Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

Fergie backs goalkeeper De Gea

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed goalkeeper David de Gea as a great prospect ahead of a stern test at Bolton on Saturday.

An £18million summer signing from Atletico Madrid, 20-year-old De Gea has endured a difficult start to life at Manchester United.

Ferguson had to defend the Spain Under-21 star for his performance in the Community Shield at Wembley.

But while an argument on De Gea's behalf could be made over Manchester City's two goals, there was nothing anyone could say to lessen the impact of an error that gifted West Brom an equaliser in the opening game of the season.

Since then, things have got better for De Gea.

He kept a clean sheet against Tottenham on his competitive Old Trafford bow, then contributed an excellent penalty save to the astonishing 8-2 win over Arsenal, even if Theo Walcott's goal did fly through his legs.

Next up are Bolton, who may no longer be quite as abrasive as before under the stewardship of Owen Coyle but, with Kevin Davies leading their attack, are well capable of making life very difficult for De Gea.

"David made a couple of mistakes in his first games, which we didn't expect and nor did he," Ferguson told Inside United.

"It was unusual because his form at Atletico Madrid as an 18-year-old was sensational.

"There is no doubt we have a player of great potential. Our job at this club is to realise that potential and make sure he becomes a top goalkeeper.

"He'll do that once he gains experience and adapts to the physical nature of the league.

"It is a different game here compared to Spain - there are more crosses to deal with and there is more contact. Bit by bit, we will get there with him."

Ferguson's comments could have been made with Bolton in mind.

However the same things might have been said about Javier Hernandez 12 months ago and the little Mexican did not do too badly in his debut season.

Hernandez was among those who did not find the target during that Gunners' destruction.

However, with Danny Welbeck ruled out by a hamstring injury, the 23-year-old seems set to make his first start of the season at the Reebok Stadium. And strike partner Wayne Rooney is among those expecting big things.

"I'm looking forward to him doing the same, if not scoring more goals for us, this season," Rooney told MUTV.

"Of course people know about him now but, if you look at all the top players around the world, people know how they play and it's still difficult to stop them.

"His movement is so good it's difficult to defend against. It won't be easy for players to defend against him whether they know about him or not.

"It's great to have a lad who has just come into the team, who speaks good English and is always smiling."

With a Champions League bow against Benfica looming in Lisbon next week, United changes are inevitable.

Little wonder Ferguson is delighted fellow countryman Darren Fletcher was able to get a couple of appearances under his belt for Scotland - missing a penalty in the win over Lithuania last night - after spending nearly six months recovering from a virus that saw him lose a huge amount of weight.

"It was important for him to get a game," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"He was back training with us but the team had started so well so opportunities hadn't arisen for him before he went to play for Scotland.

"The fact that he has gone there and done so well is a major boost for his recovery."

[dom01]

Mancini explains Hargreaves move

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed he was eager to sign either Roma's Daniele de Rossi or Real Madrid's Fernando Gago - but financial fair play led to the signing of Owen Hargreaves.

With expensive signings such as Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz only leaving the club on loan, City have been unable to balance the books with Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Costel Pantilimon and Stefan Savic all arriving over the summer.

So despite interest in more high profile names, Mancini was forced to take a gamble on injury ravaged former Manchester United player Hargreaves.

Mancini told the Independent: "Gago is a player we liked a lot. We couldn't spend any more money also for the question of financial fair play.

"De Rossi is one of the best midfielders in the world but I don't believe he will ever leave Roma. So in midfield we signed Hargreaves, who was out of contact.''

Mancini's assistant David Platt added: "We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately in terms of players going out and bringing in transfer fees, a lot have gone out on loan, so fees haven't come in for them. You have to get creative.''

[dom01]

Originally Posted by dom01

Mancini explains Hargreaves move

Of all clubs, he signs for Man City.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by dom01

Of all clubs, he signs for Man City.

no choice leh bro. united released him even when he offered to play for free. read that somewhere recently.

out of the other clubs that were reportedly interested in signing him, city provides the best challenge with the incentive of champions league football.

just hope that if he ever puts on a blue shirt against united, he will not score against us aka the infamous denis law backheel goal that sent united down to the old 2nd division donkey years back.

[mr_missile]

Ashley Young: Wayne Rooney and I can destroy Europe By ROB BEASLEY

ASHLEY YOUNG believes he and Wayne Rooney can terrorise Europe for club and country.

The pair are in sensational form, scoring four out of England's six goals in their last three internationals.

And they are doing even better for United with seven goals in the first three league games this term, Rooney bagging five and Young two.

Now United's new-boy is hoping it is just the beginning of a brilliant partnership that will drive both sides to Euro glory next summer.

Young, 26, said: "You can build up relationships at a club and with the way Wayne's started and the way the club has started we've done really well already.

"So I'm delighted with the way things have begun. OK, we're only three games in and there is a long season ahead.

"But things have started great and hopefully we can continue to build on that and keep winning.

"And if we can continue that partnership at Man United, I'm sure it will bode well for England, too."

Young says his 'instant' connection with Rooney and the rest of the England stars at United is because of their past experience together with the Three Lions.

And he believes that, now they are all training alongside each other every day, the understanding will only get even better.

Young explained: "You get to know them at England, their style of play, and as soon as I went to United I felt right at home. So it was actually easy to settle in. I said from the time that I joined I just wanted to get into training and I've been welcomed with open arms by the boys.

"They've all had the experience of playing at Old Trafford for many years and any advice from the older players, I'll definitely take that." It's no wonder Young can't stop smiling — he's a man living the dream.Now at one of most famous football clubs in the world and about to fulfil another lifetime ambition next week — the Champions League.

And although he has settled in seamlessly, he also admits he is in awe of what being at Manchester United really means.

The former Aston Villa star added: "It's the world's biggest club, look at the history of the club. When I heard of their interest, it was a no-brainer for me that I was going to go there.

"I just wanted to sign straight away and get involved in the team.

"They won the 19th league title last season and hopefully it will be the 20th this season.

"To be playing the biggest competitions, going for league honours, playing in the Champions League, it is everything, every boy's dream. You want to play in the biggest competitions and I've got the confidence in myself to play in those competitions.

"Especially the Champions League. Of course that is exciting and it's another dream. As a youngster you want to play in the biggest competitions and the Champions League is one of them.

"For me now, I've got that opportunity. Up to now I've just seen a few of the European games "Everybody talks about the music, it's always the music.

"I'm definitely looking forward to hearing that and, hopefully, we'll get off to a great start."

Everywhere he looks at the moment Young sees good times and great opportunities.

And as well as looking forward expectantly to the challenge with United he was also revelling in Fabio Capello's new-look England. Young said: "Everyone in the squad now has a lot of confidence and the manager has said he will pick players with confidence.

"And it shows whether you're old or young you will get your chance.

"When you do, you have to take it with two hands and I'm doing that. I'm trying to cement myself in the team.

"I've set out my stall to be in the starting 11 and in the last two games I've done that, so I've got to continue to play well for Man United and build on the confidence that I've started with so far this season.

"Hopefully I'll be starting again against Montenegro next month.

"And as long as I'm in the team I'm happy - whether it be left, right or in the middle up front.

"I've got confidence in myself to play in any position."

So Europe, you have been warned.

[dom01]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

no choice leh bro. united released him even when he offered to play for free. read that somewhere recently.

out of the other clubs that were reportedly interested in signing him, city provides the best challenge with the incentive of champions league football.

just hope that if he ever puts on a blue shirt against united, he will not score against us aka the infamous denis law backheel goal that sent united down to the old 2nd division donkey years back.

I think the United medical team probably think that his knees will give way very soon.

[kumboo]

MU will still be the team to beat.

[jitlong69]

I was rather sad to see Hargreaves leave ManU. It's too bad he went to the other side of Manchester but as a pro it is also good for him though I would prefer him to join some other lesser known teams where he has a better chance of playing regularly providing if he keeps himself out of injury.

Nevertheless all the best to Owen Hargreaves and like many bros said.......keep his scoring boots at home when playing against ManU

ManU against Bolton away this Sat. Rebok stadium has been a difficult place for ManU down the road all these years especially after 2 Euro qualifiers where Rooney, Young and Smallings were involved. The trio should be able to maintain their form and I hope to see the "little green pea" in full actions this week. A win should be for ManU but will it be another 10 goals actions like 2 weeks back ?????? I will this time dropped from my chair if it even happen again. "i dont mind falling off from my chair if it is another goal feast"

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by jitlong69

ManU against Bolton away this Sat. Rebok stadium has been a difficult place for ManU down the road all these years especially after 2 Euro qualifiers where Rooney, Young and Smallings were involved. The trio should be able to maintain their form and I hope to see the "little green pea" in full actions this week. A win should be for ManU but will it be another 10 goals actions like 2 weeks back ?????? I will this time dropped from my chair if it even happen again. "i dont mind falling off from my chair if it is another goal feast"

bro, good to see u back here!

this weekend united are playing bolton at the reebok stadium. this weekend also sees the start of a 7 game fixture list over the next 22 days for united.

important games are next weds' champions league opener vs benfica and then next weekend's clash with chelski.

smalling, rooney and young who were all involved in england's 2 games last week may well be rested by sir alex against bolton. wellbeck yet to fully recover from his hamstring injury.

in their place could come fabio, 'little pea' chicharito, berbatov and park ji sung.

it's also very heartening to know that fletcher came off captaining 2 games for scotland unscathed. he will provide extra cover for cleverley and anderson.

my pick for sat's starting 11 vs bolton :

1. de gea
2. fabio
3. evra
4. jones
5. evans
6. cleverley
7. anderson
8. nani
9. berbatov
10. chicharito
11. park ji sung

[mr_missile]

SIR ALEX FERGUSON: WE'LL BE ROUGH AND READY

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Bolton to forget about kicking Manchester United off the top of the Premier League.

United travel to the Reebok tonight looking to make it four straight wins and maintain their perfect start to the new season.

The Trotters have promised United a battering from start to finish, with Kevin Davies insisting he will give defender Phil Jones and goalkeeper David De Gea a ‘good going over’.

Owen Coyle’s men are renowned for their strong-arm tactics and will relish the chance to knock United off their stride in the hope of producing a shock win.

But Fergie reckons Davies and his team-mates will be wasting their time because United have what it takes to meet fire with fire if needed.

Jones has been faultless since joining United from Blackburn in an £18m deal and Fergie has backed the teenager to handle what- ever Bolton throw at Jones has shown he is quite capable of dealing with different aspects of opponents.

“I’m sure he must have played against him last year and he probably played against the likes of (Didier) Drogba and (Peter) Crouch.

“It’s not as if he’s lacking experience of playing against players of that type, so I’m sure he will be all right.”

Fergie will be without injured duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and is expected to name another youthful side that includes new England right-back Chris Smalling.

The average age of United’s team this season has been just 23 and Ferguson reckons this has resulted in the champions upping the pace in terms of their energy levels and style of play.

Fergie added: “They’re young and when you’re young you want to run a million miles in a game, you want the ball all the time.

“They bring enthusiasm and energy because they are young and when they get to their mid-20s, they have more authority in their game, their timing is better, the control of their energy becomes better because they’ve got the
experience with it.

“While they’re young, we let them get on with it.”

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...season?cc=4716

Fergie expects Hernandez to shine again
September 9, 2011

SAF is confident tat Javier Hernandez k reproduce the goalscoring form tat saw him emerge as 1 of ManU's star players last season.

Hernandez, 23, was expected 2 take time 2 settle aft arriving @ Old Trafford fr Chivas Guadalajara last year, but he immediately adapted 2 English & European football - scoring 20 goals in a sensational debut campaign.

Tat form saw him earn plaudits the continent over & he also scooped the United Fans' Player of the Year award aft helping fire the club 2 a record 19th league title & the Champions League final.

Chicharito has been reduced 2 a watching berth so far tis season, with a combination of a pre-season head injury & the outstanding form of Danny Welbeck keeping him out of the 1st XI.

But with Welbeck now sidelined with a hamstring injury, Hernandez will make his 1st start of the season against Bolton on Saturday, & Ferguson does not fear tat the Mexico striker will suffer a bout of 2nd-season syndrome.

"When you analyse the boy, his movement in the penalty box is absolutely exceptional,'' Ferguson said. "Of all the players I've had, his awareness of decision making & getting space is as good as any.

"I don't anticipate any problem in the 2nd season becos when u hv tat kind of quality, u r going 2 be a problem 4 defenders.''

Meanwhile, Ferguson has hailed the recent performances of Chris Smalling @ right-back, but confirmed tat the England defender would be moved back in2 his favoured central position in the future.

"It fell on him really becos Rafael got his early season injury &, in the Community Shield, we had to consider the height of the ManC team,'' Ferguson said.

"We knew they were a big team so we had 2 balance out the aerial strength somewhere along the line. Bolton is another example of where the height of Smalling & his ability in the air is a big bonus 4 us.

"But we do hv 2 be fair 2 him becos we brought him here as a centre-back. His time there will come but the way he is playing @ the moment there's no need 2 change.''

[machoman]

PREMIER LEAGUE: Man Utd back on top as Rooney hits hat-trick at Bolton

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Wayne Rooney helped Manchester United power back to the top of the Premier League by scoring a hat-trick in their 5-0 hammering of Bolton.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils were irrepressible at the Reebok Stadium to make it 13 goals in their past two matches which has come courtesy of two Rooney trebles whilst Javier Hernandez chipped in with a brace for the winners today.

Hernandez returned to the starting line-up and provided an immediate impact when he turned in Nani’s perfect cross from the front post with his brilliant predatory skills in just the fifth minute.

15 minutes later and it was 2-0 to United when Rooney got on the end of Phil Jones’ pinpoint cross from the right to beat Zat Knight to the ball and toe-poke home from close range before he quickly made it 3-0 in the 25th minute with a simple tap-in for a player of his quality after Jones’ barnstorming run ended in the ball falling for him.

Hernandez helped himself to his second just before the hour-mark with an easy finish after Michael Carrick’s drive deflected off the Bolton defence and into his path and then Rooney grabbed his third in the 68th minute with a brilliant strike from the top of the ‘D’.

Substitute Ryan Giggs played a inch-perfect long ball to the right for Nani who cut it back and Rooney hammered it low past Jussi Jaasekelainen to complete the rout.

Jaaseklainen was often tested throughout the match and produced an unconvincing punch from Nani’s free-kick from the left in the 51st minute, moments before he made a brilliant save from Anderson’s free-kick from the right which was curling toward the top corner.

The Finn was helped out by Nigel Reo-Coker when he came out to meet opposing gloveman David de Gea’s dangerous long ball which ended at the feet of Hernandez but the Mexican could not get his attempt past the Trotters midfielder who had tracked back well.

De Gea had a top-quality save to make himself in the 19th minute when Ivan Klasnic forced the best out of him with a well-struck shot and the Spaniard was beaten on the hour-mark when Reo-Coker’s shot could not quite get under the crossbar despite him being under extreme duress from Patrice Evra.

However, it was a near flawless performance by the reigning champions who replaced crosstown rivals Manchester City at the summit of the table with a superior goal difference as they scored their 18th goal in just the fourth match of the season.

TRIBAL ASKS: Is Rooney the most in-form player in the world at the moment?

Bolton Wanderers: 0 Manchester United: 5 (Javier Hernandez 5’/58’, Wayne Rooney 20’/25’/68’) Reebok Stadium, Bolton

Yellow cards: BOL - Kevin Davies 13’, Mark Davies 20’ MANU - nil

Match facts: Man Utd have now won 12 of last 14 against Bolton.

Dedryck Boyata started to make his Bolton debut on loan from Man City whilst David Ngog came off the bench for his Trotters bow.

Wayne Rooney scored his 7th United hat-trick to move to 8 goals this season – two clear of City’s Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero on the Golden Boot chart.

[dom01]

That shit head Kevin Davies injuried Tom Cleverley.

[jitlong69]

Yes, Kevin Davis should be red carded before the first fifteen mintues for his fouls on Cleverly and Evra. He was very lucky still be on the pitch with only one yellow.

I dont know how would I feel if I am a player from the backline or as a goalie in one of the lesser team going to face ManU at home in Old Trafford. You wont know how many goals that will come from these bunch of ManU youngsters. In 2 games they scored 13 goals.....

Last night or rather this morning's score frankly was something that I never expect but was delighting to see.
Young looks jaded last night and performance wise IMO was not as good as previous games. Perhaps exhaustions from the Euro Qualifiers.
Rooney, is still Rooney. He is ON FIRE now. I guess we should keep fanning him and let the fire gets hotter and hotter but dont get burn out. Two hatricks in 2 games and the Bolton's game was all in open play, it was something.

Kevin Davis, has always been rough. He was very lucky. Poor Tom Cleverly wish him back in the squad asap.

Jones, had another good performance and of course Hernandez is back and his first full game.......2 goals and almost a hattrick too. His first goal was a gem. See the way he moved from the left then from the blind side of the defender to the right to score his first goal of the season. More to come from him, I am sure.

KEEP MARCHING...............
MAN U....................
KEEP MARCHING...............

[imom]

Cleverley ruled out for four weeks

Sun, 11 Sep 16:11:39 2011

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley suffered ligament damage in his foot, but no break, following a tackle by Kevin Davies during Saturday's 5-0 win at Bolton, his club have said.

United expect the England Under-21 midfielder to be out for four weeks which is an improvement on the initial forecast when they feared a fracture would have meant he was unable to play for months.

The 22-year-old will miss England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro next month but should be available for November's matches, when national team manager Capello has pencilled him in to make his debut.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/110920...our-weeks.html