Man Utd veteran Scholes out of Chelsea trip

17.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester Unitedmidfielder Paul Scholes is out of Sunday's trip to Chelsea.

Scholes has been struggling with a groin problem that has kept him out of action since the Champions League trip to Rangers three weeks ago and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is dubious about the veteran midfielder being available for the first part of United's festive programme.

"Paul is out of Sunday," the United boss told Key 103. "We are working towards getting him fit for the new year matches."

Ferguson expressed optimism that John O'Shea should be available for this weekend despite a minor calf problem.

Solskjaer hands 16yo Tyler Blackett Manchester United reserves debut

17.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

One of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last acts asManchester United reserves coach was to hand a debut to Tyler Blackett.

Blackett, just 16, is an England youth international fullback and was handed a start in last night's 5-1 victory over Newcastle United - Solskjaer's final game in charge before taking the job with Molde.

Blackett has been with United since he was eight, progressing right through the ranks at the club.

His height and powerful physique mean he naturally suited to playing at centre-back, but he can also play as a full-back if required.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Chelsea transfer policy has BACKFIRED

16.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson has criticised Chelsea's transfer policy going into this weekend's big game.

Unbeaten Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge fresh from a 1-0 home win over Arsenal that sent them two points clear at the top of the table.

Ferguson told Sirius XM: "I thinkChelsea have been gradually introducing one or two younger players into their squad, so maybe that's why (results have been erratic).

"Michael Ballack's contract came to the end. (Juliano) Belletti's contract came to an end. They have been replacing these players with younger ones such as (Daniel) Sturridge and the young boy (Josh) McEachran.

"Their plan was always to start introducing younger players and I think that's a good thing but it can backfire if you get injuries.

"You need big squads these days because the number of matches and the intensity of them does produce injuries. There's no question that having a big squad helps."

Man Utd skipper Vidic proud of rock solid Ferdinand partnership

16.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United captainNemanja Vidic admits he's delighted over his rock solid partnership withRio Ferdinand.

Vidic has a special affinity with his central defensive partner Ferdinand.

He said: "Rio and I have a great understanding on the pitch. I also have to say Mladen Krstajic and I had a great relationship for the Serbian national team.

"I am not being disrespectful to the other players I’ve played with, but the results I’ve achieved with those two players shows what a good understanding we have. They have both helped me improve as a player."

Man Utd legend Giggs will resist Wales comeback plea

16.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United legendRyan Giggs is unlikely to end his international retirement.

The Guardian says Gary Speed's hopes of persuading Giggs to come out of international retirement and pull on a Wales shirt again appear to be fading because of the midfielder's desire to remain fully committed to playing for Manchester United.

A source close to Giggs said it was highly unlikely the 37-year-old would choose to add to his 64 caps because the player has "a one-track mind" and would be reluctant to focus his attention on anything other than playing for United at this late stage of his career.

New Man Utd deal for Anderson worth £70,000-a-week

16.12.10 | tribalfootball.com

Anderson has enjoyed a bumper pay-rise atManchester United.

The Daily Star says the Brazilian midfielder had repeatedly been linked with the Old Trafford exit after becoming unhappy at his limited first-team role.

But Anderson has now signed a new four-and-a-half- year deal worth around £70,000 a week and claims he wouldn’t swap United for anyone else.

AC Milan and Lazio were both hoping to take advantage of Anderson’s frustration with his lack of playing time at United.

But Anderson scored in their recent Champions League draw with Valencia and then started the win against Arsenal which sent United top of the league.

Chelsea to welcome back Lampard for Man Utd clash

16.12.10 | Ian Ferris

Frank Lampard looks set to start Chelsea's crunch Barclays Premier League game againstManchester United after coming through a practice match unscathed.

England midfielder Lampard completed what was a 60-minute game at the club's Cobham training ground on Thursday, which involved players from the reserve and youth teams, reports Sporting Life.

The 32-year-old made a surprise comeback after three-and-a-half months on the sidelines in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham, playing the final 12 minutes at White Hart Lane.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed after the game that Lampard would start against league leaders United this weekend providing he suffered no reaction in Thursday's training match.

Man Utd’s Ferguson targeting first win at Chelsea in eight years

16.12.10 | Andrew Slevison

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson is hoping his side can put an eight-year winless streak at Stamford Bridge behind them this weekend.

League leaders United take onChelsea at the London stadium where they have not saluted in the league since their 3-0 win in April 2002 and Ferguson is eyeing a change of fortunes for his undefeated Red Devils this time around.

“This is a massive game now. We used to have a terrific record at Chelseabut we haven't won there for eight years.

“But we'll be ready for it. We couldn't get there sooner,” he said.

Man Utd’s Vidic: We don’t need to worry about other teams

Manchester United don’t have to worry about rival teams according to captainNemanja Vidic.

The 29-year old centre-half is of firm belief that United need only to worry about the job they are doing to maintain their run of 16 games unbeaten and should not look into the form of teams vying with them for the title.

“Personally I’m not a player who spends a lot of time watching other teams. I prefer to look at what we’re doing,” he said.

“We know that we’re in a good position and everything is in our hands, and if we produce the kind of performances we know we can, we shouldn’t have to worry about any of the other teams.”

Terry urges Chelsea fans to stand with them for Man Utd showdown

Chelsea captain John Terryhas urged fans to stand with them for this weekend's clinker withManchester United.

The Blues have slipped down to fourth in the Barclays Premier League after their worst run of domestic form in a decade, their last victory coming against Fulham on November 10.

However, but for a stoppage-time penalty miss from Didier Drogba in last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham, Chelsea would have been back to winning ways.

"I'm hoping this is the end of it," Terry told Chelsea TV ahead of the weekend visit of rivals Manchester United.

"We've gone through a blip, as we've seen other teams do. We've got a massive home game and it's important now the fans stay with us, even through a bad spell in the game of 10 or 15 minutes, because when you play against a quality side, they are bound to have a good spell of possession.

"As long as we stay solid on the pitch the fans stay with us, I'm sure playing like this, we're going to be back."