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

Giggs saddened by Speed death

27/11/2011 13:48,

Ryan Giggs is "totally devastated" by the news that Wales manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42.

Giggs and Speed became good friends during their long club careers and international appearances as Wales team-mates.

"I am totally devastated," Giggs said. "Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend.

"Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news. It goes without saying my thoughts are with his family at this tremendously sad time."

Former Reds captain Gary Neville also paid tribute to the former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United midfielder.

"It’s absolutely devastating," Neville said on Sky Sports. "Our careers crossed paths often and I played against him many times. He was a fantastic professional, a winner with a great reputation.

"We sometimes think of football being important, but it’s not."

good bye Mr.Gary Speed 

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

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

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

Sir Alex eyes festive charge

"December is a hectic month, it’s a congested programme. That’s why you have to utilise your squad to navigate your way through all of that. By December 31, we’ll hopefully be in the right position."

 - Sir Alex Ferguson

18/11/2011 22:30, Report by Mark Froggatt

Sir Alex Ferguson wants United to turn up the heat during the Christmas period as the Reds chase title glory in the Barclays Premier League.

The boss refuses to consider the current league standings as a significant gauge for future success, looking instead towards the turn of the New Year and the business end of the campaign.

“I don’t think we are looking over our shoulders or up above us at this time as it is so early on in the season,” Sir Alex declared. “The important thing is for us to do our jobs right. We have got some big games coming up with Newcastle next week and Aston Villa after that.

“December is a hectic month, you have the Boxing Day and New Year fixtures and it’s a congested programme. That’s why you have to utilise your squad to navigate your way through all of that. By December 31, we’ll hopefully be in the right position.

“To me, that is always a good indicator about how your chances are and who your dangers are. I always use that barometer at that time of the year. I’ll be happy with top - I’ll be happy with second as long as we are within a point or two - that will do me fine.”

United’s midfield options were dealt a significant blow on Friday with the news that Tom Cleverley’s injury sustained against Everton has turned out to be a more serious problem than was first anticipated, ruling the youngster out until Christmas.

However, Sir Alex is certain the central hole will be ably plugged by Michael Carrick, saying the former Tottenham midfielder traditionally improves during the winter months.

“Michael always comes good at this time of year. He takes a bit of time to get going but it is always a good spell for him and he will always play a big part. He is fit which is good news as it gives me options about the midfield combinations and possibilities. We should be okay in there.”

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

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

Podcast: Reds visit Wales

17/11/2011 18:04 , Podcast producer: Laura Kane

Download it now (right click 'save target as') | Stream it (above)

United's first-ever trip to Wales in the Barclays Premier League called for a special guest on this week's Red Voices - so we called in Clayton Blackmore, the Welshman who served the Reds with distinction from 1983 to 1994.

Blackmore joins ManUtd.com's Adam Bostock and Adam Marshall on the podcast with our host, MUTV's Mark Sullivan.

As well as previewing the champions' return to action at Swansea, the panel discuss the recent internationals and the versatility of Phil Jones - a player who, like Blackmore, can operate in different positions for United and his national team.

Finally, the panel answer questions sent by listeners to red.voices@manutd.co.uk.

You can stream the podcast on this page above or download it now to listen on your mp3 player wherever you like. Also on this page, you can 'like' this article and share it with your friends on Facebook using the buttons below.

Thanks for listening.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United.

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

Papers: Reds' secret mission

07/11/2011 10:08

Jeremy Cross writes in the Daily Star...

Sir Alex Ferguson was kept in the dark over his special 25th anniversary present from Manchester United thanks to a top-secret operation. Fergie was left stunned before United’s clash with Sunderland on Saturday when the club renamed the Old Trafford north stand as the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson Stand’. The United boss has prided himself on knowing absolutely everything that goes on at the club during his trophy-laden quarter of a century in charge. But for once he was completely caught out. Chief executive David Gill and eight others knew and they were sworn to secrecy. Once official club tours of the stadium stopped on Thursday, workers sprang into action. Six abseilers erected the new sign, working until 2am. All those involved were ordered to sign a strict confidentiality agreement. The letters were put up three at a time before a 20-metre banner was draped over them saying ‘Old Trafford, Manchester’ in the same design as before to put Fergie off the scent. Sunderland boss and former United captain Steve Bruce said: "The tribute of naming the stand after him, I’ve never known anything at Manchester United be kept secret like that. It’s remarkable, and quite fitting too. I didn’t know anything about it. Neither did he. I’ve just said to him he’s taking his finger off the pulse!"

Stories on the renaming of the North Stand and Sir Alex's 25th anniversary in general dominate, with columnists in unanimous agreement that the gesture was well deserved.

Eric Cantona is quoted in The Sun on his former boss. "Season after season he gets stronger and stronger," the United legend says. "Even though he is getting older every year he still has the energy of a young man."

Several papers mention Nemanja Vidic's backing for his central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand following the win over Sunderland.

Finally, The Daily Mail claims "United are closing in on a deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Brazilian born midfielder Andreas Pereira".

source : manutd