Manchester United are taking a calculated gamble about the future of several key members of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad after bringing in a new policy about contract talks to save the club millions of pounds in wages.

Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Park Ji-sung are among the players who will be affected after the club's owners, the Glazer family, abandoned the old policy of initiating negotiations once a player is two years from the end of his contract.

Instead, the club are willing to delay contract talks until the player has only a year to go, a point at which his transfer value is already depreciating sharply. Previously, when the club operated as a plc., the club were eager to tie up players to new contracts with two years to spare, the idea being to demonstrate to their shareholders that the club were trying to protect their assets.

That no longer applies now the Glazers have control of the club and the Americans, together with the chief executive, David Gill, have decided it makes good business sense not to increase their wage bill any further if it is unnecessary. It runs the risk of United losing players for deflated transfer fees but the club are relaxed about that possibility, believing most, if not all, the players involved will want to stay at Old Trafford.

The policy is described as flexible, with each case being judged on its merit. Talks have already started, for instance, about offering Wayne Rooney a financial package that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history, even though his current deal does not expire until 2012. Nemanja Vidic finalised a new contract at the start of the season and, once the Rooney negotiations are concluded, it is expected there will be discussions with Patrice Evra, who also has two years to go.

As for Berbatov, Fletcher, Carrick and Park, their position is not so clear and it may be that they have to wait until next summer before being offered new terms. In total, United have eight players out of contract in 2012, with Anderson and John O'Shea also among those not regarded as priorities.

The policy decision follows the Glazers' introduction of a new rule that stipulates the club will not buy players aged 26 or above for significantly large transfer fees, the reason being that they will have little or no re-sale value at the end of a contract taking them into their 30s. Dimitar Berbatov was signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £30.75m at the age of 27 two years ago but that was as an exception to the rule and, in the words of Gill, the "last of his kind".

Instead the club will continue to go down the route they took with Cristiano Ronaldo by trying to find young players who can develop into stars of the future. Their three summer signings – Chris Smalling, Javier Hernández and Bébé – all fit into this category, with the latter lined up to make his first appearance in the Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

Federico Macheda will start in attack, probably alongside Michael Owen, with the former England international now relegated to the role of fifth-choice striker at Old Trafford. Anderson is also expected to make his first start of the season now that he has recovered from a cruciate ligament injury. The Brazilian's relationship with Ferguson has been strained at times over the last year but the United manager is hoping his player can re-establish himself in midfield, today being the two-year anniversary since the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves last started a match.

Manchester United’s  Potuguese youngster Bebe will be handed his first taste of competitive action when he features in the Carling Cup at Scunthorpe.

But manager Sir Alex Ferguson will also hope that the Brazilian Anderson can continue his progress back towards his first team.

Certainly Ferguson and the United supporters who travel to Glanford Park to see their team begin their defence of the trophy will be keen to see how Bebe copes with a night of first team activity.

The United manager indicated that the 19-year-old would be involved at some stage.

Ferguson, however, was also mulling over a start for Anderson and if he does involve him - rather than save him for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Bolton - the United boss will anticipate further signs that the South American has recovered from the period last season when he almost gave up on life in England.

Having spent part of last January at home in Brazil considering his future, Anderson then suffered a knee ligament injury that ruled him out of the World Cup and - during his recovery - was involved in a late night car cash in Portugal.

Understandably, the 22-year-old has tested Ferguson ‘s patience during a time when - since the turn of the year - he has actually played just three times in the Premier League.

But United sources have indicated this week that Anderson’s stock has risen again recently with some senior players noticing an upturn in attitude from a player who is now in his third season at Old Trafford.

Ferguson - for his part - still believes that the player he bought from Porto can still become one of the best attacking midfield players in the world.

Anderson was a late substitute in United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend - his first game since late February - and he indicated to Ferguson at the start of the week that he would like a longer run-out at Scunthorpe.

Ferguson suggested that his squad would be similar in composition to the ones that have lifted the trophy for the last two season.

That would suggest a mixture of young prospects such as Bebe and Federico Macheda and more experienced players like Michael Owen and Wes Brown.

The United manager said: 'We played alot of young players last season and they all acquitted themselves well.

'We will do the same at Scunthorpe. A lot of my young players will play. Bebe is training very well. He will be involved. Federico Macheda will aswell.

'The Carling Cup has served us well over the last few seasons as it allows me to give everybody happy in terms of giving people games.

'Playing at Wembley and competing for medals on the big stage is terrific for players’ development.'

Bebe is expected to operate down one side of United’s attack, though Ferguson has not indicated whether he will start the game. He has impressed some United players with his raw pace in training - with one player saying he is similarly quick to the French forward David Bellion who briefly played for the club between 2003 and 2005.

Ferguson also remains confident Bebe’s technical skills are sufficient to give him a chance of making it at Old Trafford.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's national federation has suspended Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez for six months and fined 11 other players for violating its code of conduct.

The players threw a party at the team hotel in Monterrey after a friendly match against Colombia on Sept. 7.

The sanctions were announced at a news conference Tuesday by Nestor de La Torre, the director of national team selections for Mexico. He said Vela, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League, and Juarez, who plays for Celtic in Scotland, violated four rules from the code of conduct.

The players fined were Rafael Marquez, Javier Hernandez, Giovanni dos Santos, Guillermo Ochoa, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Andres Guardado, Gerardo Torrado, Pablo Barrera, Hector Esqueda and Hector Moreno.

Tomasz Kuszczak has conceded he may have to quit Manchester United in order to play more regular first-team football.

The Polish goalkeeper joined United from West Brom in 2006, initially on loan, but has made just 52 appearances for the club.

He started last week's UEFA Champions League draw with Rangers and is expected to be in the team for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Scunthorpe United.

Kuszczak saw former team-mate Ben Foster leave United for Birmingham City over the summer following his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford.

It is a path that Kuszczak may also follow at the end of the season if he fails to dislodge Edwin van der Sar as United's first choice.

Years going by

"I could understand Ben's position," Kuszczak told the Manchester Evening News.

"He wanted to move because he wanted regular football and he wanted to play for England.

"But if I don't get enough games I will have to do the same as Ben.

"The years are going by and I will be 29 after this season. I want to enjoy football and I want to play."

did i hear joe hart for next season 

add- not to forget we have conor devlin in the reserve who could fill #3 but no official debut yet so far

alien bro!!!the astro guide change to chelsea game liao!!!damn astro!!!

I would love for us to get Buffon for a good price. 7 years younger than VDS and if without too much injury issues, he's likely to be able to perform at a good enough level to make a difference.

Holy shit ... after watching 9:54 of fumbles ... he looks like the German Calamity James ....

guys is astro broadcasting man utd vs Scunthorpe?

Delayed. 9.30am tomorrow     

Assistant manager Mike Phelan has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson missed United's Carling Cup trip to Scunthorpe to scout Valencia, the Reds' next Champions League opponents.

Unai Emery's side have started the season in fine form, topping La Liga and romping to a 4-0 victory at Bursaspor in their opening Group C encounter, prompting a personal check from the United manager during Wednesday's domestic clash with Atletico Madrid.

"He had to make some priorities and he chose that he wouldn't come to this game; he would leave it to his other people to do," Phelan told Sky Sports.

"It's important, after drawing the Rangers game, that we prepare properly and we get a good view of Valencia, who've started their season very well."

Sir Alex's absence left Phelan in charge of the Reds' third round clash at Glanford Park, and he was delighted to see a host of action-starved players gel well against an impressive Scunthorpe side.

"There were a few players out there who needed the game; a few of the young players," he said. "Rio's done well, but I thought also Michael Owen did exceptionally well. He showed what a top, top player he is and he contributed to everything tonight - he covered the ground really well.

"We have a young player in Chris Smalling who did well, then there were Kiko Macheda and Chicharito, and we introduced Bebe as well. The keeper (Tomasz Kuszczak) did exceptionally well. He dealt with everything that came his way.

"I thought Scunthorpe played their part in a very, very good game. They created a few opportunities. Even when we got it to 5-1 they created probably six chances that they possibly could have done better with.

"Overall it's a great scoreline from our point of view because it's a new team out there that was put together over a couple of days. From Scunthorpe's point of view, they should take a lot of pride from the game."

In the relatively low key surroundings of Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park, Portuguese under-21 international Bebe made one of the most anticipated United debuts of recent years.

The 20-year-old was handed a 15-minute outing in the dying embers of the Reds' Carling Cup victory, and he demonstrated glimpses of the raw potential which prompted his remarkable capture, surging down the left flank and displaying a willingness to attack defenders and threaten the hosts' goal.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan took charge of the team in Sir Alex Ferguson's absence, and was more than happy with what he saw from the Reds' newest recruit.

"The scoreline gave us the opportunity to give Bebe a little look at what Manchester United's all about. I thought he responded very well," Phelan told MUTV. "There were fleeting moments of pace and power, and he got a little bit excited now and again. But it's important that players like him get these opportunities."

Having witnessed Bebe's first few weeks as a United player, from his first training session to his maiden appearance, defender Chris Smalling insists the Portuguese is rapidly acclimatising to life in the Reds' fold.

"Since he's come in, he's become sharper every day," said the defender. "He's really improving and working on his fitness. Tonight he really caused their full-back problems, coming in from the wing, and hopefully we'll see him produce that kind of form in many games to come."

Rio Ferdinand praised both sets of supporters and his young sidekick in the Reds' defence following the 5-2 win over Scunthorpe United in the Carling Cup.

Skippering the side on Nemanja Vidic's night off, Ferdinand played the full game and helped the holders to weather an early storm at Glanford Park as the hosts took a shock 1-0 lead.

"It's always going to be a tricky test, coming to a place like this with the crowd really up for it," reflected Rio.

"There was great support from both sets of fans, loads of humour [the United fans sang "Fergie, sign him up" when a streaker invaded the pitch], and the atmosphere really geed Scunthorpe on in the first half.

"But when we got back in the game with a great finish from Gibbo, we settled and started playing and put the game to bed."

After returning in the 0-0 draw with Rangers last week, Ferdinand missed Sunday's win over Liverpool due to illness. The opportunity to play at Scunthorpe was therefore one he welcomed.

"I'm just happy to be playing games now. I'm feeling good, getting sharper with every game so long may it continue," he said.

The battle for places in United's defence has intensified with the arrival of Chris Smalling; Ferdinand had another good look at his competitor and colleague after being paired with him by assistant manager Mike Phelan.

"Chris is willing to learn, he wants to learn, he's hungry. You can see the desire in him," assessed Rio.

"He scored from a bit of a forward's run, across the front and getting a nick on the cross. He's doing well. I think he's taking everything in during training and getting his rewards in games."

Ferdinand, however, declined to give Smalling the "Silks of the Week" award on his Twitter site for the best piece of skill, telling the interviewer, "You've got to go some to get that."

The Carling Cup is ours to defend now. With Chelsea and Liverpool out of the Cup, i think we are favourite to win it again this year. Though i think even with Chelsea and Liverpool still in it, we would still be strong favourites.

Back to the game, I think Thomasz did a marvelous job. Hats off to him. Thomasz to play against Valencia to tryout his skills on world stage. I admit, we might lose some points but the risk is worth it. Even if we end up second on the table, we would just beat whoever in the first pot and advance I really think Thomasz deserve his chance. close to 30 but still benched is not where he wants and he might just get tempted after seeing Ben Foster enjoying full first team football now after leaving.

Bebe was fantastic from what i seen. Just need to pull back in his crosses a bit, goes a little too high and far for strikers in the box. Though i thought it might be handy to play tricks on opponent's defend, just when they thought he overcrossed, the right winger can come in and head it back to the middle of the box. With Valencia still out, the second choice winger is really openned to Obertan and Bebe. What happened to Park, he seems out of Sir Alex's service. Not playing in league games, i think he only played against Liverpool. only can play in Carling. I think last season he played quite little also ryte? Maybe in big games but not in daily basis right?

Owen performed well. Maybe its time for Chicharito to have a tryout in the Central Forward position and see if he really surpasses Owen in the line. Macheda still need some time to recover from his injury i think.

Gibson starting to show somemore scholes attribute, box to box and ghosting into opponents box. Not so good for Anderson. Couldnt see him perform, he like dont dare to try long passes. All give Gibson one...

Owen taking a dig at his former club. Like someone said earlier .. the cup is ours to defend. Hopefully, we can defend it and the same time going to challenge for both BPL and UCL. Owen needs it.

Yeah was thinking about that too, but it was after I posted.
Bolton with their long ball tactic plus Elmander and Nolan upfront, scary thought to imagine Rafael there
Ando made quite a few good passes in Scunthorpe game. Scholes nowadays rarely tries defence splitting pass I think. He influenced the game in a different way. So Ando to start for Bolton game

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Wayne Rooney is struggling to cope with the media spotlight on him.

Rooney has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks after revelations over his private life.

The England international has scored only one goal for United this season and he was left out of the draw at Everton as Ferguson feared the reception he would receive at Goodison Park.

And Ferguson believes Rooney may be mentally exhausted after coming under such constant scrutiny.

Focus

"I don't believe he has a confidence problem but the boy is starting to realise finally, without any question, what kind of focus is on him as a human being," Ferguson said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is realising what it means to be at the centre of media attention for non-football-related questions.

"I don't think the boy can turn a corner at the moment without a camera on him. He can't move without the paparazzi being on him and, for a young person, that is not what you want. You want to play and enjoy your football without that attention on you, because that can be quite exhausting.

"He would like to keep playing with freedom, but the siege of the tabloids can wear out anyone."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has hit out at Chelsea's 100 per cent start to the season claiming: 'I think they chose the fixture list themselves'.

Amazing start

The champions are four points clear at the top of the table after winning their opening five games as they prepare to face their first major test of the season at Manchester City this weekend.

Ferguson feels Chelsea could not have asked for a better start to the season, but conceded whoever finishes above Carlo Ancelotti's side will probably win the title.

"It's quite an amazing start to the season," added Ferguson.

"I think Chelsea chose the fixture list themselves. They finished last season scoring a lot of goals against weaker teams and have continued that way.

"You still have to beat those teams but Chelsea have done that in quite a strong fashion and anyone who wins the league will have to finish above them."

Skysports.com understands Sheffield United are lining up a loan swoop for Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet.

Blades boss Gary Speed is keen to bolster his squad and he has moved to try and bring in De Laet on a three-month deal.

A number of clubs in the Championship, League One and SPL are all thought to have enquired about signing De Laet on loan, but it appears the Blades have won the race for his signature

The Belgium international has made six first-team appearances for United since arriving from Stoke in January 2009 and he is highly regarded within the corridors of Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to let De Laet leave on loan so that he can get valuable first-team action under his belt with his chances limited in the the Red Devils' starting XI.

Dimitar Berbatov looks set to stand by his decision to retire from international football.

The 29-year-old Manchester United striker called time on his Bulgaria career in the summer after becoming his country's all-time record goalscorer, having scored 48 times in 77 caps.

Bulgaria have certainly been left to count the cost of Berbatov's decision to retire, as their Euro 2012 qualification hopes are already in tatters after a heavy defeat to England and a surprise home loss to Montenegro.

New coach Lothar Matthaus, who has been appointed this week to resurrect their chances of making it to the Ukraine and Poland, had admitted he is keen to try and tempt Berbatov back into the international fold.

But the former Tottenham striker, who has began the season in red hot form for United, is keen for his country to look to the future.

"I promised myself when I was nearly 30, if I didn't do anything with the national team it would be best to retire and give chances to younger players," he told MUTV.

"I wanted to let them see what it is have to national team on your shoulder."

Pride at record

Bulgaria have failed to reach a major competition since Euro 2004 and with the prospect of reaching the 2012 finals looking bleak, Matthaus could face an uphill struggle to persuade Berbatov, who is content at his achievements in international football.

"I wanted to reach the record before I retired. When I did break it, it was one of my proudest days," he admitted.