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Popularity: 10% [?]

Vida: We must win

Nemanja Vidic says it’s essential United take three points from Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.

On paper the Reds are far stronger than last season’s Championship winners, although the game immediately following an international break is often unpredictable. This week, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Ji-sung Park all undertook long-distance journeys, while the majority of other Reds also played international fixtures.

Nevertheless, Vidic says it’s imperative United pick up where the team left off before the break.

“The international week broke that momentum,” Vidic concedes, “but now we have West Bromwich Albion and I hope we can win.

“We need to keep winning, we need to maintain that run. It won’t be easy, though: West Brom are a good side and they play good football.”

The Serbian centre-back says there’s little margin for error after a less-than-perfect start to the season.

“I’d love to win six or seven games in a row, even more,” he said. “Last year we didn’t have the best start and the same has happened this season. Liverpool and Chelsea have started very well and we need to follow them.

“I must point out that we had a very tough schedule in the first few games: we played Liverpool, Chelesa and Blackburn away, which are all tough fixtures. But we’re very positive, we have a good squad and I hope we can continue winning.”

Popularity: 18% [?]

Reserves: Bolton 0 United 3

United Reserves claimed a first league win under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thanks to goals from Federico “Kiko” Macheda, Sam Hewson and Tom Cleverley plus a clean sheet by senior keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Macheda making the breakthrough at the end of a poor first half was significant; thereafter, Bolton were comfortably beaten at the County Ground in Leyland, scene of United’s Lancashire Senior Cup triumph over Liverpool.

David Gray, a scorer in that final and in last week’s reserve league defeat at Wigan, filled in for James Chester as centre-back and skipper. Gray’s right-back berth was occupied by Rafael while Oliver Gill, an imposing centre-half in the Under-18s, made his reserve league debut at left-back.

The game started at a frenetic pace but the first real chance didn’t arrive until the 9th minute. With Bolton threatening to score, Kuszczak came off his line to dive at the feet of Temitope Obadeyi and when the ball broke to Nathan Woolfe, Richard Eckersley blocked the shot brilliantly.

That save was Kuszczak’s only real action of note. Although he had to be on his toes to pluck the occasional header and cross out of the air, he was largely a spectator on this successful return from injury, despite the apparent pace and power of Bolton’s front pair Temitope Obadeyi and Ricardo Vaz Te.

At the other end, Cameron Stewart’s early deliveries from the right flank couldn’t find Macheda, who spearheaded a fluid 4-5-1 formation for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. But Macheda had more joy with  service through the middle in the 22nd minute when he traded passes with Sam Hewson before driving a left-foot shot at Bolton goalkeeper Robert Lainton from the edge of the area. Cleverley was only just beaten to the rebound by an alert Wanderers defender.

Macheda made the keeper work again on the brink of half-time after creating an opening on the left with Gill and James. But while Lainton saved this one, he couldn’t prevent Kiko giving United the lead at the end of first-half injury time, moments after Bolton had taken the game’s first corner.

Jimmy Derbyshire cut inside from the left and when his shot took a wicked deflection off Bolton centre-back Chris Stokes and then bounced back from the foot of the post, Macheda used his quick feet to pounce and slot the ball home from six yards.

Still, Solskjaer and his assistant, former Bolton player Warren Joyce, had plenty to try and improve with their half-time talk. So too their opposite number Alan Cork.

Bolton won a string of corners just after the restart - one following a deflected Vaz Te shot - while United’s first setpiece of this type saw Gill flick a header just off target. Another header enabled United to go 2-0 up after 53 minutes, with James nodding on Macheda’s cross from the left for Sam Hewson to control with one touch and net with another from close range.

Cleverley scored United’s best goal from a team and individual perspective in the 65th minute. Rafael and Derbyshire combined well on the right to  feed Macheda and when he passed to Cleverley on the edge of the D, the midfielder rifled it into the top right-hand corner beyond the dumbstruck Bolton keeper.

Oliver Norwood entered the fray for Stewart and almost made it four to United when he linked up with Matty James and curled a sweet left-foot shot just over the bar. A double change by Solskjaer later saw Macheda and Derbyshire replaced by Antonio Bryan and another reserve league debutant Scott Wootton.

Three players were booked on the night by referee Mark Heywood - United’s Hewson for deliberate handball, plus Bolton’s Michael Burns and Robert Sissons who fouled the excellent Reds defender Eckersley.

United Reserves: Tomasz Kuszczak (GK); Rafael, Richard Eckersley, David Gray, Oliver Gill; Cameron Stewart (Oliver Norwood, 70), Matthew James, Sam Hewson, Tom Cleverley, James Derbyshire (Antonio Bryan, 78); Federico Macheda (Scott Wootton, 78). Subs not used: Gary Woods (GK), Evandro Brandao.

Popularity: 22% [?]

Villa in for Mikael?

Martin O’Neill wants to take Mikael Silvestre on a year’s loan from Manchester United. Aston Villa’s boss is desperately short of cover at left-back and has earmarked the former France international to fill the spot vacated by the injured Wilfred Bouma. And so O’Neill has sounded out Sir Alex Ferguson about the possibility of using Silvestre on a temporary basis.

The former Inter Milan star has been working his way back to full fitness following a cruciate ligament injury suffered early last season. He returned to the first-team at Old Trafford but has found opportunities difficult to come by due to the form of Patrice Evra and has attracted interest from Bordeaux, Roma and Paris St Germain over the past two months. But he is in the last year of his contract and is keen to earn a testimonial following ten years at United and a loan deal would not hinder that.

Neil Moxley, Daily Mail

Popularity: 47% [?]

Gilberto Reds link

Man Utd deal on cards says Hertha’s Gilberto

Hertha Berlin’s Gilberto has emerged as a candidate to give United extra cover at left back. The 31-year-old’s agent Alexandra Martins claimed agreement with United was close after talks on a new deal at his German club broke down over his demand for £1.75million a year. Gilberto’s contract runs out at the end of the season and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to snap up the tough-tackling left-sided defender or midfielder. Gilberto said: “I have received offers from England, Portugal and Brazil. I have become accustomed to winning trophies with Brazil and would like to do the same at club level.” Hertha general manager Dieter Hoeness said: “Trying to extend his contract is a priority for us.”
Daily Mail

Popularity: 90% [?]

Klaas Jan Huntelaar For United?

Klaas Jan Huntelaar is being touted by various UK newspapers as the most likely United signing should Sir Alex Ferguson dip into the market during the January transfer window.

The Dutch striker has been linked with a move to United on numerous occasions but speculation is heating up that Huntelaar will sign for the Reds.

Rumours still abound that Berbatov may come to OT while Hertha Berlin’s Gilberto and Lyon’s Benzema have expressed an interest in joining United.

Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill have both insisted Ronaldo is going nowhere despite Real Madrid’s interest but debate still remains over Wes Brown’s future. Have your say at www.manutd.com/messageboard.

Popularity: 95% [?]

Strike duo ready to fire U18s

Under-18s coach Paul McGuinness hopes United’s young strike duo, Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda, can fire the Reds to FA Youth Cup success this season.

The pair have scored 15 of United’s 36 goals this season in league and cup matches, and will hope to fire the Reds past Carlisle in the Youth Cup fourth round on Wednesday (KO 19:00 GMT).

Italian youth international Macheda is the U18s’ top scorer this term with eight goals, including his strike in the 2-1 third round victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Welbeck, an England U17 international, has scored seven goals this term. Together, they form a formidable partnership up.

“They are both very good players,” McGuinness told PA Sport. “Danny is still only young and has another year at this level. He’s a very talented player and all the other players respond to that.

“Federico is a very good technical player. He’s a good finisher, makes good decisions and some very clever runs. In some ways he has a style like Dimitar Berbatov. His touch is very good.”

Rome-born Macheda has made a strong impression on and off the pitch since arriving in the summer from Italy, where he was on Lazio’s books. “His English is coming on, he’s a bright boy,” added McGuinness. “He understands what we’re after and he has fitted in well with the culture of the club.”

“Federico and Danny are on a really good wavelength. That is what you want, good partnerships. When you see them in training and you look at the likes of Rooney and Tevez and the way they link up, those two lads are capable of doing similar sorts of combinations.”

United reached the final of the FA Youth Cup last season, losing on penalties to Liverpool. But with experienced players like goalkeeper Ben Amos and midfielders Danny Drinkwater, Corry Evans and Magnus Eikrem (Welbeck also played last season) still in the side, United are hopeful of being strong challengers again.

“It would be nice to go one better this year,” said McGuinness. “We’re missing some of the players we had last year but those who remain have that extra experience. For them, there is a big motivation to go the next step.

“And if you look at the history of the FA Cup and FA Youth Cup, a lot of teams who get to the final get there again the following year. They know how much it means and have the experience of going through each round.”

There have been 13 occasions where teams have reached consecutive finals since the inception of the Youth Cup in 1953. United will hope this time it means a tenth success for the club, but McGuinness says the Reds aren’t getting too ahead of themselves yet.

“You take it round-by-round. Once you get through a couple of rounds, you start to get a feel for it. You get through one game and handle the pressure, then it can become a snowball effect.”

Admission to the Victoria Ground (Directions) for United’s clash with Carlise is £5 adults, £2 concessions.

The match is also live on MUTV, with co-commentary from Gary Neville. Coverage starts at 18:30 GMT.

Popularity: 93% [?]

Fletcher Will Not Leave United

Darren Fletcher told that he is happy at United and has no intention of leaving, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Fletcher insists he is not looking for pastures new although a media reports suggest the 23-year-old midfielder’s former international boss Alex McLeish is keen on taking him to Birmingham City.

“I am still happy playing for Manchester United and I am not thinking of going elsewhere,” he said. “I never heard anything about Birmingham being interested, I just know I want to be here for a long time.

“My only focus is on being ready when the manager needs me and being able to perform for the club when asked.”

The Scot has played 15 times for the Reds this season, nine times as a substitute with Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick so far higher up the pecking order. And with Paul Scholes due back later this month, competition is fierce for central midfield opportunities. But as the season enters its crucial stages, Fletcher hopes this will be the time where he can make his contribution felt.

“It is frustrating because any player wants to play,” he said. “But it has been down to the form of the midfield. Fair play to Anderson, when Paul Scholes got injured, he came in and has great. The manager has stuck by him, which is what he does when you perform well.

“We will see how things pan out at the end of the season in terms of games played and what you have contributed to the squad. But I am not thinking about that just now. I’m looking short term, and I’d like to win a few trophies and hopefully go a few steps further than last year.”

Popularity: 89% [?]

Man United: Fergie condemns criticism of Glazers

MANCHESTER (PA SPORT) - Sir Alex Ferguson has branded criticism of the Glazer family by Manchester United supporters as ‘unfair’.The Glazers’ 790 million pound takeover was greeted with outright hostility by some sections of United’s massive fanbase. Brothers Joel, Avram and Bryan needed to be smuggled out of Old Trafford under police supervision when they completed their buyout in 2005.

Although the viciousness of the opposition to their involvement has reduced, family members can still be the subject of isolated attacks on their visits to Manchester and rebel club FC United, set up as a direct result of the Glazer takeover, continues to attract huge numbers for their position in the English

football pyramid.

Chief among the current complaints are rising ticket prices, a refusal to speak to the media on any meaningful basis since Joel Glazer conducted an interview with in-house station MUTV in the aftermath of the takeover and a failure to outline the true scale of the repayments on the mammoth debt that has been lodged against the Old Trafford club.

The latter concern may be addressed later this month, when United are expected to smash the world record profit figure for a football club, which the Glazer family will no doubt use to back up their belief the Red Devils legacy is in safe hands.

And Ferguson would not disagree, claiming the family have always been firmly supportive and pointing out the stability at United compared to the problems which have existed at other clubs recently, notably Liverpool.

“At a number of clubs there have been poblems with friction between managers and owners but you can see how smoothly the United ship is running as far as that is concerned, despite early hostility over the Glazer family’s ownership,” he said.

“Those protests were unfair because they weren’t given a chance but the Glazers kept their cool and our owners have been nothing but supportive. Good teamwork starts at the top and I am happy to say, that is what we have at Old Trafford.”

source: espnstar

Popularity: 100% [?]

Tevez could miss United’s FA Cup clash with Villa

Carlos Tevez is a major doubt for Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Aston Villa next Saturday.

After scoring the only goal to beat Birmingham at Old Trafford this afternoon, the South American eventually had to be replaced after failing to shrug off a hefty first-half bang on the ankle.

Tevez was carried into the tunnel by two members of the United’s backroom staff after the final whistle, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirming it is unlikely he will be involved at Villa Park next week.

“It was a bad tackle and the longer the game went on, the worse the injury got,” said Ferguson.

“In the end, we had to bring Carlos off. We will assess him tomorrow to see what the damage is but he is doubtful for Saturday now.”

Happily, Ferguson should have a ready-made replacement for Tevez in Wayne Rooney, who missed a second successive game with a virus but is showing signs of being fine for the weekend.

The Scot explained: “It would have been a bit of a risk to play Wayne today but he should be fine for Saturday.”

Ferguson was less than impressed by his team’s efforts, describing United’s performance as ‘careless’.

Certainly, Tevez’s goal - with the striker finding Cristiano Ronaldo with an overhead kick before racing on to an inspired back-heeled return pass - was at odds with the rest of a mundane contest.

Tevez also hit the post on two occasions, although even this failed to lift a crowd which was almost silent on occasion, drawing a stinging rebuke from Ferguson.

“The crowd were dead,” he remarked. “It was like a funeral out there.

“It was the quietest I have heard here for some time and the atmosphere today did not help us.

“There have been periods like that in the past. Some years ago, when we were dominant, the crowd came to be entertained.

“Sometimes we need them to get behind us. They can help produce the right performance but we did not get that today.”

Instead, the flat atmosphere only induced more sloppiness from United ranks, which would have proved costly if Mikael Forssell had found the target with two late chances.

“It only takes a second to score and we made it difficult for ourselves. it was a careless performance,” added the United boss.

“Our finishing was shoddy and by being as careless as as we did, we could have been embarrassed.”

Ferguson admitted Tevez’s strike was the one bright spot on an otherwise disappointing day, although his team do remain two points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

“It marvellous goal and I think Carlos will go on to get 20 now,” said the Scot, who celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday.

“Once we are over the New Year period, we can have a look at where we are. But effectively, the season starts now and it could be nip and tuck right to the end.”

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was proud of his team’s efforts, although that will not stop him trying to bring in some new faces during the transfer window.

“People said I was pitting my wits against Sir Alex Ferguson but it is like using a pop-gun to take on a machine gun,” he said.

“Manchester United had £125million worth of talent on the pitch, so you have to be realistic, even though I felt we could get something out of the game.

“I am trying to add some new faces during the window because we are desperately short of bodies.

“We have gone into our fourth game this week with more or less the same players and we just cannot rotate the way Sir Alex can.”

Source: dailymail

Popularity: 99% [?]