Darren Fletcher's impressive efforts to find full fitness have earned him a spot in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for Saturday.
The
United midfielder played 90 minutes on Tuesday night, in a
reserve-team friendly at Stalybridge Celtic, and while he may only be a
tracksuited observer against Wigan, be it among the subs or in the
stands, it's nevertheless another step forward for the popular Scot.
"Darren's
training well and played in the reserves on Tuesday night. The next
step is when we can involve him in a game in the first team," said Sir
Alex at Friday's pre-match press conference.
"He's in the squad
tomorrow, simply because I think it will give him a boost. It's a chance
to progress. At this moment in time everything's going fine for him.
"We
understand the condition he has to deal with [ulcerative collitis].
That can change but hopefully he's managed to conquer it in terms of his
diet and how he handles it. Things are going well at the moment."
Friday, 14 September 2012
Ferguson handed double boost as Van Persie is passed fit and Fletcher makes United return
Manchester United have been handed a massive boost after Robin van Persie was declared fit for the visit of Wigan on Saturday.
Darren Fletcher is also poised to make his first-team return having not played since November.
The midfielder, who suffers from a chronic bowel condition, is in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash. Shinji Kagawa is also available.
'Darren Fletcher is in the squad, to give him a boost,' said Ferguson. 'At this moment in time everything looks fine.'
Darren Fletcher is also poised to make his first-team return having not played since November.
The midfielder, who suffers from a chronic bowel condition, is in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash. Shinji Kagawa is also available.
'Darren Fletcher is in the squad, to give him a boost,' said Ferguson. 'At this moment in time everything looks fine.'
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Internationals: Danny's impact
Patience paid off for Danny Welbeck and his national team on
Tuesday night as the Manchester United striker helped England to salvage
a point at Wembley.
The young Red insisted Roy Hodgson's men demonstrated resolve to draw 1-1 with Ukraine, having gone behind to "a great goal by their left winger" Yevgeni Konoplianka in the first half. "He was outstanding," admired Welbeck, "and we came up against a difficult side. But we dug in deep and pulled through as a team in the end."
Welbeck came on for club colleague Tom Cleverley just after the hour and was credited with energising England, especially in the last ten minutes when he prodded a shot against the post, had one penalty appeal turned down and then won the crucial spot-kick with a cool piece of close control inside the box.
Taking the ball on his chest, Welbeck's attempt to flick it over a defender was handled - and Frank Lampard smashed home the setpiece to level the scores. Lampard had earlier set up Cleverley for a close-range chance that he scuffed wide, and the United midfielder also hit the post in the same period just before half-time when Welbeck was still a spectator. Michael Carrick, meanwhile, remained among the unused substitutes.
"I was observing the game closely from the bench and I wanted to make an impact. But I wouldn't have made a difference if the other players hadn't worked hard before I came on," a modest Welbeck told BBC Radio.
"I know I'm up against some great competition, Roy Hodgson has a wide variety of strikers to choose from. Jermain Defoe was selected ahead of me
tonight and he's a sharp shooter. I'm just biding my time and looking to make an impact when I do get on the pitch."
While Welbeck looked in good shape, the fitness of a fellow United forward could be a concern at Carrington as the Reds prepare for Saturday's return to league action. Robin van Persie was substituted at half-time as the Netherlands won 4-1 in Hungary, although quotes attributed to his national coach Louis van Gaal suggest the withdrawal was just a precautionary measure. Jeremain Lens (2), Bruno Martens and van Persie's replacement Klaas Jan Huntelaar were on the Dutch side of the scoresheet.
Elsewhere on a busy night of World Cup 2014 qualifying matches in Europe, there were victories for United's Patrice Evra (France beat Belarus 3-1), Nani (Portugal 3-0 Azerbaijan) and Joshua King (Norway 2-1 Slovenia), but disappointment for Jonny Evans as Northern Ireland conceded a late equaliser to be held 1-1 by underdogs Luxembourg in Belfast. Evra and Evans both played full matches, Nani clocked up 76 minutes with Portugal and King came on at half-time for the Norwegians in Oslo.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady made an excellent, goalscoring debut for the Republic of Ireland in their 4-1 friendly win over Oman at Fulham's Craven Cottage. The young winger, who filled in at left-back for United on Tour 2012, created the first and third strikes for Shane Long and Kevin Doyle respectively - and in between scored his first international goal at senior level with a volley in the 22nd minute.
The young Red insisted Roy Hodgson's men demonstrated resolve to draw 1-1 with Ukraine, having gone behind to "a great goal by their left winger" Yevgeni Konoplianka in the first half. "He was outstanding," admired Welbeck, "and we came up against a difficult side. But we dug in deep and pulled through as a team in the end."
Welbeck came on for club colleague Tom Cleverley just after the hour and was credited with energising England, especially in the last ten minutes when he prodded a shot against the post, had one penalty appeal turned down and then won the crucial spot-kick with a cool piece of close control inside the box.
Taking the ball on his chest, Welbeck's attempt to flick it over a defender was handled - and Frank Lampard smashed home the setpiece to level the scores. Lampard had earlier set up Cleverley for a close-range chance that he scuffed wide, and the United midfielder also hit the post in the same period just before half-time when Welbeck was still a spectator. Michael Carrick, meanwhile, remained among the unused substitutes.
"I was observing the game closely from the bench and I wanted to make an impact. But I wouldn't have made a difference if the other players hadn't worked hard before I came on," a modest Welbeck told BBC Radio.
"I know I'm up against some great competition, Roy Hodgson has a wide variety of strikers to choose from. Jermain Defoe was selected ahead of me
tonight and he's a sharp shooter. I'm just biding my time and looking to make an impact when I do get on the pitch."
While Welbeck looked in good shape, the fitness of a fellow United forward could be a concern at Carrington as the Reds prepare for Saturday's return to league action. Robin van Persie was substituted at half-time as the Netherlands won 4-1 in Hungary, although quotes attributed to his national coach Louis van Gaal suggest the withdrawal was just a precautionary measure. Jeremain Lens (2), Bruno Martens and van Persie's replacement Klaas Jan Huntelaar were on the Dutch side of the scoresheet.
Elsewhere on a busy night of World Cup 2014 qualifying matches in Europe, there were victories for United's Patrice Evra (France beat Belarus 3-1), Nani (Portugal 3-0 Azerbaijan) and Joshua King (Norway 2-1 Slovenia), but disappointment for Jonny Evans as Northern Ireland conceded a late equaliser to be held 1-1 by underdogs Luxembourg in Belfast. Evra and Evans both played full matches, Nani clocked up 76 minutes with Portugal and King came on at half-time for the Norwegians in Oslo.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady made an excellent, goalscoring debut for the Republic of Ireland in their 4-1 friendly win over Oman at Fulham's Craven Cottage. The young winger, who filled in at left-back for United on Tour 2012, created the first and third strikes for Shane Long and Kevin Doyle respectively - and in between scored his first international goal at senior level with a volley in the 22nd minute.
Brady stars on Irish debut
Robbie Brady was delighted to score and provide two
assists on his Republic of Ireland debut, helping his country to record a
4-1 friendly win over Oman.
The Manchester United winger, who recently set a new scoring record for the Irish Under-21s, produced an impressive display at Craven Cottage. As well as finding the net himself with a fine individual strike, he also set up goals for Shane Long and Kevin Doyle.
Having sampled a first taste of international football, Brady is now hoping to retain his place in manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad but concedes he may have to seek a loan move away from Old Trafford in order to catch the Italian’s eye.
“I'm delighted with the way it went but I thought I could have done more,” Brady said. “I wasn't disappointed, but I felt I could have done a bit more. Maybe I could have got on the ball a bit more all-round really.
“I've gotten on well with everyone in the squad. Kevin Doyle is a great bloke, he and the rest of the guys are great. They've made me feel part of the group.
“Hopefully I can push on and keep playing (for Ireland), I don't want to come in and doss about. I want to stay playing so I need to be playing as many club games as I can. If that means I need to take a loan move, I will. We'll see what happens. I'd just like to play as much football as I can.”
Trapattoni, who praised Brady for his impressive debut, did also warn the 20-year-old that he must be playing regular first-team football to make the national team on a regular basis.
“I think Brady played well in the first half,” Trapattoni told reporters. “He scored a goal and I think he can also do better. He might be called up in to the squad for the next match but he would not necessarily be in the team. This is a problem we have, that five or six of our players only usually play 30 minutes or so every week.”
Prior to Tuesday’s friendly, Irish Under-21s manager Noel King paid tribute to Brady, praising the youngster's form and personality, describing the Reds star as “a credit to his family.”
“Robbie has deserved his call-up,” King told the FAI’s website. “He’s been sensational for us – as the people of Sligo will testify after his previous performances in the campaign. He sets the place alive and some of his play has been outrageous.
“He still has lots to learn – he’s not the full article and he’d tell you that himself. The players love playing with him. He has a great personality. He has a good demeanour and a good manner and he’s a credit to his family. I’ve nothing but good to say about him and I hope he fulfils his potential.
“It’s a lot to come at such a young age for him but he has big shoulders and I think he’s going to be one of our most exciting players. Robbie has the chance to go on and play for Ireland for many years and I hope he does.”
The Manchester United winger, who recently set a new scoring record for the Irish Under-21s, produced an impressive display at Craven Cottage. As well as finding the net himself with a fine individual strike, he also set up goals for Shane Long and Kevin Doyle.
Having sampled a first taste of international football, Brady is now hoping to retain his place in manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad but concedes he may have to seek a loan move away from Old Trafford in order to catch the Italian’s eye.
“I'm delighted with the way it went but I thought I could have done more,” Brady said. “I wasn't disappointed, but I felt I could have done a bit more. Maybe I could have got on the ball a bit more all-round really.
“I've gotten on well with everyone in the squad. Kevin Doyle is a great bloke, he and the rest of the guys are great. They've made me feel part of the group.
“Hopefully I can push on and keep playing (for Ireland), I don't want to come in and doss about. I want to stay playing so I need to be playing as many club games as I can. If that means I need to take a loan move, I will. We'll see what happens. I'd just like to play as much football as I can.”
Trapattoni, who praised Brady for his impressive debut, did also warn the 20-year-old that he must be playing regular first-team football to make the national team on a regular basis.
“I think Brady played well in the first half,” Trapattoni told reporters. “He scored a goal and I think he can also do better. He might be called up in to the squad for the next match but he would not necessarily be in the team. This is a problem we have, that five or six of our players only usually play 30 minutes or so every week.”
Prior to Tuesday’s friendly, Irish Under-21s manager Noel King paid tribute to Brady, praising the youngster's form and personality, describing the Reds star as “a credit to his family.”
“Robbie has deserved his call-up,” King told the FAI’s website. “He’s been sensational for us – as the people of Sligo will testify after his previous performances in the campaign. He sets the place alive and some of his play has been outrageous.
“He still has lots to learn – he’s not the full article and he’d tell you that himself. The players love playing with him. He has a great personality. He has a good demeanour and a good manner and he’s a credit to his family. I’ve nothing but good to say about him and I hope he fulfils his potential.
“It’s a lot to come at such a young age for him but he has big shoulders and I think he’s going to be one of our most exciting players. Robbie has the chance to go on and play for Ireland for many years and I hope he does.”
Valencia is Mr Complete
Ashley Young is the latest Manchester United team-mate to
express his admiration for Antonio Valencia, declaring his fellow winger
"has it all".
Young, who hopes to be fit to face Valencia's former club Wigan Athletic on Saturday, was not surprised that the Ecuadorian was voted United’s double Player of the Year in 2011/12.
When asked by Inside United what made Valencia so effective, Young said: "Last season he had everything.
"He attacks, he defends, he can shoot, he can cross, he can pass... he has it all and that's why he scooped up everything at the end-of-season awards. It's why the players voted for him and it's why the fans voted for him.
"He's fantastic to play with. Antonio, like every other player, knows how to look after himself as well – he knows what to eat, what to drink and he works closely with our fitness coaches."
Valencia, who will face Wigan for the fifth time as a United player if he features this weekend, also earned plaudits from his manager.
"Antonio is always very professional and a great human being. I'm very happy with him," said Sir Alex this week.
"He’s one of those players who is constantly maturing. Without doubt, his best position is wide right – he’s fantastic there."
Young, who hopes to be fit to face Valencia's former club Wigan Athletic on Saturday, was not surprised that the Ecuadorian was voted United’s double Player of the Year in 2011/12.
When asked by Inside United what made Valencia so effective, Young said: "Last season he had everything.
"He attacks, he defends, he can shoot, he can cross, he can pass... he has it all and that's why he scooped up everything at the end-of-season awards. It's why the players voted for him and it's why the fans voted for him.
"He's fantastic to play with. Antonio, like every other player, knows how to look after himself as well – he knows what to eat, what to drink and he works closely with our fitness coaches."
Valencia, who will face Wigan for the fifth time as a United player if he features this weekend, also earned plaudits from his manager.
"Antonio is always very professional and a great human being. I'm very happy with him," said Sir Alex this week.
"He’s one of those players who is constantly maturing. Without doubt, his best position is wide right – he’s fantastic there."
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa plays down back injury
Manchester
United's Shinji Kagawa missed Japan's world cup qualifier with Iraq due
to a back injury. Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA
The Manchester United
midfielder Shinji Kagawa has tried to play down a back injury which
ruled him out of Japan's 1-0 win over Iraq in a world cup qualifier on
Tuesday.
The 23-year-old pulled out of the game in Saitama an hour before kick-off having felt a twinge in his lower back during training the previous day. "I underwent treatment for as long as possible before the match and [Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni] waited for me," said Kagawa, who joined Manchester United for £12m before the season began.
"I felt a twinge and didn't want to take the risk," added the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who watched the Group B game from the stands. "It's not a serious injury and I don't think it will keep me out for long. I can walk without any problem but if I put strain on it, it still hurts."
Kagawa is set to undergo tests on his return to Old Trafford, where he has made an impressive start to his United career, although he is likely to be a doubt for Saturday's Premier League home game against Wigan.
"I waited until the afternoon to see how his condition was but there's no way I can put a player on the pitch who is not at 100%," said Zaccheroni.
After the match with Wigan United begin their Champions League campaign at home to Turkey's Galatasaray on 19 September.
The 23-year-old pulled out of the game in Saitama an hour before kick-off having felt a twinge in his lower back during training the previous day. "I underwent treatment for as long as possible before the match and [Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni] waited for me," said Kagawa, who joined Manchester United for £12m before the season began.
"I felt a twinge and didn't want to take the risk," added the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who watched the Group B game from the stands. "It's not a serious injury and I don't think it will keep me out for long. I can walk without any problem but if I put strain on it, it still hurts."
Kagawa is set to undergo tests on his return to Old Trafford, where he has made an impressive start to his United career, although he is likely to be a doubt for Saturday's Premier League home game against Wigan.
"I waited until the afternoon to see how his condition was but there's no way I can put a player on the pitch who is not at 100%," said Zaccheroni.
After the match with Wigan United begin their Champions League campaign at home to Turkey's Galatasaray on 19 September.
Chicha nets, Valencia sent off
Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia experienced mixed
fortunes on Tuesday night, as Mexico and Ecuador were both involved in
World Cup 2014 qualifiers.
Javier Hernandez scored Mexico’s only goal of the game when he stole in at the back post to bravely head home on the hour-mark and sink Costa Rica. El Tricolor are clear leaders in Group B in the CONCACAF (North, Central American and Caribbean) region, having won all four of their qualifiers to date.
Meanwhile, in Montevideo, Antonio Valencia’s Ecuador drew 1-1 with Uruguay to move Ecuador to within a point of group leaders Argentina in the CONEMBOL (South America) branch of the draw. But the night ended on a sour note for the Reds winger, who picked up two late bookings – the second a harsh decision in the 90th minute – to earn his marching orders. He will now miss Ecuador's next qualifier, against Chile, in October.
Javier Hernandez scored Mexico’s only goal of the game when he stole in at the back post to bravely head home on the hour-mark and sink Costa Rica. El Tricolor are clear leaders in Group B in the CONCACAF (North, Central American and Caribbean) region, having won all four of their qualifiers to date.
Meanwhile, in Montevideo, Antonio Valencia’s Ecuador drew 1-1 with Uruguay to move Ecuador to within a point of group leaders Argentina in the CONEMBOL (South America) branch of the draw. But the night ended on a sour note for the Reds winger, who picked up two late bookings – the second a harsh decision in the 90th minute – to earn his marching orders. He will now miss Ecuador's next qualifier, against Chile, in October.
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