[bbfan1991]

De Gea storms fan poll

David De Gea's performance against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night has earned the young goalkeeper ManUtd.com's Man of the Match award.



The Spaniard returned to the city of his birth and the stadium of his boyhood team's rivals to turn in a display of great maturity and shot-stopping prowess. While at times slightly unorthodox in his methods, De Gea frustrated Real Madrid on a number of occasions to ensure the Reds left Spain with a vital away draw.

His performance won him plenty of headlines in Thursday morning's papers, as well as an overwhelming 86 per cent of the fans' vote in our post-match poll.

United goalscorer Danny Welbeck came a distant second with 9 per cent, with Phil Jones and Robin van Persie rounding out the vote. De Gea admitted afterwards he was "very happy" with his performance, but warned "the party is not over".

"We are talking about Real Madrid, one of the world's best sides," he told reporters at the Bernabeu. "We have to play them at Old Trafford yet."

Congratulations DDG, well deserved.

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Patience pays off

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of the value of being patient with young players after the likes of Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and David De Gea shone in Madrid in midweek.



Welbeck, who has been with the club since the age of nine, scored the Reds' vital away goal against Real and displayed tremendous confidence while De Gea made his critics eat their words with a fabulous performance.

Jones was handed an important role in midfield, but the manager also had a word for Tom Cleverley, who ended up being an unused subsitute at the Bernabeu. Certainly those who have come through the ranks at Carrington are providing great examples as role models for those currently in the youth team squad.

"We're always patient with young players," stated Sir Alex during Friday's press conference. "We're patient with Tom Cleverley. We sent him out on loan on four different occasions and he's matured. Now he’s an important member of the squad. You have to show patience. If you think they have the ability then you have to be prepared to wait for that.

"Maturity helps [goalkeepers too]. There are very few goalkeepers who are the finished article at 20 years of age. There are some examples, like Gianluigi Buffon and Petr Cech. That's not always the case.

"Peter Schmeichel didn't join us until he was 27 and then gave us eight great years. Normally for goalkeepers it's the mid-20s until you get the finished article.

"A good performance helps everyone. It gives them confidence, there’s no doubt about that. It won’t change him. He [De Gea] is a down-to-earth boy.

"As for Danny, his goal won't do him any harm. He's not a boy who lacks confidence. He wasn't fazed by the occasion. It's a great boost for the younger players coming up behind him, those in the Academy like Danny was. He's been with us since the age of nine.

"It's great testament to the development work we do with young players. We had young Nick Powell and Adnan Januzaj in the Reserves on Monday and you say to yourself: 'These are definite Manchester United first-team players.'

"We can see that. They have outstanding qualities. They can see that in trusting us to map out their careers and help them and develop them then they can get to Danny’s level."

Powell impressed in a central attacking role, where he was often employed in his Crewe Alexandra days, against the Gunners' Under-21s while Belgian teenager Januzaj has started to shine at that level after being promoted from the Academy side.

[bbfan1991]

Reds to rotate against Royals

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will rotate his squad for United’s FA Cup fifth round meeting with Reading at Old Trafford on Monday.



Speaking at his weekly press conference, the Reds boss revealed that everybody who featured against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday has returned to M16 in rude health and is in contention to start against the Royals.

However, with important fixtures in Europe and the Barclays Premier League coming up, Sir Alex will utilise the strength-in-depth at his disposal - though he is not taking Brian McDermott's men lightly.

“We've come through Wednesday's game without any injuries,” the boss told reporters. “That's the best thing, apart from the result of course. I'll make some changes for Monday night, even though it’s an incentive to get to the quarter-final. I don’t think that’s lost on any of the players.

"There's a good spirit in place and they're all contributing. Whatever side I pick we’re expected to qualify. That's what happens at United. Whatever team you play you’re always expected to win. I went to see Reading last week and they’re a team who are showing plenty of fighting qualities at the moment, as you’d expect given they’re down the bottom of the league.

"We'll take nothing for granted. In the FA Cup you always expect the unexpected. It happens so many times. You just hope you're not a casualty or a shock. We've had a few over the years. But I can't be more pleased than I am at the moment with the form and spirit in the place. It’s good."

Sir Alex also revealed that Paul Scholes is struggling with a knee injury and could be out for a couple of weeks.

Good news about the rotation, shame about Paul Scholes' injury though. I wish him a speedy recovery.

[bbfan1991]

Preview: United v Reading

Date, time and coverage: Monday 18 February, 20:00 GMT kick-off. The match will be shown on ESPN.

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

[Ryan57]

Sorry if already posted.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...r-8492422.html

Very very good read. Now my favourite sports article ever. Have gone and bought the book also after hearing the author on the radio earlier today.

[Legend killer]

This OTT media bumming of David is is nearly as cringe as the hate he got. He just did what he has been doing all season for us and that's keeping us in matches he had no right to keep us in

[Legend killer]

Also would not be surprised at all if this whole Scholes is injured stuff is just a cover tbh. I personally think he has realised he cant offer us anything against THE BIG BOYS any more and has asked Fergie to slowly filter him out

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Rafael showed his class

Sir Alex says Rafael da Silva’s performance at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night proved just how far the Brazilian has progressed in recent times.



Real Madrid targeted United’s right-hand side in the first 45 minutes and, by the United manager’s own admission, the young defender struggled to cope with the Spanish side’s attacks.

What’s more, Rafael was left treading a disciplinary tightrope when he was booked on 40 minutes for hauling down Mesut Ozil on the by-line.

The Daily Telegraph talked of Rafael being "tormented by a succession of white-shirted matadors", claiming the 22-year-old "must have felt as though he had strayed into the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid’s most historic bullring, rather than the Bernabeu".

Sir Alex, speaking to MUTV, insists he never considered taking Rafael off at half-time and, sure enough, after the interval it was a different story.

Cristiano Ronaldo, so impressive in the first half, failed to reach those same heights as Rafael proved why Sir Alex believes he can be the Reds’ right-back for the next 10 years.

"Obviously Rafa had a trying first half but he coped well in the second half. He calmed down.

"He's a very impetuous boy. He's enthusiastic and wants to win every ball and, of course, he committed himself far too early on a lot of occasions.

"In the second half, he was back to the form he has shown all season and he did really well. For a young boy to recover like that says a lot for him so that was pleasing to get that second-half performance out of him."

Spot on SAF.

[bbfan1991]

Reds may change for Real return

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed sympathy for those in his squad who didn’t play in last Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid but insists they may get their chance for the return leg at Old Trafford.



The manager has always admitted that leaving players out of his team is one of the hardest parts of his job and never more so than for glamour games such as United’s match at the Bernabeu.

“I know a lot of players were disappointed at not playing on Wednesday,” Sir Alex told media at his Friday morning press conference at Carrington. “That is to be expected. I would be disappointed if they weren't disappointed.

“But the players who weren't playing were all behind the ones who were. That is good. There’s a good spirit here. That is obvious.”

Madrid travel to Manchester for the second leg on Tuesday 5 March and the United boss says he's certain to field a different side to the one that drew 1-1 in the Bernabeu.

"When you are successful you have to look at the overall squad. It will be a different team who play against Real Madrid when they come here.

"One or two or three who weren't playing on Wednesday could be playing in the next game.

"I have all these international players. Why can't I trust them? I could have played a completely different team on Wednesday and I think we would probably have got the same result."

[bbfan1991]

Boss shuns De Gea press

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will not be paying attention to the press after the reaction to David De Gea's outstanding performance against Real Madrid.



The Spaniard has often been criticised in the media this term – unfairly, perhaps – but has been lauded in all quarters since helping restrict Real to a single Cristiano Ronaldo goal on Wednesday night.

Given the boss never had any doubts about the youngster's quality and potential, recent tabloid speculation about a summer exit would appear to be wide of the mark, as more improvement is expected of the 22-year-old next season.

"That's the journalism," Sir Alex told MUTV. "It's fickle.

"I wouldn't worry about that [any over-the-top praise]. It didn't worry us before so why should we worry after it?

"The boy has shown that he has got terrific ability. He's got to adapt to the English game and we know there will still be some occasions where he is going to find it difficult in terms of the physical part of it. But he's getting stronger and, next year, he'll be better.

"He had a fantastic night as he made three exceptional saves. Their keeper, Diego Lopez, made two, too, so it was a night when both goalkeepers excelled on the big occasion."

Once again spot on Sir Alex Ferguson- David De Gea is improving and is getting more used to the style of play in England and apparently his English is improving. He has the talent to be the United GK for many, many years to come.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: Squad stronger than '99

Squad rotation will come into full effect over the next month, as Manchester United continue to challenge for trophies on three fronts.



Twelve points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League, in a position of advantage at the halfway point of an absorbing Champions League tie with Real Madrid and still in the FA Cup, the Reds’ season is progressing exactly how manager Sir Alex Ferguson would have liked.

But with United about to embark on a run of five fixtures in 20 days, beginning with Reading’s visit to Old Trafford in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday night, Sir Alex knows he’ll need to call on all his first-team players to ensure the squad remains fit and fresh.

“I’ll make some changes on Monday,” he said. “It will be a different team. And it will be a different team again against QPR, a different team at Norwich, a different team against Madrid.”

Sir Alex has, of course, won all three major trophies once before, in 1999. And although the manager insists he’s not thinking about a potential repeat of the Treble – “at this moment in time I am just looking at winning our next match,” he insisted on Friday – he admits the Reds are better equipped to win multiple trophies now than in 1999.

“The squad I had then is not nearly as strong as the squad I have got today. But the reality is that we should not get carried away," he said.

“When we went to the Champions League final in 1999, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes were suspended, but Henning Berg was the only injury.

“I had to pull in a player, Jonathan Greening, who had only played once or twice in the first team. He got a medal for being on the bench. That gives you an idea of the strength of the squad.

“Now I could change a whole team. We have a whole group of internationals who weren't involved on Wednesday.”

Although Sir Alex will make a number of changes for the Reading tie, he insists United won’t take anything for granted against a Royals side that has lost just once in the last seven games.

He added: “In the FA Cup, anything can happen. You don't want to be a shock. Monday, in many people's eyes would be, 'Yes, it's Reading, we have just beaten Madrid... Monday will take care of itself'.

“Monday can't take care of itself. We have to take care of that. We must get a performance off the players that respects our opponents and also the fact the FA Cup can produce shocks. We have had them ourselves. We don't want one on Monday night.”

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United footballer Nani crash: Police driver suspended

A Manchester United footballer's vehicle has been involved in a collision with a police car.

Greater Manchester Police said a police driver had been suspended after a car crash involving the winger Nani.

Police said an unmarked police car responding to an emergency call was travelling along Gatley Road in Gatley, Stockport at about 18:40 GMT on Friday.

It collided with the 26-year-old player's Bentley Continental as the police car entered Kingsway junction.

Officers said a passenger in the police car received minor injuries and minor damage was caused to both vehicles.

A police spokesman said: "The police driver has been suspended from driving duties in line with normal procedure."

Portuguese footballer Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha is commonly known as Nani.

[bbfan1991]

Man Utd boss Ferguson admits Chicharito upset not seeing Real Madrid action

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Javier Hernandez was disappointed not to see action against Real Madrid.

Chicharito is expected to start on Monday against FA Cup opponents Reading.

"I explained to Javier that Robin van Persie is our main striker and that we want someone to join in from a deeper position," said Ferguson.

"But whenever Javier plays, he delivers. He has 14 goals already, will get ample opportunity and will score more than 20.

"There were a lot of disappointed players.

"Nani and Ashley Young are two international footballers. I find it hard to explain that I have left them out."

[Brother Leon]

Dumb ****ing fed.

[bbfan1991]

David De Gea will be No.1 goalkeeper in the world in two years – Chicharito

Javier Hernandez has claimed David de Gea will be the best keeper in the world within the next two years.

De Gea has come in for huge amounts of criticism at times following his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011, most of it centred around the difficulties he has had dealing with crosses and the physicality of the Premier League.

There was still some evidence of that weakness on Wednesday night, when De Gea produced what is widely acknowledged to be his best appearance for United, making a string of fine saves in the Champions League draw with Real Madrid.

As a Spanish speaker, Hernandez has developed a close relationship with De Gea during their time at Old Trafford.

And as someone who was forced to bulk up in order to deal with the buffeting he gets in England, the Mexico forward is well-placed to assess De Gea's ability to meet the unique requirements of life in his new home.

It leaves Hernandez is no doubt De Gea has the capacity to become the very best, very quickly.

"A lot of people who know about football know that David is a top-class goalkeeper," Hernandez told MUTV.

"That is why Manchester United bought him.

"They saw how good he can be. If he wasn't at the right level to play at this club he wouldn't be here and they are trying to look after him.

"To me, he is a complete goalkeeper. You see the great saves he made on Wednesday. He can also play with his feet, which is very useful to see in a goalkeeper.

"Other people are speaking about when he has to go out and clear the corners and free-kicks. They say that is the weak part of his game.

"But I think he is doing brilliant and in a couple of years he will be the number one in the world."

Although De Gea can apparently understand more English than he tends to admit outside the confines of United, he has not allowed the criticism to affect him.

"David is very focussed and doesn't care about what people say about him," said Hernandez.

"He has a lot of confidence. He doesn't need to listen to what people say about him.

"He should just play and enjoys it because he knows he can be number one in the world."

Sir Alex Ferguson has noted similar traits.

And the United boss has dropped the clearest hint yet De Gea will remain at Old Trafford next season despite claims he will move back to Spain next summer, with Stoke's Asmir Begovic joining the Red Devils.

"What people say didn't worry us before, so why should we worry afterwards," said Ferguson.

"There will still be occasions when he finds it difficult in terms of the physical part.

"But he is getting stronger and next year he will be better."

De Gea's place is at risk from Anders Lindegaard for Monday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Reading given Ferguson has pledged to make changes.

The Dane has only made one appearance since a dismal performance the last time the two sides met at the Madejski Stadium in December when he was condemned for his contribution to goals conceded in a 4-3 win.

Victory would keep United on track to emulate their 1999 Treble-winning campaign.

So, whilst it would be easy to let minds wander towards that return leg with Real on March 5, Hernandez is keen to focus on the present.

"Wednesday was a very good result for us but now we need to think about the FA Cup," he said.

"If we want to win the three competitions, you have to think game by game and try to get the points in the league and get further in the cup."

[bbfan1991]

I hope Nani stays with us in the Summer tbh, his future is still uncertain tbh and if he does leave then we would need a replacement.

Anderson was apparently quoted in the Brazilian press saying that he has tried to leave United before and was unsuccessful, he has denied this on his Instagram- Andowlove.

If the Anderson story is true, well my opinion is that it's not now because he normally looks happy for someone who wants to leave that we would definitely need to strengthen on the CM if he did want to leave.

He has always had issues with fitness/consistency, but has shown glimpses of potential and has actually played well this season when given the chance.

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

I hope Nani stays with us in the Summer tbh, his future is still uncertain tbh and if he does leave then we would need a replacement.

Anderson was apparently quoted in the Brazilian press saying that he has tried to leave United before and was unsuccessful, he has denied this on his Instagram- Andowlove.

If the Anderson story is true, well my opinion is that it's not now because he normally looks happy for someone who wants to leave that we would definitely need to strengthen on the CM if he did want to leave.

He has always had issues with fitness/consistency, but has shown glimpses of potential and has actually played well this season when given the chance.

Zaha could be the replacement. Young, yes, but United give youth a chance.

[Legend killer]

The squad may be better then 99 but that 99 team WOULD ABUSE this team. What Prime Keane And Scholes would do to our current midfield is not even nice to think about

As for Chico I feel so sorry for him man. Don't blame Fergie for not starting him but Chico would pretty much start at any other team in the league with ease and he is a top lad

[Brother Leon]

I love Chicho man. He won't be more than an impact player from the bench for us and although he may deserve more elsewhere, it's still a very important role at a huge club.

[Legend killer]

What makes it worse IMO is Chico has genuinely worked on his game (you reading Wayne) his link up play is on a different planet to what it was when he joined and he is easily our most clinical finisher.

If we could just blend him and Danny together we would have a WPOTY candidate on our hands

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Brother Leon

I love Chicho man. He won't be more than an impact player from the bench for us and although he may deserve more elsewhere, it's still a very important role at a huge club.

I agree. Chicharito is always happy and you can tell he loves playing at United, he is biding his time for future development because SAF does have plans for him and I think he will start on Monday.

The press have linked Chicha with a move away, but I don't think that he will leave or the club have any plans to sell. He has praised the signing of RVP before and knows there will always be competition.

[bbfan1991]

Adrenaline junkie: The buzz of playing for Manchester United has Robin van Persie hooked

"Every game is a big game - I want to play against Reading. I want to keep going, *playing all of the games" beams Old Trafford's Ł24million striker

Robin van Persie is addicted to the thrill of playing for Manchester United.



The Dutchman has revealed he is completely hooked by the *excitement of leading United’s challenge for the Treble.

And it doesn’t matter whether it’s Real Madrid or Reading, he wants Sir Alex Ferguson to just keep letting him play.

United face the Royals in the fifth round of the FA Cup *on Monday night, still on a high following a draw in the Bernabeu that has given them a great chance of progressing into the last eight of the Champions League.

Van Persie said: “I have found out that when you play for *Manchester United, every game is a big game.

“There are some extra-special matches – like when you play City or Liverpool in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the *Champions League - but the so-called smaller games are important also because *winning those games makes you champions.

“Personally, I love to play all of the games.

"You get into a rhythm. I get used to having a game every three days and when you don’t play for a week, it can take maybe 10 or 15 minutes to get your rhythm back.

“I want to play against Reading. I want to keep going, *playing all of the games.

“I love the intensity of playing for United. It is great to be involved in huge games when you don’t know what is going to happen.

“You get more out of it when there is a thin line between *winning and losing.

“I love the buzz, the drama, the excitement. I live for that. I can’t imagine the day when I have to stop playing. I know I will miss the buzz so much.”

Van Persie has justified Fergie’s decision to pay Arsenal *Ł24million for a 29-year-old with an* incredible burst of goals.

He has already hit the target 23 times for United. But he is haunted by the goal that got away in the final minutes of Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Real.

Van Persie said: “That second chance I had, just after I hit the bar, that should have gone in. I mis-hit the ball. I wanted to hit it hard, but I just couldn’t produce the power.

“We won’t sit back against *Madrid in the second leg – that isn’t in United’s DNA.

“Teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona – great teams – don’t bother whether they are at home or away.

“Hopefully we can go further in the Champions League and test ourselves against some more top teams in Europe.

“But first we must focus on *getting beyond Madrid. The *manager says that is an acid test for us and he is right.”

He added: “The way this season is going, it feels like it could be very, very special.

“I am playing in games that are the greatest you can play in.

“The manager said: ‘Don’t play the occasion, play the game’. I think we did that.”

RVP loving the United way.

[Brother Leon]

He's always been a student of the game and he's loving playing for a team with such glorious history and integrity. Probably the main reason he told City to do one. I remember when the Sir Alex statue was unveiled and they showed the reaction of the players and the fact that stuck out was his. It was one of absolute awe and amazement. Top guy.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Brother Leon

He's always been a student of the game and he's loving playing for a team with such glorious history and integrity. Probably the main reason he told City to do one. I remember when the Sir Alex statue was unveiled and they showed the reaction of the players and the fact that stuck out was his. It was one of absolute awe and amazement. Top guy.

He is such a professional and took the decision for the sake of his career to leave Arsenal to try and win some silverware as he reaches the period of his career where he is getting older etc.

City actually offered more money than United, but he was seduced by United overall as a club and had the initiative to know he would play more games at United and you can tell that Rooney enjoys playing with him and not having all the pressure of being the main man put just on him LOL.

[Ryan57]

Yeah, it's a shame about Hernandez. He's been so good this season, yet there isn't that much space for him in the starting line up.

Perhaps if the diamond gets used again...

Rooney behind

Chicha RVP