Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded Manchester United's interest in Steven Defour after sending a letter to the Standard Liege captain reassuring him that he remains in his thoughts.

The talented Belgium international is currently sidelined after breaking a bone in his foot, but was the subject of considerable interest in the summer.

Defour has previously attracted the attention of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, while Everton had a £9million bid for the player rejected in the close season.

Liege are under no pressure to sell as Defour is under contract until 2013, while a move in January is prohibited in any case by his injury.

It would appear though that United could be weighing up a move in the summer as Ferguson has moved to reassure Defour of his interest.

The letter, which has been released to the media, reads: "Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.

"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.

Progress monitored

"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.

"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."

Defour was delighted to receive Ferguson's letter but the 21-year-old was swift to point out that the Premier League club had done everything by the book and had sent it to his club to pass onto him.

"One thing I should like to highlight is that Ferguson has followed his interest officially," Defour told Het Laatste Nieuws. "He addressed the letter to Standard.

"I think the attention is great, but I do not want people to think I am already at Manchester, which is by no means the case.

"But if they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems."

Defour, who is rated as one of the most promising players in Belgium, is targeting the match against Anderlecht on 16th January for his comeback date.

United will be without Wayne Rooney when Bolton come to Old Trafford on Saturday but Edwin van der Sar will return between the posts.

Sir Alex confirmed at his Friday morning press conference that England striker Rooney will miss the North-West derby and admitted he also had doubts over his availability for the Reds' Champions League fixture in Moscow next week.

"Rooney's out – that's the one certainty," the boss said. "We're doing our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I've got my doubts.

"Hopefully he'll be fit for Liverpool. We won't be taking risks in Moscow."

The manager's disappointment over Rooney's absence is tempered by the return of van der Sar, who's not played a competitive fixture for the Reds since last season's Champions League final.

The goalkeeper, 38, injured his hand in a pre-season friendly but returned for United's Reserves on 6 October, keeping a clean sheet against Everton.

"Edwin's fit and he plays tomorrow," Sir Alex said. "His game in the Reserves was a confidence booster."

Michael Owen is also fit again after tweaking his groin in United's win over Wolfsburg late last month.

Anderson insists he feels at 'home' at Manchester United and remains determined to increase his goals tally for the club.

The Brazilian midfielder is in his third season at Old Trafford, but has endured a mixed opening to the new campaign.

He barely featured during the early weeks of the term amid suggestions the 21-year-old had fallen out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Anderson has figured prominently of late and scored his first goal for the club in last month's 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Porto youngster accepts he has not always maintained his best form, but is enjoying his time with the Premier League champions.

Home

"I feel happy here," said Anderson. "Everybody has times that are not the best, but I am at home here.

"I have been at Manchester United for three years. Everyone at the club is nice to me. It is like a family."

With his United duck now finally broken, Anderson is keen to improve his tally, saying: "I should score more goals, but the way the team plays it can be very difficult to get inside the area.

"Hopefully I will have more chances in the future and I can score lots more for Manchester United."

Anderson also admits he remains 'great friends' with departed duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, but is confident United are coping without the attacking stars.

"Ronaldo is still a big friend of mine. Wherever he and Tevez are, nothing will change. We are great friends," said Anderson.

"They were both very important players for this club. However, this often happens in football and the club has to move on.

"We still have great players here like Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Nani. Now we also have Antonio Valencia.

"United must go forward and not get stuck in the past."

Please be fit for the Liverpool game! Although it would be fun if Owen plays and does well.

First starting for Berbatov and Owen, really looking forward it

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's game against Bolton on Saturday due to a calf strain, while the club are waiting to hear if Dimitar Berbatov will be available.

The England striker has picked up a minor knock and will not be risked at Old Trafford, although he could feature in United's midweek UEFA Champions League game at CSKA Moscow.

"Calf injuries can be troublesome," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We are trying our best to get him fit for Wednesday but I have my doubts on that. But Wayne should be fit for the Liverpool game.

"We know how difficult these things can be so we will not be taking any chances with the Moscow trip."

Ferguson's striker conundrum is further exacerbated by Berbatov's possible absence due to his girlfriend giving birth in midweek.

The in-form front-man, who bagged a quickfire international hat-trick in midweek, has not yet returned from Bulgaria and is a real doubt for Saturday.

Ferguson will now almost certainly call on Michael Owen in their absence, with the England hopeful desperate for playing time having been given scant opportunity to impress to date.

Fit again Edwin van der Sar will reclaim his place in United's goal at the expense of Ben Foster.

For the veteran Dutchman it is a welcome first appearance of the season after he broke two fingers during a friendly with Bayern Munich in July.

"Edwin plays tomorrow," said Ferguson.

"He had a reserve game 10 days ago and has come through that fine. He has been training for quite a spell now but with a hand injury you don't take any chances and that game has given him a good confidence boost."

 
so the combination will be Owen + Macheda/Welbeck?

Manchester United face a striking dilemma going into their clash with Bolton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The champions' top scorer Wayne Rooney will miss out due to the calf strain he picked up on England duty while Sir Alex Ferguson also has problems with Dimitar Berbatov.

The 28-year-old is still in Bulgaria following the birth of his daughter and may not arrive back in Manchester in time for the game.

Better news for United is the fact that Ferguson has fit-again Michael Owen available for selection after he recovered from a groin problem he picked up just over two weeks ago.

However, despite the notable absentees, all eyes will be on referee Mark Clattenburg following Ferguson's comments about fellow official Alan Wiley after United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland last time out.

A poor performance from the Red Devils was masked by the Scot's claims that Wiley had struggled to keep up with the pace of the game before declaring that Premier League referees were not fit enough to officiate at the top level.

Ferguson was forced to apologise twice for the comments that caused uproar during the international break.

Interestingly Clattenburg was in charge the last time the Trotters managed to beat United when they triumphed 1-0 at the Reebok in November 2007.

Since then however Bolton have failed to score against United let alone pick up a single point in their last three head-to-heads.

But manager Gary Megson believes things could have been very different the last time he brought his team to the Theatre of Dreams had referee Rob Styles not awarded United a dubious penalty on the hour mark with the scores at 0-0.

Megson has had his doubters at the Reebok ever since taking over in October 2007 but a positive result on Saturday could keep his critics at bay for a little while longer and put distance between Bolton and the bottom three.

Meanwhile United will want to bounce back from their disappointing display against Sunderland, where they needed a last-minute own goal to grab a point.

Man Utd news

With Rooney absent and Berbatov a doubt, Owen should definitely start but it remains to be seen whether Ferguson will partner the former Liverpool striker with Danny Welbeck or Federico Macheda, who has, surprisingly, hardly featured this term.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will start in place of Ben Foster having sufficiently recovered from a hand injury that has kept him sidelined since pre-season.

Gabriel Obertan (spine) and Rafael (shoulder) both played 45 minutes for the reserves on Monday having recovered from their respective knocks and both could find themselves on the bench on Saturday.

Also back in training is Owen Hargreaves (knees) following his year-long absence but the game has come too soon for the midfielder.

Defender Jonny Evans should recover from the ankle knock he picked up on international duty for Northern Ireland to sit on the bench at the weekend.

Bolton news

Defender Sam Ricketts could return from a foot injury just in time to feature while midfielder Joey O'Brien is expected to miss out with a knee problem.

Johan Elmander should feature despite being withdrawn for Sweden against Albania on Wednesday in the first half, however it has since been revealed that the change was just a precaution.

The only other concern for Megson is the long-term absence of midfielder Sean Davis who has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Possible starting XIs:

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Valencia, Owen, Berbatov.

Bolton:Jaaskelainen, Knight, Cahill, Samuel, Ricketts, Gardner, Cohen, Muamba, Taylor, Lee, Kevin Davies

1429: TEAM NEWS Man Utd v Bolton
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson makes eight changes from the side held at home by Sunderland last time out. Edwin van der Sar makes his first appearance of the season in goal after recovering from two broken fingers, with deputy Ben Foster failing to even make the bench. An ankle injury to Nemanja Vidic means Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans form the centre-half partnership and in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen starts alongside Dimitar Berbatov in attack. Bolton are unchanged from the side which drew with Tottenham in their last match.

yup.. dont worry lah.. liverpool is on a bad form atm @_@, it'll be a miracle if man u cannot win @_@

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Still no idea how Fletcher and Vidic are..

The MOTM would either be Giggs or Valencia.

Btw, mind to ask where can i get the news about evra/giggs injured?

Ferguson was unconcerned with man-of-the-match Ryan Giggs picking up a knock late in the tie. Rio Ferdinand has been sidelined at various times this season while Nemanja Vidic missed the encounter after picking up an injury in training.

Speaking on Giggs, Ferguson said: "Unfortunately he's picked up a bit of an injury so he's doubtful for Moscow.

"But he surpasses all the accolades that have been given to him because he seems to get better, and that's incredible to say about a 35-year-old."

Patrice Evra was also hurt during the Bolton match and could be added to the injury list ahead of United's trip to Moscow midweek to take on CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

"Patrice Evra is someone we'll have to look at. That ought to be a concern; he got a bad tackle during the game and he could be doubtful for Wednesday."

Ferguson concluded with an update on Vidic: "He had a calf strain that he picked up on international duty but he'll be ready for the Liverpool game and hopefully Wednesday's."

Sir Alex Ferguson was predictably relieved after United survived a late Bolton onslaught to re-assume top spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Zat Knight's early own-goal and a fine finish from Antonio Valencia had the Reds cruising to the summit, following Chelsea's defeat at Aston Villa. However, Matt Taylor's late strike halved the arrears,and Gary Megson's side created further openings until the final minute of stoppage time.

"We made it hard for ourselves when we should've been well in front," Sir Alex told MUTV. "When Bolton scored late on, the last 10 minutes were nervous. We panicked at times but we got through it - just.

"Some of the football was very good. There was great speed to our game and we were a constant threat to them. It's a pity we didn't get our second goal earlier on, because we could have run up another good score.

When Bolton came into the game a little bit before half-time, we caught them on the break. That was a comfort zone for us - maybe too much because they were relaxed in terms of their play in the second half. We should have finished the game but didn't, and sometimes you can leave yourself regretting these things. But we got through it, and particularly with other results round about us today, it's a good day for us."

United have registered just three clean sheets in nine Premier League ties this term. While Matt Taylor's late header wasn't in the same hair-tearing league as sloppy concessions against Manchester City and Sunderland, Sir Alex wants his side to quickly arrest  the flow of goals against.

"I think in past years we've had runs of games without losing goals, which have been important in terms of winning the championship," he said. "We have to get back to that.

"Today's was a slack goal to lose; a soft header from the back post. We shouldn't be losing goals like that, but Bolton are a handful and you have to give them credit.

"I can't analyse the goal today in the same context as the Manchester City game, which were complete errors, or the second goal against Sunderland. These are bad errors."

i think the 7 minutes given by the ref is try to make pool getting the equalizer after he allowed the goal. so its pool fault not got the equalizer

we really struggled in the air without vidic.. but to be fair davies is very good in aerial battle

Friendly Match
Broadwood Stadium, 18 Oct 2009

CLYDE 0

MANCHESTER UNITED XI 4
Stewart og 22, Brandy 29, Rafael 59, Eikrem (pen) 89

Rafael's comeback continued on Sunday with 90 minutes and a goal as a strong United XI selected by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eased to a 4-0 victory at Clyde.

The hosts have had financial difficulties in recent times and Sir Alex Ferguson promised to send a squad packed with United hopefuls to the Broadwood Stadium, to help raise funds for the Scottish Second Division side. Zoran Tosic and summer signing Gabriel Obertan, making his second appearance for the Reds, were also noticeable starters.

The last time United faced Clyde was four years ago when a full-strength side ran out 5-1 winners. The man helming the Reds in the dugout may have been different this time round but Solskjaer's young guns enjoyed the same margin of victory as Sir Alex's men.

The visitors got off to a good start and controlled the pace and tempo of the game from the outset. Early on, the lively Tosic set up Brandy who beat goalkeeper Callum Reidford but unfortunately saw his effort cleared off the line by Connor Cassidy. The first goal came moments later when Clyde midfielder Paul Stewart’s miscued shot ended up in his own net following a low corner from Tosic.

Obertan showed glimpses of why he could be a shrewd signing, impressing with his speed and touch, not to mention his assists for United’s next two goals. For the first, he showed a good turn of pace to skip past his marker and run powerfully at the Clyde defence before sliding the ball across the box for Brandy to turn and score.

After the break the Frenchman grew in confidence and slid a delightful ball through for Rafael who charged up from his right-back position into the area and released a stinging shot low across the keeper that struck the inside of the post before going in.

Clyde posed little threat going forward and both Reece Brown and Oliver Gill looked assured in the heart of United's defence. Magnus Eikrem rounded off a good day for the Reds by scoring from the spot one minute from time, after Scott Gair had handled in the box.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pleased with his side’s performance, on an important day for Clyde.

“We did well and played good football at times. Maybe we should have scored a few more goals but then again they could have had a couple of goals in the second half.

“It’s very important for us to come here - we have a good relationship with Clyde. The gaffer knows the people up here and he said that it was important that we came, performed well and show what Manchester United can be about. There was a quite a decent crowd here today so hopefully they have got some money in.”

United XI: Amos (Zieler 45); Rafael, R Brown (Evans 45), Gill, Dudgeon (McGinty 80); Norwood (Stewart 45), Hewson (Eikrem 45), James, Tosic; Obertan (Cofie 62), Brandy.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his comments on Alan Wiley's fitness.

Ferguson made the remarks about referee Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on 3 October.

The 67-year-old, who later apologised to Wiley, could face a hefty fine or a touchline ban if he is found guilty.

The referees' union has called for Ferguson, who has until 3 November to answer the charge, to be banned.

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct," the FA said in a statement.

"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October. "

Ferguson said following United's draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford: "The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit."

He later said he was sorry for any personal embarrassment caused to Wiley, claiming the comments were to highlight "what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game".

Alan Leighton, head of officials' union Prospect, told BBC Radio 5 live the apology was "half-hearted".

"A punishment should be a Uefa-type coaching ban, which is more than a touchline ban," added Leighton.

While managers are allowed to comment on an official's performance, the FA insists any remarks must not imply bias, question their integrity or engage in what could be construed as a personal attack.

Ferguson has a history of improper conduct charges for incidents involving referees.

In the 2007/08 season Ferguson was given a two-match touchline ban and was handed a £5,000 fine for a rant at referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time during a match at Bolton

And during the 2008/09 campaign Ferguson was banned for two games and fined £10,000 after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

The Scot came on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Mike Dean after United beat Hull on 1 November.

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs is struggling to be fit for the trip to CSKA Moscow, but Wayne Rooney could be available.

Giggs picked up a knock during United's 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and has been rated doubtful for the UEFA Champions League tie in Russia.

The veteran Welshman is one of several injury concerns for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who could also be without Patrice Evra, Rooney and Nemanja Vidic.

Rooney and Vidic sat out the Premier League victory over Bolton, while Evra was replaced towards the end of the game at Old Trafford.

Ferguson is optimistic Rooney could return from a calf strain against CSKA, but certainly expects the striker to be ready to face Liverpool on Sunday.

It is a similar situation for Vidic, who missed the Bolton clash with an ankle complaint, while Evra will have his knock assessed.

"Ryan Giggs has got a knock and is a doubt for Wednesday," Ferguson told MUTV.

"Patrice Evra we'll have to look at, he may be a doubt.

"Berbatov, I think, will be alright. Wayne Rooney, we've got to try to get ready for Wednesday. We'll see him on Sunday.

"I'm hopeful Vidic will be alright, but he'll certainly be ready for the Liverpool game."

Where's Gibson?

Story updated 19/10/2009, 13:31

Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher will all miss United's Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow.

The five players - many of them probable starters in Sir Alex Ferguson's strongest line-up - were absent from the squad flying out of Manchester on Monday afternoon.

Sir Alex referred to Giggs, Rooney and Evra's possible absences on Saturday, when he spoke to MUTV following the Reds' 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers.

"Ryan Giggs has got a knock and is a doubt," Sir Alex said. "We've got to try and get Wayne Rooney ready for Wednesday but we'll see him on Sunday (against Liverpool). We'll have to look at Patrice Evra, he may be a doubt."

Like Rooney, Fletcher missed the Bolton match after picking up an injury while on international duty. Meanwhile Korean sources report that Park is being rested as a precaution due to a water on the knee problem. The club has not confirmed this but Sir Alex may clarify matters in his pre-match press conference in Moscow (Tuesday, 17:30 UK).

Other possible absentees mentioned by the boss on Saturday were Dimitar Berbatov - "I think he will be all right" - and Nemanja Vidic - "I'm hopeful Vidic will be all right, but he'll certainly be ready for the Liverpool game." Both have flown to Russia.

The full United squad to face CSKA Moscow on 21 October is as follows: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster; Neville, Rafael, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, J Evans, C Evans, Fabio; Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Nani; Owen, Berbatov, Macheda, Welbeck.

interesting...they must have worked hard on set pieces in training... they look like a real threat now..

Yea, why? All the UCL games at the same time too?

Wah.. all our injured players are due to comeback for pool's match...... betul ke ni??

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_pre...fba253b8bf12fc5

Five big names failed to board United’s plane to Moscow on Monday. Only one – Patrice Evra – is a certainty to return on Sunday against Liverpool.

Sir Alex confirmed Evra, who “had a little problem in his heel” and did not travel to Russia, will return to the Reds for this weekend’s crunch clash at Anfield. But United may have to face Rafa Benitez’s men without Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park.

It will be a minor miracle if Park plays – “We’ll probably need two weeks,” the boss said in Moscow – while United’s medical staff are working overtime to ensure boyhood Everton fan Wayne Rooney takes to the pitch on Sunday.

“We’re fighting to get Rooney ready,” Sir Alex said. “It’s a bit of an uphill fight but we’re trying.

“With Giggs it’s difficult to say with the injury he has… and Fletcher’s a slight doubt. He picked up a knock on international duty. But we hope to get the main players ready for Sunday because it’s a big game."

Before that, United are in Champions League action against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to welcome back a number of his top stars against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Red Devils are set to make the short trip to Anfield for a crunch encounter which could all but end Rafa Benitez's title dreams.

With Liverpool having already lost four times in the Premier League this season, United will be hoping to write off the challenge of one of their fiercest rivals.

Victory on Merseyside would also pile further pressure on Benitez, with the Spanish coach having led his side to four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

With so much riding on the game, Ferguson is delighted to be in the position of having an almost full strength squad from which to choose.

A UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow is currently at the forefront of United's thoughts, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher all set to sit out the match in Moscow.

Big game

However, all four are expected to be back in contention for the weekend, much to Ferguson's delight.

"We are hoping we get the main players fit because it's a big game," he said in The Sun.

"Evra will be fit for Sunday. He's just had a little problem with his heel.

"I'm hoping Rooney, Giggs and Fletcher will be fit."

Rooney is still nursing a calf injury he picked up while on international duty with England, but he will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

Giggs, meanwhile, should shake off a cold in time to feature and Fletcher has responded well to treatment on a groin problem.

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down rumours linking Manchester United for CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Ferguson will get a close look of the Russian international in action on Wednesday when his United side take on CSKA in the UEFA Champions League.

The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's leading keepers over the last year and reports in Russia suggest the Red Devils are leading the chase to sign the highly rated shot-stopper.

However, Ferguson was quick to point out that when 38-year-old Edwin Van der Sar did decide to retire Ben Foster, whose performances in the Dutchman's absence this term have been heavily scrutinised, and Tomasz Kuszczak were more than capable of taking his place.

"I can't deal with rumour because we have two very good young goalkeepers at the club at the moment in Kuszczak and Foster and the future lies with them," he said.

"When Edwin Van der Sar finally decides to retire I'm quite confident these players can take over."