[bbfan1991]

Mourinho: The world is waiting

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho travelled to Manchester on Sunday to watch United beat Everton ahead of this week’s mouth-watering Champions League fixture between the two European giants.



The Los Blancos boss, speaking exclusively to MUTV at Old Trafford, struggled to contain his excitement when asked about Wednesday night’s match at the Bernabeu.

“We have to feel very privileged to play this match,” he said. “People think we’re under pressure because one of the big teams will soon be out of the biggest competition. But Real Madrid and Manchester United staff, as well as the players, feel privileged. It’s the kind of match you want to play and we have to prepare as best we can.”

Madrid warmed up for the clash with a 4-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday night, with ex-Red Cristiano Ronaldo grabbing a 10-minute hat-trick. Mourinho was able to rest a number of other players, however, although he insists tiredness won’t be an issue come Wednesday evening.

“It’s such a big match,” he said. “Everybody wants to play. Nobody will be tired.

“It’s a match the world is waiting for. They are not waiting for other matches in the Champions League. So I hope we can give the world of football what they’re waiting for.”

Wednesday night also acts as the latest instalment in the managerial rivalry between Mourinho and Ferguson. Now firm friends away from the football pitch, the pair have met 14 times down the years, with Sir Alex emerging victorious just twice.

Mourinho knows this season’s matches against United won’t be easy but says his “We’ve had so many matches between us, with Porto, Chelsea, Internazionale and now with Real Madrid. In every club I meet Sir Alex. I’ve won games, I’ve lost, I’ve drawn.

“[This time] I want to win and he wants to win. But I believe the loser, in the middle of being a bit sad, will have a little bit of space to feel a little bit happy because their friend has won.”

Too right Jose, what an exciting game this will be!

[bbfan1991]

Giggs: Focus was crucial

Ryan Giggs claimed mental powers proved decisive as Manchester United overcame a physical test against Everton at Old Trafford.



Focus and concentration were the buzz words for the Reds' longest-serving player in his post-match interview, as he assessed a job well done by the runaway league leaders.

"We had to have the concentration, we knew what happened here against Everton last year, they're a tough side," said Giggs. "We knew that if we concentrated, we'd have a great chance."

Giggs took the first goalscoring chance that came his way, beating Tim Howard via the same post that was struck without success by Robin van Persie moments earlier.

"Obviously it was an important goal in the game, that was the main thing," reflected Ryan, who has now maintained his record of scoring in all 21 Premier League seasons.

"My goal set us off and after that we played some good stuff. We had to really, against a really good Everton team. The main thing was obviously getting the result. The performance wasn't as important but I think we played well."

The victory was the Reds' 12th in 14 league games since the shock November defeat at Norwich, with the other two matches being the 1-1 draws at Swansea and Spurs. The destiny of the 2012/13 title race is now firmly in United's grasp, and Giggs feels there is enough quality and crucial know-how at Old Trafford to complete the mission.

"If we continue the good form and get the results, we'll be okay," he said.

We've been in really good form and we've got players on the bench or not even getting on the bench who would walk into any other team. The squad we've got at the moment is really strong and we've got to keep that up until the end of the season.

"We've got enough experience in the squad but you never take anything for granted. We've just got to keep playing well. The strength of the squad should see us there if everyone stays fit. But you never know what happens. You've just got to concentrate and do our job."

With the Everton match safely done and dusted, Giggs allowed himself a glance at the next game on the horizon - Wednesday's trip to the Bernabeu as the UEFA Champions League resumes.

"It doesn't come any bigger than playing Real Madrid, it's a fantastic match. We'll look forward to that now."

[bbfan1991]

Vote: Man of the Match

United went 12 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.



The Reds took the lead through Ryan Giggs on 13 minutes and the Welshman is one of six United players on our Man of the Match shortlist. It wasn't just the goal that's earned Giggsy his nomination, though. He was tenacious in midfield, tackling well and playing key passes throughout the match.

Former Everton man Wayne Rooney was also superb, getting stuck in to a number of challenges and enjoying the freedom of a deeper role. It allowed him more touches of the ball and Rooney was particularly influential in the first half.

Right-back Rafael shone throughout, keeping Leighton Baines very quiet on Everton's left flank while also chipping in at the sharp end of United's attacks. It was his ball that played in Robin van Persie for the Reds' second goal, a fact not lost on the Dutchman, who was quick to acknowledge the Brazilian's contribution.

Central defenders Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic were immense against a physically imposing Everton side. Vidic, in particular, made a number of key defensive headers, as well as a brave block to deny Kevin Mirallas. Evans, meanwhile, almost made his mark in attack, twice going close in a second-half goal-line scramble.

David De Gea rounds out our shortlist following another confident performance between the posts and a second successive clean sheet. His diving first-half save from Leon Osman's volley was terrific, as was his smart stop to deny Nikica Jelavic after the break. He also showed willingness to come for crosses and dominate his area.

http://www.manutd.com/en/polls


Rafael Da Silva was MOTM for me.

[bbfan1991]

Report: United 2 Everton 0

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

[Legend killer]

Seriously Rafa should be our captain next year he is the EXACT guy you would want with you going into a war he lives and breathes the shirt

Get him signed to a 10 year contract ASAP

[bbfan1991]

Loans: Trio on target

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


I am glad that the loanees are doing well.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex wary of Real aims

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid’s indifferent form is a boost for Manchester United ahead of Wednesday’s colossal clash in the UEFA Champions League – although the Reds boss is wary of underestimating a team that has set its sights firmly on European success.



Los Blancos are currently 16 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona and have recently slipped up against Granada, Valencia and Osasuna to all but end their hopes of retaining a Spanish title that was won in such admirable fashion last season.

As a result, the pressure is on manager Jose Mourinho to deliver on the continent and end an 11-year wait for the European Cup, meaning the Portuguese is likely to rotate his squad domestically in order to prioritise the much-hyped second round tie with United.

“I think their target is the European Cup,” Sir Alex said when quizzed on Real’s priorities. “They got a bad start in the league and were chasing their tail a bit because Barcelona’s form has been incredible. I think Jose has set his targets firmly on the European Cup, no doubt about that.

“It can be harder for us but there’s a bit of pressure for them too. At this moment in time we’re involved in three things. Jose has still got the semi final of the Copa del Rey, they play Barca next week and then again in a league game before we play them on the Tuesday at Old Trafford. So they’ve got a big programme themselves.

"You look at English football and say it’s a very, very difficult programme and every game is hard but you look at Madrid’s programme at the moment and it’s also very difficult. Every game is hard.

Maybe in Jose’s situation he can make changes simply because the priority is the European Cup, but Real never want to lose to Barca so he has to play a strong team in that game. But I think both teams are in a programme of playing game after game so it’ll be interesting."

When asked if the media speculation regarding Mourinho’s future at the Bernabeu might affect the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’, Sir Alex stated his belief that his great friend will thrive in the spotlight and praised the former Chelsea manager’s work in the Spanish capital.

“It’s always been important to them, the European Cup, and I don’t think it (pressure) necessarily applies to Jose as I think he’s done a great job there. He’s really built up a terrific squad of players and could play two teams, like us. I don’t think it applies to him but you never know in football.

“I don’t think there’s any secrecy in his own desire to win the European Cup as, don’t forget, he’d be the only person to win it with three different teams so it’s a fantastic challenge for Jose.”

The two managers have enjoyed a friendly rivalry since first competing against one another during United’s Champions League defeat to Porto in 2004. And although Mourinho has the better record from 14 previous meetings, Sir Alex is adamant he’s still on top.

“I think he’s pitting his wits against me,” the boss joked. “I think it’s a great challenge – the two biggest clubs in the world and obviously it’s a big game for us.”

I am so excited for this match. SAF and Jose are friends too, which gives an edge to it and the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is facing his former team and that both teams are the most worldwide known clubs etc!

[bbfan1991]

Ronaldo destined for greatness

Sir Alex Ferguson believes it was "obvious" that Cristiano Ronaldo would one day be recognised as one of the world's greatest footballers.



The Manchester United manager joked to reporters that he might resort to underhand tactics in a bid to shackle his former star during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie in Madrid.

“Ronaldo’s form, I have to say, is pivotal to everything Real Madrid do," Sir Alex said. "His goal tally - 179 goals in 178 games - tells its own story. I think I will have to bring a bit of blackmail to it and tell the true story of him!

"He's a fantastic player and I knew he would do well and improve tremendously in Madrid. He was still youngish when he left us and it was obvious he was going to be a top player in the world, no doubt about that.

“When he first came, he was a boy who wanted to display all his tricks and technical abilities but, bit by bit, he overcame all the little flaws in his game because he’s an absolutely rounded player.

“His last game of his last season for us... well in almost every one, he created five chances, sometimes more, by himself. He was unbelievable.”

Earlier this season, Ronaldo sent ripples throughout football by telling reporters "I am unhappy and the club knows why", prompting rumours of an imminent departure from the Spanish capital and a possible return to United, where he made just under 300 appearances during six trophy-laden years.

Ronny, as he’s affectionately known, has since declared his displeasure has passed but says he is still not ready to sign a new deal, whilst openly admitting that he "misses" Manchester. However, when quizzed on the topic, Sir Alex is cautious and admits he can’t imagine how a reunion might occur.

"Everyone goes on about that but I don’t see it," added Sir Alex. "He’s got two-and-a-half years left on his contract and to try and buy that at the moment, you’d be talking about hundreds of millions. It rules out everyone, including Barcelona. I think Madrid are trying hard to get him to a new contract and I think that’s happening.

"The glare of publicity he gets in Madrid is different to here. The players here, I think, are quite well protected – especially in the training sessions. There are cameras everywhere at Madrid as everyone knows. I think he will miss a lot of things here [at United] but that's not stopped him progressing as a footballer. His progress has been brilliant.”

Nice praise by Sir Alex Ferguson for Cristiano Ronaldo, although obviously I hope that United emerge victorious out of the two legs.

It was a pleasure seeing him develop into a world class player at United and that was down to SAF, his staff and the players. His development after coming to United as a young man and leaving a more mature and older one six years after is amazing!

When CR7 is back at Old Trafford I hope he gets a cheer before and after the match and that there will be no ''Viva Ronaldo'' chants during it for competitive reasons only.

[bbfan1991]

Famous four

Manchester United's legendary striking quartet of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have their say on the current crop of forwards at Sir Alex Ferguson's disposal.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...17/Famous-four

[the truth]

mouth watering stuff...I give man utd have got a chance though

[bbfan1991]

Evans ready for Real

Jonny Evans has stressed that Wednesday night's Champions League blockbuster is not all about Cristiano Ronaldo.



Much of the pre-match focus ahead of the first leg has inevitably centred around the former United idol but Evans is fully aware of the galaxy of talent at Jose Mourinho's disposal, even if Ronaldo emphasised his status as the main danger-man with a brilliant hat-trick against Sevilla at the weekend.

The Northern Ireland international feels the Portuguese star has adjusted his game in La Liga and is an obvious threat to the Reds' European aspirations.

"I am sure one or two of the lads have kept in contact and Nani was on international duty with him," said Evans. "I don't know if he has spoken to anyone but I am sure he is looking forward to the game as much as we are. But I don't think it is just about Cristiano Ronaldo. It goes back further. There is the history of the two clubs. It is the glamour tie of the round. Everyone is looking forward to it.

"Cristiano has changed his game. He has adapted. When he was playing here, he was a right or left winger and expected to work back a lot. That was the way we played.

"I don't think Real Madrid play like that. He has adapted his game to suit them. But they don't just have Cristiano Ronaldo who can hurt you. They have a lot of different players who can cause you problems. He will be the one everyone will be looking to as the man to stop and we have to make sure we keep him quiet."

Evans also feels that the pressure is on United as well as Real, even though Mourinho's men have had to make the trophy an obvious priority this term after falling so far behind in the Spanish title race.

"We have had a great recent record in the Champions League until last year," explained the centre-back. "We have gathered that experience to make sure that we do progress and get to finals and semi-finals.

"I suppose Real Madrid have always had that. You are expected and if you don't do it, there is uproar. We have that pressure on us. I am sure it will be a great occasion and everyone is looking forward to it as much as we are."

[bbfan1991]

Reds primed for run-in

The toughest lessons are indelibly imprinted on the memory and Gary Neville believes that Manchester United’s surrender in the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League title race is fuelling the Reds’ charge for success on all fronts this term.



On that basis, the 12 points that currently separate United and nearest challengers Manchester City should be viewed as impressive but not impenetrable.

Neville, who has been the through most epic season finales in United’s recent history, urges the players to allow the momentum of the season’s run-in to propel them onwards.

Now a club ambassador, Neville wrote in his United Review column for the Everton game: “After being eight points clear last year with six games to go only to lose the title, knowing the players in that dressing room, they’ll be saying: “There’s no way that will happen again.’

"There’s a mechanism that kicks in which says to you: ‘I’ve been here before, I know what happened last time we were in this position.’

“Another important difference from last year is that we look a better team. Since Christmas, not only are we still scoring goals, we’ve got more defenders back and we’re conceding fewer. Conceding one or none is far better than the twos and threes we were letting in previously.

"In the last [seven] league games we’ve had [four] clean sheets and let in three goals – that’s a significant improvement; in defensive terms, it’s championship-winning form.”

Striking a balance between defensive solidity and a goal threat will be crucial at home and abroad according to the Reds legend. “We’ve got a real balance now at a key time of the year, going into February and with the Campions League resuming,” he added.

“Around now, the fixtures give you a real concentration and tightness. The games creep up on you and start to fall away really quickly. [But] you can always have bad experiences in life, and the players and manager will be so on-guard.

"Every single second in every single match, nothing will be taken for granted and concentration will be total. I’m sure the players will be telling themselves those messages because they can feel they’ve got a really good chance this season.”

[bbfan1991]

Shinji inspired by tie

Shinji Kagawa is hoping to play a key role in United's "inspiring" Champions League matches against Real Madrid.



The Reds travel to Spain on Tuesday aftomorrow ahead of Wednesday night's Last 16 first leg at the Bernabeu and Kagawa, like all Sir Alex's men, is keen to be involved.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "If I’m picked I’ll do my best to help the team reach the next stage of the competition."

By his own admission, though, the Japanese midfielder lacks Champions League experience. Indeed, he's never played in the competition's knockout stages, having finished bottom of Group F with Borussia Dortmund in 2011/12.

"I played in the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund last season but unfortunately we couldn’t perform to our potential," Kagawa said.

"We were too young, we didn’t have enough experience and got knocked out in the group stage.

"However, United has a great history and we finished top of our group this season.

"The games against Real Madrid are going to be inspiring. It’s tough to play against Real Madrid, though."

I hope you are too Shinji.

[bbfan1991]

Biggest game in Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United versus Real Madrid is European football's ultimate glamour match.



The Reds travel to Spain for the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, with the eagerly-awaited game taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

It will be only the ninth time the two clubs have met - United have come out on top twice, Real Madrid have won three and there have been three draws. Sir Alex insists the opponents mirror United in terms of history and global appeal and feels there is no bigger game in the competition.

“I think it is [the ultimate match-up in the European Cup], probably even more than a United/Barcelona game,” he told Inside United.

“United and Madrid have that romance about them and that honour and worldwide appeal so it probably is the biggest game you can get in the European Cup.

“I think as soon as the draw was made there was that anticipation about the tie – it’s one that you really look forward to. It’ll be a fantastic spectacle between two of the biggest clubs in the world and if we can come back from Madrid with a decent result then we’ve got a great chance.

“I think we have a good chance of scoring there, I really do,” he added. “And if you do score then it certainly gives you a better chance when you get them back at Old Trafford.”

The match will, of course, reunite the Reds with Cristiano Ronaldo who has continued to develop into one of the game’s greatest-ever stars since his switch to Madrid in 2009.

Sir Alex keeps in regular contact with the Portuguese international who, he believes, will be given a hero’s welcome on his return to his former home.

“He’ll get a great reception when he comes out before the game [at Old Trafford] because he was such a fantastic player for us,” said the manager.

“But after that, when the game starts, they can boo him as much as they like! [Laughs].”

Spot on SAF about the game and Cristiano Ronaldo, i'm so excited for tomorrow.

[bbfan1991]

Evra: Let's show the true United

Some thrive on pressure, others wilt in its presence, but Patrice Evra says Manchester United travel to Real Madrid for Wednesday’s blockbuster Champions League last 16 first leg tie relishing the opportunity of playing in a match between two football superpowers.



The Frenchman’s one clear objective is that the Reds do not miss an opportunity to "show who we really are”, whilst it is also tempting to ponder what effect victory over two legs against Real could have on United's season.

“It could lift everyone,” Patrice told Inside United this month. “If we can beat Madrid then the response it provides for other teams is important. Don’t forget, last year we were knocked out in the first stage of the Champions League and maybe people have that image of Manchester United in Europe. We have to change that.

"That’s why I think this is the perfect year to show who we really are. We can’t miss this opportunity to show ourselves, it would be a massive disappointment.”

Evra says it is “a privilege” not pressure to play in these games against Jose Mourinho’s men. “Lots of people think it brings a lot of pressure to play in this kind of game. No way!” he says. “You can’t concentrate on pressure. Everyone dreams of playing in games like this.

“You just have to be a kid. Not on the pitch, of course! But before you start the game, you have to be like a kid who’s dreamed of playing this game and so you don’t want to miss your chance to do well. When the game comes you have to be focused and concentrate because it will be difficult and we will have to fight to win. And when it’s time to face Madrid, we will be ready when the referee blows the first whistle.”

Evra could come face to face with his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, now terrorising defences in La Liga. The narrative of a hero returning to face his old club is difficult to ignore, but Evra is keen for it not to dominate the tale, nor provide a happy ending for his good friend.

“We have already been texting each other,” Patrice says of Ronaldo. “I hope he will get a great ovation from our fans because what he did for United was unbelievable. I miss him too.

"We have played against Ronny many times in training, and me and Rafa know what he can do. He is a top-class player. For me, he is the best player in the world. He will be a tough opponent but we have to make sure we are friends out of the pitch, and enemies on it! It will be emotional for Ronny because he loves Manchester United. I hope the emotion will get to him. That will be perfect for us.”

What Ronaldo does or does not do at the Santiago Bernabeu will be up to the likes of Evra and Rafael to control, but on his return to Old Trafford next month Patrice says there is one way fans can help contain him.

“We don’t have to wind him up before this game because when he is angry he is at his best,” he says, before joking: “So, let’s just be nice. We can say, ‘Welcome home, Ronny. It’s so nice to have you back, we love you, you are the best player’. We can kill him with love!”

Patrice Evra always makes me laugh.

[bbfan1991]

United undaunted by Real trip

Jonny Evans says Manchester United are undaunted about facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the tie of the round in the Champions League.



The Reds have had some glorious battles with the Spanish aristocrats in the past and head into the showdown in great heart after extending the lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to 12 points over the weekend.

Although Evans has never played at the imposing arena, he visited a Real home match in the Spanish capital when still a schoolboy.

"We can't be daunted," he insisted. "We are Manchester United. Teams look up to us as well. I am sure the same pressures will be on them.

"We have to treat it like another game. You are playing against better players but we play against Premier League opposition every week and it is one of the best leagues in the world.

"You are coming up against different opposition and players who can hurt you. It is just as if we were playing against Manchester City or Liverpool. We are playing against top players and have to make sure we are spot on."

This trip to the 85,454-capacity stadium will certainly be different this time around to the one he made a decade ago to watch the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo take on Valencia from the stands. At least it has given the centre-back a taster of what to expect in midweek.

"I have never played there," Evans stated. "I went to watch a Real Madrid game with my family when I was about 15. The Galacticos were playing and I remember thinking what a fantastic stadium it was. It was a night-time game and the atmosphere was superb. I am sure it will be something similar.

"I think these are the nights as players that you do relish. They are great experiences.

"We probably take it for granted that we are going to be playing in stadiums like this. It is a weird feeling as we don't get to appreciate it at the time. Looking back it would be nice to remember."

[bbfan1991]

Rio spells out Madrid mission

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United need to show experience, courage and ability in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.



The defender was left out of Sunday's 2-0 defeat of Everton which is being viewed as a pointer to him starting against Real Madrid and it is clear he has the temperament to handle the big occasion.

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo but Ferdinand is aware of the threat Real will pose throughout their line-up, even if he cheekily hopes his former team-mate finds it difficult returning to Old Trafford for the first time in the second leg.

"We're going to have to use all of our experience, courage and ability to make sure we stop not only Ronaldo but all of them as Real are a great team," he told MUTV. "They have got so many other weapons.

"We could shut Ronaldo down for 90 minutes and the game finishes but other players will be in there that can still hurt us. So we've got to be compact as a team and work hard."

Looking ahead to the second leg, Ferdinand added: "I think it's going to be an emotional, great night for Ronaldo. Hopefully, he gets too emotional and doesn't handle it! I think he's got a great rapport with our fans and there's a mutual respect between them which is great."

[bbfan1991]

Rafael wins accolade

Rafael was a worthy winner of the latest ManUtd.com Man of the Match following his tremendous display against Everton.



The right-back was outstanding throughout the 2-0 victory, defending with resilience and getting forward with his usual flair. Indeed, it was his run and prodded through ball that allowed Robin van Persie to round Tim Howard and claim the second goal.

There was plenty of competition for the accolade with Ryan Giggs finishing in second place in our poll after opening the scoring with his right foot to extend his record of scoring in every Barclays Premier League season.

Another who put in a sterling effort was third-placed skipper Nemanja Vidic, who was imperious in the air and put his body on the line when Everton did threaten inside the penalty box. Wayne Rooney, David De Gea and Jonny Evans were further down the pecking order in terms of the voting as the Reds exacted revenge for last season's costly 4-4 draw and the opening-match defeat at Goodison Park.

Well done to Rafael, he deserves the MOTM because he was brilliant and his improvement has been outstanding and for me has been one of our most consistent players this season.

[bbfan1991]

Madrid paper aims 'hooligan' jibe at Manchester United's Wayne Rooney

• Marca raises temperature ahead of Real Madrid tie
• Wayne Rooney is 'football player and hooligan rolled into one'



Wayne Rooney has been described as a "hooligan" and "freckled demon" by Marca as the Spanish sports newspaper seeks to raise the temperature ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Rooney is depicted on the front page of the Madrid-based daily under the banner headline "El Coco" (meaning "bogey man), while inside, a characteristically forthright piece warns of "a barrel packed with gunpowder" heading for the Bernabéu and recalls the United striker's past confrontations with Real players.

"Wayne Rooney is a football player and hooligan all rolled into one," writes Marca's Hugo Cerezo. "To look at him, you'd think he was one of the 4,000 British fans on the terraces … yelling and drinking beer and jumping the queue to get in through Gate D.

"But Rooney will run out on to the turf at the Bernabéu and face players who have bones to pick with him. Pepe, [Ricardo] Carvalho, [Iker] Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo may well relive their encounters with the English bad boy."

Marca also rakes over Rooney's past indiscretions at the World Cup in 2006, when he was sent off for treading on Portugal's Carvalho and Ronaldo encouraged the referee to dismiss him, and a fracas with Casillas in England's friendly against Spain more than eight years ago. It also makes reference to Rooney tweeting that Pepe was "an idiot" after the Real defender trod on Lionel Messi's hand during a Copa del Rey match against Barcelona last season.

Rooney's former team-mate Gary Neville responded on Twitter that Marca's verdict was "harsh".

Marca are vile.

[bbfan1991]

Super sub to super boss? Solskjaer reveals Man United job is his 'dream'

As Peter Schmeichel warns Jose Mourinho he WON'T be Fergie's successor

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed his ultimate dream is to return to Manchester United as manager.



The former Red Devils super-sub played at Old Trafford for more than 10 years before retiring in 2007 and taking a job managing the club's reserve team.

In 2011 he left to manage Molde in his native Norway, but he has now said he wants to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as boss at United.

He told Spanish paper Marca: "Maybe it sounds stupid but my dream is to manage United. But I am not saying it is going to happen.

"I worked with Alex Ferguson for 15 seasons as a player and then as reserve-team coach.

"His methodology has influenced my philosophy. Almost everything I know I learnt from Sir Alex.

"Both of us believe in ourselves, we always want to win and we put our faith in youngsters and work hard."

Jose Mourinho has been heavily linked with the hotseat at Old Trafford when Ferguson retires, but ex-United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says the Real

Madrid boss WON'T get the job.
He told El Mundo: "He will not be the successor. I don't think the club would be happy with everything Mourinho brings with him.

"He's a great candidate for his qualities as a manager but the club doesn't want all the things that come with him."

[bbfan1991]

United stay to train in Manchester away from Jose's prying eyes... but one thing's for sure, Van Persie is not holding back judging by this two-footed challenge on Vidic

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#axzz2Kh6KA2Nm

[bbfan1991]

Strong squad for Madrid

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has named a 22-man squad for the Champions League trip to Real Madrid.



The Reds have included Phil Jones and Jonny Evans despite both players being substituted with knocks during the weekend win against Everton.

Anders Lindegaard is back in the squad after missing the last two games, as is Ashley Young who has not featured since last month's victory over Liverpool, but there is no Paul Scholes, who has been sidelined recently with a knee problem.

Squad: De Gea, Lindegaard; Büttner, Evans, Evra, Ferdinand, Jones, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Nani, Valencia, Young; Hernandez, Kagawa, Rooney, van Persie, Welbeck.

Great news about there being a strong squad. Not surprised about Paul Scholes not travelling because even though he trained this morning has probably been given some more time to recover from his injury.

[Brother Leon]

Haven't been this excited for a match for a long while. What the CL is all about. **** an easy draw tbh. Gotta face the big guns eventually, might aswell knock MAdrid out now. COME ON UNITED!

[Legend killer]

I read Raf called Ronnie out

Ronnie will be joining Bale in Raf's pocket come tomorrow night

[Brother Leon]

Would put Jones in too away from home. Done a great job on Bale & Felliani. Let's be real, Rafael will need help as great as he is.