Edwin Van Der Sar

Edwin van der Sar has admitted that he expects to assist boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the hunt for his replacement following his retirement at the end of the season.
Van der Sar confirmed on Thursday that he would retire at the end of the current campaign, bringing an end to a stellar 20-year career.

Dutch delight: Netherlands keeper Maarten Stekelenburg is on United's radar
Van der Sar's international compatriot Maarten Stekelenburg has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and the Ajax keeper even replaced the former Juventus and Fulham star at international level when the United goalkeeper retired from international duty in 2008.

Southampton vs. Manchester United : Match Report

After a hard first half on United that ended with a stunning goal by Chaplow in the 45th minute, Sir Alex started to change the emphasis. Nani and Giggs entered the second half to play along side with Michael Owen and Chicharito. Michael Owen scored the equalizing goal from a good cross by Nani during the 65th minute. Chicharito came on in the 75th minute to score the winning goal after losing his balance yet keeping his target on the goal. Manchester United move upwards in the F.A cup after winning the fourth round against Southampton today. Even though their was no sign of Wayne Rooney today, Sir Alex had a well prepared squad for today's match and was able to win. So its Southampton 1 - Manchester United 2.

Blackpool vs. Manchester United : Match Report

Manchester United with a great come-back, from 2-0 down, to win the game by 3 - 2. After a serious hard first half, Sir Alex Ferguson was able to switch the emphasis and impressively beat Blackpool. After half-time, on top and two goals up, it appeared Blackpool would end United's unbeaten record and achieve a result that would go down in the history books alongside the `Matthews Final' in 1953.

But those goals from Red Devils old-boy Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell were insufficient to resist United, who were galvanised by Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican struck the all-important equaliser but once again it was Dimitar Berbatov who did the damage for the rampant Red Devils, tapping home his side's first 19 minutes from time before driving home his 20th goal of the season - and his fifth in four days - to send Sir Alex Ferguson's men five points clear. So its Blackpool 2 - Manchester United 3 and with 51 points on top of the Barclays Premier League.

Berbatov: Season Expectations

Dimatar Berbatov has been especially clinical so far this season. Now having scored 17 goals for this season, the Bulgarian looks a shoe-in for this year's Golden Boot award and with Louis Nani as an assist leader having 11 assists. Berbatov could well end the season with 30 goals.

Manchester United vs. Birmingham City Match Report

Manchester United played a wonderful game and were able to score 5 magnificent goals. Berbatov opened the feast of goals in the second minute from a lovely pass by Rooney. Rayan Giggs also scored a rocket shot from a great pass by Rooney. Darren Gibson replaced Michael Carrick in the first half, since Carrick seemed slightly injured so, Sir Alex didn't want to risk anything. Berbatov ended the first half with another goal that went by Ben Foster's goal. In the second half, Fabio replaced Evra and Michael Owen replaced Rayan Giggs. Berbatov came on again to score his third hatrick this season. Afterwards, Nani scored a spectacular goal from outside the penalty box after Rooney screamed for him to shoot. Wayne Rooney was a playmaker today, and that seems to be his role so far. Birmingham played a very weak match, and gave Manchester United an easy 3 points and an extra 5 goals. Manchester United remain on top with 48 points in the Barclays Premier League. So, its Manchester United 5 - Birmingham City 0.

Team News

Manchester United's defender Rafael is forced to miss the visit of Birmingham City as he serves a one-match ban after being sent off at Tottenham last weekend.

Midfielder Paul Scholes is in contention for a return to the starting line-up after overcoming a groin strain while defenders John O'Shea and Wes Brown could also feature after injury.

Midfielder Ji-Sung Park remains unavailable as he is still on international duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup.

Carrick Chasing Top Prize

United midfielder admits points are more important than performances.

Carrick: Title-chaser

SKY SPORTS ON SKY

Michael Carrick hopes Manchester United can hit top gear soon, but admits results remain the priority.

The Red Devils currently lead the Premier League title race, with goal difference keeping them ahead of arch-rivals Manchester City.
They are, however, yet to display the kind of form which has seen them dominate the division in the past.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men may be the only side in the top flight yet to taste defeat this season, but they have suffered more than a few scares along the way.

Midfield schemer Carrick admits he would like to see United shake off the shackles and stop grinding out results, but insists coming out on top is all that matters in the long run.

Reference: www.skysports.com

Transfer Window Rumor : Barcelona To Make a Move For Manchester United Defender Rafael

Premier League Transfer News:

Manchester United have seen Rafael mature and become a first team regular and it now seems Spanish giant Barcelona are keen on signing the 20 year old.

Barcelona current right back Dani Alves is still locked in contact talks with the club and it now seems they could replace him with the young United right back.

Alex Ferguson is unlikely to accept any offer for the right back as he sees him as a star palyer for United for years to come.

Reference:http://www.puntershero.com/?p=3220

Tottenham vs. Manchester United Match Report

What a game, Tottenham put on a very exciting and tough game on Man Utd. Even though Rafael was sent off, United were able to hold on till the last minute. Although the game didn't witness any goals, it witnessed talent and strength. Manchester United leave the game with one point and at the top of the table with 45 points. So, its Tottenham 0 - Man Utd 0.

Tottenham vs. Manchester United : First half match report

A crucial, yet spectacular first half where Tottenham and Manchester United seem determined to win. Beckham remains in the crowd and will not play tonight. Van Der Vart, Peter Crouch, and Gareth Bale are a serious threat on Van Der Sar. Rafael, is playing exptionally well yet, he must watch his tackles because he cannot risk being sent off. So far its 0-0, and hopefully the second half brings excitement.

Sir Alex's Expectation against Tottenham

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar will be fit for the trip to White Hart Lane when Manchester United play Tottenham on Sunday.

The Red Devils are currently on a 20-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and Ferguson admitted all three players should be fit enough to play in the crucial fixture.

"Wayne and Nemanja have both trained well this week and should be fit for Sunday. Edwin is a little bit behind them, but he should train today and I think he'll be okay," Ferguson revealed.

"We've got a good squad available for a really big game. Both teams have had a week's rest so it should be a really fantastic game."

Reference: www.goal.com

David Beckham Returns to England

David Beckham completed his first day's training at Tottenham on Tuesday, with manager Harry Redknapp still hopeful a loan deal for the former England captain can be resolved. Will David Beckham affect on sunday's match vs. Tottenham, and might he make a problem for Manchester United.

2011 Winter Transfer

Federico Macheda has joined Sampdoria the Italian Club on loan until the end of the season. Hopefully, Frederico will return next season with some good experience.

Manchester United vs. Liverpool Match Report

Thanks to Ryan Giggs' first-minute penalty, the reward of the spot kick was highly contentious, but the red card awarded to Steven Gerrard was definitely a booking. His two-footed lunge on Michael Carrick was a certain sending off and it ultimately cost his team. After the red card, United were supposed to feel a bit more comfortable in scoring a goal, yet the attempts were good but their was no satisfying result. Manchester United secured 3 points in the F.A Cup and move on to the next round. So its Man Utd 1 - Liverpool 0.

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

In only 1 minute of the first half, Dimatar Berbatov is fouled my Agger. Giggs steps up and scores ! Rayan Giggs puts United in the lead. Its Man Utd 1 - Liverpool 0 in less than 2 minutes of the match.
Darren Fletcher is the first man in the book after a late lunge on Dirk Kuyt.

Antonio Valencia's injury.

After Antonio Valencia suffered a heavy injury a few months ago when United faced the Rangers, he was expected not to play in the 2010/2011 season. Yet a report in the Daily Mail concerns his injury and states that his recovery has been quicker than expected and that he could make a return as soon as February of 2011, three months earlier than expected.

Barclays Premeir League Table for 01/01/2011

Mancheser United lead the table with 41 points and with a 5 goal diffrenece between Manchester City.

West Brom 1 - Man Utd 2 Match Highlights

Wayne Rooney starts a new year with a lovely header played by Patrice Evra in the 3rd minute of the the first half. Marisson scores a volley in only ten minutes of Rooney's goal in the 13th minute. Gary Neville makes a bad tackle in the penalty area and was very close on giving a way a penalty for West Brom. Rio Ferdinand comes a again and makes a bad tackle and gets fouled by giving West Brom a golden oppurtinity yet, West Brom failed to score. Chicharito came on for Berbatov and scored from Rooney's corner a stunning header to give Manchester United the lead, and the three points. Chicharito and Vidic recieved a yellow card in the last minutes of the match. So its West Brom 1 - Man Utd 2.

West Brom vs. Man Utd Live Highlights

Wayne Rooney seems to have taken an ankle injury. Rooney is being treated and is entering the game again in the last five extra minutes of the game. Vidic takes a yellow card because of a bad tackle.

West Brom vs. Man Utd Live highlights.

GOAL, Chicharito scores a stunning header from Rooney's corner in the 75th minute. Its West Brom 1 - Man Utd 2.

West Brom vs. Man Utd

Rooney strikes his first open goal in the barclays premeir league since march during the first three minuted of the match. Yet, West Brom was able to strike back in ten minutes with a goal from Marrison from a nice volley. So far, its West Brom 1 - Man Utd 1.