Manchester United News and views

Old Trafford's exclusive Audi car park will be available for every home match until the end of the 2010/11 season.

2010-12-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

Providing secure parking for Audi drivers attending each game, it is located in front of the North Stand allowing easy access to all areas of the stadium. All Audi drivers can apply for a complimentary space online.

So, if you are an Audi driver and are coming to any of the home matches, follow the links to apply for your parking pass. Please note that you can apply for as many matches as you like. You will first be asked to login or register on the site if you have not already done so. You will then be asked to provide some additonal information about your Audi car before submitting your entry.

Successful entries will be e-mailed prior to the relevant match with the complimentary car park voucher. It is important that you bring this voucher with you to the match. Please remember that this offer is only open to Audi drivers and only those driving an Audi will be admitted into the car park.

Applications are now being taken for the Barclays Premier League fixture against Sunderland on 26 December, click here to apply, and the game against Stoke on 04 January, click here to apply.

Keep checking back here for future details about how to apply for forthcoming fixtures. Click here to check ticket availability for upcoming games.

Anderson Signs New Four And Half Year Deal With The Club

2010-12-16T23:33:00.000-08:00

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract, keeping him at the club until at least 2015.

The Brazilian has been on the fringes of the first team after a long spell out through injury, but recent performances have demonstrated to his boss that there is still more to come from the young protege.

Anderson had a fantastic game against Valencia in the Champions League earlier in the month, rounding off the performance with the equalising goal.

"We are delighted Anderson has signed a new contract," said Sir Alex Ferguson to the club's official site.

"Anderson has developed tremendously since joining the club and he has fantastic potential at only 22 years of age, he is going to be a really top player."

The midfielder himself was also elated with putting pen to paper and signing the new deal.

"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," Anderson said.

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

Nemanja Vidic: Premier League Table Is Finally Taking Shape

2010-12-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic believes that the Premier League take is slowly beginning to take form, with teams beginning to understand as to where they may end up come May.

And the centre-half predicts that the title race will also get clearer during mid-January, as he believes that some teams will fall off the pace while others will continue to push on.

"I think this is the time in the season when the table is going to change quite a bit," Vidic told United Review.

"Things have been very tight up to now, but I think that we’ll see two or three teams stepping it up and stretching ahead. By the middle of January we’ll have much more of an idea who is going to be chasing the title.

"The games come very quickly now, and we have another big one at Chelsea on Sunday, one which we must be ready for.

"From my experience this is the time when we usually come into good form. Things are looking positive at the moment, but we need to keep pushing hard and playing well."

United lock horns with Chelsea on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson Says 'Magnificent' Defence Was Key To Manchester United Defeating Arsenal

2010-12-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the Manchester United defence as the Red Devils beat Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford to go two points clear at the top of the Premier League on Monday.

“Our back four were magnificent tonight, with that foundation, it always gives us a chance. We have to play well to beat a team like Arsenal and I think we performed well tonight, particularly in the first half,” Ferguson toldSky Sports.

In an evenly balanced game the winning goal was scored by Ji-Sung Park with a first half header but Ferguson commented on the impending absence of the South Korean.

"Park's record against Arsenal is very good, and he’s in fantastic form but unfortunately we’re going to be losing him after the 26th for the Asian Cup so we’re going to miss him for seven games, which is disappointing.”

United could have doubled their lead as they were awarded a penalty after a handball by Gael Clichy and Ferguson was surprised that Wayne Rooney wasted the chance to score from the spot.

“It was an unusual penalty, and Wayne will usually keep it down and I’ve never known him to hit one over the bar. It gave Arsenal a bit of impetus but we managed to hold on.”

United can strengthen their hold on the top of the table when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face Chelsea and Ferguson is pleased with his team at the moment.

“We’ve got a difficult game against Chelsea on Sunday, it’s a very important game to come. I think our form is improving, and with the back four playing like that it gives us consistency which always gives us a chance.”

Rooney to play as a lone striker against Arsenal leaving Berbatov on the bench

2010-12-13T03:30:00.000-08:00

Dimitar Berbatov is set to be dropped from theManchester United team for Monday’s showdown against Arsenal.

The Bulgarian striker, who scored five goals in United’s last home Premier League match and is the division’s top scorer this season with 11 in 13 games, is expected to make way so Sir Alex Ferguson can field a 4-5-1 formation.

Wayne Rooney who has scored only one league goal this season, will spearhead the United attack as a lone frontman, with Anderson replacing Berbatov.

The Brazilian midfielder impressed in United’s 1-1 draw against Valencia last week and is pencilled in to make only his fourth league start of the season.

Ryan Giggs is also set to get the nod over Ji-Sung Park and Paul Scholes, who is recovering well from injury, and will return to the starting line-up after being on the sidelines since United’s Champions League win at Rangers on November 24.

Ferguson’s decision to leave out Berbatov for a home match is a surprise, even though the Bulgarian has had a curiously lop-sided season, scoring seven goals in all competitions by mid-September and then going more than two months without a goal before he plundered a record-equalling five against Blackburn Rovers 16 days ago.

Yet the United manager is poised to field a system that has served his team well in the marquee fixtures, particularly away from home, in recent years.

Ryan Giggs has demanded United be shown more respect for the 15-match unbeaten run that has propelled the Reds to within one point of the Premier League summit with a game in hand.

2010-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Welsh legend believes his Old Trafford team-mates have been underestimated following an inconsistent start to the campaign, which saw points dropped against Fulham, Everton and Bolton in the opening six matches.

Despite this, United remain undefeated and Giggs is confident the Reds are finally hitting form ahead of a blockbuster double-header of fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea.

“Every game is big but when you come up against the teams around you, it is going to be a big game. This (Arsenal) is probably our biggest game, but I will be saying the same thing next week before Chelsea. They are coming thick and fast at the moment, which is what you want,” the veteran added.

“People have not given us the respect we think we deserve. We don't think about not losing games, we just think about trying to win them. Of course, you don't want to lose but first and foremost we will be trying to win.

“We are proud of the unbeaten record and we want to keep it for as long as we can. It (disrespect) is probably down to the manner of it. Some of the draws have been frustrating. We have thrown away games that we should be winning and we have ended up drawing. But we have come back in games. We scored late on against Wolves, we came back against Bolton. We have dug results out.”

Arsenal, currently one point clear in the title race, visit Old Trafford on Monday having not beaten United since November 2008, when a Samir Nasri brace inspired Arsene Wenger’s side a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have failed to beat the Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in five fixtures since, though Giggs is more than aware of the threat posed by the Reds’ great rivals, especially French winger Nasri, who has impressed the veteran midfielder this term.

“Nasri has probably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He has scored some great goals. He has got balance and speed. He can play on either wing. He can play off the front. He is really versatile as well. He seems to have really come of age this year. When you lose a quality player like Fabregas and you can still carry on winning - that is credit to the Arsenal team.”

United's passionate worldwide fanbase has made the club's official Facebook page the fastest growing of any sports team on the planet.

2010-12-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Facebook.com/manchesterunited has now registered over five million fans since its launch, making the Reds the most followed English football team on the social networking website (source: sportingintelligence.com).

The community continues to grow, with over 500,000 fans per month choosing to engage with the club on Facebook.

“This underlines our global fanbase,” said a club spokesman. “Any look at the extent of our support reveals we have fans everywhere from Stretford to Singapore to Santiago, showing the strength of United’s appeal.”

To become a 'fan' of the club’s official Facebook page and join a global family of United supporters visit Facebook.com/manchesterunited.

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the notion of United maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the Premier League season ahead of Monday night’s table topping clash with Arsenal.

2010-12-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

With no defeats in 15 matches, the Reds league form has drawn comparisons with that of the 2003/04 Arsenal side, which achieved the rare feat of winning the title without losing a single game.

However, the United manager believes the unpredictability of this year’s Premier League has put paid to any hopes of sustaining an unbeaten record.

The boss told Magic 1152: “It won't happen again. The time Arsenal did it they had 12 draws. It was a great achievement but in this present league you cannot think for a minute you will go through undefeated.

“It is an amazing league this year. We keep looking at the points we have dropped and I am sure Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham will all be saying the same. It is a self analysis that doesn't get you anywhere. This is a funny league; we have definitely seen a tightening up of it.

“It is like the Championship where you can win two games and be back in a play-off position and then lose two and be back down to fourth or fifth bottom. The Premier League is looking that way. Sunderland were down near the drop positions, then they won a few games and got a bit of consistency. Now they are challenging for a European place. That seems to be the way this league is.”

United’s clash with the Gunners precedes a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday, in a fixture double-header that provides an opportunity to open up a substantial lead in the title race and gain the upper hand going into the New Year, though, Sir Alex is keen to stress titles are won in May, not December.

“I don't think we need to gauge how good we are," he added. "Our position in the last few years has told us that we are one of the best teams in the country. Arsenal also come into that category. The last few years ourselves and Chelsea have been fighting it our for league titles. Before that it was ourselves and Arsenal for many years.

“It is a massive game [against Arsenal] between two fantastic football teams with great history. You can't help but think it is going to be a fantastic game. I don't think whatever happens on Monday will tell you one team is better than the other at this moment in time though. What tells you something is the end of the season when you find out who has won the league. Hopefully it is us.”

Ji-sung Park has been voted Player of the Month for November by ManUtd.com readers, while Dimitar Berbatov takes home the award for Goal of the Month for the third of his five goals against Blackburn Rovers.

2010-12-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

Park was in sparkling form throughout November and turned in some key displays during a testing month for the Reds. His finest contribution was the two-goal display in the league victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, including a dramatic last-gasp winner in front of the Stretford End.

The Korean claimed 36 per cent of the votes for the award, beating Nani into first-place - the Portuguese winger came close though with 28 per cent of the electorate. The other nominees, Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick and Rafael all made strong cases for the accolade, but Park did enough to clinch it.

The Goal of the Month category was equally competitive. But Berbatov, who started and finished a sweeping attacking move that epitomised the rampant style of United's 7-1 victory over Blackburn, came out on top with 35 per cent of the votes.

That such a team effort came out on top speaks volumes for its quality, especially after edging out Bebe's stunning volley for the Reserves and Nani's own individual effort in the triumph over Rovers.

Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting United’s clash against Arsenal to be befitting of the pride and history of both clubs.

2010-12-10T23:37:00.000-08:00

The Reds go into Monday night’s game just a point behind the Gunners knowing a win will take them back to the Premier League summit.

And although Sir Alex concedes that the rivalry between the two sides hasn’t been quite as intense since the emergence of Chelsea as a major force back in the 2004/05 campaign, he still always anticipates a match full of drama whenever the pair go up against each other.

“The games, particularly four or five years ago, were so important because both of us were challenging for league titles,” said the Scot. “Chelsea have now come in and it’s been ourselves and Chelsea over the last five years.

“Nonetheless, it’s Manchester United against Arsenal and the history of both teams always guarantees a match of intensity and a lot of the time, controversy.

“I think Monday night’s game will be more or less the same because the pride and history of both clubs determine that.”

Arsene Wenger’s side have failed to secure any silverware since triumphing over United in the 2005 FA Cup final and in recent years have received much criticism for showing a lack of battling qualities needed to grind out results.

However, Sir Alex believes that’s no longer the case and considers Arsenal to be a much more mature outfit, capable of ending their trophy drought this season.

"I think the general shape of the team has been far more mature and aggressive this year," he added.

"They were very difficult to beat in the days of Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira and the three at the back - Keown, Adams and Bould. That brought them great success and I think that this team is showing that kind of maturity now.

"I think they'll still try to play the attractive football Arsene believes in, but there's definitely been a slight change.

“They’re top of the league - that’s a sure indication that they are better than they were last year and they’ll have a chance.”

Premier League plans tougher rules to make Sir Alex Ferguson talk

2010-12-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

The Premier League plans to introduce rules that would require managers and players to talk to the press after every match or face a fine, as part of a drive to improve relations with the media.

The new rules will force Sir Alex Ferguson, who has already landed Manchester United with a substantial fine for refusing to talk to the BBC this season, to reverse his refusal to talk to journalists after every match or face further penalties from next season. In recent years Ferguson has habitually failed to talk to the press after Premier League matches in contrast to almost every other manager. Instead he gives an interview to MUTV, the club's TV channel, and the Premier League's overseas broadcasting outlet.

While almost every other club conducts post-match interviews already, the new rules, if approved, would seek to introduce "minimum standards" that would prevent managers arbitrarily cancelling press conferences at the last minute. Today Ferguson cancelled a pre-match press conference before Monday's Arsenal match in protest at the reporting of comments in the run-up to the Manchester derby.

The new rules, which build on a clause introduced this season that requires managers to conduct post-match interviews with broadcasting partners, are likely to be put before the 20 clubs next June.

Ferguson has repeatedly used his influence at Manchester United to punish particular media outlets that have displeased him. He has periodically imposed bans on virtually every British media outlet at one time or another during his 24-year tenure at Manchester United but none has been nearly as long-standing as his refusal to speak to the BBC which he has maintained since 2004 and is now in breach of new rules introduced this season. The row dates back to a BBC3 documentary that made allegations about his son Jason, then an agent.

Before the new rules came in at the beginning of the season, it is believed that the League Managers Association's chief executive, Richard Bevan, attempted to mediate in the long-running row but with limited success.

Three years after the documentary was broadcast Ferguson said: "I think the BBC is the kind of company that never apologise and they never will apologise. They are arrogant beyond belief." The Scot has vowed not to speak to the corporation, despite it paying around £170m for the rights to Match of the Day, until he receives an apology. Few observers on either side of the argument expect that to happen.

But the Premier League is understood to feel there is still a chance of a rapprochement and is reluctant to reveal the size of the fine until all avenues have been exhausted. The level of the fine for Ferguson's refusal to co-operate is believed to total at least £65,000 already.

Other managers, including Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce, have refused to engage with broadcasters on occasion. The new rules would apply to all media, including press and radio, and not just to rights holders. They would require the manager, and possibly a player, from each side to be made available at post-match press conferences.

The Premier League has long grappled with how to improve access to players and managers while also seeking to take the heat out of the current adversarial system that tends to filter all interaction through the managers. There is a reluctance to impose too many strict rules in recognition of the fact that many clubs have good relations with the local and national media and well established practices. But there is also an acknowledgment that minimum standards are now required.

In American sport, there is traditionally much more open access to players and coaches, particularly for rights holders.

The proposals will be put to the 20 Premier League clubs at their end-of- season AGM and require a two-thirds majority to be passed.

SAF Calls On United Fans To End Sick Arsene Wenger Chants

2010-12-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to make a personal call to the club's supporters to end the sick chants aimed at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The two clubs face off against one another on Monday night in a top of the table clash at Old Trafford.

Previous matches between the sides at Old Trafford have seen the Frenchman routinely subjected to tasteless chants. Both Manchester United and Ferguson have gone on record before about the disgusting chant and the manager will write about the subject in his programme notes for Arsenal's visit on Monday night in the hope that it puts an end to it.

Ferguson will implore the fans not to let down the club, pointing out that they should be backing their own team rather than abusing the opposition manager. He will also appeal for an end to the offensive chants during television and radio interviews before the game between the Premier League's top two teams.

Stewards will be instructed to take strong action with supporters who are seen singing offensive chants and the club hope that ejecting fans and confiscating season tickets will get the message across.

A United spokesman told the Guardian: "We have gone on the record several times about this disgusting chant.

"We don't condone it and have appealed to fans several times in the past but to no avail.

"There are many chants that opposing fans find objectionable and this is certainly one to which all decent supporters should object.

"We will take strong action against people who chant in that way. Season tickets will be revoked and we will remove people from the ground for it."

But Andrew Mangan of the Arseblog fansite expressed misgivings about whether it will have an effect.

He said: "I think it's very welcome but I wouldn't be too confident it will stop.

"I think it's been sung so long and so often at Old Trafford that people have become desensitised to it.

"It's just another song, so they don't think about what it means."

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

2010-12-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

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."

Bharti airtel announced an exclusive partnership with Manchester United and signed a four-year partnership agreement.

2010-12-09T04:39:00.000-08:00

The partnership is a first of its kind signed between Bharti airtel and Manchester United in the African continent. Through the partnership United will support the airtel Allstars' search for young African football talent, while airtel customers will have the opportunity to win tickets to watch the Reds play at Old Traffird, take part in coaching sessions and access exclusive United news and download highlights, ringtones and wallpapers through the airtel Live mobile portal.

Manoj Kohli, CEO (International and Joint Managing Director), Bharti airtel said: “Football is the universal passion of Africa and there’s no bigger club in the world than Manchester United. I’m tremendously excited about the opportunities for airtel customers to interact with the brand, win exclusive match tickets and have the chance to train with coaches from one of the leading academies in world football.

“Manchester United’s Old Trafford home is known as the Theatre of Dreams and through this deal we hope to fulfil the dreams of thousands of airtel customers over the next four years.

"We’re also launching our ambitious airtel Allstars initiative, in association with Manchester United, to find and nurture African talent to make it right to the top of the professional game.”

Announcing the deal, Reds' chief executive David Gill said: "We’re delighted to announce a new four-year partnership with airtel Africa, one of the most innovative mobile operator in Africa. This deal gives airtel exclusive rights as the official mobile communications partner of Manchester United in 11 African markets with access to unique mobile phone content, including player interviews, goal replays and match reports.

"This groundbreaking partnership will bring the action of Manchester United direct to our millions of fans in Africa and we’re pleased to support airtel in developing the rich pool of young football talent through the airtel Allstars initiative."

airtel will be featured on ManUtd.com, which is the most visited club football website in the world. airtel customers will also have regular opportunities to take part in competitions and prize draws to win all expenses paid trips to attend matches.

Each year airtel and Manchester United will run training sessions at the Manchester United Academy, one of the world's most prestigious football training centres. There will be opportunity for customers to attend coaching sessions with United coaches in the region.

Andre Beyers, Bharti airtel's Chief Marketing Officer added: “Sport can be a powerful vehicle for social change, bringing people together and instilling values of teamwork and personal standards. Mobile communications is also a facilitator of social change and economic development, and we hope that our association with Manchester United will help drive us towards achieving those goals.”

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.

2010-12-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-12-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

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 Scholes, 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."

Nani said to reporters that Arsenal are now a bigger threat than Chelsea

2010-12-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

Manchester United midfielder Nani insists that Arsenal are a more threatening side than Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger's men are currently at the top of the Premier League and will clash with United at Old Trafford on Monday looking to strengthen their hold at the summit.

But a victory for the Red Devils will see them go to the top with a game in hand, as last week's game against Blackpool was postponed due to bad weather.

"Arsenal are a bigger threat than Chelsea now," Nani told reporters.

The Gunners have lost only one of their eight away games this term, winning five and drawing two. They have also scored 15 goals away from home, which is the most that any team has scored away from home.

And the Portugal international believes that a part of it is down to Samir Nasri, who has been in roaring form during the course of this campaign.

"Arsenal have been doing well. They are growing up in the way we are," he said. "Nasri is the most important player in the Arsenal team," said Nani.

"He is a very big danger for us and we have to take care of him."

But for his own part, Nani is relishing the prospect of taking on the north London club on Monday.

He said: "I like to play against Arsenal.

"It is good playing against any big team but I have done well against them in the past.

"The way they play gives you a chance to show your quality."

United remain as the only team yet to be beaten in the Premier League, but seven of their 15 games have ended in draws.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson's charges' last league game was a 7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers.

"Our momentum is growing," Nani said. "Players like Wayne Rooney and Anderson are starting to play fantastically again.

"It is great because our next two games are going to be very important for us.

"If we win against Arsenal and Chelsea we will be in a very good position to win the league."

Rio Ferdinand is recovering from his Hamstring injury to face Arsenal On Monday

2010-12-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

Rio ferdiand in action against valencia at Old Trafford

Manchester united midfielder Paul Scholes is rated as "doubtful" for Monday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford, but Rio Ferdinand hopes to recover in time from his hamstring injury.

Scholes has not featured for United since the win over Rangers last month, when he picked up a groin injury. He had been expected to play some part in United's 1-1 draw with Valencia at Old Trafford but suffered a minor setback in training.

SAF said: "Scholes tried training on Sunday and came off. He will be doubtful for next Monday."

However Ferguson is more optimistic about Ferdinand, who was forced out of last night's game five minutes into the second half after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.

"Rio felt it at half-time," said Ferguson. "He wanted to try it but it still felt tight. We weren't prepared to take a chance. He has six days to prepare himself for the match against arsenal and I am sure he will be okay for Monday."

Rooney and vidic delighted to top group c in the champions League

2010-12-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Rooney in action against Valencia at Old trafford

Manchester United players Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney believe that finishing top of their group was "the most important thing" after their 1-1 draw with Valencia at Old Trafford.

Anderson's second half equaliser cancelled out Pablo Hernandez's first half strike, the first goal United have conceded in the group stages, as the draw was enough to secure Manchester United top spot in the group.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, both Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic admitted the most important thing on the night was ensuring that United qualified as group winners.

Rooney said: "We knew what we had to do today and that was get the result and finish top of the group.

"I think Valencia scored against the run of play and in the second half we were on top and got the equaliser and then it was always going to be a nervous last 10 minutes as they are pushing for a goal and we are looking to top the group and I think we've done that well."

While Vidic, who was part of a defence which failed to set a record of not conceding in the group stages, admitted he was more concerned with finishing top of the group.

Both players did, however, admit United would need to improve their finishing after the home side missed a host of chances to put the game to beyond Valencia's Reach.

Vidic added: "We are concerned that we didn't take chances today. We had a nervous game."

While Rooney continued: "As Nemanja said in the last 10 minutes it was nervous where we're hanging on, but that's why we'll keep working on the training ground and then in the future games we will take them."

With United finishing top they will now face a second-placed side in the next stage of the competition, but both players believe they will face a tough contest against whoever they come up against.

When asked who United would like to meet in the next round, Vidic said: "It's hard to say as when you go into this stage of the Champions League there's no easy games. We've done what we have to do to finish top and we'll see what happens in the draw."

Rooney confidently added: "Any game now when you get through the group is going to be a difficult game and that's why you aim to finish top as mainly the best teams finish top but obviously Inter finished in second so we could meet them but it's luck of the draw - we're confident we'll beat anyone we get.

Manchester United could face either of the milanese ( AC milan or Inter Milan ) in their knock stages .

SAF to avoid Europe's Biggest Clubs In Last 16 by Finishng top in the Champions League Group Stage

2010-12-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his Manchester United team to take top spot in Champions League Group C in order to avoid Europe's biggest clubs in the next round. A point against Valencia would confirm the Red Devils as group winners

A point in Tuesday night's game at home to Valencia would see Ferguson's side win their group and in doing so, be likely to avoid Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, all of whom are currently leading their groups, in the round of 16.

Ferguson spoke of the importance of grabbing top spot, as well as Barcelona's 5-0 demolition of Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in last Monday's El Clasico.

He said: “With Barcelona, if you get them on one of their good days, they can do that to anyone. It was a marvellous performance but even before the Champions League started, they would have been one of the favourites anyway.

"They have days, though, like everyone else, when they can be beaten. But the sensible approach is to try to avoid the bigger hitters like Real, Barca and Bayern Munich, the teams who are number one in their groups at the moment.

“We can only do that if we do finish first in our group and that is what we want to do.”

Fergusion : Competativeness of the Premier League Has Increased

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the overall competitiveness of the Premier League has increased this season.

Chelsea and Arsenal have already lost four games each, whereas United have drawn seven of their 15 matches till date.

With only a handful of points separating the rest of the chasing pack, the Scot insists that this season has been a "strange" one.

Ferguson told reporters that "It is a strange Premier League this season," .

"We have to give credit to the lower parts of the league who are now catching up and condensing it into a much tighter competition.

"The table is like we are used to seeing in the Championship every year where you win two games and you are challenging for the play-off spots.

"Only a few weeks ago Sunderland were down the bottom. Now they are challenging for a European place.

"That is the kind of league we are in at the moment.

"It is difficult to assess whether it is the teams at the top who are failing or the one below them getting better.

"I think it is the lower teams getting better because the standard has improved."

Manchester United take on Valencia in their final group game in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson Sidesteps Talk Of Owen Hargreaves' Future Ahead Of Valencia Clash

2010-12-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Owen Hargreaves Manchester United future is not something he is contemplating as he prepares for his side's Champions League match with Valencia on Tuesday.

Hargreaves has had a torrid time with injuries during his United career and incurred a hamstring problem on his return to the side against Wolves last month.

Ferguson admitted he was concerned for his midfielder’s well-being, but refused to be drawn on his future at the club amid rumours he will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

"It's [Hargreaves’ contract] not something we're thinking about at this moment in time," Sir Alex told the club’s official website.

"We're all concerned, he hasn't played for over two years.

"Our biggest challenge is to get him back to a level where he can still play football. He trained so well up until the Wolves game, no qualms whatsoever, for nine or ten days.

"We were confident enough to play him, but unfortunately it's proved a disappointment."

Sir Alex confirmed Hargreaves was seeing a specialist in Munich to help with the tear in his hamstring.

Ahead of the Valencia tie, Ferguson is also without fellow injury struggler Michael Owen. He said: "Michael has no chance of being involved tomorrow.

"He returned to training in the middle of last week but we are going to make sure he gets two more weeks behind him.

"We don't want to take any risks because it was probably our fault he was injured last time."

Despite saying his side were keen to play against Blackpool at the weekend, the Scot believes the match’s postponement has helped the team stay fresh for the European match.

"You could look at it that we don't have any injuries because of it, but I think the players would rather have played," he said. "But we've trained well so I think we're ready."

If United overcome the Primera Division outfit, they will top their Champions League group and theoretically secure an easier tie in the knockout stages.

Manchester United Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar Aiming For Champions League Top Spot To Avoid ‘Bigger Teams’ In Early Knockout Rounds

2010-12-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

Edwin Van Der Sar

Edwin van der Sar has admitted that Manchester United are determined to secure top spot in their Champions League group in order to avoid Europe's heavyweights in the first knockout stage.

United host Valencia at Old Trafford on Tuesday, and Sir Alex Ferguson has no intention to rest his big players even though their place in the last 16 has already been confirmed.

He said: "We will be playing a strong side because we want to top the group. Real are top of their group, Barcelona are top, Bayern Munich are top.

"It's not that you're afraid of them but you want to keep them out of the road until later."

The Red Devils need just one point that would see them finish at the top of Group C, thus avoiding Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last 16.
Van der Sar feels that his team's chances of progress would be better served by taking a route to Wembley that avoids the Spanish giants.

He said: "It is quite clear. We are through now but we want to get top spot in order to avoid any of the bigger teams in the earlier rounds.

"That is what we want to do against Valencia."

Sir Alex Ferguson's men can go into Tuesday's game with confidence, after four successive wins since their draw with Rangers, and are yet to concede a goal.

Completing a whole group stage without conceding would represent a new record for United, and Van der Sar is pleased, even though he acknowledges that tougher tests await.

"So far we have not played against the biggest teams in the Champions League. Maybe that has something to do with it," he said. "When you start playing a higher standard of opposition it is going to become more difficult."

Valencia's visit to Old Trafford comes six days before United entertain Premier League leaders Arsenal, so Ferguson could view Tuesday as an essential part of the preperation for his senior players.

Man United one clean sheet away from record

2010-12-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Manchester United will become the first team to go through the Champions League group stage without conceding a goal if they can keep a clean sheet at home to free-scoring Valencia on Tuesday.

Their tight defence in European games has been in contrast to erratic domestic performances at the back and has often been down to promising displays by some of their younger players, who look likely to be given the responsibility once again.

United and Valencia have already qualified for the knockout round although top spot in Group C is still up for grabs. The English club, who have 13 points from five games, will win the group if they do not lose to the Spaniards, who are on 10.

With United facing important Premier League matches against leaders Arsenal and champions Chelsea in the next fortnight, manager Alex Ferguson's policy of giving his youngsters a run-around in Europe looks set to continue.

"We have some fantastic young players at the back," 31-year-old Wes Brown, whose place in defence has sometimes been taken by the new crop, told the club magazine Inside United.

"You could play a good back five with some of them in there; Ben Amos in goal, Rafael at right back, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling in the centre and Fabio at left back. That is the next generation."

While the gamble to experiment has paid off in the Champions League, a youthful United side came crashing down to earth last week when the holders lost 4-0 to West Ham United in the League Cup to end a 29-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Delighted With Performances Of On-Loan Striker Danny Welbeck At Sunderland

2010-12-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

Danny Welbeck (Sunderland)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his delight at the recent performances of on-loan striker Danny Welbeck at Sunderland.

The Red Devil's boss also confirmed that the player would be returning to Old Trafford at the end of his loan agreement, therefore dashing Sunderland manager Steve Bruce's hopes of securing Welback on a permanent deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 20-year-old, who will spend the rest of the season with the Black Cats, has been enjoying an impressive spell of form at the moment and has scored four goals in his last three games.

Ferguson has been excited by his recent displays and insisted he will call the forward back to his parent club in May, after a full term of Premier League experience.

"The boy is a fantastic talent but the problem for Danny was that he wasn't getting enough football," he told The People.

"You had to go back to our youth games, two-and-a-half years ago, for the last time he played more than four games in a row. He also had problems in growing, in terms of his strength."

Welbeck sustained a knee injury last season whilst on another loan spell with Preston North End and had to come back to Old Trafford as part of his recovery.

"Then he got injured and had to have a knee operation. That could have been down to a lack of strength in his thigh and knee area," Sir Alex added.

"But the strength is starting to come now. His physique is settled now and he's starting to put on muscle.

"He's a big, big lad - 6ft 2ins or 6ft 3ins. He played well against Chelsea and Everton.

"He's doing brilliantly and he comes back to us at the end of his loan. “

Indeed, Welbeck's performances this season have seen him rise up the Castrol Rankings in recent months. The youngster is now rated as the 1592nd best player in Europe's top five leagues.