HB Michael Owen

Happy Birthday for our UNITED Forward Michael Owen, Wishing you all the best, and back soon on the Field.

Manchester United & Newcastle tracking Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly pursuing Crystal Palace youngster Nathaniel Clyne.

The 20-year-old defender continues to impress with numerous composed displays in the Npower Championship and is said to be attracting plenty of interest from the top flight.

According to the Daily Mail, Sir Alex Ferguson was alerted to the talents of Clyne during United's shock defeat to Palace at Old Trafford in the quarter-final of the Carling Cup.

Along with United, Newcastle are also reported to be keen on the England under-21 international who, with his contract set to expire in the summer, could leave Selhurst Park in January.

It is claimed that United have identified Clyne as a possible long-term replacement for Old Trafford legend Gary Neville, who retired last season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is keen bring in reinforcements at full-back due to the uncertain contract of situation of Toon defender Danny Simpson.

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher’s illness is a sporting shame of great proportions.

The news regarding Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and his medical problems is saddening.

The Scotland captain has missed a large amount of football recently with the excuse of a mystery ‘viral illness’.

Manchester United have now announced the true nature of Fletcher’s condition and revealed he will be taking an extended break from football.

The illness he is suffering from is known as ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

It is wretched luck for any player to miss playing time through injury, but there seems an even greater injustice when it is something completely unrelated to football, as Fletcher’s problem is.

It does remind us that Premier League stars, who we elevate onto such unrealistic moral and emotional pedestals, are subject to the same ills and ailments as us normal folk.

It is an obvious statement to make but is it not strange to think of Wayne Rooney not being able to play because he has a cold? Or Robin van Persie missing a game because he has a migraine?

Fletcher deserves greater respect and sympathy from us all by the route he had to take to becoming a key squad member at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old was not a supremely gifted footballer, to whom things came effortlessly; he was technically sound and relied on hard work to further himself.

For many years Fletcher was derided as a sub-par member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, some even ludicrously suggested he was there because he was Scottish.

Never a fashionable member of the successful Manchester United sides over the past few years, Fletcher has come to be a player that Ferguson relies on in big games.

Shortly before his illness began to affect his number of appearances, the Scot had become a regular in the side and his tireless displays in the centre of midfield had led to him becoming one of the most important members of the team.

It seems doubly cruel that a player who could never be accused of being a prima dona or someone who has not fulfilled their potential, is struck down at a time when he appeared to really be coming into the prime of his career.

For the many detractors who have criticised Fletcher in the past, his honours record will be painful reading:

Four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Champions League and one World Club Cup.

If the worst were to happen and Fletcher is unable to return, his record would put to shame most other players who have played the game.

While Fletcher’s absence will trouble United greatly due to their current injury problem, Fletcher’s drive and determination will be greatly missed if the Old Trafford side are still challenging for the league come May.

One thing is for sure though, there is no chance that Fletcher will not be doing all he can to return to the full fitness as quickly as possible.

Cole has faith that UNITED will come good soon

Manchester United favourite Andy Cole has backed his former side to come good in the second half of the season after a topsy-turvy run of results that have seen Sir Alex Ferguson’s side exit the Champions League at the group stages.

United’s 2-1 defeat against Basel last week meant they were dumped out of European football’s premier club competition at the group stages for only the third time in 17 years, while they still trail fierce rivals Manchester City by two points in the Premier League.

However, Cole points to United’s previous resilience in the league that has seen them overcome an indifferent start to the season before powering on to the title, saying he believes they can repeat the trick this season.

"I always look at December and January as being key months in the season." Cole wrote in his column for United Review.

“Easter time is always a period I remember as being a huge part of the campaign as well but, if you can get the right results in December and January, it sets you up for the rest of the season.

"It is important to be in good form at the right time and the time to do that is always in the second half of the campaign.

“There's no point running away with it now. Just look at what happened to Newcastle in 1995/96 - they were 12 points ahead when we went there and, after our victory, we went on a great run, whereas they pretty much capitulated after that."

United were buoyed by City’s defeat at the hands of Chelsea that meant the Red Devils finish the weekend just two points behind their rivals.

However, there was more bad injury news for Ferguson as Darren Fletcher was ruled out indefinitely after a statement revealed he was suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

However, Cole believes that despite the mounting injury woes Ferguson faces, the mentality “ingrained” in the club will help them push City all the way.

"I don't know why we've always done well in the second half of the season,” he added.

“I think it's just ingrained in the DNA of the players. They know they have to deliver and that when the New Year comes round, it is time to really focus, get your heads down and kick on."

Wing kings thrill Sir Alex

Sir Alex was delighted with United's width in the 4-1 defeat of Wolves as Nani and Antonio Valencia produced outstanding individual performances.

The two wingers led the visiting defence a merry dance and their positivity from the outset enabled the champions to dominate and create a host of chances. Nani scored twice himself with Wayne Rooney also back amongst the goals with a double.

After the disappointment in Basel, it was important for the Reds to respond in the right way and the manager had no complaints about his players.

"We were pleased with that," he told MUTV. "On Wednesday, we worked our socks off and didn’t get a break. Today we worked our socks off and we did get a break. Some of the football was fantastic and obviously getting the second goal relaxed everyone. I know Wolves scored just after half-time but they deserved that because they keep crossing the ball into the box and they’re a real threat from those crosses.

"I thought the wide positions were a problem for Wolves today. I think we kept their full-backs completely occupied all through the game – we were getting to the edge of their box all the time. Goals are what we’re about. Although our goal tally was very good up until a few weeks ago, today was a fillip in terms of pushing us on a bit. The crowd got right behind the players today, particularly the young ones and that was good.

"In the main, our attacking play was terrific. We could have scored a lot of goals today and that’s pleasing. They were all disappointed after Wednesday. The young players hadn’t experienced a bad defeat before so it was a good thing for them."

Sir Alex will be keeping an eye on City's game on Monday against Chelsea as the gap at the top is down to two points.

"We always hope that [we put pressure on City]," he added. "But I think the important thing is to get our own game right. If we get to New Year’s Day and we’re in the frame we have a great chance in the second half of the season."

Manchester United transfer news : Javi Garcia is focused on Benfica

Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia is focused on playing for the Portuguese side, and not on a potential move to Manchester United.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal also reported to be in contention, while AC Milan are also circling.

But United's reported interest has been more persistent, advances that won't affect the player according to his agent.

"The important thing is Benfica," Manuel Garcia Quillon said. "If clubs are interested, they should talk to Benfica's president and with us and then we will see.

"Right now, there is nothing serious, everything we know is through the press. It is crucial that Javi Garcia sees out his contract because Benfica are doing their part.

"He is focused on Benfica, the Portuguese Liga and the Champions League. He wants to do what is best for the club."

Contracted with Benfica until 2014, Garcia has a release clause of £25.4 million, a price that could put off United, who are in desperate need to improving their midfield options.

Injuries to Anderson and Tom Cleverley, as well as the loss of form of Daren Fletcher and Michael Carrick has left United exposed in the middle of midfielder, with Phil Jones having recently been utilised in the position.

Rooney Nani sends the Reds to within 2 point with city

Nani and Wayne fire in the goals as the title race continues...

Manchester United transfer news : Wesley Sneijder rumours rubbish by Inter Milan

Inter Milan manager Claudio Ranieri has rubbished rumours surrounding the future of Wesley Sneidjer. The Dutch playmaker has reportedly become disillusioned with life in Serie A, following a dreadful start to their league campaign, in which they lie13 points off the lead.

After being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, rumours surrounding Sneijder had died down, but with the January transfer window approaching, talk has swelled again.

"I believe very little in the story of the player wanting to go away and being put on the transfer market," he said.

"These are maybe rumours, perhaps unchecked and untrue, and so I don't give them much consideration."

United had on a number of occasions reportedly agreed a deal with Sneijder during the summer, but were eventually scuppered in their attempts. United had to settle with Tom Cleverley in the middle of midfielder, but after an encouraging start, has seen injury blight his progress.

Manchester United winger Nani sets sights on two trophies : Premiere League and F.A

Nani has set Manchester United sights on a domestic double this season as the Portuguese winger looks to inspire a change in fortunes at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were knocked out of the Champions League following their 2-1 defeat to FC Basel last week, and have been far from inspiring in their recent Barclays Premier League performances leading up to the weekend.

However, a 4-1 victory over Wolves moved Sir Alex Ferguson's side to within two points of league-leaders Manchester City ahead of their trip to Chelsea tonight, and the 25-year-old is eager to beat the 'noisy neighbours' in the FA Cup as well after the pair were drawn against each other in the third round.

“It has been tough. It is so disappointing to be out of the Champions League after the group stages," Nani admitted to The Sun.

"But we are still alive this season and must now do our best to win the two domestic competitions we are still in."

After scoring twice in the victory at Old Trafford on Saturday, Nani was also quick to praise his teammates for the way they bounced-back from European disappointment.

It was a response that Sir Alex Ferguson will have demanded from his players, and Nani is hoping to play his part with more goals as United look to go on a run of wins over the festive period.

"I think we had a fantastic performance. Everyone played well and I think everyone wanted to win this game. It's the way we normally play, who we are and, of course, it was a fantastic afternoon with a lot of goals. Everyone is happy with the game," he added when speaking to MUTV.

"We did not expect to go to the Europa League but we are still alive and still have the opportunity to play like today. We just have to do our best to win the competitions we are in.

"It's always nice to score goals and help the team win the game. It's important for the team I'm on my best form and I'm happy with my performance. I've been working hard to try and be at my best as then I can help the team."

Chelsea and United chasing £25m enforcer : Cheick Tiote

Chelsea are lining up a £25million bid for Newcastle United’s Cheick Tiote, but could face competition from Manchester United.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is desperate to add some young blood to his squad in January and sees Tiote as an ideal addition, according to the Mirror.

However, Chelsea may have to fight it out with Manchester United for the Ivory Coast international, as Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to add to his underperforming midfield. Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew seems to have resigned himself to Tiote leaving for Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge and has lined up replacements.

Villas-Boas is looking to bolster his midfield after becoming unconvinced that Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel can perform their duties sufficiently.

Meanwhile, Ferguson wants to help shore up a midfield that has proved poor defensively so far this season, culminating in their shock elimination from the Champions League at the group stages.

Tiote is currently injured and has not featured for the Toon since October 22 after injuring his knee. There is fluid forming on the joint, which is causing pain and discomfort when twisting and turning. The 25-year-old even went so far as to visit a witch doctor in his native Ivory Coast in an attempt help the healing process.

The injury was not expected to keep Tiote out for long originally and doctors are baffled as to why it has taken so long.

" Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew seems to have resigned himself to Tiote leaving for Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge "

Who can solve United’s midfield conundrum?

Manchester United’s recent troubles on the pitch have been well documented, and their unceremonious exit from the Champions League on Wednesday has given rise to speculation they may delve into the transfer market in order to boost their chances of retaining their league crown this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has often spoken of his reluctance to dip into the transfer market, especially in January because of the lack of value, however with Manchester City leading the title race the Scot may be forced into action, and the key area of concern remains the midfield.

With Anderson and Tom Cleverly on the sidelines for some time, who can Ferguson turn to in order to solve his midfield mystery?

Eden Hazard

The Lille attacking midfielder has earned himself a reputation as one of the finest talents in Europe, and papers all over the land were filled with speculation Manchester United were ready to swoop not so long ago.

The 20-year-old plays in an attacking midfield role but drifts out to the wings, meaning he wouldn’t exactly fit the billing of the Paul Scholes replacement that most agree United need, but as an attacking force there are few better at his age.

Be warned though, he will cost a pretty penny and is a target of numerous other clubs, so won’t be easy to land.

Chances of signing for United: Slim, especially in January

Javi Garcia
Benfica youngster Javi Garcia name has been appearing in more and more gossip and transfer rumour columns as the world goes by, and it is thanks to an increased interest from United in taking him to Old Trafford in January.

Ferguson got a close up glimpse of the young Spaniard when he played in the Champions League against the Red Devils for Benfica, with the Scot reportedly impressed with what he saw.

His versatility is a bonus and wouldn’t cost as much as United’s other targets, but as something of an unknown it would be a risk for Fergsuon to pin his hopes of sprucing up his midfield this season on a unproven player at the very highest level.

Chances of joining United: If it was a toss-up between Garcia & Gaitan (next), then this is the cheaper option

Wesley Sneijder

The longest running transfer saga on the go at the moment, the desire from both sides to make the move happen is clear, with only the small matter of convincing Inter Milan to let their star player go standing in the way.

The Dutchman demonstrated his worth at the World Cup last year, confirming his status as behind only Xavi and Andreas Iniesta as the world’s finest genuine midfielder.

Inter’s woeful start to the season may help facilitate a move and as January nears the rumour mill has certainly cranked back into life on this one, but it remains unlikely still.

Chances of signing for United: Looking more and more likely if United are willing to pay the price

Daniele De Rossi

Manchester City may lead to the race for the signature of Daniele De Rossi, but that hasn’t stopped the media from repeatedly linking the rumour man with a link to the red half of the city.

The 28-year-old has forged a fearsome reputation at Roma at the heart of the Italian giants’ midfield quartet, and would be a nice fit for United’s needs.

A stumbling block in the move could be his reluctance to leave Italy despite an admittance that he likes English football, but the fact that he is coming to the end of his current deal and is yet to sign a new one could mean a move in January is still on the table.

Chances of joining United: United trail behind City in this race as well

Nicolas Gaitan

While Javi Garcia may be one name linked with United, it is his team-mate Nicolas Gaitan who is generating the most amount of gossip over a potential switch to Old Trafford at the moment.

With a reported £39 million release clause in his contract he won’t come cheap but the 23-year-old’s potential appears limitless and he looks to have all the qualities to succeed with the reigning champions.

The youngster recently broke into the Argentine national squad and is more inclined to play on the left of midfield than a genuine passing central midfielder, but there is certainly some weight in the rumours linked him with a move to United.

Chances of joining United: Unlikely the Red Devils will meet the release clause - but a talent on the radar

Picture : UNITED beats Wolves

Phil Jones action


Rooney, Welbeck, Nani and Jones celebration goal


Ferdinand : Good job Nani ... More


Rooney Shoot


Nani Goal


Our Defender Evans

Rooney 2 Nani 2 - Wolverhampton 1

ANALYSIS
By Rob Stewart at Old Trafford

Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson creating siege mentality at Theatre of Dreams as he tries to silence his critics following Champions League disappointment without key personnel

Manchester United badly needed a nice little homecoming party following their harrowing Champions League exit, and thanks to Wayne Rooney and Nani they enjoyed one to raise spirits on their return to Old Trafford.

Together Rooney and Nani put smiles back on faces in Salford as they helped themselves to two goals apiece in a one-sided encounter against a Wolves side who rarely looked capable of being party poopers. The fact that Rooney and Co. were back among the goals and re-producing their early season form helped United provide the perfect response to the Champions League defeat in Basel. Their endeavours raised the gloom that enveloped Old Trafford before this encounter and ensured the Red Devils ended what manager Sir Alex Ferguson had in his programme notes called a “black week” for the club on a high.

The road to redemption might be a long one but Sir Alex set the tone by insisting that while “we may gnash our teeth there is no point wailing about it”. He even launched a thinly veiled attack at former United skipper Roy Keane, who had voiced criticism of the d isplay in Switzerland in his role as a television pundit, with Sir Alex bemoaning “stick even from people we thought were perhaps on our side”.

If Sir Alex - who appeared impossibly upbeat as he greeted fans on his way to the dugout - was attempting to create a siege mentality then it worked because United played as if they owed their fans one against a struggling Wolves side who were there for the taking from the off with just Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher able to take the fight to their hosts.

It was, though, crowd-pleasers Rooney and Nani who made sure that this was the morale-booster that everyone associated with the club needed following their first failure to make it out of the Champions League group stage since 2005.

On a gloomy day, it even stopped raining following the final whistle to ensure that the mood improved in more ways than one.

That they bounced back from such disappointment was down to Sir Alex’s decision to attack Wolves relentlessly down the flanks where Nani and Antonio Valencia tormented their markers and ensured that the visitors were unable to frustrate their hosts.

That is what Mick McCarthy’s side did last season when it required a last-minute goal from Ji-sung Park to secure United all three points, and the pessimists feared a repeat performance.

However, those fans who insisted they trusted Sir Alex to weather the storm and come back even stronger in the long term had their faith vindicated.

That there was no need for late drama on this occasion is due mainly to Rooney, who was this contest’s outstanding performer; his goals that spelled the end of his barren spell meant that he has still never gone ten games without scoring for United.

The emphatic victory also marked a return to the club’s free-scoring ways that had seen Arsenal thrashed 8-2 here and then Bolton swept aside 5-0 at the Reebok. Before this game United had not managed more than a solitary goal in eight of nine Premier League outings.

Rooney’s exploits showed why England head coach Fabio Capello was so keen to have his Euro 2012 suspension reduced and gave United fans reason to think they might hold on to their Premier League crown despite the threat posed by Manchester City.

Rooney remains their key asset and they will need him more than ever now thanks to injuries in other key departments.

It is difficult to see United coping without injured skipper Nemanja Vidic for the rest of the season, and while Michael Carrick and Phil Jones were head and shoulders above their Wolves counterparts, they might struggle when facing leading Premier League midfielders.

That is why Sir Alex will need Tom Cleverley and Anderson back in the thick of it sooner rather than later.

It also explains why there seems to be an obsession with Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder following their ill-fated pursuit of the Dutch ace last summer as the club moved to fill the void left by Paul Scholes’ retirement.

United have eminently winnable games coming against Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, Wigan, Blackburn and faltering Newcastle before aiming to avenge their 6-1 pasting by City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 8.

Given Sir Alex’s habit of proving his critics wrong, it would be foolish to write off United’s title chances just yet.

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