Stuart Mathieson

September 22, 2009

UNITED'S midfielders have picked up the gauntlet thrown down after the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson demanded that the engine room would have to improve their support of the attack and improve their goal return this campaign.

The department has answered that call to arms. Never was it better illustrated than in Sunday's outstanding derby performance.

Striker Wayne Rooney got the ball rolling in the sensational 4-3 showdown and fellow hitman Michael Owen hit the glorious late winner.

But sandwiched between the two goals from the forwards was a brace from midfielder Darren Fletcher.

It was the kind of contribution Fergie was looking for having lost the 118 goal Old Trafford career effort of Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

United have scored 16 goals this season and nine have come from the senior attacking trio of Rooney, Owen and Dimitar Berbatov.

Rooney is leading the charge with six, Owen has hit two and the Bulgarian is on one strike.

But the midfield has weighed in six goals between them.

Nani is off the mark with one against Wigan, Ryan Giggs scored at Tottenham, Anderson broke his United senior deadlock after two seasons with a hit against Spurs and Paul Scholes headed the Reds' Champions league winner against Besiktas in Turkey last week.

Fletcher goals

Now Fletcher has come to the party with only his second two-goal effort in his five and a half year United first team career.

The previous double for the Scot came against Arsenal in the FA Cup in February 2008 in another classic showdown.

Fletcher has become United's big-game talisman and now the 25-year-old hopes his headed double against the Blues will be a launch pad to an increased personal tally.

"I was pleased with my derby goals because it finally got me off the mark for the season," Fletcher told M.E.N. Sport.

"I had missed a few chances at the start of the campaign. I had a great chance against Birmingham in the opening match at Old Trafford and then another against Wigan at the DW Stadium.

"They were two open goals that I didn't take so I was very disappointed with that.

"My job is to get back and help the defence but also to get into the opposition penalty box when I can and I will always look to get goals. I know that is expected of me.

"I want to build on that every season and see where it can take me. I scored five last season and I want to improve on that. That would be great.

"It is important that if you get in there you finish your chances and I will look to score in every game.

"If I keep getting chances the way I have been in the first few matches of the season then I will be disappointed if I don't score more.

"The most important thing is that I am doing the job for the team and if the goals come that will help.

Ronaldo exit

"With Cristiano gone everybody needs to chip in with a few more goals. We will all look to do the same and I think you are seeing an improvement.

"Different games ask for different things of course and it is not always possible to go marauding into the opposition box.

"Sometimes you are asked to hold in midfield and sometimes you are asked to get into the box.

"But whenever I get the opportunity I will make the effort and then it is up to me to finish.

"We do create a lot of chances at United and so the openings are there if you can get in amongst it like I did against City."

Fletcher's double against the Blues came from two Ryan Giggs assists.

His first was a floated cross and the second a pinpoint free kick.

Michael Owen's dramatic winner was also laid on by a superb threaded Giggs pass and Fletcher paid tribute to the evergreen 35-year-old.

"Ryan has re-invented himself and has been absolutely superb," he added.

"He creates chances all the time. He is always looking for that killer pass.

"Three assists in the derby is magnificent and fortunately we were able to do those assists justice.

"He is a credit to the game. He is a real professional and an inspiration to all the young lads. He just gets better and better and long may that continue.

"With his kind of service we should all be getting putting a few away."

Stuart Mathieson

September 22, 2009

TOMASZ Kuszczak is set for his first senior action of the season in the Carling Cup against Wolves at Old Trafford.

The Polish keeper has not been on the park for the first team since the final day of the Premier League campaign at Hull last May.

He has fallen behind rival Ben Foster and is now the Reds third choice behind the present holder and injured veteran Edwin Van der Sar.

The Dutchman is now about a fortnight away from full fitness after his thumb operation during the pre-season.

But Foster has been blamed for his part in two of City's three goals in the Manchester derby on Sunday and another round of speculation over new goalkeepers is bound to follow.

After Foster's shaky Community Shield debut the Reds were linked with Schalke's 23-year-old talented German Manuel Neuer.

The club were also reported to be keeping tabs on Russian Igor Akinfeev.

The 23-year-old will have his chance to impress when his club CSKA Moscow have back-to-back Champions League group matches against United starting next month.

Akinfeev

The fact Akinfeev does not speak English has allegedly cooled United's interest.

But Old Trafford goalkeeping coach Eric Steele insists that nothing that has happened in his department this term has forced him to urgently update his spy dossiers.

"At this football club what would you expect other than that we will always be looking," Steele told M.E.N. Sport.

"If we know that Edwin is retiring and there maybe an injury at some point to any of the keepers then we will always be looking.

"I am looking now as I was this time last year when we had Edwin, Ben and Tomasz fully fit.

"The work I am doing in terms of preparing if something happened to our number one, two or three - whichever order - the same work is going on now as it was last year and it has to.

"The manager wants the best available squad and it is my job in the goalkeeping department to make sure we have got potential targets that I have checked out.

"The manager will also have checked them out. That is what this club is all about. You have to be ready for every eventuality.

"We have had the Russian goalkeeper linked and we've had all sorts linked with us. You will never fail to have that. This football club will always be `in' for such and such a player according to the press and speculation.

"It is always going to happen and this season it has happened because they will have seen Edwin out after his operation and if Ben had had an injury we would be thin on the ground.

"We would be very foolish people if we were not prepared. That is the same in every position.

"It is no different now from 12 months ago. You work with the keepers you have, but you also have to know what else is around. You have to have that in the back of your mind. It is the only sensible way to do it."

Meanwhile, Michael Owen is set to be rewarded for his Manchester derby match-winner with a place in United’s starting line-up.

Owen has started just one game so far this term but is set to double that tally against Wolves, with Sir Alex Ferguson set to make huge changes to the side that began Sunday’s amazing victory over City.

Wes Brown should take a central defensive berth alongside Jonny Evans.

Manchester United (from): Kuszczak, Zieler, Amos, De Laet, Neville, Brown, J Evans, Dudgeon, Fabio, Tosic, Gibson, C Evans, Eikrem, Carrick, Scholes, Valencia, Nani, Owen, Welbeck, Macheda, King.

Stuart Brennan

September 22, 2009

THE Football Association are taking a long, hard look at Sunday's explosive derby, with Craig Bellamy and Gary Neville coming under closest scrutiny as the fallout from Old Trafford continues.

Bellamy is in the clear over a police investigation of his altercation with a pitch-invading fan, as no complaint was made about the incident. But he could still face a three-match ban for violent conduct, if referee Martin Atkinson, having viewed the video, decides it would have warranted a red card had he seen it.

Under the FA's fast-track procedure, he should learn his fate by 6pm today and, if found guilty, can expect a three-match ban beginning with Monday's home clash with West Ham.

Neville could be hit with a charge of improper conduct for running towards the City fans in celebration of Michael Owen's late winner, but he would have two weeks to respond.

United could also be in hot water after City's Javier Garrido was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd, although they have vowed to try to track down the culprit and also take action against the pitch invader.

A United spokesman said: "We will be looking at CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the person who threw the coin and will take the relevant steps.

"The fan who ran on the pitch will get a life ban if he is a season ticket holder and will have his membership revoked.

"We will take all steps to ensure he does not enter the ground again."

Police confirmation

City want no fuss over the coin-throwing incident, with manager Mark Hughes saying: "I don't want to dwell on it."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they have received no complaints over Bellamy, but said that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Jake Joseph Clarke, aged 21, is charged with going onto a playing area without lawful authority or excuse and will appear before Trafford Magistrates' Court on September 30.

City assistant Mark Bowen has defended Bellamy following his clash with the fan, saying his move was potentially a defensive reflex.

"Craig had been our talisman on the day and brought us back into the game twice," he said.

"A goal had just gone in and Craig was going to the fella to say in no uncertain terms to get off the pitch.

"Obviously, I can't quote exactly what he said but it was like 'Get off the pitch'. We were still in the game and it only takes a second to score a goal.

"My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face or something.

"He came very close and moved towards him. Craig, with an open hand, just pushed the fella away."

Asked if there would be any action taken by City against the striker, Bowen said: "No. I don't think there is any need to."

Paul Pogba's agent has again insisted that money was not the main motive behind his client's move to Manchester United.

The 17-year-old's move from Le Havre to Old Trafford has caused the French club to threaten The Red Devils with legal action.

United have refused to be moved by Le Havre's threats, insisting they want a retraction over recent comments, but the French minnows insist they are in the right.

Le Havre say they will take the case to Fifa, who recently banned Chelsea from signing players until 2011, subject to appeal, after they were deemed to have illegally signed Gael Kakuta from Lens.

But Pogba's agent insists United have done nothing wrong and they simply showed belief in the player.

"Of course, it is a nice contract. But not only money makes a young player and his parents change their country," Gael Mahe stated.

"They also look at the way people talk to them, the seriousness of negotiation, the respect shown.

"Did you know what Manchester sent to Paul's mother? Not a big cheque, but a bunch of flowers. It cost €30 but the mother has been moved. She felt trust.

"The father received a book about the club's history, while Paul got a shirt with number 6 and his name in the back. It is a symbol, but they felt Manchester respected them."

Pogba's mother Yeo also dismissed claims that they have received a new house from United as part of their move to England.

"That house story made people laugh in the hotel. Why would we be in a hotel, if we had been given a house? I can assure you Manchester United didn't give us anything," she told France Football.

"Le Havre didn't take care of my son. When Paul missed classes because he played a tournament with the team, we asked to catch it up, but Le Havre didn't care.

"We understood the club didn't have faith in him. They proposed contracts to other players, but nothing to Paul. Trust was broken."

Danny Welbeck revelled in his match-winning strike against Wolves, and admits he is living a dream by being on the fringes of first team football with United.

The Longsight-born striker bagged a superb goal against Mick McCarthy's side to register his first strike of the season, and he is already looking forward to the possibility of playing in the Carling Cup fourth round.

"I'm just like any other normal Manc boy, really," Danny told MUTV. "To be given the chance to play for United is a dream, and I'm always willing to go when asked. I need to carry on training hard and get more first team chances.

"That's all of the young boys' aim. We're just looking forward to the next round now, so just play as many youngsters as possible, Fergie!"

Welbeck's goal was fashioned by a drumskin-tight exchange with experienced goal-getter Michael Owen, and the 18-year-old prodigy was delighted with the link-up.

"Tonight it was great playing with Michael Owen, because Michael Owen's Michael Owen. You can always learn from his movement, it's unbelievable. I just knew he was around the corner and he knew where I was going next. He played it there and I finished it off well."

The evening's only negative aspect came with the early dismissal of Fabio. While Welbeck was relieved that to progress in spite of a numerical disadvantage, he did reserve sympathy for the young Brazilian.

"It looked like he slipped," he said. "He did really well to get back at first, but then he slipped and it was unlucky for him. But I think he'll take it in his stride and become a better player for that.

"I thought we did really well to be fair, being down to 10 men for an hour. We went one upfront so I was playing as a left winger- striker kind of role. I just had to get used to the game, get a few more touches on the ball and then the goal came, so I was pleased with that."

Joshua King felt he acquitted himself well on his first senior outing against Wolves, even if he would have preferred to cap it with a goal.

The 17-year-old striker, rewarded with a call-up after a string of promising displays with the Reserves, looked the part in his 10-minute cameo, and he is hoping for more action over the remainder of the season.

"It's a big step up, obviously, but now I've just got to keep training hard and working hard and I might get a chance in the next Carling Cup game," he told MUTV. "It was a big day for me. I maybe should have scored, but I thought I did well.

"It's been good to play with the Reserves. Last season I was injured most of the time, so this time I've come back and stayed fit. Hopefully I'll stay fit further. I've been with the Reserves quite a bit this season, and I want to keep training hard and continue."

Nerves are inevitable for one of such tender years, but King admitted the presence of fellow Norwegian Magnus Eikrem on the subsitutes' bench proved helpful.

"It was quite nervy at the start, like when I found out yesterday I got a squad number and that I might be in the squad," he said. "But as soon as I went on the pitch the nerves flew away and I got on with it.

"Me and Magnus have got each other - it's a bit of help maybe. We support each other and he supported me when we knew I was going to get on. He told me to do well and it was good to have him with me."

United are spoilt for choice when it comes to young strikers. Sir Alex Ferguson blooded another of his promising attacking talents, Joshua King, against Wolves on Wednesday and the Norwegian teenager showed flashes of his undoubted potential.

Sir Alex had given starts to Federico Macheda and eventual match-winner Danny Welbeck, both already earmarked to make the grade. But a cameo appearance for 17-year-old King hints at an even greater wealth of talent bubbling under the surface.

“He’s very quick the boy, he’s got a terrific attitude and he’s only 17,” said the boss. “He has a really good future in the game.

“We’re very fortunate at the moment; we’ve got Macheda, Welbeck, King and young John Cofie, who is in our youth team. It’s looking really good for young strikers, and it’s been a long, long time since we’ve had so many strikers coming through at the club.”

Like last year, winning the Carling Cup is a definite target, but it’s also vital as a finishing school for Sir Alex’s up-and-coming starlets.

“It’s a good tournament for young players,” he told MUTV. “They must have this challenge, the experience of playing at Old Trafford in front of 50,000 fans. It was a good crowd for a Wednesday night in the first round of the League Cup.”

The Carling Cup doesn't just benefit the products of United’s youth system who are still at the club, ask Sir Alex was proud to point out: “I was watching the matches on Tuesday night, and quite a few of our former players scored. Chris Eagles, Danny Webber, Jon Macken, Fraizer Campbell - that was really good to see.”

September 24, 2009

SIR Alex Ferguson has vowed to carry on giving youth a chance in the Carling Cup.

After winning the tournament last season with a squad based on youngsters, Ferguson sees no reason why United should abandon that philosophy this term.

Beating Wolves 1-0 at Old Trafford to book a fourth round berth would have been able proof that the strategy is working. The fact Fabio was sent off for a professional foul, leaving United to complete the final hour with only 10 men just emphasised it.

"It does excite me that I can give the young lads a chance in this competition," said Ferguson.

"It is the only thing we can do.

"It is good for them to get the experience of playing at Old Trafford. It is a good breeding ground for young players."

England Under-21 star Daniel Welbeck was the main beneficiary last night, netting a stylish winner midway through the second half after exchanging passes with Michael Owen.

The born and bred Mancunian featured in last year's final, as well as the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Everton and it clearly making a positive impression on the Old Trafford hierarchy.

"It was a fantastic goal. The passing and the finish were top quality," said Ferguson.

"The angle Michael Owen created made it easy for him."

Ferguson is now dreaming of a home tie with Peterborough, which would mean a match-up with son Darren, a former United player.

For Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, it is an extended period of Premier League action, knowing every point is vital in a bid to claw their way to respectability.

"We have been in the Premier League for three months," he said.

"That doesn't make us a Premier League team. We are a football club that has got itself into the Premier League and for most of the time we have competed.

"Manchester United are arguably the best team in Europe. Liverpool have a similar set-up. And Arsenal.

"We are snotty nosed kids coming up from the Championship.

"Is it a case of us coming up here and having our bellies tickled and for them to say "Thanks for coming"?

"I don't like that. But it is part of the learning process."

September 24, 2009

RAFAEL and Fabio da Silva have told Sir Alex Ferguson they can emulate two of Brazil's greatest players in Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

Ferguson long made covetous glances at the legendary full-backs during his time at United - but never managed to bring them to Old Trafford.

But the Da Silva twins are convinced they can be the answer to the left and right of United's defence for years to come.

And the teenagers say their dream is to replicate the success of their countrymen, who won three World Cups and four Champions Leagues between them.

"It was always our ambition to become as good a player as Roberto Carlos - he was our hero," said Fabio. "He and Cafu are the best full-backs there have ever been.

"We watched a lot of football when we were younger - we supported Botafogo, but we always used to be Manchester United whenever we played football games on the computer."

Rafael added: "Whenever I used to blow the candles out on my birthday cake my wish was always to become a footballer.

"We loved playing the game and, as youngsters, we were very strong runners. A guy called Zezinho, who was a coach of a local team, saw us and thought we both had potential."

Former United academy manager, Les Kershaw, spotted the pair playing for Fluminese in a youth tournament in Hong Kong in 2005.

Despite having to wait until they were 18 to get international clearance to make their debuts for United, the pair have made a stunning impact on the Premier League. Rafael, in particular, seized his chance after injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville last season, picking up winners' medals in the Club World Cup and Carling Cup.

And he has got the taste for success, eyeing more trophies with United.

"We were very close to winning the Champions League and even though I missed the Carling Cup final through injury, I still feel like a champion because I played in every other game in the competition.

"I hope I can play my part in helping the team win even more trophies this season.

"It's been fantastic to be involved with the first team and I think we both developed our games a lot last season."

Fabio's appearances were limited last season because of a shoulder injury, but this term it has been his brother who has been on the treatment table.

But Fabio - who was the leading scorer in the 2007 Under-17 World Cup - insists he feels no pressure to emulate Rafael.

"I knew I had to perform to my best," he said. "I was really happy that my brother had done so well and played some great football, and I wanted to be able to do the same.

"It spurred me on and I was just pleased to eventually get my chance because being injured had been so frustrating."

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed that he will make his mind up over his future in December.

The 38-year-old is currently on the sidelines nursing a hand injury but admits that the time to call it a day is getting ever closer.

However Van der Sar performed admirably last season as the Red Devils claimed their third straight Premier League crown leaving many to suggest that the shot-stopper could continue for years to come.

With Ben Foster challenging the Dutchman for the number one jersey at Old Trafford, despite a somewhat shaky start to the season, Van der Sar may opt to hang up his gloves while he is still at the top of his game.

"I've said for a few years that it sometimes may be my last season," he told Sportsweek.

"Six months before my contract with Manchester United ended in December 2006, we extended for one year and so far it has been the same every time.

"I wait each season to see how or where I stand, if everyone is happy and if I can get motivated.

"But I know, because I always get older, it is increasingly likely that this will be my last season.

"In December, it will be clear how it goes. By then, I'll have clarity. It is a horrible dilemma.

"On the one hand I do not oversleep, I feel as good as a few years ago."

Manchester United are becoming deeply concerned about Rio Ferdinand’s persistent injury problems, fears shared by England before the World Cup finals next summer.

The centre back has missed 30 of the past 52 matches involving United and England as nagging injuries take their toll on his body. Since April, he has started back-to-back competitive games on only two occasions.

He was an unused substitute last night as United overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in a third-round Carling Cup tie despite having been reduced to ten men by the first-half dismissal of Fábio Da Silva for a professional foul.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, hinted at their mounting concerns last week when he said that Ferdinand has “one game back and picks up another injury when he really needs games”. The club are increasingly worried that the problems appear to be more frequent and pronounced as the player gets older.

Ferdinand, who turns 31 in November, has been hindered by a succession of calf, thigh and groin injuries over the past nine months, although they appear to be principally an offshoot of a back complaint that requires something close to micro-management.

The issue came to the fore during the Club World Cup in Japan last December, when Ferdinand suffered spasms in his lower back that ruled him out for more than five weeks, and he has rarely been pain-free since.

Ferdinand sees an osteopath three times a week and had a special fitness programme drawn up by United, which often involves him completing a full gym session by 9 o’clock most mornings.

In an interview with The Times in April, Ferdinand conceded that the back injury, in particular, was a growing worry, but said that he was prepared to be saddled with a limp in later life if it meant playing at the highest level for several more years.

“I’m a little bit concerned it might become more of a problem as I get older, but I don’t really like to think about it like that,” he said at the time. “I’m quite good at blocking pain out.”

Ferdinand’s importance to United was underlined by their decision to play him in the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, even though he was clearly unfit after missing five of the club’s opening seven games with a thigh injury.

United’s concerns are exacerbated by their other first-choice central defender, Nemanja Vidic, having to contend with a number of injuries in the past couple of seasons, while Jonny Evans has had an ankle problem since December and Wes Brown was missing for long periods last season and, more recently, has been sidelined by a thigh complaint.

Ferdinand has missed 23 of United’s past 43 games in all competitions, only one of which he was rested for. He has rarely been absent for long periods, but United’s concern centres on the Ferdinand-Vidic axis, the foundation for success over the past three seasons, being routinely broken up by niggling issues. Similarly, Fabio Capello is anxious about the disruption being caused to his first-choice defensive pairing of Ferdinand and John Terry with the World Cup finals in South Africa less than nine months away.

Ferdinand and Terry, the Chelsea defender, have partnered each other in only two of England’s past nine games, forcing Capello to experiment in the one area of his team that the manager hoped to leave untouched.

Ferguson hopes to have Edwin van der Sar, the goalkeeper, available for the league game at home to Sunderland on Saturday week. The Dutchman has been sidelined since the beginning of last month with a broken finger and bone in his left hand.