Welbeck elated by treble

Danny Welbeck was predictably elated after scoring his first hat-trick for United's Reserves in a 4-1 victory over Manchester City.

The promising young striker struck thrice as United came from a goal down to win and, having already hit a four-goal salvo for the Academy this season, Welbeck is happy the goals keep coming.

"I'm definitely delighted," he told MUTV. "It's always good to get goals - especially playing in the Reserves and getting my first hat-trick. I'm proud and happy.

"I think the first goal brought us back in the game, especially playing with the wind in the second half. It helped us, but it helped them too in the first half. It's a fair game!"

The blustery conditions at the Marston's Arena made for a difficult evening - particularly the first half when United were playing against the wind - but skipper Tom Cleverley felt the Reds handled them well.

"Obviously we were against the wind in the first half and they made it hard for us," he said. "They camped us in at times. We're a team that like to get it down and play, so I thought we coped pretty well. In the second half our football showed.

"It (the captaincy) was a bit unexpected with all the big names out there, but it's always good to captain your side to a win against City!" Read more...

Simpson out as Nev nears return

United defender Danny Simpson will again taste life in the Championship after being allowed to join Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season.

The Reds right-back played 14 league games on loan at Sunderland last year, helping Roy Keane's side to win promotion to the top flight.

This season, Simpson has played in eight matches for United but the last of these was at the end of January when he came on as substitute in the FA Cup win over Tottenham. Although he was named in the 16 again for the Manchester derby on 10 February, Danny's opportunities have diminished during March.

“I’ve let Danny Simpson go on loan to Ipswich, a good football team, until the end of the season,” Sir Alex Ferguson announced on Friday morning.

“It’s good for the lad - with Gary Neville coming back, the boy needs games.”

United captain Neville played another 90 minutes for the reserves on Thursday night and now “isn’t far away” from a first-team return according to Sir Alex.

The Reds boss was also pleased to see Mikael Silvestre play for the second string in their 4-1 derby win over Manchester City. Sir Alex said:

“For someone who hasn’t played for seven months, Mikael showed tremendous energy." Read more...

Anderson ready for Rafa's men

Having sampled the euphoria that comes with beating Liverpool at Anfield, Reds' midfielder Anderson is hoping for more of the same on Sunday lunchtime when United entertain Rafa Benitez's men at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian was one of the star performers in the 1-0 win back in December courtesy of Carlos Tevez's first half strike.

Anderson says he was fully aware of the importance attached to a United / Liverpool clash even before he joined the Reds, but admits that even he was surprised by the enormity of the rivalry when thrust into the thick of it.

"The atmosphere amongst the two teams and the determination both sides had to win the game at Anfield was unbelievable," he told United Review.

"It’s difficult to describe the emotion that I experienced in that match – it was amazing. And I’m sure it’ll be the same on Sunday."

Anderson has become a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful after a string of peerless displays in midfield.

The 19-year-old has been overwhelmed by the support of the fans since joining the Reds last summer and he insists he'll be doing his utmost to ensure they have a happy Easter.

"I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing," he beamed.

"It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay them for the fantastic support they have shown me. I hope I can do that on Sunday." Read more...