Sport Station: Manchester United

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Five-year deal for Hernandez

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has signed a new five-year contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season, the Barclays Premier League champions have announced.

The Mexico international made a stunning impact after arriving in England last season, with 20 goals in all competitions, and United have responded to both that and recent speculation linking the player with Real Madrid by tying him down to a long-term deal.

Hernandez said: "Playing for Manchester United has been a dream come true for me. I never expected my first year to go so well and I'm delighted to commit my future to United. To win a title and appear in a Champions League final was fantastic. I'm looking forward to helping my team-mates as we bid to win more trophies for this great club."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "The last player I remember making an impact as big and as quickly as Javier is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he reminds me of Ole a lot. His talent for creating space in the box and his finishing ability mark him out as a natural goalscorer.

"Off the pitch, he is a pleasure to manage. He works very hard and is a popular member of the squad."

The news comes as a welcome boost for a United side smarting from Sunday's 6-1 hammering at home to rivals Manchester City.

football.co.uk

Berbatov to fight for place

Dimitar Berbatov is determined to secure more first-team football at Manchester United after rejecting pleas from Bulgaria fans to come out of retirement.

The 30-year-old was the joint-top scorer in the Premier League last season, but he has started only two games for United in all competitions this term.

He failed to even make the bench for last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool and was an unused substitute for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win over Otelul Galati in Romania.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has previously insisted Berbatov will get chances to impress and the forward is willing to fight for his place.

"I want to get more chances because I know I can help the team," said Berbatov. "I'll continue to give my best to earn my place in the team."

The Red Devils' game against Galati in Bucharest was attended by several hundred Bulgarian fans, who had travelled to the Romanian capital to plead with Berbatov to come out of international retirement.

Berbatov was surprised by the calls from the Bulgarian fans, but he is not currently planning to make himself available again for the national team.

He added: "I didn't expect such a reaction.

"I can't play for the national team if I'm not playing for my club.

"I would like to thank the fans, it was very pleasant. My team-mates wondered what was happening and I had to explain to them (about the noise)."

skysports.com

Key battles

Manchester United head into the unknown when they tackle Otelul Galati live on Sky Sports. We look at the crucial encounters likely to decide the clash.

Manchester United head into unknown territory when they tackle Romanian title winners Otelul Galati in the Champions League, live on Sky Sports.

The pair have never met before and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson must hope his side can find that winning mentality after back-to-back draws.

Gabriel Paraschiv v Anderson

Veteran midfielder Paraschiv apparently asked for a 30 per cent pay cut last season because his performances were so poor. Anderson will expect to take advantage if the 33-year-old is still the same.

Marius Pena v Nemanja Vidic

Burly striker Pena became the first Galati player to score in the Champions League, although his effort in Basle did not save his side from defeat. After two months out, Vidic may not necessarily have to be at his best to emerge in credit here.

Milan Perendija v Wayne Rooney

Like Vidic, Perendija hails from Serbia but that seems to be where the comparisons end as he has never won a full cap. If Rooney is unleashed he may get rid of some of that Euro 2012 frustration.

skysports.com

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has rubbished his reputation for being a poor tackler, insisting he was "just getting people back" after being fouled himself.
The former England international became known for a perceived technical weakness in tackles, particularly towards the end of his distinguished career.
But the midfielder, who retired this summer, told BBC Radio Five Live: "Of course I can tackle. There's plenty of evidence of being able to tackle. I was just getting people back. If someone got me early in the game it was always in the back of my mind that I needed to get them back."
He added: "I didn't always do it on purpose, some of it was just bad timing, I suppose.
"But I think throughout my career the record wasn't that bad, there were not that many yellow cards.
"Well, I suppose a few yellow cards, but not many sendings-off.
"But I think towards the end every time I made one tackle I got booked, because of my reputation I suppose."

football.co.uk

Man Utd's Ferguson could carry on until 2015

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he expects to remain in charge at Old Trafford for another three or four years.
Ferguson, who was appointed United boss in 1986, has grown used to speculation over his retirement date after changing his plan to bow out of football in 2002.
But the 69-year-old, who led United to a record 19th English title last season, has no intention of quitting while he is still in good enough health to continue reaping the rewards of his remarkable reign.
Ferguson may be fast approaching his 70th birthday, but the Scot insists it is possible he could remain in the post until 2015.
"I've got three or four years left," Ferguson said. "I feel good. But when I do leave, I will leave in place a strong young team that will continue to succeed for my successor."
Ferguson has helped United to dominate English football and claims his success is down to creating a mentality that is geared more towards the collective effort than individual reward.
"It's all about team spirit. In a match, I only need eight of my players to be on top form. If the other three aren't up to it, it's not serious. The other eight do the work for them," Ferguson said.
"There has only been six matches where I've had all 11 players perform at their very best. It's like swallows.
"They always fly together in a group, in a V formation, and those at the front do the majority of the work. And they alternate regularly.
"If one swallow flies out of formation, two others go to get him and bring him back into the group. It's the same in my teams - sacrifice, friendship, and the giving of oneself to the team."

football.co.uk

I want to lead United and England - Rooney

Wayne Rooney is revelling in his new-found role as a leader and has set his sights on becoming captain for club and country.

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Rooney as the elder statesman of Manchester United’s vibrant young side, while the striker is already firmly established as England’s most influential player.

Rooney has started the new season with a flourish, scoring nine goals in six club games and two more for England, and said he is now ready to take on the responsibility of being captain.

“That would be a great honour,” said Rooney. “I’ve captained both on one-off occasions. Obviously to get the two jobs full-time would be a great honour for me.”

Ferguson believes Rooney, who turns 26 this month, has matured as a player and is reaching his peak, becoming the man United’s new generation of players look up to.

“It’s obviously great for the manager to say that,” said Rooney. “But I feel like I’ve always trained the same, always worked hard and played the same on the pitch.

“If I’m not happy with something, I let it be known, so I think it’s good for the younger players to see that and to know that you still care and still want to win.

“Obviously we’ve got a lot of young players in the team. Players will come in and look at you, see what you’re doing and how you are on the training pitch and on the pitch.”

Rooney has missed United’s last two games with a tight hamstring but will be reunited with strike partner Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez against Norwich on Saturday, as the Mexico forward also returning after injury.

Ferguson believes Rooney and Chicharito can enjoy a prolific partnership this season and tipped them to get close to the 52 goals knocked in by Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole in the 1998-99 Treble-winning season.

“I expect Hernandez to score 25 and over, because he’s got something in that box,” said Fergie.

“Wayne has had a fantastic start to the season, so the capability is there. But they haven’t played a full season together yet.

"Yorke and Cole scoring 52 between them was exceptional, because Yorkie had just joined us. I think that season Yorkie was probably one of the best strikers in Europe. He and Andy just hit it off immediately.

“Can Wayne and Javier get 52? I’d like to hope that but you never know. It’s a tough league.”

Rooney, speaking at a launch event for FIFA 12, claimed United’s great strength was ultimately in having so many different options in attack.

“I think everyone offers something a bit different,” he said.

“Hernandez stays really high and looks to run in behind and that creates a lot more space for me in behind the opposition midfield.

“Michael Owen varies, he plays high or comes shorter depending on who he’s playing with.

“Dimitar Berbatov likes to play a bit deeper and try and get on the ball, which means I have to play a bit higher.

“Me and Danny Welbeck sort of switch it up, one stays high and the other plays deep to try and change it round, so there’s great options for the manager.”

Rooney reckons this season’s title race will be a straight fight between United, neighbours Manchester City and Chelsea, and said retaining the Premier League crown was his main goal, ahead of winning the Champions League, despite last season’s disappointment of losing to Barcelona in the final.

“They [City] are obviously rivals and they’ll be challenging for the league, there’s no doubt about that," he said.

“I think between them and Chelsea they’ll be our two closest rivals and I think just behind them maybe Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

“It’s going to be a tough league and everyone will be going for that first place so we need to make sure we stay on our toes.

“We look at the trophies and the competitions we’re in and it’s so difficult to compete in all of the tournaments so you need to be realistic and try and win one or two.

“Personally, I’d like to win the Premier League again, because it’s such a great feeling to win that. But then we hope we can do well in the Champions League as well - get to the final and see what happens in that.”

Rooney admitted the first Manchester derby of the season, at Old Trafford on October 23 - the day before his birthday - is going to be a huge occasion.

The striker - whose spectacular overhead kick won the same fixture last season - said Ferguson’s side were confident of coming out on top.

“It’s going to be a massive game for both clubs and the city and I think it will be a really close game and a difficult game,” said Rooney.

“But with us being at home, we’re confident we can go into that game and get the three points.”

* Wayne Rooney appears in EA SPORTS FIFA 12, out NOW. For more information, visit facebook.com/EASPORTSFIFA and youtube.com/EASPORTSfootball

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CAPTAIN'S LOG: ROONEY'S ADVENTURES WITH THE ARMBAND

October 17 2006: Manchester United 3 Copenhagen 0 - Rooney skippered United for the first time in a routine Champions League group stage win over the Danish side.

December 12 2007: Roma 1 Manchester United 1 - Rooney was again handed the armband by Alex Ferguson, who chose to give his young and fringe players a game because United were already through to the knockout phase.

November 14 2009: Brazil 1 England 0 - Rooney was handed the Three Lions' armband for the first - and so far only - time for this friendly in Qatar, which was decided by Nilmar’s second half goal.

mirrorfootball.co.uk

David de Gea is an exceptionally talented

Signed by Manchester United in summer 2011, de Gea, at just 20 years of age, is expected to be the Reds’ long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

A Spain Under-21 international (and European Championship winner), de Gea was born in Madrid in 1990 and is a product of Atletico Madrid’s youth academy.

Tall, athletic and confident with the ball at his feet, de Gea progressed through Atleti’s youth ranks quickly and spent his first professional season (2008/09) with the club’s reserves in

Segunda Division B. A first-team debut arrived early in the following season when he made his senior bow as a substitute against FC Porto in the Champions League.

He retained his spot, became a regular between the posts and his dream first campaign was capped with success in the Europa League as de Gea played a major role in delivering Atletico’s first major European trophy in almost 50 years.

De Gea’s reputation was enhanced in his second full season in La Liga and rumours of United’s interest, which had existed since January 2010, gathered pace in September when Reds goalkeeper coach Eric Steele was spotted in Spain scouting the young stopper.

By the end of the 2010/11 season, de Gea was touted by many media outlets as Sir Alex Ferguson’s top choice to replace Edwin van der Sar, although negotiations with the 20-year-old were put on hold while he helped Spain win UEFA’s Under-21 European Championships in Denmark.

Despite his age and relative inexperience (he joins United after just two full seasons of senior football), de Gea comes highly regarded and full of potential. As Edwin van der Sar showed, goalkeepers can play at the highest level until they reach 40. In that case, United fans could

be signing de Gea’s name (pronounced “de hayer”, by the way) for the next 20 years.

It's a proposition the youngster would seemingly relish. "I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," he told MUTV in his first interview as a United player. "When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy."

Manchester United 3-3 FC Basel: Match Report

Manchester United needed a last-gasp goal from Ashley Young to snatch a 3-3 draw with Swiss side FC Basel here Tuesday in a thrilling Champions League battle at Old Trafford.

Young steered in a 90th-minute header from a Nani cross to deny Basel a famous victory after two goals from Alex Frei and one from namesake Fabian Frei had fired the Swiss side into a 3-2 lead at Old Trafford.
United, missing the injured Wayne Rooney, had looked to be cruising to victory early on after two first-half goals in the space of a minute from Danny Welbeck helped them into a 2-0 lead at the break.
But Sir Alex Ferguson's men were left shellshocked by a superb second-half fightback from the Swiss visitors, who ruthlessly punished slack defending by the English champions to go within a whisker of a famous upset.

The draw leaves Basel on top of Group C with four points from two games, with Portuguese side Benfica second on goal difference. United are two points off the pace after two games.
United were given a let off after only six minutes, Basel captain Marco Streller sending Fabian Frei racing into the box with a deft reverse pass through the legs of defender Phil Jones.
The covering Rio Ferdinand did just enough to unsettle Frei but the striker should have done better with his shot, which flew high and wide.

United's response was swift, Young beating his marker before curling a cross to the far post which Antonio Valencia headed wide.
With United probing Basel menacingly, it appeared only a matter of time before the visitors defence buckled and on 16 minutes United took the lead.
Valencia sent fullback Fabio charging into the box with a perfectly weighted pass that sprang the Basel offside trap, and the young Brazilian squared for Ryan Giggs who laid off for Welbeck to screw a low angled shot in off the post.

The celebrations from that effort had only just subsided when Welbeck grabbed his second a minute later, Giggs threading an exquisite pass through to Welbeck for the United striker to stab home.
Yet the remainder of the half was anything but one-sided, and had Basel possessed a more clinical finisher the visitors might easily have scored, Alex Frei squandering good openings in the 24th and 36th minutes.
United maintained their commanding two-goal lead at half-time but Basel were far from ready to concede defeat after the break and should have pulled a goal back on 51 minutes through Streller.
Once again, United's defence were caught out by lax marking and Streller found himself with only David de Gea to beat.

But with the goal at his mercy Streller took a fraction too long to get his shot off and the Spanish keeper was able to pull off a fine block with his legs.
That ought to have been warning enough for United, but seven minutes later the English champions were found wanting again.
De Gea saved brilliantly from a Streller header but United were slow to clear and Fabian Frei had time to lash home for 2-1.
Two minutes later and Basel were level. Granit Xhaka sent Fabian Frei racing away down the right flank with a lovely ball, who then floated a wonderful cross into Alex Frei who steered his header beyond de Gea to level it.

United replaced the tiring Giggs with Park Ji-Sung and Fabio with Nani soon afterwards but the substitutions failed to staunch the sense of a game slipping out of the home team's control.
On 75 minutes United's worse fears were realised when Jones tried to pass the ball out of defence and Basel went on the attack once more.
Streller darted forward onto the loose ball and when Valencia bundled him over, referee Paolo Tagliavento immediately pointed to the spot.
The veteran Frei duly stepped up to shoot Basel ahead. That looked to have settled it until relentless late pressure secured Young's late strike.

Berbatov to get chance

Dimitar Berbatov may get a chance to make a rare impact in the Champions League for Manchester United against Basle on Tuesday night.

The Bulgarian has not scored in the competition for three years but injuries to Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez should see last season's joint top scorer in the Premier League given an opportunity to impress in Europe.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in his record signing has been called into question in the past but he insisted Berbatov can still make a significant contribution to the Champions League. He said: "Of course he's got a part to play. He's one of our squad members and they've all got a part to play."
Ferguson added: "There are a lot of games in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup. It's an exhausting season unless you use your squad."

The record books may show the current spell to be United's most successful ever in Europe, but Ferguson insists they cannot look back at the last four years as a golden period for the club - because they were beaten by Barcelona in two of the three finals they reached.

Ferguson said: "The Champions League is the best competition in the world now, better than the World Cup, better than the European Championships, it's a fantastic tournament. But it's not a golden period for us because we have lost two finals, so I don't think it can be called a golden period.
"We have been consistent in the Champions League, our form away from home has been outstanding and we hope we can do better this year and win it, that's the aim of this club all the time."

Ferguson confirmed that Rooney would miss the match with a hamstring injury and said that it was difficult to know when the England striker would be back in action. "He's not playing. It's difficult to assess with hamstrings but we hope we have him back quickly. He did a bit of jogging but that's all," said the United boss.
Ferguson also said that Hernandez's dead leg would keep him out against Basle but that the Mexican should be back for when Norwich visit on Saturday.

Nemanja Vidic is also missing for United - Ferguson hopes he will have recovered from his calf injury by the time the international break is over - while Jonny Evans (ankle) and Chris Smalling (groin) are also out. Antonio Valencia is likely to again be pressed into service as an emergency right-back with Rafael's injury set to keep him out for the long term.

Premier League - Owen 'scarred' by England axe

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has accepted he is not part of Fabio Capello's England plans but insists he will never turn his back on his country.

The former Liverpool striker quickly fell out of favour when Capello took over as national team boss in 2008, with injuries also undermining his chances of a recall. But 31-year-old Owen - who has 89 caps and 40 goals - still shows his class when opportunities arise and scored in United's midweek Carling Cup win at Leeds.
Owen told the Observer: "I was in every squad for over a decade and all of a sudden it stopped one day. I would never turn my back on it, but obviously there's a scar there that still hurts a bit. But I don't get upset now when I'm not in the squad, like I used to."

He added: "If I got a call-up I'd be there within five minutes.
"Fabio Capello picked his first squad and I was on the bench. I thought: 'This might be a sign that he doesn't fancy me.' The next time I wasn't in the squad, and that's just been that."

Premier League - Rooney 'facing weeks out'

England striker Wayne Rooney could be out of action for several weeks after injuring his hamstring in training, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said after his team drew 1-1 at Stoke City.

Rooney, 25, who has started the season in outstanding form with nine goals, missed Saturday's match when United dropped their first points of the season but stayed top of the Premier League on goal difference from Manchester City.
Ferguson told reporters: "Rooney's is not a serious injury, but it was enough to keep him out today, and I think maybe for a few weeks."

If that's the case Rooney will miss United's Champions League match with Basel at Old Trafford on Tuesday and possibly England's Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on Oct.7.
He could also miss United's upcoming league matches against Norwich City and Liverpool and possibly the Manchester derby against City on Oct. 23 as well as the Champions League match against Otelul Galati of Romania on Oct. 18.

Rooney was not the only United player suffering with defender Jonny Evans injuring a foot in the warm-up at Stoke while Mexico striker Javier Hernandez went off early in the game after suffering a dead leg in an early collision with Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate

Rooney faces spell on the sidelines

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to be out of action for more than a week after the England striker missed this evening's 1-1 draw at Stoke due to a hamstring problem.

United's 100% start to the Barclays Premier League season came to an end in Rooney's absence and the 25-year-old had earlier 'Tweeted' that he was "gutted" he had been unable to play, but hoped he would be fit to feature in the Champions League clash with Basle at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

However, when asked about Rooney's condition after the match at the Britannia Stadium, Ferguson told MUTV: "It is difficult to say. It's a hamstring. It is not a serious one, it is a mild one.

"I don't think he will be available for next week. It will be more than a week out."

Rio has United future - Ferguson

Rio Ferdinand still has a major role to play at Manchester United, according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 32-year-old has already suffered two minor injuries this term, which together with the fine form of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans during United's exceptional start to the campaign has led many to conclude Ferdinand's 10th season at United will be his last.

"Rio's [injury] record is fact," said Ferguson. "We wish it was better but we use him to our advantage when we have him available because you cannot dismiss the experience he brings."
He added: "He missed a couple [of matches] after Bolton and one after West Brom, but I don't mind that because with the squad we have got we utilise him the way we want to."

Despite the frequency of his absences, Ferdinand always seems to find a way of reaching top form instantly when he does return.
"He walked through the game at Bolton," Ferguson added. "We are absolutely delighted with Smalling, Evans and Jones. The three of them have been absolutely magnificent. They are the long-term future.

"But there are occasions when you bring in the experience Rio offers because it does make a difference. The young players know that.
"They also know there will be a time when they are left out for the right reasons and knowing they will get better the next time they come in."

United put keeper through paces

David de Gea has been put through some rigorous training sessions at Manchester United's Carrington HQ this week in an effort to ensure he is ready for Stoke's aerial bombardment.
The Spain Under-21s star endured a shaky start to his United career. De Gea made high-profile mistakes in his first two matches, and even in the eight-goal destruction of Arsenal last month, he was criticised for letting a Theo Walcott shot fly through his legs.
His toughest test, though, could well come at the Britannia Stadium, with Sir Alex Ferguson saying: "It's an eye-opener for any goalkeeper."

De Gea came through what was expected to be a searching examination at Bolton a fortnight ago without a problem, amid pre-match rumours he was about to be left out.
But Stoke will be another challenge the United boss has taken a routine from Edwin van der Sar's time at the club to ensure De Gea is fully prepared.
"I remember discussing with Edwin what his position would be in terms of the long throw-ins and where he was most comfortable dealing with the situation," he added.
"We got it right then and we are doing the same with David. All the work this week has been on his position and where he should be."

Although visits to Stoke tend to be looked upon with trepidation by most of the Premier League's top clubs - Chelsea and Liverpool have both failed to win there this season already - United have a faultless record against Tony Pulis' men in six meetings since they were promoted.
"There is no point analysing our start in terms of previous years," said Ferguson. "I am just enjoying the moment and hope it lasts longer than normal. You know somewhere along the line we will lose a game or drop a point. That is a fact. That is the league we are in.
"Does it matter if you win the league? No it doesn't. You deal with the situations as they come along. If we have a defeat, the next week you try to win."

Fergie: It was like Zulu outside our Leeds hotel

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted it was frightening when hundreds of Leeds fans surrounded Manchester United’s team hotel in midweek.

Fergie says the scenes at their city centre hotel in Leeds before Tuesday’s Carling Cup clash were like something from the film Zulu.

“We had a lot of problems,” said the United manager. “I don’t know how many hundreds of them there were, but our hotel was surrounded by seven police vans.

“It was frightening. It was like the film Zulu. Jesus!

"But the police were fantastic.

“We’ve never had anything like that before because we’ve never stayed in the town centre in Leeds, that’s why.

"Next time we’ll try Glasgow and get a helicopter down!

“Historically it has been there for a long time. I don’t know what it is between Leeds and Manchester United, but it’s there and it’s not nice.”

Tevez is now City's fourth-choice striker

Carlos Tevez’s fall from grace continues at Manchester City, with boss Roberto Mancini admitting he is not even his THIRD choice striker.

Mancini says Mario Balotelli is now ahead of the Argentinian in his pecking order, because he is more versatile.

The news is the latest blow for Tevez, who has lost the captain’s armband, his status as City’s star man and his place in the Argentina squad in the last few weeks.

Tevez looked low on confidence against Birmingham in the midweek Carling Cup win and fluffed a gilt-edged chance. He also missed a penalty against Wigan two weeks ago.

Mancini admits the player is suffering because of the cut-throat competition among his strikers.

Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have banged in 14 league goals between them, while Mancini says Balotelli can play in more positions than Tevez.

“Mario is different to Carlos because Mario can play wide like a winger or can play with Dzeko, Aguero or Carlos up front,” said the City manager. “Mario maybe has more chances to play because he can play out wide.

“I am not the Argentina manager, so I don’t know why he hasn’t picked Carlos. But Carlos is not 100 per cent fit at the moment.

“He needs to play to find some good form. It’s clear he understands that we have other strikers who are playing well and scoring goals.

“But for me, against Birmingham, he didn’t play like he usually plays. He’s getting better and he needs to play more games.

“The chance he had in the last minutes, he did well, only his finish was so-so. After 85 minutes he was so tired and I think that had something to do with it.”

Tevez is desperate to start against Everton in Saturday's lunchtime game, as Mancini’s side aim to end the Merseysiders’ jinx over them.

David Moyes’ men have won seven of their last eight games, including the last four in a row, and Mancini, who clashed with the Scot during one defeat, is determined to put this right.

“I don’t know why their record against us is so good,” said the Italian. “We want to cancel this game!

"Football can happen like this, but if we play well this time then we can finish this run. Now is the time to change it. We deserved to beat them twice last year. But Everton are a strong team who work to the end.

“Although they sold Mikel Arteta, they are just as strong. Last year they started so-so, but this season they have started better.

“They have good players, like Cahill, who I like a lot, and a good manager. They are a really strong team and they can have a good season. But tomorrow we want to win.”

Owen a target for Spurs and QPR

Harry Redknapp is reportedly plotting a bid for Manchester United striker Michael Owen.The 31 year old has conceded that his future may lie away from Old Trafford.

Owen hit back at critics claiming he was happy to pick up his wages while sitting on the bench by confirming he will leave United at the end of the season if he feels he is not playing enough games.

Owen has said that while he has enjoyed being a part of Sir Alex Ferguson's title winning squad for the past two years, he does aim to play more games this season despite the emergence of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernández.

QPR are also said to be interested in the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle man.

Chicharito 'lucky', Vidic delay

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has made a quick recovery from injury but skipper Nemanja Vidic is no nearer a comeback. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Hernandez has been lucky to emerge from a wild tackle by Ashley Cole unscathed. The Scot feared the worst when Hernandez was caught by Cole during the second half of Sunday's 3-1 Premier League win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Hernandez limped off and it appeared he was set for an extended period on the sidelines. However, the Mexican returned to training on Thursday and is in contention for Saturday's trip to Stoke. "Hernandez is very lucky," Ferguson said. "At the time he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and we thought there might have been some nerve damage. "But he trained very well yesterday and is available for tomorrow." Ferguson branded Cole's challenge reckless in the aftermath of the game, although referee Phil Dowd decided it was only worthy of a yellow card. The only conclusion the Scot could draw from that decision was the officials did not see it, and he is not entirely sure why his side did not get a penalty either.

"I am confused," he said. "I don't think the referee could have seen it. "It was a spur-of-the-moment challenge by the player, reckless yes. "But I don't know how the referee could have possibly seen it and the linesman wasn't in any better position. "I don't know what the rules and regulations say about that when the ball is out of play - there seems to have been some discussion about it not being a penalty because the ball was out of play. "I wasn't aware of that - I don't think anyone was."

Ferguson is equally bemused by the state of Vidic's fitness. The Serbian limped out of the opening-day win at West Brom with a calf injury. At the time, it was estimated Vidic would be out for six weeks. However, that deadline is now approaching and the defender is no nearer a comeback. "It's slow progress with Nemanja," revealed Ferguson. "He's not done any training. He is still getting treatment on the calf. "Calves can be troublesome. I remember when Bryan Robson had calf trouble it kept him out for three months. "Hopefully it's not as long as that, but he's not making any great progress at the moment."

Nani seeks a higher level

Nani hopes to take another step towards his long-term goal of becoming the best player in the world this season by having his best year for Manchester United.

Although it ultimately ended in disappointment, when he was left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, Nani felt he moved his game onto another level last term.

The reason seemed obvious. Antonio Valencia's lengthy absence with an ankle injury allowed Nani to switch onto his preferred right-wing, from where he produced a series of devastating performances, ending the season with more Premier League assists than anyone else. "Last year was my best year, definitely my most consistent season," he told Inside United.

"Now I hope this is my year. I will do my best. If I am fit for every game, I am 100% sure I will do my best and will do well for my team. This is a big chance to show I can do much more; that I'm a good player with a very strong mentality."

Nani has started in blistering form, scoring twice in the Community Shield, including the last-minute winner against Manchester City as United roared back from two goals down. He then bagged his first league goal of the campaign in that annihilation of Arsenal, before firing in an excellent first-half effort in last weekend's victory over Chelsea.

Nani will hope to maintain that form against Stoke on Saturday evening, aided by the arrival of Ashley Young, whose preference for playing on the left has again released the 24-year-old onto the opposite flank.

It is only a couple of years ago that Nani appeared to have no future at United. Certainly any claim of wanting to be the world's best would have been greeted with laughter. Now, although he is still adrift of Lionel Messi and former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, it is not quite so far-fetched.

"That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world," he said.

"But I don't let it frustrate me. I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team. Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club'.

"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world but I have to work hard and show that."

Villas-Boas: My Chelsea side were the better team at Old Trafford

Andre Vilas-Boas today made a vigorous defence of his Chelsea side after their first defeat of the season.

The Blues boss has clearly been stung by accusations his men were too open at Old Trafford as they slipped to a 3-1 loss that left them five points adrift of Manchester United.

And Villas-Boas, set to change the entire outfield team that started against Fulham for tomorrow's league clash with Swansea, launched a passionate counter-attack.

Villas-Boas said: "I am surprised that people have criticised us being for being naive and stupid at Old Trafford.

"What happened at Old Trafford was a negative result but you have to be fair and say that we were the best team. We were not the most efficient team but we were the best team.

"So I thought that was unfair, because we played with essence of football. It's strange that people who know about football don't know how to position themselves on what is best for football and best for fans."

Villas-Boas added: "It was an entertaining game. It's a pity that we lost but we were superior for 90 minutes. Now we're five points behind and have to lessen the distance.

"I don't take defeats personally. Chelsea lost the game and we were unsatisfied because lost game against title contender.

"It meant nothing else really. We had a good chance at Old Trafford to surprise everybody. I think we did that but we didn't come away with three points."

Villas-Boas confirmed Petr Cech had recovered from the head injury he sustained against Fulham but while Daniel Sturridge is ruled out after his knee knock, Didier Drogba is poised to return.

And the Blues chief said Swansea counterpart Brendan Rodgers, a former colleague on the Stamford Bridge staff under Jose Mourinho, should be feted for sticking with his own attacking principles.

He added: "Swansea are a team that plays fantastic football. There is, when you try to implement a philosophy like Brendan is trying to do, a dignity in the path he chooses because it is the difficult path for a team that needs points.

"Brendan doesn't relegate his philosophy to second place. He places a privilege good attacking football.

"There is a nobility of principles if you choose to obtain your objectives at a small club - even though Swansea is a city and a club which has a tremendous identification with the fans - and when do it there it is even more prestigious.

"When we were both here at the same time I never thought we might be back as Premier League managers. I never thought about that.

"For our paths to cross is just a coincidence but it was good for us that we both felt the urge to start managing.

"It happened to me at Inter and Brendan when he was reserve boss at Chelsea and went to Watford. Meeting in the Premier League means things gone well for both of us and we will try to continue our clubs with more success."

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