Man Utd youngster Rafael frustrated by injury woes

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United’s fit-again Rafael da Silva has admitted frustration with his injury-plagued season.

Rafael has only just returned to the first team.

"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," he told manutd.com.

"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."

Man Utd defender Ferdinand: Current FA Youth Cup team still year away from being at best

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits their FA Youth Cup team is a young one.

United win 5-1 at Swansea City in the latest Cup tie.

"They're a young team," Ferdinand told MUTV. "I've seen them train and watched a few games and we've got a lot of young but very talented players this year.

"Who knows? We may have to wait but they may surprise and might come out and just batter every team they play against, which I hope they do.

"But you'll probably see the best of this team next season in terms of physical prowess and development. Sometimes the youth team manager and club have to be patient as people grow quicker or slower than others. There are a few big lads in there like Tyler as well, who can look after himself.

"I think they'll do well this year and surprise a few people and probably a few people at the club too. I think they will push on and do very well."

Ferdinand: Important Man Utd always take FA Youth Cup seriously

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says the FA Youth Cup is part of the culture of Old Trafford.

Having gone all the way to the final in his West Ham days back in 1996, the centre-back is a firm admirer of the much-respected competition.

"I had a great time playing in the Youth Cup," he told MUTV in a recent interview. "We had a great run and got to the final and played Liverpool - Michael Owen was on the other team. I played at Anfield and Upton Park at home, which was phenomenal.

"I think it's a great tournament as you get to play at stadiums and get a real feel of what it's like to play in big games as a young player. I'm sure the lads here will savour the moment when they go out there and represent Manchester United in a proper competition.

"It can be a launching pad for many careers. We've seen, over the years, players have gone on from doing well in the FA Youth Cup to becoming regulars in first teams so it's a great opportunity for them."

Gibson celebrates Everton win in night out with Man Utd star Rooney

Fri, 02/03/2012

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson was out on the town this week with former Manchester Unitedteammate Wayne Rooney.

The Daily Mail says the pair, along with Rooney's wife Coleen and Gibson's girlfriend, went to see the musical Oliver at the Palace Theatre on Wednesday night, before heading to Chinese restaurant Wings.

Gibson fired home at Goodison Park to see off Manchester City, a result which summed up a disappointing January for Roberto Mancini's men.

At the same time, Manchester United beat Stoke 2-0 at Old Trafford, courtesy of penalties fromJavier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov.

Man Utd's Cleverley could see Chelsea action

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is in line for more action for their big match at Chelsea.

Cleverley, 22, is ready for only his second appearance since his ankle injury against Bolton back in September.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "He was phenomenal at the start of the season and it will be like having a new signing to get the boy back.

"I think he is special and he can make a big impact on the title race."

Man Utd, Liverpool risk losing Shaqiri to Russian clubs

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United risk missing out on Swiss youngster Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Daily Mail says United target Xherdan Shaqiri remains a target for Zenit St Petersburg, and the Russians are ready to make a big money bid.

The highly rated Basle youngster has been linked with a number of clubs around Europe, with United reportedly weighing up a summer bid.

But the Russian transfer window is still open, and Zenit are set to tempt the 20-year-old with a bid of around £10million, according to reports.

United's great rivals Liverpool have also been keeping tabs on the player.

Ex-Man Utd ace Fortune convinced Man City now WOBBLING

Fri, 02/03/2012

Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune can sense Manchester City are starting to wobble.

Fortune can detect some cracks starting to appear in the Blues' previously smooth veneer.

"City have not been in this situation before and suddenly they are finding that everyone wants to beat them, and is trying that bit harder to do it," he said.

"When you look at the next few fixtures it appears they have it easy. But it is never like that at this stage of the season. No-one will give you anything and they have to be prepared for that."

Man Utd boss Ferguson admits Lindegaard could be missing for "six weeks"

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Anders Lindegaard could be missing for six weeks.

Ferguson confirmed that the 27-year-old Dane has suffered ligament damage and will be "at least four weeks, maybe five or six" on the sidelines.

Lindegaard's injury means David De Gea is likely to be in goal for United for the game against Chelseaat Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Giggs eager to open new contract talks with Man Utd

Fri, 02/03/2012

Ryan Giggs is keen to play on at Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News says Giggs is ready to open talks on a new one-year contract after seeing Paul Scholes’ successful U-turn from retirement.

The deal would take the veteran beyond his 39th birthday and 900 appearances for United.

But after seeing team-mate Scholes realise the error of his ways by retiring prematurely last season, Giggs does not want to repeat that mistake.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Kuszczak wants to leave

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Tomasz Kuszczak will leave in the summer.

The Polish goalkeeper is off contract in June.

"Kuszczak's contract is up in the summer and he doesn't want to sign another. Tomasz wants regular football," said Ferguson.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Ben Amos deserved his chance

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Ben Amos deserved his chance against Stoke City.

Amos kept a clean sheet for the 2-0 win.

"Amos has been agitating for his opportunity for quite a while and we wondered about sending him out on loan," revealed Ferguson.

"But it's not easy when you're in Europe. You need three keepers. Ben did very well the other night.

Man Utd boss Ferguson reveals big four back for Chelsea clash

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will welcome several stars back for their trip to Chelsea.

The Reds boss hopes to name Wayne Rooney, Nani, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young in his party to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"We’re a bit better in terms of injuries," Sir Alex said at his Friday press conference. "We hopeWayne Rooney, Nani, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young will all be in the squad.

"It’s more likely Tom will play against Chelsea Reserves on Monday, but he'll travel. Rooney and Nani have trained for the last two days."

The news is less positive on injured goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, though David De Gea should be fit after missing the midweek win over Stoke.

"It looks like Lindegaard will be out for at least four weeks, maybe five to six, with ankle ligament damage," Sir Alex added.

"We don't know what his recovery from injuries is like, so we'll have to wait and see, but I would have thought at least four weeks."

Swiss coach happy Veseli quit Man City for Man Utd

Fri, 02/03/2012

Switzerland U17 coach Dany Ryser is happy seeing Frederic Veseli quit Manchester City forManchester United.

Veseli won the U17 World Cup under Ryser.

And the Swiss coach told the Manchester Evening News: “Freddie was my captain because he was a great personality, very professional mentally, with great technical qualities and he was a leader.

“To win the Under-17s World Cup was a great achievement because we may not have had all the best players in the tournament but we had the best team and Frederic epitomised that spirit.

“He was accepted as the leader of that side because it was all about the team and not himself. He has absolutely no attitude about being the star, for him it was all about how the team performed.

“He was a very good captain who helped the side become champions.

“It has been difficult for him at City because City today is not like they were when he signed. With all their money their philosophy has changed and they are buying experienced players to get them success.

“I can understand that but it has become very difficult for the young players and Freddie’s progress has suffered because of it.

“But I think United can bring him on again. He is ready for this challenge and I am sure he can get to the highest level. He will certainly work to get there. He has a very, very good mentality.

“If he gets more and more match time and plays regularly then he will get better and better. That’s important for his progress now.”

Charlton would love to see Messi in Man Utd Red

Fri, 02/03/2012


Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton would love to see Barcelona star Lionel Messi playing for the Reds.

But Sir Bobby accepts it is futile to covet the little genius.

He told the Daily Express: “Messi would be great for anybody... great playing for anyone. I doubt very much whether anybody will ever prise him away from Barcelona but, if they could, they are getting the best player in the world. It is there for all to see and he is just a wonderful, wonderful player.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson to speak with Ferdinand about Chelsea handshake

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he'll talk to Rio Ferdinand about the prospect of shaking hands with Chelsea captain John Terry on Sunday.

On Thursday it was confirmed that Terry would not face a court case into his alleged racial abuse of Ferdinand's brother, Anton, until after Euro 2012.

A tweet sent by Rio on Thursday seemed to indicate the 33-year-old was not too impressed by the situation.

And with the elder Ferdinand believed to be in two minds about whether to shake hands with Terry after the Premier League confirmed they had no plans to scrap the traditional pre-match greeting, Ferguson wants to reassure the 33-year-old.

"John Terry might not play but I would have a word with Rio about the situation," said Ferguson.

"Rio has been fighting racism for many years and the lad must rise above it.

"It doesn't detract from anything to shake John Terry's hand. He (Rio) has done nothing to be ashamed of."

Man Utd boss Ferguson blasts back at Liverpool legend Hansen

Fri, 02/03/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has continued his row with Liverpool legend Alan Hansen today.

Ferguson has taken issue with Hansen's comments about his team this season.

It is believed club officials have contacted the BBC to point out Hansen's offending words, including the phrase: "By their own standards, United have been woeful for the past 18 months. I can't recallSir Alex Ferguson's team being so bad for two successive seasons."

And Ferguson himself followed up on Friday morning.

"He tried to change it [what he said] by saying it was about our away form," said the United boss.

"I have read the transcript of what he said and he said we were woeful for the last year and a half. He didn't mention away games.

"He's dug himself a grave really."

Ferguson is convinced Hansen made his comments in a direct attempt to rile United ahead of last week's FA Cup tie with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

And he is adamant the facts do not bear out Hansen's words.

"He's got a responsible position in the role he has in football," said Ferguson.

"It's obvious to me that he said what he said in the week before we played Liverpool and I can understand that - he's a former Liverpool player and Kenny (Dalglish) is his pal.

"That's no problem with me.

"He's maybe tried to shake things up a bit but he should be more responsible really.

"When you think about it we won the league by nine points last season, made it to a European final and were in the FA Cup semi-final - we couldn't have been that woeful."

Arsenal challenge Man Utd for Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia

Fri, 02/03/2012

Arsenal are rivaling Manchester United for Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia.

An approach from United to sign the 24-year-old in the final days of the transfer window was rejected, but it has been reported he will move to Old Trafford this summer instead.

No actual agreement is in place however, and The Times report that Arsenal have made a tentative inquiry about his availability.

Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City

Manchester United - Scholes

Scholes overall pass completion since returning

Man Utd fullback Rafael determined to make up for lost time

02-Feb-2012

Manchester United's fit-again fullback Rafael da Silva is determined to make up for lost time.

The right-back has spent much of this term in the treatment room with a spate of injuries which have majorly limited his opportunities.

The Brazilian, who featured regularly last season, has made just six appearances, including just two starts in the league, and, as he tells the Stoke edition of United Review, he is keen to make up for lost time.

"In many ways, it feels like it’s only the beginning of the season for me. I’m just getting started," he admitted.

"I’m really looking forward to playing as many games as possible and, hopefully, helping the team win another Premier League trophy."

Giggs ready to go around again for Man Utd

02-Feb-2012

Ryan Giggs wants to go around again for Manchester United next season.

The Welsh veteran, who made his United debut in March 1991 and has now played a club record 897 matches, intends to discuss a new deal shortly.

Giggs, 38, said: "We'll sit down soon but, at the moment, I feel good and want to carry on."

The midfielder has a glittering haul of honours from his 21-year playing career.

Boss Alex Ferguson said: "There has been no deterioration in his play so why shouldn't he stay?"

Man Utd boss Ferguson mocks Liverpool legend Hansen: More egg on yer face!

02-Feb-2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted Liverpool legend Alan Hansen.

Ferguson has been annoyed by the recent condemnation of his side, with Hansen at the head of the queue.

And, in his programme notes ahead of tonight's Premier League encounter with Stoke at Old Trafford, the United boss made it clear he feels Hansen is well wide of the mark.

"After the Arsenal game, one of the London papers said we were the worst United team he has seen, and I noticed Alan Hansen was at it again, saying we had not played well for one and a half years," Ferguson told United Review.

"I reckon that comment goes alongside his claim a few years ago that you don't win anything with youngsters, and you know how he ended up with egg on his face after dismissing theRyan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville crop of kids so foolishly.

"Maybe he was just trying to rattle us on the eve of going to play his old club at Anfield in the cup at the weekend. I don't know how some of the critics come to their conclusions.

"Yes, we have had our bad days (who doesn't?), losing to Manchester City and then folding against Blackburn before crashing out of the FA Cup.

"Forget the fact that we had 14 players out with injury for the Blackburn fixture and that we were missing a few at Liverpool; we won't use injuries as a crutch, we will simply concentrate on getting our message across out on the pitch.

"I have every confidence that we will give a good account of ourselves - even perhaps play well enough to convince pundit Hansen."

Man Utd boss Ferguson reveals Rooney, Nani, Young all back for Chelsea

02-Feb-2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes for a triple selection boost for their trip toChelsea.

Wayne Rooney and Nani have missed United's last two matches - the FA Cup defeat atLiverpool and Tuesday's Premier League win over Stoke - through injury.

However, the duo could return for Sunday's game at Chelsea and may be joined in the squad by Ashley Young, with the winger nearing his comeback after several weeks on the sidelines.

"We're hopeful Wayne Rooney, Nani and possibly Ashley Young will be fit for Sunday," Ferguson told MUTV.

Man Utd boss Ferguson regrets allowing Stoke's Shawcross to leave

02-Feb-2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted regrets allowing Ryan Shawcross to leave for Stoke City.

Shawcross returned to his former club last night but, despite an impressive individual display, couldn't stop City losing 2-0 courtesy of penalties in each half from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov.

Ferguson said: "It always grieves me when I have to release a young player of great potential, and Shawcross certainly fell into that category.

"He had the misfortune – though he perhaps doesn't see it that way considering the success he has had with Stoke – of coming through along with a number of other young defenders.

"This was the era of Gerard Pique and we kept him at Ryan's expense, only I didn't know that Gerard was growing homesick and soon after was telling us he wanted to go back to Spain.

"He has prospered with Barcelona as we know, and if I had known he wanted away then I would have kept Ryan Shawcross."

Stoke boss Pulis: We tried to do deadline day business

02-Feb-2012

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits he had feelers out for yesterday’s transfer deadline day.

After defeat at Manchester United, Pulis hinted he had tried and failed with at least one signing amid preparations for last night's game ahead of the deadline.

"We wanted to try and bring a couple in, but it never happened," he said.

Ex-Man Utd youth Cooper now excited about NYRB move

02-Feb-2012

After initially having mixed emotions, Kenny Cooper has now embraced his move fromPortland Timbers to New York Red Bulls.

The former Manchester United youth academy striker, who has also spent time with FC Dallasand 1860 Munich, spent one season with the Timbers before he was traded to the Red Bulls where he will now vie for a starting spot with the likes of Thierry Henry, Juan Agudelo and Luke Rodgers.

27-year old Cooper admits it was a bit of a shock to move on so quickly, especially as the news came around the time of his wedding, but is now excited about the challenge ahead of him.

“It was a lot happening, obviously getting married,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “We had a great honeymoon, but I think my wife and I had a lot of mixed emotions.

“We had a great time in Portland, loved it there. It was an honor to be a part of their inaugural season in MLS and we will look back with a lot of fond memories.

“But I am really excited to be here with a team with a lot of talent.

“I’m certainly hungry to play and train. I’m happy to be here and my mindset is to work hard. I want to make positive contributions to the team.”

And Cooper said it will be a great experience to share a dressing room with the likes of Henry and Rafael Marquez.

“Thierry, Rafa – they’ve obviously had incredible careers. I’m big fans of both of them,” he added.

“To train with both of these guys on a daily basis – along with a lot of these other guys in there – there’s a lot of talent in that locker room.”

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW: Chelsea get Birmingham, Liverpool to meet Brighton

29-JAN-2012

The draw for the fifth round of the 2011/12 FA Cup took place today with some favourable draws for clubs from the Premier League in the final 16.

After scoring a late winner to down arch rivals Manchester United yesterday, Liverpool will meet Championship outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, who eliminated Newcastle United, at Anfield while it will be a Merseyside double with Everton hosting the victor of the Sheffield Wednesday versus Blackpooltie at Goodison Park.

Chelsea, who beat West London rivals QPR in the fourth round, are at home against Birmingham Citywith League Two surprise packets Crawley Town getting a Premier League home fixture againstStoke City.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a nice draw with an away clash with League One Stevenage at Broadhall Way as Norwich City will host Leicester City at Carrow Road.

The Sunderland versus Middlesbrough replay, following today’s 1-1 draw, will see the winner hostArsenal, who beat Aston Villa 3-2 today, whilst Millwall and Southampton will battle it out for the chance to take on Bolton at home.

All ties will be contested on the weekend of February 17, 18 and 19.

2011/12 FA Cup fifth round ties

Liverpool (PREM) v Brighton & Hove Albion (CHA) – Anfield, Liverpool

Everton (PREM) v Blackpool (CHA) or Sheffield Wednesday (L1) – Goodison Park, Liverpool

Chelsea (PREM) v Birmingham City (CHA) – Stamford Bridge, London

Crawley Town (L2) v Stoke City (PREM) – Broadfield Stadium, Crawley

Stevenage (L1) v Tottenham Hotspur (PREM) – Broadhall Way, Stevenage

Norwich City (PREM) v Leicester City (CHA) – Carrow Road, Norwich

Sunderland (PREM) or Middlesbrough (CHA) v Arsenal (PREM) – Stadium of Light, Sunderland or Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough

Millwall (CHA) or Southampton (CHA) v Bolton Wanderers (PREM) – The Den, London or St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Transfer desperation just crazy. We had 60 scouts at reserves game!

29-JAN-2012 

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is unimpressed by the maneuvers of the winter market.

He hit out at the desperation of some clubs to make signings during the January transfer window.

Ferguson said: “With some of the transfers you say... who is he? I’ve not heard of some of the names. Does it smack of desperation? Who knows.

“I am sure there will be late moves. When that desperation gets to you, it gets to the point when the blood is being drained out of your body. There were 60 scouts at our reserve game the other night, 60 scouts!”

Man Utd legend Neville: Scholes substitution gave Liverpool Cup tie

29-JAN-2012 

Manchester United legend Gary Neville felt taking off Paul Scholes handed the FA Cup tie to Liverpoolyesterday.

Neville wrote in the Mail on Sunday: "I feel the game turned on the late substitutions when Liverpoolbrought on Craig Bellamy on 74 minutes to go 4-4-2 and more attacking and United decided to match them by bringing on Javier Hernandez for Paul Scholes.

"Up until that point, United had played well and were dominant in terms of possession. There are very few players who can control the tempo of the game just with their passing, like Scholes can. It was clear neither club really wanted a replay and United will have wanted to win it. But with so many players out injured, they didn't quite have the strength to do so.

"Many times I've been defending that goal in front of The Kop, with Liverpool pushing down the hill, and it did seem like the goal could come as it was their best period."

Man Utd boss Ferguson defends De Gea after Cup defeat

29-JAN-2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson defended David De Gea after their FA Cup defeat toLiverpool.

Ferguson defended goalkeeper De Gea, who seemed to be at fault for Dan Agger's opener.

"Our own players created a problem for the first goal," he said.

"They didn't give him enough room to deal with it."

Man Utd boss Ferguson wins new admiration from Liverpool fans

29-JAN-2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has won himself some respect on ­Merseyside after it was revealed he made a donation to the Hillsborough Appeal when he visited ­Anfield in the aftermath of the tragedy that took the lives of 96 Liverpool fans back in 1996.

Kenny Derbyshire, who was at Hillsborough and is now chairman of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said: “It was a great gesture. The first I heard that Fergie had been to Anfield to pay his respects after the disaster was this week.

“I have always respected him for the job he has done for Man ­United – even though as a Liverpoolfan I don’t like to admit it.

“I’ve now got even more respect for him after hearing what he did back in 1989.

“I think that all Liverpool fans will respect him that little bit more after hearing that he came to Anfield to offer his support at such a difficult time.”