Mancini Curbs Derby Expectations

Roberto Mancini has attempted to curb Manchester City fans' expectations ahead of Monday's derby clash against Manchester United.

City thrashed United 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, but Mancini has warned fans not to expect a repeat performance at Etihad Stadium on Monday as City look to leapfrog their rivals at the top of the Premier League table.

"The derby is always the game of the year and this one is no different," Mancini said. "But we don't only have this one - there was another derby when we won 6-1 at Old Trafford.

"That was fantastic; a game that can happen only once every hundred years. For the supporters, a derby is always a different game to the others. But we must not forget that there are two more games after Monday. Two very tough games."

While United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Monday's showdown is the biggest derby clash in his 25-year reign at Old Trafford, Mancini has played down the importance of the match.

"The biggest match was the FA Cup final last season," he said. "This is a derby - but just one more game. The only important thing is to win. We have three points less than United. We need only to play football.

"We are calm because we know we don't have any chance to win this title. It is a football game and we should think only to play football. We are happy to be where we are, we have nine points more than we got last year and I am happy that we can finish the season well."

Van Persie Claims Prestigious Prize

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has been voted 2012 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

Van Persie, 28, topped the poll of journalists with a landslide victory ahead of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney in second place and his Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes third, with Fulham's Clint Dempsey fourth.

Van Persie's 34 goals in all competitions has helped propel the Gunners into the top four of the Premier League, leaving them on the brink of Champions League qualification for next season.

Van Persie - last week named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - will receive the prestigious FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, at a gala dinner at the Lancaster London Hotel on May 3.

FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer at The People, said: "Robin was the overwhelming choice of our members this season and deservedly so after a magnificent campaign for Arsenal.

"The quality of his goals, attacking movement and consistency in a turbulent season for The Gunners has been eye-catching.

"The considerable size of his majority in the votes cast by our members reflected the general view that he has been the season's most outstanding individual performer.''

Owen Hoping to Return This Season

Michael Owen hopes he could still have a role to play for title-chasing Manchester United before the end of the season.

Owen, 32, has not featured since November 2 due to a thigh injury but is now back in full training. With just three games of the Premier League campaign remaining, Owen accepts he is unlikely to start but is keen to be involved from the bench.

United lead Manchester City by three points at the top of the table ahead of next Monday's potentially decisive derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Owen told MUTV: "I can't imagine myself getting back and starting in the 11. My mindset has got to be get myself ready mentally, physically and everything else because I might be needed for 10 or 20 minutes at a late stage of the season.

"Who knows? It could be the last game of the season at Sunderland. I might have built up enough, whether playing in a reserves game or two, and then that's fine.

"But I think the immediate thing is to get myself mentally ready, just in case the manager says, 'I'll put you on the bench' or whatever and I'll come on for 15 minutes and try to nick a goal if we're struggling.''

Owen has made just one Premier League appearance this season, in a draw at Stoke in September, but scored three times in two Carling Cup outings.

Marriner to Referee Manchester Derby

Andre Marriner has been appointed to referee the crucial Premier League derby showdown between Manchester City and Manchester United next Monday.

City's official website confirmed the news that the 41-year-old official will take charge of a game that could go a long way to deciding the destination of the title.

Roberto Mancini's side currently trail United by three points going into the game but, with a superior goal difference, know a win would put them in control of their bid to win a first top-flight crown since 1968.

Marriner has officiated just 25 Premier League games this season, substantially less than the 44 refereed by the most active official, Howard Webb. During that time Marriner has dished out 83 yellow cards and five reds.

A deeper breakdown of those statistics, though, shows Marriner is yet to issue a single red card to a home side this season, administering all five to the away side.

Monday's encounter will be the first Manchester City game he has refereed during the 2011-12 campaign, but his fourth United encounter. The champions are yet to lose with Marriner in the middle.

Rooney's Father Cleared

Wayne Rooney's father will face no further action over allegations of a football match betting scam.

Wayne Rooney Snr was arrested when police swooped at his home in West Derby, Liverpool, last October.

Eight other people, including Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Merseyside Police said at the time the arrests were the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission into "suspicious betting activity''.

But on Monday, Anthony Barnfather, solicitor for Mr Rooney Snr, confirmed that the police have told him that no further action will be brought against his client.

Mr Barnfather said: "Mr Rooney Snr has always vigorously denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. He is delighted the matter has now concluded.''

Nani: Angry Utd Ready to Respond at City

Manchester United winger Nani is looking forward to next Monday's derby against Manchester City as he believes it gives the Premier League leaders the perfect opportunity to bounce back from Sunday's disappointing 4-4 draw with Everton.

Nani, 25, was on the scoresheet as United twice gave up two-goal leads at Old Trafford to hand the title initiative to rivals City, who will leapfrog the Red Devils in the table on goal difference if they win next week's derby.

However, the Portugal international insisted that while he and his team-mates were downbeat at the manner of their result against the Toffees, they will "keep believing in their abilities" in the race for the championship crown.

"There is anger from the players, of course, because we wanted to win [against Everton]," he told MUTV. "We're disappointed to lose four goals. But that's football. It can happen sometimes.

"We have to keep believing in our qualities because we still have a great oppportunity to win the title. It's a huge game [at City] - there will be a fantastic atmosphere there.

"It will be a difficult game, but if you want to win the league you cannot think about the atmosphere or the opponents, we must just think about the way we play and try to win the game."

When asked if he was still confident United would win their 20th league title, Nani said: "Of course."

Sir Alex Ferguson has branded the clash with City the "decider" in the race for the championship and stated his belief that it is the most important derby of his career.

Ferguson: Derby is Title Decider

Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled next week's Manchester derby as the most important in his entire career after branding the April 30 encounter at Eastlands a "title decider".

Ten minutes from the end of Saturday's match against Everton at Old Trafford, it seemed United would be preparing for the ultimate act of revenge after that 6-1 mauling by the Blues in October.

But goals from Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar secured a staggering 4-4 draw for Everton in the latest of a sequence of amazing results this season, which now mean United go to Manchester City knowing if they lose they will surrender the initiative completely.

"Yes, definitely," said Ferguson, when asked if it was the most important derby he has known. "We've given them the initiative, there is no doubt about that.

"It makes the game at the Etihad a really important game. A decider really. There has been an expectancy from City that it could be their decider, but it's our decider too."

Twice in the second half United established two-goal leads after initially falling behind to Jelavic's opener.

Wayne Rooney scored two more goals to take his seasonal tally to 33, one adrift of his best tally, and 190 overall, fourth on United's all-time list.

When Danny Welbeck and Nani scored in the space of two minutes around the hour mark, it appeared victory was secure.

But Ferguson was stunned by the collapse of a team that had kept six clear sheets in its previous seven games.

"There were defensive lapses," he said. "Their goals were really soft. It was a real shock for us to defend like that.

"It was a travesty of a result in some ways but we made it difficult for ourselves and if you look at our history we keep doing that.

"We've thrown a game away that we should be coasting. But we didn't so we have given ourselves a difficult task."

Everton manager David Moyes said he felt "insulted" his side's character should have been questioned, even though they twice found themselves two adrift just eight days after they were beaten by old rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final.

"I am really disappointed people would question their character," said Moyes. "It is a bit insulting because I would hate to think people either wouldn't understand me or the culture of Everton FC.

"At 4-2, did I think we were going to get back into it? I thought it would be very tough. But I felt we would definitely score one more goal, it was whether there would be enough time to get an equaliser."

Moyes conceded his side enjoyed "a bit of luck" when Patrice Evra's header came back off the post before the late drama.

However, the Toffees chief was making no apologies given he was already furious referee Mike Jones had not halted play in the build-up to United's second goal for treatment to Steven Pienaar.

"I was moaning at the referee because he made a decision for them and didn't equal it up for us," he said. "I couldn't understand it. It was a hard day from that point of view."

Moyes was delighted with the final outcome though, which keeps Everton on track to finish the season above Liverpool, in addition to providing an unexpected twist in the title battle.

"We have reminded people that we are still here," said Moyes. "We are not a bad team. Since January we have been a very good team. When you lose a semi-final against your local rivals it is tough to take.

"The message today was that we were going to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United. Only in the last minute were we hanging on a little bit.

"But how many teams are going to get back into it from a position like that at Manchester United?

"It will make next week's game at Manchester City a bit more tidy."

Fergie Bemoans Olympic Squad

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has called the prospect of 12 of his players being selected for the Olympic Games "ridiculous".

A host of United players, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, could represent Great Britain this summer and, with the Olympic tournament ending only a week before the new Premier League season, Ferguson is far from happy that his squad could be stretched.

"It's ridiculous, utter chaos," he is quoted as saying in various newspapers. "I have no idea how badly other clubs are affected but I would imagine Tottenham will have a few, like Gareth Bale. Aston Villa have a lot of younger players as well - that is all Alex McLeish needs."

Both Rooney and Giggs were thought to be among GB coach Stuart Pearce's provisional list of 80 players last week, though in Rooney's case Ferguson claimed to have an agreement in place with Pearce that none of those appearing at Euro 2012 would feature in his Olympic squad.

Pearce, who is allowed to choose three players over the age of 23 in his squad, is due to name his final squad after Euro 2012.

"We have agreed that any player who boards the plane to the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine will not be considered for selection to Team GB," Ferguson said.

"It's a sensible football decision when you consider the demands on players, and it now leaves no room for doubt for players and their clubs about next summer and the two major tournaments."

Fergie Fears for Anderson

Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned that injury problems will wreck Anderson's career as the hamstrung Brazil midfielder is forced to watch the rest of the season from the sidelines.

Anderson has been blighted by a succession of problems since his £25 million move from FC Porto in 2007 and there are now fears Ferguson will discard the South American as he looks to reinforce his midfield during the summer.

The 24-year-old has been restricted to just 16 appearances this term, and only four since the beginning of November.

Ferguson said: "He hasn't really realised his potential, which is there for all to see.

"He is a fantastic footballer. I just hope he doesn't have the bad luck that Michael Owen has had throughout his career.

"At 24, obviously he's still very young and I'm sure we will get the benefit of that.''

Anderson has won 8 caps for the Brazilian national team.

Fergie Hails Owen Return

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Michael Owen to make a contribution for Manchester United in the final weeks of the season.

Owen has had a torrid time with injuries and has not featured for United in 2012 on account of a thigh injury.

The striker is back in training and although he is not likely to feature against Everton, he could be in contention for the final three games of the season.

"If there is a players that can score an important goal at any stage of a match it is Michael," Ferguson said. "We welcome him back.

"He's had a hard time the lad. When he gets an injury it is never an easy one. It is normally months rather than weeks. It has been the unfortunate part of his career, as he really is a fantastic striker."

United Waiting on Pogba Decision

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United are waiting on midfielder Paul Pogba to decide whether he wants to sign a new deal with the Old Trafford outfit.

Terms have been agreed with the youngster's agent, now it just requires the 19-year-old to give the green light.

"The boy has great potential and he is at the right club,'' Ferguson told MUTV. "He has to make that decision. We have agreed a deal with his agent. Now it is just down to the boy.''

Pogba's future has been the subject of intense debate for a number of months now. Initially it was felt the player had agreed to join Italian giants Juventus and he was frozen out at United for a short while.

However, Ferguson has brought Pogba back into the fold and he had made seven substitute appearances this term when the United boss confirmed the player would miss the remainder of this season after suffering ankle ligament damage during a reserve team game at Newcastle on Monday.

Striker Will Keane, who made his senior debut at Blackburn earlier this season, scored four goals in that victory and Ferguson has also confirmed the England Under-19 star will go out on loan to gain valuable experience next season.

"Will is progressing the right way. The lad is a good finisher and has good potential. He needs a bit of toughening up and next year we will possibly put him out on loan. That would be good for him," Ferguson added.

Meulensteen talks up Hazard

Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has hailed Lille star Eden Hazard as a "special talent" as the club weigh up a bid for the Belgium international.

United are known to be interested in Hazard, 21, and Sir Alex Ferguson paid a visit to France last month to watch him in action in a 2-1 defeat to Lyon.

"The manager wanted to see Hazard," Meulensteen told Voetbal International. "That shows that he thinks he's an interesting player. We've spoken a lot about him.

"It's important for a club to keep refreshing the squad. Hazard is a special talent, but concluding these things always takes a while. For example, we were tracking David de Gea for a long time before we signed him.

"Ferguson wants to know the player's character, and because of that he makes personal trips to watch them. Hazard is the main man at Lille and so Ferguson wanted to see if that had had an influence on him."

Should they decide to make a bid, they will most likely face competition from a host of Premier League sides, while Bayern Munich have also been linked.

Giggs Seeking Quick Response

Ryan Giggs has urged his Manchester United team-mates not to beat themselves up over the shock defeat at Wigan.

A 1-0 defeat on Wednesday enabled Manchester City to reduce United's lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with five games remaining and with a derby at Eastlands still to come.

However, this is where Giggs intends United's extra experience to show and, just like after defeats to City and Basel, the veteran wants the response this time around to be a positive one.

"We don't have to get too down," he said. "It has happened quite a bit this season where there has been the odd display where we just haven't performed. The main thing is that we have recovered from it. That is what we have to do again."

United's task is made slightly easier by the fact their next two opponents - Aston Villa and Everton - must both be faced at Old Trafford, where they have terrible records.

"It is important that we get six points from the next two games," Giggs said. "We are at Old Trafford, we are at home. We will be looking to win both games and put the pressure on.

"We have had poor performances throughout the season and results but we have always bounced back."

There was plenty of controversy about Wigan, though both teams suffered. Victor Moses had a perfectly good goal ruled out, Shaun Maloney's superb matchwinner came from a corner that should have been a goal-kick, while Giggs was close enough to Phil Jones' cross being blocked by Maynor Figueroa to know that a major injustice was done to United when the penalty award was not forthcoming.

"I had a great view of the handball," Giggs said. "It was blatant. I asked the linesman but he said he didn't see it.

"You get some - and sometimes you don't. But if they even themselves out, we are probably owed a decision because we have had a couple go against us, with Newcastle and now this."

Yet, Giggs also conceded that "you make your own luck", and the onus will be on United to do just that on Sunday, by which time their lead might be cut to two points as City have a Saturday lunchtime date with Norwich at Carrow Road, knowing improvement must be swift and widespread.

"We didn't perform," Giggs said. "Our normal passing game wasn't as fluent and we kept giving the ball away. You have to give credit to Wigan. They put us under a lot of pressure, and we only had one or two shots on goal, which is also disappointing. We will have to look at the game, work on it and get ready for Sunday."

Valencia and Young Fire United to Victory

Late goals from Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young sent Manchester United five points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini had expressed the hope that Rovers would continue their sequence of just two defeats in 12 home league games against their north-west neighbours to breathe new life into the title race.

If he was watching, the Italian could have no complaints about Blackburn's performance, but after a succession of excellent saves from David de Gea, United finally made their own pressure tell, with Valencia breaking the deadlock ten minutes from time before Young added another.

The result also saw Rovers drop back into the bottom three on goal difference.

That is of little interest in Manchester, though.

City's failure to beat Sunderland on Saturday had created a fevered atmosphere amongst the 7,000-strong visiting contingent.

Having celebrated winning title number 19 in the corresponding fixture last term, they were ready to party again, believing a 20th was on the way.

And for 20 minutes it seemed the United players were ready to sweep Blackburn away on the tidal wave of support.

Valencia was an ever-present threat on the right flank and, whilst Wayne Rooney was operating from a position both wider and deeper than his most threatening, Javier Hernandez's movement caused Blackburn further concern.

The Mexican had already come close once when he nipped in at the near post to meet another low Valencia cross.

From less than six yards, it seemed a certain goal.

But somehow, Hernandez's effort came back off the base of a post and before the rebound bounced in, Paul Robinson had turned round and grabbed it.

As United poured forward and Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick found plenty of space in front of the Rovers' back four, it seemed just a matter of time before the visitors opened their account.

Carrick curled a shot over and had a penalty claim turned down.

Against his former club, Phil Jones misdirected a header wide, as did Patrice Evra.

Blackburn took heart from this unexpected reprieve and, buoyed by a combination of their excellent record in this fixture and two wins from their last three games, advanced themselves.

It was after a particularly dire performance in the Old Trafford encounter between these sides on New Year's Eve that De Gea was axed.

Such has been the dramatic improvement since then, though, that it was not much of a surprise when the Spain Under-21 star tipped a Junior Hoilett effort over.

Then, in a frantic final minute before the break, both Marcus Olsson and Grant Hanley - Blackburn's Old Trafford match-winner - were repelled.

Mancini: Title Could be over at Weekend

Roberto Mancini has admitted Manchester City's title hopes could be over by Sunday, if Premier League leaders Manchester United win their next two games.

City's 100% home record came to end with a 3-3 draw against Sunderland at the weekend, leaving Mancini's side two points behind United, who play Blackburn and QPR before City return to action against Arsenal next Sunday.

And according to Mancini, two wins would give United an unassailable lead. "If we go eight points behind, then it is finished," he told The Guardian.

However, the Italian is certain that United will not win at Ewood Park on Monday night and has urged his team to be ready to take advantage of any slip up from their title rivals.

"United will draw," Mancini said of United's match with Blackburn. "Do you want to bet with me? Even if they win, there are another seven games.

"I believe always that we will win the title and it is important that our players have concentration about this championship."

If both Manchester sides win all their upcoming matches then United could win the title with a derby victory at Eastlands on April 30.

That is something that Mancini is eager to avoid. "Before the derby it is important we recover two points," the City boss said.

Owen Confident he can Grab Vital Goal

Michael Owen is confident he can make the difference in the title race with a vital goal for Manchester United, as he prepares to return from injury for the conclusion of the season.

Owen has missed the last five months of action due to a thigh problem, but is almost ready for a return to the first team just as United look to hold off arch-rivals Manchester City over the closing stages of the campaign to claim the Premier League title.

Sir Alex Ferguson suggested this week that there is no better goal poacher for United to have in their ranks than a fully fit Owen, and the 32-year-old hopes he can justify his manager's faith with a pivotal strike over the next couple of months.

"Let's hope he's right. I know that if he's in need of a goal and he puts me on, then I'll certainly be hoping and thinking that I could do what he's said," Owen told The Sun. "It's been a tough few months, seeing the lads running out one way to the pitches and me walking another to the gym.

"The end is nearly in sight. I've just started training again so hopefully in a few weeks I'll be back and hopefully available for selection."

United are due to face City in a decisive league encounter at the Etihad Stadium at the end of April, a contest Owen is targeting with the ambition of making a decisive contribution.

Even if that does not transpire, Owen believes the experience the United squad can call upon may end up proving the most important factor.

"When the fixtures came out, you look at the Man City game third from the end of the season and think 'That's going to be a big game'," he added. "Now we're eight games from the end, it's looking like it's going to be an even bigger game.

"The lads have done fantastically well over the last couple of months. They've put together a great run of form and we're in a fantastic position.

"We're top of the league but it's going to be close - it's going to go down to the wire. But it's reassuring to look around our dressing room and see the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.

"They are people that have been there, seen it, done it and are guided by a man that has won more titles than most. We're in a nice position and we're looking forward to the rest of the season."

Ferguson Backs Macheda

Sir Alex Ferguson still has faith in Manchester United striker Federico Macheda even though youngster has had yet another loan deal cut shot.

Macheda left for QPR in January optimistic he would prove he could cut it in the Premier League.

Unfortunately for the Italian, manager Neil Warnock was sacked within a matter of weeks and he never saw eye-to-eye with replacement Mark Hughes.

The 20-year-old had not made an appearance since coming on as a substitute at Aston Villa on February 1, although he did hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was fined £15,000 by the Football Association for a posting a homophobic Tweet.

He also used the social networking site to express his displeasure at his treatment by Hughes and has now returned to United for an ankle operation that will end his season.

"He is so unlucky," Ferguson told MUTV.

"I have complete belief in the boy. He could be an outstanding player. But he needs football. We put him on loan to Sampdoria last January. He was there for two weeks, they sacked the coach and he doesn't get a game.

"We put him on loan to QPR. Two weeks later they sack the coach and he doesn't get a game. That has been really unfortunate.

"He has been bothered with his ankle a little bit over the last few weeks, so we have done the right thing to get an operation and hopefully he will be ready for next season.''

Fergie: Rovers Fans Must Have Regrets

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the majority of Blackburn Rovers fans that chose to protest against manager Steve Kean are now regretting their actions.

Kean came under intense scrutiny from sections of the supporters this season after a disappointing run of form, with a number of Blackburn's fans staging protests for the removal of the Scot.

However, Rovers have recently enjoyed an upturn in form that has lifted them out of the relegation zone, and Ferguson, whose side travel to Ewood Park on Monday, has come to the defence of his compatriot.

"I am sure a lot of them are saying to themselves 'I wish I hadn't done that'," Ferguson said of the Blackburn fans. "Things can change. You have to dig in and not let it get to you.

"Now no-one is talking about fans having protest marches. He has held his dignity very well and deserves 100% praise from everyone, including his own supporters. He has shown his mettle in times when it was difficult for him."

Fergie Praise for De Gea

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes goalkeeper David De Gea is playing with renewed confidence after adapting to life in the Premier League.

De Gea, who joined United for £18 million in the summer, came in for criticism earlier in the season after a series of shaky displays.

The Spaniard was at fault for two of the goals that saw Blackburn win 3-2 at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve, but ahead of United's trip to Ewood Park on Monday, Ferguson believes De Gea, who has kept three consecutive clean sheets, is no longer a weak link in the side.

"He got a grip of the situation," Ferguson said. "He did not let the mistakes get to him and now he is playing with confidence which is a great factor for any goalkeeper.

"The area where he has been criticised has been in dealing with aerial balls into the box. That last corner kick Blackburn had at Old Trafford, he should have dealt with that better. He knew that at the time and it is a situation he has addressed.

"He stood up to the situation; he knew it was a challenge. It took him time to adjust to the different ways of the English game and it showed. But the other night, he produced one or two terrific punches when Fulham put the ball in the box at the start of the second half. We knew he had the ability and this is what we have seen."