i would like us to play 442 today

                  VDS
Neville vidic rio evra
Fletcher carrick scholes nani
berbasex rooney

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Wayne Rooney's absence: "He got a groin injury on Thursday unfortunately. Groin injuries at this time of year with firm grounds are a problem. We have him all the time, but he's out."

Sir Alex Ferguson praised his side's ability to cope under the pressure brought about by the Premier League's in-form side at Old Trafford as the Reds ran out 3-1 winners over Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Redknapp's men came into the game on the back of two superb victories over Arsenal and Chelsea and were further boosted before kick-off by the news that United were without both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

While they never looked as threatening as they have in their last two matches, Spurs made life difficult for United who had Ryan Giggs and Nani to thank for securing a vital win which sent the Reds back to the top of the table.

"We played well, particularly in the second half, which was important, but the key thing was we kept our nerve," Sir Alex said afterwards.

"There was no sign of any nerves throughout the game which was great to see. It's a good quality to have at this vital time of the season.

"This game was a big hurdle to get over - everyone saw how well Spurs played against Arsenal and Chelsea and we've probably beaten the league's in-form side today. So we're pleased."

The United manager reserved special praise for the Reds' most experienced campaigner, Ryan Giggs, who calmed slotted home two second half spot-kicks.

"I think his experience showed with the penalties," added Sir Alex. "Ryan had the composure to put them away and experience gives you that composure to place the balls the way he did. They were fantastic penalties."

Attentions will turn to Stamford Bridge on Sunday when United fans everywhere are hoping Stoke City can spring a surprise on Chelsea and put the Reds in the title race driving seat.

"It's always been Chelsea's to lose since they beat us here," acknowledged Sir Alex.

"I'm just glad we've got our game out the way - we've picked up the three points and we're sitting top of the league. I can't ask for any more than that."

A groin injury could keep Wayne Rooney out for the rest of the season, although Sir Alex Ferguson insists United's medical team will do all they can to get the striker fit for the last two games.

The 24-year-old sat out the Reds' 3-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday after getting injured in training on Thursday. And the outlook does not look too good for the forward.

"It's difficult to say how long he'll be out," the boss told Sky Sports. "It might take two or three weeks.

"We'll try to get him back and Wayne will be desperate to play, of course. But we'll just have to wait and see."

As well as treating Rooney, the club's medical staff will also be monitoring the health of Patrice Evra and Nani who were both physically sick during the match.

"We had a bit of sickness with two or three players today," revealed Sir Alex.

"Patrice didn't feel too well yesterday, but felt okay to play. The heat maybe brought it on or it might have been something they ate or perhaps a bug is going around the place.

"They've got eight days to recover though so hopefully they will be okay."

With ten minutes left and the scores locked at 1-1, Nani conjured a magical finish to haul United back in front and then won a penalty for Ryan Giggs to seal a 3-1 triumph.

The Portuguese winger's finish - likened to Lionel Messi's in the Champions League against Arsenal - came in a pressure situation, which only added to its audacity.

"I must say the finish was absolutely brilliant," Sir Alex told MUTV. "To have the audacity to try that at the stage of the game tells you about his courage.

"Not many players would have tried that, particularly from such a tight angle. It was fantastic - 10 out of 10 for doing it."

Ryan Giggs scored twice from the penalty spot - the second earned by Nani - and praised his younger team-mate for showing his "talent and temperament".

"With ten minutes to go and to be one-on-one with the goalkeeper, to chip it over him like that shows great confidence. But he’s the talent he has throughout the season. We were all pleased to see it go in, and he deserved it."

Lets be a Stoke fans for today.



And keep the top place please!

iphone haters detected 

bro alien, mana ur high quality punya match highlight...i want....

Ferguson also had words of encouragement for Dimitar Berbatov, who led the United line against his former club in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney.

"Throughout the game he was marvellous," continued Ferguson. "He had three great attempts himself.

"He's a great player. It's one of these things when you buy a player for £30million that if he's not scored three goals a week he's going to get criticism."

By Greg Gobere, 24/04/2010

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to plunder the Americas again by offering £5million for Estudiantes forward Mauro Boselli.

Earlier this month, the Red Devils signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Chivas de Guadalajara.

United's over-reliance on Wayne Rooney has encouraged an emphasis on recruiting firepower for next season.

Dimitar Berbatov is on borrowed time and Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf are still not ready to feature regularly for the side.

Argentina international Boselli is in cracking form for high-fliers Estudiantes this season and has a strike rate of three goals every four games.

He has been earmarked by other Premier League clubs for his pace and uncanny eye for goal and has former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron in his current side to advise him about life in England.

Roma, Blackburn and Birmingham are also keen on Boselli and willing to trump United's bid but, if Estudiantes decide to sell their man, there will only be one winner.

well we cant hide the fact we need strikers wth now just only 2 regulars(owen i dont consider since he is in his twilight years already).

we wont the treble wth 4 fit and in their prime strikers so we should have t least another 2.our young charges are there but they need a bit more time imo.

Ryan Giggs admitted he used his senior status to claim United penalty duties at Old Trafford yesterday.

With Wayne Rooney sidelined by a groin injury, Sir Alex Ferguson left it between Giggs and Nani to decide who would take any United spot-kicks against Tottenham.

The Reds were awarded two, first when Benoit Assou-Ekotto upended Patrice Evra, then when Wilson Palacios clambered all over Nani in the final minutes.

Nani put forward his case, but Giggs made it clear he would be taking them.

And, having missed against Southampton in an FA Cup replay in 1992 and never been asked again, the veteran Welshman was keen not to miss.

"It is the first penalty I have ever taken in the Premier League," he said.

"I missed my first one for United in the FA Cup and after that I never really got a look in.

"But with Wayne out Nani and I were practising in training.

"It was whoever felt good on the day. Nani felt confident but as captain and elder statesman I decided to take it."

Giggs put his first spot-kick in the corner to Heurelho Gomes' right. The second went to the Brazilian's left.

On both occasions Gomes went the right way but was beaten by an accurate shot to the corner.

"There were nerves," admitted Giggs.

"But you have to trust yourself and trust what you did in training the day before. You have to try and keep calm.

"We have always had good penalty-takers here from when I first came into the team; Steve Bruce, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

"I have been quite happy to see them go ahead and take them but I felt quite confident about those two."

Manchester United attacker Nani has revealed he finally feels settled in England after nearly three years.

The Portugal international netted a fine chip in United's crucial victory over Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, as a 3-1 win kept their title hopes alive.

Nani is beginning to put in performances that justify his £14million transfer fee, after he signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, having frustrated Red Devils fans in the past.

The 23-year-old recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford and says he has found his feet in the Premier League.

"Every player wants to play for this club and at the moment I am so happy because everything is going right for me," he said in the News of the World.

"I am playing well and I signed a new contract which proves I am so happy at the club. Yes, it took me a while to adjust.

"At times, it was difficult because I come from Portugal and the weather is a bit different and the football is different.

"But now I have been here three years and I have learned a lot with this club and a lot of the players I play with have taught me a lot. I understand English football better and that's why I am doing so well. I feel a lot more comfortable.

"The players in England are so strong, they work a lot in the gym and they are more physical than others in other leagues.

Prepared

"Now, I think I am prepared for it and ready to play in this league. I am stronger and have more confidence.

"I've changed a lot as a player since I've been here. When I first came here, I was just so excited to play with a lot of stars.

"But now I can think in a different way. I have different ambitions.

"After every season I look at myself. I analyse what I've done well and why I don't play some times.

"This last year, I was injured for a while and I decided that when I was fit, it would be my season. I wanted to focus and help the team.

"I want to play - I want to be the first option in my position in the team."

The three points against Spurs were vital for United as Sir Alex Ferguson's men look to push Chelsea right to the wire in the title race.

They had to do without star striker Wayne Rooney on Saturday, and although Nani recognises the England international's ability, he does not think the Red Devils are a one-man team.

"We know Rooney is very important for the team - he is doing so well for us," he added.

"But we know that this team does not just depend on one player, it depends on all eleven on the pitch.

"And I think when we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together."

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Dimitar Berbatov's contribution to United's vital win over Tottenham should not be overlooked.

With Wayne Rooney missing with a groin injury, the Bulgarian led the line against his old club and it was his fine run and flick which led to Patrice Evra being upended in the area for United's first penalty of the afternoon.

Ryan Giggs and Nani grabbed the all-important goals for the Reds, but Sir Alex was keen to highlight Berbatov's all-round display.

"Dimitar was marvellous throughout and he led the line very well," the manager told MUTV.

"He played a great role for us and had three great attempts on goal which he was very unlucky not to see go in.

"He's a great player, but it's one of those things that when you buy someone for £30million if he's not scoring three goals a week he's going to get criticised. It's just part of life here."

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a massive bid to nab Atletico Madrid’s Argentine international Sergio Aguero, right under the noses of long term interest party Chelsea. The Old Trafford boss has been looking at potential striking signings this summer to help share the goal scoring duties with Wayne Rooney and has earmarked the 21 year old as an ideal signing.

Aguero has made it clear he would welcome a move to Stamford Bridge and seems certain to leave Atletico at the end of the season the only issue for Ferguson could be getting the funds together to make such a move for the highly rated youngster.

Even though Manchester United were named the richest club on the planet by Forbes magazine they are also heavily in debt and as such Sir Alex may struggle to persuade the Glazers to fork out the cash for the La Liga hotshot.

Sergio Aguero has been in stunning form over the past three seasons, netting 67 goals in the process, but a poor season has left Madrid’s ‘other’ club securely in mid table and are apparently in financial dire straits that could see them considering big offers for the former Independiente man.

Manchester United have not given up hope of having Wayne Rooney for the climax to the Premier League title assault. And Rio Ferdinand could also underpin the Reds' final two matches of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants a full squad to choose from against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Sunday and in the Old Trafford finale against Stoke City on May 9.

The two injured England stars are battling to be involved.

While Sir Alex Ferguson was warning that Rooney's groin injury, picked up in a training session game of possession, could take two to three weeks to mend, his assistant Mike Phelan was upbeat and talking of "hoping" to have him back.

"We have to wait and see how Wayne responds to treatment," said Phelan.

"This is a groin problem that is possibly due to a little bit of fatigue.

"He has had a fantastic season but these things creep up on you now and again. He has been suffering a little bit in the past two or three weeks."

England captain Ferdinand has got his own groin concerns as his fragmented club-campaign limps to a finish ahead of the World Cup.

Ferdinand injury

Ferdinand missed his second match in succession with the injury that has dogged his season and appears linked to the back trouble that cost him three months in mid-season.

But the 31-year-old could still make the final two games.

Despite the doubts hanging over Rooney and Ferdinand United's pool has been boosted by the returns of John O'Shea, Wes Brown and after 19 tortuous months Owen Hargreaves.

O'Shea has been back in the first-team picture in the last four matches after being sidelined for four months with a leg injury.

Brown broke his foot against Wolves ten games ago but came back on the bench against Spurs.

The United defender is in Fabio Capello's World Cup plans and is almost certain to make the final 23 when the Italian names his squad for South Africa on June 1.

Missing out will be Hargreaves.

The midfielder had hoped to get more matches in this spring in an effort to make an 11th hour bid for inclusion in the World Cup squad but has only had one 45-minute reserve outing since his last United match in September 2008.

After two career-saving knee operations, the 29-year-old finally made it back into the senior spotlight against Tottenham when he was named on Fergie's bench. He was given an ovation from the Old Trafford crowd.

If United's match against Sunderland and Stoke pan out well, the midfielder could get in some late minutes before the summer break.

eh. I thought Liverpool are ensured qualification to Europa League already? :/

Since Portsmouth are denied entry, the 7th spot will be given Europa League (i think).

If it's wrong, then FML I always get facts wrong ;_;

Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to switch attention from one Aston Villa winger to another by aiming to snap up England international Ashley Young instead of his Villa Park teammate James Milner. The Manchester United boss will attempt to snap up the £22m rated left winger this summer but will face stiff opposition from Martin O’Neill.

The 24 year old former Watford man has had a great season and has been the subject of a great deal of interest both by the Premier League elite and also from La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Man United manager has been linked with a summer move for former Leeds and Newcastle man James Milner but has been warned off making a move for the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Ferguson is keen on adding more creativity to his side and is hoping to be given the funds to bring in players and sees Ashley Young as an ideal signing to link midfield and attack and if the creative wide man believes such a move is a realistic proposition his head may well be turned by such interest and then O’Neill may struggle to keep such a move from happening.

Darren Ferguson is planning talks with his father, Sir Alex, about bringing Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck back to Preston.

Welbeck, 19, arrived at Deepdale on loan in January but made just eight appearances before returning to Old Trafford because of a knee injury.

Ferguson Jnr said: 'There is a possibility of getting Welbeck for 12 months now. I’m going to speak to my old man about him.'

I rather take Lennon for his speed.

Marseille's France international Steve Mandanda has welcomed reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old DR Congo-born shot-stopper has been mentioned as a possible long-term successor to stalwart Edwin van der Sar.

Mandanda is certain to make France's World Cup squad this summer, although Hugo Loris is expected to be Raymond Domenech's first choice goalkeeper.

The ex-Le Havre man, who is on a long-term deal with l'OM, has confirmed his dream is to one day play in England's Premier League.

Next season

"Naturally I should be staying in Marseille next season but you never know," he told JDD Newspaper.

"I've not had any contact with any club but all know my dream is to play in the Premier League.

"I've heard Manchester United are looking for a goalkeeper. My name isn't on their list, but you never know."

Real Madrid are preparing to spark another summer transfer battle with Manchester United by launching a £20million move for Patrice Evra.

The Spanish giants are determined to land a left back this summer after identifying former Liverpool player Alvaro Arbeloa as the weak link in a defence that has conceded 50 per cent more goals than Barcelona in 34 La Liga games this season.

Bernabeu director general Jorge Valdano has identified a number of candidates - including Arsenal's Gael Clichy, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas - but Evra is said to have jumped to the top of the list on the recommendation of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson reluctantly allowed Ronaldo to leave United for Madrid in a world record £80m deal last summer, but he will not want to lose another of his star players.

However, sources in France claim that Evra could be tempted by a new challenge after winning about as much as he could have dreamed of since leaving Monaco four-and-a-half years ago.

The 28-year-old, under contract till 2013, has enjoyed three Barclays Premier League triumphs, three Carling Cups and Champions League success in 2008.

Evra and Ronaldo were close friends and United and the France defender recently defended his former team-mate against detractors who accused the Portugal star of arrogance.

Arbeloa has been a regular starter for Madrid this season, with former left back Marcelo playing further up the field because of worries over his defensive abilities.

Wayne Rooney isn't the only player who's enjoyed his best season in a United shirt in 2009/10.

Nani, instrumental in the Reds' win over Tottenham last weekend, has been in tip-top form this term, particularly since the turn of the year.

He's found the net three times in his last two Old Trafford outings, but did you know those goals (one against Tottenham, two against Bayern Munich) were the winger’s first for United since August? Probably not. But it’s precisely because Nani’s all-round contribution was so significant that his lack of goals went largely unnoticed.

The well-held view that he's producing his best form since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 is borne out in the statistics above, which show the impact the winger has had when he's taken to the pitch (and, perhaps more tellingly, when he doesn’t). For instance, United in 2009/10 win more often, score more goals and lose far fewer games when Nani plays. And of the 11 defeats United have suffered this season, only one has come when Nani has started. Even then – away to Bayern Munich – he won the free-kick and whipped in the resulting cross from which Wayne Rooney scored.

His service from wide areas has improved markedly in 2009/10. In the Premier League alone he has 10 assists to his name, a figure that ignores the part he played in forcing own goals against Arsenal and Portsmouth (two). Add those to the tally and then only Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard have created more goals in the league this season.

In Europe, too, Nani was inspirational, playing key roles in goals scored away from home at Besiktas, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich... and then there was the Bayern brace he bagged at Old Trafford. So, although goals may not have flown from his boots at regular intervals across the season, the sparks certainly have.

Nani, we salute you.

There's just something about late winners against Manchester City this season, and it's not confined to the first-team after United's Under-18s came from 2-0 down to beat the Blues 3-2 on Tuesday.

It could be a vital three points in the race for the Premier Academy League Group C title.

Ahmad Benali and Harry Bunn gave City a first-half lead after United twice failed to deal with set-pieces for the home side.

Joshua King was denied penalty kicks either side of the half-time break. But it was the Reds' spirit and determination to get something out of the game in the second half – and the team's attacking strength – that shone through.

Paul Pogba hauled United back into the contest with a fine goal on the hour mark, then, with striker John Cofie on as a substitute for defender Sean McGinty, the Reds went for it. Within two minutes of the change on 73 minutes, King had fired in United's second – a spectacular shot in off the crossbar.

Then, with 90 minutes on the clock, King rose highest to head home Nicky Ajose's cross from the left to clinch a dramatic victory.

United: Devlin; Brown, Thorpe, Wootton, McGinty (Cofie 73); Morrison, Pogba, Tunnicliffe, Ajose; King, Keane.
Subs: Johnstone, Lingard, Cole, Fornasier.

April 28, 2010

Former United No9 Andy Cole believes there's a dearth of out-and-out goalscorers wearing his old jersey - but he hopes the Reds will renew their efforts to land Karim Benzema this summer.

Cole says Real Madrid's French striker is the one potential target who would come closest to fitting the identi-kit picture of a traditional centre forward.

Cole will revisit his famous attacking partnership with Dwight Yorke at United's Big Red Family Day out for Sport Relief on Saturday at Old Trafford.

For three seasons the duo, backed up by the Ole Solskjaer-Teddy Sheringham ticket, were the scourge of England and Europe.

Sir Alex Ferguson pioneered the four-strong senior strike force and it was the most successful quartet of that era. Arguably, it still is the best ever.

Now Cole believes another hitman to bolster the Reds attacking ranks is a must.

Benzema was top of Fergie's shopping list 12 months ago but the French international chose the Bernabeu and made a £30m switch from Lyon.

The 22-year-old hasn't established himself as a regular in Spain, though, and a second effort by United to land him could succeed this time. . . and delight Cole.

"I think Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen's injuries have proved that United do need another body in their strike force," Cole said.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if the manager brings somebody in to add to the players he has. But the question is who do you buy?

"I was speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson last summer at his charity golf day and we were talking about the fact there are no No9s around these days.

"There are a lot of No10s, the playmakers who make things happen, about. But traditional goalscoring strikers are few and far between.

"Everyone has got the same dilemma. There are hardly any of them about. I look around the world, there's Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o in that No9 style, and then I'm struggling to name anyone else.

"Torres at Liverpool is a real old-fashioned English centre-forward. He's a throwback but you don't get many of them in England these days let alone from Europe. He is definitely a bit of a one-off.

"Karim Benzema is not identical to Torres but I think he is the nearest you might get to him. I think he is fantastic. He has great ability.

"I know Sir Alex wanted him last summer and if he can go back and try again and the lad decided he'd have more chance at Old Trafford then I think that would be really interesting. It's what United need."

Even if the Reds could persuade Benzema to give up Real and La Liga he wouldn't advocate ditching United's current wearer of the No9 shirt Dimitar Berbatov.

While Cole is chuffed that he is remembered fondly as a great Old Trafford goalscorer he admits his early years after signing for a then record £7m from Newcastle in January 1995 wasn't all plain sailing.

"I am really proud that my contribution, and particularly those years with Dwight Yorke, are so happily remembered by United fans," Andy added.

"To make a contribution for a club as big as United then is still talked about is fantastic. Nobody can take that away from me.

"But I had my downs as well. When I first arrived it wasn't easy but I got my head down, worked hard and that's what I always did when things weren't going too well.

"I have sympathy with Dimitar Berbatov as he's been questioned a lot, as I was at times.

"I think people should accept him for what he is and enjoy what he brings. People should embrace him and enjoy the type of footballer he is."

The celebrated combination of Cole and Yorke will team up again on Saturday for the Big Red Family Day Out at Old Trafford that includes a concert from Tinchy Stryder and The Saturdays before the legends v celebrities match.

"I'm looking forward to it. Dwight and I hit it off virtually straight away when he joined the club, let's hope the chemistry is still there!" said Andy.

"It's a great cause and I think people will have a great day out."

Tickets are priced from £15 for adults, £5 for children at www.sportrelief.com, www.manutd.com or 0161 868 8000.

Sir Alex Ferguson's teams have penchant for late goals, and a never-say-die spirit that could serve United well as the title race reaches its climax.

The title is Chelsea’s to lose, but should the Reds be chasing a result to move above Carlo Ancelotti’s men, United have good pedigree for hitting last-gasp winners. That was reiterated on Saturday at Old Trafford when victory was achieved with two goals in the last ten minutes against Tottenham Hotspur.

The key, according to Reds midfielder Darren Fletcher, is not losing your composure, and staying true to United’s patient, passing style.

“The manager said before the Spurs game that it might go down to the last ten minutes,” explains Fletcher. “We keep believing in the way we play. We don’t get desperate. We throw players forward but the play isn’t desperate, it’s not just long balls into the box.

“We believe in passing, getting it wide and creating the right opportunities. Sometimes the fans might want the ball forward early, but 50-50 balls aren’t good enough. You need to keep playing football and create good scoring chances.”

United’s vast know-how in these situations plays a part, says Ryan Giggs. “The experience we have got – the players and in the management – helps. We’ll try and score an early goal, but we know it can come right down to the last minute, like it did against Tottenham and City. We have to play our football and be confident in ourselves.”

Fans ideally want two routine victories against Sunderland and Stoke for the Reds, with Chelsea slipping up against Liverpool or Wigan. But ‘routine’ isn’t a word generally associated with this highly unpredictable campaign.