Courtesy of Manchester United Football Club...
BOSS PREACHES CAUTION
Sir Alex is not getting carried away with United's flying start to the season as he admits there are plenty more hurdles to overcome.
The Reds have won all five Barclays Premier League games for the first time under the boss with Stoke next to stand in the champions' way on Saturday. Yet the manager still believes his team will improve in the New Year, once the league has really started to take shape.
"It's only five games of course and we're delighted at that," explained the boss. "It's not normal for us to do it. We did change the dynamics of the team in terms of the early-season some years ago - we tried to address that when Chelsea made those flying starts.
"In the first two years, we didn't catch them - they were off and running before we'd got out of the blocks ourselves and we couldn't afford that. The third year, we addressed that and our start to the season was much better. In the competitive league we're in now, I think we do better in the second half and I think we'll do better in the second half again this season. At the moment, it's only five games - there are a lot of hurdles to navigate.
"I always look at the league then and see whether we have a chance or an uphill fight. We've had all the big teams at home so far and if you think in the second half of the season we're going to have to go to all those grounds. So hopefully our second half is good."
Boss: Stoke are phenomenal
Stoke City may not be the most fashionable team in the Barclays Premier League, but Sir Alex has hailed their recent progress as “phenomenal”.
The Potters, famed for their direct and physical approach to the game, only won promotion to the top flight in 2008 and yet have never looked like relegation candidates. They’ve enjoyed 11th, 12th and 13th place finishes, reached last season’s FA Cup final and are now mixing it with some of Europe’s big boys in the Europa League.
“You can see the progress the team is making,” the boss said. “They’ve signed two or three players, they’re playing European football and they’re having a right go. They got through the League Cup tie the other night [against Tottenham] and every game they play they try to win. They have a great attitude in their team and their support is brilliant.
“I’ve never criticised it [Stoke’s style of play]. I think everyone plays to their strengths and that’s what they do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Despite the manager’s praise, Stoke City are yet to beat United in the Premier League in six attempts. They have, however, had plenty of success against the other big sides.
“The change in the league now is that middle division teams are taking points off the top teams,” the boss said. “Stoke have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea [already this season]. They're making a big impact.
“They also travelled to Kiev and got a result [in the Europa League]. I see Stoke becoming quite an important side. The progress Stoke have made over the last few years is phenomenal.”
Hernandez ready
Javier Hernandez escaped serious injury against Chelsea last weekend and could even feature for United against Stoke City on Saturday.
There were grave fears for the Mexican striker's health after an Ashley Cole challenge left Hernandez writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf.
"At the time it happened, he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and and we thought there might have been some nerve damage," Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference. But Hernandez resumed training on Thursday and Sir Alex confirmed: "He's available for tomorrow."
The boss also hopes to be able to call on Rio Ferdinand to bolster United's defence against a Stoke side he says has "made phenomenal progress" over the last few years. The England international missed last Sunday's clash with Chelsea with a calf injury but has trained this week and is ready to return.
"Hopefully I’ll have Rio tomorrow," Sir Alex said. His experience away from home in a game like this is always important. We’ve got a slight doubt about Chris Smalling – we’ll see what he’s like this morning. If he’s back we’re covered well for it."
It's not all good news, though. Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a calf injury in United's opening-weekend win at West Bromwich Albion, still hasn't resumed training. "He's making slow progress. He's still having treatment."
"When he came inside off the wing there was a pass to his left that I was wanting him to play. I was thinking, 'pass it, pass it' and then... what a hit! I couldn't believe it had gone in."
Boss 'shocked' by Nani screamer
When Nani cut inside off the right wing and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner against Chelsea, everybody at Old Trafford went wild.
Well, almost everybody. The Chelsea players, staff and fans didn't, of course. But neither did Sir Alex.
The Reds boss stood up, arms outstretched, but there was no evidence of joy on his face. Just confusion.
"I was in shock," he told ManUtd.com. "It was a phenomenal strike.
"But then, Nani's capable of those sorts of goals. Sometimes they end up in Row Z, sure, but he's capable of scoring these spectacular goals.
"When he came inside off the wing there was a pass to his left that I was wanting him to play. I was thinking, 'pass it, pass it' and then... what a hit! Unbelievable. I couldn't believe it had gone in."
RIO FERDINAND Q & A
Rio Ferdinand recently took the time to answer a few questions posted by fans on the club's official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/manchesterunited ...
What's the most challenging thing about being a player at Manchester United?
It can take time to get used to the pressure that comes with pulling on the United shirt. I remember when I was at West Ham and we'd go to somewhere like Old Trafford; before the game, we'd be delighted with a draw. But here, even if you're losing 1-0 with just 10 minutes left, we always think about winning.
Who is the most difficult forward you've had to defend against?
My former United team-mate Louis Saha, now at Everton of course. He's quick, he's strong, he's aggressive, he hits the ball cleanly with both feet, he's great in the air... if I was building a prototype of a perfect number nine then I'd look to Louis.
Are you planning to go to any events at the 2012 Olympics in London?
I'd love to go to the 100 metres athletics final. It would be great to see Usain Bolt go through the finish line in about 8.5 seconds!
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have really impressed the fans. How highly do you rate them?
They're top quality players and they can both play in different positions. They can both play at right-back and Phil can also play in midfield a little bit. They are both great players with great futures ahead of them.
Bye for now...
BOSS PREACHES CAUTION
Sir Alex is not getting carried away with United's flying start to the season as he admits there are plenty more hurdles to overcome.
The Reds have won all five Barclays Premier League games for the first time under the boss with Stoke next to stand in the champions' way on Saturday. Yet the manager still believes his team will improve in the New Year, once the league has really started to take shape.
"It's only five games of course and we're delighted at that," explained the boss. "It's not normal for us to do it. We did change the dynamics of the team in terms of the early-season some years ago - we tried to address that when Chelsea made those flying starts.
"In the first two years, we didn't catch them - they were off and running before we'd got out of the blocks ourselves and we couldn't afford that. The third year, we addressed that and our start to the season was much better. In the competitive league we're in now, I think we do better in the second half and I think we'll do better in the second half again this season. At the moment, it's only five games - there are a lot of hurdles to navigate.
"I always look at the league then and see whether we have a chance or an uphill fight. We've had all the big teams at home so far and if you think in the second half of the season we're going to have to go to all those grounds. So hopefully our second half is good."
Boss: Stoke are phenomenal
Stoke City may not be the most fashionable team in the Barclays Premier League, but Sir Alex has hailed their recent progress as “phenomenal”.
The Potters, famed for their direct and physical approach to the game, only won promotion to the top flight in 2008 and yet have never looked like relegation candidates. They’ve enjoyed 11th, 12th and 13th place finishes, reached last season’s FA Cup final and are now mixing it with some of Europe’s big boys in the Europa League.
“You can see the progress the team is making,” the boss said. “They’ve signed two or three players, they’re playing European football and they’re having a right go. They got through the League Cup tie the other night [against Tottenham] and every game they play they try to win. They have a great attitude in their team and their support is brilliant.
“I’ve never criticised it [Stoke’s style of play]. I think everyone plays to their strengths and that’s what they do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
Despite the manager’s praise, Stoke City are yet to beat United in the Premier League in six attempts. They have, however, had plenty of success against the other big sides.
“The change in the league now is that middle division teams are taking points off the top teams,” the boss said. “Stoke have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea [already this season]. They're making a big impact.
“They also travelled to Kiev and got a result [in the Europa League]. I see Stoke becoming quite an important side. The progress Stoke have made over the last few years is phenomenal.”
Hernandez ready
Javier Hernandez escaped serious injury against Chelsea last weekend and could even feature for United against Stoke City on Saturday.
There were grave fears for the Mexican striker's health after an Ashley Cole challenge left Hernandez writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf.
"At the time it happened, he had no feeling in the leg. There was numbness and and we thought there might have been some nerve damage," Sir Alex told media at his pre-match press conference. But Hernandez resumed training on Thursday and Sir Alex confirmed: "He's available for tomorrow."
The boss also hopes to be able to call on Rio Ferdinand to bolster United's defence against a Stoke side he says has "made phenomenal progress" over the last few years. The England international missed last Sunday's clash with Chelsea with a calf injury but has trained this week and is ready to return.
"Hopefully I’ll have Rio tomorrow," Sir Alex said. His experience away from home in a game like this is always important. We’ve got a slight doubt about Chris Smalling – we’ll see what he’s like this morning. If he’s back we’re covered well for it."
It's not all good news, though. Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a calf injury in United's opening-weekend win at West Bromwich Albion, still hasn't resumed training. "He's making slow progress. He's still having treatment."
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com about his reaction to Nani's goal against Chelsea last weekend:
Boss 'shocked' by Nani screamer
When Nani cut inside off the right wing and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner against Chelsea, everybody at Old Trafford went wild.
Well, almost everybody. The Chelsea players, staff and fans didn't, of course. But neither did Sir Alex.
The Reds boss stood up, arms outstretched, but there was no evidence of joy on his face. Just confusion.
"I was in shock," he told ManUtd.com. "It was a phenomenal strike.
"But then, Nani's capable of those sorts of goals. Sometimes they end up in Row Z, sure, but he's capable of scoring these spectacular goals.
"When he came inside off the wing there was a pass to his left that I was wanting him to play. I was thinking, 'pass it, pass it' and then... what a hit! Unbelievable. I couldn't believe it had gone in."
RIO FERDINAND Q & A
Rio Ferdinand recently took the time to answer a few questions posted by fans on the club's official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/manchesterunited ...
What's the most challenging thing about being a player at Manchester United?
It can take time to get used to the pressure that comes with pulling on the United shirt. I remember when I was at West Ham and we'd go to somewhere like Old Trafford; before the game, we'd be delighted with a draw. But here, even if you're losing 1-0 with just 10 minutes left, we always think about winning.
Who is the most difficult forward you've had to defend against?
My former United team-mate Louis Saha, now at Everton of course. He's quick, he's strong, he's aggressive, he hits the ball cleanly with both feet, he's great in the air... if I was building a prototype of a perfect number nine then I'd look to Louis.
Are you planning to go to any events at the 2012 Olympics in London?
I'd love to go to the 100 metres athletics final. It would be great to see Usain Bolt go through the finish line in about 8.5 seconds!
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have really impressed the fans. How highly do you rate them?
They're top quality players and they can both play in different positions. They can both play at right-back and Phil can also play in midfield a little bit. They are both great players with great futures ahead of them.
Bye for now...
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