Gerrard: Rooney just fantastic

 Steven Gerrard is full of praise for Wayne Rooney after he scored in their 1-1 draw in Montenegro.

The Manchester United striker had been sent off on his last appearance in the stadium 17 months ago but his behaviour ensured a repeat was never likely to happen.

Gerrard said: "Wayne is a fantastic player and a great goalscorer. If the lads in the team can create the service for Wayne, we know he will score goals.

"He also deserves credit for that goalscoring record. Hopefully he will get more goals and fire us to the World Cup.

"I also thought his behaviour was magnificent. He had been on the agenda in the press all week with people wondering how he was going to behave.

"I thought he handled himself magnificently and got us that important goal."

Van Persie hails Man Utd "atmosphere"

Robin van Persie has hailed the atmosphere inside Manchester United.

Van Persie credits his success - along with the continued longevity of United's older stars - to the culture that boss Sir Alex Ferguson has created at the club.

"There is a new challenge for me every day at United," he said.

"My development is an ongoing process. That gets an extra boost when you are surrounded by new coaches and team-mates, all with their own ideas, in a totally new environment."

Van Persie: I could celebrate winning title at Arsenal!

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is desperate to get his hands a first trophy in his career.

United’s controversial exit from Europe has only served to increase his appetite for honours.

“My goal was to win the Treble,” said Van Persie. “I wanted the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

“Now we only have the Double and, yes, I think we could win the title at Arsenal or even against Manchester City.

“But I really don’t care where we win it. I just want to grab that league title.”

Hodgson yet to write off Ferdinand

England coach Roy Hodgson is unsure about selecting Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand again after this week's chaos.

At his last press conference before Friday's game with San Marino, Hodgson said he would "wait and see" when asked if Ferdinand has an international future.

When pushed on Ferdinand 's future as an England players, Hodgson said: "I think we should just wait and see, I think it's more a question of how his injury situation will impact upon him playing for England, so we'll have to wait and see what happens in the future.

"At the moment it's speculation about a longer-term future whereas my focus is on these next two games, which are important for us in our bid to qualify. I am happy with the squad we've got."
Ferdinand had been due to return as an England player for the first time since missing out on Euro 2012.

Hodgson deflected questions on what he thought of Ferdinand's decision to miss the two games.
He said: "I don't have any serious thoughts on it. I was disappointed when he couldn't accept our invitation. It would have been nice to have him here."

Hodgson also refused to comment on Ferdinand's decision to go to Doha.

"As we all know he wasn't able to accept the invitation so what he actually does now and how he operates in the coming couple of weeks, that's his business and the club's business.

"You're asking me questions that I really don't want to go into."

RvP still angry over Nani's red.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is still angry over the manner of their Champions League exit to Real Madrid

The turning point was Nani's dismissal by ref Cüneyt Cakir.

Van Persie told Algemeen Dagblad: "Nani could not help it, he hardly touched Álvaro Arbeloa. For an hour everything was good, the tactics right. We really had the feeling that we were going to score the second goal and then it would become very difficult for Real Madrid.

"But when the referee pulled out the red card ..."

Van Persie continued: "The worst thing is that UEFA supports him.

"I think that is cowardly, because I do not understand it. Why not say honestly: 'He has not seen it?'"

Hart: Man Utd pure killing machine

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart admits Manchester United have simply been too strong this season.

Hart admitted that he did not know why City’s form had fallen away so badly but admitted they come up against a ‘killing machine’ in leaders Manchester United.

“We have done well, but we have been up against a killing machine that have kept turning out results,” he said.

“Maybe we have drawn more than we would have liked to. But it has not been a perfect season and it needs to be pretty perfect to win this league.”

MAN UTD FACE PROSPECT OF LOSING FOUR SENIOR MIDFIELDERS IN SUMMER

Manchester United could lose four senior midfielders in the summer.

The Manchester Evening News says Nani and Anderson face uncertain futures at Old Trafford. Both players are expected to be sold at the end of the season.

Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher’s futures are also up in the air.

Scholes is now back in training after a two-month fight with a knee problem and whether the 38-year-old will sign a new 12-month deal like Ryan Giggs is still uncertain.

Fletcher is still battling his chronic bowel illness following his December operation to help the condition.

The popular Scot’s target is next season but whether he can come back to play a key role in the United midfield again has to be seen.

UEFA TO REVEAL SAF AND NANI SANCTIONS ON THURSDAY

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Nani will discover what punishments they face from UEFA on Thursday following their eventful Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

Nani will definitely get a one-match suspension for the red card he picked up for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa which could be extended but that is thought unlikely.

Ferguson is in trouble after failing to attend the mandatory post-match press conference, an offence which in extreme cases can bring a touchline ban.

Red Devils assistant-manager Mike Phelan said at the time Ferguson was too "distraught" to face the media.

In addition to a touchline suspension, the Scot could also be fined or warned about his future conduct.

Vidic wants Man Utd to win title by record margin

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic wants to win the title by a record margin.

A routine, if unspectacular, 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday means that the runaway leaders of the Barclays Premier League are setting their sights on a record title-winning margin.

Their 18-point advantage over Arsenal in 1999-2000 remains the one to beat, and Vidic said: "Fifteen points is a big gap and we shouldn’t let that change. We have the title in our hands but we still have games to play, some tough ones. Nothing is finished but we are in a good position."

Redknapp: Man Utd defender Ferdinand is England's best

QPR boss Harry Redknapp rates Manchester United veteran Rio Ferdinand as England's best defender.

Redknapp wrote in The Sun: "I listen to the experts who write him off as past his best — and it’s nonsense. He has 81 caps so far and, while it might be a tough task, he has it in him to reach 100.

"I understand the decisions Rio has to make but I sincerely hope he carries on playing for his country for as long as he can.

"Just a couple of weeks ago I watched Rio in action for Manchester United at Queens Park Rangers. He was outstanding. I can’t think of another English centre-half who would beat him for pace over any distance.
"Chris Smalling could become a great player of the future. But Alex Ferguson seems to prefer Rio — and Fergie’s no fool, is he?

"Rio could have been a midfielder as well as a defender. He was — and still is — so comfortable on the ball that he seems blessed. And what do you want from your squad at a major tournament?"

Ferdinand to announce England retirement TODAY

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could announce his international retirement today.

The Daily Mail says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Ferdinand spoke first thing on Friday and talked with United's medical staff later in the day to see if the complicated programme designed specifically for the player's back could be incorporated into his training schedule while he is away with England.

Worryingly for Ferdinand, he was told that playing and training with England while not under the specialist care of his usual doctors would run the risk of ending his season.

A decision is expected later on Saturday, in all likelihood after United have played their Barclays Premier League game against Reading on Saturday evening.

How To Bet And Win In Football - Bunmi Akintilo : Booktango

How To Bet And Win In Football - Bunmi Akintilo : Booktango

PSG must find £250 MILLION to sign Man Utd star Rooney

PSG must find £250 million-PLUS to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.

The Daily Star says with a new tax rate of 75 per cent about to hit France, Rooney’s wages could cost PSG £50m gross every 12 months over a five-year deal.

Add on top of that another £30m for the transfer fee – and the bank-breaking package for the unsettled United ace would smash the quarter of billion pound barrier.

Roo would still only be their joint-highest earner – alongside Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who takes home £12m every year after tax.

Nike willing to help Man Utd push for £65M Ronaldo

Nike is right behind Manchester United's bid to bring back Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Sun says an Old Trafford return would cost at least £65million.

Nike representatives flew in to London to also talk about the renewal of their shirt sponsorship agreement with the Red Devils.

But top of the agenda was talks about how they could help the club get Ronaldo.

Nike is desperate to get the Portuguese star back to the biggest football club that wear their logo.

They currently sponsor Ronaldo in terms of boots and sportswear but are frustrated that he runs out in an adidas shirt with Real Madrid every week.

They believe their global brand would be even stronger with him back in a Nike United shirt.

Modric eager to return to England

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is eager to return to England.

The Croatia international has been linked with former club Tottenham, along with Manchester United.

The Daily Star says his wife and young son have been frequent visitors to the home they have kept just a few miles from Tottenham's north London training ground having been unhappy in Madrid

Ferguson: Rooney will stay.

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Wayne Rooney is staying at Manchester United, and will be involved against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Ferguson left Rooney out of the United line-up for Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Real Madrid, since when it has been suggested the Red Devils boss would be willing to accept an offer for the striker this summer.

However, speaking on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea at Old Trafford, Ferguson denied that was the case.

"He will be here next year, you have my word on that," he said.

"There is no issue between myself and Wayne Rooney. To suggest we don't talk is nonsense.

"He understood the reasons completely. Tactically we got it right. We don't always but we did then.
"There are no issues with the player and he will be involved on Sunday.

"I left out Shinji Kagawa after he scored a hat-trick. I thought I would get more stick for that."

Ferguson is still bitter about the circumstances of Tuesday's defeat, in particular the dismissal of Nani, on which the entire contest turned.

"It is hard to keep your faith when you have things like that," said Ferguson.

Ferguson refused to say whether Rooney would actually start on Sunday. And he again repeated his belief that the 27-year-old needed to play matches in order to retain full fitness, an assessment that has raised so much debate over the past few days.

"Why should I help anyone by telling them my team? We don't do that," said Ferguson.

"But Wayne does need a lot of football. He has always been that type. That has always been the case."
but another day."

Crerand blasts Keane over Nani comments

Paddy Crerand has blasted fellow Manchester United legend Roy Keane for saying Nani deserved his red card in defeat to Real Madrid.

Keane, working as a TV pundit, backed Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir and said he was RIGHT to give the Portuguese winger his marching orders for a high boot.

But Crerand, a European Cup winner with United in 1968, said: “Not one person said it was a red card except Roy. He was in a minority of one.

“Nobody else agrees with him.

“Why do we not talk about the 99.9 per cent of people who said it wasn’t a sending off?

“Why are we talking about Roy Keane — because he played for Manchester United?

“Well, let me tell you something, I played with Manchester United, I played in a European Cup final, Roy did not. The ref was wrong.”

Nani in tears after red card incident.

Manchester United midfielder Nani was in tears after his dismissal against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was dismissed by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir half an hour before the end of the game, an incident that turned the tie the way of the Spanish team.

It is understood Nani was distraught in the United dressing room at full time and later made an emotional phone call home to a long-term mentor in Portugal.

"Nani was inconsolable," a source told the Daily Mail. "He was on the phone to Portugal sobbing, asking people if they thought he had done anything wrong."

Swansea boss Laudrup: Ref wrong with Nani dismissal

Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup says ref Cuneyt Cakir was wrong with his decision to send off Manchester United winger Nani against Real Madrid.

United were leading 2-1 on aggregate against Spanish giants Real thanks to a Sergio Ramos own goal, when Turkish official Cakir showed the Portuguese winger a red card for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Laudrup said: "I watched the game the other day and I am not a supporter of Manchester United or Real Madrid, but it should never, ever have been a red card.

"A yellow card maybe, but a red card? Absolutely not.

"I don't think it matters whether it's a referee in the Premier League, La Liga or a Champions League game.
"It was just a bad decision. Referees are human and make mistakes - there is no problem with that - and sometimes it goes against you.

"But we are allowed to say when a referee gives a poor performance, and that was a very poor decision."

Van Persie proves biggest shirt seller in UK

Robin van Persie has proved a moneyspinner for Manchester United.

The Daily Mail says Van Persie is the most popular player in the Premier League - according to the number of shirts he sells anyway.

The Holland striker has stormed to the top of the shirt sales league, taking the top spot away from his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

The former Arsenal man dominates the market with a massive 25.4 per cent of all personalised kits sold bearing 'V.Persie 20'.

Top ten shirt sellers in UK:
 
1) Van Persie (20) – 25.4 per cent
2) Gerrard (8) – 8.2 per cent
3) Rooney (10) – 6 per cent
4) Kagawa (26) 5.8 per cent
5) Suarez (7) – 3.6 per cent
6) Hazard (17) – 3.1 per cent
7) Scholes (22) – 2.7 per cent
8) Torres (9) – 2.5 per cent
9) Kun Aguero (16) – 2.2 per cent
10) Podolski (9) – 2.1 per cent

Mourinho calmed down Ferguson

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho had to calm down Sir Alex Ferguson after victory at Manchester United yesterday.

The Daily Star says Fergie was seething after Turkish ref Cuneyt Cakir killed off his Treble dream with a ridiculous red card for Nani.

He confronted the fourth official as his players surrounded the ref in disbelief after the Portuguese winger was given his marching orders for a raised boot in the 57th minute.

The Scot stormed down the tunnel after the officials at the final whistle and had to be calmed down by Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who broke off from a TV interview to intervene.

That came after United players had surrounded the referee at the final whistle, with Rio Ferdinand sarcastically applauding in his face.

The United boss refused to attend the mandatory postmatch press conference, which will land him in hot water with UEFA.

Fergie: Matches like this are why I do not want to retire

Sir Alex Ferguson says games such as Tuesday night's clash with Real Madrid are the reason he cannot walk away from the game.

Now 71, and inching towards an incredible 27 years as Manchester United manager, Ferguson retains all the enthusiasm and hunger of his youth.

Long after many of the men tipped to replace him have seen their own managerial careers grind to a halt, Ferguson is still going strong, apparently with no intention of standing aside.

It is possibly one of the reasons Madrid boss Jose Mourinho dismissed his chances of one day ending up at Old Trafford in a light-hearted interview with MUTV last night and underlines why Ferguson flicked away another question on the subject during his pre-match press conference.

However, in his programme notes ahead of tonight's game, the United manager has outlined the relish with which he is approaching a contest Mourinho has stated the whole world will stop for.

"People ask me why I don't retire after so many years in the game but how could anyone with an ounce of passion for football in their soul voluntarily walk away from the opportunity to be involved in this type of occasion?" Ferguson told United Review.

"This is what it is all about - a packed Old Trafford, the floodlights on, the pitch glistening and two of the greatest and romantic clubs in the game about to do battle.

"Manchester United and Real Madrid are indelibly written into football history, with so many great players gracing the stage here over the years, and from time to time enjoying the glory that comes with winning this most elusive of prizes.

"The tales of 'derring-do' as we strive to prove we are the best in Europe illuminate the seasons and I like to think that the pioneers like Sir Matt Busby and Santiago Bernabeu, the president of Real Madrid who gave his name to the stadium, will be up there smiling and as excited as the rest of us at the prospect of another dramatic night featuring the best that the game can provide."