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06/12/2007 08:59, Report by Ben Hibbs

Anderson is a special talent

Anderson is being tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson for a very bright career at Old Trafford, and the Reds boss has intimated that the Brazilian starlet will one day succeed Paul Scholes as United’s midfield conductor.

"He's been absolutely superb; the boy's definitely got something special,” says Sir Alex in the latest issue of Inside United.

The 19-year-old’s rapid emergence since making his debut against Sunderland in September mirrors his swift ascension through football’s ranks.

He was signed by Porto in December 2005 having played just five senior games for Gremio in Brazil. And he’d experienced barely half a season in Portugal before breaking his leg in 2006/07, by which point United had already seen enough.

“There was an urgency to get him once we'd scouted him,” added the Reds boss. “Even though he'd broken his leg and had been out for four or five months, [we had to move] because the reports were saying he was the best young player in the world.

“At the time I was saying, 'for god's sake, let's calm down a bit here'. I knew he had real potential but I didn't want to put labels like that on him.”

Anderson’s arrival at Old Trafford was announced in May 2007 – a mere two weeks after United lifted the league title – but he was an unknown to most Reds. Since then, he has proven beyond doubt that he has the potential to live up to his reported £17million fee.

“We've been delighted with him,” adds Sir Alex. “He's proven himself to be a true central midfield player. But there is some luck attached to it because, before Paul Scholes got his injury, I could have had a dilemma because Paul prefers to play on the left
side in midfield, and Anderson's position is the same.

“But since he's come into the team he's just taken off. He can tackle, he's lightning quick, he's brave and he can pass the ball. What he's got to prove is his goalscoring ability, because that's something Scholesy's always given us.

“His battle with [Cesc] Fabregas against Arsenal was interesting because they were two very influential players in the game. I think the boy Fabregas is going through a golden period at Arseanl, but I thought Anderson dominated that position... he did very well for us."

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06/12/2007 17:36, Report by Ben Hibbs

Reserves clash called off

United Reserves' league clash with Newcastle at the Victoria Ground on Thursday night was called off due to bad weather.

The game was postponed by match officials as heavy rain waterlogged the pitch rendering it unplayable.

Second-placed United had been hoping to move top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The Reds, who are currently level on points with Middlesbrough but with an inferior goal difference, had hoped to overtake the league leaders with victory over the Magpies, but the tie will now have to be rearranged.

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06/12/2007 12:41, Report by Nick Coppack

Match Pack: Derby

Poor old Derby County have taken just one point from their travels this season. What's more, they've not even hit the back of the net away from home. Rams fans won't have fond memories of Old Trafford, either – last time Derby were here the Reds blasted five past them.

Form guide: Derby have endured five straight losses, although new manager Paul Jewell was unlucky not to earn a point last weekend against Roy Keane's Sunderland. Meanwhile, United got back to winning ways in the league on Monday night against Fulham after losing to Bolton a week earlier.

Ins and outs: Wayne Rooney should start his second straight match after being sidelined with an ankle injury, but there are no fresh concerns for Sir Alex. Similarly, Derby County are only missing Andy Todd – he's out with a back injury.

Star men: Scottish striker Kenny Miller is sharp, full of running and could make life difficult for Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. The Rams, meanwhile, will be looking to stop Cristiano Ronaldo, who's been in a rich vein of form for the last month or so.

Betting offer: Place a bet of £10 or more on the first/last scorer, correct score or scorecast and BetFred will credit your account with a free £10 bet before Roma v United on Wednesday 12 December. See www.manutd.com/bet for terms and conditions.

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06/12/2007 10:52, Report by Ben Hibbs

Transfer Rumours: Dec 07

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is unlikely to dip into the transfer market in January, but he has also admitted that the only position he could strengthen is at left back.

Rumours have since emerged that United are tracking Lokomotiv Moscow’s versatile Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The former Serbia U21 captain currently plays in the full national side alongside Reds defender Nemanja Vidic, who signed from Lokomotiv’s neighbours Spartak in January 2006.

Ivanovic would set United back a reported £10million.

Posted by: Smithy"Sir Alex says he won't sign anyone in January. Maybe he'll do what he did two years ago on Christmas day when he announced we'd signed Vidic..."

Have your say: Talking Reds

ARRIVALS
Player NameCurrent ClubPositionFeeStevan JoveticPartizan BelgradeStrikerUndisclosedDiscuss here
Branislav IvanovicLokomotiv MoscowDefender£10millionDiscuss here

DEPARTURES
Player NameLinked WithPositionFee

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Papers: Saha's Treble talk

06/12/2007 09:47

Saha: It can be a big year
Louis Saha thinks Sir Alex Ferguson's squad can get a trophy haul to match the 1999 Treble-winning legends. Manchester United easily qualified from their Champions League group, and are lurking behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League. The United striker said: "We can win everything this season. We can target the League and Cup Double. And then the Treble - we are capable of it."
Ann Gripper, Daily Mirror

All the papers cover Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Newcastle. Sam Allardyce relieved some of the pressure on him on Tyneside, denying Arsenal the chance to use their game in hand to take a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They now lead by four points. Ex-Reds Nicky Butt and Alan Smith were both outstanding.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson saying that he is unlikely to sign anybody in January, he has hinted that the only position he would like to strengthen is at left-back. And The Manchester Evening News links United with a move for Nemanja's Vidic's compatriot, Branislav Ivanovic. The 23-year-old Serbian international is a versatile defender. His Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow reportedly rate him at £10million.
Round up by Ben Hibbs

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07/12/2007 12:08, Report by Gemma Thompson and Ben Hibbs

Neville suffers fresh setback

Sir Alex Ferguson will have no further injury worries ahead of Derby County's but he has been hit with a major blow after it was confirmed Gary Neville has suffered another injury setback.

The United skipper has not played in the first team since March after damaging ankle ligaments against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

It had been thought he was close to making his first-team return against AS Roma on Wednesday. But that will not now be the case as United wait anxiously for results from a specialist.

"Unfortunately, Gary has had another setback," the manager confirmed at his Friday press conference. "It's very disappointing.

"He went to see a specialist about his ankle injury on Thursday but we have not had the results back yet."

Sir Alex maintains that Neville's injury problems are not career threatening.

"It is not getting serious," he said. "He just keeps getting niggling injuries. It is a concern that he gets small setbacks every time he gets ready to play. We need to sort it out and get him back as soon as possible."

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07/12/2007 11:54, Report by Communications Department

Reds to enjoy winter break

Manchester United is to run a short training camp, hosted by HRH Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud in Saudi Arabia in mid-January, it was announced today.

The trip – which will see the full first team squad, plus an extended backroom staff of physios and masseuses – will include an exhibition match against Al Hilal Al Saudi FC in Riyadh on 21 January 2008 as part of Sami Al Jabber’s testimonial.

Announcing the break, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “This is a great chance for the players to escape the harsh realities of winter for a few days, while keeping up their fitness levels and taking in the exhibition match.

“I hope we will come back from this refreshed and ready to continue the challenge for honours.”

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07/12/2007 12:26, Report by Nick Coppack

Ferdinand fit and ready

Rio Ferdinand has recovered from the illness that forced him off the pitch against Fulham on Monday night.

Neither Ferdinand nor fellow defender Patrice Evra could complete 90 minutes in the Reds' last run-out, but the England international told Manchester United Radio he's now fit and raring to face Derby County on Saturday.

"There was a virus going around the team," Ferdinand revealed. "We were feeling a bit funny before the game and it gradually got worse. Patrice came off at half-time and towards the end I had to go off as well. I tried to take a few tablets on the pitch but it didn't work for me."

Many in attendance on Monday night assumed Ferdinand must have suffered a minor knock when he signalled to the bench that he was unable to continue. He then confused everyone by dashing off down the tunnel at a rapid pace.

"I managed to mask it quite well on the pitch but when I got into the change rooms it was a different story," Rio laughed. "I feel better now."

Ferdinand has now turned his attention to Saturday's visit of Derby County and the Rams' striking options.

"I think I'll be up against Kenny Miller. I played against him when he was at Wolves and he's a very lively player. If you give him time he's going to score goals. He's talented and he's played against some top defenders for Scotland and Celtic. We'll have to be on our toes."

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07/12/2007 11:32, Report by Nick Coppack

Derby are full of fight

Michael Carrick won't be surprised if Derby County play for a draw on Saturday, but admits "new manager syndrome" could be a factor when the Rams arrive at Old Trafford.

Paul Jewell took charge of bottom-of-the-table Derby in late November and was unlucky to lose his first game in charge, against Sunderland last weekend.

"When a new manager comes in, a lot of the time it gives the side a lift and they can have a few good results," Carrick told Manchester United Radio.

"They did well at Sunderland last week and although defeat may have been a bit of a blow I think a new boss generally frees people up and gives players more confidence and belief.

"Derby will definitely come here full of fight and determination. We have to be on our guard. Teams tend to put 10 behind the ball at Old Trafford and, in some ways, who can blame them? A draw at Old Trafford is a great result for a lot of teams. Derby might take that approach but we're used to that and we're confident we can create enough opportunities to win games."

A Reds victory would see United draw level with Arsenal on points, at least until the Gunners travel to Middlesbrough on Sunday. It's the second trip to the
North East in a week for the Londoners and Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a better result than Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle.

Carrick said he enjoyed seeing Sam Allardyce's team take points off Arsenal… for more than one reason.

"I was a Newcastle fan growing up," the 26-year-old said. "I used to go and see them quite a bit. I wouldn't say I'm a fan now, really, but I do look out for their results and it was nice to see them do us a favour.

"When I was growing up the main attraction in the area was to watch Newcastle play and with Kevin Keegan in charge it was a good time to watch them. I think it would be nice for the area to see that kind of success return. They're a big club but big clubs need to be successful and they haven't won a domestic trophy for more than 50 years now. How long can that go on for?"

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07/12/2007 09:57, Report by Ben Hibbs

Jewell ready for Reds

Paul Jewell admits visiting Old Trafford on Saturday is a daunting task for his Derby County. But he is urging his players not to accept defeat before the first whistle has even been blown.

His managerial record against United hardly bodes well for the rock-bottom Rams. The former Wigan Athletic and Bradford City boss has faced United seven times - five for Wigan, two for Bradford - and lost all of them. More worryingly, in those matches his teams have shipped 24 goals - over three per game.

Jewell may not be expecting victory, but he does want to see the defensive errors that have cost his side dearly so far. "We're playing against one of the top teams in Europe on Saturday," he told the Derby website.

"What we're trying to do is eradicate the mistakes that you might get away with against lesser teams. Teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will punish you straight away. We've got to be difficult to beat because if we give bad goals away they'll rip us apart. We have got to be as tight as possible."

Scoring goals have been hard to come by, especially away from Pride Park. The Rams are yet to score on the road and have taken just one point from eight matches. But Jewell will encourage his side to play.

"When we get the ball we must have the confidence to pass it in the right areas and get forward," he added. "We are the underdogs but I want to try and get the players to believe they can win every game.

"The boys worked so hard last season to go to places like Old Trafford. You don't want to go there and roll over so we will be looking to go there and try and stand up, and get as much from the game as possible."

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08/12/2007 13:59, Report by Ben Hibbs

Report: United 4 Derby 1

Once United had broken Derby County’s spirit with two goals at the end of the first half, this was a simple three points. But battling against the elements – wind and persistent heavy rain – the Reds had to earn it.

Ryan Giggs got United started, followed by a brace for Carlos Tevez – one either side of half time. The victory could have been by a greater margin, but this was a steady and efficient display.

Owen Hargreaves was withdrawn from the starting eleven shortly before kick-off due to injury. Michael Carrick took his place in midfield alongside Anderson, while Nani was promoted to the bench.

Conditions were hardly ideal. Near-constant rain in Manchester for two days prior to kick-off had formed surface water on the Old Trafford pitch, making it difficult for United to play the usual passing game.

Derby boss Paul Jewell perhaps welcomed the stifling conditions as the rain continued to lash down at the start of the game. With Derby rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and his personal record against United suggesting he needed all the help he could get. In seven games against the Reds as a manger – twice for Bradford City, five times for Wigan Athletic – his teams have never won and have conceded 24 goals.

United probed right from the start to add to that figure. In the first five minutes Tevez performed a neat one-two with Patrice Evra, who crossed for Rooney. The Reds front man flicked his shot goalwards, but failed to direct it under close attention from Darren Moore. Moments later Ronaldo, who isn’t short of
confidence with 11 goals in his last eight starts, went close with a surging run and a low shot that skidded wide.

The Portuguese winger then combined with Giggs to create space down the left side. Ronaldo squared his cross to Rooney, but Derby defender James McEveley somehow wrapped his foot round to clear the ball four yards from the line.

United were gradually edging closer to a breakthrough. But, although Derby didn’t really pose an attacking threat that suggested they would take the lead, their physical back four and five-man midfield – added to the tricky conditions – made for a frustrating first 40 minutes for the Reds.

Anderson proved pivotal in breaking Derby’s resistance. The Brazilian midfielder not only proved a point that he can play in most compromising of wintry conditions, his energy and passing kept the visitors under pressure and pinned back in their own area. It soon paid off. On 41 minutes, Ronaldo’s parried shot fell kindly to Ryan Giggs, who had the simple task of tapping in his first goal since the middle of October, his 100th league goal for the club.

Rooney then struck a post as United lifted the tempo. Giggs’ diagonal pass put the striker through, but although his chipped finish beat Stephen Bywater, his shot rebounded off the upright. A second goal did arrived with seconds of the half to spare, Tevez finishing well after a frantic scramble in the box.

Derby’s spirit was clearly broken and it became harder in the second half to resist United’s advances. Giggs struck a post on 58 minutes and it was
merely a matter of time before a third goal arrived. In fact, it took just two minutes. Tevez unleashed a skidding, low drive from just inside the area for his second of the match.

Anderson departed shortly after, replaced by Darren Fletcher, to a fully deserved standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. Sir Alex had the chance to rest Ferdinand and Giggs ahead of the busy Christmas period.

Derby did manage to snatch a fortunate consolation strike with just under fifteen minutes remaining. From Tyrone Mears’ cross on the right, Wes Brown and Steve Howard challenged for the ball, which ended up trickling over the line, despite the best efforts of Nemanja Vidic to clear it off the line. It’s only the second league goal United have conceded at Old Trafford this season. But Sir Alex is unlikely to be too concerned given that, at this stage of the campaign, three points are the main priority.

United capped off the day with a fourth goal in injury time. Ronaldo was fouled by Mears in the area and referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot. It may be the Christmas season, but Ronaldo wasn't about to be charitable and give Tevez a shot at his hat-trick. Instead, the Portuguese stepped up to fire home his 14th goal of the season.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (O’Shea 71), Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher 63), Giggs (Saha 65); Tevez, Rooney. Subs not used: Kuszczak, Nani.

Derby County: Bywater; Griffin, Davis, Moore, McEveley (Mears 46),
Leacock, Oakley, Pearson, Barnes (Teale 61), Fagan (Howard 46), Miller. Subs not used: Price (GK), Earnshaw.

Attendance: 75,725

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08/12/2007 17:54, Report by Ben Hibbs

Ton up for Giggsy

Ryan Giggs became only the eleventh player in United's history to score 100 league goals when he struck the Reds' first-half opener against Derby County.

The Welshman's neat finish five minutes before half time allowed him to join an elite band of Reds legends who have reached a century of strikes.

"Obviously I'm really pleased to have scored 100 league goals," said Ryan.

"It's a great achievement and I'm pleased that I eventually got there."

Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Ryan's feat in his post-match interview on MUTV.

"I'm amazed that there hasn't been more made of it," said the boss.

"I think we should be making a big deal of it because it’s a fantastic achievement. Not many players have scored 100 league goals for this club."

Giggs joins past goalscoring greats such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Jack Rowley, Denis Law and Dennis Viollet in United's 100 club. And his outing against Derby means he's just 23 games away from equalling Sir Bobby's all-time appearances record.

Sir Alex added: "Of course, the service Ryan has given us, aside from the goals, has been outstanding."

United CenturionsOnly 11 men in United's history have reached 100 league goals...

1. Bobby Charlton 199
2. Jack Rowley 182
3. Denis Law 171
4. Dennis Viollet 159
5. Joe Spence 158
6. George Best 137
7. Stan Pearson 127
8. Mark Hughes 120
9. David Herd 114
10. Tommy Taylor 112
11. Ryan Giggs 100

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08/12/2007 17:29, Report by Ben Hibbs

Calf strain ruled Owen out

Owen Hargreaves suffered a slight calf strain in the warm-up before the 4-1 win over Derby.

The Reds midfielder was named in the starting line-up but was replaced by Michael Carrick shortly before kick-off.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the match that he didn't want to take any chances with the 26-year-old's fitness.

"Owen had a slight strain in his calf in the warm-up," said the boss.

"We can't take chances at this time of year with the number of games we have in December, so we withdrew him and brought Michael Carrick in."

Fortunately, the injury does not seem serious and Sir Alex will be hopeful the combative midfielder will be available for selection against Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.

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08/12/2007 20:41, Report by Adam Bostock

League: Rivals lose at Reading

United's next league opponents suffered a damaging defeat on Saturday.

Liverpool lost 3-1 at Reading, to end a run of five wins in all competitions. Steven Gerrard scored a first-half equaliser but it amounted to no more than a consolation when United fan Kevin Doyle and ex-Arsenal trainee James Harper added to Steve Hunt's opener.

Chelsea stayed in touch with United by beating Roy Keane's Sunderland 2-0 with goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Frank Lampard (penalty). The Blues' next league game will be tougher - they travel to Arsenal on the same day United play at Anfield.
United's last opponents before Christmas are on a roll. Everton beat Fulham 3-0 at home thanks to a second-half hat-trick by £11million signing Yakubu.

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07/12/2007 22:30, Report by Gemma Thompson

Final offer for Wes

Sir Alex Ferguson insists the club have made their final offer to Wes Brown over a new contract.

The defender's current deal runs out next summer and come 1 January he is free to speak to other clubs.

Sir Alex would like the 28-year-old to stay at Old Trafford, but admits the decision is now down to Brown himself.

"Nothing has been agreed and that's entirely up to Wes," explained the boss on Friday.

"We've had several meetings with his agent and that is difficult as you can imagine - some agents are difficult [to deal with].

"He's rejected one offer and we feel we've made him a good final offer and it really is up to him now. We won't be going back [with another one].

"It's a possibility [we could lose him] and that would be a disappointment."

Brown signed for the club as a trainee in July 1996 and has made over 270 appearances for the Reds. The centre-back has been a reliable squad member throughout that time and is currently enjoying his most prolonged run in the side, ably filling in for the injured Gary Neville at right-back.