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08/11/2007 11:00, Report by Press Department

Vida extends contract

Nemanja Vidic has committed his future to Manchester United after signing a two year extension to his current contract with the Barclays Premier League champions.
On signing the new deal, United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Nemanja has made a terrific impact at the Club and has forged a partnership with Rio Ferdinand that was a major part in us winning the title last year.

He is an extremely popular member of the squad both with staff and fans alike.  It’s great news that he wants to be part of this exciting side for years to come.”
Nemanja Vidic said: “Playing in this team is a great privilege.  This is such a great club, I am delighted to be able to extend my stay here. The fans and everyone at the club have been very special to me. I hope I can do my bit to bring the club even more trophies in the years ahead.”
Vidic, 26, signed for United in January 2006 from Spartak Moscow and has made 69 appearances, scoring five goals.

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08/11/2007 08:19, Report by Steve Bartram

Foster eyes February return

Goalkeeper Ben Foster is hopeful that he can finally begin his United playing career in February next year.
Two seasons on loan at Watford followed by a knee operation last summer have prevented the 24-year-old from making a competitive Reds appearance.
However, the England international can finally see some light at the end of a long, trying tunnel.
"I'm getting there," Foster told United Radio. "It's been about four and a half months now since I've had the operation but things are going really well.
"I've stepped up my training and I'm doing some work outside, a bit of fitness work, running and the odd bit of goalkeeping too."
Like any player waylaid by a serious injury, Ben's season has been one of utter frustration thus far, but he has taken heart from being able to take on more exercise of late.
"It's been frustrating because you're just stuck in the gym a lot," he said. "But now I've hit that point where I can step up my training it's a bit more enjoyable now.
"I think it will be mid-to-late February until I'm able to play again."

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08/11/2007 07:37, Report by Gemma Thompson

Boss calls for more subs

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged the Premier League to up the number of permitted substitues from five to seven.

The Reds' boss used the example of having to leave out Darren Fletcher from United's 16-man squad at the Emirates Stadium last weekend as a major reason why he'd like to see things changed.

Sir Alex admitted the decision "didn't sit well" with him and believes if it was down to top flight managers there would be definitely be more personnel on the bench.

"Aside from the long term absentees of Paul Scholes, Ji-sung Park and Mikael Silvestre, I had the strongest squad I've had all season at Arsenal which was great, but I still had to tell Darren Fletcher he wasn't in the 16," explained the United boss.

"That was a real kick in the teeth for the boy especially as he'd been absolutely fantastic in Kyiv ten days before that. He deserved to be part of the squad and that decision did not sit well with me.

"When you look at the profile of the Premier League and the money available there should be seven substitutes.

"Nowadays, every club in the Premier League have big squads of more than 16 players. In our case, we have around 25.

"We've tried to get this changed for some years now and I believe if the coaches were to make the decision then it would pass."

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Papers: Dimi wants switch
08/11/2007 09:51

Dimi has outgrown Tottenham
Dimitar Berbatov is desperate to join Manchester United, according to his brother. The Tottenham striker has allegedly ‘outgrown’ the Londoners as he looks for a January switch from White Hart Lane. Berbatov, 26, was a summer target for the league champions and, while the Bulgarian hitman has since insisted he wanted to stay at Spurs, he is now ready to move on. “In my opinion, Tottenham are OK. In Manchester, though, things will be better - much better," declared his brother Asen. "If United really want him, maybe he should go. I think it is his time to go. There is nothing more to do at Spurs."
Charlie Wyett, The Sun

All the papers reflect on United's 4-0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv which booked the Reds a place in the last 16 of the competition.

The Daily Mirror claims Nemanja Vidic will sign a new five-year contract with the Reds within the next few days.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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09/11/2007 15:16, Report by Gemma Thompson

Rooney out for a month

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday.

The striker will miss Sunday's match against Blackburn Rovers. Fortunately the upcoming international break means he could miss as little as three further games, against Bolton, Sporting Lisbon and Fulham.

Sir Alex will be hopeful of having the 22-year-old striker ready for action for the trip to Anfield on 16 December.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Wayne Rooney injured his right ankle in training and will be out for about four weeks."

It is even more frustrating considering Rooney's scintillating form since overcoming a fractured metatarsal sustained on the opening day of the season.

He has only just been named Barclays Player of the Month for October, having netted eight goals in his last seven games.

Sir Alex had said earlier on Friday that he wants to use Louis Saha sparingly and from the substitutes' bench, but he will now be forced to call on the Frenchman as Carlos Tevez's regular strike-partner.

Upcoming Matches11 Nov: Blackburn (H)
24 Nov: Bolton (A)
27 Nov: Sporting Lisbon (H)
03 Dec: Fulham (H)
07 Dec: End of four week prognosis
08 Dec: Derby County (H)
12 Dec: AS Roma (A)
16 Dec: Liverpool (A)

"Wayne Rooney injured his right ankle in training and will be out for about four weeks."
- United spokesperson

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09/11/2007 10:37, Report by Gemma Thompson

Quartet back in contention

Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown are all in contention for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford after being rested for the midweek win over Dynamo Kyiv.

The quartet watched from the stands as the Reds thrashed the Ukrainians 4-0, booking their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

Sir Alex Ferguson has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game with only long term absentees Paul Scholes, Ji-sung Park, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster absent from the squad.

“There are no injuries," the Reds boss said on Friday. "Everyone is fit and the players that we rested on Wednesday are all available, too.

"It gives us our strongest squad of the season going into the Blackburn game, so we’re happy with the way things are going.”

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09/11/2007 07:32, Report by Steve Bartram

Owen enjoys OT experience

Owen Hargreaves may have graced some of the finest venues in world football with Bayern Munich and England, but he was taken aback when he sat and savoured the Old Trafford experience.

Having been substituted against Middlesbrough last month, the 26-year-old midfielder sampled life as a spectator - a rare occasion he actually enjoyed.

Owen told United Radio: "I've been very fortunate to play in some fabulous places. I've played in two World Cups, a European championship, a Champions League final… it's very difficult to compare those experiences.

"I used to play in front of 70,000 people for Bayern Munich. But I will say that I actually enjoyed watching the last 30 minutes against Middlesbrough after I'd come off.

"I leaned over to Giggsy and said 'you must be so happy to have played here for your whole career'. I think Old Trafford helps you feel very strong and it's great to be a part of it."

Hargreaves will hope to be back in action at Old Trafford this weekend as the Reds resume Premier League duties against Blackburn Rovers. He was rested in midweek for the 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, the test of Mark Hughes' strong side will suit his combative qualities.

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09/11/2007 07:10, Report by Ben Hibbs

Pique has bright Reds future

Spain's top clubs have shown an interest in taking Gerard Pique to la Liga, but Sir Alex Ferguson says the defender is firmly part of United's plans.

Pique turned in another impressive display for the Reds on Wednesday and also scored his first goal for the club in the 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

The 20-year-old Catalan has proved this season that he is a valuable member of United's squad and an excellent understudy to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"I'm not surprised so many Spanish clubs want him," said Sir Alex. "He's 20, can play centre midfield and right back as well as in central defence. But we have no intention of letting him go."

Pique, who joined United as a 16-year-old from Barcelona's youth ranks, had a successful spell in Spain on loan at Real Zaragoza last term.

He joined United at the same time as Giuseppe Rossi in 2004. Sir Alex reluctantly let Rossi leave in the summer for Villarreal as the Italian striker sought first-team opportunities. But Pique will not be taking a similar route, his future lies firmly at Old Trafford.

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Papers: We'll rule Europe
09/11/2007 07:46

Ronny in Euro glory vow
Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced Manchester United can blast their way to European glory. United stumbled in the Champions League semi-finals last season but Ronaldo insists the squad has the strength to go the distance this time. And after United hit four goals for the fifth time in six games on Wednesday, there is no reason to doubt him. Ronaldo said: “United have the chance to win the Champions League every season. But this season is a really special opportunity for us."
Neil Custis, The Sun

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Gerard Pique to prove he is every bit as valuable to United as his fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas is to Arsenal.

Ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash with Blackburn on Sunday, Brad Friedel reckons Rovers' watertight defence can halt United’s rampant goal machine. “We go into games feeling we should get three points," he said. "If we don’t win, we’re very disappointed.”

In transfer news, Dimitar Berbatov insists he wants to stay at Spurs, despite being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford once more.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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09/11/2007 08:11, Report by Gemma Thompson

Simmo buoyed by outing

Danny Simpson says there is no better confidence booster than earning the trust of Sir Alex Ferguson after the United manager handed the 20-year-old his first ever Champions League start.

The Salford-born defender replaced the rested Wes Brown at right-back during the Reds' 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday night.

He impressed throughout and almost nicked a goal midway through the second half, but saw his shot saved by Olexandr Shovkovskiy.

Simpson, who was joined by fellow starlets Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans in the squad, was in buoyant mood after the game and hopes his display will have done enough to earn him more opportunities in the near future.

"When the manager said 'You and Gerard are playing at the back with Nemanja [Vidic] and Patrice [Evra],' it was a hell of a compliment," revealed Simpson.

"He didn't even have to say anything to me - just, 'Go out there and do what you normally do.'

"It is everything to get a start. It gives you that confidence that he [Sir Alex] trusts you.

"The gaffer has always said if there is a young lad he will give them a chance and he proved that. After that he might feel, now that we are through, why not give me another game against better teams.

"For the likes of myself, Gerard and Jonny Evans it is looking good for the future."

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09/11/2007 13:37, Report by Ben Hibbs

Rovers can break big four

To quantify the threat posed by Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes’ men could be the team to break the four-strong monopoly at the top of the Premier League.

Blackburn are among the top-flight’s form sides. Rovers are five points behind the Reds with a game in hand. Like United, they have lost just once so far this term, but they remain unbeaten away from home.

They have taken points off Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool already. Mark Hughes’ side are not to be taken lightly.

“Blackburn’s form makes it a really tough game for us on Sunday,” said Sir Alex. “They have been absolutely tremendous this season.

“I think they can challenge the top four,” he added. “What they are showing at the moment is that nobody turns them over. They’ve drawn with Liverpool and Arsenal at home, and going away they are a handful, too.”

Hughes is in his fourth season at Ewood Park, where he has gradually built a team based around his own fundamental principles as a player – physically powerful, determined, but with no shortage of talent.

“Good teams reflect their manager,” says Sir Alex. “You see a lot of Mark in his team at Blackburn. He continually makes the point that they have been badly treated by the media and other managers about how they play. I don’t have any great issue about it.

"Maybe three years ago there was one bad season. But you can’t paint them black all the time. Their disciplinary record
this season and last has been good.

“There is nothing wrong with being aggressive as long as it is the right type of aggression. I look for it myself in players and my team. It’s just the balance of doing it the right way.

“Mark was a determined player, and you see that in his team. He was a rottweiler on the pitch, and yet off it you couldn’t meet a quieter guy. It was like two personalities. When he went on that football field he became a warrior.”

Sir Alex this week celebrated his 21st anniversary as United manager, and he points to permanence and stability as a key factor in Blackburn’s success this season.

“The reason they are doing so well is because they have a combination good players and continuity within the club,” he points out. “There haven’t been many changes to the side, which has been together for three or four years now.

“For instance, it was a fantastic move to give Tugay a new contract at the age of the 37. I can understand why – he is still one of the best passers of the ball in the country. I watched their game against Liverpool last week and he came on for the last 20-25 minutes and never gave the ball away, not once.

“Their squad has the experience of playing together, good team spirit, and they’re difficult to play against. Blackburn, Manchester City and Everton are all in good form and you could see one of them breaking into the top four.”

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08/11/2007 12:27, Report by Nick Coppack

Match Pack: Blackburn

Blackburn's last visit to Old Trafford in the league saw United run out 4-1 winners, but not before Matt Derbyshire put Rovers in front and Brad Friedel produced a string of fine saves. Friedel often plays out of his skin against the Reds and Blackburn manager Mark Hughes will hope for another strong performance from the American stopper.

Form guide: While all the attention has been on United and Arsenal, Blackburn have crept quietly up the league table. Currently in sixth position, Rovers have lost just once this season and come into this game after keeping Liverpool at bay. United, meanwhile, will need to put the disappointment of dropping two points at the Emirates behind them and get back to winning ways in the league.

Ins and outs: Gary Neville has suffered another calf injury just as it looked like he might return to first-team action, but the Reds were boosted last weekend by the return of Owen Hargreaves, Louis Saha and Michael Carrick. Blackburn, on the other hand, hope to welcome back Aaron Mokoena (calf/shin), while Steven Reid (knee, calf, hamstring) and Jason Roberts (thigh) are both outside chances of making the squad.

Star men: Blackburn striker and self-confessed United fan Benni McCarthy has found the net five times already this season. As for United, summer signing Anderson has really been coming into his own in recent weeks and would love to cap his recent run of good form with a first United goal.

What are the odds? 7/1 United to win 3-0, 12/1 Matt Derbyshire first scorer. More: www.manutd.com/bet

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10/11/2007 16:29, Report by Nick Coppack

Boss rues 'freak accident'

Sir Alex admits losing Wayne Rooney to injury is "sickening", especially given the striker's recent form.

Rooney's scored eight times in United's last seven games but has now been ruled out for four weeks following an ankle injury sustained in training on Friday.

"It was an absolute freak accident," the Reds' boss told Manchester United Radio. "He was playing a game of head tennis and he caught his foot on the stanchion that holds up the net. It's a sickening blow but hopefully he'll be back in four weeks.

"He's been in red-hot form recently, but that's football. He'll miss our games against Blackburn and Bolton and it's obviously a big loss for England too. I think Rooney was the man who could take England to the European championships."

Rooney's injury came within hours of Sir Alex's announcement that French forward Louis Saha would be used sparingly from the bench in the coming weeks. But with the Reds' no.10 now sidelined, Saha will now be expected to step into the breach and partner Carlos Tevez up front.

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10/11/2007 18:11, Report by Nick Coppack

Scholes' surgery a success

Sir Alex has allayed fears Paul Scholes' recent knee injury could threaten the midfielder's career.

Scholes, who turns 33 on Friday 16 November, damaged his knee during a training session in Kyiv last month. An initial scan was inconclusive before a second confirmed the need for surgery and three months' rest.

"Paul has had his operation and it was 100 per cent successful," the Reds' boss told United Radio.

"The specialist said the condition of his knee is fantastic… he's got the knee of a 20-year-old. We're losing him for three months but the great news is there's nothing stopping him from playing for a few years yet.

"In January he'll come back as a fresh player, at an important time when we've got the knockout stages of Europe and the FA Cup to think about. Remember the last time he came back after his eye injury – it was like having a new player."

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11/11/2007 18:36, Report by Ben Hibbs

Reds keeping Sir Alex young

Sir Alex Ferguson says United's youthful attacking exuberance is a major influence on his determination to remain at the helm at Old Trafford.

The visit of Blackburn invited rumours that Mark Hughes could one day succeed Sir Alex, but the United boss quickly brushes off such talk.

"Every time we play a team who's managed by one of my old players, talk of them taking over from me crops up," said Sir Alex, who last week celebrated 21 years at OT. "But I'm fit, healthy and as long as I'm that way I'll carry on.

"The signs are good for us, although we have to keep winning to show how good we are. I enjoy watching this team. They play with great enthusiasm, imagination, and we have individuals who can win games.

"With the front players we've got, someone can always produce the goods. Against Blackburn it was Cristiano, but Tevez and Saha played well. I was pleased with them. It's a young team that's maturing. I hope we can win something again this year."

Sir Alex was pleased with the overall display in a game of two halves. "It was entertaining," he added, "particularly in the first half. It was settled by two decisive moments – a good header from Ronaldo and a quick goal after that. David Dunn's sending off in the second half killed it, although he was a bit unlucky.

"After that we gave a professional performance, keeping the ball well. We didn't take a great deal of risks and could have scored a couple more, but I'm really happy it's over because Blackburn are a good side."