Manchester United are targeting young Serbian central defender Uros Cosic - seen by his club CSKA Moscow as potentially a bigger talent than Nemanja Vidic.

The 17-year-old may move to Old Trafford next year, despite CSKA’s desire to keep him, admitted club president Yevgeni Giner.

So highly is he rated that the Moscow outfit has enlisted the help of Kremlin president Dmitry Medvedev in a bid to grant him Russian citizenship.

“I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic”, said Giner.

“We even offered him Russian citizenship. It now depends upon the Presdent Medvedev whether it is granted or not.

“I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17.

“But Manchester United would also love to have him.

“They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate.

“They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic.”

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes he will be back on the pitch in the 'not too distant future'.

Ferdinand has been out of action since the Red Devils lost 2-0 at Liverpool on 25th October, sidelined with a calf problem.

But that is connected to his long-standing back complaint, although Ferdinand is working hard in the gym and hopes to return soon.

The 31-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It's okay - obviously I'd love to be playing now, that's my passion and what I love doing, but I've been injured for a little while now.

Good road

"I'm on a good road and hopefully I can see light at the end of the tunnel and it won't be too long."

He added: "I've had the problem for maybe close to 18 months, and just played on with it and stuff.

"But hopefully we have seen the last of it, fingers crossed.

"I'm getting treatment, I'm working hard in the gym and doing a lot of stuff in the gym to make sure there is no reoccurrence of any problems.

"Hopefully (I will return in the) not too distant future."

Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is confident his first goal for the Red Devils is not too far away.

Obertan moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux during the summer but saw his first few months with Sir Alex Ferguson's side hampered by injury.

Despite a delayed start in Manchester, the Frenchman has since displayed the skills that made him one of Europe's most wanted young players.

The 20-year-old has made nine appearances but has yet to find the back of the net for United, having infamously failed to score a tap-in on his debut against Blackburn in October.

"I hope I will score soon," said the France Under-21 international.

"It is possible. I had those chances against Blackburn.

"I do have to work more on my finishing but I am confident it will come."

DAVID BECKHAM is dreaming of a Champions League showdown with Manchester United.

Becks will rejoin AC Milan on a six-month loan from LA Galaxy in January.

And the England midfielder would be delighted if the Serie A side are drawn in the same group as United in Friday's last-16 draw.

The 34-year-old said: "I would really like to face my former team in the next round.

"Since I left United in 2003, I have not returned to play at Old Trafford.

"Seven years have gone by and I would like for that to happen.

"Me against United, it would be beautiful, wouldn't it?"

Beckham, who won the Champions League with Alex Ferguson's side in 1999, spent a decade with United before moving to Real Madrid.

And he is well aware of how challenging a clash against last season's runners-up would be.

Becks added: "It would be very difficult but it will be very exciting.

"I like big challenges and I would love to play that type of game.

"I would love to win the Champions League because it is a special competition, where the strongest teams compete."

Gabriel Obertan has hit the ground running since making his long-awaited United debut in late October. The Frenchman is now hoping to make further progress, following his first Barclays Premier League start against Wolves...

So Gabriel, were you pleased with your first league start?
Yes, I'm quite happy. I just wanted to play my game and show my qualities, hopefully I did that. I felt I was better in the first half when I slowed down a bit.

Were you nervous?
Not really, because Pat [Evra] was behind me. He knows how I play so it's easier for me. He can place me when we're defending, it's very helpful. But really everyone was encouraging me.

Is English football what you expected?
Yes. It’s quick – there’s a lot of space behind defenders. And every team wants to win the game when they play. In France, sometimes the first thing the team wants to do is not lose. But here, they all want to win. That makes the game more open and you have more chances. Every game is difficult. Even in the [4-1] win against Portsmouth it was difficult. Every game is different, and each one is like a combat, it’s a fight.

Have you had to adapt your game?
Maybe a bit, but I think my qualities were made for this type of football. So it was quite easy to fit in here. I was built for English football.

Are there any players you’ve modelled your game on?
When I was younger I liked Thierry Henry… then I liked Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

What's your favourite bit of trickery?
I learned to play football in the street with my friends. And when you play street football, the things you want to do are all the tricks like nutmegs. My favourite is probably the stepover. So I like doing tricks - but only if they are effective. There's no point doing it if there's nothing at the end of it. 

United have a tradition of wingers – are you an out-and-out winger?
I think for now I am a true winger. But maybe in the future I could play forward or striker. I like one-v-one – I’m quick and I like to run in behind defenders and create opportunities.

When teams put a lot of people behind the ball, does that make the winger’s job even more important?
Yes. I think wingers are very important in modern football. In the game against Besiktas [at OT in late November] it was quite difficult because all the players were like defenders. I think the winger’s role is important in that type of game.

You've already built up a good rapport with the fans...
I’m very pleased by the way they have supported me. When I hear them singing my name, the only thing I want to do is give them something back. It’s like a big boost behind you, like someone pushing you on to make that pass or score that goal. It’s inspiring.

You usually switch wings during the game. Is that something you’ve been told to do, or does it come naturally?
I just do it. If I have an opportunity to be efficient or help someone, I’ll do it. As long as the other winger wants to, I like to test the other full-back.

Will we see a first United goal soon?
I hope so! I think it’s possible. I had chances against Blackburn. I just have to work more on my finishing. I’m confident it will come though.

How will you celebrate when it does come?
Maybe with Pat. Yeah, I’ll do something with Pat.

What is it like training with the great players at United?
Very different than in France, because the quality is much higher and you have to adapt yourself to that. The game’s quicker, the passes are always good, so there’s no excuse or reason to complain. You just have to adapt yourself and be focused.

What are your goals between now and the end of the season?
Just to improve and do the best for the club. And score some goals, also.

What do you think United can achieve this season?
I think we have the team to win everything. I think we can challenge in every competition. We’re already in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup…

Any thoughts about making the French World Cup squad?
Not really. I’m in the Under-21s now, and I’m just focused on that and the club. But if I play well, you never know.

And your goals for the next 10 years?
I’ve not thought that far ahead so I don’t know yet. It seems like such a long time away, but Jim Ryan has said to me that a career goes so fast. My goals are just to win titles with Manchester United and play well here.

How will you celebrate when it does come?
Maybe with Pat. Yeah, I’ll do something with Pat.

GABRIEL Obertan might shy away from comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo - but he is pretty keen on the Portuguese superstar's stepover routine.

With Ronaldo now at Real Madrid, Manchester United supporters are looking for a new hero to cheer.

After a delayed start to his Old Trafford career following a cut-price £3million summer move from Bordeaux, Obertan is now showing the Red Devils faithful the skills that made him one of Europe's most sought-after young players before his career was halted by injury.

The 20-year-old went on a few mazy runs last night after making his first Premier League start against Wolves.

And don't be surprised if the stepover routine Ronaldo carried out so mesmerically returns to the United menu in the months ahead.

"I learned to play football in the street with my friends," Obertan said.

"And when you play street football, the things you want to do are all the tricks, like nutmegs. My favourite is probably the stepover.

"I like doing tricks - but only if they are effective.

"There is no point doing it if there is nothing at the end of it."

Obertan has now made nine appearances. Given his ability to get round defenders and force his way into the box, the chances are he will make a lot more before the season is over.

The France Under-21 star is yet to score, having infamously failed to convert a simple tap-in on his debut against Blackburn at the end of October.

"I hope I will score soon," he said.

"It is possible. I had those chances against Blackburn.

"I do have to work more on my finishing but I am confident it will come."

Friday's training session will decide whether Nemanja Vidic is fit enough to face Fulham this weekend.

The Serbian defender was substituted during Tuesday's win over Wolves at Old Trafford, after straining a calf, but Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful of a swift recovery.

"We're waiting on Nemanja Vidic," said the manager at his pre-match press conference. "Hopefully he'll be okay for tomorrow but he needs to train today."

Wes Brown will also miss Fulham, and presumably the Christmas weekend trip to Hull City, given the manager's assessment that "he should be available in ten days" following the hamstring injury which kept him out against Wolves.

Gary Neville could be back for Hull - "he's not far away, maybe seven days" - as could fellow right-back Rafael, who started training this week.

Edwin van der Sar will not be available to play against his former club - the boss revealed his first-choice goalkeeper has flown to his native Netherlands for a consultation with the national team doctor regarding his knee injury.

Nani is also ruled out for a couple of weeks, due to an ankle injury sustained against Wolfsburg on 8 December.

The news on longer term injuries is that Rio Ferdinand is "a lot better" and may be fit within the next two to three weeks. However, John O'Shea and Jonny Evans are not expected to play until "well into January" and there's a similar timescale for Owen Hargreaves.

"Owen's doing a bit better this week, and he's coming along slowly," said Sir Alex. "Hopefully he'll be back at the end of January."

Ryan Giggs has agreed a new contract which will tie him to United until at least June 2011.

The 36-year-old, a veteran of over 800 appearances for the Reds, has been in scintillating form this season and, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, fully merits the reward of his new deal.

“Ryan deserves a new contract and I am sure that he will play for another two years," said the United manager. "His form is fantastic at the moment and he is playing some of his best football.”

Giggs echoed his manager's sentiments, and typically opted to look ahead to the future.

“I am delighted that I have agreed one more year," said the winger. "I am enjoying my football more than ever and I am looking forward to hopefully winning more trophies with Manchester United."

Action: Using profanities or vulgarities, as determined according to discretion of a member of the moderating team
Result: A warning is issued for the first offence, and suspensions for multiple offences.

And eric, mark my words. Im taking revenge the very second chelsea concede.

Goal by Fulham again.Second half just started

i miss RVN and C.R very much , Rooney From Last Time Till Now ...For Me Not 1ST CLASS AT ALL

i not supporting W.Rooney At The Begining Until Now...Still Missing RVN Until Now

I think many of us misses the good time of having Ronaldo in attack. However, all it takes is time before SAF find a replacement for him. I think judging from the table standing and players' signing, the result speaks for themselves. There are no more outstanding players in United except for Rio, Vidic, Rooney and Fletcher. Lets hope the younger batch will live up to the task ahead.

So far, I think SAF has fail to nail a single outstanding winger. Nani and Valencia is just normal. Too normal. If you ask me, I would say Nani look more like a winger than Valencia did. I rather switch off the TV when I see Valencia's way of dribbling. **At least Beckham has its trademark BENT IT.

Sir Alex Ferguson rued "a soft goal" and "a killer" strike in the aftermath of defeat at Fulham.

While the manager acknowledged the impact of United's ongoing injury crisis, he also felt aggrieved at the way the Reds gifted a breakthrough to the home side. Paul Scholes' uncharacteristic error enabled Danny Murphy to step forward and despatch a shot past Tomasz Kuszczak, who slipped in the process of trying to save it.

"We lost a terribly soft goal for the first one and that gave them a platform to build on," admitted Sir Alex on MUTV.

"It was important for them and it was a bad one for us. It was an uphill fight after that, and then the second goal right after half-time (scored by Bobby Zamora) killed the game. That was a killer for us. We didn't anticipate that."

Coming just seconds after the restart, Zamora's strike made it difficult to assess what Sir Alex might have said to his team at half-time in tactical terms. With United now trailing by two goals, the boss felt compelled to change his personnel - sending on Dimitar Berbatov and Fabio for midfielder Darron Gibson and the inexperienced Ritchie De Laet.

"When we went further behind, we had to change and go to a back four - with young Fabio at right-back, and Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick at centre-backs - because we had to chase the game," Sir Alex reflected.

"The referee made a poor decision for the third goal (it came from a free-kick) but by then I think it was very difficult for us. We couldn’t get behind Fulham at all, they defended very well, they were organised.... it was a difficult day for us really."

Sir Alex admits life at United could be tough until the club’s defensive injury crisis eases.

The Reds slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday, with Sir Alex again forced to play midfielders in the heart of United’s backline.

Seven defenders were unavailable for selection at Craven Cottage – Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Rafael are all sidelined – so Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher reprised their central defensive roles. Alongside them was young Belgian defender Ritchie De Laet, making just his sixth appearance at senior level.

And although United’s makeshift defences have largely coped well in recent weeks, Saturday’s reshuffled backline struggled and United suffered a fifth league defeat of the season.

“I hope that loss doesn’t prove too damaging,” Sir Alex told MUTV afterwards. “In other words, I hope it doesn’t cost us the league.

“There was a fragility at the back today, but we couldn’t do anything about that. I have sympathy for my players because it’s difficult for midfielders to play as centre-backs and Ritchie De Laet’s only 20 years of age so he’s not yet got the experience you need for these type of matches.

“The players are feeling a little bit sorry for themselves at the moment because of the situation they find themselves in. But I think it’s obvious that if we get our defenders back we’ll be okay. We need to them back to give us a proper chance of challenging for the league.”

Sir Alex went on to reveal United’s physios and medical staff are “working over-time” to get players off the treatment table and back on the pitch. Some defenders – Jonny Evans and John O'Shea – aren't expected to return until the end of January but others should be back in action before the New Year.

On Friday morning the manager told reporters that Gary Neville and Rafael could return for the Reds’ trip to Hull City on 27 December, while Wes Brown may be fit for the home game against Wigan Athletic two days later.

Ryan Giggs insists little has changed at Manchester United since Cristiano Ronaldo's exit in the summer.

The Portuguese winger blossomed into the best player on the planet during his time at Old Trafford, but opted to take on a fresh challenge when Real Madrid lodged a record-breaking bid in June.

His absence was expected to leave a gaping hole in United's attacking arsenal, with a regular source of goals having been offloaded.

However, the Red Devils have fared admirably in his absence and veteran midfielder Giggs believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side are as fearsome as ever - regardless of the changes in personnel.

"Cristiano is one of the best players in the world but I have to be honest and say I haven't noticed much of a difference since he left," Giggs said in The People.

"We have never been a one-man team and we still have more or less the same group of players, with a couple of additions.

"We all knew Cristiano wanted to play for Madrid and when he got the chance he took it.

"He wasn't a Manc and we knew one day he would leave, but there are no hard feelings - why should there be?

"He is one of the best I have ever played with and a really nice lad, but we knew Madrid was where he wanted to be one day and he got his wish, so good luck to him."

Keep going

Giggs, who turned 36 in November, remains as integral a part of United's plans as he has ever been, and the Welsh wizard claims he has no plans to call time on his distinguished career any time soon, having just signed a one-year extension at Old Trafford.

He added: "I still have the energy to enjoy everything that goes with training.

"When the season is finished I get restless. I can only sleep about five hours a night when the season isn't on and there is no training because I can honestly say I don't get tired.

"I still don't find the daily routine boring. I have said before that when I stop caring that's when it will be time to give up.

"The Villa defeat the other week hurt me, and that reflects in training. When defeats stop hurting and you don't want to train, then you know it is probably time to hang up your boots."

Faith in United's physios - and his players' powers of recovery - have persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to stay out of next month's transfer market.

Speaking to the club's radio commentary partner, Key 103 on Friday, the manager said the imminent return of his defenders negates any need to bring in new faces.

"That has not come onto the agenda," said Sir Alex, when asked about fresh acquisitions.

"We hope that Wes Brown will be back in a week or 10 days' time, Rio Ferdinand is improving, Gary Neville is getting there and Rafael Da Silva has now started training.

"We are not so bad and we are not looking at signing players."

The next update regarding injuries is expected on Christmas Eve morning (Thursday), when the manager meets the media for his weekly press conference.

FIFPro team of the year: Casillas; Dani Alves, Evra, Terry, Vidic; Xavi, Iniesta, Gerrard; Ronaldo, Messi, Torres