Ever the perfectionist, Brian McClair was unhappy with the Reserves' performance on Wednesday night, even though the Reds left the JJB Stadium with three points.
United beat Wigan Athletic 1-0 courtesy of a second-half Febian Brandy goal, but McClair was less than inspired by what was, at times, a scrappy affair.
"We won tonight and that's about all I can say," the former United striker told MUTV. "Apart from the defenders, who were excellent again tonight, we were ghastly. We didn't play well, we didn't play quickly enough and made too many poor decisions.
"I think we were trying to defy the simple laws of physics – solid objects just don't go through other solid objects. We were trying to pass the ball through opposition players, hitting it straight at them.
"I'm disappointed but it gives us a lot of things to work on in training."
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Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wayne's double aim
Wayne Rooney's injury-enforced absence hasn't dulled his hunger for trophies - the United striker wants to add a Champions League winners' medal to a second Premier League title come May.
The 22-year-old injured his ankle in training and won't be back in action until December. It was a bitter blow, halting his run of eight goals in seven matches. But when he does return, he'll be fully focused on fulfilling his ambitions with the Reds.
"Our main goal at the start of every season is to go far in the major competitions and, if we can, win them," he says. "It's the same this year. We want to win the Premier League and the Champions League, they're the main two, but there's also the FA Cup as well.
"Winning the Premier League is the highlight of my career so far. We went top quite early on in the season and we stayed there right to the end. It was a brilliant season for us. The Champions League is a massive tournament for every player, winning it is something I'd like to achieve in my career."
In an -interview with Myspacetv, Rooney also revealed his 5-a-side dream team: "I'd pick Messi, Ronaldinho, Kaka... and I'll throw Rio in because we'd need one defender!" Read more...
The 22-year-old injured his ankle in training and won't be back in action until December. It was a bitter blow, halting his run of eight goals in seven matches. But when he does return, he'll be fully focused on fulfilling his ambitions with the Reds.
"Our main goal at the start of every season is to go far in the major competitions and, if we can, win them," he says. "It's the same this year. We want to win the Premier League and the Champions League, they're the main two, but there's also the FA Cup as well.
"Winning the Premier League is the highlight of my career so far. We went top quite early on in the season and we stayed there right to the end. It was a brilliant season for us. The Champions League is a massive tournament for every player, winning it is something I'd like to achieve in my career."
In an -interview with Myspacetv, Rooney also revealed his 5-a-side dream team: "I'd pick Messi, Ronaldinho, Kaka... and I'll throw Rio in because we'd need one defender!" Read more...
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Owen out of England friendly
Reds midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out of England's friendly with Austria in Vienna on Friday. However, he could still play for his country against Croatia next week in the potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.
The 26-year-old midfielder has only just returned to action from a tendonitis problem in his knee, which required an injection.
Hargreaves played in the 2-0 win over Blackburn at the weekend, but is reported to still be suffering some discomfort.
England coach Steve McClaren has discussed the situation with Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and it was decided Hargreaves should stay in Manchester for treatment, although it would appear this more a precautionary measure than another flare-up of the problem.
Hargreaves is still seen as a crucial figure for England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday, which suggests that the injury is not serious.
"Owen Hargreaves is recovering from a long-term injury," said an FA spokesman. "Having discussed it with Manchester United, it was felt he should remain in Manchester for treatment until the weekend, with the emphasis on his fitness for the Croatia qualifier." Read more...
The 26-year-old midfielder has only just returned to action from a tendonitis problem in his knee, which required an injection.
Hargreaves played in the 2-0 win over Blackburn at the weekend, but is reported to still be suffering some discomfort.
England coach Steve McClaren has discussed the situation with Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and it was decided Hargreaves should stay in Manchester for treatment, although it would appear this more a precautionary measure than another flare-up of the problem.
Hargreaves is still seen as a crucial figure for England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday, which suggests that the injury is not serious.
"Owen Hargreaves is recovering from a long-term injury," said an FA spokesman. "Having discussed it with Manchester United, it was felt he should remain in Manchester for treatment until the weekend, with the emphasis on his fitness for the Croatia qualifier." Read more...
Wes: Deal me in, United
Wes Brown will sign a new four-year contract at Manchester United in the next month.
The versatile defender is in the last year of his current deal and would be a free agent on New Year’s Day.
But Old Trafford chief executive David Gill has met with the England man and his people twice in the last month to thrash out new terms.
Brown’s wages of around £30,000 a week will rise by £20,000.
Boss Alex Ferguson once described him as “the most technically gifted defender in England”.
And the player is convinced that United is the place to be.
Brown, 28, said: “This side is right up there with the best. The lads are enjoying themselves and we have a good mix.
“We have young lads, senior players and new signings who are really standing out.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
The versatile defender is in the last year of his current deal and would be a free agent on New Year’s Day.
But Old Trafford chief executive David Gill has met with the England man and his people twice in the last month to thrash out new terms.
Brown’s wages of around £30,000 a week will rise by £20,000.
Boss Alex Ferguson once described him as “the most technically gifted defender in England”.
And the player is convinced that United is the place to be.
Brown, 28, said: “This side is right up there with the best. The lads are enjoying themselves and we have a good mix.
“We have young lads, senior players and new signings who are really standing out.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Saha stands by Silvestre
Louis Saha has backed countryman Mikael Silvestre to make a full recovery from the knee injury that's expected to keep the defender sidelined until March.
Silvestre has been out of action since catching his studs in the turf and damaging cruciate knee ligaments at Goodison Park on 15 September. It's the 30-year-old's second serious injury blow this year – a dislocated shoulder in March saw him miss five months' action – but fellow Frenchman Saha says his friend remains positive about his future.
"Mikael has been working very hard," Saha told Manchester United Radio. "He had a bad injury but he's tough enough to recover from that. I'm not worried about him – sure, he's had a tough time, but he's motivated and he'll be back."
Saha knows as well as anyone how frustrating injuries can be, which is why he was so delighted to start his first league match of the season against Blackburn Rovers last Sunday.
"I get fed up always talking about my return," he admitted, "so I'm very happy to be back on the pitch. The team are playing good football, scoring goals and are up for the challenge of maintaining this form for the rest of the season.
"The confidence in the dressing room is high. It's very much like a team of champions. We have plenty of quick legs in the team and we have a young side, although they have lots of experience. We have three world class players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, and it's tremendous to have them in the side.
"They're all younger than me but I can learn so much from them. I'm pretty happy right now and I couldn't ask for more. I like to see the team playing well and scoring goals, so if I can be part of that I'm happy." Read more...
Silvestre has been out of action since catching his studs in the turf and damaging cruciate knee ligaments at Goodison Park on 15 September. It's the 30-year-old's second serious injury blow this year – a dislocated shoulder in March saw him miss five months' action – but fellow Frenchman Saha says his friend remains positive about his future.
"Mikael has been working very hard," Saha told Manchester United Radio. "He had a bad injury but he's tough enough to recover from that. I'm not worried about him – sure, he's had a tough time, but he's motivated and he'll be back."
Saha knows as well as anyone how frustrating injuries can be, which is why he was so delighted to start his first league match of the season against Blackburn Rovers last Sunday.
"I get fed up always talking about my return," he admitted, "so I'm very happy to be back on the pitch. The team are playing good football, scoring goals and are up for the challenge of maintaining this form for the rest of the season.
"The confidence in the dressing room is high. It's very much like a team of champions. We have plenty of quick legs in the team and we have a young side, although they have lots of experience. We have three world class players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, and it's tremendous to have them in the side.
"They're all younger than me but I can learn so much from them. I'm pretty happy right now and I couldn't ask for more. I like to see the team playing well and scoring goals, so if I can be part of that I'm happy." Read more...
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