Rio Ferdinand faces a race against time to face Arsenal next Monday, while Paul Scholes is a major doubt for the Premier League summit meeting.

Suffering from a hamstring niggle, England captain Ferdinand was withdrawn after 50 minutes of United's clash with Valencia as a precautionary measure, while Scholes has been out of action since last month's win at Rangers because of a groin injury.

With the Gunners due at Old Trafford in under a week, Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to have the experienced duo fit and available to face the current Premier League leaders.

"Rio's got a tight hamstring. We’ve got six days and hopefully we’ll get him ready," Sir Alex told MUTV. "Paul tried training on Sunday and he came off, so I think it’ll be difficult for him for Monday."

Nemanja Vidic is thriving on the added responsibility which comes with skippering Manchester United.

With Rio Ferdinand having struggled with injury this season, Vidic has often been handed the armband by Sir Alex Ferguson.

He is only too happy to hold that honour, with the pressure of being an on-field leader helping to bring the best out of the 29-year-old centre-half.

"Obviously there's a bit more responsibility and I'm coming to the age when I have more responsibility, me and a few others in the team," said Vidic.

"I am quite happy with that and I'm enjoying it.

"It's not a question you should ask me, about my performances and how I play this season. I'm at an age now where I have to take more responsibility as a player.

"When I came here I was 24 and I was still young and a lot of older players took responsibility on the pitch.

Pressure

"But now I have to do that, be supportive to the younger players and be an example. It's something that comes naturally as you get older.

"The more responsibility you have and the more pressure you have, I think the better your focus and concentration are. So it helps."

United's collective focus this season has seen them make an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign and secure safe progression into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Worryingly for their rivals, they have yet to hit top gear and Vidic admits there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"At the moment, it is not going that bad for us," he added.

"We are in the second stage of the Champions League, which was our target, and we are in a good position in the Premier League table.

"We just have to improve on a few details, keep going and keep playing well."

Ji-sung Park is relishing the prospect of facing Arsenal on Monday night, in what is arguably the biggest game of the season so far for United.

The visit of the Gunners for the top-of-the-table encounter is followed by a trip to Chelsea six days later in a momentous league double-header.

Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Valencia, which ensured United finished top of Champions League Group C, allied to the 7-1 demolition of Blackburn last time out in the league, have filled the Reds – and Park – with optimism for the period ahead.

"Everyone's expectations are high (for the Arsenal game)," the Korean said. "It's a great game for the Barclays Premier League and it's at Old Trafford, our home.

"We have the chance to keep the winning mood. This season has a long way to go so we have to concentrate on the next game, every single match.

"We can deal with these important games but we have to prepare well. I always enjoy playing against the big teams. Arsenal is one of them so I'm waiting for it."

Park is in top form and twice came close to adding to his five goals for the season against Valencia, but settled for an assist for Anderson’s equaliser.

"I'm happy with my performances and I've scored a few goals," the winger added. "But I need to score more, to give me more confidence."

Anderson's recent upsurge in form has underlined his potential importance to United's future.

The Brazilian has been among the Reds' outstanding performers against Blackburn, West Ham and Valencia and, after he scored a vital equaliser against the Spaniards, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the 22-year-old is showing his worth.

"He’s been absolutely brilliant, tremendous," the manager told MUTV. "He offers something different from the other midfield players we’ve got. He’s got tremendous pace and he can beat a man.

"He’s always decisive in his passing in terms of penetration. So he’s different from the other midfield players we’ve got, like Darren, Michael and Scholesy, who lies a bit deeper at his age."

Anderson's strike against Valencia was only his second for the club and his first at Old Trafford, and Sir Alex is keen for the midfielder to regularly contribute goals in the future.

"He should score more goals," he said. "He’s got the pace and power. He’s clever, he’s accurate with his passing, he should be accurate with his finishing and he’s taken his goal well tonight. I’m pleased. That’ll help him."

Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his delight at Wayne Rooney's successful return to Manchester United's starting XI.

The England international has started the club's last three games after taking time to recover from an ankle knock following the conclusion of positive transfer negotiations.

Berbatov signalled his return to form recently with a blistering five-goal haul in their 7-1 demolition job over Blackburn Rovers, taking his tally to 11 in the Premier League this season.

Those goals ended a surprise 11-game run without finding the back of the net and Berbatov is pleased to have Rooney back in the side as the pair work well together.

The Bulgarian believes the duo have a good understanding on the pitch and now he is hoping Rooney can just stay fully-fit to ensure United maintain their good form.

Important

"You have some guys who are really important for the team and that's what Wayne is," he told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously when he came back he lifted the team's spirits. I hope that he'll stay fully fit. That way he can show truly what he's capable of.

"Sometimes it doesn't matter if you don't speak the same language. If you know how to move on the pitch and how to pass the ball that's all it takes for two good players to understand each other. I think we're like this and we understand each other pretty well on the pitch.

"It's important like I've said many times to keep training like we do on the training ground. When you know the football and how to play it, then it's pretty much easy on the pitch."

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra will be fit to tackle Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday.

The Manchester United manager had been sweating over the fitness of the trio as they prepare to tackle the Gunners.

England captain Ferdinand limped out of the 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with Valencia on Tuesday night in the early stages of the second half with a tight hamstring.

Ferguson admitted after the match that his withdrawal had been precautionary and it now appears the centre-back will be fit to partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence.

Massive game

Veteran midfielder Scholes was expected to miss out against Arsene Wenger's men as he has been struggling with the groin injury he suffered against Rangers a fortnight ago.

But the talented former England international has made good progress in recent days and could take his place in the squad on Monday evening.

Experienced France left-back Evra missed the Valencia game in midweek but is expected to replace Fabio in Ferguson's backline.

Ferguson said: "We're quite confident that everyone will be fit and it's good to have everyone available for such a massive game.

"Paul Scholes started training yesterday. It was just light stuff but hopefully he will be available for Monday and Rio should be fit as well."

Virus

United are looking to maintain a five-match unbeaten run against the Gunners and leap back to the Premier League summit.

Defensive duo Jonny Evans and Wes Brown had also been struggling with a virus but they are also in contention.

"Jonny and Wes have had a bit of a virus that has been going around the place," added Ferguson.

"We should have a full squad for Monday."

Ferguson also confirmed Michael Owen's training programme was going well, although the former England striker will not be considered to face Arsenal.

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will all be fit to face Arsenal on Monday night.

Rio Ferdinand was substituted as a precaution with a tight hamstring during Tuesday night's 1-1 Champions League Group C draw with Valencia at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra both trained away from the main group on Monday in the lead up to that match.

However, all three men are expected to leave Sir Alex with plenty of options for the biggest game of the season so far.

"We're quite confident that everyone will be fit for Monday," the boss told reporters on Friday morning at Carrington. "Rio should be OK. Paul Scholes started full training on Thursday, which is good news, and hopefully we'll have him for Monday. Patrice Evra will be fit.

"Wes Brown and Jonny Evans have had a bit of this flu virus which has been going around, but they both started training on Thursday.

"It's good to have everyone available for such a massive game."

Thu 09 Dec 2010

The Seasiders Barclays Premier League home game against Manchester United has now been rearranged for Tuesday 25 January.

The fixture, which was originally due to take place last Saturday, will still be televised by ESPN and the game will kick-off at 7.30pm.

All previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the game.

Oi sheep..

what you do until our new protege Cleverly gets injured during yesterday match?

However the result came at a price as the Gaffer explained, with Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa missing next week's game against Aston Villa through suspension and Tom Cleverley adding to Latics' injury woes:

The Gaffer said: "Unfortunately it seems that in every game we're playing we're not picking up too much luck, and it happened again today.

"Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season and miss the Aston Villa game next week through suspension and we also fear that Tom Cleverley has cracked a rib which is why he came off at half-time.

ando signs deal extension btw.so no more rumors him moving tho i doubt this will be the end when it concerns our players these days.

Anderson's outstanding recent form and undoubted long-term potential has been rewarded with a new four-and-a-half-year contract, which will keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2015.

The Brazilian has been excellent for the Reds since making a full recovery from the knee ligament injury he suffered last season, and in the last few weeks has produced the type of performances that prove he can fulfil the huge potential with which he arrived in Manchester in 2007.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly has high hopes for the 22-year-old. “We are delighted he has signed a new contract," the boss told ManUtd.com. "Anderson has developed tremendously since joining us and he has fantastic potential at only 22; he is going to be a really top player.”

Anderson feels he can achieve everything he wants to in his career at Old Trafford. He said:  “This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years.

"I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with United and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract.”

Manchester United could reluctantly consider recalling Tom Cleverley from Wigan to ease their midfield dilemma when Ji-sung Park leaves for the Asian Cup in Qatar.

Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to monitor the depth of the Old Trafford engine room after the  hectic festive season  before making a decision on the England Under-21 star.

Ideally, the United boss wants Cleverley to continue to top up his Premier League experience at the DW Stadium.

A season-long loan with Roberto Martinez’s men was considered the best option for Cleverley to progress.

After a slow start and a couple of injuries, the 21-year-old had got into his stride at Wigan.

He has scored twice in his last three outings and has become a vital part of Martinez’s midfield.

Though he is awaiting news of a possible cracked rib sustained against Everton last weekend, Cleverley could still be heading back to Old Trafford in January.

To a large extent that will depend on any injuries the Reds may pick up over Christmas.

There is still huge doubt over the future of Owen Hargreaves  with the England midfielder having sustained a hamstring injury on top of all the previous woes that have caused him so much angst over the last two years.

Paul Scholes picked up a groin strain against Rangers and has missed the last four matches but could be back against Chelsea.

But losing in-form Park to international duty could rip a huge hole in Fergie’s plans.

Take the 29-year-old South Korean out of the equation and a disciplined option is lost to the manager’s selection.

And Park has also added a crucial goalscoring element to his armoury.

He has consistently been praised for his boundless energy since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2005.

But a lack of a decent goal return had effectively stopped him becoming a regular first- choice.

However, this season Park has already amassed his best-ever goal haul for a United campaign.

His match-winner against Arsenal on Monday was his sixth of the season following on from Carling Cup efforts against Scunthorpe and Wolves, two match-winning goals against the latter in the league and one in the 7-1 destruction of Blackburn.

Triumph

He won praise from both camps after his first half headed triumph against the Gunners.

Sir Alex Ferguson described the Korean as “fantastic” and defender Rio Ferdinand added, “Ji is a big game player. That is a fact. He is a proper team player. We really appreciate him. We love having him here.”

Even the vanquished Arsene Wenger had a good word, saying: “He is a bit of a Freddie Ljungberg type. Of course he is a team player, a team worker. He can score goals as well. He is an efficient player.”

Park’s disappearance to Qatar for the Asian Cup (Asia’s equivalent of the European Championships) is, therefore, a badly timed one for the Reds.

The South Korean skipper will depart after the Boxing Day game against Sunderland.

Cho Kwang Rae’s national side start their bid to win their first Asian Cup since 1960 against Bahrain in Doha on January 10.

The Koreans then face Australia on January 14 and India on the 18th.

If Park and Co progress to the finals it will be an intense six games in 19 days in Qatar.

Fergie is expecting him to be absent for seven United matches.

Park says winning the trophy will be his top priority but admits it has come at a bad time for his United form.

“I have mixed feelings about the Asian Cup,” he admitted.

“I am playing with confidence. I feel a bit strange but I am always happy to join my national team as well.

“Even without me United have enough players to keep winning. I will concentrate on the national team and then focus on Manchester United.”

Traditionally, it is unlikely that Fergie would make a hasty plunge into the transfer market in January just to cover the loss of a player for a month.

However, if Hargreaves continues to breakdown with niggling injuries and the midfield department is hit badly over the next few weeks, then dossiers on Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson and Standard Liege’s Steven Defour will almost certainly be perused.

Message Forwarded From revenent7

msia man utd fan club (www.mymanutd.com) [soon to be officially recognised by man utd] invites lowyat m.u fans to watch chelsea vs man utd this sunday at kayu restaurant at ampang, near ampang puteri specialist hospital

estimate more than 50 m.u fans in colourful m.u jerseys will be there to cheer m.u   

http://www.mymanutd.com/forum/thread-4612.html

Date: 19.12.10

Time: starting frm 6 pm

Venue: Kayu Restaurant Ampang, near Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital

Match: Chelsea vs Man Utd

Person In-charge: Masrul, Fishcake

I thought Park is not available already???

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his disbelief at becoming United’s longest-serving manager when the Reds face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The top-of-the-table clash will see the United boss overtake Sir Matt Busby’s record of 24 years, one month and 14 days in charge at Old Trafford, a tenure Sir Alex felt would never be furthered.

"I am surprised. I must admit it is something I never thought about for a moment - it has been frozen into the memory bank. I thought Sir Matt Busby was here forever. He started at the end of the war and went right through to winning the European Cup in 1968," the boss told Magic 1152.

"The time span seems to be much longer than mine. Of course, there are emotional issues. He had to rebuild the team after Munich. There was so much emotion. I did not have that. That is the reason he seemed to have been here forever."

Comparisons between the legendary managers are easy to make: both are passionate disciplinarians with an unrivalled hunger and desire to succeed. They're both Scottish, too, though Sir Alex is keen to point out one major difference between him and his great mentor.

"Sir Matt was a lot calmer than me," he added. "We are different characters, with different personalities. Scottish people have a determination to do well no matter what. They travel. I came down here with the single objective of being successful.

"The most important piece of advice he gave me was not to read the press. It was great advice and I have not read it since.”

With such a landmark occasion so close, the boss could not resist looking back at his United career to date, thought he insists the milestone will not get in the way of his side's aim to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Reds boss said: "Liverpool were the dominant team in the 1980s. That is what I looked at. That was the big challenge for me. Also, the issue of ex-players at the club was something I was addressing for quite a long time. We have done that by bringing in some ambassadors. I wanted to keep all our great players around the club in some capacity.

"I had Sir Bobby Charlton on the board and Sir Matt was here as well. People like that are able to understand the dimensions of Manchester United. That is neccessary to understand the role of manager. It was very helpful to me.

"But it is not for me to place myself in the history of Manchester United. I have enough to do with my own job and getting the team ready for the game on Sunday, which is going to be very hard."

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Anderson to add goals to his game after penning a new Manchester United contract.

The Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed much improved form this season and was rewarded with a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club.

However his manager is keen to see the player add goals to his strong performances, after delivering a paltry two competitive strikes since joining the club in 2007.

Anderson had looked almost certain to be leaving the club 12 months earlier, but along with team-mate Nani, his performances have been a high point of United's season.

"Anderson could be a top player," Ferguson told the club's official site.

"He is strong, he can beat a man and has great acceleration from a standing position. He is electric in that sense.

"The area he has to improve is goalscoring. He recognises that and all the players tell him. That is his weakness, he doesn't score enough goals.

"But he is still only 22. He is an emerging player and hopefully in three or four years' time we will be looking back and saying he has given us goals because he has the ability to do it."

Focus on Chelsea

Anderson will no doubt be a key figure over the festive period following the news of Paul Scholes' enforced absence with a groin injury.

With a crucial game against Chelsea looming, both teams have seen a turnaround in form since the beginning of the season.

The defending champions find themselves in fourth spot, yet Ferguson is under no illusions that despite their current form, the Blues are as dangerous as ever.

"We all have these spells," Ferguson said.

"We had it early on. We were the ones giving points away.

"We analysed how and why we dropped points and I am sure Carlo will be doing the same."

Coward Chelsea scared to face Utd.

You would have thought Roman would at least spent some money on ground heating.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...conditions.html