Fletcher says Man Utd lifted by Young return

Wed, 11/23/2011

Darren Fletcher feels Manchester United can take heart from Ashley Young's return for their draw withBenfica.

Fletcher had words of praise for Young, who returned from injury to play a central role behind Dimitar Berbatov.

"Youngy was fantastic playing in the hole behind the striker," the Scot enthused to MUTV. "He was available all night and caused them problems. It's great to have him back."

Man Utd defender Smalling insists they will see off Basle

Wed, 11/23/2011

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling insists they'll get through to the next phase of the Champions League - despite the home draw with Benfica last night.

Smalling, who came on as an 82nd minute substitute on his return from injury, is not worrying what the repercussions could be to Tuesday night's result at Old Trafford.

"It was a disappointing one because we'd done so well to get ahead even though it was a difficult game," he admitted to MUTV.

"To concede straight away was gutting and we've given ourselves work to do in Switzerland now. It's been close in the group and you can see a lot of teams vying for top spot but hopefully we can do the job in Switzerland. Whoever you get in the next stage is a tough game anyway and you've got to beat them along the way. We just need to make sure we're there.

"Last year was one journey and hopefully this one can go on just as long. We have lots of games beforehand and, when that week comes, all out attention will go towards that Basel game. I think United always usually qualify and I don't see us not qualifying."

Man Utd fullback Evra unsure about coaching career

Wed, 11/23/2011

Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra isn't sure about coaching once he retires.

Evra was asked about the prospect in a Q&A with Chinese fans.

He said: "It’s not easy but a lot of people say I could coach when I retire because I’m close to the players and I’ve been captain many times.

"But I think it’s a difficult job because you have to win and to make everyone happy – and it’s not easy to keep 23 players happy! Sometimes you don’t play and the manager has a difficult choice. But we’ll see – at the moment, I’m playing and enjoying it, but it’s a good option for the future."

Welbeck happy to put pen to paper on new Man Utd deal

Wed, 11/23/2011

Danny Welbeck is ready to sign his new Manchester United contract.

The Daily Express says Welbeck is ready to commit his long-term future to agreeing a £45,000-a-week contract.

Talks aimed at rewarding the England striker's blossoming progress - he has 18 months left on his deal - are likely to be finalised in the next month.

Welbeck, 20 will join Chris Smalling, Javier Hernandez and Tom Cleverley in signing new deal asSir Alex Ferguson looks to keep the nucleus of his team together.

Nani: Man Utd not frightened of facing big team in Champions League

Wed, 11/23/2011

Manchester United winger Nani insists they won't have a problem drawing a major rival should they finish second in their Champions League group.

United could be paired with Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"If we do finish second and get a big team that is no problem for us," Nani said. "If you have ambitions to get to the Champions League final you are always going to get a top side. We are still confident."

Man Utd to give Rooney every chance of returning for Newcastle clash

Wed, 11/23/2011

Sir Alex Ferguson says he will give Wayne Rooney every conceivable chance of proving his fitness for Manchester United’s meeting with Newcastle United this weekend.

The second-placed Red Devils host the fourth-placed Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday but after missing last night’s Champions League draw with Benfica because of a hip injury, Rooney is in doubt.

“He wasn't fit for tonight so we need to wait to see what he is like over the next few days,” Ferguson said last night.

"We will give him every chance, of course, we did for today, but he wasn't really fit, so we'll just have to wait."

Nani confident Man Utd can win Champions League

Wed, 11/23/2011


Despite being in danger of finishing second in their group, Nani is convinced Manchester United are good enough to win this season’s Champions League.

The reigning runners-up of Europe were held by Benfica to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last night and now need to avoid defeat at FC Basel on December 7 to progress to the next phase.

With the likelihood of Benfica beating Otelul Galati (five losses from five) on the final match-day of the group stage, United are really looking to finish in second spot but Nani still feels they are capable of beating all before them and grasping the European title.

"If we do finish second and get a big team that is no problem for us," he said.

"If you have ambitions to get to the Champions League final you are always going to get a top side. We are still confident."

He added: "We deserved more from the game (last night).

"We played some fantastic football and created a lot of chances. We should have held the lead for longer though. We are a bit down about that."

Our Greatest Ever XI: voted for by you, the fans. United!

Our Greatest Ever XI: voted for by you, the fans. United!

Manchester United Team

Sir Alex: We deserved more

23-Nov-2011

Sir Alex Ferguson says United's performance against Benfica warranted more than a point following the Reds frustrating 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League.

The boss is certain his side deserved three points from Tuesday's chaotic match at Old Trafford, but remains confident of progression to the competition’s knockout stages.

“The goals we conceded were very disappointing - they were a bit freaky to be honest," Sir Alex lamented. "One was an own goal and the other was a bad kick out from David De Gea. The back pass could have been a little bit better, it wasn’t a bad back pass but David couldn’t really play it into the stands.

“But we played so well tonight, we made a lot of great chances and played some really good football. I have no problems with my players at all. But that’s the game, it’s a cruel one at times and it was cruel for us tonight.

“We had to get into our rhythm and tempo. We had a bad start by losing a goal after three or four minutes, which takes the steam out of you and the wind from of your sails. But once we got into the game we played really well and should have been two or three up by half-time.

“We kept on playing and creating chances in the second-half and I think we were very unfortunate not to win the game.We were missing a few players like Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling has only just come back and Nemanja Vidic was suspended but the squad we’ve got is good enough, we’ve no complaints. That’s why we’ve got this squad and they proved themselves tonight and did really well.”

Tuesday’s point leaves United second in Group C and needing at least a draw against FC Basel on Matchday 6 to ensure progress to the last 16. And with Benfica ahead on goal difference, the Reds’ chances of finishing top of the pool appear to be over.

Sir Alex, however, remains bullish: “The chips are down for us but I have every confidence in my team. Obviously, Benfica should win at home and score a few goals against Galati so we have to win in good style.”

Man Utd striker Rooney impressed by Swansea in defeat

Sun, 11/20/2011

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was impressed by Swansea City for yesterday's win.

Rooney has declared himself an admirer of the way Brendan Rodgers’ men play the beautiful game.

“We were delighted with the three points but Swansea played really well,” he said. “They passed it well and put us under a bit of pressure in the second-half but we managed to cope with them.

“All credit to them they’ve come into the Premier League, they’re playing some lovely football so you’ve got to hold your hands up to them.”

Man Utd legend Neville: Liverpool can't beat smaller teams

Sun, 11/20/2011

Manchester United legend Gary Neville says Liverpool struggle to get themselves up for games against "smaller teams".

Neville wrote in the Daily Mail: "I would watch United in the Eighties, see them win big games againstLiverpool and, as a fan, begin to get the feeling that 'We're back!' and 'This is the year!'.

"But then you would be let down in the following week in a match that the team would never expect to lose or draw.

"And that's what's killing Liverpool. Take this season. They have played six at home and drawn against Sunderland, Norwich and Swansea.

"Compare that with United's performances at Old Trafford against Norwich and Sunderland, when the team were nowhere near their best and playing nothing like the quality of football they had produced earlier in the season against Arsenal and Chelsea.

"And yet they came away with three points both times. There is a pattern developing at Liverpool.

"They cannot seem to impose themselves on smaller sides. You can have one freak result against a side such as Norwich, Swansea and Sunderland, but you can't have three in the first six home games."

Ferguson happy with Man Utd cleansheets since derby drubbing

Sun, 11/20/2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with what he's seeing from his defence after their win at Swansea City.

Ferguson, who labelled the 6-1 demolition by Roberto Mancini’s men at Old Trafford last month as a ‘wake-up call’, believes the hefty defeat has proved the catalyst to United reproducing their defensive best as they notched up a sixth shut-out of the season – the most in the Premier League.

Ferguson said: "It (the Manchester City game) was a wake-up call so to have the most number of clean sheets in the league is an added satisfaction.

"Over the years, our defence has been an integral part of our success.

"We knew Swansea are a good footballing team and keep the ball well so you have to be concentrating all the time and the concentration is exactly what we need back in the team because a couple of weeks ago there was a genuine criticism about the defending and chances opponents were getting."

Man Utd legend Neville puts Jones in Keane, Robson class

Sun, 11/20/2011

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has joined the chorus comparing Phil Jones with past greats.

He wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: "I have been away on holiday in Dubai but I was I amazed to read that Fabio Capello had compared Phil Jones with Fernando Hierro and Franco Baresi.

"This praise comes after Sir Bobby Charlton said that Jones reminded him of Duncan Edwards.

"When you get two men with such experience and stature in the game mentioning names like that, the whole football world should take note.

"For me, Jones has a touch of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane. Forget whether he plays centre-half, holding midfield, attacking midfield or right-back; forget that he might be better at holding midfield than attacking, or at centre-half rather than right-back."

Man City boss Mancini still buzzing over derby thrashing

Sun, 11/20/2011

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he is still buzzing over their derby win overManchester United earlier this season.

Mancini received backing from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for his handling of the Tevez saga.

But the Italian said he got more pleasure from Ferguson's praise following City's 6-1 mauling of United at Old Trafford last month.

"It's a lot more beautiful to receive Ferguson's compliments for the whitewash of United," said Mancini. "What emotions I felt that Sunday!"

Man Utd seek to beat Arsenal with £20M Mario Gotze bid

Sun, 11/20/2011



Manchester United are lining up a £20 million bid for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze.

The Daily Star Sunday says a host of clubs are eyeing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, with Arsenalheading Premier League interest.

Gunners chief scout Steve Rowley, in fact, is almost a permanent fixture at Dortmund matches.

But United scout Martin Ferguson – brother of manager Sir Alex – is now on the Gotze case.

United are in the process of assessing the German international, who is only 19.

Dortmund, who are trying to fight off interest, already value Gotze at £20m – and that could soon rise by a further ­ £5m.

Man Utd legend Neville: Dalglish needs to get rid of Liverpool dead wood

Sun, 11/20/2011



Manchester United legend Gary Neville feels Kenny Dalglish needs to make some big decisions ifLiverpool are to become title contenders.

Neville wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: "A championship-winning team has to have endurance of the mind, focus and concentration across the whole season.

"Kenny Dalglish is an experienced football man who has won league titles himself as a player and a manager.

"My guess is he will be looking very closely at his players over the next few months, to see which of them change their mentality from a big match to a small match.

"They're the ones that are the danger, the ones that celebrate after big games thinking the job is done, only to drop points in the next game.

"They're the players you have to weed out. That's what Sir Alex Ferguson has done for 20 years.

"When he feels that players aren't at the same level any more, that losing doesn't hurt them as much or that they aren't preparing the same way, he will get rid of them.

"Any little weakness is eliminated, because you need strength of character in the dressing room.

"Liverpool need to develop that mentality now."

Fletcher admits Man Utd struggling to replace Scholes

Sun, 11/20/2011



Darren Fletcher believes Manchester United would have signed a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes if such a player had been available.

Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Samir Nasri were among those linked with summer moves to Old Trafford, but Sir Alex Ferguson opted to invest in other areas of his squad.

"We can't replace Paul Scholes, it is as simple as that," said the Scotland captain.

"If there was someone I am sure he would be here.

"You are talking about one of the best players ever to play for Manchester United. "

Anderson, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs are those tasked with making up for Scholes loss.

"As midfielders we know what our job is and how we affect games," he said.

"Maybe we are not noticed but we have quality players in advanced positions. Our job is to supply them."