Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea could be forced back into the firing line for Stoke City test

David De Gea may be forced to face Stoke’s aerial bombardment after Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard suffered an injury scare in training.

Sinking feeling: David De Gea has been criticised for recent goals conceded against Liverpool and Blackburn Photo: REUTERS

Lindegaard turned his ankle in the final practice before Tuesday night’s meeting at Old Trafford and is considered highly unlikely to play.

United will give the Dane every chance to recover in time, but it opens up the possibility of De Gea having to instantly exorcise the demons from the FA Cup defeat at Anfield. Lindergaard has replaced De Gea in the last three Premier League fixtures following a series of high profile errors by the young Spaniard.

De Gea’s return for last weekend’s trip to Merseyside couldn’t have gone much worse, as he was blamed by many United fans for both Liverpool

goals. His lack of stature, vulnerability from set-pieces and uncertainty in a crowded penalty box was cruelly exposed with Liverpool’s first goal.

Despite receiving the support of team-mates, he is sure to be suffering a crisis of confidence and Stoke City might be considered the side he’d be least suited to facing at the moment.

De Gea has not featured in a league game for United since their home defeat to Blackburn Rovers on December 31. On that occasion he was considered at fault for Grant Hanley’s winner in the 3-2 defeat.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows what’s in store for either of his goalkeepers against Tony Pulis’ side. “You know what Tony Pulis’s team will be like, they are the same all the time,” Ferguson said. “They will be 100 per cent committed and they always get stuck in. You have to cope with that. To be honest, I always enjoy it too.

“It was like when we used to play Wimbledon. No one used to look forward to playing against them but my team started to as it was a physical challenge and in terms of taking the ball, and playing football.

“Stoke are a different team altogether but they still have the same qualities of never giving in.”

Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Anderson are all moving closer to full fitness, but Nani may be out for a while with a foot injury. Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones are struggling with ankle problems, but Rio Ferdinand has returned to training after a back spasm.

Stoke fear a backlash from United, with the defeat at Anfield meaning their only chance of silverware this season is now the Premier League. Defender Robert Huth said: “It’s not ideal they lost - they will probably turn up now and be on fire against us. That’s what we have to expect.

“Whenever they seem to lose a game, in the next one they perform almost like the old United. I think they will come out all guns blazing. It will obviously have been a frustrating result, losing against Liverpool. It’s just the league for them now, so I’m sure they’ll be up for it.”

Huth said Stoke would take heart from Blackburn’s performance at Old Trafford last month when Rovers stunned United with a 3-2 win. He added: “Blackburn showed that it can be done.”

Matthew Etherington is a doubt after suffering a groin injury in the weekend’s FA Cup win over Derby. Mamady Sidibe is a long-term absentee with a knee problem.

Man Utd's Mame Biram Diouf signs for Hannover 96

Page last updated at 16:02 GMT, Saturday, 28 January 2012

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Diouf played just eight times for Manchester United

Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf has signed for German side Hannover 96 on a two-year deal.

Diouf, who will train with his new side on Monday, played just eight times for United, and spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

The 24-year-old joined United from Norwegian side Molde in 2009 for £3.5m but has reportedly been sold for £1.5m.

Hannover coach Mirko Slomka said: "I am happy that with Mame Diouf we have another alternative up front."

He added: "We need to bring him in fast so he can help us in the Bundesliga and the Europa League.

"We have to focus on integrating him quickly."

Diouf, who took over the number 32 shirt vacated by Carlos Tevez when he arrived at Old Trafford, made his five Premier League appearances for the club, all from the bench, in the 2009-10 season, scoring one goal.

The Senegal international played 19 games for Blackburn last season, scoring six times.

He also made three League Cup appearances for United this season after returning to Old Trafford in the summer.

Man Utd's Patrice Evra will play if fit at Anfield - Phelan

 

Evra was shown a yellow card after clashing with Suarez at Anfield in October 

 

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan insists that Patrice Evra will not be spared playing against Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup clash.

"If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player," said Phelan.
It is the first time the two rivals have met since Evra levelled racism allegations at Luis Suarez, who ended up being handed an eight-match ban.
Suarez will still be suspended this weekend, a fact that is only likely to heighten the tension at Anfield.
But, especially bearing in mind their injury problem, United will not countenance the idea of leaving out Evra for Saturday lunchtime's Cup fourth round tie.
"It wouldn't be a consideration," said Phelan. "Patrice Evra is a football player who plays for Manchester United.

Man United's last five results

• 22 Jan: v Arsenal (A) Won 2-1
• 14 Jan: v Bolton (H) Won 3-0
• 8 Jan: v Man City (A) Won 3-2
• 4 Jan: v Newcastle (A) Lost 3-0
• 31 Dec: v Blackburn (H) Lost 3-2

"If he is fit, he is considered to play like any other player.
"What has happened has happened. What has been said has been said.
"You are talking about a football match now and I think it will be a very good FA Cup tie."
Earlier this season, Sir Alex Ferguson left Wayne Rooney out of his starting line-up to face Liverpool due to the adverse reaction the striker receives in his home city and, last season, the United boss did not even take the England frontman to former club Everton.
Already without Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic going into Sunday's 2-1 win at Arsenal, United lost Phil Jones with torn ankle ligaments, Nani left the stadium wearing a protective boot and Rooney, Evra and Michael Carrick also suffered knocks.
Rooney limped out of the stadium, Carrick tweaked a hamstring and Evra suffered a blow to the head, while Nani reportedly spent the train journey back to Manchester with his injured limb raised and his foot still protected.
But, although admitting that United are stretched by injuries as they bid to overhaul Manchester City in the title race, three points behind the Premier League leaders, Phelan remains defiant.

His character's very good in and around the place

Mike Phelan on Phil Jones

"We're not in the greatest state that we could possibly be in," said the United number two.
"However, we can call on all our experience and resources we have at this football club and we'll have to do that in the coming weeks."
Despite now facing a fixture list swelled by FA Cup and Europa League matches, the United assistant manager is optimistic that the versatile Jones can return to the side sooner rather than later, because of his sheer determination.
"He's that type of lad," Phelan told BBC Radio Manchester. "His character's very good in and around the place.
"He's disappointed that, over the last few weeks, he seems to have limped around the football field quite a bit, but he manages to recover, so we're optimistic he can do the same again."

Sir Alex Ferguson urges Manchester United fans to protect FA Cup tickets against Liverpool at Anfield

Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a letter to the 5,319 Manchester United supporters travelling to Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool, urging them to put their emphasis on ‘positive, witty and loud’ backing in the ‘tense’ atmosphere at Anfield.

Hostile: Manchester United captain Patrice Evra said that he was racially abused by Liverpool's Luis Suarez during last October's Premier League clash on Merseyside 

Although concerns are rising over the bitter rivalry between the two sets of supporters, Ferguson’s letter largely centres on the need for the Manchester United fans to avoid a potential reduction of their ticket allocation for future fixtures at Liverpool.

The fourth-round tie will be the first meeting between the two clubs, however, since allegations by United captain Patrice Evra that he was racially abused by Liverpool’s Luis Suarez during last October’s Premier League clash on Merseyside.

Although Ferguson’s letter does not refer to the Evra-Suarez controversy, which resulted in the Liverpool forward being suspended for eight games by the Football Association, hostility between English football’s greatest rivals has intensified in the wake of the investigation.

But with United being given an increased ticket allocation for the FA Cup tie due to FA regulations, Ferguson, who sent a similar letter to fans prior to last October’s fixture, has called on his club’s supporters to ensure future allocations are not cut by adhering to ground regulations and focusing purely on backing United this weekend.

Ferguson said in the letter; “I wrote to fans attending the away match in October urging them to co-operate with stewards and officials at Liverpool so we can make a strong case for restoring our allocation for future United games at Anfield.

“The fans did almost everything asked of them that day and as a result, we have a much improved allocation for this important FA Cup tie.
“Please do everything you can to continue that good work and protecting next season’s allocation by going to the seat that you’ve bought, not blocking aisles and gangways, respecting the stewards and following the ground regulations.
“FA Cup ties are tense affairs at the best of times. Add in the fact that Manchester United against Liverpool is the biggest game around and it becomes even more so.
“Your support is vital to the team and down the years that has been especially true at Anfield. But please put the emphasis on getting us into the next round and giving the sort of support you are famous for - positive, witty and loud.”
Calls for the two clubs to lower the temperature between Anfield and Old Trafford by staging a high-profile joint press conference, or issuing a statement calling for calm, are not expected to come to fruition, however.
Meetings between administrative staff from the two clubs took place last week to discuss ticketing, security and wider issues surrounding the game.
And it is understood that there is no mood within either club to generate further, unnecessary publicity around the game by arranging a joint public initiative ahead of the game.
Neither Ferguson nor Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish are expected to discuss this weekend’s game publicly until they hold their respective pre-match press conferences later this week.

It's Gunner be close: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says no chance of repeat performance against Arsenal

 

QUIETLY CONFIDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson claims there is "no chance" of the spectacular August showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal being repeated when the two sides meet again at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United emerged triumphant on that stunning afternoon, romping to an 8-2 win that condemned Arsenal to their biggest defeat in 114 years.

It was part of a blistering start to the campaign that also saw the Premier League champions score three times against both Tottenham and Chelsea and put five past Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Performances have become rather more restrained since as injuries and setbacks made their mark, which is why Ferguson is anticipating a return to the tense battles of the past when United square up to Arsene Wenger's side this weekend.

"It won't be as open as the last time. There is no chance of that," said Ferguson.

"There won't be a lot between the two teams. They have only lost six goals at home this season so we are well aware it is going to be a hard game.

"I just hope we can get the result we want and need."

United may well need an away win because by kick-off they will be six points adrift of Manchester City if the Blues emerge triumphant from their top-of-the-table encounter with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

It is the reverse of fixtures that ended with a combined Manchester victory of 13-3 over north London, although Ferguson has not entertained the idea that Arsenal will be motivated by thoughts of getting even.

"I have never used revenge as part of my motivation," he said.

"It rankles but you have to forget it. I am sure Arsene did that. That is what I would have done anyway."

Midfield boost: Tom Cleverley closing on comeback for Manchester United

 

Tom Cleverley

 

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is closing on a return after revealing good news over his ankle injury.

The midfielder originally sustained the injury against Bolton in September but his last appearance came against Everton in October.

Paul Scholes' return from retirement has eased pressure in the Reds engine room, but Cleverley is hoping to be available from the end of the month.

He tweeted: "Had a great week running outside and my foot feeling very good. Shouldn't be long now!"

Dimitar Berbatov caught in tug-of-war

 

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov is at the centre of a battle between Russia and Germany.

The £30.75m striker is wanted by CSKA Moscow, Anzhi Makhachkala, Bayern Munich and one of his former clubs, Bayer Leverkusen.

And the 30-year-old’s future was cast in further doubt last night when he was pictured on a connecting flight to Frankfurt. Berbatov is out of contract at the end of the season and free to negotiate with prospective clubs.

Last month, Sir Alex Ferguson indicated he was ready to activate a clause in the former Tottenham striker’s deal, which gives United the option of a one-year extension.

But the photograph that emerged last night has once again placed question marks over his future.

Berbatov has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. Despite scoring six goals in three games over Christmas, he was left out of the starting line-ups for United’s wins against City and Bolton, with Rooney and Welbeck now Fergie’s first-choice pairing.

Manchester United 3 Bolton 0

 

Paul Scholes celebrates his goal

Paul Scholes was back on the Manchester United scoresheet as the Reds recorded a comfortable victory over Bolton at Old Trafford.

Scholes, in his second game since coming out of retirement, scored his first United goal since August 2010 when he turned in Wayne Rooney's cross-shot shortly before half time. Rooney had earlier seen his penalty saved by Adam Bogdan.

With United dominating possession, Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick added classy second-half goals to put the Reds back level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Comeback kings

After Thierry Henry's matchwinning effort for Arsenal on Monday, it was perhaps destined that Scholes would come up with something special once he was confirmed as a member of the United starting line-up.

Had referee Peter Walton not been feeling charitable, it could easily have been a red card, for Scholes' thigh-high assault on Mark Davies was pretty poor in a week when refereeing inconsistencies within the English game have been a talking point.

However, after a couple of cracking long-range shots, Scholes saved the drama until first-half stoppage time.

Having peeled away to the far post, he was perfectly placed to turn home a Rooney cross-shot, which Danny Welbeck had failed to get a touch to.

It is the 151st United goal of Scholes' career, and his first since August 2010, meaning he has equalled last season's tally in just two appearances after abandoning his job coaching the club's reserve team.

It was tough luck on the visitors, particularly their goalkeeper Bogdan, who had performed heroics up to that point to keep the hosts out.

Beaten from 92 yards by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard on his last league outing, Bogdan got the better of Rooney from 12.

When Zat Knight was beaten to Antonio Valencia's through ball by Welbeck, the Bolton defender pushed his opponent in a desperate attempt to reach the ball.

There was no debate about the penalty and Knight could easily have been sent off. However, as at Manchester City last week, Rooney's spot-kick was saved.

And on this occasion, after plunging to his right, Bogdan got enough on the ball to steer it away from any possible rebound.

The young keeper's place is at risk as Jussi Jaaskelainen nears a full recovery from a thigh strain.

Display

But he must have been pleased with his fine personal display, in particular two saves to deny Welbeck.

And with Mark Davies bundling a Rooney header off the line, Bolton were gaining in confidence, although the ease with which United got behind them explained why USA defender Tim Ream was in the stands, pending his arrival as Chelsea-bound Gary Cahill's replacement.

Bolton wasted an excellent opportunity to equalise straight after the restart when United's defence, not for the first time, got themselves into a tangle, which allowed Davies to race into the area.

He found Ngog but with an unmarked Martin Petrov screaming for a lay-off, the former Liverpool man scooped his shot high over the bar.

This was a warning for Sir Alex Ferguson's men, although there was no immediate end to the chances being wasted.

Rooney was again the culprit just after the hour, when Valencia burst into the box and crossed low to the far post.

If Bolton's earlier effort was a warning, Gretar Steinsson's was a heart-stopper as his flicked header from a Bolton corner looped over Anders Lindegaard.

Thankfully for the hosts, Rafael had not left his station by the far post and, just as Davies had done from exactly the same position in the first-half, ensured the goal was not breached.

United's second arrived 15 minutes from time, with Welbeck prodding his eighth goal of the season beyond Bogdan after reaching Rooney's lay-off ahead of Sam Ricketts.

The striker took a kick on the back of the leg for his pains, though, and had to be replaced by Javier Hernandez.

But it failed to interrupt the hosts' momentum and, after striding onto Giggs' square pass, Carrick curled a superb left-footed shot past Bogdan from 25 yards.

After successive defeats, it was just what United needed as a confidence booster ahead of a tough sequence of fixtures, starting at Arsenal next weekend, which are likely to determine their chances of retaining the title.

Manchester United turn down Newcastle offer for Ravel Morrison

 

Ravel Morrison

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United have turned down a bid from Newcastle for youngster Ravel Morrison.
The 18-year-old was a member of United's FA Youth Cup winning side last term but has failed to make the breakthrough this season that many anticipated, leading to the Magpies making a move.
"We have rejected an offer from Newcastle," said Ferguson.

Morrison has had a chequered history and appeared in court last year and pleaded guilty to two charges of witness intimidation.

However, United have worked tirelessly to keep the Manchester-born youngster on the right tracks, recognising the ability that has led to a widespread claim Morrison is the best young player to emerge from United's youth ranks since Paul Scholes.

Yet Scholes' decision to come out of retirement has led Morrison to question his own future, although Ferguson claims the teenager has already rejected the contract United have offered.

"His agent has been working hard to get him another club," said Ferguson.

"We have offered him terms, which he has refused. His demands are unrealistic as far as we are concerned."

Reds on the road: Manchester United to take 6000 to Liverpool

 

United's fans at City

United are likely to have at least 6,000 fans at the powderkeg FA Cup fourth-round tie with Liverpool at Anfield later this month.

Although Liverpool have yet to confirm exactly how many tickets they have decided to allocate their fierce rivals, United are set to be given the entire bottom tier of the Anfield Road stand, which holds just under 6,400.

And Liverpool city council have informed United supporters that objections to them getting their full allocation, which resulted in ticket numbers for the Premier League encounter between the two clubs in October being cut to just 1,960, have now been removed.

The council slashed numbers for the last League match after complaints that Reds fans had blocked aisles and caused safety problems at previous Anfield matches.

But an improvement in behaviour from the travelling support at October’s now infamous 1-1 draw has seen the council make no such recommendation this time, so indications are that United will be given the number of seats in line with FA Cup rules –  15 per cent of the host venue’s capacity to away fans.

“We have taken into account the improvement of the Manchester United supporters at the most recent Premier League fixture relating to the blocking of gangways and aisles,” said Stephen Clare, Liverpool city council’s principal licensing officer.

“However, due to the large increase in capacity for this fixture we’ve deemed it necessary to inform (Liverpool FC) that two seats from either side of the radial gangways from the top to the bottom of the terrace should not be sold for safety reasons.

“This will be in addition to the normal segregation line that was in place for the most recent FA Cup tie, where the Anfield Road stand abuts the Lower Centenary Stand.”

Extra security will be present and the front row of the top tier of the Anfield Road stand will not be sold in a bid to ensure the United fans do not come under fire from unsavoury objects thrown from above, as was the case when the two sides last met in the FA Cup at Anfield, in 2006. There is also certain to be a huge police presence for what will be the first meeting between the teams since the confrontation between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez, which resulted in the Uruguayan receiving an eight-match ban for racist comments.

Suarez will still be suspended for the cup tie, a date for which should be confirmed by the FA in the next 48 hours, although it will be on January 28 or 29 with an early kick-off.

Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez who has scored United’s last two goals at Anfield, accepts he’s got to work hard after a dip in form.

The 23-year-old Mexican (left) said: “There are different circumstances because I have had more injuries this season than last year but I am still enjoying it.

“I am still learning and working hard, trying to improve day by day.”