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Reds gearing up nicely

United's players are looking in good shape after a week of pre-season training, according to fitness coach Tony Strudwick.

Although few players relish the gruelling physical strain that invariably heralds an end to the summer break, Strudwick admits that the Reds' collective professionalism has made the hard yards easier.

"I think the signs are good for next season," he told ManUtd.com. "We’re only just over a week into training, so in that time they’ve been doing probably two or three sessions a day, so it’s tough but at the moment signs are good.

"I think the goal of the pre-season training is firstly to get the guys up to speed to start, the second is to have everybody available for the first game of the season against Newcastle.

"What you find at our football club is that the level of professionalism is outstanding, as you’d expect."

Strudwick admits the traditional pre-season concept of marathon runs without a football in sight is long gone, as the coaching staff endeavour to make the summer slog more player-friendly.

"There’s always a level of fear when the players come back and they’ve had a period of relatively low physical output, because they know they’re going to have to work hard to get ready for the season," he said.

"As time’s gone on and we’ve progressed throughout the years, there’s been a change in emphasis in how footballers prepare pre-season. There was a culture in years gone by where players are running over sand dunes or going on 10 or 12 mile runs.

"What we have to do is work out the best way to get them fit and also the best way to keep them motivated. What motivates our guys is playing football, so we kill two birds with one stone."

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Reserves fixtures announced

United’s Reserves will kick off the season with a home game against Blackburn Rovers on Thursday 18 September.

The Reds’ second-string, coached this term by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Warren Joyce, compete in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North, a competition in which they finished third in 2007/08.

Like last season, United will play home games at Conference National side Northwich Victoria’s ground, a short 30-minute drive from Manchester.

Derbies at Reserves level are no less fiercely contested, and the first of the season comes with an away trip to Manchester City on Tuesday 21 October.

The very next match – on Thursday 6 November – sees the Reds host last season’s champions, Liverpool.

For the full fixture list, click here.

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No move for Huntelaar

United have not voiced an interest in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, according to the Ajax striker's agent.

The prolific 24-year-old claimed last weekend that he knew United were interested in him, and would relish a move to Old Trafford.

However, agent Arnold Oosterveer has conceded that the Reds' supposed interest has yet to yield a concrete bid, or even contact with the striker's club.

"For him, United is a club that is interesting, but unless a suitable club come in for him, he will be at Ajax next season," Oosterveer is claimed as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"There has been no contact between Ajax and United, or United and myself.

"We won't speak to Ajax any more about a new contract because they wanted to put a new clause in it, but he has two years to go."

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Silvestre set to stay

Former United defender Laurent Blanc claims Mikael Silvestre has turned his back on a potential move away from Old Trafford.

Blanc, now manager of Bordeaux, has long since coveted his former Reds colleague to bolster his defence for next season's Champions League campaign.

He holds no further hope of snaring Silvestre, however, insisting his compatriot will remain in Manchester.

"Mikael Silvestre? It is finished," Blanc told a press conference, in reference to his quest to sign the United defender. "He has decided to stay in Manchester for his last season there."

Silvestre missed much of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but returned in the latter stages to provide experienced defensive cover.

Silvestre: Season by season
1999/00 - 35(3) appearances, 0 goals
2000/01 - 41(6) appearances, 1 goal
2001/02 - 44(7) appearances, 1 goal
2002/03 - 54 appearances, 1 goal
2003/04 - 45(1) appearances, 3 goals
2004/05 - 45(5) appearances, 2 goals
2005/06 - 44(4) appearances, 1 goal
2006/07 - 13(8) appearances, 1 goal
2007/08 - 5(1) appearances, 0 goals

Total - 326(35) appearances, 10 goals

Honours - Premier League (1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2006/07), Champions League (2007/08), Intercontinental Cup (1999), FA Cup (2004), League Cup (2006), Community Shield (2003, 2007)

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Clarets covet Eagles capture

Burnley manager Owen Coyle claims his side are in negotiations with Chris Eagles over a potential transfer to Turf Moor.

The 22-year-old winger has found senior opportunities limited since making his debut in October 2003, and hasn't made a first team appearance since last December.

Tabloid rumours have suggested that a host of Championship clubs are monitoring his situation, and Clarets boss Coyle admits his side face competition if they are to seal a deal for Eagles.

"It’s a bit complicated, in that there is another club interested in him, but he has real quality," Coyle told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"We had a terrific meeting with him and his representative, obviously with permission from his club, because there would be a big fee involved in that."

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Reds agree to release Carlos

Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with the Portuguese FA for the release of Carlos Queiroz from his Old Trafford contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant has been appointed to the post of Portugal manager. Reacting to the news, Sir Alex and David Gill were united in their praise for Carlos.

“Carlos is one of the best coaches in world football," Ferguson said.

"His attention to detail, ability to innovate and will to win have been a key factor to the team’s recent successes. He has played an important role in building and blending the exceptional squad of players at the club."

United chief executive Gill added: "Carlos has played a major part in the club's recent success. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the last few years.

"His experience and professionalism have undoubtedly been a key factor in his securing his new role and everyone at Old Trafford wishes him the best of luck in guiding Portugal to the 2010 World Cup."

Queiroz's appointment as Portugal boss brings to an end his second spell as United's assistant manager. This five-year stint saw United win two Barclays Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the Carling Cup and the Community Shield.

His first season at Old Trafford yielded one Barclays Premier League title (2003). He then became Real Madrid manager, a job he was to keep for just 12 Manchester in July 2004

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Queiroz: I'll always be a fan

Carlos Queiroz issued this statement after United agreed in principle to release him from his contract:

"It is with a very heavy heart that today I leave the greatest football club in the world after five fantastic years. This has been a special period in my life both personally and professionally. I have been so lucky to have had the opportunity to work in first class facilities with a staff team who are at the top of their profession.

"Our players on and off the pitch make the difference and to them also I owe a great deal of gratitude for their hard work, professionalism and most of all their performances. I feel we have in place the basis for the next generation to follow in the tradition of such world class players as Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.

"Of course our success as a family is based on strong leadership and in The Glazer Family, The Board, David Gill and not least of all Sir Alex Ferguson we have the support and skills to stay at the top. To Sir Alex, I thank him for his faith in me and his knowledge, spirit and desire from which I will take strength and have confidence in my new role.

"I will forever be a fan and admirer of the club and also thankful that I had the opportunity to be part of such a great institution, a vast organisation but with a unique feeling of family and community. This leads me finally to our fans - local, national and international. I thank them for their fantastic support and encouragement in my time at the club, always there when we need them to support us both home and away in huge numbers.

"In conclusion I wish everyone at our club, continued success in the years to come and to continue to enjoy a brand of exciting, attractive and winning football, admired and respected the world over."

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Ronaldo could miss 12 weeks

Cristiano Ronaldo expects to miss three months of action after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Portuguese winger insists the early stages of his rehabilitation are going well, but claims it will still be early October before he is back playing.
"It's confirmed I'll be out of action for up to 12 weeks but recovery is going well," Ronaldo told reporters in Portugal. "I must focus on my recovery. I'll be training with a ball in two months."

Ronaldo's timescale has not been verified by club medical staff. As per last week's statement, his progress will be reviewed by a specialist after one month, and a return date will be estimated then.

Whatever that date is, it seems almost certain that the winger will miss United's early-season games - including tricky trips to Liverpool and Chelsea.

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Young trio sign on

Danny Welbeck heads a list of three United youngsters who have signed professional forms with the club ahead of the new season.

The highly-rated young striker has put pen to paper to sign on with the Reds, as have Daniel Drinkwater and Antonio Bryan.

The deals reflect the clear improvement in each of the trio during the 2007/08 season, in which each performed well for the club's Reserves and U18s sides.

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Fixtures change for TV

United's fixture list has been heavily altered for early-season television coverage, including the opening league game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The Magpies' visit will now take place on Sunday, 17 August, with a 4pm kick-off shown live on Sky Sports. The same channel will also show the Reds' visit to Portsmouth, which is now an 8pm kick-off on Monday, 25 August.

Further trips to the Reds' biggest rivals - Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City - have also undergone changes of date, kick-off time or both in order for live Sky coverage.

Setanta, meanwhile, will screen live coverage of the Reds' trips to Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa, as well as West Brom's visit to Old Trafford. All three games will kick-off at 5:30pm on Saturdays.

Visit ManUtd.com's Fixtures and Results section for the full, updated fixture list.

All fixtures are subject to change. Please also note that the two home games versus Fulham (30/08) and Wigan (20/12) will be postponed because of our involvement in the Super Cup and FIFA Club Championships respectively.

Rearranged fixtures
17/8/08 Newcastle (H) 4pm - Sky
25/8/08 Portsmouth (A) 8pm - Sky
13/9/08 Liverpool (A) 12.45pm - Sky
21/9/08 Chelsea (A) 2pm - Sky
4/10/08 Blackburn (A) 5.30pm - Setanta
18/10/08 WBA (H) 5.30pm - Setanta
8/11/08 Arsenal (A) 12.45pm - Sky
22/11/08 A. Villa (A) 5.30pm - Setanta
30/11/08 Man City (A) 1.30pm - Sky

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No rush for new assistant

Sir Alex Ferguson will take his time before deciding who to appoint as his new assistant manager.

Carlos Queiroz's departure to take over the Portuguese national team has left a hole in the Reds' backroom staff ahead of the new season, but the United manager will not panic in his hunt for a new assistant.

When asked if the search for a replacement had already begun, Sir Alex told MUTV: "Not really, we’ll just take our time as we normally do. We’ll wait and see how things unfold."

Queiroz admitted he left Old Trafford 'with heavy heart' after a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford, and Sir Alex was quick to pay tribute to the tactician's impact behind the scenes.

"It’s disappointing but nationalities come into it in terms of him being an emotionally fervent Portuguese man, and the attraction being too big," said Sir Alex.

"It’s disappointing but he did a great job for us and that’s why he’ll be remembered. He’s gone with our best wishes. He did a terrific job for us and a lot of the innovations we’ve had over the last few years are down to Carlos."

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Ole makes a winning start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a winning start to life as a manager as the Reds' Reserves posted a 3-1 victory at Burscough on Saturday.

Goals from Tom Cleverley, Febian Brandy and Rodrigo Possebon gave United victory despite some good pressure from the hosts, who pulled a late goal back through David Brookes.

It took just seven minutes for Cleverley to notch the first goal of the Solskjaer regime, turning smartly and firing home from 15 yards.

Although the hosts rallied well, Brandy doubled the Reds' advantage just before the interval when he fired past Burscough keeper Ian Lowe.

Fifteen minutes after the interval, Possebon put the game to bed with a stunning goal. Picking the ball up 25 yards from goal, the Brazilian midfielder smashed a superb dipping effort into the corner of the goal.

Although the Reds dominated the remainder of the game, Brookes had the final say when he slipped the ball under Ron-Robert Zieler to salvage some rewards for the hosts' spirited performance.

The Reserves' next outing is on Saturday, 19 July, when the Reds travel to near-neighbours Altrincham.

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Report: Aberdeen 0 United 2

United made a winning start to the new pre-season campaign, as goals from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney sealed a hard-fought victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The hosts, celebrating the 25th anniversary of winning the European Cup Winners' Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson, piled plenty of pressure on the Champions League holders, and were unfortunate to see a first-half goal from Darren Mackie ruled out for offside.

United's class told in the latter stages of the first half and much of the first, however, and Carrick moved the visitors ahead by converting a penalty before Rooney powerfully headed home after the interval.

Rooney could have buried the hosts single-handedly inside 10 minutes, as he twice shot straight at goalkeeper Jamie Langfield and also had a powerful far-post volley blocked by a defender.

Although Aberdeen struggled to contain Rooney and the vibrant Ryan Giggs, they still probed menacingly during the opening exchanges, and Jeffrey De Visscher came close to opening the scoring before Mackie slid a finish past Ben Amos, only to see his effort chalked off by a linesman's flag.

The sell-out crowd had to wait until just before half-time to see the first goal, when Rooney was brought down inside the area by Langfield after a superb through-ball from Carrick. Rooney opted to let his England cohort take the spot-kick and, just as he did in Moscow, Carrick sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put United ahead.

Immediately after the interval United's lead could have been doubled, but substitute Chris Eagles sidefooted Darren Fletcher's teasing cross over the bar from close range. The hosts, for their part, could have drawn level shortly afterwards, but Amos made a superb fingertip save from Jamie Smith's inswinging effort.

Rooney and Giggs continued to terrorise the Dons' defence, however, and the latter almost headed home the former's cross, only for substitute stopper Bertrand Bossu to brilliantly tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Twenty minutes from time, Rooney went one better by powerfully heading United's second goal. Darren Fletcher took Carrick's pass in his stride and curled in a teasing right-wing cross, which Rooney glanced emphatically into the far corner.

Danny Simpson had a long-range shot well held by Bossu and Eagles saw his chip deflected just past the post as United finished in the ascendancy, and held firm to post an impressive start to the new season preparations.

United: Amos (Woods, 73); Neville (Simpson, 46), Brown (J Evans, 61), Vidic (O'Shea, 46), Silvestre; Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes (Gibson, 61), Martin (Eagles, 46); Rooney (Hewson, 73), Giggs (Campbell, 61).

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Boss satisfied by run-out

At a point in the pre-season preparations when fitness is the be-all and end-all, Saturday's friendly victory at Aberdeen was a satisfying outing for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Goals from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney gave the Reds victory just 52 days after lifting the Champions League trophy in Moscow, and the Gaffer was pleased to see his charges start on the road back to match fitness at Pittodrie.

"At times it was a bit slow but I think you expect that in your first game," he told MUTV. "I think the important thing is that we put a lot of energy in to get our fitness, which is what you're looking for. Plus we've won a game, which is always a good thing.

"I think they all did alright. There was no great performance but you don't expect great performances, that's the reason for pre-season games. The important thing is they get their fitness, and also to get through without any injuries, which we have done."

United's presence at Pittodrie helped the Dons celebrate the 25th anniversary of the club's finest hour - victory over Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup. Sir Alex was at the helm that evening, and he was delighted to be back in Aberdeen for the commemoration.

"It was emotional, it was like the old days there today," he admitted. "You don't think about it until you start approaching the stadium and of course the Gothenburg team were here, and it was a special day for them. These are the lads that actually won it, I was fortunate enough to manage them and they were a great bunch."

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Carrick lauds Carlos

Michael Carrick paid tribute to the departed Carlos Queiroz after United’s 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday.

Carrick, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time, said United’s players were disappointed to lose Queiroz to the Portugal manager’s job, but understood his decision.

“It’s always sad to see people leave the club,” Carrick told MUTV.

“Carlos was a big part of this club and, along with the boss, had a lot to say about how it was run.

“But he’s gone on to something different and as players we can appreciate that. We wish him all the best.”