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

Butt: Reds exit was hard

"The media can look at United and analyse it too much. Inside the club, they won't be worrying what people are saying and writing. The manager will have his say, the coaches will have their say and the players too. They will know what targets are what got to do and where to improve and I'm sure they will do that."

30/11/2011 14:04, Report by Adam Marshall

Former midfield star Nicky Butt gave United Review his thoughts on the Reds ...

How big a wrench was it to leave United? 

It was the hardest thing I had to do in football as I'd been there since I was 12 years of age. But it came to a time when you're getting up to 30, it was just around the corner, and I wasn't playing a lot or as much as I wanted to or felt I should've been. I was going down the pecking order. Although I didn't really want to leave, I wanted to play football and didn't want to sit on the bench for three or four years and just fizzle out really. I wanted to have one more kick at it. I knew Newcastle were in for me and I was desperate to go there really. I'd played against them and I knew they were a great club with a great atmosphere so I was more than happy to go there.

It must be hard for all players to handle squad rotation.. 

It is difficult. To be fair, all my career I had good players in front of me - Scholes, Keaney, Veron - and we were all fighting for two spots in midfield. But, all my career, I used to get over 30 games every year. I played in all the big games as people were injured or we played three in midfield. I always played in the big semi-finals and finals and I loved every minute there. But it got to a point where I was getting a bit frustrated and wasn't myself. I wasn't getting angry but I was resenting people and I didn't want to end up being bitter and twisted. So I went to speak with the manager and he was great. He understood my position and understood the most important thing was the club and rightly so. It was a nervous thing to do, going to speak to the manager about leaving the club as I'd been there so long, but it was fine. He was brilliant and asked if I was sure what I wanted to do as he didn't want me to make any rash judgements. So he said think about it for a couple of days and, when I did that, my mind hadn't changed. I still wanted to play football. Although it was the most difficult thing I had to do, I was happy to go to Newcastle.

How do United approach games that they're expected to win? 

I think any game in the Premier League is tough, regardless of who it is against. In years gone by, when I think we'd walk out at Old Trafford, we knew we were going to win. We used to know that before we'd go out. Maybe it sounds a bit big-headed but we knew we were more than capable of winning in maybe third or fourth gear. Now it's moved on and teams are having a right go which is good to watch. But I still think United are always strong favourites when at home.

What's your assessment of United's form? 

United started well but have flattened out a little bit but that happens. Every team in the whole season has its ups and downs, no matter how good you are or what team you are. Every team has ups and downs, hopefully United have had theirs and can kick on. City will have bad times, there's no question about it. Chelsea have had a bad time already and everyone has bad times it's just a matter of how you deal with them. No matter how good a team are, they still have bad moments. Hopefully, the bad moments will be overcome. 

How does the club handle any rough patches internally?

The media can look at United and analyse it too much. Inside the club, they won't be worrying what people are saying and writing. The manager will have his say, the coaches will have their say and the players too. They will know what targets are what got to do and where to improve and I'm sure they will do that.

How difficult will it be for United to retain the title?

It is hard every year and it seems to be getting harder. The great thing about the club is the challenge. I think if there wasn't a challenge, a lot of palyers would be bored and the manager would get bored as well. But, every year, teams get bigger and none bigger than City, our local rivals, who are coming up there and have done a really great job in getting a team together. So it's a big challenge for us. I think whoever beats United to the top will be a good team and I still fancy them for the league, to be fair. I don't know about City, they're a fantastic team who can beat anybody on their day but the thing at the back of my mind, niggling away, is what's next? There's always something at club, someone who's not happy and that's why team spirit and a good, settled squad can take you a long way. The squad all know who the boss is at United - it's the manager and nobody challenges him. I'm sure they'll have chats with him, like everyone does, but everyone knows who the manager is and their position in the squad and they get on with it. If they do knock on the door and ask why they're not playing, it never gets aired.

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

Vidic: No need to worry

26/11/2011 09:17, Report by Adam Marshall

Nemanja Vidic has stressed the champions are not panicking at being five points behind leaders Manchester City at this stage of the season.

In an exclusive interview with this Saturday's United Review, the official matchday programme, the centre-back says it is far too early to be analysing the league table in too much depth and the Reds are determined to be in the shake-up come May.

"When you look at the league table, we’d obviously prefer to be closer," he conceded. "But nobody in the team is panicking. There are tough games for everybody ahead and there’s more than half the season left to play. We have a lot of talent, experience and desire in this squad – certainly enough to win the league."

Shrewd observers will have noted Vida swapped with Rio Ferdinand and played on the right side of the central defence in the match with the Magpies' North-East rivals Sunderland, with the skipper revealing it was merely a tactical switch from Sir Alex.

"Sometimes the manager wants to try new things or make a tactical change," he added. "As he did against Sunderland. It's no problem for me to play on the right or for Rio to play on the left. We can cope either way. The boss had a reason why he wanted Rio and I to swap against Sunderland and it worked well."

source : Manutd

Webchat: Phil Jones

ManUtd.com hosted an exclusive live webchat with United defender Phil Jones at Carrington on Thursday, 17 November.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a question either before or during the webchat. Sorry that Phil couldn't answer them all - we received thousands!

Signed shirt winner: Phil felt the best question was, "If you were asked to play in a World XI at centre-back, who would you like the other three defenders in the line-up to be?" The fan who asked it, Ryan Walters from Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales, will receive a United shirt signed by Phil himself. Congratulations Ryan.

The questions and answers below are in reverse order, the last question appearing first.

Thanks for your time, Phil. Here's the final question - which is your favourite goal that United have scored so far this season? Kyriacos Theocharides, Nicosia, Cyprus

Nani's goal against Chelsea was a good one, where he bashed it into the top corner. But I'll say the second goal in the Community Shield because it involved about five players and it was a great finish.

I am number 4 for my team too! Is there any reason behind why you chose it? Fatik Khan, India

I didn't choose the number. I was given it. I wasn't bothered, really. A number's a number at the end of the day. I could be 99 and it wouldn't bother me. It doesn't mean you're any higher or lower in the pecking order.

Is it difficult to switch between playing in a friendly international in midweek to playing a competitive game for United a few days later? Stephen Carr, Dundalk, Ireland

No. It's football and it's what I do. It's my job. You always have to adapt to different situations. It's a natural switch. Anyway, no international game is ever a friendly. I still go out and give 100 per cent every time I'm on the pitch.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality?Pu Zhang, Spain

Cheerful, fearless and optimistic.

What was it like meeting Sir Alex for the first time? Julie Hutcheon, UK

It was in Seattle, on the US Tour. He came over, I shook his hand and we talked for about 10 minutes. I was really nervous. He was great, though, and he's been fantastic to me since he's been here. When you see him on television you think to yourself, 'I wouldn't like to cross him!', but at Carrington he's relaxed and chilled and you can have a laugh with him.

What kind of a rush do you get when you are playing a game and in which ground do you get the biggest buzz? Reece Timmins, UK

Old Trafford and Wembley are great. You get shivers down the back of your neck when you walk out at those grounds. I don't get really nervous. I get a few butterflies but I'm not a nervous person. When I do get nervous, I just think: 'Calm down. I'm going out, I'm kicking a ball around and then I'm going home.' That's how I look at it.

Which team-mate is the toughest to play against in training? Dan Lear, Bristol, UK

Nani. He's tricky. If he makes me look silly though, I usually give him a little pinch on the back of the arm!

Which upcoming youth players do you think have a big chance in breaking through to the first team?Tyrone Wright, Manchester, UK

Let's be honest, there are a lot of very talented players in our youth and rokeserve teams. I think Will Keane is a good player. Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison are top as well. Larnell Cole and Zeki Fryers look good as well. Those are the guys who have stood our for me when we played Aldershot and when I watched them at Leeds. They sometimes come and train with us as well. To be fair, all the young lads at the club are talented. If they weren't they wouldn't be here.

Where is you favourite holiday destination?Sameer Varma, India

I'd have to say Dubai. There are loads of shops, nice hotels and good restaurants, and good weather. You can go on safari adventures, you can go up the tallest building... It's nice.

Are you worried that your versatility could count against you and stop you making one position your own?Gareth Robins, Carterton, UK

No, not at all. I think versatility is always an advantage. It allows you to play more. I don't see how it could be a disadvantage. Hopefully in time I'll nail down a regular place in a set position. For now, though, I'm just happy to play football.

Who are the team jokers off the pitch at United, and have you been the victim of any pranks yet?Kevin Kevin, USA

Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are the main ones. They try and make me the victim but it always backfires. I make a swift exit.

If you were able to celebrate your birthday anywhere you wanted, where would you do it? Fariz Attamimi, Singapore

Las Vegas. I'm going there for my 21st in 2013 and I can't wait.

If you were going to give advice for somebody who wants to make it in football, what would your top five tips be? Robert Ormson, Runcorn

You have to be focused and you have to know what you want. You have to make a lot of sacrifices. It's not easy when you're growing up to stay in when all your mates are going out. That's tough. You also have to be prepared to give absolutely everything. You can't give 50 per cent or even 99 per cent - you have to give everything you've got when you're on the pitch and on the training ground.

What has been your favourite moment in a Manchester United shirt so far? Luke Joyce, Sutton Coldfield

My favourite moment was probably winning the Community Shield. I'd never won a competitive trophy before. That was really nice and probably my favourite moment so far. I've had a lot of good moments so far but that was probably the best one. I thought to myself at Wembley: 'I've been here two minutes and I've already got a trophy.' I used to think, 'I can't stand that club when they always score in the last minute.' But now I love it. I'm not complaining one bit.

Do you have any pre-match rituals? Shanker Vasu, Malaysia

Yeah. This sounds really stupid... but it depends on whether we're home or away. The fixtures list United on the left when we're at home and on the right when we're away. So this weekend I'll put my right sock on first because it will be Swansea v United. Next week, if I play against Benfica at Old Trafford, I'll put my left sock on. Also, when I walk onto the pitch, I'll take the first step across the white line with the foot that corresponds to whether we're home or away. This will sound proper over-the-top, but you know when you go to a hotel room and there are two towels hanging down? When I was on international duty last week, I picked the towel on the left because we were at home against Spain. I know it's weird but I can't help myself. Nobody knows about it so nobody has ever noticed... although I guess the secret's out now.

It's injury time... which would you rather do, score the winner or stop a goalbound shot?Aakash Karia, London, UK

Either way you're going to be the hero. But, taking into consideration the fact that I haven't scored a competitive goal in my career yet, I'd have to say score a goal. And then run out of the stadium.

As we all know you're a very versatile player. Which do you consider to be your best position and is there any position you can't play in? Mark Noble, Ipswich, UK

I used to play right midfield when I was younger. I also played striker when I was younger. The only positions I've never played in are left midfield, left-back and goalkeeper. My favourite position is centre-back and I think that's where I'll end up as my career develops. The bottom line is that I enjoy playing football and I'll play anywhere. I think I'd be decent in goal, to be fair. I'd fling myself around a lot.

What's your favourite TV programme? Jake Forte, Beziers, UK

I don't have one. I like watching MTV Cribs, Family Guy... I'm not really into soaps or X-Factor or Big Brother. I do like The Only Way Is Essex and I liked The InBetweeners when that was on. I don't like I'm A Celebrity, either. Why would I want to sit and put myself through watching people eat disgusting food?

In your short time at Old Trafford what different things have you learned about your game?Mark Hughes, Manchester

I think I've come on a lot. Not that I wasn't technically good before - I was reasonable - but when you're training with these guys every day you're bound to improve. My feet have quickened, I can shift the ball a lot quicker. And the more I keep training with these guys the better I'll get. I'm looking forward to that.

If you were to score the winner in a Champions League final what would your goal celebration be like? Danny Spittle, Stourbridge, UK

I'm not sure but it would probably be worthy of a yellow card (laughs)! I'd probably jump into the crowd, take my top off, slide on my knees... I'd probably run out of the ground and then come back in again. I have no idea... that would be amazing, though.

What do you remember about your first day at United? Georgian-Sorin Maxim, Denmark

It was in Seattle. I remember coming in with the other Under-21 lads - Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley. The team had been training and we were sitting in the lunch room eating. Then the squad came in and shook my hand and introduced themselves. I was nervous. Who wouldn't be? I was meeting all these players I'd grown up watching.

Did the older players in the squad make you do any sort of initiation ceremony when you joined the club? Erik Jonsson, Sweden

They didn't, no. I got away with it! They were all telling me I'd have to do a song. I just told them I wasn't doing one. I probably would have done it if they'd made me. What would I have sung? I'd have probably sung something like The Script's The Man Who Can't Be Moved.

What does it feel like being compared to Duncan Edwards and being touted as the captain of England one day?Jason Ho, Manchester, UK

It's incredible to hear people saying that. To be mentioned in the same sentence as Duncan Edwards is a huge honour. He was playing well before my time but I certainly knew about him growing up. It inspires me to go on and become a better player. It makes me want to work even harder in training. As for the England captaincy, it's nice as well. But I need to keep my feet on the ground and play well for Manchester United. Then I'll keep getting the chance to play for England. If I could captain England one day then I think that would be the pinnacle of my career.

Phil, who has impressed you the most at United since you joined the club? Luke Clark, UK

It would be horrible for me to single out one individual player because there are so many talented footballers here. Everybody's good in their own different, talented way. Some people have quick feet and are skilful, others have their own talents. But Giggs probably stands out the most, just because of how physically fit he is. He just keeps on going. You'd never believe how old he is. I'm not calling him old, by the way! He's still young, but his desire to keep playing and keep winning is incredible.

Do you have any fears or phobias? Alan Flatley, Kilkelly, Ireland

When I go abroad I can't go in lifts. I don't mind it in England but I can't do it when I go away. When I was young we went away on holiday to Greece and we got stuck in a lift for a few hours. It was horrible. I felt so claustrophobic.

If you were asked to play in a World XI at centre-back, who would you like the other three defenders in the line-up to be? Ryan Walters, Tenby, UK

Wow, that's a tricky one. Good question. At left-back I'll choose Roberto Carlos. At right-back we'll go with Dani Alves. Alongside me in the middle I'll say Gerard Pique. That would be a good back four.

How does it feel to have made such an impact in such a short period of time at the club?John Alexander, Northern Ireland

It's nice. I probably didn't expect for it to happen this quickly but I'm loving every minute of it. I love playing football and hopefully it can continue if I keep playing well.

How does playing for Manchester United compare to playing for Blackburn Rovers? Nicola Rea, Preston, UK

Obviously the standard of football is different - that's no disrepect to Blackburn as they were fantastic to me. But playing with better players makes you a better player. The tempo we play at is a lot quicker and the fan base at United is ridiculously huge. It's massive all over the world. Even now, we're probably gettig questions in from people in 80 different countries in the world.

As a footballer do you set your goals short or long term? Theodosis Charalambous, Cyprus

I think you always have a long-term goal in the back of your mind. You want to be the best you can be. But I tend to set short-term goals because they're more achievable.

What do you want for Christmas?
Shaun Birch, Stroud

My mum keeps asking me this! I don't know. This is going to sound like I'm about 40 but I want some nice paintings and pictures to put around my house. House things... ornaments, tables, chairs. Stuff like that. I've got an obsession with clocks. I've got a pool table and a massive circular one just behind it. I do like watches, too, but I've only just started to get into them.

What is the best thing about Manchester?Robert Hatton, Warrington, UK

Manchester's a great city. It's got shops and nice restaurants as well as quiet places to go. My favourite restaurants are Wings, Gaucho Grill, Piccolinis, San Carlo... I went to Rosso's, Rio's place, and it was fantastic. I had lamb shank and it was to die for. The meat just capitulated off the bone...

If you play the FIFA / Pro Evo video game do you put yourself in defence, midfield or even up front? Richard Fry, Burghclere, UK

I'm a FIFA man. All day. I don't use myself on FIFA - I'm too slow! If I do pick myself I play at centre-back. I didn't really get involved in FIFA on the US tour because I'd just joined the club, but I remember playing with Rio Ferdinand once and we won. Wayne Rooney thinks he's the FIFA god but I think he's all talk, no action. I played Danny Welbeck the other day and he's currently 6-5 up in terms of games. But I'd like to put it on record that I'm the bestFIFA player at the club. I have the finger co-ordination to be the best at this club (on PS3, not X-Box).

You seem to have settled in quickly at United. Has playing with Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling at international level helped you in this?Arman Zamanzadeh, Iran

Yeah, absolutely. I knew them well from the Under-21s setup and grew up with them in that age group. We knew each other's game and we understood each other. It's also nice to come into the club and know you can speak to somebody straight away and not be shy or nervous. Coming to a club like Manchester United can be nerve-wracking but I settled in straight away. Everybody - players and staff - have made me feel very welcome

Papers: Sir Alex is a genius

David McDonnell writes in the Mirror...

Secret behind 'genius' Fergie's successSir Bobby Charlton has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson a “genius” as the Manchester United boss approaches his 25th anniversary at Old Trafford. United director Charlton, who played a key role in bringing Fergie to the club from ­Aberdeen in 1986, said the Scot’s appetite for the job was as strong as ever, despite turning 70 next month. And Sir Bobby singled out ­Ferguson’s remarkable ability to continually reinvent his teams as his greatest ­managerial strength. “Alex is a genius,” said Charlton, a star of Sir Matt Busby’s legendary line-ups of the 50s and 60s. “The number of times when you think he’s gone a bridge too far, he has succeeded. Even when people thought players were too young, he didn’t. Tom Cleverley as come in this season, and he and all the young lads have started to blossom. Alex just talks to them and they listen.” Charlton, 74, also paid tribute to Fergie’s relentless desire to keep United at the top, despite the challenges they face, with Manchester City and Barcelona now laying down the gauntlet at home and abroad. “He just goes on and on without any slackening in terms of his energy, his drive and his desire to make Manchester United the best,” added the World Cup winner.

Nearly all the papers run Sir Alex's quotes on Rio Ferdinand from Tuesday's press conference, saying Rio must adapt his game or lose his place in the United team.

The Daily Mail claims the Reds "will be given short shrift if they persist with interest in Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria".

And there's plenty of coverage of the Ballon d'Or shortlist, with the press bemoaning the fact that Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman on the 23-man shortlist, which is dominated by Barcelona players.

source : manutd

Scout's honour for Ron

"'When making a career, it is best to start at the top', is my motto. I don't believe in starting at the bottom in the hope that one will rise accordingly. Go for the best and you will end up the best."

- Ron Cattell 

19/09/2011 17:00, Report by Adam Marshall

After calling time on his 40 years of service as a United scout, Ron Cattell was a very special guest at Sunday's game against Chelsea.

Proud to have been associated with the Reds, Ron was one of the network of spies employed by the club to run the rule over the opposition and identify promising schoolboy talent. Based in Yorkshire, he provided invaluable service to Frank O'Farrell initially before working under Sir Alex in the current golden era for the club.

A semi-professional goalkeeper in his playing days, he even lined up against a 16-year-old Duncan Edwards whilst at Buxton, Ron wrote to United after spotting a couple of youngsters in the area.

"'When making a career, it is best to start at the top', is my motto," he admitted. "I don't believe in starting at the bottom in the hope that one will rise accordingly. Go for the best and you will end up the best."

It was his dossier, personally delivered to the boss on his specific instruction, that enabled Sir Alex and his assistants to analyse Liverpool's strengths and weaknesses in forensic detail ahead of a New Year's Day game in 1989. The homework paid off when United won 4-1 on a game that sowed the seeds of the start of a real power shift in the English game.

As for players, as well as a number of schoolboys and apprentices, Tony Gill and Paul Teather were both spotted as nine-year-olds by Ron. Gill was tipped for the top before breaking his leg against Nottingham Forest and sadly seeing his fledgling career cut short and Teather also suffered injury problems but is now chief physio at Sheffield United.

Ron, who served his country in the Royal Air Force, will have enjoyed watching the champions provide the sort of entertaining football that has been the hallmark under Sir Alex during a 3-1 success against Chelsea in an eventful match.

"It's been a great honour to serve under him," he added in an exclusive interview with United Review.

"No doubt he is the greatest manager the world has ever seen."

source : manutd

Chicha at The Christie

12/09/2011 13:45,

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez proved to be a hit with teenage cancer patients when he took the Barclays Premier League trophy on a special visit to The Christie in Manchester.

The Mexican striker toured the renowned cancer hospital and showed off the team’s famous silverware to patients in the teenage and young adult oncology unit. Former Reds midfielder Mickey Thomas joined Chicharito in signing autographs and chatting to football fans on the wards while coaching staff from the Manchester United Foundation engaged patients in a range of games to help promote the benefits of physical activity during their cancer treatment.

As one of the official charity partners of Manchester United, The Christie was a key destination on the club's 10-day local trophy tour of Manchester United Foundation projects, schools and supporters' clubs.

After posing for photos with patients and the Premier League trophy, Chicharito said: “I'm very happy, it's a pleasure to be here and visit these people. They unfortunately have some problems but hopefully with this visit and the trophy, we can make them happy today. That's the most important thing.

"It's very important for Manchester United players to visit places like The Christie because we can see another side of life. After all, we are very lucky, firstly because we're very healthy but also because we do what we love which is playing football. I've always said I'm a lucky guy.

"The patients were very happy to meet me and see the trophy. They enjoyed it and that's the most important thing."

Cancer patient Quang Pham, a 19 year-old from Hanoi, Vietnam studying in Manchester, said: "It's so amazing to meet Chicharito. He's my favourite player, I was just speechless when I saw him. I can't believe I've had my picture taken with him and the Premier League trophy. Everyone at Christie's was really happy to see him here."

Jenny Haskey, head of corporate fundraising and sporting events at The Christie, added: "We were delighted Chicharito came to visit our teenage cancer patients and show off the trophy. These patients are going through the most difficult times of their lives so visits like these are a great motivational boost."

The trophy was later put on display at The Christie to allow other patients to have their photograph taken with it.

The official charity partnership between The Christie and Manchester United has raised more than £300,000 for the teenage and young adult cancer unit since 2007. For more information about The Christie charity, please visit www.christies.org.

source : manutd