner.

Founded in 1918, Kansai currently ranks as the number one paint brand in Japan and Africa, producing a range of high-quality paints including automotive, industrial, decorative, marine and protective coatings. It has 18 offices across the world in markets such as Africa, India, China, Japan and parts of Europe.

United's commercial director Richard Arnold said: "Kansai is the perfect company to partner with Manchester United. Although from two very different industries, they demonstrate many of the same values and qualities we adhere to both on and off the pitch, such as growth, investment in people and innovation.

"Manchester United’s global network of fans and sponsors will help to raise the profile of the Kansai brand, as well as enable us to engage with our global community of fans through new and interesting ways. I am delighted to welcome them to the Manchester United family and look forward to a successful partnership."

Mr Yuzo Kawamori, president of Kansai Paint, said: "Both Kansai Paint and Manchester United have a long history of success and a deep desire to succeed in the future.

"I am confident that this partnership will enable Kansai to develop not only its presence in new markets but will also augment its position in existing markets. Kansai’s partnership with Manchester United is a further demonstration of Kansai’s desire to become a global leader in the coatings industry."

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Match Preview: Tottenham

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

Date, time and coverage: Sunday 20 January, 16:00 GMT.

[bbfan1991]

March matches moved

Three of Manchester United's March matches have been selected for live television coverage in the UK.

The selections by broadcasters Sky Sports and ESPN affect the kick-off times, but not the dates, of the following fixtures:

- West Ham United away, Saturday 9 March KO 12:45 (Sky)

- Reading home, Saturday 16 March KO 17:30 (ESPN)

- Sunderland away, Saturday 30 March KO 12:45 (Sky)

The date of the West Ham match will change, however, if the Reds are successful in reaching the FA Cup sixth round. Ties are scheduled to be played on that same weekend of Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March.

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Sir Alex's hopes for Fletcher

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Darren Fletcher to return in July and adapt his game to become a holding midfielder.

The Scotland international has undergone an operation in a bid to cure his ulcerative colitis and misses the rest of the season. However, the boss is backing his fellow countryman to again show his character by bouncing back to resurrect his career.

"This improves Darren's prospects of returning [to top form]," explained Sir Alex at his pre-Spurs press conference.

"He had to change his game and he hasn't been the Darren Fletcher of three or four years ago in the games this season. Instead, he was sitting in front of the back four and he did well. That could be his role in the future. When he comes back, and I hope he does, it will be in a different role."

The surgery had been planned but the manager admits it is still a blow to a player who is extremely popular in and around the club.

"It was something we thought would happen anyway," Sir Alex added. "He tried his best to cope with the condition with the treatments he was using but, in the last couple of weeks, it's come back. This operation will hopefully solve the situation and we expect him to be back in July. It's a blow for the boy but given he's been dealing with the condition for a few years, it's just another step for him.

"He has fantastic character, he's a brilliant boy. He'll do his best, no doubt about that. He always does."

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Sir Alex expects Tottenham test

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United's impressive recent history at White Hart Lane will count for nothing on Sunday, with the hosts under new management for this season.

The boss admires the work done so far by his opposite number at Tottenham Hotspur, Andre Villas-Boas. This time last season, the Portuguese coach was under pressure at Chelsea, where he would ultimately lose his job in early March. But he has since settled in well at Spurs, with the pick of his first 22 league results probably being their 3-2 win at United in September - the North London club's only victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.

"I think Spurs have done well this season," said Sir Alex at Friday's pre-match press conference. "I've watched quite a few of their games and their form has been consistent. They're in good form and I think they'll challenge for the top four.

"Villas-Boas has Spurs in the way he wants them and I think there are signs they're playing how he wants them to play. That's what a coach wants to do - get his philosophy across. I think they'll challenge for the top four."

United are unbeaten in 11 league visits to White Hart Lane, and the last defeat there came when the Reds had already romped to the title in May 2001. You have to go as far back as October 1999 therefore to find a meaningful loss but while Sir Alex is proud of that run, he won't rely on it come Sunday afternoon.

"We have a fantastic record there," he acknowledged. "It's a stadium that's old-fashioned, football-wise, like Aston Villa and Everton. There's always a good atmosphere and we enjoy playing there. But we can't take anything for granted. We have a hard game on Sunday. We have to perform."

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Boss: Evans misses Spurs

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Jonny Evans out of contention for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

The boss confirmed the Northern Irishman is not yet match fit after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw with West Ham at Upton Park earlier this month, but otherwise has a full squad at his disposal ahead of a tricky trip to White Hart Lane.

Crucially, several players were handed some much-needed game time in Wednesday night's FA Cup third round replay with the Hammers and are now available for selection, providing a welcome boost for the Reds.

“We've got a strong squad. Jonny Evans still isn't available,” Sir Alex explained during his weekly press conference at Carrington. “He's not 100 per cent. Other than that, we're not too bad. We got a lot of players a game on Wednesday and I thought they did well. It was a good performance.”

Gutted.

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Jones relishing big games

Phil Jones says playing one big game after another is a key part of life at Manchester United.

The England international is relishing being back in the fold again after a frustrating spell out injured during the first half of the campaign.

Jones earned praise from Sir Alex for his defensive display in the FA Cup replay win against West Ham in midweek, and is now hoping to be involved in as many matches as possible in the coming weeks as the Reds battle on three fronts.

“The reason you come to Manchester United is to play in big games every week in different competitions,” Jones told ManUtd.com. “As well as league games and FA Cup matches we’ve got two massive games coming up against Real Madrid and they’re all matches that, if I’m involved, I’ll relish.

“Personally, it was good to get another full game in [against West Ham] and good to be playing at centre-back which is a position I always enjoy playing.

“I was just pleased to get a run-out. It’s been so frustrating to be out injured – I’m a nightmare patient! But I feel fit and strong and hopefully I can get a good run in the side between now and the end of the season.

“It’s great to come back into a team that’s doing so well and playing so well," he added. "It’s a nice feeling to be top of the league and hopefully we can keep things going this weekend.”

Next up for the Reds is Sunday's visit to White Hart Lane against highflying Tottenham. It promises to be another tough test for Sir Alex’s men, but Jones says it’s vital the players stay focused on their own game rather than worrying about the opposition.

Spurs have done well this season. They’ve got some brilliant individual players and we’ll have to be wary of them all. It’ll be a test for whoever comes up against Gareth Bale – he’s a great player. They have a lot of good individual players, but if we work collectively as a team hopefully we can stop him.

"The most important thing for us is to concentrate on what we’re about and how we’ll approach the game."

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Welbeck: It's all about United

Danny Welbeck insists Manchester United are too focused on winning matches to care about other scorelines across the Barclays Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men currently hold a seven-point advantage over title rivals Manchester City, although that gap could be reduced by the time the Reds face in-form Tottenham on Sunday, given the Blues face Fulham 24 hours earlier.

But Welbeck believes United can only concentrate on the Spurs game and maintain the same single-minded approach as the Reds continue to chase a 20th English league title.

“Our main focus is ourselves and we’re not looking at anybody else,” Danny explained to ManUtd.com.

“Getting three points is the main thing and we’re not looking for any other results. Obviously, City could shorten the gap and it is key that we maintain our seven-point lead.

“Every game we play in the league is important and the main thing is to go out and get the three points. We can’t watch other teams and see how they are doing. We have to look after ourselves.”

This term, Welbeck has been limited to just eight league starts due to squad rotation and the sensational form of summer signing Robin van Persie. But instead of moaning, the 22-year-old has praised the Dutchman's growing influence and outlined the benefits of United's strength in depth.

“Robin is a world-class striker and it’s great to be playing alongside him,” Danny explained. “He is deadly in front of goal, but it’s not just his goal scoring that he’s added to the team.

“It’s his all-round play. He is bringing others into the play very well and he’s holding the ball up as well. As you watch him closer every single day you get to know how good a player he is. You can learn from Robin, but also other great players in the whole of the Manchester United squad.

“Every player, when given the chance, can give 100 per cent and that is the main thing, we are all together as a team and are looking out for each other, rooting for one another. Once we get out there, we have got a strong team no matter who is out there. The main thing is to get three points.

“Whoever is picked in the starting 11, it is going to be a strong side and you have just got to be grateful and happy that once you are on the pitch you are playing with other great players, which is going to make it easier for you.”

Danny was speaking at the launch of United's three-year sponsorship deal with Japanese paint giants Kansai.