United 1 Palace 2 (aet) [players rating]

Our assessment of United's individual performances in the Carling Cup game against Crystal Palace will appear here shortly...

Ben Amos Kicked well all night and had no chance with either Crystal Palace goal. Only called into action once, when he dived to his right to keep out a long-range free-kick.

Rafael One of United's brightest sparks until he was forced off the pitch in the second half. Very strong defensively and also showed his usual attacking thrust.

Chris Smalling A fabulous performance from the young centre-back. Won a number of tackles and, as always, remained cool under pressure from attackers.

Jonny Evans Lost Glenn Murray for the briefest of moments for Palace's second goal but it was the only slight blip on an otherwise excellent evening. Looked supremely solid.

Fabio There was a good battle shaping up between the Brazilian and Palace's tricky winger, Wilfried Zaha, but unfortunately Fabio limped off with a hamstring injury.

Antonio Valencia A stunning turn and outside-of-the-foot pass ignited the first half and Valencia was also central to the Reds' late but ultimately unsuccessful charge. Mucked in defensively, too.

Darron Gibson An encouraging performance given he's not started a first-team game for seven months. Passed the ball well but was frustrated at times by a lack of movement ahead.

Ji-sung Park A largely quiet evening for the Korean, who struggled to assert himself on the game until its latter stages.

Federico Macheda Showed great maturity and nerve to step up to convert the penalty he won but his influence was otherwise limited, although in fairness he was deployed in an unfamiliar wide role.

Mame Biram Diouf Palace's physical approach at the back seemed to unsettle the Senagelse striker, although he went close at the end of the first half with an acrobatic attempt.

Dimitar Berbatov Came off at half-time after picking up a knock on 20 minutes. Never really got going either before or after that blow, though.

SUBSTITUTES
Ezekiel Fryers (for Fabio)
A strong performance from the young left-back, although could have cleared his lines better on a couple of occasions. Generally, though, a very bright outing.

Ravel Morrison (for Berbatov)
Injected creativity and urgency to the game and pulled off a number of clever flicks/passes. Influence waned slightly as the match entered extra-time.

Paul Pogba (for Rafael)
Did himself no harm with a solid if not spectacular showing in the centre of midfield. Almost scored with a belting shot from 25 yards soon after coming on.

source : Manutd

Lingard hopes for call

29/11/2011 14:40, Report by Adam Marshall

Jesse Lingard is hoping to be involved in the Carling Cup squad for the tie with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

The young winger has been in excellent form for Warren Joyce's Reserves and is keen to follow in the footsteps of pals Ezekiel Fryers, Larnell Cole, Ravel Morrison, Paul Pogba, Michael Keane and Marnick Vermijl by being named in the matchday party in the competition this term.

"Hopefully, I can be involved against Palace," he told ManUtd.com. "I've been training a lot with the first-team now and just hope I can keep training with them.

"I've enjoyed the training a lot and you shouldn't be surprised by it. You've just got to carry on playing your normal game. I've got to keep working hard, keep the manager thinking about me and, hopefully I'll be involved in the Palace game."

The 18-year-old was outstanding in the recent Reserves' victory over Everton and also performed well in the success at Bolton in his last outing. After recovering from an injury picked up against Bury earlier in the campaign, he is currently firing on all cylinders.

"I'd hurt my medial ligament and part of my ankle," he explained. "It was a five-week rehabilitation programme and I was on the bench for the next game after the injury. But I've come on nicely with it and am playing well now. I just had to keep my chin up, keeping playing and doing well now I'm over the injury."

source : Manutd

De Laet back for Norwich

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

28/11/2011 12:01, Report by Adam Marshal

Ritchie De Laet, fit again after a back problem, helped Norwich to a 2-1 victory against QPR.

The Belgian, who returned to training last week, played for 59 minutes of the Canaries' triumph, leaving the field seconds before Luke Young equalised for Rangers. Grant Holt hit the winner.

Robbie Brady was deployed in a different role to his usual flank position in Hull City's defeat to Burnley. The Irish youngster was part of a three-man strikeforce as the Tigers surrendered a two-goal lead against the Clarets. The Dubliner forced one good save out of Lee Grant as he and former Red Cameron Stewart supported Matty Fryatt.

Ryan Tunnicliffe came off the bench for Peterborough in their creditable 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at London Road. The young midfielder replaced Lee Frecklington on 54 minutes, moments after Matthew Bates' opener and helped the Posh retrieve a point.

Danny Drinkwater came on as a substitute for Barnsley in their superb 2-1 success at Leeds. The midfielder is back from suspension.

Oliver Norwood and Sam Johnstone played in Scunthorpe's unlucky 3-2 defeat at Notts County. Northern Ireland midfielder Norwood was harshly sent off for a challenge on Jeff Hughes while Johnstone made one wonder stop to deny Ben Burgess.

Joshua King did not feature for Borussia Monchengladbach as the Bundesliga side won 3-0 at Cologne.

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

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

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

Wayne fit for weekend

25/11/2011 10:00, Report by J Tuck and A Bostock

Wayne Rooney is expected to return from injury for United’s Barclays Premier League clash against high-flying Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Reds’ top-scorer sustained a hip injury in the win at Swansea last weekend which forced him to miss the midweek draw with Benfica, leading to speculation he could also be out this weekend.

But Sir Alex confirmed Rooney should return for the encounter with Alan Pardew’s men, though the rest of the news on the injury front wasn’t so positive, with Anderson set to be out until February with a knee injury.

"I think Wayne Rooney should be okay for tomorrow," the boss told his Friday press conference. "He trained yesterday so hopefully he'll be okay.

"We've got Vidic back after suspension, of course. Smalling is fit again, which is also a boost, and Rafael's back as well. So the defensive part is okay. Michael Owen's also still injured, of course.

"It's in the midfield area where we've still got issues, with Tom Cleverley and Anderson. So that's two midfield players who are going to be missing for a spell now."

Newcastle are riding high in the league and only suffered their first defeat of the campaign against leaders Manchester City last weekend.

Sir Alex is a confirmed admirer of Pardew and believes his opposite number can take much credit for the Magpies’ current healthy position.

"He is very meticulous in training, he’s grasped the nettle at Newcastle very well and he's showing he's determined to succeed," Sir Alex said. "They're all working like Trojans up there.

"He was very unfortunate in some of his previous appointments – he was one minute away from winning the cup [as manager of West Ham].

"Newcastle aren't doing much wrong at the moment and the quality of the league is improving – you can throw a net over the top five or six."

Newcastle is United's final league game in November before the start of the traditionally hectic festive period, in which the Reds face seven games in December alone.

"December is an ardous month for everyone," Sir Alex said. "But you have a chance in this league if you're still in the ball park by new year. And the way this club is organised to perform in the second half of the season helps us."

source : Manutd

Fletch: United is my home

"Speculation is something that’s part and parcel of being a United player. I don’t think the way the team’s been playing has changed dramatically."

- Darren Fletcher

22/11/2011 10:57, Report by Gemma Thompson

Darren Fletcher speaks to United Review and ManUtd.com about the season so far and the Champions League...

How did it feel when you stepped out to make your 300th appearance for the club against Sunderland? 

It was a great moment to reach such a milestone even though you treat it as just another game. The time has flown since my debut and I’ve enjoyed everything about playing for Manchester United. It’s all I’ve ever known and it’s become my home. It’s an achievement I want to build on. The next target has to be 350, then 400 and so on – you always want to keep going.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since making your debut? 

The experience you pick up along the way is a massive thing. You hear people talk about it when you’re younger, but it’s only when you get older that you realise its importance. It’s about the different situations you go through on the pitch – you learn what it takes to succeed, what you need to do in certain matches and how to prepare for games so everything eventually becomes second nature. People have always told me to be myself too. There are so many great players you look up to, but you have to be your own player and your own man and have your own style. I’ve always tried to do that.

In terms of this season, how close are you to reaching your top form? 

I feel good. I’ve felt good since the start of the season and I’m pleased with how things have gone. The more games you play the more sharpness you get and, like the rest of the team, I really want to kick on for the rest of the season.

How have the dynamics of the midfield changed since Scholesy’s retirement and how does the constant media talk of targets impact on the current midfielders? 

Speculation is something that’s part and parcel of being a United player. I don’t think the way the team’s been playing has changed dramatically. Obviously Scholesy had a wonderful range of passing and could control the tempo of games, and as we get more experienced that’s something we’ll be looking to do. Manchester United always keeps moving forward - if one player leaves or retires the team is still in place. The manager has always kept things moving forward because they have to. This club never stands still.

What do you make of Barcelona president Sandro Rosell’s recent suggestion about dropping the number of domestic games to play more Champions League games at weekends? 

I don’t think it will happen. The set-up we have now works perfectly. Everyone loves the Premier League and when the Champions League comes around it’s always special. I think we already have exactly the right mix and blend.

Having missed out on playing in three Champions League finals, how big is your desire to win the competition? 

Playing in a final is still a goal that’s there for me. As a team we’re all desperate to get there again, I don’t think I’m particularly different from the rest in that sense. Some of the lads who have played in the last two are no doubt driven by their disappointment. The motivation is there for all of us and hopefully we can get there again.

source : Manutd

Boss dealing with injuries

21/11/2011 15:01, Report by Adam Marshall

Sir Alex admits injuries have unsettled United this season but accepts they are just part and parcel of the game.

The Reds have responded to the 6-1 defeat by City with five straight victories on the back of five clean sheets and yet have still faced some criticism for not playing the exciting football that was on show at the start of the campaign.

The boss knows exactly how to go about winning the Barclays Premier League and is happy with the way the champions are playing.

"I think we've made some changes to the team at the start of the season," he explained. "Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling got injured and Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were injured in the first game. So there were quite a few changes you don't envisage.

"You see everyone fit and fresh in pre-season and, going through the tour of the States, there was not one injury and then you're hit with a whole host [of them]. It doesn't disrupt us to a great degree but it does unsettle the balance of the team at times.

"Sometimes we have to rethink which team we need to win a match and sometimes, when the team is in full flow, you don't need to worry about that. We've had a few issues but hopefully we're gradually getting over them and, once we get the players back in again, we'll be okay."

Sir Alex is satisifed with how his troops are performing as the Reds remain in second place in the table behind leaders City.

"I think the players addressed the situation well," he added. "The collective thing has been good and, at this stage of the season, what we try to do now is get through to the New Year and be near the top. Being at the top would be fine but if we're near to the top, it presents us with an opportunity.

"We never looked like losing the match at Swansea. We were always in control, which is good away from home in the Premier League. If you're controlling games, you're doing a good job."

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

18/11/2011 12:30, Report by Mark Froggatt3

Sir Alex Ferguson says Tom Cleverley will be out of action until Christmas after scans proved the ankle injury sustained against Everton in October is worse than first thought.

The boss also confirmed Danny Welbeck’s exclusion from United’s travelling squad to face Swansea in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, after the striker suffered a muscle strain whilst on international duty with England.

Ashley Young is fit to face the Swans at the Liberty Stadium, however, and Chris Smalling will hopefully return to first-team duties against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

The manager told MUTV: “No-one’s injured from the internationals, the ones who’ve played anyway, which is good. Danny Welbeck, as you know, came back with an injury from an England training session and he won’t be available for Swansea.

“Chris Smalling is not far away but I don’t think he’ll be back tomorrow, I think he’ll be ready for Wednesday. Michael Owen and Tom Cleverley are pretty long-term. I think Christmas time for both of them, which is unfortunate for us.

“It’s worse than we thought. When he (Cleverley) came off against Everton he reported that it was just a bit of tightness, a bit of pain, but we’ve done further scans and he’s had a recurrence of the injury, so we’re going to have to give him a break until Christmas time, I think.

“Ashley Young is fit, he’s trained for the last seven or eight days and is available for tomorrow.”

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

Hernandez nets for Mexico

12/11/2011 11:54, Report by Adam Marshall

Fixtures

Thursday 10 November
Gabon v Brazil

Friday 11 November
Cyprus v Scotland
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Portugal
Denmark v Sweden
Estonia v Rep. of Ireland
Mexico v Serbia
Paraguay v Ecuador
Guinea v Senegal

Senior internationals only

Javier Hernandez led the Reds in international action by getting on the scoresheet for Mexico in their 2-0 win against Serbia.

The scoreline flattered the Mexicans and the United striker was given a rough ride by defenders Branislav Ivanovic and Aleksander Kolarov. Chicharito was an inch away from supplying a touch to Carlos Salcido's cross that found the net anyway for an early opener.

After City's Kolarov was sent off for another foul on the striker, pushing him inside the box, there was a flare-up involving Hernandez as he was jostled by the bruising opponents. When the fuss died down, the unflappable hitman calmly scored from the spot with two minutes remaining.

In the Euro 2012 play-offs, Republic of Ireland have one foot in the Euro 2012 finals after an emphatic 4-0 triumph away to Estonia. Darron Gibson didn't make the bench but both he and Under-21 starlet Robbie Brady will hope to be in the squad for next summer's finals in Ukraine and Poland, providing Giovanni Trapattoni's men complete the job in Dublin.

Nani won his 50th cap for Portugal in a 0-0 draw away to Bosnia-Herzegovina that keeps things on a knife-edge going into the second leg on Tuesday.

Antonio Valencia earned praise from the local media for his performance but Ecuador slipped to a 2-1 reverse in Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier. The midfielder was reportedly "outstanding" and the "engine" of his team and helped set up the Tri's late goal.

On the friendly front, Darren Fletcher captained Scotland to a 2-1 success in Cyprus, although he was substituted after 63 minutes in Larnaca.

Anders Lindegaard didn't see in any action in Denmark's 2-0 friendly win over Sweden but Mame Biram Diouf scored the fourth goal for Senegal in their 4-1 crushing of Guinea. Fabio came off at half-time in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Gabon on Friday.

source : Manutd

Danny backs Cleverley

08/11/2011 16:07, Report by A Marshall & S Bartram

Danny Welbeck believes his United pal Tom Cleverley can mature into a world-class talent.

The two team-mates are friends off the pitch and have combined to good effect this term, with the midfielder's inch-perfect cross allowing Welbeck to head the Reds' opening goal of the campaign against Spurs in August.

Cleverley's midfield probing has been missed after two spells on the sidelines for the former Wigan loanee but United's No19 feels he will continue to make rapid progress on his return to action.

"I think he can become a world-class player," insisted Welbeck in an exclusive interview with United Review, the club's official programme. "Football is such a simple game, it's how hard you make it for yourself. Tom keeps it so simple and it is hard to do that when you're in centre-midfield, but Tom does that. He gets the ball, passes it, moves into space and he's just always there as an extra option every time you’ve got the ball.

"He's really good to play with, I enjoy playing with him so much and he's got the awareness, the vision and the ability to pick out a pass and actually produce a final pass as well and he's just going to carry on improving. You can see that every single day in training. He's a really good player."

It's little wonder the pair's combination looks so natural considering their upbringing through the ranks at Carrington.

"We are really good friends off the field and quite a few people come up to us and tell us that it shows on the field," added Welbeck.
"We've been through the same training schedule growing up through the Academy, the same coaches who have taught us the same things, so we're on the same wavelength and we know each other's games inside out, more or less.
"We just try to get the ball moving as quick as possible, keep it one-touch and two-touch and I think that's the right way to break down teams."

source : manutd