Friday, 9 September 2011

Manchester United 19 is history...

Manchester United
 

19 is history...

Busy Signature - Chicharito

Manchester Rooney Wallpapers

Manchester United Rooney 

Wayne Wayne Rooney 10

No.1 of the World - Mr.Rooney 

\Super Wayne Wallpaper

Rooney 10

Fantastic Chicharito Wallpapers

Maxico and Manchester United FC Super Striker - Chicharito

Chicharito Wallpaper in Manchester United

Chicharito 14

C14: Chicharito Wallpaper

Evra credited with Young success


Manchester United - Patrice Evra labelled as unsung hero during fast United start 


By Nick Howson  September 09, 2011


Young has produced his best form since his move to Old Trafford. (©PAphotos)



Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has credited Patrice Evra with helping to bring the best out of new signing Ashley Young.
Young has begun his Old Trafford career in superb fashion, scoring two goals and registering four assists in United's opening three Barclays Premier League games of the season.
However, Ferguson is of the belief that while Young has excelled since his move from Aston Villa, he owes it in part to his left-sided teammate.
"Some players come to a club like ours and find it difficult to settle in but Ashley has done exceptionally well," said the United boss.
"He is versatile and has a good understanding of the game. He is getting great support from Evra on the left-hand side. The great experience Patrice brings is very important for a player coming to our club."
The 26-year-old contribution thus far makes him the ideal long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs, who is in the twilight of his career at the 19-time league champions, and Ferguson is thrilled with his immediate impact.
"We tried to get him when he was at Watford but were just a bit late. He has matured at Aston Villa and his form last season was fantastic considering they had a difficult year. Since he has come to us, he has taken the challenge very well," he said.
During the trip to the Reebok Stadium this season, goalkeeper David De Gea faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet in the face of the physical approach of Kevin Davies and Bolton Wanderers.
The Spanish Under-21 international has endured a difficult start to his career in England, and Ferguson hopes referee Andre Marriner protects De Gea from the rough treatment he's likely to receive.
"There is nothing wrong with that," said Ferguson. "That is part of the challenge. Each game that comes along is a new experience for him.
"He actually did very well at West Brom in the sense of dealing with it but he didn't get the protection from the referee at the time. We expect him to get better protection than that."

Ferdinand fighting for United recall


Manchester United - Rio Ferdinand will have to earn his place in the team

By Paul Bailey  September 09, 2011 
Rio faces competition in defence. (©PAphotos)
Manchester United welcome back the services of Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia for Saturday's trip to Bolton Wanderers, while fit-again defender Rio Ferdinand faces a fight to regain his place in the side.
Sir Alex Ferguson says the timely return of Chicharito to full fitness means he will likely take the place of the injured Danny Welbeck - who pulled a hamstring in last month's 8-2 demolition of Arsenal.
However the 20-year-old England youngster has also made good progress during the international break, and the Red Devils boss expects Welbeck to be back in action fairly quickly.
"Danny is making good progress," Ferguson confirmed. "The injury is not as bad as we thought and he should be training next week.
"There's no new problems after the internationals. Hernandez is fit. He played two lots of 45 minutes for Mexico and scored a goal.
"It's terrific for him to have the two halves, he's ready and has trained very well. The only concern was the rest time he needed after the concussion in the US. Otherwise he was fine."
Valencia's planned return to action at the Reebok Stadium will also boost United's attacking options, providing the strikers with another outlet of service.
"Valencia's doing very, very well - he's in the squad for tomorrow," continued Ferguson. "Rio Ferdinand's available but none of the back four deserve to be dropped so I don't anticipate many changes in the team."

Wenger hopeful of Park start

By PA Sport  September 09, 2011 
Wenger hopeful of Park start (©PAphotos)





Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident Park Chu-young will be available for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash against Swansea as the South Korea captain awaits his visa in Paris.
The 26-year-old signed from Monaco ahead of the transfer deadline and was away on international duty, scoring a hat-trick against Lebanon. Wenger confirmed the relevant paperwork had not yet been completed, but remained optimistic it would be in time for the striker to feature on Saturday.
Speaking to a pre-match news conference, the Arsenal manager said: "We have an uncertainty still with the visa of Park."
He added: "He is in Paris at the moment, but we hope it will be sorted out tonight (Friday). He has been away playing against Lebanon and Kuwait. From Kuwait he has flown directly to Paris and should come back tonight."
Arsenal's other deadline signings defenders Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos as well as midfield pair Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta are all expected to be involved as the Gunners aim to kick-start their domestic campaign in the wake of an 8-2 mauling at Manchester United.
"I worked very hard after our last game to get the players in because I had to focus on something that was different," Wenger said.
"I feel it has given the team a lift because everybody knew we were a bit short of quality and number-wise with the number of players we have lost at the beginning of the season.
"Other players have left us too and we were too short to compete on all fronts."

Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United, Sat 10 Sep 2011


Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United: Match Preview

By GMF Editor  September 09, 2011 

Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United

Bolton WanderersversusManchester United
DATE:
Sat 10 Sep 2011
TIME:
17:30
VENUE:
Reebok Stadium

Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes his side can find a way to overcome Manchester United - but does not view goalkeeper David de Gea as a potential weak spot in Sir Alex Ferguson's team.
United have started the season in impressive fashion, hammering Arsenal 8-2 in their last outing to make it three wins from the opening three fixtures of their Barclays Premier League title defence.
If they have looked uncertain in any position, it is in goal, where Spanish youngster De Gea, signed over the summer as a replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, has appeared to struggle at times.
The 20-year-old saved a penalty against the Gunners, though, and Coyle is certainly not thinking Bolton might have an easy task getting past him.
The Scot does, however, feel Wanderers - who led United twice at home last term in an eventual 2-2 draw - have it in them to pull off a victory when the two sides meet again at the Reebok Stadium.
"David de Gea is a top goalkeeper - there is no doubt about it," Coyle said. "With Manchester United, it is difficult to find any weaknesses, but my focus will be on making sure my group are at their best.
"We know as long as we get to our maximum that we can sleep well at night.
"What we don't want to do is be below that - it leaves that bad taste in your mouth, so I will be stressing to my group that we have to get to our best.
"If we do that, although we certainly won't be able to match Manchester United over the course of a season, on any given day we can win these games."
Bolton's trio of new signings David Ngog, Gael Kakuta and Dedryck Boyata are poised to make their debuts.
Stuart Holden has been playing for the Wanderers reserves as he continues his comeback from the knee injury he sustained in March, but is unlikely to feature at the weekend.
Ricardo Gardner (groin) is also still working his way back to full fitness, while Lee Chung-yong, Tyrone Mears (both broken leg), Marcos Alonso (broken metatarsal) and Sam Ricketts (Achilles) are long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson credits Patrice Evra for being the unsung hero behind Ashley Young's remarkable introduction to life at Manchester United.
An #18million summer purchase from Aston Villa, Young has enjoyed a blistering start to his Old Trafford career, scoring two excellent goals against Arsenal a fortnight ago to cap a succession of outstanding performances.
Young's knowledge of Wayne Rooney's game from their time together with England has been cited as the reason why his transition has been so smooth.
Ferguson has spotted something different.
He believes Evra's attack-minded approach to his full-back role has allowed Young more space to display his talents.
"Some players come to a club like ours and find it difficult to settle in but Ashley has done exceptionally well," said the United boss.
"He is versatile and has a good understanding of the game.
"He is getting great support from Evra on the left-hand side. The great experience Patrice brings is very important for a player coming to our club."
United first spotted Young's talent many years ago.
However, Ferguson concedes the 26-year-old is a different player now to the one he kept an eye on back then.
"We tried to get him when he was at Watford but were just a bit late," he said.
"He has matured at Aston Villa and his form last season was fantastic considering they had a difficult year.
"Since he has come to us, he has taken the challenge very well."
In-form Danny Welbeck will return to training next week after the hamstring injury he suffered against the Gunners with Javier Hernandez ready to replace the 20-year-old.
At the back, what once would have been the worrying absence of skipper Nemanja Vidic is now a mere inconvenience to a defence from which Rio Ferdinand is again set to be absent due to Ferguson's selection, rather than any injury concerns.
Instead, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and England's new right-back Chris Smalling are set to be retained.
"It is a difficult one," admitted Ferguson.
"None of that back four deserve to be left out.
"That is the great thing about football. You pick yourself with your performances, like they have been doing, and I don't anticipate any real changes."

VILLAS-BOAS UNFAZED BY GOAL GLUT

09.09.2011 



Andre Villas-Boas has shrugged off Manchester United and Manchester City's blistering starts to the season and insists his Chelsea side are good enough "to grab them".

United and City stormed to the top of the Barclays Premier League before the international break, scoring 13 and 12 goals, respectively, in their opening three games. Last time out Chelsea edged past Norwich before watching as City romped to a 5-1 win at Tottenham and United annihilated Arsenal 8-2.

But Chelsea manager Villas-Boas was unfazed, saying: "It's good for them. They've gone on to score a lot of goals and it's good for British football. We just hope to score one more goal than the opponents."

He added: "Man United played to perfection and managed to score a lot.

"They are, with Man City, leading the table for the Barclays Premier League and we are two behind them. We want to grab them.

"Our objective is on shortening distance and not on what the others do in terms of performance."

Chelsea have hardly dazzled since Villas-Boas took charge and the 33-year-old admitted the quality of their game needed to improve ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland.

"I think it can be better and our objective is to transform it," he said.

"We have to improve on a weekly basis, on a game-to-game basis. It's what people expect from us - to get fluency in the way we play. I'm very happy that we have been creating enough chances to win games and this is a good sign for us.

"We just need to improve on the quality and fluency of the game. Let's see what kind of response we have now."

KEVIN DAVIES TO GIVE MANCHESTER UNITED A REAL GOING-OVER

09.09.2011
KEVIN DAVIES last night warned Manchester United starlets Phil Jones and David De Gea: I’m coming after you tomorrow.

United travel to Bolton looking to make it four straight wins and remain at the top of the Premier League table.

But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have been told to prepare for some strong-arm tactics from Owen Coyle’s side, with Davies looking to test if Jones, 19, is really up to the physical challenge.

Davies said: “I relish these kind of challenges. Jones is coming on as a player but he’s still young, so 

I’ll be looking to give him a going-over. There will be a few crosses flying in.

“I played against him last year. He’s a big strong boy, so it’s the kind of game I’ll look forward to.”

Spanish Under-21 stopper De Gea has dropped a few clangers during a torrid start to his United career, giving Davies further encouragement.

He said: “We fancy anyone. United managed to escape with a draw last season so we know we can match them and we’ve got a decent record here.”

De Gea, 20, yesterday admitted the critics have been right to give him flak but insisted the criticism does not worry him.

“It seems normal to me,” he said. “When you do things wrong, even though it’s a just couple of mistakes, the press has every right to criticise you.

“It’s in my hands to change those criticisms into praise.

“It’s about improving in every training session and in every match. Only that way will I continue to become a key player.
“I’m very happy here because from the first day I’ve felt like just one more within the group.”

WARNOCK PLAYS DOWN BECKHAM TALK

09.09.2011


QPR manager Neil Warnock has labelled David Beckham a "fabulous professional" but dampened speculation linking the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star with a move to Loftus Road.

The 36-year-old is in the final year of his Major League Soccer contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy and has been touted with a return to England. QPR have emerged as potential suitors after their takeover by Malaysian business tycoon Tony Fernandes, who revelaed his interest via his Twitter account.

"No, it is not a discussion (Tony and I) have had," said Warnock in response to the speculation surrounding Beckham. "I mean obviously it is good news for you lads (jounrnalists) I suppose and nothing much surprises me at the club but it's not something we've talked about, not myself anyhow."

Asked what he would do if Fernandes offered him the player, he retorted: "I think you will have to ask me as and when.

"I've got enough problems worrying about Newcastle (on Monday), I don't want to worry about that (as well).

"We can't sign him anyhow, we can't sign anybody else now until January so why worry?

"I think he is a fabulous professional. I think he has been a great asset to English football, I like him as a person but ask me in January."

Man Utd defender Ferdinand to be handed return for Benfica trip

09.09.11

Rio Ferdinand is expected to be handed aManchester United start for their Champions League tie atBenfica next week.

The Manchester Evening News says last season’s Wembley finalists kick off against Benfica in the Estadio da Luz in the Portuguese capital next Wednesday and Ferdinand, Ryan Giggsand Dimitar Berbatov are in line for much needed match time.

Ferdinand’s hamstring injury suffered at West Brom has opened the door for Phil Jones to put down a marker for the champions and the 32-year-old also had to relinquish his England place while on the sidelines.

He returned as an unused sub in the 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal prior to the international break but a quick comeback has been blocked by the Jones-Jonny Evans axis.

Bolton winger Eagles: Man Utd boss Ferguson was great for me

09.09.11


Bolton Wanderers winger Chris Eagles is ready to face former clubManchester United tomorrow.

Eagles admits flying the nest at Old Trafford was a surreal experience, having been fathered for so long bySir Alex Ferguson and his staff.

“It was kind of weird because I had grown up with him all through my childhood with him there,” he told theBolton News.

“I would ring him for advice, even if I was in trouble at school. He was always there.

“If you look at the players who are playing now, they all listen to him. He has shown he is the best manager in the world and you can't buy that experience.

“I am sure if I was to ring him up now he'd still give me advice; what I should do or what I am doing wrong. He was like that all the time.

“I’ll admit, I got a few rollickings.”

Man Utd midfielder Fletcher full of praise for cheeky Villa kid Bannan

09.09.11

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is full of praise for Aston Villayoungster Barry Bannan.

Scotland midfielder Bannan was outstanding in victory over Lithuania this week.

Fletch said: "Barry's just a cheeky chappie. It doesn't matter if he's new to the squad, he'll have a fly comment at you and Goodie will be laughing.

"They are great lads to have around because they make everybody feel young and we are always laughing at them.

"People will now expect more from Barry, but he plays in a carefree fashion and that helps him on the pitch. He just wants the ball. He loves playing football and wants to get on the ball and make things happen. He is small, but his first touch is so good he puts himself in a position where he is not fighting with defenders.

"Both his movement and awareness are so good he is not in any battles.

"He picks up great positions, plays great passes and makes things happen. Even when he tries that killer pass and it doesn't come off, his head doesn't go down.

"We tell him to keep trying it because he'll ultimately get or create the winner for us — and that's what happened against Lithuania. The fans have already taken to him because he's a good player.

"Barry gives us something different in the team — that little bit of creativity. He's great around the squad and full of enthusiasm and cheekiness.

"That's the way he is on the pitch as well."

Ex-Man Utd winger Blomqvist: Young not star-struck like I was

09.09.11

Former Manchester Unitedwinger Jesper Blomqvist is amazed at how quickly Ashley Young has settled.

Blomqvist admits he found it difficult to settle into life at United after his £4.4m move from Parma.

On his first day, he walked into a dressing room full of star names like Peter Schmeichel, Jaap Stam,David Beckham and Roy Keane.

That Young has done the same, and flourished, makes his rapid acclimatisation even more impressive, according to Blomqvist.

He told the Manchester Evening News: “It was quite difficult because it’s a huge club. For me, it took a little longer. Maybe I wasn’t as good as him at finding my feet and it took me a bit of time really.

“There were a lot of big players and usually you have to take your time to get into it, at the club as well as in the team.”

Bolton skipper Davies wants to face Man Utd defender Jones

09.09.11

Bolton Wanderers skipper Kevin Davies fancies a battle with Manchester Uniteddefender Phil Jones.

Jones is expected to keep his place for their clash tomorrow.

Davies said: “ I played against Jones last year. He’s a big, strong boy, so it’s the kind of game I’ll look forward to. I relish these kind of challenges.

“He’s coming on as a player but he’s still young, so I’ll be looking to give him a going over. I’m sure there will be a few crosses flying in.

“United managed to escape with a draw last season so we know we can match them and we’ve got a decent record here.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson happy to include Valencia for Bolton clash

09.09.11

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has named Antonio Valencia in his squad for tomorrow's clash withBolton Wanderers.

The Ecuador winger was injured at the Copa America in the summer but has been working hard to get back to full fitness and has been rewarded with a place in the party for the Reebok Stadium visit.

Javier Hernandez is in good shape after his exertions with Mexico and is in contention for his first start of the new season but Sir Alex does not expect to make too many changes to a winning side.

"There's no new problems after the internationals," said the boss. "Hernandez is fit. He played two lots of 45 minutes for Mexico and scored a goal. It's terrific for him to have the two halves, he's ready and has trained very well.

"The only concern was the rest time he needed after the concussion in the US. Otherwise he was fine.

"Valencia's doing very, very well - he's in the squad for tomorrow.

"Rio Ferdinand's available but none of the back four deserve to be dropped so I don't anticipate many changes in the team."

Man Utd keeper coach Steele taking Spanish lessons to help De Gea

09.09.11

Manchester Unitedgoalkeeper coach Eric Steele is taking Spanish language lessons.

The Telegraph says Steele has taken Spanish lessons in an effort to help De Gea settle quickly.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been wholly supportive of his new goalkeeper, comparing his teething problems to those suffered by a young Peter Schmeichel in his first season at the club.

Bolton midfielder Eagles: Man Utd produce good, decent lads

09.09.11

Bolton Wanderers winger Chris Eagles has highlighted the personalities ofManchester United's young players as proof of quality of the education at Old Trafford.

He believes the schooling he received, and that which is currently being dished out to the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Danny Wellbeck, will remain with him forever.

“I will always have a soft spot for them,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “They bring you up with manners and how to represent yourself as well as the club.

“That's why I don't really go out too much. And I am not a big drinker.

“If you look at the lads who have played for United they are all similar. Things get put in papers about United but it's not true.

“They are the nicest people going. United are a close knit club like Owen has done here.”

Savage: England need to build team around Man Utd players

09.09.11

Robbie Savage says England coach Fabio Capello should build his Euro2012 team around Manchester United.

Former United, Leicester City andDerby County midfielder Savage says Capello's players lack the composure of United.

He wrote in the Mirror: "For these remaining qualifiers, he should throw the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young andWayne Rooney in with established names like Joe Hart and Ashley Cole, making room for Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard when they are fit.

"It makes sense for Capello to ride on the machine Sir Alex Ferguson has built. These lads train together every day and know each other inside-out. They're playing brilliant football, they're super-confident and, with the exception of Rio, they're young.

"It would be a fresh start for England which would wipe away a lot of the toxic memories of tournament disappointments."

Chelsea striker Sturridge wants to join Man Utd youngster Welbeck in England squad

09.09.11

Chelsea striker Danny Sturridge wants to joinManchester United youngster Danny Welbeck in the England squad.

Sturridge has seen his old Under-21 sidekick, Welbeck, earn a full England cap and break into the Fergie Babes starting XI at Old Trafford.

“You never know - it’s up to the manager to choose the best combination up front for England, but the Two Dannies has a nice ring to it," he told the Mirror.

“I played with Danny many times for the Under-21s, so I was delighted for him when he won a full cap with the senior team earlier this year, and if I can go on to achieve the same thing, and even play in the same England team as him again, it would be a great honour.”

Sturridge insists Chelsea can match Man Utd, Man City in title race

09.09.11

Danny Sturridge says Chelseaare the equals of Premier League leadersManchester United andManchester City.

And he insists Fernando Torres will score regularly for the Blues this season.

He told the Mirror: “Manchester United and Manchester City have set a formidable pace this season, but don’t be in any doubt that Chelsea have the firepower to compete with them.

“I can guarantee that Fernando will score goals if we give him the right service, Didier Drogba is a proven class act at the highest level and I would like to think I can get among the goals for Chelsea.

“This is a big season for me - I proved I could do it for Bolton, and given the chance I would love to show I can do it for Chelsea as well.

“We’re fighting to get our title back and we’re not going to let the two Manchester clubs have it all their own way.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson: De Gea will be okay against Bolton

09.09.11

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson is confident goalkeeper David De Gea can handle Bolton Wanderers' physical style tomorrow.

Ferguson is confident De Gea will come through, especially if he gets the correct protection from referee Andre Marriner.

"He is bound to get better protection than he did against West Brom," said the United boss. "There is nothing wrong with that. That is part of the challenge.

"Each game that comes along is a new experience for him.

"He actually did very well at West Brom in the sense of dealing with it but he didn't get the protection from the referee at the time.

"We expect him to get better protection than that."

Wenger tells Arsenal players: Man Utd thrashing will count for nowt

09.09.11



Arsenal boss Arsene Wengerinsists their thrashing atManchester United will count for nothing this season.

Wenger has since acted by signing Mikel Arteta, Park Chu Young, Per Mertesacker and Andre Dos Santos in the final days of the transfer window and although the Arsenal manager insists talk of the team's demise is exaggerated, he believes the new players can provide fresh impetus and that their season actually starts tomorrow.

"The team is up for it and I cannot reproach them even before the United game," he said. "The players were a bit down because we had lost againstLiverpool but they were absolutely amazing at Udinese.

"There was a question mark when we lost good players and we had not replaced them so I think the fact we have done that will improve the mood in the camp.

"It is important now to start winning. If you consider we already have one point less than last season against the same teams we don't have to be dramatic. What is good in sport is that it is always about what is next, so let's focus on that.

"Of course we are very disappointed and we were down after the game but putting things into perspective, what was not easy is that we were really weakened on the day and had played a very demanding game in Udinese.

"We conceded four goals in the last 20 minutes and we were down to ten men. Therefore, I believe it was difficult to swallow but maybe the international break came at a good time because we could buy some players and get our injured players back.

"For me, the real start of the season when we have the whole squad together is now."

Thursday, 8 September 2011

Paul Pogba spies Man Utd Carling Cup chance

08.09.11

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is aiming for a first team breakthrough in the coming weeks.

Pogba could make his debut in the Carling Cup at Leeds United.

"Every day I’m aiming for the first team," he stressed. "Sir Alex gave me confidence by picking me for the pre-season game against Marseille in August. So I know I’m on the right track.

"Everyone at the club is great – they look after young players well. We have a laugh and there’s a special atmosphere."

Smalling wants to be Man Utd lifer

08.09.11

Chris Smalling admits he wants to be a Manchester United lifer.

After settling in to life in Manchester, the Londoner would relish remaining at the club for the rest of his career, even though he's still only 21.

Smalling told Inside United: "I don’t look too far ahead but I hope I can really get an established career and hopefully stay here for the rest of my life.

"I want to get more and more games as it goes on because I really feel part of this club. I’m really enjoying my football at the minute. The manager’s got full faith in me and I want to reward that in the years to come."

Man Utd keeper Johnstone expects Scunthorpe move

08.09.11

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone expects to join Scunthorpe United.

Johnstone has Tweeted to say he's set to join Scunthorpe on loan for three months.

Neither club has confirmed the deal yet though.

Man Utd legend Law: Rooney among greatest ever English finishers

08.09.11

Manchester United legend Denis Law says Wayne Rooney is one of England's greatest ever finishers.

Law hates comparisons but admits that there is a link between him and United’s current superstar.

“I like Rooney,” Law told the Mirror. “He’s a bit of a grafter as well. He’ll get stuck in. Greaves was different. He was a poacher.

“When Greaves got in or near the box, you just thought ‘oh s***, no, not him’ because invariably he would score.

“But Greaves never got involved in the violence. Rooney and I share an attitude that if you want to be a goalscorer, you have got to get in there and mix it.

“Defenders don’t like people getting stuck in. If somebody kicks you, you’ve got to kick them back. Because if you don’t, they will kick you again and again and again.

“Bill Shankly instilled that in me when I played for him at Huddersfield. I got into trouble a lot with referees but if somebody kicked me I wasn’t going to let them get away with it.

“I was going to kick them back. They didn’t like it and when they didn’t like it, they didn’t kick you again so that was my protection really.”

Man Utd coach Meulensteen: Chicharito true blessing to work with

08.09.11

Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen says Javier Hernandez is a joy to work with.

Chicharito is set to return to the starting XI with Danny Welbeck out of action due to a hamstring injury.

The Dutchman told Voetbal International: "Javier is truly a blessing to work with," he said. "In general, young footballers often have too much, too soon but Chicharito behaves perfectly. He is always smiling, is friendly, well-mannered and open to others.

"The boy had a good upbringing."

Warnock: Anything possible at QPR - including Beckham transfer coup!

08.09.11


QPR boss Neil Warnock insists they're capable of pulling off the signing of LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.

New owner Tony Fernandes signalled his interest in bringing the 36-year-old former Manchester United midfielder to the club on Twitter this week.

Warnock told the Daily Telegraph: "About three weeks ago I would not have dreamed to sign Joey Barton so I will never write anything off.

"The chairman Tony Fernandes has got such [an opinion] - why accept the average when you can reach for the top? That is how he is.

"It came out of the blue. I think anything is possible. He is a very astute businessman."

Evans admits Man Utd youngsters shocked him into action

08.09.11

Jonny Evans admits Manchester United's emerging youngsters have shocked him into action.

The Ulsterman knows he faces a battle to keep his pace in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

"It is weird," he said.

"It is hard to believe Phil Jones is only 19. Chris Smalling is 21. David de Gea is 20. We have the Da Silva brothers.

"The average age against Tottenham was 23. I was just over on months. It has given the young players an incentive to step up to the mark.

"You cannot be a kid anymore and sit back and let things happen. You have to stamp your authority on the team."

Bolton defender Cahill not intimidated facing Man Utd ace Rooney

08.09.11


Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has no fears coming up against England teammate Wayne Rooney and Manchester United this weekend.

The Red Devils head to Bolton still bubbling from their 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal, when Rooney and Young shared out five goals before the international break.

Roon scored twice more against Bulgaria on Friday and Young hit Tuesday's winner against Wales in the Three Lions' Euro 2012 qualifiers.

But Bolton centre-back Cahill insisted: "It's not daunting really.

"People expect United to get a good result with the form they are in so let's hope we can cause an upset.

"We got most of our results at the Reebok last season and let's hope that continues."

Ex-Man Utd, Liverpool star Ince sickened by lack of England commitment

08.09.11

Former Manchester United and Liverpool star Paul Ince has questioned the commitment of England's players.

The former Three Lions captain reckons players no longer consider it a privilege to play for their country — and says fans are too quick to criticise.

The ex-Manchester United midfielder said: "We're giving out caps like confetti.

"Playing for England used to be the pinnacle of your career. Now it's not that important as we have the Champions League and Premier League.

"If you get called up, you should make sure you're there."

And he slated the crowd, saying: "I can't remember from my time fans singling out a certain England player to boo or have a go at. It kind of sickens me."

Man Utd boss Ferguson plans to test his FA Youth Cup winners against Leeds

08.09.11

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson plans to play several of his FA Youth Cup winners against Carling Cup opponents Leeds United.

Ferguson has already mentioned Paul Pogba is a candidate.

And he also told Inside United: "There are a few players who have done well.

"Will and Michael Keane, Ezekiel Fryers, Larnell Cole, Jesse Lingard - these boys are all good, young players who are making the right progress."

Fletcher feels fit enough for Man Utd start

08.09.11

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels ready for a first team return.

Fletcher feels he is ready to return to first-team action for United after his exploits for Scotland over the past week, captaining his country twice and getting valuable minutes on the clock.

"I feel good and I'm ready to go back to my club now and somehow get back into that team," he said. "I don't think I'll walk into the team but soon but I'm ready to play."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Man City drew Champions League group of DEATH

08.09.11

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates Manchester City's Champions League group the "group of death".

Ferguson, whose own side were handed a favourable draw by comparison, said Napoli posed a major threat to City's chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

"It's a tough group that - the group of death," said Ferguson, speaking to Italian media in Rome this week.

"Napoli are in the toughest group. It's a very difficult group.

"If Napoli survive that, they'll have a right chance. It's not impossible.

"The atmosphere in Napoli is very volatile. With 75,000 to 80,000 [in the stadium], it's a great atmosphere."

Man Utd boss Ferguson weighs up introducing Pogba in coming weeks

08.09.11

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's considering introducing Paul Pogba to the first team.

He plans to integrate Pogba into his squad this term after he had a taste of senior action in Paul Scholes' testimonial, coming as a substitute for the retiring legend.

"Pogba's in the first-team training set-up now," he told Inside United when asked how much he planned to use the France Under-19 midfielder. "So that's the first step.

"After that, it'll likely depend on when we decide to make changes. He'll probably be involved in the League Cup and that'll be his chance to establish himself in the squad."

ASHLEY YOUNG THE MAN TO CASH IN AS ROBERT EARNSHAW FLUFFS CHANCE

07.09.2011


ASHLEY YOUNG must be loving life at the moment – which is probably more than can be said for Robert Earnshaw.

Young has hit the ground running at ­Manchester United after securing his dream ­summer move.

And back at Wembley last night, the winger was scoring for England again to seal victory over Wales.

The last time the Three Lions were here – against ­Switzerland in June – he was left out of the starting line-up, only to be brought on at half-time to score the ­equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

There was no way Fabio Capello was going to make that mistake again.

Young has been the best player in the Premier League this season, ­scoring twice in United’s 8-2 mauling of Arsenal 10 days ago.

And he is proving ­invaluable for England ­after scoring their 35th-minute winner last night.

It was enough to take England to the brink of qualification for Euro 2012, but only thanks to ­Earnshaw’s astonishing late miss.

The Cardiff striker had a golden chance to spoil Young’s night with a ­quarter-of-an-hour to go.

But when Darcy Blake’s nod down fell into his path six yards out, Earnshaw somehow missed a gaping goal.

And so the glory was Young’s. And it was an England goal made in the Midlands, as two Aston Villa old boys combined to open up Wales.

Stewart Downing ­followed Young out of Villa Park this summer as he forced his way to Liverpool.

The pair know each ­other’s game inside out – and it showed.

Downing got the better of Celtic’s Joe Ledley on the right wing and then pulled his cross perfectly back for Young.

The United man had found some space in the Wales area and swivelled to sweep his shot past keeper Wayne Hennessey.

It was exactly what ­Capello was looking for, with England having failed to win any of their ­previous four home games, a run stretching back 12 months.

The England boss had been clear that, despite ­Friday’s triumph in ­Bulgaria, he was prepared to rip up a winning ­formula to deal with Wales.

And he was true to his word last night at a rain-sodden Wembley.

Gone was the holding midfield pairing of Gareth Barry and Scott Parker, as was the counter-attacking front four which had ­unpicked their opponents in Sofia.

Instead, Capello went for the 4-3-3 formation that had proved so successful when the Three Lions beat Wales 2-0 in Cardiff in March.

The biggest story was the reinstatement of Frank Lampard.

The midfielder had been dropped for the Bulgaria win, causing many critics to pen his international obituary.

But England and Chelsea skipper John Terry had warned that you write Lamps off at your peril, and he was right.

He might be 33. He might not be a cast-iron first choice.

But Lampard has experience, and Capello clearly trusts him.

And so the midfielder was drafted back into the team at the expense of Parker, who was already on one booking.

James Milner helped complete the middle three as Capello looked to use his attacking capability and defensive work ethic.

Theo Walcott had a tight ­hamstring, and so was left in the stands.

England might have been expected to trounce a Wales side lying 117th in the ­international rankings – below Haiti.

But manager Gary Speed has ­started to build ­something with his side and they produced a good win against 
Montenegro last Friday. 

It meant they came into the game with confidence, even without the ­suspended Craig Bellamy.

They created a couple of chances, with Ashley ­Williams heading wide from a free-kick.

Then Norwich striker Steve Morison beat Terry in a sprint for the ball, but volleyed over.

But the game was waiting for England to come alive.

Before the goal, Downing had looked lively, but his crosses were over-hit, and then the Liverpool winger flashed a volley over from a Young cross.

Wayne Rooney, who scored twice in Bulgaria, put a chipped effort too high while Terry also flashed a header wide.
Then Young found the spot and England ­improved – but only just.

At the start of the second half there was a worrying moment when Joe Hart missed a Gareth Bale cross as Chris Smalling dealt with the danger.

Some pressure was eased at the other end when first Lampard shot wide, and then Milner saw an effort deflected around the post.

Hennessey then dropped a cross, but Gary Cahill flashed his effort over.

It could have cost ­England had Earnshaw taken his chance. He will still be wondering how he missed.