Boss: Draw was a travesty

26/11/2011 17:19, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson felt his Manchester United players were hugely unlucky not to take three points from the tussle with Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The Reds went ahead through Javier Hernandez shortly after half-time but were pegged back by Demba Ba's penalty after Rio Ferdinand's tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa inside the box. Despite carving out a host of chances, the champions were unable to beat Tim Krul and his solid defence for a second time, even though the Magpies went down to ten men after Jonas Gutierrez's red card.

"It was a fantastic performance from us," said Sir Alex. "Alan Pardew said Newcastle were the better team in the first half - I don't know what game he was at! Chicharito had four clear chances and we played some great football. The second half was just an onslaught and to not get three points from that is just a travesty.

"I'm not concerned if we're playing like that. Most of the time, we'd score three or four goals in that game. Their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves, there were shots blocked, cleared off the line and we had one or two bad misses. So it's just an incredible result."

The boss was obviously upset to see referee Mike Jones point to the spot after consulting his assistant on what looked to be a clean challenge by Ferdinand in the second half.

"I think it was everyone's view [that it was a fair tackle], including the referee as he thought Rio won the ball because he gave the corner kick," explained Sir Alex. "He let the assistant referee over-rule him.

"We had a situation a few weeks ago when the linesman gave a penalty kick to Sunderland for handball [against Nemanja Vidic].

"The referee [that day] was put in a terrible quandary in between what to do as he knew fine well it wasn't a penalty and over-ruled his linesman. It's what the referee should have done today."

The manager also bemoaned the crucial touch from Michael Carrick which meant Hernandez was in an offside position as he tucked in Ryan Giggs' injury-time cross.

"We kept making chances and that's the normal pattern of these last 15-minute surges," he added. "We do get chances and usually do okay. We were unlucky with the offside as, if Michael doesn't touch it, Chicharito is onside.

"They had a few blocks and put their bodies on the line all the time. Give credit to Newcastle but we absolutely slaughtered them and we just couldn't get the result. It's disappointing in that respect but, if we play like that every week, I'll be very happy."

source : Manutd

Sir Alex: Draw was a travesty

26/11/2011 17:19, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson felt his Manchester United players were hugely unlucky not to take three points from the tussle with Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The Reds went ahead through Javier Hernandez shortly after half-time but were pegged back by Demba Ba's penalty after Rio Ferdinand's tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa inside the box. Despite carving out a host of chances, the champions were unable to beat Tim Krul and his solid defence for a second time, even though the Magpies went down to ten men after Jonas Gutierrez's red card.

"It was a fantastic performance from us," said Sir Alex. "Alan Pardew said Newcastle were the better team in the first half - I don't know what game he was at! Chicharito had four clear chances and we played some great football. The second half was just an onslaught and to not get three points from that is just a travesty.

"I'm not concerned if we're playing like that. Most of the time, we'd score three or four goals in that game. Their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves, there were shots blocked, cleared off the line and we had one or two bad misses. So it's just an incredible result."

The boss was obviously upset to see referee Mike Jones point to the spot after consulting his assistant on what looked to be a clean challenge by Ferdinand in the second half.

"I think it was everyone's view [that it was a fair tackle], including the referee as he thought Rio won the ball because he gave the corner kick," explained Sir Alex. "He let the assistant referee over-rule him.

"We had a situation a few weeks ago when the linesman gave a penalty kick to Sunderland for handball [against Nemanja Vidic].

"The referee [that day] was put in a terrible quandary in between what to do as he knew fine well it wasn't a penalty and over-ruled his linesman. It's what the referee should have done today."

The manager also bemoaned the crucial touch from Michael Carrick which meant Hernandez was in an offside position as he tucked in Ryan Giggs' injury-time cross.

"We kept making chances and that's the normal pattern of these last 15-minute surges," he added. "We do get chances and usually do okay. We were unlucky with the offside as, if Michael doesn't touch it, Chicharito is onside.

"They had a few blocks and put their bodies on the line all the time. Give credit to Newcastle but we absolutely slaughtered them and we just couldn't get the result. It's disappointing in that respect but, if we play like that every week, I'll be very happy."

source : Manutd

United 1 Newcastle 1

MAN UNITED 1
HERNANDEZ (49)
NEWCASTLE UNITED 1
BA (63)

26 NOVEMBER 2011, OLD TRAFFORD ATTENDANCE: 75,594

A controversial penalty equaliser by Demba Ba denied Manchester United victory in a hotly-contested clash with high-flying Newcastle United as Javier Hernandez also had an injury-time effort ruled out for offside.

Rio Ferdinand's tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa in the 63rd minute looked a clean one but the assistant referee had other ideas and Mike Jones pointed to the spot. It cancelled out Javier Hernandez's opener, his first goal at Old Trafford this term, and the Tynesiders held out despite playing the final 12 minutes with 10 men when Jonas Gutierrez was sent off.

Sir Alex opted for experience in his starting XI with Ryan Giggs in central midfield alongside Michael Carrick and the Reds started quite promisingly with Hernandez having three early sights of goal. Unfortunately, the Mexican was unable to find a finishing touch after Wayne Rooney linked well with his strike partner.

Newcastle mustered a decent attempt of their own when Ben Arfa's scooped pass released Ba but the Magpies' top scorer's volley was comfortably saved by David De Gea. Ben Arfa needlessly berated Rooney, earning a yellow card, after the striker was penalised for a foul on Fabricio Coloccini but this was a rare first-half flashpoint as the teams tried to contend with the sweeping Manchester rain.

Another clear-cut opportunity did not arrive until the half-hour mark when Nani, who had switched flanks with Ashley Young, fed Hernandez with a slide-rule pass but the Mexcian striker fired over the top. United seemed to find some urgency as, seconds later, Giggs touched on a Fabio cross which was superbly dealt with by Krul, palming it away to safety with Hernandez lurking and hoping for to pounce on the rebound.

Nani and ex-Reds winger Gabriel Obertan traded shots over the top and the latter carried some threat as the half wore on, with Patrice Evra requiring the assistance of Nemanja Vidic in the middle to deal with one raid and then blocking a cross from his fellow countryman with his arm, although a penalty would have been extremely harsh.

The final attack of the first 45 minutes again carried plenty of potential but Hernandez made a hash of Young's pass by missing his kick, after Rooney was involved in the build-up, meaning the teams went in goalless at the break.

The Reds edged in front at the start of the second half after Hernandez was fouled by Steven Taylor. Rooney's free-kick hit the wall but he volleyed it back with his left foot and Steven Taylor's attempted clearance cannoned off Hernandez and into the net. It was a slice of luck but the Reds should have extended the lead soon afterwards when Fabio worked a clever one-two with Hernandez but hammered an inviting opportunity off target.

The Magpies were clinging on for dear life as Young fizzed a shot inches wide following fine play by Evra. However, Newcastle rallied and De Gea had to make a stunning save to keep out Fabricio Coloccini after the hosts were caught napping at a corner. The relief was only temporary, however, as Ferdinand's fine tackle on Ben Arfa led to the controversial penalty. Up stepped Ba to send De Gea the wrong way and level the scores - despite the champions' protests. The Reds' frustration with the officials grew, with the manager upset at one wrong call, and the bookings mounted for the Magpies as they resorted to some desperate tackles.

After Rooney had a shot off target, Young really should have restored the lead but, under pressure from Steven Taylor, was unable to convert Nani's excellent assist with the goal gaping. Gutierrez was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Nani 12 minutes from time, which sparked an inevitable late onslaught from Sir Alex's team.

Krul stood firm with a brilliant, instinctive save to keep out Vidic's flying header and then tipped away Evra's left-footed effort. When the keeper was beaten, Young's low drive thudded back off a post and Simpson made an unbelievable goalline block to stop a Hernandez header. Substitute Federico Macheda could only nod a Giggs centre wide with the Reds laying siege to the opposing goal and Vidic was unable to scramble home a mis-hit shot by Ferdinand as Newcastle held out for a valiant point that left everybody of a Red persuasion totally frustrated - despite Hernandez tucking home a Giggs cross in the dying seconds. The flag went up, almost inevitably, and the chance of three points vanished.

source : Manutd

Boss clarifies Rio's position

27/11/2011 10:36, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson has explained his recent comments regarding Rio Ferdinand and reiterated that the Manchester United defender still has another couple of good years in him.

The Reds centre-back was told he would have to adjust his game as he gets older and that led to some newspaper reports that the £30million signing from Leeds will be phased out of the firing line.

Sir Alex addressed the matter on the eve of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, during which Ferdinand was highly unfortunate to concede a penalty. The boss told Sunday newspaper journalists:

"I think it [the talk about Rio's United days being numbered] generally came from the media after he'd not played in certain games.

"From Rio's perspective as he's been such a great player for us, I think it was important to explain his present position and there's nothing wrong with that.

"What I said was absolute fact - he's not as quick as he was five years ago. That happens, people do lose their pace as they get older.

"But Rio is adjusting his game accordingly and has had two or three good performances since then.

"I've no issues at all with Rio, he can play for another couple of years quite easily. Of course we have to look ahead, there's nothing wrong with that, but it shouldn't mean Rio looks upon it as the end of his career. He's got a part to play with his experience and he's good in the dressing room. He's a big figure and players look up to him so that will continue."

Sir Alex echoed these sentiments in his interview with the latest edition of Inside United, which is on sale from Wednesday 30 November.

"I can clarify the situation quite simply," he stated. "Rio is 33 years old now so he's naturally going to have to adapt his game in some fashion. But he has the necessary attributes to compensate for [losing a yard of pace].

"It's not like he's a big, cumbersome oaf. Rio's a nimble, athletic and agile guy and he's still faster than most.

"He's a terrific player and he'll play many, many more games for us. He's still one of the best centre-backs in the country."

source : Manutd

Evra takes the positives

"There's big frustration as I definitely wanted to finish that game being just two points behind Manchester City but the league is a marathon not a sprint."

- Patrice Evra

26/11/2011 18:34, Report by Adam Marshall

Patrice Evra is taking the positives from the disappointing 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Demba Ba's hotly-disputed penalty leveller was a source of great frustration for the home fans and players but the French full-back felt the side started to show some of the attacking sparkle that was so evident at the start of the season. Indeed, he is convinced if the champions keep playing in the same manner, then the title can be retained next May.

"I'm very frustrated we didn't win," Evra told MUTV. "I think we deserved the win. It's a draw but you have to take the positives and I think the manager has mentioned that as well. I think the team has not played that way for a long time and created so many chances. If you want to win the league, you have to score more goals.

"Against Arsenal, we created eight chances and scored eight. Today, we had maybe seven chances and only one goal. Sometimes, that's football - it's very strange. It's frustrating but it's a positive game for Manchester United.

"At the start of the season, we did very well - scored a lot of goals and conceded a lot of goals," he explained. "After the big accidents against City, when they scored six goals, we decided to defend better and we know, if we have a strong defence, we're going to win games. It's why we looked like the old United when winning 1-0 every time and winning the league in the end.

"Today, we looked more like we played at the beginning of the season and I know we're going to score more than one goal per game. There's big frustration as I definitely wanted to finish that game being just two points behind City but the league is a marathon not a sprint.

"There's a long way to go and I'm confident if the team keeps playing that well, I'm convinced we're going to win the league."

Evra was clearly disappointed with the penalty decision but refused to be too critical of referee Mike Jones, who took advice from his assistant before pointing to the spot.

"No, it wasn't a penalty," he stated. "I think it was a difficult decision against us but the referee was responsible and he went to see the linesman to say: 'Are you sure?' He said: 'Yes, it's a penalty' and the referee trusts his man. What can you say? We have to be more focused on how many chances we missed."

source : Manutd

Point pleases Simpson

“If you look at the chances onMatch of the Day, people might ask how Manchester United didn’t win the game.”

 - Danny Simpson

26/11/2011 19:00, Report by Mark Froggatt

Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson breathed a sigh of relief after helping Newcastle United cling on to a 1-1 draw with the Barclays Premier League champions.

The Magpies right-back, who made eight appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side before departing in 2008, was magnificent on Saturday and played a huge part in frustrating the Reds during a frantic second half at Old Trafford, clearing a Javier Hernandez shot off the line in incredible fashion.

“It was just out of instinct,” Simpson recalled. “We had been watching tapes of Hernandez all week and have been watching his movement in the box. I saw the cross come in and managed to get back on the line, stick my foot out and I managed to clear it.

“I’m just glad we got a point because it was wave after wave of attacks in the last 15 minutes, but we managed to deal with it. We’ve been defending like that all season. It is something that we have been working on in training and it is nice when it pays off at a place like Old Trafford.”

Simpson also praised the efforts of team-mate Tim Krul, who pulled off a string of remarkable saves - including one from a point-blank Nemanja Vidic header - to prevent United netting a winner and securing all three points.

“He has been in top form all season and for me he has been one of the better goalkeepers this year," Simpson told MUTV. "He made some great saves and you need that when you’re in the back-four. Sometimes you can’t stop certain things so when you have got him in goal making saves like that, it is nice.

“If you look at the chances on Match of the Day, people might ask how United didn’t win the game. I can see why they do score late goals - they are so clever and have got players like Rooney. You don’t know whether you’re coming or going.

“The offside decision against Hernandez in injury time was a relief but we kept going and managed to deal with their threat.”

MUTV is the only channel in the UK showing the Newcastle match in full. The first broadcast is at midnight on Saturday, when the on-demand highlights also become available on MUTV Online.

source : Manutd

Carrick happy for home town

25/11/2011 15:30, Report by Mark Froggatt

Michael Carrick is delighted to see Newcastle United riding high in the Barclays Premier League but insists any childhood allegiances will be forgotten when the Reds face the Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Reds midfielder, born and raised on Tyneside, always keeps an eye out for his home-town team and has been impressed by Alan Pardew’s side this season. With 25 points from a possible 36, the North-East club are currently fourth, three points ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

“Newcastle have had a really good start," Carrick declared. "Not a lot of people would have put them up there if you had asked a few months back. But credit to them, they have stuck together and they are certainly enjoying being up there.

"They are my home-town club and the team I watched as a boy so it is great to see them at the top. The city is really thriving at the minute. They couldn't have expected to be where they are if they took a realistic view because they have had such a hard time of it over the last couple of years.

"I am glad they are doing well but obviously come Saturday, it will be different for me."

Newcastle suffered a first league defeat of the season against Manchester City last weekend, prompting some to predict a drop in confidence ahead of Saturday’s match at M16. However Carrick feels he saw enough spirit and endeavour to disprove that theory.

“Who knows whether this is the perfect time to play them. They have had a great run and they were a bit unlucky at times last weekend with the penalty and a couple of goals that could have been avoided. I am sure they will still come with confidence, come and play and do the things they have been doing to get them in this position. We are fully aware of the strengths they have, how they are as a team and how much work they put in. We will have to be ready.”

United are braced for another busy run of games as Sir Alex’s men continue the quest to retain the title. And having made his first Barclays Premier League start of the season away to Swansea, Carrick hopes to feature heavily. The midfielder is also hoping to end a goal drought that stretches back to January 2010, but stresses his input to the overall team performance is more important.

“I would love a goal," he admitted. "But it is not something I am losing sleep over. It is something I would love to do. I try to put myself in positions to do that, but at the right time. You are there to do a job for the team in both boxes and in the middle of the park. If I am stopping them going in and someone else is scoring, as long as we are winning, I am not too fussed.

"I am enjoying my football at the moment. I am fit and looking forward to the games ahead. It is nice when positive things are said about you, especially by the manager. I just look to keep my good form going.”

Michael was talking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103.

source : Manutd

Boss' respect for Pardew

"I've always rated Alan Pardew. He's galvanised Newcastle... he's done a great job."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

24/11/2011 09:00, Report by Adam Bostock

Sir Alex Ferguson has sung the praises of opposite number Alan Pardew ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle United.

The Reds boss says he's been unsurprised by the Magpies' flying start to 2011/12, given his admiration for the manager they appointed last December. Pardew has followed up on his first task - to keep Newcastle in the top flight - by steering his side to as high as third place this term.

"I’ve always respected Alan Pardew, I’ve always rated him," declared Sir Alex, in an exclusive interview with Inside United and ManUtd.com.

"I think he was unfairly treated at West Ham and at Southampton, it was ridiculous actually. He took West Ham to the FA Cup final and was one minute away from winning the Cup. He was so unlucky."

Pardew - an opposing player with Crystal Palace when Sir Alex won his first United trophy, the FA Cup in 1990 - was sacked as Hammers manager only seven months after they lost the 2006 final to Liverpool on penalties.

It was a similar story with the Saints, only this time his dismissal followed a victory, in the 2010 Football League Trophy final. By last Christmas, he was back in management again, succeeding Chris Hughton at St James' Park.

"Alan’s done a great job at Newcastle," continued Sir Alex.

"He’s galvanised them and got them fighting for each other. I watched their recent 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham and it was a great game, end to end, with both teams trying to win. There was a really good attitude among both sets of players. They were fighting for every ball.

"When you’ve got a Newcastle team doing that, with their great support behind them, you know you’re going to get a difficult game."

Pardew's last duel with Sir Alex was at Old Trafford on 10 February 2007, when his Charlton Athletic side lost 2-0 to goals from Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher.

source : Manutd

Fletcher feels for Cleverley

21/11/2011 11:22, Report by Adam Marshall

Darren Fletcher admits fellow midfielder Tom Cleverley will be missed by Manchester United as he recovers from an ankle ligament injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the England squad member out of action until Christmas after he suffered a recurrence of the problem during the win at Everton. However, Fletcher is convinced Cleverley will return to play a key role this term.

"It is disappointing," conceded the Scot. "Tom will be very disappointed personally, as we are as a team. He had been performing so well and had a great start to the season. The important thing now is that he gets the injury right. It is one of those niggly ones. He came back and had a recurrence.

"The best thing for him to do is get himself right. He will be an important player for the remainder of the season and hopefully the push for silverware. He is thought very highly of and rightly so because of his performances. People say he is still young but he has had a lot of experience. He was in the [Barclays] Premier League with Wigan last year and had a loan spell at Watford.

"He did fantastically well at both clubs. We are delighted to have him back from Wigan. He is an important part of our squad now and has fought his way into the team with some great performances this season."

Fletcher will be hoping to start against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday and realises that it's important for the Reds to win Group C.

"You do want to finish top," he asserted. "First and foremost, you look to qualify for the knockout stages. But you want to finish top, for the last-16 draw and for other perks like playing the second leg at home.

"We saw Arsenal finish second in their group last season and end up being drawn against Barcelona. Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win it, it is good to avoid them until later in the competition.

"The threat in this season's Champions League is from the usual places. The other teams in England, plus Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Bayern Munich have been mightily impressive and the Italian teams have great experience. Competition in the knockout stages is very fierce. There are no easy games and a lot of teams will be thinking they can go on and win it."

Fletcher was speaking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103.

source : Manutd

Blog: Welcomed in Wales

Collective effort at Swansea

"It was a "job done" sort of performance.  A real team display rather than a game where individuals stood out."

- Stewart Gardner, MUTV

21/11/2011 16:27, Report by Stewart Gardner, MUTV

Top of my Christmas present wish list?

A new satnav or at the very least an updated satnav map. The final straw came on Saturday. Instead of punching in the post code for the Liberty Stadium I instead opted for Swansea City FC in the options list on the satnav. And the cheeky devil of a machine took me to the Vetch Field, Swansea's old home...

"You have reached your destination," blurted Homer Simpson (the voice of my satnav) as I pulled into a cul de sac near the city centre. No I hadn't! There followed a panicky call to the office who managed to tell me what the post code for the Liberty Stadium was. I was about three miles away and eventually made it after asking a kindly taxi driver for directions.

I am a bit obsessed about getting to grounds early, at least three hours before kick off, and I left home so early that I still arrived three hours before kick-off despite the geographical turmoil. But my pride was hurt and my work colleagues were merciless in their mocking of me.

As for the game itself, once again it was a "job done" sort of performance. A real team display rather than a game where individuals stood out. Having said that, I think that Michael Carrick was very effective in his first league start of the season and Nemanja Vidic justfied Alan Hansen's description of him as "by far" the best centre-half in the Barclays Premier League.

I know United have lost a bit of razzle dazzle at the moment but they have gone through a very necessary process of defensive tightening since the derby. Five successive clean sheets tells its own story.

In the tunnel after the game, Swansea's injured former United defender Alan Tate was waiting for his old team-mate Darren Fletcher. He wanted Fletch to sign a shirt. Whilst he was waiting, Sir Alex came over and had a really good chat with Alan. It must have made him feel ten feet tall. He left United the best part of a decade ago but the manager treated him like he was a current member of the United squad. That says a lot about the qualities of the boss.

I must also mention that Swansea as a club could not have been more accommodating hosts. Nothing was too much trouble. The atmosphere was terrific and they are a really good addition to the top flight.

Let's hope the Swans stay up and hopefully next season I will travel to the right stadium, with or without Homer Simpson's help.

Stewart Gardner presents The Paddy Crerand Show, Monday evenings on MUTV at 18:30 GMT.

source : Manutd

Report: Swansea 0 United 1

Swansea city 0

manchester united 1

hernandez (11)

19 NOVEMBER 2011, LIBERTY STADIUM ATTENDANCE: 20,295


19/11/2011 19:20, Report by Gemma Thompson

United remain hot on the heels of neighbours Manchester City after registering a first-ever win at Swansea City.

This was the first meeting between the two teams in 28 years with the Reds never having beaten the Welsh side on their own patch in eight previous attempts. Brendan Rodgers’ side were intent on maintaining that record and indeed this season’s unbeaten run at the Liberty Stadium, but Javier Hernandez’s 11th-minute strike proved decisive as Sir Alex’s men, who were professional in their play, rather than prolific, overcame a spirited display from the Swans.

With Manchester City eight points clear at the top of the table at kick-off, Sir Alex knew victory was imperative and he sent out a strong team with that very much in mind. There were three changes to the side that beat Sunderland with David De Gea returning in goal, Michael Carrick starting his first league game of the season and Ryan Giggs back in action in his native Wales and featuring in his first match for five weeks after a spell in the treatment room. And it was the Welshman who ensured the Reds got off to the perfect start on 11 minutes.

Angel Rangel dithered on the ball at the back and his attempted pass was easily cut out by Giggs. The midfielder powered into the area before sliding a low cross into the path of Javier Hernandez who side-footed home from close range to keep up his impressive run of goals away from home.

Swansea, who had come out of the blocks with real intent, remained buoyant despite the early blow and went close to restoring parity on 22 minutes; indeed, Scott Sinclair will still be wondering how he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet. Just after Patrice Evra had seen a low drive well held by Michel Vorm, the Swans' lone front man Danny Graham shrugged off a challenge at the other end to put Wayne Routledge in. His cross cannoned off Carrick and into the path of Sinclair who, with the goal gaping and De Gea struggling to get back in position, completely missed the ball from eight yards out.

The Reds, in relative control thereafter, set about trying to build on the 1-0 advantage. After Giggs had flashed a free-kick just wide nine minutes from the break, Hernandez found himself clear down the right but he over-hit his cross towards the onrushing Rooney and the chance was gone.

It was the Swans who had the first sight of goal after the restart. Joe Allen, brought on to replace Routledge, rolled the ball out to Sinclair who sent a powerful left-foot drive goalwards, but it was well parried by De Gea. Gary Monk then miscued a free header from the resulting corner.

The Swans continued to battle but De Gea and co. held firm. At the other end, Hernandez was always a threat on the break, while Rooney was involved in virtually all of United’s good play. Indeed, the England striker tried his luck from long range on 70 minutes, but Vorm claimed well.

With only one goal in it, the Swans continued to probe. Sinclair escaped the attentions of Rooney down the left and picked out Graham in the box. His shot was well blocked by Carrick, while Ashley Williams saw his follow-up effort cleared by Ferdinand.

With time almost up, the Reds went close to doubling the lead on three occasions in quick succession. First, Rooney chipped the ball onto the roof of the net, and then Jones, on one of his now renowned bursts forward, saw his low drive from inside the area deflected against the far post by Vorm. Finally, Nani sent a curling effort just wide.

United held out for a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions and ensured the team across town are far from out of sight in the league.

source : Manutd

Carrick values Swans victory

"We’ll score some more goals because of the talent in our team. We believe we can do that, but at this time it is about grafting, sticking together and showing a lot of character."

- Michael Carrick

19/11/2011 22:00, Report by Mark Froggatt

Michael Carrick says winning games is more important than scoring goals after United recorded a third consecutive 1-0 win in the Barclays Premier League with victory over Swansea on Saturday.

Javier Hernandez’s early strike was all that separated the teams at the Liberty Stadium to seal the Reds first top-flight triumph in Wales. And although it wasn’t a vintage display, Carrick believes three points is what matters most.

“They had a lot of possession but that’s their game,” the midfielder told MUTV. “They play off the ball and keep it for long spells. We knew that before the game. It was just a case of staying patient really. Considering the chances they had, I think we were quite comfortable in terms of goal threats.

“You always want to score more goals, of course, but I don’t think it’s a concern. It’s about winning games and it’s a good sign that we can win games like that. We haven’t been at our best but there’ll be a point in the season when everything will come easily.

“We’ll score some more goals because of the talent in our team. We believe we can do that, but at this time it is about grafting, sticking together and showing a lot of character.

“We are happy, we weren’t at our best but three points is nice. The football wasn’t as fluent or easy on the eye as it could have been but 1-0 is a win and we’ll take that. At this stage of the season it is about picking up points and wins - judge where we are by Christmas and we’ll kick on from there.”

Carrick produced a confident and industrious display against the Swans to earn widespread praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who had earlier this week stated his belief that the Reds midfielder would come to form over the festive period.

And having made his first league start of the season against Brendan Rodgers' newly-promoted side on Saturday, the United midfielder is confident his time to shine has finally arrived.

“I want to play in every game, like everyone else. But I understand the situation, it is a long season and I’ve been here before when I haven’t played too much at the start and ended up having a good season. I am patient and it is frustrating, but I have just got to be ready and I enjoyed it today.”

source : Manutd

Player ratings v Swansea

19/11/2011 21:00, Report by A Bostock, G Thompson

We assess how the Reds performed in the win over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium...

David De Gea - Showed safe handling on crosses and made a great save when called upon early in the second half to thwart Sinclair at the near post.

Phil Jones – A solid return to his day job for United at right-back, after two games in midfield for England. Was unlucky not to open his goalscoring account after hitting the post in the dying stages.

Nemanja Vidic – Courage and command summed up by a diving header to clear from Danny Graham’s boot at a second-half corner. A typically colossal display from the skipper.

Rio Ferdinand – Played to Vidic’s left and was in the right place at the right time on several occasions, not least when he denied Williams with the second of two blocks in quick succession as the Swans threatened to equalise.

Patrice Evra – Was tested by the pace of Nathan Dyer and took a blow in the face just before half-time which eventually forced him off soon after the restart.

Nani – Had a quiet game on the whole but almost iced his 25th birthday cake with virtually the last kick of the game, curling a shot just beyond the far post.

Michael Carrick – Made his first league start of 2011/12 and received special praise from the manager after the game following an immense performance. His passing was top-notch and he also made some brave tackles at key moments.

Ryan Giggs – Recalled to the eleven for the first time since the Anfield trip after a spell out injured, the Welshman ruthlessly punished Angel Rangel’s error to set up Hernandez’s winner. There was no romantic outcome for a direct free-kick however, as he bent his shot wide.

Ji-sung Park – Operated on the left flank and put in another solid shift in what was a decent team performance overall. Was on hand to provide cover defensively when needed.

Javier Hernandez – Away from home this season Chicha has had six shots on target and five have resulted in goals – that’s some going from Mexican. Was in the right place at the right time once more to slot home the winner.

Wayne Rooney – Like Jones, Wazza also reverted to a more familiar position, playing in behind Hernandez and providing the Mexican with some excellent service. Went close to netting himself with a chipped effort in the final minutes.

Substitutes

Fabio (for Evra, 51 mins) – Provided good energy down the left and, as always, enjoyed getting stuck into the action.

Darren Fletcher (for Giggs, 76 mins) – Brought on to sure up the midfield late on and went about his job with typical determination and desire.

Antonio Valencia (for Hernandez, 84 mins) – Looked sharp, and played a lovely pass through to Jones who went on to smack the woodwork.

source : Manutd