ASHLEY YOUNG SHOWS ROB EARNSHAW WAY TO GOAL

07.09.2011

ENGLAND took a giant stride towards clinching Euro 2012 qualification last night.

But they did it the hard way against a brave Wales side who missed a great chance to equalise with just 14 minutes left.

The normally lethal Rob Earnshaw blazed over from just six yards with the sort of chance he would normally gobble up.

Fabio Capello’s side laboured all night as they attempted to end a run of four Wembley games without a win.

They finally managed it thanks to a first half goal from the in-form Ashley Young. The Manchester United star swept home a right-wing cross from former Aston Villa team-mate Stewart Downing in the 35th minute.

CRISTIANO RONALDO RIB FOR NANI

07.09.2011

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Nani insists he is fed up with living in the shadow of former Old Trafford superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star, 24, has emerged as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most influential players after helping United clinch a record 19th league crown.

Ronaldo is regarded as one of United’s greatest ever stars but joined Real Madrid in 2009 in an £80m deal.

But Nani said: “For five years the question about Ronaldo is the same.

“It’s all about Ronaldo. You have to be him. Are you doing the same?

“Do you think you can do it now?”

And Ronaldo, 26, has opened the door for a shock return to United before the end of his career.

He said: “I don’t close the door, so maybe in the future. I hope so.”

Man Utd striker Rooney happy with England on brink of Euros

07. 09.2011

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is happy England are now within touching distance of qualifying for the Euros.

England went into the international break level on points with Montenegro at the summit of Group G but ended it six clear and knowing a draw in next month's top-of-the-table showdown would seal their place in Poland and Ukraine.

"It's a nice to get the six points and more or less have one foot in the finals," said Rooney.

"It was a tad frustrating at times but the result was the most important thing and we're thankful for that."

Wales went into Tuesday night's game on the back of an impressive win over Montenegro but Rooney admitted Gary Speed's side took England by surprise.

"They did, to be honest - they played really well," said the striker, who watched visiting substitute Robert Earnshaw miss an absolute sitter in the second half, which would have cancelled out Young's opener.

"Thankfully, we held on towards the end to get the win. We weren't at our best."

Chelsea veteran Lampard impressed by Man Utd England trio

07. 09.2011

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he welcomes the competition from England's young players.

Lampard claimed he felt "excited", rather than threatened, by watching younger midfielders come to the fore in the past year and singled out three Manchester United players after victory over Wales.

"It's very good to see," he said.

"It's good to see the Ashley Youngs - I know he's not completely a young player, but he's really blossoming at the minute.

"Stewart Downing, the same, on the other side.

"(Jack) Wilshere's injured now but, with the squad we've got now, there's some real attacking options, which in great to see.

"(Chris) Smalling at the back and (Phil) Jones, who I've been really impressed with at Man United, it's something that was maybe missing a year or so ago and people weren't quite seeing where it was coming from.

"All of a sudden now, we can see these ones sprouting up and that's great for the fans to see and us to see as a group."

Man Utd boss Ferguson wants Chicharito contract talks amid fresh Real Madrid interest

07. 09.2011

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is tracking Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez's progress at Old Trafford.

El Mundo Deportivo says Real president Florentino Perez still wants a big-name signing made this season and with Mourinho going cold on Santos whiz Neymar, the focus is turning to Chicharito.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware of Real's interest in the Mexico international and has instructed the club's moneymen to bring forward plans to upgrade the striker's contract.

A new deal could be concluded in the coming months so to tie up Chicharito before the winter market opens in January.

Ferguson: This Man Utd team built to last

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels this season's title race will be wide open.

Ferguson concedes that the race to secure top honours in English football will be keenly contested, with the competition increasing year on year.

"I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved," he told Sky Sports News HD.

"It's always hard to win the league. It's a league that if you look at it, in the south you have the London teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and then you have ourselves, Manchester City and Liverpool in the north.

"It's a really, really difficult league to win."

United have put considerable faith in their youngsters this season and Ferguson admits it is important to inject new blood into a side on a regular basis if you intend to remain competitive.

"You have to try and build teams that will last for a few years," he said.

"We have done that quite successfully over the years. This is another example of trusting the young players and giving them opportunities."

Ferguson convinced Man Utd have a few rivals for Premier League title

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that there are ‘five or six’ clubs capable of winning the Premiership this season.

The reigning champions currently sit on top of the league table but Fergie is not taking anything for granted as one of the most exciting title pursuits in recent years is in front of us all.

"I think you could say that five or six teams will be involved," he told Sky Sports.

"It's always hard to win the league. It's a league that if you look at it, in the south you have the London teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea and then you have ourselves, Manchester City and Liverpool in the north.

"It's a really, really difficult league to win."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: No-one will replace me - because I will never retire!

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits retirement is not in his thoughts.

Fergie will clock up 25 years as Manchester United boss on November 6.

Plenty of other names have been mentioned as possible successors over the last quarter of a century.

But Fergie has seen them all off and insists he will keep modern-day pretenders to his throne such as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola waiting for a while longer yet.

Ferguson said: "Over the years I've had the question who do I think could replace me?

"Now some of the coaches who people were talking about to replace me don't have jobs any more.

"So it becomes very difficult because someone who I think has potential may be sacked by his club and disappear.

"I think you would need someone very experienced in the long-term.

"But I have absolutely no idea... and anyway I'm not retiring!"

Warnock will welcome Beckham signing at QPR

QPR boss Neil Warnock would welcome a deal for LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.

Rs owner Tony Fernandes confirmed their interest on Twitter.

The Daily Mail says Warnock has given the thumbs up to the deal, with the QPR boss feeling Beckham still has plenty to offer on and off the pitch.

Fernandes is particularly keen to use former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham in his effort to establish the QPR brand in Asia - a continent where the midfielder has legions of fans and where Fernandes has numerous business interests.

Sources close to Beckham last night claimed the former England captain would not be thinking about his future until his LA Galaxy contract expires.

But the 36-year-old will keep an open mind when considering his next move, while a return to his native London might suit Beckham and his family.

Agent leaves Napoli door open for Villarreal striker Rossi

The agent of Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi cannot rule out a future move to Napoli.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis would love to sign the former Manchester United forward.

"It is nice to hear that Napoli want Rossi, but for the moment there are no chances that any deal can take place," agent Federico Pastorello told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"However, like we always say in football, never say never."

Real Madrid star Ronaldo will not shut door on Man Utd return

Real Madrid starCristiano Ronaldo admits he keeps in contact withSir Alex Ferguson and will not rule out a return toManchester United.

Ronaldo keeps in regular contact with his friends at United.

"I have good memories from Manchester and when I watch sometimes the games I miss it a lot because it's part of me I left in England," Ronaldo told Sky Sports News.

"Just because I play in Madrid I'm not going to miss speaking with the old guys so, when I have an opportunity, I speak with Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It was important for me when I played there, when my life was there, so it is good to speak with him because I'll never forget who really helped me.

"I don't close the door (on returning to England), so maybe in the future. I hope so, because I know the league, I know the players, I know the atmosphere."

Man Utd boss Ferguson has total belief Macheda will make it

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has no doubts about Kiko Macheda's ability.

Despite his lack of goals, Ferguson has no doubts he will fulfil his potential and just needs more time to get his career back on track.

Ferguson said: "Macheda will turn into a top player, but he needs more time and space. Last season he was at clubs with two different coaches and that is not good.

"But he is only 20 and we are sure that he will improve."

Owen insists Barcelona hold no fear for Man Utd

Manchester United strikerMichael Owen insistsBarcelona holds no fears for them going into the new Champions League campaign.

Owen, who was an unused substitute for the final, is raring to go ahead of the trip to Benfica as he awaits his first involvement of the new campaign.

"If we played Barcelona again in the final, then we'd have to do something differently because they obviously outplayed us on the night," he explained to Inside United, the official club magazine.

"Then again, I don't think there's any shame in losing to a team like that. We're not ashamed of how we played at Wembley but, if we played them again, then I do think we'd have to look at adopting a slightly different approach.

"On that one night's evidence, you'd have to say that there was a gap between the two sides because they beat us quite convincingly. But that was a one-off game. We wouldn't be frightened of playing them again, that's for sure."

Ferguson: One constant at Man Utd - I am in charge

Sir Alex Ferguson says there's one certainty atManchester United: he's in charge.

It is impossible to imagine any player being bought or sold without his agreement, although he does not always get his man.

Ferguson said: "There's only one certainty: I will always be in charge. I wanted Maldini. I asked his dad Cesare about Paolo and he told me I was crazy."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Sacchi changed face of Italian football

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to former AC Milanand Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi.

Ferguson feels Sacchi changed the face of Italian football for the better.

He remarked: “Sacchi changed Italian football. He got rid of Catenaccio by proposing a high pressing game, with a Maldini who pushed forward on the flank.

“It was a change of mentality and it was the same for Fabio Capello’s sides.

“The Italian mentality was to attack with caution. Then all of a sudden there was no Catenaccio, but a four-man defence, with a side that attacked rather than waited to counter-attack.

“It was a great change.”