Anderson Picks Up Injury Ahead Of Villa Showdown

Manchester United’s Anderson is in doubt for this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa after picking up an injury while on international duty with Brazil.

Anderson was set to step into the suspended Paul Scholes’ position on the weekend but will definitely miss this club game as well as Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Peru on Wednesday.

A statement on the Brazilian Football Confederation's website said: "The player, under the assistance of team doctor Jose Luis Runco, had an MRI scan on Tuesday afternoon in which the strain was confirmed.

"The player has started recovery treatment.".....Back To Home Page...

Gary Neville Due A Run Out In The Reserves, Thank Goodness

Gary Neville who has been suffering a long term injury is due to make his first few tentative steps back to recovery with a run out for the reserves tonight against Newcastle reserves at St James Park.

Neville has been in and out of the first team over the past two years with an injury situation that started way back with a broken ankle against Bolton Wanderers and has since struggled to regain full fitness. In the meantime, Wes Brown claimed the right back position as his own until he too was injured. That opened the door for Rafael who has been an absolute star given his age and his short time at the club.

Neville has made 22 appearances earlier this season but it was short lived his recovery, as problems flared up again for him in the shape of a groin injury.

After missing out on last season's Premier League and Champions League triumphs, Neville is keen to play a part in this season's run-in.

If he comes through unscathed, the full-back could come into contention for Sunday's encounter with Aston Villa or the Champions League showdown with Porto 48 hours later given Wes Brown and Rafael da Silva are both injured and John O'Shea's recent performances have come in for heavy criticism.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Lose Evans For The Trip To Inter Milan

Manchester United played Jonny Evans alongside Rio Ferdinand against Blackburn so the two of them could get some match time playing alongside one another ahead of the Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Tuesday. The reason for this was the suspension of Nemanja Vidic from that game.

Evans, however, picked up a knock during the game with Blackburn and Vidic had to come on anyway. Now Sir Alex is rapidly running out of centre backs to play on Tuesday. Evans limped off in Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win over Blackburn Rovers at Old trafford with a recurrence of a recent ankle injury.

United racked up a 10th consecutive league victory but are now short of options for the trip to the San Siro.

"It's a bit sore," Evans told MUTV. "I kicked the ground when I tried to make a long clearance and now it's a bit tender. I don't know (if I'll be ready for Tuesday's game). The doctor said he'd have a look at it on Sunday. We'll have a better idea then."

"We've got some injuries of course," Ferguson told Setanta Sports after the win against Rovers. I just hope I can get two centre backs but at this moment in time it's very doubtful. Jonny Evans would have played on Tuesday but he's very doubtful. I'm hoping I'll have John O'Shea fit as I won't have Vidic, Neville or Brown either," he added.

O'Shea injured his heel against Fulham last Wednesday but Ferguson is hoping he will recover to partner Rio Ferdinand in defence against Jose Mourinho's side.....This really is not the kind of news we need heading into this fixture.....Back To Home Page...

Rooney Back For Manchester United Against Fulham

If you can keep your eyes off the two Fulham cheerleaders pictured left.......Wayne Rooney should hopefully make his long awaited return after a seven match absence as Manchester United look to open up a five point advantage over The Bindippers by beating Fulham at Old Trafford.

Rooney has been struggling with a hamstring injury which he sustained at Wigan one month ago but has now hopefully fully recovered. Thanks to Capello for not choosing him for England too. He was told by Fergie Rooney is available if Capello felt the need to choose him, but he didn't.

Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are among the big names who return following the FA Cup win at Derby, while Edwin van der Sar looks to complete an incredible 14th consecutive Premier League clean sheet.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will give late fitness tests to Paul Konchesky and Andy Johnson. Both players have been struggling with muscle strains but will be given every chance to prove their fitness. Dickson Etuhu is still out with the knee injury he sustained against Wigan, meaning on-loan Inter Milan midfielder Olivier Dacourt should continue in midfield.

I'm glad to see Rooney back but if we are honest, did we really miss him, did our results go down-hill or did we beat two long standing defensive records and reach the top of the league in his absence? Rooney is a valuable asset for United but this squad has such richness in depth that they can lose him for seven games and the machine keeps roilling along. Awesome stuff indeed I'm sure you'll agree.

Teams:

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Gibson, Welbeck.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Hughes, Konchesky, Pantsil, Hangeland, Johnson, Zamora, Nevland, Gera, Murphy, Kamara, Gray, Zuberbuhler, Stoor, Dempsey, Davies, Milsom, Brown, Kallio, Barnes, Dacourt.

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Rooney, Evra, Nani, Rafael And Fabio All Fit Again

Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Nani, Rafael and Fabio all return to a United squad which is currently enjoying a 12 match run where they haven't conceded a goal in the Premier League which is not good news for West Ham fans.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to look beyond this match and, despite the healthy look of the league table just now, the Old Trafford boss is planning for a battle that goes right down to the wire.

'You have to put your mind to the possibility that the title could go down to the last few games, I expect the worst and hope for the best.'

Certainly Ferguson would happily head to Hull on the final day under the same circumstances as he travelled to Wigan last season knowing a win would seal the trophy.

'That would be fine. It would be a position I would take at the start of the season and it could very well be that way this year.'

West Hams fans will be revved up for this game, I can guarantee that. For some reason they tend to show Manchester United more hostility than they do Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs, their London rivals. United have not had a happy time of it at West Ham over the years so here's hoping for a clean sheet, 3 goals and no injuries tomorrow.....Back To Home Page...

United's New Boy Suffers Injury Setback

Manchester United's new January signing, Ritchie De Laet, will be sidelined for one month after gaining an injury during training.

De Laet joined United from Stoke City in a transfer that came out of the blue as he had never made a single first team appearance for Stoke.

De Laet signed for Stoke City for an initial £100,000 fee, on 17 August 2007, from Belgian club Royal Antwerp who, interestingly are a 'feeder' club for Manchester United, signing a three-year deal.

In July 2008, De Laet joined Bournemouth on trial, and played his first game in a friendly against Portsmouth, a 4–1 defeat. However, he later returned to Stoke City. In October 2008, he joined Wrexham on a one-month loan deal, making his debut in a 2–0 victory over Lewes in the Conference National. He made a total of three appearances during his time at the club before his loan spell was terminated in order for him to undergo a hernia operation.

On 8 January 2009, De Laet was signed by Manchester United on a three-year contract. The fee to be paid by Manchester United will depend on De Laet's performances for the club.

De Laet did feature for Manchester United reserves against Liverpool recently, but will be unavailable for one month now due to ankle ligament problems.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Star Out Of Brazil Team For Friendly

Manchester United midfielder Anderson, no not the Anderson pictured left, I mean United's Samba Boy, will miss Brazil's friendly against Italy because of an injury.

Anderson is nursing an ankle injury sustained in a League Cup match and will not be able to recover in time for the Feb. 10 friendly at Emirates Stadium in London.

The Brazilian football confederation said Monday that coach Dunga will not summon a replacement for Anderson.

Brazil also will not be able to count with Juventus striker Amauri, who was not released by the Italian club after being called up to replace injured Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano. Dunga will not add another striker.....Back To Home Page...

Owen Hargreaves On The Road To Recovery For Manchester United

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Owen Hargreaves will be fit for the start of next season. Hargreaves has been forced to undergo two operations under the guidance of Colorado-based knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in a bid to cure a tendinitis problem that has plagued him since his arrival from Bayern Munich 18 months ago.

There have been suggestions if surgery does not prove successful for the Calgary-born midfielder he will be forced to retire from the game however, Ferguson reports the operations have gone well, allowing Hargreaves to begin a long recovery programme that should get him back on the pitch again by August.

"Owen had a second operation last week and it was completely successful, it was better than the last one, which was much more difficult. This one is completely clear and I am certain he will be ready for the start of next season."......Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Injury List Joy

Manchester United's current run of good fortune and good results as well as their record breaking exploits continues today with news that their lengthy injury list is shrinking faster than the Bishop's nether regions after he had been with the actress.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand returned at West Brom on Tuesday after a back injury as United trounced WBA and Edwin Van Der Super Star became the new record holder as he reached 1032 minutes without conceding a goal. All of which helped the champions move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 victory. They now have the best goal difference in the league too.

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung and defender Wes Brown also took part at The Hawthorns and manager Alex Ferguson hopes to have Patrice Evra and Nani fit to face Everton at Old Trafford this Saturday.

"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back," Ferguson said, "Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton. If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it. Nani should also be fit for Saturday as well".

Wayne Rooney is still recovering from a hamstring and Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio and Anderson are also sidelined.

"Wayne has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no way we will bring him back early, he's doing terrific work in the gym and, in terms of his rehabilitation, he is on the mend. But we said at the time he was injured that it would be three or four weeks before he would be fit and there is no change there."

United's home clash with Everton was brought forward to Saturday because the visitors are involved in an FA Cup replay against Liverpool next week.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United's Fixture/Injury Pile Up Gets Worse

Manchester United's clash with Everton has been moved forward 48 hours to Saturday January 31 due to Everton's FA Cup replay with Liverpool. Steven Gerrard's FA Cup derby leveller for Liverpool may have unwittingly handed Manchester United a problem.

United are without 12 senior players for Tuesday's Premier League trip to West Brom, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson to pick through his squad for a team of fit players.

Ferguson was hoping the situation might have eased in time United's next league game against Everton - with both Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown tipped to be available after long-standing back and ankle problems respectively and Park Ji-sung on the brink of a comeback from a minor hamstring complaint.

But the Old Trafford encounter with David Moyes' men will now be played 48 hours ahead of schedule - moving forward to Saturday January 31 from Monday February 2 to clear the way for Everton's FA Cup replay with Liverpool on February 4.

It robs Ferdinand, Brown and Park, or anyone else among United's walking wounded who might have had a chance of returning against Everton, of two extra days' preparation.

The late change is part of a confusing February fixture list for United.

Their remaining outstanding game against Fulham - originally postponed in August because of United's presence in the European Super Cup - has been pencilled in for February 17. But that will be dependent on neither side requiring a fifth-round replay.

In addition, United's home match against Portsmouth on February 28 has been postponed because of their appearance in the Carling Cup final the following day

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Sir Alex Stressed About His Injury List Ahead Of Spurs Game

Sir Fergie has announced he is not a happy chappy with regard to injuries etc etc in the days before Manchester United's trip to White Hart Lane. Their last Premier League game before jetting off to Tokyo for the World Club Championship.

He was seen to be shuffling his team around for the midweek draw with Aalborg on account of injuries and just to add insult to injury, Rio Ferdinand suffered a setback. Former Tottenham stars Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are doubts too for the game. However, Sir Alex is hopeful he has the squad to contend with the issues.

Speaking to Setanta Sports News Sir Alex said: "Berbatov is still a problem, Michael Carrick has a thigh injury and we are hoping he will be alright, that’s why I wasn’t prepared to risk Fletcher tonight. The plan was always to play Ryan for 45 minutes because I don’t know what my midfield options are going to be on Saturday. I brought Scholes on at half-time to give him 45, I don’t think he is ready to play 90 minutes at the moment. I had these issues about the midfield area as I don’t know if Carrick is going to be fit, I don’t know if Berbatov is going to be fit. Rio Ferdinand picked up a back spasm again, so that is a concern for us too. With the squad we’ve got I hope we can cope but I’d rather not have them.”.....Back To Home Page...