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K3V0
Last Updated at 16:23 GMT
Manchester United manager David Moyes has ruled Wayne Rooney out of his sides Community Shield encounter with Wigan Athletic tomorrow due to injury but said the England international should be fit to face Swansea City next weekend when they begin their Barclays Premier League title defence at Old Trafford.
England international striker Wayne Rooney won't feature against Wigan Athletic for Manchester United tomorrow in their Community Shield clash at Wembley after failing a fitness test yesterday according to new Manchester United manager David Moyes. The 27 year old will watch from the stands as his teammates look to claim their first piece of silverware under Moyes.
"Wayne has unfortunately failed a fitness test and we won't be risking him tomorrow," revealed the United boss.
"He's had a slight issue with his groin during preseason and he's not fully fit so we won't be taking the risk. The medical staff here are fantastic and I trust their word, if they say Wayne can't play tomorrow then he won't play, but according to them he should be fine to feature in some capacity next weekend against Swansea at Old Trafford," added Moyes.
Moyes, who took over from Sir Alex Ferguson this summer, was reluctant to give anything away about his starting lineup to face the Latics, although he did admit he would pick a strong and experienced side to face Uwe Rösler's side at Wembley.
The Scot also confirmed that promising Belgian teenager Adnan Januzaj would feature at some stage, whilst it's expected that club record signing Juan Mata, who recently joined from Chelsea in a deal worth £37 million, will start on the bench.
Johno
K3V0
Cheers bud. The last one I was doing the save disappeared after I updated through Steam, not sure what happened, also had problems with the skins I had installed, so have to start again and only getting around to it now.
Dan
K3V0
Cheers Dan always appreciate the following!!
Have a lot of spare time now I'm not working so should be able to update fairly regularly for the next few weeks.
K3V0
Attendance 90,000
Sunday 11th August 2013
Last Updated at 17:22 GMT
Manchester United comprehensively beat Sky Bet Championship side Wigan Athletic this afternoon at Wembley in the Community Shield as the era under new manager David Moyes began with silverware.
It was the perfect beginning for new Manchester United manager David Moyes at Wembley as goals from Phil Jones, Ryan Giggs and Adnan Januzaj ensured the Red Devils began life without Sir Alex Ferguson on a winning note.
The Latics did manage to score themselves, but even that was a United player, on loan midfielder Nick Powell on target for Uwe Rösler's men. Last seasons FA Cup winners were in truth always second best and did well to hold out for most of the second half as an inspired performance from Scott Carson in goal kept United at bay.
Carson was called upon within the opening minute as Robin van Persie released Antonio Valencia down the right hand side and the Ecuadorian's effort was certainly creeping inside the near post before Carson got his foot to the ball. From the resulting corner Januzaj, who was making his professional debut for United, hit the side netting with a powerful volley that looked as if it was destined for the back of the net.
United went even closer through skipper Nemanja Vidić minutes later when he raised highest to head a van Persie free kick onto the crossbar. The Dutch striker was then denied himself moments later as his free kick was parried away by Carson who required lengthy treatment after colliding heavily with his post.
David Moyes celebrates his sides Community Shield victory
The pressure was building and a United goal seemed inevitable. It finally came from defender Phil Jones who powerfully headed a van Persie corner beyond the reach of Carson to the delight of Moyes who was pictured celebrating passionately.
Just three minutes later Ryan Giggs rolled back the clock to score a fantastic goal as he dribbled down the left before cutting inside onto his weaker right foot and unleashing a stunning effort that curled into the top corner.
The Latics could have clawed one back however just before the half time break as Giggs played a poor pass that Billy McKay latched onto but the Northern Ireland international could only fire his shot directly at David De Gea.
The game was put to bed on the hour mark when Januzaj completed a dream debut by heading home a van Persie cross. That proved to be the teenagers last involvement in the game as Moyes introduced club record signing Juan Mata from the bench. The three goal cushion only lasted a few minutes before Nick Powell rifled an effort in from the edge of the area.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Vidić (c), Jones, Evra (61), Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley (79), Giggs (61), Januzaj (61), Van Persie
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Smalling (61), Evans, Fellaini, Mata (61), Kagawa (79), Welbeck (61)
Yellow Cards: Evra
Goals: Jones (34), Giggs (37), Januzaj (61)
Wigan Athletic: Carson, Perch (61), Barnett (84), Semb (c), García, McArthur, Maloney (74), Espinoza (56), Powell, McKay, Waghorn (79)
Substitutes: Nicholls, Watson, Kiernan (84), Gómez (56), Maynard (79), McCann (74), Holgersson (61)
Yellow Cards: Perch, McArthur
Goals: Powell (67)
Match Statistics
Referee: Howard Webb
Shots: Manchester United 15-3 Wigan Athletic
On Target: Manchester United 6-2 Wigan Athletic
Off Target: Manchester United 7-0 Wigan Athletic
Possession: Manchester United 61%-39% Wigan Athletic
Corners: Manchester United 5-7 Wigan Athletic
Fouls: Manchester United 7-13 Wigan Athletic
Offsides: Manchester United 4-2 Wigan Athletic
Eric Portapotty
K3V0
Haha don't tell me what to do Andy!!
Eric Portapotty
Mate...
Seriously though, this is like your 3rd crack at a Moyes story isn't it?
Shedender
K3V0
I don't know, I don't keep tabs on pointless shit like that.
Go ahead!!
K3V0
Last Updated at 10:54 GMT
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has praised his teammates and revealed his happiness after the Red Devils comfortably beat Wigan Athletic 3-1 yesterday in their Community Shield clash at Wembley.
Nobody did more than Manchester United striker Robin van Persie yesterday at Wembley to ensure that new manager David Moyes got off to winning ways. The Dutch international set up two of his sides three goals and was perhaps unlucky to not be named man of the match at Wembley, that honour going to Ryan Giggs who scored a stunning solo effort.
The striker however was just delighted to have beaten the Latics and heaped praise on his teammates.
"It's fantastic to have won another trophy and we're ready for the start of the new season. We want to again challenge for the Premier League, it'll be hard to win it again, but at this club that's the expectation," said the striker.
"The team played really well yesterday, we battled for each other and everyone did their job, it was a very good performance. Now we must focus on our next task and go into that ready to fight for the points," added van Persie.
Goals from Phil Jones and promising teenager Adnan Januzaj either side of that Giggs strike gave United a comfortable three goal lead before Nick Powell, who is on loan at Wigan Athletic from Old Trafford, grabbed a consolation for his side.
The Barclays Premier League champions kick off their title defence on Sunday at Old Trafford when they face Swansea City.
K3V0
Last Updated at 19:01 GMT
Manchester United defender and former England international Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he is unsure of his playing future after the upcoming season, although the 34 year old does hope he can continue playing.
The upcoming Barclays Premier League season could be Rio Ferdinand's last as a professional footballer. That's something the defender has accepted could happen should his body not be able to handle the rigours of playing top flight football.
"I'm not sure what will happen after this season and whether or not I'll continue to play," said Ferdinand.
"Obviously I'd love to keep playing and it'll depend on whether the body can handle playing at this level. I don't want to really go and play at a lower level or continue playing at this level and be a liability so if the body can't handle it then I'll probably hang up the boots. I'm in the last year of my current contract with Manchester United so we'll probably sit down towards the end of the season and take a look at how things are going then," added the former England international.
Ferdinand, who represented England at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006, joined Manchester United in July 2002 in a deal that cost the Red Devils £29 million. The 34 year old became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's defence and struck up a formidable partnership with Nemanja Vidić following the Serbians arrival from Spartak Moscow.
The defender has won six Barclays Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two Capital One Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Old Trafford and has been capped 81 times by England.
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:18 GMT
Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that striker Wayne Rooney will be fit and available to face Swansea City this Sunday in United's opening Barclays Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.
Swansea City manager Paul Lambert will now need to prepare his side for the threat of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney after Manchester United manager David Moyes revealed that the England international has been given the all clear by the clubs medical staff ahead of the sides Barclays Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Sunday.
"Wayne Rooney is fit and available if selected to play against Swansea City this weekend," said Moyes.
"The medical staff have been working tirelessly to get Wayne right for the beginning of the season and they've succeeded in doing so. They deserve a lot of credit for their work and so does Wayne, he's worked hard to make sure he had every chance and he remained focussed despite the frustration of being injured," added the Manchester United manager.
The striker had missed all of United's preseason and was ruled out of their Community Shield clash with Wigan Athletic due to a groin injury, however Rooney participated and completed training with his teammates today at Carrington.
Rooney scored 12 times in 27 Barclays Premier League appearances last season for the Red Devils and is currently 59 goals shy of breaking Bobby Charlton's league goalscoring record. He was left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's final match day squad to face West Brom Albion and looked likely to leave Old Trafford during the summer, although discussions with new manager David Moyes, who handed Rooney his debut at Everton as a 16 year old, proved successful and he stayed at Old Trafford.
K3V0
Last Updated at 15:40 GMT
Swansea City captain Ashley Williams believes his team shouldn't fear Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United and firmly believes the Swans can match the champions tomorrow at Old Trafford.
The last time the sides met in the Barclays Premier League the champions needed a late goal from Rio Ferdinand to secure victory in what was Sir Alex Ferguson's final game in charge at Old Trafford. New manager David Moyes got off to a winning start last weekend at Wembley when the Red Devils beat Wigan Athletic at Wembley, but would probably be the first to admit that the Welsh side will provide a much sterner challenge for the Barclays Premier League champions tomorrow.
Williams, 28, who also captains his country Wales, was adamant his teammates don't fear the champions.
"We don't fear Manchester United, we respect them and they deserve that as champions. We're fully aware that they've got some world class players amongst their ranks and can do you damage if you're not at your best," said Williams.
"However that doesn't mean we're going to Old Trafford tomorrow to just try survive. We're going to go there to win the game and we'll play football like we've done over the past few seasons. We're confident we can match them tomorrow and hopefully we'll get the result we want in what will be a very tough game," added the Swansea City captain.
The Swans go into the game tomorrow in buoyant spirits after beating Moldovan side Dacia Chișinău 4-0 on Thursday night at Liberty Stadium. That win sealed a 7-0 aggregate victory for the Welsh side and booked their place in the next qualifying round of the Europa League and they'll seal a place in the group stages if they can beat Finnish side Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi.
Dan
K3V0
Cheers Dan
Could be a tough game but I think we'll have enough to beat them.
K3V0
Attendance 72,473
Sunday 18th August 2013
Last Updated at 15:18 GMT
Manchester United began the David Moyes era in the Barclays Premier League with victory this afternoon against Swansea City at Old Trafford as goals from Robin van Persie and Ryan Giggs sealed a 2-0 win.
David Moyes enjoyed his first competitive outing at Old Trafford as the Red Devils beat Swansea City courtesy of first half goals from Robin van Persie and Ryan Giggs to get their Barclays Premier League title defence off to the best possible start.
The champions made two changes from the side that beat Wigan Athletic last weekend at Wembley in the Community Shield as Jonny Evans came in for the suspended Rafael with Phil Jones moving to right back. The other change saw teenager Adnan Januzaj, who scored against the Latics, drop to the bench as Wayne Rooney started alongside van Persie.
Paul Lambert may have been hoping that the champions may have felt the pressure in their first game at Old Trafford without Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout but that didn't happen as United started on the front foot. It took United just five minutes to carve open the first real opportunity of the game as Antonio Valencia linked up well with Rooney on the edge of the area, although the Ecuadorian international could only first his shot into the side netting.
The winger almost turned provider moments later when his low cross was sent narrowly over the crossbar by Tom Cleverley.
The visitors then suffered a major setback as striker Wilfried Bony was stretchered off after a heavy collision with United skipper Nemanja Vidić, the Ivorian international likely to have suffered a cracked rib.
Despite United's dominance it seemed likely the Swans may hold on until half time after Michel Vorm saved a point blank header from Ryan Giggs on the half hour mark. He could do nothing moments later when van Persie opened the scoring, the Dutch captain beating his fellow countrymen with a powerful effort from outside the area that brought Old Trafford to life.
David Moyes enjoyed victory in his first game at Old Trafford
The visitors were hardly over that shock when they conceded again in stoppage time as a long throw from Jones wasn't cleared properly and Giggs was in the right place to drive a low shot through the crowd and into the bottom corner.
There was likely no way back for the Welsh side after going further behind and although they rallied early in the second half United were always in control, the visitors hardly troubling David De Gea. The champions could have further extended their lead in stoppage time when Juan Mata curled in a free kick that Jonny Evans headed onto the crossbar.
United will now turn their attention to their clash with Fulham next Saturday at Craven Cottage whilst Paul Lambert's side must put this defeat behind them quickly as they travel to Helsinki to face Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi in the first leg of their Europa League Playoff on Thursday night before hosting Chelsea at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea, Jones, Vidić (c), Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs (65), Rooney (65), Van Persie
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Smalling, Ferdinand, Mata (65), Januzaj (65), Kagawa, Welbeck
Yellow Cards: None
Goals: Van Persie (36), Giggs (45+2)
Swansea City: Vorm, Rangel, Williams (c), Chico (84), Taylor, Britton, Michu (79), De Guzman, Hernández, Bony (14), Lamah
Substitutes: Tremmel, Davies, Amat (84), Cañas, Vázquez (14), Richards (79), Bartley
Yellow Cards: None
Goals: None
Match Statistics
Referee: Michael Oliver
Shots: Manchester United 11-5 Swansea City
On Target: Manchester United 5-3 Swansea City
Off Target: Manchester United 3-2 Swansea City
Possession: Manchester United 50%-50% Swansea City
Corners: Manchester United 13-2 Swansea City
Fouls: Manchester United 8-4 Swansea City
Offsides: Manchester United 3-6 Swansea City
K3V0
Last Updated at 12:53 GMT
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs said he was pleased with the Red Devils performance following their victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford on Sunday in their opening Barclays Premier League fixture.
The 39 year old veteran started the game against Swansea City on Sunday at Old Trafford and played 65 minutes before being replaced by Juan Mata. The former Welsh international scored in first half stoppage time to preserve his record of having scored in every Barclays Premier League season since it's inception and Giggs was delighted to have contributed.
"I love playing for this club and I'm delighted I'm still able to contribute in games by scoring goals," said Giggs.
"Personally I know eventually I'll need to retire and I know that time will come sooner rather than later as I'm approaching 40, but if I can still offer something to the team and produce on the pitch I'll continue to play," added the winger.
The result was the perfect start to the era under new manager David Moyes and Giggs hopes the performance of the players against Wigan Athletic and Swansea City will relieve the pressure being placed on the Scot after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Winning is what we aim to do at this club and we've won a lot over the last few years. It was the best possible start for the new boss to have won the game on Sunday and the players really wanted to make sure his first game at Old Trafford ended with us picking up the three points. Hopefully that'll relieve some of the pressure on the new manager," said the 39 year old.
"Robin scored a fantastic goal and luckily I was in the right place at the right time to take advantage to make it 2-0. I think the timing of our goals really took the wind out of them and they never really recovered to be honest," added Giggs.
Fulham are the next side in waiting for the champions and Giggs expects a tough encounter at Craven Cottage.
"It's always a tough place to visit and get a result, we've had some bad days at Craven Cottage. Hopefully this Saturday we'll be good enough on the day to pick up the win, but it'll be a very difficult game," said the former Welsh international.
Fulham began their Barclays Premier League campaign at the KC Stadium and shared the spoils with Hull City in a 2-2 draw last Saturday and United will need to be wary of on loan striker Darren Bent who netted a brace on his debut.
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:15 GMT
Manchester United's entire playing squad is focussed ahead of their upcoming Barclays Premier League fixture with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday according to experienced centre back Rio Ferdinand.
The champions head into their clash with Fulham this Saturday at Craven Cottage on the back of a commanding performance last weekend that saw them comfortably beat last years Capital One Cup winners Swansea City at Old Trafford.
Despite the confidence of winning their first Barclays Premier League game under new manager David Moyes the United players are fully aware they must not be complacent at Craven Cottage according to experienced centre back Rio Ferdinand.
"The game this weekend will be a tough encounter and we've prepared for that. We've been training well all week as a squad, we know we can't be complacent and whoever the manager picks on Saturday will be ready," said Ferdinand.
"It's important we get off to a good start as champions and Saturday is another good chance to get three points, although we know it'll be tough. We're ready and focussed for the task ahead," added the former England international.
Ferdinand, 34, is yet to feature for United this season under Moyes and was left on the bench during the clubs Community Shield clash with Wigan Athletic and their Barclays Premier League clash with Swansea City last Sunday.
The former West Ham United and Leeds United defender has less than a year left on his current contract at Old Trafford and just eight days ago admitted he was unsure over his playing future beyond this season.
"I'm not sure what will happen after this season and whether or not I'll continue to play," said Ferdinand.
"Obviously I'd love to keep playing and it'll depend on whether the body can handle playing at this level. I don't want to really go and play at a lower level or continue playing at this level and be a liability so if the body can't handle it then I'll probably hang up the boots. I'm in the last year of my current contract with Manchester United so we'll probably sit down towards the end of the season and take a look at how things are going then," added the former England international.
The defender has won six Barclays Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two Capital One Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Old Trafford and has been capped 81 times by England.
Dan
K3V0
Cheers bud
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:29 GMT
Manchester United manager David Moyes says he expects his side will face an extremely tough test when they visit Craven Cottage tomorrow to take on Fulham in their latest Barclays Premier League fixture.
The champions started their Barclays Premier League title defence last Sunday with a 2-0 win over Swansea City at Old Trafford and new manager David Moyes will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they visit Craven Cottage tomorrow to face Felix Magath's Fulham side who drew 2-2 with Hull City at the KC Stadium last Saturday.
Moyes, 50, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson during the summer on a six year deal, did however warn his players against complacency and insisted his side would have to be at their very best to record victory at Craven Cottage.
"The game tomorrow will be a tough encounter and I firmly believe it'll be a close game," said Moyes.
"We'll need to be at our very best tomorrow when we face Fulham, anything less and we could be on the wrong side of the result. Craven Cottage is always a tough place to go and win, but we're confident that we can get the right result after preparing well all week, but as I've already said it'll be a very close game," added the Manchester United boss.
Fulham have not beaten the Red Devils in any competition since December 2009 when they won 3-0 at Craven Cottage in the Barclays Premier League as goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff ensured victory for the Cottagers who took full advantage of United's defensive injury crisis that saw Michael Carrick playing at centre back that day.
K3V0
Attendance 25,700
Saturday 24th August 2013
Last Updated at 14:59 GMT
Manchester United made it two wins from two Barclays Premier League games under new manager David Moyes today as they beat Fulham at Craven Cottage courtesy of Robin van Persie's third minute strike.
Robin van Persie may have missed a penalty at Craven Cottage earlier this afternoon but the Dutch international was still the hero as he netted the only goal of the game as Manchester United overcame a resilient Fulham side.
The only goal of the contest arrived just three minutes after kick off when Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata combined well before the Spaniard delivered an inch perfect cross for van Persie to volley beyond David Stockdale in the Fulham goal.
Things could have gotten worse for the hosts six minutes later when Pajtim Kasami sent Rooney tumbling inside the area and referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot. The awarding of the penalty looked dubious after replays showed the Swiss international had barely made contact with the United striker who appeared to go to ground very easily and perhaps the hosts were fully vindicated when Stockdale dove to his right to make a superb save to deny van Persie.
The hosts were struggling to deal with United's free flowing football and Antonio Valencia should have doubled their lead on the half hour mark when he broke the offside trap but his low shot struck the inside of the post, replays suggesting that Stockdale had got his fingertips to the effort and perhaps had kept it out.
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie celebrates his goal
Fulham were rarely in this contest and despite their lack of possession in the first half they could have gone in level at the break when Kostas Mitroglou forced David De Gea into action with his curling free kick, the Greek international who joined the Cottagers from Olympiacos for £11 million during the summer, just millimetres from opening his account in England.
In the end that's as close as the host went to pegging United back and the game really never got going after the break, the hosts unable to find any rhythm to trouble the visitors and United were rattled after losing Rooney four minutes into the second half to a nasty looking knee injury that could keep him sidelined for some time, the England international stretchered off and replaced by Shinji Kagawa.
Moyes will be hoping the injury news isn't bad and that Rooney may be fit to face Aston Villa next Saturday at Old Trafford in their final game before the international break. Fulham on the other hand will first take on AFC Wimbledon in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night before hosting Swansea City at Craven Cottage.
Starting Lineups
Fulham: Stockdale, Riether, Hangeland (c), Heitinga (89), Briggs, Kvist (77), Kasami, Parker, Holtby, Mitroglou, Bent (65)
Substitutes: Joronen, Zverotić, Kačaniklić, Boateng (77), Rodallega (65), Burn (89), Riise
Yellow Cards: None
Goals: None
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Vidić (c), Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley (79), Mata, Rooney (49) Van Persie
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Smalling, Jones, Fellaini (79), Januzaj, Kagawa (49), Welbeck
Yellow Cards: Rafael
Goals: Van Persie (3)
Match Statistics
Referee: Chris Foy
Shots: Fulham 3-12 Manchester United
On Target: Fulham 1-3 Manchester United
Off Target: Fulham 1-7 Manchester United
Possession: Fulham 42%-58% Manchester United
Corners: Fulham 1-5 Manchester United
Fouls: Fulham 13-6 Manchester United
Offsides: Fulham 5-4 Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:41 GMT
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has praised summer signing Juan Mata after his performance against Fulham yesterday at Craven Cottage and labelled the Spaniard as one of the best in the world.
The former Chelsea star was deservedly named man of the match at Craven Cottage. The Spaniard set up the only goal of the game in the third minute with a fantastic cross that allowed Robin van Persie to score his second goal in two games.
Mata, 25, joined the Barclays Premier League champions during the summer after Chelsea boss José Mourinho deemed him surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and the Red Devils made him the most expensive signing in their history when they paid £37 million to secure his signature. The midfielder signed a five year contract at Old Trafford.
The midfielder covered more than 13 kilometres yesterday, completed 52 of his 65 attempted passes and set up the goal for van Persie in his man of the match performance and teammate Michael Carrick praised the midfielder following the game.
Juan Mata joined Manchester United in a £37 million deal
"He was absolutely fantastic against Fulham yesterday and made the difference for us," said Carrick.
"The cross for Robin was impossible to defend against and it was perfect, you won't see many better. He's a terrific player, absolutely world class and without a doubt one of the best in the world. He can play in so many different positions as well which is fantastic for us. I still can't believe Chelsea let him go, but that's their loss and our gain," added Carrick.
United have started the season in fine form and have won both their opening games against Swansea City and Fulham without conceding a single goal. Carrick, 32, says the whole team is focussed on retaining their Barclays Premier League crown and all believe that new manager David Moyes has got what it takes to lead them to future success.
"The season has only just started and we've a long way to go but we're feeling good," said Carrick.
"We're playing good football and have picked up two good results to start the season, so hopefully we'll be able to retain the league title come next May. The new manager has been fantastic since he's arrived and that's a credit to him considering who he was replacing and the pressure he's under to succeed. Everybody at the club believes he's going to succeed and I think a lot of people have gone quiet already after our two opening games," said the Manchester United midfielder.
The champions will host Aston Villa next Saturday in their next Barclays Premier League game at Old Trafford.
Dan
K3V0
Yeah man they were truly never in the game.
Perfect start for us so far and hopefully we can kick on!!
K3V0
Last Updated at 13:06 GMT
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidić has praised Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, David De Gea and Rafael after they kept a second consecutive clean sheet in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
Two clean sheets from two games has left Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidić an extremely happy man. The reigning Barclays Premier League champions have started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Swansea City and a 1-0 win over Fulham and are favourites ahead of their next Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The United skipper has been partnered at centre back by Jonny Evans whilst Patrice Evra has started both games at left back. Suspension ruled Rafael out of the first game against the Swans, but he replaced Phil Jones at Craven Cottage.
Vidić, 31, has praised his four fellow defenders and goalkeeper David De Gea after their impressive start to the season.
"The defenders have done a great job, we've really been at our best and we've got two clean sheets to show for it. We've won nearly everything that we've challenged for and in tight games it really matters, like the Fulham game," said Vidić.
"When you're winning 1-0 or it's 0-0 it's important we can keep clean sheets. That way we win more games if we're leading and if we're looking for a goal we know we'll get a chance and if we take it we've won the game," added the United skipper.
Vidić currently has less than a year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and when asked about his future refused to enter into any discussion about it, the former Serbian international simply stating that he's concentrated on this season only.
"My future isn't something I've thought about, I'm only concerned about this season right now. I won't make any decision in 2013 and even if I want to stay it'll depend on what the manager and club want to do," said Vidić.
Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday in their next Barclays Premier League game. The visitors have lost their last five meetings with United and haven't beaten the Red Devils since December 2009. Villa have won their opening two games against Crystal Palace and Hull, the club still without a manager after Paul Lambert left for Swansea City.
K3V0
Last Updated at 12:37 GMT
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has backed manager David Moyes to succeed at Old Trafford and said he firmly believes that Moyes can match the success Sir Alex Ferguson achieved in his time at the club.
Two wins from two Barclays Premier League games has eased the pressure on new Manchester United manager David Moyes. The Scot was appointed on a six year contract during the summer following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
That pressure was always going to be there according to striker Wayne Rooney, although the England international says he's always believed that the man who handed his professional debut as a teenager would be able to cope with it.
"At a club like Manchester United it doesn't matter who the new manager is there was always going to be pressure to succeed. This is the biggest club in the world and after the success we had under Sir Alex Ferguson it was always going to be a high pressure job, but the new gaffer is more than capable of coping with that and he'll succeed here," said Rooney.
"You only need to look at what he did with Everton to realise how good he is and obviously the resources he'll have here is a world apart from what he had at his disposal at Goodison Park. He's got the ability to match what Sir Alex Ferguson did in his time here and that says a lot considering we're talking about arguably the greatest manager football has ever seen. The first two games have shown the world he's good enough to handle the pressure," added the England international.
Rooney, 27, has started both games against Swansea City and Fulham. The England international has been under an injury cloud since being stretchered off at Craven Cottage with what looked like a serious knee injury, but the 27 year old believes his scans will be all clear tomorrow and he'll be deemed fit to face Aston Villa on Saturday at Old Trafford.
"The knee feels fine right now thankfully, I did feel worried at the time as serious knee injuries usually mean you miss a season or more. Thankfully though it's feeling good now and I'd expect the scans to be all clear when I get them back tomorrow. I should be fit for Saturday and available for selection, I'd be surprised if I wasn't available," said Rooney.
The striker currently has two seasons remaining on his £180,000 a week contract at Old Trafford and the striker says he hopes to open contract negotiations with the club soon. Rooney stating he wants to end his career at the Red Devils.
Manchester United take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday with kick off scheduled for 12:45pm.
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Last Updated at 20:55 GMT
Manchester United have been handed an extremely tough group in the UEFA Champions League following the draw in Monaco earlier tonight that paired them with Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and Napoli.
The three time winners have been paired with last seasons runners up Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and Napoli. The English champions will face trips to Germany, Spain and Italy in Group G as they hope to advance to the next round.
New manager David Moyes said whilst the draw was the toughest possible and would be close he was confident the Red Devils could advance from the group, the Scot pointing out that results at Old Trafford would be key.
"The group is very tough, we know we're going to have six difficult games and we must perform at our best," said Moyes.
"In saying that we're confident we can advance and excited about playing these teams. This competition brings together the best of the best and we're playing three of the best. We'll embrace that and we'll prepare for that. Results that we get at Old Trafford will be key, I think we've got to win two of our three home games to advance," added the Scot.
Manchester United's fixtures in Group G
18.09.2013 - Manchester United v Napoli
01.10.2013 - Borussia Dortmund v Manchester United
22.10.2013 - Manchester United v Atlético Madrid
06.11.2013 - Atlético Madrid v Manchester United
26.11.2013 - Napoli v Manchester United
11.12.2013 - Manchester United v Borussia Dortmund
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidić said it was fantastic to have been drawn against such difficult opposition.
"European football is very special and those nights at Old Trafford are something to saviour. Playing sides like Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and Napoli isn't something to be upset or about. It's fantastic for the fans and players of both clubs, we're looking forward to the games and hopefully we can get the results we need to advance," said the United skipper.
United, who last won the competition in 2008, will start their UEFA Champions League campaign at Old Trafford against Napoli on the 18th September. They'll then travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund on the 1st October before a double header with Atlético Madrid, the first of which will take place in Manchester. The Red Devils will then travel to Napoli before wrapping up their commitments in Group G by hosting last seasons runners up Borussia Dortmund at Old Trafford.