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08/12/2007 18:52, Report by Adam Bostock

Reds: Ronaldo was spot on

Cristiano Ronaldo was right to take the penalty against Derby County, even if it prevented Carlos Tevez from claiming a richly deserved hat-trick.

That was the opinion of two senior United players and Sir Alex Ferguson after Ronaldo scored from the spot in injury-time. Tevez had scored two goals at that point and with the Reds 3-1 up, there seemed little risk in Cristiano passing him the penalty-taking duty.

But Reds captain Ryan Giggs insisted: "Penalty takers should always take penalties, simple as that. If we got an important penalty in the next couple of weeks then Cristiano scoring one today will give him the confidence to do it again."

Rio Ferdinand added: "It's professionalism. If the game was 1-1, Ronaldo would have taken the penalty. Sentiment doesn't really come into it. We're a professional team and I'm sure it means nothing to Carlos."

Sir Alex agreed: "Cristiano is the regular penalty kick taker and I can understand him wanting to take it. It would have been great for Carlos to get his hat-trick, but it's also important for Ronaldo to keep his goalscoring run going.
"When you're on a run like Cristiano is (12 goals in his last nine games) you want him to keep it going. It's the same for any player, it helps to keep your confidence high."

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Sir Alex Ferguson were all talking to MUTV.

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08/12/2007 18:51, Report by Ben Hibbs
Boss praises professionalism
Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with the way his players dealt with difficult conditions to beat Derby County 4-1 at Old Trafford.

Swirling winds and heavy rain did their best to halt United’s passing play, but the Reds came through with a professional performance against the top flight's basement club.

It took the Reds 40 minutes to find the breakthrough in a frustrating first-half. But Sir Alex was delighted with his side’s endeavour and determination to test Derby’s resolve.

“The conditions made it difficult, it was hard work,” he told MUTV. “We always try to play our short passing and it wasn’t easy. We said before the game that it’s difficult because out of habit you try to play that type of football.

“We wanted to play it forward as much as possible. When we did that we caused them problems, especially in the period before half time where we kept pressing them. We got our rewards for it.”

Ryan Giggs opened the scoring five minutes before half-time, before Carlos Tevez struck either side of the interval, with Cristiano Ronaldo rounding things off in injury time. Derby’s goal after 76 minutes was nothing more than a consolation.

“You have to congratulate both sets of players,” added the boss.

“We weren't at our best simply because of the conditions, but we scored four at home and got three points, so I’m pleased with the result. Hopefully that keeps the momentum going.”

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10/12/2007 08:08, Report by Nick Coppack

Reds' Italian test

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Unable to beat Coventry City in the Carling Cup earlier this season, United's youngsters will now be handed the task of toppling Italian giants AS Roma.

A number of first-team regulars are expected to be left behind when the Reds fly to Rome on Tuesday morning for the following night's Champions League group match, leaving room for some of Sir Alex's younger troops.

"There's no doubt we'll take some young kids," the manager told Manchester United Radio. "We've won the group and Roma are guaranteed second place, so there's no issue with us potentially affecting the outcome of the group.

"We wanted to give the young boys experience playing in the Carling Cup but they let themselves down against Coventry. Now there's a chance for the likes of Jonny Evans, Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Chris Eagles to elevate themselves. We know all about their ability but this is an opportunity for them to prove themselves.

"They won't be on their own, though. They'll have back-up from players like John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Louis Saha, Nani and Anderson. Cristiano Ronaldo might possibly be involved as well.

"We're not in the habit of sending teams out to lose. We'll be sending out a time that we think is good enough to win."

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10/12/2007 07:00, Report by Adam Bostock

Giggs aims for 101 at Anfield

Ryan Giggs would like nothing more than to start a second century of league goals against Liverpool next Sunday.

After reaching 100 with the breakthrough goal against Derby, the Welshman told MUTV he's already thinking of next Sunday's trip to Anfield.

"If you're not involved in midweek, you start preparing now for Liverpool because it is such a big game," said Giggs, alluding to his likely rest against Roma.

"You've got to play well at Anfield to come away with a result."

United's result on Saturday owed a lot to the timing of Giggs' historic goal. With the Reds not quite firing on all cylinders, Derby looked to be digging in for a half-time stalemate.

"We didn't start too well," the Reds' no.11 admitted. "I don't know if the conditions had something to do with that because we weren't our normal slick selves in terms of our passing and moving.

"You couldn't really pass the ball across the pitch because it was getting caught up and we couldn't really get a rhythm to our game.

"We struggled before the goal so it was nice to score just before half-time. After that we relaxed a bit, kept the ball more and we got the second goal shortly after."

The second goal was bagged on the brink of half-time by Carlos Tevez.

"He's on fire at the moment. We're lucky so many players are playing well at the moment. Carlos and Cristiano are playing particularly well and Wayne has just come back so we're looking really good up front."

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10/12/2007 08:12, Report by Nick Coppack

Park's festive return?

Ji-sung Park could provide United with some early Christmas cheer, with Sir Alex revealing the South Korea international is close to making his long-anticipated return.

Park, 26, hasn't played since damaging his knee against Blackburn Rovers in March but the manager told Manchester United Radio he expects the midfielder to feature in his plans soon.

"Ji-sung Park is now training with the first-team and should be ready in a couple of weeks," Sir Alex said. "He'll be back in the fold in about two weeks' time, I think."

Going on that prognosis, it's possible Park could find himself back on the pitch when Everton arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday 23 December. If so, nobody will be more pleased than the United boss.

"He's a terrific young player and his return will be a great boost for us," he said. "He gives us more options going forward, which is good news."

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10/12/2007 12:54, Report by Steve Bartram

Youth Cup tie switched

United's FA Youth Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion has been moved away from Old Trafford.
Thursday's match will now be hosted at the Victoria Stadium, Northwich, with a 7pm kick-off.

More details will appear on ManUtd.com soon.

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Papers: The perfect boss
10/12/2007 09:43

Hargo: I Owe It All To Fergie
Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is Mr Perfect. England midfielder Hargreaves reckons his Old Trafford boss has played a blinder by bringing him back slowly from tendonitis. And the former Bayern Munich star, 26, is ready to repay Fergie’s patience by cementing his place in United’s starting line-up. Hargo said: “Sir Alex has proved to be the perfect manager. With the injury, he’s known when to rest me and when to play me. The only disappointment has been I’d like to have played more games. Hopefully, that’ll change. Being a United player is everything I expected - and more. And the competition in midfield is great. We miss Paul Scholes at the moment but Anderson is showing what he can do. We’ve plenty of options with Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher pushing for places. It makes it difficult for the manager, which is a good thing.”
Staff writer, The Sun
All the tabloids carry reaction to United's 4-1 win over Derby County, with the majority focusing on Ryan Giggs' 100th league goal for United. "The veteran winger continues to be one of the most influential players at Ferguson's disposal," purrs the Mirror.
In transfer rumours, the Express suggests that Sir Alex Ferguson is monitoring Ronaldinho's situation at Barcelona, with the out-of-favour Brazilian allegedly keen on a move to Old Trafford. The Mail, meanwhile, claims that United have handed a trial to 24-year-old Angola striker Manucho Goncalves.
Round up by Steve Bartram

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11/12/2007 07:43, Report by Gemma Thompson

Rooney leads young Reds

Wayne Rooney will captain United in the Champions league clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a young squad to Roma for the meaningless final Group F match.
Wes Brown and Michael Carrick are the only other players besides Rooney who started against Derby County on Saturday.
Rooney has been handed the captaincy, after much persistence from the 22-year-old.
"He has been pestering me for quite a while now, so I have given in," said Sir Alex.
United from: Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Eckersley, O'Shea, Pique, Evans, Simpson, Lee, Chester, Cleverley, Hewson, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Fletcher, Dong, Brandy, Saha, Rooney.

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12/12/2007 10:41, Report by Nick Coppack

Ex-England boss praises Giggs

Former England manager Graham Taylor says there's no question Ryan Giggs deserves his OBE honour.

Writing in The Telegraph, Taylor said the Welshman is one of just a handful of modern-day footballers who "tick every box, on and off the pitch".

"Talent on its own only takes you so far," Taylor said, "perhaps not even to first base. Applied talent, which requires a deep desire to succeed and a commitment to dedicate yourself to your profession, is the hallmark of a true professional."

Taylor first saw Giggs in action back in 1991 and immediately recognised a number of winning traits.

"His pace when in possession of the ball, coupled with his willingness to take on defenders, did for all football supporters what his colleague, Cristiano Ronaldo, does now – lifts you off your seat with an air of excitement and expectancy."

But it's not just Giggs' skill on the field that Taylor finds so appealing.

"In this age of 24-hours-a-day football news, when have we read anything about Giggs that would question his professional approach to his career? To achieve what Giggs has achieved over so many seasons requires a mental rod of steel, and along with his applied talent he deserves every recognition that comes his way."

Giggs received an OBE for services to football on Tuesday 11 December.

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12/12/2007 01:44, Report by Gemma Thompson in Rome

Boss says starlets will shine

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his United starlets will not be fazed by the task ahead of them on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Reds' boss has brought a decidedly youthful squad to Rome in a bid to provide the club's next generation with some vital Champions League experience after United assured themselves of top spot in Group F with victory over Sporting Lisbon two weeks ago.

The likes of Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans are all set to be handed a starting berth against Roma on Wednesday night. And despite suffering an embarrassing Carling Cup defeat against Coventry City in September, Sir Alex is confident they won't let him down this time round.

"We don't want to send teams out here to get humiliated or embarrassed, that's for sure," he insisted at his pre-match briefing in the Italian capital.

"We expect any Manchester United team we field to be 100 per cent committed and I'm sure you'll see that on Wednesday night."

The Reds will be up against a Roma side Sir Alex believes is much stronger than last season. The United boss was also full of praise for the way the club have stood by manager Luciano Spalletti following the humiliating 7-1 defeat at Old Trafford in April.

"When a coach in Italy loses a game 7-1, normally the guns come out and you are dead before morning," declared the Reds' boss.

"But they trusted Luciano and stood by him. He has repaid that trust because he is an excellent coach and I am very pleased his team is doing well now."

The Reds lost out 2-1 to the Italians in the first leg of last season's quarter-final, an occasion which was marred by clashes between supporters and local police. Sir Alex remains hopeful there will be no similar instances on Wednesday night.

"Everyone who loves the game does not want to see the incidents we saw last year," he said. "Roma don't want it and Manchester United do not want it. The reputations of both clubs are very important.
"We dearly hope there are no problems and some lessons will have been learned from last season."

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12/12/2007 01:38, Report by Gemma Thompson in Rome

Carrick: Let's keep it going

Michael Carrick is urging his United team-mates to maintain their Champions League winning streak and finish their group campaign with a 100 per cent record in Rome on Wednesday night.

The Reds have won all five of their Group F fixtures ensuring they go through to the knock-out stages as group winners. Roma have also qualified rendering the final match between the pair a dead rubber.

Nevertheless, Carrick is hoping the Reds, minus the majority of their first team regulars, will leave Italy with maximum points.

"It would be some achievement if we could finish with a 100 per cent record," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"It will give us all more confidence and self-belief as it will be some achievement. The fact that only three teams [AC Milan, Spartak Moscow and Barcelona] have ever won all their group games before is a statement that, if we do it, we are a very good team.

"Wednesday's game is still a huge match irrespective of the situation in the group and we want to keep the momentum going and finish with six wins.

"It was a great experience to be involved in the games last season and it'll be a fantastic experience
for the young lads on the trip. We're all looking forward to it."

While Carrick is hopeful of victory, he concedes that it's during the latter stages of the competition when the Reds really need to hit top gear.

"We want to win in Rome, but it's important that we produce on the big stage when it really counts," he insisted. "The squad is looking very strong at the moment and you've seen that whoever steps in to play is more than capable of doing a job.

"It'll be during the latter stages of the season when you need as many of your big players as fit as possible. That's probably the time when the squad will really come into its own and hopefully we can do well."

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11/12/2007 17:13, Report by Ben Hibbs

Good news for Neville

Gary Neville has been given a major fitness boost after visiting a specialist to get to the root of his ankle problem.

The 32-year-old Reds captain hasn't played for nine months after suffering ligament damage in the match against Bolton wanderers in March.

Despite returning to training Neville has suffered several set-backs since the start of the season, further delaying his comeback.

However, following tests run by doctors, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Neville could be back in training next week.

"Gary was sent back to the specialist last week and the report is very good," said the Reds boss, speaking from the Stadio Olimpico ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group F match against Roma.

"He'll be back in normal training next week and I think he'll be OK."

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11/12/2007 14:12, Report by Ben Hibbs

OBE honour for Giggs

Ryan Giggs has collected an OBE from the Queen for services to football on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Reds winger collected the award at Buckingham Palace.

Giggs, who was rested for United's dead-rubber Champions League Group F clash with AS Roma, was given the day off to attend the ceremony.

"It's a very proud day for me and my family," he said.

Giggs has played 736 times for United and scored his 100th league goal for the Reds against Derby County on Saturday.

He has won nine Premier League titles - more than any other player in English league history.

Giggs says that Sir Alex Ferguson had given him some prior advice.

"He has been down a couple of times before and just said enjoy it.

"I'm lucky to play for such a great club for such a long time and to have had a successful career."

Giggs' career at a glanceAge: 34
Born: Cardiff, Wales
Debut: Everton, 2 March 1991
Appearances: 736
Goals: 143
Trophies:
Premier League (9)
FA Cup (4)
League Cup (2)
European Cup (1)
Intercontinental Club Cup (1)
Charity Shield (6)

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Papers: Captain Wayne
12/12/2007 10:13

We'll Reign with Rooney
Alex Ferguson reckons Wayne Rooney can be Manchester United’s new Captain Fantastic.
The striker is skipper in Rome tonight and Fergie believes his reign can become permanent in the very near future.
And the Reds boss thinks Rooney can even be a leader of the stature of Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.
Ferguson said: “Wayne has been pestering me for ages to be captain.
“He has a lot of the ingredients needed to be a captain of this club in the future.
“For me he is like a Robson or Keane in his determination, will to win, and the fact that he will never give up."
Neil Custis, The Sun

The Sun also report that tonight's clash with AS Roma in the Stadio Olimpico has been declared a Category A, high-risk match by police. More than 1500 United fans are expected in Rome but police chief Carlo Mosca said extra measures were being taken to prevent a repeat of last season's ugly scenes. "These include 60 stewards from United, extra fencing, a central meeting point and a bus to the stadium," he said.

Most of the papers are carrying the Rooney captaincy story, as well as reports from Ryan Giggs' OBE ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Elsewhere, The Guardian quote Sir Alex on the likely new England manager, Fabio Capello. "To manage a national team my belief is that you need to be of a certain age and have plenty of experience, you need presence and a CV that's indisputable. Capello has all that."
Round up by Nick Coppack

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11/12/2007 14:52, Report by Mickey Thomas

Blog: Youngsters can deliver

Ex-Red Mickey Thomas tells ManUtd.com why he's backing the club’s youngsters to prove their worth in Rome on Wednesday night…

There were some very excited young lads on the team flight to Rome on Tuesday morning, and I’m not surprised. Travelling with the first team and experiencing life as a senior player is fantastic for the likes of Febian Brandy, Sam Hewson and James Chester and once they’ve had a taste for it, they’ll definitely want more.

Wednesday night’s game may be a meaningless one given that both sides have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, but it is a great opportunity for the young players to prove to the manager what they can do against one of the top sides in Europe.

They will be feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves in the build-up to kick-off. There’s a lot of pressure on every player that plays for this great club and a lot is always expected of the youngsters coming through. But once the game kicks off I’m sure they’ll settle into it.

The Coventry City defeat back in September will be in the back of the minds of those who lost out in the League Cup. They know they didn’t perform that evening, but they have a chance to put things right on Wednesday. You don’t often get a second chance so soon after such a big disappointment and I’m sure the lads will be champing the bit. It’s not necessarily about winning against Roma, it’s about getting the performance right.

One man the lads can look to if they need some guidance is their captain, Wayne Rooney. I’m really looking forward
to seeing him skipper the team and I expect him to lead by example.

It’ll be a hugely proud moment for Wayne himself and the fact that’s he got more responsibility on his shoulders may mean he’s a bit calmer than normal in certain situations. But I don’t expect him to relinquish any of his tenacity and determination to win the game – you can bet your life he’ll be doing all he can to help the team to victory.

He, like the other experienced lads, will no doubt have one eye on Sunday’s game at Anfield. It’s easily the biggest game of the season so far and the likes of Darren Fletcher, John O’Shea and Michael Carrick will be aiming to stake a claim for a place in Sunday’s line-up when they take to the field in Rome.

So, although Wednesday’s game may be a dead rubber in terms of the Champions League, when you look at the bigger picture there is still plenty to play for, for the older lads and the young ones.