Will Power

Landmark Looms For Giggs

2012-02-14T00:14:00.000+08:00

When Denis Irwin limped off the Old Trafford pitch after just 35 minutes against Everton on 2 March 1991, Alex Ferguson replaced him with a skinny 17-year-old.

Now, almost 21 years later, that talented teenager - namely Ryan Giggs - has won more trophies than any other player in the history of English football and is closing in on his 900th appearance for Manchester United.

As for Irwin, he can't believe Giggs is still terrorising top-flight defences, and recalls when the young Welshman first starting knocking on the first-team door.

"It's incredible," Irwin says as he stands on the forecourt at Old Trafford. "We all knew about him. He was like lightning, he was like the wind, and had such great ability and skill.

"The best thing about him was that he could do his defensive duties as well. He never shirked that responsibility and still doesn't. He played on the left wing in front of me for 10 years and it's incredible he's still as sharp and as driven as he is."

And important to the team. Giggs may be 38 now but he remains a vital component of Sir Alex's championship-chasing side. Games don't get much bigger than United vs Liverpool and Ryan's started all three encounters this season against the men from Merseyside.

The most recent, Saturday's eventful outing, was his 899th for the Reds, leaving him just one short of an astonishing landmark.

"To make 900 appearances for a club like this..." Irwin says, trailing off as he seeks the words to describe Ryan's impending achievement.

"Everyone knew him as an out-and-out winger. To change his thought process on a football field [and adapt to a role in the centre of midfield] is testament to how good a player he is. He not only stayed at the top of his game but changed it as well."

Giggs won't merely reach 900 games: it's likely he'll smash the landmark. After all, last Friday he signed a contract extension with the club that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2012/13 season. By that stage - remember, Ryan also boasts 64 international caps for Wales - there's every chance he'll be nudging 1000 senior games. But why stop there?

"He certainly looks sharp enough when he plays," Irwin says. "You should play as long as you can, especially at this level. And especially here."

With that, the Irishman, himself a veteran of 529 appearances for the Reds, gestures towards the stadium and we're reminded once more of that moment more than two decades earlier when Giggs trotted onto the pitch to make his first-team bow.

"Manchester United believe we may be seeing the start of a very special career this afternoon," announced Clive Tyldesley at the time, commentating for ITV.

"Special", it turns out, was a gross understatement.

Fletcher Taking It Steady

2012-02-12T03:29:00.000+08:00

Darren Fletcher has confirmed that his health is improving, but stresses that he is keen to avoid rushing a return to action.

The midfielder has been given an indefinite break from training and playing in a bid to overcome ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel inflammation, and gave an update on his health as a special guest on Sky Sports.

"I'm still on the medication, I'm still not training, but slowly but surely I'm getting better," he confirmed. "I'm not putting a timescale on it (a comeback), I think that's the best thing. With the condition it's hard to tell.

"I want to be 100 percent when I come back. I think I've tried before when that's not been the case and it's proven very difficult, so this time I want to make sure I'm 100 percent, which is going to benefit Scotland and Manchester United."

The Scottish international has been working with Warren Joyce's Reserves in recent weeks, but admits that he has been longing to make a return to action.

"I'm in every day helping Warren Joyce with the Reserve team and enjoying the experience," he said. "It's great to pass on some knowledge to the younger players.

"I'm not a good fan watching at home. The further you are away from the action, I think you find it more difficult. I've been at home quite a lot watching it on TV, and only recently been able to feel fit enough to come to the games."

Boss Wanted Bigger Win

2012-02-12T03:26:00.000+08:00

After a vital, pulsating victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson could only lament his side's inability to rack up a more emphatic scoreline.

Wayne Rooney's early second-half double made the difference for the champions, who dominated the game but were left hanging on for the result after Luis Suarez's late consolation goal.

"I thought it was a great performance by us, I’m disappointed it has ended up 2-1, to be honest with you," the manager told Sky Sports. "Maybe we did tend to just try to play out the game and keep possession, and not really threaten the way we did before we got the goals.

"I think my heart’s still out there! It was nervy in the sense that you’re playing Liverpool, they’ve come back from 2-0 down to 2-1, and you know football: anything can happen. You only need a second to lose a goal or score a goal so that was a worrying period, but we got through it.

"That’s the only fault I can find in the players, because right the way through the team we played some fantastic football. Really, really good football today."

Rooney took the plaudits - and Sky's man of the match award - for his match-winning contribution, and Sir Alex was keen to pay tribute to both his strikers.

"I thought Danny Welbeck was terrific, particularly in the first half," he said. "Scholesy was unlucky with his header, the goalkeeper had a good save. I thought we were well on top of the game, it’s just getting that goal.

"Of course, Wayne scored and then two minutes later he’s scored another one which was a great start to the second half for us."

A Fight Football Cannot Lose

2012-02-12T03:22:00.002+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists the fight against racism is one that English football cannot afford to lose.

The United manager was stunned to see Liverpool's Luis Suarez refuse to shake hands with Patrice Evra ahead of Saturday's encounter, and he insists that the Uruguayan - banned for eight games for racially abusing the Frenchman - was out of line.

On the thorny issue of whether or not the pre-match handshake - a Barclays Premier League requirement - should have been waived, the manager told Sky Sports: "It’s never been a problem really, up until this situation regarding racism. There’s never been a problem.

"So really we need to get our house in order in terms of fighting racism because it’s an issue, it’s an absolutely important issue. In this country football has come a long way from the days when John Barnes had bananas thrown at him, to where we are today, and we can’t go back. We have to go forward in a positive way and ban it altogether."

The Boss condemned Evra's exuberant post-match celebrations, saying: "He shouldn't have done that," after revealing that he had discussed the matter with his stand-in captain this morning.

"I couldn’t believe it, I just could not believe it," he said. "Patrice and I had a chat this morning and he said: ‘I’m going to shake his hand. I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, I want to keep my dignity’, and he refuses!

"He (Suarez) is a disgrace to Liverpool football club – that player should not be allowed to play for Liverpool football club again. The history that club’s got, and he does that... in a situation like today he could have caused a riot.

"I was really disappointed in that guy, I thought it was terrible, what he did. It created a tension. You saw the referee: he didn’t know what to do about it. It caught him off guard and it was a terrible start to the game. A terrible atmosphere, it created."

Tension: Patrice Evra & Luis Suarez

Rooney Fulfills Boyhood Dream

2012-02-12T03:19:00.000+08:00

Wayne Rooney says scoring against Liverpool at Old Trafford was like a dream come true after his quickfire double inspired a triumphant 2-1 win in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

The United striker netted twice in four minutes to all but seal victory during an eventful afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams, where the Reds survived a late scare to secure three precious points and move clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Rooney, who has now bagged 17 league goals this season, is also adamant that United were the better team and believes the game was ultimately won in the opening moments of the second half when his goals sent Liverpool into submission.

In an interview with MUTV, Rooney said: “It’s a great feeling to score two goals against Liverpool at Old Trafford, which obviously helped us win the game and get three points which is something that I had dreamed about as a young boy.

“I think Liverpool came to frustrate us by putting men behind the ball, they did that to a certain extent but we kept pushing and opened them up a couple of times.

“We maybe should have done better in front of goal so when we went in to half time at 0-0, we knew we had to concentrate and come out quickly.

“We managed to do that and get the two goals early on. It was a great lift for us. It killed the game off a little bit and we felt we were in control.

“They had a little bit more of possession but they didn’t really trouble us to be honest. They hit a few long balls into the box which we dealt with quite well and thankfully we saw the game out.

“Anything can happen in these games. Once they got the goal we knew we had to see the game out and we retreated a little bit to get men behind the ball and try to hit them on the counter attack. Thankfully, we managed to see it out and get the three points.”

Rooney also paid tribute to Antonio Valencia, who continued his fine form to assist United’s second goal whilst giving opposition fullback Jose Enrique a torrid time on the wing.

“Enrique is a great fullback, he’s very quick and powerful and is very similar to Antonio with a similar build. But I thought Antonio did really well as he has done in the last few weeks. Hopefully he can continue that form because he’s a big player for us.”

Rio Savours 'Massive' Win

2012-02-12T03:18:00.000+08:00

Rio Ferdinand was delighted to secure a "massive" win over Liverpool and help take United to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Wayne Rooney's double took the Reds a point clear of Manchester City - whose game in hand is at Aston Villa on Sunday - and Ferdinand felt his side were in total comfort until Luis Suarez's late consolation goal.

"It was massive," Rio told MUTV. "We've not had great results against them in recent years and this is an important point of the season in which to get this result. We're all happy.

"We wanted to win, we got a great draw last Sunday against Chelsea. Today it's great to get the three points and carry on from there.We controlled the whole game, especially the second half. It was almost like a walk in the park at times. But that happens in these games.

"You have moments like that but you have to always be aware the other team has quality on their team. Saying that, it wasn't a great goal from them. We should have dealt with the first ball in and we didn't. But in games like this the result's the most important thing.

"We just have to take care of our own results. If we continue doing that we've got a chance. We're not worried about what everyone else is doing. We're just concentrating on ourselves and want to continue getting three points."

Unfortunately, United's victory was marred by the ongoing spat between Patrice Evra and Suarez, with the Uruguayan refusing to shake the Frenchman's hand ahead of the game; a decision which provoked a similar response from Ferdinand to Suarez.

"I thought it was bad decision-making from their guy," said Rio. "It's a touchy subject at the minute and things could have been put to bed a little bit easier if the handshake had been done.

"After seeing what I saw I decided not to shake his hand. He's not got the respect the he needs to have in these situations and acknowledge he's made a mistake and say sorry. I lost all respect for the guy after that.

"It could have been resolved today, maybe, between the two people who are involved. After this, it's not great. It's disappointing. I expected more from the other guy but it wasn't to be.

"There are a lot of things going on both on and off the pitch. But the result was the most important thing. To win the game... unbelievable atmosphere. I thought both sets of fans were good. That was pleasing. Hopefully we can talk more about the football."

Rooney On The Double As United Beat Liverpool

2012-02-12T03:14:00.001+08:00

Two goals in four second-half minutes from Wayne Rooney took United to the top of the Barclays Premier League table after a predictably fractious, but thoroughly deserved victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

United's top scorer thundered home a close-range volley and tucked away a neat finish after Antonio Valencia had caught Jay Spearing in possession, bagging the decisive pair within five minutes of half-time.

The champions might have done more from promising positions in a one-sided second period, and were given a nervy ending to the game when Luis Suarez tucked away a late consolation strike for the visitors.

Having watched his side roar back to take a point at Stamford Bridge last weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson made a solitary change to his starting line-up; bringing Scholes into central midfield and shifting Ryan Giggs to the left flank at the expense of Ashley Young.

Of greater pre-match interest was the visitors' selection. Suarez started for the first time since receiving an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra, and unexpectedly shunned the United skipper's offer of a pre-match handshake.

The two seemed destined for closer contact within 30 seconds of the first whistle, until Rio Ferdinand raced in to clear the loose ball and found himself trapped in their collision course. Having been clattered by his captain, Ferdinand received treatment before continuing.

The visitors' early approach centred around attacking Evra. Glen Johnson was a continual outlet, driving down the right flank wherever possible, and the right-back curled a left-footed effort just wide of David De Gea's right-hand post after 10 minutes.

United's first test of Reina followed the same blueprint, as Rafael latched onto a pass from Antonio Valencia and cut back onto his left-foot. The Brazilian's half-hit shot was neither testing enough to worry Reina, nor gentle enough for the lively Welbeck to convert.

After Liverpool's bright start, gradually United began to boss possession, and put together some neat, intricate passing as the champions sought to pick their way through the visitors' packed central areas.

On the half hour, once such piece of play should have borne fruit. Scholes capped a slick move by spreading the ball to Giggs, but could then only head the Welshman's cross straight at Reina, who instinctively parried the ball away and preserved parity.

Evra rose to meet Valencia's cross at the far moments later, but could only power a far more difficult chance over Reina's crossbar as United turned the screw. Liverpool's response was to tighten their own approach, pressing the Reds all over the field and shutting down outlets.

Dalglish's men even ended the half with a rally, as Gerrard's shot was deflected over and Martin Skrtel's shot from the resultant corner also cleared the crossbar, but the atmosphere was cranked up just before the interval when Suarez prepared to stride through on goal.

The Uruguayan's run was halted by an excellent, last-ditch challenge from Ferdinand, though Suarez's animated protests made his feelings clear, as did his decision to continue his dispute after the half-time whistle.

While words were reportedly exchanged between both sets of players in the Old Trafford tunnel, it was the hosts who landed the first telling blow of the game, within two minutes of the restart.

Giggs' right-wing corner was inadvertantly flicked on by Jordan Henderson as he jumped with Michael Carrick, and the ball fell perfectly for Rooney to thunder home a volley from six yards out.

Old Trafford erupted, and the primal roar had barely dipped before United's lead was doubled. Valencia's hustle provoked panic in the Liverpool ranks, and Jay Spearing duly presented the ball to the Ecuadorian, who fed Rooney for a simple, left-footed finish between Reina's legs.

Rooney should have notched his treble before the hour-mark. Valencia again caused havoc on the right, and his ball inside was daintily ignored by Scholes, a fleeting piece of inspiration which foxed Rooney, who failed to control the ball and could only stab wide from close range.

Kenny Dalglish sought to inspire a fightback with the introduction of substitutes Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll at the expense of Spearing and Stewart Downing, but still United retained control - and might have created further distance between the sides when Welbeck could only scuff a shot at Reina.

Just as the Reds appeared to be comfortably closing out the win, however, the visitors hit back. Charlie Adam, another substitute, whipped in a dangerous set-piece which dipped, hit Ferdinand and fell perfectly for Suarez to poke home a simple finish.

United looked for an immediate retort as Scholes neatly released the non-stop Welbeck, but the striker could only blaze a left-footed finish over the bar from just inside the Liverpool area.

The reduced arrears understandably set jitters coursing through the Old Trafford stands, and Liverpool's increased urgency brought them one more chance. For the second week in a row, howeve, De Gea would prove United's injury-time hero.

Bellamy's free-kick was only headed clear as far as Johnson, whose left-footed effort from distance looked to be arrowing into the roof of the net until De Gea spectacularly finger-tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Thereafter, the Reds saw out the remaining moments encamped in the visitors' half, and the final whistle met jubilant celebrations from United players and supporters alike - especially Evra, whose Stretford End revelling provoked angry responses from the beaten visitors.

The Evra-Suarez spat was only, however, the sub-plot. In the bigger picture, United are back atop the Barclays Premier League table and firmly in the hunt to retain the domestic crown worn with such distinction for the best part of two decades.

United Squad For Europa League:

2012-02-11T03:39:00.001+08:00

Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher have been included in Manchester United's 38-man UEFA Europa League squad even though both players have been ruled out for the season.

Vidic ruptured cruciate ligaments when United's UEFA Champions League campaign ended following defeat to Basel in December.

Fletcher, meanwhile, has not played since the November 22nd draw with Benfica at Old Trafford and is now taking an extended break from the game in order to recover from a chronic bowel condition.

A number of young fringe players, including highly-rated midfielder Paul Pogba, have also been included.

The Red Devils will meet Dutch giants Ajax over two legs in the round of 32, starting at the Amsterdam ArenA next Thursday.

The winners will then face Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao in the last 16.

United squad for Europa League:

De Gea, Kuszczak, Lindegaard, Amos, Johnstone; Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Vidic, Fabio, Rafael, De Laet, Vermijl, Keane, McGinty, Fryers; Anderson, Giggs, Park, Carrick, Nani, Young, Scholes, Cleverley, Fletcher, Valencia, Pogba, James, Petrucci, Cole, Owen, Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck, Keane.

Boss Explains Veseli Deal

2012-02-11T03:36:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson feels there was no risk attached to signing Manchester City defender Frederic Veseli ten days ago.

The deadline-day arrival from Eastlands is set to become a member of the United Reserves squad as he bids to impress the boss and earn an extended stay with the champions.

"It actually came about by chance that," Sir Alex told MUTV. "A member of our scouting department came and told us City had released this young lad from Switzerland and they'd watched him playing a couple of years back.

"There was nothing to be lost. We thought we'd take him until the end of the season and see how he does.

"Hopefully he does well."

Veseli watched from the sidelines as his new United team-mates lost 4-2 to his former club in the Manchester Senior Cup on Thursday afternoon. He was ineligible to play as he is cup-tied in the competition.

Young Heeds Veterans' Advice

2012-02-11T03:35:00.001+08:00

Ashley Young insists he still has plenty to learn from United legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, despite making almost 200 top-flight league appearances for three different clubs.

The 26-year-old England winger, who wore the colours of Watford and Aston Villa before joining the Reds last summer, is sure his game has benefitted from training and playing alongside the vintage pair, who continue to excel for United in spite of their advancing years.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Young also expressed his delight at Friday's news that Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension with United, effective until the end of the 2012/13 season.

“It is brilliant for him, the club and the fans that somebody of his calibre is going to continue at his age,” said Young, in reference to Ryan's new deal. “He has been brilliant throughout the years that he has played and is somebody that I admire and look up to.

“Obviously players like Giggs and Scholes have experience from their many years at the club and when they talk, you listen because they have been there and done it.

“They have won so many titles and medals and have achieved so much in their careers. If I can achieve part of that I’ll be thrilled. I'd say I'm an experienced player at 26 but I still listen to the seniors and want to improve.”

Young got off to a flying start to his Old Trafford career, bagging his first goals for the club in the 8-2 mauling of Arsenal before impressing in other big domestic and European fixtures. The England international then sustained an injury during the 5-0 rout of Fulham before Christmas and didn't appear again until last weekend at Chelsea. Now fully fit and raring to go, Young hopes to recover his early-season sparkle.

“For any player, you don’t want to be injured and for me, it’s the hardest thing ever," Ashley admitted. "I am back now and want to get myself going. I started well at the beginning of the season and I want to get that form back and continue it for the rest of the season."

After playing his first game for two months from the start at Stamford Bridge, it was understandable that Ashley was substituted early in the second half. At that stage, United were 0-3 down but as Young watched on admiringly from the bench, the Reds famously rallied to draw 3-3.

“We have got that never-say-die attitude, even if we are three goals down like we were at Chelsea. I think we could have gone on and won the game at Stamford Bridge," said Young.

"The spirit that we have shown throughout the season has always been there. From when I first joined the club you could tell there was a team spirit that went from the dressing room out on to the pitch.

“At my previous clubs that has not been the case but I think you should always play to the final whistle, knowing you are going to create more chances. Until the final whistle goes there are always chances to be created and I think that’s part of United's philosophy.”

Hernandez Hails 'Legend' Giggs

2012-02-11T03:34:00.001+08:00

Javier Hernandez says he's "delighted" Ryan Giggs has signed a contract extension that will keep the Welshman at Old Trafford until the end of the 2012/13 season.

Chicharito grew up watching Giggs – indeed, Hernandez was just two years old when Ryan made his Reds debut – and now the Mexican goal-getter says he learns from the veteran every single day.

"It is unbelievable news," Hernandez said of Giggs' new deal. "Ryan is a great player. He is a legend here. He is a very good example for football players all over the world, not only those at this club. We are delighted about it. Of course you learn from him. It doesn't matter that I'm a striker and he isn't.

Hernandez knows as well as anybody else the continued value of Giggs' presence on the pitch. After all, it was the 38-year-old's cross at Stamford Bridge last weekend that the Mexican headed home to complete a sensational comeback.

"My goal at Chelsea was very important for all the team, not only me," Javier said. "It was a great comeback, to be losing 3-0 away at Chelsea. It was very important. In the future, that point could change the title. So we are very happy.

"We are fighting for the title and will do that all season. Every Manchester United fan, all the players, the staff and the gaffer, want to fight. We want to win the league."

Javier was speaking to ManUtd.com, BBC Radio, Press Association and Key 103.

New Deal For Giggs

2012-02-11T03:33:00.001+08:00

Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year extension to his contract, which will take the winger into his 22nd season as a United first-team player in 2012/13.

The 38-year-old made his debut for the Reds in March 1991 and has gone on to win almost everything in the game, including a record 12 league titles and two Champions Leagues.

He’s made 22 appearances this season to take him to 898 overall, scoring three goals and adding vital nous and experience whether on the wing or in central midfield.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ryan is a marvellous player. In many ways, he epitomises all my teams here at United: he has constantly re-invented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success.

"In every training session and match, he is the example for others to follow. The young players in the dressing room have a great chance to learn from a player who will continue to break records that anyone in the game will find hard to beat."

Giggs added: "When I signed my first contract, I never thought I’d be able to play at United for 22 years, but I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours.

"Winning the club’s 19th title was a great feeling but this club is all about what we do next and I’m really pleased I can be part of that."

Giggs' Liverpool Challenge

2012-02-10T00:51:00.000+08:00

United are the most successful club in English league football, and Ryan Giggs wants it to remain that way.

Last season’s title triumph was the Reds’ 19th and moved the club one ahead of Liverpool, the league’s dominant force when Sir Alex Ferguson arrived in 1986.

United have wiped out an 11-title deficit but, ahead of the Merseysiders’ visit to Old Trafford this weekend, Giggs knows the champions’ work isn’t done.

The 38-year-old told Inside United: "They’re a club similar to us with massive history. We’re the two most successful teams in the country, so we know we’ve got to perform and play well to get anything from any game against them.

"We know we’re in for a tough game. It’s the club we tried to catch for so long and now we’ve caught them the challenge is to stay ahead."

Liverpool's visit comes in the middle of a testing run of league fixtures that began with league games against Arsenal and Chelsea and also includes a trip to title rivals Tottenham.

"We know it’s a tough run of games but these are the games you want to be playing in," Giggs said.

"We’re not quite at the make-or-break part of the season, but it’s an important time and we know that if we win these games then we’ll be in good shape going into the run-in."

Park Won't Stand Still

2012-02-09T00:08:00.001+08:00

Ji-sung Park has spoken of his pride at playing in his 200th game for the Reds in the dramatic draw at Chelsea, but the Korean insists he is now fully focused on achieving more milestones.

Park's introduction at Stamford Bridge - as an 86th-minute substitute - confirmed his double century as the Reds clawed their way back into an incredible game to earn an unlikely point.

The 30-year-old feels that in reaching the landmark he has proved to everyone that he is more than just a marketing tool for selling shirts and he remains hungry to achieve more in the future.

"I am very happy with my position at the moment. Some people did say those things [that he was only bought to sell shirts] when I came here. Now no-one says it," he told ManUtd.com.

"Many Asian players have seen they can play in Europe at a high level. I am very happy that I proved Asian players can deal with the high levels of European football.

"I have had some big injuries and missed quite a lot of games, but to still make 200 games is brilliant. I have tried to become a better player and my team-mates and the coaching staff have helped me a lot to improve my game.

"It is difficult to pick out a favourite game," he adds. "I have a lot of good memories, especially the days when I have lifted trophies. They are great feelings. That is why Manchester United players want to lift trophies again and again.

"The atmosphere at this club is such that when you reach one point, there is a determination straight away to reach other goals and aims. That is the mentality. It is same for me, I've got to 200 games, but I'm now looking forward to 300."

While Park is hugely grateful for the support he has received from his team-mates, the staff and the United fans during his six-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, he cites Sir Alex's influence as the biggest.

"Before I came here, I believed I could do it [play at the top level] but I wasn't sure. But the manager believed in me," continues Ji.

"He encouraged me to deal with these kinds of levels. He told me to fight. That made a big difference for me in adapting to English football."

Ji was talking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

Smalling Seeks More Goals

2012-02-09T00:07:00.001+08:00

Chris Smalling would love to be passed fit to face Liverpool this weekend - and get a chance to join the list of Old Trafford defenders who've scored against Manchester United's arch-rivals.

The tall and versatile 22 year-old would follow in the footsteps of Wes Brown (2007/8), Rio Ferdinand (2005/06 and 2006/07) and Mikael Silvestre (two goals in 2004/05) if he was to hit the net in a home clash with the Merseysiders, while famously John O'Shea in 2006/07 and Gary Pallister a decade earlier came up from the back to successfully attack at Anfield.

"I’m definitely working hard on my role at corners and free-kicks in order to make an impact," Smalling told Inside United and ManUtd.com.

"When I joined, one or two of the coaches pointed out that they were looking for goals from the centre-halves. Obviously Nemanja Vidic scores a few and if you can add goals to your armoury it’s a massive plus point."

Smalling has already scored against both Chelsea and Manchester City in 2011/12, having opened his goals account for the Reds in a Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe United during his debut season.

"Hopefully I’ll keep finding the net and contribute a bit more in the future. I don’t want us to be relying all the time on the strikers for goals," he added.

Stopping opposition strikers will of course remain Smalling's priority and he's keeping a keen eye on how his adversaries in English football are evolving.

"I think centre-forwards are changing a little bit. We’re used to defending against either big strong forwards or quick nippy ones. But the likes of Demba Ba [Newcastle] and Bobby Zamora [ex-Fulham, now QPR], as well as a few other strikers in the league, combine elements of both and I think that’s made things a little more difficult for defenders. That could be a reason why we’re seeing a lot more goals."

Smalling has also noted the trend for shorter, skilful players to be deployed up front, such as Liverpool's Luis Suarez, City's Sergio Aguero and of course, the World Player of the Year - Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

"I think you have to give managers a lot of credit for allowing their star players the freedom to roam and get on the ball in advanced areas," Smalling told us.

"It’s the same thing we do with Wazza here at United. Those players are all at their best when they can go out and express themselves and run at opposition defences. And when they also drop deep to collect the ball it makes life even tougher for defenders."

Fergie Wants Tough Racism Policy

2012-02-08T00:51:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson wants authorities to come down hard on any new racism incidents in football.

The United boss has been in close quarters with one such case after defender Patrice Evra was racially abused by Liverpool's Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan made his return to action against Tottenham on Monday night, just in time to face United and Evra at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ferguson is shocked by the number of incidents that have appeared recently, including John Terry's forthcoming trail after being charged with racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand, and several fans being arrested for abusing players.

He told CNN: "I don't understand at all where it's coming from.

"This is a moment where we have to take stock and we should do something about it if it's surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism.

"There have been a couple of examples recently which is not good. In 2012, you can't believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago and the improvements have been for everyone to see.

"I have had some fantastic black players, absolutely magnificent black players, and with every one of them I have enjoyed my working relationship with them."

Van der Sar: de Gea Must Deal With Tough Start

2012-02-08T00:47:00.000+08:00

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar insists David de Gea has to "deal" with his tough start to life at the club.

De Gea, 21, was signed in an £18.3m deal from Atletico Madrid last summer following Van der Sar's retirement.

The Spaniard has attracted criticism after struggling to adapt in his first months in the Premier League.

"He has to deal with that. They paid a lot of money for him and he has to come through that," Van der Sar said.

"It's always difficult if you're coming into a new club and new league, especially the English one. It's a very demanding one and can be very tough."

De Gea's ongoing problems, coupled with Anders Lindegaard being out for a month with an ankle problem, has led to some speculation that Sir Alex Ferguson could ask Van der Sar to follow Paul Scholes out of retirement.

Former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper Van der Sar, 41, called time on his career at the end of last season, bringing an impressive six-year spell at United to a close.

Ferguson has dismissed any suggestion that the Dutchman, who has described Lindegaard's performances this season as "magnificent", could return to Old Trafford as a player.

Van der Sar also maintains that, while he is not surprised to see Scholes back at United, he has no intention of reconsidering retirement.

He added: "I got a few text messages from friends saying, 'What about you?' I'm quite happy at the moment. There's no doubt in my mind.

"I was at (United's training ground) Carrington and Scholes was watching a training session and I said 'So, how do you like it?'.

"He said, 'Not really. I miss it'. He was still there doing his work as an assistant coach with the reserve team so it was probably a little bit easier to get back in."

Van der Sar believes his old club have shown their character since the turn of the year.

Ferguson's side are two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and Van der Sar believes his old team can win a fifth title in six seasons.

He said: "I think United have had a reasonably strong, competitive last month.

"I see the qualities United have and the tactics Ferguson can deploy. Hopefully that can be enough for another title."

Reds' Bulgarian Mobile Deal

2012-02-08T00:39:00.000+08:00

Manchester United have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Bulgarian telecommunications company GLOBUL.

Under the agreement, GLOBUL will offer the club’s fans in Bulgaria access to exclusive United news, interviews, special features and other content over its mobile network.

GLOBUL and United will also develop a promotional microsite in Bulgarian and English, specifically tailored for local supporters. Through various promotion and subscription reward initiatives, fans will have the chance to win signed merchandise and gain access to tickets at Old Trafford.

As of February 8, GLOBUL will offer its new 'GLOBUL United' tariffs to all fans in Bulgaria, which will provide bundle minutes, SMS, MMS and mobile internet traffic, as well as access to dedicated United mobile content at monthly fees starting at BGN 12.90. Users who subscribe by February 22 will have a chance to win a ticket for a game at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson attended a press conference at Carrington on Tuesday to announce the launch, along with first-team stars Dimitar Berbatov, Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones.

The Reds boss said: "I am very pleased to welcome Globul to Manchester. Anything that brings our international fans closer to the club is a good thing and we are looking forward to developing the partnership in the future."

United’s commercial director Richard Arnold added: "We are pleased to have established a partnership with Globul, a company that not only has strong links to football in Bulgaria, but also shares the club’s ambition to be the best in its field.

"This is a ground-breaking partnership for the club as it is the first mobile company we have teamed up with in Europe and Globul’s growing customer base is an ideal way for Manchester United to reach out to its 53 million fans in Europe."

GLOBUL CEO Haris Kotsibos said: "GLOBUL has a long-established commitment to football and, after years of supporting Bulgarian football clubs and the national team, we are now happy to expand our activities and join forces with one the most successful clubs in the world, Manchester United.

"We believe that this agreement will allow GLOBUL to give the United fans in Bulgaria a unique opportunity to have the latest and the best from their favourite club everywhere and at any time."

3D Treat For Asian Reds

2012-02-06T23:55:00.000+08:00

Building on the success of the events in Shanghai and Beijing in 2011, Manchester United and Epson are bringing the Champ19ns Experience to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia in February and March 2012.

The Experience will again feature the latest in projector technology from Epson, giving fans the chance to see their favourite players as they have never seem them before.

Epson will be demonstrating their latest 3D projector technology with a special film of the United stars. Shot in Stereoscopic 3D using super slow-motion cameras, it allows fans to see their heroes’ skills, technique and style in a completely fresh and new way.

The Champ19ns Experience will also recreate the story of Manchester United winning an historic 19 league titles. Supporters will be given the chance to get up close and personal to some historic United memorabilia including David Beckham’s boots, a 2010/11 league winners’ medal and much more.

Richard Arnold, Manchester United commercial director, said: “Engaging with our fans around the world is very important to Manchester United and we are lucky enough to have almost 20 million fans in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia alone. We always receive a passionate response from our global fans and these countries are no different.

"Winning the English league 19 times is a historic achievement and I am pleased that we have been able to join Epson in sharing this with our fans.”

Ian Cameron, general manager of global communications at Epson, said: “Epson was delighted with the success of the events in China last year and is again proud to team up with Manchester United to give Thai, Singaporean and Malaysian fans the opportunity to watch the world’s best footballers in a whole new dimension on our world-leading projectors.”

The events will take place in Bangkok at Central World on 11 and 12 February, Singapore on 9, 10 and 11 March, and Kuala Lumpur on 30 March, 31 March and 1 April.

The Manchester United Epson Champ19ns experience forms part of the DHL Champions 19 trophy tour that is visiting 27 international destinations from February to May 2012.

Rafael's Olympic Dream

2012-02-06T23:53:00.001+08:00

Rafael is dreaming of Brazilian gold at this summer’s Olympics – once the business of chasing silverware with Manchester United is done and dusted.

The Reds right-back recently told ManUtd.com he’d love to represent Brazil at the London 2012 games, especially as some of the football action is to be staged at his home from home in Manchester.

“I hope we can both play for Brazil at the Olympics,” said Rafael, bringing his twin brother Fabio into the story.

“I really want to play. It’s in England, the semi-final is at Old Trafford... that would be amazing.”

For a country that has won five World Cups, you might expect the Olympics to be a low priority. But Rafael insists Brazil are hungry for their first gold medal at the Games – an ambition which might be fuelled in part by back-to-back triumphs for rivals Argentina with players like Lionel Messi (at Beijing 2008) and Gabriel Heinze (at Athens 2004).

“In Brazil people talk a lot about the Olympics,” Rafael admitted.

“Brazil have won the World Cup, we’ve won the Copa America, but the only title we’ve never won is the Olympics.

“This competition means a lot and I’d love to be part of a Brazilian team that made history.”

Carrick: Draw Drama Will Aid Us

2012-02-06T23:48:00.001+08:00

Michael Carrick believes Sunday’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Chelsea has handed Manchester United a psychological advantage in the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds were 0-3 down shortly after half-time thanks to an own goal from Jonny Evans and strikes from Juan Mata and David Luiz. Wayne Rooney struck twice from the penalty spot to spark hopes of a point before Javier Hernandez levelled on 84 minutes with a deft header.

And despite the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now trail leaders Manchester City by two points, Carrick says the heroic come-from-behind nature of events at Stamford Bridge could strike a blow to the Reds’ watching opponents.

Speaking to MUTV, the 30-year-old midfielder explained why his team are well and truly in the title hunt despite enduring a tough fixture pile-up: “We are still there but it’s a run of tough games for us at the moment.

“I think other teams who were watching that and seeing us go 3-0 down, they would have been thinking what a good afternoon it has been for them. Then for us to come back in the manner we did might give them a little dent and a boost for us.”

Carrick also shed light on how United kept cool in the face of adversity after Chelsea struck twice in quick succession after the half-time break and revealed why what looked like an unlikely point felt like an anti-climax given the amount of momentum and pressure the Reds had built.

“We were slightly disappointed in the end," said Carrick. "Obviously, when you’re 3-0 down and have your backs against the wall, if someone offers you a point then you’ll be happy with that but getting a third goal with a fair bit of the game to go, we fancied ourselves to go on and win it.

“We probably looked like the likelier team to do it. They had a good free-kick but it’s a strange feeling in many ways, it was an up and down afternoon and in the end, a point is a point and we can take an awful lot from that game.

“We played well in the first half and created some opportunities. Even when we were 1-0 down at half time we were a bit stunned and surprised but that’s how it was and we had to deal with it.

“It’s a credit to the boys, we kept going, kept pushing and kept believing that we could get something out of the game and in the end we have. There’s a lot of positivity but there’s still that little tinge of maybe we could have won it. Maybe that is a bit greedy after being 3-0 down.”

Sir Alex Hails Effort

2012-02-06T23:45:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson had mixed feelings at Stamford Bridge after Manchester United's 3-3 thriller with Chelsea.

On the one hand, the manager was rightly delighted with the shift his players put in to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat - but he believed the Reds should have beaten the Blues after being much the better team.

"I think it’s two dropped points because we played so well," said Sir Alex. "Apart from a period of ten minutes after half-time when we got off to a terrible start and lost two goals, I thought we were the far better team.

"It's not easy coming back from three-nil down and it was a massive effort from our players. It was a great game for the neutral watching. It was fantastic and Chelsea played a great part in it too. Although I thought we were the better team, Chelsea made it an interesting game for anyone watching the match. And I was pleased with my players."

Players who particularly pleased Sir Alex included Wayne Rooney, who despatched two penalties to pull United back into the game. "Wayne has been doing a lot of practice since he missed his last penalty kick (against Bolton) and I think it’s paid off. Our two penalties in the second half were justified and we could have had four penalties awarded in the game."

The boss also heralded the impact made by substitute Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who popped up to net United's equaliser from "a great cross by Ryan Giggs."

"To be honest, I maybe should have played Chicharito from the start," admitted Sir Alex. "When he came on, he just had them on toast really. He really put them under pressure with his movement and positional play. Danny Welbeck has been terrific and he’s going to be a top player. But when Chicharito came on in the second half, it was a different game."

As for the other end of the pitch, when asked about the performance of his goalkeeper David De Gea, the boss responded: "I think the save from the free-kick [taken by Juan Mata in injury time] was unbelievable. It was going right in the top corner. He made two or three other saves, including a good one in the first half.

"Yes, he’s played his part, no question about that. I’m pleased, because we see the talent in the boy. We’re going to trust that talent. Eventually in three or four years’ time, we’re going to see all that.

"At the moment, yes, he’s made one or two mistakes, the introduction to English football has been different for him. It’s not what he’s used to in Spain. But today he’s shown he’s prepared to get in amongst it, he’s got in a couple of punches and he’s done a great job today.”

Sir Alex was speaking to Sky Sports.

Rooney Never In Doubt

2012-02-06T23:44:00.000+08:00

Even as Chelsea built a three-goal advantage inside an hour at Stamford Bridge, Wayne Rooney retained full confidence in the abilities of himself and his team.

The Reds stormed back to grab an unlikely point in a thrilling encounter, with Rooney displaying admirable nerve to convert two penalties after missing three spot-kicks already this term.

"I thought if we could get a goal with a bit of time left there was always a chance," he told MUTV. "We were controlling the game and thankfully we got an early goal in the second half and the second one not too long after. That gave us time to chase the equaliser.

"I've missed the last two (penalties) before today and the manager asked me if I wanted to continue taking them. There was no doubt in my mind. I'm a confident player and I've been practicing penalties for the last two or three years now, since being the penalty taker, and there was no doubt in my mind I was going to score."

Though a point's reward was tinged with frustration after controlling much of the game, Rooney felt that the spirit on show in United's fightback sends out an important message to all onlookers - particularly league leaders Manchester City.

"Everyone knows most teams would lie down and accept defeat at 3-0," he said. "But we fought well, fought hard and even if we fought on and we got 3-1, 3-2 and lost the game then we could have come off and say we'd given our all, but we were thankful we got the point - but still a bit disappointed we didn't get three.

"I'm sure they (City's players) will have all been watching and they've probably gone out at 3-0, thinking the game's over, but we know they won't have liked to have seen the way we fought back and fought for each other. It shows our team spirit, how much we work for each other and once we're like that, we're very difficult to beat."

Park's Double Century

2012-02-06T23:41:00.000+08:00

Ji-sung Park made his 200th United appearance in the Reds' thrilling draw at Chelsea on Sunday.

The popular Korean came off the bench in the 86th minute at Stamford Bridge to reach the landmark, and told MUTV: "It’s unbelievable. I never thought I could play for United 200 times.

"I’m really happy at the club, with my team-mates, the staff and the fans. I love playing for United and have lots of good memories from my time here."

In terms of appearances, Ji is comfortably the most successful Asian of the Premier League era, and he is the 92nd player in United’s history to notch a double century.

Park's United record so far:

2005/06 27(18) apps, 2 goals
2006/07 12(8) apps, 5 goals
2007/08 14(4) apps, 1 goal
2008/09 31(9) apps, 4 goals
2009/10 18(8) apps, 4 goals
2010/11 25(3) apps, 8 goals
2011/12 15(8) apps, 3 goals

United Fightback Stuns Chelsea At Stamford Bridge

2012-02-06T23:33:00.002+08:00

United roared back from three goals down to snatch a point in a breathless, enthralling draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Jonny Evans' own-goal had given the Blues an undeserved half-time lead, but strikes early in the second period from Juan Mata and David Luiz had seemingly extinguished any hopes United had of closing the gap on Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.

However, Wayne Rooney clinically converted a pair of penalties midway through the second period, before the champions' trademark spirit yet again bore fruit as substitute Chicharito headed home a leveller with five minutes of normal time remaining.

A dramatic afternoon was spared a last-gasp winner solely because of the brilliance of David De Gea, who made two stunning injury-time saves to give United tangible reward and keep the Reds within two points of the league leaders.

The Spaniard returned to action after injury, as did Rooney and Ashley Young; giving Sir Alex Ferguson a rare upper hand in the injury stakes against a Chelsea side bereft of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ramires, while Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba were absent through suspension and international duty respectively.

Despite their absentees and apparent transition under the stewardship of Andre Villas-Boas, the Blues' September showing at Old Trafford, in which they were unfortunate to suffer a 3-1 defeat, warned against underestimating the former champions.

The contrasting formations of the two sides - 4-3-3 for Chelsea, 4-4-2 for United - made for an end-to-end spectacle, with the Blues driving in central areas and the Reds looking to spread the play wide and at pace wherever possible. The open mood was further aided by uncharacteristcally wasteful passing from both sides in the opening exchanges.

Raul Meireles drilled the game's first effort of note into De Gea's side-netting after United had failed to clear a corner, but the visitors were soon up in arms when Danny Welbeck was sent tumbling by Gary Cahill on the edge of the Chelsea area, only for referee Howard Webb to wave away the appeals.

Frustration and carelessness reigned for both sides in the opening half-hour, as possession was traded and promising openings were squandered with abandon. The Reds' clearest sight of goal came as Michael Carrick released Rooney down the right, but Branislav Ivanovic slid in to nick the ball to safety before Welbeck could tap in a simple conversion.

Fittingly, the game's opening goal was far from easy on the eye. Daniel Sturridge was allowed to pick his way to the byline on the Chelsea right, deep inside the United area. As the ex-Manchester City striker jabbed a cross into a crowded six yard box from point-blank range, De Gea flicked out a boot, but only diverted the ball against the helpless Evans, off whom it ricocheted into the unguarded goal.

As Stamford Bridge's home support revelled in a surprise lead, Sturridge immediately drew a full-length save from De Gea with a stinging drive. The remainder of the half, however, belonged to United. A curling effort from Young, a snapshot from Welbeck and a long-range rasper from Rooney all forced Cech into scurrying saves, but the absence of tangible reward for greater promise characterised the Reds' first half.

Hopes of a comeback were seemingly dashed, however, within five minutes of the restart. Chelsea's first foray forward culminated in Fernando Torres being given time to pick out a target from the right, and his deep cross fell perfectly for Mata to lash a brilliant volley into the roof of De Gea's net from six yards.

Suddenly flush with confidence, Chelsea continued to force the issue and were rewarded with a quickfire third goal. Evra conceded a free-kick in dangerous territory, which Mata whipped towards the near post and into the path of the onrushing, unmarked Luiz. The Brazilian's header was destined for the far corner, but instead hit Rio Ferdinand's shoulder and looped inside De Gea's near post.

United were shell-shocked, Chelsea rampant. Yet the champions were offered a chink of light at the end of the tunnel shortly before the hour, as Sturridge clumsily halted Evra's surge into the hosts' area. Rooney rifled the resultant penalty home to breathe new life into the contest.

Sir Alex promptly altered his side's shape, introducing Paul Scholes for Rafael and moving Valencia to right-back. Chicharito had replaced Young just before Rooney's penalty, and the narrower United were soon creating openings. Rooney drilled one shot wide and forced Cech into a sharp save with another, before he was given a second chance from the spot.

Neat interplay on the edge of the Chelsea box ended with the ball reaching Welbeck, and Ivanovic slipped, made contact with the England striker's heel and sent him tumbling to the turf. Much to the Serbian's chagrin, Webb awarded another penalty. Rooney switched sides, planting his second effort to Cech's left and putting the game firmly back in the balance.

United surged forward, inevitably leaving gaps in defence. Essien forced De Gea to tip a blockbuster over the bar, Torres dallied needlessly when given a clear sight of goal and Malouda drove narrowly over from distance. United survived each scare, however, and pressed for parity as Chelsea retreated for the final 10 minutes.

Incredibly, the Reds mustered a leveller with six minutes remaining. Rooney's shot was parried away from goal by Cech but retrieved by Giggs, and the veteran winger was criminally afforded time to pick out the unmarked Chicharito, who planted his header firmly past Cech to send the travelling fans wild.

Still, time remained for a winner from either side. Meireles headed wastefully over from a decent position inside the six yard box, but the game's dramatic denouement centred around De Gea, as the Spaniard made two superb injury-time saves.

The pick of the pair was a wonderful fingertip stop to claw Mata's top corner-bound free-kick around the post, while a 95th-minute tip-over from Cahill's scorching long-range effort preserved a vital, unlikely point for the champions.

Two points dropped in the title race? Not at all. Not when a point has been so heroically salvaged from a seemingly irretrievable situation. Never doubt the champions' ability to go the distance.

Comeback complete. Chicharito is mobbed by his team mates after scoring the equaliser in the thriller 3-3 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Boss Has Faith In De Gea

2012-02-05T04:10:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex insists he has no qualms about sticking with David De Gea in goal despite the boss recognising the Spaniard still has plenty to learn.

The 21-year-old has impressed throughout much of his debut campaign as a Red, but press and pundits alike have been quick to highlight his errors.

Sir Alex says De Gea is working hard on trying to eradicate the mistakes from his game and the boss remains confident he will mature into a top stopper.

“The boy has got a great talent there is no doubt about that. He has made two or three mistakes coming into the game at 20 years of age, he is 21 now, but in two or three years’ time we won’t be discussing that at all because he will have matured. He will realise his potential then,” explained Sir Alex on Friday.

“At the moment he has found it difficult coming into the English game. The first goal at Liverpool [in the FA Cup] was a case in point. He was crowded out. Our own players created a problem with so many players around him. They didn’t give him any room to manoeuvre. He would never have experienced that in Spain so that was difficult for him.

“It is highlighted when you make a mistake at United,” added the manager. “It can be exaggerated a little bit. But there are mistakes and he wants to address it himself. He will do through maturity and the understanding of the English game.”

Sir Alex admits filling the huge boots left by Edwin van der Sar was never going to be an easy task for anyone, but the manager is sticking to his theory that recruiting young talent was the right move.

“It is harder when you are replacing someone like Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel – they are probably two of the greatest goalkeepers in European football over the last 40 years.

“We felt we should go for a young keeper who would develop and mature into the position because the potential is there.”

Park Praises Reds Mentality

2012-02-05T04:07:00.000+08:00

Ji-sung Park feels Manchester United deserve great credit for the club's current league position, given the way injuries have caused almost-constant disruption to the Reds' campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes a number of Park's team-mates will swap the treatment room for Stamford Bridge on Sunday with Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Nani and Tom Cleverley all set for a return to the squad.

Others including Anderson, Phil Jones and Anders Lindegaard still remain on the sidelines, but no matter how bad the injury situation becomes, Park believes the Reds have the mentality and ability to still challenge Manchester City at the top.

"It is part of our history. Last season we had a lot of injuries as well but we kept doing well and we won the title. That shows our squad is very strong, to be able to deal with this kind of problem," Park told ManUtd.com.

"Everyone has a good mentality. Even though we have so many players injured, we can deal with that. Then when they get back, they can help fight to win the league. It helps the team to become stronger."

For the first time in many years, Sunday's opponents Chelsea are not United's closest rivals in the race for the championship crown; indeed, the Reds are currently 12 points ahead of the West London club. Nevertheless, Park refuses to regard Andre Villas-Boas' side as anything other than title contenders.

"When I look at the table, I think it is something different, but when I play against Chelsea, I don't consider them as being out of the title race.

"They are our rivals to win the title," insists the Korean, who, if selected, will play his 200th game for the Reds.

"I know the points gap between ourselves and Chelsea is quite a lot. But they won't give up until the end of the season. They will always try to fight."

Ji was talking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

Rio Fears He Has Been Fooled

2012-02-05T03:59:00.000+08:00

Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of younger brother Anton while admitting he has been left disillusioned by the current racism issues blighting football.

The Manchester United defender has so far kept his counsel on the saga involving his brother and John Terry, which has led to the Chelsea skipper being stripped of the England captaincy for a second time.

Terry denies a charge of racially abusing Anton in a match between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road last year. His trial will be held in July, after Euro 2012.

Ferdinand has admitted it has been frustrating watching Anton suffer the abuse of "small-minded people" following the incident over a matter that was not his fault.

"Anton is my little brother," he said. "We have grown up together and I have looked after him when we were kids.

"If something is going to affect him and hurt him, I am always there as a shoulder to lean on.

"In moments like this, when things are so public and you can't really say anything, it can be frustrating.

"For my family, yes, it has been tough. At the end of the day, my brother has not brought any accusations to anyone. He is not the accused.

"But he has had to sit there and take abuse from some small-minded people, which has been very disappointing.

"I hope people see what effect that has, not just on the actual person but the people around them as well, and think before they speak."

The allegations against Terry surfaced in October, just a week after Patrice Evra complained about Luis Suarez during Manchester United's Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Anfield, when Ferdinand was part of the visitors' starting line-up.

Suarez was subsequently banned for eight matches by the Football Association for racially abusing the United defender and Liverpool's conduct in the aftermath was called into question.

There have also been scores of abusive messages sent to the likes of Stan Collymore on Twitter and Ferdinand has reassessed how successful numerous anti-racism initiatives have been.

"I almost feel I have been fooled a little bit over the years," said Ferdinand.

"Look back to the days when John Barnes and the other guys were playing and all the stuff they had to deal with, bananas on the pitch etc.

"I have always been someone who has championed our country for making great strides, and we have, but I thought that era was gone. It seems like it was just put to one side for a while.

"Now it seems to be a little bit more prominent. I hope it is just a group of small-minded people who are making it newsworthy at the moment and it can be stamped out."

With Terry now deposed as England skipper for a second time and supposedly considering his position within the whole international set-up, Ferdinand has insisted he is not interested in taking on the job that was whipped away last March by Fabio Capello, who has also been left bruised by the turn of events.

Ferdinand would still like to play for his country though, even if persistent back problems appear to have eased him out of the reckoning.

However, the 33-year-old insists his sole concentration at present is on Manchester United, and their pursuit of a 20th league title.

On balance, the authorities are probably breathing a sigh of relief that Terry has been ruled out of Sunday's Stamford Bridge encounter between Chelsea and United, which means there is no further debate about the prospect of a pre-match handshake between the two long-time England colleagues.

Not that Ferdinand was worried by it. "Not really," he said, when asked if it was a relief Terry was not going to be involved.

"I couldn't care less if he played or not. I just think about playing for Manchester United and winning the game.

"I let the media talk about it, go on about it and create the storm. We are footballers. That is where we are best. That is where we enjoy being.

"The result and the performance of our team against theirs was definitely the most important thing for me."

Fryers Denies Contract Rejection

2012-02-04T03:58:00.000+08:00

Manchester United starlet Ezekiel Fryers has taken to Twitter to deny that he has rejected a new contract.

The 19-year-old defender is the latest United prospect linked with a move away from the club.

Fryers was reported to have snubbed a contract offer from United, with his current deal set to expire.

But he has now used his Twitter account to deny he has rejected an offer from United.

"Why is everyone believing what they read...I haven't rejected the contract!" he Tweeted.

Fryers is in a similar situation to that of Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison.

Indeed Morrison has now left the club, but Pogba like Fryers is out of contract and has yet to agree terms.

Rafael Rates Rival Defenders

2012-02-03T00:58:00.000+08:00

After missing much of the first half of the season, Rafael da Silva tells United Review and ManUtd.com that he's determined to play his part in helping United retain the Barclays Premier League...

How would you describe your season so far?
It’s been a little difficult, obviously. I had a bad injury to my shoulder in August but now I’ve recovered and I’ve managed to play a few games. I just hope I can enjoy a better second half of the season than the first.

While you were out, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and even Antonio Valencia have played at right-back. Do you welcome the extra competition?
Of course. It’s a good thing when you have that sort of competition. When I watch Phil or Chris play at right back I just think, “Wow. Okay, I’m going to have to work even harder now if I want to get back in the team.” They’ve done really well.

How difficult is it to watch the games when you’re not playing?
It’s very, very hard. Being injured is the worst feeling in the world, but you can’t let yourself get too down. You just have to work hard, come into the training ground every day and do the exercises you know will help you recover. The staff here help a lot with that – they’re very good at varying the exercises, which keeps it interesting. Watching the games is the most difficult part, though. You’re in the stands but all you want to do is get out there and help.

You seem unlucky with injuries...
I know! Some of my injuries, you just don’t hear about people having them very often. I’ve dislocated my right shoulder twice now and needed an operation to help it heal. It’s not usual for footballers to injure shoulders. And twice! I can only say it must be down to bad luck.

Is it anything to do with your committed style of play?
I don’t know. Maybe. But that’s the way I play. I like to play with passion and when I’m on the pitch I can’t worry about getting hurt or stop making tackles. I just want to play football and give my all.

We know you like to do most things with your brother, Fabio. But getting injured at the same time...
[laughs] That’s what everybody was saying! It’s true that we like to go out together – we eat together, we go to the cinema together. But we didn’t plan to get injured at the same time. Definitely not! My brother’s always a big help to me when I’m injured, though, and I try and do the same for him when he’s out. It’s good to have somebody there to keep you positive.

So, how relieved are you to be back now?
I came back against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup but picked up another small injury in that game. That was disappointing and it knocked my confidence a little but I played again against Blackburn on New Year’s Eve and I’ve played a few times since then. Every game helps and I think I’ve done quite well, so I’m confident I can get better and better.

Sir Alex played you in midfield against Blackburn. Were you surprised?
A little bit, yeah. But I’ve played there before for United so I knew what was expected of me. When the manager told me I was playing in midfield I wasn’t worried. I just thought, “I’m ready, let’s play!”. I’m a professional footballer so I’ll play anywhere. I probably did a little better when I moved back to my normal position, but I felt comfortable in midfield and would do it again. Maybe I’ll move there for good when I get a bit older. You never know! After all, look at Ryan Giggs and the way he has changed over the years. He’s even played at left back once or twice.

What have you made of the team’s performances this season?
At the beginning, we were unbelievable. It was brilliant. Now, it might not be so spectacular but we are still getting results. To be right up there alongside Manchester City is a big achievement when you consider the injuries we’ve had. We’ve had a lot of them this season and a lot of bad luck, too. But there’s no point complaining about those things. And anyway, we’re still in a good position.

What are your ambitions between now and May?
In many ways, it feels like it’s only the beginning of the season for me. I know it’s the end of January already, but I’m just getting started. So I’m really looking forward to playing as many games as possible and, hopefully, helping the team win another title.

Fergie Hopeful On Pogba

2012-02-01T23:57:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson remains confident that highly-rated midfielder Paul Pogba will pen a contract extension at Manchester United.

The 18-year-old's future has been the subject of heated debate this season, with his current deal at Old Trafford running down.

He is held in high regard by United, but they have been unable to get him to agree fresh terms.

That has alerted the likes of Juventus to his potential availability, with the Serie A giants one of a number of clubs said to be closely monitoring his situation.

Ferguson is aware of the speculation, but is adamant that no-one at Old Trafford is concerned by it.

He says Pogba, who was handed his Premier League debut in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Stoke, has indicated that he would like to stay and it is now just a matter of putting the relevant paperwork in place.

Ferguson, who saw Ravel Morrison head for West Ham on deadline day after failing to agree an extension to his deal with the Red Devils, said: "Pogba did very well.

"The boy has great talent and tremendous physique for an 18-year-old. You can't believe it.

"We are negotiating his contract at the moment. It is a bit complicated at the moment because he has changed his agent a couple of times.

"But the boy wants to stay, that is obvious. Hopefully we can get it done soon."

Transfers: The Ins & Outs

2012-02-01T23:51:00.000+08:00

All talk, no action? Not quite.

Although this year's January transfer window failed to yield the sort of spectacular deadline-day signings the Premier League witnessed in 2011, there were still plenty of moves made and money exchanged.

Manchester United, too, was involved in its fair share of business. When the window slammed shut – it never merely closes – at 23:00 GMT on Tuesday night, the Reds could tot up nine departures (four permanent), one arrival and a surprise retirement U-turn.

Of course, set against the 57 different players that were tipped to be either coming or going during the window, that figure seems small. But, as The Gossip – ManUtd.com's rolling round-up of all the speculation and rumour-mongering – continues to prove, you shouldn't believe everything you read.

This much is certainly true, though: Darron Gibson (Everton), Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover 96), Ravel Morrison (West Ham United) and Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City) have been sold, while Federico Macheda (Queens Park Rangers), John Cofie (Royal Antwerp), Joshua King (Hull City), Oliver Norwood (Coventry City) and Scott Wootton (Nottingham Forest) have landed loan deals until the end of the season.

The arrival? That's Frederic Veseli, a promising young Swiss defender the Reds have landed from crosstown rivals Manchester City. And who can forget Paul Scholes' reinstatement to the first-team squad? The 37-year-old midfielder, missing football more than he could ever anticipate, came out of retirement in early January and has pledged to remain part of Sir Alex's plans until at least the end of the season.

It's also worth noting that young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (Scunthorpe) and defender Ritchie De Laet (Norwich City) returned from loans during January and will now continue their footballing education at Old Trafford.

Comings and goings
Arrivals:

Frederic Veseli (Man City)
Paul Scholes (out of retirement)

Departures:

Darron Gibson (Everton)
Mame Biram Diouf (Hannover 96)
Ravel Morrison (West Ham)
Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City)

Loaned out:

Federico Macheda (QPR)
John Cofie (Royal Antwerp)
Joshua King (Hull City)
Oliver Norwood (Coventry)
Scott Wootton (Nottingham Forest)

United Swoop For Veseli

2012-02-01T23:48:00.000+08:00

Manchester United have completed the deadline-day signing of defensive prospect Frederic Veseli from neighbours Manchester City.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who plays for Switzerland Under 20s, will link up with Warren Joyce's Reserves after making his name in City's Academy side.

A versatile, cultured defender who is comfortable on the ball, Veseli arrived at Eastlands in 2008 from Lausanne Sport in his homeland, and has been tipped to eventually develop into a central midfielder.

"I am very happy and it is an honour to sign for Manchester United," the Swiss starlet said. "I can’t wait to get started, to work hard and do everything I can to help the team. I am looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."

Veseli captained his country to victory in the Under 17s World Cup in 2009 and got his first taste of senior football during City's pre-season tour of North America last summer.

He'll now be looking to settle quickly at Old Trafford and impress for the Reds' second string in a bid to earn a first-team chance.

"I am very thankful to Sir Alex Ferguson for bringing me to such a great club," he added. "Manchester United has a long history of younger players coming through and hopefully I can follow and do the same."

Good Night For Sir Alex

2012-02-01T23:46:00.000+08:00

In football circles, the final day of January is synonymous with last-minute transfer deals. But this year it could also be the day when the balance of power in the Barclays Premier League title race shifted back towards the Red half of Manchester.

While Manchester City lost 1-0 at Everton, United beat Stoke 2-0 at Old Trafford to reel in the Blues and draw level on 54 points at the top of the table.

“It’s a good night for us, of course,” Sir Alex told MUTV moments after the final whistle had blown at Goodison Park.

“But what I’m most pleased about is our own performance. I thought our football was terrific. We kept our composure, we were very patient. Okay, we won with two penalty kicks but I think the manner in which we played our football was the most important thing.

“It’s still early doors [in terms of the title race]. It’s only the last day in January. I always say that March is a very important month, as well as the beginning of April. We play Manchester City in April, for instance.”

There’s a long way to go before that, and next on the Reds’ agenda is a trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday 5 February. It’s a match for which Sir Alex hopes he’ll be able to recall a trio of players who missed the Stoke run-out on Tuesday night.

“We’re hopeful Wayne Rooney, Nani and possibly Ashley Young will be fit for Sunday,” he said.

Goalkeepers David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard also missed Stoke’s visit to Old Trafford after suffering training-ground injuries on Monday. And while the boss would no doubt prefer to have at least one of those experienced heads fit for the Chelsea clash, he was heartened by young stopper Ben Amos’ performance – in only his seventh senior game for the Reds – on Tuesday night.

“Anders got injured in training and then David got injured at the end of training, so we had a right nightmare there,” Sir Alex said. “Ben Amos didn’t have a lot to do but he was confident and he was composed. I’m pleased with that.”

Chicharito Happy To Take Penalties

2012-02-01T23:45:00.000+08:00

Javier Hernandez will happily take Manchester United’s penalties should Sir Alex Ferguson ask the Mexican to retain the spot-kick duties.

With regular penalty-taker Wayne Rooney watching in the stands on Tuesday night, it was left to Hernandez to step up and give the Reds the lead from 12 yards against Stoke City.

And although the 24-year-old striker takes penalties for his national team, this was his first spot-kick in a United shirt. Not that you’d have guessed, given the manner in which he calmly sent Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen the wrong way in the 38th minute.

Later, Dimitar Berbatov achieved a similar result from the spot, doubling the scoreline in the second half.

“There are a lot of players here who can take penalties here,” Hernandez told MUTV. “Sometimes it’s Wazza, sometimes it’s Ryan Giggs. Today it was me and Berbatov.

“I take them for Mexico and I’ll be ready if [United] ask me again. If they want me to shoot one, I’ll shoot.”

Hernandez’s strike was his fourth in four games against Stoke City, a fact the forward dismissed as mere “coincidence” after the final whistle.

“I just try to do my best and help my team with goals," he shrugged. "I always say, the most important thing is the points. It doesn’t matter who scores.

“Against Stoke we did a great job against a very difficult team. It was a great night for Manchester United, with City dropping points and us winning against a very difficult team.

“Will it be very significant [in the title race]? Maybe not, but it was a very good night for Manchester United fans.”

Sir Alex agreed and also singled out Hernandez for special praise in his post-match interview.

"I thought Javier did very well," the boss told MUTV. "His form’s come back. Over the last few weeks he’s been very good in training. It’s just a matter of getting the opportunities because Danny Welbeck has been playing so well."

Amos Stakes His Claim

2012-02-01T23:44:00.001+08:00

Ben Amos was delighted to play in the Barclays Premier League for the first time on Tuesday night – more than three years after making his Manchester United debut.

The Macclesfield-born goalkeeper had previously only played five times in the Carling Cup and once in the UEFA Champions League, so the chance to play in England's top flight – in the absence of both David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard - was a big one for Ben.

“It feels really good. I’ve obviously been waiting a long time for an opportunity this season and thankfully it’s come and I’d like to think I’ve made the most of it,” Amos told MUTV after United's 2-0 win over Stoke.

“Obviously there were a few nerves but that’s healthy, to have a few nerves before you come out. I just played my own game really and it was a good result tonight.”

Amos now hopes he has a considerably shorter wait for his second league appearance. But he acknowledges his fate, to a large extent, is in the hands of others.

“I feel I’ve been ready to play at this level all season. It can be frustrating when the chances don’t come around but you’ve got to be ready when something like that [injuries to De Gea and Lindegaard] happens. When it does happen, you’re thrown straight in as I was tonight.

“All I can do is go out and do the best I can, and put pressure on the other goalkeepers in training and try and get a chance in the games. But it’s the manager’s decision.”

While he was happy to keep a clean sheet on his league bow, Amos was asked if he wanted more to do.

“In a sense I did, but I also didn’t want to go and chase things to try and make an impact. I just wanted to be positive about any decisions I had to make.”

Amos praised his team-mates at the other end of the park for being just that – positive when it counted, from the penalty spot.

“They were obviously really cool under pressure and kept their heads,” said Amos, on Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov’s match-winning penalties.

“I was happy to see them both go in, and we could have had another penalty later on.

“I thought we controlled the game really quite well throughout. We deserved to win tonight.”

Man. United Beat Stoke To Move Level At Top

2012-02-01T23:36:00.001+08:00

Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov both scored penalties as Manchester United erased Manchester City’s three-point lead in the title race with a fourth consecutive league win.

The two strikers, paired in attack for the first time since New Year’s Eve, shared the spot-kick duties either side of the interval as Stoke City’s resistance crucially faltered on two occasions.

Jermaine Pennant felled Ji-sung Park for Chicharito’s 38th-minute penalty and Jon Walters fouled Antonio Valencia for Berbatov’s big moment, eight minutes after the break.

Chances in open play were few and far between, but opportunities to impress were taken with both hands by two Barclays Premier League debutants – Ben Amos started in goal with Anders Lindegaard and David De Gea both injured, while Paul Pogba replaced Chicharito for a memorable last 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pogba’s former United Reserves team-mate Ravel Morrison was completing a permanent move to West Ham but the bigger distraction for the home fans was the news of Darron Gibson – another January departure from Old Trafford – scoring against City for Everton at Goodison Park.

The Reds began this game with four changes to the line-up that lost at Liverpool, with Amos, Rio Ferdinand, Berbatov and Hernandez coming in for De Gea, Rafael, Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck.

As the drafted-in players bedded down, Stoke made the brighter start. Jon Walters demonstrated the danger he can present with a driving run and shot that flashed inches wide of Amos’ right-hand post. Kenwyne Jones then volleyed comfortably the wrong side of the same upright after Ferdinand only managed to half-clear Jermaine Pennant’s cross. At the other end, Michael Carrick had a low drive blocked by Ryan Shawcross, the former United player at the heart of the Potters’ defence.

Amos’ first touch of note was a clean catch from Peter Crouch’s header following Marc Wilson’s deep cross, however referee Mike Jones found fault with the Stoke centre-forward gaining leverage on a Reds defender.

Scholes, scorer of the first goal in United’s previous home game, almost seized the same role in this contest when his turf-skimming missile was deflected narrowly off-target.

Evra, so much in the spotlight on Saturday, tried to grab some limelight when he broke into the area and went down for only half-hearted penalty appeals from the crowd, and then whipped the ball into the side-netting from United’s next attack. Stoke’s other flank came under flak from in-form Antonio Valencia but Thomas Sorensen dealt effectively with the Ecuadorian’s angled drive, diving through the forest of defenders’ legs to push the ball away.

Sorensen could only look on and pray however when Carrick fed Park and ran on to collect Berbatov’s ball into space behind the Stoke defence.

The midfielder fired across the keeper but, agonisingly, his effort ran past the far post and United’s best chance of the half so far went begging.

Thankfully a better chance came along moments later, created by Scholes with his back to goal, flicking the ball into the path of Park who was upended by Pennant in the box. It wasn’t the most clear-cut of calls for referee Mike Jones and he was surrounded by Stoke players in protest. But Chicharito paid no attention, kept his head and tucked the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner with Sorensen diving in the other direction. Pennant was doubly punished with a yellow card for his sin.

The Mexican made a strong shout for a second penalty shortly afterwards but this time referee Jones waved play on after the scorer’s cross struck Shawcross on the arm. Stoke broke forward and Scholes tripped Kenwyne Jones to pick up United’s first booking.

If Tony Pulis sent his Potters out with a new game plan for the second period, it was in tatters when Walters wrestled with Valencia and impeded the Ecuadorian so much that Jones had no option other than pointing to the spot for a second time.

Chicharito, the scourge of Stoke with four goals against them in two seasons, stepped aside this time and allowed Berbatov to bag his ninth strike of the campaign. Sorensen went the right way this time but the Bulgarian’s penalty went under him and into the bottom right-hand corner.

The pattern of the game remained the same throughout the second half, with United dominating possession and Stoke desperately trying to deny the Reds time and space. Aside from Amos saving well from Cameron Jerome's header, the action was all in front of the Stretford End. One or two other penalty claims were unsuccessful, the strongest following Wilkinson’s challenge on Evra; the lively Pogba was denied a dream debut goal when the same defender blocked his shot and Berbatov slotted just wide in injury time from Valencia's tireless supply line.

But ultimately two goals were enough for the champions who were composed and comfortable – and can feel ever more confident that the title can be retained this season now that City have again been pegged back on points.

Owen Speaks Up For De Gea

2012-01-31T00:39:00.000+08:00

Michael Owen has backed David De Gea in the wake of Manchester United's FA Cup exit at Anfield and is confident the 22-year-old will become "a top keeper".

The Spanish stopper, recalled for the outing against Liverpool after sitting out the Reds' previous four matches, came under fire from some quarters for his performance and, in particular, his role in the game's opening goal.

When Steven Gerrard floated in a corner from the left touchline, De Gea came to claim the ball but couldn't fight his way past the imposing figure of Andy Carroll. Liverpool defender Daniel Agger rose – almost unchallenged despite the presence of four United defenders in close proximity – to nod into the net, with the ball skimming off De Gea's head on the way in.

Former United midfielder Roy Keane, working at the game as a pundit for ITV, was one of many to lay the blame for the goal at De Gea's feet. His advice to the goalkeeper: "You've got to make your presence felt and go and nail somebody."

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw the incident differently, claiming his defenders created the problem. "They didn't give him [De Gea] enough room to deal with it."

It's an opinion Michael Owen shared on Twitter on Sunday.

"The ball was on the six-yard box for the first goal," he wrote. "[David] has to go for it. He also needs to watch the flight of the ball. There are then six players in front of him.

"There is nothing he could do. The free header was the problem, not the keeper.

"The problem is, once you get labelled, mud sticks and now any tiny mistake is magnified. Other goalkeepers make similar mistakes and nothing gets said.

"Admittedly, [David] has made a couple of mistakes this season but listening to some people you would think he had a nightmare [at Anfield].

"I'm not having either goal was his fault. He couldn't do much with the second goal either. Is the problem not just a case of us not winning the first ball and not picking up a runner? In my opinion [they were] two bad goals to give away but to blame everything on the goalkeeper is totally wrong.

"The lad will be a top keeper, he is only young. It's harsh to blame him for everything."

Owen was also quick to praise the United fans who have stood by the young goalkeeper this season and urged fans to continue to show support to the Spaniard.

"I've watched a lot of home games this season and the support from behind both goals for him has been brilliant. The fans know he needs their support, his confidence needs boosting. I'm sure he will repay that support for years to come."

Evans Backs Reds To Recover

2012-01-31T00:36:00.001+08:00

Jonny Evans is confident the Reds will bounce back after Saturday's disappointing FA Cup exit at Anfield.

After all, he says, that's the Manchester United way.

“We've responded really well after disappointing moments this season, like the 6-1 defeat against City and then the Blackburn and Newcastle defeats at the turn of the year,” he told ManUtd.com.

“We went on a great run after the City game and then after the New Year games we beat both City and Arsenal away. That's what this team does.”

There were no crisis meetings or rousing speeches in the dressing room, according to Evans. There was no need for that.

“Every player at this club knows what's expected. When you're at Manchester United you know defeats like that aren't acceptable. We don't need anybody else to tell us that. We know it deep down.”

Saturday's loss at Anfield, with the killer goal conceded just two minutes before the full-time whistle, will undoubtedly have hurt. But Evans says the Reds have plenty of reasons to be confident ahead of Stoke City's visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

“We've played really well against Stoke in the last few games, both at home and away,” he said. “I think we've dealt particularly well with their long throw-ins. There isn't much of a run-up at Old Trafford on the side of the pitch, which will probably help us.

“We've beaten them comfortably over the last few seasons but they're improving all the time and nobody ever looks forward to playing against Stoke. They have a different approach to the way most teams play.”

Stoke, the tallest side in the Barclays Premier League, certainly have their fair share of detractors, people who decry their direct approach. It's not always pretty, that's for sure. But Evans insists the Potters aren't doing anything wrong.

“People have this preconception of them and think that because they're a big side they're a dirty side. But that's not the case at all. I think they're hard but fair and Tony Pulis goes out of his way to make sure they don't cross that line.”

Welbeck's Starring Role

2012-01-29T04:14:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't surprised in the slightest by Danny Welbeck's emergence as a leading figure in Manchester United's title challenge.

The young striker, whose form has prompted the manager to start him in eight of the Reds' last 10 fixtures, has already netted nine times this season and was selected to lead the line at Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Although Welbeck didn't find the net at Anfield, his haul this season includes strikes against Manchester City, Arsenal (two in two games) and Tottenham, as well as a brace in the Champions League.

Few predicted he'd make such an impact on the Reds' first team this season. After all, he only made his senior debut a little more than three years ago and, having spent last term on loan at Sunderland under Steve Bruce's tutelage, he began the current campaign with just 15 United starts to his name.

Sir Alex maintains he always had high hopes for Welbeck, though, and believes the striker's form during 2011/12 has made him a certainty to represent England at the European Championships this summer.

“We did the right thing sending Danny to Sunderland last year,” the manager said. “He did very well there and we expected him to do well this year.

"I think he will be [in the England squad for Euro2012]. He's developing into a very strong athlete. He's very athletic and when he gets moving he's really quick.

“He was always a decent goalscorer but when he plays regularly for us he has been getting a goal a game. There is a goal there from him and that's important.”

Danny's development hasn't always been smooth, though. Like many teenagers, he suffered growing pains as he made the transition from boy to man, a journey the United boss feels still hasn't reached its conclusion.

“We were always aware of Danny Welbeck's ability as a kid,” Sir Alex said. “The issue with him now is addressing his physical being.

“When he was 16 he had problems with his knees because he was growing – he had a bit of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome, although it was nothing serious.

"Then he had some thigh problems. It was just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man. We're seeing the signs now.

"He has a great physique about him but I think there's still more to come. Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult in the physical sense.”

Super season so far
Danny Welbeck in 2011/12
Appearances: 17 (6)
Goals: 9

Goals against:

22 Aug - Tottenham
28 Aug - Arsenal
27 Sep - Basel (x2)
1 Oct - Norwich
21 Dec - Fulham
8 Jan - Manchester City
14 Jan - Bolton
22 Jan - Arsenal

Reds Agree Diouf Sale

2012-01-29T04:12:00.001+08:00

Manchester United have agreed to sell Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover 96 for an undisclosed transfer fee.

The Senegalese striker was undergoing a medical with the German club on Saturday. If the move goes through, he'll be the third player to be sold by the Reds during this January transfer window following the departures of Darron Gibson to Everton and Danny Drinkwater to Leicester City.

Diouf has netted 10 goals for United Reserves this season, making him the joint-top scorer with Will Keane in Warren Joyce's side. However, his first-team action has been limited to just three starts in the Carling Cup, the away victories over Leeds United and Aldershot and the home defeat to Crystal Palace.

Signed from Norwegian club Molde FK in July 2009, Diouf made his debut in the away league match against Birmingham City in January 2010. He went on to make nine senior appearances in total for the Reds, scoring one goal.

Diouf also gained valuable experience during a season-long loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2010/11, when he scored six goals in 30 games.

Sir Alex; Defeat Was Unfair

2012-01-29T04:09:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was at a loss to explain United's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool after the Reds dominated proceedings for much of the clash at Anfield.

Daniel Agger had put the hosts ahead on 21 minutes, before Ji-sung Park fired a brilliant equaliser six minutes before the break.

The game looked to be heading for a replay at Old Trafford before Dirk Kuyt stole in to blast home the winner with two minutes remaining.

"I don't know how we lost it," the boss told MUTV and ITV1. "It was a really good performance from us.

"That can happen in the FA Cup though - you can have one bad break against you and you lose the game. It's a sudden death situation which we've experienced many times over the years and anything can happen. It's a bad blow though because we didn't deserve that.

"I'm pleased with my players. They performed very well, dominated the game and played good football," added Sir Alex. "They didn't deserve to be beaten at all. We maybe should have won the game - we were the better team.

"But that's FA Cup football I'm afraid and it's not the first time it's happened. To lose it is a devastating blow."

The Reds had looked in control for the most part with plenty of possession and one or two decent sights of goals. Sir Alex felt United's good play deserved better reward, but ultimately he was disappointed with the goals his side lost.

"Both goals were avoidable. We didn't do well - we had too many defenders in and around the goalkeeper for the first one and the second one was just one of those lucky breaks you get," he admitted.

"Some of our possession and movement off the ball was very good and the equaliser was a great finish from Ji-sung Park. I thought that put us in the driving seat.

"I was looking to win it [in the second half] - that's why I put Chicharito on. He gives you that thrust and pace round the edge of the box which is always difficult to handle.

"To lose the game is hard to believe really."

Park Regrets Late Lapse

2012-01-29T04:08:00.000+08:00

Ji-sung Park admits the players were cursing a late lapse in concentration at Anfield on Saturday after Dirk Kuyt stole in to knock United out of the FA Cup.

The Liverpool substitute latched on to an Andy Carroll flick-on, after being left unmarked, before firing past David De Gea to seal a 2-1 fourth round victory for Kenny Dalglish's men. Park, who netted United's equaliser just before half-time, says the Reds felt particularly disappointed at the final whistle after dominating much of the possession.

"We controlled the ball which is what we wanted before the game. We did that well but that couldn’t get the win for us," the Korean told MUTV. "In the team meeting, we talked about trying to keep possession and then make chances. We did that and that’s why we played very well.

"But then we lost concentration for a moment and ended up giving them the goal to make it 2-1. Everyone was quiet afterwards because we all feel disappointed."

As always in the aftermath of defeat players can't wait for the next game and United don't have long to wait with an important Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke to come on Tuesday at Old Trafford. Vital league matches against Chelsea and Liverpool follow early next month with the latter stages of the Europa League also due to start.

"We must quickly forget about this game, move on and look to the future," insists Park. "We still have the Premier League and the Europa League to focus on."

Man. United Wobble Out Of Fa Cup After Kuyt's Late Strike

2012-01-29T03:49:00.001+08:00

United suffered heartache at Anfield as Dirk Kuyt's 88th-minute strike knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup.

The Dutchman, sent on as a second-half substitute, collected Andy Carroll's flick-on before firing low past David De Gea to seal a berth in the fifth round.

Goals from Daniel Agger and Ji-sung Park had earlier punctuated a pulsating first 45 minutes. The second half, though, yielded little goalmouth action until Kuyt's winner; indeed, both sides appeared to have settled for a draw and an Old Trafford replay. That won't be neccesary now.

Anfield is never an easy place to visit and United's task on this clear-but-cold Saturday afternoon was rendered more difficult given the absence of Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones and Nani. The trio all picked up knocks at Arsenal last weekend, while Rio Ferdinand was deemed fit enough only for the bench.

Joining Ferdinand among the substitutes were teenagers Paul Pogba and Michael Keane, while Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez also had to be content with a place on the bench as Sir Alex turned once again to Danny Welbeck to lead the line.

But all the focus was on Patrice Evra, who, on his last visit to Anfield, was involved in an angry verbal exchange with Luis Suarez, which eventually resulted in the Liverpool forward receiving an eight-game ban for gross misconduct.

Despite the constant booing and abuse from the home fans, Evra carried himself impeccably all day and, in the early stages, linked well with Ryan Giggs. The Welshman, facing Liverpool for the 44th time in his career, had United's first chance of the afternoon but saw his volley from 20 yards saved easily by Pepe Reina.

Reina was beaten on 17 minutes when Antonio Valencia darted inside off the right touchline, made a beeline for the penalty area and let fly from the edge of the box. But the Ecuadorian's low shot cannoned off the post and out to safety, much to the agony of the Reds' vocal travelling support.

That support was silenced four minutes later when Liverpool took the lead through Daniel Agger. David De Gea, starting in goal for the first time since New Year's Eve, couldn't fight his way past Andy Carroll in order to claim Steven Gerrard's corner so could only watch, stranded, as Agger rose to head home from six yards.

The goal didn't dent the Reds' confidence, though, and Sir Alex's men enjoyed long spells of possession in Liverpool's half before restoring parity just before the break. Rafael, who defended superbly all afternoon, scampered down the right flank and skipped past a challenge before cutting the ball back from the goal-line. There waiting, 12 yards from goal, was Ji-Sung Park, who pulled the trigger first time to fire United level.

It was well deserved and came at the end of a half in which both teams had enjoyed bright spells and yet neither could claim to have dominated. The break afforded time for reflection and it should be noted that, despite the intense rivalry between the sides and the hype surrounding the fixture, the match was played in a sporting spirit, with barely a bad tackle made nor a heated word exchanged.

When play resumed following the interval, United looked more threatening and even had a half-hearted penalty appeal for handball turned down after first Giggs and then Valencia played searching balls across the six-yard box.

Liverpool then had their own complaints on 56 minutes when Chris Smalling scuffed his clearance and, while on the ground, the ball bounced onto the defender's hand. Referee Mark Halsey didn't bite, though, and within a minute home fans' hearts were in mouths as Danny Welbeck beat Pepe Reina to a through ball and rounded the Liverpool goalkeeper. Martin Skrtel recovered swiftly to snuff out the danger, but it was another reminder – if, indeed, we needed one after his recent performances – of Welbeck's pace and predatory instinct.

Kenny Dalglish made a double substitution – Kuyt and Adam on, Carragher and Maxi off – and the switch helped the home side gain more control of the midfield. Captain Steven Gerrard tested De Gea with a free-kick and then a long looping shot, but the goalkeeper was equal to both tests and Gerrard soon made way for Craig Bellamy.

Sir Alex, meanwhile, waited until the 76th minute to make his first change, Javier Hernandez coming on for Paul Scholes to bolster the Reds' attack. The Mexican made a nuisance of himself almost immediately, harrying Liverpool's defenders and constantly lurking on the shoulder of the last man.

He couldn't help engineer a winner, though. That honour was left to another substitute, Kuyt blasting in the winner with just two minutes remaining.

And while Kenny Dalglish's men can celebrate beating both Manchester clubs at home in the space of four days, the Reds from Old Trafford must now regroup in readiness for Stoke City's visit on Tuesday and the continuing tilt at title number 20.

Reds And DHL On New Trophy Tour

2012-01-27T00:23:00.001+08:00

Nineteen times champions Manchester United have teamed up with one of the club's principal partners, DHL, to deliver the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour.

As United's official logistics partner, DHL plays a key role behind the scenes when it comes to delivering success for the Reds. After successful tours of Latin America, parts of Asia and not forgetting Manchester, DHL will transport the Premier League trophy to 27 new destinations, including India, Turkey, Korea, Tokyo, Vietnam and Norway.

The DHL Champ19ns tour will travel almost 48,000 miles and give fans across the globe the opportunity to celebrate the club’s prestigious 19 league titles.

The four-month tour kicks off in Delhi on Saturday 4 February 2012 and will be accompanied by United legends Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune, as well as the club’s famous Fred The Red mascot. After visiting Delhi, it will move on to Mumbai on Monday 6 February. This is the first time the club have toured India with the trophy and fans’ response is expected to be significant.

Other legends who will join the tour as it travels around the world include Andrew Cole, Lee Sharpe, Bryan Robson, Paul Parker, Ronny Johnsen, Jesper Blomqvist, Gary Bailey and Gary Pallister - with even more names due to be confirmed.

Fans will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the coveted trophy and club legends during various events including fan parties, in-store events and soccer schools, which will take place in each country.

United's Commercial Director Richard Arnold said: "The 19th league title was a special moment for everyone in the Manchester United family and the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour is our way of being able to share that historic achievement with our 333 million fans.

"The passion and fervour of United fans is famous around the world. We are looking forward to being able to continue that celebration in India."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe, said: "The DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour provides us with a unique chance to showcase DHL’s behind-the-scenes operations with Manchester United to our key customers and employees in the countries we will be touring.

"With a global network of more than 220 countries, it is great that some of our customers will have the opportunity to meet the United legends and see the Premier League trophy close up."

Neville: Man. United Right Not To Buy

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club are right not to buy players in January.

United have had to deal with a growing injury list and brought Paul Scholes out of retirement earlier this month.

Neville told BBC Radio Manchester: "I've never seen it work, a player come in January, sign for big money and settle before the start of next season.

"To go into the market in January you never get full value, people think you're desperate so ask for more."

The Red Devils have suffered a succession of injuries throughout the year including captain Nemanja Vidic, who has been ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury.

At times it has resulted in players being forced to play out of position, with midfielder Michael Carrick lining up at centre-back and winger Antonio Valencia having to play at right-back.

After signing Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea in the summer, Neville believes Sir Alex Ferguson chooses not to sign players half-way through a season due to the difficulties of integrating them.

"He's never been one to panic. You're signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club," he added.

"Potentially if he's coming from abroad you need to get used to a new league.

"You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players.

"They've had a lot of injuries, but that's not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is you're able to cope with it.

"They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.

"But they're still in touching distance in the league and they've fought like crazy to get to that position.

"They always come good in the latter part of the season, they have a big FA cup tie against Liverpool at the weekend, so there is a lot to look forward to.

"You just might look back at this part of the season and think a win away at Manchester City and then go and win at Arsenal as well, you could be looking back and saying it was a really crucial two weeks for Man Utd in this season."

United's current absent list
Nemanja Vidic
Darren Fletcher
Ashley Young
Michael Owen
Tom Cleverley
Rio Ferdinand
Anderson
Phil Jones
Nani

Rooney: We Are Ready

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

The big games just keep on coming for Manchester United and Wayne Rooney insists that’s exactly the way the players like it.

Hot on the heels of the Reds’ visit to the Emirates last Sunday is an FA Cup clash at Anfield followed by a trio of vital league games with Stoke (home), Chelsea (away) and Liverpool (home). Rooney believes the next month could turn out to be a significant period in the title race and insists United are more than up to the task.

“They are all difficult games but as a footballer, these are the games you want to play in,” Rooney told ManUtd.com. "We understand and know what we have to do. We need to do well in those games.

“As far as the players are concerned we have to take each game as it comes, prepare ourselves the best way we can and hopefully we can get the results we need."

Sir Alex hailed his team’s positivity and self-belief after the victory over the Gunners and Rooney feels marrying that to concentration and focus will make the Reds hard to stop.

“As a player you relish this part of the season and I always feel we’re at our best when it gets past new year because we can see the end of the season and that there are trophies to be won,” added Rooney. “Keeping your concentration and staying focused is therefore very important.

“After coming through the Christmas period when we played a lot of games, it’s been quite unusual in the last few weeks that we’ve only had one game. It’s been good to get some good training in and I think that will benefit us going into the games coming up.

“Once you get into the New Year you know every game is a massive one and you don’t want to be dropping points. That’s why we need to stay focused. The next three or four weeks will be exciting. Hopefully we come through them.”

Ryan's Training Secrets

2012-01-25T23:58:00.000+08:00

In an exclusive interview recorded for MUTV’s Inside Carrington show, Ryan Giggs talks to Mark Sullivan about training regimes and the keys to his longevity…

How has training changed over the years?
It's changed a lot. Much of that is to do with the surroundings that we've got now - Carrington is completely different from The Cliff [the old training ground]. We've got the swimming pool, the gym, the big sports hall, an indoor astro-turf pitch… we've got everything you could want really. The Cliff was pretty basic; there was just a changing room, not the best gym in the world and really old weights. You just went out on the pitch and trained, came in, had a shower and went home, whereas here you've got so much to keep you occupied and keep you here longer.

And there's a lot more staff involved in the training side of things these days too...
Yes that's another thing that's changed. Back when I started it was the manager, his assistant, Kiddo [Brian Kidd] and Archie [Knox] before that. Then you had a physio and that was it really. Now, we’ve got an assistant manager, a coach, fitness coaches and specialists in weights and running, so things have changed a lot.

Run us through a typical day at Carrington…
I’ll usually get in about quarter to nine, get a bit of breakfast then have a massage for 45 minutes. We all jump on the [exercise] bikes at 10 for 15 minutes just to turn our legs over. We'll then have a 10-minute stretch and then head out to train. If it’s early in the week and we don’t have a midweek game we’ll be out there an hour and a half or two hours maybe. If it's towards the end of the week and near the game if it will be half an hour or 45 minutes of intense quick play. Personally, I also do leg weights some days and yoga twice a week.

How much has the yoga helped you?
A lot - it's one of the main reasons why I'm still playing now at 38. I started when I'd just turned 30 because I wanted to try and help ease the problems I’d had with my hamstrings and it’s helped me in every other way as well; strengthening my legs and my core and bettering the flexibility I had when I was 18/19. I'm more flexible now than I was 20 years ago and that only helps you on the pitch when you're stretching for tackles or turning quickly.

What’s your favourite part of training?
I think all the lads would say the same – boxes. When we first go out we have two lads in the middle [of a group] and the rest, seven or eight, around the side and you've got to keep the ball away from the lads in the middle. There's always a little bit of banter because you're trying to nutmeg your team-mates or stitch them up! It’s always been part and parcel of the United warm-up.

The staff no doubt give you advice on your training regime, but are you able to tailor it yourself as well?
Yes, I think the more experienced you get the more you discover what's good for you and you try to manage yourself. By the time you get to your late 20s you should know your body, and what you need and don't need. You will ask the advice of the coaches as they've got all the data on how hard you've worked that week or what you did in the previous game. They might tell you you’ve done enough or say it would be a good idea to do a bit extra. It’s a partnership with the coaches really, but ultimately it's down to yourself and how you feel.

How do you continue to motivate yourself to train hard?
You’ve got to or you’ll just get swept away. Sometimes I'm up against Carras [Michael Carrick] or Scholesy in midfield, or Anderson, Cleverley or Fletch and you've got to perform, not only in the games but in training. I think that's what sets this club apart - the training is hard and match-pace and it's always really sharp so you've got to keep going up a level no matter what age you are.

How much longer do you think you can play for?
I don't know, just as long as I'm enjoying it really and still contributing to the team and not making a fool of myself in training or in games! If you're not playing well or you feel that you're just coming up short in training, then that's the time to hang up your boots.

What do you put your longevity down to?
I think you've got to be disciplined. You’ve got to eat the right stuff, look after yourself and get your rest which I've found is more important the older I've got. Like I said before yoga has helped me as well, but it's a mixture of a lot of things and getting the right advice. Ultimately though it's down to knowing your body and knowing what's right for you.

Legends Rate Welbeck's Rise

2012-01-25T23:57:00.000+08:00

Two Manchester United legends have been praising the progress of Danny Welbeck, following the striker's latest goal in a heavyweight contest.

The 21 year-old Mancunian has started four of the Reds' last seven games and has scored three goals in that spell, including Sunday's winner at Arsenal. This followed, of course, his stunning strike at Manchester City's expense, earlier this month in the FA Cup.

Speaking to ManUtd.com and United Review, Andy Cole acknowledged the way Welbeck has become a viable alternative to Javier Hernandez, while Paddy Crerand talked on MUTV about Danny's still-continuing development.

"I think Danny’s brilliant, and it's fantastic for his confidence that he’s starting so many big games," Cole told us.

"Javier Hernandez has been injured and has been finding it tough to repeat what he did in his first season. Sometimes your second season is your toughest, I went through that myself.

"Danny has come in and grabbed his chance with both hands and he's playing very well. He's playing with confidence and getting goals too."

The former United striker can see a comparison between Welbeck's way of playing and the style which helped Cole himself to score nearly a century of goals for the Reds.

"You might say I was a bit of an old-fashioned centre forward when I played, in that I always wanted to try and run in behind defenders and get chances that way. To see Danny doing that is great.

"He can play in front of defenders as well, but when he runs in behind them he causes a lot of problems."

Crerand agreed with Cole in his assessment of Welbeck's form, after watching from the gantry at the Emirates as Danny netted against Arsenal and went close on a few other occasions.

"He's been terrific Danny Welbeck, he's coming on," said Paddy.

"He's still a young kid learning the game but he's getting better.

"I don't think he's fully grown yet either. With his effort that was cleared off the line [by Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker], I'm not sure whether he clipped his own heel or not but if that hadn't happened, the ball certainly would have ended up in the back of the net.

"The manager has shown the great faith he has in Danny by playing him."

Scholes: We Are Perfectly Poised

2012-01-24T03:23:00.001+08:00

Paul Scholes has warned Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City "funny things can happen" in the latter part of a title race.

The United midfielder has experienced both sides of a race for the league crown - the ecstasy of winning it ten times but also, albeit on fewer occasions, the agony of narrowly missing out. He's therefore more qualified than most to assess the current state of play at the top of the table.

"Obviously both teams won today so we are still where we were," said Scholes, at last night's Football Writers' Association dinner in his and Gary Neville's honour.

"I think we had the tougher game because it is always more difficult to go away, and we've got the three points."

Being on the shoulder of the pace-setter is a position that Scholes is happy with at this stage of the race, with each Manchester club still having 16 league games left to play.

"There's still three months of the season to go and hopefully we'll be in the right place when the time comes," Scholes added.

"Obviously City are going well at the minute but we are only three points behind and funny things can happen towards the end of the season. We just have to make sure we look after ourselves and get the right results."

Scholes' substitute appearance at Arsenal - he came on six minutes before Danny Welbeck's late winner - means he has played in every United game since coming out of retirement, all three of them resulting in victories.

"I don't think I've had too big an effect," said Scholes modestly, who credits his smooth return to never having left Carrington.

"[Playing again] does take a bit of getting used to but the advantage I'd had was that I'd been at the club for the last four or five months doing a bit of coaching.

"I'd obviously seen the lads every day so it wasn't too difficult to settle back in."

Paul Scholes was speaking to Sky Sports News at The FWA Gala Tribute Evening.

Injuries Mount For Reds

2012-01-24T03:21:00.000+08:00

While Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to leave North London with maximum points on Sunday, it came at a cost as yet more players were added to the United injury list.

The Reds travelled to the Emirates without Rio Ferdinand whose back problem had flared up last week with United already missing Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.

Phil Jones, who missed last Saturday's win over Bolton with a knock, now looks set out to be out for "a few weeks", according to Sir Alex, after he was stretched off after 17 minutes against Arsenal. Nani hobbled off late on, while Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick were also in the wars.

"It's not good news for us," the boss told MUTV. "I think Jones will be out for a few weeks - it's ankle ligaments. Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second half and he just had to sit in the middle of the pitch."

The boss also explained his decision to substitute Rafael 14 minutes from time after the Brazilian had earlier replaced Jones.

"Rafa wasn't very pleased and I can understand that," sympathised Sir Alex. "He's so brave and determined to win the ball but he'd already been booked and I thought with the crowd getting up and if he made another half-bad challenge he might be in trouble. Mike Dean has sent him off before and I just thought it was best to get an experienced player like Valencia back in there [at right-back] and bring on the experience of Park and Scholes to try and see the game out."

Welbeck Salutes Team Effort

2012-01-24T03:20:00.001+08:00

Despite starting and scoring in yet another major game, Danny Welbeck was keen to salute United’s collective endeavour in overcoming Arsenal.

The Longsight-born striker hit an 81st-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium and admitted that he is keen to extend his run of involvement and burgeoning strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

“I’m over the moon, but the team worked tirelessly all the way through the game,” Welbeck told MUTV. “It was a great team effort and I think we’re all just delighted to get the three points.

“We worked really hard. A few people were cramping up towards the end – I was one of the victims – but we worked really hard and it was a great team performance overall.

“We had a few chances. We played the ball accurately and made lots of precise passes to get in behind their defence and I think we did really well.

“My aim to come and play for United’s first team and luckily I’m doing that at the moment. To get a starting berth up top with Wazza in behind me, we’re forming a great partnership and I’m just looking forward to carrying that on.”

The 20-year-old revealed that the squad had watched Manchester City’s dramatic victory over Tottenham in the Emirates dressing rooms, but conceded that the champions couldn’t lose focus on the task in hand.

“It was on in the changing room but we couldn’t let it affect us or the way we played – we just played our normal game,” he said. “We just went out there, passed the ball well and thankfully got the two goals and they got just the one.

“Credit to them, they’re a good team and they know how to play football and try and get a goal themselves. They pulled one back but thankfully we got the winner later on.”

Evra: Tactics Were Spot On

2012-01-24T03:19:00.001+08:00

Patrice Evra saluted United’s tactical triumph over Arsenal after executing another counter-attacking victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck gave the Reds three vital points, with both goals owing much to impressive wingplay as Arsenal’s makeshift full-backs struggled to cope with being targeted.

“I think (our gameplan) was to go straight forward, it makes a lot of pressure on the left-back and the right-back and that’s what we did,” Evra told Sky Sports. “We made a plan to have a good shape and go forward on the counter-attack. We have done this many times when we play against Arsenal and that was the plan.

“We had a good shape in the first half and I think we played very well. But the second half was not the best [we've seen] of United.

"It was a good performance from the team, it’s just that we want everything perfect. I think in the second half there were 15 minutes where Arsenal played very well, but we kept strong and had good shape, and after we scored a nice goal.”

United’s Emirates victory followed an even more dramatic triumph for title rivals Manchester City, who overcame Tottenham in injury-time to remain three points clear at the head of the Barclays Premier League table. Nevertheless, Evra insists that the Reds are keeping calm ahead of what looks increasingly likely to be a thrilling title race led by Manchester’s main factions.

“The most important thing for us was to win,” he said. “Three points were really important if we want to win the title. I always say the league is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

“We are still behind City but we have to keep going, keep winning games and I’m really confident in the team because everyone is working really hard and when we play with the United spirit it is difficult to beat us.”

Smalling: Character Was Key

2012-01-24T03:17:00.000+08:00

Chris Smalling hailed United’s "character and togetherness" after the Reds overcame adversity to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side needed to beat the Gunners in order to maintain pressure on Manchester City, who earlier in the day had beaten Tottenham to temporarily move six points clear at the top.

United's task wasn't helped by injuries to Phil Jones and Nani, while Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra all played through the pain barrier after sustaining individual knocks.

The Reds rallied though and managed to record a priceless victory over Arsene Wenger’s side with goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck outweighing Robin Van Persie’s repost.

“It was another tough game,” Smalling told MUTV. “We were always going to get that but I thought we showed good character to get the late winner.

“We played some great football; Antonio and Nani were causing mayhem for their full-backs. We couldn’t quite keep it up for the duration of the second half but we had our spells and made it count.

“It does show our togetherness. Even when it was 1-1, they had the advantage but we came out victorious even though we took a few more knocks.

“I think we’ve taken enough knocks for the whole league," joked Smalling in reference to United's seemingly never-ending spate of injuries.

"But we have shown our togetherness and if we can keep ticking off these wins then we’ll be in a good position.”

Prior to kick-off in North London, attention was partly focused on matters back in Manchester as Roberto Mancini's men recorded a dramatic 3-2 win over Spurs. But Smalling insists the Reds must just continue to concentrate on getting their own job done rather than relying on results elsewhere.

“We did know the score before we went out and it would have been nice had it been a draw but we can’t really look for City to drop points," he added.

"It’s up to us to do our bit and if we keep winning our games I think they will eventually drop points.”

Boss Hails Reds' Belief

2012-01-24T03:16:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's positivity and belief after picking up a vital win at Arsenal to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City.

Earlier in the day, the Reds had seen Roberto Mancini's men beat Tottenham with virtually the last kick of the game at the Etihad having been pulled back to 2-2 by Spurs.

The Blues' last-gasp victory took them six points ahead of United at kick-off at the Emirates, but an impressive display from the Reds and goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck secured a crucial result.

"It was important to win after City had won their game, but the manner in which we won was the more pleasing thing for me," said Sir Alex afterwards.

"I think we won in the right way - we played really adventurous football, we were positive and had great belief in ourselves. I'm delighted to see that at this important time in the season.

"Arsenal came out fighting in the second half and for the first 15 minutes we rode our luck a bit. But on the counter-attack we were devastating and we could have scored a lot of goals.

"I said before the game that we had four massive away games [Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and City] to come and that's one out the way.

"What we need to do is stay on City's coat-tails. Football is a funny game. The game at City today tells you things can happen and there will be changes [before the end of the season]. We've just got to stay on their coat-tails."

The manager reserved special praise for match-winner Danny Welbeck who netted his ninth goal of the campaign and his third in three games.

"Danny was fantastic. His work-rate and movement are great - he's always on the shoulder of defenders and ready to run through [on goal]," said the boss.

"He could have scored five today - he was through three or four times. He was unlucky in that sense, but he's got the important goal and continued his run of scoring in the first team. For a 21-year-old he's doing really well."

Sir Alex was talking to Sky Sports and MUTV.

United Grind Out Vital Win Against Gunners

2012-01-24T03:12:00.001+08:00

Danny Welbeck struck a priceless late winner over Arsenal, as United survived another taxing trip to the Emirates Stadium to stay firmly in the hunt for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds deservedly led at the interval as Antonio Valencia headed home Ryan Giggs' excellent cross in first-half injury-time, but the Gunners rallied after the break and looked set to take a share of the spoils when Robin van Persie squeezed home a leveller with 19 minutes remaining.

United hit back, however, and re-took the lead when Valencia capped a storming individual run by setting up Welbeck to power home a finish and keep the champions right on Manchester City's coat-tails at the head of the table.

The day began in disappointing fashion for the Reds after the Blues' dramatic win over Tottenham, yet ended on a high despite the news that Rio Ferdinand was missing from the champions' ranks with a back injury. That blow was softened by the return of Phil Jones and Jonny Evans. Evans lined up alongside Chris Smalling in the centre of defence, while Jones came in at right-back and Rafael dropped to the Reds' bench.

Arsenal were able to welcome back Thomas Vermaelen from injury; bringing a welcome dose of steel to a Gunners backline keen to shore up after back-to-back defeats at Fulham and Swansea.

Manchester City's last-gasp victory over Tottenham ramped up the pressure on the champions ahead of kick-off, and it was the hosts who had the first sniff of goal when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pinched possession from Jones, but could only pull his cross into a cluster of United defenders.

That clumsy passage of play set the tone for a disjointed opening to the game. Neither side played with their usual fluidity or efficiency in possession, while the only efforts of the first 10 minutes were daisy-cutters from Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott which drew routine stops from Lindegaard.

The stop-start nature of the game continued when Jones twisted his left ankle after quarter of an hour. The right-back was stretchered from the field in obvious discomfort, with Rafael brought on as his replacement. The Brazilian's introduction coincided with United's growing control of proceedings.

A succession of corners almost yielded chances, with Smalling just failing to connect with Nani's cross before Giggs found space aplenty behind Vermaelen, but no targets to pick out thereafter. Danny Welbeck then ploughed into the same defensive chasm after a neat one-two with Valencia, but could only blaze over, under pressure from Laurent Koscielny.

As the half wore on, United's menace grew. Evra and Nani were an increasingly potent threat down the left flank, and they combined to force Wojciech Szczeny into action for the first time; the Portuguese drawing a smart, near-post stop after good approach work from the Frenchman.

The visitors knocked on the hosts' door with increasing regularity and impatience. Rooney did well to cushion Giggs' clipped pass inside the Gunners' area before tumbling under pressure from Alex Song. Referee Mike Dean declined to award a penalty, and Rooney's ire was hardly soothed when, moments later, Nani wastefully slid the ball well off-target instead of looking to pick out his unmarked number 10.

In first half injury-time, Giggs made the fullest use of United's next opening. The veteran Welshman, having meandered back into old habits on the left flank, exploited Johann Djourou's reluctance to pressure him by curling in a magnificent cross. At the far post, Valencia stole in behind Vermaelen to power a header across Szczesny and into the bottom corner.

The Ecuadorian's strike inevitably stemmed from the Reds' left flank, with the Gunners' right side increasingly porous as the half wore on. Arsene Wenger's attempt to plug the leak involved removing Djourou at half-time and introducing rookie right-back Nicholas Yennaris for his first Premier League start.

The Gunners almost drew level within five minutes of the restart, albeit by accident rather than design. Smalling slipped in possession midway inside his own half, giving Tomas Rosicky a clear route to goal. The Czech midfielder squared for van Persie, who shimmied away from the covering challenge of Evans before inexplicably and uncharacteristically blazing wide.

Nevertheless, buoyed by the chink in United's armour, Arsenal rallied. Ramsey blasted over from inside the area and Rosicky's shot thudded against Evra's elbow and away to safety. Those opportunities flanked an arguably better opening for Valencia, who drilled well wide, but the opening exchanges of the second half could certainly be marked in the hosts' favour.

It took another brush with parity to shock United into life. Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot inched just wide of Lindegaard's upright, but the champions soon his back. Evra was harshly adjudged offside after a neat interchange with Nani, then Per Mertesacker dramatically slid the ball off his own line after Welbeck had lifted a deft shot over the onrushing Szczesny.

United's pursuit of a killer second goal would prove costly, however. When a surging run from Rafael was clinically halted by Koscielny inside the Arsenal area, the Brazilian's absence was exposed by a quick Gunners counter-attack. Oxlade-Chamberlain's slide-rule pass gave van Persie an opening, and he fired through Evans' legs and past Lindegaard, via the inside of the Dane's post.

Arsenal's dander was predictably up, but the flow of the game was quickly stemmed when play was stopped for an injury to Walcott. Sir Alex Ferguson introduced Paul Scholes and Ji-sung Park for Nani and Rafael, and sent Valencia to right-back. The move didn't curb the Ecuadorian's attacking intent, however, and he played a key role as United regained the lead.

Valencia picked up Scholes' spread pass, made a beeline for the hosts' area and bypassed three players before swapping passes with Park. Before he could be crowded out, the winger teed up Welbeck for an emphatic finish past Szczesny; sparking wild scenes of celebration in the away end.

Thereafter, the game ended in the same stop-start fashion that it began, albeit with more bookings. United were able to see out five added minutes with only one real flirtation with danger, when Mertesacker's goalbound header was chested to safety by Evans.

A victorious start to another taxing run of high-profile fixtures for the Reds sent out a clear message: the champions are in no mood to relinquish their crown.

Centre Of Excellence

2012-01-22T04:49:00.000+08:00

There are different ways to make your mark at Manchester United.

While renowned midfield battlers Bryan Robson, Pat Crerand and Roy Keane carved their legends with axes, rather than switchblades, Michael Carrick is carefully etching himself into indispensability for Sir Alex Ferguson's latest team.

The softly-spoken North-Easterner is a midfielder for the modern game. Nick possession, keep possession. Simple, but devastating to those who are chasing the ball. The gradual filtration of old school enforcers means top class midfields are no longer patrolled with menace. Rather, they are courtyards for craft, as the top exponents merge athleticism, dexterity and vision. Few blend those virtues as expertly as United’s number 16.

Addressing the nation’s media before Christmas, Sir Alex declared: "Michael has been one of our best players. He's been instrumental in what's happening to the team at the moment. He's grabbed the nettle - there's no question about that.

"I think it's time Michael became the pivotal player of our team. We've always known he's got that in him. He's a laidback character - quiet, unassuming - but in different periods during his time here he's shown his quality. Now is the time for him to start a long period of dominating the centre of midfield.”

Finally free of an Achilles injury which disrupted over a year of his career, Carrick’s importance at Old Trafford are undisputable in a campaign where he has kept the cogs moving despite a spate of long-term injuries in central areas. Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher have all missed or continue to miss sizeable portions of the season, while Paul Scholes’ retirement U-turn has only just given Sir Alex an extra weapon at his disposal.

While praise has been forthcoming from all in football, and especially within the confines of Carrington, recognition for Carrick’s endeavours has been comparatively reticent among some sections of the United support. The problem is that, in every position at Old Trafford, illustrious forebears cast inescapable shadows.

Roy Keane and Paul Scholes loom largest as two of the outstanding central midfielders of the Premier League’s history, and their exploits are still fresh enough in the memory – especially now that the latter has returned for an encore – to invoke comparisons for anybody brave enough to follow them.

Despite ending a 70-game goal drought with relatively quickfire strikes against QPR and Bolton in recent weeks, Carrick’s scoring ratio compares unfavourably with that of Scholes, who has averaged a goal every five games. Nor does he bang heads with the ferocity of Keane. In his five and a half seasons at Old Trafford, Carrick has picked up eight Premier League bookings. Keane mustered as many in 35 appearances during United’s Treble season.

But such juxtapositions, in this instance, are rendered futile on grounds of differences in style and role. Scholes knows better than most just how important Carrick has been, and will continue to prove, to the Reds’ ambitions.

“I've always found him very easy to play with,” says the veteran midfielder. “He's capable of doing anything. He can score goals, he can create goals, he's a great passer of the ball, he's a big strong lad with a lot of presence, he can run all day long. He's great for team-mates.

“Over the last six years at the club he's been terrific, one of the most underrated players the Premier League has had. Since he's come we've won the league in all-but one season - that says it all.

You need players like Michael to be successful. He's a total team player, which players around him really appreciate.

“There's no better player at just keeping the ball and keeping it simple. You wouldn't want to be on the opposing team when you're chasing the game, because Michael's great at keeping the ball. He can hit long passes as well as short passes. He's such an unselfish player, players really look forward to playing with him.

“From playing with him, from Ryan Giggs playing with him, from Wayne Rooney playing with him, we all recognise how important he is to the team and at the end of the day that's the important thing: that your team-mates know what you're doing in the team. As long as they and the manager are happy, that's all that matters.”

Having played through a period of seismic change in the way football is officiated, Scholes recognises the evolution of the role of a midfielder, and Carrick stands comparison with any of the more tenacious middle men of the most opulent period of United’s history.

“Michael is a different breed to the likes of Nicky (Butt) and Roy (Keane),” he admits. “They were brilliant and so is Michael, in a different way. He brings a calmness to the game and he parades around the pitch like a Rolls Royce. He's a great athlete and he has quality too, which helps.

“The game has changed, without doubt. You can't tackle like Roy and Nicky used to be able to. Maybe some of the things they did would be frowned upon now! Michael's sensible, he's never in any trouble - he's never had any disciplinary problems. He's just a calm and calculated person who's always thinking of the best way to do something, rather than doing it the nasty way.

"He's something of a saintly figure - he'll never answer back to referees or have a go at them. That's what he brings to this team: a relaxed attitude which transfers to the rest of the team as well.

“To be a central midfielder at this club you have to take responsibility, take the ball all the time, defend at times and be prepared to drive the team on to score goals and win games. Michael does all of those things - he can do everything.”

Carrick’s effectiveness is underlined in the more considered arena of European football. It’s noteworthy that his absence for the first time in 19 successive Champions League away ties coincided with United’s shock defeat at Basel. In the previous 18, Carrick had tasted defeat just once – the last-minute reverse at Bayern Munich in 2010.

The 30-year-old has been paired with a variety of midfield partners this season – and has also reprised his moonlighting role in defence when necessary – but Sir Alex’s praise has set the scene for Carrick to man the United engine room for the foreseeable future.

Typically, the midfielder is keeping calm in the face of such a prospect. “When the boss says good things about you, then it's pleasing,” he admits, “but it is a team thing and we want to be winning as a team. I'm happy with the way I've played, but that doesn't count for much - we win as a team and lose as a team, it's as simple as that.

“I haven’t changed as a player. But as you get older and gain more experience, maybe that brings more responsibility. You’re looked at slightly differently and that’s fine, I’m comfortable with that. This is the way I’ve always played. I’m not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving. I enjoy the responsibility and as you get older maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that.

“This is my sixth season here now and I feel I’ve improved every season since I've been here. I've had some better spells than others, but that's just natural. You've got to take on board other things - as I said, responsibility - but that's just part and parcel of the team growing and changing as the years go by.”

As he continues to whittle his own legacy, Michael Carrick may just be one of the few constants in the ongoing evolution of this rapidly evolving Manchester United.

This article originally appeared in United Review, the club's official matchday programme.

Chicharito Ready To Fire

2012-01-22T04:48:00.001+08:00

He was United's Player of the Season last term but Javier Hernandez has "not got his season going yet" - admits his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Things didn't start well for the Mexican striker when he suffered concussion towards the end of the Reds' pre-season tour of America. A freak ankle injury in the win at Aston Villa in early December sidelined the striker for a couple of weeks, while the impressive form of Danny Welbeck has also reduced Chicharito's starting opportunities in attack.

"Chicharito has had his issues this year," said Sir Alex on Friday. "He had that concussion, then he had another head knock and then an ankle injury. He has not got his season going yet, but he is looking well now.

"His form in training is fantastic. He is looking really well. That is a bonus because you want variations in the striker's position. If we get Hernandez back into the frame of things we know what an addition he can be. We know the goals he can score. It will only help us."

Having more options in his squad is exactly what Sir Alex is hoping for as we edge towards crunch time in the title race.

"We have done really well getting to this point with all the injuries we have had," added the manager. "I don’t expect Darren Fletcher to come back. Darren will be out for the season and we know Nemanja Vidic is also out. But if we get the rest back I think that is pretty good. It is a good squad then."

De Gea May Need Eye Surgery?

2012-01-21T04:35:00.001+08:00

David De Gea's erratic first season at Manchester United has taken place with the talented but error-prone goalkeeper suffering from an eyesight problem that may necessitate laser surgery at the end of the season.

De Gea is long-sighted and plays in contact lenses. United employ a full-time optometrist, based at their training ground, and the Spaniard has been recommended for treatment to restore his sight to normal as he tries to cut out the mistakes that have cost him his place as Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice goalkeeper.

Having worn glasses for most of his life, De Gea was going to have laser surgery last March when he was at Atlético Madrid. At the time, however, the Atlético medical staff told him to wait at least another year because he needed a stable prescription. United were aware of the issue when they signed him for £18.3m in the summer.

United still have high aspirations that De Gea, at 21, can demonstrate he was worth the money and become a great goalkeeper for the club. The hope is that he can be booked in for laser treatment in June, when he could take advantage of the summer break to have the four-day period of rest that is advised. He is then expected to be selected for Spain's Olympics squad if, as expected, he misses out on Euro 2012 behind Iker Casillas, José Reina and Victor Valdés.
Daniel Taylor, The Guardian

The Man Who Saved Manchester United

2012-01-20T00:23:00.001+08:00

Manchester United fans have a lot to thank James William Gibson for... although most probably don’t know it.

Today, 19 January, marks 80 years since the Salford-born, Old Trafford-based businessman made true his pledge to wipe out the debts of his local football club. But for his intervention, the Reds might not be the sporting institution of today or, possibly, even in existence.

In December 1931 United were on the brink: the players hadn’t been paid for weeks, results were poor and attendances tiny (just 4,697 for the visit of Bristol City on 19 December). After years of decline there was genuine fear that, barely two decades after being crowned champions of England for a second time, Manchester United might be declared bankrupt.

What happened next changed the course of the club’s history and, more importantly, ensured there would actually be one. Club secretary Walter Crickmer met a local businessman who loved his sport (essentially rugby and cricket). While not a great football fan, the proprietor of a uniform manufacturers was reluctant to let one of the city’s institutions disappear and agreed to help out, making £2,000 immediately available to the club. That money helped pay for match travel expenses and general expenditure. And also for the players’ Christmas turkeys!

It was a stay of execution, but more was required to stave off the threat of extinction. On 21 December 1931, Gibson – who had agreed to pay the club’s bills until 9 January 1932 – convinced the United board of directors they should resign at a point in the future convenient for him.

On 5 January he outlined plans to reorganise the club board and became a director, an overhaul that came to fruition on 19 January when the board resigned and he took full control, clearing all debts. The club was saved.

Last month, a special tribute marked Gibson’s first dealings with United. The short ceremony, by the plaque in his memory on Sir Matt Busby Way, was attended by club officials, supporters and members of the Embling family (Gibson’s relatives).

The location was fitting, in view of the stadium’s railway station, another project funded by Gibson and made possible after he negotiated with the railways.

That was only one of the legacies of his chairmanship, from 1932-1951. He provided funds for Crickmer and Louis Rocca to form the club’s first youth system (Manchester United Junior Athletic Club), saw the Reds through the Great Depression and WWII, appointed Matt Busby as manager in 1945 and funded the rebuilding of Old Trafford after a German air raid destroyed the main stand.

When Sir Matt’s first great side landed the FA Cup in 1948, the chairman – too ill to attend the Wembley showpiece after suffering a stroke – welcomed home his victorious side with the words: “You have fulfilled my greatest ambition.”

Sadly, Gibson lost his life in 1951, a few months before Busby’s men won a first league title in 41 years. His demise ended a reign light on trophies but one which had laid the foundations for great success. For that, all Reds fans should be grateful even now.

Irwin: Veterans Can Win Title Race

2012-01-19T01:52:00.000+08:00

Denis Irwin concedes Manchester City deserve their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League, but is confident United's seasoned campaigners can reel in the Blues and win the title.

Following this weekend’s fixtures – United kick off at Arsenal on Sunday an hour after City and Spurs leave the Etihad Stadium pitch – the gap at the top could be as wide as six points or as narrow as goal difference. But Reds legend Irwin, who played 529 times for the club, insists it’s too early to talk about making a mark on the title race.

“There’s still an awful lot of the season to go and teams will drop points," Irwin told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "It's as simple as that. I think we’ll know more in the next month or so.

“What you look at the matches United have got, it’s going to be tough. But City have tough games, too, as do Spurs. They play each other on Sunday. But that’s why you’re in this league: to play tough matches. It’s part and parcel of the Premier League.

“Spurs have done unbelievably well to get into the position they are. But City are our main rivals. I don't think you can argue that they have been the better team over the first half of the season.”

But while City have caught the eye, Roberto Mancini’s men can’t seem to shake United’s attentions and have won just two of their last six fixtures in all competitions. As the pressure mounts and the business end of the season approaches, Irwin feels the Reds will gain the upper hand.

“It’s the experience we have over the last 20 years that I hope will lead us to first place,” said the former United full-back. “That experience counts an awful lot. Sometimes you can drop points and you feel as though that’s it, the end. But that point could win you the championship.

“You can't buy that experience. The manager and coaching staff have been down the road many times and there are plenty of players who have been around for a long time. It is only through experience that you know what to do.

"Somebody like Paul Scholes will be a calming influence. His experience in the dressing room and on the pitch will be a real boost to the lads. He isn't the most talkative guy but he'll lead by example. It is great to have his experience for the last three or four months.”

Denis Irwin was speaking at the launch of the Big Red Bike Ride. For more info, visit www.heartsandminds.org.uk

Smalling: Derby Win Was Vital

2012-01-19T01:48:00.000+08:00

Back after illness, Chris Smalling speaks exclusively to United Review and ManUtd.com about his hopes for the vital remainder of United's season...

How are you feeling now?
Good, thanks. I’m fit and well, ready to go again. I just needed a little bit of rest over the Christmas and New Year period to get over the tonsillitis. It’s nothing to worry about.

Was it frustrating to fall ill at a time when there was already a spate of injuries?
It was far from ideal. But the lads who stepped in did really well. I think we’ve probably had more injuries than any other club in the league. I definitely don’t think many teams have lost players of the calibre of Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher for such lengthy periods. And yet we’re still going strong, we’re still challenging for the lead and we’re even getting a few players back now, which will be crucial for the title run-in.

How much has the chopping and changing affected the side?
Nobody could have foreseen the injuries we’ve had. At the start of the season, we had good numbers and good quality. With so many injuries the form was bound to dip once or twice, but we’re all pulling together and there have been plenty of good results.

Have you been pleased with your own contribution this season?
I had a little knock that kept me out for about six weeks in September and October but, otherwise, I’ve been happy with how things have gone. I’ve been involved in some big games and, when I’ve not been injured, played more often than not. I just hope I can steer clear of injury now and finish the season strongly.

How would you sum up the last month of action?
It’s been a bit of a mixed bag. We knew the Christmas period was going to be tough and we did well against QPR, Fulham and Wigan. But we were gutted to get beaten by Blackburn on New Year’s Eve and then Newcastle a few days later. The win at Manchester City in the FA Cup has given us a lift, so we hope now we can kick on because there are some big games to come.

Will that win over City have any impact on the title race?
I don’t think so, no. The biggest thing it did was give us a morale boost at a time when people were starting to write us off. Instead of crumbling we went to City and beat them on their home turf, even if we made hard work of it in the second half. Winning that game showed a lot of character.

Especially as you went into the match as underdogs, on the back of two defeats...
Exactly. It was a big result. Even had it been against different opposition or in a different competition, it would have been essential to win that game. Everybody expected us to take maximum points against Blackburn and Newcastle because we’d done well against Wigan, Fulham and QPR. So to lose those two matches hurt a lot and prompted a lot of criticism. It made the FA Cup tie even more of a must-win game. We were determined to show the world we could still perform and I think we did that in the first half.

Is recent criticism unfair, given United have more points per game this season?
I can understand it because we’re behind City in the league and expectations of this club – from both inside and out – are massive. If we’re not on top then everybody’s asking why. Rightly so, too. Finishing second with more points than we collected last season won’t make us feel any better about ourselves. The only objective is to win the league.

Berba Set For Leverkusen Talks

2012-01-16T23:18:00.001+08:00

Sky Sports sources understand Dimitar Berbatov is travelling for talks over a return to Bayer Leverkusen, while there is also interest from Bayern Munich and Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Manchester United striker has fallen down the rankings in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans and, with his current contract set to expire in the summer, he has been linked with a move.

Berbatov said in December he had no plans to leave Old Trafford, but he was on Sunday spotted taking a flight to Frankfurt, where he was expected to hold discussions with Leverkusen.

There has been talk of United offering the 30-year-old a 12-month contract extension, but there is also interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and wealthy Russian club Anzhi.

Berbatov left Leverkusen in 2006 to join Tottenham, before moving on to Untied in 2008 in a £30.75million switch, and his former club have already expressed an interest in resigning their former star man.

The Bulgarian has dropped to fourth choice forward behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez this season at United and that could dictate a decision on his future.

Bayern are understood to have identified Berbatov as a replacement for Ivica Olic, with the Croatian forward expected to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer at the latest.

Sir Bobby Upbeat Over Scholes

2012-01-16T23:10:00.000+08:00

Paul Scholes' return to action at Old Trafford has been warmly greeted by one of the few men to have made more Manchester United appearances than him - Sir Bobby Charlton.

Writing in his column for United Review, club ambassador Sir Bobby said Scholes' comeback made him "even more upbeat" about the Reds' chances of retaining the title in 2012.

"Paul Scholes returning to the squad is one of the best pieces of news I’ve ever had," said Sir Bobby. "I can imagine he’s been as patient as he could be, but at the end of the day he had to give in because he just wanted to come and play. He’s a fantastic player and we’re so lucky to have him. I was really knocked out when I heard the news and it made last Sunday the best day of my week."

Presumably this weekend was even better for Sir Bobby, with Paul scoring the all-important breakthrough goal against Bolton on Saturday. The way he popped up in the right place at the right time to break Adam Bogdan's resistance on the brink of the interval was classic Scholes.

"He’s a sensational footballer," continued Sir Bobby. "He’s happier now, you can see. I have no idea how long he’ll play - probably just till the end of the season, I don’t know - but it’s fantastic news.

"He’s a great player and we’re very lucky, because maybe the one thing Sir Alex had given a bit of thought to was that we needed a creative player in midfield. Suddenly there’s a knock on the door and it’s Paul Scholes saying he wants to play again. Alex must have thought it was Christmas all over again!”

Fletcher Still Resting

2012-01-15T04:55:00.003+08:00

Sir Alex says the club are still no nearer on knowing a return date for Darren Fletcher.

The midfielder is taking an extended break from football after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Sir Alex revealed on Friday that Fletcher has returned to Carrington in the last few days, but simply to visit rather than train.

"He’s been coming into the training ground in the last few days, just getting himself out of the house really," explained the boss. "I still wouldn’t be able to put a time limit on it to be honest. It’s not one I can assess very clearly or accurately. It is what it is and hopefully time will be the answer."

Fletcher has received plenty of support since his condition was confirmed, not just from the club, but external personnel as well including Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave who was diagnosed with the same complaint in 1992.

"I think there’s been a lot of support from different sections. There have been a lot of letters in from people who suffer from the same illness," added Sir Alex. "It’s collating all that together and using what we think is useful.

"I think the important thing is to trust the doctors looking after him because they’re the ones that are going to be mapping out what to do with his future, and whether the medicine he’s taking at the moment is making an impact and improving him. It’s great to get information from other sources on how they’ve dealt with it, and hopefully somewhere along the line they’ll find a route back."

Evra Is Right Choice

2012-01-15T04:55:00.001+08:00

Patrice Evra’s personality and performance level have made him the stand-out candidate to fill in as United captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, according to Sir Alex.

Vidic has been out of action since sustaining cruciate ligament damage against Basel at the beginning of December, and, as a result, Evra has worn the armband for the last seven games.

With the full-back featuring more regularly this season than the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, the manager sees him as the perfect stand-in.

"I think one of your players who has been playing all the time should be in the forefront to be captain, and that was the case with Patrice," Sir Alex said at a press conference on Friday. "He’s a very popular player with a good personality, which is important to have if you’re captain of a club like ours. He’s very friendly and has got a good humour about him, but he’s also quite a determined lad."

Sir Alex also explained that Evra had been chosen due to the injury problems which have blighted Ferdinand’s season, and compared the two players’ leadership styles.

"Rio would have been captain if he hadn’t had all those inconsistencies in terms of his injuries at the time," added the boss. "He [Evra] has got different qualities to Rio. He’s not as voluble as Rio is, but certainly influences a lot of things, and his own team performance, for instance, is very good."

Dream Trip For Park's School

2012-01-15T04:52:00.000+08:00

Budding players from Ji-sung Park’s football academy in Korea met their idol this week during a special trip to Manchester.

A group of 28 youngsters, from Park’s Suwon-based JSFC, are taking part in a two-week Manchester United Soccer Schools programme, partly organised by the winger himself.

The children, all between the ages of 10 and 12, are training at Carrington every morning with the club's Soccer Schools coaches, learning to play 'the United way', before spending the afternoon learning English.

After training on Wednesday, the group were thrilled to meet and take part in a Q&A session with Ji, while Nani and Ryan Giggs came to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Park said afterwards: "I’m very proud. I just hope they’ve enjoyed the experience and remember it forever. They love playing football and it’s great for them to come to here, see the players and train with the coaching staff.

"I saw that they were all smiling, which makes me happy. Maybe one of them will play for United in the future! They just have to keep working hard and enjoying the game."

The young players are watching United’s game against Bolton on Saturday and playing friendlies against youth teams from Stockport County and Oldham Athletic next week.

But it's not all about the football, with English lessons at Trafford College, a stone's throw away from Old Trafford, also on the agenda.

Park said: "When I arrived here I couldn’t speak English very well, but they’re learning at an early age so they’ll pick up the language more quickly.

"It gives them more opportunities to be able to speak English – whether in football or business. They can communicate around the world and that’ll be a big advantage."

Park’s academy, the coaching arm of his wider JS Foundation, was opened in 2009 and Patrice Evra joined him to launch the centre's training programmes the following summer. It already comprises around 900 'elite' and 'recreational' players, a mixture of whom made the trip to the UK.

Ji’s vision is to improve the standard of football in his homeland and believes there’s no better model for his school than Manchester United.

"When we launched the academy in Seoul, one of the coaching staff came over to see how we do things at United," the winger added.

"It’s good to learn the United way because throughout the club’s history, many youngsters have come through the ranks to become great players.

"Coaching is a bit different in Korea, so we try to mix up the styles and hopefully one day they’ll be superstars in their country!"

For one of the participants, 12-year-old Reo Hyun Woo, visiting United is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It's brilliant and I’d love to meet the players again!" he said. "Park told us he practised the same skill over and over again when he was younger, and that practice makes perfect.

"I'm learning a lot on the trip, mainly football techniques but also communicating with my friends, and I'm really enjoying the English lessons."

Evra: We Will Win The League

2012-01-15T04:50:00.001+08:00

Stand-in captain Patrice Evra believes the return of Manchester United’s injured players will help guide the Reds to title success in the Premier League this season.

Sir Alex’s men secured a 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, and still have the likes of Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley to return to the team.

"Everyone's coming back and in great form," Evra told MUTV after the game. "We still have some injuries but I think when everyone is back fit, it will give us the strength to win the title."

The left-back also says it’s important to stop discussing rivals Manchester City instead concentrate on winning games.

"We have to keep talking about Manchester United. The most important thing was winning today. After that, it doesn't matter if they [City] win, lose or draw.

"We just need to have a rest and focus on the next game. I think people talk a lot about City, but we just need to be focused on what we do and how we play, and I think we're going to win the league.

“Today was a good afternoon for us. It was an important game, after the [FA Cup] win against City, to show we are really confident and we are back. It was really important to win today.”

Carrick Lauds Scholes Return

2012-01-15T04:49:00.001+08:00

Michael Carrick has praised the contribution of Paul Scholes to United’s 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers and claimed the legend’s return has “given everyone a lift” at Old Trafford.

Scholes scored the opener on his first Barclays Premier League start since coming out of retirement before strikes from Danny Welbeck and later Carrick sealed a comfortable win over Owen Coyle’s relegation threatened side.

Victory means the Reds are temporarily level on points with Manchester City at the top, but as Carrick admits, the highlight of Saturday’s action was without doubt the return of Scholes and his first goal at the Theatre of Dreams since January 2010.

“It was great to see him score and it’s great to have him back for the quality that he brings, not just on the pitch, but from the way he carries himself around the place and for his attitude towards the game,” Carrick told MUTV. “It’s great for the younger players who have come in this season; they can train with him and learn a lot from him just as we have in the past.

“He’s such a world class player and I’ve learnt so much off him, as well as other players. Being in my position, I’ve watched him a lot and learnt off him and tried to add his attributes to my game. It’s great to have him back and it’s given everyone a lift. I’m sure he’s delighted to come back, the reception he got from the fans was fantastic and I’m sure he’ll look back on it as a special day.”

United carved out a number of early chances during an excellent display of attacking endeavour but were ultimately left frustrated by the heroics of visiting keeper Adam Bogdan, who as well as saving Wayne Rooney’s penalty, pulled off a number of impressive saves.The breakthrough eventually came on the stroke of half time via the returning Scholes but the Reds again scuppered several opportunities on the other side of the break, before late two late strikes sealed three crucial points. And as Carrick explained after the match, patience was the key.

“I thought we deserved to be more than one goal up in the first half. We would have felt a bit hard done by if we gone in to the break at 0-0 so the goal gave us a lift. We felt we were playing some good football and getting opportunities to work the goalkeeper. But you just keep going; we’ve been there so many times. You just stay patient and keep doing the things that you are good at and what we believe would be good enough in the end.

“It was nice to see Scholesy’s goal go in and it put us into a much better position. It was a bit of a strange start to the second half, we had a couple of opportunities which we didn’t take but once the second goal came we were more than comfortable after that.”

Carrick’s goal, a lovely left-footed strike from 25 yards, was his second of the campaign and a first since the Carling Cup win over City in January 2010; a statistic he’s looking to improve. “Scoring goals is great, I’d like to score a few more than I have done and I’ve said as long as we are winning and I’m contributing in different ways, then I’ll be happy. But it’s always nice to score and add something else to your game. It was nice to see that one go in.”

Bolton Win Delights Boss

2012-01-15T04:48:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with Manchester United’s attacking threat in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Bolton Wanderers.

Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick all found the net, but it could have been many more. The Reds enjoyed almost twice as much possession as the visitors, peppering the Bolton goal with 23 attempts and 35 crosses.

“I’m happy with the scoreline. I thought the football we played was very good and we missed some good chances,” Sir Alex said. “The penetration and running off the ball was very pleasing. But we had to wait until right on half-time to get the goal, which put us in a more comfortable position.”

It was Scholes, in his first game at Old Trafford since coming out of retirement earlier this month, who broke the deadlock, sweeping home his 151st United goal.

“Paul Scholes popped up there when he should have been sitting in the centre of midfield and controlling things,” Sir Alex joked. “But he’s got that instinct for goal – he’s always had it as a kid – and he’s delivered for us again.”

The manager went on to describe Scholes as “one of our greatest players” and said the 37-year-old can still be key to Manchester United.

“You see that performance today, you see the quality he’s got... you don’t lose that. He’s been training hard the last few weeks.

“Today we took him off at the right time. He’s given us over an hour of real quality and scored an important goal. He’s back.”

Danny Welbeck and Antonio Valencia also came in for high praise, while the manager believed Wayne Rooney’s early penalty miss affected the striker’s confidence.

“Danny Welbeck was fantastic. He got a little twist to his knee but he should be okay. Valencia was also brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

“Wayne had moments but he can do better. I think missing the penalty kick maybe upset him a little bit. But it’s a good partnership [he and Welbeck].”

Scholes Scores In Convincing Win

2012-01-15T04:44:00.001+08:00

Paul Scholes netted on his Old Trafford return to help Manchester United on the way to a convincing 3-0 win over struggling Bolton Wanderers.

Out of retirement to assist in the Reds’ title push, Scholes broke the deadlock in first-half injury time to cap a memorable homecoming.

In truth, Scholes wasn’t always at his sparkling best during his 69-minute display, uncharacteristically misplacing a handful of early passes and (characteristically, some would say) mistiming the odd tackle. But the way he calmly swept home Rooney’s cross from six yards showed the 37-year-old has lost none of his ability to find the net.

In some ways it was inevitable. And not merely because of the romance surrounding his popular return. No, it’s the sort of thing – finding a way through a hitherto impregnable defence – that the Reds’ chief lock-picker of the last 15 years has done countless times before.

Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick added further gloss to the scoreline in the second half, in a game in which Reds goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was never tested. At the final whistle, Sir Alex's men had drawn level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

The boss made three changes to the side that beat City in last weekend's FA Cup clash, with Jonny Evans and Rafael replacing Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the back.

Lindegaard retained the goalkeeper's jersey for a third successive outing, while comeback kid Scholes, sensationally out of retirement last weekend to boost United's title bid, started his first competitive match since May 2011 at the expense of fellow midfield veteran Ryan Giggs.

Wayne Rooney and Welbeck spearheaded the Reds' attack but it was Nani who had the game’s first chance, blasting wide after barely a minute. Welbeck spurned an opportunity, laid on by a fantastic searching ball by Michael Carrick, shortly afterwards, although did at least draw a save from Bolton stopper Adam Bogdan.

Carrick was in creative mood early on and almost found Welbeck again with a superb lofted pass from deep in the Reds’ half. The no.16, challenged recently by his manager to become “the pivotal player of our team”, certainly made his mark on this fixture.

Bogdan had to be alert to bravely divert a Nani cross after 15 minutes, before Rooney was twice denied by Bolton defenders - Sam Ricketts with a last-ditch block and Mark Roberts with a goal-line clearance from Rooney’s looping header.

Rooney suffered further frustration on 22 minutes when Bogdan flung himself to his right and brilliantly saved the striker’s penalty, awarded after Zat Knight had clumsily tugged Danny Welbeck to the floor. It was Rooney’s second miss from the spot in as many games, although last week’s disappointment immediately turned to joy when the striker nodded home the rebound.

Bogdan’s heroics offered no such second chance, though, and the visitors continued on even footing. Only just, though. They had their Hungarian custodian to thank again shortly afterwards when he dived low to his left to keep out Welbeck’s long-range effort, while Rooney’s radar, usually so reliable, failed him again when he screwed an effort well wide of the target.

Bolton didn’t trouble Anders Lindegaard once in the first half. Indeed, the visitors barely ventured into United territory. But just as it looked as though their defensive approach had paid dividendsScholes struck in first-half injury time to pen yet another fairytale moment in his glittering career.

Neither manager made changes at the break, although Bolton emerged more adventurous in spirit. When Mark Davies pounced on a stray pass in the United defence and surged into the penalty area, he teed up David NGog, only to see the former Liverpool player blaze over from close range.

Davies went from chief creator to mop-up man within minutes, tracking back brilliantly to tackle Welbeck inside the penalty area at the conclusion of a speedy United counter-attack.

There was no defender near Rooney when he stretched and spurned a golden chance to convert Valencia’s low cross on 62 minutes. And but for a brave block by Rafael seconds later down the other end – the Brazilian threw himself bravely in the way of Martin Petrov’s volley – the striker may have paid dearly for his profligacy.

Indeed, Bolton kept knocking on the door and Rafael again saved United’s blushes when he cleared Gretar Steinsson’s header off the line. That prompted a double substitution from Sir Alex, as Scholes (off to a standing ovation) and Nani made way for Giggs and Ji-sung Park.

Five minutes later, Welbeck doubled the Reds’ lead. It wasn’t the prettiest of goals – the ball from Rooney that released Welbeck looked almost accidental, squeezed into his path as a result of Rooney stumbling and falling to the ground – but the young striker took his chance well and slotted past Bogdan from 15 yards.

Sadly for Welbeck, who has now scored in three of his last four starts, he picked up an injury converting the chance and was unable to play any further part in the contest.

Bolton’s resistance was broken again seven minutes from time when Carrick curled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to notch his first Old Trafford goal since January 2010.

But it’s Scholes’ goal this match will be remembered for. The little genius is back: and how.

Cup Win Won't Affect League

2012-01-14T04:07:00.001+08:00

Last weekend’s Manchester derby won’t have any affect on the title race, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The Reds beat City 3-2 in the FA Cup third round, knocking the current holders out of the competition at the first hurdle, prompting some to suggest the balance of power in Manchester has shifted back to Sir Alex’s men.

“I don’t think it’s advantage United now,” Rio said. “It’s too early to say. We’re all around the same area and fighting for the same thing. You all have your peaks and troughs in the season.”

Ferdinand and his team-mates went into that game in a trough of their own, after consecutive defeats against Newcastle and Blackburn. But the Reds defender insists spirits in the United camp remained high over the New Year period, despite the poor results.

“You always know there will be ups and downs during the season,” he said. “We had a bad week the one before [the City game], losing two games. But there is no better game to come back than Manchester City. It was a great first-half.

“In the second we took our foot off the gas and let them back in the game, but the result is the most important thing and we got through to the next round.

“Hopefully Manchester City and Tottenham will experience lows that go on a lot longer and we can get a few players back from injury and push on.”

The treatment room at Carrington has certainly been full in recent weeks, with the injury list inching into double figures on more than one occasion.

That cast of walking wounded includes long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher... and yet Sir Alex’s men remain just three points off the top of the league.

“If any other squad in the league had the same amount of players out that we have had, they wouldn't be sitting where we are. That speaks volumes for our squad and that’s why when I am in the changing room I’m more than happy with the people I see around me.

“[That said,] a level of consistency in team selection is good for the manager. When we’ve been successful at this club we’ve always had a steady nucleus of players who have played most of the games. The sooner we can get back to that the better.”

Rio was speaking to ManUtd.com, Press Association and Key103.

Fergie Ready To Tackle City

2012-01-14T04:06:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can combat the threat from Manchester City by adopting the route that helped them counter Chelsea's challenge.

Until Sunday's FA Cup triumph at the Etihad Stadium, it seemed City were ready to romp away with the title.

Suddenly there are doubts on the blue half of Manchester, which United will look to exploit by overcoming Bolton at Old Trafford tomorrow to move level with their neighbours, who do not play until Monday when they travel to Wigan.

Even if United eventually manage to retain their crown and become the first English club to reach 20 titles, it does appear to be only a matter of time before City reach the top. But it is not something that scares Ferguson.

After all, Chelsea looked as though they would dominate for a decade when they won successful championships under Jose Mourinho, but it did not quite work out that way as United went on to win four of the last five.

"The indications this would happen were there of course," Ferguson told MUTV. "They weren't buying any kids. They brought a good deal of experience.

"But that shouldn't frighten us. We have a job to do being Manchester United, as we have proved over the years.

"How we handled the Chelsea situation will hopefully apply itself again."

The mood around Old Trafford is a lot more optimistic than it was a week ago.

However, Ferguson's team still need to recover from successive defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle that have damaged their title hopes.

With Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham all to be faced by the first week in March, United cannot afford to slip up this weekend.

So Rio Ferdinand's posting of being kept up all night by a stomach complaint is a worry, even if Chris Smalling's return last weekend does provide some cover where none previously existed.

The Blackburn setback will ensure no-one takes Bolton for granted, with Ferguson conceding City are not the only challengers after watching Tottenham's rise up the table continue.

"Tottenham are a threat," he said. "You can't dismiss them. They are playing fantastic football.

"Somewhere along the line one of those three teams are going to win the league."

Ferguson Hits Back At Paul Scholes Critics

2012-01-14T04:04:00.000+08:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the shock re-signing of Paul Scholes is not a backwards step.

Scholes, 37, was a substitute in Manchester United's FA Cup win over Manchester City last Sunday - but some have criticised the move.

"One or two people have been negative and making out it's been a 'regressive step'," said Ferguson.

"How can it be regressive? You're getting a player for nothing who's been part of the club for 20-odd years."

Ferguson: "He's not going to play every game but in terms of composure and passing ability, is there a better player going around? Definitely not."

The veteran manager revealed that United only registered Scholes on the Friday before the game and kept the news a secret - even inside his own dressing room.

"I don't know how we managed it," he said. "We thought somehow it would get out.

"But we didn't let any of the players know simply because of the impact value.

"We were going away from home in a very difficult FA Cup tie against City.

"We had 5,000 fans at that end of the ground and as soon as they knew his name was on the team sheet they were fantastic, there was a great response."

Gibson Gets Advice From Rooney

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000+08:00

Everton's latest signing Darron Gibson has revealed that Wayne Rooney helped convince him to make the move to Goodison Park.

The midfielder admitted that speaking to the former Toffees striker whilst at Manchester United helped him make up his mind.

Gibson, 24, signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues for an undisclosed fee and then admitted that he was left frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision," admitted Gibson.

"He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here.

"Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come."

"I was very frustrated (at Manchester United). It was hard for me at times," the Republic of Ireland international added.

"I think when I did get a chance I did well and obviously I was getting left out afterwards and I was playing one or two games here and there.

"When (Paul Scholes) Scholesy came back the manager told me I was free to go.

"Everton had shown some interest a month before hand and the gaffer (David Moyes) wanted me in so it went from there.

"It was very frustrating but I think it was the right time for me to move on and I'm looking forward to my time here.

"I'm really looking forward to kicking on now."

Gibson admits he hopes to get a run of games with the Merseysiders and is hopeful of adding a new dimension to the side.

"I have not had a run of games properly so when I get into the swing of things I can bring a lot of things," he said.

"It's a great club with great fans and hopefully I can improve Everton.

"I think I'm a goalscoring midfielder and hopefully I can get a few goals.

"I've scored a few long-range shots - I don't think I've scored one inside the box to be honest - and if I score goals it's a bonus for me.

"I'm just looking to do as well as I can for the team."

And Gibson believes that he will be hard to ignore from now until the end of the season, especially with Euro 2012 just around the corner as he looks to become a regular starter for the Republic of Ireland.

"I wasn't playing at United which meant it was hard for the international manger (Giovanni Trapattoni) to pick me," he added.

"But once I start playing here hopefully he'll have no choice but to pick me."

Boss Wishes Gibson Well

2012-01-14T03:59:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has wished Darron Gibson all the best following his switch to Everton, a club where the United manager feels his former midfielder will thrive.

The Republic of Ireland international put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Toffees on Friday morning. His old boss believes Gibson regretted not joining Sunderland when he had the chance in the summer and now expects him to do well at Goodison Park.

“It's a good move for Darron,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday. “He has to get on with his career.

"He played some terrific games for us and he has terrific ability, but in terms of the pecking order here he knew he wouldn't be a first-team regular all the time.

“Unfortunately he got an injury earlier in the season which kept him out for ten weeks, but he’s fit again and it’s a good opportunity for him.

“He missed the chance to go to Sunderland [in the summer] and I think he regretted that. He's taken the opportunity to go to Everton and I think they really need a player like him.

“They're getting a player of good quality who has the experience of playing here. The other players we’ve sent to Everton, like Tim Howard and Phil Neville, have done fantastically well for them. Hopefully this is another one.”

Gibson Joins Everton

2012-01-14T03:57:00.000+08:00

Darron Gibson has left Manchester United and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Everton. The transfer fee is undisclosed.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, now 24, made his senior Reds debut a day after his 18th birthday, in a League Cup third-round tie against Barnet in October 2005.

Gibson went on to play 60 times for United, netting 10 goals during his Old Trafford career. Those strikes included goals against German opposition in Champions League quarter-final (Bayern Munich, 2010) and semi-final ties (Schalke, 2011).

A foot injury sustained last summer during pre-season kept Gibson out of first-team action until the Reds’ Carling Cup fifth round fixture against Crystal Palace on 30 November. His only other appearance in 2011/12 came on Boxing Day when Wigan Athletic visited Old Trafford.

Gibson vacates the number 28 shirt at Old Trafford and will wear the number four for his new club.

Everybody at Manchester United wishes Gibson all the best for the future.

Gibson To Join Everton?

2012-01-13T00:51:00.000+08:00

Everton are hoping to make Manchester United's Darron Gibson their first signing in the January transfer window.

Manager David Moyes has a limited transfer budget to work with despite selling Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10m last summer.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder would cost around £2m.

Gibson is down the pecking order at United and wants regular football to boost his chances of appearing for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012.

Moyes had said before Wednesday's 2 -0 defeat at Tottenham he was unlikely to see any of the Arteta transfer cash because it went to the club's bankers.

Everton had to pay £1.2m of the Arteta cash to his former club Real Sociedad while it is understood around £2m has been spent on new contracts and deals such as the one which brought Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park from LA Galaxy for a short loan spell.

The deal to re-sign Donovan was set up before the window opened and Moyes has yet to make any additions to his squad since the start of January.

Moyes is hoping to persuade Gibson to make the switch to Everton after a proposed summer move to Sunderland broke down over personal terms.

The Toffees boss had been hoping to sign a striker in January but may need to pay more attention to central defence, with England international Phil Jagielka out for six weeks with a knee injury and Sylvain Distin suffering a hamstring injury at White Hart Lane.

GIBSON PROFILE
Born: 25 Oct 1987
Birthplace: Londonderry
United debut: 26 Oct 2005 v Barnet
United appearances: 60
United goals: 10
2011-12 apps: 2
2011-12 goals: 0
Previous clubs: Wolves (loan)
Rep of Ire caps: 17

Valencia Revels In Rooney Link-up

2012-01-13T00:47:00.001+08:00

Antonio Valencia is relishing the chance to rise up the assists chart after returning to his more familiar right-wing role at Manchester United.

The Ecuador international has demonstrated his versatility for the injury-hit Reds this season by filling in admirably at right-back. But now he’s moved further forward, the likes of Wayne Rooney look set to benefit – as proved by United’s important first goal against Manchester City, with Valencia crossing for the striker to head home.

“I think Wayne’s been at a good level all season, really on top form and now he’s showing again how valuable he is for us,” said Valencia, in recent praise of Rooney. “What’s great about him is that he’s very bright. He sees things very early and gives the ball quickly, so it gives you a chance to be quicker and act sharper yourself.

“But I think I have a good understanding and relationship not just with Rooney, but with other players like Nani, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck.”

Valencia pushed winner Dimitar Berbatov all the way in the running for December’s Player of the Month on ManUtd.com, after a month in which he set up seven goals.

“I think when you do manage to put in good crosses and create goals, it does give you confidence,” Valencia added, “and I feel more comfortable being back in my usual position. The manager asked me to fill in at right-back because two or three of my team-mates were injured. I was obviously happy to do that, especially when he mentioned that it was only for a brief period! But I am more comfortable in my own position.”

Carrick Focused On United Form

2012-01-12T00:22:00.000+08:00

Michael Carrick is concentrating on continuing his excellent form at United rather than sweating on a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.

The classy midfielder has been one of the champions' stand-out performers this term and has earned lavish praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who urged him to become the pivotal member of the team.

Despite revelling in his position as a senior figure at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old hasn't played for his country since the friendly against Mexico before the last World Cup, although he was on the bench for the European Championship qualifying double-header with Switzerland and Bulgaria in 2010.

"To be honest, it's not something I’ve thought about," Carrick said, when asked about the prospect of appearing in another major tournament. "I'm just concentrating on playing here and playing well. Whatever happens, happens. I haven’t been involved in the last few squads so I’m just concentrating on doing well here."

The former West Ham and Spurs star says his style hasn't altered even though he is finally starting to get the praise he deserves for his controlling influence in the middle of the park. The plaudits have arrived this season from all quarters, even though he feels he is not doing anything differently.

"I haven’t changed as a player," he insisted. "But maybe as you get older and gain more experience, that brings more responsibility. You're looked at slightly differently and that's fine, I’m comfortable with that.

"Yes, that's the way I’ve always played [as the fulcrum in a team]. I'm not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving.

"I enjoy the responsibility and, as you get older, maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that."

Michael was speaking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

Chicharito Happy On Learning Curve

2012-01-10T23:06:00.000+08:00

Javier Hernandez is determined to keep on improving at United and recognises he will have to work hard in order to stay one step ahead of the opposition.

‘Chicharito’ enjoyed a fine debut campaign with the Reds in 2010/11, scoring 20 goals in 45 games after signing from Chivas de Guadalajara in his native Mexico. However, injuries have blighted his second season, and he has managed just six goals so far.

“There are different circumstances because I have had more injuries this season than last year, but I am still enjoying it,” Hernandez told MUTV. “I am still learning and working hard, trying to improve day by day.”

After his initial burst onto the scene at United, there were suggestions that Hernandez might suffer from ‘second season syndrome,’ now that the defenders in the Barclays Premier League have more knowledge of his playing style and strengths. The man himself, however, doesn't feel such challenges are unique to this current campaign.

“I think each year it is going to be more difficult,” he said. “In the first season, not only the defenders but also the coaches didn’t know me. I think now, and in the third and fourth seasons, they are going to know me even more.

“But good players like Wayne (Rooney), (Robin) Van Persie and (Didier) Drogba have been here five, six years or more and still play at the same high level. I need to keep working to do the same.”

The Reds have been able to cope with Hernandez’s absences thanks to a wealth of attacking riches, with Sir Alex Ferguson also fielding the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf this term.

Hernandez praised the resurgent Berbatov – scorer of six goals in his last four games - as well as paying tribute to the rest of the champions’ striking talent.

“Everyone knows Berbatov is a brilliant player. His touch and technique are unbelievable. Then you have Wazza, who is a world-class player, and Danny Welbeck, who is doing very well this season.

“Kiko has gone out on loan but is another good striker, as is Mame. We are very strong in that department, and in the other positions too.”

FIFA Honour Reds Trio

2012-01-10T23:05:00.000+08:00

Manchester United's record-breaking 2011 was acknowledged by the football world on Monday evening at FIFA's Ballon d'Or gala.

After a year in which he led the club to a historic 19th league championship and celebrated 25 years as United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson received the Presidential Award. Meanwhile two members of his title-winning squad - Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney - were named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI, a select side of players considered to be the best in their positions in the world.

"This is very much appreciated," said Sir Alex on receiving his award in Zurich. "No matter the honour I get, I feel it's recognition for the 25 years of Manchester United. They always shared my vision and passion. I’ve been a very lucky manager. That makes Manchester United such a special club. The courage to play and the courage to try and win is more important than anything."

Rooney also featured in the FIFA Puskas Award - for the best goal scored in the world in 2011 - with his acrobatic winner against Manchester City last February making the top three. However, like Lionel Messi, Wayne was pipped to this honour by Neymar's solo effort in Santos' 5-4 defeat to Flamengo.

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2011 contained players from just three clubs - Champions League final opponents United and Barcelona, plus the latter's great Spanish rivals Real Madrid. The full team was as follows: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Nemanja Vidic (United), Daniel Alves, Andres Iniesta, Xavi (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo (both Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (United), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

As for the top individual honours, Lionel Messi received the FIFA Ballon d'Or as World Player of the Year for the third year in a row, while his Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola won the FIFA World Coach of the Year award, for which Sir Alex was nominated.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards
The 2011 winners included:

Presidential Award - Sir Alex Ferguson

Player of the Year - Lionel Messi

Coach of the Year - Pep Guardiola

Goal of the Year - Neymar

Reds Salute Scholes Return

2012-01-09T23:59:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling have each hailed the return of Paul Scholes following his decision to come out of retirement and play for United until the end of this season.

The Reds legend called time on a glittering playing career last May, taking up a new role as a coach with Warren Joyce and the Reserves. But in a statement published by ManUtd.com on Sunday, the 37-year-old admitted the lure of pulling on the red shirt again was too much to resist.

Speaking after the 3-2 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup, Sir Alex added colour to the story behind Scholes' shock return and explained why the decision can only benefit United.

“For the last few weeks he has been training very hard with the Reserves and doing a lot of work in the gymnasium,” the boss said. “He said he regrets retiring so there were no negatives for me. The players were delighted, I was delighted and I know the fans are delighted.

“We have stepped up his training for the last few weeks and he started to take part in our sessions during the week. It is a terrific addition to our squad at a very important part of the season.”

Scholes was named on the bench for Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium and enjoyed a highly- anticipated second half cameo, replacing Nani on the hour to rapturous applause from United’s delighted and yet surprised travelling support.

The fans were not the only ones who were kept in the dark over his return, though, as Rooney explained after the match. “I was surprised. We didn’t find out until we got in the dressing room and saw him getting changed.

“It is obviously great as he’s a great footballer and is a very experienced player. He brought a bit of calmness to our play towards the end of the game which helped us see it out.

“We just thought he was coming along for the game but we saw him getting changed and somebody asked him what he was doing. And then we saw the number 22 Scholes shirt, which was a bit weird seeing him with that number. But it’s great as he is a well-liked lad around the dressing room.”

Smalling, who spent just one term playing and training alongside Scholes last season, also expressed his disbelief and explained how the move has benefitted squad morale.

“It was a massive boost for all of us. I was really disappointed when he called it a day last year.I spoke to Danny (Welbeck) before the game, we were really excited that he’s back and it gave the whole squad a boost.

“We had seen him take part in some sessions before but I didn’t quite expect him to be on the bench until I saw him getting changed to be honest. It was a welcome boost.”

FA Cup 4th Round Draw: United To Face Liverpool

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000+08:00

United will face Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round of this season's FA Cup.

The Reds' 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to a brace from Wayne Rooney and a fine volleyed finish from Danny Welbeck, booked United's place in the fourth round.

The North-West rivals have met 16 times in the FA Cup in previous seasons, most recently in last year's 1-0 win for United at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex's men have won nine of those meetings and lost three. There have been four draws.

The ties will take place over the weekend of 28/29 January.

FA Cup fourth round draw
Brighton or Wrexham v Newcastle

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

Dagenham & Redbridge v Southampton

Hull City v Crawley

MK Dons or QPR v Chelsea

West Brom v Norwich

Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday

Arsenal or Leeds v Aston Villa

Stevenage v Notts County

Watford v Tottenham

Liverpool v Manchester United

Derby v Stoke City

Everton v Fulham

Macclesfield or Bolton v Swansea

Sheffield United v Birmingham or Wolves

Notts. Forest or Leicester v Swindon

Ties to be played 28/29 January

Rooney: I Am Going Nowhere

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000+08:00

Wayne Rooney has moved to kill speculation over his future, insisting that he intends to remain at Old Trafford for 'a long time'.

Recent press rumours have suggested that the striker could be sold either this month or in the summer, citing an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Having dismissed those stories as idle conjecture on Friday evening, Rooney again had his say on the matter after scoring twice in United's FA Cup victory at Manchester City.

"I think everything which has been in the press of late has been a load of nonsense, really," the striker told ITV Sport.

"Because it's me, because it's Manchester United, it's blown up out of context. There's no problem with me at this club and I want to be at the club for a long time."

Sir Alex Ferguson backs Rooney's assertion, but warned his star man that he will continue to be burned by the glare of the media's spotlight.

"We must explain this about Rooney - he's a headline-maker, whether it's good or bad," the boss told MUTV. "The press don't mind. It's a situation we experienced many years ago with Paul Gascoigne.

"This is the new Paul Gascoigne: a headline-maker, and we're better seeing him like that today when it's good stuff. Any flaws in Wayne will be absolutely annihilated by the press because that's what they're like. That's the animal we're dealing with.

"Today it was a magnificent performance from him. There's no problem with the boy's temperament, no problem with him at all. It's just off the field he's going to be spotlighted all the time."

Mixed Emotions For Sir Alex

2012-01-09T09:50:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup third round but, at the same time, lamented his side’s inability to kill the game whilst holding a three-goal advantage.

The Reds raced to a convincing half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium thanks to Wayne Rooney's double and Danny Welbeck’s neat finish. And with the opposition downgraded to 10-men following Vincent Kompany’s dismissal, the tie appeared to be over.

After the match, the boss admited his side showed a level of “carelessness” that allowed City to re-establish a foothold on proceedings with individual strikes from Aleksander Kolarov and Sergio Aguero sparking fears of a dramatic comeback after the break.

“I think we made them look better than they were,” Sir Alex told ITV and MUTV. “We just had a carelessness in the second half. The problem was, we were 3-0 up at half time and we thought we were through and they took our foot off the pedal.

“We lost possession just after half time; they got a free-kick and scored. They went into a defensive formation and you have to give them full credit for that. They waited and waited, hoping we would make mistakes and we did make mistakes, which made it a scoreline that it shouldn’t have been.

“The game happened in three phases; first we scored the opening goal which was terrific as were going to be very difficult to beat from that point. The sending off was obviously next, which was a two-footed tackle and we were lucky because if Nani gets contact then he’s got a real bad problem.

“But I think the referee was right in that instance. The third phase was when we were 3-0 and should have been home and dry. We made mistakes and you suffer if you make mistakes. That’s really what I thought about the game.”

Victory at the Etihad is a welcome boost for United following the woes of the 6-1 derby defeat earlier this season. It also ends any chance of the Reds recording a third successive defeat in light of disappointing losses against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle over the New Year period.

Although the boss, ever the perfectionist, believes the performance could have been better and has played down the win's significance on the rest of United’s season.

“I don’t think it does us any good at all today. It was a careless performance in the second half and we should have been home and dry. We had a clear scoreline but we were too careless and that’s the area where, if we keep doing that, we will make mistakes.”

Rooney Double Sees Off Resurgent City

2012-01-09T09:44:00.001+08:00

United edged into the fourth round of the FA Cup after an enthralling, draining victory over holders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Reds bossed a thrilling first half in which City skipper Vincent Kompany was contentiously dismissed, and had a three-goal lead at the interval through Wayne Rooney's brace and Danny Welbeck's acrobatic volley.

To their credit, City rallied after the break and pulled goals back through Aleksander Kolarov and Sergio Aguero, and almost snatched an injury-time leveller when Anders Lindegaard had to fist away a Kolarov free-kick.

The pre-match build-up was overshadowed by the shock announcement that Paul Scholes had reversed his retirement, signing a deal to return until the end of the season and immediately taking a place on the United bench.

Amid the furore, the news that Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans had returned from injury was almost lost. The former was fit enough to start at centre-back, with Phil Jones moving over to right-back, while Evans took a place on the bench.

Just as United could savour some rare good news on the injury front, the hosts found themselves deprived of several important players. Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko missed out through knocks, while Gareth Barry served a one-match ban and both Yaya and Kolo Toure reported for international duty.

Nevertheless, City began the game on the front foot, herding United back and coursing with confidence on their fruitful home turf. The Reds were given no time on the ball, evidenced in heart-stopping fashion when Aguero charged down Lindegaard's clearance. Fortunately for the Dane, the ball ricocheted wide of the target.

Having survived that brush with a deficit, United were soon ahead. Rooney dropped between City's lines to collect the ball before spreading it wide to Valencia. The Ecuadorian swung the ball towards the far post, where Rooney bulldozed between Nani and Micah Richards to power a header against the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

The away end was presently a heaving, writhing mass of delirium - and the mood was further heightened two minutes later when City skipper Kompany was dismissed in controversial fashion. The Belgian launched into a two-footed challenge to rob Nani of possession, but cleanly won the ball. Referee Chris Foy paused before brandishing his red card, whipping the Etihad Stadium into a storm of fury.

City's initial response was one of defiance. Aguero forced a magnificent full-strength save from Lindegaard with a curling effort from the edge of the area, then smashed another effort into the side-netting after seizing on a defensive misunderstanding between Ferdinand and Jones.

Soon, though, United made the extra man tell.

Nani fed Patrice Evra down the left flank and, though the Frenchman's cross was half-cleared, Welbeck pounced on the loose, looping ball and hooked an unstoppable volley into Constel Pantilimon's bottom corner from 12 yards. The game's only Mancunian starter revelled in the moment, kissing his United badge as he wheeled away in delight.

Welbeck was involved again 10 minutes later as United established a three-goal lead. The 21-year-old was needlessly scythed down by Aleksander Kolarov inside the City area, prompting the award of a clear penalty by referee Foy. Pantilimon superbly parried out Rooney's penalty, only for the United striker to calmly nod the rebound into the unguarded goal.

The overriding lesson learned by United after October's 1-6 debacle at Old Trafford was when to shut up shop, and Roberto Mancini showed that he had also heeded those events, withdrawing David Silva and Adam Johnson and replacing them with Stevan Savic and Pablo Zabaleta in a 3-5-1 formation.

The Italian's approach bore fruit when Kolarov arrowed home a spectacular free-kick from almost 30 yards within two minutes of the restart. United immediately hit back, as Nani drifted a header wide and Rooney shot off-target from 25 yards.

Sir Alex sought to shore up his side's midfield with the introduction of his new signing. Sporting number 22 for the first time since the 1996 FA Cup final, Scholes trotted onto the field in place of Nani, who was carrying a booking.

Shortly after United had been denied what appeared another clear penalty, as Kolarov felled Valencia without censure, City took another chunk out of the visitors' lead. Milner crossed for Aguero and, when his initial shot was spilled by Lindegaard, the little striker pounced to send the home fans wild.

The Reds needed to remain calm. The lion's share of possession was assured, but City's counter-attacking menace was ever-present. The home support were suddenly resurgent, and were baying for a penalty when Kolarov's cross struck Jones on the arm, via his thigh, only for referee Foy to decline.

Hearts were in mouths for all of a Red persuasion when Kolarov lined up a free-kick just outside the area in injury-time, but Lindegaard just about palmed the ball to safety and United held on for a draining victory.

Despite the feelings of relief which greeted the full-time whistle, the bottom line remains United's progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup, having eliminated the holders on their own pitch.

De Gea Backed By The Boss

2012-01-09T09:37:00.001+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has provided more backing to David De Gea and made it clear that the Spanish goalkeeper was not dropped for Manchester United's match at Newcastle.

The manager has been playing both De Gea and Anders Lindegaard this season but after Grant Hanley's winner for Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve, the summer signing from Atletico Madrid faced some harsh criticism in the press.

It led to speculation that Lindegaard would be promoted above the youngster in the pecking order but Sir Alex was very clear when asked if he does have a "number one" at the club.

"I think De Gea is the long-term prospect," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "No question about that.

"I think Anders has done very well and provided tremendous competition to David but the potential of David is obvious.

"We've been doing it [rotating] quite regularly in games. It's been a nice mix of opportunities for Anders, playing in Europe and some of the league games, and we've done it maybe half a dozen times.

"Because we lost two bad goals against Blackburn doesn't mean we're neglecting that part of both of them playing."

Scholes Rejoins United

2012-01-09T09:33:00.000+08:00

Paul Scholes has rejoined the playing staff at Manchester United for the remainder of the season with immediate effect, after approaching Sir Alex Ferguson to reverse his decision, made at the end of last season, to retire.

He has gone straight onto the bench for this afternoon’s FA Cup third round tie against Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It’s fantastic that Paul has made this decision. It’s always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It’s terrific to have him back."

Paul Scholes added: "I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.”

Rooney: Manchester United Deny Plans To Sell Player

2012-01-08T03:45:00.000+08:00

Manchester United have denied a report that Wayne Rooney is to be sold in the January transfer window.

Saturday's Independent claims Rooney's relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson has broken down.

Earlier this week, Rooney accepted a fine for his performance in training following a night out.

But a joint statement from Rooney and the club said: "Any suggestion that Manchester United and Wayne Rooney are to part company is complete nonsense."

The statement continued: "We can assure all United fans that the manager and the club are committed to Wayne Rooney and Wayne is committed to the manager and the club.

"The player and the manager have always had and retain utmost respect for each other and look forward to working together in the coming seasons."

Rooney himself said on Twitter: "The Independent are talking absolute rubbish, my future is with Manchester United and the club and I am totally committed, the manager and I have no issues and anyone who says different doesn't know what they are talking about."

Independent journalist James Lawton, who wrote the story, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I understand that the problems that Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced with Wayne Rooney going into a key time of the season has seriously undermined their relationship and there is a feeling that Ferguson has been deeply offended by the reaction of his most talented player at a pivotal time of the season."

When pushed about the claim that Rooney would be sold this month, Lawton attempted to defend himself: "The point I'm trying to make in the story, and I think it's a valid one, is that there is a real problem in the relationship between the Manchester United manager and his star player.

"I stand by the essence of what I've said in that there is a problem. Ferguson is famous for asking for trust and loyalty in his players and when that breaks, it can have a lasting effect. But if Rooney starts to perform to the level of consistent professionalism, which is a reasonable expectation, perhaps the crisis will pass."

Rooney, 26, agreed a new five-year contract at Manchester United in October 2010, just two days after announcing his intention to leave.

He went on a night out on Boxing Day with wife Coleen and fellow players Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans after his side's 5-0 win over Wigan.

But he was fined a week's wages and was dropped for the 3-2 defeat by Blackburn on Saturday before returning in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, when he was substituted after 74 minutes.

Earlier on Friday, Ferguson refused to discuss the matter at his press conference to preview Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie with Manchester City.

Indeed, Ferguson offered only the briefest of responses to questions about the reason for Rooney's below-par performance in the midweek game.

"It is not a crime to try too hard," said Ferguson when asked whether his star player's desperation to succeed was the issue.

Lawrenson: Vidic Is Biggest Loss

2012-01-07T04:09:00.000+08:00

Mark Lawrenson believes that the loss of the injured Nemanja Vidic has forced Manchester United to rely too heavily on the ageing Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand, 33, has played 13 of United's 20 league games this season.

He and Phil Jones were given a torrid time by Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.

"Rio is coming slowly towards the end of his career. But the biggest problem is that Vidic is not playing," Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

"He is the rock and I do not believe, if he had been playing at Newcastle, Demba Ba would have been so spectacular. Newcastle's strikers terrorised Jones and Ferdinand.

"Because there is no-one else available, he is having to play every match. It is a simple fact that he is much nearer to the end of his career than the start.

"I am not saying for one second he is finished because, as you get older and your pace goes, you get wiser. The problem at Manchester United is that you are playing against some players who are seriously rapid.

"The difficulty United have with Rio is getting him fit and keeping him fit and you do take longer to recover as you get older."

United's defence has come under close scrutiny after conceding three goals for a second successive game, having been beaten 3-2 at home by Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve. And, following Ferdinand's return at St James' Park after three games out, there was much focus on the performances of both him and 19-year-old Jones.

With Vidic ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery, BBC Sport pundit Lawrenson admits that United's resources are being stretched.

"Don't get me wrong, he is still a good player," added Lawrenson. "But the one player United did not want to get a long-term injury was Vidic.

"You cannot underestimate the difference it makes to United, or the difference it would make to any side, to be without a player like Vidic. It was a massive blow.

"To be fair, the problems were not just in defence on Wednesday. It was a very impotent Manchester United we saw at Newcastle and a very poor performance."

Ferdinand still has hopes of making Euro 2012 with England - and Lawrenson's belief is that coach Fabio Capello will not rush into making a choice over his involvement.

"You don't need to make those decisions in January," he said. "You see how many games he plays and how things are going in May."

Jones has been impressive since his £16m summer move from Blackburn, but Lawrenson is convinced that he would have been afforded a breather had United had more defensive resources.

"He is an outstanding young player and has done fantastically well, but I think if the likes of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Vidic had been available to Sir Alex Ferguson, he would have given the lad a rest," said Lawrenson.

Ferguson has until the end of January to decide whether to add reinforcements, but Lawrenson said: "He has got the players we have mentioned to come back and this is Manchester United.

"The players Sir Alex will want will be of Champions League quality - and you will find they will all be playing in the Champions League, so you are talking about a king's ransom there.

"He also hates paying over the odds, which is fair enough, so I don't see him reaching for the chequebook unless the right player that he really wants becomes available at the right price, which is absolutely right."

Fergie: No Lampard Deal

2012-01-07T04:07:00.000+08:00

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will not join Manchester United in January according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lampard has been linked with a surprise move to United but Ferguson is not expecting to sign any players in this month's transfer window.

He said: "Do you really believe that? There is no foundation to it. We won't get the players that we would like.

"What can you get in January? What do you do? Do you take a second-rate player? No, of course you don't."

Chelsea assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo said he could not see Lampard leaving Stamford Bridge.

"He has been here for 10 years and he's part of the successful history of this club.

"I don't know what the future will hold but I can't see him going anywhere, he is part of our plans and important for us.

"We are very happy Frank is in our team. He's a fantastic player and has been a fantastic player season after season for this club and for his country.

"It is not a surprise other managers like him."

United have lost successive Premier League games, at home to Blackburn and away to Newcastle, prompting speculation that the midfield needs bolstering as Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley are long-term absentees.

Lampard, who has scored nine goals this season, admitted last week that he has been frustrated at Chelsea, where he has either been substituted or come off the bench in 11 of his 25 games this season.

He has 18 months remaining on his contract but Ferguson added: "You are not going to tell me Chelsea would sell Frank Lampard to Manchester United in January.

"Chelsea are like us. They want to do something. The second half of the season is going to be important to them.

"If they want to try to win the league they will need to have all their best players."

Ferguson believes he would be better to trust the players he already has at Old Trafford.

"The injury situation has accelerated a lot of our fans into saying we will have to get someone.

"I would rather stick with the ones I have got than bring someone in who ends up not having a game anyway because they are not good enough."

No Question Of Kiko Deal

2012-01-06T00:27:00.000+08:00

Neil Warnock has stressed that Sir Alex has no intention of losing Federico Macheda on a permanent basis.

The Italian striker has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan for the rest of the season and made his debut as a substitute in the home defeat to Norwich.

As Macheda looks to impress and make up for a disappointing temporary stint at Sampdoria this time last year, there is no question in the Rangers manager's mind that a full-time transfer can be struck.

"He's a big fan of him is Sir Alex," Warnock told a press conference. "He doesn't want to let him go. He thinks there's something there in the player and he's no thoughts about a sell-on if we'd like to buy him.

"He doesn't want to let him go and Sir Alex doesn't do that with many, unless he thinks there's something there."

The stunning debut winner against Aston Villa seems like a distant memory and Macheda is keen to put it in the past and forge his own future. It's something Warnock fully understands.

"They've got some great players and for a 17-year-old to try and get established, irrespective of what he did on his debut, is almost impossible with what they have," he added. "This is a chance for Kiko to try and get into the team."

Macheda, meanwhile, has backed United to recover from successive defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle.

It's clear that the 3-0 reverse at the Sports Direct Arena, the scene of the hat-trick for the Reserves that propelled him into first-team contention for that Villa strike in 2009, hurt the 20-year-old.

"I saw the game on TV and United, at the moment, are struggling with injuries so it is not a good moment for them," he said. "However, they will get back because they have great players, the players to win and fight.

De Gea's A Cool Customer

2012-01-06T00:26:00.000+08:00

United's official monthly magazine, Inside United, caught up with Reds goalkeeper David De Gea just before Christmas.

In the second of our two-part excerpt, the Spanish goalkeeper speaks of his boyhood heroes, his life off the pitch and his taste for English food.

When you were growing up, who were the goalkeepers that inspired you?
Peter Schmeichel, of course. He was legendary and a role model for any goalkeeper. I've always admired and followed goalkeepers since I was very young. Another one is Iker Casillas of Real Madrid. I think he is an excellent role model for anyone thinking of goalkeeping.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself as a person? What sort of character do you have?
Well I'm pretty cool, I'm chilled out, I'm relaxed, happy... on the field and off the field. Obviously when you're playing it's a serious thing and you've got to be serious about it but in life generally I am easy going. I like to be with my family, my friends, my girlfriend. I'm a regular guy.

What were your impressions when you first met Sir Alex Fergusion?
Well you can imagine what it is like, of course, with the record he has got, having spent 25 years at the top and at a club like this – it's amazing. It's a unique experience in itself and I was very proud to be able to meet him and spend time with him. All you can say is it's a privilege to meet the boss.

You've settled really well into the United goalmouth. How have you settled in Manchester and in England?
Very well. I'm very happy here in Manchester. I have my family with me, my brother's here, my girlfriend. Who wouldn't be happy? I'm playing at the best club in the world and it's all going great.

Are you enjoying the English food?
You know, before I came here people talked badly about English cuisine but to me, I've been surprised how good it is. I've never come across any unpleasantness about food in Britain. Maybe it's that bit easier for me because my mum is at home and she helps me with food. I'm putting weight on and growing into a big strong lad!

Football aside, what about the difference in culture between Spain and England, how are you finding that experience?
It is very different. The first thing that springs to mind is that people seem to be focused on home life more here in the UK. Things like most shops closing at 5pm - that's very different to Spain, where people tend to spend more time out and about, around the streets, around the shops and restaurants, the shops close very late over there. For me, I like to be relaxed, I like to be at peace so this comfortable, homey kind of life suits me.

This interview originally appeared in Inside United (February 2012 edition).

Sir Alex Refuses To Panic

2012-01-06T00:24:00.000+08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United won't panic after back-to-back defeats enabled Manchester City to regain a clear lead on points in the Barclays Premier League.

Twenty-four hours after the Blues beat Liverpool 3-0, the Reds were unable to match their title-race rivals' winning start to 2012, instead losing to Newcastle United by the same margin.

"It's advantage to them of course," said Sir Alex. "We were playing tonight, they played last night. They won, we lost.

"It's not a time to panic. We’ve got the patience and experience to cope. But we need to get the show on the road for the run-in, particularly March and April."

Sir Alex admitted that "losing a game at the turn of the year" was unwanted but he pointed to a growing number of options as reason to still harbour hopes in this new year.

"The plus is that we had two or three players back tonight and hopefully we have one or two on the road back, that will make a difference."

The Reds manager gave great credit to the first two goals his men conceded at the Sports Direct Arena - Demba Ba's volley from Shola Ameobi's flick-on, followed by Yohan Cabaye's world-class free-kick.

"We started reasonably well," reflected Sir Alex. "The goalkeeper made a good save from Nani and we had a good chance when Wayne Rooney was through and the ball ran under his foot. That was a great opportunity and if we'd taken it, we could have gone on to win the game.

"Newcastle scored not long after that. It was a fantastic goal and it really got their fans up. They became aggressive, they got stuck right into us and made it difficult for us. It (Ba's goal) was a great hit on the volley and the second one just after half-time - a marvellous free-kick, you have to give the boy credit - was a killer for us. That really put them in the driving position, they were very difficult to beat after that.

"We didn’t make enough of our possession with the ball. We had some chances after that [Newcastle's second goal] and a shot knocked off the line. You've got to take your chances away from home. We didn't play well enough to win the game."

The Reds conceded a third goal for the second game in a row when Phil Jones steered a bouncing long ball from Newcastle's Tim Krul past his own goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

"The own goal just summed up the whole night to be honest," reflected Sir Alex. "But take nothing away from Newcastle, they fought hard and deserved their victory, no question."

Sir Alex was speaking to MUTV and Sky Sports.

Giggs: We Must Move On

2012-01-06T00:21:00.000+08:00

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United must recover and regroup after losing 3-0 to Newcastle United in the Barclays Premier League.

The veteran midfielder had hoped to help close the gap on leaders Manchester City with victory at the Sports Direct Arena, but was in the end left to rue a disappointing night against an impressive Magpies side.

“You can have these nights, nobody likes them and nobody wants them but it can happen,” Giggs admitted. “You have got to give credit to Newcastle. They worked hard, closed us down and scored a couple of good goals so we have just got to take it and move on.

“It is a difficult place to come and get a win but we didn’t play to our capabilities and when you don't do that against a team like Newcastle, who are riding high this season, you are always going to come unstuck.”

The opening exchanges were tight with both teams going close to opening the scoring on several occasions - Yohan Cabaye forced a low save from Anders Lindegaard before Dimitar Berbatov struck the post with a deflected far post header.

The deadlock was eventually broken by Demba Ba, whose neat finish was one to be admired. Newcastle’s lead was too narrow to consider comfortable however and the champions felt confident of overturning the deficit after the break.

What the Reds hadn’t planned for, though, was Cabaye’s stunning free-kick just moments into the second half. And as Giggs admits, it was a killer blow: “We started okay. Obviously their goal knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit but we were still in the game at 1-0 and thought we were going to create chances. We weren’t too disheartened at half-time and we felt that we could get back into the game.

“It wasn’t how we envisaged or hoped how the second-half would start. It was a great free-kick; you can’t do anything about those unfortunately,” the Reds legend said. "But even at 2-0, we still felt we could get back into the game with just one goal and we had chances. We had a ten or fifteen-minute spell when we created a couple of half-chances, Simmo (Danny Simpson) blocked one off the line from Wayne and it just didn’t go for us.”

The defeat is United’s second in a row following the weekend loss to Blackburn and leaves the Reds three points short of Manchester City, who Sir Alex Ferguson’s side face in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Giggs believes the cup tie could rejuvenate his team-mates following two disappointing results and an unusual failure to score against Newcastle. “We have a great scoring record this season so hopefully this is just a one off and we can get back to scoring ways on Sunday.

“It is obviously a big game against City in the FA Cup. The atmosphere will be good, we’ll take a load of fans there and hopefully we can get back to winning ways.”

Poor Day For Red Devils

2012-01-05T08:59:00.003+08:00

Manchester United's miserable turn of the annum continued into 2012 itself as Newcastle United emulated Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve by putting three goals past the champions to inflict a damaging defeat.

Despite the return of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, the Reds were second best at the Sports Direct Arena where the Magpies scored in each half with exquisite strikes from Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye. The third and final nail wasn't quite in the same class - Phil Jones bundling an own goal past Anders Lindegaard, the keeper of a clean sheet in all of his previous league appearances.

Demba Ba was involved in two half-chances for Newcastle as the home side opened proceedings with a rapid tempo. First, the Senegal striker swung a boot at and missed Danny Simpson’s cross when any connection might have tested Lindegaard – shortly after, he laid the ball off for Yohan Cabaye to successfully let fly and find the gloves of the Reds’ diving Danish goalkeeper. Chiek Tiote, the Mohican-sporting Ivorian, also brought a straightforward save from Lindegaard with his early strike from distance.

At the opposite end, Tim Krul – a defiant obstacle in the sides’ 1-1 draw at Old Trafford six weeks ago – parried an effort from Nani and was perhaps lucky to gather the ball when the rebound proved too high to present Rooney with a shooting chance. Patrice Evra set up Nani for that first Reds attempt and he was again the supply line when Dimitar Berbatov’s header, via an unspotted deflection off Davide Santon, struck the base of Krul’s right-hand post.

Rooney’s first real chance to make positive headlines came with a direct free-kick, awarded against Cabaye for handball, but his setpiece was diverted wide by Tiote in the wall.

Giggs tried to give Rooney another sight of goal when he slid a delicious ball between two Newcastle defenders but the striker couldn’t strike it and Krul smothered the threat.

Ferdinand’s concession of a costly spot-kick in the previous meeting was controversial to say the least, so perhaps there was some karma when the defender’s penalty-box tangle with Demba Ba on 25 minutes brought a ‘play on’ gesture from referee Howard Webb – despite howls for the opposite decision from the partisan Tyneside crowd.

If replays suggested Ba was rightly aggrieved not to get a penalty, he meted out some justice of his own by breaking the deadlock in style. The approach at the Sports Direct Arena was certainly direct with Krul hoofing a long kick to the edge of the Reds’ area but the finish was accomplished as Ba hooked Ameobi’s flick-on over Ferdinand and Lindegaard and into the net.

It was the first league goal against Lindegaard in England, and the first against the Reds on the road domestically since the now infamous October draw at Anfield. But the rarity of the concession was of no interest or consolation to Sir Alex’s men with the live league table showing a three-point lead for Manchester City with the same number of games, 20, played.

With the excitable home fans baying for more, Ryan Taylor's free-kick just failed to meet their expectations, marginally clearing the crossbar after an angry Giggs was deemed to have brought down Demba Ba. The half ended with Lindegaard saving from Ba and then Rooney banging the turf in frustration at the other end after an apparent foul against him was ignored by Webb.

Sir Alex’s players may have been first onto the pitch for the second half but the hosts beat the Reds to it in terms of making an impact, with Demba Ba driving forward until Jones’ barge brought the game’s first booking as Webb awarded Newcastle another free-kick. This time, Cabaye took it and how, arrowing a Goal of the Season contender into the top left-hand corner with Lindegaard well beaten – just like any other keeper in the world might have been. It was the most delicious of deadballs from the Frenchman, reminiscent of Ronaldo or Beckham’s finest for the Reds. But this was no time to be misty-eyed of course; it was eyes down for the champions and minds firmly on a difficult job with two goals now to be clawed back.

Danny Welbeck, replacing Dimitar Berbatov, was sent on to assist, and assist he almost did when his flick from Nani’s cross was volleyed towards goal by Rooney, only for former Reds defender Simpson - celebrating his 25th birthday - to block brilliantly on the line. Welbeck instantly kept the attack alive but the ball he fizzed across the six-yard box couldn’t find Park and the Magpies escaped.

Park was substituted soon after, with Sir Alex bringing on Javier Hernandez – the last Red to score against Newcastle, in November. The manager's third change, to the delight of the home fans, was the withdrawal of Rooney with 15 minutes to go. Anderson came into the engine room for a reshuffle with Giggs, one of the champions' better attacking players, going 'home' to his familiar left flank.

The midfield scrap, yielding yellow cards for Valencia's aerial challenge on Gutierrez and Tiote's mistimed tackle on Carrick, seemed to suit Newcastle more as they battled to preserve the two-goal cushion held since just after half-time. Certainly the likes of Tiote and Perch worked hard to screen Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson but even when the Reds did manage to attack the Newcastle centre-backs, they were equal to the task.

The Reds' rearguard, by contrast, had endured a difficult night - never more so than when Jones, trying to prevent another long kick from Krul reaching Newcastle sub Leon Best, thighed the bouncing ball past Lindegaard for an awful own goal. Three-nil down, the final whistle couldn't come quick enough for Sir Alex's men - even if Manchester City, clear league leaders again, lie in wait at the weekend in the FA Cup third round.

De Gea Loves Life At Old Trafford

2012-01-03T23:05:00.001+08:00

United's official monthly magazine, Inside United, caught up with Reds goalkeeper David De Gea just before Christmas.

In the first of our two-part excerpt, the Spanish goalkeeper speaks of adjusting to English football, communicating with his defenders and his title ambitions.

You've now experienced a few months in the Premier League after two seasons in Spain's La Liga. What are the differences?
Well, I think it's fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world and in that sense they're very similar, they're at a similar level. But it's well known that here in England the style of play is rather more physical and as a goalkeeper you've got to be right on it, you've got to be attentive all through the match. The players coming at you can shoot from any angle, they can shoot from distance – you need to be aware that you might get a shot from distance at any time. Having said that, there's also a lot of crosses from the sides, a lot of high balls and aerial play. So you've got to be able to get in there and block, interfere and stop shots being taken.

Have you had to adjust much to this, or were you expecting these differences?
I knew when I was coming that this was the style of play I was coming into, so I was pretty much ready and I was already confident when I came here. I knew I'd need to train a lot, which I do. I concentrate a lot on blocking shots and it is going well for me.

Which players were the first to help you settle in when you initially arrived at the club?
Those who speak my language: Chicharito, Antonio [Valencia], Nani. All of them, of course, but specifically those guys because of the language. If I had any questions or problems I could ask them, they helped me a great deal.

In terms of communicating with your defence, how's your English?
[The interpreter asks this question in English and the reply comes in the same language] Good, yes. [English classes going ok?] Yes. [De Gea goes back into Spanish] I understand a lot but it is more difficult for me to express myself. Shouts to my defence, warning calls and that sort of thing: I can do all that fine.

The United defence has chopped and changed a lot, with injuries and rotation. Does that make life more difficult for you?
First thing's first: whoever starts for United, we've got the squad, we've got the players and they're all really good. The level of expectation and the level of play is very high at United but we do have a substantial squad and we are free to rotate, and each player who comes in is a great player – I'd say each is the measure of the other.

You're very good with your feet. Did you ever play outfield as a youngster?
When I was really young, yeah, I did play outfield and I liked it a lot. I have to say, I scored quite a few goals! But when I got into a proper team I moved into goal and that's probably for the best because obviously that's what I now am. There are times in training when you share the outfield players' training methods, to develop ball skills and skills with your feet. It's all part of the game.

What have you made of the team’s season so far?
We made a very good start as a team but it was clear then that it would be difficult to maintain that level. So after five or six games our form did dip a little bit but now we're working hard and we're progressing. We're playing well, we're keeping the ball and we're going in the right direction.

Are you aware of United's reputation of coming into form in the second half of the season?
Yes, I do know about the second half syndrome. Last year we managed to peg Chelsea back a lot of points and went on to win, of course. I think generally as a club we have to maintain a hard line all season and keep our level high, and if the team can maintain that I think we can go on to do great things.

So what are your goals, both this season and in the long term?
Look where we are in the Premier League. We've got to keep up the pressure to go on and win that – obviously Manchester City are causing us a few headaches so it's not going to be easy but we've got to keep that up, that's our principle objective. As for me, longer term, I've every intention of spending many years here and I want to on to become a great United keeper, I want to earn and deserve the respect I hope to engender. And I want to help United make history here.

This interview originally appeared in Inside United (February 2012 edition).

Rio's Role In Kiko Switch

2012-01-03T23:04:00.001+08:00

Federico Macheda has revealed he sought advice from Rio Ferdinand before joining Queens Park Rangers on loan.

Ferdinand's brother, Anton, signed for the West London club last summer and Macheda, who will spend the remainder of the 2011/12 season there, has revealed the Reds defender assured him the loan deal would prove positive.

"I spoke with Rio and he told me that QPR is a very good club and that if I did come here it would be good for me and would help me develop as a player," Macheda told Queens Park Rangers' official website.

The young Italian striker will hope to play regularly for the R's, but knows a first-team place isn't guaranteed.

"I am here to train hard, firstly. Then I hope to play a big part in the games. I want to play more but I know this won't be easy. I will work very hard for this."

Macheda's loan move shouldn't be seen as the first step in an eventual Old Trafford departure. Rather, it is vital experience for a young striker who, naturally, is finding it difficult to force the Reds' other world-class forwards out of the side.

"There is a lot of competition at Manchester United," the 20-year-old said. "There are some very good strikers there.

"But I am still young and I need to get more experience in the Premier League."

Macheda Joins QPR On Loan

2012-01-03T23:03:00.000+08:00

Federico Macheda has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Italian striker, who has made just six first-team appearances for United this term, will hope to become a regular under R's manager Neil Warnock as the West London club strive to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

Macheda will wear the no.33 shirt at Loftus Road and told QPR's official website that he's determined to make his mark at the club.

"I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer," Macheda said.

“There are some very big players at the club now and I am really looking forward to training and playing with them. I also know the fans are very, very passionate, and this interested me also.”

Rangers boss Warnock was delighted to secure Macheda's services but stressed his belief that Macheda's long-term future lies with Manchester United.

"This is a great opportunity for both parties. Federico is not getting a regular game at United quite obviously because of the quality of the squad they’ve got," Warnock said.

“Everybody in the league is in envy of what Sir Alex has there, but what he is trying to do is get Federico some game time in the Premier League. I am sure he is still a part of their future plans.

“I believe this can really work for us because he is positive and always in and around the box. He can finish too.

“He puts defenders under pressure, he’s a strong lad and he’s got a yard of pace as well. If we can get him the ball in the right areas I am sure he can get us a few goals. It’s a great way for us to start the January transfer window."

United record
Apps: 15(18)
Goals: 5

Debut: v Villa, 5 April 2009

"I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer." - Federico Macheda