Ferguson tells Rooney and Berbabtov: Go and play like that away from home

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney he cannot just score at Old Trafford if Manchester United are to win the title this season.

After Rooney's wonder goal secured a 2-1 win in the derby, United manager Ferguson issued a warning to Rooney and his strike partner Dimitar Berbatov.

'What we need to get out of Wayne and Berba is those performances away from home,' said Ferguson. 'They have not been as good as they have been at home. They should be dictating games. If they do, it will make a hell of a difference.'

Berbatov was left out on Saturday, only emerging as a substitute after City had equalised in the second half.

Ferguson added: 'I had to sit Dimitar down. I didn't enjoy it, to be honest. I said, "You'll play your part" and he did. He played a great role.

'I don't think I have seen a better goal at Old Trafford than the one Rooney scored.

'He hit a volley against Newcastle a few years ago with that ferocity, but in terms of execution you will never see better than that.

'I have not seen anything like it. Absolutely stunning, unbelievable.'

City manager Roberto Mancini added: 'Rooney's goal is one of the best I have seen in my life, since I was a player.' 

United Transfer News: Alex Wants Alex

United Transfer News: 25/01/2011

Alex Ferguson has made a late bid to hijack Alex Chamberlain's £10million move to Arsenal.

A United insider said: "The boss has made his move and now it's down to the lad and his family to decide - but United are a massive club to turn down."

The Southampton midfielder, 17, is currently the hottest property in English football.

He looked set to sign for the Gunners this week and follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott.

Chamberlain's dad, Mark, who won eight England caps in the 1980s, said: "Alex is technically better than Walcott and can play in a more central role.

"He is not the most robust but he has been working on strengthening since he was 10."

Giggs confirms intention to continue playing for the club for at least another season

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has confirmed his intention to continue playing for the club for at least another season.

The 37-year-old has been playing on season-long contracts for a number of years now, with a decision generally taken in the spring about whether he wants to carry on.

"I am quite happy still playing at the moment and enjoying my football as much as ever," Giggs said. "I said if I was still enjoying myself and still getting picked I would carry on. We will sit down and talk but I am really looking forward to playing next year." 

No discussions with manager Sir Alex Ferguson have been arranged, but past experience suggests that when all parties sit down the negotiations will not be a protracted process. 

"I don't know when it will be sorted out," said Giggs. "We have been quite relaxed about it over the years but it is usually done and dusted quite quickly." 

Giggs, who is pursuing a record 12th Premier League title, believes his good relationship with the Scot has also played a major part in his longevity. 

"It is good to hear praise from the manager," said Giggs."He would be the first one to tell me if I was not playing well or my form wasn't good. We talk a lot more and we are a lot more honest with each other. He tells me when I am not going to play and gives me a little bit more notice now. 

"It is a great relationship and one that has been a big part of why I am still playing."

UNITED News : Man Utd Boss anger at red card

By  Will Taylor
Monday 17 January 2011

 

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was left incensed by Mike Dean’s decision to send Rafael off against Tottenham on Sunday.

The usually vocal Scot refused to comment directly on the incident but when pressed said, "I don't need to discuss that. You can see for yourself. I don't need to discuss the referee."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was sympathetic with Ferguson, describing the decision as “harsh”. "It was Mary Decker and Zola Budd," Redknapp said, referring to the infamous coming together of the 3,000m finalists at the 1984 Olympic Games.

"He was just running and he has clipped Benoît's heels. He has not broken his stride and stuck a leg out, saying 'I'll trip him'. He was trying to get out of the way."