Rafael's Reserves return

17/11/2011 15:40, Report by Adam Marshall

Rafael will make his return to action with a Reserves run-out against Wigan on Thursday night after dislocating his shoulder in training back in August.

The Brazilian full-back plays in defence and there's also a start for Darron Gibson, who is another player who has recovered from injury and has been away with Republic of Ireland as Giovanni Trapattoni's team clinched their place at Euro 2012.

Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba feature in midfield as well while Will Keane, fresh from his first involvement at Under-21 level for England, leads the line as Federico Macheda is still working his way back to full fitness.

A full report will follow on ManUtd.com after the final whistle.

United: Amos; Rafael, M.Keane, Fryers, Vermijl; Pogba, Gibson, Petrucci, Morrison, Lingard; W.Keane. Subs: Massacci, Jacob, McGinty, Cole, Cofie.

source : Manutd

International Reds round-up

15/11/2011 22:30, Report by Adam Marshall

International Reds

Phil Jones (ENGLAND v Sweden)

Nani (PORTUGAL v Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Darron GIBSON (REP.IRELAND v Estonia)

Anders Lindegaard (DENMARK v Finland)

Senior internationals only

Phil Jones played the full 90 minutes for England in the 1-0 friendly win against Sweden at Wembley.

The United youngster stormed through the visiting defence in the first half and rolled his finish inches wide when he looked set to score his first goal for Fabio Capello's team. Instead, an own goal by Daniel Majstorovic proved the difference between the two teams. Danny Welbeck withdrew from the squad through injury.

Nani hit an absolute screamer in Portugal's 6-2 battering of Bosnia-Herzegovina that ensures the winger will get the chance to star in another major tournament next summer. The United ace collected a ball in the middle of the Bosnia half and unleashed a right-foot rocket to add to Cristiano Ronaldo's opener.

Portugal eventually won comfortably with a couple of late goals ensuring the scoreline was maybe a little misleading and Nani came off with seven minutes to go after a good evening's work.

Darron Gibson's Republic of Ireland also clinched a place at Euro 2012, as expected, with a 1-1 draw enough to seal a 5-1 aggregate triumph over Estonia. The midfielder did not feature in the Dublin draw.

Anders Lindegaard kept goal as Denmark won their fifth game in a row, coming from behind to beat Finland 2-1. A mistake at the back allowed Kasper Hamalainen through on goal and, although Lindegaard saved, Alexei Eremenko converted the rebound. However, the Danes hit back thanks to goals in quick succession by Daniel Agger and Nicklas Bendtner.

source : Manutd

Reds duo aid England win

12/11/2011 19:18, Report by Adam Marshall

 

Young Reds Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck played their part in England's battling 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley.

The world champions were beaten by Frank Lampard's close-range header in the 49th minute after a Darren Bent effort came back off the inside of a post.

Jones worked hard in midfield even though Spain predictably dominated possession and his shift came to an end when he made way for debutant Jack Rodwell 11 minutes after the interval.

United were represented on the pitch again when Welbeck replaced Bent on 64 minutes and he kept Gerard Pique and company on their toes for the closing stages, including setting up a chance for Rodwell as Fabio Capello's team enjoyed a night to remember.

"The most important thing was the performance of Jones, Rodwell and Welbeck," commented Capello afterwards. "They will be important for the Euro 2012 finals."

source : Manutd