Manchester United Fans Club

Craig Gardner has revealed his desire to remain Aston Villa’s deadball expert as he set himself a 10-goal target ahead of the clash with Manchester United at Villa Park. Gardner has scored with free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area in Villa’s last two games with Tottenham and West Ham.

He faces competition from the likes of skipper Gareth Barry and Shaun Maloney for the role but is hopeful of being retained against the Red Devils as Villa seek a fifth successive home league win. Gardner, who is confident of shaking off a groin strain to face United, told PA Sport: “It was nice to get on the scoresheet twice in five days, but I want to get around the 10 goal mark for the season.

“Overall, that’s two in eight league games now for me this season so it can be done. I’ve scored with basically the same free-kick both times, driven hard and low, but I am sure I will score other sorts of goals as well, maybe bend one into the top corner!

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes his new Wayne Rooney-Carlos Tevez strike partnership is starting to click despite five out of United’s last seven games have ended in 1-0 wins, and Ferguson insists there is no problem with Manchester United’s attack.

Manchester United won 7-1 against Roma in last season quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford, almost scoring all the shot they attempt. While a repeat of last meeting remarkable scoreline is highly unlikely neither is the prospect of watching a high scoring match.

United have scored 11 fewer goals than at the same stage last season despite having the most potent attacking talents in paper, this may all down to Tevez missing pre-season, Saha injured knee and Rooney broken metatarsal foot in August. (more…)

Steve Bruce has urged Birmingham’s players to repeat their performance at Liverpool in today tea time clash with Man Utd. Bruce, former United rock-solid center back is unconcerned his players came in for criticism for their determined and dogged goalless draw performance with Rafael Benitez’s side.

Bruce will have to make one change from the Liverpool line-up with midfielder Borja Oubina out for the season with damaged knee ligaments.

Fabrice Muamba is expected to come back in the middle after being rested for the last two games although Bruce admitted Neil Danns was also an option after being impressed with him during the 3-0 Carling Cup defeat at Ewood Park.

Striker Mikael Forssell will have to be replaced on the bench as he is to undergo surgery on Monday to cure a hernia problem. (more…)

Wayne Rooney has pleaded with Sir Alex Ferguson to let him play in Wednesday night’s Carling Cup tie with Coventry at Old Trafford. Under normal circumstances, Rooney would be excused involvement as Ferguson takes the opportunity to give his less experienced players some exposure at senior level.

Rooney is desperate to face Iain Dowie’s men and even has laid claim to the captain’s armband. Rooney is likely to get his wish, even if it is just to get Ferguson a bit of peace. Fellow first-team starts Anderson, Nani and possibly John O’Shea will join Rooney in the cup tie.

However, Owen Hargreaves was not among a list of players Ferguson confirmed will be involved, a firm indication the England is still to recover from a thigh injury suffered in training with the national team three weeks ago.

Tamasz Kuszczak will take over the post from Van der Sar. The Pole hasn’t played in a competitive fixture since 9 May when United drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Coventry are believed to bringing over 10,000 fans with them to Old Trafford for the cup-tie.

The match will start at 20.00 UK time

Cristiano Ronaldo is back for this Saturday lunch time kick-off at Goodison Park with Manchester United looking to register the first away win against Everton. Ronaldo return after three match suspension following his sent-off against Reading for head-butting, meanwhile Wayne Rooney has also returned to training and could be on the bench against Everton.

The chances of Rooney playing is extremely low but next week cruncher against Chelsea looks more prospect while The Red Devils is looking to continue the two-year unbeaten track record at the Goodison Park. Ronaldo return is likely to add more spice to United attack given United only scored a total three times despite having what on paper would be the dream attack force for others team. (more…)

Roy Keane will make his first homecoming in the opposite dugout of Old Trafford with Sunderland. Keane will become the fourth player to play under Ferguson and become a manger of the opposite site themselves since Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes.

As Ferguson looks forward to welcoming back the former club captain marvel, he has mixed emotions the veteran boss is still coming to terms with Solksjaer early’s retirement last week. Both players have carved their name in United’s folklore and earned Ferguson’s respect in the process. (more…)

Gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson has boldly declared United will win their first Premiership game against Tottenham this Sunday, the first victory of the season for the devils who is having the worst start into a new campaign since 14 years ago. We may be languish in the relegation zone by the time United kick-off the match.

Having already fallen five points adrift of new championship favourites Chelsea, Ferguson knows another disappointing result cannot be afford. Ferguson is highly convinced United will ultimately emerge victorious. The devils has been dominant in every aspect except the goals column, the lost of Rooney and Ronaldo through injury and suspension had truly affected United in the third-end of the game. (more…)