Manchester United Fans Club

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Darren Fletcher’s patience and determination to be an important squad member for United after turning in another impressive performance, this time against Lyon in the Champions League.

Fletcher went about his work quietly but effectively, breaking up Lyon attacks and displaying his wide range of passing, reason enough for Sir Alex to feel justified in leaving Paul Scholes on the bench.

“It was a big decision because Scholes’ performance against Fulham was vintage,” he said. “If the game had been on Wednesday I would have played him. But I had to ask the question with it being three days after the Fulham, especially given the time he has been out injured and his age.

“Darren came in to do a job, which he did very effectively. He’s not easy to play against. I wouldn’t like to play against him. He has such a long stretch, which means he can close players down quickly and he wins possession without conceding many fouls. That was important to us, because Juninho’s ability from set-pieces could have been a threat to us.” (more…)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 30th of the season against Lyon in Champions League 2nd leg tie at Old Trafford. Ronaldo again showed his liking for the big stage by scoring the only goal to steered United into quarter-finals and set a 10th straight home victory in the competition, equaling Juventus’ record set 11 years ago.

Ronaldo scored in the 41st minute to break Lyon’s resistance and secure a place in the quarter-finals. The French side carved out a couple of decent chances before United made the breakthrough.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were highly motivated from the off and Patrice Evra let his enthusiasm get the better of him. He picked up a booking after only four minutes for a challenge on Karim Benzema.

The highly-rated Lyon striker had scored a superb opening goal in the first leg and Ferguson knew the danger he posed.

United made a swift break in the 10th minute and there was a buzz of anticipation around the ground as Ronaldo collected the ball. (more…)

Ryan Giggs is Sir Alex Ferguson’s only doubt ahead of the clash with Lyon as he is struggling with a calf problem. The Welsh winger has been hampered by the injury since the first leg of the Champions League tie.

Ferguson said: “The knock he took in the Lyon game has proved to be a bit more complicated than we first thought. “He did a bit in training on Monday morning but he is still doubtful for the game.”

Giggs is unlikely to be risked but Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic looks set to return to the side. He trained following a similar injury to Giggs and looks likely to resume his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is banking on Manchester United chalking up another important milestone and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Victory over Lyon will see his side equal Juventus’ record in the competition of 10 straight home victories in the competition. (more…)

Manchester United earned a valuable three points at Craven Cottage with a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham, while Arsenal could only manage a draw across town at the Emirates Stadium. Over the last two matches, United had managed to cut Arsenal 5 points lead at the top to 1 point lead at the moment.

The title race is getting crucial at this part, any mistake will cost us dearly, of course we would like to see Arsenal continue to suffer their dip in form, in contrast, United look to have recapture their form and momentum with every single squad players contributing to United matches lately.

A Simon Davies own goal rounded off the scoring after first-half goals from Owen Hargreaves and Ji-sung Park had put United in the driving seat.

Last season, Craven Cottage was the scene for late drama as Cristiano Ronaldo capped a stunning 88th-minute dribble with a shot to match. It gave the Reds a come-from-behind 2-1 victory and, among fans at least, belief that Sir Alex’s side had the necessary character to go on and win the league.

Today, victory was less dramatic and yet just as significant. With Arsenal stumbling at the Emirates, this weekend could well prove the difference come the end of the season.

Perhaps with one eye on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League match, Sir Alex opted to leave out Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic, although he did field former Fulham favourites Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha. (more…)

Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage for the 28th games of the season, a crucial game for United who is trailing Arsenal by 3 points in Barclay Premier League table.

Ryan Giggs is set to miss Saturday match as he rests a strained calf. The former Welsh midfielder looks likely to sit out the game with a Champions League date to follow on Tuesday against Lyon at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have recovered from a calf strain and a stomach virus respectively but Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre remain sidelined as United aim to close a three points gap on leaders Arsenal.

But Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is wary that Chelsea could come up on the rails and take the Barclays Premier League title from under the noses of the top two. (more…)