My 'RED VIEW'

Courtesy of Manchester United Football Club.

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League.

SMALLING RISING TO THE OCCASION

Chris Smalling admits injury victims Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be missed but he's backing the young guns to cover their absence effectively.

The first-choice centre-backs are set to miss the clash with Spurs and captain Vidic could face several weeks on the sidelines. Smalling is likely to continue at right-back with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones forming a partnership in the middle.

"It is disappointing," he told ManUtd.com when asked about Vidic's injury. "He has been such an influential player for us over the years, especially during last season, when a lot of our stability was down to him so it is important that a lot of players step up to the mark now, but he is going to be a big loss for whatever period he is out. It is great that we can at least get one of our most experienced players back (Rio). They are both solid at the back and hopefully Vida will be back sooner than everybody thinks.

"There are a lot of opportunities given the amount of games we play," he reasoned. "There are going to be people who pick up injuries or lose form and I think it is down to us to step in and hopefully make the manager choose not to take you out of the team.

"It is great for my confidence to be able to feature in as many games, and hopefully a lot more games, than last season. There is always a pressure here and that drive to win, and I think a lot of the young players, including myself, will hopefully rise to that."

Sir Alex

Boss pins faith in youth

Sir Alex will again place his trust in youth when Tottenham travel to Old Trafford on Monday night.

The boss was pleased with the display in the 2-1 win at West Brom with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck grasping their opportunity. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand injured, there will also be an unfamiliar look to the defence with Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling set to start.

"The team on Monday will be a very young defensive line-up, with Jones and Evans in the centre and Smalling at right-back," revealed the manager. "But Patrice Evra will be back for Spurs, which gives us experience.

"David De Gea will learn from the experience of the games he's had so far. We'll also have Cleverley and Welbeck. So it's a very young team at the moment, but it's a team full of energy and it's a team of great ability. I'm enjoying watching them at the moment.

"I'm not worried about the young players filling in at the back. Evans has ample experience, of course, and has been at the club since he was 12 years old. He's played plenty of first-team games.

"Phil Jones has the experience of playing for Blackburn last season in the Barclays Premier League and I thought he and Chris Smalling were the stars for England Under-21s in the summer. Chris had a fantastic first season and he's continued his progress this year.

"So I have no issues whatsoever with playing those guys. We brought in Phil Jones at 19, David De Gea at 20 and Ashley Young at 25. We're happy with the age of the squad."

Danny Welbeck

Welbeck enjoying the ride

Things could not have gone much better for Danny Welbeck since he reported back for duty with the Reds last month.

A fine pre-season campaign, an England call-up and two impressive displays in United's win over City at Wembley and the league victory at West Brom has ensured a hugely positive start to the season for the 20-year-old, who spent last term on loan at Sunderland.

Welbeck feels he is reaping the benefits of his successful stint at the Stadium of Light and says the experience he has gained is invaluable.

"My main aim when I went to Sunderland was to get games in the Premier League. I did that and I think I handled it pretty well," Danny told ManUtd.com.

"When you're playing week in, week out it really helps your confidence. You get on a run with things which helps your form and you pick up so many little things along the way which are invaluable.

"I went through a good spell just before Christmas but unfortunately picked up an injury soon after. There are always going to be positives and negatives and I’ve learnt from both those experiences and come back to United a better person.

"I'm pretty happy with the way things have gone so far," he added. "I'm delighted to have been starting up front and I've put in a few decent performances.

"Playing games is what I want to be doing. I don’t want to be sitting on the bench. I want to be playing regularly for Manchester United. There’s nothing better than that and that's my main aim."

Playing alongside Wayne Rooney certainly won't do Welbeck's progression any harm.

"He’s one of the best strikers in the world and just playing with him means you’re always going to learn so much," continued Danny.

"Our communication levels are really good - we speak to each other all the time during games and the stuff he says really helps you."

The talk in the media already this season has been about Sir Alex's new generation of stars with Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, David De Gea, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all tipped to lead the club to more glory for years to come following the departure of some of United's most experienced campaigners.

Welbeck admits it's certainly an exciting squad to be part of but isn't getting carried away by the hype.

"It's pretty exciting to be part of this squad but the media's been hyping this new generation stuff up quite a bit," he said.

"We're all just training as hard as possible and trying to improve in every single game. Hopefully we can build on the start we’ve made."

DANNY WELBECK: The last time I...

Went shopping? Last week with Tom Cleverley, I bought a jacket.

Watched a film? The day before the West Brom game, I watched Seven Pounds, it's a decent film to be fair.

Downloaded something from iTunes? Last week, the new album by Kanye West and Jay-Z, Watch The Throne.

Played a different sport? Table-tennis on tour. I'm up there as one of the best players in the squad. Nani and Tom Cleverley are probably the top two, it's between those two.

Cried? It's been a long time since I cried. I was probably close to tears when we were knocked out of the Under-21 Championships but I wouldn't say I was crying.

Became star-struck? At Paul Scholes' testimonial when I saw Pele. I didn't get to meet him but he walked past me.

Went to a gig? Trey Songz, last season.

Did any DIY? In the summer, I put a table up in my house. There were no scratches, everything was perfect.

Cooked a meal? At the back end of last season, when I was at Sunderland, I cooked for me and Jordan Henderson. He'll tell you I can cook a good chicken stir-fry!

 

"I only played at Old Trafford once before joining United. I was looking forward to it, making sure I was fit for the match. Fantastic stadium, the atmosphere was great... we were hammered, 7-1."

- Phil Jones

Jones' OT nightmare

New United defender Phil Jones could start Monday's first home game against Spurs following injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Rafael, and his impressive display as a substitute at West Brom.
No doubt the 19 year-old will be hoping for a better experience than his maiden Old Trafford appearance with former club Blackburn Rovers, as Jones recalled in this recent interview with ManUtd.com's Nick Coppack...
How did you feel when you signed for United?It’s one of those things that sends shivers down your spine. Putting pen to paper at Manchester United is a massive thing for me and my family. I’m here now and I’ve got to prove I’m good enough.
What was it like meeting Sir Alex for the first time?It can be a daunting experience... It was brilliant. We talked for hours, but not necessarily about me or the club, about things in general. It settled a few nerves.
You were part of pre-season in the USA with United this year – what was different about that experience for you?The fan base. United are probably the biggest club in the world with a massive support, which is different. Also, going to America on tour and turning out against teams that you wouldn’t normally play was a great experience.

Is it only when you get to the club that you really realise how big United are?Of course. I don’t think you can really picture what it’s going to be like. You can’t imagine it but once you’re actually here it is a bit of a whirlwind experience until you start settling down with the players. I feel comfortable with them now.

Do you already feel at home at a big club like this?Yes. You can’t afford to sit back and watch time pass by, you’ve just got to get on with it and I’m delighted to be part of such a fantastic club.
Was pre-season particularly important to you because you’re at a new club?There was that element. At a new club you want to prove to the players that you’re good enough for this team, and that’s what I want to do.
Did knowing a few of the lads already make settling in a bit easier?It’s very helpful. I know Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling, who are all great lads that I’ve played with England at under-21 level. It’s been a pleasure to work with them, and they’ve told me all about the club and how good it is.
How beneficial is it to have played alongside Chris Smalling for England?That will only help. We’ve done really well together with England and kept quite a few clean sheets. We communicate well and read each other’s game, which is a good thing to have in a partnership at the back.
As a centre-back you’ve obviously got some good role models at United…They [Ferdinand and Vidic] are brilliant defenders. I’ve always watched those two play together and tried to model my game on them and copy things they do.
You played in midfield when you were younger. Could you do that for the Reds or are you now purely a defender?I definitely consider myself a centre-half and that’s where I play my best football. I like to see the game in front of me and read the play. At Blackburn, when the manager asked me to move into midfield it was strange and I didn’t expect it. It took a few games to adapt to that role and the positions to take. If I was asked to do that here I’d feel comfortable with it.
You grew up as a Blackburn supporter, but you must have admired the Reds while you were growing up...Very much so. I’ve watched the DVDs of the Premier League years and seen the amount of trophies they would pick up at the end of the season. United have always been a fantastic team year-in, year-out, and I’m sure it will be the same this season.
What do you remember about your games for Blackburn against United?They were difficult! Obviously you get a tough game whenever you play United but we drew 1-1 at Ewood Park in May, on the day United won the title. We got a drubbing at Old Trafford earlier in the season though, we lost 7-1.
What was Old Trafford like to come to as an opposition player?I only played there once - in that 7-1 hammering! I was looking forward to it beforehand, and making sure I was fit. It’s a fantastic stadium with a great atmosphere and I was playing against some fantastic players. It's even better now I’m playing with them.

BOSS HAS RESPECT FOR SPURS 

Sir Alex expects Spurs to make life difficult for the champions when Old Trafford stages its first game of the Barclays Premier League season.

Tottenham haven't triumphed at the Theatre of Dreams since 1989 when Gary Lineker scored the only goal of the game. But Harry Redknapp's side have been tipped as outside contenders for the title by the boss and the sheer quality in their squad needs little introduction.

"Spurs did fantastically last year," explained Sir Alex. "They got to the quarter-final of the Champions League. I think that caught them out in the league because it drained their resources in terms of the size of the squad.

"They also had a few injuries. It's the same squad, really, apart from Robbie Keane going to LA Galaxy, but he wasn't a regular last season anyway. There's a lot of experience there with William Gallas and Younes Kaboul, they also have pace in the wide positions with Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.

"Rafael Van der Vaart's a very good player. They have a terrific squad. It will be a hard game. It's always a hard game against Tottenham. We very seldom give them a drubbing. It's usually a tight match."

Mixed news on injury front

There was good and bad news on the injury front for United when Sir Alex addressed the press ahead of Monday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

On the positive front Patrice Evra is fit again, while both Chicharito and Antonio Valencia are "doing well" in training and Darren Fletcher came through his outing for the Reserves this week unscathed.

Rio Ferdinand is also on the mend from the hamstring strain picked up at West Brom last weekend. The England defender was expected to be out for around six weeks, but Sir Alex has revealed he could be back to face Arsenal at the end of this month.

Unfortunately though he will not be linking up with his regular defensive partner Nemanja Vidic for a while with the skipper likely to be out action for another month or so.

"Last week we thought Rio's hamstring would have him out for six weeks and with Vidic, we thought it was just a nerve problem. That's reversed itself," Sir Alex told reporters on Friday.

"Vidic has got a calf muscle injury, which means he'll be four to five weeks. It's longer than we thought. Meanwhile, Rio's injury isn't as bad as we thought and he could be ready for our game against Arsenal. I don't think he'll be ready for Monday. It's amazing how circumstances can change in a few days.

"Rafael has had an operation [on his shoulder] this week and will be out for 10 weeks," added the boss. "It was a freak injury really. He won a tackle [in training], stumbled and fell on his shoulder.

"Patrice is back which gives us experience. Chicharito is back training and doing very well as is Valencia who will play in the Reserves next week. When will we bring Chicharito back? It depends. From a medical point of view, considering he had a concussion before, we have to decide when is the best time to bring him back.

"Darren Fletcher had a game the other night, so he's back and doing well. He'll play maybe one more game in the Reserves and then should be ready for the first team. So there are a few there, but they're all on the mend, we hope."

Old Trafford openers

United welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford on Monday for the Reds' first competitive home match of the 2011/12 season.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are traditionally strong starters at the Theatre of Dreams and are unbeaten in opening home fixtures since 1992. Here’s a reminder of the Reds' last 10 Old Trafford curtain-raisers...
2001/02: United 3 Fulham 2 The Cottagers, playing in their first-ever Premier League fixture, twice take the lead through future Reds striker Louis Saha, only for a trademark David Beckham free-kick and Ruud van Nistelrooy's debut double to hand United all three points.
2002/03: United 1 West Brom 0Ole Gunnar Solskjaer steps off the bench to score the 100th goal of his United career and seal a somewhat fortuitous win over the newly-promoted Baggies, who match the Reds for much of the game.
2003/04: United 4 Bolton 0
The Reds start the post-Beckham era in style with Ryan Giggs (2), Paul Scholes and Van Nistelrooy all on the scoresheet against Sam Allardyce's shell-shocked Wanderers. A young player named Cristiano Ronaldo comes off the bench for a memorable debut.
2004/05: United 2 Norwich 1
Alan Smith makes his fine start in trying to win over the faithful following his summer move from rivals Leeds, with a sublime volley at the Stretford End to double the Reds’ lead after David Bellion’s first-half strike. Substitute Paul McVeigh grabs a late consolation for the Canaries.
2005/06: United 3 Debrecen 0
The Reds' first home game is unusually a European fixture - a qualifier for the UEFA Champions League's group stage. Goals from Rooney, Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy seal a comfortable win while Ji-sung Park makes his competitive debut as a sub.
2006/07: United 5 Fulham 1Following their public clash at the summer's World Cup, Rooney and Ronaldo disappoint sections of the press by linking up superbly to help the Reds brush Fulham aside with goals from Wazza (2), Cristiano and Saha plus an own goal from Ian Pearce. Fulham's consolation is a Ferdinand o.g.
2007/08: United 0 Reading 0Steve Coppell's side prove a frustrating opening-day obstacle. Sir Alex has to deploy John O'Shea as a lone target man after Rooney is forced off at half-time with a fractured metatarsal. Nani comes on at half-time to make his Old Trafford bow.
2008/09: United 1 Newcastle 1Shay Given produces a performance of the highest quality to limit the Reds to just one goal during a thoroughly competitive match at Old Trafford. Obafemi Martins heads Newcastle into a shock first-half lead, before Darren Fletcher levels just two minutes later.
2009/10: United 1 Birmingham 0
After Ronaldo's world-record £80million sale to Real Madrid, heir to the throne Rooney steps up to the plate to score his 99th United goal and simultaneously lay down a marker for what will be his most productive Reds campaign to date.
2010/11: United 3 Newcastle 0
Sir Alex’s men cruise to a comfortable win over the Championship title winners, who are completely overwhelmed by a rampant Reds performance. The show is stolen, however, by the evergreen Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who link up brilliantly to score United’s third.

 

"When you play football it's war, and I knew that I had to play it with enthusiasm, venom to make a mark. I always played the game very emotionally charged."

- Les Sealey, 1994.

 

Les Sealey: 10 years on On 19 August, 2001, English football was stunned by the sudden death of Les Sealey, as the former United goalkeeper suffered a fatal heart-attack at the age of 43. A decade on, ManUtd.com pays tribute to Mr Angry, with help from his former colleagues…

Lain prostrate in Middlesex Hospital on 22 April, 1991, Les Sealey was recovering from emergency surgery. Hours earlier, his knee had become infected after being accidentally gashed down to the bone by Paul Williams’ studs during United’s League Cup final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Suddenly, Sealey saw through the post-anaesthesia fog. “It’s the Cup Winners’ Cup final in four weeks’ time,” he blurted to the doctor tending his bedside. “What chance have I got of playing in the big one?”

“Playing?” scoffed the doctor. “You’re lucky to be alive.”

Four weeks later, knee heavily bandaged, Sealey sported the widest grin of all as Sir Alex Ferguson’s underdogs cavorted in the Rotterdam rain. Barcelona had been vanquished, and the charismatic stopper had completed an unlikely comeback to bag his second winner’s medal in under a year after turning his loan from Luton into a permanent move.

“You could see that Les wasn’t fit, but he was prepared to go through the pain in order to play,” says Brian McClair. “When anybody’s injured that is the ultimate question to them: if it was a cup final tomorrow, would you be fit? Les wasn’t, but he played anyway. That tells you a lot about him.”

Sealey’s character had never been in question. A year earlier, in just his third appearance for the Reds, the chirpy Cockney stopper was thrust into the 1990 FA Cup final replay against Crystal Palace after Jim Leighton’s shaky display in the sides’ first meeting. Even at 32, the goalkeeper was earmarked as a weak link and was bombarded by Steve Coppell’s Eagles, but Sealey’s clean sheet and Lee Martin’s fine strike ensured winners’ medals all round.

That display, which earned him a permanent deal, came in the first of four cup finals for Les with United. Beaten in the League Cup finals of 1991 and 1994 but a winner in Rotterdam, the stopper quickly earned the nickname ‘Lucky Les’.

“He came here on loan and ended up with a pocketful of medals,” says Gary Pallister. “I think Les was a bit like a kid in a candy shop, getting the chance to play for United. At a stage of his career where he probably thought that it had all bypassed him, he got this move and suddenly he was playing in cup finals. It was a great time for Les and he was a big part of the dressing room culture.

“He was a proper crafty Cockney. The lads used to liken him to a car salesman. I remember once, a company wanted to do a phone deal with just the players, back when mobile phones were just starting out. They offered us free handsets and we were delighted with that, but then Les piped up and said: ‘Nah, we want free phone calls and all’. He had a chat with them and, before we knew it, we were getting free phones and calls.”

“He was a proper Del Boy character,” echoes Bryan Robson. “He was just so busy and boisterous and bubbly. He always had a bit of banter about him and he was good to have around the dressing room as a result of that. He loved the banter and loved having a bit of fun with the lads.”

Everybody who shared a dressing room with Sealey has a story to tell. For McClair, however, sharing a hotel room with the livewire goalkeeper is forever etched on his mind.

“I had the fortune - though at the time I deemed it the misfortune - of rooming with him on one occasion,” he smiles, wryly. “For whatever reason, probably injury or suspension, our two regular room-mates weren’t there so Les and I ended up in the same room. He was by far the worst room-mate I ever had. He liked to have a late-night fag. In the room that is, not outside. He just opened the window. He also had the telly on as loud as he could possibly have it. I said: ‘Les, what are you doing?’ To which he replied, ‘I can’t sleep.' Funnily enough, neither could I."

Despite his key role in the dressing room, the arrival of Peter Schmeichel starved Sealey of playing time, and he joined Aston Villa in 1991 before moving back to Old Trafford two years later. He made just two more appearances before leaving the club for stints with Blackpool, Leyton Orient, Bury and West Ham (twice). Les’ final appearance in league football came as a substitute for the Hammers at Old Trafford on 11 May 1997, coincidentally the same day as Eric Cantona’s final match.

Sealey took on the role of goalkeeping coach at Upton Park, where the youngsters learning their trade under him included his two sons, Joe and George. Out of the blue, on 19 August, 2001, Les suffered a fatal heart attack. The news stunned football, and especially those who knew him.

“It stopped me in my tracks when I heard,” says Pallister. “To hear of somebody, especially in our line of work - where you keep yourself fit day in, day out - dying of a heart attack… I just couldn’t believe it. It didn’t feel real. You immediately think of his wife, Elaine, and the kids and what a shock it must have been for them as well.”

“I was gobsmacked,” echoes Robson. “Les was such a bright, bubbly character. Anyone who shared a dressing room with him will always remember him. People like Les… they’re the ones you don’t forget. He’ll always be missed.”

Thats my 'Red View' for this month...ByeBye

                                               Hei kona ra (Stay Well)