Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

SIR ALEX FERGUSON OK TO MID-PHIL JONES MARVEL

FABIO CAPELLO got the nod to play Phil Jones in midfield against the world’s best today from a Scotsman in a kilt!

In almost three years as England manager Capello has hardly been the Nutty Professor when it comes to team selection.

But with Euro 2008 and World Cup winners Spain in town, some might say he has suddenly become Crazy Capello.

He is pitching Jones into the middle against the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Xabi Alonso.

But Jones’ Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson thinks it is a good idea.

Jones, 19, was given a bit of a runaround by Charlie Adam – hardly the quickest player in the Premier League – when he played in United’s midfield in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last month.

But Sir Alex gave his blessing to the idea when Capello joined in the recent celebrations to mark the Scot’s 25 years at United.

“I spoke with Sir Alex,” said Capello. “He (Jones) was in my mind when I met him in Manchester.

‘‘Sir Alex said he could play there. Last year he played in midfield (for Blackburn).”

When it was pointed out Fergie was from north of the border and maybe did not have England’s best interests at heart, Capello laughed.

He said: “I know he’s Scottish because, during the party, he wore a kilt. I want to try Jones. We haven’t a lot of young players who can play as midfielders, so I want to see him as a midfielder.

“He can play right-back, centre-back or as a midfielder because he’s really a fantastic player.

“I want to see him in midfield in a really important game. I think he’s got a lot of really good qualities. His potential is the top.”

Capello, 65, was in relaxed mood yesterday and there was more than a touch of him being “de- mob happy”, with his England contract running out after Euro 2012.

He denied he was taking a big gamble by playing Jones in midfield and starting fel- low United youngster Danny Welbeck up front against the might of Spain.

“It’s my job, guys,” he said. “I have no fear. I think the team that will play will be really, really good.

“These are important games to see the value of the players I have needed to select.

“These are difficult games. Spain and Sweden have different styles, completely different styles, and then the Dutch to come.

“I want to understand what will happen with the players I select when we go to play the really important games at the Euros.

“Also, these three games, we will play at home with the pressure that is more than away from home.

“For this reason, you can understand the value of the players here, more than when we play away.”

Capello insisted he had not needed to be so bold previously because England had qualified so easily for the World Cup.

He said: “When I decided the squad (for South Africa), I was sure they were the best players.

‘‘But I now need to know that, over the last two years, these young players have been improving.”

[mr_missile]

United post turnover increase

Manchester United look set for another record-breaking year after posting a 16.5% increase in first-quarter turnover to £73.8million.

United reported growth in all areas, with the commercial side benefiting from the £40million deal with DHL to sponsor their training kit, helping it rise 22.3% to £29.6million.

Media revenues were up from £19.4million to £22.6million, largely thanks to United's status as Premier League champions ensuring they get a larger share of the Champions League pot, and a lucrative five-match tour of the United States.

In addition, matchday income has also grown 9.6% to £21.6million, thanks to the first complete sell-out of seasonal hospitality boxes since the plush Old Trafford quadrants were completed in 2006.

It leaves United's gross debt at £433.2 million.

After posting turnover of £331.4million and profits of £110.9million last year, matching a campaign when they won the title and reached the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Barcelona, will not be easy given Manchester City's rise to prominence, including a 6-1 derby-day annihilation last month.

It places more emphasis on the commercial side, which has grown enormously thanks to a 'territorial' approach to marketing, which rival clubs may attempt to copy.

However, speaking last month, commercial director Richard Arnold was relaxed about that prospect.

"There is only one Manchester United," he said. "Whilst a lot of the strategy is public knowledge, I am very fortunate to be with the club I am with and able to do these deals.

"A lot of hard work has gone into getting to the position we are in now and we are already looking to the future.

"If people want to recreate what we did five years ago that is up to them. It isn't other clubs that I worry about; it is what we are going to be doing in the future."

United are also patting themselves on the back for securing five players on new contracts, including England international Chris Smalling and striking sensation Javier Hernandez, in addition to the summer arrivals of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea.

However, there was no comment on speculation that Portugal winger Nani may be the next to benefit from an extension to his present deal, which is due to expire in 2014.

The position of £30.75million record signing Dimitar Berbatov also remains unresolved, with United still to confirm their intention to extend the Bulgarian's stay with the Red Devils by a further season, which under the terms of his present contract, which expires at the end of the season, they have the right to do.

[mr_missile]

Cleverley out until Christmas

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley will be out of action until Christmas with ankle ligament damage.

Cleverley suffered the injury at Everton last month, which was his first game back after sustaining a foot problem at Bolton.

And although Ferguson initially felt the injury was not too serious, he has now admitted it is worse than he imagined.

"It is pretty long term," said Ferguson. "(He will be out until) Christmas time.

"It is unfortunate. It is worse than we thought.

"When he first came off against Everton he reported it as just a tightness, with a bit of pain.

"We have done scans again and the injury has recurred.

"We will have to give him a break."

Ferguson reported similar bad news about Michael Owen, who is set to be out for the same period of time with the thigh injury he sustained in the home Champions League win over Otelul Galati.

In addition, United will be without England striker Danny Welbeck for tomorrow's trip to Swansea as he has failed to recover from the muscle strain that forced him back from international duty before Tuesday's win over Sweden.

Chris Smalling also remains sidelined, although it is hoped the defender will be back for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Benfica at Old Trafford.

Darron Gibson and Rafael de Silva are both available for United's trip to the Liberty Stadium, along with Ashley Young, who has recovered from a toe injury.

[mr_missile]

SIR ALEX FERGUSON PLANS SWAN-SONG

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has ­ordered Manchester United to take the title race by the scruff of the neck.

The champions find themselves in the unusual position of approaching ­December five points behind the league leaders – ‘noisy neighbours’ ­Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini’s men are unbeaten and have been installed as favourites to win their first Premier League crown.

But Ferguson is refusing to give up the fight and insists United are back on track after getting last month’s humiliating 6-1 drubbing by City out of their system.

Now he wants his side to step up the pace, starting with today’s trip to Swansea.

He said: “We have an opportunity to get consistency and good form and by January we hope we are in the right position in the league.

“It’s always crucial in my diary or ­calendar that we get there in good order at that time of the year.

“It’s an opportunity for us to kick on. I don’t think at this time we’re looking over our shoulders or up above us, because it’s still so early in the season.

“I think the important thing is for us to do our job right. We’ve got some big games – Newcastle next week, Aston Villa after that and then December is a hectic month.

“You’ve got the Boxing Day and New Year fixtures. It’s a congested ­programme, so that’s why you have to utilise your squad.

“By January 1 we’ll hopefully be in the right position, because where you are in the league at that point is always a good indicator of how your chances are and who your dangers are.

“I’d be happy to be top or second as long as we’re within a point or two. That will do me fine.

“We’ve stabilised the situation as we ­expect to do at this club. We have had a few injuries to deal with, but with one or two exceptions most of those players are ­coming back.

“If all the rest are fit, then we should have a strong enough squad to deal with ­everything.”

Of today’s opponents, Swansea, Ferguson said: “It’s an interesting game because ­everyone’s been taken by the way they have played.

‘‘They’ve kept their philosophy of ­playing good, attacking football. We know we have got a tough game, but that’s the way our league is.”

Ferguson has been dealt a blow with the news that Tom Cleverley will be out until Christmas along with striker Michael Owen.

England midfielder Cleverley damaged ankle ligaments in last month’s win at Everton and ­Ferguson added: “It is worse than we thought.

“When he came off against ­Everton he reported it as just ­tightness and a bit of pain.

“We have done further scans and we will have to give him a break to round about Christmas time, but hopefully he will be back then.

“But we have options, Michael ­Carrick is back, there is Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs and I can play Phil Jones there if I wish.”

[machoman]

Man Utd inflict first home defeat of season on Swansea

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Manchester United without being at their best battled for a narrow 1-0 win over Swansea.

United remain five points behind leaders Manchester City thanks to Javier Hernandez’s early first half strike.

The Reds were never at their fluent best against a Swansea side trying to protect an unbeaten home record in their first season in the top flight.

United took the honours in the first period but after the break concentrated on keeping the home side from grabbing a point. After being so impregnable at home this season it took a defensive mistake from the Welsh outfit to send them to their first home league defeat.

Swans Angel Rangel played a sloppy pass which was intercepted by Ryan Giggs who quickly squared for Hernandez to bundle home from close range.

Ashley Williams had a shot blocked by Nemanja Vidic then Phil Jones hit a post late on for the visitor’s.

Ironically up to this game Swansea had kept five clean sheets in this season's top flight, the joint-highest total along with their opponents.

Referee: Mike Dean

Venue: Liberty Stadium Attendance: 20,295

Swansea scorers: Man Utd scorers: Hernandez 11

[tvbdramaqueen]

Man united should get better over the Christmas period

[mr_missile]

Fergie bemoans United injuries

Sir Alex Ferguson claims a glut of injuries has unsettled Manchester United this season ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Benfica.

United have bounced back from their derby-day mauling by recording five straight wins without conceding a goal.

Yet there remains a hesitancy in their play, born out of having to make so many changes.

In pairing Michael Carrick with Ryan Giggs in the centre of United's midfield at Swansea on Saturday, Ferguson was using his ninth different combination.

Central defence has seen just as many changes, with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all used at various times in addition to established first choices, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Yet, with Vidic serving the final game of a two-match European ban in Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Benfica, Ferguson will be forced to make another swap.

It is not something the Scot is too concerned about.

However, he does concede the normal fluency that would be expected from such an impressive sequence of victories is missing.

"There have been some changes in the team from the one that started the season," said Ferguson.

"You don't envisage having quite so many injuries.

"Everyone was fresh at the start. We had been through a brilliant pre-season in the States with not one injury. Then you are hit with a little list.

"It doesn't disrupt us to a great degree but it does unsettle the balance of the team.

"Sometimes we are having to rethink which team to play whereas when the team is in full flow you don't need to worry."

Ferguson can see an end to the problems, even if it won't come in time to help out on Tuesday.

Smalling for instance has started training after suffering a broken bone in his foot and Ferguson expects the England international to be available for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Newcastle.

Danny Welbeck was also put through his paces at Carrington on Monday morning after suffering a hamstring strain on England duty and cannot be far away from a return.

Ferguson is also optimistic Evans will have recovered from his own hamstring niggle in time to feature at Old Trafford on Tuesday, whilst it is not imagined a "couple of knocks" will be enough to keep Wayne Rooney out.

Although he has tended to operate in deeper positions recently, it would be no surprise to see Rooney pushed into a more natural advanced role given United's status in Group C would be greatly enhanced by a win that would maintain an unbeaten home record against Portuguese opposition.

Winger Nani has particular incentive to impress given he came through the ranks at Benfica's arch rivals Sporting Lisbon, just like his illustrious former Red Devils team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani tends to bridle these days when comparisons are made with the former world player of the year.

But Ferguson believes he is becoming a key man in his own right.

"Nani has always had potential," he said.

"Some of those who come to our club from abroad do it quickly, others gradually grow into it. Nani is one of those.

"Even Cristiano took two or three years to get the maturity in his game.

"That is what we are seeing with Nani now.

"The goals have been fine but his assists are very high. He is progressing really well."

After issuing the praise, Ferguson joked that Nani would be a substitute on Tuesday, although that does appear unlikely given United's need for victory.

It is certainly a complicated qualification picture though as United could win and still find themselves requiring a result in Switzerland next month, or draw and go through.

Basle's result against currently pointless Otelul Galati holds the key, although Ferguson remains totally focused on sealing top spot, therefore probably avoiding Barcelona, AC Milan and Real Madrid in the knockout phase.

"You hope to finish top," he said.

"One issue is the teams you might draw if you finish second, although with the quality of the teams, it doesn't make a great difference.

"The main advantage is knowing the second leg would be at Old Trafford."

[machoman]

Ferguson refuses to criticise Man Utd players over manner of goals conceded

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Phil Jones was helpless to prevent his own goal in last night's 2-2 draw with Benfica.

Benfica's second goal came when United goalkeeper David de Gea's poor clearance fell to Bruno Cesar, whose cross bounced off Rio Ferdinand and was converted from close range by Aimar.

Ferguson refused to criticise De Gea - or Jones for diverting in the opener - and was keen to praise Berbatov, who scored his first Champions League goal in three years but also missed a good late chance to make it 3-2 when he volleyed over the bar.

"The first goal was unfortunate - you don't expect that," Ferguson said.

"The ball is fired in through a ruck of players and unfortunately for young Phil it has cannoned off him. It is just one of the things that happen in football.

"With the second one, obviously David should have just put it in the terracing, but he is confident on the ball and he expresses himself always that way. I'm not blaming him in any way.

"Berbatov could have scored a hat-trick. He missed that opportunity near the end which was a bit unlucky - he could have maybe taken it down - but nonetheless, he played very well.

"We always know there is a goal in Dimitar, you always know he has the ability to turn the game and that is why we played him tonight. He is always in my thoughts."

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by machoman

Ferguson refuses to criticise Man Utd players over manner of goals conceded

we just made our lives tougher as we will have to go to basle to gain at least a point to finish runners up in the group if as expected, benfica wins their last game vs otelul.

[mr_missile]

Fergie’s boys in Euro peril

MAN UNITED have a Swiss mountain to climb to avoid possible Champs Lge disaster.

So now United must ensure they aren't faulty in Basel or it will be all over in the Champions League.

Fergie's men need to take at least a point in Switzerland in their final game to reach the last 16 knockout stage.

Any hope of finishing top of Group C has surely gone out of the window. Just getting through is what it's all about now.

And this was supposed to be an easy group.

It will be a nail-biting occasion in a fortnight because United have been far from convincing in Europe this season. This was their third draw in five matches of a disjointed campaign.

A 60th-minute equaliser from Argentine veteran Pablo Aimar clinched qualification for Benfica and they thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils.

Wayne Rooney's absence due to a hip injury didn't help United's cause and the suspension to Nemanja Vidic again showed up their deficiencies at the back.

The manager believes he has the strength in depth to cope with such adversities but it doesn't look like it.

The combination of Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones shipped three at home to Basel in September, and here they let in another two.

Poor Jones had a bit of a nightmare.

After 10 days away with England in which boss Fabio Capello compared him to Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro, he came back to earth with a hefty bump.

Jones it was who put through his own goal to give Benfica a shock lead inside the first four minutes.

United's defence was stretched as Maxi Pereira exposed a gaping hole on the right and Nicolas Gaitan charged into the box. His low, hard cross took a deflection off Patrice Evra and when Jones stuck out his left leg, the ball flew off his shin into the net.

It was Jones' first goal in a United shirt but, unfortunately, at the wrong end.

As for Berbatov he was doing a lot of moaning and very little else until he climbed to meet Nani's cross on the half-hour and headed into the corner.

It was his first goal for three years in the competition but United did get the rub of the green as the Bulgarian was a yard offside yet the linesman's flag stayed down.

It was lively stuff, and thoroughly entertaining, yet the atmosphere around Old Trafford was curiously muted and reflected the edginess in the home team's performance.

Only the Benfica followers were making any noise until Darren Fletcher gave the place a lift when he put United in front on 59 minutes.

The Scot made a late run to meet Evra's cross and, though his shot was half-stopped by Artur Moraes, the ball ran loose and Fletcher hit it home.

It was up to United to close out the game but instead they switched off and Benfica quickly equalised after a terrible clearance by David de Gea.

The keeper only managed to strike Jones' less than perfect back pass as far as Bruno Cesar who dribbled straight into the box.

His ball in hit Ferdinand right in the bread basket and Aimar, 32, earned his dough with a volley into the net.

Berbatov had a chance to win it when all alone from Fabio's cross but he fired over.

And, in a final throw of the dice, Fergie decided it was time for Javier Hernandez.

He replaced Antonio Valencia in a last attempt to get the winner but Benfica also withdrew Aimar to see out the last 10 minutes.

That was enough to secure the point which was more use to them than United.

[mr_missile]

Rooney doubtful for Magpies test

Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of Wayne Rooney ahead of Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash with Newcastle.

Rooney sustained a hip injury in the win at Swansea last weekend which ruled him out of Tuesday night's 2-2 Champions League draw with Benfica at Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be available for the Magpies' visit to the stadium on Saturday.

Asked about the England striker's condition, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "He wasn't fit (for the Benfica game), so we need to wait to see what he is like over the next few days.

"We will give him every chance, of course - we did for this, but he wasn't really fit, so we'll just have to wait."

[mr_missile]

ANDERSON KO ADDS TO MANCHESTER UNITED’S WOES

SIR ALEX FERGUSON is facing a midfield crisis after revealing Anderson will be sidelined until next year.

The Brazilian star has jetted to Portugal to undergo a knee operation that will rule him out until February at the earliest.

The news is a huge blow to Fergie, coming in the same week it emerged England midfielder Tom Cleverley will be out until Christmas after an ankle problem.

Anderson has been forced to see the same specialist that operated on him in 2009 to repair cruciate ligament damage.

He has not played since the Champions League clash with Otelul Galati at the start of this month and United’s medical staff have discovered the injury is worse than first thought.

His absence will add to United’s midfield woes as Fergie’s men look to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the table.

Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick have struggled to find their best form this season, while Antonio Valencia is still regaining full match ­fitness following a ­summer of problems.

Fergie has also chosen to use veteran Ryan Giggs sparingly this season, which means the United boss could be forced to hand a shock recall to outcast Darron Gibson.

Fergie has yet to replace Paul ­Scholes following his retirement in the summer.

He failed to secure a deal for Holland and Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder, although he remains a top target of the Scot, even though he would cost £40m.

Fergie admits he has several targets in mind but reckons that signing reinforcements in the January transfer window will be a tall order.

He is convinced he can manage and still has a squad to cope with his latest setbacks.

Fergie, who welcomes back Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney for today’s visit of Newcastle, said: “Anderson is out until February with a knee injury.

“He’s been sent to Portugal to see a ­specialist who operated on him ­before so it’s not good news.

“It’s dead easy to say, ‘Are you going to buy players?’ – but it’s not easy to buy players for Manchester United, particularly in January.

“I could choose two or three players that I’d like to have at this club, but they’re not available, so there’s no point going there.

“It’s easy to buy a player but buying the right player is more difficult. We don’t have a scattergun approach to signing players because we think it may work.

“We want to buy someone who we think will work.

“There’s a distinction there. We’ve got a great scouting department, that’s been proven over the years in terms of identifying and assessing players.

“It’s an ongoing process, sometimes it takes two years to find someone, but we’re not as bad as people think at the moment.

“Ryan Giggs gives you experience, of course, and Michael Carrick’s form in the last two games has been outstanding.

“He’d had a little problem with his Achilles earlier in the season but he’s got over that now and the softer ground, of course, helps.

“Fletcher, given the right preparation, is always a very good player for us.

“Getting Cleverley back would be a bonus. If we got (him back at) Christmas time that would be a bonus because he’s such a clever player.

“But I think we’re OK, we’ve got a strong squad.”

[mr_missile]

Man Utd v Newcastle preview

Team news ahead of Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are set to return for Manchester United.

Rooney missed Tuesday night's draw with Benfica with a hip injury sustained last week at Swansea whilst Vidic was ruled out through suspension.

However, both are included in a squad missing Anderson (knee), Michael Owen (thigh) and Tom Cleverley (ankle) as the Red Devils look to close the gap on leaders Manchester City to two points.

Gabriel Obertan will return to the Newcastle squad after missing the last two games with a toe infection.

Danny Guthrie should also make the game despite missing training this week because of a hip injury but Cheik Tiote (knee) and Leon Best (groin) remain doubts, while Sylvain Marveaux is expected to be sidelined for up to four months after undergoing groin surgery.

Man Utd (from): De Gea, Lindegaard, Rafael, Smalling, Fabio, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Nani, Valencia, Gibson, Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Young, Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov.

Newcastle (from): Krul, Elliot, Simpson, R Taylor, Santon, Ferguson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Perch, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Gosling, Guthrie, Obertan, Ben Arfa, Abeid, Vuckic, Smith, Ba, Shola Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Sammy Ameobi.

[S.B.Y.1]

Man U 1- Newcastle U 1

Man U lost 2 points

Mas mr_missile any thoughts

[machoman]

Lucky goals for both Man Utd and Newcastle in gritty Old Trafford draw

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A resolute performance from Newcastle United has frustrated Manchester United into a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford today.

Both sides were recipients of fortunate goals but it was the defensive showing from the Magpies which allowed them to record a point against a Manchester outfit who did all they could to produce a winner but were unable to again breach Tim Krul and his defence after a lucky opener from Javier Hernandez.

What’s more is that Alan Pardew’s men played the last 10 or so minutes with ten men after Jonas Gutierrez was sent off for a second bookable offence for his hack from behind on Nani.

The opening goal came four minutes into the second half in rather fortuitous circumstances through for United. Wayne Rooney’s free-kick from the top of the ‘D’ was kept out by the Newcastle wall with the deflection falling for the England striker who hit a sweet left-footed volley goalward but Steven Taylor’s attempted clearance went straight into Hernandez and bobbled past Tim Krul who was desperately unlucky. Newcastle’s equaliser came contentiously when in the 62nd minute the referee’s assistant awarded a penalty when Rio Ferdinand tackled Hatem Ben Arfa in the area. The Frenchman drove into the box and was brought down by Ferdinand who clearly made contact with the ball and should not have been penalised but referee Mike Jones agreed with his assistant and allowed the decision to stand. Nonetheless, Demba Ba stepped up to the spot and sent David De Gea the wrong way for his ninth of the season to restore parity.

Magpies keeper Krul was the star of the show with a number of vital save – namely his 31st minute outstretched right glove to Ryan Giggs’ neat touch from Fabio’s cross from the right, his unorthodox save with his chest from Nemanja Vidic’s 79th minute pointblank header and a diving stop from Patrice Evra’s swerving shot.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges had umpteen chances late in the match to put the resilient Magpies away especially when Ashley Young cannoned his shot into the upright moments before Danny Simpson produced a brilliant goal-line save from Hernandez’ header. The Mexican then had the ball in the back of the net in injury-time but was adjudged off-side as Newcastle hung on by the skin of their teeth.

The draw has seen the Red Devils slip four points behind title rivals Manchester City, who are away to Liverpool tomorrow, whilst Newcastle remained fourth with a valuable point on the road.

Manchester United: 1 (Javier Hernandez 49’) Newcastle United: 1 (Demba Ba (p) 64’) Old Trafford, Manchester – 75,594

Yellow cards: MANU - Fabio 54’ NEW - Hatem Ben Arfa 27’, Yohan Cabaye 52’, Jonas Gutierrez 65’/79’, Danny Guthrie 67’

Red card: NEW - Jonas Gutierrez 79’