Papers: Reds go Dutch

25/11/2011 21:30

Anthony Ashworth writes in The Metro...

Van Wolfswinkel watched by United
Chelsea are set to rival Manchester United for the signature of Sporting Lisbon’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel, after sending scouts to watch the striker in action. The £11million-rated Dutch ace has hit nine goals in 13 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants from Utrecht in the summer, and his red-hot form has alerted a host of European clubs. However, the hot-shot has previously stated his desire to remain in Portugal until at least the end of the season, and although his agent confirmed that there’s interest from the Premier League duo, he quickly moved to distance his client from rumours of a potential move. “I know they are watching him but that is not unusual because they are watching all the best young players in Europe,” Louise Laros said.

In other transfer news, The Sun says United are interested in signing Wycombe’s young striker Jordan Ibe - but will apparently face competition from Spurs and Fulham.

Elsewhere, The Express claims Tom Cleverley is set to recover from an ankle injury a month ahead of schedule, earmarking the Reds' UEFA Champions League clash with FC Basel on December 7 as a possible return date.

The Daily Star also features quotes attributed to Sir Alex, who has praised Newcastle manager Alan Pardew ahead of Saturday’s Barclays Premier League meeting at Old Trafford, as reported by ManUtd.com on Thursday.

source : Manutd

United 2 Benfica 2

MAN UNITED 2
Berbatov (30), Fletcher (59)
BENFICA 2
Jones (OG 3), Aimar (61)

22 NOVEMBER 2011, OLD TRAFFORD ATTENDANCE: 74,853

22/11/2011 21:30, Report by Adam Marshall

For those who criticise the Champions League group stages, this fabulous affair was evidence of the sort of entertainment it can provide.

United went behind to an early Phil Jones own goal but battled back valiantly with goals from Dimitar Berbatov, spearheading the team in Wayne Rooney's absence, and Darren Fletcher. The Portuguese visitors responded swiftly through Pablo Aimar to keep their unbeaten run this season intact and a Nani cross that deflected behind in injury time proved the final throw of the dice.

As it stands, United are second in Group C - level on points with Benfica but crucially behind Tuesday's opponents on the head-to-head format - with Jorge Jesus' outfit due to play Otelul Galati in the final round. Basel held out for a 3-2 victory in Romania and they sit only a point behind last season's runners-up in the table.

The Reds got off to a nightmare start when an incisive move down the right in the third minute saw Maxi Pereira feed Nicolas Gaitan and the winger's cross was shinned into his own net by Jones, giving David De Gea no chance.

Gradually, Sir Alex's side responded, largely through Nani's adventurous dribbling, with Artur brought into action by the Portugal international's free-kick and a shot from Ashley Young. The visitors continued to try and disrupt the Reds' flow but the breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Young worked a free-kick short to Patrice Evra who helped it on to Nani, always likely to be the source of any inspiration. The wide man's left-wing cross was perfect for Berbatov to guide a splendid header wide of Artur and into the net for the equaliser.

The goal sparked a frantic spell, with Young firing a one-on-one opportunity against Artur's legs after linking well with Berbatov and Aimar bringing a smart stop out of De Gea seconds later. Although Berbatov later tapped the ball into the net, Evra had long since been flagged offside and Artur was yellow-carded for his attempts to get the Bulgarian booked.

Clearly gaining in influence since his leveller, Berbatov had a drive deflected over by Ezequiel Garay's desperate block following some neat work by Young as the sides went into the break all-square, allowing the fans to catch their breath.

The second half was just as exciting and began with Young's side-foot shot being blocked at close range following some fine work by Nani. Fabio spurned a glorious chance on 54 minutes when Jones' strong pressing led to him being in the clear with only Artur to beat but the keeper saved the attempted chip.

Undeterred, the Reds kept knocking on the door and, soon after Benfica lost Luisao to injury, Fletcher edged his team in front. Evra's superb ball into the box allowed the Scot to find the net, at the second time of asking after Artur did superbly to block his initial shot. Old Trafford's joy was short-lived, however, as De Gea's misplaced kick-out gifted possession to the Portuguese side and Bruno Cesar's cross hit Rio Ferdinand and fell kindly for Aimar, who gratefully smashed home from close range.

Berbatov had the ball in the net again but Young was flagged offside, probably incorrectly, before the officials got it right when Nani appealed for a penalty under Javi Garcia's challenge. Referee Cuneyt Cakir merely waved play on. Goalscorers Aimar and Fletcher traded off-target efforts, before Berbatov really should have restored the Reds' lead. Fletcher's intelligent pass freed Fabio and the Brazilian's cross was volleyed over by the unmarked Bulgarian inside the box.

It proved a costly miss as, despite the introduction of Javier Hernandez for Antonio Valencia, the Reds were unable to gain the victory that would have made the qualification process considerably easier. Indeed, Rodrigo went closest to a winner when easing past Fletcher but firing wide with his left foot. As it is, the final group fixture in Basel next month carries great significance and any hope of topping the group may have vanished in the cold Manchester air.

source : Manutd

Rooney scare not serious

21/11/2011 14:15, Report by Nick Coppack & Adam Marshall

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to be fit to face Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday, despite missing the Reds’ Monday morning training session.

Rooney was not among the 24 outfield players put through their paces at Carrington less than 36 hours before the Champions League Group C clash, but the manager allayed fears the striker had picked up a serious injury when he told media at UEFA’s pre-match press conference that the no.10 should be fine for the game.

"We've got one or two knocks from Saturday," explained the boss. "Jonny Evans has some tightness in his hamstring but will hopefully be okay tomorrow. Wayne's got a few knocks and missed training today but should be okay. Chris Smalling trained this morning but won't be available for tomorrow - he should be okay for Saturday [against Newcastle] and Anderson is out injured."

The manager recognises the importance of the fixture against Benfica and feels it's important to top the group.

"It's a big game," he enthused. "We recognise it's a real European game with the history between Benfica and ourselves. We've had a number of great games in the past and, of course, it always sticks in the memory bank.

"In the first game, I thought we did really well possession-wise and it was a deserved result [1-1]. In the last 15 minutes, they threatened quite a bit and it's a really interesting game tomorrow because both teams want to win, obviously, which should make it an open match. Hopefully, we'll get the result we want.

"Probably the bonus coming out of it is if we do finish top [of the group]. One issue is the teams you'll play but the other one is the second leg is at home at Old Trafford. It's always an advantage so it's always been our intention to finish top. That's not always been the case as we've finished second several times but, with the quality of the teams, it doesn't make a great difference. It could make a little difference and the main advantage, to my mind, is having the second leg at Old Trafford."

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

Brady waits on future

Reds on loan

Barclays Premier League
Ritchie De Laet - Norwich City

npower Championship
Danny Drinkwater - Barnsley
Ryan Tunnicliffe - Peterborough
Scott Wootton - Peterborough
Robbie Brady - Hull City

npower League OneOliver Norwood - Scunthorpe United
Sam Johnstone - Scunthorpe United

Bundesliga
Joshua King - Borussia Monchengladbach

21/11/2011 11:58, Report by Adam Marshall

Robbie Brady admits he will wait until January before learning what the future has in store for him.

The young Dubliner has impressed during his six-month loan stint at Hull and is due to return to United in the New Year for discussions over his next move. An extension to his spell at the KC Stadium looks to be a real possibility, even though there has been a change in manager at the club with Nick Barmby replacing Nigel Pearson.

"I want to push on and hopefully get as far as I can this season, then see what happens if I go back to United or if I do stay here," he told MUTV. "It's all a learning curve and I'm delighted I'm here. I loved it as soon as I first came here, it's home from home for me and the football is going great. I couldn't ask for any more.

"It's been the perfect loan move for me with all the ex-United lads here and I get on great them - they're still as funny as ever. It's helped me big time and I've fitted in straight away.

"So I'm just waiting to see what happens in January. I'll go back and find out whether I'll stay back or what's next for me. I'm enjoying everything about playing in the league for Hull. The Reserves brought me on a lot football-wise but it's totally different playing here. I love playing in the league and want to keep on playing.

"Warren Joyce calls me after games asking how I've done and he's getting feedback so it's all good. My long-term aim is to hopefully play for United in the [Barclays] Premier League."

Brady came on as a substitute for the Tigers in their 2-0 win at Derby in Barmby's first game in charge on Saturday. The 19-year-old replaced ex-Red Cameron Stewart and enjoyed a lively cameo, forcing a flying save out of Frank Fielding with one excellent effort.

Elsewhere on the loan front, Ryan Tunnicliffe played the final 11 minutes of Peterborough's 1-1 draw at Birmingham but team-mate Scott Wootton is still recovering from a knee injury. Ritchie De Laet (Norwich) was an unused substitute for Norwich while Danny Drinkwater was suspended for Barnsley.

Oliver Norwood came on as a substitute in Scunthorpe's 2-0 defeat to Hartlepool but keeper Sam Johnstone did not get off the bench.

Joshua King did not feature for Borussia Monchengladbach as the Bundesliga high-fliers hammered Werder Bremen 5-0.

source : Manutd

Basics bolster United

Keep the faith

David De Gea has kept three of United's five clean sheets in all competitions since the Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford.

25 Oct - Aldershot Town - Won 3-0*
29 Oct - Everton - Won 1-0
02 Nov - Otelul Galati - Won 2-0
05 Nov - Sunderland - Won 1-0**
19 Nov - Swansea C - Won 1-0

*Ben Amos played in goal at Aldershot.
** Anders Lindegaard played in goal v Sunderland.

20/11/2011 15:09, Report by Adam Bostock

United’s ability to adapt following adversity is again paying dividends, according to the club’s longest-serving player.

The Reds have now racked up five consecutive wins and haven’t conceded a goal since the dramatic late collapse against Manchester City, 450 minutes of football ago. Ryan Giggs says this improvement on the defensive side of the game owes something to a change of style.

“We’ve gone back to basics and defended really well since City,” Giggs told MUTV after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Swansea.

“It wasn’t just the goals against City [that concerned us], it was also the chances that were being created against us in the other games.

“Our opponents were getting too many chances and our new goalkeeper, David De Gea, was having far too many shots to save.

“Solidity is something we have always prided ourselves on, at the back and throughout the team really.

“Swansea played some great football against us and kept the ball well, but they didn’t really hurt us. It was a tough game for our midfielders and forwards but at the back we defended well and they didn’t have many chances.”

United didn’t create many chances either, but Giggs says the Reds have just the man for the job when goals are demanded from a drip-drip supply line.

“When Chicharito’s on the pitch you know that if you put a ball in a certain area he’s going to be there. And more often than not he’s going to put it away.

"It was great for me to set up the goal, and for us to win in my first-ever league game in Wales."

source : Manutd

Giggs: We need to play better

19/11/2011 20:11, Report by Adam Bostock

Ryan Giggs admitted United were below-par against Swansea on Saturday evening, despite achieving a fifth consecutive win to nil.

The veteran midfielder set up the only goal of the game, netted by Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, but was disappointed the Reds couldn’t build on it in the next 80 minutes.

“Sometimes it can happen that way,” said Giggs. “We scored an early goal and then we sat back. We shouldn’t have done that really.”

The Welshman acknowledged this trip to his homeland was a difficult fixture, with Swansea defying their newly-promoted status to pick up 13 points and concede only one goal at home – an own goal – prior to United’s visit.

“It’s a tough place to come. Their record this season shows that, they were unbeaten here until today. So we knew it would be tough.”

Giggs accepted international breaks can impact negatively on clubs when their players return, but wouldn’t cite this as a reason why United’s 1-0 win was worryingly slender.

“You have different players at different fitness levels,” he said.

“Some of our players hadn’t had a game for two or three weeks and some, like Phil Jones and Nani, had two tough games.

“But that’s not an excuse. We probably need to play better if we’re going to get more positive results.”

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