Saturday 31 December 2011

Ferguson delighted with Man Utd response since derby thrashing

Sat, 12/31/2011

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with his Manchester United players' response since their derby drubbing.

A 6-1 home derby defeat to Manchester City was a low point — along with early exits from the Champions League and Carling Cup.

Yet Ferguson has been thrilled with the way his squad have defied a crippling injury list to bounce back from that.

He said: "We've lost three games this season. The ones we lost were very difficult for a club like United to handle.

"But after the 6-1 defeat by City, we recovered. Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup, we recovered. Basel, we recovered.

"That tells you something about his team. The confidence and trust in each other comes through.

"I said a few weeks ago someone is going to suffer. That's what's happened."

Man Utd boss Ferguson dismisses Arsenal, Chelsea title chances

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes only three teams are capable of winning the title.

The racing fanatic dismissed Arsenal and Chelsea as also-rans as the table begins to take shape.

Ferguson said: "It's only the end of December.

"We surrendered a 12-point lead to Arsenal some years ago and also gone on to win the title having been 12 points behind Newcastle. Last year in November, Chelsea were seven points clear but we took over.

"You think of some of the games coming up and you can't say for sure that'll be the case. But the difficulty for Arsenal and Chelsea is that they've got to overtake three teams.

"Unless three teams collapse then that's the only chance for them to take advantage.

"Tottenham play the best football in the country, I think. Their form is the best. They can definitely win it on that form.

"We're five or six points ahead of the previous year's form. So City's form is equal to that. That 45-point total at this time of year is huge.

"It will be nip and tuck between the two clubs but then I think Tottenham are the best team at the moment."

Man Utd boss Ferguson slams Blackburn owners over Allardyce sacking

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed Blackburn Rovers' owners for their sacking of Sam Allardyce last season.

Ferguson has defended Big Sam's successor Steve Kean in the face of ferocious criticism from Rovers fans.

But he admits he was shocked by the Indian poultry firm's decision to sack Allardyce Fergie, whose team face rock-bottom Rovers today, said: "Anyone sacking Sam Allardyce, you would think they're off their heads.

"He was such an influential, big personality at the club. He was perfect for Blackburn and an outstanding manager."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Blackburn wrong to dump Williams

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Blackburn Rovers' owners were wrong to squeeze out chairman John Williams.

Williams is now working for United's great rivals Manchester City.

Ferguson said: "Williams was very experienced in that job.

"He looked after the Jack Walker Trust and was a Blackburn man. That experience is a loss."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Vidic op a success

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Nemanja Vidic has undergone successful knee surgery.

The United skipper suffered cruciate ligament damage in this month's Champions League defeat at Basel, but Ferguson revealed on Friday that the Serbian's resultant operation went according to plan.

"He had surgery on Wednesday and came through fine," said the manager. "They didn’t remove anything at all, everything’s clear, but it’s a cruciate so it’ll be next season."

Man Utd boss Ferguson welcomes new England youth recruitment law changes

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with England's new youth recruitment rules.

The Elite Player Performance Plan is due to be introduced next season which will allow top clubs to spread the net and recruit Under-16s nationwide rather than be restricted to the talent pool available within 90 minutes' drive .

"It’s bound to help," Ferguson stated. "The format with the Academy rules, about players you can sign within an hour and a half up to 14, they seem ridiculous when you think I can bring a boy over from Amsterdam, or from Ireland. It seems silly.

"We do all parts of the world. We saw the Da Silvas when they were 14. It seems crazy. I always think in terms of our own club in particular, and the energy we spent in terms of scouting all over the country, all over the world.

"We had a school of excellence in Durham that the FA forced us to close after protests from Newcastle and Sunderland. There are some players who are playing Premier Division football at this moment in time from that centre of excellence we had there.

"That was all stopped when the Academy came along and therefore you have to deal with local boys, really. It’s very difficult for a club like Manchester United to build teams of local boys all the time, so therefore we embarked on increasing our scouting in other countries.

"That’s how it is at the moment. I think the new guidelines will allow clubs to put their energy into scouting and coaching in their own country."

Sunderland boss O'Neill wants more from ex-Man Utd pair Brown, O'Shea

Sat, 12/31/2011

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill wants more from his experienced players.

He is hoping his senior former Manchester United defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea will lead by example but accepts they are still adapting to life after Old Trafford.

"Wes and John have a load of extra responsibility at this club," O'Neill said. "When you're atManchester United, you are a cog in a wheel and get on with your own game but they've come here and have to take extra responsibility. I think they are happy with that and that's great but it's still something new to them."

Man Utd boss Ferguson stunner: Cleverley best midfielder in UK

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced they have a super talent on their hands in Tom Cleverley.

The youngster is currently sidelined injured.

And Ferguson said: "Cleverley’s a massive loss.

"He, to my mind, is probably the best midfield player in Britain, potentially. He has fantastic promise, so it’s a loss to us."

Man Utd legend Cole: Man City Christmas cake proof they're not ready for title

Sat, 12/31/2011

Manchester United legend Andy Cole feels his old club will pip Manchester City for the title this season.

Cole also had a spell at City and his son, Devante, is an outstanding youth team player in the club's junior ranks.

He wrote in The National: "Manchester United will win the English Premier League this season.

"City have been outstanding at times, they may even boast better individuals and they've certainly spent more money, but United have a better team spirit and, crucially, experience.

"Joe Hart said that City are suffering from the pressure after their Boxing Day draw at West Brom.

"He's right. City are now the team to beat and sides will do anything to take points off them, even if they play so defensively that they only intend to get a draw.

"City will be stressed by the expectations of the media, their own fans, rival supporters and themselves.

"Moving clear of the pack after beating the champions 6-1 away will have given them huge confidence, but maybe that game came too early in the season to be crucial.

"The City players laughed as they made a Christmas cake with 6-1 etched in the icing on top of it.Sir Alex Ferguson would never have allowed that, and he'll make sure that every United player knows about it."

Barcelona shocker: Man Utd in Guardiola contact about succeeding Fergie

Sat, 12/31/2011

Pep Guardiola is being discussed inside Manchester United as a successor for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson turns 70 today, but shows no signs of letting up.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho succeeding Sir Alex and one day repatriating Cristiano Ronaldo for a last hurrah is not unimaginable. And he has admitted if there is one footballer he would love to train it is Wayne Rooney.

But the Daily Express says at least one confidant close to Sir Alex would prefer Guardiola and had a quiet, private chat with the Barca manager about his general state of mind on that issue.

Guardiola must look appetising to United’s kingmakers for the dazzling brand of football his team plays and for the same intensity and hunger about winning which has epitomised Sir Alex from the first day he pulled on playing boots until today.

Guardiola has admitted to his “passion for the English teams”.

“They are honest, aggressive, and normally they don’t play for a draw,” he said.

“In the stadiums of England you breathe football in its pure, natural state. I still remember the first time I played at Old Trafford, it was unbelievable.”

Wednesday 28 December 2011

United win £5m race for Spurs' Swedish target

Manchester United transfer news: Rasmus Elm to sign in June - ends Tottenham Hotspur chase

28 Dec 2011

Manchester United have won the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfield target Rasmus Elm, according to reports in Italy.

Calcio Mercato is reporting that the Red Devils have agreed a deal to bring the Swedish international to the club in the summer, claims talkSPORT, with just a medical to be completed for the move to officially occur.

The English radio station goes on to claim thatManchester United have been tracking the 23-year-old for over a year now, whilst the player's agent has today refused to deny that a deal has been agreed in principle.

Elm too has spoken, and admits it's flattering to be linked with clubs in England. With a contract set to expire in 2013, his time with AZ Alkmaar does appear to be coming to an end.

"It's flattering, but I have not heard any more about it. Patrick Mork takes care of that. However, it is quite clear that I will finish the season out with AZ. But no more decisions are taken on that from my side right now," Elm told Aftonbladet.

The midfielder moved to the Eredivisie from Kalmar FF in 2009, and has attracted interest from a handful of clubs across Europe with his industrious performances in the position.

But, after showing a reluctance to stay-on at the AFAS Stadion, manager Gertjan Verbeek appears to have decided to cash-in on the player with a Manchester United deal.

Neither club has confirmed the deal officially, but his signature would represent a coup for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson should the claims be true.

It's a blow for Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp however, with the north London outfit also thought to have been tracking the player.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is no stranger to rolling the transfer dice when opportunities arise, with the likes of Chris Samba and Fernando Llorente linked with moves to White Hart Lane as recently as today.

However, their pursuit of Elm appears to have fallen short, and the Tottenham Hotspur boss will have to look elsewhere as he looks to strengthen in the position alongside Scott Parker, Sandro and Luka Modric.

Manchester United & Manchester City Next Three Game

Two brother...

Man Utd keeper Lindegaard turns up heat on De Gea with cheeky tweet

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is turning up the pressure on David De Gea.

Lindegaard has underlined the growing threat he poses to De Gea at Manchester United with a tweet boasting about his record of six clean sheets in seven games this season.

Within two hours of the final whistle against Wigan, Lindegaard issued a public reminder of his impressive form as De Gea’s understudy by tweeting: “Calmfidence – 6!” The word is an amalgamation of ‘calmness’ and ‘confidence’ while the number refers to Lindegaard’s clean-sheet record.

Man Utd boss Ferguson serious about trying again for Sneijder

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will act if given encouragement by Inter Milan overWesley Sneijder.

The Manchester Evening News says although Ferguson is adamant his squad is strong enough to fend off Manchester City in the race for the title, he has revealed he has the money to spend if a world-class player becomes available.

Sneijder has been on United’s radar for more than a year and was their top target last summer following the retirement of Paul Scholes.

Ajax’s Christian Eriksen has also been monitored, but Sneijder is the world-class playmaker Ferguson has been desperate to sign. Inter are understood to be keen to off-load the Holland star’s estimated £200,000-a-week salary from their wage list to help bring in new recruits in January.

His personal demands were a stumbling block when Ferguson tried to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer.

But after seeing his side crash out of the Champions League at the group stage and the challenge laid down by rivals City in the first half of the season, Sneijder would provide the Reds a major title boost in the New Year. United can start 2012 at the top of the Premier League if they avoid defeat to Blackburn on New Year’s eve.

Man Utd defender Ferdinand: QPR's Taarabt lacking confidence

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand feels Adel Taarabt is suffering a confidence crisis.

The QPR midfielder has failed to meet expectations in the Premier League this season.

Ferdinand tweeted: "I want to see the Taarabt I saw light up the championship, confidence is key no matter what."

Napoli threaten Man Utd plans for Benfica winger Gaitan

Wed, 12/28/2011

Napoli are threatening Manchester United’s deal for Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.

United are said to have a 'gentlemen's agreement' with Benfica over a June deal for the Argentina international.

However, Naples sources say Napoli are planning to rumble their plans by making a January move for the midfielder.

Gaitan's current deal carries a €45 million buyout clause.

Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal all in for Santos superkid Victor Andrade

Wed, 12/28/2011

The Premier League's biggest clubs are watching Santos starlet Victor Andrade.

Andrade, 16, has just signed pro terms with Santos and is seen in Brazil as Neymar's replacement once he leaves for Europe.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all sounded out Andrade's representatives about his intentions and his short-term plans.

Andrade had six months at Benfica as an eleven year-old and his new pro deal carries a €50 million buyout clause so highly-rated he is at Santos.

Man Utd striker Macheda drops Wigan hint

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United striker Kiko Macheda says he'd prefer to remain in England if he is to leave on-loan next month.

Macheda is interesting Wigan Athletic.

And he told lalaziosiamonoi.it: "Now I do not feel right to return to Italy because my time at Samp went very badly, even at the level of adaptation was very hard.

"Then the team was not right, so it is hard to think of returning to Italy in January, instead to remain in England to play a little more here.

"Now the only team that I would go in Italy to is Lazio."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: An inch taller and Gary Neville would've been greatest

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Gary Neville could have been a world great - if he was taller!

Ferguson was interviewed by Italy's ExtraTime and discussed his former club captain.

"Had he been an inch higher, he would have been the best. His father is 6 feet and 2in, I would check the milkman ...," joked Ferguson.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Coaching actually keeps me going!

Wed, 12/28/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he'll carry on for as long as he can.

Ferguson is about to turn 70 years of age, but has no thoughts of retiring.

"Age does not matter, I will coach for as long as my health allows," Ferguson told Italy's ExtraTime.

"My biggest challenge was to overcome Liverpool."

Monday 26 December 2011

Ji-Sung Park keen for Manchester United to continue raising performance levels after thrashing of Wigan

The South Korean scored the first goal at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson's side maintained a good run of festive form with a comprehensive 5-0 victory

26-Dec-2011

Park Ji-Sung is confident Manchester United can keep turning in improved performances after a 5-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

The South Korean opened the scoring at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson's side romped to a fifth consecutive Premier League victory.

The win closed the gap on league leaders Manchester City, who now only top the table on goal difference, and Park believes his side can continue piling pressure on their rivals over the festive period.

"It's our aim to be at the front," Park told MUTV. "We always try to perform in this period of the season and we're just trying to make our performance higher. We're still only halfway through the season and we will continue to press City."

The midfielder claimed that even with a lot rotation, some of it caused by injury, the side had the quality to turn in good performances.

"Quite a few players changed [against Wigan] compared to the last game, but we still kept up the same performance as we did against Fulham," he explained. "It's good for the team and it proves that our squad is strong."

He continued, "Early goals make us more confident and energetic for the rest of the game. We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot."

The Red Devils are at home again on December 31, when they will face struggling Blackburn Rovers.

In www.MancgesterUnitedWebsite.blogspot.com

Sir Alex Ferguson hails Manchester United squad for overcoming injury crisis to hammer Wigan

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand were all late dropouts for the hosts but, despite a makeshift defense, the Red Devils thumped the Latics thanks to a Berbatov treble

26-Dec-2011

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his side for overcoming an injury crisis to beat Wigan 5-0 in their Premier League Boxing Day encounter.

A hat trick for Dimitar Berbatov and goals from Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia sealed the victory for the Red Devils, who fielded a makeshift back four, including the Ecuadorian, Michael Carrick and, later, young substitute Zeki Fryers.

"The result pleases me considering the fact that we had 10 players missing today," a delighted Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "We certainly had to [show strength in depth] today. We had to stand up and be counted because it’s built up over these past few days.

Ferguson went into detail about the club's injury situation, with Rio Ferdinand a late decision.

"Chris Smalling and Phil Jones went down with illness and then Rio [Ferdinand] felt his back in training yesterday. I thought he [Ferdinand] may have been able to play – he wanted to play – but those three were missing within a matter of hours, so that was a bad blow," the veteran manager explained.

He went into further detail, saying, "We had to start thinking about the best way to formulate a back four. I was tempted to play Rafael da Silva at right back, but bearing in mind height was a factor as well as experience, so we stood by Antonio Valencia as our man."

Center back Jonny Evans was withdrawn at the break by Ferguson, requiring Patrice Evra to fill in alongside Carrick in the middle, a move which the Scot admitted had concerned him.

"Evans was taken off at halftime which, if we hadn’t closed the game, I would have worried about, having to play a back four that’s never in its life played together, so I’m very pleased that we got a result like that," he added.

One of the match's major talking points was the first-half sending-off of Wigan forward Conor Sammon when the score was only 1-0, with referee Phil Dowd having judged that the striker had elbowed Carrick when jostling to win the ball.

Ferguson offered some sympathy to the Latics man and conceded that the dismissal may have been harsh on the Irish striker.

"Well, he’s a big, aggressive lad and he threw a hand. I don’t think it was intentional – I think he’s caught him with a hand in the face rather than an elbow," said the veteran manager. "I think that with challenges like that, you’re taking a little bit of a risk, but it was a bit harsh – I have to say it was a bit harsh. Fortunately, Michael Carrick didn’t make a meal of it, which is good."

The win, coupled with Manchester City's 0-0 draw with West Brom, saw United catch up to its local rival's points tally at the top of the league.

In www.MancgesterUnitedWebsite.blogspot.com

Manchester United 5-0 Wigan: Dimitar Berbatov hat trick downs visitors as champions romp to fifth successive Premier League victory

Manchester United

5 vs 0

Wigan Athletic

Played
December 26, 2011 10:00 AM EST
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ P. Dowd‎
Attendance:‬ 75183‎

8′ Ji-Sung Park

41′ Dimitar Berbatov

58′ Dimitar Berbatov

75′ Antonio Valencia

78′ (PG) Dimitar Berbatov

Top of the Match

Dimitar Berbatov
Manchester United

Flop of the Match

Conor Sammon
Wigan Athletic

Goal.com Rating

Fans' Rating

The visitors were harshly done by with Conor Sammon's first-half red card but the Bulgarian's treble and goals from Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia underlined their superiority

Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic Player Ratings

Manchester United

5 vs 0

Wigan Athletic

Played
December 26, 2011 10:00 AM EST
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ P. Dowd‎
Attendance:‬ 75183‎

8′ Ji-Sung Park

41′ Dimitar Berbatov

58′ Dimitar Berbatov

75′ Antonio Valencia

78′ (PG) Dimitar Berbatov

Comments (56)

Player Ratings: Manchester United 5-0 Wigan Athletic

By Greg Stobart at Old Trafford

2Share

Manchester United

Anders Lindegaard

6.0

The Dane was given a start ahead of David De Gea but had no opportunities to impress Sir Alex Ferguson as Wigan failed to test him with any shots of note.

Patrice Evra

7.0

Created Park's opener with a storming run into the penalty box and squared alertly for the South Korean. Played at centre-back after the break and did a solid job out of position.

Jonny Evans

6.0

Comfortable defensively in the first-half, although he was booked for a rash challenge on Gomez. Replaced at half-time, presumably due to injury.

Ryan Giggs

7.0

The United legend proved why the club are expected to extend his contract for a further year with a classy display. Inch-perfect passing and superb awareness, while he even went on one mazy dribble reminiscent of his days as a flying winger.

Ji-Sung Park

7.5

Put United ahead in the eighth minute with a composed finish from 10 yards. A busy, industrious performance from the South Korean as he made endless forward runs and used the ball well.

Michael Carrick

7.0

Surprisingly played at centre-back but produced a confident performance as he used he anticipation to make good interceptions.

Nani

5.5

The Portuguese winger was on the periphery for much of the game but threatened when he had the opportunity to run at Wigan defenders.

Antonio Valencia

8.0

An excellent all-round display from the Ecuadorian against his former Made some excellent defensive challenges - including a last-ditch tackle on Moses - and constantly bombed forward to help the attack. Produced the assist for Berbatov's second with a precise pass and deserved his goal - United's fourth - which was superbly drilled home.

Darron Gibson

6.0

Played within his limitations and did his job as United cruised to victory. Lacked athleticism and passing range but kept it simple. Shots from range never threatened the Wigan goal.

Dimitar Berbatov

Top of the Match

8.0

It has been a miserable time of late for the Bulgarian but he made a point to his manager by scoring a hat-trick of well-taken goals. The first was powerfully struck from close range, the second a typical turn and toe-poked finish, the third a calmly taken penalty. He will hope his display acts as the catalyst for more opportunities.

Chicharito

5.5

Buzzed around with impressive movement but wasn't quite at his sharpest in the penalty box. Had a claim for a penalty in the first-half but it was correctly waved away by the referee.

• Substitutions

Ezekiel Fryers

6.0

Replaced Evans at half-time and slotted in at left-back. Solid performance despite one indecisive moment that almost allowed Wigan in on goal.

Wayne Rooney

6.0

Came on for Giggs in the 64th minute to play in central midfield. Kept it nice and simple as United conserved energy and saw the game out.

Federico Macheda

6.0

The Italian came on for Nani in the 64th minute and showed some energy and skill when he got on the ball.

Wigan Athletic

Ali Al Habsi

6.5

The Omani goalkeeper had no chance with any of the United goals and produced some sharp saves to deny the hosts more, including a point blank stop off Hernandez.

Antolín Alcaraz

4.5

Lacked the pace and anticipation to cope with United's attacking play, although he did make some well-timed challenges in the first-half. Conceded the penalty with a rash challenge on Park.

Gary Caldwell

5.0

The Wigan captain was strong in the air but didn't get tight enough to Berbatov - and was punished as the Bulgarian scored a hat-trick for the hosts.

Ronnie Stam

6.0

Wigan's biggest threat in the first-half as he produced two good crosses - but the visitors lacked a striker to get on the end of them.

Maynor Figueroa

5.0

Looked uncomfortable playing at centre-back and was caught out of position on a number of occasions, particularly when he got dragged out to the left side.

James McCarthy

5.5

The Ireland international started the game well in central midfield but lost influence after Sammon's dismissal. Worked hard, particularly defensively, but was outnumbered in midfield.

Victor Moses

6.0

A bright spark for the Latics with his skill and direct running. Lack of support in attack can partly excuse the poor final delivery.

Jordi Gómez

5.5

Elegant on the ball as Wigan played neat football in the first-half but, like the rest of his team-mates, lacked penetration in the final third.

David Jones

5.0

Played as left wing-back for most of the match but never looked comfortable as he allowed Valencia to bomb forward time after time.

Mohamed Diame

5.5

The Senegalese midfielder provided a decent shield for his defenders in the first-half but was sacrificed at half-time and replaced by Di Santo.

Conor Sammon

Flop of the Match

3.5

Unfornate to be sent-off in the 39th minute for raising on arm towards Carrick, the type of challenge you will see a number of times every weekend. Doesn't lose any marks for the referee's poor decision - but he does for a hopeless performance in which he failed to lead the line and was poor on the ball.

• Substitutions

James McArthur

5.5

Replaced Gomez in the 71st minute but was on a hiding to nothing with the game already put to bed.

Franco Di Santo

5.0

Replaced Diame at half-time and looked toothless when he had a sight on goal.

Hugo Rodallega

N/A

Came on for Moses 10 minutes from time to little effect.