Manchester United Fans Club

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the future of football is in safe hands as long as players like Wayne Rooney are around.

The Manchester United striker is expected to face former club Everton at Old Trafford, knowing he will be subjected to another barrage of abuse from the visiting fans, just as he was at Liverpool last weekend.

Yet, Ferguson knows Rooney will respond in the same energetic manner as always, determined to answer his critics in the best way possible - on the pitch.

“Wayne has a wonderful heart for the game,” said the United manager.

“Every time the crowd roared at Liverpool last week, he got a free-kick given against him.


“It was ridiculous really but he still has this fantastic enthusiasm to play, no matter what the circumstances.

“It is unusual to see that in such a young player. In a way, it refreshes you and gives you hope the game is going the right way.”

A Premier League win over Everton, who have not triumphed at Old Trafford for 15 years, would be an ideal way to round off a troubled week in which the Red Devils’ name has been plastered across the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Ferguson has refused to enter into any discussion over Monday’s infamous players’ party, which ended with teenage defender Jonny Evans spending a night in the cells and then being released on police bail amid allegations of rape.

Instead, the United manager - who is believed to have read the riot act to skipper Gary Neville, vice-captain Ryan Giggs and event organiser Rio Ferdinand - has kept any disciplinary measures in-house.

“Why would I say anything?” he said.

“Alex Ferguson has been dealing with situations like this for 21 years and I know exactly what we do.

“I will not be guided or instructed by anyone. It is a club matter and we will carry on the way we have always done.”

Ferguson was more forthcoming on Edwin van der Sar’s one-year contract extension.

The 37-year-old’s present deal was due to expire next summer, but even though England international Ben Foster is likely to provide a stern challenge to Van der Sar’s status as United number one, Ferguson is happy to have them both around.

“Edwin’s consistency and experience has been a great help to this club,” he said.

“He is number one at the moment, so he has a chance of being number one next season.

“But you cannot guarantee players positions and tell them they are going to be in the team.”

David Moyes admits he takes a short-term view of in-form Everton’s ambitions.

The Scottish boss is adopting a step-by-step philosophy in his bid to take the club to a higher level and into the top four.

Everton are still involved in the UEFA Cup, the Carling Cup and are riding high in the league after a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

They could hardly be in better health ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

Moyes said: “It is nice to be going into the new year still in every competition. We are going to do the best we can.

“I do not prioritise. The most important thing is the next game.

“That just happens to be against Manchester United. We will prepare properly as we want to get it right.

“There is still a gap between ourselves and the top four. What they have is consistency because of the standard of their players.

“We have been trying for five years to bridge that gap, so what we need to do is overcome some of the big sides for a change.”

Everton will now face Brann Bergen in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup after finishing top of their group.

Former midfielder Peter Reid is impressed with the progress Moyes is making at Goodison Park.

However, he believes it will be hard for any club to crack the top four.

Reid said: “I think the board know what a good job he is doing and they have backed him.

“If you look at teams that are unsuccessful, you’ll look at a team invariably that changes their manager - that says it all.

“Everton had a spell when they were winning 1-0 and it was a bit of a struggle.

“But he’s come through that and now has a team and a squad that are confident and go out there and look to win matches.

“With the top four pre-occupied with the Champions League and cups, nothing is impossible but it will be very difficult.

“It is a massive game against United. If they could keep their unbeaten run going, you never know.”

:: Reid was speaking on behalf of Setanta Sports to promote their coverage of Manchester United v Everton, Setanta Sports 1.

United probable line up: Van der Sar (G), Wes Brown (D), Rio Ferdinand (D), Nemanja Vidic (D), Patrice Evra (D), Owen Hagreaves (M) Micheal Carrick (M), Cristiano Ronaldo (M), Luis Nani (M), Carlos Tevez (F), Wayne Rooney (F).

Venue: Old Trafford, 12.00 UK
Predict Score: Manchester United 3 - 1 Everton