"We are Already Halfway '

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is confident the squad operations are getting closer to the Premier League champion this season.

On Saturday, Ferguson's team continued to demonstrate consistent action when a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The victory thus saw United remain at the top by collecting 49 points, seven points leave their closest rivals, Manchester City.

However, the match yesterday, shy Dutch striker Robin van Persie more attention Ferguson.

After United has overtaken its results own goal West Bromich player, Gareth McAuley as early as the ninth minute, the appearance of van Persie who came on as a substitute in the second half turned out to be disappointing Ferguson.

This is because van Persie managed to detonate his second goal for United in the late innings match.

For the record, it is the goal of the 14th van Persie in the league since he played for United earlier this season.

Ferguson believes his guidance squad now are 'half-way' to reclaim the championship trophy from City this season.

"The inclusion of van Persie has changed the pattern of our game. Once I took him and Paul Scholes in, they have done well to change our style of play.

"The goal van Persie scored very impressive, but he himself is an amazing player. He went into the field and change the pattern of our game.

"Every time he got the ball, he managed to control well and force opponents last line of defense in the penalty box. He managed to perform his duties properly.

"Currently, we are in a good position. We are already halfway to the league champion. We will face Wigan Athletic in the next match on Tuesday (early Wednesday morning).

"The match is very important and we want to win it," Ferguson said just the match yesterday.

Ferguson also praised the United defense that has demonstrated consistent action when not conceded a total of four games in a row so far.

United Have Quality Champion

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have shown their determination to regain the Premier League trophy this season.

Scottish birth operators expressed optimism after the team The Red Devils beat Newcastle United 4-3 at Old Trafford earlier this morning.

Ferguson's team victory net proceeds Mexico striker Javier Hernandez in the final minutes of the game.

Success is put United comfortably in the league stage after collecting 46 points, seven points ahead of nearest rival and defending champion Manchester City lost 0-1 to Sunderland.

Ferguson said that, based on the character shown the players, they have the quality to win the Premier League title.

"The fact that we do is through a performance," said Ferguson.

"This is a presentation of a championship team.

"I feel that this is the last game this season, but it describes the courage of our team. We never give up.

"We had a lot of bad decisions in the first half. It undermines the spirit of the team but they did not give up and that is the quality that we have.

"Three times behind, three times we got up to the equalizer before scoring the winner.

"It is a significant decision. It puts us in a good position before against Wigan Athletic on 1 January next year." - Agencies

Swans Resist United Onslaught

Goals from Patrice Evra on 16 minutes to give ray victory to Manchester United but hopes were extinguished by Michu equalizer at minute 29. 

Results Swansea managed to tie Manchester United with a 1-1 draw at home, at the Liberty Stadium to some extent inhibited the least chessboard Alex Ferguson distanced itself from its closest competitor, Manchester City. 

It is also a special gift for Swansea coach, Michael Laudrup.

However this is a fair result for both teams displaying patterns and fast-paced game with a high tempo in search of a goal. Although a draw, Manchester United still possessed four points in the league table over Manchester City.

Match will be continued later on Boxing Day where Manchester United will be receiving a visit from their rivals, Newcastle United at Old Trafford, while its closest competitor Manchester City travel to the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland. Tonight's game considering the adverse Manchester United because it can not separate points with Manchester City but with a draw to give a little edge to them than suffer defeat the fourth time.

Rooney: Derby Win Will add to City Woe

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is hoping a win in Sunday's derby will heap more pressure on Roberto Mancini and his City side. Rooney and his United team-mates sit three points above their City rivals on the Premier League table ahead of the clash at Etihad Stadium.

Mancini's men crashed out of the Champions League midweek following a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, and Rooney believes that result be used to United's advantage.

"City are out of the Champions League and are having a bit of a tough time - I think everyone can see that behind the scenes. If we win, we can put more pressure on them. If we get three points there, it will be massive for us.

Rooney also pinpointed United's wide players as an area which could help Sir Alex Ferguson's side make a decisive move in the Premier League tittle race.

"I think our strength is getting winger on the pitch, getting the ball out wide, attacking and getting crosses into the box," he said. "That's obviously the way Manchester United have played for years, so I think that's one of our strengths.

Derby game will play live from Etihad Stadium at 21.30 Hong Kong time.

Ferguson Set to Give Hernandez a Start

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Javier Hernandez has picked himself in the starting line-up after a stunning display in United's 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Hernandez has had an impact from the United bench on a number of occasions this season, in both the Champions League and Premier League, but has moved quickly to shake the 'super-sub' tag. The 24-year-old scored a brace to recover his side's two-goal deficit at Villa Park, in similar fashion to the Champions League win over Braga last month, and after pushing for a starting spot all season, Hernandez is set to be rewarded in next week's clash with Norwich.

"He's fresh this season. He had a good break over the summer and the way he was when he first came to us is what we're seeing today," Ferguson said. "That is his natural thing. He's fantastic in the penalty box with his movement, quickness and being in space."It's got him three goals in this game. When you score a hat-trick, you pick yourself. I think he'll be playing next week. Hernandez replaced Ashley Young at half-time and found the net just 13 minutes later before forcing an own goal out of Ron Vlaar and scoring the match winner three minutes from time. But he remained coy about his own achievements, insisting the win was more important than scoring goals for him.

"It's not important who scored the goals," Hernandez said. "What's important is that Manchester United is top of the league."We came back from two down and that's great. It was not in my mind that I was going to change the game. I just wanted to do my best and do what the gaffer told me. He said just to do what I do in training - to run in behind and move the defenders. "United have often had to come from behind this season after making slow starts, but Ferguson believes that resilience to pursue a result is crucial for top teams.

"We put pressure on ourselves but we got through it," Ferguson said. "I think that it's a little lesson that we really need to be better defensively. I admire the players and the tenacity of the performances. When they are needed, they do it. Our attacking play is terrific at times." It was an absolutely magnificent result for us and a magnificent game, I must say. Aston Villa were fantastic and worked their socks off. But you have to feel sorry for them after the effort they put in. But we never give in and hit the bar twice. Once we conceded the second goal, we came alive."

Ferguson: United not Reliant on RVP

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United do not rely too heavily on in-form recruit Robin van Persie.

Van Persie joined United from Arsenal in the summer and has started his life at Old Trafford brightly, netting 11 goals in his first 14 games.

The Netherlands international started the Red Devils' midweek clash with Braga on the bench, but made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute, raising questions over United's ability to play without him in the line-up.

Ferguson's men have so far won every game in which the 29-year-old has scored en route to the top of the Premier League table and beyond the Champions League group stage.

"I don't think it's a problem relying on Robin," he said. "Last year, we lost (the title) on goal difference. I don't expect us to lose on goal difference again."

Van Persie has been likened to his compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy since making the move to United, but Ferguson dismissed the comparison.

"Robin is a very different player to Van Nistelrooy," said Ferguson. "Ruud was a penalty box player. Robin has a different understanding of the game.

"I never thought we'd get him. There was always the feeling that Arsenal would find a way to get him to stay. But once he made his mind to leave we firmed up our interest because he is one of the best in the business."

This Saturday, United will face Aston Villa, a club which Ferguson has enjoyed great success against in recent years. The Scot expressed his concern for his compatriot and Villa counterpart Paul Lambert on the eve of the clash.

"It is a daunting task as Villa are not where everyone expects them to be," Ferguson said. "Paul Lambert has done well as a manager and is still young.

"But it does take time to change teams and you wonder if the managers changing has a big effect on the playing standards of the team because they have had quite a collection over the years."

Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed he expects captain Nemanja Vidic to be back for the packed festive programme.

"I think it's Christmas time for Vidic," Ferguson said. "If we get him back for Christmas, then I'll be happy. There's been no setback but we cannot take any chances after his cruciate."

Ferguson Favours Pep for United Job

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to now favour Pep Guardiola as his eventual successor at Manchester United.

On Tuesday, the club's vice-chairman Ed Woodward said that the Old Trafford hierarchy know what "type of manager" will succeed Ferguson, while it was reported in the Spanish press in the summer that Ferguson had met Guardiola in New York.

ESPN has learnt, however, that chief executive David Gill and a member of the Glazer family also met the former Barcelona manager, who left his role at the Camp Nou after four successful years, at that time.

While a United source said that the meeting was "informal", the future is understood to have been discussed.

For his part, Guardiola is known to view United as a particularly attractive proposition. Although he retains interest in Chelsea, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, the Catalan is said to find the sense of history and atmosphere at Old Trafford especially enticing.

In his entire Barcelona career as both a player and manager, Guardiola - who, as a player, was targeted by Ferguson but ultimately signed for Brescia - faced United more than any other English side, and a Catalan source said the club have always fascinated him.

Ferguson and United do not just see Guardiola as one of the few coaches with the required strength of personality to take on such a massive job after the Scot eventually retires, but also an ideal fit given his commitment to both youth and attacking football.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has previously been seen as Ferguson's successor-in-waiting but, although the Red Devils manager retains a good relationship with the Portuguese, other members of the club's hierarchy - particularly Bobby Charlton - are said to be less keen due to a perceived short-term approach.

While the expected date of Ferguson's retirement remains, as ever, undetermined, the manager is widely known to want a significant say in who succeeds him and for the necessary structures to be put in place beforehand for a seamless transition.

When Ferguson was last expected to retire in 2002, only to perform a U-turn, he expressed his dismay that the club had lined up Sven Goran-Eriksson. The United boss criticised the Swede for "not changing much" at his teams.

He is now determined to ensure there is no repeat of that situation and that the right person is in place to prolong his legacy.

On Tuesday, chief executive Woodward said: "We have a view as to what type of manager we want and how and when we'll go about it. But it's in the drawer and long may it stay in the drawer."

Van Persie and Tiote Escape Charge

The FA will not be charging Manchester United's Robin van Persie over an alleged elbow on Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye in their Premier League game at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was angered by the challenge, which happened off the ball, and called for the FA to investigate it.

But the matter has not been taken further after match referee Howard Webb reviewed footage of the incident and said he did not consider it to have been violent conduct.

The FA also said no action would be taken against Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote, who appeared to stamp on Tom Cleverley's leg.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 defeat, Pardew said: "He [Van Persie] has looked at Yohan and he has elbowed him, and I think that perhaps needs to be looked at if I am honest.

"There's a bit of history from last year [an incident involving Van Persie and goalkeeper Tim Krul] and I don't know if Robin has been caught up in that, but that was just a little bit unsavoury.

"I actually thought Yohan wouldn't have gone down if he hadn't done something. I didn't see it myself, but I have obviously seen it on the replay and it looks like he has looked at him and put his elbow there."

Fergie: RVP can Better Last Season's Tally

Sir Alex Ferguson "would love" Robin van Persie to top last season's tally of 37 goals and believes that Manchester United's chances of success this season could depend on the Dutchman and Wayne Rooney both proving prolific.

The pair were the top scorers in the Premier League last season and scored 72 goals in all competitions between them, with Rooney, 26, getting 35 for United. 

The England international is yet to open his account for the current campaign but Van Persie, 29, has seven goals in six starts since leaving Arsenal for Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international enjoyed a career-best goal return last season and Ferguson hopes he can improve upon it this year.

"I would love that to happen," Ferguson said. "The refreshing thing for me is Robin's doing extra work in training because he's not had many pre-season games.

"It's quite remarkable considering he's got seven goals. I'm pleased with that and I think his fitness will improve even more."

Rooney has made two starts since returning after sustaining a deep gash to his thigh in August's 3-2 win over Fulham.

But he could begin a league game for the first time since United's August 20 defeat to Everton when they travel to Newcastle on Sunday.

And Ferguson hopes that he can join his team-mate Van Persie as a regular on the scoresheet.

"I think that, in my experience, where we are at the moment you need two strikers who are going to get you over 20 goals a season," Ferguson said. "If you get that, you definitely have a really good chance."

Rooney created both of Van Persie's two goals in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Cluj, but while the Dutchman only has one assist for United, Ferguson believes his new signing is just as capable of being a supplier as a scorer.

"He is a good passer of the ball," he added. "I think he's got good vision in his passing, too. The goal he made last week for [Shinji] Kagawa against Tottenham is evidence of his passing ability."

Evans Available for Newcastle Clash

Jonny Evans has been passed fit to take his place in Manchester United's defence at Newcastle on Sunday. The centre-back sustained a dead leg in last week's 3-2 defeat to Tottenham and limped off in the 2-1 win over Cluj in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

But Sir Alex Ferguson, who only has one other fully fit central defender, confirmed Evans is available to partner Rio Ferdinand at the Sports Direct Arena.

Had the Northern Irishman been out, then either midfielder Michael Carrick would have had to play in defence or 21-year-old Scott Wootton would have been given a Premier League debut.

Instead, the United manager expects his defensive injury crisis to ease with the news that Chris Smalling, who had broken a metatarsal bone in his foot, has resumed training.

The England international will not be available to face Newcastle but is on the comeback trail.

"Jonny Evans is okay," Ferguson said. "He had a dead leg that he picked up on Saturday against Tottenham and we just took him off towards the end [in Romania].

"Smalling has started training on the football side and that helps us particularly as we have problem at centre-back. [Phil] Jones is still out."

United will welcome back three experienced midfielders on Sunday with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Carrick all returning to the squad.

Scholes was rested for the trip to Cluj while Giggs and Carrick were sidelined by a virus.

Ferguson also hopes that Ashley Young, who has been out for a month with a knee problem, could be available for Stoke's trip to Old Trafford on October 20.

He added: "Young will start training while the internationals are on, particularly in the second week, and could at a stretch be back for the Stoke game."

'Fair' Price Sought for Reported Man Utd Target

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway will demand a "fair" price for reported Manchester United target Tom Ince.

United are said to be keen on Ince, 20, with the club linked with making a £4 million bid for his services in the January transfer window.

Ince, the son of former Red Devils midfielder Paul, has made 40 Championship appearances for Blackpool, scoring 12 times, and he won his first cap at England Under-21 level last month.

Holloway is confident the future is bright for the attacking midfielder, but is keen for him to continue his development at Bloomfield Road for the time being.

He said in the Sun: "I can't keep our players, but I'm working with them to get them to a United or an Arsenal.

"If we are not successful this year Tom may get there before I can, so do I want to stand in his way? Probably not. But we deserve a fair amount of money for him.

"I don't think (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain and (Theo) Walcott are better than him. If Arsenal had bought him, he would be playing for England now."

Rooney: We Must Stop Falling Behind

Wayne Rooney has warned his Manchester United team-mates that they must put an end to their run of falling behind in games after doing so yet again in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League win over CFR Cluj.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson insisting that the problem had been sorted, Pantelis Kapetanos' 14th minute strike was the sixth time this season that United have fallen behind to opposition.

The Manchester club were rescued by a Robin van Persie double in Cluj, making it the fourth occasion this season in which Ferguson's side have managed to turn a game around in their favour.

And with a tough trip to Newcastle coming up next on Sunday, Rooney, 26, believes it is about time the club ends their recent trend of being the first to concede.

"It does bother us having to come from behind because we are losing those early goals,'' Rooney said.

"It is not nice and it is something that we have to stop because we cannot afford to keep letting teams get a head start on us, especially in the Champions League because it is difficult to win the game anyway.

"We have to make sure we are more solid and hopefully we can be in future games.''

Fergie Hopes Rio Focuses on United

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Rio Ferdinand that his England exile will allow him to extend his career at Manchester United.

Ferdinand, 33, has not represented his country for 17 months and is in the last year of his current contract at Old Trafford.

The defender was excluded from the Euro 2012 squad by Roy Hodgson - for "footballing reasons", according to the England manager - but John Terry's retirement from international duty has prompted talk of a recall.

Hodgson was at Old Trafford on Saturday to watch Ferdinand, who won the last of his 81 caps in June 2011, struggle as Tottenham won 3-2. Ferguson insists the veteran still has the quality to excel for his country but feels it will be to Manchester United's benefit if he remains out of favour.

"Rio could do the job for England, there's no doubt about that, but I don't see why he should," the United manager said. "He should concentrate on his career here, that's what I'd prefer."

Ferguson will not attempt to influence the player's thinking, though. "I wouldn't stand in his way over England," he said. "It's his decision."

Ferdinand is in his 11th season at Old Trafford since his £30 million transfer from Leeds and Ferguson believes such longevity benefits United.

"Rio is at one of those lucky clubs that can keep players for long periods," Ferguson added. "Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic are now in their seventh seasons here. If you can keep the continuity of players for more than four or five years, you get a sense of loyalty. They feel part of everything."

Ferdinand's injury problems have limited his appearances in recent years but Ferguson added: "When you get back injuries in your 30s you have to be concerned, but we have managed it well."

He also urged the 33-year-old to use United's two senior citizens as examples of how to extend his playing days.

"Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are still playing," he said. "If he looks after himself and continues to manage the situation with his back, there's no reason why he can't play on."

Fletcher: A 'Dream' to Captain United

Darren Fletcher said it was a dream come true to captain Manchester United for the first time in their 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle on Wednesday.

Fletcher, 28, made his first start for 10 months in the Old Trafford fixture, after recovering from the effects of a chronic bowel problem.

And as the senior figure in a youthful team, the Scotland captain was given the United armband - something he was very proud of.

"It's my first time as captain of Manchester United," he told the club's television channel. "It's a fantastic moment, something you dream about.

"Obviously, having done it for my country means a lot but to do it for United as well [is incredible]. However, the most important thing, despite all these things like me coming back and being captain, was for us to win the game."

Fletcher made a substitute appearance against Galatasaray last week, his first senior game since the 2-2 draw with Benfica in November 2011.

Another player returning to the starting line-up against Newcastle was Wayne Rooney, who had been out for a month with a thigh injury.

Rooney, 26, played at the tip of a midfield diamond, with Fletcher at the base, and impressed the stand-in captain with his performance.

"Wayne was slotting in behind the strikers and enjoying it," he said. "He was getting on the ball, pinging it wide left and right and using his experience. He's a fantastic player with great imagination and enthusiasm and it's great for United to have a lot of players competing for places."

Fletcher also praised centre-backs Scott Wootton and Michael Keane, who both made their first United starts in an inexperienced defence.

"They were fantastic," he added. "They were talking to me the whole game. For two young centre-halves playing against good strikers they were fantastic. All the lads were."

Supporters' Group Condemns Chants

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has reinforced the views of the club's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, by calling for an end to chants about the Hillsborough disaster.

United's 4-0 win over Wigan was tainted by a minority of fans singing that Liverpool supporters were 'Always the victim'. The song is about United's belief that Liverpool never take any responsibility for their actions. Certain members of the United faithful claim the words relate to Patrice Evra's run-in with Luis Suarez last season, but it is widely acknowledge to be a reference to the disasters at Heysel and Hillsborough.

A spokesperson for United said the club 'deplore' such songs. In a statement, United said: "The manager has made the club's position very clear on this matter. It is now up to the fans to respect that.''

The tension between clubs will be increased when they face each other at Anfield next Sunday. MUST has tried to calm the situation by releasing a statement of their own.

MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo said: "Following this week's developments and release of revelatory information on the Hillsborough tragedy, MUST wishes to make it absolutely clear that just as we condemn chants mocking the Munich air disaster we also condemn any chants relating to Hillsborough or indeed any other human tragedy.

"We did hear the usual anti-Liverpool chants at the match today but we're pleased to say, despite some reports to the contrary, there was nothing that was specifically referencing Hillsborough.

"Any attempt to suggest otherwise is irresponsible given the forthcoming fixture between the clubs and furthermore risks needlessly upsetting the bereaved families further at a time when they are understandably trying to find closure.

"We enjoy a fierce rivalry but these issues transcend that rivalry.

"We agree 100% with the statement made by Sir Alex Ferguson - this is the time for supporters of these two great clubs to represent their clubs with the integrity and honour that our glorious history demands.''

United Trio to Pass Landmarks

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his three most experienced players, as the Manchester United trio prepare to reach milestones.

Paul Scholes, 37, is set to play his 700th game for the club in all competitions when Wigan visit Old Trafford on Saturday while Ryan Giggs, 38, will become the first man to make 600 Premier League appearances if he takes the field.

And Rio Ferdinand, 33, will represent United for the 400th time with Ferguson attributing their longevity to the sacrifices they have made, meaning between the three of them they will have made over 2000 appearances for the club.

Giggs has played 910 times for United, a club record, having debuted in 1991. He turns 39 in November and is the only player to appear in all 21 seasons of the Premier League.

And Ferguson tipped him to carry into his 40s, saying: "My personal feeling is that Ryan can play for another couple of years."

Scholes initially retired in 2011 but returned in January and will join Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton in the select group of footballers to have played 700 times for United.

Ferguson said: "Paul's a different physical specimen to Ryan and he's had his injuries - two knee injuries, and an eye injury - and yet he's playing his 700th game. It's phenomenal."

Ferdinand joined United from Leeds in 2002 and completed a decade at Old Trafford this summer. Since the retirements of Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar, he has been the third most senior figure on the playing staff.

"Rio's playing his 400th game," Ferguson said. "It's a landmark for the three players and it's a great example to the younger players about what can be achieved if they sacrifice in football. These players have done that or they would never have got to this stage."

Anderson Demands Success

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has said his club has to win a trophy this season after the disappointment of last season.

United suffered a frustrating trophy-less season last campaign, losing the title to rivals Manchester City on goal difference, as well as getting knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage.

And Anderson, 24, who joined Old Trafford from Porto in 2007, believes last season's performance is not good enough for a club of United's stature and that they should be winning every trophy they compete for.

"We have to do better," he told the club's official website. "Manchester United has to win every trophy and we're disappointed if we don't. There's always pressure to do well when you play for this club. Last season we lost the league on goal difference and everybody was sad. But we have to forget that and concentrate on this season."

Barring the defeat against Everton in their Premier League opener, United's season has got off to a good start with the Reds sitting in fifth after three games and the team creating plenty of opportunities in the final third, while their new signings have bedded in well.

"I think the team looks good," Anderson added. "At the beginning of the season it's always difficult but we've got a couple of wins and now we want more. Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie have a lot of quality. They make it easier for the rest of the team when they have so much talent. It also means everybody works harder to try and keep their own place."

Anderson has struggled to fulfil his potential since joining the club, with injury ruling him out for extended periods last season. He has only made one start this term.

Rooney: I never fell out with Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney has insisted he did not fall out with Cristiano Ronaldo over the winger's part in his sending off in the 2006 World Cup.

Rooney, 26, was shown a red card for stamping on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho before the Portuguese eliminated Sven-Goran Eriksson's side on penalties.

But Ronaldo's attempt to get his Manchester United team-mate dismissed - and his subsequent wink to the dugout - made him unpopular in England.

England striker Rooney said he warned Ronaldo, then a Manchester United colleague, immediately after the game that he could expect to be demonised.

He said the incident had amused the pair's club colleagues, who brought a pair of boxing gloves to the first day of training.

Rooney continues to insist his collision with Carvalho was not deliberate. "It looked bad, but actually it was a total accident," he said in My Decade In The Premier League, which is being serialised in the Daily Mirror.

"As I protested my innocence, Ronnie started waving an imaginary card around, getting in the ref's face. The official pulled out the red and I was off. I knew I couldn't really blame Ronaldo for what had happened because he was trying to win the game for his country.

"Besides, in the first half I'd tried to get him booked for diving, so I was as bad as him really. But moments after my card, Ronaldo started winking at the sidelines, and to people watching the game on the telly it looked bad, like he was dead pleased about it.

"All hell broke loose. Everyone immediately decided that Ronaldo and I were the best of enemies, and his wink would spell trouble for United in the coming months."

At the time, it was reported that Ronaldo would join Real Madrid. Instead, he and Rooney remained team-mates at United for another three years, winning three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.

Rooney: I Was 'Lucky'

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that the badly gashed leg he suffered against Fulham two weeks ago could have been far more serious and was close to severing an artery.

Rooney, 26, sustained a serious cut after being innocently caught by the stray studs of Hugo Rodallega, and he faces up to two months out while he recovers and builds his fitness back up. He hopes to be back within a month but the position of the cut, above his knee, means training will be almost impossible until it has healed.

And the England international insisted that the medical staff allowed him to watch them tend to the wound even though they advised against it.

"I was quite lucky it didn't cut my muscle," said Rooney. "But I was told it was just one millimetre away from severing an artery. It could have been a lot worse so thank God for that. I could have been in serious trouble.

"The doctors said a lot of players could have fainted [with the injury]. They tried to cover it up from me in the dressing room and put something in to stop it being infected, but I told them I wanted to watch.

"Thankfully, their prompt action prevented serious and possible lasting damage."

Tosic Regrets United Departure

Ex-Manchester United player Zoran Tosic has expressed a sense of regret at leaving the club too hastily after struggling to break into the first team.

Tosic, 25, arrived at Old Trafford from Partizan Belgrade in 2009 for £7 million with a big weight of expectation on his shoulders after impressing in the Serbian league.

However, United had plans to bed him into English football gently and he only made two appearances for the club during his first year before being sent out on loan to Cologne.

Frustrated with the situation, and after just 18 months in England, the Serbia international departed for CSKA Moscow. Tosic now admits he should have bided his time at the club and waited for an opportunity to arise.

"It all happened really quickly as I played for just 18 months with Partizan Belgrade," he told the Daily Record. "We won the league and the cup and there was a period when it seemed like I was scoring in every match.

"It was at that point I signed for Manchester United. It was such an exciting moment to go there and to meet Sir Alex (Ferguson). I had grown up as a United fan so to be working for the man who had brought so much success to the club was just unbelievable. However, there is a big difference between the Serbian and English league and when I arrived in Manchester I discovered I was not yet ready for that level.

"Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick and should have worked longer to show Sir Alex. I spoke with Sir Alex many times and he kept telling me I had quality and just had to keep working hard. But I wanted to play more games so went to Cologne in Germany on loan and had a great six months there.

"When I came back to Manchester I was expecting to play more games for United but it didn't happen. In the end I wasn't sure I was going to get the chance I felt I deserved so decided to change club. Even now I am always thinking about that moment. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick and should have worked longer to show Sir Alex. Maybe I should have stayed and fought for my place. This was Man United after all."

Zenit in Nani Transfer Talks

Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed they are negotiating for the £25 million capture of Manchester United winger Nani.

The Russian transfer window closes on Thursday, and Zenit are determined to add a couple of big names to their squad, with Nani and Joao Moutinho their two top targets.

Zenit recently acquired Hulk and Axel Witsel for a combined €80 million, and the spending will not stop there if Nani can be tempted from Old Trafford.

The Portugal international did not enjoy the best of starts to the new Premier League season, turning in a poor display at Everton that saw him subbed and then dropped from the next game.

With United looking blessed for midfield options with Shinji Kagawa settling in quickly at the club, Nani could be tempted to move to Russia, particularly if it is to join countryman Moutinho.

Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov said on Thursday: "It's true we are negotiating for Nani and Moutinho, but Hulk and Witsel were our top priorities."

Should Nani leave, his final appearance at United will be Sunday's 3-2 win over Southampton, when he came on for the final 29 minutes to help inspire a comeback.

Gash rules Rooney out

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is expected to be sidelined for four weeks after sustaining a cut to his thigh.

Rooney, 26, suffered the injury in the second half of United's 3-2 victory over Fulham in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The striker, who had come on as a second-half substitute, was caught by the studs of Hugo Rodallega, which opened up a deep wound on his right leg.

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed in his press conference after the game that the England international has been taken to hospital for treatment and is set to be out for around a month.

Ferguson said: "It was a very bad one. He has gone to hospital. It looks like he will be out for four weeks.

"You have to be wary of infection and that kind of thing so he has gone to the best place and hopefully he will be okay. Rodallega followed through and caught him - but it was an accident of course.''

If the early prognosis of four weeks out is correct, Rooney could be back for United's trip to Liverpool on September 23. He will be absent for the matches versus Southampton and Wigan.

Rooney is also to miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine and the start of United's Champions League campaign.

Ferguson: No more signings for United

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has declared that Alexander Buttner and Angelo Henriquez will be the last of the club's summer signings.

Henriquez, the 18-year-old Chilean striker, will finalise his move to Old Trafford over the next couple of days. He will link up with Shinji Kagawa, Nick Powell, Robin van Persie and Buttner, the Red Devils' other recruits this summer.

"We definitely won't be buying anyone else," Ferguson said. "There is no movement about anyone going the other way."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has lifted the lid on the details of, and history to, Henriquez's switch from Universidad de Chile.

"Henriquez is on his way back to Manchester," Ferguson said. "He had to go back to Chile after he got the work permit on Tuesday. We've had an option [on him] since he was 14 when he played against our youth team.

"He came over when he was 15 and then 16. We kept in close contact with him in that respect and, when he got to 18, it was a matter of whether or not we left him for another year or brought him in. But he had such a good summer with Chile's Under-20s, we thought it wasn't worth waiting, we may as well do it now.

"That took away a lot of interest from other clubs. We had the option on him, but options only last so long and we decided to take him in. He's quick and a good finisher and he has a terrific physique for a boy of 18. He should be here on Sunday."

United and Liverpool target Herrera

Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing Mexico's Olympic gold medal winner Hector Herrera, according to his club.

The 22-year-old Pachuca midfielder is rated at £10 million after helping Mexico defeat Brazil to win the Olympic football tournament.

Pachuca sporting director Andres Fassi said United had approached him about Herrera, who is not yet a full international, but added that he hoped to keep the playmaker.

"There is an official interest," he explained. "We have the document, but there's nothing else to add at this time. We want him to continue in Pachuca. We know he's going to emigrate to England, though. Manchester United and Liverpool have talked to us.

"At whatever moment he wants, he can leave Pachuca and the club will give him the opportunity to do so."

Herrera told Raza Deportiva: "The truth is that so far I know nothing about what is happening, I am not aware. From what I've heard there has been some news, but I have had no approach from the Pachuca club president or the people from Manchester.

"If given the opportunity to emigrate to European football, of course I'd go but I have wait to see what the club officials say. I did not expect it so soon, I did not expect these big clubs to be tracking me after such a short time, but this is the result of the sacrifices I have made.

"There wasn't any approach or any talks and I haven't had the pleasure of getting to know Chicharito [Javier Hernandez, the United forward]."

Henriquez Gets Work Permit, Set for United

Angelo Henriquez is set to complete his transfer to Manchester United after receiving a work permit to play in the UK.

The Chilean striker had already agreed a £3.5 million move to Old Trafford and passed a medical but the deal was held up as United waited to discover if he would be able to move to Manchester straight away or if they would have to loan him to a foreign club until he was allowed to ply his trade in England.

Henriquez will play his final game for Universidad de Chile against Santos on Wednesday and is then set to link up with his new team-mates.

The 18-year-old striker has scored 11 goals in 17 games for Universidad and has 14 goals in nine games for Chile's Under-20 side.

Last week Henriquez's brother Cesar said United had been watching him for two years since he played in the Nike Manchester Cup for Universidad's youth team.

He will become Sir Alex Ferguson's fifth summer signing after Nick Powell, Shinji Kagawa, Robin van Persie and Alexander Buttner.

Man Utd agree Van Persie deal

Manchester United have agreed a deal for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, subject to a medical and personal terms.

Sir Alex Ferguson has made the capture of the striker his main priority this season and agreed terms on a deal that will reportedly be worth over £20 million.

A statement on the Man Utd website read: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Van Persie, 29, revealed earlier this summer that he would not be signing a new deal at the Emirates - with his current contract ending in the summer of 2013 - and cited a lack of ambition from the club's owners in the transfer window.

A statement on Arsenal's website read: "Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday in order to agree personal terms and complete a medical ahead of the proposed move."

When asked by TF1 if he would replace Van Persie, Arsene Wenger replied: "We already recruited to replace him. It's sad to lose a player of his quality. He had a year left on his contract so we didn't have the choice."

Despite the presence of Wayne Rooney, Federico Macheda, Bebe, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in his squad, in addition to Berbatov, who has been widely tipped to leave Old Trafford, United have sought out a new striker.

The Red Devils initially lodged a bid for Van Persie last month, but this was turned down by the Gunners amid further interest from Manchester City and Juventus.

However, City never followed up an initial inquiry, while Van Persie made it clear he was not interested in a move to Serie A.

Having taken the unusual step of confirming a bid for Van Persie on United's pre-season tour of South Africa, Ferguson is then said to have intervened in a deal that was in danger of stalling by speaking directly with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Although Wenger did not want to sell his star man to a rival club, he realised the Gunners were in a tricky situation, with supporters turning against their former favourite during a pre-season encounter with Cologne on Sunday.

Henriquez at United 'to stay'

With a deal to join Manchester United close to completion, Chilean youngster Angelo Henriquez has spoken of his excitement at arriving at Old Trafford.

Henriquez, 18, is on the verge of completing a move that has been in the pipeline for some time, with Manchester United having held a first-option agreement with Universidad de Chile since 2009.

However, the striker, who marked his first senior league campaign with 11 goals in 17 games earlier this year, is still unsure as to whether he will remain with the Red Devils, or depart on loan.

"I'm super happy to arrive at Manchester United and it's a spectacular time for me. I'm fulfilling a dream that I have had for a long time and that I can soon make real. I'm arriving where I want to be," Henriquez told Chilean newspaper La Tercera.

"My suggestion was to arrive at Manchester United in August next year, but it was complicated. You look on television and see the outstanding players, scoring spectacular goals. I cannot waste this opportunity."

Henriquez confirmed that he will meet with Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the coming months, having undertaken a medical with the club on Tuesday afternoon.

"I haven't had contact with the coach [Ferguson]. I will meet with him tomorrow [Wednesday] and we will talk about what he wants from me," he added. "I haven't spoken with any of the squad. I am with the team's South American scouts who have helped me all this time and they follow me everywhere.

"I am coming to Manchester United to stay and I a going to play to achieve that goal. I don't know what will happen with my future. I didn't see this situation coming myself, but my agent [Fernando Felicevich] will meet with the chief executive of the club and they will decide what will happen with me.

"I want to play with the Manchester United first-team, this is my principal objective. If they decide to loan me, I prefer to remain at Universidad de Chile until Manchester decide it's convenient."

Vidic Vows to return to Top Form

Nemanja Vidic insists his knee is in "perfect condition" and that his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the centre of the Manchester United defence will be as good as ever this season.

Vidic missed most of the last campaign as United lost their Premier League crown to their city rivals. And after returning to first team action in pre-season, Vidic hopes his injury problems are a thing of the past.

"I have no doubt Rio and me can again be the best couple of central defenders in the Premier League," he said. "That's the way it has been for a few years and now my dream is for us to return to the same level. People can think anything they like. But, all things being equal, it is very difficult for anybody to get the better of us.

"My knee is in perfect condition. My only challenge this season is to avoid more injury. I'm still not 100% but this will come with minutes on the field and more hard work. I've received a lot of confidence from the manager and this is the main thing for me.

"We had some young players play a lot of games last season. They'll have learned a lot. We all learned. In Europe we've had so much success in recent years and maybe relaxed a bit. We were punished and can't allow that to happen again.

"We had a few injuries last season too. I hope everyone can stay fit this time. To lose the league title was hard for us but is forgotten now and we are only thinking of becoming the owners of the English championship again."

Fletcher Returns in Aberdeen Friendly

Darren Fletcher made his first Manchester United appearance in nine months after coming on as a substitute during a testimonial match at Aberdeen.

Fletcher, who has not played since November after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel condition, came off the bench in the second half as United were beaten 2-1 in Neil Simpson's testimonial.

Former Dons manager Sir Alex Ferguson included the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand in his side, while Dwight Yorke also made a cameo appearance for United.

Fletcher, who has been training with Scotland, took a big step towards a first-team return as he replaced Giggs as captain, completing the final half-an-hour at Pittodrie.

"It's been quiet progress for the boy," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV before the match. "He joined in training a couple of weeks ago and it's one of those situations where you say: 'Let's see how he does' because he has had a really difficult time in the last year."

Ferdinand tweeted after the match: "Welcome back Darren Fletcher, great to see my man ratting round the pitch!! Deserves some luck now."

Aberdeen took an unexpected lead in the game after 38 minutes when Jonny Hayes pounced on a rare lapse by Scholes when he dispossessed the midfielder and coolly slotted the ball past David De Gea.

The Dons doubled their lead when Joe Shaughnessy turned the ball home from an Andrew Considine pass after United failed to deal with a Rob Milsom corner. Yorke had a strike ruled out for offside before Anderson pulled a goal back for United after 81 minutes with a neat finish, but Aberdeen held on for a surprise victory.

Man Utd share value 'could plunge'

Manchester United shares are worth less than a quarter of the amount the Glazers had hoped to raise, according a leading business company.

PrivCo, an independent financial analyst, said United's stock price could plummet further - and gave the shares a value that would mean the club is worth less now than when the Glazers bought it in 2005.

The Glazers floated 10% of shares in the club on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, looking for a maximum price of $20 a share.

United's current share price is $14, but millions of shares have been bought by the seven banks underwriting the IPO, and PrivCo calculated their true value is just $4.97 each - giving United a value of around $800 million rather than the $3.3 billion the American family had wanted.

The Glazers paid just under £800 million to complete their takeover in 2005.

"Manchester United's valuation using several accurate valuation methodologies is a mere $4.97 a share, only about one-third of its $14 a share offering price (which is also the price at which it closed its first trading day, but only because IPO underwriters placed large open-market bids at $14 a share to prevent the stock from closing below the IPO price)," PrivCo said.

The company compared United with other publicly-listed football clubs including Juventus, Roma and Borussia Dortmund, and recent takeovers of other sports clubs or franchises, including Liverpool, LA Dodgers and Boston Celtics, and predicted that the club will emulate Facebook, whose share price also plunged quickly.

"The objective, independent valuation indicates that MANU stock could plunge by nearly two-thirds of its IPO price before it reaches fair value," PrivCo explained.

"Furthermore, PrivCo data shows the implications of other recent IPOs where IPO underwriters were forced to make 'stabilising bids' on the first day's trading correlated with rapid plunge in stock prices as soon as the ephemeral artificial floor propping up price in initial days is removed, and how this augurs poorly for Manchester United's public shareholders."

Usain Bolt: Ronaldo is better than Messi

The world's greatest ever sprinter, Usain Bolt, has thrown his weight into the debate over who is the best football player on the planet and claimed that it is Cristiano Ronaldo, not Lionel Messi.

Bolt, who has made it clear he would love a chance to prove his football skills in a trial with Manchester United, has shown his dominance on the athletic stage at the London 2012 Olympics by successfully winning gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay for a second successive Games.

Now he insists that Barcelona star Messi, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010 and 2011 is not quite as good as Real Madrid winger and most the world's most expensive player Ronaldo.

"No doubt Cristiano is better than Messi. He is a more complete player," Bolt told Portuguese channel RTP. "I would give [the Ballon d'Or] to Cristiano. He has managed to stay on top and that's the most difficult thing."

The Jamaican's words can be taken with a pinch of salt as he is a confirmed United fan who recently claimed he would help the club in any way to "make sure the title does not end up with Manchester City again".

One thing he has noticed in the United line-up is a weakness in the sprinting department: "You see guys like Nani and Ashley Young who are so fast and skilful, but they get pushed off the ball like Ronaldo used to," he explained.

"Since I taught Ronaldo in 2009 he has gone on to score 40 goals a season, I don't think he would have scored them all without my training.

"United have so many players with pace that if they all perfect their sprinting technique it will be impossible to play against them."