Fletcher: We must stop conceding goals!!!

Darren Fletcher admits Manchester United's poor defending will eventually catch up with them. 

United went 2-0 down against Braga last night before winning their Champions League tie 3-2. 

Fletcher said: "We know we can't keep doing it. If you take away the first when we went 2-0 down it was a good performance. 

"People will talk about slow starts and giving away early goals but the fact we came back to win showed great character."

Kagawa: I need to work better with Man Utd teammates.

Shinji Kagawa admits he needs to step up his own game at Manchester United. 

The Japan international feels he is yet to produce his best, despite the praise coming his way. 

"I need to communicate better so I can get my timing right when asking for the ball and things like that," he said. 

"But more importantly I need to push and show my strengths. You gain trust when you deliver results."

Van Persie excited about improving Rooney partnership.

Robin van Persie is excited about the developing partnership with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

"We are definitely getting more of an understanding," Van Persie said. "We like to play together and work well together. 

"It is only the second or third time we have played in this formation but offensively and defensively, we help each other out." 

Danny Welbeck is also capable of making a significant contribution and with Javier Hernandez, Nani, Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young also offering a threat, it is little wonder Ferguson currently views attack as the best form of defence. 

"We do look exciting going forward," added the Dutchman. "We can score all sorts of goals from many different angles. 

"That is a good sign and should be a real weapon for us as the season goes on."

FERGIE: I WAS EMBARRASSED BY FERDINAND

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will feel like he's been slapped in the face by Rio Ferdinand this morning. 

Ferguson accused Ferdinand of embarrassing him after boycotting an anti- racism initiative.

The defender's decision to not wear the 'Kick it Out' t-shirt came as he was defended by Fergie in his match programme notes for the game with Stoke City. 

He said: “I don’t think the John Terry controversy has done our man any favours. 

“I feel Rio Ferdinand has rather caught the backwash in terms of his England international career.”

He had sympathy for Ferdinand — but no more.

GIGGS: RVP HAS HAD IT SMOOTH AT UNITED.

Ryan Giggs says Robin van Persie's arrival at Manchester United has been smooth.

Giggs admits getting off the mark has helped the former Arsenal captain. 

“When you start off scoring that always helps you bed in,’’ Giggs told the Telegraph of Van Persie. 

“When you score a hat-trick in your second start [against Southampton] it’s a dream start. Robin has carried on scoring [seven in nine]. His performances have been good.’’ 

The arrival of a superstar is rare at United. “ 

It doesn’t happen very often. The manager likes to buy young players and groom them. When you buy a ready-made world-class player we are good at acknowledging the qualities they’ve got and welcoming them to the club. 

"Robin’s come into an environment that’s good to work in, to train in. We’ve always had a good team spirit, always worked hard in training. Robin has bought in to that.’’