Paul Scholes: Manchester United midfielder retires for second time

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has announced his retirement for a second time. 

The 38-year-old first ended his career at the end of the 2010-11 season but returned to the side in January 2012 after admitting he missed playing.
Scholes signed a one-year deal last May and manager Sir Alex Ferguson expected this would be his final season.
"I am finally hanging up my boots for good," said Scholes, who is expected to play against Swansea on Sunday.

His final game at Old Trafford will also see Manchester United presented with this season's Premier League trophy - Scholes' 11th - and Ferguson's own Old Trafford farewell after announcing his retirement on Wednesday.

Scholes has made only a handful of appearances in 2013 since he suffered a knee injury in January. He last played in the Premier League in December and has chalked up 497 top-flight appearances.
He added: "Playing football is all I have ever wanted to do, and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United, under the greatest manager of all time, has been an honour."
Ferguson said: "Paul is a truly unbelievable player. He has always been fully committed to this club and it has been a real privilege to work with him for so many years.
"Paul will play at Old Trafford on Sunday against Swansea and will collect an unbelievable but well-deserved 11th Premier League medal."
Scholes' team-mate Rio Ferdinand tweeted:  "One of the best I played alongside also the most naturally gifted player too."
Last season a string of fine performances led to speculation that Scholes could come out of international retirement to perform at the 2012 European Championship but that option was not taken up by manager Roy Hodgson.
Scholes came through the club's youth system in 1992, at the same time as former players David Beckham and Gary Neville, and made his debut in 1994. Upon originally retiring, he spent time coaching the club's youth teams.
He made a strong start to this season, and became only the third player to reach 700 appearances for Manchester United, following in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs.
But a knee problem means he has been restricted to 19 appearances, with 10 of those coming from the bench.
The Salford-born player retired from international football in 2004, aged 29, and former England boss Fabio Capello attempted to bring him out of retirement before the 2010 World Cup.
France great Zinedine Zidane described Scholes as being "in a class of his own" while World Cup-winning Italian boss Marcelo Lippi said he was "one of the most important players for United under Sir Alex".

From BBC

Read more

Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

Sir Alex Ferguson will step down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge. 

The Scot, 71, has won 38 trophies during his reign at Old Trafford and will now become a director and ambassador for the club.
His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

Everton's David Moyes is the bookmakers' favourite to take over, with Jose Mourinho, currently at Real Madrid, also tipped.

BBC sports editor David Bond says United are confident of announcing a successor to Ferguson before the weekend.
He believes they are looking for someone who understands the club's history and is committed to youth development while employing an attractive, attacking style of football.
While United look for his successor, tributes to Ferguson have been led by Prime Minister David Cameron, who tweeted:  "Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional."
Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen says the Scot's managerial record will "surely never be eclipsed".

• Ferguson believes the squad he leaves behind "bodes well for continued success".
• His final game will be against West Brom and will be his 1500th in charge at United.
• United co-chairman Joel Glazer says: "His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable."
• Chief executive David Gill says: "What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten."

Ferguson, who will undergo hip surgery in the summer, is confident his successor will take over a club in good health after winning their 20th top-flight title 17 days ago.
"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," he said.
"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."

Ferguson praised the people he felt helped him build the club from a team that had not won a title for 26 years into one of the biggest in the world.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential," he added. "My wife, Cathy, has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.
"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.
"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.
"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.
"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."
Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the British game and famously won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.
Co-chairman Joel Glazer highlighted Ferguson's desire to produce winning teams throughout his time at United and called the 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea in Moscow a "magical night".
He said: "Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is, but he's also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.
"I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow."
Fellow co-chairman Avie Glazer expressed how important the United board felt it was to ensure Ferguson continued working for the club despite his decision to step down as manager.
"I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the club as a director," he said. "His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future."
Gill, who is also stepping down this summer after 16 years at United, revealed Ferguson had been planning to make his succession easier by putting in place a young squad and a state-of-the-art training facility at Carrington.
He said: "I've had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years - through the treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings.
"We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first-class condition.
"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams - both on and off the pitch - that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.
"The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.
"What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend."
Ferguson began his playing career at Queen's Park as a 16-year-old striker whilst working as an apprentice tool-worker at Clyde Shipyards.

His most notable spell as a player came in a two-year stint at Glasgow Rangers from 1967. He retired as a player in 1974 when he was on Ayr United's books.

He began his managerial career as a 32-year-old at East Stirlingshire before moving to St Mirren, where he won his first trophy by taking the Scottish first division title in 1977.
Ferguson's talent at building winning teams became apparent after he took over at unfashionable Aberdeen and turned them into a major force in a league where Rangers and Celtic had dominated.
His crowning moment was winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983 by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final
He also won three Scottish titles, four Scottish FA Cups and one League Cup during his time at Pittodrie and that success saw him land the United job, taking over from Ron Atkinson on 6 November 1986.
Ferguson had managed Scotland in the World Cup in Mexico earlier that year following the death of Jock Stein although he was unable to take his country past the group stages.
Current Blackpool manager Paul Ince won two league titles, two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup medal and a League Cup during his time playing for Ferguson at United.
He told Sky Sports News: "I'm totally shocked. What he's done is unbelievable. You'll never see anyone of his kind again.
"Two weeks ago he was talking about staying on for another two years, so it's a massive, massive shock.
"The man was immense and he got the best out of me that's for sure. The way he treated me was like a son."
Ferguson told his players he was stepping down before training today as they prepare for Sunday's match against Swansea. It will be the Scot's final home game as manager of the Premier League champions.
First-team coach Rene Meulensteen said: "He told us just this morning. He called us in his office and told us the decision he had taken. I think he is feeling a sense of relief in some ways now."
Owen feels taking over from Ferguson is going to be a difficult job.
He tweeted:  "What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes."

From BBC

Read more

Manchester United: No need for lots of signings says new chief

Incoming Manchester United chief Ed Woodward says there is no need for "a major retooling" of the Premier League champions. 

Manager Six Alex Ferguson had spoken of a planned summer recruitment drive.
But Woodward, who will replace David Gill in July, said: "There's incredible depth. We could put two first teams out with 11 internationals in each.
"We have a young squad, each now a year older. We're very comfortable with the make-up of team and squad."

Last week, Ferguson responded to questions about a link with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski by claiming he would always find room for quality additions to his squad.

But despite releasing impressive financial figures on Thursday, which showed year-on-year turnover for the first nine months of the financial year has risen 13.1% to £278.1m, despite not including the new £120m, eight-year sponsorship deal with AON, Woodward said the club had no intention of making dramatic changes.
"I wouldn't expect there to be a major retooling of the squad," insisted Woodward, who will retain his title of executive vice chairman when he assumes out-going chief executive Gill's responsibilities.
"It has been a phenomenal season. We are a long way ahead in the Premier League and, whilst I wouldn't describe the way we got knocked out of the Champions League as luck, things could have gone differently in that game."
Woodward, 40, is a former investment banker who joined United in 2005 and has mainly concentrated on managing the club's vast debt and maximising income.
United's broadcast and matchday sectors have increased 21.7% and 34% on the corresponding three months in 2012, whilst gross debt now stands at £367.6m, still a vast sum but a decrease of 15.9% since 30 June last year.

From BBC

Read more

Man Utd: Sir Alex Ferguson confident on transfer deals

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United will not be found wanting in the transfer market when the window opens. 

The Red Devils won the Premier League title with four games to spare, and Ferguson has one eye on next season.
"We're competitive in the market - we're not Chelsea or Manchester City in terms of money but we're competitive," Ferguson said.
"Hopefully the players we bring into the club in the next year or so will be of the quality we need."

The United manager is already assured of having one new face in his squad after signing England Under-21 winger Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace in January.

The 20-year-old will join up with his new United team-mates next season having spent the second half of this campaign on loan at Selhust Park.
Ferguson, 71, has been linked with moves for Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski  and Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao  and the Scot admits United's recruitment plans are well under way.
"We've been doing a bit of work over the last three or four months," Ferguson told Inside United,  the club's official magazine.
"We have been targeting the players that we feel could enhance us, make us better or help us maintain the level we're at."
With the Premier League title secured, Ferguson is set to give some of the club's young players a chance to impress in the remainder of the season.
That could include 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Adnan Januzaj, signed from Anderlecht in 2011, who was given a squad number last week.
And with 15 members of his first-team squad aged 23 or under, Ferguson believes they have the potential to provide the backbone of the United team for years to come.
"You have to look at the structure of the club at present, in terms of the number of first-team players we have at 23 or under," added Ferguson.
"Older players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand may be coming towards the end of their careers, but these younger players are the foundation for the next five or six years.
"I desperately want a lot of younger players, the ones who have been on the fringes, to feel their contribution has been big."

From BBC

Read more

Arsenal 1 - 1 Man Utd

 

Robin van Persie answered the taunts of Arsenal's fans as he returned to the Emirates Stadium with a goal that denied his former club a vital victory in their fight to secure Champions League football next season. 

Arsenal formed a guard for Van Persie and his Manchester United team-mates before kick-off after they secured the Premier League title - but the goodwill ended there in a fiercely fought contest.
Van Persie's mistake contributed to Theo Walcott giving Arsenal an early lead but he made amends when he equalised from the spot just before half-time after he was fouled by Bacary Sagna.

It was Van Persie's 29th goal in all competitions this season, which emphasised his influence on United's 20th crown and contributed to the lingering ill-feeling felt by Arsenal supporters after his departure.
Both sides had opportunities to win late on and the draw left Arsenal in fourth place, two points ahead of north London rivals Tottenham, who have a game in hand.
For United, the result means they cannot now achieve the record Premier League points total of 95 - but the main priority was secured by Sir Alex Ferguson and his players with that victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday.
The respectful preliminaries were swiftly forgotten in a feisty first 45 minutes in which Van Persie, inevitably, was a central figure and six players were cautioned.
Van Persie was at fault as Arsenal were ahead inside two minutes, giving the ball away carelessly in midfield. Tomas Rosicky found Walcott in an offside position but he was allowed to run on and beat United keeper David de Gea with an angled finish.
De Gea then showed agility to push away Santi Cazorla's 25-yard drive as Arsenal opened with much greater intensity than United, a fact that brought assorted members of their management team into the technical area to demand swift improvements.

Despite calls from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to greet Van Persie's return with "class", it was always a forlorn plea and the home fans reacted with delight when their former striker received a yellow card from referee Phil Dowd for a late sliding challenge on Per Mertesacker.

Of greater concern to Arsenal was the fact that, after a sluggish start mirroring United's own display, Van Persie was building momentum and becoming an increasing source of danger.
Phil Jones should have done better than head Van Persie's cross wide and the striker himself saw a close-range effort blocked by the face of Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The tackles were flying in, with an enraged Ferguson berating the fourth official after Aaron Ramsey barged Nani, but in among the physical challenges United were growing in authority and equalised moments before half-time.
In a nightmare moment for Sagna, he first conceded possession to Van Persie then compounded his error by bringing the striker down in the area as he attempted to recover. The jeers of Arsenal's fans fell on deaf ears as Van Persie coolly beat Szczesny from the spot.
United's improvement continued after the restart as Wayne Rooney headed straight at Szczesny, while Sagna - who had been booked for his foul on Van Persie - could count himself very fortunate to stay on the field after a late challenge on Patrice Evra.
Wenger sensed his side needed greater presence in midfield and introduced Jack Wilshere after 62 minutes, although his decision to replace Rosicky was somewhat more surprising.
As time ran out, Cazorla brought another fine diving save from De Gea as Arsenal went in search of the goal that would have meant so much in their quest to secure a place in the top four.
Substitute Ryan Giggs then had an opportunity on the break but was unable to take advantage and the points were shared.

From BBC

Read more

Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal

Robin van Persie provided a painful illustration of what Arsenal are missing as he set Manchester United on the way to a comfortable win against his former club at Old Trafford. 

The striker - who received a hostile reception from the fans who once idolised him, following his £24m summer move from Arsenal to United - was on target inside three minutes with his 10th goal of the season.

United were in such command that they could even afford a missed penalty from Wayne Rooney before Patrice Evra wrapped up the victory with a second-half header.

And to make matters worse on a miserable day for Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, Jack Wilshere was sent off with 20 minutes left after receiving a second yellow card from referee Mike Dean for an overzealous challenge on Evra.
Santi Cazorla pulled a goal back for the Gunners with the final kick of the game but the scoreline was not a true reflection of United's obvious supremacy in all areas.
The result put United top of the Premier League with three points collected with the minimum of fuss in the 44th meeting between Wenger and his great adversary Sir Alex Ferguson.
For the visitors, defeat leaves them with 15 points from 10 games, their worst start to a Premier League season under Wenger. It may not have been the humiliation of last season's 8-2 thrashing at Old Trafford but Arsenal's manager will struggle to take any positives from this performance.
Arsenal's visiting support made their contempt for one-time hero Van Persie clear when his name was announced before kick-off - but the Dutchman was soon punishing his former club as he put United ahead early on.
Thomas Vermaelen set the tone for a poor display with a bad clearance that sent Rafael's cross straight into the path of Van Persie, who did not hesitate before sending a low right-foot finish past keeper Vito Mannone.
It was a goal scored in close proximity to Arsenal's fans but Van Persie declined to milk the moment and his celebration was muted as he was mobbed by delighted team-mates.
Van Persie almost added his second when he was played in by Rooney's angled pass but his powerful rising shot was well saved by Mannone.

Arsenal were struggling desperately, a problem exemplified by the hapless Andre Santos's woeful attempts to defend their left-flank in the face of the pace and penetration of Antonio Valencia.

Mannone, at least, was distinguishing himself and he did well again to block from Rooney as United continued to dominate.
There had been little for Arsenal to cling to in a dismal first half but they were at least given some hope as half-time approached. Referee Dean awarded a penalty after Cazorla raised his arms to block Ashley Young's cross. Rooney stepped forward to take the kick but missed his seventh penalty out of 20 in the Premier League by shooting low and wide.
Theo Walcott, surprisingly only named as substitute after his hat-trick in the 7-5 Capital One Cup win at Reading in midweek, finally entered the action after 51 minutes as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey after the Welshman injured his groin. It was the signal for the visitors to threaten at last, Olivier Giroud striking the outside of the post from an acute angle.
Valencia had missed an open goal from Van Persie's pass seconds after the break and the Netherlands striker was also thwarted by another fine stop from Mannone - but it was a brief reprieve for Arsenal.
Rooney took possession of a short corner and the diminutive Evra found space among Arsenal's defenders to head comfortably past Mannone after 67 minutes.
The Gunners' plight worsened moments later when Wilshere, who had been combative throughout, was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Evra. He could have no complaints although his fate was in sharp contrast to Tom Cleverley, who was hastily removed by Ferguson as he ran a similar risk for a tackle on Wilshere following an earlier booking.
Cazorla's fine curled finish provided nothing in the way of consolation for Arsenal as this performance demonstrated just how far they have to travel before they can even consider themselves title contenders once more.

From BBC

Read more

Chelsea 2 - 3 Man United

Manchester United closed the gap at the top of the Premier League to one point after Javier Hernandez's late winner gave them a hotly contested win over nine-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

David Luiz's own goal and Robin van Persie's clinical finish gave Manchester United a two-goal lead early on, but leaders Chelsea fought back superbly to level with goals from Juan Mata and Ramires either side of the interval.
A pulsating game then turned on two red cards awarded against Chelsea in the space of five minutes that set the scene for substitute Hernandez to secure the three points for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Chelsea had few complaints about Branislav Ivanovic's red card for fouling Ashley Young as he raced through, but the dismissal of Fernando Torres for diving was bitterly disputed by the home side - and they looked to have a case.
The Spaniard appeared to be caught by Reds defender Jonny Evans but referee Mark Clattenburg ruled he had dived and produced a second yellow card, to the obvious astonishment of Torres and the undisguised fury of Chelsea.
Substitute Hernandez then smuggled in a winner from close range but it was converted from an offside position to leave Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo nursing a burning sense of injustice.
Objects were thrown and a steward injured as United's players celebrated - a sad conclusion to a thrilling game that ended in Chelsea's first Premier League defeat of the season.

Van Persie scored a hat-trick in Arsenal's 5-3 win on his last visit to Stamford Bridge, and he was the central figure as United stunned Chelsea with a devastating opening burst.

Ferguson ditched the diamond formation he has used recently and gave United natural width in the shape of the returning Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young. It yielded spectacular results early on.
Young's pace allowed him to play in Wayne Rooney and when the England forward pulled the ball back Van Persie's shot ended up in the back of the net via the upright and Luiz.
And before Chelsea could recover United doubled their lead as Valencia once again demonstrated his value with a fine run and cross for Van Persie to sweep a finish past Petr Cech.
It was to Chelsea's credit that they managed to clear their heads and find a route back into the game. United goalkeeper David de Gea resorted to the unorthodox to kick away Luiz's free kick and Evans deflected Jon Obi Mikel's cross on to a post with De Gea wrong-footed.
Chelsea deserved some reward and it came on the stroke of half-time. Rooney was booked for hauling down Eden Hazard and Mata curled home a superb free-kick.
Mata was then denied once more by the excellent De Gea but Chelsea had all the momentum and they were back on level terms after 53 minutes when Ramires rose above Tom Cleverley to equalise.
The game was balanced perfectly but it shifted decisively towards United when Chelsea lost two players to red cards just after the hour. Ivanovic was sent off for tripping Young as he raced on to Van Persie's pass then, far more contentiously, Torres was also dismissed for picking up a second yellow card for diving.
Torres was arguably fortunate to escape a red card when he was booked for a high challenge on Cleverley but felt he had been hard done by after falling following Evans's challenge.
It was a huge call by Clattenburg because it looked like Torres had been caught by Evans, but the referee was convinced the striker had dived. Chelsea's backroom staff were furious and angry words were exchanged between Ferguson and his opposite numbers as the heated debate continued.
Chelsea's depleted numbers were always going to be in danger. And so it proved as United went ahead with 15 minutes remaining. Van Persie's shot was blocked by the feet of Cech but when Rafael returned the ball into the six-yard area Hernandez turned in from an offside position.
United's players celebrated in a corner of Stamford Bridge but they were met by furious scenes, with objects appearing to be thrown and a steward requiring lengthy treatment.
Ferguson's side closed out the win to move within striking range of Chelsea at the Premier League summit but the jeers directed at Clattenburg as he left the pitch at the final whistle demonstrated the strength of feeling inside Stamford Bridge.

From BBC

Read more

Man Utd 3 - 2 Braga

Manchester United survived the shock of conceding two early goals to move a step closer to the Champions League knockout phase with victory over SC Braga. 

The Portuguese side's veteran Brazilian striker Alan punished carelessness from United's reshuffled defence - without the rested Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra - with two clinical finishes to stun Old Trafford.
It was the sort of slow start that has threatened to undermine United this season, but Mexican Javier Hernandez took advantage of the opportunity to make his mark by leading the fightback.
Hernandez scored with a far post header to put United back in the game before half-time and, after Jonny Evans scrambled an equaliser, he was on the mark again as he rose to beat Braga keeper Beto for the winner with 15 minutes left.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wanted a third successive victory in the group stage to move his side closer to the target of 10 points he believes will ensure a safe passage into the last 16.

And while he will be delighted by the verve and finishing shown by 24-year-old Hernandez as he demonstrated his determination not to be overshadowed by Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck, Ferguson will once again have concerns about how easily United are conceding goals.

For all those faults, however, United's character can never be doubted and they deserve great credit for the manner in which they recovered from such a dreadful start.
Ferguson has already noted with indignation how often his side have fallen behind this season - and here was no exception as the opposition scored first for the eighth time in 12 games.
The game was only 90 seconds old when former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana crossed from the left for Alan to head low past home keeper David de Gea in front of the Stretford End.
United were sleepwalking their way through the early stages and paid for it again as the visitors doubled their lead after 20 minutes. Michael Carrick, never a comfortable fit in central defence, was embarrassed as Eder showed great technique to cross for Alan to apply another clinical finish inside De Gea's near post.
Ferguson looked nonplussed but he was at least cheered by a swift response as Hernandez pulled a goal back with a header at the far post from Shinji Kagawa's cross.

The same pair were in action again as United were unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside. The flag went up as the Japanese midfield player crossed for Hernandez to score but replays confirmed the goal should have stood.

Kagawa was not seen after half-time as Ferguson gave the hosts extra width and pace with the introduction of Nani. It provided the impetus required as they drew level just after the hour.
Van Persie's corner created confusion in the Braga box and, after one unsuccessful attempt to make contact, Evans stabbed the ball over the line beyond Beto.
As United applied concerted pressure, Beto then did well to save from Nani after he was released on the edge of the area by Hernandez's fine pass.
Hernandez had been a constant threat and he was rewarded with his second goal after 75 minutes as United completed the turnaround. He showed his trademark clever movement in the area but credit must also be given to a magnificent cross from Tom Cleverley that allowed him to rise and head past the exposed Beto.

From BBC

Read more

Can Manchester United win the Champions League?

Wind the clock back to last December and Manchester United’s Champions League reputation was in tatters.

Defeat away at Basle saw United fail to progress past the group stages for only the third time in 17 years and it was back to the drawing board for Sir Alex Ferguson.

The new season has brought with it a new sense of optimism and United appear to have learnt valuable lessons from the experiences of last term and already have one foot in the knockout stages after claiming maximum points from the opening two games.

Currently available at odds of 8/1 with Ladbrokes sport to win the competition for the fourth time, Ferguson’s men offer real value, but can they go all the way? Here we investigate. 

Is United’s squad strong enough?

On the evidence of the first 10 games of the new season it’s fair to say that United look weak defensively, a point illustrated best in the recent 3-2 home defeat against Tottenham.

One major plus point, though, is the number of different players chipping in with goals, meaning United are not over reliant on the attacking duo of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. To his credit, Van Persie has hit the ground running and plundered five goals to date since joining from Arsenal.

United must improve at the back – especially if they come up against the likes of Barcelona in the knockout rounds – but they certainly have the firepower to comfortably reach the latter stages. 

Who are United’s main rivals?

Realistically, one of four teams - Real Madrid, Barcelona, United and Chelsea – is likely to be crowned champions of Europe next May.

Granted, Manchester City have the players capable of challenging, but they lack experience, something that makes a big difference in this tournament.

The likes of Bayern Munich are always there and thereabouts, but seem to fall short when it matters most.

Will United be at Wembley on May 25?

Playing at Wembley is a great incentive for United and the other English clubs to progress, but May 25 is an eternity away.

Three final appearances in the last five seasons represents an incredible achievement for Ferguson. Can the Scot extend that run?

You’d have to say it’s going to take something special for a club that appears to be in transition with an influx of younger players – but write United off at your peril.

Read more

Newcastle 3 - 0 Man Utd

Manchester United secured their fifth win in seven Premier League games as victory at Newcastle sent them second. 

Starting the day seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea, it was vital for the visitors to pick up three points, and two headers from corners in the first 15 minutes set them on their way.
Jonny Evans was first to make the net bulge before fellow defender Patrice Evra repeated the trick moments later.
Tom Cleverley made it 3-0 when he curled the ball into the top corner.
The midfielder might have been trying to find Robin van Persie at the far post, but the ball flew out of the reach of home keeper Steve Harper and into the goal.
While the goal may have had a touch of good fortune, there was nothing lucky about the Old Trafford club's overall display.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men were rampant in the opening quarter, helped by some amateur Newcastle defending at set-pieces, and twice went close before the first goal.
Danny Welbeck, who played furthest forward in a three-man attack featuring Wayne Rooney and Van Persie, was first to try his luck but struck a woefully tame shot from six yards.
Harper then had to guard his near post to stop Van Persie's toe-poke from sneaking in, but he had no chance when Evans powered home a header after eight minutes for only his second goal for the Red Devils.

Newcastle had the jitters and could have fallen further behind but, after creating another chance for himself when he closed down the dawdling Harper just inside the area, Welbeck failed to find the empty net.

However, the visitors made the pressure count again a couple of minutes later when Evra advanced from the edge of the area to head in his first goal for the club in two seasons.
The highest scoring match between the teams at the ground was in January 1960, when the hosts won 7-3, and with only 15 minutes on the clock another 10-goal feast - all scored by the visiting team - did not seem totally impossible.
But the attacking waves from the visitors died down, allowing Newcastle to come back into the match.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew tinkered with their tactics and had a quick word with his backline as Evans received treatment for an injury, and that seemed to help mend the leak in defence.
But the home side were also lacking inspiration in attack and once again the Demba Ba-Papiss Cisse partnership failed to shine, although they did suffer from poor service.
The pair were central to Newcastle's best effort, though. Ba flicked a header towards goal and when the ball came off the post it was nodded towards the net by Cisse, but the agile David De Gea just managed to claw it away before it had crossed the line.
Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye also had efforts on goal, but they were as half-hearted as the Magpies' display.
Cleverley rounded off a miserable day for Newcastle with his spectacular effort.

From BBC

Read more