JONNY EVANS NEWS

FA: Man City 2-3 Man United

2012-01-08T04:08:00.003Z

Man City: Pantilimon, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Milner, Johnson (Zabaleta 46), Nasri (Hargreaves 82), Silva (Savic 46), De Jong, Aguero.
Subs Not Used: Hart, Clichy, Suarez, Razak.

Goals：Kolarov 48, Aguero 65.

Sent Off：Kompany.

Man United: Lindegaard, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Smalling, Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Scholes 59), Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck (Anderson 75).
Subs Not Used: De Gea, Evans, Rafael, Park, Hernandez.

Booked：Evra, Ferdinand, Nani, Welbeck.

Goals：Rooney 10 40, Welbeck 30.

Att：46,808.

Ref：Foy.

Evans hails Reds' focus

2011-12-28T04:19:00.000Z

Jonny Evans feels hard work and concentration are behind Manchester United's scintillating run of league form in the last two months.

Since the 6-1 derby defeat, the Reds have taken 25 points from a possible 27 to draw level with Manchester City at the Barclays Premier League summit. Evans feels the loss to City made the players re-focus their efforts and United have reaped the benefits since.

"At the start of the season we were playing this open, attacking football. It seemed like it didn't matter if somebody scored two goals against us because we'd go out and score three. It's hard to maintain that throughout a season, though," Evans told ManUtd.com.

"Since the Manchester City game we've defended better, but it wasn't a case that we all sat down and discussed what needed to be done - it was just a realisation in people's minds that we had to work that little bit harder. I think sometimes if you start to find games easy you can take your foot off the pedal and your eye off the ball. But we're now working hard for each other and making it hard for other teams to beat us."

And Evans, who is likely to miss the next two weeks with a calf strain, feels the squad's desire for success will stand the Reds in good stead in 2012. He told us: "When you win all the time you get a real hunger for it. That's something the manager's built here over the years. You don't like the feeling you get when you lose - even in training. And we don't want to get to the end of the season with nothing to show for it."

source：manutd.com

Manchester United suffer Jonny Evans injury blow

2011-12-26T04:17:00.001Z

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects Jonny Evans to be out for two weeks with a calf injury, adding to club's defensive problems.

Evans was forced off at half-time in the 5-0 victory over Wigan, leaving United without a fit centre-back.

"We have had a nightmare the last few days," said Ferguson. "Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have both been ill.

"Rio Ferdinand called off with a back injury and Jonny Evans has come off at half-time. It puts you under pressure."

With Nemanja Vidic a long-term absentee, Ferguson will be hoping Jones and Smalling recover for the visit of Blackburn on New Year's Eve, when a point would take United above Premier League leaders Manchester City for 24 hours at least.

Shorn of his recognised centre-backs, Ferguson was forced to improvise against Wigan with Michael Carrick moving into central defence and Patrice Evra shifting across to the middle following the departure of Evans.

Antonio Valencia played at right-back against his former club, and Ferguson was delighted with the performance of his patched-up rearguard.

"Carrick was magnificent, and Valencia never stopped going up that touchline," he said. "It was a fantastic performance from the two of them.

"I'm really, really pleased. Patrice Evra has been a great leader, showing the way forward for the players."

Ferguson also saluted the performance of Dimitar Berbatov, after the Bulgarian striker marked a rare start with a hat-trick.

"It was the right game for him," said Ferguson. "I needed his height for set-pieces against us and he's weighed in with a hat-trick. We're really pleased for him and it helps with confidence.

"Dimitar hasn't had the best of starts to the season in terms of selection given the options I have with [Danny] Welbeck, [Wayne] Rooney, [Javier] Hernandez, so I'm really happy for him."

After back-to-back 5-0 victories, United are now level on points with City, with just five goals separating the teams on goal difference.

"Fortunately our goals have come at the right time of the season," Ferguson said.

"We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments.

"If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 5-0 Wigan

2011-12-26T04:01:00.002Z

Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat-trick as Manchester United thrashed 10-man Wigan to move level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Park Ji-sung coolly slotted the hosts into an early lead before Wigan striker Conor Sammon was harshly sent off for catching Michael Carrick in the face.

Berbatov fired United 2-0 ahead and netted the third after the break with a neat turn and powerful finish.

Antonio Valencia rifled into the corner before Berbatov scored from the spot.

Wigan were enraged by referee Phil Dowd's decision to award the penalty for an Antolin Alcaraz challenge on Park which took place just outside the box.

But the scoreline did not flatter United, who have now hit 16 goals in four successive league victories to reignite their title challenge.

City's 0-0 draw at West Brom means both teams have 45 points, with City's lead on goal difference now cut to only five.

And United's victory was all the more impressive given the makeshift nature of a team depleted by illness and injuries.

Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia lined up in defence, Darron Gibson in midfield and Berbatov was handed a rare opportunity alongside Javier Hernandez up front.

For their part, Wigan came into the game off the back of impressive draws with Chelsea and Liverpool but, after conceding an early goal, their chances of getting anything out of the game were effectively ended by the dismissal of Sammon.

The striker's flailing arm caught Carrick in the face, but there appeared to be little aggressive intent in the incident.

The red card ended any chance of a contest, but in truth United had shown plenty of menace even before Park's early strike.

The goal was brilliantly created by Patrice Evra on the left, who skipped past two Wigan players and cut the ball back for Park to side-foot precisely into the net.

It was 15 minutes before Wigan enjoyed any sort of sustained possession, but when they did it prompted a great chance for Sammon.

Ronnie Stam's cross from the right was inviting for the lone striker but he inexplicably failed to get any sort of header on the ball.

United were soon back on the offensive with a Nani cross sparking mayhem in the Wigan box and Gibson, Ryan Giggs and Berbatov trying their luck from long range.

Stam remained Wigan's brightest spark, getting in behind Evra on the right and delivering a succession of crosses which Wigan's forwards were unable to make the most of.

The momentum swung back United's way as Sammon's controversial red card was swiftly followed by Berbatov's second goal in as many games.

A Gibson cross was flicked on by Hernandez to the Bulgarian, who held off Alcaraz and lashed home with his left foot.

United almost extended their advantage at the start of the second half, but Park's free header was directed straight at Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi.

Hernandez then had a penalty appeal turned down despite being wrestled to the ground by Maynor Figueroa.

United's sense of grievance was short-lived as Berbatov collected a pass from Valencia and fired past Al Habsi.

Valencia then made it 4-0 with a rasping drive across Al Habsi after a corner was cleared straight to Carrick.

Then came the penalty incident which presented Berbatov with the chance for his hat-trick, an invitation the Bulgarian gratefully accepted by passing the ball into the corner of the net.

Wigan never gave up but could not create a clear opportunity as United keeper Anders Lindegaard maintained his 100% Premier League clean sheet record.

Man United：Lindegaard, Evra, Evans (Fryers 46), Giggs (Rooney 64), Park, Carrick, Nani (Macheda 64), Valencia, Gibson, Berbatov, Hernandez.
Subs not used：De Gea, Rafael, Welbeck, Diouf.

Booked：Evans.

Goals：Park 8, Berbatov 41 58 (pen)78, Valencia 75.

Wigan：Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Stam, Figueroa, McCarthy, Moses (Rodallega 80), Gomez (McArthur 71), Jones, Diame (Di Santo 46), Sammon.
Subs not used：Pollitt, Gohouri, Crusat, Watson.

Booked：Jones.

Sent Off：Sammon.

Ref：Dowd.

Att：75,183.

source：BBC Sport

Evans full of Christmas spirit

2011-12-23T02:34:00.000Z

While many people are relishing some time off over Christmas, it’s business as usual for United – and Jonny Evans doesn’t mind one bit.

The Reds face Wigan on 26 December and Blackburn five days later in a festive schedule that’s lighter than usual – and kinder because both games are at home.

Evans is looking forward to the Latics’ visit on Boxing Day and even revealed he enjoys training on Christmas Day.

"It's a period we enjoy," the defender told ManUtd.com. "You'd think we get annoyed because we don't get to spend Christmas with our family, but it's quite a nice feeling coming into training on Christmas morning. It's only a short and sharp session.

"We have a game on Boxing Day and it's always a big day for the fans. It's a different sort of atmosphere – everybody's up for it. I remember going to Boxing Day games at Old Trafford as a fan and there was always something a bit special about it.

"It's nice that we have two home games. I can remember in the past spending Christmas night travelling up to Sunderland, for instance. It's good to be at home and we don't have to leave the house until a bit later.

"We want to finish off the year in a good way. Any game we play at home we expect to win – I don't think the fact that it's a Christmas game makes any difference."

Struggling Wigan are third bottom in the league but have showed some fighting spirit in recent weeks, winning at Sunderland before drawing against Liverpool and Chelsea.

And Evans is not taking anything for granted as he believes Roberto Martinez’s men will come and have a go at Old Trafford.

"A few years ago [January 2009], we only beat Wigan 1-0 when we were going on a long run of clean sheets. It was a very tight game at Old Trafford.

"I know at the minute they're near the bottom of the league but they've had some decent results in the last few weeks and I think it will be tough.

"When I used to watch as a fan I remember always thinking the away team never really tried to score. They'd just sit back and play one up front.

"But I think there's been a bit of a shift in that philosophy in the last few years. Teams are coming here and thinking they may as well go for it. I think sometimes it's easier said than done. It's different when you get out onto that pitch – it's a big pitch and we're so dominant at home.

"I still don't understand why going away from home has such a big effect on performances. But it does and, on the flip side, we're particularly good at home. Our home form last year at Old Trafford won us the league."

source：manutd.com

PL: Fulham 0-5 Man United

2011-12-21T02:28:00.002Z

Manchester United shrugged off injuries to Phil Jones and Ashley Young to thrash a lifeless Fulham side.

Danny Welbeck's close-range finish was added to by a header from Nani and a deflected Ryan Giggs effort in a first half United completely dominated.

Wayne Rooney smashed in from 30 yards before Dimitar Berbatov's audacious backheeled finish late on.

The win sees United stay in second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Jones required extensive treatment after catching a stray Clint Dempsey elbow to the face in the opening minutes.

Referee Mark Halsey did not give a foul for the challenge but Dempsey was lucky to escape a card after striking Jones with his left elbow.

After a lengthy stoppage Jones continued as United took an early lead.

Nani collected the ball on the halfway line, drifted past Bryan Ruiz, and carried the ball unchallenged 50 yards down the left before picking out Welbeck for a crisp finish from seven yards.

Jones was called into action to deny Ruiz with a fine tackle before succumbing to his injury.

Young came on for United, with Antonio Valencia switching to right-back, before more slack defending from the home side allowed Nani to head the second.

Fulham switched off as Giggs took a quick corner to Valencia. He played it back to Giggs, whose cross was headed in by Nani with the lurking Rooney unable to add a touch.

United killed the game off just before half-time through veteran Giggs.

Again the visitors were afforded far too much time and space as Nani ambled into penalty area before teeing up the 38-year-old Welshman. Giggs's shot took a huge deflection off Philippe Senderos and looped over the head of goalkeeper David Stockdale.

Substitute Young was then forced off after the break with what looked like a knee injury after a challenge from Dickson Etuhu, as Fulham made some belated improvement.

Dempsey saw a header saved by Anders Lindegaard, Moussa Dembele shot wide and John Arne Riise smashed a free-kick past the post.

Andrew Johnson then twice should have done better for Fulham before United hit two late goals.

Rooney - making his 300th Premier League appearance - advanced from midfield and drilled a fine shot in off the far post, before substitute Berbatov provided a touch of class in stoppage time with his 50th goal for the club.

Valencia exchanged passes with Nani before breaking into the penalty area and squaring for Berbatov.

The ball was behind the Bulgarian but he was able to backheel the ball past Stockdale into the corner.

Fulham：Stockdale, Riise, Hangeland, Baird (Kelly 74), Senderos, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey (Zamora 85), Johnson, Ruiz, Dembele.
Subs not used：Etheridge, Hughes, Gecov, Duff, Frei.

Booked：Baird.

Man Utd：Lindegaard, Evra, Jones (Young 20) (Park 58), Evans, Smalling, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck (Berbatov 76).
Subs not used：De Gea, Rafael, Fryers, Hernandez.

Goals：Welbeck 5, Nani 28, Giggs 43, Rooney 88, Berbatov 90.

Ref：Halsey.

Att：25,700.

source：BBC Sport

Evans hails team effort

2011-12-19T02:33:00.000Z

Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand may have earned special praise from their manager after the 2-0 win at QPR, but Evans insists the victory and clean sheet were down to an impressive collective effort from the Reds.

The Northern Ireland international produced a towering display alongside Ferdinand at the heart of the back four, but Evans was quick to salute the contribution of everyone in a red shirt after the game.

"A clean sheet is all you can ask for as a defender," he told MUTV. "It doesn't matter how you play, if you get a clean sheet you're happy. It was a nice to get it [on Sunday] - it was a solid performance from us.

"It really helps when the team is working really hard around you as well. The front players and the wide men work hard to make things a lot easier for you.

"We created a lot of chances and felt we were a bit unfortunate not to go in [at half-time] with a couple more goals [under our belts], but we weren't able to kill

them off in the first half," he added.

"That's the way these games go sometimes and you've always got to be on your guard. They had a good chance in the second half [through DJ Campbell], but thankfully they couldn't take it.

"We'd like to have scored a few more goals - that's something we haven't been doing lately. But we've just got to make sure we keep creating the chances."

Evans himself had a host of good opportunities from set-pieces, but that first ever United goal continues to elude the 23-year-old.

"Nani put in some good deliveries from our corners and I found it quite easy to lose my marker. It's just unfortunate one didn't go in for me," joked Jonny. "I must have had about three or four chances - hopefully a goal will come soon."

source：manutd.com

PL: QPR 0-2 Man United

2011-12-18T02:22:00.002Z

Manchester United maintained the pressure on Manchester City at the Premier League summit with a comfortable win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Wayne Rooney set them on the way to a victory that restored them to the top of the table - if only for a few hours - with a header inside the first minute.

And after United missed a succession of chances and were denied by QPR keeper Radek Cerny, Michael Carrick settled an entertaining encounter and gave them the winning margin their vast superiority deserved with his first goal in 70 games for United, shortly after half-time.

QPR were tenacious but were eventually outclassed by United's greater quality, as Sir Alex Ferguson's side continued their rehabilitation from their shock Champions League exit with a second successive league win to maintain their pursuit of a 20th title.

With Darren Fletcher ruled out for the foreseeable future through illness, Carrick was paired with Phil Jones in central midfield. And the versatile England teenager could also have got on the scoresheet in a powerful and impressive performance, hitting the woodwork and being halted by Cerny after a surging run.

United still showed occasional signs of frailty in defence without injured captain Nemanja Vidic and with Patrice Evra particularly vulnerable, but they ultimately carried far too much power for QPR, especially with Rooney restored to his familiar attacking role after a spell in midfield.

The visitors were unchanged from the win against Wolves - but had the lift of the early return of Javier Hernandez on the bench after suffering an ankle injury in the recent win at Aston Villa.

It was Rooney who made the instant impact as he stole in on Antonio Valencia's cross to send a downward header beyond the reach of Cerny in the opening seconds to subdue a typically vibrant atmosphere inside Loftus Road.

United's slick passing was proving too much for QPR in the early exchanges and Cerny needed to dash off his line to block Danny Welbeck after he was played in by Nani.

QPR, however, showed real reserves of resilience to dig their way back into a match that looked well beyond them at the start, with striker Heidar Helguson taking advantage of weakness in United's defence as he headed Joey Barton's cross just over.

For all the typical endeavour of Warnock's side, it was United who showed thrust going forward as they created a succession of chances before the interval.

Jonny Evans headed on to the bar from a corner, while Cerny saved QPR again after 28 minutes when he dived at the feet of Jones after Rooney's incisive pass sent him racing clear.

Cerny, heroic in QPR's defeat at Liverpool last week, was in outstanding form again as he demonstrated agility and sharp reflexes to save from Valencia as he looked certain to add United's second.

QPR refused to go under in the face of United's attacking threat and created opportunities of their own as the interval approached. United keeper David de Gea blocked Helguson's shot with his legs before Jay Bothroyd's low cross flew agonisingly beyond the stretching Jamie Mackie.

United were in no mood to let any more chances slip away - and they duly punished QPR nine minutes after the break, with more than a little help from the Londoners.

Carrick dispossessed Barton with ease and advanced unchallenged towards the area before scoring with a low shot that Cerny should have made a better attempt to keep out.

It was a rare, albeit vital, blemish on Cerny's performance and he was soon distinguishing himself again with a spectacular save from Welbeck, who was promptly removed and replaced by Hernandez.

QPR, understandably, were showing signs of deflation and Jones almost increased their lead further only to strike a post, before Cerny was the barrier once more to save from Nani.

Adel Taarabt and DJ Campbell were introduced in a double change by Warnock as time ran out and created their side's best chance of the game. Taarabt's cross should have been converted by the striker, who somehow put his effort off target from right in front of goal.

It was United's final moment of anxiety - and with the door left ajar in the title race by Manchester City's first defeat of the season at Chelsea on Monday, United will be delighted with another important victory.

QPR：Cerny, Gabbidon, Traore, Connolly, Young, Faurlin, Barton, Wright-Phillips (Taarabt 65), Bothroyd (Hill 75), Mackie, Helguson (Campbell 65).
Subs not used：Kenny, Orr, Derry, Smith.

Booked：Gabbidon.

Man Utd：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Carrick, Nani (Young 88), Valencia, Rooney (Giggs 78), Welbeck (Hernandez 63).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fryers, Park, Berbatov.

Booked：Jones, Ferdinand.

Goals：Rooney 1, Carrick 56.

Ref：H Webb.

Att：18,033.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 4-1 Wolves

2011-12-10T04:46:00.003Z

Wayne Rooney and Nani both scored twice as Manchester United gave the perfect response to their Champions League exit with a commanding win over Wolves.

Nani cut inside from the left and blasted the opener into the corner before Rooney made it 2-0 with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Steven Fletcher gave Wolves a lifeline with a header just after half-time.

But United hit back with Antonio Valencia setting up Nani for a tap-in and crossing for Rooney to rifle home.

United put their miserable surrender in Basel behind them in a display brimming with positive intent and attacking verve.

And in the week when Rooney's three-match England ban was reduced to two by European football's governing body Uefa, the striker ended an eight-game Premier League goal drought with two authoritative finishes.

While Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's decision to field an attacking 4-4-2 formation merely played into United's hands, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics paid off, as he made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 in Switzerland.

Phil Jones produced a confident attacking performance alongside Michael Carrick in midfield and Valencia - brought in at Ashley Young's expense - proved a constant threat on the right wing.

The victory ensured United closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to two points, with Roberto Mancini's side heading to Chelsea on Monday.

The game might have taken a different course had Fletcher not sliced wide after being teed up in space on the edge of the box in the first minute.

But United soon settled into their rhythm, with Valencia enjoying plenty of space down the right and crossing for Carrick, whose diving header flew just over the bar.

Carrick then played a ball inside right-back Ronald Zubar for Rooney, whose shot from a tight angle was sharply saved by Wayne Hennessey.

Moments later, Nani cut in from the left-hand side before unleashing a powerful shot into the corner from 20 yards.

The second goal arrived in similar fashion, with Rooney this time darting across the edge of the box and smashing a shot through a crowd of players past an unsighted Hennessey.

Wolves got themselves back in the game shortly after half-time as Matt Jarvis crossed from the left for Fletcher to head his 11th goal in 16 games into the roof of the net.

The goal only served to reawaken United, who re-established their two-goal lead when Jones threaded a pass to Valencia, who crossed low for Nani to convert from six yards.

Valencia rounded off a fine afternoon's work with the assist for the fourth goal as his cross picked out Rooney to beat Hennessey with a powerful low shot on the turn.

Another marauding run from Jones almost produced a fifth goal but Hennessey did well to foil Federico Macheda at the near post.

Wolves' sixth away league defeat in eight games leaves them just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Man Utd：De Gea, Evra (Fryers 67), Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Jones, Carrick, Nani (Young 77), Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck (Macheda 74).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Giggs, Park, Gibson.

Booked：Ferdinand.

Goals：Nani 17 56, Rooney 27 62.

Wolves：Hennessey, Ward, Johnson, Berra, Zubar, Edwards (Milijas 31), Henry, Jarvis, O'Hara (Hunt 70), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 76), Doyle.
Subs not used：De Vries, Elokobi, Stearman, Hammill.

Goals：Fletcher 47.

Ref：Oliver.

Att：75,527.

source：BBC Sport

CL: FC Basel 2-1 Man United

2011-12-07T04:41:00.002Z

Manchester United failed to advance past the Champions League group stage for only the third time in 17 years after a humiliating defeat at Basel.

The three-time European champions and reigning Premier League winners went behind to Marco Streller's strike after poor defending and a goalkeeping error.

They lost captain Nemanja Vidic to a bad knee injury before hitting the bar.

Alexander Frei nodded a second before Phil Jones's late header left United a goal short of the draw they needed.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who have reached three of the past four Champions League finals, finished third in Group C as Benfica and Basel reached the knockout stage.

Ferguson and his players looked shell-shocked at the end and they will now have to make do with Europa League football.

Basel are into the last 16 for only the second time in their history, caretaker manager Heiko Vogel capping his short spell in charge with an historic triumph.

Questions will be asked of United goalkeeper David de Gea, who ought to have prevented Streller's opener, while Vidic may have a serious knee problem.

United arrived at St Jakob Park knowing a point would be enough to send them through but - with defeat meaning certain elimination - Ferguson cautioned against the complacency that saw Basel almost snatch victory at Old Trafford in September.

They got off to a vibrant start, passing and moving with urgency to deny their opponents possession and threaten an early breakthrough. For the first nine minutes, Basel barely had a touch as an attack-minded United line-up rampaged forward.

However, the hosts managed to limit their opponents to only one sight of goal in the time, a harmless Park strike that sailed well over the bar, and United's failure to capitalise on their dominance was punished with the first meaningful Basel attack.

A collision between Vidic and Chris Smalling allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to collect a cross on the left and, with Smalling in a daze on the floor, he produced a low centre.

Instead of gathering the ball, De Gea poked it away with his foot and Streller was able to place a powerful half-volley into the net.

United went into their shells and it was not until the 29th minute that they mustered a response - one from which they should have equalised.

Nani's cross from the right teed Rooney up for a routine close-range finish, but he miscued a shot he would usually bury and Park could not convert the follow-up.

That seemed to inject life into United, and Rooney was denied by goalkeeper Yann Sommer from a Giggs reverse pass before seeing a penalty shout turned down.

Nani was causing no shortage of problems but Basel held firm, and United's evening took a turn for the worse when Vidic twisted his right knee in a challenge with Streller.

He left the field on a stretcher in clear discomfort, but his team ploughed on and Rooney saw an angled strike sail narrowly wide at the start of the second half.

Basel continued to defend for their lives while occasionally threatening on the break.

The ever-dangerous Shaqiri curled a shot just wide and De Gea saved well from an Alexander Frei free-kick.
United responded with a Nani cross that Markus Steinhofer volleyed on to his own bar but then came the decisive blow, Frei ghosting in behind Smalling at the back post to head home Shaqiri's cross.

Jones forced a header over the line after Danny Welbeck was denied from close range and fellow substitute Federico Macheda hit the woodwork, but it was too little, too late.

FC Basel：Sommer, Park, Dragovic, Shaqiri (Stocker 90), Abraham, F Frei, Cabral, Steinhofer, Streller, A Frei (Kusunga 87), Xhaka (Chipperfield 82).
Subs not used：Colomba, Kovac, Jacques Zoua, Pak.

Booked：F Frei, Xhaka.

Goals：Streller 9, A Frei 84.

Man Utd：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Smalling, Vidic (Evans 44), Giggs, Park (Macheda 82), Nani, Young (Welbeck 64), Rooney.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fletcher, Valencia, Gibson.

Booked：Evra, Young.

Goals：Jones 89.

Ref：Kuipers.

Att：36,894.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Aston Villa 0-1 Man United

2011-12-03T06:03:00.002Z

Aston Villa: Given (Guzan 38), Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Jenas (Heskey 63), Albrighton, Bannan, Herd (Petrov 59), Bent, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Clark, Cuellar, Ireland, Delph.

Man United: Lindegaard, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand (Giggs 64), Smalling, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Young (Welbeck 78), Rooney, Hernandez (Valencia 12).
Subs Not Used: De Gea, Evans, Park, Fletcher.

Goals：Jones 20.

Att：40,053.

Ref：Probert.

Evans: We must move on

2011-12-01T06:13:00.000Z

With games coming thick and fast in the next few weeks, Jonny Evans insists the Reds must move on as quickly as possible from their Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Evans, who was captain for the night on his 100th United appearance, says all the players are keen to make up for what turned out to be a forgettable evening at Old Trafford.

"We're very disappointed not to be in the semi-finals," the defender told MUTV.

"I thought we would go on after we scored. And going into the first period of extra time, playing towards the Stretford End, I thought we'd have a chance of getting a goal and seal it from there.

"But they went down the other end and scored against the run of play really. We had a lot of possession but we couldn't break them down.

"A lot of our play was in front of them and I think the only way we were going to get in was down the side, but we didn't manage to do that as well as Manchester United can. We didn't get a lot of crosses into the box.

"The games are coming thick and fast and the manager will need his squad. So we need to pick ourselves up and hopefully win on Saturday [at Villa]."

Evans added that while proud to skipper the side, the end result took away from the honour.

"Before the game I was delighted to be given the armband, but I'd happily take that away to have the victory instead.

"It's good that the manager plays the younger lads [in this competition], but unfortunately we've not managed to get the result.

"My first game was in the Carling Cup [against Coventry in September 2007] and it didn't turn out as well as we expected, but the lads have got to keep focused and work hard on their games."

source：manutd.com

CC: Man United 1-2 Crystal Palace

2011-11-30T01:40:00.000Z

Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning extra-time victory at Old Trafford to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals and send Manchester United crashing out.

After a dull first half, Palace substitute Darren Ambrose thundered a 35-yard drive into the top corner.

United were on level terms four minutes later when Federico Macheda won and scored a penalty.

Glenn Murray headed in from a free-kick to put Palace ahead and they weathered a late storm to reach the last four.

United will point to the fact that Murray was marginally offside when the free-kick was taken, but the win was little more than the Championship club deserved after they refused to be overawed by their illustrious opponents.

Indeed, despite making 10 changes to the side that drew with Newcastle on Saturday, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson still picked eight full internationals and will have been shocked to see how badly his players coped with Palace's energy and purpose.

The south Londoners made a mockery of their dismal recent league form - they had not scored in their previous five games - by tearing into United from the first whistle, with their exciting 19-year-old Wilfried Zaha leading the charge.

The Ivory Coast-born winger had an appeal for a penalty turned down when he raced in behind the United defence and tumbled under a challenge from Fabio.

Replays suggested a foul should have been given, but that the contact between the players was outside the penalty area.

Clearly unsettled by Palace's electric start, United took time to settle into a passing rhythm and it took a mazy run from Antonio Valencia to fashion their first opening.

The Ecuadorian wideman teed up Dimitar Berbatov, but the striker - soon to be hauled off at half-time -screwed his shot wide.

United stayed on the back foot for most of the remainder of the half, with Palace dominating possession and territory.

Zaha continued to represent Palace's biggest threat, turning Jonny Evans to work himself some space, but driving his shot over the bar.

United should have taken the lead five minutes after the break when Valencia nicked the ball off Palace centre-back Anthony Gardner and bore down on goal, but pulled his shot past the post.

Then substitute Ravel Morrison twice forced Palace goalkeeper Lewis Price into sharp saves as United upped the ante.

Palace's goal came totally against the run of play but was stunning in quality and execution.

Picking up the ball just inside the United half, Ambrose surged forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot which swerved dramatically as it flew into the net.

Palace's lead was short-lived as Patrick McCarthy clumsily pulled Macheda to the ground and the Italian sent goalkeeper Lewis Price the wrong way from the spot.

As the game drifted towards extra-time, Murray had the best opportunity to break the deadlock, but he fired into the side-netting from a difficult angle.

Eight minutes into extra-time, Murray made amends for his profligacy in sensational fashion as he escaped his marker Evans to nod Ambrose's free-kick home past goalkeeper Ben Amos.

The goal was the cue for a United onslaught, with both Macheda and Valencia going close, but some heroic defending saw Palace into the last four for the first time in 10 years.

Man United：Amos, Evans, Smalling, Fabio (Fryers 37), Rafael (Pogba 64), Park, Valencia, Gibson, Berbatov (Morrison 46), Macheda, Diouf.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Keane, Cole, Lingard.

Booked：Fabio, Gibson.

Goals：Macheda (pen) 69.

Crystal Palace：Price, Clyne, McCarthy, Gardner, Moxey (Ambrose 46), Wright, Dikgacoi, O'Keefe, Scannell (Parr 45), Zaha, Easter (Murray 74).
Subs not used：Speroni, Ramage, Jedinak, Iversen.

Goals：Ambrose 65, Murray 98.

Ref：Foy.

Att：52,624.

source：BBC Sport

Storming the Palace: Jonny Evans hopes cup can offer route back to Manchester United first team

2011-11-29T04:57:00.000Z

Jonny Evans’ Manchester United senior career breakthrough came in the Carling Cup four years ago. Now he hopes the trophy will give him a boost in the fierce defensive battle raging at Old Trafford.

Evans was part of the 2007 generation of young Reds to be handed their first team spurs by Sir Alex Ferguson against Coventry City in a second round tie at Old Trafford.

Of the youngsters who figured that night, Gerard Pique has since gone to become a part of Barcelona’s all-conquering side, while Danny Simpson and Phil Bardsley are now employed in the North East with Newcastle and Sunderland respectively.

Lee Martin has departed for Ipswich and is currently on loan at Charlton while forgotten Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou is now in the Armenian League with Mika.

Only 23-year-old Evans of the 2007 fledglings remains in Fergie’s squad and with United’s five-strong central defensive unit all fit for action again, Evans is champing at the bit ahead of tomorrow night’s quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace.

Evans was injured and unavailable for the Reds opening League Cup tie at Elland Road against Leeds back in September and was serving a one-match ban against Aldershot after being sent-off in the 6-1 derby trashing by City.

So the chance to try and wedge his foot back in the senior door against Palace is a golden opportunity for the Northern Ireland international with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Evans himself all vying for places.

“You expect the competition to be intense at Manchester United. It always has been. When I first came into the side as well as Rio and Nemanja, we also had Wes Brown and John O’Shea. So I have been used to fighting for my place,” Evans admitted.

“But at the moment it is frightening, the quality of players around challenging for places in the centre of defence.

Defensive

“The thing you always have to do is get your head down and work as hard as you can. That is the only thing I have ever done. There is nothing else you can do.

“There are five of us in the senior defensive department and the manager has been using players like Phil Jones at full-back and in midfield. Chris Smalling has been at full-back as well.

“I haven’t really got another position and I don’t want another string to my bow. I am quite happy just to be playing centre back and take my chances.

“Obviously, if you can play in different positions it is great as you get more chances to play in the side. But I think anyone will tell you that they want to play in their favourite position.”

Evans suffered the ignominy of a shock Carling Cup debut defeat against championship side Coventry back in 2007.

However, this term Fergie’s Carling Cup choice has seen more established first teamers given outings against Leeds and Aldershot.

“The way the injuries started this season there were a lot to the senior players and the young lads stepped in and played in a lot of the Premier League games,” Evans added.

“Because of that, the older players had to play in the Carling Cup to get game time so it has all changed around a bit. It has been kind of strange this season.

“But I’m hoping to be involved against Palace – and the Carling Cup has been good to me apart from that nightmare start against Coventry!

“It was my first domestic trophy after I came back from Sunderland on loan when we beat Spurs at Wembley in a penalty shoot-out in 2009.

“Twelve months later, I was in the side that beat Aston Villa to win the cup. Having won the trophy twice it means a lot to me and it still does – no matter what people might say about it. It is an important competition.

“Over the years, the manager has used it for the young lads at United and we have all benefitted from that experience. It gets you in the winning way early and you get a hunger for that kind of success.”

source：Manchester Evening News

PL: Man United 1-1 Newcastle

2011-11-26T05:56:00.002Z

Man United: De Gea, Evra (Macheda 87), Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio (Smalling 90), Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Young, Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Evans, Park, Valencia, Gibson.

Booked：Fabio.

Goals：Hernandez 49.

Newcastle: Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, R Taylor, S Taylor, Cabaye, Guthrie (Perch 74), Ben Arfa (Lovenkrands 80), Gutierrez, Obertan (Sa Ameobi 65), Ba.
Subs Not Used: Elliot, Santon, Gosling, Sh Ameobi.

Booked：Cabaye, Guthrie, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez.

Sent Off：Gutierrez.

Goals：Ba (pen) 64.

Att：75,594.

Ref：Jones.

PL: Swansea 0-1 Man United

2011-11-19T05:08:00.002Z

Swansea: Vorm, Williams, Taylor, Monk, Rangel, Britton, Sinclair, Dyer, Routledge (Allen 46), Gower (Dobbie 79), Graham.
Subs Not Used: Tremmel, Moras, Richards, Lita, Moore.

Man United: De Gea, Evra (Fabio 51), Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Giggs (Fletcher 76), Park, Carrick, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez (Valencia 84).
Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Evans, Young, Berbatov.

Booked：Evra.

Goals：Hernandez 11.

Att：20,295.

Ref：Dean.

PL: Man United 1-0 Sunderland

2011-11-05T04:59:00.002Z

Man United: Lindegaard, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Park (Carrick 83), Nani, Fletcher (Fabio 90), Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck (Berbatov 73).
Subs Not Used: De Gea, Evans, Valencia, Diouf.

Goals：Brown (og) 45+1.

Sunderland: Westwood, Bardsley, Turner, Brown, Richardson, Cattermole, Larsson, Colback (Meyler 76), Sessegnon (Elmohamady 76), Wickham (Ji 4), Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Carson, Gardner, McClean, Egan.

Booked：Larsson, Ji.

Att：75,570.

Ref：Mason.

Evans - Ferguson is United

2011-11-04T01:48:00.001Z

Jonny Evans admits he could not imagine Manchester United without Sir Alex Ferguson, as he prepares to celebrate 25 years in the Old Trafford hot-seat.

The Red Devils boss has drawn fitting tributes from across the football world as he prepares to reach that landmark on Sunday.

During his time with United, Ferguson has helped to turn the club into a global brand that continues to go from strength to strength.

Evans concedes that there will eventually become a day when the legendary Scot has to step down, but he is struggling to see when that will be.

At the age of 23, Ferguson is the only United boss Evans has even known and he admits it will be strange to see somebody else sat on the sidelines.

"I don't think anyone can imagine what it will be like with someone else in the dugout," said the Northern Ireland international.

"I have supported United all my life. He is the only manager I have known. It will be weird to see the club without him. He owns that seat.

"I don't suppose he would, but he has never given us any indication he was thinking about stopping. What would he do? He could travel the world but I am sure he would much rather be sat at Old Trafford."

Father figure

Evans is a product of the Old Trafford academy system and admits that working closely with Ferguson has helped to mould him and many of his team-mates into the players and people they are today.

"People use the phrase father figure quite a lot, but it is a big, tough world out there," he said.

"You have to stand on your own two feet at some stage.

"He is always there for you if you want to go and see him. But I am not the type to be knocking on his office door and look for a shoulder to cry on when things are not going so well.

"One thing he is good at is letting people find out how to deal with things themselves. You can't always be looked after. It makes you turn into a man."

source：Sky Sports

Evans not taking full blame

2011-11-04T01:46:00.001Z

Jonny Evans says he felt guilty after the 6-1 loss to Manchester City but cannot accept total responsibility for the capitulation.

Manchester United were demolished by their local rivals in last month's derby and Evans' sending-off at the start of the second half was a clear turning point.

City had only been leading 1-0 before Evans was shown a red card for clumsily fouling Mario Balotelli, and he does not think he can be blamed for everything that happened afterwards.

"When you go down to 10 men you don't expect to concede five goals," Evans said. "I felt guilty for the fans because obviously it is not nice.

"I am a Manchester United fan myself. I know the hurt that was felt by the people who follow United around everywhere."

Although Evans insists he was not worried Ferguson might make him the scapegoat, there must have been a nagging fear in his mind once he returned from his automatic one-match suspension.

As it turned out, Rio Ferdinand made way for the return of Nemanja Vidic at Everton last weekend, Evans then retaining his place for the midweek UEFA Champions League win over Otelul Galati, when United kept a third successive clean sheet.

"It was nice the manager stuck with me, although one red card doesn't make you a bad player all of a sudden," Evans added.

"I didn't feel I would be used as a scapegoat. I knew the manager would make an honest decision.

"I am not the type of player who would sulk about it if I got dropped. He is the greatest British manager of all time. Whatever decision he takes, I will happily accept it."

Fond memories

Evans cannot afford to rest on his laurels, though, and he is hoping to be selected for Saturday's clash with Sunderland after spending time on loan at the Stadium of Light earlier in his career.

"I have a lot of fond memories of my time up there and it won't be easy," Evans said. "Sunderland have had a slow start to the season but Steve Bruce has brought a lot of new players in and it has taken them a while to gel.

"I am sure they will put on a big performance because Steve's teams always seem to do well."

The overriding aim for United is to claim another three points to maintain some kind of pressure on Manchester City, who have failed to win just once so far this term.

"We have played quite a lot of the big teams around us and I don't think City have really had that," Evans said.

"They could go on and win all those games, you don't know. We just have to keep our own run going and hope they slip up."

source：Sky Sports

PL: Everton 0-1 Man United

2011-10-29T04:28:00.002+01:00

Manchester United bounced back from last Sunday's 6-1 defeat by Manchester City as Javier Hernandez's goal gave them a hard-earned victory at Everton.

Hernandez was well-placed just two yards out to side-foot in Patrice Evra's cross in the 19th minute.

The goal was reward for a bright start from United, but they were matched by Everton for the remainder of the game.

However, Leighton Baines struck the crossbar with a free-kick and Louis Saha's shooting lacked precision.

A point would have been just reward for the efforts of David Moyes' side, but having failed to earn that they can take a lot of heart from a spirited display against opponents with a point to prove following a week of largely negative headlines.

For United, victory was all-important, with a stellar performance second, following their home humbling last weekend. They achieved the former, with only brief but impressive flashes of the latter.

There had been much debate this week over how United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would react to last Sunday's defeat in terms of team selection.

In the event, he dropped defender Rio Ferdinand and winger Nani, retained Jonny Evans, despite his red card against City, and restored Nemanja Vidic and Tom Cleverley to what was an attacking line-up, featuring Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney. The latter's every touch was greeted by the now standard jeers from the Everton support.

The approach initially paid dividends as United made positive and fluent early forays into Everton territory, one of which teed up Park Ji-sung, whose six-yard shot was saved by Tim Howard.

United capped their impressive start by taking the lead after 19 minutes, when Evra's pin-point cross from the left meant Hernandez had only to side-foot home from two yards out.

However, instead of kicking on, United shrank somewhat and Everton grew as a force in the game.

David de Gea was forced to save a Leon Osman snapshot and Jack Rodwell fired wide from 25 yards before Baines struck the crossbar with a free-kick from the edge of the area as the home side pressed hard for an equaliser.

Hernandez could have made the second half easier for his side had he finished a well-constructed move with his shot from the edge of the box, but Howard's save set up a tense second 45 minutes.

United's growing nervousness in defence was clear to see as Saha twice tested De Gea with shots from the edge of the area.

The visitors then almost gifted Everton an equaliser when Evans gave away possession. Fortunately for the defender, Rodwell's shot from an angle flew just past the far post.

With half an hour to go, Welbeck could have settled United nerves but his shot from close range, on an angle, was palmed over by Howard.

This left United needing to show resolution and composure in the final minutes of the match in the face of further pressure from the home side and - barring a home penalty appeal for a coming-together between substitute Magaye Gueye and Evra - they did so with aplomb.

Everton：Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Coleman, Bilyaletdinov (Barkley 46), Osman (Vellios 76), Fellaini, Rodwell, Saha (Gueye 84).
Subs not used：Mucha, Mustafi, Stracqualursi, McFadden.

Booked：Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Evans, Vidic, Park, Cleverley (Nani 56), Fletcher, Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 66), Welbeck (Valencia 73).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio, Owen.

Goals：Hernandez 19.

Ref：Halsey.

Att：35,494.

source：BBC Sport

Jonny Evans a scapegoat but Manchester United have no defence

2011-10-25T04:24:00.000+01:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called it his worst day in football. Sunday wasn't exactly a bed of roses for Jonny Evans either.

With United trailing by a single goal, the Northern Ireland star was given his marching orders moments into the second half, allowing Manchester City to ram home their numerical advantage and score five more goals to triumph 6-1 at Old Trafford.

It was an extraordinary result which reverberated around the game, moving City five points ahead of their bitter rivals at the top of the Premier League.

It didn't take long for the blame game to begin amongst United supporters.

The final whistle to call time on the demolition derby had hardly left the referee's lips when frustrated Red Devil fans started calling phone-in radio shows to vent their anger.

Ferguson took some stick for his team selection, as did United's full-backs and midfielders, but feeling most of the heat was the 23-year-old from Rathcoole with many questioning his future at the club.

Ferguson though clearly rates Evans. Why else would the Scot continue to select the Ulsterman for so many critical games since he made his league debut for the club three years ago?

Take Sunday for example. In what was a rarity this season, Ferguson had all his centre-backs available yet, knowing his team would be severely tested by Roberto Mancini's front men, he left club captain Nemanja Vidic out of the squad, the highly rated Phil Jones on the bench, chose to keep Chris Smalling at right-back and opted to play Evans alongside Rio Ferdinand at the heart of defence,

Unfortunately for the Northern Ireland international he didn't stand up to the test, giving Mario Balotelli too much space to open the scoring in the first half and then being outwitted by the controversial Italian forward after the break which led to his dismissal.

Evans protested his innocence but he knew he was guilty of poor defending, crucially allowing Balotelli to get goal-side of him as a ball was played through, and then, showing bad decision making, fouling the striker as he threatened to run clear into the box.

Being the last defender, he had to be sent off. As a distraught Evans jogged down the tunnel at Old Trafford, he was left to reflect on a massive moment in the match and a potentially defining one in his career.

Now fans are demanding Vidic re-uniting with Ferdinand or Jones playing alongside either one of them leaving Jonny out in the cold, with some suggesting he will follow others to that graveyard for United defenders Sunderland, where ironically Evans has been a huge success in two loan spells.

Former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy, who played for both City and United, believes his countryman now faces a huge test of character to establish himself again in Ferguson's side.

“Jonny has to bounce back now — at Manchester United it's expected of you. Sir Alex Ferguson will certainly expect it,” said McIlroy.

“I am sure that he can't wait to play again to put the red card behind him. He knows he has to react and prove himself again and although this is a test I believe that he is capable of having a long career at Manchester United.

“It's obvious that the manager has faith in him. Even the fact that he played against City shows that. He could have played Nemanja Vidic or Phil Jones, but he went with Jonny who has done well for him this season. I don't think one sending-off, even in such a big game, will change the manager's mind.

“This is a test of character for Jonny and we'll see how he reacts to it, but I believe that he has the strength of character to come back from this.”

Another former Northern Ireland great Mal Donaghy, who also played for United, is also backing Evans to battle back from this disappointment.

Donaghy knows all about being sent off in big games, having seen red in the epic 1982 World Cup finals clash with Spain. Unlike United though when they went down to 10 men on Sunday, Northern Ireland won their match 29 years ago.

“I can empathise with Jonny as someone who was sent-off in a World Cup finals,” said Donaghy.

“If he's anything like me he'll probably get people coming up to him for the next 30 years mentioning it because I still get it.

“Jonny will get over it. He's a professional, he'll want to get the suspension behind him as quickly as possible and it's something he'll just have to put down to experience.

“I'm sure Jonny's down on himself right now, but he should take confidence from the fact that he was in the team on Sunday while Nemanja Vidic was in the stand.

“I'm not sure if Vidic was injured, but Jonny got the nod in front of him so that shows the manager has belief in him. Vidic has been sent off a few times and always came back, so I'm sure Jonny can do the same.”

source：Belfast Telegraph

PL: Man United 1-6 Man City

2011-10-23T10:02:00.002+01:00

Manchester City inflicted Manchester United's worst home defeat since February 1955 as they thrashed the champions in ruthless fashion to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

City were also the victors on that occasion 56 years ago, winning 5-0, but this visit was portrayed as a measure of their progress against the 19-time champions.

And Roberto Mancini's men could not have delivered a more emphatic statement as Sir Alex Ferguson's side were humiliated.

It was the first time United had conceded six goals at Old Trafford since 1930, when Huddersfield won 6-0 and Newcastle 7-4 within four days of each other.

City led just 1-0 at half-time, but the second half was completely one-sided and the eventual margin of victory could have been even more convincing.

Mario Balotelli, in the headlines for accidentally setting his house ablaze with fireworks, put City on their way with goals either side of the interval as United struggled to contain the array of attacking talent in front of them.

United were reduced to 10 men when Jonny Evans was sent off early in the second half but City's superiority was such that they looked on course for a landmark victory from the moment they took the lead.

Sergio Aguero added a third and, even though Darren Fletcher pulled a goal back, this only proved the signal for a late surge by City that brought three more goals and a result that will have sent shockwaves through the Premier League.

Substitute Edin Dzeko scrambled in a fourth and the magnificent David Silva ran clear to add another, before the Bosnian striker inflicted the final wound seconds from the end.

As Ferguson strode briskly towards the Stretford End at the final whistle, he will have been reflecting on the extent of the challenge now facing him from the club he once branded "noisy neighbours".

To increase United's pain, this was their first home defeat in any competition since April 2010, when they lost to Chelsea - but even that defeat, which effectively cost them the title, may not turn out to have the same long-term significance as this heavy beating.

United's stature is such that one result must not bring the immediate announcement of a shift in the balance of power in Manchester - but the swathes of empty seats around Old Trafford and the wave of attacks pouring towards David de Gea's goal in the second half emphasised that City quite simply have greater firepower and talent in their squad at present.

Mancini left Samir Nasri and Dzeko on the bench - but was still able to exploit a wide range of attacking options in Balotelli, Silva and Aguero.

In contrast to what was to come, City were barely allowed any time to settle on the ball in the opening exchanges, with Ashley Young prominent and drawing heavy fouls from Micah Richards and James Milner.

And it was against the run of play that City took the lead after 22 minutes, courtesy of a stroke of casual quality from Balotelli. Silva was the creator but Balotelli, given too much time and space by Evans, finished sublimely with a stroked finish into the bottom corner.

Balotelli, in recognition of those latest chaotic events in his personal life, then revealed a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Why Always Me?". Despite the evident good humour of the gesture, he was booked by referee Mark Clattenburg.

United's hopes of mounting a serious response suffered a blow within two minutes of the restart when Evans, who had endured a miserable afternoon, lost concentration and allowed Balotelli to steal in behind him. The defender's only reaction was to haul the Italian down, resulting in an inevitable red card.

The opportunity was there for City to overpower their arch-rivals and they accepted it as they went in search of further goals to emphasise their supremacy.

City doubled their lead on the hour with another superbly created goal finished by Balotelli. Silva cleverly played in Milner, who provided a cross that left the striker with the simplest of goals from close range.

Aguero had been quieter than his attacking colleagues but got in on the act after 69 minutes. The outstanding Milner played in Richards and, once again, a delivery across the face of the goal proved too much for United, Argentine Aguero arriving to complete the formalities.

Mancini then removed Balotelli and introduced Dzeko, who almost scored a fourth within seconds of his arrival, only to see his shot drift inches wide.

And, with United chasing a lost cause and leaving space at the back, Silva fired over from 10 yards and Dzeko forced a fine save from De Gea when he was set free by the Spaniard.

United refused to give up even in the face of impossible odds and Fletcher offered some hope when he pulled one back with nine minutes left, striking a fine rising shot from 20 yards that gave Joe Hart no chance.

It was a goal for which the phrase "false dawn" was invented. Dzeko took advantage of good work from Joleon Lescott to score the fourth before Silva got the goal he deserved with a composed strike.

And with some United supporters actually pleading with referee Clattenburg to put them out of their misery, one more moment of brilliance from the magical Silva found Dzeko surging into the area to finish left-footed for his second.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Anderson (Jones 66), Nani (Hernandez 65), Young, Fletcher, Rooney, Welbeck.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fabio, Park, Berbatov.

Booked：Evra, Smalling, Anderson, Welbeck.

Sent Off：Evans.

Goals：Fletcher 81.

Man City：Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Milner (Kolarov 89), Barry, Silva, Y Toure, Aguero (Nasri 75), Balotelli (Dzeko 70).
Subs not used：Pantilimon, Zabaleta, K Toure, De Jong.

Booked：Richards, Kompany, Balotelli.

Goals：Balotelli 22 60, Aguero 69, Dzeko 90 90+3, Silva 90+1.

Ref：Clattenburg.

Att：75,487.

source：BBC Sport

Jonny Evans reveals support when Manchester United form dipped

2011-10-20T09:51:00.001+01:00

Jonny Evans has been happy to listen to harsh words from friends and family in his bid to get back to form.

By his own admission, Evans did not enjoy the best of times last term.

Indeed, his honest assessment in the summer was that if he reproduced those efforts again, this season would probably be his last at Manchester United.

However, the improvement could not have been more marked.

Evans' appearance in Tuesday's Champions League win over Otelul Galati in Romania was his ninth of the season; and the 23-year-old has already started the key confrontations with Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic available for Sunday's Manchester derby, Evans is sweating on his place again.

However, the mere fact he has re-established his position at United is credit to those around Evans who ensured his focus returned.

"I have enough family and friends around me who are happy to bring me down to earth," he said.

"I have friends who would say, 'You didn't play too well today'.

"At the time, I might think they are being cheeky but they were right. They will tell you.

"Sometimes you have to take on board what the people closest to you say. You have to be honest with yourself as well."

Last season's struggles did come as a surprise to the Northern Ireland international.

After all, Ferguson had been happy enough to let Gerard Pique return to Barcelona in the summer of 2008 so sure was he of Evans' progress.

Initially, the faith was repaid in spades as Evans stood in for Ferdinand, helping United to secure another league title and reach the Champions League final again.

Even the following year, when the Red Devils finished runners-up to Chelsea, Evans was a stand-out performer.

Then it all started to go wrong.

"If you look back over the years a lot of youngsters have come into the team and had a good season or two, then taken a little dip," Evans said.

"Sometimes you do think you are immune from it and maybe I took my eye off the ball a little bit.

"Maybe I relaxed a bit too much and thought it was going to come as easily as the previous two seasons.

"All of a sudden it hits you. You just have to regroup and have a word with yourself."

For Evans the task was to forget about the harsher assessments of critics in the media, or even fans, who are notoriously hard to please at the best of times.

Those close friends delivered the assessments that mattered, as well as the reassurance Evans had the class required to make it at the club he supported as a boy in Belfast.

"I feel more assured now," he said.

"When you go through a stage of not playing well, there is a bit of pressure.

"Sometimes you can feel the crowd are getting on your back. In the end it was a case of 'stuff it, what have I got to lose'.

"The thing in my favour was that I have never been one to shirk a challenge.

"Whenever things are tough, I always feel as though I can respond and not hide away.

"Now I go out there and relax, play my football and go home."

source：The Independent

CL: Otelul Galati 0-2 Man United

2011-10-18T09:53:00.001+01:00

Wayne Rooney scored two penalties as Manchester United beat Otelul Galati to register their first Champions League win of the season.

After a low-key first half, Rooney netted from the spot after his cross was handled by Sergio Costin.

United soon went down to 10 men when Nemanja Vidic was harshly shown red for a foul on Gabriel Giurgiu.

Otelul's Milan Perendija received a second yellow before Rooney struck again after a foul by Liviu Antal.

Following draws against Benfica and Basle in their opening two group games, the victory will come as relief to United, but it was not a fluent display from Sir Alex Ferguson's side as they struggled to create chances against the organised Romanian champions.

Rooney, one of nine changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Saturday, found chances hard to come by as he was closely marked in Bucharest. However, he did produce the two moments of creativity which led to Otelul conceding the penalties.

United dominated possession early on but a loose pass from Vidic gifted Bratislav Punosevac the first shot on goal, 20 yards out, but his weak effort was easily gathered by Anders Lindegaard.

The visitors stayed on top, but struggled to break through Otelul, who occasionally threatened themselves. United had their best chance of the half when Nani cut the ball back for Michael Carrick who should have done better than tamely shooting over.

But the Romanian side threatened again just before half-time as Liviu Antal out-jumped Patrice Evra only to head over.

There was more urgency from Ferguson's men early in the second half and Rooney was a pivotal figure. He came close from a Nani cross, when he spun and shot wide from 12 yards out.

The England striker then produced the moment that led to his first penalty, crossing from the left-hand edge of the 18-yard box.

Costin's hand prevented the ball reaching Javier Hernandez, with Rooney sending Branko Grahovac the wrong way with from the resulting spot-kick.

Two minutes later, the visitors were stunned as Vidic, returning to the United side after a calf injury, was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Giurgiu that, while high and late, did not appear to warrant a dismissal.

Otelul were lifted by the Serb's dismissal, with Antal's eight-yard attempt charged down by Carrick and Costin heading over when unmarked.

But after Perendija got his second yellow, Nani's 30-yard strike came back off the post before Rooney wrapped it up from the spot after being brought down by a tiring Antal.

Otelul Galati：Grahovac, Rapa, Costin, Salageanu, Perendija, Filip, Neagu (Pena 72), Giurgiu, Antal, Frunza (Ilie 83), Punosevac (Iorga 87).
Subs not used：Branet, Skubic, Sarghi, Viglianti.

Booked：Rapa, Costin, Perendija, Neagu, Giurgiu.

Sent Off：Perendija.

Man United：Lindegaard, Evra, Smalling, Vidic, Fabio (Jones 76), Anderson, Carrick, Nani, Valencia (Evans 71), Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs not used：De Gea, Fletcher, Owen, Berbatov, Welbeck.

Booked：Carrick.

Sent Off：Vidic.

Goals：Rooney (pen) 64, 90+2

Ref：Brych.

Att：49,500.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Liverpool 1-1 Man United

2011-10-15T04:55:00.002+01:00

Substitute Javier Hernandez earned Manchester United a point after England striker Wayne Rooney was left out of the starting line-up at Anfield.

The Mexican levelled nine minutes from time after Steven Gerrard, making his first start since undergoing groin surgery in April, put Liverpool ahead with a 68th-minute free-kick.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he dropped Rooney after he was left "devastated" by the three-match ban that rules him out of England's Euro 2012 group games following his red card in Montenegro.

As well as Rooney, Ferguson also left Hernandez and Nani on the bench in a much-changed United team.

It looked like proving an expensive decision as Gerrard slotted a free-kick through the United wall to make it 1-0.

That was the signal for Ferguson to make changes - and Hernandez rescued a point with a close-range header.

Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson almost snatched victory twice in stoppage time but United held on to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats at Anfield.

United were second-best for long periods as they struggled to adapt to an unfamiliar line-up and were ultimately fortunate to leave Merseyside with their unbeaten league run still intact.

And Ferguson was largely indebted to young keeper David de Gea, who has had his critics this season but made crucial saves to keep United in contention as they came under concerted pressure in the closing stages.

Ferguson, perhaps recalling how United had been comprehensively outfought in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool last season, opted for a side with a more pragmatic look with Phil Jones moved into a midfield role.

And in an undistinguished opening, Jones had the best chance when he met Patrice Evra's cross at the far post but headed weakly off-target with what proved to be United's most inviting opening of the first half.

Liverpool captain Gerrard then created confusion in the United six-yard area with a whipped cross - but the clearest opportunity fell to Luis Suarez in the 33rd minute. Charlie Adam's shot deflected invitingly into the Uruguayan's path but, after cleverly wrong-footing Jonny Evans, he was thwarted by De Gea's block.

It was Liverpool who once again carried the momentum after the break and the recalled Rio Ferdinand was booked for a foul on Suarez, whose confrontational approach and brilliant natural ability was proving hard to handle.

After Evra was also shown a yellow card following a prolonged bout of bickering which also involved Suarez, Ferguson decided on a double change by replacing Park Ji-sung and Ashley Young with Nani and Rooney.

As they stood waiting to come on, Liverpool took the lead as Gerrard showed what his side have been missing. United hotly contested the free-kick awarded when Adam tumbled under Ferdinand's challenge - and Gerrard steered a 20-yard free-kick past De Gea, thanks in no small part to Ryan Giggs jumping out of the wall.

Ferguson then made another change as Liverpool moved within sight of victory, sending on Hernandez for Jones in the hope that the Mexican's goal-poaching instincts could be the catalyst for a comeback.

And so it proved when Hernandez arrived with perfect timing on to Danny Welbeck's flick from a corner to send a header flashing past Pepe Reina.

De Gea was United's hero again within seconds of Hernandez's equaliser, diving to his left to claw away Dirk Kuyt's shot as he got on the end of a superb cross from Stewart Downing.

Liverpool were still pressing for the winner in stoppage time with another substitute, Henderson, prominent. His angled finish was brilliantly turned away by De Gea and he also headed just over.

Defender Martin Skrtel should have done better than sky a chance into the Kop in the dying moments - and it was the Manchester United supporters who were happier with a point at the final whistle.

Liverpool：Reina, Jose Enrique, Carragher, Kelly, Skrtel, Gerrard, Downing, Lucas (Henderson 57), Adam, Suarez, Kuyt.
Subs not used：Doni, Agger, Robinson, Spearing, Carroll, Bellamy.

Booked：Lucas.

Goals：Gerrard 68.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones (Hernandez 76), Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling, Giggs, Park (Rooney 69), Young (Nani 69), Fletcher, Welbeck.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Anderson, Carrick, Valencia.

Booked：Evra, Ferdinand, Young.

Ref：Marriner.

Att：44,188.

source：BBC Sport

Evans out of Irish squad

2011-10-05T04:53:00.000+01:00

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has confirmed that Jonny Evans has not joined up with the squad for the matches against Estonia and Italy.

The United centre-back will miss the Euro 2012 qualifiers as he bids to fully shrug off the ankle injury that kept him out of the games against Stoke and Basel. Although returning against Norwich, it was felt he was not ready for international combat.

"Jonny's not here and won't be here," Worthington told BBC Sport. "He's had this ongoing ankle problem and came off in the warm-up the other week.

"He did play at the weekend but the feeling at his club is he does need rest and recuperation.

"So we accept that and move on."

United are represented in the squad, however, as Oliver Norwood has been called up following his impressive work during his loan stint at Scunthorpe.

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 2-0 Norwich

2011-10-01T03:55:00.003+01:00

Manchester United edged past Norwich to retain their position at the top of the Premier League.

Anderson headed in on 68 minutes before Danny Welbeck sealed the points after exchanging passes with Park Ji-sung.

The pattern of the game could have been different if Anthony Pilkington had taken one of two chances either side of United's opener.

But the Norwich winger shot wide when clean through and saw another effort hit the post on 75 minutes.

The hosts improved in the second period and could have extended their lead via Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, who returned to the United side after a hamstring injury.

However, they were made to work for the points on a glorious afternoon in Manchester, where the counter-attacking plans of Norwich boss Paul Lambert almost came to fruition.

Rooney clipped the bar when he was clean through late on, while Welbeck was inches from scoring before he settled nerves inside Old Trafford three minutes from time.

The relief inside the stadium was palpable as United sealed their 19th consecutive Premier League home win, especially as the visitors caused problems on the break from the beginning.

Early on, Elliott Bennett made good progress down the right but could not find an unmarked Steve Morison, while Wes Hoolahan tested the palms of Anders Lindegaard, who was making his first Premier League start.

But once Norwich had that brief attacking flurry, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were largely camped in their opponents' half as the Canaries concentrated on defensive duties.

United certainly had the majority of possession but they were pedestrian at times, with Darren Fletcher's flick from a corner the closest they came to scoring in the first half.

Ferguson made seven changes to the side from the 3-3 Champions League draw with Basel, in which he called his side's defending "careless", but after the early openings, they had little to defend against in the first half.

That changed early in the second period when Phil Jones made a great interception to stop Morison's cross reaching Hoolahan and Jonny Evans, in for Rio Ferdinand, took the sting out of Pilkington's effort.

Frustration began to grow within Old Trafford, not least when Pilkington was presented with the best chance of the game up to that point.

Bradley Johnson could not find his team-mate with a through ball but Antonio Valencia slipped, putting Pilkington clean through, only for the former Huddersfield man to shoot agonisingly wide.

Lambert and his backroom staff all had their heads in their hands and the Premier League newcomers were made to rue that chance minutes later.

From substitute Ryan Giggs' corner Jones nodded onto Rooney, who directed it towards Anderson for a close-range header to give home supporters a huge release.

That almost turned to despair soon after when Pilkington's shot was deflected against the post by the Brazilian.

But with the game becoming more open, substitute Welbeck played in Park down the right, before receiving the return pass and sliding in for his fifth goal of the season.

United could have made it 3-0 with further chances, but Norwich's Andrew Crofts also had a shot saved and his side can come away from this encounter with some reason to feel hard done by.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "They turned every counter attack into something positive, so that was a problem to deal with. But once we quickened the game up in the second half we were much better.

"We deserved to win because we had the most pressure and we tried to win the game as we always do. But even when it went to 1-0 they still had a go and opened up their game, and it became a very good game in the last 20 minutes."

Man United：Lindegaard, Evra, Jones, Evans, Anderson (Ferdinand 76), Park, Nani (Giggs 64), Fletcher, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez (Welbeck 65).
Subs not used：De Gea, Carrick, Owen, Berbatov.

Booked：Welbeck.

Goals：Anderson 68, Welbeck 87.

Norwich：Ruddy, R Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Naughton, Johnson, Pilkington, Hoolahan (C Martin 85), Fox (Jackson 74), Bennett (Crofts 74), Morison.
Subs not used：Rudd, Drury, Surman, Holt.

Ref：Dowd.

Att：75,514.

source：BBC Sport

Injury Updates

2011-09-30T04:07:00.000+01:00

2011-09-30
"We'll hopefully have Jonny Evans back too. At the moment we're making too many changes in the back four so hopefully his return will help us with the defensive part." Sir Alex said. manutd.com

2011-09-25
"Jonny Evans got an ankle injury in training yesterday," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We had a nightmare of a training session - Evans, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney all got injured. Jonny thought he'd be okay but in the warm-up it was no use. With Chicharito in your team he gives you that penetration and speed, that was a loss." Sir Alex said. manutd.com

Evans passing on advice

2011-09-28T03:54:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans admits he is starting to feel like a senior figure at United as he plays alongside the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

The centre-back was in excellent form before picking up an ankle injury that ruled him out of the draws with Stoke and Basel and it's expected he will push for a return when fit again.

"I guess I'm still classed in the young bracket but I do have a bit of experience," he told United Review, the official matchday magazine. "And, when I'm on the pitch, I want to try and help some of the newer faces.

"It's my fourth season at the club since I went out on loan at Sunderland, so I feel like there's advice I should be trying to pass on to the young guys. I can't just sit back and continue to let other people show me the ropes. I've been here long enough to be beyond that point now."

Evans is happy to thrive on the battle for his place, although he prefers to remain out of the spotlight.

"There's always been stiff competition here and Phil Jones joining the club certainly hasn't made me think any differently," he added.

"I've just made sure I've got my head down and I've worked really hard.

"I've never been one for craving attention. If I know that I've given 100 per cent, then that's all that matters. I don't really listen to what other people might be saying - good or bad - about my performances. Of course, the opinion that really counts is the manager's."

source：manutd.com

Evans defends direct Stoke

2011-09-23T04:09:00.001+01:00

Jonny Evans has featured in every United game bar one this season (Tuesday’s trip to Leeds United in the Carling Cup) and hopes to play a part in Sir Alex’s plans this Saturday when the Reds travel to Stoke.

Jonny spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com this week about the challenge Stoke pose and defended the Potters’ robust style of play.

Jonny, what’s it like to play against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium?
I’ve only played there once for United, back in 2008, after we came back from the Club World Cup in Japan. I just remember the atmosphere being unbelievable. Their fans definitely get behind their team and that, combined with the way Stoke play, puts you under a lot of pressure. They play a lot of high balls and they’re a very physical team. It’s often very windy there as well, which can make life difficult for a defender.

Do you approach games against Stoke any differently?
We feel prepared for Stoke, definitely. Our last away game was against Bolton and they’re quite similar in that they also play a lot of high balls into the box. We did well against Bolton, though, so I’m confident we can take parts of that game-plan into this weekend.

Do you enjoy these physical games?
Playing teams like Stoke and Bolton definitely takes a lot more out of you. As a defender you’re having to sprint a lot as they play a lot of balls down the channels and you have to chase them and then get back out to take up your defensive line. You’re also jumping a lot to head long balls. You find yourself involved in the game a lot more than when you play against sides that adopt a more continental approach and try and keep the ball on the ground. It’s more demanding for a defender and I think you also have to be clever when you play physical teams – you have to be careful not to be sucked into the physical battles around the pitch.

Stoke’s direct approach is often criticised. Where do you stand on that?
I’ve never been somebody to complain about that sort of approach. I always hear people criticising it – even my dad does it, he says football shouldn’t be played that way – but I disagree. I don’t have a problem with it. There’s nothing in the laws of the game that says you have to play the ball on the ground. Teams that do that aren’t breaking any rules. Perhaps in order to be successful at the very top level you have to be able to play the ball on the ground. And that style is probably more attractive to watch, which I guess should be considered because football is entertainment and fans pay to watch. But, that said, I’m sure Stoke fans aren’t complaining too much. Their team’s in the Premier League, they’re competing in Europe...

It’s about playing to your strengths, isn’t it?
Exactly. I come from Northern Ireland and when we play international football we can’t always expect to play pretty football and pass our way through teams. Sometimes we have to resort to a style of play that suits us and gets us points on the board. Like you say, you have to play to your strengths and your manager’s strengths. Tony Pulis is a well-organised manager and he has his side well drilled.

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 3-1 Chelsea

2011-09-18T04:16:00.002+01:00

Manchester United went two points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Chelsea in a highly eventful encounter at Old Trafford.

The scoreline barely starts to tell the story of a game that was a mixture of madcap moments, missed opportunities and high quality that ended with Sir Alex Ferguson's champions maintaining their 100% league record.

United were three up at half-time with goals from Chris Smalling, Nani and Wayne Rooney as Chelsea contributed to their own downfall courtesy of poor defending and a dismal failure to take the chances that came their way.

Fernando Torres, lively throughout, scored his first goal of the season with a fine finish just after half-time but his improved performance will be scarred by his astonishing late miss at the Stretford End when he shot wide of an open goal after skipping around United goalkeeper David de Gea.

It spared some embarrassment for Rooney, who earlier missed a penalty in farcical circumstances when he slipped haplessly as he ran up to take his kick.

Rooney's misfortune did not prove costly though as United took advantage of another slip-up which came 200 miles away, when neighbours Manchester City blew a two-goal lead at Fulham.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas suffered his first defeat since his arrival at Stamford Bridge - and his first league loss since his Academica side went down 3-2 at home to Benfica in Portugal in April 2010. He may take some comfort from the fact Chelsea held their own for long periods but were ultimately let down by moments of weakness at both ends.

United have been devastating when offered opportunities this season. And so it proved when poor marking from Ashley Young's free-kick left Smalling unattended to head powerfully past Petr Cech, although the visitors felt he was offside.

Chelsea were not discouraged by the early setback though and wasted two chances to equalise before the game was taken out of their reach in the closing stages of the first half.

Torres scuffed an angled finish after Anderson carelessly conceded possession and another culprit was Ramires, who was guilty of an awful miss in the 25th minute. The impressive Juan Mata played in Torres, who unselfishly squared the ball for Ramires in front of an open goal, but his weak finish allowed De Gea to make a scrambling save.

Chelsea paid a huge price for Ramires' generosity as United struck twice before half-time to put themselves firmly in control.

Nani scored the second with a spectacular rising drive from the edge of the area nine minutes before the interval and Rooney, inevitably, was the man on the spot as United increased their lead in the closing seconds of the half. John Terry's clearance struck Nani and rolled invitingly into Rooney's path for the simplest of finishes.

It prompted Villas-Boas into making a change with Nicolas Anelka coming on to replace Frank Lampard - a switch that had an instant impact as the Frenchman played in Torres within a minute of the restart for the sort of finish that was his trademark at the height of his powers.

Chelsea suddenly had hope but it looked to have been snatched away when United were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute. Nani struck the bar after cutting inside and was then hauled down by Bosingwa as he chased the rebound.

Rooney exchanged smiles with England colleague Terry as he waited to run up but Chelsea's captain had the last laugh as the striker slipped as he took the kick and missed the target.

Torres was showing real signs of sharpness, meanwhile, as he brought another save from De Gea, but Rooney was also in the mood and rolled an effort against the foot of the post with Cech beaten.

Javier Hernandez's attempts to turn in the rebound were foiled by Ashley Cole's reckless late tackle - which left the England defender fortunate to receive only a yellow card from referee Phil Dowd and United puzzled that they were not awarded a second penalty.

There was no excuse for Torres, however, when he somehow failed to score his second with seven minutes left. He sidestepped De Gea with ease and composure at the Stretford End then, with an open goal at his mercy, missed the target hopelessly as the taunts for the former Liverpool striker rang around Old Trafford.

The action continued right until the final whistle as Cole cleared off the line from United substitute Dimitar Berbatov after he was set up by Rooney.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Evans, Smalling (Valencia 62), Anderson (Carrick 62), Nani, Young, Fletcher, Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 79).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fabio, Giggs, Park.

Booked：Valencia, Fletcher.

Goals：Smalling 8, Nani 37, Rooney 45.

Chelsea：Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Bosingwa, Terry, Ramires, Lampard (Anelka 46), Meireles (Mikel 79), Torres, Mata, Sturridge (Lukaku 68).
Subs not used：Turnbull, David Luiz, Romeu, Malouda.

Booked：Cole, Terry, Ramires.

Goals：Torres 46.

Ref：Dowd.

Att：75,455.

source：BBC Sport

Evans targets consistency

2011-09-17T09:56:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans is enjoying starting regularly for the Reds as he regains the consistency that all top centre-backs require.

The Northern Ireland international has had some battles with the Blues in the past and has been able to cope with the physical threat posed by the likes of Didier Drogba, who looks set to miss out at the weekend through injury.

"I feel a lot better," stressed Evans to ManUtd.com. "I feel more focused and that's something I need to be all the time, 100 percent focused, to get the best out of me. I think last season it was more just a lack of consistency. At times, I thought I did well and other times I didn't do as well as I'd like. So my consistency is just needed back in my game. It was one of the strongest points I had in the three seasons before. There's things I've worked on and I just wanted to get that back."

The big games are starting to come thick and fast now the international break is over and the centre-back realises Chelsea will be stern opponents on Sunday. "It's tough when it's Saturday-Wednesday and it does it take it out of you," he admitted.

"Especially when you're involved. It's a big game on Sunday but we've got a great staff who do everything they can to advise us on the best way to get ready for the next game. We're usually quite slow starters but the fact we are playing such big teams early means we must raise our game. We don't want to get off to a bad start and give other teams an advantage like we maybe have in previous seasons.

"It's quite crazy that people are writing Chelsea off. Last season, Chelsea were winning 4-0 or 5-0 every game at the start of the season, kind of like we are doing ourselves, but we still went on to win it so we can't discount them at all."

source：manutd.com

Evans: It was tough

2011-09-15T07:10:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans feels some people underestimate how difficult it is to perform away from home in the Champions League.

The defender played alongside Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence and continued to impress as United picked up a valuable point from the toughest fixture of the six group games on paper. After falling behind in front of a passionate crowd, Ryan Giggs' splendid equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.

"It was a tough game," Evans admitted to ManUtd.com at the Estadio da Luz. "Especially after going a goal down, we pulled it back and it was a great goal by Giggsy.

"They pressed us pretty well and stopped us playing out from the back. They forced us to go back to the goalkeeper quite a lot. Benfica play a lot of possession in their own half and we probably could have done a bit better in the first period but we did better in the second half."

It was a testing assignment against Jorge Jesus' side, who have made an outstanding start to the season.

"It's early in the season and still hot here," explained Evans. "A lot of players haven't played so the manager obviously changed the team.

"You can say it was a good result as it was probably our toughest away game. People underestimate the difficulty in going away in Europe all the time.

"I am pleased with how it's going and will hopefully just get as many games under my belt as I can as I feel that's when I'm at my best. I probably should've done a bit better for the goal but, overall, I'm pleased."

source：manutd.com

CL: Benfica 1-1 Man United

2011-09-14T07:05:00.002+01:00

Ryan Giggs' solo effort earned a point for Manchester United in a difficult Champions League opener against Benfica in Lisbon.

Nicolas Gaitan's delightful long pass picked out Oscar Cardozo in the 24th minute, and he controlled on his chest then finished from 16 yards.

But three minutes before half-time Giggs cut inside from the right and fired a 20-yard strike to equalise.

United keeper Anders Lindegaard saved from Nolito and Gaitan late on.

Lindegaard read the game well and made some impressive stops. The Dane's only previous matches for United had been against Southampton and Crawley last season, but he looked at home in the Champions League.

The goalkeeper's performance will put more pressure on David de Gea, but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the Spaniard will start against Chelsea on Sunday.

United's overall display was unconvincing. With Chelsea their next opponents, Ferguson chose to make eight changes and it showed, particularly during a disappointing first-half effort.

Giggs, who had struggled, ensured that they were level at the break with his moment of inspiration and the visitors did improve after the interval. The Welshman's goal meant he extended his record as the oldest goalscorer in the Champions League to 37 years and 289 days.

United had started reasonably well with Antonio Valencia shooting wide with a 16-yard attempt from a tight angle, but Benfica then began to take control. The impressive Gaitan drove their first chance over, then he fired wide at the end of a sweeping passing move.

Lindegaard made his first save of the night when he kept out a 20-yard strike by Cardozo, but he could not prevent the same player's next shot from going in four minutes later. The striker finished well following Gaitan's delivery to notch his fifth Champions League goal of the season.

Wayne Rooney was then booked for challenging home goalkeeper Artur after the whistle had gone, although the fouled player appeared to overreact.

Benfica carried on dominating, though Pablo Aimar was walking a disciplinary tightrope with a series of niggly challenges.

Against the run of play Giggs made it 1-1 shortly before the interval with his eye-catching run and hit. That laid the platform for a better start by United in the second half as they began to keep possession better.

The two sides exchanged chances as Aimar came close with a 30-yard strike after escaping Michael Carrick, before Giggs had a shot from just inside the box deflected wide by Artur's shin.

Nolito then forced Lindegaard into another save and Emerson shot wide with a close-range effort.

United's goalkeeper saved his team again when he tipped over a Gaitan effort. Benfica then blew their last chance of taking the points when Nolito failed to hit the target from six yards after another neat move.

Benfica：Artur, Emerson, Luisao, Pereira, Garay, Amorim (Nolito 56), Javi Garcia, Aimar (Matic 75), Gaitan (Bruno Cesar 90), Witsel, Cardozo.
Subs not used：Eduardo, Jardel, Machado, Saviola.

Booked：Pereira, Aimar, Gaitan.

Goals：Cardozo 24.

Man United：Lindegaard, Evra, Evans, Smalling, Fabio (Jones 78), Giggs, Park, Carrick, Fletcher (Hernandez 69), Valencia (Nani 69), Rooney.
Subs not used：De Gea, Anderson, Owen, Berbatov.

Booked：Carrick, Rooney.

Goals：Giggs 42.

Ref：Skomina.

Att：59,671.

source：BBC Sport

Cleverley out for a month

2011-09-11T05:24:00.001+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Tom Cleverley will spend the next four weeks on the sidelines after limping out of United's win at Bolton on Saturday.

It was feared the midfielder, who has started the campaign in fine form, had broken a bone in his foot after feeling the full force of a Kevin Davies tackle just before Javier Hernandez's opener at the Reebok.

But the boss told ManUtd.com on Sunday that Cleverley has suffered ligament damage to his foot rather than a fracture.

The manager also said the club's medical team would assess second half knocks to Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans, ahead of the Reds' Champions League opening group game against Benfica in Lisbon.

"We'll see them on Sunday," he told MUTV. "Jonny is doubtful for Wednesday - he got a knee in the hip in the second half which was pretty painful, while Patrice got a kick on the kneecap. We'll have a look at them on Sunday - it's too early to say [how serious the injuries are]."

source：manutd.com

PL: Bolton 0-5 Man United

2011-09-10T05:16:00.002+01:00

Wayne Rooney hit a hat-trick and Javier Hernandez scored twice as a rampant Manchester United outclassed Bolton to go top of the Premier League.

The champions took an early lead when Hernandez pounced at the near post.

Rooney converted Phil Jones' cross to make it two, then the England striker profited from another of the defender's runs to add a third.

Hernandez swept in a fourth before Rooney drilled in his third - but Tom Cleverley may have broken his foot.

Crumpling under a heavy challenge from Kevin Davies, the midfielder was replaced midway through the first half.

But it was the only blemish for Sir Alex Ferguson's side after another impeccable performance brought up their 200th away win in the Premier League - the first club to achieve the milestone.

United's last trip to the Reebok Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw almost a year ago, when they had to rely on a late Michael Owen header to salvage a point.

But this encounter was very different as Hernandez, making his first start of the season, gave United the perfect opening.

Showing the superb movement he is renowned for, the Mexico striker lost Gary Cahill with a darting run to the near post to steer in Nani's tantalising low cross from the right.

The goal came while United were temporarily down to 10 men following the injury to Cleverley.

Bolton looked to hit back immediately, but former United midfielder Chris Eagles saw his shot cleared off the line by Rooney.

Despite the high-profile errors United's new goalkeeper David De Gea has made this season, he went some way to silencing his doubters with an impressive flying save from Ivan Klasnic's long-range effort. And the stop ignited United, who made it 2-0 just 74 seconds later.

United's verve and invention overwhelmed Bolton and Rooney doubled United's lead in the 20th minute.

Catching the home side napping, Jones whipped in a devilish cross from the right to Rooney, who found himself between Cahill and Dedryck Boyata before prodding in from close range.

Rooney poured further misery on the home side, making it 3-0 in the 24th minute with a goal engineered by Jones, whose stature is growing with every game.

Exploiting a gaping hole in the home side's defence, Jones' twinkle-toed run took him into the penalty area, before he squared the ball to Rooney to find the back of the net with the easiest of finishes.

With manager Owen Coyle barking instructions from the touchline, Bolton limited United to three in the first half but, while Klasnic and Martin Petrov linked well at times, the home side were painfully short of creativity.

It was only a matter of time before United added to their lead and, two minutes before the hour mark, Hernandez made it 4-0.

Substitute Michael Carrick found the Mexican lurking at the far post and, with the Bolton defence at sea, his low effort had Jussi Jaaskelainen well beaten.

Nigel Reo-Coker struck the crossbar as Bolton desperately looked for a route back into the game but, minutes later, Rooney put the gloss on the win with United's fifth - and his third.

Collecting Nani's cut-back from the right the England striker nonchalantly struck his hat-trick goal from the edge of the box to give him his seventh career treble.

Rooney also becomes the fourth player to score back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks after Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Didier Drogba.

Sequels rarely match the original and United's short trip to the Reebok was always likely to pale in comparison to their famous 8-2 mauling of Arsenal a fortnight ago - but United remain the team to beat after another scintillating display.

Bolton：Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Boyata, Eagles (Pratley 61), Petrov, M Davies, Reo-Coker, Davies (Ngog 65), Klasnic (Tuncay 75).
Subs not used：Bogdan, Wheater, Muamba, Kakuta.

Booked：M Davies, Davies.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans (Smalling 61), Anderson, Nani, Young (Giggs 61), Cleverley (Carrick 24), Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fabio, Park, Berbatov.

Goals：Hernandez 5 58, Rooney 20 25 68.

Ref：Marriner.

Att：25,944.

source：BBC Sport

Evans stamps authority

2011-09-08T05:14:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans admits it's "crazy" to think of himself as a senior player at United but he recognises it's time to really make his mark.

The Northern Ireland international concedes his form at times last season wasn't up to the high standards he had set himself but has started the campaign in commanding fashion. With youngsters Phil Jones and Chris Smalling emerging as real contenders for a centre-back slot, Evans is thriving in the face of such fierce competition for places.

"It is weird," he said of the current situation of finding himself the second-eldest member of the back five. "It is hard to believe Phil is only 19, Chris is 21, David De Gea is 20. We have the Da Silva brothers. It is crazy. It has given the young players an incentive to step up to the mark. You cannot be a kid anymore and sit back and let things happen. You have to stamp your authority on the team."

Evans knew he had to regain his best form to convince the manager to trust him to cover for experienced duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

"Of the three seasons since I came back from Sunderland, the last one was my most difficult," he conceded. "I didn't hit the form that I wanted to hit. I went away and thought maybe I have another year, if I had another season like that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around. I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for Manchester United. I went away, thought about it. I have gone back to basics and worked hard. A lot of the time, especially here, it is hard when you are not first choice to keep that momentum up. It is hard to keep your match fitness when you are not playing every week.

"In the back of my mind, I knew there were things I needed to do, not just on the training pitch, but in the gym, things like that, to keep me ticking over, so when the manager does call on you, you are ready. The manager never said anything to me. We were on holiday when we heard John and Wes were in talks with Sunderland and would be leaving. I never went to see the manager. I was pretty confident he wouldn't get rid of me. I have always thought he has a bit of faith in me.

"Maybe you do have the odd doubt but I thought it would have been unfair if I had left, considering the two seasons I had before. Last year wasn't a total disaster. There were times when I did feel good and others where I felt I needed that level of consistency every week. With John and Wes leaving, it does make you think there is room there. But no matter who the manager gets rid of, or signs, there are so many players who can step into so many different positions it is crazy. There are lads coming through the youth team. There is so much competition. If you are not in his plans he will move you on. If you are here you have a great chance of being involved."

Saturday's trip to Bolton promises to be an awkward assignment with Kevin Davies guaranteeing an uncomfortable afternoon for opposing defenders.

"We have a lot of big tests coming up," he stated. "When you go to places like Bolton and Stoke, they are the games that really test you. Going away from home to get a result will be tough with such a young side. I am sure the manager will tinker with it when the time is right."

source：manutd.com

ECQ: N Ireland 0-1 Serbia

2011-09-02T17:41:00.002+01:00

Northern Ireland's hopes of making the Euro 2012 finals are fading after a Steven Davis blunder gifted Serbia victory in the Belfast rain.

Serbia dominated the first half and former Liverpool midfielder Milan Jovanovic hit the crossbar.

Corry Evans headed wide as the hosts improved but Marko Pantelic netted on 67 minutes after intercepting a poor Davis backpass to keeper Lee Camp.

Jonny and Corry Evans were booked and now miss Tuesday's game with Estonia.

Chris Brunt's fifth minute shot was easily saved Bojan Jorgacevic and this was Northern Ireland's only serious effort on goal in a poor first-half display.

Serbia were a class apart, despite having no support in Windsor Park after their fans were banned from away games in the wake of violence at the abandoned qualifier against Italy.

However, the visitors failed to make their domination count after wasting a series of opportunities.

Jovanovic came closest, his deflected strike off Aaron Hughes on 13 minutes clipping the top of the crossbar.

Lee Camp came to the rescue a minute later, diving low to push out Aleksander Kolarov's curling shot from 12 yards.

Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Dejan Stankovic, Marko Panetlic and dangerous winger Zoran Tosic all squandered chances as the hosts hung on.

Slobodan Rajkovic was booked for a dangerous tackle on David Healy just before the break - on other nights it could have been red.

Northern Ireland were a transformed team at the start of the second half, playing with urgency and an attacking intent which was nearly rewarded on 50 minutes.

The chance fell to the unmarked Corry Evans, meeting his brother Jonny's cross but from eight yards he headed wide.

There was more disappointment for Corry Evans two minutes later when a rash challenge resulted in a yellow card and a suspension for the qualifier in Estonia.

Serbia were still dangerous and Camp made another fine save before calamity struck the men in green.

Rangers midfielder Davis underhit a backpass to Camp, the alert Pantelic nipped in and rounded the keeper before slotting into an empty net.

Jovanovic almost doubled the lead when his fierce shot was tipped over by Camp.

The goal failed to trigger a response from Northern Ireland and Jonny Evans picked up a yellow card in injury time to join his brother in being banned for the Estonia game.

Northern Ireland have slipped to fifth in Group C but they remain just two points off the play-off position with three games left.

N Ireland：Camp, McAuley, Cathcart, Hughes, J Evans, Baird, C Evans (McGinn 59), Davis, McCann (Feeney 71), Brunt, Healy (McQuoid 84).
Subs not used：Taylor, McGivern, Hodson, Gorman.

Booked：McCann, C Evans, J Evans.

Serbia：Jorgacevic, Rajkovic, Ivanovic, Subotic, Kolarov, Z Tosic (Ljajic 79), Stankovic, Ninkovic (Petrovic 74), Kuzmanovic (Fejsa 89), Jovanovic, Pantelic.
Subs not used：Kahriman, D Tosic, Bisevac, Despotovic.

Goals：Pantelic 67.

Booked：Ninkovic, Rajkovic, Petrovic.

Ref：Thomas Einwaller (Austria).

Att：13,026.

source：BBC Sport

Evans feeling positive

2011-08-31T02:59:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans is hoping to emulate a succession of great United centre-backs following his recent move into the number six shirt.

The 23 year-old is set to play at left-back in Northern Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifiers with Serbia and Estonia, but it's in the middle where he's impressed for the Reds this month in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The number six, previously worn by the likes of Gary Pallister and Jaap Stam, seemed to suit Evans as he rattled into tackles against Tottenham and Arsenal.

"I got a phone-call one day and they said the manager wanted to know if I wanted the number six shirt," revealed Evans.

"I said: 'Why not?' It's more of a defender's number than my old number, 23, and looks a bit nicer. Tom Cleverley's got 23 now and I'm sure he'll take good care of it.

"It's nice for the manager to give me number six as it shows confidence in me. Gary Pallister and Jaap Stam wore it. [Steve Bruce's son] Alex Bruce was on the phone saying I've got Pally's number and Phil Jones has got his dad's number, four, so it's a throwback to the old days."

Evans and the other in-form United players now take an enforced break from a flying start to the domestic campaign, with international fixtures being played this weekend and early next midweek. For Jonny, it's another opportunity to adapt and play at full-back where he's served most of his time with Northern Ireland.

"I can play anywhere across the back four and have been playing there quite a while for Northern Ireland. I'd say 90 per cent of my caps have been at

full-back," assessed Evans.

"I think the situation with Northern Ireland is that we don't really have anyone capable of playing left-back at the minute but we've quite a lot of centre-backs - it's one of our strongest departments.

"I'm happy to play at left-back and get a bit of practice on my left peg. It also helps my fitness. I'm absolutely shattered when I've played at left-back!"

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 8-2 Arsenal

2011-08-28T02:53:00.002+01:00

Manchester United inflicted total humiliation on Arsenal and their embattled manager Arsene Wenger with a brutal victory at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League champions responded in spectacular fashion to Manchester City's outstanding 5-1 win at Spurs by returning to the top of the table with a result that represented Arsenal's worst defeat since 1896.

Wenger sent out a makeshift side depleted by injuries and suspensions - but even this cannot excuse the manner in which they were outclassed in all parts of the pitch and swept aside with such ease by United.

Wayne Rooney was United's inspiration with the sixth hat-trick of his Old Trafford career, but Ashley Young also made his mark with two stunning goals. Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-sung were the other scorers.

Ferguson delighted with rampant Man Utd
Theo Walcott reduced United's three-goal advantage on the stroke of half-time but Robin van Persie's strike late in the second half-represented no measure of consolation for a dispirited, broken Arsenal.

United keeper David de Gea distinguished himself with a fine penalty save from Van Persie moments after Welbeck had opened the scoring - and in a game of almost unrelenting misery for Arsenal, teenager Carl Jenkinson ensured they have failed to end a game with 11 players in any of their league games this season when he was sent off.

Old Trafford was understandably exultant at the conclusion of such a carnival performance but Wenger now faces defining days of his Arsenal reign before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

This result underscores the gulf that has opened up between United and Arsenal and Wenger will now seek to address the weaknesses in his squad and replace the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Ferguson's faith in the team that won so convincingly against Tottenham was rewarded with another thrilling attack-minded performance.

Arsenal's uncertainty was partly explained by the unfamiliar make-up of their team, but the flaws were swiftly exposed by the manner in which United took the lead. Anderson's lofted pass was inventive but Arsenal's failure to react was ominous for what lay ahead, allowing Welbeck to head past Wojciech Szczesny.

Van Persie then squandered an instant opportunity to equalise after referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty when Walcott tangled with Jonny Evans in the area. De Gea has had a mixed start to his Old Trafford career but he was engulfed by his team-mates as he dived to his right to make a fine save.

And United ensured Arsenal were punished heavily as Young added the second after 28 minutes. Young found space just outside the area and curled a perfect finish high beyond Szczesny's grasp at the Stretford End.

Welbeck's game was cut short by a hamstring injury - but there was no respite for Arsenal as Rooney worked a free-kick routine with Young to send a 20-yard free-kick into the top corner as the interval approached.

Walcott halted some of United's momentum when he took advantage of slack marking to shoot beneath De Gea in first-half injury time.

It made little difference amid the carnage of the second half as Arsenal were torn apart amid a torrent of goals, near misses and saves from the desperately exposed Szczesny.

Arsenal survived until the 64th minute when they were undone by another piece of Rooney creation at a set-piece, again linking with Young before dispatching the finish past the motionless Arsenal keeper.

It was the breaking point for Arsenal and they spent the remainder of game in a constant state of siege. Rooney was the creator for Nani with the pass that gave the Portuguese the opportunity to send a flamboyant chipped finish over Szczesny for United's fifth.

With the Gunners in disarray, Park marked his arrival as substitute by lashing home an unstoppable finish before Van Persie briefly interrupted the one-way flow towards Arsenal's goal by beating De Gea.

It barely seemed possible for matters to get worse for Arsenal, but the agony increased when Jenkinson was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for fouling Javier Hernandez as he raced clear.

Rooney completed his thrilling treble with a penalty eight minutes from time after Walcott fouled Patrice Evra.

And United completed the scoring with their eighth in injury time, Young once again showing his eye for the spectacular with another curling shot.

Wenger cut a despairing figure as he walked back to the dressing room at the final whistle after one of the darkest days of his career.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Evans, Smalling, Anderson (Giggs 68), Nani (Park 68), Young, Cleverley, Rooney, Welbeck (Hernandez 35).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio, Berbatov.

Goals：Welbeck 22, Young 28 90, Rooney 41 64 (pen) 82, Nani 67, Park 70.

Booked：Evans, Young.

Arsenal：Szczesny, Koscielny, Djourou, Jenkinson, Traore, Rosicky, Walcott (Lansbury 83), Ramsey, Arshavin, Coquelin (Oxlade-Chamberlain 62), Van Persie (Chamakh 83).
Subs not used：Fabianski, Miquel, Ozyakup, Sunu.

Booked：Djourou, Jenkinson, Arshavin.

Sent Off：Jenkinson.

Ref：H Webb.

Att：75,448.

source：BBC Sport

Evans' Gunners warning

2011-08-27T08:38:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans has warned against under-estimating Arsenal ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford meeting with Arsene Wenger's side.

Although the Gunners arrive in Manchester without offloaded duo Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, nursing injuries to key personnel, such as Jack Wilshere, and contending with a number of suspensions, it would be foolish to write off a team that rallied to win at Udinese in midweek.

With United's own youngsters impressing after being thrown into the deep end, the Northern Ireland defender is fearful of a similar situation arising under Wenger's expert tutelage.

"I think it's going to be a much more difficult game than everyone is thinking," Evans told ManUtd.com. "Arsenal are a fantastic team and no matter who plays for them, Arsene Wenger has got unbelievable ability to bring through young lads.

"I know they've got a lot if suspensions but the lads who come in will be so well integrated into how the Arsenal system works. Arsenal do have a distinct style of play that they very rarely change from so I think that helps. When they come through the Arsenal youth or reserve teams, they know exactly how to play.

"He's still got a big squad there. Obviously they've lost two great players in Nasri and Fabregas but they've got great strength in depth in their squad.

"Thomas Vermaelen was outstanding against Liverpool when I watched that game," admitted Evans. "And there are people like Robin van Persie, Andriy Arshavin. Nicklas Bentdner and Marouane Chamakh were on the bench against Udinese, they are two very dangerous strikers who could come in.

"Arsenal tend to play with just the one up and two wingers. Theo Walcott took his goal nicely the other night and Arshavin's another dangerous player so attacking wise, and especially for us defenders, it's going to be a tough game."

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 3-0 Tottenham

2011-08-22T17:22:00.002+01:00

Manchester United swept Tottenham aside in impressive fashion as the Premier League champions made a powerful statement of intent at Old Trafford.

Spurs were without unsettled Luka Modric as he continues to be linked with a £30m move to Chelsea - and he was sadly missed as United overpowered Harry Redknapp's side after an evenly-contested first half.

Sir Alex Ferguson embarked on an expensive summer rebuilding programme, but it was United's home-grown talent that built the platform for their second successive win as they go in search of a 20th domestic title.

With England coach Fabio Capello an interested observer, Danny Welbeck headed in Tom Cleverley's cross just after the hour and the young striker then produced a wonderful instinctive flick to set up a second for Anderson.

Wayne Rooney completed the formalities with a pinpoint late header from Ryan Giggs's centre to extend Spurs' miserable sequence of 22 years without a win at Old Trafford.

United's new goalkeeper David de Gea suffered more uncertain moments of handling but Phil Jones, another summer acquisition from Blackburn, ensured injured Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were not missed with an outstanding performance.

The hosts' new arrivals made an impact early on as Jones and Ashley Young led a sweeping counter attack before Cleverley brought a fine fingertip save from the stretching Brad Friedel on his Spurs debut.

De Gea, watched from the directors' box by his predecessor Edwin van der Sar, was a focus of attention after early blunders following his summer move from Atletico Madrid and he needed to show neat footwork as Rafael Van der Vaart threatened to catch him in possession.

Young's movement was presenting problems for Spurs and he was inches away from giving United the lead with a looping header from Rooney's cross with Friedel stranded as he scrambled back towards goal.

Spurs wasted an opportunity to strike just after the break when Aaron Lennon was desperately wasteful with a cross inside the area, an incident that saw Van der Vaart pull his shirt over his head in fury.

It was the signal for United's most concerted spell of pressure - a decisive phase of the game that eventually led to them taking the lead just after the hour.

Friedel excelled once more with a fine double save from Anderson and Rooney, but he was powerless to prevent Welbeck taking advantage of Cleverley's inviting delivery by glancing a fine header into the corner.

United were carrying all the momentum and threat, with Friedel in acrobatic action again to save Rooney's free-kick as it seemed destined for the top corner and Welbeck's ambitious overhead kick.

Welbeck was oozing confidence after his goal and he illuminated Old Trafford with his part in Anderson's second 14 minutes from time. He took Anderson's pass inside the area before delivering an instant backheel which the midfield man took in his stride to score.

Tottenham rallied briefly and Jermain Defoe volleyed against the post following a rare De Gea error, the Spaniard flapping at a cross and allowing the Spurs striker to strike the woodwork from the angle.

But Rooney's third was simply confirmation of United's superiority as they move into second place behind neighbours Manchester City in the table.

Man United：De Gea, Evra, Jones, Evans, Smalling, Anderson, Nani, Young (Park 81), Cleverley (Giggs 81), Rooney, Welbeck (Hernandez 81).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fabio, Carrick, Berbatov.

Goals：Welbeck 61, Anderson 76, Rooney 87.

Booked：Evans.

Tottenham：Friedel, Bale, Kaboul, Dawson, Walker (Corluka 46), Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Van der Vaart, Kranjcar (Pavlyuchenko 74), Livermore (Huddlestone 74), Defoe.
Subs not used：Gomes, Bassong, Jenas, Townsend.

Booked：Dawson, Defoe.

Ref：Probert.

Att：75,498.

source：BBC Sport

PL: West Brom 1-2 Man United

2011-08-14T17:17:00.002+01:00

A late own goal spared goalkeeper David de Gea's blushes as Manchester United began their defence of the Premier League title with victory at West Brom.

Wayne Rooney scored early on when he combined with Fabio and Ashley Young to drill in a low effort.

Shane Long equalised on his competitive debut for West Brom when his tame effort crept under the body of De Gea.

United grabbed the winner when Young's cross from the left took a deflection off Steven Reid and beat Ben Foster.

In the end luck was on the side of United, who had dominated for much of the first half but seemed devoid of bright ideas after the break.

Had Reid not put through his own net then De Gea's error would have been highlighted on Monday's back pages, although it is unlikely his moment to forget will pass without comment.

In the past Ferguson's Achilles heel has been the man wearing the number one jersey and on Sunday De Gea may have made his manager consider whether he was right to throw the 20-year-old straight into the first team.

Other young players such as Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have been loaned out to gain experience before being handed their first-team opportunity, but Ferguson had no hesitation in giving the £18m summer signing his league debut.

The Spanish stopper looked impressive when he took up a good position and then stayed on his feet to palm away a fierce strike from Paul Scharner. However, he appeared weak when balls were floated into the area.

Yet it was not a teasing cross that outfoxed De Gea for the West Brom goal but a weak strike that drifted under his body.

Up until the equaliser, United were in control and some fans must have been wondering how many the champions would score after Rooney drilled home in the 13th minute.

The England striker linked with up with Fabio and Young before shifting inside the area and firing low into Foster's bottom left corner.

United produced some controlled pinball in and around the penalty area. Nani, Rooney and Danny Welbeck knocked one-touch passes between themselves before Nani scooped over. Moments later, the Portugal international fired over again when former United keeper Foster failed to deal with a cross.

The visitors' setup was upset after the break when centre-backs Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were forced to come off with injuries. The average age of the starting XI was 23.9 years and that was lowered when Jonny Evans and Phil Jones came on as replacements.

It was lucky for the pair that only Long's movement and Somen Tchoyi's crossing raised their heartrates during the second half.

At the other end, United replaced Welbeck with experienced striker Dimitar Berbatov, hoping that a moment of Bulgarian magic would gift them victory.

But as it was, it was a moment of good fortune which gave the champions the perfect start.

West Brom：Foster, Olsson, Shorey, Tamas, Tchoyi, Morrison, Brunt, Reid (Jara 85), Mulumbu, Scharner, Long (Cox 87).
Subs not used：Fulop, Dawson, Dorrans, Thorne, Fortune.

Goals：Long 37.

Booked：Reid, Scharner, Cox.

Man United：De Gea, Ferdinand (Jones 75), Smalling, Vidic (Evans 52), Fabio, Anderson, Nani, Young, Cleverley, Rooney, Welbeck (Berbatov 65).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Giggs, Park, Carrick.

Goals：Rooeny 13, Reid (og) 81.

Booked：Anderson, Young.

Ref：Jones.

Att：25,360.

source：BBC Sport

Squad numbers announced

2011-08-12T16:16:00.000+01:00

Manchester United’s squad numbers for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season have been announced.

The new signings – David de Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones – will retain the numbers they wore on the recent pre-season tour. De Gea takes Edwin van der Sar’s no.1 shirt, Ashley Young succeeds Paul Scholes in the no.18 jersey, while Phil Jones will wear the no.4 shirt previously occupied by Owen Hargreaves.

Meanwhile two existing players will have new numbers. Jonny Evans moves to no.6 following Wes Brown’s departure, and Tom Cleverley replaces Evans at 23.

Full squad: (1) De Gea, (3) Evra, (4) Jones, (5) Ferdinand, (6) Evans, (7) Owen, (8) Anderson, (9) Berbatov, (10) Rooney, (11) Giggs, (12) Smalling, (13) J.S. Park, (14) Chicharito, (15) Vidic, (16) Carrick, (17) Nani, (18) Young, (19) Welbeck, (20) Fabio, (21) Rafael, (23) Cleverley, (24) Fletcher, (25) Valencia, (27) Macheda, (28) Gibson, (29) Kuszczak, (32) Diouf, (34) Lindegaard.

source：manutd.com

ECQ: Northern Ireland 4-0 Faroe Islands

2011-08-10T16:53:00.002+01:00

Goals from Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis and Pat McCourt (2) gave Northern Ireland a valuable Euro 2012 qualifying win over the Faroe Islands in Belfast.

Hughes pounced on hesitant defending to stab home his first international goal in 77 appearances in the fifth minute.

A beautifully controlled finish by Rangers midfielder Davis made it 2-0 in the 66th minute.

McCourt then scored two superb goals to complete the win, which lifts NI up to third place in Group C.

Celtic star McCourt skilfully started and finished a classy move on 71 minutes and then, near the end, lit up Windsor Park with a magical chip over Faroes keeper Jakup Mikkelsen for 4-0.

Suddenly, there was a feel-good factor among the Belfast fans and relief for boss Nigel Worthington that potentially tricky opponents had been swept aside.

Northern Ireland, confident a victory would revive their chances of qualifying for the Euro finals for the first time, made an impressive start and were rewarded with Hughes' early goal.

It stemmed from a Sammy Clingan corner from the left-hand side which fell to Gareth McAuley well beyond the far post.

The West Brom defender played the ball into the goalmouth and, when the Faroes struggled to get the ball clear, Hughes pounced with a snapshot which went in off an upright.

It was a huge boost for Worthington's men and their first home goal in the Group C campaign.

But they failed to build on that and the Faroes responded with a couple of decent attacks to warn the home side that victory was not a formality.

Newcastle's Johan Simun Edmundsson forced a low save from Lee Camp and Christian Holst fired wide.

Northern Ireland badly needed some breathing space and they got it with two goals in five minutes in the second half.
Davis struck his goal sweetly from 25 yards after substitute Niall McGinn had cut in from the right wing to set it up.

The home side went three up as the impressive McCourt weaved his way to a first international goal.

McCourt had already been selected as man of the match when he nonchalantly chipped his wonder goal to make it 4-0.

Northern Ireland: Camp, Baird, McAuley, Hughes, J Evans, Clingan, Davis, McCann, Corry Evans, Healy, McCourt.

Subs: Mannus, Cathcart, McGivern, Thompson, Ward, McGinn, Gorman.

Faroe Islands: Mikkelsen, Naes, Johan Davidsen, Baldvinsson, Gregersen, Benjaminsen, Udsen, Olsen, Holst, Edmundsson, Elttor.

Subs: Torgard, Mouritsen, Danielsen, Viljormur Davidsen, Faeroe, Hansen, Lokin.

Referee: Emer Aleckovic (Bosnia)

source：BBC Sport

CS: Man City 2-3 Man United

2011-08-07T03:54:00.002+01:00

Nani's 94th-minute winner completed a superb comeback by Manchester United as they overcame derby rivals Manchester City to clinch the Community Shield.

With no extra-time to be played and penalties looming, the Portuguese winger pounced on some hesitant City defending to run on to a Wayne Rooney clearance, round Joe Hart and slot home.

City had led 2-0 at half-time after a shaky start by United's Spanish keeper David De Gea saw him beaten by Joleon Lescott's header and Edin Dzeko's long-distance drive.

But United, beaten at Wembley on their last two visits - by Barcelona in the Champions League final and City in the FA Cup semi-final - responded by taking the game to their neighbours and ultimately they got their reward.

Chris Smalling reduced the deficit when he turned in Ashley Young's free-kick before Nani levelled before the hour mark by finishing off a stunning passing move.

City held firm and even threatened to retake the lead when Adam Johnson and Micah Richards tested De Gea, but it was United who laid down the marker for the forthcoming Premier League campaign, beginning the defence of their title by collecting more silverware.

In truth, Sir Alex Ferguson's men could have been out of sight by the time City scored, with new signing Young quickly looking at home down the left flank, but they could not make the most of their vastly superior possession.

Young had a shot deflected narrowly wide before Lescott blocked Smalling's volley on the line, but United's best efforts were free-kicks from Rooney and Nani which flew narrowly off target, the latter deflecting off Dzeko.

City, in contrast, were lethargic in every area of the pitch and their main contribution in the first half-hour was to keep referee Phil Dowd busy, with Micah Richards among four of their players booked early on, in his case for a wild lunge on Young.

At that stage, debutant De Gea had been given next to nothing to do in United's goal - which was why City's opener was a huge surprise when it arrived in the 38th minute.

David Silva whipped in a cross from the right and Rio Ferdinand appeared to leave the ball for his keeper, who had stopped, allowing Lescott to glance his header home.

If there were doubts over who was culpable on that occasion, there were none when Dzeko made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

United's defence backed off to allow the Bosnian space to shoot from 25 yards out and, although there was plenty of pace behind his shot, De Gea appeared to react too slowly and dived after it had flown past him.

Ferguson's response to seeing his side trail at the break was to make three changes, bringing on another new signing Phil Jones and Jonny Evans to replace Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back, and introducing Tom Cleverley into his midfield.

His changes brought almost instant dividends, with United pouring forward following the restart.

Smalling reduced the deficit from close range when Young's free-kick evaded Lescott and, six minutes later, Nani levelled when he rounded off a quick-fire passing move involving Rooney and Cleverley.

It seemed United's momentum would overwhelm their neighbours but City, to their credit, stood firm. United remained the more dangerous with their rapid attacks but they did not force Joe Hart into another save before striking right at the death.

Rooney hooked clear from a City corner and with Vincent Kompany standing off, Nani nipped past Yaya Toure and kept his cool to beat Hart and settle an enthralling contest.

Man City：Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov (Clichy 73), Milner (Johnson 67), Silva, De Jong, Y Toure, Dzeko, Balotelli (Barry 59).
Subs not used：Taylor, Savic, Wright-Phillips, Aguero.

Goals：Lescott 38, Dzeko 45.

Booked：Richards, Kolarov, Milner, Y Toure, Dzeko.

Man United：De Gea, Evra (Rafael 71), Ferdinand (Jones 46), Smalling, Vidic (Evans 46), Anderson, Carrick (Cleverley 46), Nani, Young, Rooney, Welbeck (Berbatov 89).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Park.

Goals：Smalling 52, Nani 58, Nani 90.

Booked：Evra, Anderson.

Ref：Dowd.

Att：77,169.

source：BBC Sport

P Scholes Testimonial: Man United 6-0 New York Cosmos

2011-08-05T03:52:00.001+01:00

The night was always going to belong to Paul Scholes, despite the galaxy of stars on show at Old Trafford. Pele and Eric Cantona may have been part of the Cosmos ranks but nothing could overshadow the quiet genius of United's literally shy and retiring midfielder.

In some testimonials, a penalty is needed to tee up an old boy for a last snatch of glory. Less than nine minutes had elapsed here when Patrice Evra rolled the ball back for Scholes to detonate a trademark piledriver past Brad Friedel to bring the house down.

Friedel, so often the scourge of United, was a busy man but Nicky Butt almost levelled when sweeping wide after some fancy footwork by Dwight Yorke. Instead, the hosts went further ahead when Ashley Young was chopped down by Marvin Iraheta and Wayne Rooney thundered the penalty in off the underside of the bar.

Yanik Reyering was a party-pooper when making a goal-saving block to deny Scholes following fine work by Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov and the defender also did well to stop a Berbatov effort on the line.

A number of changes at the break failed to affect United's stride as Anderson played a one-two with Danny Welbeck before supplying an instant finish past Chad Calderone for number three. Stefan Dimitrov headed a glorious chances inches wide for the Americans and the Reds extended their lead when Welbeck pounced on some poor defending following a cross by Rooney.

Scholes smashed a free-kick wide before there was a glimpse of the future when Tom Cleverley and Welbeck showed their quality to tee up Mame Biram Diouf for a full-blooded drive to make it 5-0. The Senegalese striker then marauded through unchallenged to add a sixth with his second of the night.

Scholes made way for promising youngster Paul Pogba following the goal and Cosmos at least managed to stem the tide until the final whistle with Calderone saving well from Cleverley (twice) and Anderson. The crowd enjoyed saluting their heroes and booing Patrick Vieira but the most affection was, rightly, reserved for the eponymous hero of the Paul Scholes testimonial.

He got his goal, delivered some classic long-ranges passes that drew gasps from the audience and even lunged in for a couple of tackles and enjoyed a mock flare-up with old pal Butt. United move on to City in a couple of days' time and the fact all Reds fans are still coming to terms with is that their midfield idol will no longer be available for selection.

United: De Gea (Lindegaard 45), Rafael (Evans 45), Evra (Fabio 45), Ferdinand (Smalling 45), Vidic (Jones 45); Nani (Cleverley 62), Scholes (Pogba 74), Giggs (Anderson 45), Young (Diouf 62); Berbatov (Welbeck 45), Rooney (Macheda 62).

source：manutd.com

US Tour: Barcelona 1-2 Man United

2011-07-30T03:47:00.002+01:00

No Messi, no problem. Two months after Champions League final heartache, United fans finally had something to celebrate against Barcelona, as the Reds beat the European Champions 2-1 at FedEx Field in Washington DC.

Without their Argentinian playmaker (or Xavi, Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol), Barcelona lacked much of the creativity and movement that tore the Reds apart in May's Champions League final.

Of course, this game didn't matter quite so much, despite local media billing the game as a Wembley rematch and a chance for United, apparently, to “exact revenge” for May's painful defeat.

In reality, though, this was merely a pre-season run-out for Sir Alex's men, albeit a vital one with the Community Shield clash against Manchester City just eight days away.

United, at the end of a three-week stint in the States, started brightly and Rooney should perhaps have opened the scoring on 10 minutes when Nani whipped a dangerous ball across the box from the right. Rooney edged in front of his marker at the near post but blasted his low shot wide of the post.

Barcelona – shorn of their South American stars, including Lionel Messi - enjoyed a spell of short dominance after Rooney's miss, although

failed to test Reds goalkeeper David De Gea. One deep cross from the right did force Fabio, on as a substitute for his injured brother (knee) on 17 minutes, to head behind for a corner, however.

With the Catalan side committed forward, the Reds cleared the set-piece and broke quickly down the pitch. Danny Welbeck slipped a pass between two Barcelona defenders for Nani to chase and when the Portuguese wide-man collected the ball he kept his cool to steer home United's opener via the gap between Victor Valdes' legs.

It was classic counter-attacking football from the Reds, the sort of which United fans saw far too infrequently in the last two Champions League finals. Instead, those games will always be remembered for Barcelona's staggering possession play.

Here in DC, there was less of that on display, although admittedly the Catalans were missing keep-ball kings Xavi and Messi. The less savoury side to Barcelona's game remained, though. Ashley Young and Jonny Evans were caught by wild tackles in the first half, while Sergio Busquets and David Villa both made the most of tame challenges.

Sir Alex made three changes at the break (an interval that featured basketball superstar Kobe Bryant taking penalties on the pitch) but it was Nani, United's liveliest player in the first 45 minutes, who continued to pose problems for the Barcelona defence whenever the Reds pushed forward.

At the other end, David De Gea's first save came just after the restart when he smothered Pedro's angled shot. Otherwise, the former Atletico Madrid stopper had precious little to do until the 70th minute when Thiago rifled a swerving shot into the top corner from 20 yards. There was no stopping that thunderbolt and the goal gave Barca a noticeable shot of confidence.

Six minutes later, though, United were back in front when Cleverley intercepted a stray pass and fed Michael Owen through the middle. The former Real Madrid forward – Barcelona fans won't have forgotten that fact – is usually lethal in one-on-one situations, and he made no mistake here, dinking the ball over Valdes to restore the Reds' lead.

United's win doesn't erase the memories of May's Champions League final or even strike a significant psychological blow in the battle for European football supremacy. It did, however, ensure Sir Alex's men remained undefeated in all five US Tour fixtures (scoring 20, conceding three), and provide a high-intensity finish to pre-season preparations.

Next up: the Community Shield. Bring on the Blues!

United: De Gea; Rafael (Fabio 17), Vidic (Jones 76), Evans, Evra (Smalling 46); Nani, Cleverley, Anderson (Giggs 46), Young (Obertan 62); Rooney (Owen 46), Welbeck (76)
Subs not used: Amos, Berbatov, Ferdinand, Carrick, Park, Macheda

source：BBC Sport

US Tour: Chicago Fire 1-3 Man United

2011-07-23T03:44:00.002+01:00

On a sweltering day in Illinois, Manchester United eventually proved too hot for Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.

A Cory Gibbs goal against the run of play gave the home team the lead on 13 minutes before second-half strikes from Wayne Rooney, Rafael and Nani handed Sir Alex's men a hard-fought victory.

Indeed, Chicago were the better team for long periods and but for some wasteful finishing would have won this content. But again, as in Seattle three days earlier, the Reds proved clinical in front of goal and reaped the rewards.

Played in baking heat, in front of the largest ever crowd at Soldier Field for a game of club football, United were given a stern test by a Chicago side lying third from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Sir Alex handed first pre-season starts to the five players who joined the tour in Seattle, including summer signings David de Gea and Phil Jones. They were part of a young back five, with only Patrice Evra and Fabio old enough to leally drink in the US.

The Reds started well and carved out the game's first chance after five minutes. Danny Welbeck produced a sublime piece of skill to outfox three defenders on the halfway line before slipping a pass through the Fire defence for Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian took his shot first time but Chicago stopper Sean Johnson did well to get down to his right and beat the ball away.

Given United's bright start, it was a surprise when the home side took the lead. Fire defender Gibbs outjumped Jones to reach a long Marco Pappa free-kick and head inside de Gea's right-hand post. There was little the Spanish goalkeeper could do to prevent the goal, Gibbs' first in a Fire shirt for more than a year.

The relentless heat didn't help the Reds, although Obertan and Fabio both blasted over from distance in the space of two minutes as Sir Alex's men upped the ante. Welbeck was perhaps the pick of United's players in the first period - he showed good close control, made clever runs in behind the Fire defence and linked well with Berbatov and Diouf.

Cristian Nazarit almost put the Fire 2-0 up when he blasted low and narrowly wide after half-an-hour, while Pappa also tried his luck from distance. United, it must be said, failed to exert much influence on the first-half contest after the Fire's goal and were lucky to go into the break just one goal down. Indeed, it took a stunning reflex save from de Gea - his first major contribution in a Reds shirt - in the 45th minute to keep out Patrick Nyarko's close-range effort.

The heat necessitated a raft of substitutions at the interval, with the Chicago crowd especially happy to welcome Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs into the game. The introduction of Jonny Evans for Fabio shifted Chris Smalling to right back, while Anderson and Giggs came into the centre

of midfield. Smalling had the ball in the net within two minutes of the restart but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

De Gea then made a routine save from a Pappa free-kick before Baggio Husidic spurned a golden chance to double the Fire's advantage. It was easier to score than miss and yet Baggio scuffed his shot from five yards with the goal gaping.

More substitutions were made on 56 minutes, although for a bizarre 60 seconds the Reds played with 12 men after confusion on the touchline meant three United players came on and only two left the pitch.

Rooney then stung the palms of substitute goalkeeper Jon Conway before Pappa hit the side-netting and Orr Barouch the post, courtesy of a smart finger-tip save from de Gea down to his right.

The Reds levelled on 66 minutes when Rooney latched onto a pinpoint long ball from Rio Ferdinand and lifted the ball over the onrushing Conway. It was Wayne's fourth strike on the US Tour and further evidence that the recent summer break robbed the forward of none of his predatory instinct in front of goal.

Ten minutes later, United were in front after Rafael and Nani combined down the right flank and the young Brazilian shimmied along the by-line and coolly squeezed the ball through Conway's legs.

Nani then added further gloss to the scoreline with eight minutes remaining when he profited from some generous defending and cheekily dinked the ball into the net. It was perhaps harsh on the Fire who, until they began to ring the changes midway through the second period, looked likely winners in this contest that will live long in the memory of Chicago soccer fans.

United: de Gea; Fabio (Evans 46), Smalling (Rafael 75), Jones (Vidic 75), Evra (Ferdinand 56); Obertan (Nani 56), Carrick (Anderson 46), Cleverley (Giggs 46), Diouf (Park 46); Welbeck (Macheda 56), Berbatov (Rooney 46)
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Amos, Owen, Young

source：BBC Sport

US Tour: Seattle Sounders 0-7 Man United

2011-07-21T03:38:00.002+01:00

None of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will have been sleepless in Seattle after United were forced to work hard on an energy-sapping pitch to procure a 7-0 victory in the Reds’ second US Tour clash.

The scoreline suggests a stroll in the park, but for the first 45 minutes the sides were evenly matched for long periods. Then, an explosion of second-half goals – including three in four minutes – put the game way out of sight.

Fitness is always the main aim during pre-season, although Sir Alex will certainly be pleased with the Reds’ performance and composure in front of goal during an entertaining game played before a packed and passionate crowd at CenturyLink Field.

Streamers cascaded down from the stands as the referee signalled for the game to begin and it was the home side who almost provided the fireworks in the opening minutes as fans’ favourite Freddy Montero twice attempted to chip Anders Lindegaard.

Unusually for a United game in pre-season, the crowd wanted the opposition to win; Seattle is the biggest “soccer city” in America and the Sounders are the best supported side.

So the natives were naturally disappointed when United took the lead, 15 minutes into the match. Ashley Young fed Patrice Evra on the overlap down the left and the defender whipped in a pinpoint cross for Michael

Owen to nod home from close range. It was the striker’s second goal in as many tour games.

That signalled the start of a period of Reds dominance: Young forced a fine save from veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller, Owen had an effort cleared off the line and Macheda, who looked particularly sharp up front, saw a header fly just past the right-hand upright.

Before half-time Montero and right-back James Riley both tested Lindegaard in the space of a few seconds but the Danish goalkeeper made two smart stops to preserve the Reds’ advantage.

Owen should have doubled the lead on 43 minutes when he went one-on-one with Keller but shot into the stopper’s legs – Michael then had the misfortune of inadvertently clearing Nani’s effort off the Sounders’ line from the resulting corner.

Sir Alex made four changes at the break and within six minutes of the restart two of his substitutes were on the scoresheet. First, Mame Biram Diouf latched onto Nani’s chipped ball before rounding substitute goalkeeper Terry Boss and firing home from a tight angle.

Then Wayne Rooney blasted into the roof of the net from eight yards after Nani had done well down the right and pulled the ball back to the waiting striker.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic, though: Ben Amos, on for Lindegaard, made a flying save to deny Mike Fucito and Pat Noonan clipped the bar with a volley as Seattle continued to push forward in search of goals.

That left space at the back, which Rooney exploited on 69 minutes when he found time to control and fire, left-footed, into the far corner. Park did the same two minutes later, arriving at the back post to slot home unmarked for United’s fifth before Rooney swept home Obertan’s cross to complete a quickfire hat-trick.

Obertan then wrapped up the scoring himself when he burst clear and finished neatly past Boss to notch United's seventh unanswered goal. Seattle residents won’t forget this game in a hurry.

United: Lindegaard (Amos 46); Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans 56), Evra (Fabio 56); Nani (Obertan 56), Anderson, Giggs (Park 46), Young (Carrick 65); Owen (Diouf 46), Macheda (Rooney 46). Subs not used: de Gea, Smalling, Jones, Cleverley, Welbeck.

source：BBC Sport

US Tour: New England Revolution 1-4 Man United

2011-07-14T03:30:00.002+01:00

The first half was one to forget, but a flurry of second-half goals, including four in the space of 11 frantic minutes, kickstarted Manchester United's pre-season tour of the United States and gave fans in New England's Gillette Stadium plenty to cheer.

The Reds ran out 4-1 winners and were the better side for long periods in the game, even if the first 45 minutes failed to yield more than a smattering of goal-mouth action.

Indeed, it took until the 50th minute for a net to bulge, as half-time substitute Michael Owen kept his cool to slot into the far corner when confronted by the onrushing Bobby Shuttleworth.

Before then, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov missed presentable chances in the opening period, and starting Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis made two fantastic reflex saves. That action largely came in the last five minutes of the first half - before that, both teams lacked penetration in the final third and rarely tried their luck from distance.

Another of Sir Alex's second-half substitutes, Federico Macheda, made it 2-0 three minutes after Owen's opener with an equally composed finish before adding a third, and his second, on 61 minutes by lashing a shot into the far corner after Rafael's cross had eluded a crowd of players inside the penalty area.

By that time, New England Revolution, managed by former Liverpool player Steve Nicol, had pulled a goal back somewhat fortuitously. Benny Feilhaber's free-kick deflected in off his team-mate Kenny Mansally, with Reds goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard cruelly wrong-footed.

The goal of the game arrived on 80 minutes, as Gabriel Obertan, Ji-sung Park and Ryan Giggs combined superbly inside the penalty area to play in Park, who clipped an audacious finish over Shuttleworth.

It was a moment of true quality, and one the crowd of 51,523 lapped up. If the fans in New England had been disappointed at the interval, they could have no complaints at the final whistle.

Nor could Sir Alex. He would have anticipated a slow start – it was the team's first outing since the Champions League final, after all – but there were plenty of positives to take from the fixture. The Reds often looked composed on the ball, Ashley Young produced a lively Reds debut and, perhaps most importantly, nobody picked up any injuries.

United's Tour 2011 is underway, and off to a winning start.

source：manutd.com

Evans sets United challenge

2011-07-13T05:11:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans has challenged Manchester United to close the gap on Barcelona while maintaining their domestic dominance.

United are set to face Barca on their pre-season tour of the US - just two months after losing to the Spanish giants in the UEFA Champions League final.

After recovering from the ban on English teams to win European football's biggest prize in 1999 and 2008, United have been beaten by Barca in two of the last three finals.

But the Wembley defeat in May was particularly damning as United just could not contain Barca's passing game, with Pep Guardiola's men putting on one of the best performances seen in a Champions League final.

Evans watched from the sidelines after failing to make the matchday squad and although he accepts Barca are the new benchmark, the defender has urged United to regroup and conquer Europe once more.

"Barcelona have set the standard," he said.

"They have gone to another level. That is where we have to get to.

New challenge

"Maybe 10 years ago, when Manchester United went into Europe, there was a gap to bridge and we managed to do it.

"The challenge is there for us again."

While this year's Champions League setback was a disappointing end to the season, Evans has told his team-mates to focus on the positives from a campaign that saw them clinch a record 19th league title - and a fourth in five years.

Chelsea and neighbours Man City are looking to mount a serious challenge to United next season but Evans believes keeping up that domestic form will provide the perfect platform to their European endeavours.

"It has been a successful era," he said.

"The defeat to Barcelona hurts and probably will do for a while yet.

"But you can't deny the fact we have been very dominant in the domestic game.

"That is a must for us every year. We must win the league and get close in the other trophies."

source：Sky Sports

Evans to fight for place

2011-07-13T05:05:00.000+01:00

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans believes he would not deserve to be at the club if he was not prepared to accept fresh competition for his place.

Two seasons ago, the Northern Ireland international appeared a worthy successor to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic although he struggled for form for long spells last term.

He was overtaken by Chris Smalling and, despite the departures of Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Sunderland, now faces an additional threat following the big-money arrival of Phil Jones from Blackburn.

However, Evans is not fazed by the challenge.

"I have always thought that being at a club like Manchester United, if you can't accept a challenge of someone wanting your spot, you don't deserve to be here," he said ahead of their United States tour opener against the New England Revolution in Boston.

"That is what Manchester United is all about. You are constantly being tested.

"It is down to you, whether you are good enough, or whether you are putting the effort in to play for the first team."

source：Sky Sports

Trips breed confidence

2011-07-05T05:09:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans is tipping the new kids on Manchester United’s block to make an impact when the English champions arrive in the United States this month.

The Reds defender believes pre-season tours offer the club’s youngsters a good platform to prove their abilities, with debuts in friendly matches sometimes leading to senior appearances during the subsequent campaign.

Evans told ManUtd.com: “The tour always provides some of the younger players with a chance to impress.

“My brother Corry got the opportunity to go last year, as did a few of the other younger lads, and it gave them a lot of confidence for the new season.”

Jonny’s sibling was joined on last summer’s trip to North America by contemporaries like Ben Amos, Federico Macheda, Ritchie De Laet, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, with the latter pair notching goals in the opening game against Celtic in Toronto. The squad for Tour 2011 has yet to be announced but Evans says everyone who flies out from Manchester next Monday has plenty to look forward to.

“We all really enjoyed the tour last year and it’ll be good to go back again,”

he told us. “Pre-season is always tough, but the facilities in the States are fantastic.

"Also, we had great support from the fans there last summer. To be honest, I was quite surprised at just how much interest there was from the American fans. Football is definitely getting bigger there and I’m sure we’ll see that again this time around.”

Evans on America

Favourite American city?
New York.

Favourite food?
Can I say pizza?!

Favourite TV show?
Modern Family

Favourite music artist?
Eminem

Favourite sport?
American football

Favourite holiday destination?
Las Vegas

Favourite souvenir from Tour 2010?
An American football

Favourite tourist attraction?
I’d say the JFK Memorial in Dallas

source：manutd.com

Wolves eye raid on Manchester United defender Jonny Evans

2011-06-25T05:07:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans may be on the move following the arrival at Manchester United of £16.5m Phil Jones – and Wolves are ready to pounce.

Molineux boss Mick McCarthy is after a centre-half and has failed in bids to land Reading’s Matt Mills and Birmingham’s Roger Johnson.

He is now considering asking Sir Alex Ferguson about Evans.

The defender’s form went downhill in the first part of last season in direct contrast to the impact made by £10m new boy Chris Smalling.

Though the 23-year-old Northern Ireland international rallied at the end of the season the Reds still went ahead with the expensive outlay for 19-year-old Jones.

Ferguson now has a trio of young centre halves to challenge the first choice senior men Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

However, he may consider that excessive and allow Evans to leave for Wolves. Unitedare looking to trim their squad further and Wes Brown, Darron Gibson and John O’Shea are all considering moves away from Old Trafford over the summer.

source：Manchester Evening News

PL: Man United 4-2 Blackpool

2011-05-22T03:36:00.002+01:00

Blackpool's one-season stay in the top flight ended in defeat and a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Manchester United celebrated their record 19th title with victory at Old Trafford.

Boss Ian Holloway knew only three points would give Blackpool a realistic chance of survival amid the dramatic twists and turns of the final day of the campaign, as five clubs fought to secure Premier League status.

And when goals from Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher turned around an early deficit after Ji-Sung Park put United ahead, the Tangerines looked on course to navigate an unlikely path to survival at the home of the newly-crowned champions, who have lost only two points at home all season.

Sadly for Holloway, his players and the thousands of Blackpool supporters who travelled in hope of an escape, United ruthlessly punished the Seasiders in the closing stages, condemning them to relegation with West Ham United and Birmingham City.

Anderson's equaliser placed Blackpool under pressure they were unable to withstand, with Ian Evatt's own goal and Michael Owen's late strike setting the seal on a day that offered hope and finally heartbreak.

Blackpool's attacking approach has illuminated the Premier League but the defensive deficiencies that have haunted them were still in evidence as their brief stay in English football's top tier came to an end.

At the final whistle, as United prepared to be presented with the Premier League trophy that would confirm their coronation as English football's most successful domestic club, Old Trafford spared a thought for the gallant visitors as both Blackpool and Holloway were afforded a generous standing ovation.

Blackpool's journey has been characterised by an all-out attacking philosophy and Holloway stayed true to his principles to the end, but it was to no avail as they return to the Championship a year to the day after they won promotion.

It was a day of contrasting emotions as Blackpool found themselves out of the relegation places then back in as results around the Premier League fluctuated on so-called 'Survival Sunday'.

And there was no greater illustration of this than the scenes after the final whistle, as Blackpool's tearful and dejected players trooped towards their followers while Old Trafford exploded in joy as United collected the trophy and looked forward to Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.

Ferguson, who fielded a strong side despite leaving Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand on the bench, took the microphone to pay tribute to retiring goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville, who quit earlier this season.

Blackpool's initial objective was victory - and they should have been ahead inside the first 30 seconds.

Adam pulled a cross back invitingly for the incoming Keith Southern, but he was gripped by indecision and pulled his effort well wide when a goal seemed certain.

Adam was confirming his status as Blackpool's main creative force and another swerving low cross, tantalisingly out of Van der Sar's reach, saw Taylor-Fletcher just fail to apply the crucial final touch.

Blackpool's positive intent was matched by defensive frailty and United almost took advantage twice early on, with Matt Gilks saving well from Rafael and, even more impressively, from Dimitar Berbatov.

There was no escape, however, in the 21st minute when Berbatov's pass released Park in the area.

Evatt was weak in the challenge with the South Korean, who escaped his attentions to lift his finish over the advancing Gilks.

The goal appeared to deflate Blackpool and Gilks was in action again on the half-hour when Berbatov profited from more uncertainty.

The Bulgarian swooped on the loose ball but Blackpool's keeper was able to make a crucial block with his legs.

Just as it looked like all Holloway's motivational powers would be required at the interval, Adam provided the sort of inspirational moment that has been a trademark of Blackpool's season to open up the possibility of survival.

Referee Mike Dean punished Nemanja Vidic for a foul on Taylor-Fletcher and the Scot curled a superb left-foot free-kick past Van der Sar and in off the upright.

Adam demonstrated his quality from set pieces again after 48 minutes when he forced Van der Sar to punch away another free-kick - but another moment of sheer elation was not far away from the Seasiders.

Vaughan found space on the right side of United's area before setting up Taylor-Fletcher, whose glancing effort teased the thousands of Blackpool fans behind the goal before bouncing off the post and into the net.

The celebrations were short-lived as United were swiftly back on terms when Park's cross was swept high past Gilks by Anderson - immediately prompting Ferguson to send Owen into the action.

Blackpool were on the back foot after United stepped up the pressure, with Gilks saving acrobatically from Berbatov and Nani somehow heading Chris Smalling's cross wide with the goal at his mercy.

Holloway's side were living on the edge and tumbled over the precipice in the cruellest fashion possible with 16 minutes left as Evatt, a stalwart of their season, could only divert Smalling's cross into his own net.

As the inevitability of their fate dawned on them, Blackpool became ragged and Owen showed some of the old expertise in front of goal when he raced through from Anderson's pass and beat Gilks with ease to wrap up United's victory and condemn Holloway and his players to the drop.

Even as they suffered in the final moments of this Premier League season Blackpool refused to go quietly, with Van der Sar saving from Adam and Luke Varney hitting the bar with a header.

Old Trafford delivered a heartfelt tribute to Blackpool as they made their way off - but there was no consolation to be found on a day of bitter disappointment.

Man United：Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic (Rooney 84), Rafael (Smalling 46), Evans, Anderson, Park (Owen 63), Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Berbatov.
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Gibson, Valencia.

Goals：Park 21, Anderson 62, Evatt (og) 74, Owen 81.

Booked：Owen, Fletcher.

Blackpool：Gilks, Crainey, Eardley, Evatt, Baptiste, Southern (Ormerod 86), Vaughan, Adam, Puncheon (Phillips 75), Taylor Fletcher (Varney 75), Campbell.
Subs not used：Kingson, Cathcart, Harewood, Beattie.

Goals：Adam 40, Taylor Fletcher 57.

Booked：Vaughan.

Ref：Dean.

Att：75,400.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Blackburn 1-1 Man United

2011-05-14T05:28:00.002+01:00

A controversial Wayne Rooney penalty was enough to secure Manchester United's record-breaking 19th league title.

The point clinched a 12th Barclays Premier League title for manager Sir Alex Ferguson on an afternoon of high drama at Blackburn Rovers - 25 years after the fiery Scot declared he wanted to knock Liverpool off their perch.

United had to come from behind to write another chapter in their history books after another typically uncertain away league performance in a season in which they achieved only five victories on the road.

They looked to be heading for defeat until Rovers keeper Paul Robinson was ruled to have brought down Javier Hernandez and the visitors were awarded a penalty.

Rooney kept his nerve to fire home the 73rd-minute spot-kick and send United's army of supporters into a title frenzy.

The point took United beyond nearest rivals Chelsea and edged the Old Trafford club ahead of Liverpool, who won the last of their 18 league titles in 1990.

The United players were joined by Ferguson on the pitch for the post-match celebrations while Blackburn's fate will not be sealed until the final day of the season next Sunday when they visit relegation rivals Wolves.

There was a sense of irony that United needed a penalty to make sure of their latest title - the spot-kick decision coming just 24 hours after Ferguson was charged by the FA for praising referee Howard Webb ahead of last weekend's showdown against Chelsea.

Blackburn had taken a first-half lead through Brett Emerton after a mix-up in the United defence involving stand-in goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak who almost allowed Jason Roberts to take advantage of his carelessness.

Kuszczak, who is certain to leave the club in the summer because he wants regular first-team football, looked shaky for most of the afternoon and he was at fault when he failed to gather a harmless-looking cross from Emerton.

He could only touch the ball out to the right where Martin Olsson was on hand to fire it back across goal to Emerton who clinically dispatched it into the bottom corner of the net.

The goal rocked United and for a 10-minute spell Blackburn sensed another goal was possible.

United held firm and Hernandez forced Robinson into a neat save when he turned and fire a low shot which the Blackburn keeper did well to push away for a corner.

The visitors survived a few more nervy moments and must have been satisfied to reach the interval without falling further behind.

United were sent out early for the second half, no doubt with the words of manager Ferguson still ringing in their ears, but it was Blackburn who were unfortunate not to double their lead 20 minutes after the restart.

Blackburn surged forward and Emerton's perfectly-placed cross was met well by Olsson who was distraught to see is firm header crash back off the post and away to safety.

The let-off sparked fresh life into United's trembling title challenge and with Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov introduced, the turning point came with 20 minutes left when Ryan Giggs sent Hernandez bearing down on goal.

Robinson came out to challenge him and when Hernandez went down, referee Phil Dowd blew immediately, but went across to consult his linesman before pointing to the penalty spot.

Blackburn were incensed and replays suggested Robinson did not pull out of the challenge before making contact with Hernandez.

Rooney kept his cool to fire home from the spot and from that moment on there was no doubt that Manchester United were heading for the title.

Nani should have made the title safe but wasted a glorious close-range effort. In the end, it didn't matter as United closed the game out with ease.

The full-time whistle sealed another landmark moment of success for Ferguson, who now has the luxury of being able to rest players in the final game of the season at home to Blackpool with his thoughts now turning to the Champions League final against Barcelona in two weeks' time at Wembley.

Blackburn：Robinson, Olsson, Samba (Andrews 77), Givet, Salgado, P Jones, J Jones (Dunn 73), Emerton, Nzonzi, Hoilett (Pedersen 58), Roberts.
Subs not used：Bunn, Kalinic, Santa Cruz, Mwaruwari.

Goals：Emerton 20.

Booked：Salgado, J Jones, Nzonzi.

Man United：Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio (Scholes 62), Evans, Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Berbatov 80), Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs not used：Amos, Evra, Smalling, Anderson, Owen.

Goals：Rooney (pen) 73.

Ref：Dowd.

Att：29,867.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 2-1 Chelsea

2011-05-08T06:20:00.002+01:00

Manchester United moved to within a point of a record 19th title after a deserved win against closest rivals Chelsea at an exultant Old Trafford.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted victory would effectively end Chelsea's reign as champions and return the Premier League crown to United, writing a fresh chapter in the club's glittering history.

And United wasted no time in exerting their authority on Chelsea as Javier Hernandez struck after only 36 seconds and captain Nemanja Vidic headed the second in a blistering opening spell that established the foundations for what is likely to prove a decisive victory.

Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a glimmer of hope with a scrappy strike midway through the second half - but it was United who still looked more likely to score, even in the anxious closing stages before Old Trafford erupted in celebration as Howard Webb blew the final whistle.

And as if to emphasise the significance of events, Ferguson was even moved to bow in front of the Stretford End as he marched triumphantly towards the dressing room.

United now only need to avoid defeat in one of their final two games, away at Blackburn Rovers and at home to Blackpool, to complete the formalities and overhaul the record of 18 titles they share with arch-rivals Liverpool.

Ferguson will relish the moment after famously vowing to "knock Liverpool off their perch" when he came to Old Trafford from Aberdeen in 1986. The statistic will be a glittering reflection of the success of his mission.

For Chelsea and their manager Carlo Ancelotti the outlook is now uncertain as they end the season empty handed with an ageing squad and questions surrounding the future of the Italian.

United swarmed all over Chelsea from the first whistle, fired up to extend an advantage that had been reduced to only three points in recent weeks, adding to the pressure of this high-octane Premier League occasion.

Ferguson was not short of heroes, but it was the unsung Park Ji-sung who set the tone with his tireless efforts as he refused to give Chelsea a moment's peace in midfield, making players of the calibre of Lampard and Michael Essien look laboured and pedestrian in the process.

The United manager has also uncovered a potent and beautifully balanced strike partnership in the poacher Hernandez and creator Wayne Rooney, who made it a harrowing experience for Chelsea's £25m defender David Luiz, who was put out of his misery after only 45 minutes.

All that remains is for United to officially claim the crown, but as Sir Bobby Charlton raised his hands in elation at the final whistle, Old Trafford celebrated as if the job was done.

United were missing Patrice Evra because of a thigh strain, but Ferguson was able to wheel out the big guns once more after resting many of his front-line stars in the Champions League semi-final victory against Schalke.

Ancelotti, as expected, opted for Didier Drogba ahead of Fernando Torres in attack as Chelsea attempted to fashion the victory that would have seen them leapfrog United at the top of the table.

The first meaningful blow was always going to be of huge importance, even more so when United were able to deliver it inside the first minute to give Ferguson the dream start.

Ryan Giggs fed Park and the Korean's pass cut out Luiz enabling Hernandez to demonstrate the composure and cutting edge that have become his hallmark in an outstanding first season. The Mexican raced clear and slipped a cool finish past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech for his 20th goal of the campaign.

Chelsea were in serious danger of being overrun in the one-sided opening exchanges, with Rooney bringing a flying save from Cech and also shooting narrowly wide as United laid siege to the goal.

Hernandez was inches away from connecting for his second while the industrious Park also tested the overworked Cech at his near post with an angled effort with Chelsea unable to impose any sort of influence on proceedings.

United's supremacy deserved further reward and it duly came after 23 minutes when Giggs evaded Salomon Kalou after working a short corner and the towering figure of Vidic threw himself forward eight yards out to head past Cech.

Vidic's goal came just as Chelsea were settling, but their attempts to work their way back into contention were thwarted by United keeper Edwin van der Sar, who saved twice from Kalou and also from Drogba.

Tensions and emotions were running high, which was only to expected given the prize at stake, and Rooney was heavily involved. Branislav Ivanovic was booked for a foul on the striker, who then picked up a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Luiz.

Ivanovic was relieved to go unpunished by referee Webb following another clash which left Rooney writhing in agony. Chelsea's fans clearly felt he was making the most of the incident in an attempt to get Ivanovic sent off and Rooney gestured angrily in their direction as he tried to complete his recovery.

Luiz had suffered a nightmare first-half and paid the price when he was replaced by Alex at the interval, with Ramires also coming on for John Obi Mikel.

United had vehement appeals for a penalty waved away by Webb after 52 minutes when Lampard handled Antonio Valencia's cross and with no sign of a shift in momentum Ancelotti gave Torres the last 25 minutes at the expense of Kalou.

He was not involved as Chelsea gave themselves a lifeline two minutes later, Lampard scrambling home from close range after Ivanovic knocked down Ramires' cross.

It then took a miraculous goal-line clearance from Alex to stop United restoring their two-goal lead almost immediately, throwing himself in front an open goal to stop Rooney turning in Hernandez's cross.

Rooney had presented a menacing figure throughout and as the game entered the final 10 minutes he again posed a threat to the visitors. He was driven away from danger by Cech as he burst into the area and then saw a shot deflected over the top.

Hernandez has proved the arch-predator for United this season, so it was a surprise to see him head Valencia's cross over the top from only six yards after Cech was left exposed by the quality of the cross and the wonderful natural movement of the striker.

The uncharacteristic miss did not prove expensive - and the joyous scenes that swept around Old Trafford at the end signalled that a record-breaking title is almost won.

Man United：Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio (Smalling 88), O'Shea (Evans 46), Giggs, Park, Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Anderson, Nani, Scholes, Berbatov.

Goals：Hernandez 1, Vidic 23.

Booked：Giggs, Rooney.

Chelsea：Cech, Ivanovic, A Cole, David Luiz (Alex 46), Terry, Essien, Lampard, Mikel (Ramires 46), Malouda, Drogba, Kalou (Torres 61).
Subs not used：Turnbull, Ferreira, Benayoun, Anelka.

Booked：Ivanovic, Essien, Ramires, Drogba.

Goals：Lampard 68.

Ref：H Webb.

Att：75,445.

source：BBC Sport

CL: Man United 4-1 Schalke (agg 6-1)

2011-05-04T12:02:00.001+01:00

Manchester United completed the formalities of victory against Schalke 04 to reach Wembley and set up another Champions League final confrontation with Barcelona.

United, holding a two-goal lead from the first leg of the semi-final in Germany, were never in danger of surrendering their advantage at Old Trafford and ran out comfortable winners - presenting the possibility of revenge for their defeat at the hands of Barca boss Pep Guardiola and his side in the 2009 final in Rome.

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he suffered a sleepless night pondering a team selection that showed eight changes from the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, with Wayne Rooney not even on the bench, but his decision was vindicated by an emphatic victory margin that allowed United to ease into their third final in four years.

Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson scored twice in five minutes in the first half as the Premier League side faced only token resistance from their Bundesliga opponents, who shocked holders Inter Milan in the quarter-final.

And, even though Jose Manuel Jurado pulled a goal back for the visitors before the interval, it was never more than a minor interruption to a night of Old Trafford celebration.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson underlined United's domination of Schalke by scoring twice late on as a weakened line-up still proved all too much for the Champions League's surprise package this season.

Now Ferguson must turn his attention to claiming United's record 19th domestic title - but also devising a plan to ensure the torture his team suffered on what he called Barcelona's passing "carousel" is not repeated at Wembley on 28 May.

Ferguson insists he has always known what went wrong on that balmy Rome night two years ago, now he has the perfect chance to prove his theory at the scene of United's first win in Europe's elite tournament against Benfica in 1968.

Barcelona's first win in the competition also came at Wembley against Sampdoria in 1992 and Guardiola will be hoping the Catalan giants can replicate the Lionel Messi-inspired stranglehold that they exerted over United when they last met.

It was a special night for Gibson, who was recently forced to abandon his venture on to Twitter after only 97 minutes following a torrent of criticism, vitriol he answered in some style as Ferguson's men took charge early on.

He was the creator with an inviting pass that set Valencia free on the angle of the penalty area. The winger then showed great composure to beat the advancing Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and lift what had been a subdued atmosphere inside Old Trafford, the lack of tension reflected in the mood of the crowd.

Gibson turned from creator to goalscorer five minutes later to double United's lead on the night and end any serious doubts about them reaching Wembley.

It was nightmare moment for Neuer, peerless in keeping United at bay almost single-handedly eight days ago. Gibson's shot carried power but was directed straight at the keeper, who somehow allowed the strike to fumble through his grasp and into the net.

Schalke at least responded with a measure of spirit and pulled a goal back after 35 minutes when Jurado took advantage of space and time inside the area to fire high past United keeper Edwin van der Sar at the Stretford End.

It was the signal for the outbreak of ugly scenes among the visiting supporters, who clashed with stewards high behind one goal, with flares set alight and bottles thrown, but fortunately order was swifly restored.

The Red Devils had mixed moments of defensive uncertainty with attacking threat, assisted by an uncharacteristically uncertain performance from Germany's much-coveted keeper Neuer, who was out of sorts virtually from the start.

He redeemed himself with a fine stretching save from Anderson early in the second half, but the midfield man won their next personal battle as United sealed the victory and ensured the party could start inside Old Trafford.

Neuer was again at fault as Anderson scored at the second attempt after his first shot had been blocked by defender Atsuto Uchida - and he was on target again four minutes later as United emphasised their vast supremacy over the two legs.

Dimitar Berbatov, who had performed impressively at United's lone striker, gave Anderson the simplest of tasks to roll the ball into an empty net from an inviting cross with Neuer stranded.

Ferguson was even able to introduce Darren Fletcher after a spell on the sidelines through illness, replacing Paul Scholes, who was on a yellow card, to ensure the veteran midfield man was not ruled out of the final.

And, as United cruised easily towards the final whistle, Ferguson was finally able to set his sights on bringing Europe's biggest club prize to Old Trafford for the fourth time.

Man United：Van der Sar, Smalling, Rafael (Evra 60), O'Shea, Evans, Anderson, Nani, Scholes (Fletcher 73), Valencia, Gibson, Berbatov (Owen 77).
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Vidic, Giggs, Hernandez.

Goals：Valencia 26, Gibson 31, Anderson 71 76.

Booked：Anderson, Scholes, Gibson.

Schalke：Neuer, Escudero, Howedes (Huntelaar 69), Papadopoulos, Metzelder, Uchida, Baumjohann (Goncalves Edu 46), Jurado, Draxler, Raul, Farfan (Matip 75),
Subs not used：Schober, Sarpei, Schmitz, Ali Karimi.

Booked：Escudero.

Goals：Jurado 35.

Ref：Proenca.

Att：74,687.

source：BBC Sport

CL: Schalke 0-2 Man United

2011-04-26T11:57:00.002+01:00

Schalke: Neuer, Sarpei (Escudero 72), Papadopoulos, Metzelder, Uchida, Matip, Baumjohann (Kluge 53), Jurado (Draxler 82), Raul, Goncalves Edu, Farfan.
Subs Not Used: Schober, Plestan, Charisteas, Ali Karimi.

Booked：Sarpei, Metzelder.

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio, Giggs, Park (Scholes 73), Carrick, Valencia, Rooney (Nani 83), Hernandez (Anderson 73).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Smalling, Rafael, Evans.

Booked：Fabio.

Goals：Giggs 67, Rooney 69.

Att：54,000.

Ref：Velasco Carballo.

Evans: Never write us off

2011-04-23T08:30:00.000+01:00

Jonny Evans admitted he should have known better than to fear the worst after Chicharito popped up to finally pierce Everton's stern resistance at Old Trafford.

The Ulsterman conceded that he thought the Reds were going to slip up against David Moyes' side, giving further hope to Chelsea and Arsenal in the title race, prior to yet another dramatic denouement at the Stretford End.

"To be honest with you, I thought it was going to be one of those days," he told MUTV. "We hit the post and had quite a few chances in the first half, and you do sometimes fear the worst.

"I suppose you shouldn't at a club like this, at Old Trafford playing into the Stretford End. We've done it so many times over the years. It's just a great relief.

"Going into the last four games six points ahead is just an unbelievable feeling as well, as long as we keep ticking the games off. We've got hard games against Arsenal and Chelsea, and if we can get the points against them and not let them back into it, then we'll definitely go on and win the league."

The Northern Irish international was a surprise inclusion as Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Schalke, and Evans admitted he was delighted to be back after a three-match suspension.

"It was a good performance from us today," he said. "The manager made a lot of changes, including myself coming in and players who haven't really played that much in a while, and it was a big gamble. I'm sure people looking at the team sheet would think 'this is a big gamble', but that's what the manager does here and it paid off.

"The suspension seemed like it was going on forever because of the international break, there was two weeks between the games. The manager even asked me last week when the suspension was up! You've just got to keep patient and I've been working quite hard to keep my fitness up for if I ever got the chance to come in, and I didn't feel too bad."

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 1-0 Everton

2011-04-23T08:24:00.002+01:00

Javier Hernandez struck a late winner to keep Manchester United six points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory against a dogged Everton.

Sylvain Distin gifted United possession and Hernandez made Everton pay seven minutes from time, nodding in Antonio Valencia's cross at the far post.

Hernandez earlier forced two good saves from Tim Howard, while Everton's Victor Anichebe might have had a penalty.

But after a spate of Howard saves, United's pressure eventually paid off.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side now only need to pick up seven points from their last four games to be assured of a record 19th English league title.

They made hard work for themselves on a gloriously sunny day at Old Trafford but United laid siege to the Everton goal in the closing stages and Hernandez, not for the first time this season, popped up with a crucial goal.

United now head to Germany for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Schalke on Tuesday knowing the Premier League is theirs to lose.

Yet with so much to play for it was a subdued start to the game, with United seemingly paying the price for resting the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick as they struggled for any fluency against an Everton side looking to extend an eight-match unbeaten run.

United, who had failed to score in their last two games - the FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City and the goalless draw at Newcastle on Tuesday - looked uncharacteristically edgy and the visitors, superbly marshalled at the back by Phil Jagielka, were in no mood to capitulate.

Wayne Rooney summed up the frustration inside Old Trafford when he very obviously berated his team-mates for a lack of energy and that proved the catalyst for United to produce their best spell of the first half.

Nani shot at Howard from an angle on the left, Hernandez forced the keeper to parry wide after a neat one-two with Anderson and then the Mexican brought another top stop from Howard with his first-time right-foot shot from a fine Rooney pass.

Their best chance of the half came moments before the whistle as Antonio Valencia outmuscled Leighton Baines down the right and fed Nani inside the box, the Portuguese winger's goal-bound shot hitting Hernandez - on the floor and trying to get out of the way - and flying wide.

Everton hauled off the ineffective Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Jermaine Beckford at the break and sent on Anichebe and Tim Cahill and they began to take the game to United, with Anichebe's penalty shout a huge moment in the game.

He did superbly well to roll Rio Ferdinand just inside the United half and he raced into the area down the left, going down under a challenge from Ferdinand as the defender chased him down only for referee Peter Walton to wave play on.

Edwin van der Sar had to be at his very best to fingertip away a low, deflected Jack Rodwell's shot halfway through the second half but from then on it was all United as they produced wave after wave of attack.

A Fabio cross from the right was sliced against his own post by Distin, before Rooney's top corner-bound 25-yard free-kick was pushed away by an alert Howard, who then superbly tipped over a Hernandez header from Valencia's right-wing centre.

But just as Everton must have thought they had clung on for a point, Hernandez popped up to capitalise on Distin's error and ensure the destiny of the title remains firmly in United's hands.

Man United：Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Fabio, O'Shea (Evra 57), Evans, Anderson, Nani (Owen 63), Valencia, Gibson (Giggs 74), Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Brown, Rafael, Carrick.

Goals：Hernandez 83.

Booked：Anderson.

Everton：Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Neville, Coleman (Gueye 75), Bilyaletdinov (Cahill 46), Osman, Rodwell, Beckford (Anichebe 46).
Subs not used：Mucha, Shkodran Mustafi, Duffy, Vellios.

Booked：Howard, Cahill.

Ref：Walton.

Att：75,300.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Newcastle 0-0 Man United

2011-04-19T08:18:00.002+01:00

Newcastle: Krul, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Williamson, Simpson, Barton, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Tiote, Lovenkrands (Ireland 69), Ameobi (Ranger 72).
Subs Not Used: Soderberg, Perch, Taylor, Taylor, Kuqi.

Booked：Williamson, Tiote.

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra, Smalling, Vidic, O'Shea, Anderson (Valencia 70), Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Owen 80), Rooney, Hernandez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Fabio, Evans, Park, Gibson.

Booked：Carrick, Hernandez.

Att：49,025.

Ref：Probert.

CL: Chelsea 0-1 Man United

2011-04-06T04:11:00.002+01:00

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, A Cole, Bosingwa (Mikel 78), Terry, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Zhirkov (Malouda 70), Torres, Drogba (Anelka 71).
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Benayoun, Kalou.

Booked：Essien, Ramires, Zhirkov, Torres.

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael (Nani 51), Giggs, Park (Smalling 94), Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 78).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Evans, Scholes, Gibson.

Goals：Rooney 24.

Booked：Van der Sar, Vidic.

Att：37,915.

Ref：A Undiano Mallenco.

ECQ: Northern Ireland 0-0 Slovenia

2011-03-29T03:16:00.003+01:00

NORTHERN Ireland, weakened by injuries, produced a battling, determined performance tonight at Windsor Park but, in the end, had to settle for a point from this latest European Championship qualifier with Slovenia.

It wasn't quite the proverbial game of two halves but there was no doubt that Nigel Worthington's charges finished much the stronger after their visitors appeared to run out of steam the more the game progressed.

With Northern Ireland missing players of the calibre of Steven Davis, Aaron Hughes and Kyle Lafferty - amongst others - it was perhaps no surprise that Slovenia started the brighter.

Marko Suler was the first to threaten on seven minutes but his volley from the edge of the box was fired straight at Lee Camp.

Then, after a somewhat scrappy period, Camp was called upon again to tip a 20th minute Josip Iličič shot over.

But Northern Ireland grew in strength as the first half progressed and could well have gone in at the break ahead had a Sammy Clingan free-kick on 42 minutes been just a little lower.

The second half started off in much the same fashion as the first with Andraž Kirm almost breaking the deadlock on 48 minutes when he found himself unmarked just a few yards from goal only to fire a Suler cross over.

Indeed, this heralded a period of sustained pressure which culminated around the hour mark with a series of dangerous looking set pieces but no goals, due largely to the efforts of Camp and skipper Gareth McAuley.

The tide began to turn on 66 minutes when, in what was perhaps the chance of the evening, a Grant McCann free-kick found McAuley unmarked at the back post only for Matej Mavrič to clear off the line.

Then, on 74 minutes, Josh McQuoid got on the end of a throw-in but could only head it just past Samir Handanovič's post.

However, the chance of the night arrived seven minutes after that following a Jonny Evans cross from the left to brother Corry who, in turn, played it across the goal for the incoming Chris Brunt only for the big West Brom man to just fail to get a strong enough touch to the ball.

There was one further moment of danger from the visitors on 86 minutes when Camp showed his undoubted class by spreading himself to deny Zlatko Dedič after the Bochum striker had burst clear of the defence.

Northern Ireland's luck was out a short time later when Chris Brunt was harshly ruled offside just as he was about to latch onto a McQuoid ball from the right.

In the end, though, the point gained wasn't quite the disappointment many might have viewed it as word filtered through from Tallinn that Estonia had held Serbia to a 1-1 draw in the other group game played this evening.

Northern Ireland are two points adrift of both Serbia and Slovenia in the race for second spot but, crucially, with a game in hand.

Northern Ireland: Camp, Cathcart, McAuley, Craigan, J. Evans, C. Evans, Baird, Clingan, McCann, Brunt, Feeney subs Tuffey (not used), Thompson (not used), Hodson (not used), McCourt (replaced Feeney 82), Boyce (replaced C. Evans 90), Gorman (not used), McQuoid (replaced McCann 72)

Slovenia: S. Handanovic, Brecko, Mavric, Suler, Jokic, Birsa, Bacinovic, Koren, Kirm, Ilicic, Novakovic subs J. Handanovic (not used), Andjelkovic (not used), Ilic (not used), Ljubijankic (replaced Ilicic 29), Dedic (replaced Novakovic 84), Radosavljevic (not used), Sukalo (replaced Bacinovic 90)

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

source：irishfa.com

European jackpot the biggest prize Evans can grasp

2011-03-29T03:10:00.000+01:00

For any Manchester United fan, getting the chance to play for the club you love and to win the Premier League would be considered the ultimate career highlight.

Not Jonny Evans.

For the Northern Ireland defender, playing for his country in the finals of a European Championship or a World Cup would top the lot — even winning the Champions League.

Qualification for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine is the target — although a possible treble this season with United, with the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League still in sight, would be up there too.

The dream will be kept alive if Northern Ireland can defeat Slovenia at Windsor Park tonight, with second place in the group still very much up for grabs.

Any other result would make life very difficult in the remaining five games of the campaign.

“I think qualifying for a major tournament with Northern Ireland would eclipse anything I would achieve with Manchester United, unless it was the treble or something like that, where we cleaned up,” said Evans.

“Definitely, it's a harder task to qualify. I think it's harder to win the Premier League or the Champions League than it is to qualify for a major tournament with, say England.

“It evens itself out in that respect.

“I do think it's harder for us to qualify for a big tournament than it would be for Manchester United to win the Champions League or the Premier League.”

The fact that United have won the Premier League 11 times and the Champions League twice since Northern Ireland last played at a major finals is proof that Evans is more likely to enjoy success at his club than with his country.

Qualification for the European Championship finals would change that, but hopes were dealt a blow after Nigel Worthington’s men went down to a 2-1 defeat against Serbia in Belgrade last Friday evening and the importance of tonight's game has gone up a notch in the wake of that result.

“It was disappointing to lose on Friday night, but you see the Serbia team, they are a great side and you have to accept that it’s going to be hard over there,” said 23-year-old Evans, who will win his 25th cap tonight.

“It was more disappointing because we were in front and couldn’t hang on.

“The home results have been a big factor in getting us close in the last couple of campaigns.

“After losing in Serbia we now have to get as many points from the home games as we can.

“We have to win this one now to get us back on track and try to qualify.”

source：Belfast Telegraph

ECQ: Serbia 2-1 Northern Ireland

2011-03-25T03:35:00.002Z

NORTHERN Ireland fell to an ultimately disappointing 2-1 defeat in their Euro 2012 qualifer with Serbia tonight in Belgrade.

Played in an eerie atmosphere in front of just 265 Northern Ireland supporters, Nigel Worthington's side made arguably the brighter start, winning a number of set pieces in the opening quarter-of-an-hour with Chris Brunt and Sammy Clingan creating problems for home 'keeper Željko Brkic.

At the other end Gareth McAuley cleared a Branislav Ivanovic drive off the line while Zoran Tosic fired just wide of Lee Camp's right post soon after.

And it was McAuley who was to deservedly earn Northern Ireland a half-time lead when he rose highest 15 yards from goal to meet a Brunt free-kick with a looping header over Brkic on 40 minutes.

Then, two minutes later, Kyle Lafferty could have made it 2-0 after being played through by Brunt but despite beating a defender he was unable to prevent his drive from rising over the bar.

The lead was held until the last quarter of the game when two goals inside nine minutes earned Serbia the points.

First, on 65 minutes, after a period of sustained pressure Serbia keep good possession Olympiakos striker Marko Pantelic slotted home the equaliser from 12 yards after being teed up by Liverpool's Milan Jovanovic.

Then, in the 74th minute, Milos Ninkovic ran with the ball to the edge of the area before laying it off for Tosic to fire into the top right corner.

Northern Ireland are next in action on Tuesday night when Slovenia visit Windsor Park. Tickets are still available. Slovenia lost 1-0 at home to Italy in the other Group C game played tonight.

Serbia: Brkic, Ivanovic, Subotic, Bisevac, Kolarov, Tosic, Ljajic, Krasic, Stankovic, Milijas, Pantelic subs Saranov (not used), Jovanovic (replaced Ljajic 46), Petrovic (replaced Krasic 86), Obradovic (not used), Ninkovic (replaced Milijas 46), Trivunovic (not used), Ilic (not used)

Northern Ireland: Camp, Baird, Hughes, J. Evans, McAuley, Cathcart, C. Evans, Clingan, Gorman, Brunt, Lafferty subs Tuffey (not used), Craigan (not used), Thompson (not used), McCann (not used), Healy (replaced Lafferty 46), Feeney (replaced Gorman 78), McCourt (replaced J. Evans 86)

Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belguim)

source：irishfa.com

I'm sorry, Stuart, I didn't mean to hurt you! Evans apologises to crocked Bolton midfielder

2011-03-24T03:32:00.000Z

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans admits his tackle on Stuart Holden was not a good one but has stressed that he had no intention of hurting the Bolton midfielder.

Holden required 26 stitches in a gash in his knee following the challenge during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Old Trafford, for which Evans was sent off.

The injury is expected to keep United States international Holden, who has since undergone surgery, out of action for six months, but the 25-year-old has already said via his Twitter account that he does not blame Evans for what happened.

Holden also revealed that he had received a 'sincere' phone call from the Northern Ireland international, and Evans told BBC Sport: 'I just said (to Holden) I was sorry, and that I didn't mean to go in and hurt him.'

He added: 'At the time I did think I'd gone in for a fair challenge and I'd won the ball. 'But looking back on it when I went straight off the pitch and into the changing rooms and saw the tackle again, I realised it wasn't a good tackle from myself - and my concerns were immediately with Stuart.

'Bolton's doctor was keeping me informed, and gave me a call on Monday. 'It was disappointing to hear the news, (so) I just rang him straight away to apologise.

'I think anyone appreciates a phone call if someone's caused them an injury.

'Not many footballers like to be on the treatment table, it's just unfortunate that someone else has caused an injury to you.'

source：Daily Mail

Holden - No Evans blame

2011-03-22T10:18:00.000Z

Stuart Holden has spoken with Jonny Evans and holds no grudge against the Manchester United defender.

The Bolton midfielder was on the receiving end of a full-blooded challenge from Evans during a Premier League fixture on Saturday.

The tackle earned the Red Devils centre-half a red card and led to Holden being stretchered from the field.

It has since been confirmed by the Trotters that the injury suffered by their United States international will keep him sidelined for up to six months.

That news means Holden's season has been brought to a premature end, while his international commitments with the USA this summer have also been shelved.

It promises to be a long road back to full fitness for the 25-year-old, but he remains upbeat.

He has also been contacted by an apologetic Evans and accepts that there was no malice in the challenge which has left him facing up to knee surgery.

"Just had a sincere phone call from Jonny Evans wishing me the best in my recovery, def wasn't intentional, just unfortunate part of the game," Holden wrote on his Twitter account.

He is due to go under the knife in London on Monday, before setting out on the road to recovery.

source：Sky Sports

'No complaints' over red card

2011-03-19T04:10:00.000Z

Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Jonny Evans’ sending-off against Bolton was a justified decision by referee Andre Marriner.

The Northern Ireland international defender contested a 50-50 challenge with Trotters midfielder Stuart Holden, but was red-carded by Marriner after his studs-up attempt to win the ball wounded the American.

Sir Alex admitted a degree of sympathy for his player – who now misses next month's games against West Ham, Fulham and Manchester City – but ultimately understood Marriner’s decision.

“I think the referee’s sent him off because the player’s got a bad injury,” the Boss told MUTV. “I don’t think it was a malicious tackle; the two of them went for the same ball, but his boot was raised off the ground – as was the Bolton player’s – and he’s caught the lad.

“You can’t have a 100 percent complaint about the sending off, because once you raise your foot you’re putting yourself in a dangerous area. The boy’s got a bad gash, so that justifies the referee sending him off.

"Jonny Evans is not that type of player, we know that, but I don’t think we can have a real complaint. It was unfortunate maybe.”

source：manutd.com

PL: Man United 1-0 Bolton

2011-03-19T04:02:00.001Z

Dimitar Berbatov's late goal gave 10-man Manchester United victory over Bolton and took their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points.

In a first half of few chances, Javier Hernandez shot wide and Martin Petrov hit a free-kick at Edwin van der Sar.

Home defender Jonny Evans was shown a straight red card in the second half for a lunge on Stuart Holden.

But Berbatov gave United the points by bundling home after Jussi Jaaskelainen failed to hold Nani's shot.

The Bulgarian's last-gasp strike, coupled with Arsenal's 2-2 draw at West Brom, allowed United to restore a cushion at the top of the table that had been damaged by defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool.

It had looked set to be a frustrating afternoon for the league leaders, who were more than matched by a spirited Bolton side for large parts of the game.

Indeed, had Matthew Taylor not directed a free header straight at Edwin van der Sar just moments before Berbatov's winner, Bolton might have been the victors.

Instead, United clinched the win but not without a cost, with Wes Brown being forced off at half-time with a suspected leg injury and Evans now facing a suspension.

This will stretch a defence that is already without injured quartet Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael da Silva and John O'Shea.

The patched-up United back four was regularly tested by Wanderers in an evenly contested first half.

Van der Sar was equal to Petrov's free-kick, Johan Elmander had a shot blocked by Patrice Evra and the backline, well led by Chris Smalling, was forced to repel a wave of Bolton attacks.

At the other end, United were perhaps unfairly denied a penalty by referee Andre Marriner when Hernandez's shot hit the outstretched arm of a sliding Gary Cahill.

In addition to this, Wayne Rooney acrobatically hooked a shot straight at Jaaskelainen and Hernandez missed the target from close range after being fed by a Rooney cut-back.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, serving the first of a five-match touchline ban, was in regular telephone contact with the United dugout and acted to change his side at half-time, replacing the injured Brown with Fabio da Silva and replacing Hernandez with Berbatov.

But, despite the open nature of the game, the changes brought United no closer to a breakthrough, with their attacks regularly thwarted by the excellent Bolton central defensive pair of Cahill and David Wheater.

Berbatov curled a shot wide and was then denied a clear run on goal by a last-ditch challenge from Cahill, as United moved closer to drawing a blank in a Premier League game at Old Trafford for the first time since September 2009.

Then, the game sparked into life with the dismissal of Evans.

The Northern Ireland international slid into a 50-50 challenge with Holden with his studs showing and his foot slightly off the floor. He was shown a straight red, while Holden was stretchered off with a gash in his knee.

Holden was replaced by Taylor and the substitute soon had a chance to open the scoring but wasted Wanderers' best opportunity of the afternoon when, left unmarked in the United penalty box, he could only head Gretar Steinsson's cross at Van der Sar.

Soon after, Nani cut inside from the United right and saw an effort beaten away by Jaaskelainen.

The Portugal international then tried his luck from the opposite side and this time the Bolton keeper could only parry the ball back into the path of Berbatov, who poked home to give United what could prove to be a vital three points.

Man United：Van der Sar, Evra, Brown (Fabio 46), Smalling, Evans, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 46) .
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Oliver Gill, Park, Gibson, Owen.

Goals：Berbatov 88.

Sent Off：Evans.

Bolton：Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Robinson, Cahill, Wheater, Muamba (Klasnic 90), Holden (Taylor 78), Petrov, Elmander, Davies, Sturridge (Lee 60).
Subs not used：Bogdan, Alonso, Moreno, Blake.

Ref：Marriner.

Att：75,486.

source：BBC Sport

Jonny and Corry Evans are both in the squad for the ECQ 2012

2011-03-14T04:55:00.000Z

Northern Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham), Tuffey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Camp (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders: J Evans (Manchester United), Craigan (Motherwell), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (Ipswich Town), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford), Thompson (Watford)

Midfielders: Baird (Fulham), McCann (Peterborough United), Brunt (West Brom), Gorman (Wolves), C Evans (Manchester United), Davis (Rangers), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Coventry City), McCourt (Celtic)

Forwards: Healy (Rangers), Feeney (Oldham Athletic), Lafferty (Rangers), Boyce (Werder Bremen).

Manchester United boss Ferguson backs Jonny Evans to be team's rock

2011-03-01T04:53:00.000Z

Jonny Evans has the support of the man who matters most as he aims to prove his doubters wrong.

The Northern Ireland defender has gone through a tough time this season, with question marks being raised about his long-term future at Manchester Untied after a couple of below par displays.

In particular Evans has been haunted by his performance in a 4-0 Carling Cup defeat to West Ham, when he was substituted with 18 minutes to go.

Crucially, however, Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has firmly backed the Belfast-born centre-half.

Ferguson sees Evans having a part to play for years to come and while Chris Smalling has moved ahead of him in the pecking order at present, the United manager believes they will eventually form a partnership to rival the legendary duo of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister — as well as the current pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

“That’s the way I look upon it,” said Ferguson.

“They’re young, but Evans, for example has already played a lot of games for us.

“He played almost three quarters of the matches last season. He is well grounded in terms of what’s needed here. His time will come.”

Evans’ appearances since that Upton Park defeat in November have been fleeting, but Ferguson did show enough faith in the 23-year-old to put him into the team that faced Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

That may have been a tactical move by Ferguson, with Evans having kept Fernando Torres — who played for Liverpool that day in one of his final appearances before his £50million move to Chelsea — quiet when he made his Northern Ireland debut against Spain back in 2006.

He played alongside Ferdinand that day, but Evans has shown that he can compliment Vidic as well, having formed a solid partnership with the Serb when Ferdinand spent a large period of last season on the sidelines.

Vidic and Evans also played most of the games when United went 12 games without conceding a goal during the 2009-10 campaign.

“One of the first things I said to Martin Edwards when I first came to United was, ‘you don’t have very good partnerships at the centre of defence’ and the goalkeeping situation was never a regular thing either.” said Ferguson.

“When we got Peter Schmeichel, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister it was an incredible turnaround in consistency.

“The knowledge they gathered together, particularly with Bruce and Pallister, gave them that understanding and they seldom missed games.

“That’s something you build over time. Partnerships are vitally important. We’ve seen that with Nemanja and Rio and hopefully Jonny and Chris can develop that too.”

source：Belfast Telegraph

PL: Wolves 2-1 Man United

2011-02-05T04:47:00.002Z

Below-par Manchester United fell to a first league defeat of the season as bottom-of-the-table Wolves proved they are not certainties for relegation.

United led after three minutes as Nani drilled home inside the near post after turning George Elokobi inside-out.

But Elokobi headed in soon after with United's defence sleeping, Matt Jarvis executing a short-corner routine.

Kevin Doyle then glanced in just before the break, after which the visitors failed to carve out any clear chances.

Not only will Wolves' hopes of avoiding relegation soar with a fine win that puts them only two points behind 17th-placed Wigan with a game in hand, but United's Premier League title rivals will be seriously buoyed now that their daunting 29-match unbeaten run is over.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson looked puzzled with his United team as they failed to usurp the record of his 1999 Treble winners with a display that deteriorated rapidly after Nani's early opener.

Though Wolves remain bottom by virtue of an inferior goal difference to Birmingham and West Ham, they have now beaten five of the top seven - United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland - this season.

United appeared to pay the price for the absence of in-form England captain Rio Ferdinand, whose calf injury suffered in the warm-up meant Jonny Evans was pressed into action.

Instant drama ensued as Wolves appealed for a penalty as Brazilian right-back Rafael swept away any danger from Jarvis with his upper body after 40 seconds.

But United took the lead soon after as Nani showcased the superior side to his inconsistent game.

Breaking into the right side of Wolves' penalty area, he played with Elokobi over and over while ignoring both Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney as they lurked in the centre with arms aloft.

In a flash of movement he then sent Elokobi the wrong way before cutting inside to power a ruthless left-footed shot past Wayne Hennessey at the Welshman's near post.

The visitors could have added an instant second, but Rooney screwed an ugly attempt high into Hennessey's arms after Berbatov cleverly found the unmarked England striker.

Yet United may have paid the price for overconfidence as they completely lost their concentration after 10 minutes to let Wolves back in.

As Jarvis took a quick corner Rafael jogged into his penalty area with his back to the ball and United utterly disorganised.

And when it was quickly returned to Jarvis, with United failing to mark properly, his clean cross was met with a full-blooded header by former Colchester defender Elokobi, who had to stretch his neck back to add power.

Rooney then just failed to find Berbatov as the strong wind took his searching long pass out of his strike partner's stride.

Berbatov, who has scored 13 goals in his past nine Premier League appearances, then brilliantly found space in the box with a series of flicks but his weak shot caused Hennessey no trouble.

But, after Nani went close with a 28th-minute free kick, Wolves dug deep into their resources to turn the tide as they began to control the rest of the half.

Impressive debutant Jamie O'Hara, on loan from Tottenham, nearly squeezed the ball home at the near post but alert 40-year-old goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar improvised to kick the ball away for a corner.

Nenad Milijas almost put Wolves ahead when his 37th-minute free-kick from 20 yards nearly crept inside stranded Van der Sar's far post, but the wicked deflection off Nemanja Vidic's head took it just wide.

But his free-kick three minutes later, from wide on the right, proved a crucial assist.

Wolves team-mates Kevin Doyle and Elokobi both battled to get a headed touch as the ball flew into the net, although Doyle insisted his was the last as they celebrated in front of the joyous home fans at Molineux.

United did have a chance just before the break but, with Ferguson fuming on the sidelines, Nani headed Rafael's right-wing cross over the bar.

Midfield veteran Paul Scholes replaced the ineffective Michael Carrick for the second half.

But, for once, his enduring class failed to instigate a real sense of urgency for United, although he did come close to connecting with an early low cross.

Wolves, however, looked just as likely to extend their lead as United wasted the ball when well-placed in advanced areas.

Jarvis was a constant threat, and jinked well inside Rafael in the penalty area to work a smart pull-back for O'Hara.

But the midfielder needed more power behind his side-footer as Vidic cleared the danger.

Rafael then needed medical attention as he suffered an alarming-looking dislocated finger, although he was able to continue after it was reset.

Chris Smalling came on for injured Evans, before Mexican forward Javier Hernandez replaced Berbatov.
But Hernandez - United's late saviour on many occasions this season - could not work his magic as a substitute once more.

After O'Hara was replaced by Kevin Foley, seemingly to protect him from receiving a second yellow card, Nani then showed his more frustrating side as he shot wildly into the crowd with a host of team-mates well placed.

And United's desperation became clear when Scholes was booked for handling - rather than heading - a late attempt to steer a cross past Hennessey, although the keeper made sure of the save anyway as Wolves sealed the three points despite five minutes of added time.

Wolves：Henneseey, Elokobi, Stearman, Berra, Zubar, Henry, Jarvis, Hammill (Ward 64), Emiljas (Ebanks-Blake 88), O'Hara (Foley 59), Doyle.
Subs not used：Hahnemann, Craddock, Edwards, Fletcher.

Goals：Elokobi 10, Doyle 40.

Booked：Henry, O'Hara.

Man United：Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic, Rafael, Evans (Smalling 65), Giggs, Carrick (Scholes 46), Nani, Fletcher, Berbatov (Hernandez 65), Rooney.
Subs not used：Kuszczak, O'Shea, Anderson, Owen.

Goals：Nani 3.

Booked：Scholes, Rooney.

Ref：Oliver.

Att：28,811.

source：BBC Sport

FA: Southampton 1-2 Man United

2011-01-29T08:04:00.002Z

Manchester United needed to draw on all their resources as they came from behind to beat Southampton and progress to the last 16 of the FA Cup.

Michael Owen hit a post with a cross before League One Saints shocked the Premier league leaders when Richard Chaplow crashed home a fierce drive.

The lead was cancelled out when Owen nodded in from close range.

And Javier Hernandez finished clinically after being put in by Ryan Giggs to complete United's comeback.

But the home side can look back with pride on a performance that boasted good football and a lot of heart.

Looking far from overawed throughout, they frequently took the game to the visitors, but it was Saints' lack of a cutting edge and United's superior finishing that proved the difference in the end.

From the start Southampton played with belief, perhaps sensing that there could be gaps in United's unfamiliar defensive line-up - none of their regular back five were even in the squad.

But the League One side's early endeavours brought only two well-struck but off-target free-kicks and a snap shot from Rickie Lambert.

With the game crying out for width, the home fans roared on winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain whenever he touched the ball, but he was unable to show why he is a £10m target for Liverpool and Arsenal.

At the other end, a disjointed United almost scored a goal that was in keeping with their scruffy performance as Owen launched a cross from the right that drifted over goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski and came back off the inside of a post.

Owen, who also fizzed a shot wide, and striker partner Javier Hernandez barely threatened in the first half as the visitors lacked inspiration in every position.

Southampton created a good opening when Danny Butterfield picked out Guilherme do Prado with a right-wing cross but the Brazilian got underneath the ball and headed off target.

Still, Saints looked the likeliest to make the breakthrough, and it came when Jonny Evans could only half-clear a long ball and Chaplow took full advantage.

The midfielder used his thigh to nudge the ball into space and then rifled a rising drive into the top corner to leave United's debutant keeper Anders Lindegaard with no chance.

The Red Devils continued to toil after the restart, forcing two corners in quick succession but unable to make the count.

The hosts maintained their discipline and shape, even threatening to grab a second goal on the break - left-back Dan Harding made a scintillating run, skipping past a few challenges before prodding a right-footed shot that did not match his build-up.

Sensing an upset, perhaps, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sent on Nani and Giggs for the ineffective Darron Gibson and Anderson.

It almost had an immediate impact as Nani crossed from the left and Owen toe-poked over at the near post.

And within five minutes of the change United were level. Gabriel Obertan tuned his marker inside out and delivered a cross from the right that hit Hernandez and sat up perfectly for Owen to nod home.

Yet United failed to kick on dominate as might have been expected and Southampton showed great resilience to come back at them.

Lee Barnard swung at Chaplow's cutback and missed completely and then was just too far away to connect with Harding's flashing ball across the face of goal.

But then Ferguson's men caught Saints with a sucker punch as substitute Giggs intercepted a Ryan Dickson pass and played in Hernandez, who slotted in what proved to be the winner.

Southampton：Bialkowski, Harding, Fonte, Butterfield, Seaborne, Schneiderlin, Guly (N'Guessan 79), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chaplow (Gobern 84), Lambert, Barnard (Dickson 73).
Subs not used：Davis, Richardson, Martin, Doble.

Goals：Chaplow 45.

Booked：Butterfield.

Man United：Lindegaard, Smalling, Fabio (Brown 46), O'Shea, Evans, Anderson (Nani 58), Scholes, Gibson (Giggs 58), Owen, Hernandez, Obertan.
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Berbatov, Rooney, Bebe

Goals：Owen 65, Hernandez 75.

Ref：Atkinson.

Att：28,792.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Blackpool 2-3 Man United

2011-01-25T07:59:00.002Z

Blackpool: Kingson, Eardley, Evatt, Baptiste, Cathcart, Vaughan, Grandin, Adam, Taylor-Fletcher (Harewood 74), Varney (Phillips 68), Campbell.
Subs Not Used: Rachubka, Edwards, Southern, Sylvestre, Ormerod.

Goals：Cathcart 15, Campbell 43.

Booked：Adam.

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra, Smalling, Vidic, Rafael (Anderson 80), Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson (Giggs 46), Berbatov, Rooney (Hernandez 66).
Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Fabio, Evans, Owen.

Booked：Scholes, Gibson.

Att：15,574.

Ref：Walton.

PL: Man United 5-0 Birmingham

2011-01-22T07:55:00.002Z

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra (Fabio 46), Smalling, Vidic, O'Shea, Anderson, Giggs (Owen 55), Carrick (Gibson 24), Nani, Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Evans, Scholes, Obertan.

Goals：Berbatov 2 31 53, Giggs 45, Nani 76.

Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Murphy, Johnson, Ridgewell, Bentley (Gardner 85), Ferguson, Fahey (Larsson 64), Hleb (Jermoe 46), Mutch, Derbyshire.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Jiranek, Bowyer, Zigic.

Att：75,326.

Ref：Jones.

PL: Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United

2011-01-16T07:50:00.002Z

Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Bale, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Van der Vaart, Palacios (Defoe 78), Modric, Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bassong, Corluka, Jenas, Kranjcar, Pavlyuchenko.

Booked：Van der Vaart, Palacios.

Man United: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Anderson 61), Fletcher, Berbatov (Hernandez 78), Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Smalling, Evans, Scholes, Owen.

Booked：Evra, Rafael, Fletcher, Rooney.

Sent Off：Rafael.

Att：35,828.

Ref：Dean.

Future bright for Reds' defence

2011-01-14T17:19:00.000Z

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that in Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, United boast the best young centre-backs in England.

Recent injuries to Rio Ferdinand and captain Nemanja Vidic have afforded the two youngsters the chance to impress against Stoke and Liverpool respectively.

The pair have now clocked up 26 appearances between them this term, and Sir Alex has seen enough to declare they have very bright futures ahead of them at Old Trafford.

"They’re doing very well," the Reds boss said. "I have the two best young centre-backs in the country and I’ve no doubt in my mind about that – they’re absolutely outstanding."

Smalling impressed against Stoke, particularly in dealing with physical striker Kenwyne Jones, so the decision to leave him out against Liverpool last weekend was not easy.

"The difficult thing for me on Sunday was to play Evans above Smalling, but the fact that Evans is used to playing on the left side of the centre-backs decided it," Sir Alex explained.

"Smalling was very good against Stoke but Rio was fit again and it meant I had to replace Vidic with one of them – I chose Jonny because he’s more used to playing on the left side."

Evans certainly didn’t let the boss down as he and the rest of United’s backline prevented Liverpool from creating any significant chances in the 1-0 win.

source：manutd.com

Evans back on top of his game

2011-01-11T02:33:00.001Z

Report by Stewart Gardner

Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish and Howard Webb are the names that have dominated all the post-match discussions and debates after United’s FA Cup victory over Liverpool. But I’m going to focus on a player who’ll probably barely get a mention: Jonny Evans.

The game was a major test of character for him and the Northern Ireland international passed with flying colours. He was last seen in a United shirt in that awful Carling Cup mauling at West Ham in late November. Let’s be honest, he had a bit of a nightmare at Upton Park (he wasn’t the only one in fairness).

He took quite a lot of stick from some United fans and some of the stuff I read on Twitter about him was quite disgraceful. Bad nights like that can severely dent the confidence of young players and I must I admit I wondered what sort of toll that game was going to take on him.

Chris Smalling appeared to be the man to take the place of Vidic or Ferdinand if either were unavailable. So I was surprised when Jonny’s name appeared on the teamsheet an hour before kick-off on Sunday. Facing Fernando Torres – regardless of his form or fitness – is quite a challenge when you’re coming back into the team for the first time in a month. It turns out I needn’t have worried.

Evans was outstanding. His positional play and the interceptions he made were excellent and he looked classy when bringing the ball out of defence. And wouldn’t it have been great if he’d bagged his first ever goal for the club? He so nearly did when he headed against the post late in the first half. He certainly deserved to break his duck.

I spoke to Jonny after the game and he admitted that he’d been through a tough time but got through it with the support of his family and the manager, who always believed in him. In Evans and Smalling, United have got two

hugely promising centre backs who will be at OT for years to come.

Liverpool were pretty resilient yesterday although United had the chances to make it a torrid start for Kenny Dalglish. I have great respect for a guy who was such a great player but I was disappointed that he was so dismissive of the decision to send Steven Gerrard off. I love seeing tackles in the game but Gerrard’s lunge could have broken Carrick’s ankle. It was reckless and a clear red. I think even Gerrard knew it – he didn’t exactly protest once the red card was produced.

And so now a trip to Southampton awaits in round four. I hope United have a really good go at the FA Cup this year. It’s seven years since United last had the famous old pot in the trophy room. Top of the Premier League, through to the last 16 of the Champions League and Liverpool beaten in the FA Cup; 2011 is shaping up to be a special year for the Reds.

source：manutd.com

Jonny Evans: Now let's win it

2011-01-10T14:31:00.000Z

Jonny Evans admits United are desperate to win the FA Cup having dumped old rivals Liverpool out.

The Reds will travel to Southampton at the end of the month in the fourth round after wrecking Kenny Dalglish’s comeback as Liverpool boss with a second-minute Ryan Giggs penalty at Old Trafford.

Despite having just come through a hectic festive schedule, boss Sir Alex Ferguson played a strong side.

And Reds defender Evans, who started in place of the injured Nemanja Vidic, insists the FA Cup is high on their list of priorities.

“Everyone wants to win the FA Cup. It is a great thing to be able to say you’ve won it,” said the 23-year-old.

“Quite a lot of the lads in the squad haven’t and we are desperate to win it and add to the collection.

“We are quite pleased with the draw. Southampton have good facilities, a nice stadium and a nice pitch. We will be confident.”

Liverpool boss Dalglish called the penalty decision a ‘joke’ as Daniel Agger was adjudged to have fouled Dimitar Berbatov in the first minute.

And his winger Ryan Babel was so infuriated he last night posted a mocked-up picture of ref Howard Webb in a United shirt on his Twitter account, a move the FA are investigating.

But Evans believes the penalty and dismissal of Steven Gerrard for a two-footed challenge were both correct.

“I couldn’t see the trip for the penalty but looking back on it (on TV) it was a penalty,” he said. “There was no doubt it was a red card.

“People always say it is harder to play against ten men. You feel like you have to pass it around them a bit better and we should have done a bit better in that aspect. But we defended well and kept a clean sheet which is good.”

Evans had one of United’s best chances to make it an easier ride but smashed a header against the post just before half-time.

“I had loads of texts before the game from my mates saying they had a pound on me to score at 14-1,” he said.

“I have hit the post three times now and missed a few sitters and I just don’t know what I am doing wrong!”

Meanwhile, Evans is trying to forget his Carling Cup horror show against West Ham.

The 23-year-old was at the centre of United’s defence during the 4-0 defeat at Upton Park, and has been trying to wipe it from his memory ever since.

“Don’t remind me about West Ham,” he said. “It has been difficult since then in terms of dealing with it on the mental side of things.

“I have always had confidence in my own ability and great support from my family and the manager and I just had to step back and think about the things I needed to do to get back to doing the basic stuff and defending and keeping clean sheets.

“It does feel better now. It is funny how things can change. It is always about your next game and you have to prepare and make sure you don’t become complacent.”

source：Manchester Evening News

Evans: I took a step back

2011-01-09T04:07:00.001Z

Jonny Evans was outstanding against Liverpool and helped keep Fernando Torres and his team-mates quiet in the FA Cup third round win, but he admits he had to take stock and re-evaluate his approach after a tough first half of the season.

Evans is an outstanding prospect, but he suffered a loss of form earlier this season - as any young player does at one stage or another - but he has come back fighting.

"It's been difficult in terms of dealing with the mental side of it," he admitted to MUTV. "But I've always had confidence in my ability and great support from my family and the manager.

"I just had to step back and look at what things I needed to be doing - and that's just doing the basic things well, like defending and keeping clean sheets."

That's exactly what he did against Liverpool on Sunday alongside Rio Ferdinand, who Evans praised for his part in the shut-out of Torres and co. "Rio's been fantastic," he added. "He's had a stop-start couple of seasons, but he's played a lot of games and he's back playing well. He's got great experience, so that was good to have alongside me."

Evans even came close to scoring his first goal for United with a brilliant header from Nani's corner that smacked against the post just before half time. He must be wondering what he has to do to score a goal. "I was getting texts before the game from mates saying, 'I've got a pound on you to score at 14/1! I've hit the post three times and missed a few sitters, so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

"We would have liked it to have been more comfortable. We came in at half time and we were still only a goal ahead. We wanted to get that second goal to make it more comfortable for ourselves. But Liverpool made it hard.

"People say it's tough against 10 men, and you have to pass it around well. We could maybe have done better in that respect. But we defended well and kept the clean sheet."

Evans will be hoping to build on this excellent display, but he knows there's still hard work ahead. "It's funny how things can change in football, and you can't become complacent. I just want to prepare and make sure I do well in my next game."

source：manutd.com

FA: Man United 1 - 0 Liverpool

2011-01-09T03:52:00.002Z

Steven Gerrard was sent off as Ryan Giggs's second-minute penalty proved enough to send Manchester United into the fourth round of the FA Cup, ruining Kenny Dalglish's emotional return as Liverpool manager.

The tie was barely 30 seconds old when Daniel Agger was adjudged to have fouled Dimitar Berbatov in the box and Giggs converted the spot-kick with ease.

Liverpool responded well, but their hopes of a comeback were hit hard when Gerrard was shown the red card for diving in rashly on Michael Carrick just after the half-hour mark.

Despite a spirited effort that offered encouragement to the 9,000 visiting fans, only a succession of fine saves by Pepe Reina kept the game alive until the end.

Roy Hodgson's departure on Saturday had offered Dalglish the opportunity to renew his old rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson and added extra spice to an already enticing encounter but, 20 years on from his last spell in charge of the Merseysiders, he could not inspire an instant improvement in their fortunes in his first game back in the dug-out.

Dalglish will have easier games in which to make his mark than this one between now and the end of the season.

However, his second stint as Liverpool manager got off to the worst possible start when Berbatov ambled into the box and went to ground near the right byeline after Agger clipped his ankle.

Referee Howard Webb thought long and hard before finally deciding it was a penalty and the veteran winger Giggs made no mistake, stepping up to slam the ball into the corner of the net.

Liverpool initially responded well, showing plenty of the heart they were purported to lack under Hodgson and fighting well to establish a platform in midfield through Lucas and Raul Meireles.

Although they were hardly piling on the pressure, the visitors tested the United defence too, with Rio Ferdinand having to show nifty footwork to clear from the edge of the six-yard box as Fernando Torres looked to pounce on Martin Kelly's low cross.

Maxi Rodriguez and Gerrard also both brought decent saves from Tomasz Kuszczak and - with United offering little at the other end - the game appeared to still be in the balance until Gerrard's moment of madness.

There was absolutely no need for the Reds skipper to dive in two-footed with studs showing, even if he did get far more of the ball than the man. Again Webb gave his decision some thought but, when it came, the red card he brandished was no surprise.

United, who had barely got out of second gear, were now in control of the game and almost extended their lead on the stroke of half-time when Jonny Evans ran in to meet a floated Giggs corner and power a header against the near post.

The home side continued to come forward with purpose at the start of the second half as Javier Hernandez flashed a header wide before Berbatov blasted over when Reina fumbled a Giggs cross.

Liverpool's 10 men continued to battle on and went close when Kuszczak had to dive acrobatically to keep out Fabio Aurelio's free-kick, which was heading for the top corner.

But, apart from an Agger header that was easily saved, Dalglish's side rarely threatened an equaliser while United were enjoying plenty of chances at the other end.

Reina made three excellent saves in quick succession from Rafael, Berbatov and Patrice Evra, with Giggs having a decent penalty shout turned down in between, while substitute Michael Owen - a former Anfield star - also spurned a couple of late opportunities as United ended up convincing winners.

Defeat means that only the Europa League offers Dalglish the chance to mark his second spell in charge at Anfield with a trophy but, to the Reds fans who chanted his name until long after the final whistle at Old Trafford, his presence means they can hope for a brighter future.

Man United：Kuszczak, Evra, Ferdinand, Rafael, Evans (Smalling 84), Giggs, Carrick, Nani, Fletcher (Anderson 62), Berbatov, Hernandez (Owen 75).
Subs not used：Lindegaard, Fabio, Gibson, Obertan.

Goals：Giggs (pen) 2.

Booked：Fletcher, Anderson.

Liverpool：Reina, Agger, Aurelio, Kelly, Skrtel, Meireles (Shelvey 60), Gerrard, Maxi (Babel 60), Lucas, Torres (Ngog 77), Kuyt.
Subs not used：Gulacsi, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Poulsen.

Sent Off：Gerrard.

Ref：H Webb.

Att：74,727.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 2 - 1 Stoke

2011-01-04T03:46:00.001Z

Man United: Kuszczak, Evra, Smalling, Vidic, Rafael, Giggs, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson (Carrick 78), Berbatov, Hernandez (Owen 78).
Subs Not Used: Amos, Fabio, Evans, Anderson, Obertan.

Goals: Hernandez 27, Nani 62.

Stoke: Begovic, Huth, Collins, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Wilson, Whitehead, Sanli, Delap (Walters 69), Etherington (Pennant 68), Jones (Fuller 75)
Subs Not Used: Sorensen, Higginbotham, Whelan, Pugh.

Goals：Whitehead 50.

Att: 73,401.

Ref: Clattenburg.

source：BBC Sport

PL: West Brom 1 - 2 Man United

2011-01-01T03:40:00.002Z

West Brom: Carson, Cech, Pablo (Tchoyi 71), Morrison, Brunt, Reid (Zuiverloon 64), Thomas, Dorrans, Mulumbu (Fortune 90), Scharner, Odemwingie.
Subs Not Used: Myhill, Shorey, Miller, Cox.

Goals: Morrison 14.

Booked：Brunt.

Man United: Kuszczak, Neville (Fabio 71), Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Berbatov (Hernandez 60), Rooney, Obertan (Gibson 60).
Subs Not Used: Amos, Evans, Owen, Bebe.

Goals：Rooney 3, Hernandez 75.

Booked：Fabio, Vidic, Hernandez.

Att: 25,499.

Ref: Foy.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Birmingham 1 - 1 Man United

2010-12-28T03:21:00.002Z

Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Dann, Bowyer, Larsson (Hleb 69), Gardner, Ferguson, Beausejour (Zigic 82), Jerome (Philips 85).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Jiranek, Fahey, Derbyshire.

Goals: Bowyer 89.

Booked：Dann, Bowyer, Gardner.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, Anderson (Fletcher 73), Giggs, Carrick, Gibson (Hernandez 90), Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used：Kuszczak, Neville, Evans, Obertan, Macheda.

Goals：Berbatov 58.

Booked：Vidic, Anderson, Giggs.

Att: 28,242.

Ref: Lee Mason.

source：BBC Sport

LC: West Ham 4 - 0 Man United

2010-11-30T11:10:00.002Z

Rampant West Ham booked a first League Cup semi-final for 20 years after knocking holders Manchester United out of the Carling Cup at snowy Upton Park.

Former Red Devil Jonathan Spector was in inspired form, scoring with a header and a close-range finish to notch his first goals in English football.

The disjointed visitors, previously unbeaten this season, conceded again as Carlton Cole nodded in after the break.

Cole then turned Jonny Evans to fire simply past Tomas Kuszczak.

Though Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson predictably did not select his strongest team, the starting XI could still boast the likes of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Javier Hernandez.

So it still registers as something of a shock that West Ham, bottom of the Premier League, ran out such convincing and deserved winners against the league leaders - especially in light of the Londoners' poor start to this season.

And under-pressure Hammers boss Avram Grant may now insist they are over their bad patch after a performance that was rich in promise, both individually - Nigerian striker Victor Obinna was hugely impressive as he created all four goals - and collectively.

The match started fast in freezing conditions, with both teams attacking each other as the play moved swiftly from end-to-end.

West Ham could have suffered a dispiriting early deficit but for the heroics of England squad goalkeeper Robert Green, so maligned after his disastrous World Cup campaign.

Only seven minutes had passed when Gabriel Obertan burst into space in the box to hammer a powerful low shot towards goal, but Green superbly pushed it onto the post before James Tomkins quickly hacked the ball away to safety.

The visitors briefly appeared to take control, with French under-21 winger Obertan causing Julian Faubert problems as he narrowly failed to present Giggs with a simple opportunity to score.

Though Radoslav Kovac smashed a decent chance over the bar, the Hammers appeared to be playing firmly on the back foot.

Yet Spector took charge of the match in the 15th minute as he brilliantly rampaged through the heart of the visitors' half, with Anderson's failure to challenge allowing him to set up Obinna.

The Nigerian's shot nestled in the net after an obvious deflection and Upton Park celebrated what they thought was a goal for a full minute.

But, though it looked like the ball had come off United defender Chris Smalling, the referee rightly ruled that it had skimmed off Spector - and disallowed it because he was offside.

Minutes later Spector, who made eight first-team appearances for United, gave West Ham the lead.

A clever cross from Obinna was hung up perfectly over United's back-line and the American beat Fletcher to it and looped a well-placed header past Poland's Kuszczak.

West Ham were now winning most of the individual battles and Spector added to the Londoners' advantage seven minutes before half-time.

Once again slaloming through the opposition's sleepy midfield, Spector popped a sharp pass into the feet of Obinna, who controlled it well under a heavy but futile challenge from a slipping Fabio.

Spector then sprinted to collect the loose ball before firing home emphatically from close range with both Smalling and Kuszczak unable to stop him.

The visitors tried to respond and Bebe, playing on the right, had a header plucked just from underneath the bar while Green again had to avert danger from under his own bar as Fabio's cross deflected viciously off Luis Boa Morte.

But West Ham had the best remaining chance of the first period, Obinna forcing a superb low stop from Kuszczak after Cole's knock-down.

Ferguson brought on Federico Macheda for the largely ineffective Bebe for the second half, but it made little difference as United's display remained distinctly below the standards they usually set.

Defensively they were especially lacking, and slack marking allowed Obinna to whip over a brilliant cross for Cole to nod a textbook header past Kuszczak for his 50th career goal.

The excellent Obinna embarrassed Rafael da Silva, on for his brother Fabio, in the 66th minute with some impressive trickery down the left wing to create West Ham's third goal.

His pass into the middle of the penalty area was controlled well by Cole, who turned Evans with remarkable ease before slotting a low shot home easily.

With the snow falling ever heavier, the white match ball was replaced with an orange one before the humbled Evans was replaced by Wes Brown in defence.

Giggs then failed to control Fletcher's clever through-ball when clear while Hernandez headed wide when well placed, summing up United's misery.

Obinna even tried an ambitious free-kick from over 30 yards before the end, displaying the confidence coursing through the veins of a west Ham side which notched their biggest win over United in 80 years.

West Ham：Green, Ben-Haim, Tomkins (Reid 74), Upson, Spector, Faubert, Barrera (Hines 76), Boa Morte, Kovac, Cole (Stanislas 89), Obinna.
Subs not used：Boffin, Parker, McCarthy, Piquionne.

Goals：Spector 22 37, Cole 56 66.

Booked：Reid.

Man United：Kuszczak, Smalling, Fabio (Rafael 65), O'Shea, Evans (Brown 72), Anderson, Giggs, Fletcher, Hernandez, Obertan, Bebe (Macheda 46).
Subs not used：Amos, Park, Carrick, Eikrem.

Ref：Clattenburg.

Att：33,551.

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 7 - 1 Blackburn

2010-11-27T04:42:00.002Z

Dimitar Berbatov scored five as Manchester United thrashed Blackburn.

Berbatov gave United the lead from Nani's delivery before Park Ji-Sung combined with Wayne Rooney for 2-0.

Berbatov pounced on a Pascal Chimbonda backpass to score the third before grabbing his hat-trick with a firm strike from just inside the area.

Nani lashed in to make it 5-0, Berbatov followed up Park's blocked shot and then fired in an angled strike before Chris Samba's late consolation header.

United's Bulgarian ace became the fourth player to score five goals in a Premier League game, joining former United striker Andy Cole, Newcastle's Alan Shearer and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe.

But both Wayne Rooney and Nani had a huge hand in helping Berbatov achieve his feat during a victory that United fans will savour for a while, not only because it took them to the top of the league but because of the manner of the performance.

Despite going into the match unbeaten in their last 28 matches, their displays during the last few weeks have been too reliant on their battling qualities rather than the fluency fans are used to.

Part of the reason had been Berbatov's form - after scoring seven goals in his first six games he had gone 10 matches without adding to his tally. Rooney's lack of form following his injuries and U-turn on seeking a move had hardly helped.

Against Blackburn the telepathy between the pair was back, as was their touch.

The pair combined as early in the second minute for the opener when Nani's free-kick was met with the faintest headed flick from Rooney and Berbatov stuck out his leg to finish from six yards.

Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson, who was injured in a collision with Anderson in the lead up to the goal, did well to claw away United's next effort when he denied Patrice Evra from Nani's corner.

But even if there were two Robinsons in goal, Rovers could not have stopped United's second.

It was Nani again who started the move as he fed Park. The South Korean played a one-two with Rooney on the edge of the area before running on and poking his shot past Robinson.

if that was sublime, the third was stupid - on the part of Rovers.

Chimbonda, 40 yards from his goal on the left touchline and under little pressure, played a terrible backpass to Robinson which was intercepted by Berbatov, who smashed the mistake past the Rovers number one.

It was 3-0 at half-time, and any hopes Sam Allardyce's Rovers had of United easing off the accelerator were shattered two minutes after the break.

Nani sped down the right then cut inside and laid the ball back to Berbatov, who began the move he started inside his own half with an effort high into Robinson's net.

A minute later Nani got his personal reward when he cut inside Chimbonda to place his effort past Robinson.

A sixth arrived as Rafael da Silva raced into the 18-yard box before playing in Park, whose attempt was blocked by Samba only for Berbatov to smash in.

And with 20 minutes left to play, Berbatov joined an elite list by sliding in his fifth from an angle after his attempt to square the ball to Rooney at the far post was thwarted.

Blackburn's only effort on target resulted in a goal when Samba nodded in substitute Josh Morris's cross eight minutes from time.

Man United：Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans 64), Rafael, Anderson, Park (Obertan 72), Carrick, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs not used：Kuszczak, O'Shea, Giggs, Fletcher, Hernandez.

Goals：Berbatov 2 27 47 62 70, Park 23, Nani 48.

Blackburn：Robinson, Samba, Nelsen, Salgado, Jones, Chimbonda, Emerton (Linganzi 52), Dunn, Goulon (Hoilett 28), Diouf (Morris 52), Roberts.
Subs not used：Bunn, Givet, Hanley, Mwaruwari.

Goals：Samba 83.

Booked：Salgado, Diouf.

Ref：Probert.

Att：74,850.

source：BBC Sport

Evans admits frustrations

2010-11-25T04:39:00.000Z

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans admits he has been frustrated with his form during the past six months.

The 22-year-old centre-half put in a solid display against Rangers on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, after some shaky performances of late.

It was a step towards his best form which last season saw him as the Red Devils' third choice centre-back behind Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"I don't know why I wasn't performing well earlier in the season," said the Northern Ireland international.

"Last year I had a stop-start time and got one or two injuries when I was in the side.

"I wasn't at my best for about six months. I was making decisions and thinking 'I would never have done that in the past'.

"I have tried not to worry about it too much. I just got on with it and hoped everything would come back."

Record

United have not conceded a goal in the Champions League this season and will look to make it six successive clean sheets in Europe when they host Valencia on Matchday Six.

Evans believes that the backing of manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been crucial in keeping his spirits up, even when he fell down in the pecking order behind new recruit Chris Smalling.

"I haven't been thinking of it as a chance to re-establish myself because the manager has always had faith in me, which is important," he added.

"It is just a case of getting my own personal confidence back."

United have the chance to go top of the Premier League table when they take on Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday.

source：Sky Sports

CL: Rangers 0 - 1 Man United

2010-11-24T07:25:00.002Z

A late penalty from Wayne Rooney eased Manchester United into the last 16 of the Champions League, with Rangers dropping into the Europa League.

Rooney converted an 87th-minute spot-kick awarded for Steven Naismith's high challenge on Fabio da Silva.

Rooney had earlier hit the crossbar with a first-half header as United enjoyed the bulk of possession.

Rangers' best chances fell to Kenny Miller but the striker sent a header wide and had a close-range shot saved.

United were far from their best but extended their unbeaten run to 28 games without too much fuss.

Rooney, making his first start since the beginning of October, was rather rusty but demonstrated a few nice touches and slammed the decisive penalty home in emphatic style.

A Rangers side missing Madjid Bougherra, Sasa Papac and Maurice Edu were forced into a defensive reshuffle yet remained compact and obdurate.

However, for a side needing to take three points to have any chance of progress, Walter Smith's men were too timid in attack.

With Steven Davis deployed as a stand-in right-back, Rangers missed his energy and clever promptings in the middle of the park.

And the Northern Ireland midfielder was fortunate not to concede a penalty in the first few minutes when he awkwardly clattered into Dimitar Berbatov.

Soon after, the Manchester United forward was able to connect with a cross from da Silva but could only find the arms of Allan McGregor with a close range header.

Rangers were seldom seen as an attacking force but they were presented with a good chance on 15 minutes when David Weir headed on a deep free-kick from Davis and Miller could only nod wide of the far post from the angle of the six-yard box.

With Rangers content to sit back and United lacking any real sense of urgency there was little action to keep either goalkeeper warm as temperatures plummeted.

A neat United move fizzled out with a Nani mis-hit on the edge of penalty area and the Portuguese winger then blazed over the crossbar after a sharp one-two with Michael Carrick.

Rooney, who was roundly jeered throughout by the home crowd, had been very quiet but went close with a soaring header that crashed against the bar on 39 minutes.

Rangers responded immediately, with Naismith slipping Miller in behind the visiting defence only for the Scotland striker to shoot straight at the legs of Edwin van der Sar from a tight angle.

The second half was less than two minutes old when Rooney whipped a 30-yard free-kick narrowly wide.

Berbatov then made a mess of a volley from near the penalty spot before McGregor got down well to thwart Carrick after a cute lay-off from Rooney had cut the Rangers defence open.

With the game opening up briefly, a misjudgement from United defender Johnny Evans allowed Naismith to get an outstretched toe to the ball on the edge of the penalty area but van der Sar was out quickly to block, while McGregor was again alert to keep out a raking effort from Berbatov.

The Rangers goalkeeper then did well to spread himself and prevent a low Nani delivery from whizzing across his goal.

With the home side remaining reluctant to get men forward, the match appeared to be petering out when da Silva's dart into the penalty box was brought to a crude halt by the high boot of Naismith.

Rooney confidently converted from the spot, with McGregor diving in the opposite direction, to leave Sir Alex Ferguson's side three points ahead of Valencia going into the last round of group fixtures.

Rangers will travel to bottom side Bursaspor knowing third place in the section is already theirs.

Rangers：McGregor, Weir, Broadfoot, Foster, Whittaker, McCulloch, Davis, Weiss (Fleck 79), Miller, Naismith, Hutton (Beattie 88).
Subs not used：Alexander, Perry, Wylde, Loy.

Booked：Whittaker, Naismith, Hutton.

Man United：Van der Sar, Smalling, Fabio, O'Shea, Evans, Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Obertan 77), Scholes (Anderson 67), Berbatov (Hernandez 76), Rooney.
Subs not used：Amos, Evra, Brown, Macheda.

Goals：Rooney (pen) 87.

Ref：M Busacca.

Att：49,764.

source：BBC Sport

Evans admits United challenge

2010-11-23T07:16:00.001Z

Jonny Evans has admitted he is facing the biggest challenge of his Manchester United career after a recent dip in form.

The 22-year-old has made six Premier League starts this season but has not featured in the league since the 2-2 draw at Bolton in September.

Rio Ferdinand has recovered from injury to return alongside Nemanja Vidic as United's first-choice central-defensive pairing while Chris Smalling appears to have climbed above Evans in the pecking order since his arrival from Fulham in the summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to rest Ferdinand and Vidic for Wednesday night's Champions League match with Rangers, giving Evans and Smalling rare starts.

And Evans knows the pressure is on for him to impress at Ibrox and prove he still has what it takes to be a United regular.

"This is probably the biggest challenge I have had," said the Northern Ireland international.

"It is the first time I have been taken out of the team because of performances.

Not up to scratch

"I was playing quite a bit at the start of the season but my performances were probably not up to scratch and I have been out of the team for a while.

"But I am not going to mope about it. This is a good opportunity for me.

"I played for Northern Ireland last week and got 90 minutes under my belt. When I get onto the pitch I must make sure I do the best I can."

Evans is close friends with Rangers pair Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis, who are also key men for Northern Ireland.

And Evans even took advantage of his recent absence from the United squad to see his international team-mates playing in the Gers' Old Firm win at Parkhead last month.

"I have never been to Ibrox before but one of the benefits of being dropped was that I was able to come up for the Celtic-Rangers game," he added.

"(Rangers coach) Ian Durrant sorted me out for the tickets and it was a great experience."

source：Sky Sports

PL: Man United 2 - 0 Wigan

2010-11-20T07:19:00.002Z

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, Park (Scholes 56), Carrick (Hernandez 64), Nani, Fletcher, Obertan, Macheda (Rooney 56).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Evans, Giggs.

Goals: Evra 45, Hernandez 77.

Wigan: Al Habsi, Gohouri, Alcaraz, S Caldwell, Stam (McArthur 80), Figueroa, Thomas, N'Zogbia (Di Santo 80), Gomez (Moses 58), Diame, Rodallega.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Watson, Boselli, McManaman.

Booked：Alcaraz, Diame

Sent Off：Alcaraz, Rodallega.

Att: 74,181.

Ref: Atkinson.

source：BBC Sport

Evans ready to wait his turn

2010-11-19T07:14:00.001Z

Jonny Evans has admitted that is frustrating playing a bit-part role at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has not started a Premier League game for United since September but, despite this, continues to be a Northern Ireland regular.

His experience and skills were called on again in midweek as Nigel Worthington named a much-changed team against Morocco in the 1-1 draw.

However, at United he faces a battle to regain a leading role in the team, although he hopes to play against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League next week.

"It's been really frustrating really," explained Evans.

"I was in at the start but then one or two performances weren't up to scratch.

"I know if I don't play well the manager can't pick me so I have just got to wait for my chance.

Chance

"If I get the chance I have just got to make sure that I play well.

"It would be nice to play at Ibrox and hopefully I'll get a chance.

"We've got 10 points in the group so the manager might want to rest one or two. It'll be nice to travel up there."

While Evans waits eagerly to see if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to recall him to the team, at international level his place is secure.

Despite his youth, Evans was notably one of the older and most experienced players in the team as he gained his 24th international cap.

And the role of elder statesman was something the defender revealed was a unique feeling to him.

"It was kind of strange," Evans confessed.

New

"There were a lot of new faces around the hotel but a few of them had been in the squad before and we always have good spirit with Northern Ireland.

"We trained well. We only had two days and two sessions but the lads did well.

"I thought they handled it pretty well and we played some good stuff. It was a good performance by us in the end.

"I told them, 'Just go out and enjoy it, do things simple and work hard'.

"That is a big thing we do here in Northern Ireland. We always try to work hard on the pitch, and if we do, we end up getting results."

The evening was also marked by Evans being handed the captaincy for the second half after Aaron Hughes was withdrawn at the interval.

"That was nice," added Evans.

"Nigel said before that if I managed to stay on the pitch, barring injury, I'd be captain in the second half. That was very pleasing."

source：Sky Sports

FR: N Ireland 1 - 1 Morocco

2010-11-17T15:57:00.002Z

Rory Patterson grabbed a draw for Northern Ireland against Morocco with an 86th-minute penalty at Windsor Park.

Nigel Worthington's side looked to be heading for defeat when defender Rachid Soulaimani was adjudged to have hauled down Josh McQuoid in the goalmouth.

Morocco had been gifted the lead in the 55th minute by a mistake by substitute goalkeeper Alan Blayney.

Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh scored when Blayney's attempted clearance rebounded off the Moroccan and into the net.

The late equaliser should give manager Nigel Worthington reason for optimism after what seemed like being a disappointing night.

A string of withdrawals forced Worthington to make eight changes from the side which laboured to a draw in the Faroe Islands.

Preston midfielder Adam Barton, who is also eligible for England, was handed a debut from the start in the hope he could be persuaded to pledge his allegiance full-time.

The under-strength hosts made a bright opening to the international friendly, but Morocco had the best chances of the opening 45 minutes.

Chakib Benzoukane cut inside to force keeper Jonathan Tuffey to touch the shot away for a corner.

Aaron Hughes headed away from the set-piece but Kharja Houssine fired a shot back in which flew over the bar.

The best chance of the half fell to Nancy midfielder Youssef Hadji who weakly shot straight at Tuffey.

Blayney, Michael O'Connor, McQuoid and Rory McArdle came on as substitutes as Northern Ireland boss Worthington made changes at half-time.

The breakthrough goal may have been a disaster for keeper Blayney as he tried to control and clear McArdle's backpass, but made he made some amends soon afterwards by tipping Adil Hermach's long-range effort on to the bar.

Northern Ireland did not give up and were rewarded with Plymouth forward Patterson's late penalty.

N Ireland：Tuffey (Alan Blayney 46), Hodson, McGivern (Coates 62), Evans, Hughes (McArdle 46), Barton, McGinn (Magennis 69), McCourt (O'Connor 46), Patterson, John Gorman, Brunt (McQuoid 47).

Goals：Patterson (pen) 86.

Morocco：Lamyaghri, Soulaimani, El Kaddouri, Kantari, Mehdi Benatia (Mohamed Berrabeh 78), Hermach (El Ahmadi 89), Belhanda (Benzoukane 75), Kharja, Hadji (El Zhar 80), Chadli, Chamakh (El Arabi 71).

Booked：Soulaimani, Chamakh.

Goals：Chamakh 55.

Att：15,000.

source：BBC Sport

Evans named N Ireland squad against Morocco

2010-11-15T09:17:00.001Z

N Ireland squad: Tuffey (Inverness), Blayney (Linfield), Evans (Manchester United), Craigan (Motherwell), McCartney (Sunderland), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford), Little (Rangers), Brunt (West Bromwich Albion), Gorman (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Davis (Rangers), McGinn (Celtic), McCourt (Celtic), O'Connor (Scunthorpe United), Barton (Preston North End), Lafferty (Rangers), Patterson (Plymouth Argyle), McQuoid (AFC Bournemouth).

source：BBC Sport

PL: Man United 2 - 1 Wolves

2010-11-06T07:48:00.001Z

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea (Scholes 74), Hargreaves (Bebe 10) (Macheda 74), Park, Fletcher, Hernandez, Obertan.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Smalling, Fabio, Evans.

Booked: Hernandez.

Goals: Park 45, 90.

Wolves: Hahnemann, Stearman, Ward, Berra, Foley, Edwards (Fletcher 65), Henry, Hunt (Ebanks-Blake 64), Jarvis, Milijas (Mancienne 77), Doyle.
Subs Not Used: Hennessey, Van Damme, Elokobi, Mouyokolo.

Att: 75,285.

Ref: Dowd.

source：BBC Sport

CC: Man United 3 - 2 Wolves

2010-10-26T09:31:00.000+01:00

Javier Hernandez came off the bench to score a last-minute winner as holders Manchester United earned a Carling Cup quarter-final place at Wolves' expense.

Hernandez had only been on for eight minutes when he settled a thrilling tie by firing in off Wayne Hennessey.

Bebe had put United ahead on his first start with a deflected strike before George Elokobi headed in to equalise.

Park Ji-Sung lashed home to make it 2-1 but Kevin Foley's turn and low finish levelled again before Hernandez won it.

It was an exciting climax to the game but perhaps harsh on the visitors, who more than played their part in a second half of wonderful end-to-end football.

Yet it had all started so differently, with a first 45 minutes none of the 46,083 present will be in a hurry to remember.

As is their wont in the Carling Cup, both managers made changes to their line-ups, with United replacing their entire starting XI and Wolves bringing in seven new players.

It was immediately obvious that the players were not comfortable in each other's company as the first period passed by in a blur of misplaced passes, with wastefulness in possession a recurring theme.

Bebe was the best of the United bunch, the £7.4m summer signing trying to rid the game of its lethargy by testing Elokobi down the United right, one cross finding Federico Macheda only for the Italian to shoot tamely at Hennessey.

Wolves were similarly sluggish, with only Foley and Matt Jarvis down their right providing any sort of threat, but the half-time whistle was the best thing that could happen to the game.

It was a completely different contest after the break as both teams began playing with an urgency that had been badly lacking, chances soon coming thick and fast at either end.

United were the first to pour forward as Macheda curled over and then Park fired at the legs of Hennessey, but they went ahead when Bebe's shot from an angle on the right deflected cruelly off Elokobi and looped over Hennessey, with Foley narrowly failing to head the ball off the line.

Wolves had not scored at Old Trafford since February 1980 but they were not to be denied this time, and after Fabio brilliantly deflected Stephen Hunt's goalbound drive over the bar, the visitors equalised when Elokobi nodded in the resulting corner.

It was the full-back's first goal for the club and Wolves were suddenly flying, Hunt clipping the top of the bar with his left-foot shot after a run and cross down the left from the excellent Jarvis.

The game had opened up to a dramatic degree, so it was no real surprise when the teams exchanged goals once more, both efforts superbly crafted.

United went ahead again when Park burst forward from midfield and after an unwitting touch from Steven Mouyokolo, the South Korean slammed into the corner, before Steven Fletcher's cheeky flick teed up Foley to shoot low beyond United keeper Ben Amos, making only his second start for the club.

Wolves went perilously close to taking the lead when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake saw his ferocious left-foot drive from 18 yards fly only inches past Amos's right-hand post, but it was United's new hero Hernandez who once again had the last word.

Fresh from his two-goal match-winning display in the Premier League at Stoke on Sunday, Hernandez collected Darron Gibson's pass and fired in via Hennessey's body to win it in the dying stages.

Man United：Amos, Brown, Smalling, Fabio (Neville 74), Evans, Park (Moorison 90), Carrick, Gibson, Obertan, Macheda, Bebe (Hernandez 81).
Subs not used：Kuszczak, Rafael, Eikrem, Brady.

Booked：Gibson.

Goals：Bebe 56, Park 70, Hernandez 90.

Wolves：Hennessey, Elokobi, Berra, Mancienne, Mouyokolo, Foley, Hunt, Jones, Jarvis (Doyle 85), Ebanks-Blake (Bent 80), Fletcher.
Subs not used：Hahnemann, Van Damme, Stearman, Edwards, Milijas.

Goals：Elokobi 60, Foley 76.

Ref：Jones.

Att：46, 083.

source：BBC Sport

Evans Injury Update

2010-10-22T17:30:00.002+01:00

Wayne Rooney has dominated the headlines this week but he will not be in the side to face Stoke on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

Rooney, who has agreed a new five-year deal after days of intense media speculation, missed the Champions League win over Bursaspor after suffering an ankle injury in training and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks.

Rio Ferdinand will return to the centre of defence at the Britannia Stadium after being rested on Wednesday, while Jonny Evans is back in training following a thigh injury. Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Owen Hargreaves (calf) need another couple of weeks, leaving Antonio Valencia as the Reds' only long-term absentee.

"We have almost a full complement of players for Sunday," Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday. "Rio will play but Wayne is not fit: it’s ironic he picked up an ankle injury in training on Tuesday. I think we’re looking at three weeks for him.

"Owen Hargreaves has a calf strain which is going to take a couple of weeks, but Jonny Evans trained today and is available.

"Rio has done fantastically well. He’s made his comeback for us and England, and played last week against West Brom. Wednesday was a good opportunity to bring in Chris Smalling and he did very well, but Rio will be back."

After a week which has been overshadowed by the Rooney news, Ferguson admits it'll be tougher than usual for his players to focus on beating Tony Pulis' Stoke and stay in touch with the frontrunners in the league. But the Reds boss is ready for it.

"It’s a challenge for us to get the show back on the road, but I’m looking forward to it now – to seeing the team perform in the right way," Sir Alex continued.

"Tony will have his team galvanised for this game. They have the noisiest support in the country, so we'll need control that and keep them as quiet as we possibly can.

"We have a good record there. We’ve had to adapt our game when we’ve been there in the last couple of years, and it’ll be the same on Sunday. They put you to the test alright, but hopefully we can cope with that."

In recent weeks Stoke have come under fire for a perceived overly-physical approach, but Ferguson has nothing but praise for his opposite number.

"Tony’s strength is understanding the strength of his players," the United boss said. "They’ve gradually improved every season in the Premier League and Tony is a real good guy, with great principles.

"His team is fair and honest, very tough, and there’s no quarter asked or given. We're playing one of the most honest sides you can meet in the Premier League."

Stoke are being ably led this term by former Reds defender Ryan Shawcross, who moved to the Potteries in January 2008 after failing to break into the United first team.

Sir Alex said of the 23-year-old: "I keep saying to myself 'why did I sell him?' He’s a great lad and it’s unfortunate that he was here at a time when Craig Cathcart, Jonny Evans and Gerard Pique were showing great promise, and it was difficult to guarantee him a place in the first team.

"But then, of course, Pique left, Cathcart got a few injuries and we decided to sell him to Blackpool, and only Jonny remained. So Ryan would probably have figured now had he stayed."

source：manutd.com

ECQ: Faroe Islands 1 - 1 N Ireland

2010-10-12T16:35:00.002+01:00

Northern Ireland's hopes of making the Euro 2012 finals suffered a major blow after being held by the Faroe Islands.

Kyle Lafferty and Jonny Evans went close for the visitors in the first half while Niall McGinn missed an open goal just after the break.

Christian Holst fired low past Maik Taylor for the Faroes to give the minnows a surprise lead on the hour.

Lafferty hit the bottom corner to level after 76 minutes but the hosts held on despite intense late pressure.

Northern Ireland dominated possession in the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances against a hardworking Faroes team in Toftir.

Lafferty justified his selection ahead of David Healy by providing a constant threat in attack.

The big Rangers striker was denied by Jakup Mikkelsen four times in the opening 20 minutes and came closest when the keeper tipped his 20-yard strike over the bar.

The hosts enjoyed their only spell of pressure midway through the half but Taylor easily saved efforts from Holst and Simun Samuelsen.

Evans moved up from full-back to fire narrowly wide from 30 yards before heading over from close range while under pressure from Daniel Udsen.

Gareth McAuley missed out just before the break when the full-back headed into the side-netting from an inswinging Chris Brunt cross.

The visitors should have taken the lead on 50 minutes when Steven Davis sent McGinn clear, but the Celtic winger could only find the side-netting from a tight angle after rounding Mikkelesen.

Healy replaced Warren Feeney and the substitute made an immediate impact with a low shot which had Mikkelsen at full-stretch.

Mikkelsen again thwarted Lafferty after 58 minutes when he clawed out the striker's header which was arrowing into the top corner.

The Faroes scored with their first meaning attack of the second half - Stephen Craigan's poor touch gifted possession to the Faroes and Udsen played in Holst, who wriggled free 10 yards out before shooting across Taylor and into the bottom corner.

Northern Ireland wasted two opportunities to draw level within minutes of the goal with Chris Baird and Evans heading wide from close range.

Evans sent a looping header onto the roof of the net before Northern Ireland finally converted one of their chances.

Lafferty jinked by three players on the edge of the box and played a one-two with Brunt before firing a crisp low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Lafferty went close to netting again a minute later but he guided the ball straight at Mikkelsen from Brunt's cross.

Northern Ireland piled on the pressure in the closing stages but the Faroes defended bravely to secure a rare point.

The result sees Northern Ireland slip a place to fourth after Slovenia earned a 1-0 win in Estonia.

The match between Group C leaders Italy and Serbia in Genoa was abandoned after seven minutes due to crowd trouble.

Faroe Islands：Mikkelsen, Naes, Jacobsen, Davidsen, Gregersen, Udsen (Petersen 67), Benjaminsen, Samuelsen (Arnbrjorn Hansen 78), Holst (Justinus Hansen 84), Edmundsson, Elttor.
Subs not used：Thomsen, Rubeksen, Bo, Mouritsen.

Booked：Naes, Gregersen.

Goals：Holst 60.

N Irelands：Taylor, McAuley, J Evans, Craigan, Hughes, Baird, Davis, McGinn (C Evans 83), Brunt, Feeney (Healy 50), Lafferty.
Subs not used：Tuffey, Clingan, McCann, Patterson, Gorman.

Booked：Davis.

Goals：Lafferty 76.

Ref：Cyrill Zimmermann (Switzerland).

Att：1,921.

source：BBC Sport

ECQ: N Ireland 0 - 0 Italy

2010-10-08T05:37:00.004+01:00

Northern Ireland's resolute display earned a deserved point against Italy in their Euro 2012 qualifier.

Italy dominated but David Healy should have put the hosts ahead when he headed wide from six yards on 31 minutes.

Maik Taylor kept out Marco Borriello's strike seconds later and Antonio Cassano curled the rebound wide.

The Group C leaders wasted a series of chances in the second half while Steven Davis broke clear in the final minute but his weak shot was easily saved.

A blustery wind favoured the Italians in the first half and they quickly took control at Windsor Park.

Andrea Pirlo directed play from midfield but the visitors struggled to turn possession into goalmouth chances.

Domenico Criscito had the first strike on goal after after 14 minutes but the full-back dragged his effort wide.

The game burst into life on 31 minutes when Healy, without a goal for 13 games, wasted a glorious opening by heading wide after connecting with Chris Brunt's inswinging cross.

Seconds later and it was Italy's turn to miss out, with Borriello breaking clear before seeing his shot saved by Taylor and then Cassano fired the rebound wide.

Northern Ireland had a penalty appeal turned down after the ball struck Daniele De Rossi's arm in the area.

Stefano Mauri directed his header straight at Taylor in the 36th minute and there were no further scares for a solid home defence until the break.

The game burst into life on 31 minutes when Healy, without a goal for 13 games, wasted a glorious opening by heading wide after connecting with Chris Brunt's inswinging cross.

Seconds later and it was Italy's turn to miss out, with Borriello breaking clear before seeing his shot saved by Taylor and then Cassano fired the rebound wide.

Northern Ireland had a penalty appeal turned down after the ball struck Daniele De Rossi's arm in the area.

Stefano Mauri directed his header straight at Taylor in the 36th minute and there were no further scares for a solid home defence until the break.

Northern Ireland：Taylor, McAuley, Hughes, Craigan, J Evans, Brunt (McGinn 71), Baird, Davis, McCann (C Evans 80), Feeney, Healy (Lafferty 66).
Subs not used：Tuffey, Clinghan, Patterson, Gorman.

Italy：Viviano, Criscito, Bonucci, Chiellini, Cassani, De Rossi, Pirlo, Mauri (Marchisio 79), Pepe (Rossi 84), Cassano, Borriello (Pazzini 74).
Subs not used：Sirigu, Bovo, Palombo, Zambrotta.

Ref：Tony Chapron (France).

source：BBC Sport