Man Utd ace Hernandez: De Gea in great form

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United goal scorer Javier Hernandez highlighted David de Gea's performance in victory at Europa League opponents Ajax.

The striker agreed that De Gea had also played his part in the victory. The United keeper produced his party-piece flying saves in the latter stages against Chelsea and Liverpool, but in Amsterdam, he pulled one off to deny Siem de Jong when it was still 0-0 early on.

"David is a great goalkeeper. He’s improving, he’s learning and he’s in a great moment," Hernandez told MUTV.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: We were ordinary for Ajax win

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branded their 2-0 Europa League win at Ajax as "ordinary".

With the second leg to come at Old Trafford next Thursday, United must be strong favourites to progress to face Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao in the next round of the Europa League with the Russians 2-1 ahead after their first-leg tie.

“I’m delighted with the scoreline but I think it was a very ordinary performance by us,” concededSir Alex. “We didn’t reach any great heights in the game.

"We did improve in the second half and I thought we deserved to win it but I didn’t think we played well at all. There was no rhythm to our game. I know Ajax can make it difficult with their system and they pressed the ball really well but we didn’t get any tempo to our game in the first half. We did improve in the second half but it was not a brilliant performance."

Man Utd legend Beckham: England captaincy was Capello's call

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United and England legend David Beckham says the FA were wrong to take the captaincy decision out of Fabio Capello's hands.

LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham offered his support for Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp as England's next coach, saying: "Harry’s a great man, great manager."

Beckham also said he was disappointed to see Fabio Capello depart in the wake of the FA’s decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

"It’s sad he stepped down at a critical stage for England," said the 36-year-old.

"He’s a manager I respect a lot."
Asked if the captaincy should be decided by the coach or the FA, Beckham said: "Coach’s call. You know I think that’s always the case."

Lack of Chelsea goals getting me down - Torres

Fri, 02/17/2012

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres admits his scoring drought is weighing him down.

Good performances against Sunderland and Manchester United have been tempered by bad ones against Everton and Norwich, but the one constant is his lack of goals.

"To be honest, after one year I was expecting things would be better than they are now," Torres toldESPN.

"It is a difficult situation because I am happy in my personal life. We really like the club and we’re very happy here to be involved with the staff and the players.

"On the pitch, it is a difficult time for Chelsea because we are not finding the results, but we’re changing things like playing a different style and still we have a young team to do it."

Man Utd legend Keane: Man City should welcome back Tevez

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United legend Roy Keane feels Manchester City should bite the bullet and welcome backCarlos Tevez.

Keano wrote in The Sun: "I know Carlos Tevez might not be Mr Popular among Manchester Citysupporters and even the players.

"That's fine. But in life you have to be practical and there's one simple question that should be asked. Would they prefer for him never to play for the club again, and for them not to win the title, or would it be better for him to return and for them to become champions?

"I think we all know the answer.

"City could still win the title without him. But would they have a better chance with him in the fold? Definitely."

George Long rejects Man Utd for new Sheffield Utd deal

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United have missed out on Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long.

Long has signed a new four-year deal at Sheffield United — despite interest from United.

The 6ft 4in keeper, 18, has been described as the 'next Joe Hart'.

Blades boss Danny Wilson said: "I'm delighted to keep him."

Man Utd plan bid for Valencia defender Adil Rami

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United are chasing Valencia defender Adil Rami.

The Sun says they face stiff competition from Barcelona for the £20million-rated French star — but are ready to match Valencia's valuation.

United scouts watched Rami, 26, play at Stoke last night.

Ex-Man Utd youth chief Harrison: Cleverley best we've seen since Beckham

Fri, 02/17/2012

Former Manchester United academy coach Eric Harrison was delighted to see Tom Cleverley make his comeback last night.

Cleverley impressed in United's 2-0 win at Europa League opponents Ajax.

Harrison said: "Tom for me is, without question, so good that he is the best young player at United since Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham came on to the scene."

Man Utd star Chicharito: We want to win Europa League

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez says the players want to win the Europa League.

He insists United are determined to triumph in this competition.

“It is important because we have never won this trophy,” he said. “The Champions League is the most important because it is the biggest trophy in Europe.

“But everyone wants to win every competition.”

Derby superkid Will Hughes wanted by Man Utd, Man City

Fri, 02/17/2012

Derby County wonderkid Will Hughes is wanted by Manchester United and Manchester City.

The Mirror says Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson are squaring up for a battle to sign Hughes.

Mancini's Manchester City and neighbours and title rivals Under-17 star, who was the talk of last week's Algarve Tournament in Portugal.

Midfielder Hughes was the star of the show as England triumphed ahead of rivals Holland, France and Portugal.

Savage says Man Utd legend Giggs has personality to succeed Ferguson

Fri, 02/17/2012

Robbie Savage feels former teammate Ryan Giggs is the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson atManchester United.

Savage wrote in the Mirror: "In my early days with the Welsh squad, Mark Hughes was a softly-spoken character who mostly kept his opinions about football to himself. Yet when he took over the national team, and later Blackburn Rovers, I know from personal experience what a forceful presence and a thoughtful manager he became.

"Giggsy is a similar personality to how Sparky used to be. But having heard him speak in the dressing room as Wales captain, I know he has what it takes to inspire a dressing room.

"And his status as probably the greatest Premier League player in history and an Old Trafford legend would command respect and attract the best in the world to play under him."

Juventus enter talks with agent of Man Utd's Paul Pogba

Fri, 02/17/2012

Juventus are set for a round of talks with the agent of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

Tuttsport says Mino Raiola will meet with Juve bosses over the weekend as they prepare to offer Pogba a four-year deal.

The French teen is off contract in June and has hesitated on signing an extension, leading to links with Chelsea and Juve, among several clubs.

Man Utd boss Ferguson impressed by Ajax starlet Eriksen's performance

Fri, 02/17/2012

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen last night.

Ferguson was full of praise for Eriksen after the game and refused to rule out a move for the Danish international.

"He's a good player - a typical Ajax player who is good on the ball - but we already knew that," Ferguson told TV3+.

"We have many young players at the club, but we are always looking for talent. It's impossible to predict."