Great article from Man Utd

Quote:Losing to Bayern Munich and Chelsea isn't the best preparation for a Champions League quarter-final second leg - but there's plenty to be positive about ahead of tonight's clash.

United have progressed on each of the last seven occasions when the second leg has been at Old Trafford, most spectacularly overturning a 2-1 deficit against AS Roma at this stage three years ago. That incredible 7-1 win was described by Sir Alex as his best night in European football at OT. "I hadn’t thought about that match," Sir Alex said ahead of tonight's fixture. "But Roma were probably equal to this Bayern side in terms of ability. They had some very good players."

While we can't demand, or expect, a similar scoreline tonight - Sir Alex said it's a once-in-a-lifetime European result - the atmosphere that evening and the rallying display shows what Old Trafford is capable of on Champions League nights. If you're at the game, sing your hearts out for the lads. And whether you're at OT or not, this video should get you fired up for a gripping game.

Fergie rules out summer spree
United manager happy with squad

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he is not planning 'wholesale buying' at the end of the season as he is happy with his squad.

The Manchester United manager decided not to bring in too many reinforcements after selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80million last summer.

Some reports have suggested that the transfer budget is earmarked to pay off part of the loans taken out by the Glazer family to complete their controversial takeover in 2005.

But club officials, including Ferguson, have insisted it is his decision alone how he wants to spend the funds available to him.

And Ferguson, who has recently tied the likes of Nani and both Da Silva twins - Rafael and Fabio - to new deals, does not believe he needs to make too many signings this summer.
Ideas

"No wholesale buying is needed as we have a very good squad that just needs tweaking here and there," he told Inside United.

"Looking at potential squad additions is an ongoing process - it is not just confined to a certain time of year - although we obviously don't reveal our plans.

"We have some ideas at the moment but not many players will be joining the club.

"In any case, I think the transfer market prices have been terribly inflated over the last year."

source: skysports.com

Federico Macheda on standby

Quote:The Italian burst onto the scene last year with an injury-time winner against Aston Villa on his debut to hand the Reds victory after back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Fulham had threatened to derail United's title charge. Six days later he netted the winner at Sunderland to complete a fairytale week.

This season the Italy U21 international has been dogged by injuries, featuring just six times in the first team. Sir Alex said before Rooney's twisted ankle in Munich on Tuesday that Macheda should get further chances before the season is out. If Rooney is indeed sidelined then Macheda could well be fast-tracked into the first-team fold.

"Young Macheda’s had a terrible season with injuries," Sir Alex said in Munich. "But he made a return against Bolton last Saturday and we were absolutely delighted. He's one of the most exceptional young strikers I’ve seen in my time at United. He has every chance of taking part in big matches. His ability around the box for a young player is outstanding."

Gutted that wazza is out for next few weeks I guess its what we all feared. Danny Fullbrook in D.Star says its a blessing in disguise for England fans (is he a cockney t**t ?) as much as I want rooney in the england side to make the world cup more watchable I would give anything to have him back for the seasons run in including giving up england. Stuff england UNITED come 1st england is just a side show. I think alot of reds think we are screwed without him maybe we are but hopefully we will show we are not a one man team and the likes of berba, nani, carrick raise their game to another level if the rest of the team play well and these three play really well we could still win the prem. GET WELL SOON WAYNE...........

Rooney facing four weeks out
United and England striker suffers sprained ankle

Wayne Rooney is facing between two and four weeks on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, Sky Sports News understands.

The Manchester United and England talisman had the nation holding their breath as he crumpled in a heap on the turf at the Allianz Arena in the closing seconds of the 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.
Rooney, who had bagged his 34th goal of an astonishing season with just 64 seconds on the clock in the quarter-final first leg meeting, had to be helped from the field and later left the stadium on crutches.

Replays of the incident showed he had turned his right ankle when he landed awkwardly, causing immediate concern for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson and England counterpart Fabio Capello.

The fears of the national team appear to be have been alleviated by the initial prognosis, but the Red Devils will be without their attacking ace for a significant spell during the title run-in.

Ferguson's men, who head the Premier League by one point from Chelsea, play host to their title rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime in what could well prove to be a pivotal moment in the season.

The return leg of their European showdown with Bayern follows next Wednesday when United know they must score if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.

Rooney can expect to miss the trip to Blackburn on 11th April and may also struggle to be involved in the Manchester derby with City at Eastlands the following weekend and the home meeting with Spurs on 24th April.

That would leave the 24-year-old with just the Premier League encounters against Sunderland and Stoke to regain match sharpness in domestic action before attention turns to England's World Cup bid in South Africa.

source: skysports.com