Manchester United defence must improve for derby, says Alex Ferguson
Ferguson said he had been dismayed by United's defensive record and reported "absolutely no chance" of Nemanja Vidic featuring in Sunday's derby now his captain has pulled out of a possible comeback in their Champions League tie against Cluj at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
This season United have conceded 21 goals from 15 league fixtures, their highest since the corresponding point of the 2001-02 campaign, when they finished third. Between them, Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea have been beaten 32 times in all competitions. Last season at this stage it was 23, though that figure is skewed by the six that were conceded in one match against City. There have been four clean sheets.
"We're getting punished for every ball that goes in the box at the moment but, saying that, we should still be defending far better," Ferguson said. "Reading produced some fantastic balls into the box but we do, and should, expect better. It's a worry, it's a concern. If we perform like that on Sunday, then God knows what's going to happen to us.
"You see the goals against, we've lost 32 goals this season. I can't ever remember us losing so many goals before Christmas. I must say that. So it is a concern, there's no question about that. When you look at the side City could put out, with [Mario] Balotelli, [Edin] Dzeko … all really tall players, then it's going to be a really big challenge for us."
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs says their clashes with Manchester City are now as big as it gets in football.
Giggs admits that the Manchester derby is now as big as any in the league.
"Over the last few years, City - the money they have spent and the quality they have brought in - it has got bigger and bigger.
"Derbies are always big but with them winning the league now and the quality they have, it is a huge game, and a massive build-up beforehand."
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Manchester United are tracking Anderlecht midfield schemer Lucas Biglia.
Voetbal Nieuws says United are watching Biglia.
The Argentinian, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, is rated in the €8million class and has been proving his worth in the Champions League with the Belgian side
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Tom Cleverley is set to miss the derby after breaking down against CFR Cluj last night.
The midfielder was forced out of the game just before half-time.
And whilst Cleverley will not be assessed until tomorrow, Ferguson is not expecting a positive outcome.
"Tom felt his calf a little bit," said Ferguson.
"We will assess it in the morning but it is not good news."
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had no complaints after his side were beaten by a Cluj wonder goal on Wednesday.
The Romanians became the first visitors to win in the Champions League at Old Trafford in three years thanks to Luis Alberto's swerving drive into the top corner from 25 yards.
The victory was not enough to see Cluj into the last 16 with Galatasaray progressing to the knockout phase courtesy of a better head-to-head record following their 2-1 win over Braga.
Despite the defeat, Ferguson was able to draw a number of positives from the performance of his young side, who created enough chances to get something from the match.
"It was a wonder goal that beat us," said the United manager. "We had a lot of good chances but with a goal like that we have no complaints, You can't do a lot about it.
"We had a young side out that did very well at times. I'm satisfied they put a decent performance in.
"It was a good experience for the youngsters. Nick Powell I though in the first half did quite well for us and Phil Jones had an excellent game. It's only his second game in about nine months so I'm very pleased with that part.
"We qualified earlier so it gave us a chance to experiment and play the players that needed a game. We gave some young players a bit of experience and that will hold them in good stead.
"We're into the next stage being winners of the group and there are some big names in there. We could face Shakhtar Donetsk, Milan, Porto."
"We qualified comfortably and the real tournament starts in February. The knockout stages are fantastic."
Hull City boss Steve Bruce says on-loan Manchester United winger Robbie Brady can emulate the success of teammate Danny Welbeck.
After taking Welbeck to Sunderland on loan for the 2010-11 season, Bruce has seen his former striker blossom into a full England international and a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
"Robbie's here to develop and, like I would say to any young lad from United, the challenge is there to make a name for yourself," Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail.
"Danny Welbeck is the best example of that.
"He had struggled at Preston and then he came to Sunderland and took some time to settle.
"But he's ended up being an England player and playing for Manchester United regularly.
"That's got to be the aim for any young lad leaving a big club on loan and this is a great opportunity for him."
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Desportivo Brasil striker Bruno Gomes has declared he's moving to Manchester United.
Gomes has confirmed to Terra Brasil that he will join United when he turns 18 in 2014.
The Desportivo Brasil striker has broken a goalscoring record at Under-17 level and admitted: "Thanks for the queries from other clubs but I already have plans in Manchester and I want to make history at the club."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to allow Manchester City a clear run at Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
The Daily Star says Ferguson has cooled his interest in the Dutchman after previous attempts to sign him.
He tried to land Sneijder in the summer of 2011 but was put off by Inter’s asking price and the player’s wage demands.
Now the door is open for City manager Roberto Mancini to make a move for the 28-year-old.
He is a big admirer of Sneijder and views him as the ideal replacement for Nigel De Jong, who quit the Etihad in the summer.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the derby will come too soon for Shinji Kagawa.
The Japan international has returned to training this week.
"Kagawa is a fantastic player," said Ferguson.
"He is back doing some running but I don't know if he will make Sunday. At least he is training. Hopefully he will join in the football part on Monday."
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Ryan Giggs admits that Manchester United's failure to win the title last season can be traced back to their derby loses to Manchester City.
The first Manchester derby of the season headlines this weekend's Super Sunday as United travel to the Etihad Stadium.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men lost both matches last term, including a 6-1 hammering at Old Trafford before losing 1-0 at City, which many feel kick-started their charge to the title.
And Giggs admits those two loses proved crucial, telling Sky Sports: "If we had drawn the game [at City] we would have won the league.
"Those two games were probably the difference so hopefully we can get the result and that will be the difference at the end of the season."
Giggs admits that the Manchester derby is now as big as any in the league.
"Over the last few years, City - the money they have spent and the quality they have brought in - it has got bigger and bigger.
"Derbies are always big but with them winning the league now and the quality they have, it is a huge game, and a massive build-up beforehand."
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