Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 68th birthday today. The Scot who was appointed at Old Trafford in November 1986 has been in the job for 23 long years.
With more than two decades as manager of Manchester United, Fergie is the second-longest serving manager in United’s history after Sir Matt Busby. Even at 68 he is showing absolutely no signs of retirement!
Manchester United have already given their manager Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect birthday present by closing the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points with a stunning 5-0 victory over Wigan.
Here’s wishing Fergie a Happy Birthday and a good health to continue his amazing job at Old Trafford. I hope he has an enjoyable party like this one tonight ;)
As January 1 approaches closer, the transfer rumors keep getting intense. Manchester United has been linked with several players in the last two months, primarily because the world knows that they haven't spent anything from their $80mn after the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
Top players in Europe like David Villa, Franck Ribéry, Marouane Chamakh, Maicon and Yaya Touré have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Manchester United have so far only made an official bid for Angel Di Maria, which was rejected by Benfica. The Argentine sensation has attracted huge interest from many European clubs after his impressive performances at Estadio da Luz.
There are 3 more players who are said to be monitored by the scouts of Sir Alex Ferguson. These players are Khouma Babacar, Simon Kjaer and Christian Stuani. Lets take a closer look at these players, in case, you haven't heard about them before.
Khouma Babacar is a Senegalese striker who currently plays for Fiorentina. He has been touted as the "new Didier Drogba" and clubs like Real Madrid are after him. He could play alongside his compatriot Mame Biram Diouf who was signed by Manchester United from Molde last summer and has been granted work permit recently.
Simon Kjaer is a young defender from Denmark who currently plays for Italian side Palermo. He has ruled out a move to Old Trafford saying he is happy at Palermo. While a January move seems unlikely, Kjaer may become a Red Devil during summer 2010.
Christian Stuani is the third player linked with Manchester United recently. He is an Uruguayan striker who currently plays at Albacete after being loaned from his holding club Reggina. He has been in top form in La Segunda having scored eleven times in 16 games. Real Zaragoza are also closely following Stuani's progress.
Manchester United is planning a £20million transfer swoop for French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The tall 23-year-old is the best long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Hugo Lloris has consistently excelled in his duties for French side Lyon and his excellent performances in the Champions League ensured that Liverpool missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages. Fergie could make a major splash when the transfer window opens on Friday.
The only problem in signing Lloris is his greedy club Lyon. Remember how United had a tough time dealing with the French club when they courted Karim Benzema, who eventually landed in Madrid. Also they are wealthy and would definitely like to pocket huge amount from Manchester United for their top shot-stopper.
Manchester United need a top goalie immediately as Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak have both failed to impress this season. Sir Alex Ferguson would ideally like a new keeper next month, but he will also be ready to wait until the summer to make sure United do not overspend on a player. However, the departure of VDS to attend his wife must be worrying Fergie and adding more urgency to sign Lloris.
The need for a new goalie at Old Trafford has been stressed all this season and Manchester United were linked with Igor Akinfeev who was touted to become the next Schmeichel. Fergie is a fan of the Russian keeper, but Hugo Lloris too is an impressive player. He has represented France at all age groups, and was an ever-present in France's 2005 European Under-19 Football Championship winning side.
The last French keeper we had was Fabian Barthez who was an absolute disaster. But Hugo Lloris is considered one of Europe's top young keepers and United are tracking his progress. If he arrives at Old Trafford, he could become the top shot-stopper for the Red Devils for a decade.
Victor Moses, a 19-year-old sensation is an ideal replacement for Ryan Giggs, when he hangs his boots. Moses is a Nigerian born English footballer, who currently plays for Crystal Palace and can become the next Ronaldo at Manchester United.
Ryan Giggs is already a legend at Manchester United. He has won all sorts of medals, trophies and cups which an individual can win at the club level. His form has been great this season, and Giggs extended his United stay by committing to the club until June 2011. But realistically speaking, age will take its toll on 36 year old Giggs who was recently voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Sir Alex Ferguson would be a worried man since there's nobody to fill that gap on the left flank after Giggs departs. Nani was expected to take over from CR7 after Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, but he hasn't lived up to the expectations. His poor performances and frustration led to his limited appearances and forced him to take his manager head-on. Nani is almost expected to be shown the exit doors at Old Trafford.
Gabriel Obertan has impressed with his limited appearances since his return from injury but he is not a prolific winger. He does have good pace and has plenty of tricks in his pocket, but I don't think Oberton can really fit into the shoes of Ryan Giggs.
Zoran Tosic, the Serbian sensation whom Manchester United had signed has had very limited appearances in the red shirt. So far, he has played only two league games and three cup run-outs and there are reports suggesting that Zoran Tosic is out of Manchester United.
Zoran Tosic, the Serbian sensation whom Manchester United had signed has had very limited appearances in the red shirt. So far, he has played only two league games and three cup run-outs and there are reports suggesting that Zoran Tosic is out of Manchester United.
So who can become the next Cristiano Ronaldo?
I think Victor Moses. He is an awesome talent and has shown consistent improvement in his game since he his arrived at Palace. He is quick, passes ball nicely and his crosses are pin-point, something which is expected from every United winger. I am sure Fergie has his scouts monitoring Moses. I believe this teen sensation definitely deserves to play in the Premier League and that too for Manchester United. What do you think?
Brazilian brothers Fabio and Rafael Da Silva may be rushed back by Sir Alex Ferguson into his Manchester United line-up for a trip to Hull today. The teenage duo have both been away due to shoulder problems since summer and may feature today in United's defense.
With Chelsea managing only a draw against Birmingham yesterday, United have a good chance to reduce the lead at the top to two points if they are able to crush Hull. Phil Brown's men have not been in their best form this season but as United's defensive problems continue, I feel anyone can beat the champions.
Last week, Fulham took complete advantage of Manchester United's make shift defense and thrashed the Red Devils 3-0. Though Fergie did not show his disappointment, but he probably has had enough. He will definitely name Fabio and Rafael Da Silva in the starting eleven. Fergie is also hopeful for the return of Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic.
I hope Man United seal their victory today with ease as Hull does not have anybody who is physically strong in the box. Last week's trip to Fulham was a bit different as Zamora and Duff were both strong and fast for United to react. And with long-term casualties for Hull in the form of Jimmy Bullard and Ian Ashbee, Phil Brown must be wondering how do I take advantage of United's weak defense. I hope he doesn't!
Benfica have rejected Manchester United's bid to sign Angel di Maria. United wanted to sign the prized Argentine who is being chased by several clubs and had offered Nani plus €10 million, which Benfica turned down.
Di Maria has caught the attention of several clubs after his fabulous displays for Benfica. He had signed a new deal with Benfica in October 2009, which will keep him at Estadio da Luz until 30 June 2015. He has been backed by Argentina's national coach and football legend Diego Maradona to become Argentina's next superstar.
Portuguese radio station TSF reported that Benfica have rejected an offer from Manchester United for Di Maria because they did not want to lose one of their key players half way through the season. They are ready to listen to offers only in the summer.
I think United made a suitable bid for the Argentine winger who has got real pace and great feet. Sending Nani back to his homeland may have revived his career after his failure to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo. Also, Nani's collision with Fergie must have made the dressing room a bit uncomfortable for the Portuguese winger.
Though Benfica says they would entertain offers for Di Maria in summer, I think they are hungry for money. His deal does have a €40 million minimum fee release and United's bid for €10 million seems too less for them. Benfica are rumored to want €30 million for their star player.
Mame Biram Diouf who was signed by Manchester United from Molde in the summer has been granted a work permit and will be available for selection in January. The Senegalese striker was sent back to Molde on loan while the permit issues were resolved.
Diouf along with Michael Owen were the only signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson during this summer. It surely had raised a few eyebrows as United had more than enough striking options in the form of Rooney, Berbatov, Wellbeck and Macheda.
Diouf along with Michael Owen were the only signings made by Sir Alex Ferguson during this summer. It surely had raised a few eyebrows as United had more than enough striking options in the form of Rooney, Berbatov, Wellbeck and Macheda.
United’s relationship with Molde has been fruitful in the past as the Red Devils have raided this Norwegian club before. Fergie had signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 1996 as well as the emerging talent, Magnus Eikrem from the same club.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "He's been training with us and is looking very exciting. That's the kind of situation we're good at - finding young players who can develop at the club and, at 22 years of age, he's looking very good."
I had never heard the name of Mame Biram Diouf until he was signed by United. However, Fergie admitted that his scouts had been looking at the Senegalese hitman since 2 years. The 22 year old striker has one senior cap with Senegal and has looked impressive in training. Hopefully, he should not turn out to be the next Manucho!
Manchester United have announced the appointment of John Alexander as their new club secretary. He will take up the position at Old Trafford at the end of the season after the retirement of the present secretary - Ken Ramsden.
John has been the Secretary at Spurs since 2000 and before that he was Club Secretary at Watford. He started his playing career with Millwall, Reading and Northampton Town, before retiring in 1982. He has done excellent work at Spurs and they were reluctant to let him go but John Alexander had already made up his mind to join Manchester United.
For filing up this post, United's CEO David Gill had started a massive recruitment process in September 2009, which included advertisements in national newspapers which attracted many high quality applications from the world of football and beyond. However, an official statement on Manchester United's website confirms John's appointment.
Its interesting that John Alexander is only the fifth Secretary for Manchester United since the war. He follows Walter Crickmer (1926-1958), Les Olive (1958-1988), Kenneth Merrett (1988-2007) and Ken Ramsden (2007-2010).
David Gill welcomed the appointment. He said: “John is the perfect candidate to succeed Ken. He is a real football man with a wealth of experience in the game. Everyone is delighted that he has accepted the chance to play a major part in the Club’s development. The Club would like to thank Spurs for their co-operation during this process, in particular agreeing to John’s early release from his contractual obligations, which allows us to ensure continuity in the post when Ken retires.”
Ryan Giggs will be with Manchester United for another two years after he signed a one-year contract extension recently. His signature on the dotted line commits him to Manchester United until June 2011.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
We all know what a fabulous career Giggs has enjoyed at Old Trafford and he truly deserves to play for the Red Devils on a continuous basis. He has been a central figure for United this season by playing in the midfield in various positions. Surprisingly he is only behind Cesc Fabregas in terms of assists in the league this season. This indicates that Giggsy has been more effective and efficient than Frank Lampard, Stevie G., etc. which clearly demonstrates the longevity of the Welshman.
Sir Alex Ferguson expressed his desire and expects Giggs to continue till 2011 and beyond. He said, "Ryan deserves a new contract and I am sure that he will play for another two years. His form is fantastic at the moment and he is playing some of his best football."
I feel having experienced players like Giggs, Scholes, VDS, etc. in the team always pays off in the longer run. Their form might not be a big question but their fitness definitely is. Giggsy said, "I am delighted that I have agreed one more year. I am enjoying my football more than ever and I am looking forward to hopefully winning more trophies with Manchester United.
Giggs who was recently voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year is 36 right now and has already won lot of honors with Manchester United. With over 820 appearances to his name, he may be on his way to win a 12th Premier League title.
David Beckham had wished for a return to Manchester United and his wish was duly granted. Becks will travel to Old Trafford with AC Milan after the two clubs were drawn against each other for the knockout games of the Champions League.
The return of Becks to Old Trafford would be definitely emotional and he will get a rapturous reception from the fans. His contribution to United has been tremendous since he was a central figure of Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans in all his years of success at the Theatre of Dreams.
Beckham had won six Premier Leagues, three FA Cups and the Champions League at Manchester United, and probably he was the only player who popularized the Red Devils in Asia and other parts of the world. He may not be in the same shape and form as he was 7 years ago, but he will do everything to impress Fabio Capello during his loan spell at AC Milan.
Beckham has earned every ounce of the affection he will receive when he walks out again at Old Trafford. Being one of Fergie’s Fledglings, Beckham’s devotion to the club was never questioned, and fans still love him even after he departed to Real Madrid in 2003.
If you are thinking that both legs of Manchester United vs Milan will be targeted towards David Beckham, then you are wrong. There’s a big grandpa standing at the Old Trafford gate and his name is Sir Alex Ferguson.
Though it’s a tough draw for United but recalling how United were outclassed by AC Milan in the 2007 Champions League semi-final in Italy, Fergie would love this battle. He is a man who likes to set the record straight and here’s an opportunity.
Milan have been inconsistent in the group stage, but with Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho in great form coupled with United’s defense crisis, it won’t be a cakewalk for Fergie. At the most he can hope that he faces the same AC Milan that lost to FC Zurich at San Siro during the group stage.
Manchester United are tracking and targeting CSKA Moscow defender Uros Cosic. It is reported that the Red Devils are lining up a January move for the Serbian defender.
Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to strengthen his injury plagued back-line. With tough part of the season approaching and knockout rounds of Champions League to come, Fergie knows he can’t play Carrick and Fletcher every time in the defense. And to solve his defense crisis, Fergie has shortlisted the 17-year-old Uros Cosic.
I don’t know why Sir Alex has such affinity towards Serbian players. We already have 2 Serbian players in the team - Nemaja Vidic and Zoran Tosic. Recently, Manchester United were linked with Milos Krasic; who too is a Serb. I guess, Fergie has already spotted the next Rio Ferdinand in Uros Cosic.
CSKA are unwilling to let go of their highly-rated defender, who they feel is even better than fellow-countryman Nemanja Vidic. Though CSKA won’t play in Champions League next season, yet they want to hang onto their 17 year old defender. And guess what, they are luring him to stay in Russia by promising to grant Russian citizenship!
CSKA president Yevgeni Giner said, "I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic. We even offered him Russian citizenship. I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17. But Manchester United would also love to have him. They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate."
"They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic."
I have never heard about Uros Cosic and don’t know whether he is better than Vida, but what I know is – United seriously need a couple of good defenders. Our back four have got injured regularly and if Fergie does not play his cards soon, situation might worsen.
Milos Krasic has been recently linked with Manchester United. However, he is also a target of three leading Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, but who is Milos Krasic?
Milos Krasic is a Serbian professional footballer who currently plays for CSKA Moscow and is a member of the Serbia national team. Yeah, he can join his compatriot Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford soon as a January move to England looks almost certain.
Milos Krasic is a Serbian professional footballer who currently plays for CSKA Moscow and is a member of the Serbia national team. Yeah, he can join his compatriot Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford soon as a January move to England looks almost certain.
The £9million-rated Serbia playmaker caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in two impressive Champions League performances against Manchester United. Milos has also hinted for a move away from Russia and the 25-year-old's agent says England is the most likely destination for him.
'I think that if Krasic leaves CSKA in January, he is 90 per cent likely to go to England. If he doesn’t leave in January, in the summer Italy could return as a possibility. And if Milan were to come forward, it would be an excellent solution for Milos, no doubt about it,’ said agent Dejan Joksimovic.
CSKA would be more than happy to cash on their expensive players as they prepare for a transition after finishing fifth in the Russian league and failing to qualify for next season's Champions League. Yevgeny Giner, who happens to be the President at CSKA says he will not stand in the way of Krasic moving on to bigger and better things.
The Russian club is ready to listen to acceptable offers for Krasic and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who has also been linked to Manchester United.
'I think that if Krasic leaves CSKA in January, he is 90 per cent likely to go to England. If he doesn’t leave in January, in the summer Italy could return as a possibility. And if Milan were to come forward, it would be an excellent solution for Milos, no doubt about it,’ said agent Dejan Joksimovic.
CSKA would be more than happy to cash on their expensive players as they prepare for a transition after finishing fifth in the Russian league and failing to qualify for next season's Champions League. Yevgeny Giner, who happens to be the President at CSKA says he will not stand in the way of Krasic moving on to bigger and better things.
The Russian club is ready to listen to acceptable offers for Krasic and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who has also been linked to Manchester United.
Dimitar Berbatov has been at Manchester United for more than a year now but we have not seen his true class yet! He admits he has only shown "glimpses" of his best form at Old Trafford because he has struggled with his record £30.75million price tag.
Berbatov says he has laboured under the weight of expectation at being the most expensive player in Manchester United's history. Well, if Man Utd paid a record fee for the Bulgarian striker, fans do expect some awesome displays from him. During his stay in Manchester, he has neither produced any breath taking football nor has he scored goals (except a few times).
Berba has scored only 4 goals in the last 18 games which is a horrible record for a striker. I bet Vidic would score more goals from set pieces than him. Though Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Berbatov but his words do not complement his actions. Despite being fully fit (after a hamstring injury) Berbatov did not feature in the recent game against Aston Villa. He was an unused substitute against Portsmouth and then played the game against Tottenham for the first 60 minutes before inexplicably only appearing as a sub in the last two matches.
In his recent interview with Alan Shearer, Berbatov said that his best is yet to come in the red shirt. I ask, when Berba, when? When are we going to see you as a striker who can consistently score goals?
I hope he starts and scores in today's game against Wolves. Sir Alex will partner him with Michael Owen to give Rooney, a much deserved rest. Also, we might see Oberton or Nani start the game since Giggs looks doubtful after suffering a hamstring injury against Villa.
I hope he starts and scores in today's game against Wolves. Sir Alex will partner him with Michael Owen to give Rooney, a much deserved rest. Also, we might see Oberton or Nani start the game since Giggs looks doubtful after suffering a hamstring injury against Villa.
Manchester United got to win today's game to draw level on points with leaders Chelsea after they blew away a great chance last Saturday. With Arsenal breathing down the neck, Sir Alex will surely field a stronger United side.
Common Berba, just get on the pitch and do what you are expected to do for £30.75million. Forget the pressure and just score goals.
Common Berba, just get on the pitch and do what you are expected to do for £30.75million. Forget the pressure and just score goals.
Manchester United could make a shock move for former Arsenal captain Sol Campbell to strengthen their depleted defense. Campbell is currently without a club and reports in UK suggest that he may revive his career by playing for the current Premier League champions.
United are currently missing six defenders through injury that include Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Jonny Evans. Fergie has been playing with a makeshift defense with Carrick and Fletcher assuming unusual roles in the back four. Their last game against Wolfsburg saw midfielders Carrick and Fletcher playing in the centre of defence which surely shows how severe the defense crisis is for United!
Will the arrival of Sol Campbell strengthen Manchester United defense?
I don't think so. While some may argue that he could be a short-term solution, and can be used as a cover for crisis situations but I think Fergie should give a chance to some of his youngsters. The 35-year-old Englishman has played for Arsenal, Spurs and Portsmouth, before he walked out of a five year contract with League Two side Notts County.
Sol Campbell has held talks with Championship side Newcastle United about a January move but that looks very difficult owing to his £40,000-a-week wage demands. There aren't many sides who could sign up an aging football player but Fergie might take a gamble to bring Campbell to Old Trafford. After all, his decision to sign Michael Owen is paying dividends after he scored a hat trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
What are the chances of Sol Campbell arriving at Old Trafford? Have your say folks by commenting below.
Michael Owen produced a spectacular performance at the Volkswagen Arena to guide Manchester United to a victory against Wolfsburg in their final Group match of the Champions League. The former Liverpool hitman went on to score his first hat trick for United in a European game.
In the build up to this game, many pundits had predicted a historic defeat for Man United due to their injury woes. But Michael Owen and 'one defender' helped United win the group and avoid some of the top teams from Europe like Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson landed in Germany without 14 recognized senior players, including eight defenders. Injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Jonny Evans kept them in Manchester while Ryan Giggs was rested and Owen Hargreaves is still preparing for his comeback.
Though Oliver Gill (son of CEO David Gill) traveled with the team but he did not feature in the game as Fergie played Michael Carrick in a sweeper's role, with Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra flanking the England international.This tactical change meant Ferguson had to abandon his traditional back four. Another tactical change for this game saw United with two strikers. Normally Fergie likes to play with one striker in Wayne Rooney, but last night he used two strikers in Daniel Welbeck and Michael Owen.
The defeat for Wolfsburg denies the German champions their first last 16 appearance in European competition. I think they have themselves to blame for this as they were lackluster in the first half. Wolfsburg saw some transformation in the second period and rallied through Edin Dzeko's goal on 56 minutes. But it was Michael Owen's day as he went to score his first hat trick for United since his summer move from Newcastle.
Michael Owen takes his tally to seven goals this season so far and his manager was quick to praise his striker. Fergie said, "Michael is one of the best strikers in the last third of the field in terms of his movement, his positional play and also in terms of his finishing."
I believe Owen must be specifically happy with his performance as he reminded his national coach Fabio Capello of his talent. Even Sir Alex Ferguson backed Owen to make it to South Africa next year for the World Cup.
Are you listening Mr. Capello?
Are you listening Mr. Capello?
Manchester United have admitted their interest in Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko with United's assistant Mike Phelan rating the striker as "ideal for the English league".
Manchester United have been linked with numerous players so far but they have not admitted their desire to sign any player. Recently, they canceled Adem Ljajic deal which means the young Serbian will not arrive at Old Trafford in 2010.
I believe United need a good striker who can score goals on a consistent basis; someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy or Andy Cole. So is Edin Dzeko the perfect man for the Red Devils? Mike Phelan thinks so and has hinted the Red Devils could consider a move for the player.
Dzeko is a 23 year old tall (6 ft 31⁄2 in) striker who has attracted interest from teams in Spain, Italy and England. Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with him in recent weeks but Dzeko dreams to play for AC Milan. He is hoping that the Italian giants will sign him since their attacking department is weakened at the moment.
Sir Alex Ferguson may also fancy bringing Dzeko after watching his performance in the Champions League group match when he scored a goal at the Theater of Dreams. Though Fergie is tight lipped about this deal but his assistant has spilled the beans.
Mike Phelan praised Edin Dzeko and said,
I'm sure there are a number of teams looking at him. Are we one on them? We are looking at talent all of the time and we are in there with the rest of them.
He showed his threat in the game at Old Trafford and he appeals because he is a tall, skilful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.
He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him.
Manchester United skipper Gary Neville has appreciated the young Red Devils and believes they are competent enough to start in the Premier League. The veteran voiced his views after United knocked out Spurs from the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson had fielded a less experienced side to what he normally does in the tournament, signaling a possible new era of Fergies Fledglings. The surprising Champions League defeat to Besiktas last week saw some pundits criticizing Fergie's fledglings for their lethargic performance. But Fergie kept faith in his youngsters and they paid it back when Darren Gibson scored twice to ensure progression for United.
Gary Neville paid tribute to his team’s youngsters after watching a resilient performance in the Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford. The veteran believes that this current crop has what it takes to make a mark in the Premier League. He said, "I don't think they're younger players, they're playing for their countries. They deserve to be there by right. They are Premier League players of that quality, they are obviously developing."
It will be interesting to see whether the current group of Fergies Fledglings is able to emulate the success of their seniors. The current crop of players include Darren Gibson, Danny Welbeck, Gabriel Obertan and Ritchie de Laet. Their seniors and probably the best ever Fergies Fledglings included Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers.
Darren Gibson scored two goals to help Manchester United book a semi final spot in the Carling Cup at the expense of Tottenham Hotspurs. The game played at Old Trafford last night looked lethargic until Gibson scored and then went on to score a second one to ensure victory for the Red Devils.
This game looked like a re-match of last year's Carling Cup final as United and Spurs battled it out for progression to the next stage. Sir Alex Ferguson fielded nearly the same side which lost to Besiktas last week. I am sure he must have been a happy man to see his youngsters taste victory this time around.
Spurs had fielded a stronger team than United but still they could not pose a threat to the home team. Darren Gibson along with Anderson commanded the center of the park and did not allow Spurs to move beyond. Both these midfielders were awesome with their performances and received praise from their manager.
Fergie praised Darren Gibson by saying, "Gibson did very well. His second goal, in particular, was fantastic. He’s the one player now at our club who can get a goal from outside the box. He has tremendous power in his shooting."
The 16th-minute opener from Gibson was a blistering 25-yard finish from Anderson's square ball. His second was pure teamwork as Park Ji-sung and Dimitar Berbatov started a flowing move that ended with Gibson playing a one-two with Danny Welbeck before curling brilliantly into the top corner.
Manchester United are two games away from Wembley and Sir Alex Ferguson has promised that he will field a similar team in the semi-finals, irrespective of their opposition. Fergie wants to provide more opportunities to youngsters and has claimed that the likes of Darren Gibson, Danny Welbeck, Gabriel Obertan and Ritchie de Laet will now be responsible for defending the Carling Cup successfully.
Manchester United youngster Corry Evans is hoping for a loan move to get some match experience. Corry is the younger brother of Jonny Evans and is regarded as a key performer.
Corry Evans came to Manchester United following the arrival of Jonny Evans at Old Trafford. Though his elder brother is yet to become a regular of the first team, 19-year-old Corry has been a regular in United's reserves. He even made his debut in the Premier League when he was included for the final game of last season at Hull City.
Corry is a highly adaptable player and can comfortably play at centre-back or in midfield. The young Northern Ireland player has also made his international debut for Northern Ireland in a friendly against World Champions Italy in May this year.
Manchester United has produced some awesome players from their academy and Corry Evans is regarded as one of the best young prospects at Old Trafford. No wonder, there are many clubs who are interested in bringing this Irish player on loan.
Evans will also fancy a loan move as he will get valuable match experience which will help him when he becomes a key performer in the senior side in future years.
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