English Comment: Don’t Worry Manchester United, No Other Big Guns Beat Birmingham City At Home Either

Dropped points no sign of Premier League title slump.

By Matt Monaghan at St Andrew's

Dec 29, 2010 4:50:00 AM

Forget Anfield, Eastlands or Stamford Bridge, Birmingham City's St Andrew's is the true Premier League fortress.

Unbeaten by a big six side at home for 18 months, Alex McLeish's men held on to the record on Tuesday night thanks to a controversial 89th-minute strike that had Rio Ferdinand calling foul and Edwin van der Sar offside. 

Lee Bowyer's intervention at the back post not only brought the Blues' support to their feet but  injected new life into the title fight. Although United return to pole position, the fallibility of the early months of the campaign made a welcome return in the eyes of the chasing pack.

Before Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur get too excited, however, they should all look at their own recent history in the second city.

While Carlo Ancelotti's charges are the only heavyweight to fall to defeat, critical points have been dropped by all. The Gunners' faltering challenge fell apart thanks to a Manuel Almunia gaffe in March, while then City boss Mark Hughes' fatal run of stalemates included one at the ground. 

Arsenal are next in the firing line on New Year's Day, with City to follow on February 1.

Since promotion back to the top flight in time for the start of last season, Alex McLeish has imbued his team with a desire unable to be stamped out by the big guns.

Certainly, St Andrew's imposing - and decaying - exterior is a culture shock to the visiting superstars spoiled by the exclusive facilities on offer at the likes of Old Trafford. Its location within a tough Birmingham neighborhood must also unsettle the nerves.

Pin-ups such as Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney play within sedate 60,000-plus crowds at the Emirates and Old Trafford. No such timidity is present at St Andrew's.

The 30,009 baying Brummies create a tinderbox atmosphere hard to match in the division. While this can certainly - and unforgivably - step over the mark, such as the ugly scenes in the recent derby with Aston Villa, big egos from visiting stars can be shrunk to size with a choice chant.

A tussle between Anderson and Barry Ferguson was greeted enthusiastically in the terraces. Wayne Rooney's repeated efforts to find the back of the net were met with a humor likely to further rile the Scouse firebrand.

This further ensures that McLeish's watertight tactics are given the backing they deserve. From every towering header from Roger Johnson, to each snapping tackle from Ferguson and a round of applause for each run down the channel from shot-shy striker Cameron Jerome, the pressure on the chalk board is carried through by the fans.

The Scot himself took the chance to bemoan the lack of goals from his side in his post-match press conference. While this slackness was an Achilles heel during the recent defeat to lesser lights Wolverhampton Wanderers, a rigid 4-5-1 against potential champions achieved the desired effect.

Even attacking outlets Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson put in a shift for the team. Anyone who shirks responsibility, no matter reputation, will get an earful.

This was exemplified by Gardner's attack on Alexander Hleb after the mercurial summer signing failed to track back once he was thrown in to the action as a substitute. Never mind that the Belarus international can point to spells at Arsenal and Barcelona on his CV.

This team spirit and commitment has ensured the Premier League big dogs now fear the trip to St Andrew's. Arsenal, you have been warned.

Sir Alex Ferguson Blasts Referee & Claims Draw With Birmingham City Is 'Terribly Harsh' On Manchester United

Scot angry at Lee Mason for allowing late Bowyer equalizer.

By Gill Clark

Dec 28, 2010 5:47:00 PM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t conceal his anger at the referee after a controversial late goal by Lee Bowyer salvaged a draw for Birmingham City.

The Red Devils looked to be heading for victory after Dimitar Berbatov had opened the scoring but were forced to settle for a draw after Bowyer scored after being set up by Zigic who looked to have handled the ball in the build up to the goal.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game the Scot blasted the officials for allowing the late equalizer but refused to blame his players for the late capitulation.

“[It’s a] handball, foul on the center-half he went right through him, handball, if the referee can’t see that, what chance have you got?” explained the Scot.

“That’s why we expect in a game of that importance you need a referee to see that. If he can’t see that what chance have you got? I can’t fault my team tonight. They worked hard, they’ve run their socks off with little rest. It’s hard on them, it’s hard.”

Ferguson also insisted the result was “terribly harsh” on his side who he claimed had been the better team.

“I think it [the result] is terribly harsh, I think we outplayed them in the second half and we didn’t deserve that,” he added.

“But football’s a funny game, it’s a tight league, it’s a difficult place to come to here, every team that comes here has a difficult game.

"I think we deserved to win the game, we were the better team and maybe we should have finished them off after we went 1-0 up and the number of times we counter-attacked against them, we just needed a bit more care in the final pass or finish, but otherwise it’s just one of those days, unfortunate.”

Despite dropping two points, United remain top of the table and Ferguson remained bullish about his team’s title chances.

“I think we’ve a chance, at this moment in time there are five or six teams that are all contesting that area at the top of the league,” he said.

“I always say if you get to New Year and you are in that front position then Manchester United have a big chance then.”

Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United: Red Devils Reclaim Top Spot Despite Bowyer’s Last-Minute Equalizer

Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League table despite Lee Bowyer's last-minute equalizer for Birmingham City.

United usurped Manchester City but could not end Birmingham's 18-month run without a home defeat to top-six opposition.

Blues manager Alex McLeish battened the hatches for the visit of their glamorous opponents. Cameron Jerome was utilized as the lone front man, with Nikola Zigic sacrificed for Jean Beausejour who helped form a compact midfield-five.

For United, there was one change from the side that dispatched Sunderland 2-0 on Boxing Day. Darron Gibson was handed his first Premier League start of the season in place of Ji-Sung Park, who had traveled to Qatar to represent South Korea in the Asian Cup.

In a foggy St Andrew's, the opening minutes saw the two teams trade possession without any real openings. Wayne Rooney's desperation to end his nine-month top flight spell without a goal in open play saw him shoot wide of ex-United colleague Ben Foster's post on seven minutes, then curled a tame effort into his hands four minutes later before he blasted over on 16 minutes.

While Rooney can't buy a strike at present despite the riches from his new contract, Ryan Giggs nearly netted one of the flukiest efforts of his career. The Welshman over-hit a cross that was tapped onto the bar in acrobatic fashion by Foster in the 18th minute.

Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson Warns Against Role Of Agents In Running Of Clubs

Scot voices concerns at nature of Sam Allardyce's dismissal

By Laurie Bonne

Dec 19, 2010 2:22:00 PM

Following Sam Allardyce’s sacking as Blackburn Rovers manager, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that football agents hold too much power these days and that their influence is considerably affecting teams' stability.

Although Allardyce had performed well to keep Rovers in the Premier League on a limited budget for the past two years, he was dismissed earlier in the week by the club's new Indian owners Venky's.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson expressed his concern about the role of agencies Kentaro and SEM Group in Venky’s decision to sack his friend Allardyce.

"I think it's very difficult these days [to build a club] with the life we're in now," he said.

"There's intense pressure on managers. You've got that issue at Blackburn of an agent involved and deciding the future of the club, Jerome Anderson [of the SEM Group], he couldn't pick his nose.

"It's baffling and it's a serious threat to how clubs get run and how they conduct themselves.”

Premier League authorities fear that “undue influence” may be exerted on the Rovers’ backroom and are scrutinising the club’s way of functioning.

Ferguson, who broke Sir Matt Busby’s record to become United's longest-serving manager on Sunday, is convinced that as football changes due to off-pitch factors, stability and long-term 
plans have become harder to craft.

"It's becoming trendy to sack a manager in difficult circumstances and I just wonder whether Blackburn thought, 'You know, if Newcastle  can do it, we can do it'," he said.

“If Sam had won on Sunday, they'd have gone fifth in the league. But he still would have got sacked because they would have said they should be fourth.

"I don't know the answers to it, but what I can say is that a manager's job, whatever he's getting paid, it's not worth it.”

Man Utd approached by sensational offer to take Tevez back

20.12.10 | Andrew Slevison

READ MORE NEWS ON: Carlos Tevez, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City

Manchester United have reportedly been approached by an offer to takeManchester City wantawayCarlos Tevez back.

A party closely connected to Tevez made contact with the league leaders recently to see ifSir Alex Ferguson would be up for having the Argentine back at Old Trafford after Tevez handed in a transfer request last week.

But sources indicate that Ferguson will not entertain the thought of having the former West Ham striker back at the club and City, a win away from claiming top spot on the league table, will not be bowing to the pressure the club captain has put on them by wanting a January move.

Wayne Rooney: Manchester United Are Unlikely To Match Arsenal's Invincibles By Going Whole Premier League Campaign Unbeaten

Finish above Chelsea and we win the title, says striker

By Adithya Ananth

Dec 19, 2010 2:00:00 PM

photo of wayne rooney

The Gunners' side of 2003-04 season won the Premier League without losing a single game, as their final record read 26 wins and 12 draws from the normal 38 games.

And should United match that feat, it will only be the third time in the history of English top-flight football that such an occurrence would have come to pass, as only Preston North End preceded the north London club by remaining unbeaten - in the Football League's inaugural 22-match season of 1888-89.

Rooney believes that the odds are against United matching the aforementioned 'Invincibles' teams, but remains confident that another United Premier League title triumph could be on the cards.

This, he believes, can be achieved simply by finishing above Chelsea.

"It will be difficult to emulate Arsenal," Rooney told The News of the World. 

"If we did it would be a great achievement, but I think it's unlikely.

"However, I think if we finish above Chelsea at the end of the season we will win the league."

On a personal note, Rooney insisted that he is as fit as a fiddle and is raring to kick in to top form.

The forward had a tumultuous period both on and off the pitch, as poor form and controversial circumstances in his personal life took a toll on him. But an ankle injury saw him being given time off to go on a vacation, and he was packed away to the United States for intensive training after his time off.

"I feel good and, of course, I am happy to be back.

"I have played in the last four games and the whole team has been playing well. We are in a good position, we've managed to get to the top of the league so it's looking good at the minute.

"I did a lot of training when I was in the States and now I feel good towards the end of games. I'm still going to get stronger.

"I trained in the States from 9am to 7pm and sometimes after training I'd play squash.

"I did some marathon running, tennis and basketball, all different things at the end of the session and that has obviously helped."

Concerning the desire to win the league, he added: "I want to keep playing, help the team win and, obviously, the main goal [is] to try and win the Premier League back.

"It hurt us a lot last year not winning it and we're hoping we can do that this year."

When it comes to winning the title, the Red Devils would have ideally liked to have had all their top performers available in the push to win the league. But midfielder Park Ji-Sung - who scored the only goal in the victory over Arsenal - will miss a few games owing to the Asian Cup.

Rooney - who missed a spot-kick in the same encounter - maintained that the goal scored by the South Korea international against the Gunners was no fluke, as he said: "He nicks some vital goals for us.

"And he definitely meant his one against Arsenal. You could see the body shape and the way he moved his head.

"It's just a shame he's away for five weeks with South Korea in the Asian Cup. But it was a great result for us, massive. We knew if we won we would go back to the top of the league.

"We limited Arsenal's chances and defended really well. Once we went 1-0 up we were quite comfortable.

"Now we need to be consistent. We haven't lost in the League this season but we've had too many draws so far. However, all the top teams are dropping points so we must now take advantage of that."

Rooney recently signed a long-term contract with the club, but only after having publicly declared his desire to leave Old Trafford.

But prior to his turnaround, the 25-year-old went through a miserable patch of form that saw him put in underwhelming performances for England in the World Cup before carrying forward similar form into this season.

However, he has thanked the supporters who have stood by him, saying: "It's been a hard few months for me and the United fans with what happened, but they have been brilliant.

"I signed a new deal and they can see the desire I have to play and to win and they have been absolutely fantastic to me so I thank them for that."

Vidic eager to lead Man Utd to League, FA Cup Double

19.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic has plans to lead Manchester United to a League and FA Cup Double this season.

Another Premier League winner’s medal is what the big Serbian centre-back wants, alongside the FA Cup.

Vidic said: “It would be special to win the league as captain but I want to win the FA Cup as well. I haven’t won that before.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson slams Blackburn advisers: They could not pick their nose

19.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United photo

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has slated the advisers working forBlackburn Rovers' new owners.

Ferguson still can't believe their decision to sack good friend Sam Allardyce.

Shaking his head in apparent disbelief, Sir Alex said: "If Sam had won last Sunday, they’d have gone fifth in the League. But he still got sacked because they said they should be fourth! ‘You’ve got an issue at Blackburn where an agent is said to be involved and deciding the future of the club.

"Jerome Anderson? He couldn’t pick his nose. It’s baffling, and it’s a serious threat to how clubs are run and how they conduct themselves.

"The unfortunate thing is, it’s actually becoming quite trendy to sack a manager in difficult circumstances and I just wonder whether Blackburn thought, 'You know, if Newcastle can do it by sacking Chris Hughton, we can do it'. I don’t know the answers to it, but what I can say is that a manager’s job, whatever he’s getting paid, it’s not worth it."

Man Utd players raiding Park locker for fans Christmas gifts

19.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand

Manchester Unitedteammates are raiding Park Ji-sung's locker for all the sweets South Korean fans have sent him for Christmas!

Rio Ferdinand knows a free bag of sweets when he spots them in theManchester United dressing-room.

Devoted fans have sent gifts to Ji-Sung Park.

Rio tweeted: “Thanks to the South Korean fans who sent us these for Xmas!

“The whole squad will enjoy them!”

Man Utd striker Rooney confesses being Susan Boyle fan

19.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Wayne Rooney, World Cup

Manchester United starWayne Rooney has confessed he's a Susan Boyle fan!

Rooney listens to Subo on his iPod to relax himself in the moments before performing as the biggest name in British football.

Rooney said: “I have the same things on my iPod as always really. Stereophonics, Mumford & Sons, King of Leon.

“Shaun Wright-Phillips did my ipod at the World Cup. There’s about 10,000 songs on it but there’s only about three songs that I actually listen to!

“Lately for some reason, before the last few games, I have been listening to Susan Boyle. Her album’s really good and it relaxes me.

“When we’re in the hotel before we go for our pre-match meal, I always put Stereophonics on. Then in the dressing room, I tend to listen to more relaxing music like Susan Boyle but it changes.

“A lot of the foreign lads listen to rap music which is okay but before a game I don’t really enjoy listening to that.”

Vidic: Man Utd captaincy making me better player

19.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Barcelona, Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic says being made Manchester Unitedcaptain has lifted his game to a new level.

After briefly being unsettled by interest from clubs like Barcelonaand AC Milan, the 29-year-old Old Trafford cult hero has been back to his uncompromising best.

Vidic said: “When you have more responsibility you seem to have more concentration and that only helps to improve your performances.

“I have become a better player now I am captain.

“In general, when players have more pressure and responsibility, it becomes a positive thing. I am playing harder than before, training hard and showing more concentration. I am playing the best I can.

“Becoming captain of Manchester United was one of the proudest moments of my career, but we have a lot of leaders here who have also been captains.

“I am at the right age to accept responsibility and I am one of the most experienced players at the club.

“And maybe another reason I have the armband is because we have had problems in the past when the captain has been injured. I am usually always on the pitch.”

David Beckham Set To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Midfielder to be recognized for displays on and off the pitch

By Matthew Woodward

Dec 18, 2010 8:30:00 AM

David Beckham's Photo

Former England captain David Beckham is set to receive the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement award this Sunday it has been revealed.

The midfielder won the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award in 2001 and is now set to be recognized again for his contributions both on and off the field.

"David's record on and off the pitch has been remarkable," BBC Sports Personality of the Year editor Carl Doran said.

"It's a fitting reward for an outstanding career as a player and for his tireless work as an ambassador for British sport. He has also been a tremendous role model and I'm sure he'll get an amazing reaction from the public in Birmingham."

The 35-year-old midfielder made 265 appearances for Manchester United and scored 62 goals in the process, before making a £25 million switch to Real Madrid in 2003.

After winning a league title in Spain, Beckham moved to America to sign for Los Angeles Galaxy whilst also enjoying two loan spells in Italy with AC Milan.

The midfielder retains the record for the most outfield appearances for his country, and won six Premier League titles and one Champions League during his time at Old Trafford.

His England career began in September 1996 against Moldova, and his most recent appearance came against Belarus in October 2009. In total Beckham has captained his country 59 times.

Manchester United Midfielder Ryan Giggs: It Doesn't Get Any Bigger Than A Trip To Chelsea

Red Devils looking to end winless run at Stamford Bridge

By Ian Murphy

Dec 17, 2010 12:43:00 PM

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United are looking to put an end to their winless run at Stamford Bridge when they face Chelsea on Sunday.


United have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and have lost on three of their last five visits to west London.


However, last season's champions Chelsea have struggled for form of late and the Blues are without a win in their last five games.


The Red Devils will also travel to the capital in high spirits after a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Monday sent them to the top of the table.


"It doesn't get any bigger than a trip to Chelsea," Giggs told the club's official website.


"Hopefully we can change the record we've had there for the last few years because we haven't won for a few years.

"Everyone's been buzzing since Monday. It was a great performance and a great win against Arsenal. Hopefully we can kick on now during what is always a difficult part of the season because there are so many games in such a short space of time."


United are three points clear of rivals Chelsea with a game in hand and Giggs is confident that his team-mates can keep up their good form in the crucial festive period.


"We've seen over the last few years what a tough place Stamford Bridge is to go to and we'll need to be at our best, just as we were on Monday. We know a win on Sunday would put us in a great position.


"I don't know why we seem to come good around this time. I think the international breaks disrupted the season early on in the campaign, but when we know we need to win and need to perform we seem to produce the goods.

"The experience the manager has of getting players ready for the business end of the season is a big part of it all and it's something he's very good at."

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United Head To Chelsea On Sunday In Confident Mood

Red Devils looking to win at Stamford Bridge for first time since 2002.

By Ian Murphy

Dec 17, 2010 2:01:00 PM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists his team will head into their game at Chelsea on Sunday in confident mood, despite having not won a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge since April 2002.

United have lost three of their last five games away at Chelsea, but the champions' alarming recent dip in form has coincided with an impressive run by the Red Devils.

Whilst Chelsea have won just one of their last six games, United are the only unbeaten Premier League team and their 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Monday saw them go top of the table, three points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Ferguson is confident that his team can continue their good form and enter the busy festive period six points ahead of Chelsea.

"It’s a big one for us," the United boss told reporters on Friday. 

"Our record down there has been poor over the last eight years. We’ve managed a few draws, but we’ve lost a few too. Our record up until then was fantastic – Stamford Bridge was the place we probably had our best record.

"They’re a tough team to beat on their own ground, their home record tells you that. But I’m going into the game with a strong, confident squad. 

"You want to go there in good form and we are in good form."

Man Utd midfielder Fletcher: Chelsea defeats cost us title last season

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Wayne Rooney

Manchester Unitedmidfielder Darren Fletcher admits their defeats toChelsea last season went a long way to losing the title.

United go to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"There were a few decisions in both games that we felt aggrieved about but it shows you the importance of these big games," Fletcher told theDaily Mail.

"Losing six points to them definitely was a massive factor.

"Chelsea are our biggest rivals again this season because of the experience of being there before. Arsenal have come on strong this year but when it comes to the main challengers, you've got to look to the champions and the fact they know how to win the Premier League.

"But I think we're fairly happy in terms of where we are in the table. You've seen the emergence of players as well. Anderson has come back from injury and been fantastic, Nani has been arguably our best player this season, Wayne Rooney is hitting form and Dimitar Berbatov has scored 11 goals.

"We haven't hit the form we know we're capable of yet but that will come."

Ferdinand: No-one at Man Utd celebrating being top of table

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says there's no celebrating atManchester United just yet.

The England captain insists United won’t be blowing their own trumpet until their hands are on the Premier League trophy.

He says United are determined to reclaim their crown and added: “We are not singing and dancing about being top.

“We will sing and dance in May if we are still top. I would rather be there then. We just want to win that league.”

Ferdinand’s defensive partnership with Nemanja Vidic is steering United towards another title.

He said: “I don’t know if it is just down to me and him being together.

“The whole thing is not as fragmented this season.

“No matter what team you are, you are going to suffer when you don’t have centre-backs playing in that position.

“But I am comfortable with Vida. We have played together for a few years.

“We know each other’s games inside out and that feeds through to the other players.

“Us winning would be a blow to them if we got six points in front. But they were six or seven clear of us a month ago.

“It can all change so quickly if you have a bad run. It would be a good boost for us if we could win but it won’t define our season.”

Man Utd midfielder Fletcher: Chelsea not as strong this season

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Chelsea

Manchester Unitedmidfielder Darren Fletcher doesn't believe Chelsea are as strong as recent seasons.

United go to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Their squad is obviously not as strong as it has been in previous years," Fletcher told the Daily Mail.

"We know how difficult it is to battle in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. That's why we've got a big squad here at Manchester United. Injury crises can happen and we can cope with things like that.

"It's an older Chelsea squad, I think it's fair to say that. But I don't think they're at the age where they can talk about retiring or being past it just yet.

"There have been a few things going on off the pitch but they have got enough experience to deal with that."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Ancelotti can handle Chelsea pressure

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Carlo Ancelotti, Manchester United, Frank Lampard, Sir Alex Ferguson, Chelsea

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson can't seeCarlo Ancelotti crumbling under the pressure atChelsea.

Speculation has been growing that Ancelotti may soon be the latest manager to fall foul of the owner Roman Abramovich's impatience. Ferguson, however, was quick to dismiss suggestions that Ancelotti was under pressure.

"I do not see how [Ray] Wilkins leaving can put doubt on that [Ancelotti's position]," he said. "Carlo will have his own single-minded determination to prove he is a winner. He was a great player, he won two titles and two Champions Leagues with Milan. Why won't he want to deal with the Chelsea situation as it is?

"We all have these poor runs. In Chelsea's case, if you lose your top players, it will have an impact. They were without Frank Lampard, so is it surprising they lost games? The biggest factor, though, is the toughness of the league now. We are all dropping points."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Anderson has ability to be outstanding

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

READ MORE NEWS ON: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson admits he's delighted Anderson has penned a new five year deal.

The 22-year-old, who joined from Porto in 2007, has made 110 appearances for the Reds despite suffering a serious knee ligament injury last season.

“We’re delighted Anderson has signed a new deal,” said the Scot.

“He’s a fantastic personality and the boy has terrific potential. He had that bad injury earlier in the year and whenever a player has a serious injury you have to give them time to get back. The player also has to work hard and he’s done that and it’s got him to the level we’re seeing now where he’s in the team and doing well.

“Cruciates can vary but nowadays you can get players back within six months. That’s a fair recovery time. He’s showing the benefit of really working hard to get to this position. Hopefully it’s all systems go for the boy now.”

Anderson's ability to drive forward in support of the strikers has made a real difference to United's play in recent weeks and Sir Alex believes he has the potential to go on and establish himself as an outstanding midfielder in the years to come.

“He could be a top, top player. He’s different from the other midfielders we’ve got and it’s good to have a different type of player,” he told manutd.com.

“It’s good to have a certain type of balance from midfielders who can offer you different things. He’s strong, he can beat a man. He has great acceleration from a standing position. He’s electric in that sense.

“The area he has to improve is goalscoring," added the boss. "He recognises that. That’s his weakness, he doesn’t score enough goals. He’s still only 22 – he’s an emerging player and hopefully in three or four years time we’ll be looking back and saying he’s given us goals because he has the ability to do that.”

Man Utd striker Rooney happy to see back of 2010

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United strikerWayne Rooney admits he'll be happy to see the back of 2010.

2010 has seen Rooney lose the league title, flop at the World Cupand Manchester United's fans turn on him after he said he wanted to quit the club.

Add to that the injury problems that kept him out of key games at the end of last season - and a good portion of this - and he understandably can't wait until the New Year.

But before that he aims to put Chelsea to the sword at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to make sure United are riding high as they welcome in 2011.

Rooney told The Sun: "The Carling Cup was it for us in terms of trophies this year and, in terms of trophies, a club like ours should be winning more.

"We have worked hard to put that right for next year.

"When you have not won them you get that hunger and desire to win them."

Man Utd ace Rooney says US trip worked wonders

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United strikerWayne Rooney says his trip to the US worked wonders.

Sir Alex Ferguson parcelled him off to Nike's headquarters in the States for a week to get himself back up to full fitness - something Rooney believes worked a treat.

He told The Sun: "The aim was for me to come back and not need four or five games to get my fitness up.

"I was training from 9am and getting back at 7pm. The facilities there were brilliant."

While Rooney has still not scored from open play since March, his performances since returning from injury suggest the big man is back.

Performances that have helped to heal a rift with the fans hurt over his bid to quit United before finally signing a new five-year deal.

He said: "It has been a hard few months for me and the United fans. But they have been brilliant since I signed the new deal. They can see the desire I have got to play and win. They have been fantastic for me and I thank them for that."

Chelsea boss Ancelotti happy Lampard back for Man Utd

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelottiis upbeat going into Sunday's clash withManchester United.

The return of Frank Lampard, who starts for the first time since August 28, makes him even more confident that Chelsea can end United's unbeaten league run.

Ancelotti said: "This is big news for us, we have missed him badly.

"He has experience, character, dynamism and is one of the very few players in the world who can guarantee you 20 goals a season from midfield.

"In fact, I would say he is the best midfield scorer there is.

"He looks to me like a player with a strong desire to come back and show he is the same Frank Lampard."

Man Utd link had Bruce wary of Leeds move

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Leeds United defender Alex Bruce admits his Dad'sManchester Unitedbackground did make him think twice about moving to Elland Road.

Bruce, 26, was understandably uncertain of his reception at Leeds upon given his dad's connections with that other United across the Pennines.

But he said: "I considered whether my name would be a bit of a hindrance, whether it would take a while to win over the supporters but I have to say everyone here has been bang on with me.

"And people might find it quite bizarre that even though he played forManchester United, my dad was as delighted as anybody when Leeds came knocking.

"I was having talks with Sheffield United when I got the call telling me Leeds were going to put a bid in.

"So when I spoke to him for advice he was very much pushing me towards Leeds, he realised what a fantastic chance it was and told me there was only one club to sign for."

Man Utd striker Rooney confident keeping spotkick duties despite Arsenal shocker

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

ManUtd Wayne Rooney's Photo

Manchester United strikerWayne Rooney expects to keep his spotkick duties on Sunday at Chelsea, despite his dismal miss against Arsenal.

United star Rooney blasted over in Monday's home win against the Gunners but says no one will take the ball from him if there is a penalty at Stamford Bridge.

He insisted: "Of course I have no problems with that. I know players miss penalties. I'm just hoping the next one I score."

United go into the game top of the Premier League.

England hitman Roo said: "We have drawn too many games but over the last few weeks we have been more consistent.

"We are in a good position and we have to take advantage of that."

Rooney surprised Man Utd leading table

18.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Wayne Rooney admits he's surprised Manchester Unitedare leading the table.

Rooney cannot quite believe the position United are in right now in relation to Chelsea given their respective starts to the season.

He told The Sun: "Chelsea started really strongly so it was important not to get too far behind because they are a hard team to catch up.

"So we stayed in behind and then four weeks ago we said that if we could be just three points behind going into this game we would be happy. Now we are three points ahead of them with a game in hand. We are in a great position. But the way the tables have turned in the last month we know how quickly things can happen so we don't want to be complacent.

"We have to keep going and getting those results."

Rooney is even more determined to do so having missed out on key games at the end of last season with his ankle injury.

He added: "When you are injured or suspended it is the worst time, especially coming to the end of a season.

"You have worked hard from the beginning of the season and you want to play in the later games to help the team be successful. I just picked up an injury at the wrong time."

Man Utd boss satisfied with Marseille as CL opposition

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see hisManchester United side be drawn against Marseille in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The French champions qualified through their group in second place despite a slow start to their campaign, but now face a difficult task against the Red Devils.

The last time the two sides met in the same competition was in the 1999/00 season, Ferguson's team won and lost one, something the Scot was wary of.

"I remember the games well. We won 2-1 at Old Trafford, but lost 1-0 over there," he told MUTV.

"Everyone thought we might get one of the Milan sides because we've faced them quite a few times in the last few years, but we got Marseille in the draw rehearsal and it proved right.

"Marseille are a handful at their own ground, their fantastic atmosphere and incredible support guarantees that. They've had a good change in fortunes in the last two or three years, after a dry spell, and think it'll be a difficult tie."

"(Former Chelsea midfielder) Didier Deschamps is the coach there, and they've got one of our old players in Gabriel Heinze so it'll be nice to see him."

Wayne Rooney's Kick-Out At Marouane Chamakh (Manchester United - Arsenal)

Wayne Rooney appears to have got away with a cheeky kick during Man United's win over Arsenal.

Plenty was spoken about after Manchester United beat Arsenal 1-0 on Monday night in the Premier League.

Arsenal's inability to beat their top four rivals was again highlighted. Park Ji-Sung's endeavour was lauded. Anderson was picked out for a solid game in the middle of the park for United. While Wayne Rooney's missed penalty was thumbed over too.

Yet one incident that was missed by all came in the final seconds of the match.

Unprovoked, off-the-ball and completely unnecessary, Wayne Rooney kicked out at Arsenal forward Marouane Chamakh as the final seconds of injury time ran down as the Gunners looked to launch a last-gasp counter-attack. It was petulance personified as Rooney, suffering a bad run of form, eyed up the Moroccan forward before knocking the striker's trailing leg and forcing the Gunners' number 29 to eat grass.

Rooney was a lucky boy that no one, particularly ref Howard Webb, seemed to notice his infringement.

Manchester United Dealt A Blow As Paul Scholes Is Ruled Out Until The New Year

Midfielder struggling to shake off groin injury

By Ian Murphy

Dec 17, 2010 10:21:00 AM

Manchester United have been dealt a blow after it was confirmed on the club's official website that Paul Scholes will remain out of action until the New Year.

The midfielder had hoped to make his comeback in Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, but is struggling to shake off the niggling groin injury that has sidelined him for the past three weeks.

Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have to make do without the midfield maestro for the busy festive period, but the Scot will take his side to Stamford Bridge in confident mood.

United have been in good form despite Scholes' absence and sit on top of the Premier League, three points above Carlo Ancelotti's men with a game in hand.

Ferguson confirms Scholes injury blow

December 17, 2010
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes will be out for the rest of the year as he battles a groin injury.

Scholes will join John O'Shea on the sidelines for Sunday's trip to Chelsea andSir Alex Ferguson has said he will be out for at least a fortnight.

"Paul is out on Sunday," he told Key 103. "We are working towards getting him fit for the New Year matches."

Ferguson has stressed the importance of securing a good result against the defending champions but recognises that United have not fared well at Stamford Bridge in recent times.

"It's a big one for us," he said. "Our record down there has been poor over the last eight years. We've managed a few draws, but we've lost a few, too.

"Our record up until then was fantastic - Stamford Bridge was the place we probably had our best record.

"They're a tough team to beat on their own ground - their home record tells you that - but I'm going into the game with a strong, confident squad. You want to go there in good form and we are in good form."

Meanwhile, Ferguson said he wanted to see Anderson improve in front of goal.

Anderson was handed a new four-and-a-half-year contract this week after a recent spell of good form. However, his goal against Valencia in the Champions League this month was only his second for the club since joining from Porto in 2007, and Ferguson wants more from the £17 million signing.

"Anderson could be a top player," he told the club's official website. "He is strong, he can beat a man and has great acceleration from a standing position. He is electric in that sense.

"The area he has to improve is goalscoring. He recognises that and all the players tell him.

"That is his weakness - he doesn't score enough goals - but he is still only 22. He is an emerging player and hopefully in three or four years' time we will be looking back and saying he has given us goals because he has the ability to do it."