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26/10/2007 11:11, Report by Ben Hibbs & Steve Bartram

Hargreaves set to start

United's injury list is finally shortening, with Owen Hargreaves and Patrice Evra set to face Middlesbrough, and Michael Carrick and Louis Saha in contention for next weekend's trip to Arsenal.

Hargreaves's return is a major filip. He has been absent since the win over Sunderland in September with tendonitis in his knee. Sir Alex expects the 26-year-old to start against Boro, but conceded that Hargreaves is unlikely to play the full match.

“Owen is ready to play and he should start,” the boss said on Friday. "We did the right thing. We tried our best to get him through without an injection, but he had it and is ready to play. It's been a frustrating time for him, but it's a long season and if he's back, and stays back, then that is terrific news."

Carrick, who fractured his elbow in the win over AS Roma at the start of October, faces a scan on Monday to assess the progress he has made. "If he get’s the all-clear, then he’ll start training with us and will be available for the Arsenal game," said the boss.

Evra, who tweaked a calf muscle in the warm-up before United's 4-2 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, could also be available for the Teessiders' visit, while Saha is on the road to recovery from a knee injury and should be included in the squad that travels to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.

Reds skipper Neville is ready to make his long-awaited comeback, as soon as he posts some much-needed playing time, possibly in a Reserves match. "All Gary needs is an extra game," added the boss. "We’re trying to fix something in the next seven days. But he is ready to play. Friday was his 16th training session in a row, which is good."

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26/10/2007 11:34, Report by Nick Coppack

Neville back in the frame

Gary Neville may find himself back in United's first-team squad when the Reds welcome Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.

A series of injuries have forced the Reds' captain to miss more than seven months' action, but Sir Alex told English press on Friday that Neville, 32, has regained full fitness and trained without incident for more than two weeks.

The United boss told Manchester United Radio of his desire to reintroduce Neville to first-team action, although he admitted a Reserves run-out is perhaps more realistic at this stage.

"Gary's doing great," Sir Alex said. "We'll probably just wait for the next Reserves game to play him. But I've got him in the squad so he can be involved again. [On Saturday I imagine] he'll train in the morning and then join up with us in the afternoon."

Neville, also speaking to the club's radio station, said he can't wait to take the field again, although concedes he may have a difficult time forcing his way back into the side. "I've made myself available," he confirmed. "But with the way Wes [Brown] is playing – and Danny Simpson has been great, too – it might be a case of easing me back in over the space of a couple of weeks."

His injury nightmares began when he picked up an ankle knock against Bolton Wanderers in March. At the time, it was hoped he would return in time to skipper United against Chelsea in last season's FA Cup final. That date came and went, before calf and thigh injuries further delayed his return.

"It's been too long," he sighs.
"Missing the end of last season was bad enough but then for it to go into this season is doubly frustrating. Hopefully it's over now and I can get back into the team.

"The worst part about it has been going into the gym every day. It's okay for a couple of weeks but after that it's just mundane and boring. The physios try to make it as exciting as possible for you, but there's only so much excitement you can get out of a rowing machine or a bike.

"Most of all, I miss going out on the pitch. I'm seeing the lads playing well and they're getting good results and I want to be part of it. Coming in every day and then not being able to train with my mates is hard. An hour and a half on the training pitch flies by, but an hour and a half in the gym can feel like three days."

Neville is unlikely to play on Saturday, but he knows exactly what United are up against. "Middlesbrough have always been well prepared at Old Trafford. Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren both knew the strengths of United inside out, which meant they were always a little better prepared than other teams who came here. Gareth Southgate will have learnt a little from Steve and they'll set their stall out to make it difficult.

"We've had some tricky moments against them, although Saturday is just another game we have to win. If we play as we did against Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, it's going to be very difficult for Middlesbrough. Teams can't contain us when we're playing at full speed."

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26/10/2007 10:26, Report by Ben Hibbs

Scholes sent for second scan

Paul Scholes will visit a specialist on Monday to ascertain the extent of his knee injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the influential 32-year-old midfielder will not face a long spell on the sidelines.

Scholes picked up the injury as he turned in training at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv the night before United's Group F clash. He had a scan upon his return to Manchester, but the results were inconclusive.

Now a visit to another specialist is required to determine the true nature of the problem.

"The first scan did not clearly show the problem," said Sir Alex. "We’re sending Paul to another specialist on Monday to ascertain what damage, if any, there is. It could be something, it could be nothing.

"Obviously he is out of the Middlesbrough match. It was a strange one, he just felt a click in his knee when he turned in training on Monday.

"Hopefully it’s not going to be a long one, but we’ll know better on Monday."

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26/10/2007 08:13, Report by Steve Bartram

Park eyes January return

Ji-sung Park has his sights set on a return to action in January, having stepped up his recovery from knee surgery.
The Korean livewire damaged cruciate knee ligaments against Blackburn last March but, after an arduous road to recovery, he can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
"At the moment I am trying to recover as hard as I can,” Park told Ilgan Sports.
“Recently, I started jogging and step-by step I am moving closer to a return in January. I am not yet training with the other players at the moment, I am training alone," he added.
In Park's absence, competition for midfield and attacking berths has been heightened by a host of new signings, but the 26-year-old is keen to stake his claim when he returns.
"Competition is fiercer than before with the signing of players like Nani," he said. "It is important that I have the confidence to perform to my best when I return."

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25/10/2007 12:50, Report by Ben Hibbs

Anderson's rave reviews

Anderson's commanding display against Dynamo Kyiv has earned him ManUtd.com's Man of the Match award.

The Brazilian picked up almost half the votes in the poll, seeing off competition from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, for ManUtd.com readers it's simply another reason to be increasingly impressed with the Brazilian midfielder's performances.

The 19-year-old has taken time to settle since moving from Porto in the summer. His involvement in the Copa America meant that he didn't benefit from a full programme of pre-season training.

Now his obvious talents are beginning to show through on the field. So much so, in fact, that he has also been voted United's most impressive young player so far this term. Over 120,000 fans took part, with Anderson polling 57 per cent of the votes. Chris Eagles finished second with 35 per cent, with Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Fraizer Campbell sharing the remaining votes.

Former Reds playmaker Paddy Crerand has been hugely impressed with the midfielder's recent form. "He's an excellent passer of the ball," Crerand told ManUtd.com. "Unfortunately he didn’t get much football in the summer, but he has come in and been tremendous."

Poll ResultsBest young player
Anderson (69045 votes)
Campbell (340 votes)
Eagles (42411 votes)
Pique (5436 votes)
Simpson (3903 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 121,141


Man of the Match
Anderson (4209 votes)
Ronaldo (3108 votes)
Rooney (1829 votes)
Tevez (560 votes)
Ferdinand (481 votes)
Brown (139 votes)
TOTAL VOTES: 10326

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26/10/2007 08:12, Report by Steve Bartram

Irwin salutes defence

Reds legend Denis Irwin believes United's defence is providing the bedrock for another successful campaign.

The Reds' backline has shipped just seven goals all season, a record Irwin attributes to opponents' fear of over-committing, together with United's relative shortage of defensive injuries.

"Our defensive record has been very good this season and that's down to a few reasons," Irwin told ManUtd.com. "One is the way that some teams have been scared to go at us a little bit because they saw last season how dangerous United can be on the break.

"Another reason is the stability that we've had there. The manager hasn't changed it round too much at the back and that really helps."

Irwin also feels the Reds' strong team ethic and willingness to help each other out has been a crucial part of such a miserly record.

"Tevez and Rooney will battle back and work hard for you as well," he said. "They're both little terriers and will work their socks off to get the ball back.

"The defenders really appreciate that – Giggsy's been doing it for years. The players are all well aware of their defensive duties and they'll all track back."

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Papers: Tevez can be great
26/10/2007 09:36

Gab: We're Batty for Tevez
Carlos Tevez can become Argentina’s greatest player since Diego Maradona following his move to Manchester United. That is the belief of former World Cup ace Gabriel Batistuta — the man who scored more goals for Argentina than any other player. He said: "Carlito is definitely at the right club at the right time in his career. Playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, he can achieve everything he wants. He is already a fantastic, world-class talent and at his new club he has every tool required to become a true Argentine great."
Mark Irwin, The Sun

The Daily Mail reports that United's 37-year-old goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is ready to open talks on a new contract in December. "I expect to hold talks with the relevent people in December," he says.

The Daily Star pick up on yesterday's coverage of Paul Scholes' knee injury. The paper claims that Sir Alex Ferguson has delayed an announcement on the severity of the problem.
Round up by Ben Hibbs

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26/10/2007 08:27, Report by Steve Bartram

Boro boss plots a shock

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists his side are far from lambs to the slaughter when they visit United this weekend.

The Teessiders have lost just one league match at Old Trafford in the last six seasons, and Southgate is adamant that critics are wrong to be so dismissive of his side's chances of extending that record.

"I remember before we beat Chelsea a couple of years ago, I said that if we can put a man on the moon we can beat Chelsea," the Boro boss said.

"If you believe they put a man on the moon then anything is possible and I maintain that stance going into the United game.

"We've got a fantastic recent record there and the reality is in this division that on any given day anyone can go somewhere and get a win."

While many of Boro's recent trips to Old Trafford have been made with a cautious approach, Southgate insists his side will travel south with intent to attack, not just repel the hosts.

"They have got some class acts who we respect," he said. "But I'm determined that we're going there to win, not to sit back and feel sorry for ourselves.

"There won't be too many people giving us much of a chance
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists his side are far from lambs to the slaughter when they visit United this weekend.

The Teessiders have lost just one league match at Old Trafford in the last six seasons, and Southgate is adamant that critics are wrong to be so dismissive of his side's chances of extending that record.

"I remember before we beat Chelsea a couple of years ago, I said that if we can put a man on the moon we can beat Chelsea," the Boro boss said.

"If you believe they put a man on the moon then anything is possible and I maintain that stance going into the United game.

"We've got a fantastic recent record there and the reality is in this division that on any given day anyone can go somewhere and get a win."

While many of Boro's recent trips to Old Trafford have been made with a cautious approach, Southgate insists his side will travel south with intent to attack, not just repel the hosts.

"They have got some class acts who we respect," he said. "But I'm determined that we're going there to win, not to sit back and feel sorry for ourselves.

"There won't be too many people giving us much of a chance

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01/11/2007 20:46, Report by Steve Bartram

Reserves: United 6 Stockport 1

Club captain Gary Neville completed 60 minutes of the Reserves’ Manchester Senior Cup win over Stockport County, posting his first action since March.

The 32-year-old defender enjoyed a stern test in a fiercely-fought local derby, which United won 6-1 through goals from Chris Eagles, Sean Evans and braces from Febian Brandy and Dong Fangzhuo.

Aside from one or two hints of ring-rustiness – predictable after seven months on the sidelines – Neville looked solid throughout, and did well in the centre of defence alongside Jonny Evans.

Eagles put United ahead after 18 minutes with a superb free-kick, lining up his strike from 25 yards before curling it high into the corner of the goal.

Immediately after the restart, Neville was cautioned. He firstly slipped and caught a County attacker and then, as he tried to get to his feet, caught another with a late challenge and entered the book.

The England international was involved again as County drew level through Dan Ellis 10 minutes, sliding in with Neville and just managing to convert a teasing left-wing cross.

United immediately pressed to regain their lead, and came extremely close in the latter stages of the half. Eagles clipped in a lovely cross to pick out the onrushing David Gray, but his header was straight at goalkeeper Chris Adamson, while Sean Evans was desperately unlucky to see his 35-yard volley land on the roof of Adamson’s net moments later.

The left winger didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, however. Less than two minutes of the second period had passed when Michael Barnes’ corner fell to Evans around 15 yards out, and he lashed the
ball into the far top corner.

Neville was replaced by Richard Eckersley after 57 minutes, and five minutes later United were 3-1 up. Again it came from a setpiece, with Dong lashing home a slightly deflected 25-yard free kick for his first competitive Reserves goal.

A fourth goal came just 70 seconds later. Dong’s pass for Sean Evans was overhit, but the winger did superbly to rob the defender and square a cross for Febian Brandy, who slotted home with great aplomb.

The diminutive forward fired home again with a cool finish after more good build-up play from Eagles, before Dong fired home from 15 yards with 16 minutes remaining.

An emphatic scoreline in the end, which was just reward for a dominant second-half display from United. The undoubted highlight of the evening, however, was the welcome return of United's influential club captain.

United: Heaton, Gray, J Evans, Neville (R Eckersley, 57), Simpson, Lee, Barnes,
Eagles, Dong, Brandy (Welbeck, 74), S Evans.
Subs not used: Zieler, Chester, Bryan.

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01/11/2007 09:50, Report by Steve Bartram

Laying down a marker

Rio Ferdinand is adamant that this weekend's clash between United and Arsenal will not determine the destination of the Premier League title.
The England defender does admit, however, that the Reds can send out an ominous warning to their title rivals with victory at the Emirates Stadium.
“A win at the Emirates would be a great marker to put down," Rio told MUTV. "Although I don’t think it will determine where the league is going to go.
“There’s only a handful of games gone — but we need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves. We need to make sure we get the points and stay at the top of the league.
“It’s a massive game but no matter who wins it will not be a case of ‘They’re going to win the league’ or even ‘They’ll be the favourites’.”
United travel to the Emirates in top form, having notched four goals in four consecutive games, and Ferdinand has been delighted by the Reds' return to their fluent best.
“We’re scoring goals and it’s a big difference from the start of the season," he admitted. "We were creating chances but weren’t converting them.
“Now we seem to be putting them in the back of the net and that bodes well. It’s looking good but now it’s got to continue. We have to sustain it over a good amount of time. This is just the start.
“Hopefully we’ll be saying this after the Christmas period and we can say we’ve got a consistent strike force and a consistent team.”

Watch more of the interview with Rio Ferdinand on MUTV Online.

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31/10/2007 15:59, Report by Nick Coppack

Sir Alex: Ideal preparation

The loss to Coventry City in the Carling Cup third round hasn't quite faded from Sir Alex's memory, but the United boss admits the Reds' fixture-free midweek is the ideal preparation for Saturday's trip to the Emirates stadium.

United's early cup exit meant United's stars could put their feet up on Wednesday night. Arsene Wenger's troops, meanwhile, embarked on a long trip north to face Bryan Robson's Sheffield United side at Bramall Lane.

Of course, Wenger rested the majority of those players likely to turn out against the Reds on Saturday, but there will still have been disruptions within the Arsenal camp ahead of the weekend's top-of-the-table clash.

"It's good we don't have a midweek game," Ferguson told MUTV. "Owen Hargreaves played his first game for almost two months [against Middlesbrough] so this week will allow him to freshen up. I don't think there's any doubt he'll be available on Saturday.

"Anderson got a little bit of a knock but I think he'll be okay. Things are looking better."

Paul Scholes has been ruled out until the New Year with a knee injury, but United could welcome Patrice Evra back into the team on Saturday.

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01/11/2007 10:58, Report by Steve Bartram

Messi awestruck by Tevez form

Barcelona prodigy Lionel Messi has been highly impressed by the form of compatriot Carlos Tevez since his summer move to United.
Tevez has four United goals to his name, but it has been his scintillating strike partnership with Wayne Rooney that has really captured the attention of the football world.
“Carlos is making a big difference for Manchester United this season," said Messi. “His partnership with Rooney is already something special and I think it will only get better.
“Although they play and move similarly to one another on the pitch, they are going to help Manchester United a lot. They will scare defenders everywhere.
“Those who play the game well understand each other immediately. Good players always manage to play well together."
With Tevez and United in such top form already this season, Messi sees the Reds as genuine contenders for this season's Champions League title - along with Barca.
“Barcelona and United are both great teams," he said. "And they are real candidates for the Champions League.”

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01/11/2007 09:47, Report by Nick Coppack

U18s: United 2 Bolton 0

United's youngsters shone on Wednesday night, as the U18s beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 to register yet another victory in the Premier Academy League.

Goals from winger Cameron Stewart and striker Federico Macheda handed the Reds a fourth consecutive win - the team's eighth in 10 matches - to leave Paul McGuinness' side third in the league.

Manchester City currently top Group C, United's regional division of the league, with 29 points from a possible 33, with Everton nipping at their heels on 28.

Stewart got the opening goal for the Reds after 26 minutes, then with just over quarter of an hour remaining former Lazio striker Macheda, who joined United in the summer, got the second. The 16-year-old Italian is now top scorer for the U18s with five goals in six games.

United's next competitive test comes with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 10 November, although the Academy team will be in action between 6 November and 8 November in the Pele Trophy. Organised by Sheffield United's Academy, the tournament pits the Blades' youngsters against squads from United, Sao Paulo and FC Porto.

United: Amos; McCormack, Strickland, Gill (Norwood 61), Derbyshire (Ajose 61); Bryan, James, Eikrem, Stewart; Brandao, Macheda.
Subs not used: Woods, Curran, Potts.

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01/11/2007 14:49, Report by Nick Coppack

Poll: October's finest

ManUtd.com users voted Wayne Rooney Man of the Match for his performance against Middlesbrough last weekend, but has the Reds' no.10 done enough to also scoop the monthly award?

Rooney certainly enjoyed a prolific October, firing United to victory against AS Roma before going on to net against Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa (2), Dynamo Kyiv and Middlesbrough.

The England international's strike partner, Carlos Tevez, is also in with a shout after hitting top form last month. Tevez opened the scoring against Wigan, was brilliant at Villa Park, worked his socks off against Kyiv and fired two past Middlesbrough.

Of course, football's not all about goals and Brazilian playmaker Anderson has managed to catch the eye even without finding the net. The 19-year-old was particularly influential towards the end of the month, turning in a star performance on his Champions League debut in Kyiv before continuing the good form against Middlesbrough.

Rio Ferdinand's done the business at both ends, scoring against Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, while helping United keep things tight at the back. And don't forget Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck twice against Wigan and terrorised the Ukrainians in Kyiv.

Have your say at www.manutd.com/polls

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01/11/2007 08:57, Report by Nick Coppack

Reds' fixture news

United's 12 January clash with Newcastle United will now kick off at 17:15 GMT.

The match, originally scheduled for 15:00 GMT, will be broadcast live on Setanta Sports, so fans in the UK who can't make the journey to Old Trafford can at least take comfort in the knowledge they can still watch every kick.

The Reds' 30 January date against Portsmouth will also be screened live – this time on Sky Sports 1 – although the 20:00 GMT kick off remains the same.

Newcastle's visit to Old Trafford isn't the only re-arranged match on United's fixture calendar. The home clash with Blackburn Rovers will now take place on Sunday 11 November (15:00 GMT), Fulham's trip north has been rescheduled for Monday 3 December (20:00 GMT), the eagerly awaited Liverpool clash put back 24 hours to Sunday 16 December (13:30 GMT) and Everton's visit re-arranged for Sunday 23 December (12:00 GMT).

Also, the Reds' New Year's Day tie with Birmingham City has now been confirmed as a 15:00 GMT kick off.