Reds wait on Edwin

United may have to give Ben Foster his competitive debut against Derby in the wake of Edwin van der Sar's groin injury and Tomasz Kuszczak's automatic suspension.

If van der Sar isn't fit for Saturday, then Foster's return to action for the reserves last week could prove to be perfectly timed.

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said van der Sar sustained his injury early in the match against Portsmouth.

"He started to feel it after a couple of minutes when he was striking the ball," reported Queiroz.

"At half-time we decided there was no chance he could keep going."

Van der Sar's deputy Tomasz Kusczak came on at half-time for his 13th appearance of the season - unlucky for him as he was later sent off in the match's decisive moment.

"We accept the penalty against us," said Queiroz, after Kuszczak conceded a decisive spot-kick.

"It was a one-on-one situation and unfortunately Tomasz touched the player (Milan Baros)."

ManUtd.com will bring you news of van der Sar's injury as soon as it's confirmed from Carrington. Read more...

Queiroz apologises

Carlos Queiroz has issued an apology for comments he made about a Birmingham City player following United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth.

The Reds' assistant manager was voicing his concern about referees not protecting skilful players when he referred to Martin Taylor, the Birmingham defender sent off for a foul on Arsenal striker Eduardo in a much-publicised incident last month.

Queiroz has since reviewed his remarks. He told ManUtd.com today:

"I am deeply sorry if my comments, made when emotions were running high after the Portsmouth game, were misconstrued.

"Everyone at Manchester United knows that Martin Taylor is not that type of player.

"All I sought to say was that in the modern game, because of its speed, we need to have more vigilance on mistimed tackles.

"I apologise for any upset my remarks may have caused.” Read more...

Ref rap Fergie faces FA charge

Sir Alex Ferguson faces an FA charge for a verbal attack on referee Martin Atkinson and his chief Keith Hackett. The Manchester United boss was furious with the treatment dished out to Cristiano Ronaldo in the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth. He blasted: “Keith Hackett’s got a lot to answer for in this country, I don’t think he’s doing his job properly. He’s got his favourites as everyone knows. He needs to be assessed. I’ll be assessed as a manager, the players will be assessed and the referee should be assessed today - properly - by the right people.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...