Ahead of The Match Up : O'Shea Ignores Critics

John O'shea expected nothing less from the England center back John Terry claiming that Manchester United must defeat Chelsea.

The Reds head into the game with four points clear of Arsenal in the title race and having a 15-point advantage over the Premier League champions, Chelsea.

O'Shea said: "He's got to say that, hasn't he?

"Obviously John Terry has to keep the season alive - and we still have to play them twice."

"We have the experience but we have to show it on the pitch, it's pure and simple."

United have not won at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and O'Shea says the result, rather than the performance, is all that matters this time around.

The Republic of Ireland international added: "It is definitely a case that the result is everything, especially when it comes to big weeks like this."

"Not many people are going to remember how well we played if we win. We are on top of the league at the minute and hopefully we can keep the cushion ahead of other teams. That obviously means not losing games and going to places like Stamford Bridge and getting results. We haven't had the most favourable of results down there recently but we are looking forward to the challenge of trying to put that right."

Sir Alex's Expectation From Paul Scholes

Sir Alex has stated that signing Paul Scholes for another new one-year contract will be an important factor for the club.

Sir Alex added that there is a place for Paul on the coaching team after his retirement since a player like Paul is always needed whether on the pitch or off it.

It has often been suggested that the former England international would end up playing for Oldham Athletic - the club he supported as a boy.

However, his current manager believes he has enough quality to stay at the top for at least another year.

Ferguson told the Sunday Mirror: "I want Paul Scholes to stay, but he is such a proud person."

Sir Alex understands that Paul wishes to play in every game, but Paul should try to fit in into the game plans because he as an important factor." I have been sparing him in some games and using him in important matches since he is of fantastic value to us".

"Paul has a place on the staff here when he retires and everybody at United wants him to stay on."

Wigan Athletic 0 - Manchester United 4 : Match Report

Javeir Hernandez opened the feast of goals in the first 17 minutes of the first half. During the second half, United were able to put on a greater pressure on there opponents by scoring another 3 goals. Chicharito came on and scored a double during the 75th minute from a great play by Wayne Rooney who passed it to Chicharito who was left one on one with the goal keeper and was able to finish beautifully. Chicharito was replaced by Berbatov and was certainly a great choice because he was able to create the third goal. In the 85th minute Berbatov alongside Rooney made a great run on the Wigan goal where Rooney made a simple great finish. Darren Gibson who came on for Paul Scholes played well, yet Fabio comming in for Nani was great. During the 87th minute, Fabio Da Silva scored an important goal in his career after one minute of comming on. So its Wigan 0 - Man Utd 4.

With today's three points, Manchester United move at the top of the table away from the other teams. United seem to be getting closer to the premeir league title

A Word From The Captain

Nemanja insists that the premier league table does not lie.

Despite moving into top spot, Manchester United are still being forced to fend off critics.

It is a subject that irritates Sir Alex Ferguson judging by his program notes ahead of last week's encounter with Crawley.

However, his side's performance against the non-leaguers, followed by a drab display in Marseille, when even Ferguson admitted "nothing happened" have again raised question marks about United's title credentials ahead of a run of three away games, that include trips to Chelsea and Liverpool.

Vidic does not believe they have any foundation.

"I am not surprised by where we are. The table shows where we should be," said the United skipper.

"In some games we scored a goal in the last minute but there were others, at Everton and Fulham for instance, when we conceded them. We are where we are. We have the points we should have overall."

Three more are imperative on Saturday.

United have never failed to beat Wigan and now is not a great time to start given Roberto Martinez's men have been stuck in the relegation zone for the past couple of months and those tricky trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield loom immediately afterwards.

Even though Ryan Giggs is the only absent from Wednesday night that Ferguson is reasonably confident of having available, the Red Devils' greatest danger would appear to be looking too far ahead. Not that Vidic is expecting that to happen.

"As players we don't have that kind of mentality," he said. "We are just taking it game by game. We have important matches to play but the next one is Wigan. We have to take the three points. I believe we can."

Olympique Marseille 0 - Manchester United 0 : Match Report

It was a good match, nothing special in it. Marseille had some good chances, yet the Manchester United defense was up to the challenge. Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic kept the United defense strong. Van Der Sar kept his goal clean and was able to keep it clean all match. Wayne Rooney who is only assisting and not taking chances should have been placed in a better position due to his form. Berbatov had some good chances, yet was unable to execute them much. Nani kept the ball in his feet and tried to create some chances, yet non were taken properly. Patrice Evra who was happy to play such a much since he is french played wonderfully. He should be the man of the match because he showed the players how playing should be.

Manchester United will host the next match at Old Trafford hoping to secure a postion in the champions league.

What Keeps Ryan Giggs Continue

After signing another year with Manchester United, the legend of Ryan Giggs continues.

And yet, alongside the deeds of Lionel Messi and the young prodigy Jack Wilshere stands another compelling image.

A left winger, boots dusted by touchline chalk, sidles up to the full-back. He shows him the ball, hesitates for half a second, drops a shoulder, flicks with the outside of his left boot, then challenges him to a foot race.

Anticipation gives him half a yard's grace and natural sprinting speed takes him to the byline to strike his searching cross.

The maneuver would be admirable in a teenager. In a man of 37, it beggars belief.

Ryan Giggs brought off this trick within the final 10 minutes of a spirited Manchester derby.

"It did not have the feel of a predestined tactic, instead, it seemed entirely spontaneous". Given that situation, that is what he does. That is what he has done for the past 20 years. And still he has the skill and the speed to make it work.

Manchester United 1 - Crawley City 0 : Match Report

Well, what was supposed to be an exciting match with many goals turned out to be a simple match with only one goal. Wes Brown was able to score a goal from a pass by Darren Gibson in the 28th minute. Brown broke the deadlock after scoring an important goal in his career. Wayne Rooney came on during the second half yet, was unable to take his chances fully. Brown received a yellow card because of a bad tackle. Bebe who had so many chances in the game unwisely put himself in a fight with Mcfadden after a harsh tackle. Crawley were able to turn the pressure on Manchester United in the last 10 minutes of the game were Crawely was able to reach Lindergard's bar yet they were unlucky. Well, Manchester United gained three points and move on to the next round in the F.A cup. So its Manchester United 1 - Crawely 0.

Manchester United vs. Crawley City : Goal

GOAL ! Manchester United are now in front because of Wes Brown's goal in the 28th minute. The goal was simply amazing as Gibson gave in a pass to Brown and he flicked it into the corner of Crawley's net. So far its 1-0 for United.

Michael Carrick Expectation vs. Crawely

Michael Carrick has insisted Manchester United will not take Crawley Town lightly in Saturday's FA Cup tie. If the Blue Square Premier side prevail at Old Trafford it would be the greatest shock in the competition's history. However, midfielder Carrick maintains that United must show their opponents the utmost respect and approach the game in their usual professional manner to make sure of a place in the quarter-finals. Sir Alex has no wish to be on the wrong end of a massive upset.

Gary Neville Takes Charge Of Academy Training

Recently retired United legend Gary Neville has taken his first few steps to becoming a coach at Carrington. The 35-year-old has been linked with a media career at Sky Sports, but it's understood he wants to become a trainer - for now. The former right-back has this week over-seen training of some of the Academy players...

Neville hung-up his boots earlier this month, after a prolonged spell on the touchline. He has suffered from a spate of injuries, and over the past few seasons surrendered his captaincy to Ryan Giggs, before the armband was given to Rio Ferdinand, and more recently - Nemanja Vidic. However, Neville's career at Old Trafford is far from being over. The former England defender is well on his way to becoming a full-time coach at the club.

This week, Neville over-saw training with a group of players from the world-renowned Manchester United Academy at the Carrington Training Centre. Sky have reportedly contacted Gary on the possibility of replacing Andy Gray in the gantry at Sky Sports, but it he is set to turn-down the offer and work with youngsters at the club.
Neville, whose family have been closely connected with the club over the last 20 years, will remain as close to The Red Devils with the news that the retired full-back will work to achieve FA coaching badges at United. Sir Alex Ferguson sees the 602-timed-capped footballer as one of the former stars to bring through the next group of world-class players.

Lyon Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris Would Welcome A Move to Man United

London, England (Sporting Alert) — Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hinted that he would welcome a move to join English Premier League side Manchester United in the summer.

“It’s one of the clubs with the most titles in the world. So, of course, they’re one of the teams I dream about playing for.”

But despite his comments, Lloris played down any move and revealed that he is currently happy at Lyon.

The Premiership leaders have already captured the Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, but he is not expected to be the first choice right away.

Why do goal keepers go for Manchester United ? Maybe because of their history, or maybe because of their title domination ?

Park Ji-Sung Injury

Park Ji-Sung's return has been put on hold after the South Korean midfielder suffered an injury in training.
The squad had been playing without him for the past six weeks while he was at the Asian Cup in Qatar, and he now faces another month on the sidelines.
Park injured a hamstring injury on Friday ahead of the Manchester derby, and will now miss United's European Champions League last-16 clash with Marseille in France on February 23.
"It was very unfortunate because it was his last kick of the ball in training," said Sir Alex Ferguson on Tuesday.
The winger has not played for the English Premier League leaders since the 2-0 win over Sunderland on December 26.
Park was part of the South Korean squad which reached the semifinals of January's Asian Cup before losing to eventual champions Japan.
Park will also miss Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match with non-league minnows Crawley Town as well as Premier League trips to Wigan, Chelsea and Liverpool, but may be back in time for the second leg against the French champions on March 15.

In better news for United, Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia is back in training after breaking his ankle in a Champions League match against Scottish side Rangers in September.
"Valencia started training with the reserves on Saturday," Ferguson said. "So he's on his way back and that will be a real boost to have him available for the run-in."

Berbatov Sets for Another 20 Goals

After spending most of Saturday's derby on the bench, and watching Wayne Rooney taking over the headlines, the Bulgarian said : "Everything's going well for me this season and if we can win the title it will be even better." Berbatov added that its his main wish. "If in May we've won the title and I'm there to lift it, then it would be a personal best for me." Winning the 19th league title is very important at Manchester United. " I'd love to do that for Alex Ferguson, who's been here almost 25 years, as well as my team-mates and the fans."

Berbatov has scored 19 league goals this term and he hopes to double that tally before the end of the campaign.

He said: "We still have a lot of games left in the league, as well as matches in the FA Cup and the Champions League. We want to reach the final in both those competitions, so that gives me plenty of time.

"My ambitions have always been high, so I'll try and score another 20 by the end."

Berbatov was clearly impressed with Rooney's winner in the 2-1 victory over arch-rivals City.

He said: "When you consider all the attributes forwards need, Wayne is No1 in my opinion. He's the best forward I've ever played with."

Rooney Hails His 'Best' Goal Ever

Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney said his wonder overhead strike that secured a 2-1 derby win over Manchester City was the best of his career.

Rooney said to the BBC Sport : "As soon as I hit it, I knew it was in and it's definitely the best goal I've scored, it was a special feeling. The fans deserve that from me because I've not had the best of seasons."

Rooney's late strike sent United seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and eight points ahead of City.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with Rooney's goal, calling it the best he has seen at Old Trafford.

"It was stunning," he said. "Unbelievable.

"We've had some fantastic goals here but in terms of execution, you'll never see that."

Manchester United 2 - Manchester City 1 : Match Report

After a spectacular game today, Manchester United was able to keep the undefeated home record here at Old Trafford. Louis Nani opened the game from a great cross by Ryan Giggs in the 40th minute. Even though David Silva was able to tie up the match, Wayne Rooney scored one of the most magnificent goals of the league by scoring a double kick from Nani's long cross. Dimatar Berbatov came in for Anderson, and had some good chances, yet he wasn't unable to produce any goals from those chances. Ryan Giggs received a yellow card from a bad tackle on Carlos Teves who played a great match, yet the Manchester United defense were able to stop him a handful of times. So its Manchester United 2 - Manchester City 1.

Possible Line Up for 12/2/2011's Derby

-Edwin Van Der Sar at goalkeeping.

-Rafael Da Silva, Chris Smalling for Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Patrice Evra in defense.

-Louis Nani(attacking midfield), Anderson, Fletcher, and Ryan Giggs in midfield.

-Wayne Rooney and Dimatar Berbatov at attack.

-Chicharito and Michael Owen as substitute strikers, Gibson and Carrick as substitute midfielders.

Darren Gibson or Michael Carrick might start the game instead of Anderson since Gibson is required to play, while John Oshea who might be an option instead of Rafael if he seems focused during practice.

So, United welcome Manchester City tomorrow at Old Trafford hoping to secure the league title by this deciding win.

A Futuristic Transfer : The Argentinian Wonderkid

Manchester United, have reportedly approached Argentina’s new striking phenomenon Juan Iturbe. Sir Alex Ferguson had reportedly that Man Utd scouts were sent to watch the young Argentinian genius for some time. Juan was able to shine in the South American under-20 championship, where he scored the all-important match winning goals against Brazil and Chile successively.

Just last month, Iturbe agreed to play for FC Porto and then move to Europe when he’s 18. But the latest report says that Manchester United can’t wait till 12 months. Hopefully, Manchester United will try to offer such a player an opportunity at Old Trafford.

Since he will be unable to leave before the age of 18 following a contract dispute with former club Cerro Porteno, he will continue to train with Argentine club Quilmes until he comes of age, although the Cerveceros once more will be unable to register or play the talented forward.

Let’s just keep our fingers crossed and see how the whole transfer gossip unfolds as the days go by, but according to the rumours Iturbe will end up playing for Man Utd at Old Trafford one day !

Darren Fletcher : Title Race.

Darren Fletcher says that the pressure is still on Manchester United in the title race for the Premier League.

Even though Manchester United are leading the table, despite Saturday's lost vs. Wolves, United are very capable of continuing a great season. Fletcher knows that the 19th title will not come easy.

Fletcher: "You have got to earn the title. Nobody gives you the trophy. The team that wins the league will be the team that deserved it and showed the best form throughout the season.

"We've got to go to Liverpool and Arsenal, still play Chelsea twice and we have Manchester City this weekend.

This week's derby vs. City is going to be hard on United's defense, yet it might be a great chance for a young player to shine.

"But we enjoy big games. This club is all about performing and rising to challenges."

"We are looking to kick on and keep winning these matches," said Fletcher. "The Premier League has shown that it is getting even more competitive. There have been so many shock results this season. We have to be wary of that and make sure we go into every game in top form."

Pepe Reina open to Manchester United switch :

Pepe Reina claimed that it is normal for a player to win a title, so he wanted to move out towards Manchester United putting Liverpool on alert.

Ten months ago the Spaniard signed a fresh six-year deal with the club but warned that he could follow international team mate Fernando Torres, who completed a £50million switch to Chelsea last week, out of Anfield in a bid to further his ambitions.

United are actively searching Europe for a follower to Edwin van der Sar after he announced that he will retire from the game at the end of this season and Reina, one of their main targets, has admitted that Liverpool's absence from the Champions League has given him thoughts for transfering.

"I can't do or say anything; I renewed my contract with Liverpool last year. But what a player wants, logically, is to challenge for titles."

He added: "I would like to think that the departure of players does not mean that we are slipping.

"I think Liverpool will always be a big club but we have to be realistic and the reality is that right now we are not at the level of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal. That's the truth.

What might change if Reina joined Manchester United ? Yet leaving Liverpool is not an easy transfer.

Preparations for Saturday's Derby vs. City

Sir Alex Ferguson will have his fingers crossed so he can avoid a defensive crisis in international week in the run up to Saturday’s Old Trafford derby against City.

The Reds boss has already lost Rio Ferdinand, who suffered a calf injury in the warm-up before United’s match at Wolves on Saturday. Yet, Chris Smalling will do.

Some of the international calls for this week are :

-Rafael and Anderson who are called with the Brazil squad in Paris to play France on Wednesday.
-Captain Nemanja Vidic is away with Serbia to play Israel in Tel Aviv and that will also cause Fergie some concern.
-Rooney will be in Denmark with England.

-Javier Hernandez has got a long-haul trip to be with Mexico in Atlanta to play their friendly against Bosnia.

Sir Alex will hopefully have a full squad on call to face City as the Reds look to bounce back from the shock 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Saturday that demolished their attempts to set a club record of 30 matches unbeaten in the Premier League.

So, hopefully Manchester United should be ready for Saturday's game vs. City at Old Trafford.

The darkest day : 6 Feb 1958

February 6th will forever be circled on the calendars of everyone connected with Manchester United.

On that day in 1958, the darkest day in United's history, 23 people - including eight players and three members of the club's staff - suffered fatal injuries in the Munich air crash.

Flying back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade, the team plane stopped in Germany to refuel. The first two attempts to take off from Munich airport were aborted; following a third attempt, the plane crashed.

Twenty-one of the people on board died instantly. Aeroplane captain Kenneth Rayment died a few weeks later from the injuries he sustained while Duncan Edwards - one of the eight victims from the team - passed away 15 days after the crash. The tragedy is an indelible part of United's history, as is Sir Matt Busby overcoming his injuries to build another great team which won the European Cup 10 years later.

Roger Byrne (28), Eddie Colman (21), Mark Jones (24), David Pegg (22), Tommy Taylor (26), Geoff Bent (25), Liam Whelan (22) and Duncan Edwards (21) all died, along with club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley.

Eight journalists died - Alf Clarke, Tom Jackson, Don Davies, George Fellows, Archie Ledbrook, Eric Thompson, Henry Rose, and Frank Swift who was a former Manchester City player. Plane captain Ken Rayment perished, as did Sir Matt's friend Willie Satinoff. Travel agent Bela Miklos and crew member Tom Cable also died.

We will never forget.

After this horrible incident, Manchester United grew larger and larger reaching people from all around the world.

MW: "History is what makes us United today, without it we're just Manchester, and not United".

Wolverhampton 2 - Manchester United 1 : Match Report

After a well played match by Wolves tonight, Manchester United's record was beaten. Louis Nani opened tonight's match in only three minutes, Nani got past the defender very quickly and managed to put in the goal from a very tight angle. Wolves equalized and were able to concede and hold on till the end of the match. Chris Smalling and Chicharito were supposed to be the match's turning point, yet were not able to turn the game into a draw or a win. Even though Manchester United lost the three points today, still Manchester United remain on top with 54 points and Arsenal in second with 50 points. Congrats to all Wolves fan who remain the last team in the Barclays Premier League. So its Wolverhampton 2 - Manchester United 1. Its all right boys, we'll get'em next time.

Neville staying for the season

Gary Neville has confirmed his intention to remain within the Manchester United fold for the remainder of the season.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement with immediate effect on Wednesday night, bringing an end to a stellar career that brought him eight Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and 85 England caps.
In an extensive interview with MUTV, Neville confirmed it had been a decision he had been thinking about for some time and his performance against West Brom on New Year's Day turned out to signal the end.
However, although there has been speculation about a media career with Sky, or a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom team, Neville does not have any concrete plans, although he will stay with the Red Devils in the short-term to help out behind the scenes.
"I am going to stay at the club until the end of the season and do some coaching because I have got my coaching badge to complete," he said. "But at this moment in time my mindset isn't to go into coaching or management full-time".
"I have been working for a football club every day for 20 years. I definitely want to try and continue my relationship with this club, even if it is just as a fan. But I want to have 12 months to gather my thoughts. I don't want to rush into another relationship quickly. I want to ease off a little bit and just relax. I need to chill out."

Wayne Rooney: Season Expectations

Wayne Rooney has insisted that Manchester United have not written off Chelsea as challengers in the Premier League title race, despite holding a ten-point advantage over them.

"We certainly haven't written Chelsea off," Rooney told the BBC. "They are a big, strong side and we know if anyone is capable of going on a run it is them. But we know it's up to us where the title goes."

Rooney said that he hoped his goals would kick-start in his own scoring form because before facing Villa, he had scored only twice in the Premier League this season.

"Obviously I want to score. As a striker you want to score goals but I have been happy with my performances, apart from the Blackpool match last week. "

Rooney added "I'm delighted to have scored and hopefully I can go on a run now and help the team to win games."

Its true that Rooney hasn't been in top scoring form this season, yet his role this season was to assist and be the playmaker.

Manchester United 3 - Aston Villa 1 : Match Report

Wayne Rooney opened the night in only 56 seconds by scoring a stunning volley from Van Der Sar's goal kick. Again, Wayne Rooney was able to double his goals by scoring at the end of the first half from a beautiful lob from Louis Nani. Darren Fletcher the man who turned 27 today was substituted by Anderson because of an eye injury. Darren Bent was able to penetrate Manchester United's defence and score a good goal and give Aston Villa hope yet, Nemanja Vidic hammered in his second goal against Aston Villa this season from a rocket shot that flew into Aston Villa's goal. Wayne Rooney should have scored his hatrick, yet the Aston Villan goalkeeper was able to stop him beautifully alot of times. Louis Nani also had his chances but Dimatar Berbatov wasted an unbelievable oppurtunity. So, after today's win Manchester United rise to the top of the Barclays Premier League table even more with 54 points ahead of all the teams and yet remain undeaftable. So its Manchester United 3 - Aston Villa 0.