cannot la. nanti overjinx, backfired..

besides, they're already not performing, why jinx an underperforming team?

Wayne Rooney is to return to Manchester over the weekend after making giant strides in his recovery from an ankle injury.

The striker has made just one appearance as a substitute since the end of September due to the problem and was sent to America for rehabilitation and conditioning work earlier this month.

He is set to fly back to England on Saturday before being assessed by Manchester United's medical team on Monday.

Rooney therefore has no chance of being selected for England's friendly with France next week, although it may not be too much longer before Sir Alex Ferguson has him available again.

Improved

Assistant manager Mike Phelan has been encouraged by the reports United have received about the 25-year-old and hopes he will be ready for action soon.

"Wayne has been doing really well," Phelan told Key 103. "He has been training really hard, working morning and afternoon.

"Our people out there who are looking after him have been really pleased with his attitude and approach.

"All being well he can have a nice easy flight back.

"We will see where he is at on Monday but we think he will have improved immensely."

Darren Fletcher insists it is crucial Manchester United do not add to the run of draws that has hindered their progress this season.

Despite boasting a 25-match unbeaten streak which stretches back to last season's title-losing reverse against Chelsea, the Red Devils have been unable to win half their games in the Premier League this term.

Their sixth draw of the campaign came in Wednesday's dour goalless Manchester derby, a result which allowed leaders Chelsea to re-establish a four-point advantage at the top of the table, and midfielder Fletcher is adamant United need more than a point from their trip to Aston Villa on Saturday to stay in the title race.

Left behind

"People are talking about us not losing but we have drawn too many, especially away from home," said Fletcher.

"We have to start winning our away games if we want to push up this league.

"You can't afford to draw too many games, otherwise you will get left behind.

"Overall, you would be better winning two games out of three and losing the other one rather than winning one and drawing two.

"That is why we were disappointed on Wednesday.

"We could have got the win and felt we produced a performance good enough to get us one."

United have not lost at Villa Park since the opening day of the 1995-96 campaign, but Scotland captain Fletcher knows his side cannot afford to be complacent.

"It is a really good ground to play at," he said. "It is a fantastic setting that has a good feel to it.

"The pitch is always good and every match seems like a big occasion.

"You can't explain why you have a good record at some grounds but not others but the important thing is not to take it for granted.

"We can't just expect to win because it is Villa Park."

Fletcher has already racked up 16 appearances for the Red Devils this term, 15 of them coming as a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up, but the 26-year-old insists he has no complaints over his taxing start to the campaign.

Coping

"I am coping fine and loving every minute," he added.

"I feel good and my energy levels are good. Because my pre-season was uninterrupted, my fitness is high, so I have not had a problem at all.

"You have to make a conscious effort to be sure your body is ready for each game, but that is easier purely due to the medical facilities we have at the training ground.

"Everyone loves playing and you are certainly not going to hear any complaints from me about too many matches."

One of United's main casualties from the midweek derby is in contention to face Aston Villa this weekend.

Patrice Evra limped off the pitch at Eastlands due to an ankle injury but he has since trained with the squad and the Reds are hopeful the left-back will start the Saturday lunch-time match at Villa Park.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan said on Friday afternoon, "Pat has been out there [on the training pitch] today so we’re quite optimistic that he will make it."

However, Evra's opposite full-back - Rafael - seems less likely to face Gerard Houllier's side following his withdrawal from Wednesday night's match. With Gary Neville ruled out, there could be a start for Wes Brown at right-back.

"Rafael is still suffering from a dead leg," reported Phelan. "We’re going to see how that develops over the next 24 hours."

Paul Scholes is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season at Eastlands, and Wayne Rooney will again be absent as he travels back from a training week in the US.

"Wayne's been doing really well," said Phelan. "He has been training hard, working morning and afternoon. Our people who are looking after him put there have been really pleased with his attitude and his approach to everything. All being well he will have a nice easy flight back and we’ll see where he’s at when he comes in [to Carrington] on Monday.

"We think he will have improved immensely."

Looks alright except >Tevez and >Rooney

http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-l...t-a-top-player/

we shud get him~~~~

there's nothing wrong in what he said. maybe he is a bit big headed sometimes who knows. no doubt he is a decent player. but just like mancini said, must be down to earth and humble. look at messi, top player but still so humble.

there's nothing wrong in what he said. maybe he is a bit big headed sometimes who knows. no doubt he is a decent player. but just like mancini said, must be down to earth and humble. look at messi, top player but still so humble.

mancini shuda settle this themselves instead of doing it publicly.

Anderson still injured? 4-4-2 today is it.

Giggs should be available for today match... probably come in as a sub.
Scholes will be missed but if we're playing 442, Carrick and Fletcher will get the job done.
Brown and Oshea must step up and cover our back flanks... hoping for a win tonight