Young & Jones Facing Layoffs

Manchester United are set to be without Phil Jones and Ashley Young for a number of weeks after both players picked up injuries in the victory over Fulham, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

Ferguson revealed he expects winger Young to be out for two to three weeks following an injury picked up in the 5-0 away win on Wednesday.

As yet the injury remains unspecified but, regardless, it is blow for United that winger Young joins their increasing injury list.

"The tackle on Ashley Young was a very aggressive tackle and I will have to see that again,'' Ferguson told MUTV. "Fulham were very aggressive in the second half and Ashley Young has paid the price for that. He has got a sore one so will be out for two to three weeks."

Young was only brought on at Craven Cottage as a substitute for Jones, who was forced off in the first half after a clash with Clint Dempsey.

The youngster will go for an X-ray on Thursday, but is expected to miss six weeks if initial fears about a facial injury are confirmed.

"On Phil Jones it was an elbow from Dempsey, but I don't think it was intentional. But he caught him with an elbow," Ferguson added.

"We are sending him for an X-ray tomorrow and it doesn't look great. We are picking up injuries at the moment."

Ferguson also confirmed Rio Ferdinand missed the clash due to a foot injury. The defender will miss the Boxing Day clash with Wigan, but is expected to be fit for the New Years Eve match against Blackburn.

Ajax Starlet Eriksen 'on United's Radar'

Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted the club are keeping a close eye on Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, amid speculation the Premier League champions will bring in reinforcements in January.

United have seen their numbers depleted over recent weeks by a spate of injuries and are expected to dip into the market during the winter transfer window.

An attacking midfielder top of the list and 19-year-old Eriksen, whom United have long been linked with, fits the bill.

"This is a player that is on our radar," Meulensteen admitted to Voetbal International. "But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.

"It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy. He is being strongly linked with us, but to suggest that we are about to make a move is not true."

However, the Denmark international's agent was quick to point out that Eriksen will not be rushed into any potential move and attempted to play down the speculation that surrounds his client's future.

"Christian must weigh up every step he takes in his career," said Martin Schoots.

"He gave a lot of thought to joining Ajax. Last summer he could have gone to England, and a German club was very keen, but he passed the opportunity up.

"He has signed a contract at Ajax and a transfer is not an issue at the moment."

Cleverley Won't Set Return Date

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley says he is not setting any targets over his return from injury, despite the lack of options for Sir Alex Ferguson in his position.

Cleverley, 22, is recovering from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since October, with United also without the injured Anderson and Darren Fletcher, who this week was forced to take an extended break from the game after a lengthy battle with ulcerative cilotis, an inflammatory bowel condition.

A tough Christmas period is always draining on resources, but Cleverley is not able to boost Fergie's squad by setting a return date yet.

"The injury is not bad, I am just working hard with the physios and doing what they tell me at the minute," Cleverley told Sky Sports. "I am in the gym just working hard really to try and get back fit."

Asked if he could be back for the busy festive period, Cleverley added: "I am not too sure about that. We are not looking to put any time limits or set targets just yet. I am just working hard looking after the injury and I am sure we will set targets in a couple of weeks."

Cleverley established himself as a regular in the starting XI before his injury and admits that it is a frustrating time.

He continued: "It's always frustrating for a footballer to get injured, but when you are in good form and when your team is winning it is doubly frustrating. It has been a bit of tearing my hair out stage for me as I just want to be playing all the time."

Premier League - Papers: United to sign Gaitan

Manchester United are on the brink of tying up a deal to sign Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan for a fee of £29.3 million, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Not a paper to be as flippant with its rumours as some of the tabloids, the Telegraph says that the deal will only be completed in the summer despite United's injury problems in midfield.

The 23-year-old Argentina international has been targeted by both Internazionale and Paris St. Germain which has prompted United to act fast and strike an "informal agreement" with Benfica.

Benfica initially wanted £38 million for the player, who can play as an attacking midfielder or left-sided forward, but United insisted they would not go that high. However they have agreed to the Portuguese side's demand to keep Gaitan until the end of the season.

Gaitan's former club Boca Juniors will receive 20 per cent of any transfer fee.

The Telegraph also claims that United are monitoring another Benfica midfielder in the shape of the more defensively-minded Javi Garcia.

Premier League trio target Spanish starlet

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are among the European giants battling it out for the signature of Spanish starlet Javier Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, 15, has impressed since moving from Athletic Bilbao to Laredo, who play in the fourth tier of Spanish football. This season he has scored 20 goals in seven games for the youth team.

The forward underwent a trial period at Real Madrid in October, and Barcelona are also thought to be assessing his credentials.

Chelsea, who have established a scouting network in Spain, appear well poised to secure his signature, and they are also keeping a keen eye on Real Madrid's 16-year-old striker Jose Pozo.

"Cleverley best Utd kid since Scholes"

Following the retirement of Scholes last summer, Cleverley has seized the chance to replace the former England international at the heart of United's midfield. He shone as a substitute in the Community Shield win over Manchester City, then carried that form into the early weeks of the season.

Although his emergence has been checked by a series of injures - the latest of which will keep him out until Christmas - he is still being tipped to earn a place in the England squad for Euro 2012.

And Harrison, who helped usher the likes of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham into the United first team, believes the sky is the limit for the 22-year-old. "Cleverley is the best home-grown young player Manchester United have had since Paul Scholes. No question," he said.

Meanwhile, Harrison has tipped the youngsters breaking through at Old Trafford - as well as Cleverley, United can boast the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck - to emulate the achievements of the Giggs generation.

"It's been a long time coming but they're getting very close to the group I had - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham - that glorious group which we call the Class of '92," Harrison said.

Anderson Out Until February

Manchester United midfielder Anderson is out until February with a knee injury. Anderson, 23, missed a large part of 2010 with a knee injury and has been sidelined again since picking up the problem in the UEFA Champions League win over Otelul Galati at the start of November.

The complaint was not originally thought to be serious, but the Brazilian has now travelled to Portugal to see a specialist, which will keep him out of action well into the New Year.

''Anderson is out until February with a knee injury,'' Ferguson said. ''He's been sent to Portugal to see a specialist who operated on him before. Not good news.''

The news throws into chaos Ferguson's midfield plans given Tom Cleverley is also currently out of action with an ankle injury. However Ferguson, who was heavily linked with Luca Modric, Samir Nasri and Wesley Sneijder during the summer transfer window, insists he has no plans to dip into the January market.

''It is easy to say you are going to buy players but it is not easy to buy them for Manchester United, especially in January,'' he said. ''I do not see anyone who could make us a better team. There are two or three players but they are not available, so there is no point even going there.''

Mourinho: Ferguson is Unique

Ferguson will mark a quarter of a century at the Old Trafford helm on Sunday, having enjoyed incredible success since taking up the position on November 6, 1986.

The Scot has lifted 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cup trophies and also claimed the Champions League crown on two occasions.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who locked horns with Ferguson during his time at Chelsea, told The Sun: "Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of Manchester United.

"Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of English football. And Sir Alex is a unique manager in the history of European football. I really wish he stays in the job with the same happiness and ambition for many, many more years."

Hitzfeld: Fergie Wants to Avoid Bayern

Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson views the Bavarians as a major threat in this season's Champions League and is keen for his Manchester United side to avoid them.

Ferguson won his first European Cup in 1999 with victory over Bayern at Camp Nou, but since then United have struggled against the German giants, tasting quarter-final defeat in 2001 and 2010. Hitzfeld, who is currently in charge of the Swiss national team, was Bayern's manager for both the 1999 loss and 2001 victory and has maintained a close friendship with Ferguson over the years. And after visiting Old Trafford to watch United's derby humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, Hitzfeld says that the Red Devils boss told him of his admiration for Jupp Heynckes current crop at the Allianz Arena.

"He said that he really liked (Bayern) so far this season and sees them as major competitors to win the Champions League," Hitzfeld told Bild. He wants to avoid them for as long as possible."

Bayern are flying this season and currently sit top of the Bundesliga having scored 30 goals and conceded just three, They also lead a tricky Champions League Group A thanks to victories over Manchester City and Villareal and a draw with Napoli in their last European outing.

Broken Foot Rules Smalling Out for Month

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for a month with a broken foor, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

Smalling, 21, was absent from United's 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, with Ferguson revealing the extent of the problem after the match at Goodison Park. "Smalling has a small fracture on his foot," Ferguson told MUTV. "I think he'll be out for a month and it's unfortunate that one." The England defender's lay-off means he will miss November's friendly internationals against Spain and Sweden, as well as United's next two Champions League clashes with Otelul Galati and Benfica, and Premier League fixtures against Sunderland, Swansea and potentially Newcastle United on November 26.

UEFA Delays Rooney Ban Explanation

UEFA is to delay giving a written explanation to the Footbal Association over the reasons for Wayne Rooney's three-match ban by at least another week. Rooney, 26, was handed a straight red card in England's 2-2 Euro 2012 qualifying draw with Montenegro for kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic. 


The Manchester United striker was subsequently hit with a three-match ban by UEFA, meaning he is set to miss the entire group stage of Euro 2012.

UEFA has yet to provide the FA with written reasons regarding the suspension, and England's footballing body is waiting to receive the explanation before deciding to appeal the decision.

UEFA said the delay was because they had prioritised disciplinary cases with players connected to countries playing in the Euro 2012 play-offs.

A UEFA spokesman said: ''Due to the urgency of disciplinary cases connected to the UEFA EURO 2012 play-off matches, we will deal with sending the full reasoned decision on Wayne Rooney to the FA in due course.''

An FA statement read: "The FA has today been advised by UEFA that we may not be provided with the written reasons regarding Wayne Rooney's three match suspension for another week at a minimum.

"Once the reasons are received, The FA will determine on any appeal after discussions with Fabio Capello and Wayne Rooney."

Cup Game Perfect for Sir Alex

Manchester United eased into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night with a 3-0 victory at League Two side Aldershot Town, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson pleased to give his fringe players a run out. 

Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia - with only three Premier League starts between them - were all on target for the Red Devils.

Nemanja Vidic, surprising left out of the mauling at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday, got vital game time as he looks to improve his fitness after a stop-start campaign while Tom Cleverley returned from a six-week lay-off.

Sir Alex said: "They'll always give me nudges. It's difficult picking a team when you've got so many good players.

"We have a fantastic squad. That's why I had to play these players. They need the games, they've not had many first-team games to be honest with you because the consistency of the team has been very good - we've not needed to make any changes.

"But there's Michael Owen - every time he plays, he scores. It's a fantastic record he's got. He's a fantastic professional. Dimitar Berbatov had a fantastic game and scored a tremendous goal from great football.

"So they've all done well; Valencia, Thomas Cleverley back is a good thing for us because the boy's an outstanding footballer. Vida's got another 90 behind him. I think he needed it. Until he got his breathing going, he was feeling it.

"Obviously, we had a difficult day on Sunday simply because we tried to play the history book. The nature of Manchester United is to go and win the game, whether it's eight men, nine men, 10 men or seven men. That's their nature and it's very difficult to change that.''

Owen Targeting Cup Glory

Micheal Owen has warned Tuesday night's opponents Aldershot Town that Manchester United have their sights set on lifting the Carling Cup.United travel to League Two side Aldershot in the fourth round of the Carling Cup, the Red Devils having won the competition twice in the last three years.

Owen is expected to play a part at the Recreation Ground and is eagerly anticipating the challenge of continuing United's success on the Carling Cup stage.

He told MUTV: "It's a competition we want to do well in. We've done quite well in the Carling Cup over the years and we want to progress and win a trophy. That's the end game.

"It's obviously going to be a massive game for Aldershot with Manchester United coming into town. I'm sure it'll be a full house and we're treating it as an important game as well."

In the previous round against Leeds, manager Sir Alex Ferguson selected the likes of Owen, Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-sung.

Fletcher Feels for Man United Fans

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels for the club's fans after the 6-1 drubbing in the Manchester derby, but says the players are hurting just as much. "We realise how much this result has hurt the fans and how they'll go into work on Monday and get a lot of stick, but the players are hurting just as much. We live in the city too and we're going to have to deal with it as well," Fletcher told MUTV.

"No-one wants to lose by the margin we did today, but you've always got to look at positives and say you can lose by that score or lose 1-0 and it's still the same amount of points [to lose].

"I said to the lads in the dressing room afterwards that we need to remember how it feels to lose a game like this, but to remember that no medals are handed out now.

"There's still a long way to go in the season. It's a bad result, but by no means is the league over. We've got to respond and win our next game."

The 6-1 result was United's first home defeat since April 2010, and it ended their run of 19 consecutive home league wins.

Vidic Retires from International Football

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has confirmed his retirement from international football in the wake of   Serbia's failure to qualify for next summer's European Championship.


Vidic, 29, has established himself as one of the world's finest defenders since moving to United five years ago, though it was with Serbia that he first attracted the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson when playing in the defence that conceded just one goal in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.


But the former Spartak Moscow centre-back has decided to bring down the curtain on his international career, citing criticism of his commitment to the national team and a desire to give younger players the opportunity to play for Serbia as the major factors.

"The main reason for this decision is that for a long time, especially in light of recent events, the media and therefore the public, have criticised my attitude towards the national team. Even though I played for the national team injured," Vidic said.

"Also, I do not want to be a burden for the new generation of players. I owe gratitude to the fans, all the selectors and coaches and teammates with whom I worked in the past ten years."

Vidic made his international debut against Italy in 2002 and has played 56 times for Serbia since then, representing his country at the 2010 World Cup.

An Serbian Football Federation statement read: "The Football Association of Serbia wishes to thank Nemanja Vidic for everything he has provided for Serbian football, especially playing for the national team.

"His behaviour, commitment and attitude towards the national team deserves praise and a special place in the history of this sport in our country.

"While we respect his decision, we want to emphasise the door to the national team is not closed and, should all the conditions be met, it would be a great honour if he rejoined the team.''

Vidic Set for Euro Return, Rio Out

Rio Ferdinand was not among Manchester United 's travelling party as the squad prepared to fly out for their Champions League clash with Otelul Galati.

United are looking for their first win of their European campaign following draws with Benfica and Basel in the group stages, and they travel to Romania without one of their main centre-backs.

Ferdinand played every minute of the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend, but he will now be rested ahead of their forthcoming Premier League showdown with Manchester City.

Ferdinand has struggled to string a run of games together in recent season's due to a persistent back problem and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is selective over when and where the 32-year-old should play.

There is an able deputy flying out to Romania though, with fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidicset for a return to action following a recent spell on the sidelines.

Vidic played for Serbia last week after finally recovering from the calf injury he suffered against West Brom in United's opening match of the season but was rested for the Liverpool clash.

Dimitar Berbatov, who also missed the Anfield contest, is included in the squad while Phil Jones has recovered from a knock he picked up on Saturday.

Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) remain on the sidelines, although they are nearing a return to full fitness.

Ferdinand: I Have Plenty to Offer

Ferdinand, 32, is well aware the rapid rise of Phil Jones has led to questions being asked about his own contributions for Manchester United and England. But after an impressive display in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool, Ferdinand confirmed he has no desire to step aside.

"I have had people writing me off many times in my career," he said. "I just go out and play. I am confident in my own ability.

"Whatever anyone writes doesn't bother me whether it is good or bad. I wasn't in the England squad so I just have to shrug my shoulders and get on with it. I am not one to sit around and moan and mope."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he will continue to ignore the critics as he looks to recapture the form which made him captain of both club and country.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand also urged David De Gea to ignore critcism after the United goalkeeper endured a testing start to his life in the Premier League.

"The difference with clubs like us and others is that elsewhere goalkeepers are always involved in the action. Here, he is not involved for a long time and then bang he has to make a quick save. That is what sets the top keepers apart.

"He is showing why the club spent so much money on him and went out big to get him.

"The game against Stoke was a pivotal moment for him. There was a lot of pressure on him. People expected things to go wrong for him because of the size of the opponents and how Stoke put pressure on the goalkeeper. He dealt with that game brilliantly, which was huge confidence-wise.

"I didn't notice a change in him because he is not an emotional type of guy or someone who is that animated, but you can tell from his performances since that he is looking more comfortable and confident," said Ferdinand.