Sir Alex says sorry to fans

"I don't know where to start to be honest. My apologies go to our fans tonight because that was not a Manchester United performance."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

30/11/2011 23:00, Report by Gemma Thompson

Sir Alex Ferguson apologised to United fans after the Reds were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Glenn Murray's extra-time header, albeit from a marginally offside position, secured a famous 2-1 victory for the Eagles who put on a dogged display throughout the quarter-final tie.

Sir Alex was full of praise for Palace's effort, but hugely disappointed by his own side's performance.

"I don't know where to start to be honest. My apologies go to our fans tonight because that was not a Manchester United performance," he told MUTV.

"I don't want to take anything away from Crystal Palace - I wish them every success and I hope they get to the final. It was a fantastic, mammoth effort from all of them. Every one of their players worked their socks off to get to the semi-finals.

"We maybe played too many short passes, but I'm not going to dwell on it and go into the ins and outs of it all.

"When it went to extra-time I thought we must win it, but it wasn't to be. Their second goal was offside from what I've seen on the cameras, but I can't take it away from Crystal Palace, they fought hard to get the result and they deserve it. It's a very disappointing night for Manchester United."

source : Manutd

Boss promotes integration

"I used to threaten Bryan Robson all the time and tell him the 1992 team would beat you."

- Sir Alex 

29/11/2011 09:16, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex enjoys watching his latest batch of youth products training with the first-team at Carrington.

The United boss is adept at integrating youngsters into his plans and is carefully nurturing another talented group of teenagers, who already have the FA Youth Cup under their belts.

"The youngsters have taken part in a lot of first-team training now," explained the boss. "[Ravel] Morrison, [Paul] Pogba, [Larnell] Cole, [Jesse] Lingard and [Zeki] Fryers: we've stepped them up to our squad.

"They enjoy the challenge and it's an opportunity for us to see what they're like in these sessions, how they cope with the older players. It's how they handle the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic if they give them a bit of stick... it's a good part of a young player's progress when they can be involved with the big boys."

The situation is not new for United, as the fabled "Class of 92" had a famous tussle with their senior counterparts in order to measure their progress.

"I used to threaten Bryan Robson all the time and tell him the 1992 team would beat you," revealed Sir Alex. "We did have a practice game together, the first team versus the Class of 92.

"The first team won 3-1 and Robson was in one of his angry moods. He was very determined that day! It was brilliant, they were absolutely revved up for it and the young boys were thinking: 'Why are we doing this and can we beat them'? There was an element of doubt in them and I think there was a lot of intimidation going on. I can't remember who was referee but it wasn't me!"

source : Manutd

Sir Alex: Timing key for debuts

"When somebody like Paul McGuinness comes to me and says: 'He's a first-team player', then I know to keep a special eye on the player."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Pictured left to right: Sir Alex with two loyal Academy servants, Jimmy Ryan and Paul McGuinness

28/11/2011 10:57, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson has explained the detailed process that is followed when he considers whether to hand a youngster his debut.

The progress of a number of last season's FA Youth Cup-winners for Warren Joyce's Reserves has inevitably led to suggestions that more new faces could feature in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie against Crystal Palace. Zeki Fryers, Larnell Cole, Paul Pogba and Michael Keane have already made their first-team bow in the competition this term, to demonstrate that the Carrington production line is still in fine working order.

"The monitoring system here is good and there's a lot of consistency with our Academy staff," says Sir Alex in the new edition of Inside United. "These are guys that have been here a long time and know what to look for. When somebody like Paul McGuinness comes to me and says: 'He's a first-team player', then I know to keep a special eye on the player.

"From there, we'll bring the boy into first-team training for a couple of sessions. That's what we're doing at the moment with Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, Jesse Lingard, Zeki Fryers, Larnell Cole and Michael Keane. They're all training with the first team.

"That allows me to see how they cope playing against seasoned professionals, it lets me judge their temperament. It allows me to get a far better picture of how they're progressing. And, while this is going on, you hope they're playing well for the Reserves and displaying the right attitude and enthusiasm.

"Players are never simply thrown into first-team action," he asserted. "They always follow this step-by-step process.

"I don't think we've ever been off the mark and given a boy his chance too early. That can be very damaging. If he's not up to the standards we require at United, then we don't venture there. The last thing we'd want is to humiliate a player. I'm not saying every player I've ever given a debut to has gone on to be a fantastic player at this club, but most of them have at least forged successful careers."

source : Manutd

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

Pogba to face Palace?

"We've won two Carling Cup finals with young players, which is good going. It's become an important tournament for us in terms of getting the youngsters an introduction into winning and having an understanding of the progress they're making."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

27/11/2011 10:07, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped some hints as to his likely team selection in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace.

The boss will again rely heavily on youth, as he has in the previous rounds against Leeds United and Aldershot Town, and has suggested that Paul Pogba could be handed his first senior start for the Reds. The Frenchman came on as a substitute at Elland Road and the EBB Stadium but is now in the running for a place in the initial eleven, alongwith fellow FA Youth Cup winner Ravel Morrison.

"There will be complete change," revealed Sir Alex. "Just the same as we had at Leeds and Aldershot. Ravel Morrison was in the squad for Wednesday's game [against Benfica]. He's a very, very talented boy, of course, and he'll possibly be on the bench, at least, in midweek. But I've got other players needing a game like Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda.

"All the younger players [will come in] - Zeki Fryers, the two Da Silvas [Rafael and Fabio] are possibles. Chris Smalling has come back and I may be able to play him on Wednesday. He's still young and it'll be a young squad against Palace. The only area where I've got problems is centre midfield. It's possible I could play Pogba in there but we'll wait and see. I've got enough players to choose from, that's for sure."

"I think the League Cup has turned into quite a good tournament," added the manager. "Clubs like United are able to introduce young players and ones who have not been playing regularly in the first team and it's been good to us over the years.

"We've won two finals at Wembley with young players, which is good going, and I think it's become an important tournament for us in terms of getting the youngsters an introduction into winning and having an understanding of the progress they're making."

Sir Alex has a well-established system in place in terms of how to develop the youngsters coming through the ranks at Old Trafford.

"The reserves' league is more of an extended youth league but we rectify that by putting players on loan," he explained. "We've got quite a lot of players on loan this year, as we have every year, most of the 19 and 20-year-olds.

"The nucleus of the youth team last year have all had first-team experience this season. They've all been involved in the League Cup and travelled to European games with us. One of that youth team is out on loan in the Championship [Ryan Tunnicliffe at Peterborough] and it's valuable experience for the younger ones."

Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking to journalists from the national Sunday newspapers.

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

Sir Alex reveals Palace plans

"We've won two Carling Cup finals with young players, which is good going. It's become an important tournament for us in terms of getting the youngsters an introduction into winning and having an understanding of the progress they're making."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

27/11/2011 10:07, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped some hints as to his likely team selection in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace.

The boss will again rely heavily on youth, as he has in the previous rounds against Leeds United and Aldershot Town, and has suggested that Paul Pogba could be handed his first senior start for the Reds. The Frenchman came on as a substitute at Elland Road and the EBB Stadium but is now in the running for a place in the initial eleven, alongwith fellow FA Youth Cup winner Ravel Morrison.

"There will be complete change," revealed Sir Alex. "Just the same as we had at Leeds and Aldershot. Ravel Morrison was in the squad for Wednesday's game [against Benfica]. He's a very, very talented boy, of course, and he'll possibly be on the bench, at least, in midweek. But I've got other players needing a game like Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda.

"All the younger players [will come in] - Zeki Fryers, the two Da Silvas [Rafael and Fabio] are possibles. Chris Smalling has come back and I may be able to play him on Wednesday. He's still young and it'll be a young squad against Palace. The only area where I've got problems is centre midfield. It's possible I could play Pogba in there but we'll wait and see. I've got enough players to choose from, that's for sure."

"I think the League Cup has turned into quite a good tournament," added the manager. "Clubs like United are able to introduce young players and ones who have not been playing regularly in the first team and it's been good to us over the years.

"We've won two finals at Wembley with young players, which is good going, and I think it's become an important tournament for us in terms of getting the youngsters an introduction into winning and having an understanding of the progress they're making."

Sir Alex has a well-established system in place in terms of how to develop the youngsters coming through the ranks at Old Trafford.

"The reserves' league is more of an extended youth league but we rectify that by putting players on loan," he explained. "We've got quite a lot of players on loan this year, as we have every year, most of the 19 and 20-year-olds.

"The nucleus of the youth team last year have all had first-team experience this season. They've all been involved in the League Cup and travelled to European games with us. One of that youth team is out on loan in the Championship [Ryan Tunnicliffe at Peterborough] and it's valuable experience for the younger ones."

Sir Alex Ferguson was speaking to journalists from the national Sunday newspapers.

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

Sir Alex answers midfield critics

"Everyone's saying 'go out and buy a central midfield player'. Well, I would do that if he were a Manchester United player. If we'd seen a young Bryan Robson or Roy Keane, we'd have been the first there. The possibilities of improving our team are not lost on us."

– Sir Alex Ferguson

25/11/2011 18:45, Report by James Tuck


Sir Alex Ferguson has responded strongly to criticism of United's midfield and insists he will never make knee-jerk signings aimed at strengthening his team.

In an interview with MUTV, screened on Countdown to Kick-off on Friday evening, the Reds boss was informed that the subject of central midfield had generated plenty of recent debate on the club's TV channel, with some disgruntled fans demanding new signings.

Sir Alex responded by arguing there was "no point" in rushing into the transfer market and that, in fact, the champions have coped remarkably well given the number of injuries in the squad this term, not just in midfield but also at the back.

"Criticism is fine as long as it's balanced," the manager declared. "Anderson and Tom Cleverley have been injured and those two, in particular, have tremendous potential – they’re fantastic young players. So we're missing two very important cogs in the machine.

"Darren Fletcher has had his issues and Michael Carrick has been injured a few times, so we're trying to achieve a consistent midfield operation.

"And it's not just the midfield – you've also got to look at the back four, which we've been changing all the time. We've done exceptionally well in spite of that.

"Everyone's saying 'go out and buy a central midfield player'. Well, I would do that if he were a Manchester United player. If we'd seen a young Bryan Robson or Roy Keane, we'd have been the first there. The possibilities of improving our team are not lost on us."

Sir Alex knew that replacing the retired Paul Scholes would take some time, but he has faith in his policy of promoting from within.

"When you lose a player of Scholes' brilliance, there's a 'time lapse' which allows someone to emerge from the youth or reserve team, or to come back from a loan spell," he explained.

"Cleverley was at Wigan last year and also had spells at Leicester and Watford. He gained maturity from being on loan and we have to wait on and trust that."

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

Nani: We need to boss midfield

Sir Alex on Nani

"Even Ronaldo took a few years to get maturity in his game. That's what we’re seeing with Nani now. His goal tally is fine, his assists count is high, he's progressing very well... he'll be sub against Benfica!"

22/11/2011 10:57, Report by Adam Bostock

Nani believes the contest for supremacy in Champions League Group C at Old Trafford tonight will be won and lost in midfield.

The Portuguese winger feels the department staffed by the likes of his countryman David Simao, Javi Garcia from neighbouring Spain and Argentina international Pablo Aimar is the strongest unit in the Benfica side.

“I think their strongest point is their midfield. If we are able to control the midfield, then I am sure we have a good chance to have a positive result,” said Nani at the pre-match press conference.

“I’m sure Benfica will play some good football but with a lot of care as well because they know they are playing away at our ground. We will do our best to get the positive result that we aim for.”

Nani admits that tonight’s match has special significance for him, as alumni of Sporting Lisbon – Benfica’s local rivals.

“When I played against Benfica for Sporting Lisbon, the games were like United against Manchester City. They were always tough games. My record is okay - I lost one game, won one game, drew another. Of course I used to enjoy it when we beat Benfica. I hope I can win again this time.”

source : Manutd

Sir Alex supports soldiers

"We should be playing tribute to the job the soldiers do and the sacrifices they make in a big way and hopefully this donation will make a big impact.”

- Sir Alex Ferguson

18/11/2011 16:00, Report by Gemma Thompson

Sir Alex has had an extremely busy few weeks with the usual run of matches, coupled with a number of events to mark his 25th anniversary at the club.

Some of those events helped raised money for The Elizabeth Hardie Ferguson Charitable Trust Fund which was set up by the manager in memory of his late mother.

Each year funds from the Trust are donated to a charity of the boss’ choice and this year an incredible £100,000 has gone to the ABF The Soldiers' Charity, which provides support and financial assistance to serving and retired soldiers and their families.

Sir Alex told ManUtd.com he is delighted to be able to lend his support to the charity and hopes the money will go a long way to helping many of the country’s war heroes.

“It’s the most talked about issue in Britain at the moment – not only are soldiers losing their lives, a number of them are coming back from Afghanistan with all sorts of injuries,” he explained.

“You couldn’t help but feel emotional when you watched The Remembrance Service last weekend - we should be playing tribute to the job the soldiers do and the sacrifices they make in a big way, and hopefully this donation will make a big impact.”

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hackett MBE, Regional Director of Fundraising for the West Midlands office of the charity, visited Carrington this week to collect a cheque from Sir Alex and Paul Hardman, Treasure of the Trust Fund, and to thank them for their support.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Sir Alex and the trustees. It’s great to know the manager is such a proud supporter of the charity,” he said.

“Last year we helped over 4,000 soldiers across the country at a cost of around £7million. By 2015 we estimate that we’ll need to make around £15m. So there’s great pressure to keep on raising funds and the donation from Sir Alex is a real godsend and something we’re extremely grateful for.”

source : Manutd

Sir Alex targets top spot

21/11/2011 11:00, Report by Mark Froggatt

Sir Alex Ferguson is setting his sights on victory over Benfica and eventually top spot in Group C as he plots to avoid Europe’s elite in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

The boss has done the maths ahead of Tuesday's Old Trafford clash and knows victory over the Portuguese giants would guarantee progress to the last 16, with only a point against FC Basel on Matchday 6 then needed to ensure qualification as section winners.

However, the United manager is wary of a potential upset and has challenged his side to make life easier by taking all six points from the two remaining games.

“We showed a bit of carelessness against Basel but we are joint top with Benfica,” Sir Alex warned. “FC Basel have got five points though so it’s still not over, if you look at all of the different scenarios we can still beat Benfica and go out.

“As stupid as it may seem, if Basel were to go and wallop Otelul Galati and then beat us, they’d be on the same points as us and could knock us out on goal difference, unless Benfica can score enough goals against Galati in their last game. If they do then we are out, so it is interesting.

“The most important thing is to qualify but it is always that little bonus if you are top because then you avoid the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona might not finish top, though, as they’ve got to go to Milan who have been doing alright.”

Inevitably, Sir Alex has kept a watchful eye over United’s Champions League rivals this season and has been particularly impressed by the efforts of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who currently sit three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Among other things, the manager is a fan of Real's work ethic and energy off the ball, as well as the individual talents of Mesut Özil and ex-Reds star Cristiano Ronaldo, whose scoring record in Spain currently stands at 104 goals in 107 appearances.

“I think Real Madrid have improved. I’ve been watching their games and they are playing really well," Sir Alex told the Sunday newspapers. "In fact, overall I’ve think they’re playing every bit as good as Barcelona and their goals have been phenomenal. They have definitely improved, there’s no question about that.

“They are fit as hell and they put some energy into their games. I think there is improvement in the boy Ozil too, he has improved a lot and Ronaldo is Ronaldo. He is phenomenal. 104 goals in 107 games is brilliant – it nearly breaks my record!”

source : Manutd

Concentration was key

"The concentration we showed today is exactly the concentration we need back in the team. We’ve tightened things up and there were some good performances by our defenders."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

19/11/2011 19:30, Report by Gemma Thompson

Sir Alex hailed his side’s concentration levels in the hard-fought victory at Swansea on Saturday and reserved special praise for Michael Carrick on his first league start of the season.

Javier Hernandez’s 11th-minute goal proved the difference in the 1-0 win, but it was the Reds’ dogged display at the back which pleased the manager, as did the impressive performance by Carrick in the centre of the field.

“Keeping clean sheets has been an integral part of our success and we have been careless with our defending,” he told MUTV.

“A few weeks ago there was genuine criticism about the defending and the chances opponents were getting. Swansea didn’t really make any chances apart from the miss they had in the first half.

“It was a solid performance and we never looked like losing the game. We were comfortable and had good possession. And when you win these games 1-0 it brings the concentration back to a good level which has been lacking. The concentration we showed today is exactly the concentration we need back in the team.

“We’ve tightened things up and there were some good performances by our defenders. And Michael Carrick was outstanding. I thought he did really well – it was a big performance from him.

“To get Michael back to that form and have the likes of Ryan [Giggs] available gives us good options. We also brought on Fabio, Fletcher and Valencia which shows you the strength of the squad – they were good changes at important times in the game.

"The squad we’ve got now is strong and I can make changes with confidence and that’s very important at this stage of the season.”

It was United’s first-ever victory at Swansea and it brought the Swans’ unbeaten home run this season to an end as well.

“They’ve got a great home record and that’s something we looked at before the game,” added Sir Alex. “They’re a good football team and they keep the ball well.

“We maybe should have done better with the chances we got towards the end of the game, but when you look at the way Swansea have been going in terms of form it was a good result.”

source : Manutd

Boss has personal touch

11/11/2011 10:00, Report by Adam Marshall

"Just in the way he speaks with you in the team-talk, before important games he can make you feel like it’s the last game you’ll play in your life so you go out there and want to give everything you have. It’s great - you just need to be there to see it."
- Dimitar Berbatov, MUTV

Dimitar Berbatov feels Sir Alex is one of the best man-managers in the game as the boss always manages to motivate his troops.

The Bulgarian has had to make the most of his opportunities due to squad rotation this term but realises the manager is always acting in the best interests of the team with his selections.

"Every player is different," he explained to MUTV. "Some players need to be pushed and others need to be talked to separately. For me, he just needs to come to me and tell me what to expect from the game and the training ground, then it is up to me to show I can play every game.

"I cannot speak for other players, but it is always good when the manager comes to ask how you're feeling and makes you feel calm before you play the game. For me, he knows how to motivate you and how to speak with you, about football or some issues you have outside of football.

"Just in the way he speaks with you in the team-talk, before important games he can make you feel like it’s the last game you’ll play in your life so you go out there and want to give everything you have. It’s great - you just need to be there to see it."

Berbatov believes Sir Alex always has his eye on the bigger picture, even if he's keen to mix with the players and keep spirits high.

"Every time a players retires or goes to another club, he always a back-up plan on how to replace the player and build the team again," added the former Spurs striker.

"The way he treats players is unbelievable. Even when not playing or you’re injured, he's still speaking with you and encouraging. He makes you feel special and lets you know your place in the team.

"Even when we’re on the training ground or go to lunch, for example, it’s like he is one of the team - joking around and telling stories, asking quiz questions.

"He really likes the quiz questions and it's good because he relates with the players and he's really good like that."

source : Manutd