Man United Fan Club

Man Utd's De Gea Faces Eye Surgery

2012-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

David de Gea, who has been dropped as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper, may need laser eye surgery to correct a problem with his vision.

Spaniard De Gea has suffered with a condition that affects the long-range vision in one eye since childhood and regularly wears glasses, switching to contact lenses when he plays.

United employ a full-time optometrist, based at their training ground, and the £18 million summer signing from Atletico Madrid has been recommended for treatment to restore his sight to normal as he tries to eradicate the mistakes that have cost him his place.

The Guardian newspaper claim that De Gea has been at fault for as many as six to nine goals in his first five months at Old Trafford and although there have been times when his goalkeeping has been exceptional, his first season in the Premier League has been a difficult one.

Whether there is any link to his vision is not clear, but wearers of contact lenses often find their eyesight is strained under artificial light. United want De Gea to undergo the surgery to make sure.

De Gea, 21, has lost his place to rival Anders Lindegaard in the last three games and the Demark international insists he has no intention of giving up the No.1 spot.

Lindegaard said: "I am very proud of what I have made out of this. Three years ago I was in Denmark's second division. Nobody knew my name. When I first came here nobody could pronounce it.

"It has been fantastic to this point and right now is not the time to relax about it, but to keep pushing on, to get better and to get the best for yourself and the club.

"It is the first time I have played three games in a row and that is what I want, to play as much as possible, but I don't need a definition of my position.

"I am doing everything I can to help David. I enjoy working with him. He's a great lad. He is happy, intelligent, always with a good attitude and we have to push each other.

Asked if he thought De Gea could one day be the best in the world, Lindegaard said: "Of course I do. He has extraordinary attributes, extremely explosive and powerful.

"He is only 21. His potential is massive and there is no doubt he will be United's best goalkeeper at some point. My job is to make sure it is not until I have retired. Which is ten years away."

Smalling and Jones Return for Man United

2012-01-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday that defensive duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both fit for Manchester United's trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

The pair both sat out last week's home Premier League win over Bolton after failing to recover from the after-effects of a collision during the previous week's Manchester derby in the FA Cup.

However, Ferguson reported both have trained this week and should be involved at the Emirates Stadium. "Phil and Chris will be fit,'' said Ferguson.

Ferguson also confirmed long-term absentees Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley were making good progress in their bids to return to fitness. And Ferguson hopes the latter will return in early February.

"I am hopeful in ten days' time, he [Cleverley] will be playing football on the training side of it. That is the plan anyway, unless there is any recurrence. We can kick on and then it depends how he does in the training.

"His fitness levels should be fine and if that is correct, he could cope right away. You are talking about a week.''

Carrick: Gunners Out for Revenge

2012-01-20T06:35:00.001-08:00

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes revenge for the 8-2 humiliation earlier in the season could be Arsenal's prime motivation when the two teams meet in the Premier League on Sunday.

This weekend's clash at Emirates Stadium will be the rivals' first meeting since the humbling at Old Trafford in August and the sheer magnitude of that defeat could be a factor in the Gunners' approach.

"Maybe,'' said Carrick when asked if Arsenal would be out for revenge. "Arsenal against Manchester United is always a massive game. They will want to win and so will we.''

It is not so much a case of the Red Devils wanting to win. By the time they kick-off, it might be a clear case of having to.

If Manchester City overcome Tottenham in the other title crunch taking place on Sunday, United will be six points adrift of a team that will only get stronger once Yaya and Kolo Toure return from African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast.

"Manchester City have done well. You have to give them credit. They set an early pace, had a funny Christmas period, and have now bounced back," Carrick said in an interview with Betfair. "It's close at the moment, so we want to catch up with them. The bar has been raised this year.''

However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists games between his side and United remain as fascinating as ever, despite new title contenders emerging.

"It is not the only game any more because you have Chelsea and Man City coming in, with Liverpool still there. But it is a game that is watched all over the world," Wenger said.

"We do [lift ourselves], we think we are on a similar level. I still think that when we have everybody available we are a strong force in this league. That's why it is important that we fight very hard not to drop points.''

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has tended to pack his midfield for games at the Emirates, but Wenger believes his team have what it takes to win at the weekend.

"They sometimes have a very compact midfield to kill our passing game and get us on the counter-attack. They do that very well,'' he said.

"I believe that sometimes it works for them, although last year we beat them 1-0 in a convincing way. It depends on how well we play on the day, how well we pass the ball through their lines, no matter how many are in there.''

Wenger will hope to have defender Thomas Vermaelen back on Sunday, but Thierry Henry could struggle to renew his rivalry with the Red Devils.

Centre-back Vermaelen has not played since he limped out of the 1-0 victory against QPR on New Year's Eve, while Henry has been hampered by a calf problem following the disappointing 3-2 defeat at Swansea and has only just returned to full training.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta could also still be sidelined this weekend having missed the trip to Wales with a calf strain.

Wenger is short of defensive cover, but as yet has not moved in the loan market, with left-back still a priority as Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos are all out.

Fergie Quiet on Morrison Rumours

2012-01-20T06:34:00.000-08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to comment on reports linking Ravel Morrison with a £500,000 move to AS Roma.

Highly-rated youngster Morrison, who has made just three first-team appearances, is currently negotiating a new contract with United and is reportedly demanding £30,000 a week - a figure the Premier League club are not willing to meet.

The 18-year-old has subsequently been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and speaking in his Friday press conference, ahead of United's trip to Emirates Stadium, Ferguson refused to discuss the controversial midfielder.

"I have nothing to say about that," he said. "It is nothing to do with a game against Arsenal."

Morrison has dismissed reports that he would consider a switch to arch-rivals Manchester City, but Italian side Roma are now preparing a bid for a player who is rated the best to come through United's academy in years.

However, despite the youngster's quality on the pitch, his short career has already been tainted by a series of disciplinary problems off it. Among them was a caution for assaulting his mother and he has been urged to seek counselling.

United boss Ferguson did play down claims that negotiations over a new contract for striker Danny Welbeck had hit a stumbling block.

"There is no issue," he said. "We know the situation well with Danny. There is nothing to worry about there."

Welbeck is expected to have recovered from a minor knock sustained as he scored against Bolton in time to face the Gunners this weekend.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since United's staggering 8-2 win over Arsene Wenger's men in August.

"They have recovered well from that," said Ferguson. "They have had a really good spell of results and qualified for the next stage of the Champions League, despite having quite a few injuries. It will not be easy."

Hannover in Diouf Talks

2012-01-20T06:31:00.001-08:00

Bundesliga side Hannover 96 have confirmed their interest in signing Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf.

Diouf, who has failed to hold down a first team place at Old Trafford following his move from Norwegian club Molde in July 2009, has also been linked with Wigan, Hoffenheim and Nurnberg.

The Senegal striker has scored seven goals in six appearances for the United reserves this season and has featured in the Carling Cup, but a loan move could provide valuable game time for the 24-year-old.

And Hannover sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has confirmed his club are aiming to sign a Diouf, a player they have been tracking for a long time.

Schmadtke said: "Both clubs, his agent and the player are in talks."

"He is fast, resolute and runs straight at goal. We have been after him already some time ago, unfortunately he then moved from Molde to Manchester United."

United, Chelsea Make Vorm Approach

2012-01-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Swansea director John van Zweden has claimed Manchester United and Chelsea have made enquiries about goakeeper Michel Vorm.

Dutch keeper Vorm has been one of the stars of the Premier League season, with his consistent excellence winning him many admirers.

Swansea paid just £1 million for his services from Dutch side Utrecht and could well cash-in for a sizeable profit.

Losing Vorm would represent a major blow for Swans boss Bredan Rodgers but with the club thought to be willing to accept a decent offer, the big boys appear to be circling.

"Clubs have enquired about Vorm," Van Zweden told VI Radio. "Manchester United have asked, in addition Chelsea and for that matter Newcastle United.

"Tottenham Hotspur have cautiously announced they are interested. It would be a nightmare for us if he left."

Manchester United shelled out a fee in the region of £18 million for David De Gea last summer, but he has not convinced and it would appear the reigning Premier League champions are considering other options - while Chelsea may well be planning for life after Petr Cech.

Tottenham have veteran Brad Friedel in goal at White Hart Lane, while Tim Krul has impressed for Newcastle and he too has been linked with a move.

Berbatov Linked With Germany Return

2012-01-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Interest in Dimitar Berbatov's signature is said to be mounting, with his former club Bayer Leverkusen as well as Bundesliga counterparts Bayern Munich reportedly interested.

Berbatov's contract at United expires in the summer, and his future has been the subject of conjecture with the forward having made just four Premier League starts this season.

The Bulgarian is free to hold talks with clubs from abroad, while speculation has suggested his former-club Leverkusen could entertain a deal, having sold him to Tottenham for £10.9 million in 2006.

Bayern and Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala have also been linked with Berbatov, who, according to reports on Sunday, flew to Germany to hold talks over a potential exit.

United, though, are in command of Berbatov's situation as the club could exercise an option in his current terms which would extend his contract by another year, therefore avoiding the risk of losing the striker for nothing in the summer.

Indeed, in December, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We'll be exercising (the option to renew]. I think it kicks in in March."

Berbatov, 30, joined United from Tottenham in 2008 for £30 million and has since made 105 league appearances, scoring 48 goals.

Morrison Rejects Fergie Claim

2012-01-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

Manchester United starlet Ravel Morrison insists that he has never turned down a contract offer from the club, despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson claiming he had last week.

Morrison, 18, is highly-rated by United and has been tipped for a bright future in the game. Indeed, Newcastle were reported to have put in a bid of £500,000 for him, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, but it was rejected by the club.

Ferguson stated that Morrison was not ready to sign a new deal and, speaking at his press conference before Saturday's clash with Bolton, he said: "His agent has been working hard to get him another club. We've offered him terms which he has refused. We've rejected an offer from Newcastle. We'll see how that progresses. His demands are unrealistic as far as we're concerned."

However, Morrison has now taken to Twitter to insist that he has not rejected any offers.

"I have never 1s [once] turned down a contract off Manchester United," he tweeted.

Morrison is believed to be attracting interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as numerous clubs in England, but has yet to make his full debut for United.

Meanwhile, Hull City have signed Man Utd striker Joshua King on loan for the rest of the season.

Scholes Returns to Inspire United

2012-01-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

Paul Scholes' first Old Trafford goal for almost two years set Manchester United up for a valuable 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton.

On only his second appearance since his shock retirement U-turn, the 37-year-old tapped home Wayne Rooney's cross-shot at the far post in first-half stoppage time to give the hosts a priceless lead after Rooney had seen his penalty saved by Adam Bogdan.

After a frustrating second-half, Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick eventually sealed victory late on, ensuring United now only trail neighbours Manchester City, who do not play until Monday, on goal difference.

After Thierry Henry's matchwinning effort for Arsenal on Monday, it was perhaps destined that Scholes would come up with something special once he was confirmed as a member of the United starting line-up.

Had referee Peter Walton not been feeling charitable, it could easily have been a red card, for Scholes' thigh-high assault on Mark Davies was pretty poor in a week when refereeing inconsistencies within the English game have been a talking point.

However, after a couple of cracking long-range shots, Scholes saved the drama until first-half stoppage time.

Having peeled away to the far post, he was perfectly placed to turn home a Rooney cross-shot, which Danny Welbeck had failed to get a touch to.

It the 151st United goal of Scholes' career, and his first since August 2010, meaning he has equalled last season's tally in just two appearances after abandoning his job coaching the club's reserve team.

It was tough luck on the visitors, particularly their goalkeeper Bogdan, who had performed heroics up to that point to keep the hosts out.

Beaten from 92 yards by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard on his last league outing, Bogdan got the better of Rooney from 12 today.

When Zat Knight was beaten to Antonio Valencia's through ball by Welbeck, the Bolton defender pushed his opponent in a desperate attempt to reach the ball.

There was no debate about the penalty. However, as at Manchester City last week, Rooney's spot-kick was saved.

And on this occasion, after plunging to his right, Bogdan got enough on the ball to steer it away from any possible rebound.

The young keeper's place is at risk as Jussi Jaaskelainen nears a full recovery from a thigh strain.

But he must have been pleased with his fine personal display, in particular two saves to deny Welbeck.

And with Mark Davies bundling a Rooney header off the line, Bolton were gaining in confidence, although the ease with which United got behind them explained why USA defender Tim Ream was in the stands, pending his arrival as Chelsea-bound Gary Cahill's replacement.

Bolton wasted an excellent opportunity to equalise straight after the restart when United's defence, not for the first time, got themselves into a tangle, which allowed Davies to race into the area.

He found Ngog but with an unmarked Martin Petrov screaming for a lay-off, the former Liverpool man scooped his shot high over the bar.

This was a warning for Sir Alex Ferguson's men, although there was no immediate end to the chances being wasted.

Evra Confident of United Title Success

2012-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra expects his side to win the Premier League this season, and points to the Red Devils' strength in depth as a decisive quality.

United beat Bolton 3-0 on Saturday to move level on points with leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Wigan on Monday night.

City have set the pace for most of this season, with their 6-1 thrashing of United at Old Trafford a real statement of title intent, but Evra is confident Sir Alex Ferguson's men will have bragging rights, and a 20th championship crown, come May.

The France defender, who has been made captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, believes United's injured players - the likes of Ashley Young, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen - will make a big difference when they return.

"Everyone's coming back and in great form," Evra told MUTV. "We still have some injuries but I think when everyone is back fit, it will give us the strength to win the title.

"We have to keep talking about Manchester United. The most important thing was winning today. After that, it doesn't matter if they [City] win, lose or draw.

"We just need to have a rest and focus on the next game. I think people talk a lot about City, but we just need to be focused on what we do and how we play, and I think we're going to win the league."

Fergie Hails Pass Master Scholes

2012-01-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected the suggestion that Paul Scholes' Manchester United return is a step backwards.

The United manager sprang a major surprise when he confirmed Scholes had come out of retirement ahead of the FA Cup tie at Manchester City last Sunday. Ferguson had not even told his players, so determined was he for the news not to leak out prematurely.

Yet, once the shock had subsided, many began to question why United needed the services of a 37-year-old and today's departure of Darron Gibson to Everton has brought yet more claims that books are being balanced at Old Trafford.

"There were no negatives as far as I was concerned,'' Ferguson said. "One or two people have been negative. They're making out it's been a 'regressive step' for Manchester United.

"How can it be regressive? You're getting a player for nothing who's been part of the club for 20-odd years. He's not going to play every game but in terms of composure and passing ability, is there a better player going around? Definitely not.''

Once the decision was made, Ferguson's biggest dilemma was ensuring the news did not leak out, not even inside his own dressing room.

"I don't know how we managed it,'' he said. "We registered him on the Friday, and thought somehow it would get out. But we didn't let any of the players know simply because of the impact. value.

"We were going away from home in a very difficult FA Cup tie against City. We had 5,000 fans at that end of the ground and as soon as they knew his name was on the team sheet they were fantastic, there was a great response.''

Ferguson has always reflected on the fact Scholes is one of the easiest players he has ever had to manage. The demands are getting harder though as star names become wealthier and surrounded by an increasing number of agents and assistants to cater for their every whim.

"What you have to do is (ensure your players) understand how fragile that celebrity status can be,'' said Ferguson. "One minute you're a star, the next minute you're not.

"Dealing with success is a bit more difficult today, because of television and the headlines they can get. So you do a lot of work with them to keep their feet on the ground.

"I say to them all the time: 'Go back to your mother the same person you were when you arrived. That's important, because I'm sure your mother doesn't like to see you change'. And we don't like to see them change either.''

Ferguson Rejects Toon bid for Morrison

2012-01-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester United have turned down a bid from Newcastle United for Ravel Morrison, Sir Alex Ferguson said on Friday.

Morrison, 18, is yet to play in the Premier League - and has made just three senior appearances - but has been tipped for a bright future in the game after impressing in the successful FA Youth Cup campaign last season.

Newcastle are reported to have bid £500,000 for his services, but the Red Devils have held firm and are not willing to sell the young winger.

Speaking at his press conference before Saturday's clash with Bolton, Ferguson said: "His agent has been working hard to get him another club. We've offered him terms which he has refused. We've rejected an offer from Newcastle. We'll see how that progresses. His demands are unrealistic as far as we're concerned."

Morrison is out of contract at the end of the season and he has had problems off the field in his brief professional career, most recently when he was fined for throwing a girlfriend's mobile phone out of a window and he has also pleaded guilty to two charges of witness intimidation.

However, United have worked tirelessly to keep the Manchester-born youngster on the right tracks, recognising the ability that has led to a widespread claim Morrison is the best young player to emerge from United's youth ranks since Paul Scholes.

Gibson on Brink of Everton Switch

2012-01-14T02:14:00.000-08:00

Everton are expected to tie up a £1 million deal for Darron Gibson on Friday, with the Manchester United midfielder believed to have passed a medical on Merseyside.

Gibson, 24, has been marginalised at United this season and after making just two appearances in all competitions will likely relish the opportunity to move elsewhere in the Premier League in search of regular football.

He will become David Moyes' second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Landon Donovan on loan from LA Galaxy last week, and it's thought United could eventually recoup up to £2.5 million depending on how successful the midfielder is for the Toffees.

Gibson has struggled to assert himself on the first-team picture after emerging through the club's academy and reserve team, and had been set to sign for Sunderland last summer before a move collapsed after he was unable to agree personal terms.

The Ireland international will have plenty of ex-United players for company at Everton, with Phil Neville, Tim Howard and Louis Saha having all swapped Old Trafford for Goodsion Park in recent years.

While Gibson has often been viewed as a figure of fun during his time at Old Trafford, he has enjoyed some notable highlights - including Champions League quarter-final and semi-final goals against Bayern Munich and Schalke respectively, as well as a place in the starting line-up in the 2009 Carling Cup final triumph over Tottenham.

Cahill in Line to Face United

2012-01-14T02:11:00.000-08:00

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has confirmed that Gary Cahill will play against Manchester United if the defender's protracted move to Chelsea is not completed by the weekend.

The Trotters have agreed a fee with Chelsea, reported to be around £7 million, for the transfer of Cahill, but personal terms have proved a stumbling block, with the England centre-back's wage demands on a five-year contract more than the Blues are willing to pay.

Newspaper reports on Thursday morning suggested that Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is becoming frustrated with the impasse and the deal could be called off if terms are not agreed by the end of the week.

If a deal is not struck by Saturday, Coyle will be happy to call on Cahill for the trip to Old Trafford.

"Dialogue continues between Gary's agent and Chelsea," Coyle said. "We accept it has probably been long-drawn. It is over two weeks ago that we agreed a fee. But sometimes that is the nature of football business. It can take that period of time.

"Gary is a Bolton player and until I hear something different in terms of negotiations being concluded between both parties, he will be in line to play against Manchester United."

Cahill only has six months left to run on his Bolton contract and it has been suggested that rival suitors have made their interest in the defender known. However, this is news to Coyle, who insisted Chelsea remain the only current option for Cahill.

"If other clubs are linked with him it is just speculation," he said. "We have agreed a fee with Chelsea. I have had no dialogue with any other club.

"We recognise it is the silly season but I don't deal in rumour. I only deal in fact. The fact is we have agreed a fee with Chelsea. We have not spoken to anyone else. That is where we are."

Coyle did not confirm USA international Tim Ream was coming in for a medical. However, having had the New York Red Bulls star on trial, he is a fan.

"You could reel off 30 or 40 names that we have been linked with. That is the nature of the transfer window," Coyle said. "Tim Ream is a player we had in. He has been at West Brom. They were very keen on him as well and Arsenal tried to sign him in the summer.

"He is an outstanding young player. A US international, 24, and no doubt destined for a very bright future. Whether anything transpires with Bolton time will tell."

Coyle also said goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had an outside chance of being fit for the Old Trafford trip, although he will not be taking any chances with the long-serving Finn.

"Jussi is responding to treatment with his thigh knock, although Saturday may just come too soon."

Ba Hits Back at 'lying' Agent

2012-01-14T02:07:00.000-08:00

Demba Ba has hit back at claims from an agent claiming he represents the Newcastle United striker and that Manchester United have demonstrated an interest in his services.

Ba, 26, has been a revelation since joining Newcastle from West Ham on a free transfer last summer, scoring 15 goals in 19 Premier League matches for Alan Pardew's side.

His form has led to rumours he could be the subject of a January swoop, amid suggestions from Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp the forward's release clause is less than £7 million.

And on Wednesday, Armand Doorn, claiming to be a member of Ba's management team headed by the player's brother, suggested the Red Devils were one of a number of clubs considering lodging a bid for the Senegal international.

However, responding to the quotes, Ba posted on his Twitter account: "Really, I don't know how desperate this "armand doorn" can be to talk like he's my agent!! He's nothing for me. Stop lying and show respect."

Ba's actual management team have also rubbished the comments made by the rogue agent, with a spokesman telling talkSPORT: "Armand Doorn is not Demba's agent. Alex Gontran is the only person who can speak on his behalf and Newcastle have not had an offer for him.

"Demba feels good at Newcastle. He has just started something there. There is a release clause in his contract but the figure will remain confidential. If a club wants to speak to Demba, then they must go to Newcastle first. We respect the process.

Rooney Reveals Anger over United Axe

2012-01-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney has admitted there was tension in the Manchester United camp after he was dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson laid down the law to his star man, fining him and then leaving him out of the clash with Blackburn on New Year's Eve - a game United lost 3-2 - for turning up in no state to train fully following a Boxing Day night out.

Rooney returned to the side for the trip to Newcastle, but threw in a moody display - and was hauled off as the Red Devils slipped to defeat.

The England forward looked back to his best as United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup and the pair were on good terms at the Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

But there was bad blood between the pair over the festive period. When asked if he was angry about being dropped and fined, Rooney said: "Yes, but for reasons that I can't make public.

"I accepted it. But I was tense when I got back on the pitch and I believe it showed," he said in an interview with La Republica.

Lifting the lid what life can be like in a dressing room, Rooney said: "You can't always live in harmony. Football is made up of conflict, in all senses.

"The life in a dressing room, between players, between us and the coach, between us and loads of people, it's continuous confrontation and at times it's harsh."

Wenger Hails Henry's Fairytale Return

2012-01-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry's match-winning return was like "a dream" as the striker fired Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Leeds.

Henry, the Gunners' record goalscorer, rejoined the club he left for Barcelona in 2007 on a short-term loan deal from New York Red Bulls - and did not disappoint on his return when he came off the bench to slot home the winner on 78 minutes.

The 34-year-old will be available for a six-week spell which will take in matches against Manchester United and, in the Champions League, AC Milan, possibly even the showdown with arch-rivals Tottenham on February 26.

"It was a little bit of a dream, because it was a story about football you would tell some young children," Wenger said. "Unfortunately it is not often like that in our game, but sometimes it happens.

"When he got in that position I thought 'oh, that's your angle', but it was a bit too close. That is where he surprised me.

"He still didn't force the shot, he still made it look easy. At the start I thought he was too much on the left, but he had that special finishing that he has shown tonight. That was the Thierry Henry finishing."

Wenger rested captain Robin van Persie for the FA Cup tie, allowing the Dutchman some time away on a family break to Dubai. The Gunners boss, though, suggested he may throw both Henry and van Persie together when their Premier League campaign resumes at Swansea on Sunday.

"Thierry can play behind or in front of Robin or on the flank, Robin can play on the flank too, but I don't know yet what I will do. They can play together, of course, and they did play together," said Wenger.

Arsenal lost another defender when Francis Coquelin limped off with a hamstring problem. Wenger confirmed after the Leeds match that he is looking to bring in some cover at the back.

"I hope I can get [Johan] Djourou [from suspension] for Sunday and if we find a solution we will take it. But at the moment we are not close [to a deal]."

Rooney Sings Ferguson Praises

2012-01-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester United by stressing his belief in manager Sir Alex Ferguson and says he wants to play under him for the rest of his career.

A report from The Independent on Saturday speculated United could part company with Rooney in the January transfer window following an alleged rift between the striker and Ferguson.

But the Premier League champions swiftly reacted with a statement that denied the rumour, insisting there are no plans afoot to sell Rooney, who joined the Red Devils from Everton for an initial payment of £20 million in 2004.

And, speaking to The Sun, Rooney has reiterated that stance, saying: "Sir Alex is the greatest manager of all time. Of course I would like to play under him for the rest of my career.

"He's a great manager and is a big reason why I joined Manchester United. If I could finish my career playing under Sir Alex then I won't have gone far wrong.

"As I said before he is, in my eyes, the best ever. His success and his trophies speak for themselves. He's an incredible manager and has done so much for football and so much for my game as well.

"His every-day commitment to his job is what makes him stand out. He's in before the players every morning and leaves after you. His commitment, his desire to win and his dedication is incredible."

Cantona Aims for French Presidency

2012-01-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has taken a new career path as he steps into politics and says he will campaign to run in this year's French presidential election.

Cantona, who was appointed director of soccer at future MLS side New York Cosmos last year, wrote to France's mayors in a plea for support as he attempts to gather the 500 signatures needed from them to endorse his bid.

French newspaper Liberation quoted his letter as saying: "This engagement obliges me to speak, more earnestly than usual, but also with a keen sense of my responsibility, at a time when our country faces difficult choices which will be decisive for its future."

In the letter, he said he intends to "make a simple but clear message, a message of truth but of respect, solidarity and a powerful message".

The outspoken Frenchman will be running independently and, should he get the required support, will become a candidate in the first round of the elections on April 22.

However, in an editorial, the newspaper said Cantona was only using the publicity from his unlikely presidential run to secure his real aim - help for the poorly housed.

Speaking to Liberation, Cantona said he "chose the housing issue as it seems to me to be essential and concerns tens of millions of people. I had to act at a time when I was likely to be heard."

Rooney Proclaims Innocence

2012-01-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney has rejected suggestions he flashed an imaginary red card to persuade referee Chris Foy to dismiss Vincent Kompany in Sunday's Manchester derby.

Manchester City captain Kompany was ordered off after just 12 minutes of a pulsating FA Cup third-round tie at the Etihad Stadium, which Manchester United eventually won 3-2.

He committed a two-footed challenge on Nani, and Rooney admits he had his say to Foy over the tackle.

But United striker Rooney told The Sun: ''I didn't wave any imaginary card. I clearly pointed out, and a few other players did as well, that it was a two-footed tackle. It was down to the ref to send him off.

''As professional footballers, when you leave the ground and go in two-footed we've now been told by the referees it's a red card. Refs come and see us before the season starts. I felt Kompany had done that.''

City manager Roberto Mancini said of Foy's dismissal verdict: ''It was not a red card. Rooney told him his decision.''

Kompany faces a four-match suspension, although City lodged an appeal after the match and were hoping to have the ban overturned at a hearing on Tuesday.

Smalling Delight at Scholes Return

2012-01-10T04:31:00.000-08:00

Chris Smalling is convinced Paul Scholes' shock Manchester United return can provide the kick-start required to the Red Devils' flagging Premier League title quest.

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that Scholes was coming out of retirement an hour before Sunday's 3-2 FA Cup win over ten-man Manchester City.

He wasted no time in putting the 37-year-old's talents to good use as Scholes was introduced on 59 minutes in a bid to preserve their lead.

As one of those who felt Scholes was retiring too early in the wake of United's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last season, Smalling is delighted about the U-turn.

And he feels it could have a major spin-off for the club, who have slumped to successive league defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle as their midfield resources were stretched to breaking point.

"Paul is going to be a real positive addition to our squad,'' Smalling said. "I was disappointed when he called it a day last year.

"I saw first hand the things he could do on the pitch and I know he can still do them. All of us were hoping he would come back and I am sure a few of the older lads have been saying things to him about it.

"It does pep up the dressing room when you see a player of the calibre of Paul Scholes in there. It gave the young lads a lift just to see him preparing for yesterday's match.''

City to Challenge Kompany Card

2012-01-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed the club intend to appeal against Vincent Kompany's red card in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Defender Kompany was sent off for a tackle on Nani 11 minutes into the FA Cup third-round tie. As the City captain has already been sent off for a straight red card offence once this season, he is facing a four-match ban unless he can overturn the suspension.

''We will appeal,'' said Mancini. ''I am sure we will win.''

Mancini opted not to criticise referee Chris Foy. However, he thinks little can be read into the defence offered almost immediately by former top-flight official Dermot Gallagher, who claimed Foy had got it right.

''This is normal. If I talk about the players, I defend the player. The referee is the same. He defends the referee,'' said Mancini. ''I don't want to talk about the referee because I want to stay on the bench for the next game. But I think it is impossible.''

Kompany stands to miss both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool, in addition to Premier League games against Wigan and Tottenham.

Sir Alex Ferguson pulled no punches afterwards, claiming it was the right decision and that Kompany has been guilty of similar transgressions before.

''It was a sending-off,'' said the Manchester United boss. ''It was a two-footed tackle. I have seen him do it before. He has got off with it in the past. But if Nani gets caught, he has a problem. It was a real bad one.''

However, Mancini had his own gripe after Wayne Rooney gestured to referee Chris Foy in the aftermath of Kompany's challenge, seemingly encouraging the referee to dismiss the Belgian.

"It was not a red card. Rooney told him his decision. This type of tackle happened with Rio Ferdinand and other United defenders many times," Mancini said.

Mancini, vilified for waving an imaginary red card during the win over Liverpool on Tuesday, said: ''When I did this against Liverpool, people told me not to do it. I said I was sorry and made a mistake.''

Scholes back at Man United

2012-01-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Paul Scholes has sensationally returned to Manchester United, and made his return to action in the Third Round of the FA Cup as United knocked out holders City.

Scholes, 37, retired from professional football at the end of last season after an illustrious career with the Red Devils, though has continued to play the game and remains in good condition. He is part of the the club's reserve team coaching staff.

Newspaper reports over the past couple of days had suggested Scholes could be about to rejoin the club where he won 10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions Leagues. However, Scholes' inclusion in the team to face City on Sunday means he had already re-signed before the press speculation began.

"It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision,'' said United boss Sir Ferguson. "It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It's terrific to have him back.''

Scholes said: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.''

It is believed Scholes was pressed into reconsidering by a number of senior colleagues, who felt the midfielder could still be a major influence on United's quest for honours at a time when so many central midfielders are absent.

"He came to see me and said he wanted to come back, he was missing it too much,'' Ferguson told ITV. "There were no negatives as far as I'm concerned. The players were fantastic about it, the fans I'm sure will be happy and I'm happy.

"Everyone knows he's one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history. He's a fantastic footballer and there's no loss to his real fitness which is important. He's sometimes missed three or four months with injuries, so it's more more or less the same kind of scenario.''

Sneijder almost certain he will stay

2012-01-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

Wesley Sneijder is "90% certain" he will remain at Inter Milan during the current transfer window despite renewed speculation over alleged interest from Manchester United.

Sneijder, 27, was heavily linked with a move to United last summer but a transfer failed to materialise, following suggestions the Premier League champions were unwilling to match the Dutchman's wage demands.

But, in light of United's recent dip in form that has seen them lose back-to-back league matches, conjecture has been reignited that they could be back in for Sneijder, amid calls for Sir Alex Ferguson to strengthen his midfield.

However, Sneijder told Voetbal International: "If I must give a percentage for it, I think I am 90% certain I will stay [until at least the summer].

"I enjoy myself here at the moment and at this point I don't have anything to choose from. I don't say that I am 100% certain, because something unexpected can always happen."

Diouf tempted by Wigan loan

2012-01-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf has admitted that a loan move to Wigan Athletic is a tempting proposition.

Diouf, 24, has struggled for regular first-team football at United this season, making just three Carling Cup appearances such is the competition for striking places at the club.

The Senegal international spent last campaign on loan at Blackburn, where he scored three times in 27 Premier League matches, and he admits another temporary spell away from Old Trafford could benefit him.

"It is an option at the moment and a good one. I want to go and play week in, week out and try to impress Sir Alex Ferguson," he toldskysports.com.

"If I can finish the season strongly, I can challenge for a position next season like Danny [Welbeck] has done this season.

"Wigan could be a key for me. I have done okay for Blackburn, but need to do well on my next loan. There are other teams interested as well."

Ferguson: Advantage to Manchester City

2012-01-05T09:24:00.003-08:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is no need to panic after his side's 3-0 loss to Newcastle, but does admit Premier League title rivals Manchester City are now in the box seat.

Ferguson watched on as United were kept three points behind City in the league table, after Roberto Mancini's side cruised to a home victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. However, the Scot is remaining calm despite a second successive league defeat.

"Advantage to them [City] of course," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "They played yesterday and got the three points, and we played today and didn't manage to win - so of course they have the advantage. It's not a time to panic - we have the experience to cope with that.

"Losing a game at this time of the year, you don't want it, but it sometimes can happen - you have seen some of the results recently. But obviously, we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April."

Ferguson also conceded that Newcastle striker Demba Ba was too much of a "handful" for his side. Ba got the ball rolling as Alan Pardew's side claimed the victory, punishing Rio Ferdinand for some sloppy defending as he volleyed past Anders Lindegaard.

Strike partner Shola Ameobi also played a key role in the build-up to the goal - flicking onTim Krul's deep free-kick - and Ferguson acknowledged after the game that the two powerful strikers had caused his side huge problems, before Yohan Cabaye's free-kick extinguished their hopes of coming away with something.

"They are very strong, big aggressive lads," Ferguson said. "They didn't tear us apart but they were a handful.

"The story of the game was they had two fantastic strikes which put them in the driving seat. The second one was a killer for us, it was a marvellous strike.

"But we didn't make enough of our possession of the ball anyway. It was one of those nights."

Young & Jones Facing Layoffs

2011-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

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'

2011-12-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-25T13:22:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-01T00:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-26T16:12:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Gerrard: Rooney Must Go to Euro 2012

2011-10-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Steven Gerrard insists there is no question that Wayne Rooney should be picked by Fabio Capello for next summer's Euro 2012 despite picking up a three-game international ban.

Rooney will miss all three of England's group-stage matches after being sent off in England's 2-2 draw in Montenegro, prompting some pundits to suggest the Manchester United striker should be left out of Capello's squad.

But Gerrard, who scored the opening goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against United at Anfield, believes Rooney should be one of the first names to be picked.

"For me he has got to go, the talent that he is," Gerrard told Talksport's Stan Collymore in a telephone interview. "He is that good a player I think you have to take the risk and take him. It is devastating he is out for the first three games, it is a massive blow for everyone.

"We will have to see who we come up against in the group games but we should progress from the group stages and then you need your best player out there with you to push on all the way to the final."

Despite admitting that Rooney's absence will be "devastating", Gerrard believes the striker's absence could have a positive impact on the squad.

"I don't think anyone needs to keep him involved, he is a good character to have off the pitch," Gerrard said."Not having him for the first three games will hopefully galvanise the squad. We all need to pull together and take responsibility with him not being there. Then hopefully if we do get out of the group he will be there fit and fresh to help us push on."

FA to Investigate Evra Claims

2011-10-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

The Football Association has confirmed it will look into a report made to referee Andre Marriner after Saturday's 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United.
It is believed the investigation will follow claims of alleged racist abuse made by United defender Patrice Evra against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

In a statement released late on Saturday, the FA said: "The Football Association has this evening been made aware of an incident that is alleged to have occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield today.

"Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and has subsequently reported this to The FA.

"The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter."

Evra had earlier made the allegation in an interview with French television channel Canal+.

He said: "There are cameras, and you can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least ten times. No place for that in 2011. The referee is aware of what was said."

A Liverpool spokesman said that Suarez has "categorically denied'' the allegation.

Harry Plays Down Rio Rumours

2011-10-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has played down suggestions he could make a move for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand's future at Old Trafford has recently been the subject of conjecture as his fitness struggles have continued, with the centre-back starting three of his side's seven Premier League matches this season.

A move to America had been mooted for Ferdinand, 32, but the speculation was swiftly played down, while this week it has been suggested Redknapp could look to be reunited with the England international, the pair having worked together at West Ham.

However, Redknapp said: "I haven't even thought about Rio to be honest. I signed him as a kid. I love Rio as a boy and a player, but it's not something we have ever enquired about. It's going to be difficult for him to leave Man United isn't it?"

Redknapp looks unlikely to renew his search for a defender when the transfer window re-opens in January, after in the summer he failed to sign Bolton's Gary Cahill, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Reebok Stadium.

He said: "I'm not looking to strengthen in defence, really. We are strong in defence. We have [Michael] Dawson, King, Gallas, [Younes] Kaboul and (Sebastien) Bassong. I went for Cahill because at the time I couldn't see Ledley being fit and because William Gallas had a calf strain."

Chicharito Extends United Deal

2011-10-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has signed a new five-year contract with the club , according to the player's agent. Hernandez made a stunning impact after arriving in the Premier League last campaign, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and United have now rewarded the Mexican with a long-term deal.His representative Eduardo Hernandez toldESPN Deportes: "We have renegotiated Javier's contract and he is now committed for five years with Manchester United.
"The initial contract was good for Manchester and for Javier because it enabled them both to see if they could fit together and if he could achieve what was expected of him. Both sides have met their expectations and United were happy to reward Javier after his very good performances last season.

"I will not talk about numbers, but it is a five-year contract. It is a fixed salary with incentives based on the team's success in each of the different tournaments. "Javier was not badly paid with his initial contract, but it was his first contract and, with respect, not comparable with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani. But today I can say that the contract has just been signed and everyone is satisfied."

The agent also played down recent speculation linking his client with Spanish giants Real Madrid, saying: "It was never likely that Javier would leave.

"Talks began some time ago and United came up with a very good offer and I have nothing but praise for the way they have recognised Javier's performances."

The new deal for Hernandez follows that signed on Monday by United midfielder Tom Cleverley, while striker Danny Welbeck has also been offered a new deal.

Vidic Could Return Against Liverpool

2011-10-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Nemanja Vidic looks in contention to make his Manchester United return against Liverpool this weekend after playing what could be his last game for Serbia on Tuesday,

Vidic, 29, has not featured for United since August after he suffered a calf injury in the club's 2-1 win over West Brom, but he made his comeback during midweek, playing the full 90 minutes for Serbia.

He was, however, unable propel his nation to Euro 2012 as their meeting with Slovenia ended in a 1-0 defeat, with Vidic missing a 64th minute penalty.Reports have since suggested Vidic could now call an end to his international career following his country's failure to book their place at next summer's tournament.

Vidic's Serbian team-mate Dejan Stankovic has since announced his retirement from international football. Stankovic made his senior debut in 1998 and scored 15 goals in 102 appearances for his country.

The potential return of Vidic on Saturday for United against Liverpool would be a huge fillip for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has seen his defence unusually shaky of late.

It is also claimed Tom Cleverley, who recently signed a new deal with the Premier League champions, could make an early comeback from a foot injury he sustained against Bolton.

Beckham Open to United Role

2011-10-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

David Beckham has been quoted as stating he would "love" to one day take up a sporting director role at Manchester United.

France legend Zinedine Zidane occupies the same position at Real Madrid after developing a rapport with manager Jose Mourinho, having previously been a special advisor to president Florentino Perez.

Beckham's future is the subject of conjecture as he nears the end of his current contract at LA Galaxy, amid rumours of interest from several clubs, including PSG and QPR, and he has indicated his keenness to one day return to Old Trafford.

When asked about the possibility of following former Real team-mate Zidane's lead, Beckham, who left United for Real in 2003, said in The Sun: "I'd love to do that.

"The best memory of my career came in 1999, no doubt, when Manchester United won the treble. In my opinion, no club can repeat that feat."

Evra Ready to Fight Youngsters for Place

2011-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra welcomes the competition provided by the club's talented young defenders, but insisis he is not ready to give up his place in the first team.

Sir Alex Ferguson has put his faith in the likes of Phil Jones, 19, and Chris Smalling, 21, to lead United's defence this season, while Jonny Evans, 23, has also featured regularly.

And with 21-year-old Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva also competing for a starting berth at the back, Evra knows he faces a challenge to hold onto his place as first-choice left-back, which he has held for almost six years.

But the former France captain, who has skippered the reigning Premier League champions on several occasions this season, believes he is capable of maintaining the high standards he has set during his time at the club.

"I'm only 30 but I feel like the oldest player in the team,'' Evra said. "I just have to show the young players that I'm still here and I want to play every game.

"I need to prove I am still fit because they are young. Maybe they have more energy and think they can steal my place.

"Of course, though, you also have to help them and talk to them if anything is wrong. We are here to protect them and to show them that it's easy to reach the top, but to stay there is the most difficult thing.

"But before we can say anything to the young players, we have to show our own example on the pitch because the competition is really fierce. The boss is not afraid to put the young lads in and it's working well.''

Cleverley Signs New Contract

2011-10-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Manchester United midfielder TomCleverley has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club untilthe summer of 2015.

Cleverley made his first competitive start for the Premier League champions in August's win at West Brom, two days after his 22nd birthday. Such has been the academy graduate's impact, he has already won a call-up to England's senior squad, though he has yet to play for Fabio Capello's side.

The England Under-21 international's football education came in the form of loan spells at Leicester City, where he won the League One title, Watford and Wigan Athletic before being welcomed into the United first-team squad this season.

He is currently out injured with ligament damage to his foot suffered in the 5-0 win at Bolton Wanderers a month ago, but is in contention to return on Saturday in the Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool.

"Tom is one of the brightest prospects in the English game,'' United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said. "For a young boy, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a fine future ahead of him.

"It's the United way to encourage our young players to make their mark in the first team and Tom has grabbed that chance with both hands."

Cleverley said: "It's been a fantastic start to the season for me, breaking into the first team and getting an England call-up. Having grown up at the club, I'd love to be able to make a contribution to United winning more trophies.

"We have a squad with great ability and I can't wait to get started again.''

Ferguson Blocks Welbeck U-21 Recall

2011-10-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has blocked Stuart Pearce's plans to recall Danny Welbeck to the England Under-21 scene.

Pearce is down to one fit striker after Nathan Delfouneso and Martyn Waghorn picked up injuries in Thursday's European Championship qualifier in Iceland - and pondered turning to Welbeck for Monday's match in Norway. However, Pearce revealed a chat with Ferguson ended those plans.

The England Under-21 manager told Sky Sports News: ''I spoke to Sir Alex straight after the (Iceland) game. He had concerns about Danny travelling back from Montenegro (with England's senior side) and then getting on a plane to Oslo.

''I quite understood that but I had to make the call because I've only got one striker in the squad. I had a decent chat with him and moved on from there. I quite understand his position.''

Pearce's side are top of Group Eight after two games and travel to Norway to play their second match in five days on the back of the 3-0 win in Iceland, secured thanks to an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hat-trick. The manager revealed Tottenham's Kyle Walker will also not be considered.

Pearce added: ''His girlfriend's due to have a baby in the next week or so and he had concerns about being away.''

England U-21s last played Norway in a friendly prior to Euro 2011, winning 2-0 at Southampton in June, but Pearce insists there is no comparison with the side they will face tomorrow.

''This isn't the Norway side of the last time we came here and it's not even the Norway side we played prior to the Championship,'' Pearce added on the FA website. ''They have some very good players and it'll be a tough test for us.

''They've won both of their games on the road so far in the group so arguably they can say they are the best in the group. But we know that if we can get a good result here it'll put us in a strong position. It's very unforgiving, this group, and they are on home soil and will want to win it to back up two victories on the road. It's a tough game for us.''

It will be the first time Pearce's side will play a competitive match on a 4G artificial pitch, which comes with its own challenges.

''It's our first time on [the 4G]. We've trained on it today, we'll train on it tomorrow and then it's obviously the game, so by the time it comes round we'll be used to it,'' he said. ''Usually [teams] only let you come on a grass pitch for an hour the night before a fixture, but for this one we've had the opportunity to have two good sessions on this.

''We've changed our training slightly to make sure we get plenty of passing in to get an understanding of how the ball moves before we go into the game. What I see in training over the next two sessions might influence my team selection. I've got a couple of places up for grabs, so whoever catches my eye might get the nod.''

United Eye Share Potential

2011-10-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has spoken for the first time about the "potential" in floating shares on the Singapore Stock Exchange with the Glazers seemingly now valuing the club at a staggering £2.57 billion.

The Glazers paid £790 million to buy Manchester United - although the final bill amounted to £850 million including the legal and advisory costs - and they recently rejected offers of £1.5 billion from China and Qatar as, it is now clear, they fell well short of their valuation.

The Glazers are seemingly planning to float 25% of Manchester United on the Singapore Stock Exchange at a value of $1 billion (£643 million), which would value Manchester United at £2.57 billion. If the shares are sold, they could carry voting powers of only 12%, which would fall well below the 25% threshold that allows shareholders to contest decision-making.

"It's a potential," Gill told the Sunday Telegraph. "I think the finances of the club are in robust health in terms of the bond interest against the EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] that we do have, so in that respect I am not concerned.

"But it was an opportunity, and is a potential opportunity, to strengthen them even further. If the proceeds were by and large used to pay down the bond debt then that would take some of the interest costs out."

The Glazers' advisory team - including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse - will inform the owners when the time is right to press ahead with the plans and, given the parlous state of the global economy at present, it appears they will have to wait.

"It is not officially on hold but the owners will be taking appropriate advice from the advisors and determining what the markets are telling us," Gill added. "But I don't think it's the level of the market - it is the sheer volatility. That's the challenge."

Although United recently posted an operating profit of £110.9 million for the past financial year, paying down the bond debt would free up greater funds for investment into the squad. Gill, though, denies Sir Alex Ferguson has been significantly hindered.

"It [the debt] hasn't been a problem," Gill, who was in Senegal to support a UNICEF initiative, said. "There have been a lot of comments and a lot of criticism. On the one hand, you argue clearly our interest costs have gone up now as a limited company, but it is not 45 to 0 because as a listed company we had corporation tax payments, we had dividend payments.

"The owners have never been anything other than 100% supportive on delivering to Alex or me the players we need to keep ourselves going, but people don't believe us.

"If you look at it, we are spending £13 million revamping Carrington [the training ground] and we have just completed this summer at Old Trafford our box redevelopment. There has never been any money that we have needed to develop the club that hasn't come forward."

Neville: Rooney Ban Shifting Focus

2011-10-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Referee Wolfgang Stark believes Wayne Rooney may escape a prolonged Euro 2012 ban as he declined to protest his dismissal on Friday, but Gary Neville says the talk of his suspension is merely a distraction from the fact England are "not good enough".

Stark issued Rooney with a straight red for kicking out as England played out a 2-2 draw in Montenegro in their final competitive game before the finals and, given his status as Fabio Capello's star player, there are concerns that it could severely hamper the country's chances.

UEFA is likely to make a ruling on the length of the suspension next month, and Stark feels it is possible that Rooney's reaction will spare him an extension to the obligatory one-match ban.

"He accepted it without dissent," Stark said. "Maybe it will help Rooney the way he acted by accepting my decision. It was a straight red card. I had no hesitation.

"You saw what happened and Rooney knew by his reaction. He just walked off. I have no more input into the process. I will submit my report and it is up to UEFA what they will do."

However, former England defender Neville feels the focus on Rooney's unavailability means the country is not looking at the real problems.

"The most disappointing thing about his red card is that it distracts from the major issue," he wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "With England, we're always looking for an excuse; we're always caught up in the minor rather than the major.

"The real issue is that the spine of the team is not good enough, as it stands, to take on Spain, Italy, France or Germany at Euro 2012.

"Going into major tournaments we always put all our pressure and hopes on one man. I've seen it before with Rooney in 2006 and 2010 or David Beckham in 2002. Even before them, it was Kevin Keegan or Bryan Robson in the '70s and '80s.

"It's as though we think that one world-class player might be able to propel us to a major trophy, and now we're talking about Rooney possibly missing two games of Euro 2012 when what we should be talking about is the spine of a team that has no mobility and can't keep the ball.

"When I look at it coldly, a team that has John Terry, Gary Cahill, Scott Parker, Gareth Barry,Darren Bent and Rooney in its central positions is nowhere near good enough to take on the major nations such as Spain.

"I'm not having a go at individuals - there are some very good players among those names. Collectively, Rooney aside, there is hardly any pace, very little invention and hardly any rotation of positions. Compare that with the spine of Spain: Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique,Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Villa and Fernando Llorente."

Neville believes that, even if they are inferior, it is essential England find a way to stop world and European champions Spain in their friendly at Wembley in November if they are to find the belief needed to provide a challenge next summer.

"Never has a friendly been more important," he wrote. "It's like a cup final. Somehow, Capello has to do something that no England manager has done in 15 years, and that is make the England players believe that this next match could be the most important of their life.

"Let's be clear, England are not as good as Spain. But you can't just accept they're better. You have to find a way to stop them, to disrupt the rhythm and to hurt them going forward - because England need to believe that, in a one-off, they can beat Spain.

"The rest of Europe is watching and if Spain do what most people think they will do and destroy us, just like France did in February 1999 at Wembley when they were world champions, then England will go into Euro 2012 thinking they have no chance."

Rio Gunning for Title No. 20

2011-10-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's imperious home form can see the club claim their 20th league title this season.

Last season saw United overtake Liverpool's 18 titles, and the foundation for that triumph was 18 victories in 19 league games at Old Trafford.

This time around, United have won all four games at home, beating Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Norwich, and Ferdinand is optimistic about their chances of being crowned domestic champions once more.

"There is such belief in the squad, we are gunning for title No. 20," he told the Daily Star Sunday. "We believe Old Trafford is a fortress and that is a great base for us to build on.

"That's the belief we've got. That's the belief the fans have got. Many teams come here knowing it's going to be a long battle. It is the best stadium in the world to play in. The atmosphere, the fans - it's electric."

"I think the biggest thing at Old Trafford is that teams can go one or two goals up against us and even if they walk in at half-time, two-up, then there's a good chance we will come back and win the game."

He added: "It comes from the manager - he has got a winning mentality and wants to win all the time. It rubs off on the team.

"You have to have a certain number of players who have been here for a while who can take that on board. They can address that in the dressing room - and we have got experience at the club."

Smalling's Big Journey

2011-10-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

The journey from the Rymans League to the Champions League took a little over two years. The path from Maidstone United to Manchester United is not a common one and, though Chris Smalling had a stop-off at Fulham, he completed it at startling speed.

Yet, not so long ago, there were doubts over whether he was ready for first-team football: not at Old Trafford, but at the Bourne Park ground Maidstone shared with Sittingbourne.

"It took a lot of persuading for the first-team management to take more of a look at him," Darren Lovell, Maidstone's secretary, said. "They wanted old players with experience and they didn't fancy him against the old-time gnarled centre-forwards who had been around the block a few times."

The unsung hero of Smalling's rise, even if he would not use the phrase himself, is Peter Nott. Now manager of Whitstable, he was then in charge of Maidstone's reserves. Having tracked the emerging defender from the age of ten or 11, he invited Smalling for a trial when the teenager left Millwall, signed him up and repeatedly argued that his protégé should start as first-team manager Alan Walker expressed doubts.

"The Rymans League is a very, very physical league and Chris was always six foot-plus but very, very wiry and had no real muscle on him," Nott said, "and as a centre-half you are up against some big burly players. There were some concerns if he could handle it physically. I had to keep pushing and pushing and pushing his case. I said: 'He will win his fair share of headers and he gives us so much more'."

Once chosen, Smalling's qualities soon became apparent. It is a combination of ability and attitude that accounts for his rise, Nott believes. "Chris has worked exceptionally hard but he was a talent," he said. "He had speed, awareness ... he always had to be careful with his distribution, not the most naturally talented, but he learned to give a simple pass. Nothing ever fazed Chris, from Under-18s to reserve team to first-team football. He didn't get nervous, he never moaned and he never missed training."

At Maidstone, there is a sense of bemusement that Smalling slipped through the net: it was hard to miss him. Chief executive Bill Williams said: "He stood out the first time we looked at him. He had this massive afro, like a larger version of a young Michael Jackson, and he was very tall. Once you watched him you would see he had a good touch, read the game well and was quick."

Lovell added: "I remember one particular game where the ball came down from the sky and there was an opponent closing him down. Chris took it down with one touch and then did a Cruyff turn and left him for dead. Everyone clapped - it was an outstanding piece of skill."

However, it was not his performances for Maidstone that brought Smalling to wider attention. A fine display for England Schoolboys against their Australian counterparts alerted Middlesbrough, who almost signed him, and Reading. Maidstone's most famous old boy then intervened. "Fulham came about by me talking to Les Reed and Roy Hodgson, who used to play for Maidstone," Williams added.

A profitable move for the Cottagers, who subsequently sold the defender on for £10 million in 2010, earned Maidstone rather less. Because Smalling was in full-time education - he completed his A-Levels and, but for his footballing prowess, would have gone to Loughborough University - rather than a contracted player, the non-league club were not entitled to a fee when he left in 2008.

As a goodwill gesture, the Premier League club nevertheless made a discretionary payment. "They didn't have to pay us a single penny, but it was the equivalent of loose change in Bobby Zamora's pocket," Lovell explained.

They do, though, benefit from association with the England international. Smalling still keeps in touch and his presence at the club's end-of-season awards has been appreciated. "He has just sent us a couple of shirts signed by all the United players for our sporting auction," Williams added. "They are like little bits of gold dust."

Smalling's extended contract at Old Trafford is estimated to be worth £50,000-a-week. His past was rather less lucrative, with promise coming at a cost. "Chris was probably getting an expenses payment of £30 a week, if that," Lovell explained. "It was little more than petrol money for two training sessions and a game, but if you weren't playing you didn't get that, and he was away quite a lot of the time with England Schoolboys."

But he bade farewell to the Kent club in distinctly unglamorous surroundings. "His last game was Maidstone Reserves against Ramsgate Reserves after the deal with Fulham had been agreed," Lovell remembered. "I said, 'What if you get injured?' but he said, 'I want to play. These are my friends'. It was little more than a park pitch but it was typical of the guy that he wanted to play."

The rather smoother surface of Old Trafford beckoned before long. Nott said: "You always thought he would go on to better things, but it is unbelievable." The exception can now serve as the inspiration. "In the modern game, a lot of boys get picked up at eight or nine. It proves there is still an opportunity if you put in hard work."

Rooney Snr Denies Allegations

2011-10-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney Snr, 48, was bailed pending further inquiries on Thursday night after being held earlier in the day when police swooped at his home in West Derby, Liverpool.

Eight other people, including the Manchester United star's uncle, Richie, 54, and Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. Merseyside Police said all have been bailed until January next year.

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

Tonight Anthony Barnfather, partner at Pannone solicitors who are representing Mr Rooney Snr, said in a statement: "Mr Rooney vigorously denies all of these allegations. We are co-operating fully with the investigation. No further comment will be made at this time."

The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14 last year, the police said. During the game Jennings was shown a red card in the 83rd minute of his side's 2-1 defeat.

The midfielder had been booked earlier in the match for fouling Kevin Kyle as Hearts launched a dangerous break.

The Gambling Commission, an independent body which was formed under the 2005 Gambling Act, began the probe shortly afterwards when some members of the Association of British Bookmakers publicly raised concerns about betting patterns on the game.

Jennings, originally from Kirkby, near Liverpool, has been a key player for Motherwell since joining from Tranmere in the summer of 2009 and signed his third one-year contract at Fir Park in July.

The club are currently second in the Scottish Premier League.

In a statement, Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said the arrests follow "extensive inquiries" into alleged betting irregularities at the match.

Regan said: "It is important to stress that the evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has involved only one Scottish match."

He added: "The Scottish FA will make no further comment at this stage."

Motherwell said in a statement: "Motherwell Football Club can today confirm that the Scottish Football Association made the club aware that one of our players was taken to a Merseyside Police Station early this morning in connection with an ongoing investigation.

"We have no further comment to make at this time. Any further statement would be wholly inappropriate and the club can and will only do so when properly appraised of the next steps in the process by the relevant authorities."

Richie Rooney was detained at his home in Norris Green, Liverpool, before being bailed. Jennings was arrested at his Glasgow home and brought to a Merseyside police station for questioning and then bailed.

A 22-year-old from Kirkdale, a 26-year-old from Croxteth, a 29-year-old from Bootle, a 31-year-old from Litherland, a 68-year-old from Fazakerley, and a 36-year-old from Kirkby were also detained and bailed pending further inquiries.

Richards: Jones Future England Captain

2011-10-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Micah Richards believes Manchester United defender Phil Jones has all the necessary attributes to become England captain in the future.

Jones, 19, is yet to win his first cap for the senior side but is contention for a starting berth against Montenegro on Friday, with he and Manchester City's Richards vying for the right-back berth in Fabio Capello's side.

Comfortable at right-back, centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, Jones' versatility seems likely to make him an asset for club and country for years to come, and Richards thinks that he has the makings of a future Three Lions' skipper.

"Phil Jones is going to be England captain one day,'' Richards told The Guardian. "He's got everything: pace, reads the game well, is good on the ball.

"He's at the right club as well because Sir Alex Ferguson promotes young players.''

Despite playing regularly for Manchester City, Richards and has made just one appearance for England under Capello, and the defender believes that his lack of playing time is down to stiff competiton at right-back.

"People always say there aren't many right-backs,'' Richards said. "But Chris Smalling is doing a good job for Manchester United. I rate Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker's been doing very well.

"I think I'm twice the player I was when I made my England debut at 19. There's no reason I can't get in there but it's about biding my time.''

Chicago Want Rio to Make MLS Move

2011-10-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly attracted the interest of MLS club Chicago Fire.

The experienced defender is out of contract at Old Trafford next summer, with a new deal yet to be agreed, and has struggled with injuries for much of the past three seasons.

According to the Daily Mail, the Chicago side believe they can persuade Ferdinand to end his career in the United States, with Illinois's comparatively favourable tax rates enabling them to offer the 32-year-old a deal that would rival his current £120,000-a-week contract.

Ferdinand has made just six appearances for United this season after suffering an injury set-back against West Brom in August, and was not selected for Fabio Capello's England squad to face Montenegro on Friday.

On Tuesday, Ferdinand's United team-mate Danny Welbeck scoffed at suggestions that the defender had passed his prime, calling him a "Rolls-Royce of a defender".

"That's not for me to say, but we all know what capabilities Rio has got," Welbeck said, when asked if Ferdinand was nearing retirement. "He is a great reader of the game and to me he is like a Rolls-Royce of a defender.

"It is wrong to write him off because he is a great defender."

Fergie tips Rooney for Record

2011-10-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Wayne Rooney to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton as Manchester United's all-time leading scorer.

Rooney scored nine goals in seven games early in the season, before injury halted his run last month and forced him to spend two weeks on the sidelines.

But with the striker back in action and on England duty in Montenegro this week, Ferguson raised the prospect of the forward overtaking Charlton at the top of the club's scoring charts.

"I do [think he can eclipse that feat]," Ferguson told Inside United. "He is only 25 years of age, so you'd think he has at least another five years in him at the very top level. And if he looks after himself like Ryan Giggs has done, he could play well into his 30s.

"The opportunity is there and time is on his side. He's raced out of the blocks already this season and I hope he could get up to around the 30 mark."

Rooney is currently ninth on the list, with 156 goals - 93 behind Charlton, who amassed an impressive 247 before his 17-year stint with the club ended in 1973.

Berbatov: I'm Happy at United

2011-10-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says that he loves being at the club, despite slipping down the pecking order this season.

Berbatov, 30, finished last season as United's top scorer, but was not in the squad for the Champions League final against Barcelona and has found himself marginalised again this campaign as he has been benched with Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, and even young Danny Welbeck, given chances ahead of him.

The Bulgarian has been linked with a £12 million move to Valencia or Paris St-Germain in January, but has revealed that he is perfectly happy to stay at Old Trafford and continue to add to his trophy collection.

"I'm happy here," Berbatov told MUTV. "My family is together in Manchester. I hear people complain about the weather, there's nothing to do and the food. But, for me, it's not like that. I play for a club I love, the biggest club, and everything else doesn't matter."

Berbatov starred for Spurs before joining United in a £30.75 million deal on the final day of the 2008 summer transfer window and he says that he could not have turned down the chance of playing for the club.

He added: "He [agent Emil Danchev] called me to say we have interest from Manchester United. I said, 'Don't joke with me,' but he said he was serious. So I was speechless. When the biggest club contacts you, it's a big deal for me coming from a small country like Bulgaria.

"My mind was always set on joining Manchester United. How can you not go to United? I don't play for money. I play for glory and winning championships."

Meanwhile, Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov broke his four-and-a-half year media silence on Tuesday to urge Berbatov to consider returning to the national team.

"I must take the initiative to stand in front of you as captain and express my opinion," said Petrov. ''I hope he (Berbatov) will come back because we have many young strikers in the team who will develop if he plays with them ... Of course, I'm ready to talk to him again."

Berbatov, Bulgaria's all-time leading scorer with 48 goals, quit international football last year citing fatigue and family commitments, but Petrov wants to see him back in the shirt.

"I'll be the happiest man if I see Berbatov wearing the national team's shirt because he's our most talented player," added Petrov. "Yes, he (Berbatov) was criticised for his style of play but we just can't afford to deprive the team of our greatest talent. Bulgaria need a player like him."

Welbeck: I Can Learn from Rooney

2011-10-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

Danny Welbeck believes he can only improve by playing with Wayne Rooney at club and international level.

Welbeck, who won his first England cap with a 10-minute cameo against Ghana in March, has scored three Premier League goals and another two in the Champions League underlining his potential as a Manchester United first team player.

The 20-year-old is enjoying playing alongside Rooney, who already has nine league goals. He said: "He's been on fire, he has started the season scoring goals and creating goals. To be training with him every day is a bonus and I'm going to learn from him.

"He's a great guy to go to for advice, he's always talking to you during training and it's been really beneficial.

"Because we've been training together for a couple of years now it would work (as a partnership for England).''

England need just a point in Podgorica to ensure a place in next summer's Euro finals in Poland and Ukraine, with Montenegro needing to beat England and then follow that up with a win over Switzerland in Basle next week to finish top of Group G. However, Welbeck felt England should approach the game in a positive manner.

"I don't think it would be right to go to Montenegro and play for a point, our aim is to win every game we go into and I don't see why we can't do that,'' he said.

Asked whether he felt there were cliques in the England camp - a problem former United team-mate Paul Scholes claims he experienced - Welbeck said: "I've not felt that yet, hopefully I don't. I'm good friends with (Liverpool striker) Andy (Carroll), and (Manchester City defender) Micah Richards. All the lads are great, it's a great set-up in the camp.''

All 24 players included in Capello's squad took part in Tuesday morning's initial training session at Arsenal's London Colney headquarters.

Jones Explains United Choice

2011-10-03T02:22:00.000-07:00

Phil Jones said the personal touch convinced him to join Manchester United ahead of other Premier League clubs during the summer.

Jones, 19, emerged as one of the finest young players in England during his time at Blackburn, and Arsenal saw a bid rejected in 2010 while Liverpool expressed serious interest in his services during the summer.

Having spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff, though, Jones was left in no doubt about his preferred destination.

"It was brilliant when I heard of United's interest, an incredible feeling," he told theDaily Telegraph. "The whole experience - speaking to the manager on the phone, meeting him in person, going through the whole process of signing - was fantastic.

"Lots of clubs showed an interest in me, but United just felt right: the whole club, the set-up. It wasn't the fact that it was United, it was that I walked in here and met people, the staff and physios etc, and it just felt right.

"At Blackburn, when I knew there was interest from bigger clubs, I said to myself that if it [a move] happens then it has to feel right, and this felt right."

He added: "I wanted to come here and play. I didn't want to come from playing every week at Blackburn to becoming a bit-part player at United, but I knew I probably had to do that at the start.

"I wanted to come to United because I felt that the club was right for me, so if I had to wait, I was prepared for it."

He has had a hugely impressive start to life at the club, and United legend Paddy Crerard recently revealed Sir Bobby Charlton felt Jones was reminiscent of the great Busby Babe Duncan Edwards, who was killed in the Munich air crash.

"It's brilliant for me to even be considered as being a player who could become as good as Duncan Edwards was," Jones said. "It is flattering and, for young lads like myself and my team-mates to be compared to great young players of the past, it is an amazing feeling.

"People have told me about Duncan, facts and figures about him, but I obviously know what he means to this club. When you come into training in the morning, knowing that people are talking about you in the same breath as players of the Busby era, it is fantastic, but I can't let it affect me. I have to play my own game and continue to do what I have been doing so far."

Ferguson Eyes Four More Years

2011-10-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes he has "three or four years" left in management as he closes on 25 years at the Old Trafford helm.

November 6 will mark a quarter of a century in charge of United for Ferguson, who turns 70 on New Year's Eve, the Scottish coach having lifted 19 league titles, two European Cups and five FA Cup trophies during his time at the helm.

Ferguson's side have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2011-12 season, with the club's 2-0 scalp of Norwich City on Saturday keeping the Red Devils top of the Premier League table on goal difference ahead of rivals City.

"I've got three or four years left," Ferguson told the Sunday Mirror. "I feel good. But when I do leave, I will leave in place a strong young team that will continue to succeed for my successor."

Ferguson also reflected on his team's fortunes, adding: "It's all about team spirit. In a match, I only need eight of my players to be on top form. If the other three aren't up to it, it's not serious. The other eight do the work for them.

"There has only been six matches where I've had all 11 players perform at their very best. It's like swallows. They always fly together in a group, in a V formation, and those at the front do the majority of the work. And they alternate regularly.

"If one swallow flies out of formation, two others go to get him and bring him back into the group. It's the same in my teams - sacrifice, friendship, and the giving of oneself to the team."