Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's a great admirer of the Stoke Citysupport.
The Brittania Stadium may only have a capacity of 28,000 — but the home support can produce a noise of three times that number.
And Fergie said: "I love the atmosphere because it makes players play. If you don't pay attention to the atmosphere at Stoke, then it engulfs you. You must perform to get a result.
"We know it's one of the important games we're going to have to navigate and hopefully we can do that."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has no qualms playing David De Gea at Stoke City.
Ferguson has been doing special work with keeper De Gea to prepare for Rory Delap's long throw-ins and aerial onslaught.
He said: "I remember with Edwin van der Saar we used to discuss what his position would be in terms of the long throw-ins and where he was most comfortable to deal with the situation.
"We got it right and will do the same with David. All the work this week has been with his positioning."
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has no doubts Manchester United are the best team in the world.
The Potters entertain the Premier League leaders today.
Pulis said: “If United play to their maximum they can beat any team in the world and I includeBarcelona in that. I’ve watched the tapes and they are frightening.
“If you factor in that Wayne Rooney is in the form of his life, it’s daunting. But will try and make it as difficult as we can. Not many teams look forward to coming to the Britannia Stadium with 28,000 people breathing down their necks.”
Aldershot will host Manchester United in the Carling Cup fourth round.
The draw produced five all-Premier League games, with Wolves hosting Manchester City, Blackburn at home to Newcastle, Arsenal playing Bolton, Stoke entertaining Liverpool andEverton welcoming Chelsea to Goodison Park.
And there are all Championship ties as Cardiff will host Burnley while Southampton travel toCrystal Palace.
All fourth-round ties will be held in the week commencing October 24.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane admits his axing by manager Sir Alex Ferguson still burns.
The former Reds captain broke his foot at Liverpool in September 2005 and then a month later sparked controversy with alleged criticism of team-mates after a 4-1 league defeat at Middlesbrough.
The MUTV interview was never aired but then, in the November, Keane’s United career ended abruptly following a reportedly acrimonious meeting with Ferguson and he left by ‘mutual consent’.
“When I left Manchester United, it hurt me. I had a disagreement with the manager,” said Keane.
“I went in at 9 and by ten past nine I was out. That really hurt me."
The breakdown of the relationship with the United manager shocked many who believed the pair were of the same mind and had a solid manager-captain bond.
“People misunderstood my relationship with the manager. They think I met him every morning for tea. It wasn't like that,” the Irishman added.
“He knew exactly what he wanted of me, and I knew it. He didn't have to say anything. That's why he got me, and when he made me captain, it was an honour for me to be captain of the greatest club in the world.”
Manchester City midfielder Owen Hargreaves feels Manchester United poorly handled his knee injury.
Hargreaves claimed that a series of injections at United in the summer of 2008 ruined his time at the club.
He told the Daily Mail: "I had a bit of a tendon problem. I played and it got a little bit worse. We treated it and it got significantly worse after that through the injections I had. After that my tendon was never the same."
The injections of a solution into ligaments is an established medical procedure aimed at stiffening and strengthening the tissues, but Hargreaves added: "After the injections, they said my tendon was good but it felt like I was made out of glass. That obviously had a huge impact.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's a big fan of what Stoke City are achieving.
The Potters, famed for their direct and physical approach to the game, only won promotion to the top flight in 2008 and yet have never looked like relegation candidates.
They’ve enjoyed 11th, 12th and 13th place finishes, reached last season’s FA Cup final and are now mixing it with some of Europe’s big boys in the Europa League.
“You can see the progress the team is making,” the boss said. “They’ve signed two or three players, they’re playing European football and they’re having a right go. They got through the League Cup tie the other night [against Tottenham] and every game they play they try to win. They have a great attitude in their team and their support is brilliant.
“I’ve never criticised it [Stoke’s style of play]. I think everyone plays to their strengths and that’s what they do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Javier Hernandez will be fit for their clash withStoke City.
There were grave fears for the Mexican striker's health after an Ashley Cole challenge left Hernandez writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf.
"At the time it happened, he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and we thought there might have been some nerve damage," Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference.
But Hernandez resumed training on Thursday and Sir Alex confirmed: "He's available for tomorrow."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his medical staff in the wake of criticism from Owen Hargreaves.
Hargreaves, who made an outstanding goalscoring debut for rivals Manchester City on Wednesday night, claimed he felt like a "guinea pig" as he was given several injections which he believes actually hindered his recovery.
"We're trying to analyse all the stuff he has said and there will be a statement later to address that," Ferguson said.
"As far as I am concerned my medical staff is one of the main reasons why we have been so successful over the last few years.
"Do you think we would be successful if they were not 100% brilliant? Our doctor and his five physios are fantastic - that is my opinion and that is more important than what anyone else has to say about it."
Manchester United striker Michael Owen has paid tribute to the medical and fitness staff following his double at Leeds United.
Owen has benefited from the dietary guidance of the Reds’ sports science department as he plays the waiting game in the wings.
“Physically, you have to prepare for any opportunity you get as well as mentally,” said Owen.
“That is hard because you are in match-day squads all the time, so you prepare with the team, eat the same, do the same things they do but when you don’t play you don’t use the energy. You are probably getting more days off but putting more energy food in your system and it is a bit of a vicious circle.
“After doing that five or six times you don’t exactly put on weight but you have to be careful. Your body hasn’t played 90 minutes though you are preparing it all the time to do that.
“There is more to it than people thinking ‘well he is fresh and should score a hat-trick’.
“It is tough and it is also a challenge for the staff at United. It is a test for the medical people and the sports science people to get the balance right. They have to manage it to ensure when your chance does come along your body is ready for it.”
Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney admits his new hair plugs and a new hair stylist has inspired his new season form.
Rooney, 25, believes the “magical powers” of hair-whisperer Mr Daniel J have helped him score two consecutive hat-tricks.
“Daniel J always keeps me looking sharp," he said. "And when I look sharp, I feel sharp. I don’t know what it is but it’s like his haircuts have magical powers because every time he gives me a trim I seem to go and score.”
Rooney has even got United teammate Rio Ferdinand and Spurs’ Jermain Defoe using his lucky celeb crimper, too.
“All the lads have been asking me for Daniel’s number," he added. "Of course I’m not giving it out to the [Manchester] City boys.”
Manchester United legend Roy Keane admits he misses life at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old admits the United dressing room camaraderie has left a void.
“I miss the feeling of being with lads,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “The feeling in the team bus after a big win, or even after a loss knowing you had given everything.
“I still keep in touch with most of the lads. Ruud (van Nistelrooy), Nicky Butt and the others.
“For me, it was an honour to play alongside some of these players. We had people in there you could go to war with.
“Sometimes when we had a big game, there was no need to say anything. You just looked in their eyes and you knew they were ready.”
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains upset over Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole's tackle onJavier Hernandez last Sunday.
Ferguson branded Cole's challenge reckless in the aftermath of the game, although referee Phil Dowd decided it was only worthy of a yellow card.
The only conclusion the Scot could draw from that decision was the officials did not see it, and he is not entirely sure why his side did not get a penalty either.
"I am confused," he said. "I don't think the referee could have seen it.
"It was a spur-of-the-moment challenge by the player, reckless yes. But I don't know how the referee could have possibly seen it and the linesman wasn't in any better position.
"I don't know what the rules and regulations say about that when the ball is out of play - there seems to have been some discussion about it not being a penalty because the ball was out of play.
"I wasn't aware of that - I don't think anyone was."
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero admits he grew up idolising Manchester United strikerMichael Owen.
The striker was 10 when he watched Michael Owen carve open Argentina’s defence in St Etienne at the 1998 World Cup. He knew then he wanted to play in England.
“I watched the Premier League on television,” said Aguero.
“I prefer it to La Liga and Serie A.
“I loved Michael Owen. I always followed him at Liverpool. That’s why I started watching the Premier League.
“Obviously the style of play here is different to Spanish football but I will adapt as quickly as possible and try to be fully focused during training sessions.”
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson found the atmosphere leading up to their Carling Cup win at Leeds United as "frightening".
Fourteen supporters have been charged with a variety of offences following the Elland Road encounter, with fans of both sides aiming insults at each other during the Premier League champions' 3-0 Carling Cup third-round triumph.
Visiting fans held up a banner depicting 'Istanbul' a reference to the two Leeds fans who were killed in Turkey 11 years ago, with their home counterparts responding with taunts about the 1958 Munich air crash.
However, Ferguson revealed the problems had begun much earlier, as his team prepared for the game in their city centre hotel.
And whilst he has always viewed Liverpool as the real derby for his team, the animosity around Leeds clashes is far worse.
"Historically, it has been there for a long time," he said.
"I have always said Liverpool-Manchester United games are fierce in many aspects.
"Sometimes supporters can play a bad part in that particular game. But it never reaches the levels ofLeeds United. Never.
"It was frightening at our hotel. We had seven police vans round the hotel protecting the team.
"I don't know why it is like that. I don't understand it. But it is there and it is not nice."
QPR boss Neil Warnock joined the chorus of people condemning those involved in the trouble at Elland Road, when Leeds met Manchester United in a midweek Carling Cup tie, and believes it was a sad night for English football.
"What are you going to do? Are you going to ban everybody?" he said.
"I mean there were thousands, it wasn't just one or two the other night. It is horrible.
"I obviously get called names at certain local derbies that I've been involved in and I try and smile at the crowd without actually bringing it on.
"But I think the other night it went beyond that. I thought it was very sad the other night.
"The Munich and the Istanbul chants, I don't think English football came out of that with any credit.
"I thought it was disappointing because of the families involved. You've got to respect people like that.
"Football is a game and I hate to see things like that because it takes away from what we are all in it for.
"It doesn't divide opinion because I don't think there's anyone who feels people were right to do what they did the other night.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has responded to those critics who thought the Blues too attack minded in their 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford to Manchester United last weekend.
The former Porto boss, who had not lost a league match as manager for 17 months prior to Sunday, said: "I am surprised that people take the view to criticise us for being naive and stupid at Old Trafford.
"What we did was defend the essence of British football and football well played.
"I find it strange that people related to football don't know where to position themselves regarding what is best for football and what is best for fans, because fans are the most important part of our game.
"It was an entertaining game for the world. Pity we didn't come away with the three points but I think we were superior during the 90 minutes.
"In the end, it's the victory that counts. We missed the victory.
"We are five points behind the leader and we have to try to shorten the distance as we try to progress with a couple of wins."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has never had any concerns with Stoke's style of play ahead of the Reds visit to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
United have enjoyed their recent visits to Staffordshire, having won on all three of their trips since Stoke returned to the top flight.
Sir Alex Ferguson's team have been free-scoring in their opening five games, netting 21 goals, but the Potters have not conceded at home.
Ferguson said: "I've never criticised it (Stoke's style of play). It's never been a problem for us.
"Everyone plays to their strengths. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
"You see the progress the team is making. They have signed two or three players, they are playing European football and having a right go.
"They have a great attitude and their support is brilliant.
"I love the atmosphere there. If you don't attend to that you just get engulfed."
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves was thrilled with his goal scoring debut forManchester City.
The City midfielder struck in the Carling Cup victory over Birmingham City.
Hargreaves was taken off shortly before the hour in a pre-planned move by City bossRoberto Mancini, and he admits he is delighted to be playing again.
"I knew I wasn't far away, just a few tweaks - every time," he told City's official website.
"I don't think people would believe me if I said everything that went on, but I am just happy to be back as I never anticipated in my life I would be out for three years - but I am back and I am happy.
"I think there was a misconception, I just needed to get in the right direction and the staff and everyone has done well, it will just take time to get into the tempo but so far it has been a great."
Hargreaves revealed he played in a behind closed doors game last week, so there was little doubt he was ready to feature.
"It feels good to get the first game out of the way, but we had a training game last week and I played for an hour - but this was the first official one," he said.
"The lads did well, professional and to get a couple of early goals helped and all in all it was a decent performance.
"I don't score a ton, because I am a midfielder but when I do score they are normally from distance, I don't get many but they tend to be good."
Mateo Kovacic says he is content with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb amidst claims that some big clubs in Europe are interested.
Reports suggest that Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus are all keen on the 17-year old but he is happy to remain in Zagreb and continue his development with Dinamo.
"There are many talks, every footballer is dreaming of playing for one of the best clubs in the world but I'm not really bothered what is going on in press," he told SportskeNovosti.
"There are many rumours, but I'm happy to stay at Dinamo.
"I'm still young and I still have to learn before I will be ready to move on.
"It is nice to see your name linked with clubs such as Juventus and Manchester United, but I'm quite calm. My time will come sooner or later."
Sir Alex Ferguson has his fingers crossed that Rio Ferdinand can take his place in theManchester United line-up this weekend.
The league-leading Red Devils travel to Stoke City on Saturday but the central defender is in doubt with a calf strain. Ferguson hopes he can play as he is aware of the dangers his side faces at the Britannia Stadium.
"I'm hoping Rio will be OK for Saturday," he told the club's official website.
"When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.
"Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has assured Milos Krasic he is not on trial.
Krasic, linked with Manchester United and Chelsea last week, was fielded by Conte in their 1-1 draw with Bologna last night.
“I am happy with the performance of Milos Krasic, but he or any of the players are not in a test situation. I expect everyone to give their best when called upon,” said Conte.
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased seeing the Potters having played three games in six days.
Stoke go into their clash with United on the back of a gruelling schedule.
"Sir Alex will be rubbing his hands," Pulis said.
"The only thing I will say is how good our 15,000 supporters were and I hope 28,000 will turn up on Saturday because we really, really need them to get behind the lads."
Saturday is also when the draw for the last 16 will be made and Pulis is hoping to land another home tie as the Potters look to return to Wembley after last season's FA Cup semi-final and final appearances there.
"We'll take anyone at home, anybody at the Brit," he said.
"It's the last 16 now, so it gives us a chance again."
Ezekiel Fryers was delighted making his Manchester United debut with two of his Academy teammates.
Fryers was joined at Leeds United by fellow debutants Larnell Cole and Paul Pogba, who both stepped off the bench to produce accomplished, steady performances against noteworthy Championship opposition which was a comforting point for the Reds' defender.
“It was good to have Larnell and Pogba alongside me when they came on," he told MUTV. "We have been playing together for a long time, so this was massive for all of us.”
Michael Owen admits he's never been under so much pressure as he is at Manchester United.
Owen knows if he does not perform when he gets the chance, he could have weeks to dwell on it.
And that is proving tougher than when Liverpool and, indeed the whole country, looked to him in every game.
Owen, 31, said: "If I was playing every week, you could afford a bad game here or there because you can always score one in the next game. That is my first match of the season and, if I didn't play well, I would have a long time to stew on it and people would have a long time to criticise me. It puts the pressure on me.
"I have had some massive games in my career but you almost feel yourself getting nervous more these days because, as I say, it has been a while since I started.
"That negative thought in the back of your mind is definitely there going into games because you know you cannot put things right in three or four days' time like most other players who play all the time.
"I still feel I have to prove myself every time I play."
Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs combined to send Manchester United into the Carling Cup fourth round as old rivals Leeds were consigned to a 3-0 defeat.
Owen scored twice on his first appearance of the season to put the visitors in charge after a nervy start.
Then Giggs curled home an excellent third in first-half stoppage time to ensure the Championship side had no chance of emulating their 2010 FA Cup win.
Manchester United - Sir Alex Ferguson happy with Carling Cup debutants
21.09.2011
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the performances of a handful of debutants in the Carling Cup last night.
Ezekiel Fryers limped off in the later stages of the 3-0 win after an impressive display from the start, whilst Paul Pogba's second-half appearance showed the future looks increasingly bright at Old Trafford.
Larnell Cole also enjoyed a late cameo, and Ferguson believes it's important for the younger players to get a taste of competitive action at the earlierst opportunity.
"I thought young Fryers did very well. He showed good composure, wasn't fazed by it which is really good because you always want to see what their temperaments are like because the atmosphere here, as you know, is hostile and he coped with it very well," the Red Devils chief said post-match.
"Paul got a good 45 and young Larnell Cole came on at the end - it's good for them to get taste of the atmosphere and what the first team is like."
Nearly two decades ago, at a time when Manchester United were still struggling for a long awaited league triumph that had deserted the Reds for well over quarter of a century, an army of young kids, more ubiquitously known as the Class of ’92 were being groomed, kids who would go on and define how English Football was going to be seen in the coming decades as they swept aside all and sundry in the league and even in continental football, helping United conquer 12 league titles in 18 years to go along with 2 Champions League triumphs.
But looking at in hindsight, the way of the Fergie’s Fledglings, as they were(and still are) famously known amongst the United faithful, was not the easiest or devoid of critics, it was towards the end of 1995 summer tansfer window that Alan Hansen made his egregious rant against United’s youth-oriented team after their opening day defeat to Aston Villa.
Today though, with everyone barring Ryan Giggs from the fabled Class of ’92 no longer at the club, the club is in a period of transition where United have been linked with ‘superstars’ and more ‘superstars’ as an ephemeral fix to United’s ambitions. Yet, there is another generation of young yet prodigiously talented players that are coming through the ranks trying to lay firm claims for themselves to be a part of Manchester United’s first team plans this season and for the time to come.
Fergie Classes!
Much on the same note, I look at some of the brightest talents at United who could well be thrust into the big time this season and who could be the backbone of United’s first team for some time to come and indeed be regulars for their national team’s too.
Tom Cleverley
The 22 year old Hampshire born Tom Cleverley has been at Man United ever since he was a 15 year old school boy and has progressed through the club’s youth and reserve ranks to now lay a claim for a place in the first team. Two loan spells to Watford and Wigan over the course of the last two seasons, have both been thoroughly successful for the youngster, so much so that he even earned Watford’s player of the season during his spell at Vicarage Road and earned rave reviews during his time at Wigan Athletic helping them steer away from relegation.
Naturally a central midfielder who seeks to ‘pass and move’, he’s thoroughly comfortable with the ball at his feet, a trait that has seen him draw widespread comparison to the legendary Paul Scholes. In addition, he’s never one to shy away from putting his feet into tackled or tirelessly run through the entirety of a game. What makes even more special to a team’s cause is his versatility that has seen him play as a centre midfielder, on the wings and even as a fullback during his younger days.
And if his displays in the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against West Bromwich are anything to go by, Cleverley is here to stay and for quite a long time. The long term future for United indeed hinges on thinking ‘Cleverley’.
Danny Welbeck
Already capped for England’s senior team, Danny Welbeck is Manchester born and Manchester bred and the only team he has ever supported and dreamt of playing for is Manchester United. A regular to United’s matches as a child, Welbeck has made massive strides to become a future star in his own right for the club of his dreams. Last season at Sunderland saw him grow into one of Mackems’ key players, scoring some essentially key goals for Sunderland despite often being played on the wings, rather than his favoured position of a central striker.
Expectations from Welbeck at United are huge, as he’s seen to have a bright future at the Theater of Dreams. The lanky forward still only 20, has some way to go before becoming a regular at United but with his blistering pace and the ability to consistently beat his man with pace, dribbles and trickery, he does have a vital part to play for United even if it may be in the form of substitute appearances. And despite being a forward, his work rate and his will to track back is commendable, something that United fan’s have longed for in Berbatov during his United career. All said and done, Welbeck has all the ingredients for being a quality striker in the future not just for Man Utd but also for his National Team- England.
Cleverley and Welbeck- A partnership meant to work for years.
Chris Smalling
The footballing journey that the 21 year old Smalling has traversed over the last 3 years is truly stuff of dreams, moving from non-league Maidstone United to biggest club in the country Manchester United playing a crucial part in their record 19th title scalp. Already called up to English national team, the centre half has widely been acclaimed as the ‘next big thing’ in the reasonably long line of intimidating English defenders.
“He has improved a lot. He is also playing with confidence. When he goes forward he doesn’t play with fear.”
- Fabio Capello, England Manager
Already the face of United’s next generation starlets, Smalling has made 35 appearances for United to date and his no non-sense style of defending has drawn widespread acclaim. Despite the occasional lapse in concentration, his sense of positioning and mean tackles has already made him a fan favourite. Even though, with Vidic and Ferdinand still undisputed starters at the back, Smalling would get opportunities galore at the back as a centre half or as a right back, and if the last one year is anything to go by, sky is the limit for him.
Jones and Smalling- the future face of United?
David de Gea
The 20 year old Spanish stopper was brought in from Atletico Madrid in £18 million pound move, one of the most expensive ever for a goalkeeper. The task that he faces is as arduous as it can get as he looks to replace one of United’s all time best goalkeepers Edwin van der Sar. Its paramount for him and United to avoid another post-Schmeichel era where the United defence was frequently punctured to a leaky cauldron by keepers such as dope-downing Mark Bosnich, calamity Massimo Taibi, dolt Roy Carroll and clumsy oaf Fabian Barthez.
He has the talent and posseses good ability when it comes to his shot stopping in general(not great by any means) and in terms of throwing the ball forward to start counters, though his positioning is still pretty suspect that has already cost United goals. But he’s still young, he has much to learn in football and has big shoes to fill but under the guidance of THE best in the business, that isn’t entirely impossible. The faithful at the Theatre of Dreams would like him to turn out to be one of the long list of Sir Alex’s youth prodigies turned into world class players.
David de Gea- A man of huge promise?
Phil Jones
Built like a bull, Phil Jones has already drawn wide spread comparisons to England captain John Terry for his style of play and dominant defending. He had apparently been ear marked by Sir Alex to be a future United centre half but with Liverpool’s interest this summer, the move has happened sooner than what was to be. Not withstanding that, Phil Jones has already impressed one and all with his displays in the red jersey of Man Utd in the limited games that he has played thus far.
“It is not easy to find a player who is so young that can play with so much confidence. We need to wait because so far he has played one Premier League game and some minutes at Wembley. But potentially he is a fantastic player.”
- Fabio Capello, England Manager
Phil Jones is something different from usual run-of-the-mill defenders, for a defender his immaculate passing(at least thus far) is quite unique and he is keen to have the ball at his feet and play it forward. Strong in the tackle and with his bull-like physique would prove to be handy in the air, further more, his positioning in general seems pretty impressive for a 19 year old boy. Not to forget his versatility either that can see him play as a defensive midfielder or his natural centre half position. The potential in him is insane, and seems destined for big things with United and England while pwning quite a few strikers along the way. Heir to Nemanja Vidic- THE fuckin’ monster?
The Twins- Fabio and Rafael
The twins- Fabio and Rafael da Silva were signed from Fluminense back in 2008 and since then both have made quite vital contributions to United’s quest for silverware. Both have already had the taste of being in the squad for a Champions League final, Rafael in ’09 in Rome(though as an unused sub) and Fabio was a starter in United’s defeat to Barcelona last season at the New Wembley.
Rafael, Fabio! Oh maybe Fabio, Rafael?!? Erm…
While you still might not be able to differentiate between them, it is still fairly accurate to say that both have bright futures at United. Rafael, barring that odd moment of rashness, has done well through out his time, defending well and getting forward as well, at times looking more offensively fashioned than his twin. And who is to forget him pwning Gareth Bale, and Franck Ribery before his sending off. Fabio, despite being the slower of the two to get off the blocks has lately found more first team action than his brother, and I for one, believe that he is better defensively than Rafael as well. He can ably cover both RB and LB spots and if Evra’s poor run prolongs, Fabio could well displace him sooner than expected.
Fan fantasy or semblence of reality a few years down the line?
And The Trio- Ryan Tunnicliffe, Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison
The trio have done well for the Man Utd reserves and the academy team over the course of the last one year or just about a bit less, and while at first glance, they may not be given immediate first team action at the club, they sure are worth looking out for.
Ryan Tunnicliffe, 18, has continually impressed the United reserves/academy watchers with his intelligence and ability to make a pass tick, and is pretty good defensively too. This season is critical for him though, as his loan spell at Fergie Jr’s Peterborough could well kickstart his career. And with all of this, there is also an underlying tenacity and the will to fight in him, that has made some to draw parallels with Keano, whether befitting or not, only time would tell.
Paul Pogba, he’s big, he’s strong and he built like a monster, standing out in the crowd of kids. Team’s might need a 2 man or a 3man midfield usually, but for the reserves even a 1 man midfield featuring Pogba might be enough, some of his passing and intelligence on the pitch is outstanding and with his size and muscle, he can really cramp down on opposition players. If all goes right, he could probably be the first to break through at United among this trio.
Fast forward to FIFA 2014- Pogba’s Shot rating = 99. Wonder why? Have a look at the vid below.
Ravel Morrison is without question Man Utd’s controversy kid. Arguably the most talented of the lot but the problems with him lie off the field. He has the pace, fiery shot and the silky twists and turns that you would need to be a top player but what matters right now is how quickly Morrison can have his head sorted out, or if he can do it all? It’ll be a shame though if United were to lose out on him due to off field misdemeanours.
Having evolved into an integral component of United's attacking arsenal, Nani is central to Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the future. The Portuguese winger spoke to Inside Unitedfor October's issue, discussing his standing in the dressing room, his personal ambitions and his chances of emulating Ryan Giggs' longevity...
There’s no mistaking the change in Nani. The nervous teenager who arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 mumbling answers through an interpreter is gone; in his place is a young man brimming with confidence, joviality and, most strikingly, conducting himself entirely in United’s native tongue.
The Portuguese winger’s sustained brilliance in 2010/11 bagged the players’ player of the year award last May, and that accolade marks a clear change in his standing within the Reds’ ranks. Moreover, it has sent his confidence skyrocketing.
“It was very important for me inside the dressing room, with my team-mates,” he grins. “It showed me that now everyone knows my position inside, on the team and how important I am in the team, how much responsibility I have for the team and the club as well. That’s making me more confident, making me happier, making me want more responsibility. Now I’m in the right position to do everything I wanted in the past. I have arrived in the position I want - respect – in the last two seasons.
“Last year was my best year, definitely my most consistent season. Now I hope this is my year. I will do my best. If I am fit for every game, I am 100 percent sure I will do my best and will do well for my team. This is a big chance to show I can do much more, that I’m a good player with a very strong mentality. I always work hard to be successful help my team to win titles.”
“It’s true,” he laughs. “I’m one of the old players now! This is my fifth season here and yes, five years is enough to learn everything about this club. I’ve been in the most important moments of this club in the last few years and it’s great, the life I’ve had here.” When fronted with the suggestion that he could emulate Ryan Giggs and be a part of the Carrington furniture well into his 30s, the winger laughs again. “It would be nice,” he nods.
In a summer of change which has largely ushered in youth in the stead of experience, Nani has undergone a promotion to a position of greater responsibility within the team. It’s clear he appreciates the added pressure.
The laughter is, however, absent when the subject turns to his compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo. Portuguese winger, two-footed, similar age: the comparisons are inevitable. But nevertheless, Nani is clearly tired of being held up against the player who he regards as one of his closest friends – indeed, his best friend during their time together at United.
“For five years, every time the question is the same,” he smiles. “It’s all about Ronaldo. You have to be him. Are you doing the same? Do you think you can do it now? Always when I do something good it’s the same. When I do ok, it’s nothing. When I do something very good, they come with this question about him. But it’s ok. It doesn’t change anything in me.
“This is my fifth year here and people know what I can do. Sometimes I play a nice game, sometimes I play not such a fantastic game, but I think everyone knows me and what I can do. Maybe my form has to be more consistent and my performances in the past should be like that. Now I’m in this position I’m more confident, more consistent. I can do in 90 minutes what in the past I just did in 45, and that’s most important.
the game. They love goals and skills as well, but I don’t do it for the media because when you try to do it for the media, nothing goes well. I think the most important thing is to be natural and play the way you are.”
“I don’t need to show anything to anyone because I know who I am, which player I am and now I just need to put everything on the pitch. When I do that, I do it for me, for my family and for my team. Of course, I know when I do that, it’s always for the fans as well. They take everything good from
A fair point, and hardly the words of a man labouring in Ronaldo’s shadow. There are, I point out, also clear differences between them. There’s certainly a convincing argument that Nani has a superior left foot to the Real Madrid star. His Community Shield brace was supplied in southpaw fashion, while seven of last season’s ten goals were left-footed efforts.
“I’ve worked a lot on it in the past,” he admits. “I’ve been working on it since I was young. My left foot has been good from a long time ago. But now I still make sure I practice with it, and that’s why last year I think I scored so many with my left foot.”
Blessed with such ambidexterity, is there a chance Nani could be utilised more centrally? “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he says. “When I was young I used to play midfield, number 10. In Sporting Lisbon I played number 10 as well, behind the striker. Everywhere. That’s a position that is no problem for me. The manager knows that. The manager knows I can play striker. When I was 19 at Sporting Lisbon, I started in midfield and would go to the right, then to striker, then to the left. Everywhere.”
“It’s a good thing to have more players and more competition. I think we are better than last year. This year we will try to win more trophies than last season. Last year we did well but we just won the league. We will try to win more. We are proud to be champions, but we want to win even more this season. This year we will be more ready to play against every team.”
That versatility may come in handy, with Sir Alex Ferguson adding Ashley Young to his brimming talent pool of wingers over the summer. Nani is unfazed, however, by the added competition. He’s seen enough of it in his time at United to appreciate its benefits. “It’s always been like that here,” he shrugs. “A lot of wingers and less positions! But everyone is going to fight to play and help the team. Every team has to have players to make a change, and it’s important for us too.
There’s no shortage of suitors for the Reds’ Barclays Premier League crown. Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped five other clubs to rival the reigning champions, and Nani also expects those familiar faces to stand between United and a record-extending 20th top flight title.
“It will be the same,” he opines. “City, Chelsea, Arsenal, it’s always the same. The league will always be decided in the last games. It’s always that way. The teams who can stay strongest in the last games will fight for the title.
“Chelsea are always a very experienced team with very strong players. Always the same. I think City will make the step up because they have new players. They need to find the team, but they have good players. We will see in the most important games.
"I don’t know about Liverpool. They made a lot of investment as well, but we will see. They are always strong at Anfield and very difficult to play there. It depends a lot. It’s all about the most important games because whoever loses less points in those games will have the conditions to win.”
And what of his personal ambition? If he can continue to play an integral role to United’s ambitions and meet his own demands of sustained improvement, is the ultimate ambition to become and be recognised as the best player in the world?
"I’m not like: ‘I have to be the best in the world’, because I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team. Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say ‘Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club’ or something like that. I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world, but I have to work hard and show that. Sometimes that doesn’t happen, but what I can promise is that as long as I am a football player, I will do my best to try to get there.”
“That’s one dream I’ve got: to be the best in the world,” he nods, eagerly, before quickly adding: “But I don’t let it frustrate me.
Nani has arrived where he wants to be and he knows where he wants to go. With his growing confidence, ability and influence, you wouldn’t bet against him getting there.
The Portugal international is beginning to emerge as one of the clubs key players with 19 goals and 34 assists in 100 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.
After his cracking goal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, Fergie says Nani’s best is still to come.
"Nani's marvellous, he was brilliant today, absolutely brilliant," Ferguson told MUTVafter the game.
"He's a terrific player, the lad, and he's starting to mature. We're going to get the best years out of him, no doubt."
