United deny £1.5 billion sale report
Premier League leaders Manchester United said they were not for sale after Sunday Times reported that Qatar Holding had held talks about a £1.5 billion takeover.
"There has been no approach of any kind to buy the club and one wouldn't be welcome anyway because it is not for sale", a spokesman said, adding that the newspaper story was wrong.
Sunday Times reported that the Glazer family, the unpopular American owners of the Premier League club, had held talks with a group, believed to be Qatar Holding - the investment group controlled by the Qatari royal family.
The report said the talks had floundered because the Glazers valued the Old Trafford club at closer to £2 billion.
The Glazers bought Manchester United, one of the most famous clubs in the world, in 2005 for some £790 million against a wave of protest from fans who anticipated they would load it up with debt.
Smalling eyes Blackpool outing
Chris Smalling hopes to retain his place alongside Nemanja Vidic for Tuesday's trip to Blackpool - as much for a front row seat for United's array of attacking stars who took Birmingham City apart at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Smalling stepped in for Rio Ferdinand, out with a groin injury, and it was a relatively easy afternoon as United hit 5 past the shell-shocked Blues.
"There were lots of goals, but if we'd been more clinical there could have been a lot more", he told MUTV.
"Overall it was a really good performance. We defended well and we attacked really well and always looked dangerous on the break."
"I felt like I did well today. It's the manager's decision whether I play on Tuesday, but I have train well and make sure I'm ready."
"It's nice to play in front of 75.000 fans. I'm enjoying it. I've had a few games alongside Vida, it's a real joy. We train together, we're always talking to each other. As long as we keep that together I think there's nothing that can get past us. That showed today."
But it was the performances of Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs in particular who ensured plenty of goals to entertain the crowd.
"Berba was brilliant", added Chris.
"The ball is played up to him and it just sticks to him. He turns and runs at defenders, that's the thing, and it's really causing a threat."
"He's got the runners around him with Nani and Wazza running off him. It gives defenders a nightmare and makes it easier for us at the back."
"The link-up play with Wazza is brilliant and I think they're enjoying playing together."
Victory at Bloomfield Road in midweek would extend United's lead at the top of the table and Smalling hopes he'll be involved as the Reds aim to keep the team's unbeaten league run going.
"I'm not sure how much longer it will go on. The games are coming thick and fast at the moment and we want to kick on with the next game. We've got the drive and positivity to go out and attack teams. That's really paying off at the moment."
Blackpool vs Man United preview
Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka is hoping to retain his place in the Blackpool side for the visit of his former club Manchester United on Tuesday.
The American-born stopper made his first league appearance in more than 12 months when he replaced the injured Richard Kingson at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
The Seasiders were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland and Rachubka pulled off a number of fine saves in the 30 minutes he was on the field.
If manager Ian Holloway continues with Rachubka, the 'keeper will face a United side keen to add to their already impressive 22-game unbeaten run.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his strikers to follow Dimitar Berbatov's path to 20 goals this season.
Berbatov's third hat-trick of the campaign in Saturday's 5-0 win over Birmingham City took the Bulgarian to 18 goals, all but one of which have been scored in Premier League.
Javier Hernandez and Nani are the closest to Berbatov with 9 and 8 respectively while Wayne Rooney is stuck on 3, two of which came from the penalty spot.
"Dimitar is getting up towards that 20-goal mark, which is going to be important for us", said Ferguson.
"It does put a certain brand mark on the team and hopefully we will get another one to that level too. Once you do that you know it is a substantial season."
Berbatov has now equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy's feat during the 2002/2003 title winning campaign by scoring 3 hat-tricks in a season.
The 29-year-old is also closing in on the 5 Alan Shearer scored in 1995/1996, which remains a Premier League record, even if he is unlikely to match the 7 Denis Law scored for United in all competitions during the 1963/1964 campaign.
"Dimitar is realising his ability", said Ferguson.
"The other players sense it too. They are playing their part in playing with him. He has special qualities. I think we are using them."
"Spirit won us the game"
Dimitar Berbatov says United's resilient team spirit pulled the Reds through on a tricky Tuesday night trip to Blackpool.
The Bulgarian bagged another 2 goals to take him to 20 for the season - including the all-important match-winner - but he says he always believed the Reds could come back from a 2-goal deficit.
"We are a team that believes that no matter how bad the game might be for us - whether it's 1-0 or 2-0 we are always - we are always confident that if we can score one then we can score more. That was the case today", he told ESPN.
"We fought like a team, especially in the second half. The first half was not so good for us and Blackpool played a good game, but in the second half we showed spirit and we won."
United just didn't perform in the first half, and Berbatov says the players felt somewhat fortunate only to be 2 goals down at the break.
"You come here and it's not such a friendly ground and the pitch is not as good as back home at Old Trafford, so it's a bit difficult sometimes because the ball is jumping around", he said, explaining a lacklustre first 45 minutes.
"Blackpool played a good game in the first half and scored some good goals - they could have scored more in the first half. But, lucky for us, it was only 2-0. In the dressing room at half-time we told ourselves, 'we can do it, we can do it'. And we did."
"Yes, the substitutions changed the game. Giggs's experience, his crossing of the ball and his intelligence made a difference. Chicharito is always going for goal; the only thing in his mind is to score. He proved that today. I scored 2 goals, but it was the team spirit that won the game."
Rafael out with concussion
Manchester United full-back Rafael will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie with Southampton after being carried off on a stretcher at Blackpool with concussion.
The Brazilian defender was involved in a sickening collision with Marlon Harewood and was taken to hospital for X-rays.
Thankfully, he was quickly given the all-clear and was able to return to Manchester with his team-mates following the dramatic 3-2 win.
However, as with all cases of concussion, United will ensure Rafael gets the correct break from physical contact and the 20-year-old will not travel to the south coast for this weekend's 4th-round tie.
"It's a straightforward one. He has concussion and will miss Saturday's game", manager Alex Ferguson said.
Van der Sar to retire at end of season
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will retire from football at the end of the season, he announced Thursday.
The 40-year-old former Dutch international has been at Old Trafford since 2005, winning 3 English Premier League titles and helping them to their Champions League triumph in 2008.
Van der Sar began his professional career with Ajax, helping them to the Champions League in 1995.
He subsequently had a spell in Italy with Juventus before joining United's fellow Premier League side Fulham.
"It's been coming for a while", Van der Sar told the official Manchester United website.
"After playing for so many years, you reach a point where you have to make a decision."
"There are a couple of things to consider - whether you still have an appetite for it, your family."
Van der Sar's wife Annemarie collapsed with a brain haemorrhage in December 2009 and he admitted that retirement had been "playing on my mind" since that health scare.
Van der Sar, whose brilliant save from Nicolas Anelka clinched their penalty shootout win over Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League Final in Moscow, has remained in fine form during United's unbeaten start to the season.
But he said he wanted to out at the top.
"You can't play Superman into your 40s", he added.
"It's a mutual decision that this season was the last. When I first came here I was just happy to sign a 2-year contract."
"I wanted to win the league before I retired. I was lucky to achieve a little bit more than that."
Van der Sar won a record 130 Dutch caps before announcing his international retirement at the end of the 2008 season.
Stekelenburg is United's prime candidate to succeed Van Der Sar
Manchester United's first-team coach Rene Meulensteen confirmed Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is the club's first-choice candidate to replace Edwin van der Sar next season.
Van der Sar has announced he will retire at the end of the season and Sir Alex Ferguson has been actively seeking potential transfers to fill the gap which will be left by the 40-year-old.
Reports suggest United already have 3 targets who can immediately become the no. 1 at Old Trafford - those being Stekelenburg, Schalke's Manuel Neuer and David de Gea, the Atletico Madrid stopper.
But Meulensteen has revealed their prime target is the Dutchman, who will only have a year left on his contract in the summer, which will prevent Ajax from inflating his valuation.
"Stekelenburg is indeed the 'keeper who is at the top of our wanted list", Meulensteen said.
"We naturally talk a lot among ourselves about who should replace Van der Sar. Alex Ferguson has spoken about Stekelenburg with Edwin and that does not seem strange to me at all."
United's assistant manager, Mike Phelan, has also revealed the club are keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon's 22-year-old goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
"He's a young 'keeper with enormous potential - we've known Rui Patricio for a long time and we've also played against him a few times", Phelan said.
"The only thing I can confirm is that we haven't made any offer."
Sir Alex is hopeful of being able to field his strongest defence in Tuesday night's league clash with Aston Villa.
United's first choice back 5 were all missing in the FA Cup win over Southampton, but the boss hopes to be able to call upon his regulars for the clash at Old Trafford.
"Vidic should be alright. Rio started running on Thursday and hopefully will be ok by Tuesday", revealed the boss who rested goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for the trip to St. Mary's.
"Rafael should also be ok, he got the all-clear on Friday and Patrice Evra had a family bereavement so we left him out at Southampton."
"We should have our back 4 back against Villa."
Last edited by beavis; 30-01-2011 at 15:55.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa preview
Gerard Houllier's rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson resumes as Aston Villa make the trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Frenchman Houllier has overseen Premier League victories over the Red Devils manager on 5 occasions, all of which came during his tenure as Liverpool boss from 1998 to 2004.
It is a record bettered only by Houllier's compatriot Arsene Wenger, who has led Arsenal to 9 league wins against Ferguson's side, the most of any manager.
But while Houllier's personal record against the most successful team in Premier League history is solid, Villa is anything but.
The Midlands club have claimed a solitary win from their last 30 league clashes against United.
It is a dismal record that Houllier's men were on the verge of improving when the sides last met, only for them to throw away a 2-goal lead in the final 10 minutes as United limped away from Villa Park with a 2-2 draw in November.
After overcoming recent struggles that resulted in a brief stint in the relegation zone, Villa have recorded 3 victories in all competitions and will take growing belief with them to Old Trafford.
The forward combination of Gabriel Agbonlahor and new signing Darren Bent will be integral if they are to claim the unlikely 3 points, particularly given that Agbonlahor has been a constant source of goals against the Red Devils - the speedy striker has netted 4 of his side's past 8 goals against United.
However, table-topping United are a daunting prospect at home, where they have won their last 8 league games.
Undefeated in the league this season and sitting 5 points clear of second place Arsenal, Ferguson's side are primed to claim their 12th title under the long-serving Scotsman since the inauguration of the Premier League in 1993.
Midfielder Michael Carrick may return following an ankle injury, while Patrice Evra will return to boost Ferguson's dwindling defensive stocks after missing Saturday's FA Cup win over Southampton because of a family bereavement.
Houllier will have the majority of his squad to choose from for the trip to North West, with Fabian Delph and Stephen Ireland, both battling knee problems, the only absentees.
Giggs voted greatest ever Man United player
Sir Alex hailed Ryan Giggs after the legendary winger was named Manchester United's greatest ever player.
Red Devils boss Ferguson said: "I am not surprised at all".
"Longevity always comes into play in these things and Ryan has been around here for more time than any other player."
"He recently appeared in his 600th league game, which is an exceptional achievement."
"That won't be done again, not by one player at the same club."
"And then we can talk about his performances, which have been top class for 20 years. Even now, at the age of 37, he is amazing."
Giggs admitted he was shocked to be informed of his latest award.
He said: "When I got told I genuinely couldn't believe it".
"There have been so many great players here."
1. Ryan Giggs
2. Eric Cantona
3. George Best
4. Sir Bobby Charlton
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
6. Paul Scholes
7. David Beckham
8. Roy Keane
9. Peter Schmeichel
10. Wayne Rooney
Fergie delight at Rooney revival
Wayne Rooney's return to form in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Aston Villa delighted United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
After a lean spell for the usually prolific striker, who had scored just 3 times this season, Rooney responded in the best possible way with his 2 goals and a third from Nemanja Vidic powering United to a convincing win over Gerard Houllier's side.
Ferguson said he was pleased with the way the 25-year-old had hit back, labelling his haul just reward for hard work.
"The man's got a great appetite to play and everyone should remember that", Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"We remember that - he has a great appetite to work and fight and he gets his rewards eventually."
Ferguson said he was taking a "one game at a time" approach as he looks to secure his 12th title with the Red Devils, who are 5 points clear on top of the English Premier League.
"You keep knocking off the games and if we can keep winning then eventually you run out of games", he said.
"The aim for us is to keep the momentum going and keep the work rate up like we did tonight against a good Aston Villa team and hopefully it gets us where we want to be."
Nani targets unbeaten term
Not content with equalling a club-record 29 games unbeaten in the league, Nani says he wants the Reds to go the entire season without defeat.
United's win over Aston Villa matched the Reds' incredible run in 1999; now, Sir Alex's men will make history if they avoid defeat at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
"We hope to finish the season unbeaten", Nani told MUTV.
"But we know it will be very hard. We'll work hard to win those games."
Against Aston Villa, Nani was one of the Reds' brightest sparks, linking well with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. He was unlucky not to win a penalty when Richard Dunne blocked his run in the first half before laying on the Reds' second goal with a lovely curling cross.
Last edited by beavis; 02-02-2011 at 20:32.
Gary Neville quits football
Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville has retired from football with immediate effect.
Neville, who is 36 later this month, has barely played for the past 2 seasons due to a succession of injuries.
"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had", Neville told the club's website.
"Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and for me that time is now."
"There are so many people I want to thank and, of course, top of that list is Sir Alex. He has given me so many opportunities and countless support over the last 20 years - he is truly one of the greatest managers - and I have to thank him for that."
The full-back had not played since the New Year's Day victory over West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, when he was fortunate not to be dismissed for a professional foul on Graham Dorrans.
It was his 602nd appearance for the Red Devils. He also won 85 England caps.
Neville played in United's FA Youth Cup winning side in 1992 alongside David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Keith Gillespie, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes and made first-team debut in UEFA Cup against Torpedo Moscow later that same year.
He becomes the second member of United's famed "Class of 92" to call it a day following Butt's retirement from the game last season.
Neville's career has been blighted by injury over the last few years and it was obvious to anyone who was at the West Bromwich game, or the visit to Stoke City in October when the full-back was equally fortunate to escape a red card, that his time at the top level was almost over.
Beckham salutes retiring Red
Former Red Devil - David Beckham - has paid tribute to his old team-mate and best friend Gary Neville, hailing him as "one of the best defenders ever to have played the game".
The 35-year-old announced his retirement on Wednesday after an illustrious career that spanned nearly 20 years in United first team.
Beckham and Neville formed a successful partnership down United's right wing for almost a decade at Old Trafford and the ex-Red says the defender will go down as one of the game's greatest.
"Not only is Gary a great person, he is one of the best defenders ever to have played the game", said Beckham on his Facebook page.
"It was an honour to play with him at United and for England. He deserves all the praise and recognition."
Rio Ferdinand echoed those sentiments, adding on Twitter: "Gary is the best right-back in Premier League history. He's going to be a loss to our dressing room".
"He is loyal, funny, dedicated and talented - a true United legend."
"He gave his all for the club, he supported and won a lot of medals."
Reds confirm Euro squad
Man United's Champions League squad for the knockout stages of the competition has been confirmed today.
The Reds were required to submit a senior list of up to 25 players to UEFA on Tuesday. Clubs can also name an unlimited number of qualifying players on a B* list, which includes players born on or after 1 January 1989 who have given at least 2 years' continued service to the club after their 15th birthday. Rafael and Fabio, for example, both make United's B* list.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men take on Olympique Marseille in the first knockout round later this month, with a first leg visit to Stade Velodrome on Wednesday 23 February, followed by the return tie at Old Trafford on Tuesday 15 March.
Goalkeepers: Van der Sar (1), Kuszczak (29), Lindegaard (34)
Defenders: Evra (3), Ferdinand(5), Brown W (6), Smalling (12), Vidic (15), Fabio* (20), Rafael* (21), O'Shea (22), Evans J (23), Gill* (45)
Midfielders: Anderson (8), Ryan Giggs (11), Park (13), Carrick (16), Nani (17), Scholes (18), Fletcher (24), Valencia (25), Obertan (26), Gibson (28), Bebe (33), Norwood* (47)
Forwards: Owen (7), Berbatov (9), Wayne Rooney (10), Hernandez (14)
United pair scoop prizes
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and striker Dimitar Berbatov have been named Barclays Manager and Player of the Month for January, after a fantastic start to the year in which the Barclays Premier League leaders won 4 and drew one of their 5 matches to extend their unbeaten 2010/2011 campaign.
Ferguson is certainly no stranger to the award and wins it for an unprecedented 25th time in his distinguished career, after seeing his side pick up wins at home to Stoke City and Birmingham City and away at West Bromwich and Blackpool, as well as claiming a hard-fought point away against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ferguson's Manchester United teams are renowned for building title-winning momentum after the turn of the year and this season would appear to be no different after they took 13 points from a possible 15 to finish the month in a commanding position.
Bulgarian marksman Berbatov, the leading scorer in Barclays Premier League this season, immediately picked up where he left off in 2010 with 5 more goals in January to take his tally to 19.
He struck a stunning hat-trick as United eased past Birmingham City 5-0 at Old Trafford and then scored twice to help his side complete a trademark comeback to win 3-2 at Blackpool, having been 2 goals down at half time.
It is the first time that Berbatov has won the award as a Manchester United player and the second time in his career after sharing the April 2007 Barclays Player of the Month award with former Tottenham Hotspur strike partner Robbie Keane.
The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel that includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.
Wolverhampton vs Man United preview
TEAM NEWS
Stephen Hunt will miss Wolves' match against Manchester United with a calf strain. Loan signing Jamie O'Hara could make his first start after coming on as a substitute at Bolton in midweek. Boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed Ronald Zubar will start the match despite the defender making the mistake which led to Daniel Sturridge scoring the only goal at Reebok Stadium.
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is expected to face Wolverhampton on Saturday at Molineux after suffering an eye injury. Fletcher was forced to come off in the victory against Aston Villa in midweek after suffering blurred vision. Rafael is pushing for a return to the side after returning to training following a bout of concussion. Wayne Rooney will be looking to build on his brace against Villa as United bid to stretch their unbeaten league run to 25 games.
MATCH FACTS
4 of the 5 Premier League meetings between United and Wolverhampton have been won by a single-goal margin.
4 of the last 5 league games between Wolverhampton and United at Molineux have been won by a 1-0 scoreline and the other game finished 1-1.
Park Ji-Sung has scored 3 goals in 2 games against Wolverhampton this season.
Wolverhampton have scored 3 equalising goals in 2 games against United this season, but lost to a 90th minute winner in both matches.
United have won 10 and lost just one of the last 12 matches against Wolverhampton in all competitions.
Wayne Rooney and Nani both have 10 assists in Premier League this season, more than any other player.
Wolves' only previous Premier League win against Manchester United came when they were bottom and United were top (January 2004).
United can set a new club Premier League record of 30 games without losing if they avoid defeat in this game.
United will become only the 4th team in Premier League history to go 30 or more games without defeat if they win or draw this game.
Chicharito tops poll
It may be scant consolation for Javier Hernandez but after losing in the league for the first time with United, the Mexican has won the first ManUtd.com Player of the Month award for 2011.
In one of the closest ever polls on the website, Chicharito gleaned the same percentage as fellow striker Dimitar Berbatov - 45% - but pipped the Bulgarian by just 69 of the total 33.000 votes cast.
Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic were also on ManUtd.com's shortlist for January, a month in which the Reds picked up 13 league points from a possible 15 and progressed through 2 rounds of the FA Cup.
Hernandez's contribution to the cause included 2 match-winning strikes away to West Bromwich and Southampton (both 2-1) and 2 other vital goals - the first against Stoke City (2-1) and the equaliser in United's dramatic comeback at Blackpool (3-2).
This is the second time Hernandez has won ManUtd.com's monthly award - he also topped the October 2010 poll. Other winners in 2010/2011 so far are Paul Scholes (August), Berbatov (September) and Park (November and December).
Manchester United vs Manchester City preview
Manchester City travel to Old Trafford for a meeting with cross-town rivals in an eagerly anticipated clash on Saturday.
The early kick-off presents City with an opportunity to close the gap on table-topping United to just 2 points and any victory would give them a very real chance of winning their first Premier League/First Division title since 1968.
But winning at Old Trafford is easier said than done and City boast just one win at the venue since 1974.
That win came in 2008 when goals from Darius Vassell and Benjani gave the blue side of Manchester a famous 2-1 victory.
While City come into the game full of confidence after an easy 3-0 win over West Bromwich, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were surprise 2-1 losers to then bottom Wolverhampton at Molineux.
The defeat gives Ferguson's side the perfect chance to fight back in one of the biggest fixtures in English football as midfielder Darren Fletcher explained.
"All of the lads will be up for it and it's one of those games that provides the perfect opportunity to bounce back", Fletcher said.
"It's a local derby so all the players will be up for it, the fans will be up for it and we'll be ready for the game."
A full card of international fixtures in the build-up to the game will affect the preparation of both sides and Ferguson admitted the scheduling was "crazy" with both sides having numerous players involved.
"Unfortunately we have got international matches in midweek which in my view is crazy, but we have to get on with it", he said.
Wayne Rooney featured in England's 2-1 win in Denmark, making a 45-minute cameo, although City's star Carlos Tevez, who scored a hat-trick against West Bromwich last week, did not feature for Argentina against Portugal because of "attitude problems".
Tevez, a former Manchester United player, will no doubt be roundly booed throughout the match, but will hope for a goal that would silence the Old Trafford crowd and bring him level with Dimitar Berbatov at the top of the Premier League's scoring charts.
The Argentine may enjoy some extra freedom with United's key defender Rio Ferdinand still sidelined with a calf strain while midfielder Antonio Valencia is still approximately a fortnight away from returning from an ankle injury.
Manchester City have their own worries with midfielder Adam Johnson and striker Mario Balotelli ruled out thanks to ankle and knee injuries respectively while defender Micah Richards is in doubt with concussion.
Ferguson eyes summer swoop
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is ready to open his chequebook next summer and add to his Red Devils squad.
The recent transfer window closed with the only addition to Manchester United's squad being Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, whose move from Norwegian outfit Aalesund had been completed a few weeks earlier.
But Ferguson has revealed he made an additional move that ultimately did not come off.
And whilst he is not specifying who his target was, or what position they occupy on the field, it appears the deal has only been delayed rather than abandoned.
"Billionaire owners have introduced a new world that is turning football on its head", Ferguson told United Review.
"For our part, we can't afford to sit in an ivory tower. We have to face the challenge."
"It is a healthy competition and it goes without saying that we will not shirk it and I don't think we are doing so."
"Although I let the transfer window shut without signing a new player, that is because we did our homework some time ago and didn't have to rush into any emergency buying."
"We had an interest in one player and I thought we had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer."
Smalling's derby success
Chris Smalling declared his first Manchester derby a success after helping United beat City 2-1 in Barclays Premier League.
The young defender was outstanding against the Citizens and showed no sign of inexperience despite starting just 3 league matches for the Reds prior to kick-off on Saturday.
Speaking to MUTV, Smalling admitted: "I was a little bit nervous but we've been building up to this game all week and I knew I was going to be playing quite early on so I was able to prepare fully. As soon as I got my first touch it felt like just another game".
"The atmosphere was electric. To be able to play in a game with that sort of magnitude was great."
Smalling was also keen to stress the importance of 3 points against City following the Reds' first league defeat of the season against Wolves last weekend.
"We had all seen the table and realised how crucial the game was", he said.
"All week we had been working towards this so we could stretch the lead and put some pressure on the others at the top of the league. In terms of the 3 points, it really separates us from them so it was a massive game and for me to play my part was a real buzz."
Smalling felt the Reds were always in control of the game and were worthy winners in the end.
"Their goal was pretty jammy and set us back a little bit but we just kept on going and Nani and Giggs were brilliant. I think we got what we deserved and it would have been disappointing to only get a draw out of that game."
The Reds defender went on to praise Wayne Rooney's acrobatic winner, labelling it the perfect way to seal victory.
"You can see on the replay how the ball comes off the middle of his foot and goes right into the top corner. There are not many better ways to win a match. It was great for Wayne to pop up after working so hard during the game and seal such a great occasion."
Berba's title aim
Dimitar Berbatov may have spent most of Saturday's Manchester derby on the bench, but the Bulgarian will have been delighted with the result.
After all, United's 2-1 win moved the striker a step closer towards getting his hands on another league title. And it's team rewards rather than individual success that motivates the 30-year-old.
"Everything's going well for me this season", he said.
"And if we can win the title it will be even better. That's my main wish. If, in May, we've won the title and I'm there to lift it, then it would be a personal best for me."
“Winning the 19th league title is very important at Manchester United. I'd love to do that for the manager, who's been here almost 25 years, as well as my team-mates and the fans."
Should United reclaim the Barclays Premier League crown this season, Dimitar will certainly have done more than most. He's already notched 19 league goals this term and, in an interview with FourFourTwo this month, revealed he hopes to double that tally before the end of campaign.
"We still have a lof of games left in the league, as well as matches in FA Cup and Champions League. We want to reach the final in both those copetitions, so that gives me plenty of time."
"My ambitions have always been high, so I'll try and score another 20 by the end."
Sir Alex's decision to start with Berbatov on the bench in Saturday's Manchester derby didn't help Berba's cause, but when you're left out in order to accommodate Wayne Rooney, there's little you can argue about.
As Berbatov says himself: "When you consider all the attributes forwards need, Wayne is number 1 in my opinion. He's the best forward I've ever played with".
Last edited by beavis; 14-02-2011 at 19:08.
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