United secured safe passage to the FA Youth Cup fourth round with a convincing 2-0 win over Birmingham City at Moss Lane.

First-half goals from Paul Pogba and Nicky Ajose put the Reds in the driving seat before Conor Devlin produced a superb penalty save to preserve the two-goal cushion.

City, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, enjoyed decent possession in both halves but lacked cutting-edge in the final third. They certainly could have taken notes from Pogba, who rose unmarked after just 57 seconds to head home Ajose’s wide free-kick and hand United a dream start. It was the Frenchman’s third goal for the Under-18s since his high-profile arrival from Le Havre and once again he proved his worth with a sparkling performance in the middle of the park.

Although rattled early, the visitors didn’t panic and carved out their first opening on nine minutes when James McPike blazed wide after good work from Jake Jervis on the left. Reds boss Paul McGuinness was then forced into an unplanned change after Tom Thorpe failed to recover from an early knock sustained in a committed tackle.

United’s defence, already somewhat makeshift, was reshuffled as Michele Fornasier moved into the heart of defence and substitute Alberto Massaci slotted in on the right. As the back four took time to settle, goalkeeper Conor Devlin was drawn into routine saves from Akwasi Asante and Jervis. Birmingham began to assert themselves on the match and it looked as though the visitors might snatch an equaliser.

But with almost half-an-hour gone, United broke quickly and a clever touch from Davide Petrucci found William Keane just outside the City penalty area. His first touch played in Ajose, who, steaming in from the right wing, took one touch before firing low across Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland and into the far corner.

Butland, an England Under-17 international, then produced fine saves from Ravel Morrison, Petrucci and Ajose to deny United a third before the break.

The young stopper was rapidly emerging as City’s star, but Reds goalkeeper Devlin eclipsed Butland’s heroics early in the second half with a fantastic save from the penalty spot. Pogba was adjudged to have brought down Jervis inside the area and the striker stepped forward himself to blast a shot towards the bottom corner. What he didn’t count on was Devlin flying full-length to his right to tip the ball around the post.

United survived a goalmouth scramble before left back Sean McGinty wasted a chance to put Paul McGuinness’ men further in front with a header from close range. Ravel Morrison let fly with two strikes from outside the box in quick succession but neither hit the target. William Keane fared a little better on 79 minutes when his first-time effort beat Butland. Unfortunately for the Stockport-born striker, the ball cannoned off the upright and out to safety.

With time running out, Birmingham City threw more men forward. But Devlin continued to frustrate the visitors, commanding his penalty area well and showing safe hands when dealing with a number of long-range efforts. United almost exploited the extra space left  at the back but neither Petrucci nor Keane could extend the 2-0 scoreline.

The result earned United a spot in Friday’s FA Youth Cup fourth round draw, and you can find out who the Reds will face at the next hurdle here on ManUtd.com.

United: Devlin; Fornasier, Thorpe (Massaci 21), Wootton, McGinty; Ajose, Tunnicliffe, Pogba, Morrsion; Petrucci, Keane W
Subs not used: Johnstone, Cole, Lingard, Cofie
Booked: McGinty, Wootton, Pogba

Birmingham: Butland; Dunphy, Packwood, Preston, Rowe; McPike (Bogle 74), Mutch, Sammons; Hubbins, Jervis, Asante
Subs not used: Redmond, Daniels, Hronec, Ntambwe
Booked: Sammons

For Villa game, i tink my line up will be

Fletcher.Carrick.Vidic.Evra
Valencia.Gibson.Anderson.Nani
Rooney.Berbatov

Would love to see the combination of Rooney and Berbatov in town. Nani to be given another chance if he can actually cross the ball instead of Ronaldo-ing.

he's not really all about goals.. he can be a team player when he wants to, but after someone outscored him u know what will happen next

forgot to mention this, he was more of team player during the 42 goals season.. instead of dribbling all the way to score/assist the others, he using his team mate more to get in the end of things.. that's why he scored that much

messi also once was criticized for playing for messi fc but after he balanced everything, he scored 3X goals last season

there is no one man team, but maybe there is two men team

With the form Nani is showing right now(playing without a brain), I rather go with Giggsy any time. As for the argument that Giggsy is useless in the big games, just think for one moment why that happens. It's usually tighter in the big gmaes because of the quality of the oppositions, plus they might put a mark or two on him, so that's why he's quiet. Same can be said of the Ronaldo we had last time, Ruud etc. But I would play him rather than go for someone who's clearly off form.

He was a fantastic team player in 06/07. The WC incident with Rooney, and the whole me against the world(abuse he gets in away grounds) really help things. He got around 20+ assists that season I think, along with scoring the same number of goals. 07/08 he was less entertaining..  this is when he became a goal scoring monster, an effective one. 08/09 he forgot how to dribble completely(he can still do it, but he wasn't as effective at it compared to previous seasons) and in his head it's all about him getting into the box and scoring. He's a team player outside of the box, keeping it simple, playing those short passes to teammates etc, but he's more of a goalscorer now rather than and out and out winger who's job is to provide  goals, rather than scoring them consistently.

Far most, what i can see from Nani is that he wants to perform very very badly. He's desperate for a goal to let us know that he really is united material. Obviously, a cross to assist Owen is not going to impress us, so he goes for the try-to-score-myself tactic. If Sir Alex Ferguson can work his magic and plant back Nani's brain into his head, I'm more than willing to give Nani another chance..
I dont mind having a goal-scoring monster in the team 
edit: Valencia has already take up shooting, i'm utmost sure that in 2 season time, he will be another goal-scoring winger

Nemanja Vidic will return to bolster United's defence against Aston Villa on Saturday, but the Serbian will still be only one of two recognised defenders in the back four.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed to his Friday press conference that Vidic has overcome a recent bout of flu, and is likely to be joined by Michael Carrick in the centre of defence, with Darren Fletcher extending his recent stint on the right side of defence. Patrice Evra will continue at left-back.

"Having Vidic back is good news for us," said the boss. "Villa are prolific crossers of the ball so it's important to have someone like Nemanja in there.

"And if Villa play Heskey and Carew up front then we'll have a formidable task in dealing with them because they are big lads. But I think Vidic is the one player who can cope and we're delighted he's back.

"Michael will continue in the centre alongside Vida and Darren will play at right-back. We're certainly encouraged by the fact that players like Michael and Darren can adapt to playing in different positions and help us cope with the current situation."

The Reds' glut of rearguard concerns should ease, however, in the coming days and weeks. Rafael has started training, and is likely to be available for Tuesday's meeting with Wolves, while the same goes for Wes Brown, who starts training again on Friday. Edwin van der Sar remains out of action, but should return next weekend.

Gary Neville, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea are all still out, with Evans due back within a fortnight and O'Shea likely to be back for Leeds' FA Cup visit.

Despite the continuing problems in defence, Sir Alex has ruled out a move for free agent Sol Campbell, declaring that the former Arsenal and England centre-back is "not a player we're interested in bringing to United."

Darron Gibson is loving life at United, and he hopes it will only get better.

The youngster has been a starter in the Reds' last three games, scoring three scorchers in the process, and has shone in the centre of midfield.

Whilst admitting that recent injuries have opened the door for him, Gibson is grateful for the chance to show what he can do. With first team opportunities sometimes limited, he knows it’s important to take every chance that comes his way, and he is pleased with his progress so far.

“It is difficult for United but it has given me a chance to prove myself," he said. "Obviously I don't like players being injured but it has given me a chance. I feel I have taken my opportunities so far and hopefully they keep coming.

“I think I have done well in the games I have stepped into. From not playing at all to playing three games in a week is tough going. The manager trusts me to put me in the team and I feel I have done alright.”

The Irishman has made massive strides in the last 18 months, with a couple of Premier League games under his belt to add to his cup appearances. He just wants to push on now and try and establish himself as more of a regular starter.

If he can achieve this, he can’t envisage being anywhere else other than at United.

“Last season was my first real one at getting games so hopefully this season I will get a lot more. I am pushing a lot harder this season. We will see what happens. I have not really got a timescale worked out.

“Manchester United is the best club in the world. There is only one way when you leave here. It is very difficult to make it at United but if you do you reap the rewards.

“People know the gaffer gives young lads chances. If you take your chance he sticks with you. Hopefully I will keep getting a few more games.”

The Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester City in January will give Darron two more opportunities to prove his first team mettle. He intends to grasp that chance with both hands and keep showing his manager that he has what it takes to be a United player.

“The cup-ties are massive games. It is another chance to prove myself. It is tough to get into the team regularly when you are only young. Hopefully I can keep going the way I have by scoring a few goals.”

Like one of the youtube vids of SAF shouting at Nani, pass the word-ing ball. It's not that hard to do. It's what brought Ronaldo on to another level altogether in 06/07. For some reason Nani is playing like there's nobody instructing him to pass the ball.

Rooney is turning into one. We need to help him achieve that. Having Ronaldo doesn't help, unless it's the 06/07 version. Watching last season, I prefer this one much2 better. I rather have someone who would be able to create chances for our strikers to score, while also getting his fair share of goals(10-25 goals from the wing spot would be a very good return). Leave the bulk of scoring goals to the strikers, and help them achieve that.

I doubt Valencia will come close to what Ronaldo achieved, goal scoring wise. 15-20 goals would be a great achievement for a winger. Anything more, he's one of the world's greats.

not yet, but mark my words, he will be the 3rd striker in the team in maybe 2 seasons. We'll see

Nani to become 3rd striker of the team? huh?

Off topic but what a shame to lose Dean Ashton in EPL. 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...england&cc=3888

Off topic but what a shame to lose Dean Ashton in EPL. 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...england&cc=3888

Pity him, he got the injury from england's training session, a challenge by SWP. He's only 26, should be the peak age of a footballer.

Who's SWP?

Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has agreed a new contract with Danny Welbeck which will see him at the club until at least June 2013.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “We are delighted. We see Danny as one of the great young players who has emerged from the academy. He will have a terrific career and we are glad that he has placed his trust in us with his future.”

Danny Welbeck said: “I am really happy, there was never a doubt that this is where I want to be. I am enjoying every minute and learning so much from all the great players that are here. I would like to thank Sir Alex, the club and the fans for all their support.”

December 11, 2009

SIR Alex Ferguson has ruled out a January loan move for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Although Edwin van der Sar remains sidelined by a knee injury, Foster appears to have slipped down the United pecking order as Tomasz Kuszczak has been in goal for four of the five games the Old Trafford side have played since the Dutchman has been out.

It has led to talk that Foster might be offer the chance to spend the second half of the season away from United in order to preserve his England World Cup dream.

However, the mere suggestion brought a brusque response from Ferguson.

“Nothing is going to happen with Ben,” said the United boss.

“He is here and this is where he stays.”

Ferguson also confirmed he was still waiting for Van der Sar to decide whether he will extend his stellar career by another 12 months.

At 39, the former Holland star knows he cannot continue forever. However, he will be given the chance to remain at Old Trafford if he wishes to stay.

It has become normal for Van der Sar to inform Ferguson of his plans at this stage of the season.

However, so far, the call has not come.

“Edwin usually comes to us around this time and tells us what he wants to do,” said Ferguson.

“It generally comes in the form of a telephone call from his agent to (chief executive) David Gill, but we have not received it yet.

“At the moment Edwin has an injury but it is not serious and he could be ready for next week.”

December 11, 2009

SIR Alex Ferguson has confirmed that United will not be making a January move for former England defender Sol Campbell - but insisted he has money to spend if he wanted to.

Speculation rose earlier this week that Ferguson would look to bring Campbell in as he battles with an ongoing defensive injury crisis, but, as revealed in Thursday's M.E.N. there is no interest from United.

Even the mere suggestion of signing the 35-year-old triggered more negative rumours about the money Ferguson has been given to spend at a club whose debt is currently £790million.

But Ferguson insists there is no link.

"I don't know where this came from but it is all wrong," he said. "Sol Campbell was a great player but he is not a player we are thinking about getting to come to United."

A move for Campbell always seemed unlikely given the player’s age, and the fact he has played only one League Two game since he left Portsmouth at the end of last season.

And, as Ferguson confirmed, many of the current problems - while leaving him short of options once more for tomorrow’s Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa - are unlikely to be long-term.

“Jonny Evans could be back in 10 days and John O’Shea will be with us in January,” he said.

“We are having a hard time with centre-backs at this moment in time but I am sure by January most of them will be back.”

The issue of United’s debt and the world record £80million received from Real Madrid following the summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo has been a subject of debate for some time.

Ferguson’s preference to keep his spending down last summer only fuelled talk of a squeeze being applied by the Glazer family.

It is an issue the United manager is happy to address.

“It has been said I do not have the money,” said Ferguson.

“But the money is there if I wanted to use it.

“I didn’t see any value in the summer and I don’t see any value at the moment either.

“I am happy with the players I already have at the club.”

Having seen what Larsson had done here, and now Owen, also seeing VDS, Giggsy and Scholesy still turning it on despite their old age, I would have no problem having Sol here, as long as his ability is still there. As a stop gap measure, why not. But seeing Blanc who never relied on his pace struggled in his time here, I have my doubts. But having another cheap option who wouldn't get in the way of anyone would be good, even by the time January comes, we would have most of them back. We're not exactly well stocked in reserve. Maybe next season those in the academy would break through into the reserve squad.. we bought a lot of young defenders this year.

Not really a headache. He would just be a backup. We do have enough defenders, but unfortunately almost all of them are out now.