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

Point pleases Simpson

“If you look at the chances onMatch of the Day, people might ask how Manchester United didn’t win the game.”

 - Danny Simpson

26/11/2011 19:00, Report by Mark Froggatt

Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson breathed a sigh of relief after helping Newcastle United cling on to a 1-1 draw with the Barclays Premier League champions.

The Magpies right-back, who made eight appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side before departing in 2008, was magnificent on Saturday and played a huge part in frustrating the Reds during a frantic second half at Old Trafford, clearing a Javier Hernandez shot off the line in incredible fashion.

“It was just out of instinct,” Simpson recalled. “We had been watching tapes of Hernandez all week and have been watching his movement in the box. I saw the cross come in and managed to get back on the line, stick my foot out and I managed to clear it.

“I’m just glad we got a point because it was wave after wave of attacks in the last 15 minutes, but we managed to deal with it. We’ve been defending like that all season. It is something that we have been working on in training and it is nice when it pays off at a place like Old Trafford.”

Simpson also praised the efforts of team-mate Tim Krul, who pulled off a string of remarkable saves - including one from a point-blank Nemanja Vidic header - to prevent United netting a winner and securing all three points.

“He has been in top form all season and for me he has been one of the better goalkeepers this year," Simpson told MUTV. "He made some great saves and you need that when you’re in the back-four. Sometimes you can’t stop certain things so when you have got him in goal making saves like that, it is nice.

“If you look at the chances on Match of the Day, people might ask how United didn’t win the game. I can see why they do score late goals - they are so clever and have got players like Rooney. You don’t know whether you’re coming or going.

“The offside decision against Hernandez in injury time was a relief but we kept going and managed to deal with their threat.”

MUTV is the only channel in the UK showing the Newcastle match in full. The first broadcast is at midnight on Saturday, when the on-demand highlights also become available on MUTV Online.

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

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

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

Fans' chance to meet Rooney

19/11/2011 22:12, Report by Adam Bostock

Wayne Rooney will be meeting lucky Manchester United fans this week when his official new DVD and Blu-ray goes on sale.

The new release, Wayne Rooney: Goal Machine, celebrates his scoring feats for the Reds by showing more than 150 of his goals for the club, from the simple tap-ins to the sublime and the spectacular. A special bonus feature shows the striker himself picking his top ten.

Fans who purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from the Old Trafford Megastore from Monday 21 November to Wednesday 23 November will get the chance to receive one of 200 Golden Tickets to an official signing session with Wayne on Thursday afternoon.

ManUtd.com will be giving away copies of the DVD in a special competition - look out for details from Monday.

source : Manutd

Jones is a midfield option

18/11/2011 13:10, Report by A Marshall & J Tuck

Sir Alex has added to the praise being lavished on Phil Jones and admits the former Blackburn youngster is an option to play in the Reds' midfield.

Jones filled the role for England against Spain and Sweden and also featured in the middle of the park during the 1-1 draw at Liverpool earlier in the season.

Coach Fabio Capello likened the teenager to Franco Baresi after being impressed with his versatility and the manager has also been bowled over by his swift integration at Old Trafford.

"I think since he has joined us, his improvement has been really, not remarkable, but eye-catching in the sense that we know he’s 19 years of age, we know it’s a big step up from Blackburn to United, but he’s been absolutely fantastic," enthused Sir Alex.

"He can play anywhere, I’m sure of that, he’s versatile, he’s two-footed, he’s quick, he’s got good perception of the game. So I’m not surprised what Fabio is saying. I think he can be a really influential player for us and England in the next few years."

Tom Cleverley's prolonged absence has caused some concern regarding the midfield but the manager is convinced he still has enough alternatives to Jones in that area.

"We have options," he added. "Michael Carrick is back, we’ve got Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs. I can play Phil Jones there if I wish, we’ve got Darron Gibson coming back, Wayne Rooney has played there. Ji-sung Park can play there and we’ve done that in the past with him. So I have options and I’m not overly worried about it – I’m happy."

source : Manutd

Eric paired with Sir Bobby

18/11/2011 11:01, Report by A Marshall, S Muncaster

Leading striker candidates:

Eric Cantona (1992-1997)

Sir Bobby Charlton (1956-1973)

Mark Hughes (1983-1986 & 1988-1995)

Denis Law (1962-1973)

Wayne Rooney (2004-present)

Jack Rowley (1937-1954)

Tommy Taylor (1953-1958)

Dennis Viollet (1953-1962)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-2006)

The Greatest Ever XI four-disc DVD is out now.

United's Greatest Ever XI is completed by the two strikers and, again, some quite brilliant forwards have obviously been left out.

The fans who voted on ManUtd.com for their best side opted for Sir Bobby Charlton and Eric Cantona in the forward roles, ensuring two of the greatest goalscorers in the club's history - Denis Law and Ruud van Nistelrooy - are left on the sidelines, along with current favourite Wayne Rooney.

Lou Macari, who played with Law for both United and Scotland, joked: "I suppose the fact he has two statues at Old Trafford is slight compensation for him!"

Law's tally of 237 goals for the Reds is only bettered by Sir Bobby while deadly Dutchman van Nistelrooy bagged an incredible 150 in only 200 starts. However, Cantona's contribution to the great success story under Sir Alex can never be underplayed as he proved the catalyst when arriving from Leeds for a cut-price fee in 1992.

Res: United 4 Wigan 1

17/11/2011 20:45, Report by Adam Marshall

Barclays Premier Reserve League North
Moss Lane, Altrincham

UNITED 4
(Morrison 16 54, Petrucci 64, Fryers 79)

WIGAN 1
(Dicko 82)

Attendance: 556

United's Reserves put on a splendid show at Moss Lane as a brace from Ravel Morrison and further goals from captain Davide Petrucci and Ezekiel Fryers earned a 4-1 victory over Wigan to take the team to the top of the table.

Encouragingly, Rafael and Darron Gibson also both played 90 minutes on their comeback from shoulder and foot injuries respectively.

With Warren Joyce confirming beforehand he is staying in charge of the side despite being targeted for the Hull City job, the Reds knocked the ball around with confidence but the opening quarter of an hour was devoid of any real opportunities. That all changed when Morrison collected the ball on the edge of the area, worked it onto his right foot and curled a top-class finish past Lee Nicholls.

Morrison was then inches away from connecting with Rafael's excellent cross and was almost through again, only to be ushered away by the stout Rob Kiernan. Paul Pogba nearly doubled the lead with a well-placed free-kick that was flipped away brilliantly by Nicholls six minutes before the break. Rafael, meanwhile, continued to impress and another teasing centre was agonisingly out of Will Keane's reach in the middle. However, Wigan finished the half on top and carved out their clearest opening when Danny Redmond's cross was almost met by Nouha Dicko - a similar chance to the one at the other end moments earlier.

Jesse Lingard was heavily involved at the start of the second half and forced a save out of Nicholls with a stinging drive when Pogba flicked the ball invitingly into his path before slamming a right-foot shot wide following a storming run forward by Michael Keane.

Morrison doubled his - and United's - tally with a beautiful finish after 54 minutes, finding the bottom corner of the net with an instant shot after Will Keane slipped the ball inside to the talented No10. Pogba then unleashed an absolute rocket that flew just wide and had fans ducking behind the goal in fear for their safety before the Frenchman's inviting free-kick was unable to find a finish at the far post.

Jesjua Angoy, former Red Jordi Cruyff's nephew, came on for the visitors but he could only watch on as Petrucci smashed an emphatic finish into the net after keeper Nicholls could only parry out a cross from Lingard. After Joyce made a couple of substitutions, United continued to press and a backpass from Callum Morris bounced up off a divot and almost embarrassed Nicholls.

Fryers moved up from the heart of the defence to steer in a glancing header a John Cofie cross from the left to extend the lead further, only for Dicko to pull one back with a smart shot from a difficult angle, ramming the ball past Ben Amos and into the roof of the net for 4-1. Amos had to make a great stop to thwart Morris in the dying seconds but United were full value for the three points, even if Marnick Vermijl's late injury will cause some concern.

United: Amos; Rafael, M.Keane, Fryers, Vermijl (Leao 84); Pogba (Cofie 76), Gibson, Petrucci, Lingard; Morrison; W.Keane (Massacci 71). Subs: Jacob, McGinty.

source : Manutd

Hernandez hails youth benefit at Manchester United

COMPETITION ... Javier Hernandez has hailed the depth of Man Utd's squad

JAVIER HERNANDEZ believes Manchester United's youngsters are keeping the established players motivated.

The 23-year-old may be considered a first-choice forward alongside Wayne Rooney but Danny Welbeck has made a big impression this season.

And with the likes of fellow-youngster Phil Jones making an immediate impact after his summer transfer from Blackburn, Hernandez thinks there is a healthy rivalry within the squad.

The Mexico international said: "You look around on the training pitch and there are almost 30 players but only 11 can start a game so it's tough.

"It's not a problem. I've come to learn that there will always be competition, at any club.

"You'll always have disappointments. It helps you improve, though.

"On the training ground everybody wants to do their best, they want to prove what they can do and earn a spot in the team.

"We have a lot of young players who are hungry to do well and that helps inspire the rest of the squad.

"They may have been here for many years and won a lot of trophies but they still have a lot of desire.

"I think we have a good mix of youth and experience and that will be very important for us." 

source : The Sun

Papers: Step up for Scholes?

14/11/2011 09:30

Scholes ready to move up managerial ladder

Paul Scholes is ready to move up the Manchester United managerial pecking order – as his ‘boss’ Warren Joyce heads back to Hull City. Reserve team manager Joyce, 46, will be allowed to return to Humberside, where he was Tigers gaffer from 1998-2000. And assistant Scholes is set to step into his shoes at United. Hull could snap up Joyce without paying compensation, with Sir Alex Ferguson using the move to promote Scholes. Joyce takes charge of United reserves while Scholes listens and learns from the vociferous coach. Now the Old Trafford legend could assume control to see if he can cut it at that level. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously did the job before moving to Norway. Hull have considered MK Dons boss Karl Robinson, but are swaying towards Joyce – with Nick Barmby, 37, likely to be in his backroom team at the KC Stadium.
Alan Nixon, Daily Star

Meanwhile, the Guardian report that there has been a delay in the row involving Patrice Evra and Liverpool's Luis Suarez. The FA have told Evra he may not be able to prove his racism claims against Suarez due to linguistic subtleties. Suarez has categorically denied racially abusing the Frenchman and the FA's investigators are having to consider the different context with which words that would be considered offensive in England are commonly used in Uruguay and other Spanish-speaking countries.

source : Manutd

McIlroy: Best XI is tough task

14/11/2011 10:49, Report by Adam Marshall

"It's so hard to look at all the different eras because, in every one, there's been great players. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done."

- Sammy McIlroy

Sammy McIlroy may have managed at international level but he admits picking United's all-time best XI was one of the "hardest things I've ever done."

The former Reds midfielder, who played for and managed Northern Ireland as well as taking charge of several league clubs, was on a legends' panel for Manchester United's Greatest Ever XI, the official 4-disc DVD set out today.

"It's so hard to compare players from all the different eras, because there have been great players throughout Manchester United's history," McIlroy told ManUtd.com.

"I made my debut in 1971 and it's hard enough just choosing between all the players I was lucky enough to play with - Bryan Robson, Lou Macari, Alex Stepney, George Best, Jimmy Greenhoff, Willie Morgan, Brian Kidd... I could go on and on and on. Picking just the one team is so difficult but that's a measure of Manchester United as a club - the biggest in the world with so many fantastic players."

McIlroy accepts the final line-up showcased on the DVD will have been influenced by the age of the fans voting on ManUtd.com earlier this year.

"You hear young kids say Cristiano Ronaldo was better than George Best or that Eric Cantona was better than Denis Law," said McIlroy. "Football is all about opinion. I'm sure the fans could pick numerous teams and they'd still be great sides."

ManUtd.com will review the XI, position by position, as this week unfolds.

source : Manutd

Chicha: Life is amazing

13/11/2011 12:09, Report by Nick Coppack

"In some ways I’m still getting used to wearing this shirt and being around these incredible players, seeing my name on a Manchester United teamsheet... it’s amazing. Some days I wake up and I just can’t believe it." – Javier Hernandez

In part two, Javier Hernandez talks to Inside United and ManUtd.com about his love for Manchester United, competition for starting berths and training in the snow.

Missed part one? Read it now in our exclusive interviews section. or in this site

Just how much are you enjoying life at United? 

It’s unbelievable. In some ways I’m still getting used to wearing this shirt and being around these incredible players, seeing my name on a Manchester United teamsheet... it’s amazing. Some days I wake up and I just can’t believe it. I’m living in this great country, playing for the best club in the world in the best league in the world. I’m so thankful for that.

It’s now even harder to win a spot in the Reds’ attack with Danny Welbeck, Mame Biram Diouf and Kiko Macheda all back in the United squad. How do you deal with the competition? 

It’s not a problem. I’ve come to learn that there will always be competition, at any club. You look around on the training pitch and there are almost 30 players, but only 11 can start a game. So it’s tough. You’ll always have disappointments. It helps you improve, though. On the training ground everybody wants to do their best, they want to prove what they can do and earn a spot in the team.

Did you know much about Welbeck before the start of this season? 

Yes, I’d seen him play quite a few times, and not only last year when he was on loan at Sunderland. I remember when I was in Mexico and I was watching Manchester United on television – Danny was just starting to come into the team and be given a few chances. You could see he had a lot of potential then, and was improving all the time. He was a good prospect then and now he’s even better. He’s had a great start to the season.

You haven’t scored from outside the area for United yet – though we know you can score those goals from your time at Chivas! What are the chances that you’ll fire one in from long-range this season? 

You never know! I think part of the reason I haven’t done that yet is because of the instructions I receive from Sir Alex. My job is to play very high, right on the last man. To be honest I don’t mind how I score goals – whether or not you score from one metre or from the halfway line, it counts the same. A goal is a goal.

You’ve been a very busy footballer in the last few seasons, playing in summer international tournaments as well as the regular season. Do you ever worry about doing too much, or are you happy you get enough rest? 

No, not at all. I love to play football. If somebody wants me to play in outer space then I’ll do it! I’d be happy to. Sometimes you can look at the schedule for Manchester United and for the national team and think, “Wow, this is a lot.” But I grew up wanting to play football and now I’m lucky it’s my job. I love it.

Sometimes players from the warmer countries can’t get used to the climate in England. Are you ready for your second Manchester winter? 

It was very different! Very cold. I’d never seen a winter like that anywhere. It was the coldest one for many years. And maybe it felt even colder for me because I spent something like 22 winters in Mexico and a winter in Mexico isn’t like winter at all. It never snows! Training in the snow was a bit of a challenge, but it was all new to me so I enjoyed it.

Winning the 19th league title last season was a huge achievement for United. Can this squad lift the trophy again?

I’m sure we can do it. We have a lot of young players who are hungry to do well, and that helps inspire the rest of the squad. They may have been here for many years and won a lot of trophies, but they still have a lot of desire. I think we have a good mix of youth and experience, and that will be very important for us.

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

Chicharito: I almost quit

11/11/2011 12:10, Report by Nick Coppack

"I talked a lot with my parents, my grandparents, my sister and my girlfriend about my situation, and they helped me realise that this is what I was meant to do. I know now that I’m a very lucky guy and I’m glad I made the decision to keep playing." – Javier Hernandez

For the last 18 months defenders have struggled to pin down United's fast-moving, fast-talking goal machine, Javier Hernandez. 

Thankfully, the club's official monthly magazine, Inside United, managed to halt the speedy Mexican for long enough to speak to him about his first impressions of Old Trafford, comparisons to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the day he almost quit football all together.

You can read part one below. Part two will follow on Sunday...

A few years ago, in Mexico, you thought about quitting football – how close did you come?
Very close. It was about three years ago and I had a lot of questions about whether or not this was the path God wanted me to follow. I wasn’t playing much football, I was being kept in the Reserves... I was disappointed younger players were coming through and getting ahead of me, and it really got me down, even away from football. I talked a lot with my parents, my grandparents, my sister and my girlfriend about my situation, and they helped me realise that this is what I was meant to do. I know now that I’m a very lucky guy and I’m glad I made the decision to keep playing. That experience taught me a lot. Sometimes, if you want something, but you don’t have it, then you can get mad with everyone around you and mad with yourself. I learnt it’s important to enjoy your life and enjoy your football. Ultimately, only God knows what path you will take and whether or not you will fulfil your dreams.

There is a perception that in ‘Latin’ countries, Real Madrid and Barcelona are acclaimed as the two biggest clubs in the world. What is the general view of Manchester United in Mexico?I am definitely aware the interest has increased since I have been at Old Trafford [laughs]. I’m so thankful to my Mexican fans, though – I have only nice things to say about them and I’m very grateful for their support. But even before I signed, Manchester United was huge, definitely one of the biggest clubs. And it’s not only in South America. In the USA in pre-season, you could see how many people came to watch the team and look for autographs outside the hotel. I read something recently that said the club had something like 330 million fans in the world. That’s amazing. I’ve also seen some footage from when United went to Asia in 2009. The love that people have for this club is spread all over the world and it’s an honour to play here. If you say the words ‘Manchester United’ in any part of the world, people know who you’re talking about.

You watched United play Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on your first trip to Manchester. What do you remember about that experience, and what were your first impressions of the stadium and the fans?
It was an unbelievable feeling. I remember the atmosphere around the ground. It was such an important game and you could really feel it – the fans were great. I couldn’t believe I was sitting inside Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. This was something I had only ever seen on television, only dreamt of being inside. I had heard so many people talk about Old Trafford, but to be there was something very special. It made me so excited to know that in three or four months I might be playing there.

You were visibly upset after the Champions League final against Barcelona. Is that the biggest disappointment you’ve had in your career so far?No, not at all. Far from it. It was difficult, sure, but if you ask every person in the world if they want to play in a Champions League final for one of the biggest clubs, then I think they would say yes.

It was a fantastic experience in my first season at the club. There are more positives than negatives from a personal point of view. The one big negative, of course, is that we lost the match. At least I know that we have a strong team and we have every chance of reaching another final. I’m confident there will be more opportunities for success in the future. So although it was disappointing not to win, those are the kind of occasions you aim to be involved in as a footballer. I’ve definitely had worse moments in football.

You suffered a concussion during pre-season, which meant you missed the start of this campaign; how did you get the knock and how do you feel now?I just headed the ball on the wrong part of my head. It was a very strong cross, the ball moved in the air, and it hit me on the back of my head. A bit like the goal against Stoke, except a lot harder! It was a little scary, of course. I think all injuries – in football or in life – are scary and it’s never nice to have bad headaches or be throwing up. But I knew I would be OK. This had happened twice before in Mexico, when I’d clashed heads with another player. So I knew what was happening to me, I knew the symptoms and knew I’d feel OK again.

What’s your impression of defenders in the Premier League?There are a lot of differences to the defenders in Mexico, but I think a lot of that is down to the style of play. I think you have to play differently in every position. The Premier League is quicker, it’s more physical, so you have to adapt. I would say defenders in England have to be a lot sharper, ready to make a tackle or a block in a split second. Because of that, I think some of the best defenders in the world play here – they have to, because the strikers are so good. But I can’t single out one defender over another as my toughest opponent. If I’m honest, I’ve never had an easy game in the Premier League.

People have compared you to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – had you heard of him before you joined United?
Of course. He was a legend at this club, just an unbelievable player. When all the people made those comparisons, the only thing I can say is that I’m not even 10 per cent of Ole. He was incredible. Just turn on MUTV and watch any of the old footage featuring him – he was special. To be honest, I don’t like comparisons very much. Back in Mexico I was always being compared with my father, who was also a striker, and I never liked that. I think everybody is different and deserves to be judged on their own.

source : Manutd