Brazilian midfielder Anderson could already lay claim to an unforgettable debut season. But, as he told United Review, there's more he can do to make it even better...
How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?
I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.
Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?
If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!
You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?
I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.
The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?
I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager will play me wherever
he feels I will be most effective.
Are you pleased to have avoided Liverpool in the Champions League draw and how much are you looking forward to facing Roma again?
To be honest I didn’t really have a preference as to who we were drawn with in the quarter-finals because at this stage of the competition every game is a tough one, no matter who you play. It’ll be a little strange to play Roma again so soon after the group matches, but I’m really looking forward to the tie. We all want to win the trophy and we know we’ll have to fight very hard to do that. But we have a great chance.
Aside from helping the team win trophies, presumably you’re looking to add goals to your game sometime soon…
I’m literally praying for goals [laughs]! I’m hopeful that when I start scoring I will score some important goals in important games. I’ve certainly got some good celebrations planned!
The fixture schedule is going to be very busy between now and the end of the season – are you looking forward to the challenge?
It’s a beautiful thing to be involved in a finale to a season such as this one. We’re in a good position in the Premier League and the Champions League and we are focused on winning both trophies. Do I get nervous? [Puts on his sunglasses and reclines in his chair, grinning] No, never. I’m always happy! And I hope I will be even happier come the end of the season.
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Chelsea hold key in title fight, says Sir Alex
Sir Alex Ferguson is increasingly wary of the threat posed by Chelsea to Manchester United's defence of their Premier League title.
United have a five point lead at the top, but Ferguson has noted the second-placed Blues' stealthy progress under Avram Grant.
With the Red Devils set to travel to Stamford Bridge at the end of next month, Ferguson has identified that April 26 date as crucial.
'I think Chelsea hold the key - especially because we go to their place, where they've got a formidable record,' Ferguson told his club's official website.
'We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted - we have to carry on playing the way we have been.
'I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league.'
United's 3-0 win at home to Liverpool last weekend has given them added momentum for the run-in.
'We've developed this season, and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool,' said Ferguson.
'We've retained last season's consistency; we're challenging for the league - and we're in the quarter-finals of Europe.'
Read more...
United have a five point lead at the top, but Ferguson has noted the second-placed Blues' stealthy progress under Avram Grant.
With the Red Devils set to travel to Stamford Bridge at the end of next month, Ferguson has identified that April 26 date as crucial.
'I think Chelsea hold the key - especially because we go to their place, where they've got a formidable record,' Ferguson told his club's official website.
'We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted - we have to carry on playing the way we have been.
'I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league.'
United's 3-0 win at home to Liverpool last weekend has given them added momentum for the run-in.
'We've developed this season, and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool,' said Ferguson.
'We've retained last season's consistency; we're challenging for the league - and we're in the quarter-finals of Europe.'
Read more...
Crown Fergie At The Bridge
United head for Stamford Bridge on April 26 and, if they’ve won the four games before and then beat Chelsea, they can’t be caught. What would make that extra sweet for United fans is that they had to sit and suffer in West London two years ago as Chelsea won 3-0 to celebrate the title on a day that Wayne Rooney broke a metatarsal. United’s Patrice Evra described the remaining fixtures as “seven finals”. In fact, if United win the next five, which includes the visit of Arsenal on April 13, they simply can’t be overtaken. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged: “I think Chelsea hold the key. We’ve still got to go to Stamford Bridge where they’ve got a formidable record.”
Bill Thornton, Daily Star Read more...
Bill Thornton, Daily Star Read more...
Fans recognise Rooney
Wayne Rooney has been voted ManUtd.com Man of the Match for his commanding display in the 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
The 22-year-old worked tirelessly as the lone central striker, his energy and movement constantly troubling Liverpool's centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
Rooney may be lacking a goal that would surely set him on a scoring run, but there's no questioning his contribution to the team.
The fact that he topped our Man of the Match poll, by some distance, ahead of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, who were all outstanding, speaks volumes of his valuable input.
Rooney, who was in rich goalscoring form earlier in the season (he scored nine in nine games in October and November), hasn't scored in his last six outings. He had chances against Liverpool, but Pepe Reina made several good saves.
Sir Alex will be keen for the Reds front man to find his scoring boots for the remainder of the season, because if he can add goals to his performances then he will significantly increase United's chances of trophies at home and abroad.
Read more...
The 22-year-old worked tirelessly as the lone central striker, his energy and movement constantly troubling Liverpool's centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
Rooney may be lacking a goal that would surely set him on a scoring run, but there's no questioning his contribution to the team.
The fact that he topped our Man of the Match poll, by some distance, ahead of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, who were all outstanding, speaks volumes of his valuable input.
Rooney, who was in rich goalscoring form earlier in the season (he scored nine in nine games in October and November), hasn't scored in his last six outings. He had chances against Liverpool, but Pepe Reina made several good saves.
Sir Alex will be keen for the Reds front man to find his scoring boots for the remainder of the season, because if he can add goals to his performances then he will significantly increase United's chances of trophies at home and abroad.
Read more...
Rio handed the armband
United defender Rio Ferdinand will captain England in tomorrow night's friendly against France.
Manager Fabio Capello entrusted Steven Gerrard with the captaincy for his first game in charge but appears to have implemented a rotation policy as he searches for a long-term leader.
Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the nod for tomorrow's clash at the Stade de France, but an FA statement confirmed Ferdinand will lead the side. Fabio Capello will explain his decision at a press conference on Tuesday night.
Ferdinand, who often skippers United in the absence of Ryan Giggs, has played 65 times for England.
Read more...
Manager Fabio Capello entrusted Steven Gerrard with the captaincy for his first game in charge but appears to have implemented a rotation policy as he searches for a long-term leader.
Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the nod for tomorrow's clash at the Stade de France, but an FA statement confirmed Ferdinand will lead the side. Fabio Capello will explain his decision at a press conference on Tuesday night.
Ferdinand, who often skippers United in the absence of Ryan Giggs, has played 65 times for England.
Read more...
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