We'll Kick on From Here

Sir Alex insists United can take “great credit” in the 2011/12 season, despite falling at the final hurdle and in heartbreaking fashion.

The Reds were just minutes away from clinching an unlikely 20th league title... until two injury-time goals at the Etihad Stadium sealed the championship for Manchester City.

Celebrations turned to shock at the Stadium of Light, where United fans had just watched the Reds beat Sunderland 1-0 thanks to a first-half Wayne Rooney goal.

The result meant United finished the season on 89 points and lost the league only on goal difference.

“I think we can take great credit,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “We’ve had to contend with a lot of injuries this season so I’ve had to change the team around a lot. That didn’t always help us.

“I have absolutely no recriminations about our season at all. Yes, there were times we can look back and say we’ve done this wrong or we’ve done that wrong, but 89 points would have won the league in most seasons.

“At the start of the season I said 82 points would probably win it. And we’ve gone seven points ahead of that. It doesn’t matter, though. We’ve lost the league. There’s nothing we can do about it.

“We congratulate Manchester City. Anyone who wins the league deserves to win it because it’s a very difficult league to win.”

The boss, magnanimous in defeat, took a number of positives from United’s final game of the season 

“They’re a good bunch of lads,” he said. “The younger players will remember today. Sometimes a bad experience is even better for you.

“When you have a good character and a certain purpose about you then you shouldn’t fear the future.

“We did our best today and but for their goalkeeper we could have scored seven goals. We hit the post, the bar, their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves. We conducted ourselves in the right way. It was a good level of performance.

“Well done to the players: Sunderland’s not an easy place to come to. They’re very committed, as you expect from a Martin O’Neill team. We came out with a lot of credit.

“For us it’s a challenge and we’re good at challenges. We’ll kick on from here.”
@Manutd.com

United: Adapting To Adversity

When Manchester United are at their fluent attacking best Sir Alex Ferguson's players delight in confounding opponents by frequently, if temporarily, interchanging roles. Invariably wonderful to watch, such positional rotation is something only very good teams dare indulge in. Moreover their managers tend to ensure that these fluid interludes of movement are firmly underpinned by the reassuring presence of tactical safety nets.

Under enemy fire, leading sides usually revert to default starting formations with defenders deployed conventionally and even free spirits in the Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov moulds detailed to perform specific marking tasks. Yet as Ferguson prepares to celebrate his 70th birthday on Saturday he knows that so many pieces of United's basic framework have recently required patching up with ill‑fitting parts that he has little option but to improvise for entire 90-minute stretches.
With 11 senior players – including the long‑term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher – occupying the Old Trafford treatment room the phrase "positional rotation" has assumed a whole new meaning as United's fit squad members are asked to pretend they are Ajax-type "total footballers".
If Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra cannot be described as exactly "ersatz" centre‑halves, the fact that Ferguson's team played much of their 5-0 Boxing Day thrashing of Wigan Athletic with the midfielder and the left-back paired at the heart of defence can only have warmed Roberto Mancini's heart. Even so, Manchester City's manager knows that a wounded United represents a most dangerous enemy. Since his side humiliated Ferguson's men 6-1 at Old Trafford in October, their neighbours have proceeded to win eight of the subsequent nine Premier League games, the last two 5-0.
Yet if fielding a talented winger such as Antonio Valenica at right-back and again promoting the hitherto unwanted Darron Gibson from the reserves to central midfield, clearly did not cramp United's style against Wigan, greater challenges await. The prospect of being without a cadre of key performers during a January programme featuring tricky league trips to Newcastle and Arsenal could conceivably cost United the title.
Pointing out that they now stand level on points with City at the top of the table, Evra takes a rather less gloomy view. Although Chris Smalling and Phil Jones may well recover in time to man the centre-half stations against Blackburn on Saturday, the France international is confident he and Carrick could, once again, prove able deputies.
"At United, the team is the star," says Evra. "That's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back and we're still going to win. It's about the team effort and the team spirit and that's why I'm confident. The United spirit is that you can play everywhere, in any position. No other side has United's spirit. That's why I'm so proud to play here."
There have been blips along the way but Evra now regards the Champions League exit to Basel as a disguised blessing. "It was a big disappointment when we went out early," he says. "But it was a wake-up call; maybe everyone looked at themselves in the mirror and said 'we can do much better'. What the fans expect of every player, we're all doing now. We're working hard. Nothing is easy but we have to keep our momentum going and trust each other."
If such endeavour is thrilling Ferguson, his side surely cannot keep on exceeding the sum of their currently out of position parts. "The injuries start to be annoying," acknowledges Evra. "We want everyone fit if we want to win the league." The fear inside Old Trafford is that history could be in recycling mode. With the manager's room for January transfer market manoeuvre presumably restricted by the gargantuan debt imposed on the club by the Glazer family, memories have been rewinding almost 14 years.
Despite at one stage enjoying an 11-point lead over Arsenal, a rash of injuries variously afflicting Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt in March 1998 saw Ferguson forced to ultimately concede the title to Arsène Wenger.
Coming second to Mancini would hurt more but the Glaswegian is often at his most innovative when backed into corners. "United can adapt to adversity," argues Roberto Martínez, Wigan's manager. "They have the mentality every other team wants. Anyone wanting to win the league has to better United's mentality."
Louise Taylor
@Guardian

Ready For Chelsea

United's defeat at Arsenal last weekend has opened the door for the defending champions who appeared to be out of the title race just a few weeks ago. The Reds still hold their destiny in their own hands and know victory on Sunday will all but guarantee a record 19th championship crown.

"Everyone's aware of the magnitude of Sunday's game and it's one we're looking forward to," Sir Alex told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"Last Sunday's result has certainly brought an awareness to us of how important this game is and I think it's one of the reasons I had to pick the team I did on Wednesday. It's given us a fresh team for Sunday. It should be a fantastic match and if we win, we should win the league."

The Reds possess one of the best home records in Europe having dropped just two points all season in the league. And the boss is hoping his team can produce can another match-winning display against Ancelotti's men.

"Our home form is a big advantage. That's the reason we're there [on top]," said Sir Alex. "It's probably the best in Europe. Some of our performances at home have been absolutely terrific. Hopefully we get the result we want."

@Manutd.com

Sir Alex : We Were Vindicated

After his side demolished Schalke 6-1 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final, the jubilant boss said: "It's fantastic for the club (to be in a third final in four years). I've said it many times, we should have done better in Europe over the years.

"I think we're getting closer to that. I think this team can win the cup. I think it's a team full of great desire and determination. These qualities, allied to their ability, will help them at Wembley."

Sir Alex acknowledges that Barcelona - conquerors of United in the respective clubs' last final, in 2009 - are a different prospect to Schalke, indeed to any other team in the world currently.

"I think they (Barcelona) are definitely, without doubt, the team of the moment. There's no question about that. They play fantastic football. It's a pleasure to watch them play. Their semi-final (against Real Madrid) was unfortunate in that we expected a lot better from both sides."

Turning back to his own team, the manager admitted he'd lost some sleep on the eve of Wednesday's win over Schalke, as he pondered his line-up. He made eight changes from the side that started at Arsenal and given the stage of the competition, this was seen in some quarters as a gamble.

"I woke up about four times last night and picked different teams. But they did me proud. When I analysed each individual who was playing, I said to myself, 'This is a Manchester United player. Why can't I play him?' The fact it's a semi-final and such an important game does create a certain bit of doubt in your mind as to whether you're doing the right thing but I'm glad we were vindicated.

"We're in the final now and we'll prepare properly. We've got a big game on Sunday, so let's look forward to that."

Sir Alex recognises, of course, that a European Cup final at Wembley has special meaning for United, given that the Reds first won the biggest prize in club football there back in 1968. Could that be an omen?

"Let's hope so. This club has created destiny many times and its fate follows things like that."

@Manutd.com

Berba : Artful Merit

As a keen artist in his spare time, Dimitar Berbatov recognises the power of imagery. So the Bulgarian will fully appreciate how two contrasting scenes illustrate his evolution into one of the stars of United’s 2010/11 campaign.

Two snapshots of Berbatov, taken five months apart, lay bare a United career dramatically rerouted from enigmatic to integral. Following a missed opportunity at Ewood Park last April, he cut a frustrated figure – prostrate, blinded by his own palms, his disappointment all too evident. Then, during September’s victory over Liverpool, having just scored his stunning overhead kick, he was a beaming hub of jubilance swamped by ecstatic colleagues.
Top scorer both for club and division, the striker's form has made him a mainstay of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. A five-star show against Blackburn was only the third quintuple in United's history, he took his place in club folklore with the Reds' first hat-trick against Liverpool in 64 years and Saturday’s repeat against Birmingham made the striker only the seventh United player to reach three hat-tricks in the same season.
Those three goal-laden displays account for over half the striker’s total, but he has also popped up with vital solitary strikes to keep United’s points total clicking along apace. He’s looking entirely at home with the Reds’ quick-fire style of play, and his performances have had the effect of galvanising the rest of the team.
“Every club has a blueprint, an identity, and United’s is very strong,” says first-team coach Rene Meulensteen. “United stands for attacking, attractive football played at high speed, with one-touch passing combinations, individual skill and unpredictability. That’s all conducted at pace, with intent.”

It’s an approach which takes some getting used to, but Berbatov has found a way to suffuse his own unique talents with United’s well-established approach. Meulensteen is delighted with the huge impact made by the Bulgarian this season.
“Berba sees the art and beauty of bringing a ball down from 30 yards, then flicking it through for a team-mate with a back-heel,” says the Dutchman. “It’s an artistic approach which gives colour to the game and makes him colourful. He’s a vital ingredient to what the team is trying to achieve.
“I said to him once in training to think of himself as the best musician in the world, and as a team that we’re the best orchestra in the world. Everyone is playing the same tune – and Berba is elevating the whole performance. That’s why you are seeing beautiful things.”
The Bulgarian’s first two seasons after his switch from Spurs brought steady dividends (21 goals and 27 assists in 86 appearances) but Sir Alex Ferguson’s penchant for fielding Wayne Rooney as a lone striker ahead of a midfield trio meant he was often relegated to the substitutes’ bench for United’s bigger games – especially in the Champions League, where he started just three of the Reds’ 11 knockout ties in 2008/09 and 2009/10.
Late last term, United’s inability to pick up valuable domestic points in the injury-enforced absence of Rooney fanned the flames of transfer speculation. Given the sheer volume of big name, big money strikers linked, many media outlets suggested that Berbatov would be the unfortunate one to make room in the squad. Sir Alex’s riposte was brisk and blunt. Blue and white tickertape was still blustering around Stamford Bridge when the manager succinctly confirmed: “Dimitar will be staying here. I trust him.”

What the boss saw in his no.9 was incomparable control, vision and finesse – a skill set unlike that of any other player in the Premier League. The striker’s own response to the rumour mill was similarly unambiguous. Over the summer he maintained his fitness with regular running, and upon his return, increased his work with United’s strength and conditioning coaches. Self-belief has also been key to his move up to the next level of performance.
“You need to stay strong, believe in yourself and know what you can do,” the Bulgarian told Inside United in October. “There will be periods when you don’t feel so great, but you have your team-mates and manager who are always behind you. They always pat you on the back and say: ‘Don’t worry.’ It’s the same for every player, not just strikers.”
An impressive pre-season prompted further praise from Sir Alex, who said after the first warm-up game, against Celtic, “We know we have the right player.” After Berbatov’s Community Shield lob against Chelsea, the boss was even more effusive, labelling the striker “a genius”. And similar encouragement was forthcoming from within the dressing room. “We all know how good Dimitar is,” said Nemanja Vidic, while Darren Fletcher echoed: “He’s an important part of the team.”
According to Meulensteen, United’s inherent culture of rallying round one another for the greater good has played a huge part in Berbatov’s upsurge in confidence. “The good thing about this club is that, with the manager and the staff, there’s a massive loyalty to all the players,” says the Dutchman. “We bring them to the club because we know they can perform for us. So if they do have a difficult spell, they can fall back on us. That’s where we need to work harder to get them back to where they should be. That works and players feel that.

“You can rely on the people here, the people you’re training with, the staff, the manager and you all aim for the one thing: the best possible performance and results, and ultimately silverware.”
Berbatov’s treble in a five-star romp over Birmingham, allied to Manchester City’s defeat at Aston Villa, has given United marginally more breathing room in an enthralling Premier League title race - and Meulensteen says all United’s rivals should beware the Bulgarian as the season enters its nitty-gritty stage.
“Berba has been hugely important so far this season, and he’ll be key for the run-in,” says the Reds coach. “He wants to be key for the team, and he understands what he needs to do to be key for the team. And that’s clear in his performances and the goals that he’s scored. I want to see him with a medal around his neck and the biggest grin on his face at the end of the season, so he can look back and know that he’s really contributed so much to such a massive achievement.”
Should he end the current season a champion, Berbatov’s renaissance will be utterly complete – a triumph of heart for art’s sake.
@manutd.com

Valencia Back To Boost United

Antonio Valencia is making rapid progress in his recovery from a broken ankle and damaged ligaments and could be back in the first-team fold at the end of February.

Sir Alex Ferguson has described the winger's impending return as "a big boost" to United's hopes of clinching silverware come May. The Ecuadorian suffered the injury against Rangers in the Champions League match at Old Trafford back in September.
It was initially feared he would be missing for the rest of the season. That timescale was then brought forward after a successful operation, but he is still ahead of schedule.
"Antonio is doing well now, he has started his running programme and he's out with the physios every day, which is a big step forward," confirmed the boss. "He's been given the all clear from the doctors, so he's under our complete control now. That's great news."
The prospect of having Nani on one wing and Valencia on the other flank is an exciting one. "I think possibly towards the end of February he should be back in the first team squad," added the boss. "That's a big boost to us."
@manutd.com

Great Clubs Developed By Great Men

Two men pass each other on the hallway of history.
They are men of substance, shaped by sacrifice and ­solidarity.
Their reputations are ­landmarks in a post-apocalyptic landscape.
Their world, football, has spun off its axis.
Their standards are being challenged by corporate cockroaches, chicken ­farmers, and assorted­ opportunists.
Today is the 8810th that Sir Alex Ferguson has devoted to Manchester United.
That is a day longer than Sir Matt Busby was in charge at Old Trafford.
Together they bridged the gap between minimum wage and ransom demand. They witnessed the lurch from idealism to ­cynicism. Busby’s father was killed by a German sniper on the Somme.
Ferguson’s father fought for social justice in the shipyards on the Clyde.
Busby found strength in his faith, succour from the ­extended family of a ­Lanarkshire mining ­community.
Ferguson absorbed life ­lessons on the wharf, the ­importance of diligence, ­dignity, and discipline.
Great football clubs – and they can be more than mere cash cows – are developed by great men.
Not by those whose wallets are stuffed, but whose souls are empty.
Neither Busby nor Ferguson could claim to be perfect human beings.
Sir Matt had the avuncular air of a parish priest, a knack of making the little man feel 10 feet tall.
He espoused honesty and humility, but was sufficiently streetwise to hide a slush fund, to attract the best and the brightest.
When his authority was challenged, even by icons like Denis Law, he had a tyrant’s wrath.
Sir Alex is ­attentive to those toiling at his trade, and respectful to those pushed to the margins by principle.
He is a good friend, a bad enemy. His intransigence ­occasionally spills over into vindictiveness.
When his authority was challenged by Wayne Rooney, he responded with a mixture of sensitivity and savagery that would be beyond a ­younger man.
The nouveau riche can’t wait for him to detach himself from his life force, the game on which he imposes his will.
They see him as just another dinosaur fossil, more suited to the Natural History Museum than the Theatre of Dreams.
Can any sentient being ­really dispute ­Ferguson’s ­insistence that the game has gone mad? It’s most powerful figure, Sepp Blatter, sets the most putrid example.
Just when Blatter’s reputation couldn’t get any worse, his ­ramblings about gay football fans “refraining from sexual activity” at the 2022 World Cup assaulted the senses.
The crass, casual bigotry was breathtaking, and beyond apology.
Qatar’s winter World Cup will be the tipping point, at which clubs go their own way.
The old men of FIFA will go to their graves not caring about the consequences.
Absolute power corrupts, absolutely.
And ignorance breeds ­arrogance.
Anuradha J Desai, first ­female president of the World Poultry Science Association, may well be one of India’s ­richest women.
But if she believes that Blackburn Rovers – her new executive toy – can qualify for the Champions League, she is several McNuggets short of a Happy Meal.
If football follows her model, which neuters the manager – and sub-contracts control to agents – clubs will become ­factory farms.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are busy staging a ­remake of Pulp Fiction for the pantomime season.
There’s blood all over the walls, and no one knows who to believe.
Not quite the PR scam the Sheikh’s advisers envisaged.
Where is the dignity in multi-millionaire footballers being traded like counterfeit perfume?
Busby, of course, saw the realities of life, and sudden, violent death.
He lived through the ­Second World War, and the Munich tragedy.
He never forgot that the club he built was lubricated by the blood of boys who died too young.
Ferguson won’t. Neither should we.



                                                              Written by Michael Calvin Decemver 18th
                                                                                   @mirrorfootball

Bruce Relishes Welbeck's Talent

Danny Welbeck shone again and helped Sunderland leapfrog Bolton into sixth place .The Manchester United loanee scored the winner in 32nd minute against Owen Coyle's Bolton Wanderers.It was his fifth goal in last sixth matches.In form England U-21 striker forced his way to starting eleven in the presence of quality players like Darren Bent (club's ;eading scorer last year) and record signing Asamoah Gyan .
Steve Bruce didn't hide the huge interest to sign Welbeck on a permanent deal :
 

"He’s a fantastic talent and he’s benefitted from playing regularly. He’s got an infectious enthusiasm about him, he wants to play and train...He’s been terrific for us, Manchester United have got a very good player on their hands...

I always knew that [keeping Welbeck] was going to be a problem, deep down. You never know, Sir Alex Ferguson might get generous in his old age."

Reds Eye Christmas No.1

Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to stress the importance of Monday night's 1-0 victory over Arsenal, as the Reds moved two points clear of the chasing pack with a game in hand.

United always aim to be top of the charts at Christmas and the Reds boss labelled next Sunday's visit to Stamford Bridge to take on ailing Chelsea as "massive", "a big, big game for United". But first, the Reds had to get past the Gunners.
"These games are important," stressed the boss. "Arsenal were top of the league and we were in third, so it was an important result for us.
"The game-plan was to stifle the midfield and to make sure we got possession of the ball in there. We did that well in the first half. We played very well and maybe we should have been further in front.
"In fairness, with the goal we did score, we deserved that. In the second half we had some great opportunities on the counter-attack, we were disappointed [not to make more of that]. Arsenal had more of the game in the second half without actually making many chances."
Ji-sung Park's looping head just before half time ensured a lead United's play had warranted. The Reds could have extended the advantage playing on the counterattack in the second 45 minutes when Nani won a penalty for Gael Clichy's handball. However, Rooney blasted the spot-kick over the bar.
"I'm surprised," said the boss. "He usually gets his shots on target. It was the complete opposite to the one he scored against Rangers, which was
low, hard and in the corner. Tonight he ballooned it over the bar.

"You always worry at 1-0. It's not a great score in a game like this. It only takes a second to lose one. But I thought our back four were fantastic. They were absolutely brilliant.
"[Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic] were tremendous. That gives you a great foundation, and 1-0 victories can win you the league. If my back four keep that foundation of not conceding any goals it gives us a really good chance."
They will need to be at their miserly best again next weekend. "It's a massive game now," added the boss. "That will go a long way to establishing the top of the league. It's a big, big game for United."

United-Arsenal:More Respect Now

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is desperate to be fit enough for the clash against Arsenal, so as to help his side register a victory over old foes that, he says, they have now come to respect.

The 31-year-old centre-half is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is a doubt for the encounter, though there have been encouraging words from manager Sir Alex Ferguson that the defender will be back in time for Monday night's game.
And Ferdinand, for his part, wants to put pressure on the north London club by beating them, with inspiration coming in the form of United's defeat to the Gunners in the 2005 FA Cup final.
Ironically, that was the last trophy that Arsene Wenger's side won, as they have since gone without silverware in the past five years.
"The 2005 FA Cup final, when we battered them but lost on penalties, was one of the worst moments of my career," Ferdinand told The Telegraph.

"But then we have had some very good times against them. They have had us when we would have beaten anyone in the world, like in the 2008 Champions League semi-final [when United beat Barcelona].
"There used to be a genuine rivalry bordering on dislike between us. You saw that when we had a couple of fracas in the tunnel. Now it is more respect."
But looking beyond the game against the Gunners, Ferdinand insisted that he would like to remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of his career.
"I want to finish my career at United," he said. "I have two years on my contract, and if the manager sees that I am fit enough, a four year deal at that age would be great."
After missing the start of the season due to a knee injury that he suffered on the eve of the World Cup finals in South Africa, subsequently ruling the England captain out of the tournament, Ferdinand's return to fitness has seen him rocket up the Castrol Rankings. The centre-back is now rated as the 94th most influential player in Europe's top five leagues.

Goal Exclusive :United Executives in Munich

Manchester United have opened talks over an £18 million move for Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger after club officials flew out to Germany, Goal.com UK can reveal.

United executives held talks with Schweinsteiger's representatives in Munich on Thursday and were still in the German city on Friday as they look to beat Chelsea and Real Madrid to his signature next summer.
Schweinsteiger's contract at Bayern Munich expires in June 2012 and speculation has intensified over his future as he has so far rejected the German club's attempts to persuade him to sign a new contract.
United have indicated that they are willing to match Bayern's offer of £140,000-a-week in wages over a five-year contract, and Goal.com UK understands Schweinsteiger has indicated he is keen to take on a new challenge away from the Bundesliga.
A January deal has even been mooted in some quarters but Bayern are determined to do everything they can to convince Schweinsteiger to sign a new contract and will not entertain selling him until the summer. The Bavarian club have offered him a huge increase on his current £100,000-a-week deal and are ready to make him the highest paid player at the club.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness has said it is "incredibly important" for the club to keep the central midfielder but he could now be set for Old Trafford after holding secret talks with United officials at a Munich hotel.
Sir Alex Ferguson was not present at the clandestine meetings but the United manager has made the Germany World Cup star his number one transfer target as he looks to rebuild his squad next summer with a £50m transfer kitty.
The relationship between the two clubs is already frosty from the £17m deal that took Owen Hargreaves to United from the German club in the summer of 2007.
They could be heading for another clash as United look set to poach Schweinsteiger, who has spent his whole career at Bayern and, according to some reports, was close to signing a new deal with the Bavarian giants.
United were beaten to the signing of Mesut Oezil by Real Madrid last summer but are determined to land Schweinsteiger, who would cost a cut-price £18m next summer as Bayern would want to recoup some sort of transfer fee.
Ferguson has identified Schweinsteiger – known for his creative passing and drive – as the natural successor to Paul Scholes, who is 36 and closing in on retirement.
The German midfielder recently revealed that his brother constantly asks him to consider a move to United, and he could now be ready to leave Germany, where Bayern currently lie seventh in the league.
Defender Philipp Lahm, midfielder Franck Ribery and forward Thomas Mueller have all recently signed new deals to keep them at the Allianz Arena, but FC Hollywood now look set to lose Schweinsteiger.

Artful Shtick

So it was all a storm in a tea cup. A little tantrum. A cry for attention. Call it what you will, but Wayne Rooney’s dramatic about-face over his decision not to sign a new deal with Manchester United caught us all on the hop and left this particular journalist dumbfounded as to why his dirty laundry was ever aired in public.

A day ago Wayne Rooney was on his way to becoming a pariah at Old Trafford, not just for rejecting the offer of a new contract, but for damning the club as un-ambitious and a spent force in terms of its ability to sign big name players and win major trophies. Wazza was on his way to Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona, or Chelsea, take your pick, and was destined to be a target for the Red Devils’ boo boys for the rest of his career.

So what happened? Did Sir Alex Ferguson, already earmarked as “a genius” by Rooney in the midst of all the kerfuffle, work his magic again? Well that’s what Wazza says, though can we believe him after the schizophrenics of the last few days?

“I said on Wednesday the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that convinced me to stay." Rooney said. "I'm delighted to sign another deal at United. I've spoken to the manager and the owners and they've convinced me this where I belong.”

"I am signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.”

Uhm, excuse me Wazza, but didn’t you have the self same conversation before announcing your departure? And didn’t you then draw exactly the opposite conclusions? And if you were so undecided about your feelings why not keep quiet about it? After all, your current contract isn’t up until the summer of 2012 so you had time.

Here’s what I think happened, and this is pure speculation just for the fun of it, Rooney got played.
I don’t believe for a second that he’s changed his mind about United. I think his initial conclusions about the club’s lack of ambition and ability to attract top players were wrong, but I firmly believe that that’s what he thought, and that‘s what he still thinks ( or will once he lays down in bed tonight and actually starts thinking).

I also think Sir Alex Ferguson knew that Rooney’s mind was made up. But that’s when Fergie boxed clever. Instead of going on an obvious offensive, giving Wazza the infamous “hairdryer” treatment in public, Fergie acted wounded and bemused, appealing to Rooney’s better nature.

Every parent will recognize the “Son, after all I’ve done for you, what have I done to deserve this?” shtick. Well, I say every parent, but Rooney’s son is only a baby so obviously he won’t have had need for that trick yet. Regardless, it’s a common ruse andit worked on Wazza, introducing a bit of guilt into the equation.

Fergie then played another master stroke, describing the Rooney situation as “ a bagatelle”, which means something trivial, and stressing that the most important thing is not the whims of one player but the club itself. Notably its next game with Stoke City. That surely left Rooney’s obvious sense of self importance deflated, and, by stressing the club above all else, Fergie opened the door for the loyal United fans to weigh in with their damning comments about their former hero’s behavior. And they did, in droves on this website and on sites around the world.

So you see Fergie barely had to lift a finger in heaping more guilt that he could handle on Rooney’s shoulders, and his softly, softly approach, that essentially allowed others and Rooney’s conscience to do the dirty work has paid off. He’s inked a 5 year deal and, what’s more, will be more motivated than ever to perform by way of an apology to the fans and his team-mates for the shenanigans of the last few days.

Fergie you ARE a genius.


By : Terry Baddoo 
@CNN

مقاله ای از آرش حقیقی

1-" کالین تو را بخشید ولی ما نمی بخشیم. " این مهمترین شعار هواداران یونایتد بود در شب بازی با بورسا اسپور؛ شعاری که کل اولد ترافورد را پر کرده بود. کالین ,همسر وین رونی, خیانتش را بخشید اما یونایتدی ها هنوز نه و شاید هرگز.

2-فینال جام حذفی سال 2005 برای آرسنالی ها خیلی مهم است. این آخرین جامی بود که توپچیهای لندن بردند, فینالی که یونایتد همه بازی حمله کرد و گل نزد و دست آخر آرسنال با پنالتی بازی را برد. ترکیب خط حمله یونایتد در آن بازی معروف تشکیل شده بود از مثلث نیستلروی در نوک و کریس رونالدو و وین رونی دو ورش. دارن فلچر هم کنار روی کین در مرکز بازی می کرد. دوره, دوره ای بود که همه می گفتند کار سر الکس تمام است و نسل طلایی یونایتد به پایان رسیده و با بچه هایی مثل رونی و رونالدو و فلچر این تیم قدرت فتح جام های داخلی و اروپایی را ندارد. هر روزنامه ای که باز می کردی همین بود داستان. تیمی که مدام حمله می کند و گل نمی زند لیاقت قهرمانی ندارد. " فلچر خیلی معمولی است, رونالدو فقط برای خودش بازی می کند و بی خود پا عوض می کند, رونی هم سطحش در حد همان اورتون است. "

3-دو سال گذشت. منچستر یونایتد در حالی که هنوز نیمکتش تخت سلطنت سر الکس بود سه سال پیاپی قهرمان لیگ برتر شد و در این سه سال به نیمه نهایی چمپیونز لیگ هم رسید, دو بار به فینال رفت و یک بار قهرمان شد. حالا چه کسی بود که می توانست قدرت یونایتد را انکار کند؟ اما مهره های کلیدی یونایتد در این سالها همان بچه هایی بودند که بیشترین انتقادها را جذب کرده بودند. انگار تاریخ تکرار می شد و جمله به یاد ماندنی آلن هنسن در سال 95 که " با این بچه ها ( گیگز, بکام, اسکولز, نویل ) نمیشه هیچی برد " معنی ای دوباره می گرفت و باز نفس می کشید بعد از 10 سال. فلچر بدل شد به یکی از بهترین هافبک های دفاعی اروپا و زوج رونی و رونالدو خطرناک ترین خط حمله. رونالدو بهترین تمام کننده بود و رونی بهترین مکمل وهمه این ها بار دیگر نسخه ای جادویی بود از مردی که تخصص خودش را می داند: " سال 2005 بود که یکی از بازیکنای تیم اومد پیش من و گفت این رونی و رونالدو اصلا خوب نیستند و من نیمتونم بیش تر از این صبر کنم که با اینا جام بگیریم. خب می دانید مشکل همه همین است. آدمها پتانسیل را درک نمی کنند و نمی بینند. ولی من می بینم, من همه عمرم را صرف دیدن و کشف این استعدادها کردم. من استعداد را پیدا می کنم و خوب بلدم چطور آن را به بالاترین سطح ممکن برسانم. "

سر الکس مثل همیشه به راهش ایمان دارد و می داند این بار هم منتقدین هستند که باید حرفشان را پس بگیرند: " به این راه ایمان کامل دارم. فلسفه یونایتد همین است. می دونید اینها تیمی را می بینند که 14 بازیکن زیر 22 سال دارد و نمی توانند درک کنند که سال آینده این تیم کجاست. "

4-تابستان سال گذشته کریس رونالدو و کارلوس تبس اولدترافورد را ترک کردند و این شد آغاز یک ماجراجویی جدید برای پیر فرزانه اسکاتلندی که تا آخرین نفس زندگیش پای قمار می ماند. آنتونی والنسیا و نانی باید می ساختند و رونی باید گل می زد, بربا هم که کلا از برنامه های تیم خارج بود. اینجا دگردیسی بزرگ زندگی ورزشی رونی شروع شد. فرگوسن نقش رونی را عوض کرد. مدتی طول کشید تا رونی به این نقش جدید عادت کند, اما وقتی شماره 10 شیاطین سرخ خودش را به عنوان تک مهاجم پذیرفت طوفان یونایتد بار دیگر انگلیس و اروپا را در بر گرفت و قربانیان بزرگی چون میلان و آرسنال داد. پرچمدار این موج نو خود رونی بود که حساس ترین گل ها را می زد و البته نانی و والنسیا هم آرام آرام پتانسیل بالایشان را نشان می دادند. همه چیز همانطور که باید پیش می رفت تا بالاخره شبی در مونیخ شوم ترین حادثه ممکن برای یونایتد رخ داد. پای رونی پیچ خورد و امید اول انگلیس در جام جهانی در حالی که ایدئال ترین فرم ممکن را داشت مصدوم شد. همین مصدومیت به علاوه اتفاقات عجیب و غریب بازی برگشت یونایتد و بایرن نتیجه اش شد حذف آنها از اروپا و از دست دادن مقام قهرمانی لیگ برتر.

حرف زدن از آینده ای در گذشته که هرگز اتفاق نیافتاده کاری عبث است اما واقعا اگر رونی در حساس ترین مقطع فصل مصدوم نمی شد و داور رافائل دا سیلوا را به آن شکل مضحک با دو کارت زرد جریمه نمی کرد, دور از خیال بود که یونایتد برای سومین سال پیاپی به فینال چمپیونز لیگ برسد؟

5-" برای من فقط یک چیز اهمیت دارد و آن هم بردن جام است. یونایتد با سر الکس همیشه اینطور بوده. ولی من حرفم را زدم و احساس می کنم این یونایتد جاه طلبی و قدرت فتح جام را ندارد. " این را رونی گفت؛ حرفهایی که بدجور سر الکس را متعجب کرد. اما  فکتی جالب اینجاست : رونی بعد از مصدومیت بازی مقابل بایرن کلا دو گل زده است, یکی از روی نقطه پنالتی برای یونایتد و یکی در بازی مقابل سوئیس برای انگلیس. رونی احساس می کند این تیم یونایتد به اندازه کافی نمی جنگد و روحیه قهرمانی ندارد. ولی هرگز به این فکر نمی کند که یکی از دلایل اصلی آن خودش است. فرافکنی ستاره 24 ساله انگلیس این جا رخ می نماید. یونایتد این فصل در فاز حمله بسیار بهتر از یونایتد سال گذشته شده. بربا 6 گل تا همین جای فصل زده و بهترین فوتبال ممکن را بازی میکند. چیچاریتو هم هر وقت به بازی آمده تاثیر گذار بوده و نانی هم که کم کم دارد شمایلی رونالدو-وار به خود می گیرد. اگر رونی همان رونی فصل پیش بود مسلما یونایتد تا اینجای فصل خیلی راحت تر گل می زد. پس مشکل بیشتر مشکل رونی است تا یونایتد. رونی بدترین فوتبال عمرش را بازی می کند و بعد از بازیکنان دیگر ایراد می گیرد. انگار همان داستان سال 2005 دارد تکرار می شود و این بار نقش ها عوض شده و رونی در نقش ستاره ای ظاهر می شود که به جوان ها اعتماد ندارد. شاید بد نباشد رونی یاد دورانی بیافتد که بقیه همین حرفها را راجع به خودش و هم تیمی هایش می زدند و به یاد بیاورد سرانجام آن نسل چه شد. یونایتد این فصل هنوز شکست نخورده است, در اروپا صدر جدول گروهش هست و در انگلیس هم طبق سنت همیشگی نیم فصل اول را در رده های دوم و سوم می گذراند. رونی باید در خلوت خودش کمی بیشتر به این حقایق فکر کند. باید به این فکر کند که آیا افت یونایتد باعث افت او شده یا برعکس؟ آیا این سر الکس نبود که بعد از جام جهانی کابوس وار همه جوره پشت مهاجمش ایستاد و تنهایش نگذاشت؟

 هر تیم بزرگی حداقل نیاز به یک ستاره بزرگ هم دارد که در لحظاتی که همه چیز گره می خورد و همه راه ها بسته است راهی پیدا کند و دری بگشاید. کاری که کانتونا می کرد, کاری که بکام می کرد, کاری که رونالدو می کرد. نقش این ستاره را رونی باید بازی کند  که نمی کند و به جایش دیگران را زیر سوال می برد. مثل اینکه بازیگر نقش اول فیلم بد بازی کند و انرژی نگذارد و تمرکز نداشته باشد و بعد بگوید این فیلم در نمی آید و من دیگر بازی نمی کنم. روی کین هم در تمام دوران کاپیتانیش در اولدترافورد مدام داخل و خارج از زمین سر بقیه داد می کشید و از آنها می خواست بهتر باشند, اما خودش هم هرگز از حرکت باز نمی ایستاد. کین جانش را برای تیم می داد و از هم بازیهایش هم چنین انتظاری داشت. اینکه بایستی و سر بقیه داد بکشی کار یک فوتبالیست حرفه ای نیست. آنچه رونی می بیند در واقع انعکاس نقش خودش است در آینه تیمش که غرور و تکبر زیادی مانع از درکش می شود. نقش رونی در بازی های امسال یونایتد چه بوده و باید چه می بود؟ آیا چیزی جز نام او در زمین دیده شده؟ اگر برباتوف همان بازیکن دو فصل گذشته بود حالا یونایتد کجای جدول قرار داشت؟ اینها سوالهایی است که رونی پیش از هر چیز باید دنبال جوابش باشد. گاهی نقش ها که عوض می شوند بازیگران جوری رفتار می کنند که انگار هرگز نقشی قبلی نداشته اند و از اول همین بوده اند که هستند. نقش رونی عوض شده و نقش سابقش به چیچاریتو, به به , گیبسون و اندرسون و رافائل رسیده. اما این وسط یک نقش ثابت مانده؛ سر الکس عوض نشده. سر الکس همیشه همین بوده و همیشه همین خواهد ماند و این رمز جاودانگیش است: " به این راه ایمان کامل دارم. "

6-" کالین تو را بخشید ولی ما نمی بخشیم. "

Focused Amid A Storm

Sir Alex Ferguson wanted more of a cutting edge from his team against Bursaspor but, under the circumstances, a victory was top of the agenda after a tough week at Old Trafford.
It was far from a classic, but the boss was pleased to collect all three points to move two points clear at the top of the Group C. “A win was important, it was important for the fans,” he told MUTV. "The players worked hard and there was good unity among them and a good atmosphere in the dressing room.

"I think we could have pushed on better. That’s why I put on Chicharito to try and get more impetus in the striking part. But I think we did our job well in the sense we kept our intensity and we controlled the whole match. They had one shot with two minutes of the match remaining. So we can take credit for that, the players worked really hard. But we could have done better in the final third.”

Nani had earlier given United the lead after seven minutes with a thunderbolt strike. “He is getting better, that is the great thing,” added the boss “He’s added a good goal ratio to his game. He’s got great feet, and courage, and he’s quick. He loves playing, he loves training. A lot of these things are coming together for the lad and we’re pleased at that.”

But throughout the match there was a cloud looming over United. Wayne Rooney released a statement hours before kick-off reiterating his stance that he wants to leave. Rooney’s reasoning centred around ambition. Sir Alex smiled and responded: “Is it 30 trophies I’ve won, or what?” Asked if it was important not to let the saga affect morale, he added: “Absolutely, we will put it to bed tomorrow.”


@MANUTD.COM

Seeking Ruthlessness

United fans got their money’s worth in terms of tension and entertainment in the first few weeks of the season, didn’t they?
Aye, but they shouldn’t have had the drama at Everton or Fulham. At Craven Cottage we missed a penalty kick with three minutes to go, which would have made it 3-1 and put the game out of sight. We threw points away there. And then it was even worse at Everton, where we threw away two goals in injury time. That’s unthinkable.
Losing late goals isn’t something you associate with the Reds. Was it as baffling for you as it was for the supporters?
It’s not like us to concede goals like that. This team doesn’t kill sides off as well as they should – that’s an area where I'd like to see an improvement. At Goodison we had three or four chances at 3-1 to put the game out of sight, but we were wasteful and paid the price. That killer instinct just isn’t there at the moment and it’s something we need to develop. That said, we haven’t had a problem scoring goals – we got three against Liverpool, Everton and West Ham, two at Fulham, three in the Community Shield; we don’t have difficulty finding the net. What we’re not doing, though, is killing teams off.
How do you address that?
The lessons learned are always important and I have no doubt the players have taken these setbacks on board. They suffer just as much – if not more – than the rest of us. They’re the ones throwing the points away and they’re the ones who know fine well that they’re good enough to win this league. So they don’t want to let themselves down. During the match, those on the sidelines – the fans, myself and my staff –perhaps feel the frustration more, but after the game, and for the next day or two, it’s the players who continue to hurt. They don’t like feeling that way, so they’ll take steps to ensure they don’t keep making the same mistakes. All the very best professionals, in any sport in the world, need two things – consistency and concentration. Those attributes are vital to success.

Have we already reached a stage where we can’t afford to drop any more points?
No, no, no. Every team is going to drop points – that’s inevitable. If you look at Chelsea’s start to the season, you’d have expected them to have won all those games, so the position they’re in doesn’t surprise me. Meanwhile, we’ve had tricky trips to Fulham and Everton then played Liverpool at home. Those are difficult matches. Liverpool, Arsenal and ourselves have all played top sides early on – Chelsea’s sterner tests are still to come.
Antonio Valencia suffered a bad injury against Rangers. How do we compensate for his absence from the side?
It’s a loss to lose any player but Antonio was probably the most improved squad member over the last 12 months, so it was a big blow. The development we saw from when he signed for us to the present day has been amazing. We thought it would take a couple of years for him to reach this level, but he took to the challenge like a duck to water. However, we’ve got a strong squad and we’ll cope. It’s up to Nani now to play his part, and he has done superbly this season, so he’ll offer us width. Then there’s also Gabriel Obertan and the boy Bebe, who’s training very well. We’re not too bad – we’ve got options.
Do you learn as much about a player on a cold night in Scunthorpe as you do when they play at Old Trafford against Liverpool?
Absolutely. In the last few years we’ve done really well in the Carling Cup. But it’s not only the fact that we’ve had success. We’ve been to Scunthorpe this season and we went to Barnsley last year, and it’s in those sorts of environments you learn about your squad. We fielded a lot of young players in the Carling Cup last time out, and they acquitted themselves admirably. The competition has served us well; it allows me to keep everybody happy in terms of giving them games and we’ve reached the last two finals, which has its obvious advantages. Playing at Wembley and competing on the big stage is terrific for player development.
You can’t beat the experience of winning trophies, can you?
No, you can’t, but going out in the early rounds – like we did against Coventry and Southend a few years ago – are also good experiences. We always prefer to win, but I remember when Coventry came to Old Trafford and beat us in 2007. Our lads simply forgot it was a cup tie and the penalty for a poor performance was getting knocked out. Coventry were very hungry and you have to say they deserved to win. That was a big lesson and it helps us now.

@insideunited

Owen's Back

The boss said in an MUTV exclusive interview: "Owen has come back training, he trained yesterday with the first team. He looked very good. I was surprised actually how good he was looking. It's an extra string to our bow.

"After being out for so long, we'll have to monitor him and see how he progresses in the next few weeks. But it's good to see him back. Because he's been out for so long you have to see whether there's going to be a relapse. That's the first thing on our mind. But having watched him in training, if he continues that way he's going to give me a selection problem."

Michael Carrick is also back on the training field. "Michael started training last week," says Sir Alex. "He had an injection on his Achilles to settle it down. It was nothing serious, just one of those niggling little problems you can get, particularly at the start of the season when grounds are firm. He's fine, he's started training."

Valencia's Welcome Boost

Antonio Valencia could return to action as early as February, according to Sir Alex.

A statement released by the club on Thursday said the Ecuador winger, who dislocated and fractured his ankle against Rangers on Tuesday night, was likely to miss “a good portion of the season”.

Given Alan Smith took seven months to return after suffering a similar injury at Liverpool in February 2006 many assumed Valencia would return in April or May.

But the manager confirmed on Friday morning that the prognosis was better than first expected.

“Antonio had his operation and it was successful,” he said. “The break was clean and we were delighted to announce that. It was a major concern for us at the time.

“There’s ligament damage but we’re looking at the end of February, which is better than we thought on Tuesday night. He’s a strong boy and he’s very positive about it – being positive helps in these situations.”

                                                                               @manutd.com

Charity Shield,Ozil Saga,Rooney and Scholes Phenomenon

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to confirm or deny his interest in signing Germany star Mesut Ozil following Manchester United's Community Shield victory.

United boss Ferguson was at Craven Cottage on Saturday, when Ozil's Werder Bremen side were playing Fulham in a pre-season friendly.

Ferguson hinted he was an admirer of the 21-year-old midfielder - one of the best players at this summer's World Cup - but asked if he was interested in bringing the playmaker to Old Trafford, he replied cryptically: "I don't know."

He added: "I think a lot of clubs would be interested in Ozil.

"At the moment, I think we've got a great squad. I don't need to add to it - that's my opinion. I trust them.

"But, as I said, there are a lot of clubs interested in him."

Ferguson was happy with United's performance against Chelsea this afternoon, which saw them run out 3-1 winners at Wembley.

But he was even more pleased with being able to give a number of his players a much-needed run-out, including Wayne Rooney.

The England striker put his World Cup misery behind him to impressive in a 45-minute cameo that saw him lay on United's opener with an inch-perfect cross for Antonio Valencia.

Ferguson said: "The making of the goal, marvellous run and first-time ball; I don't think Antonio could've missed it. It was a magnificent ball in."

The United boss was also effusive about Rooney's half-time replacement, Javier Hernandez, who marked his debut with a bizarre goal.

The Mexico striker slipped trying to turn in Valencia's cross and ended up kicking the ball against his own face and into the net.

Salomon Kalou pulled a goal back for double-winners Chelsea, who also went close to levelling before substitute Dimitar Berbatov sealed the win in stoppage time.

Ferguson hit out at the critics who have questioned whether the Bulgarian has lived up to his £32million price tag since joining United.

But the United boss saved the biggest plaudits to the evergreen Paul Scholes, who gave a midfield masterclass to earn the man-of-the-match award.

Ferguson had to talk Scholes out of retirement at the end of last season, but admitted he had also considered putting the midfielder out to pasture.

"This time last season, he's saying to himself, 'This is my last season' - and a lot of people thought that," Ferguson said.

"It came across my mind also, simply because he's had a lot of injuries in his career. He keeps coming back; it's not easy to do that.

"It's a phenomenon that he goes out there, becomes man of the match, approaching his 36th birthday.

"He's just an incredible footballer."

Scholes was partnered by Michael Carrick, who was a shock starter two days after Ferguson had ruled him out for two weeks with an ankle injury.

"On Friday, I was certain he was out for two weeks," Ferguson said.

"He came in yesterday, says he was fit, wanted to train, trained, and wanted to play.

"The minute he says he's fit, we had to play him, simply because he needs game time."