Meanwhile, Howard Webb's position as England's top referee has been confirmed just one game into his comeback.

The World Cup Final referee - who made an impressive return in the 1-1 draw between West Bromwich and Tottenham - has been put in charge of Sunday's clash between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Sir Alex fears Antonio Valencia could miss the rest of the season after suffering a horrific ankle injury against Rangers on Tuesday night.

Play was stopped for five minutes and the Ecuador winger required oxygen as he left the pitch on a stretcher after defender Kirk Broadfoot appeared to fall on the winger's leg. He will now have an operation on Wednesday morning.

"He's gone to hospital and it looks like it’s a dislocation or a fracture," he told Sky Sports. "It’s a bad one and it will keep him out for a long time."

The manager later confessed during his post-match press conference that he feared Valencia could be out for the rest of the season and compared the injury to the one suffered by Alan Smith against Liverpool in 2006.

"As soon as I saw the Rangers player waving to the bench we knew it was a bad one."

Ferguson said: "It's a similar injury to the one that Alan Smith had here (in 2006), so Antonio is out for the rest of the season.

“He has gone to hospital, but it looks like a dislocation and a fracture. It’s a bad one and will keep him out for a long time.

“He seemed to dig his toe in the turf and when we saw the Rangers player waving we knew it was bad. It was an innocuous challenge and we didn't expect that.”

bad news to hear that he is out of the season. looking at the injury, which is feared to be  the worst. Though nani can play on the right, we cant expect giggs to play 90 minutes either.. i guess these is where we would lay our hopes on the hardworking park again

wishing a speedy recovery for valencia.. sigh another lost after ando

Stockdale played in all four of Fulham's games in August, with the 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United particularly memorable.

"My favourite game was the Manchester United match," he added. "I've got links to Leeds with my family so there's a bit of added rivalry for me.

Chris Smalling was delighted to experience the Champions League first hand rather than watching from his living room after making his debut in the competition against Rangers.

The defender, who joined United officially in the summer, was one of ten players brought into the starting line-up by Sir Alex as the Reds kicked-off their European campaign at Old Trafford.

Smalling impressed alongside skipper Rio Ferdinand and, despite the disappointment of dropping two points, enjoyed every minute of his run-out.

"It's one of the biggest competitions a player can play in and I thoroughly enjoyed it," he told MUTV.

"I've watched so many of these games on television so to be part of one at a club like United is fantastic.

"Unfortunately, we just couldn't break them down and everyone is disappointed with the result.

"The next game against Valencia [on 29 September] is going to be very important now. Hopefully we can move on quickly from this result, take the positives from it and score a few more goals in our next few games."

Ryan Giggs says the players left Old Trafford equally as frustrated as the fans after drawing a blank in their Champions League opener against Rangers.

The Reds were unable to find a way past a dogged Rangers side whose primary focus was on keeping Sir Alex's men at bay. In the end, it proved highly effective as a below par United were forced to settle for a point.

"It was a frustrating night," Giggs told MUTV. "Rangers got everyone behind the ball and it was up to us to break them down, but we didn't manage to do that.

"We couldn't get our rhythm going in the first half and we were giving the ball away. It's tough when teams get ten men behind the ball - we've usually found a way past in the end, but tonight we just didn't have that bit of quality in the final third."

Sir Alex made ten changes to the side that drew at Everton at the weekend, but Giggs insists the incoming personnel were more than capable of securing a win.

"We can't use that [the changes] as an excuse," he added. "The players who were out there are all internationals and all good players. In the end we just fell short in creating chances."

look like SAF got it rite dropping roon before.. he look lost today. working hard but seem like trying too hard here and there.

fletcher-gibson at central combination not quite work. lack of creativity just passing the ball here and there. park also not looking like himself bit rusty.

surely not our best side.. expect scholes,nani,Vidic,VDS,berba,JOS? back this weekend

by lookin at the 1st eleven, it says that we're saving some of our key players (evra, scholes,berba,vidic) for liverpool game?
i felt that way now..huhu

Based on last night's match. I would choose Brown over others. I thought he played well on both occasions of attacking and defending. Fabio played OK as well. Although, he would have problems in heading department. Unlike Evra whom can challenge headers against opponents.

Fairplay from Rangers last night. They were resolute on not losing and getting a point. Our midfielders weren't creative enough.

I think our CB is not much an issue at the moment. What we need is both fullback to provide cover for the CB. Everton match, our fullbacks are nightmare to watch. Evra with his overhead miskick, and gary got raped just before the game ended.

i would think this:

VDS

Brown Rio Vidic Evra

Nani Scholes Fletcher Giggs

Berbatov Rooney

Sub: Kuz,JOS,Smalling, Park,Owen, Gibson, BEBE

Sir Alex Ferguson concedes he should have had Dimitar Berbatov on the bench for Manchester United's opening UEFA Champions League tie with Rangers.

United started the group phase with a frustrating 0-0 home draw against Rangers after Ferguson made 10 changes from the team which was held 3-3 by Everton at the weekend.

Berbatov, who has enjoyed a positive start to the season, was one of the players to be left out and the Bulgarian was not even among the substitutes.

Ferguson was keen to give summer recruit Javier Hernandez his opportunity, but he acknowledged Berbatov's guile may have helped United break down a stubborn Rangers side.

"We wanted to see how Javier Hernandez would do in a full game," said Ferguson.

"Because of that we left Berbatov out and his form has been absolutely fantastic.

"He has been one of our best players this season and his ability to create in tight situations would have made a difference."

Frustrating

Ferguson explained the rationale behind the widespread changes to his team and is unsure whether a different line-up would have been able to overcome Rangers.

"We wanted to find out about one or two players," he said. "But seven or eight of them played against Chelsea in the Community Shield, so we weren't short of players we needed to win the game.

"There were plenty of good players on the pitch.

"It was a frustrating night for us. Rangers' system of play was very difficult to break down.

"I don't know if playing anyone else would have made any difference.

"They were well organised and defended so deep, it was difficult to open them up at all.

"We didn't test their goalkeeper at all, apart from a couple of shots straight at him. It was a really difficult night."

another tough luck    hope valencia recovers soon
i am amazed the way ferguson actually handles his comment

there are no blaming, finger pointing and claims of rangers playing dirty football ? 

reminds me of people that keeps saying we would be the same if we were in their shoes.. naaahhh.. proooooofffffff... 

This might cause him in sidelines for the rest of the season. Really not a good start. Lets me remind of Alan Smith Broken Leg. I have a feeling Ferguson will keep using Giggs and Nani as winger for the rest match. And then swap with Ji Sung Park.

Really hope Rooney comes back quickly... 

You're almost 37: there must be aches and pains after matches these days…

I’m not too bad, actually. In fact, I’m probably better than I was a few years ago. I don’t run as fast or as far as I used to and I have this routine of doing yoga and taking ice baths – that seems to help and I feel quite good after games. The area where it’s probably changed is that I now struggle a bit to play Saturday, Wednesday and then the following Saturday again. I used to be able to do that without a problem but the energy levels after a game aren’t what they used to be. As for stiffness, though, it’s not really a problem.

comments on Manchester UnitedxRangers match

1-poor valencia
2-i don't see fletcher having some impact to the match.i think he should be subbed instead of park and put scholes instead(or nani and put park in the middle)
3-rangers plays tight game.(not quite physical though despite valencia being taken out).i question SAF tactics of playing buildup instead of just using rooney/park/valencia(before the incident) pace and do counter attack
4-i really think Manchester United underestimate the scottish champ in this game(they fielding players who either haven't have competitive match for some time or kids)

EDI:Tlupa plak carrick cedera.tq

yeah, it was really bad and unlucky for us. means nani to the right and giggs left and possibly obertan back in the squad? 
he has been missing for quite some time now has he? its impossible for giggsy to last 90minutes on the left flank. We also have ji sung to play on both flanks.we should have adequate cover for now. just hoping that we dont have anymore injury crisis in the future 

Hargreaves is still in America continuing his return from tendonitis in his knees, while Carrick and Obertan are recovering from ankle injuries. “Michael’s injury is nothing serious but he’ll be out for two weeks,” added the boss.

The only downside for the Reds was an ankle injury sustained by Gabriel Obertan. The French winger has shone on tour, but is now expected to be out for two weeks.

if hagreaves return he can play as right winger

Ferguson has confirmed Hargreaves is shortly due to return to Old Trafford, but there is no timescale for when he may be ready for first-team action.
.
.
"But if he comes back in two weeks when is he going to be fit to play for Manchester United? That is still to be found out."

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premie...nchester-united

he should be okay. maybe some intensive underground training going on  . I like the word largely untested.. ahahaha

so wat is the possible line up of this coming liverpool match?

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Vidic, Jonathan Evans, Evra, Scholes, O'Shea, Fletcher, Nani, Berbatov, Giggs

Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Smalling, Park, Rafael Da Silva, Macheda, Gibson

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Brown, Ferdinand, Smalling, Fabio Da Silva, Valencia, Fletcher, Gibson, Park, Rooney, Hernandez

Subs: Van der Sar, Owen, Anderson, Giggs, O'Shea, Jonathan Evans, Macheda

Darren Fletcher is confident Antonio Valencia still has a bright future at Manchester United.

The Ecuadorian winger was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after sustaining a horrific injury during a UEFA Champions League clash with Rangers.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted that he does not expect Valencia to play again this season, as a lengthy period of rehabilitation will be required to return him to match fitness.

Everyone at United is hoping the 25-year-old can make a full recovery and return to the top of the game, but there is no guarantee he will be able to recapture his form of old after suffering such a badly broken ankle.

Fletcher, though, believes Valencia will be back to his best in the not too distant future and is tipping him to have a major impact for United in the years to come.

"It looked really bad," he said.

Determination

"Hopefully the scans show it is not as bad as we fear.

"After arriving from Wigan he had a great first season and was looking to push on this year. That is why the injury is a real blow.

"He has only just got back from the injury he suffered at the end of last season too.

"He is a strong character and a good lad. He has real determination and works hard. He will be back I am sure.

"He will have a long future at Manchester United."

Antonio Valencia will be sidelined for six months after his horrific injury on Tuesday night, according to Ecuador's team doctor.

The Manchester United winger suffered a suspected fracture dislocation of his left ankle after an innocuous challenge with Rangers' Kirk Broadfoot during the 0-0 Champions League draw at Old Trafford.

And Ecuador team doctor Patricio Maldonado has confirmed that Valencia's season is virtually over as the player will not return to full training until March.

"He will be out for an initial four to five months, and then he will need a lot of rehabilitation to recover his mobility, so it will be at least six months before he returns to action," he told Ecuadorian television.

After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson compared the injury to that of Alan Smith, who broke his leg and dislocated his ankle against Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup.

"It looks like a dislocation and a fracture, we're talking the rest of the season," said Ferguson.

"It is a bad blow for the boy. It is similar to the injury Alan Smith got. He seemed to dig his toe into the turf and as soon as we saw the Rangers player waving we knew it was a bad one - and it's turned into a bad one."

The club have confirmed that Antonio Valencia's ankle operation was a success.

Valencia was stretchered off during the Reds' Champions League draw with Rangers on Tuesday after dislocating and fracturing his left ankle.

The Ecuadorian winger is likely to be out of action for a while, but remains in good spirits.

"The operation went well," a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com. "A plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obvious significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation and he will be out for a good portion of the season.

"Contrary to recent reports there has been no official contact from the Ecuadorian national team. Antonio is perfectly fine, very positive and very determined."

United remain unbeaten this term, but it's a statistic which veils a nagging feeling that things could be better - and Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants his men to get the league victories his team's play has warranted.

The 0-0 Champions League Group C opening draw with Rangers can be assessed in isolation. Ten personnel changes were made to ensure fresh legs for Liverpool's visit on Sunday, while the Gers' ten-men-behind-the-ball approach was always going to a tight game.

But the lesson of seeing games out in the Premier League - one not heeded against Everton after dropped points at Fulham - is one that Sir Alex says must be addressed. "Sunday is a big game," he says. "The disappointment of last Saturday [at Everton] has to resonate with the players. They can’t make mistakes like that again."

The boss used a 4-5-1 formation at Goodison Park, while opting for a more traditional 4-4-2 against Rangers. "We have to analyse what we think is the best formation to play on Sunday," he adds. "We have some players in very good form at the moment and that makes it easy for me."

United's squad was, of course, bolstered by the return on Wednesday night of Wayne Rooney, who was left out against Everton, and Rio Ferdinand, who has been missing for four months with a knee injury. Ryan Giggs says their comebacks are a huge boost and will help the players carry out their manager's request. "It was good to see Rooney and Rio back," he added. "Rio has been out for a while - it's great for him to get some minutes under his belt even though he didn't have a great deal to do."

Giggs is determined to ensure lessons are learnt after last week's seemingly unlikely draw. That the need to do that is against Liverpool only adds spice to the fixture.

"It's always a big game but it's even more so after what happened at Everton," says the Welshman. "The fans will be up for it and so will the players, these are the games you want to play in. It's always tough, but hopefully it'll be a good game."

Darren Fletcher agrees: "It’s a massive occasion – one of the biggest games – and the fans look forward to it. We’ve had some great battles over the years and both teams are tied on 18 league titles. There’s great history between the two clubs. It’s definitely one of those games everybody wants to play in - a real derby match."

And although this is a fixture for experienced heads, Chris Smalling - who made his Champions League bow against Rangers - is excited to see what it takes to play in another big fixture. He might have to settle for a place on the bench on Sunday, but he's intrigued to see at close quarters how this battle unfolds. "It's going to be a massive game and I'm sure another great atmosphere. We need the victory after what happened at Goodison, and hopefully we can get the job done."

Antonio Valencia underwent surgery on a fracture and dislocation of his left ankle on Wednesday, the start of the long road to recovery from the horrific injury he suffered against Rangers at Old Trafford.

But team-mate Darren Fletcher says Valencia has the character, determination and mental aptitude to overcome the injury and battle his way back to the standards he reached in an excellent debut campaign for the Reds.

"It was a really bad injury," admitted Fletcher, on the field when Gers defender Kirk Broadfoot's innocuous-looking challenge led to Antonio being stretchered off the field with an injury Sir Alex Ferguson likened to the leg-break Alan Smith suffered at Anfield in 2006.

Flecher added: "He’s a good lad and a strong character. Having just got back from injury at the end of last season, it’s a real blow for him. But he has real determination about him and he works hard. He’ll be back, I’m sure. He’s a top player. He’s been great since he came from Wigan.

"He had a great first season and he was looking to push on this year. That’s why the injury’s a blow. But he has a long future at United and I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as possible."

Valencia's injury capped what was a hugely frustrating night for the Reds all round. But Fletcher says Rangers deserve credit for their defensive organised and dogged resolution not to allow United to break them down.

"I don’t think many teams have played with three centre-halves before," he said. "I think that was the difference. Usually when you play against teams who get men behind the ball they have the extra man in midfield, but Rangers had it in defence and they proved difficult to break down."

Summer signing Bebe will pull on the United shirt for the first time tonight when he lines up for the Reserves against Aston Villa at Moss Lane, Altrincham.

The Portugal Under-21 international arrived at Old Trafford in August but his involvement so far has been restricted to the training pitch at Carrington. Tonight, however, he looks set to start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's second-string against a strong Villa side. The visitors' 16-man squad boasts nine players with senior experience, including Nathan Delfouneso and Barry Bannan.

There's more good news for United fans, with Gabriel Obertan also named in Solskjaer's side. The Frenchman hasn't featured at any level since injuring his ankle during the Reds' pre-season tour. The Reserves have played three Manchester Senior Cup fixtures already this season – against Manchester City, Oldham Athletic and Stockport County – but tonight marks the beginning of United's league campaign.

The action kicks off at 19:00 BST – you can watch live on MUTV and see highlights on MUTV Online from 21:30 BST.

United: Sam Johnstone, Scott Wootton, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans, Reece Brown, Oliver Gill, Gabriel Obertan, Ravel Morrison, William Keane, Magnus Eikrem, Bebe, Marnick Vermijl, Conor Devlin, Robert Brady, Nick Ajose, John Cofie

Villa: Elliott Parish, Eric Lichaj, Derrick Williams, Ciaran Clark, Shane Lowry, Jonathan Hogg, Moustapha Salifou, Isaiah Osbourne, James Collins, Nathan Delfouneso, Barry Bannan, Durrell Berry, Andy Marshall, Arsenio Halfhuid, Daniel Johnson, Danny Devine

cant wait for the kick off for the liverpool match. heard rumors that rooney picked up a knock and is doubtful for the liverpool match. anyone who watched the rangers game can verify this?

link : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...al-bedside.html

Owen Hargreaves has made an excellent recovery from a career-threatening knee injury and could soon be back, says the knee surgeon he has been working with.

Hargreaves has not started a Manchester United game since September 2008 and many feared his career could be over.

But the renowned Dr Richard Steadman told BBC Sport: "Things are looking good for Owen, it's all worked out.

"He's close to playing fitness, although it's obviously up to United to decide when he plays a match."

Steadman, who has previously worked with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, operated on Hargreaves in 2009.

The 29-year-old midfielder has since made several visits to Steadman's clinic in Vale, Colorado, as he continued his recovery from the surgery.

Steadman, who rarely gives interviews, explained: "The problem was with the tendon attached to the patella on each knee, which is difficult to resolve.

"After the surgery, the key was rest and working hard on recovery. Owen has spent a lot of time with us here in Colorado and he just has such a great work ethic.

"He's never given up and we never gave up on him. The recovery was arduous and took a long time.

"But Owen is a patient patient and his condition looks promising now. You can't rush this type of injury and have to be very patient.

"He was with us a few weeks ago and is doing really well though. He was sprinting, twisting and turning."

Hargreaves was named in United's 25-man Premier League squad, but left out of their Champions League squad.

Steadman paid tribute to the work his colleague Luke O'Brien has done with the midfielder.

"Luke has a lot of experience with Major League Soccer and understands footballers and the demands placed on them.

"It's been about building the area of the knee to deal with the intense demands that will be placed on it.

"Football is all about rapid start, stop and kick. And you can't overstep the bounds with the recovery. Owen still knows not to push too far.

"We used a machine that allows you to be weightless when you run. Then gradually you can build up the weight placed on the joint."

Steadman is widely regarded as the world's leading knee surgeon and has worked with a host of Premier League footballers.

He says he particularly enjoys working with them, mainly because of their work ethic.

"I work with a variety of sportsmen and women and must say I always find the Premier League guys a pleasure to work with. They just never give up," stated Steadman.

Hargreaves secured his move from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford in July 2007 for a fee of about £17m after signing a four-year contract.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Antonio Valencia could be playing again in February following his injury in Tuesday's clash with Rangers.

The winger, 25, suffered significant ligament damage plus a fractured ankle and underwent surgery on Wednesday.

There had been initial fears that the Ecuadorian would miss the whole season.

But Ferguson said: "You can never be 100% and it is a bad injury but we are looking at the end of February, which is better than we thought on Tuesday."

Valencia was carried off during the goalless draw with the Scottish giants after going down under an innocuous-looking tackle from defender Kirk Broadfoot in the 62nd minute.

Ferguson said that former United player Alan Smith was a perfect example of showing the mental strength required to come back from such a bad injury.

Smith, now at Newcastle, broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in February 2006 and was out of action for seven months.

"There is a mental part to it," the Scot added. "Take the example of Alan Smith. When Alan got his bad injury in that cup tie against Liverpool, he was so positive.

"He sat in that treatment room at Anfield so nonchalant and relaxed about it. Yet you look at his ankle and think 'God almighty'. That attitude definitely helped him."

The Old Trafford boss remained hopeful that his squad would deal without the pace and skills of Valencia for the bulk of the season.

"You always fear when you have a good player out of your team it is going to be a loss," Ferguson said.

"But having players like Nani, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung, plus Gabriel Obertan and Bebe means we have options.

"Antonio had a great season last year. He was a great signing for us. He is a young player who has been improving all the time. It is a blow losing good players but in the context of the kind of squad we have, we should be able to cope with it."

Manchester United are already missing England midfielder Michael Carrick because of an ankle injury, although Brazilian Anderson is available again following a seven-month absence with cruciate ligament damage.

With United and Liverpool set for Old Trafford's showdown on Sunday, Ferguson is expected to name a stronger line-up after resting key players for the Champions League opening encounter with rangers.

Dimitar Berbatov is a definite starter, with keeper Edwin van der Sar, defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, who all missed Tuesday's game, likely to be recalled.

In Valencia's absence, more responsibility may now fall upon Portuguese winger Nani.

Valencia, who arrived at United from Wigan in June 2009 as Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid, was injured during his fourth appearance of a season that began with him scoring in the 3-1 Community Shield win over Chelsea.

Sir Alex isn’t in the habit of giving away too many secrets, but the United boss has confirmed Dimitar Berbatov will play against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Bulgarian has been in fine form this season, netting four goals in five games to silence members of the media who had questioned whether he was cut out to play at Old Trafford.

But the manager has always backed the striker and will put his faith in the 29-year-old again when he sends him out against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

“Not everyone’s questioned him,” Sir Alex reminded the press on Friday morning. “He has a lot of admirers, particularly within this club.

“When we buy a player for a lot of money there’s more focus on them. When they have a bad game they get criticism other players might not get.

“Dimitar’s had some marvellous games for us. I’ve told him he has to dismiss the press. I think he worried about [the headlines sometimes]. But he’s expressed himself this season very well, he’s enjoying his football and he’ll play on Sunday.”

The boss also confirmed “everyone else is fit” and reiterated his belief that United-Liverpool games are still the biggest drawcard on the English football calendar.

“I may sound like a parrot sometimes because I say this time and time again but this is the fixture. And the form in these fixtures fluctuates quite a bit.

“There was a period for about five years [in the late 90s] when we hardly lost and then recently they won a few in a row. We won the last game [in March 2010], so hopefully that swings it back in our favour again.”

Although Liverpool played a Europa League tie on Thursday night, Sir Alex doesn’t expect any sizable advantage from an extra two days’ rest.

“Liverpool rested players on Thursday so it doesn’t really matter. Both teams will be well prepared for the game. We’re looking forward to it.”

Sir Alex has confirmed Nemanja Vidic will lead United out against Liverpool on Sunday, regardless of who else is picked in the starting XI.

Indeed, the Serbian defender will continue to skipper the Reds on the pitch – Gary Neville remains the official club captain – until further notice.

Rio Ferdinand wore the armband on Tuesday night against Rangers (Vidic did not play), prompting speculation that he may retain the honour on Sunday. But Sir Alex insists Vidic is the man to lead United, both against Liverpool and beyond.

"We want [the captain] to be a player who's consistently available for us," he told MUTV. "Everyone will recongise that if Vidic is fit – and he has been all season – he'll always be there. You wouldn't leave him out of your team unless you were resting him.

"He's started the campaign as the captain and it will stay that way."

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United were offered the opportunity to hold talks with Joe Cole over the summer.

England midfielder Cole became one of the most high-profile free agents of recent years when he was not offered a new contract by Chelsea at the end of last season.

He was linked with several of Chelsea's Premier League rivals, with North London foes Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur rumoured to be interested.

At one stage, United were purported to be favourites to capture the 28-year-old amid reports Ferguson was keen to add another creative influence to his squad.

However, Cole eventually signed a four-year contract at United's fierce rivals Liverpool and Ferguson admits it would have been 'complicated' to get involved in the transfer chase.

"We were approached by Joe Cole's agent at one point, but we didn't enter into it at all," said Ferguson.

"It was complicated to get involved in that."

Cole is in line to face United on Sunday as he returns from a Premier League suspension to be included in Liverpool's squad for the trip to Old Trafford.