Rooney no longer Sir Alex Ferguson's problem

Sir Alex Ferguson is content to leave the problem of what to do about Wayne Rooney to new Manchester United manager David Moyes.

Rooney has asked to leave United this summer even though he still has two years on his contract remaining.



Ferguson revealed last week the request had been turned down, and, along with Gary Neville, advised the England forward to get away during the summer, get his head sorted out and return refreshed.



The matter is not quite so simple, as United will not want to allow the 27-year old to drift beyond the summer without some kind of clear vision of his future. However, as Ferguson acknowledged, it is not his problem any more.

"I have not spoken to David about Wayne," said Ferguson.



"I'm sure he will address it when he gets here. I have no idea why Wayne wants to leave, it is not my department. I am no longer interested in that.



"David is going to deal with that and, quite rightly, he wants to deal with it."

Sir Alex on Mancini sacking:

"It is quite amazing," said the Manchester United manager, who retires after Sunday's game at West Brom.

"He has won the FA Cup, been in the final, second in the league and won the league and it's not good enough?



"I was surprised, but actually no, you can't say you are surprised not with some owners today. You can't be surprised, but I still don't think it was right.



"I was with the chief executive of Liverpool at our reserve game the other night and he told me that Brendan Rodgers, who has not been in the job a year, is the 30th longest-serving manager in the country. That's incredible."



Meanwhile, Ferguson revealed that he is no longer interested in the future of wantaway striker Wayne Rooney and says that his successor, David Moyes, will decide on whether the player has a future at Old Trafford.



He said: "I have not spoken to David about Wayne; I'm sure he will address it when he gets here. I have no idea why Wayne wants to leave, it is not my department. I am no longer interested in that.



"David is going to deal with that and, quite rightly, he wants to deal with it."

Moyes to replace Ferguson

Everton boss David Moyes is set to be appointed as the new Manchester United manager, following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.



An announcement could be made on Thursday.



Ferguson, 71, revealed his decision to step down after nearly 27 years at Old Trafford on Wednesday.



Fellow Scot Moyes, 50, who has been in charge at Goodison Park since 2002, held talks with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday evening.



Moyes is expected to tell the Everton players and staff of his decision to join United at a training ground meeting on Thursday morning.



He could still lead Everton out at Goodison Park against West Ham on Sunday for what would be his final home game in charge.



The former Preston boss was installed as bookmakers' favourite to become the next United boss following a rush of bets over the weekend, even before speculation mounted about Ferguson's retirement.



"He's cut from the same cloth," said former United captain Steve Bruce.



"It wouldn't surprise me if he got the job and I'm sure he would be very successful.



"He's not had huge finances but he has still managed to put an Everton team together that comfortably finishes in the top 10."



Former United assistant manager Steve McClaren also believes Moyes is the right man for the job.



"He's a winner and has a work ethic similar to Sir Alex," the ex-England manager told BBC Radio 5 live. "He's also built a dynasty and legacy at Everton.



"He's waited many years for this opportunity and I hope he gets it."



Former England striker Gary Lineker, who presents the BBC's Match of the Day programme, said Moyes would be a "sensible" appointment.



"It is a great choice for United, but not a great choice for Everton because he will be a great loss to them. It makes the transition easier to get another British and Scottish manager in," said the ex-Toffees forward.



"He (Moyes) is hugely respected within the game and he will instantly get the respect of the players but it's the biggest pair of shoes you can follow. It's intensely difficult and I think the best job at Manchester United is the one after the one after Sir Alex Ferguson because expectations will be so tough.



"It is going to be extraordinarily difficult for the next boss of Manchester United because if it goes wrong the fans will let him know they are missing Sir Alex.



"He will always be judged against someone with phenomenal success, but he will know that anyway. However, you can still see the allure of the job. It is one of the three biggest clubs in the world, so it will always get big names wanting that job."



Former United defender Gary Neville also backed Moyes as a potential successor to Ferguson.



"I don't know if he's going to be appointed, but I would welcome it - it makes sense," Neville, who won eight league titles at United, told Sky Sports.



But former England striker Alan Shearer believes the appointment of Moyes could be a gamble as he has not won a trophy during 11 years in charge at Everton.



"Anyone who has worked with David Moyes says great things about his man-management and his coaching," Shearer told BBC Sport.



"The only thing you would say is that he has not won a trophy at Everton.



"But I suppose anyone who goes into Manchester United is a big gamble because it is going to be one heck of a big pair of shoes to fill."



And former United manager Tommy Docherty said he would "feel sorry" for Moyes should he be appointed.



"If it is David Moyes then I congratulate him and feel sorry for him. How can you follow the impossible?"

Sir Alex to retire

Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United have confirmed.

Rumours about Ferguson's United future began to circulate at the club's golf day on Tuesday and were widely carried in Wednesday's newspapers.

And at 9.15am United made the announcement on their website that English football's most successful manager will call time on a 26-and-a-half-year reign this summer.

Ferguson's decision comes just days after he secured his 13th Premier League title, and he also delivered United two European Cups, five FA Cups, four League Cups and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

He will stay on at Old Trafford as a director and a club ambassador.

In a statement, Ferguson said:

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

"Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

"Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."

Alex Ferguson retiring at end of season

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season, bringing an end to more than 26 trophy-filled years at the club.



"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," Ferguson said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is the right time."



The club did not immediately announce a successor.



Since taking charge at Old Trafford in 1986, Ferguson has established himself as the most successful manager in British soccer history, having reversed a previous plan to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season.



After the Scotsman secured a 13th Premier League title two weeks ago - extending the club's record English championship haul to 20 - he declared that he had no retirement thoughts.



But now he has just two more matches left in charge of the club he has turned into one of the world's biggest sports teams.



"It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," Ferguson said. "The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth setup will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."



Ferguson will stay at the club as a director and an ambassador.



"With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future," Ferguson said. "I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential."

Ferguson confirms Scholes stay

Paul Scholes is certain to be at Manchester United next season, even if Sir Alex Ferguson is not sure if it will be as a player or a coach and is expected to retire a second time after failing to make a league appearance in an injury-hit 2013.

But Scholes, who spent six months as a reserve-team coach before returning to the first team in January 2012, will revert to a role on Ferguson's backroom staff if he decides to call time on his playing career.

The United manager stressed that Scholes, who is behind only Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton in United's all-time appearance makers, is yet to say whether he will be in the squad again next season.

But he said: "He'll be here anyway - whether as a player or coach. We'll have to wait and see with Scholes."

Scholes was a notable absentee when the other United players celebrated their title win on the Old Trafford turf after last Monday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa but Ferguson played down the significance of that.

He told the club's official website: "I don't think he came onto the pitch but he's not that type. He was probably home by the time the game ended!"

Scholes was in superb form in the second half of last season and Ferguson is glad he returned, adding: "It would've been easy to say nothing and carry on with the reserves but he made his mind up he wanted to come back and play and it was a good one for us.

"I think there will come a time when he has to quit anyway, whether it's next year or this year. He's not made his mind up about that. He has got a lot to offer us and we do this now, it's a very important part of our club to get players who have made a great contribution."

The United manager reiterated his wish that two more of his current playing squad will become members of the club's coaching team.



He added: "Nicky Butt is with the reserves; Darren Fletcher, when his time comes, will join. Ryan Giggs will join. [Then there are] Brian McClair, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness, Marek Szmid. We have a lot of former players in positions at the club which is healthy for us."

Ferguson: Suarez ban nothing compared to Cantona

Sir Alex Ferguson says he empathises with Liverpool over the lengthy ban handed to Luis Suarez, but believes the Uruguayan's ten-match suspension is nothing compared to the nine months Eric Cantona was kept out for following his kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan.



Cantona launched himself at Palace supporter Matthew Simmons in January 1995 after being sent off at Selhurst Park, and was subsequently banned by United until the end of the season.



The Red Devils' decision to oust their talisman widely regarded as the cause of them losing that season's Premier League title to Blackburn and Ferguson then suffered further disappointment when the FA added four more months to Cantona's suspension.



The United boss feels Liverpool made a good choice not to serve up an internal ban first to their own influential No. 7, and admitted the FA's decision to extend Cantona's ban still riles him.

"I bet they are glad they didn't [suspend Suarez themselves],'' Ferguson said. "It didn't work for us. [Then FA chairman] David Davies promised us if we did it there would be no more action taken.



"Think about that. A nine-month ban. It is quite incredible. I still can't get my head round it."

Alex Ferguson backs Liverpool actions

Sir Alex Ferguson feels Liverpool made the right decision in not trying to prevent a hefty ban for Luis Suarez by imposing one of their own.



He added that Manchester United would do the same if they were faced with a similar situation. However, he felt the penalty is far less severe than the one Eric Cantona received from the Football Association following his kung-fu kick on Matthew Simmons at Crystal Palace.



United suspended Cantona for the four months left that season, but FA increased Cantona’s ban to eight months. “I bet they are glad they didn’t (suspend Suarez themselves). It didn’t work for us,” Ferguson said.

“David Davies promised us if we did it there would be no more action taken. Think about that. A nine-month ban. It is quite incredible. I still can’t get my head round it.”

Ferguson: I'll spend for the right player

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would be willing to spend big if it meant luring the right man to Manchester United this summer. After years of hunting for value in the market, United broke their own rules last summer by splashing out £24m on a 29-year-old with minimal resale value who had only one year left on his contract.



Yet the arrival of Robin van Persie proved to be the masterstroke which allowed United to reclaim their Premier League title. Ferguson estimates he only needs a couple of players to freshen up his squad this summer.



However, with rumours of potential bids for Robert Lewandowski and Radamel Falcao still circulating, despite obvious interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively, Ferguson insists he has the funds to make another marquee purchase.

"I don't think we need to rebuild at all," said Ferguson. "We possibly need two players. It depends. If a player came along who met our criteria we would push the boat out and get him, irrespective of how many players we have."

It is bad news for United's domestic rivals given they are already well behind, but such an easy stroll to championship glory cannot be anticipated next term, with Manchester City sure to strengthen and Ferguson expecting a renewed threat from Chelsea, especially if the Special One returns.

"Chelsea will definitely be involved next year," said Ferguson. "They have some good players and it looks likely (Jose) Mourinho will be going there."

It would not be Ferguson's way to rest on his laurels, of course. Planning for a 14th league title has already begun and the trophy for the 13th has not been collected yet. This is where United's mighty commercial muscle is paying off.

"I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal."

United have done so many deals recently, most are greeted with a snigger given the unknown significance of companies such as gloops, who were confirmed as their social gaming partner yesterday.



But the cash is regenerated, with some paying off the club's reduced - but still enormous - debts, and the rest filtering into Ferguson's transfer kitty. "It does trickle down," said Ferguson. "Having spoken with the Glazer family, there is every intention to kick on.

"You have to credit the commercial people. They have done a great job. Of course the football team has been the platform for it but they are capitalising on such a great profile for the club. There is no doubt, worldwide, it seems to be getting bigger."

United head to Arsenal on Sunday still with the aim of reaching Chelsea's Premier League points record of 95 points, which they would eclipse by winning their remaining four games. It is those little targets that allow Ferguson to attain so many big ones, and ensure he is never short of an incentive to drive his players with.

"I said last week I don't mind winning the league in the last game of the season," he said. "Now we have won the league with four games left, I look at it as being one thing to win the league, another to do it by beating the record. Ninety-six points would be phenomenal. I don't know if that could ever be beaten."

Medals aplenty

It also seems Ferguson's team selection will not be influenced by kindness. Anders Lindegaard for instance still requires two more appearances to reach the ten previously viewed as the minimum requirement to qualify for a medal.



It seems such restrictions no longer apply, which is good news for both Alexander Buttner and Darren Fletcher, who is still trying to overcome a chronic bowel complaint that required surgery which ruled him out for the season.

"They will get medals," said Ferguson. "The system has changed now. They give you an allocated number of medals now which you can distribute the way you want. That is fair because it is only injury that has prevented Darren Fletcher from getting a medal.



"Buttner has been involved in every away game and every training session and it is very difficult for a goalkeeper to get ten games when your first choice goalkeeper has performed the way (David) De Gea has. He deserves his medal too."

RVP told to ignore boo boys

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Robin van Persie to ignore the Arsenal boo-boys when he returns to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.



Van Persie completed a controversial £24million switch from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer and has proved the major difference in this season's title race, taking his tally to 24 Premier League goals with Monday's hat-trick against Aston Villa.



But his appearance in north London this weekend is unlikely to go down well given he will soon be collecting the championship winners' medal he did not feel was realistic at Arsenal.



And though Arsene Wenger has confirmed his players will form a guard of honour in tribute to United's achievement, Van Persie's presence is bound to antagonise a section of the long-suffering Gunners support, who have now gone eight seasons since their team last won a trophy.



Under such circumstances, Ferguson's advice is for Van Persie not to allow the baiting to get to him.

"I don't bother about it, and I don't think Robin should bother about it either," said Ferguson.



"There was a bit of booing when he played at Old Trafford and I expect a portion of fans will do that.



"That is the modern generation I am afraid.



"For Arsenal to have one of their players go to their biggest rivals of the last 20 years doesn't sit well with their fans, nor Arsene for that matter.



"But it does happen. You just have to move on. Arsenal have moved on now. They are challenging for a Champions League place and have every chance of getting one."

Van Persie's contribution to the United cause can hardly be overstated.



Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has repeated countless times the Dutchman has been the major difference in this season's battle for honours.



His brilliant volley against Villa had the hallmark of class stamped all over it.



And, after taking such a leap of faith by joining United, Ferguson could see how much winning the title meant to Van Persie when the final whistle blew.

"It showed in his celebrations, not just after he had scored the goals but at the end of the match," said Ferguson.



"We had a few players who were winning it for the first time but he was celebrating better than the others."

And evidently, Van Persie's team-mates are equally delighted for the striker, who has more than lived up to the star billing he was granted upon his arrival last August.

"I don't know if he has exceeded expectations," said Ryan Giggs.



"We all knew what he was capable of but sometimes you don't realise just by playing against someone how good they actually are.



"When you train with them every day and play with them every week it is different.



"That has definitely been the case with Robin. We knew about his goalscoring. But it is his all-round play. He has been absolutely brilliant. Long may that continue."

With Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck keen to play some part and Tom Cleverley in contention to fill a midfield berth that could release Wayne Rooney into a more advanced position, there is an outside chance Van Persie might not start on Sunday.



Ferguson has vowed to play a strong side though out of respect to Arsenal's fellow top-four contenders Tottenham and Chelsea.



However, he acknowledged with gratitude Arsene Wenger's confirmation United will be afforded a guard of honour as they make their way onto the pitch.

"I am glad Arsene has done that," said the Scot.



"When they came to Old Trafford in 2002 and Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal, we did exactly the same," he said.



"That is what great clubs should do."

Ferguson salutes Van Persie

Sir Alex Ferguson on Wayne Rooney :"Wayne was brilliant and he needed a different role to get his confidence back. There has been a bit of criticism, a few doubters"

Sir Alex Ferguson: "That was my 900th win in charge of Man Utd? I wish it was 1000! The players deserve credit for their character."



Sir Alex Ferguson on Robin Van Persie : "Van Persie nearly killed me with his celebration - he forgets I'm 71! He did ever so well for the penalty, though."



“It was a great celebration it brought the emotions of the fans and the players together, he really did celebrate that” -Ferguson on RvP.



RVP on 'that hug': "I wanted to celebrate with the players and the staff because they have been there for me."

United vs. City | Preview

Kick-Off 20:00 at Old Trafford

Team News :

Man United team news:

• The likes of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael, Jonny Evans and Paul Scholes should all be fit ahead of the derby on Sunday as they continue to recover from injuries.


• Darren Fletcher is the only player who will definitely miss out and the lack of form from the wingers will mean that the wide berths are most hotly contested.


• The likes of Cleverley and Jones are likely to be in competition for a place alongside Carrick, while Welbeck could be played on the left.

 Man City team news: 

• Manchester City have no fresh injury concerns for their trip to Old Trafford.

• Samir Nasri will hope his display last weekend will have earned him a start over Milner, though the England international usually starts in these big matches.

• Jack Rodwell misses out but should be available for the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea next weekend.

Match Fact

City's 6-1 win in last season's corresponding fixture was United's heaviest Premier League defeat, and the first time they had conceded six at Old Trafford since 1930.

This is the 165th Manchester derby in all competitions. Manchester United lead by 69 wins to City's 45, with 50 draws.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have met 11 times as managers. Ferguson has won six to Mancini's four.

United Stats:

Manchester United have won 50 of a possible 54 points in their last 18 Premier League games (W16, D2).

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are the first team in English top-flight history to win 25 of their first 30 league games of a season.

They need 19 points from their remaining eight matches to set a new Premier League record for most points (96).

City Stats:

Manchester City have taken just 11 points from the last 21 available.

City have eight points fewer than they did at this stage last season.

Roberto Mancini's side have conceded 26 league goals, five fewer than any other top-flight side. They have also kept an unrivalled 14 clean sheets.

Fergie eye Mourinho record in 2005

Sir Alex Ferguson would be happy if Manchester United won the title with a deflection off someone's backside, as "winning is the only issue".

Speaking to a US radio station earlier this week, Ferguson suggested United's target for the remaining nine games was to match the Premier League points record of 95 amassed under Jose Mourinho in 2005.



With a 15-point lead over nearest challengers Manchester City, it seemed prudent of Ferguson to find additional challenges beyond merely lifting a record 20th title.



Yet, ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland, the United boss dismissed his own lofty talk.



In the final analysis, all he cares about is winning the prize he has almost made his own for the past two decades, but which was snatched away from him with virtually the very last kick of the previous campaign.



"I don't care what I win it by," said Ferguson.



"It could be a dodgy goal off someone's backside in the last minute of the last game of the season.



"It doesn't bother me one bit. Winning the league is the issue."



As they prepare to visit the Stadium of Light for the first time since they stood by the side on the pitch, their own season over, to discover Sergio Aguero had sent City into ecstasy, Ferguson can have no complaints at how his players responded to that setback.



With just two draws and three defeats, United have been virtually foot-perfect, far too good for a City side who struggled to regain their previously high standards.



"These things are hard to take," said Ferguson.



"For about 20 seconds we thought we had won it and it was snatched away from us.



"But what we have done well this season is dusted ourselves down and made a real good challenge of the league.



"The concentration levels, the commitment of the players and the team spirit have been fantastic.



"In that respect we have answered the only way we can."



The anger Ferguson felt at the Sunderland fans' over-the-top celebrations has evidently subsided, meaning there is no talk of revenge as United look to claim three of the 13 points from nine remaining fixtures to clinch title number 20.



"I don't have any issues with the Sunderland fans," he said.



"I don't think Sunderland fans wanted Manchester City to win it any more than we did.



"It goes back to modern society. You see it from supporters every week. In a corner, wherever your supporters are, the opposing fans vent their spleen at each other.



"That is what happens in modern-day football."

United hire private jets to fly players home

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed how Manchester United have hired a fleet of private jets to ensure their players away on international duty are back in time for this weekend's action.

United face two tough matches in 48 hours – first they play Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday before their trip to Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Easter Monday.



Ferguson may rest some of his stars for the Sunderland clash, but is ready to pay out in order to ensure the likes of Shinji Kagawa who is in Japan, and Javier Hernández in Mexico return to feature in his plans.



"Freshness is the name of the game now as we come towards the end of the season and the intensity of vital games coming in quick succession," Ferguson told the Mirror. "My role becomes even more important in selecting the right teams, with freshness the operative quality. It's not necessarily putting out your best team, it's picking the freshest.



"This will be a real problem when the players come back at the end of the international break after playing two games involving long flights, particularly with Chicharito in Mexico [to play USA] and Shinji Kagawa with Japan [who have a World Cup qualifier in Jordan on Tuesday].



"In fact, we're making arrangements for some players to fly home by privately hired jet after their matches, to make sure they get home as quickly and smoothly as possible.



"Tiredness is a great leveller but we will do our utmost to make sure we field the freshest possible teams. Private planes are going to cost the club an awful lot of money, but it is something we feel we have to do.



"The players who have missed the international trips, like Ryan Giggs, Anderson, Nemanja Vidic, Alexander Buttner and Rafael, will be key players in the run-in. Paul Scholes is back in training and will play a part in keeping us fresh."

Fergie concern over Rio call

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted it is not completely certain Rio Ferdinand will join up with England next week.

Ferdinand was selected by Roy Hodgson for this month's World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, the first time he has been called up by the current England boss since he took charge just before Euro 2012.

The move caught Ferguson by surprise given Ferdinand's long-standing back and fitness issues and the Scot was not convinced a return to the international set-up, at the age of 34, was right for his experienced centre-half.

Ferdinand's current five-year deal expires at the end of the current campaign and the United manager said: "I was as surprised as anyone when I heard.

"I need to speak to the (United) doctor because we prepare Rio Ferdinand in a certain way and there are certain treatments he has to go through.

"He has to make sure he is going to be OK in terms of the number of games he plays.

"We have been doing that for two years and it has worked. We have to look at all these things before Rio decides (if he joins up)."

If Ferdinand did not report it would be more than a minor embarrassment for England boss Hodgson given his climbdown from previous statements that he has "moved on" from the Manchester United defender.

"The procedures have been the same all season which has given him fantastic performance levels when he's playing for us," said Ferguson.

"We have to consider that and Rio is considering that. And we'll see what the outcome of that is."

Fergie rests senior players

Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to rest a number of key players for Manchester United’s Champions League clash against Galatasary on Tuesday.



United have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition and with qualification already guaranteed Ferguson has taken the opportunity to rest some senior members of his squad.



Instead, the Scot has brought a young squad to Turkey with seven of the 21-man panel yet to play in the Champions League.



Nick Powell, Larnell Cole, Davide Petrucci and Ryan Tunnicliffe, striker Joshua King and defender Marnick Vermijl could all make their Champions League debut on Tuesday, while midfielder Tom Thorpe and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could have their first senior start for the club.



Despite Wayne Rooney and David De Gea training with the squad on Monday, Ferguson has left them behind along with Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Robin van Persie as he looks to the weekend’s clash with QPR at Old Trafford.

Man United know type of manager they want next

Manchester United's owners know what 'type' of manager they want to replace Sir Alex Ferguson when he retires.

Ferguson, who turns 71 on New Year's Eve, is yet to put a date on retirement but it is widely expected to be before his 75th birthday.



The club, though, admit that they are aware of how they will go about replacing Ferguson - but vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists they will not even look at the plan until they need to.



"We have a view as to what type of manager we want and how and when we'll go about it," he is quoted by The Sun.



"But it's in the drawer and long may it stay in the drawer."



Woodward, who has already insisted the club's owners the Glazers intend to keep control of United for many years, stressed that money would always be available to bolster the squad.



He said: "Every single player Sir Alex Ferguson has wanted to buy he has been supported. Some have slipped through our fingers but we have never said that we cannot afford a player. Robin van Persie is a good example, one of the best players in the world and we easily had the financial capacity to do that.



"We have a pretty low level of leverage. Interest payments of £31million leaves a significant amount of money, around £76million and we decide what we do with that.



"We are very comfortable about the ability to fund the interest and there will be more income growth next year from the new Premier League media deal."

Rio and Evra miss Braga tie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to rest defenders Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra for the visit of Braga in the Champions League tonight.

Ferdinand's involvement had been in doubt after he disobeyed the Scotsman's instructions by refusing to wear a 'Kick It Out' anti-racism T-shirt ahead of their 4-2 win over Stoke at the weekend.

Ferguson has confirmed he and Ferdinand have settled their differences over the matter, but the central defender and left-back Evra will sit out the game at Old Trafford to be fresh for the trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

That could see youngster Scott Wootton play alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of the defence, with Alex Buttner set to come in for Frenchman Evra.

Winger Ashley Young may also be in the matchday squad against the Portuguese side having returned to training after making positive progress following a knee problem.

Midfield trio Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs are also set to return after being rested for the league win over Stoke as United attempt to extend their perfect record in the competition.

Braga's Ruben Micael and Ruben Amorim will compete for a place in attack alongside main striker Eder.



Helder Barbosa and Marcio Mossoro formed the forward line for their win over Guimaraes in the Portuguese league at the weekend though and manager Jose Peseiro may opt to stick with them instead.

Ferguson believe particularly foreign players dive

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Nani against accusations of diving but believes "particularly" foreign players are to blame for simulation.

Nani was criticised in the wake of the 3-2 defeat by Tottenham. Ferguson said: "As a subject it is not worth going down because we have known for quite a few years there are plenty of players diving and, you have to say, particularly foreign players.

"Nani is not the type to dive. He has never been that type of player."

Ferguson's comments follow Sergio Aguero's claims that home players are treated better than foreigners by Premier League referees.


In April Ferguson, whose team face Cluj in the Champions League on Tuesday night,warned Ashley Young about diving.

But he insists referee Chris Foy was wrong to deny Portuguese winger Nani, 25, a spot-kick after the challenge from Spurs' Jan Vertonghen on Saturday.



Ferguson added: "It was a penalty kick on Saturday. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. From the referee's position it was difficult because there were plenty of bodies in front of him."



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Ferguson: Vidic was never fit for United

Nemanja Vidic was never fit after seemingly recovering from cruciate ligament damage, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United captain returned this season from the injury he suffered in December of last year but now faces another two months on the sidelines following further surgery.



And Ferguson admits he was not entirely surprised by the chain of events.



"I don't think he was ever 100 per cent," said the United boss.



"I noticed a couple of times in training that he was limping a little bit. Then he started feeling tightness in his knee.



"He wanted to carry on and in that situation that is what tough guys can do.



"Obviously the main operation was to correct the cruciate but when you do cruciates there is always the danger that the cartilage or meniscus is damaged also and that was the case."



He added: "The difficulty is for our medical staff to make a decision as to when players are ready to come back.



"The worst that can happen is if you try and rush them back they get a training injury.



"That is unthinkable nowadays and that is what we are trying to avoid."

Fergie praying for no more injuries

Sir Alex Ferguson is crossing his fingers Manchester United can limp through the next week before finally seeing their defensive woes start to ease.



With Chris Smalling and Phil Jones already sidelined, Ferguson last week expressed the hope his remaining centre-halves would remain fit.



That desire was dashed on Tuesday, when it was confirmed skipper Nemanja Vidic had undergone knee surgery that will keep him out for another two months.



It leaves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans as United's only fit central defenders for tomorrow evening's encounter with Tottenham.



And as his side also have a Champions League trip to Cluj, and a Premier League match with Newcastle before the next international break, Ferguson must feel like wrapping Ferdinand and Evans in cotton wool.



"Everyone knows the situation with our defenders," said Ferguson.



"We are having a hard time with that.



"Nemanja Vidic being out is a blow to us and we simply cannot take a risk with defenders.



"We just hope if we can get through the next two league games it will give us a little breather and we can start to get one or two of them back."



As Jones is out for a similar length of time to Vidic after undergoing the same operation, Smalling's recovery from a broken metatarsal is what Ferguson is pinning his hopes on.



The former Fulham man will not be back this weekend though, so, with Wayne Rooney recovered from his gashed thigh and Tom Cleverley finally opening his United scoring account, Ferguson may decide attack is the best form of defence against Spurs.



Cleverley could not have picked a better time to score either as England coach Gary Neville was in the stands for the 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Newcastle on Wednesday, with Roy Hodgson a week away from announcing his England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.



"It (not having scored for United) has been playing on my mind a little bit," said Cleverley.



"I have always scored goals when I have gone on loan, so it was bugging me that I had not been doing it for my club or my country.



"I have got the first one out of the way now. Hopefully they will all come at once."