Courtesy of Manchester United football Club
Boss wants GOALS from Midfield.
Sir Alex is looking for more goals from midfield in order to take some of the pressure off the likes of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in attack.
The fact that the five goals at Fulham were all netted by different scorers pleased the boss after Michael Carrick broke a 70-game Barclays Premier League duck in the victory at QPR.
"It's unusual when you score five goals like the other night," stated the manager. "We can't always depend on Chicharito or Wayne to score all the goals. The spread is very pleasing. One of the criticisms of this team has been a lack of goals from midfield. We can't always depend on the strikers."
One of those to find the net at Craven Cottage was evergreen midfielder Ryan Giggs, who kept up his remarkable record of scoring in the past 20 seasons.
"I thought Ryan Giggs was unbelievable on Wednesday," admitted Sir Alex. "Danny Murphy was finding it very difficult.
"We know Ryan's incredible though - it's an established fact. He is an incredible footballer."
Boss - Foot to the 'Floor'
"We have a good record against Wigan but we won't take anything for granted. We need to keep out foot on the pedal."
Sir Alex has urged the Reds to keep the foot on the gas ahead of Boxing Day's encounter with Wigan Athletic.
The Latics have secured impressive back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Liverpool and, although they have still to take a point from United in the Barclays Premier League, there is no question of them being under-estimated at Old Trafford.
"I watched Wigan versus Chelsea the other day and I thought Wigan were terrific," said the boss. "It says a lot for Roberto Martinez - he continues to play good football irrespective of what position they're in. We have a good record against Wigan but we won't take anything for granted. We need to keep out foot on the pedal."
Sir Alex feels Martinez's men will avoid the drop because the match against Andre Villas-Boas' team recently showed a vast improvement on last season's display.
"I don't think they're a relegation team," he stated. "They do well against the bigger teams. Last year, I think they lost heavily to Chelsea [6-0 at the DW Stadium] and, this season, they got a draw and could have won. I think Wigan will stay in the Premier League.
As for United's own form, the manager is rightly proud of his team's reaction to some of the low points this season, including the derby day defeat to Manchester City and embarrassing exits from two cup competitions.
"The criticism has been understandable," he added. "You lose a derby game 6-1, you're knocked out of the Carling Cup and you lose to Basel, who aren't a powerhouse. You can understand the criticism.
"But we show the resililence and determination to do something about it, each time it happens. That says a lot about the character of the team."
Mixed Injury News
"We have good news on Phil Jones: he should be okay for Monday. He has some swelling in his jaw but there's no break, no fracture, which is good news."
– Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson delivered some Christmas cheer on Friday morning with the news that Phil Jones is fit to face Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day – but Ashley Young will be out for several weeks.
Jones came off in the 20th minute of Wednesday’s 5-0 win at Fulham after being caught by a stray Clint Dempsey elbow, but Sir Alex confirmed there was no break to his jaw.
Young limped off midway through the second period at Craven Cottage with a knee injury sustained in a heavy tackle by Dickson Etuhu, having stumbled following a challenge by Chris Baird.
"We have good news on Phil Jones: he should be okay for Monday," the boss said. "He has some swelling in his jaw but there's no break, no fracture, which is good news.
"We feared the worst because he lost his vision a bit in that period when he came back onto the field. Thankfully it's good news.
"It's not so good for Ashley Young. We're still waiting on some of the bleeding to go away, which is quite extensive at the moment. It was a sore one so he'll be out for a few weeks.
"Ashley was tripped as he went into the next tackle. He wasn't positioned to go into that next tackle – he was half-falling at the time.
"The second tackle was a hard tackle – not a bad tackle – it was just the way he went into Ashley. He's taken a real clump."
Rafael is in back in contention, but Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley and Anderson are also all still sidelined. Nevertheless, Sir Alex feels his side have coped with the injury situation well in recent weeks.
"There's not great news on the other ones – Michael, Tom and Ando are still on the sick list. But Rafael played in the Reserves last night, which will help him," Sir Alex said.
"As we get one back, we're losing one. It's not an easy spell for us but we just have to get on with it. The squad has handled the situation quite well.
"The form has been really good and I'm pleased with that. We're scoring goals again, which is terrific."
United v Wigan preview
United hope to bag a late Christmas present with three points against Wigan...
Monday 26 December, 15:00 GMT kick-off. Follow it live on ManUtd.com with text and radio commentary.
Form guide
Wednesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Fulham was United’s seventh away win of the season and a first at Craven Cottage in three seasons. Victory in west London leaves the Reds two points adrift of Manchester City ahead of the busy Christmas schedule and this Boxing Day meeting with Wigan, who themselves are enjoying a decent run of results, should provide a stern test for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The Latics have frustrated high-profile opponents during their last two fixtures; snatching draws against Chelsea and Liverpool. Roberto Martinez’s team do not have history on their side, though, having never beaten United.
Ins and outs
Victory over the Cottagers was soured at first by a facial injury to Phil Jones, who was expected to face up to six weeks out with a broken cheekbone. However, X-rays have revealed the defender is only suffering from light bruising and he is available for Monday's match. Ashley Young, who was also forced off at the Cottage, is facing three weeks on the sidelines with a knee problem. The winger joins Fabio, Tom Cleverley, Nemanja Vidic, Anderson, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen on the treatment table. Wigan hope to recall Hugo Rodallega to the starting XI following his brief cameo in the goalless draw with Liverpool. Emerson Boyce is still injured.
United moved four points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with a 4-0 win at the DW Stadium. Javier Hernandez struck twice to open up a healthy lead, before Wayne Rooney’s tap-in and Fabio da Silva’s first-ever goal for the club sealed an emphatic victory. Any lead over the Gunners was short-lived, however, as a result of consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool in the following games.
The boss
In 1995, chairman Dave Whelan signed three unknown Spaniards to help ease Wigan’s plight in the old Third Division. One third of what became known as the “Three Amigos” was Roberto Martinez, who alongside Jesus Seba and Isidro Diaz, became a cult-hero in the North-West before departing in 2001. Some eight years later, the 46-year-old returned to the Latics as manager following a successful spell with Swansea City - much to the delight of the club's supporters. Martinez then steered his side clear of drop zone last season but is languishing in 18th place after 17 games this term.
Star man
A product of the much-revered Barcelona youth system and later Espanyol, Jordi Gomez served his apprenticeship in Spain before joining Swansea on loan, where a successful campaign under then-Swans boss Roberto Martinez resulted in a reunion at Wigan last summer. Clearly impressed by the midfielder’s ability, Martinez gave his new signing a glowing reference: “Jordi is a creative player with fantastic technical ability but he also knows how to look after himself on a football field.”
Quote/unquote
"I watched Wigan versus Chelsea the other day and I thought Wigan were terrific. It says a lot for Roberto Martinez - he continues to play good football irrespective of what position they're in. We have a good record against Wigan but we won't take anything for granted. We need to keep out foot on the pedal." - Sir Alex Ferguson
Sub-plots
Monday’s Boxing Day meeting provides Antonio Valencia with a chance to put his former employers to the sword, following his transfer to United in the summer of 2009. Since then, the Ecuadorian winger has made 85 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Reds, winning the League Cup and the Barclays Premier League.
Whistle blower Phil Dowd will be the man in the middle at Old Trafford. The Staffordshire official has taken charge of two United matches this season; the FA Community Shield win in August and the league triumph over Chelsea a month later. His only Wigan game was their goalless draw at Swansea.
Rivals watch
Title rivals Manchester City travel to West Brom as Chelsea take on London neighbours Fulham at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal host Wolves - on 27 December - while Liverpool entertain Blackburn at Anfield.
Valencia's Soft Spot for Wigan...
Antonio Valencia admits Wigan Athletic, United's visitors on Boxing Day, remain a club close to his heart.
The Ecuadorian left the DW Stadium in the summer of 2009 in order to move to Old Trafford, but still keeps an eye out for the fortunes of the Latics, who brought him to England from Spain's Villarreal.
"They'll always have a special place in my heart," Antonio told United Review. "I came here from abroad and I was taken in as one of the family from the first day.
"It was a real special group of players that we had in those few seasons there, and it was great to be a part of. I have only have gratitude and fond memories of my time there. I still speak regularly with Maynor Figueroa, who is a close friend of mine.
"I do look out for their scores. I know at the minute they’re by no means out of danger, but they’re working hard and they’ve picked up some decent results recently and let’s hope they can get up there and be fighting for ninth or tenth place."
However, Valencia scored in his only previous Old Trafford meeting with his former employers in 2010, and recognises that there is no room for sentiment as United bid to retain the Barclays Premier League title.
"Of course not," he said. "We’re professionals and we know that all that goes out of the window and the result is the main thing. The main thing is that United keep on picking up points and building momentum."
Reds Top Carbon Reduction League
Now this is...My Cup of Tea
Manchester United recently celebrated coming top of the league after being ranked in joint first place of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) table.
The CRC performance league table rewards companies for their efforts in reducing energy and carbon consumption – with United as a frontrunner in this field. The Club is thrilled to have topped the table with a score of 100 per cent. This was achieved through hard work and energy saving commitments over several years.
United became the 250th organisation to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard which demonstrated the positive commitment to continue to become an environmentally-responsible football club and company. The Carbon Trust Standard has become one of the most recognised and prestigious environmental and carbon accreditation schemes in the UK, only rewarding organisations that achieve target reductions by taking responsibility of their own emissions. It requires year-on-year carbon savings together with an assessable carbon reduction strategy.
The Carbon Trust Standard auditor stated that "the Manchester United Carbon Trust Standard Portfolio was the best [he had] received from any client" and a "model carbon reduction strategy."
Manchester United is currently in the process of reviewing the latest technology in renewable energy and hopes to make further ambitious energy savings in the near future.
United's Corporate Responsibility
Slide 1 - Clear Presentations
Manchester United is the biggest football club in the UK. It employs nearly 600 permanent staff and had a turnover of £286.4m during the 2009/10 season.
The Club’s mission is to be the best football club in the world, both on and off the pitch. It also believes that Manchester United should be a part of the community in the widest sense and that its success should not only be measured in the number of trophies it wins, but also by the impact it has on the community in which it exists.
This year has been incredibly important for Manchester United as it has taken great strides towards achieving a number of off-field goals which have supported its ambition to be a socially integrated and responsible organisation.
Everyone at Manchester United is committed to tackling environmental and social issues at regional, national and international level, using the Manchester United brand to leverage support and create awareness of the issues facing the planet.
We’re committed to informing all of our stakeholders about how we’re performing in the CSR arena. We work towards self imposed targets whilst also aspiring to achieve independently recognised standards. We aim to be clear about our priorities and aspirations, open and balanced about our position and honest about the challenges we face.
Carrick has 'Sixth Sense'
Phil Jones thinks Michael Carrick is still under-rated, even though the elegant midfielder is starting to get the recognition he deserves for a string of fine displays this term.
The summer signing from Blackburn has seen Carrick's qualities at close quarters after partnering him in midfield of late and believes his footballing instinct is second-to-none.
"He's terrific," he told ManUtd.com. "I don't think everybody realises what he does for the team. He's a super footballer and a great lad. He's massively under-rated. Other people may not notice what he does but when you're playing alongside him, you can't help but be impressed.
"He seems to have this sixth sense - he knows where to be, where the ball's going to be. He's always in the right place at the right time to either receive the ball or break up an attack. He has a great range of passing, too, and, as we saw at QPR, he has goals in him as well."
As for his own scoring ability, after netting in consecutive games recently and hitting the woodwork at Loftus Road, Jones has set his own target for the campaign. "I'd probably like to end the season with five or six goals," he admitted. "That would be great. If I keep playing in midfield I'm sure I can get into goalscoring positions and bang in a few more."
UNITED in 2011
2011 QUOTE, UNQUOTE
Keeper Anders Lindegaard
We select some of the best quotes of the year - an in-depth article will appear on ManUtd.com after Christmas.
"Everybody wants to play at this club and I'm no different. I dream of playing. I'm not here just to sit and pick my nose. I'm here to play." Keeper Anders Lindegaard stakes his claim.
"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had. Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is and, for me, that time is now." Gary Neville announces his retirement.
"It's the character of this club. It's a fantastic character. No other club in the country's got that. We are fantastic when it comes to gritting our teeth and getting something out of a dead situation." Sir Alex is full of pride following the win over Bolton.
"I could feel the goal coming. We had the momentum and the crowd was up. When the crowd gets going, it sucks the ball in." Sir Alex had faith United would defeat Everton.
"Of course for me personally, being an Everton fan, it's even more special 19 times. It's a great feeling for the whole club, the team, the fans, everyone." Wayne Rooney after his penalty at Blackburn clinched the title.
"I think this lad's going to be a star, I really do. I think he's going to be somebody who could potentially be a captain of Manchester United in the future." Gary Neville spots the promise in new signing Phil Jones.
"Scholes is a player of a lifetime. In his 20 years at the club it's hard to pick out a bad game. He was such a great, consistent player for us but hopefully we can replace him." Sir Alex ponders life after Paul Scholes.
"You can replace any player, especially at a club like Manchester United, with a great manager like Alex Ferguson. Every time a player leaves, you think the club won't win any more. But they still do." Eric Cantona returns to Manchester to deliver his verdict.
"That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world. But I don't let it frustrate me. I'm not like: 'I have to be the best in the world', because I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team." Nani sets himself lofty targets.
I'd like to take this Opportunity to wish Sir Alex and his Boys a very Merry Christmas and a just as Wonderful Winning Premier League Season in 2012....19 + 1 = One Score (GOALS) ;)
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