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05/11/2007 18:00, Report by James Tuck

Giggs eyes early qualification

Ryan Giggs wants United to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as soon as possible by seeing off Dynamo Kyiv at Old Trafford.
Victory over the Ukrainians on Wednesday will send the Reds through to the knockout stages with two games to spare – leaving them free to focus on domestic matters.
“We've got to finish the job off as quickly as we can,” Giggs said.
“Then, come the Roma and Lisbon games, the manager can give players who haven't played some time on the pitch and that could become important for the Premiership.”
United created a hatful of chances in a 4-2 win in Kyiv two weeks ago, and Giggs is confident of completing the job against Oleg Luzhny’s side on Wednesday.
“We could have scored seven or eight with the chances we had, but it didn't quite happen,” the veteran winger said.
“Not many teams win away from home in Europe and we've done that twice now.
“All teams in Europe have dangerous players and Kyiv have experience, but if we apply ourselves and play like we did in Kyiv, we should be OK.”
Ryan Giggs was talking to Manchester United Radio, which broadcasts in the local area on home matchdays only.

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05/11/2007 09:06, Report by Ben Hibbs

Owen takes Arsenal to task

Owen Hargreaves has challenged the authenticity of Arsenal's status as the Premier League's most attractive side to watch.
United could, and according to Sir Alex Ferguson should, have taken all three points at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. But Hargreaves believes the tactical nous of the Reds’ first half display and the counter-attacking threat after the break constituted an excellent performance in the 2-2 draw.
There is no doubt Arsene Wenger's side play an entertaining, attacking style. But Hargreaves may have a point, and Arsenal certainly have one still to prove after failing to beat two of their main rivals in consecutive weekends.
"Arsenal kept the ball and had a lot of possession, but they were never really threatening," said the Reds midfielder, who once again impressed in central midfield, this time alongside Anderson.
"Defensively, we did a good job and tried to control their so-called beautiful football. Both of our goals were from really beautiful pieces of play and theirs were a bit scrappy.
"Football is about scoring goals and winning games and I don’t think they had a clear-cut chance in the first half, apart from the header by Gallas, and that was a set piece.
"They keep the ball and try to play that way, but when a team is as good defensively as ours, you can keep them at bay because we played very tight together."

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Papers: Kyiv running scared
06/11/2007 09:09

Owen: Kyiv were "afraid" of United
Owen Hargreaves has accused Dynamo Kyiv of being "afraid" during Manchester United's 4-2 win in the Ukraine, as Sir Alex Ferguson's side cruised to one of the easiest European away triumphs during the Scot's stint in charge a fortnight ago. If United can beat Kyiv in their Champions League rematch at Old Trafford on Wednesday, they will book a place in the knockout phase with two games to spare. "Dynamo seemed a bit afraid of us in Kyiv," Hargreaves said. "It is very rare in the Champions League that you see someone pulled apart so easily and concede four goals at home. Normally, those type of games are very difficult but Dynamo were really quite poor, surprisingly so for that level of competition."
Staff reporter, The Times

All the papers pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson on his 21st anniversary at Old Trafford.

The United boss' interview with Inside United is quoted across the media. The manager has warned Arsenal and Liverpool that they face difficulties if Fifa, football’s world governing body, succeed in introducing a law restricting the number of foreign players in each team.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

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05/11/2007 10:22, Report by Steve Bartram

Luzhny to lead Dynamo

Former Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny will take charge of Dynamo Kyiv for the Ukrainians' Champions League visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Luzhny has stepped up from his role as assistant coach to take the helm after head coach Jozsef Szabo stepped aside due to ill health.

The former defender, who captained the Ukraine national team a record 39 times, earned coaching experience with Latvia's FK Venta before joining Dynamo's staff in 2006.

Szabo only replaced predecessor Anatoly Demyanenko in September, but a Dynamo club statement confirmed: "Szabo is temporarily unable to work due to ischemic heart disease. Luzhny will prepare the team for the forthcoming UEFA Champions League and Ukrainian league matches."

Kyiv come to Old Trafford on the back of defeats in their opening three games, and trailing bitter rivals Shakhtar Donetsk by 10 points in the Ukrainian league.

Victory on Wednesday night for United would secure qualification to the knockout stages. The developments can hardly be beneficial to Dynamo ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, especially after being overrun by the Reds' attacking flair during a 4-2 defeat in Kyiv.

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06/11/2007 14:09, Report by Steve Bartram

Neville suffers calf strain

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Gary Neville has suffered another setback in his ongoing return from injury.
The Reds' club captain picked up a minor calf strain during training on Sunday, ruling him out of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv.
"Unfortunately Gary's got a little calf strain again," Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. "It's a real dampener for the boy and us and something we could have done without.

"I don't think it's a long one, but it is a setback because he really needs to get his season on the road."
Sir Alex, meanwhile, has no other fresh injury worries and is likely to rotate his squad for Wednesday's tie, admitting: "There'll probably be two changes, maybe three, but no more."

Michael Carrick and Louis Saha are both pushing for inclusion after substitute cameos against Arsenal and could play, although the Boss admitted that he is still cautious about the latter's fitness concerns.

"Carrick could possibly come back into the picture, and you saw how Louis can change a game on Saturday, so we'll be monitoring how he is tomorrow," said Sir Alex.

"We're never going to risk his availability for the rest of the season. If we have to start him as a sub that's what we'll do. He's such a different player to any we have here."

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06/11/2007 14:57, Report by Gemma Thompson

Boss bullish over Euro chances

Sir Alex Ferguson believes his young side are more than capable of going all the way in the Champions League this season after losing out at the semi-final stage last time out.

After opening their Group F campaign with three wins, the Reds can seal qualification for the knock-out stages with victory over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday evening.

The Reds recorded an emphatic 4-2 win over the Ukraines on their home patch two weeks ago and Sir Alex is hopeful his players can maintain their good form between now and May. But he insists luck will also play an important part if the club are to claim their third European Cup.

"At this moment in time I'm very positive about that," said the United boss when asked if his side could meet the demands of this season's tournament and ultimately win it. "I think this team can go far.

"Certain things have to fall into place namely having a good strong squad come March. I can't control that though, it's just something you have to accept and deal with.

"I've got a good team and there are some fantastic signs about the side. If we win on Wednesday our sights then turn to the knock-out phase and there's where the excitement really starts."

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06/11/2007 09:28, Report by Nick Coppack

Giddy Gunners give Reds boost

United and Arsenal may have shared the points at the Emirates last weekend but Sir Alex insists the Reds emerged from the trip to North London with one valuable advantage.

Indeed, the Reds' boss says his troops will go into Sunday's clash with Blackburn Rovers full of confidence in their ability to go all the way in this season's title race.

"At the end of the Arsenal game, our players were in the dressing room feeling absolutely sick," the United boss told Manchester United Radio. "That's twice in two years they've turned the game around and got something in the last minute, so we were definitely disappointed to come away with a draw.

"Meanwhile, their dressing room was elated. They were celebrating as if they'd won the World Cup, which I found very interesting. Our players took something out of that, psychologically.

"I think we're a better team than Arsenal now. They're a young team and they're going to be a very good team – there's no question of that – but we went there when they were on top form and they hardly managed a shot on goal. There were definitely a lot of positives for us."

Despite Sir Alex's belief in United's superiority, he still had high praise for Arsene Wenger's team.

"I think English football has taken another step forward from last year. At the moment, Manchester United and Arsenal are possibly the two best teams in Europe. And don't dismiss Chelsea – they'll be there come the end of the season."

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06/11/2007 20:02, Report by Steve Bartram

Reserves: Boro 1 United 2

Late strikes from Febian Brandy and Dong Fangzhuo gave United’s Reserves a highly impressive victory against a strong Middlesbrough side at the Riverside Stadium.
Febian Brandy’s well-worked strike 10 minutes from time equalised Ben Hutchinson’s superb volley in a feisty, yet entertaining game, before Dong’s injury-time free-kick sealed the points.
Brian McClair and Jim Ryan’s side bore an even more youthful look than usual against the Teessiders, with Academy stars Matt James and Antonio Bryan starting, but the Reds turned in a sterling performance against Steve Agnew’s Boro.
The hosts included the experienced trio of Gaizka Mendieta, Robert Huth and Emanuel Pogatetz in their starting line-up, but were held largely at arm's length by a resolute young Reds side.
Predictably, given the hosts’ strength, United goalkeeper Tom Heaton was called into action twice inside the first 20 minutes, first rushing from his line to deny Tom Craddock before producing a superb reflex stop to keep out Mendieta’s close-range header.
Graham Owens then fizzed a curling shot just over the United bar, but the visitors were soon asking questions themselves as Dong went close with a looping header, and skipper Kieran Lee saw his shot from distance saved by Ross Turnbull.
United’s second half side took on an even fresher-faced visage with the half-time introduction of
Corry Evans and Danny Welbeck at the expense of David Gray and Bryan.
Again, the hosts were applying much of the pressure, and Heaton was called into action again five minutes after the break as he palmed away Huth’s effort from a tight angle.
James Chester then reacted well to clear Owens’ cross behind for a corner, with Craddock lurking behind him for a certain tap-in, before Brandy mustered United’s best effort of the match.
Welbeck and Richard Eckersley were involved in the move which released Brandy down the right wing, and the pint-sized forward manoeuvred space for himself before hammering a shot which Turnbull did well to palm away.
United were left to rue that miss moments later as Boro took the lead. On the balance of play, the goal had been coming – and it was a belting volley from Hutchinson, straight off the instep, which did the trick.
The Reds’ response was positive. A determined run from Welbeck fed Brandy, whose shot was deflected wide of Turnbull’s post, before Welbeck was denied a strong shout for a penalty as his cross clearly struck Tony McMahon’s hand.
Parity was deservedly restored with 10 minutes remaining, however, as Norwood fizzed a ball into the area and, after a delightful dummy from Welbeck had foxed the home defence, Brandy was on hand to sweep a finish past Turnbull.
By now, United were well in the ascendancy and pushed strongly for a winner. In the final minute Dong powerfully burst clean through on goal, only to be hacked down by Boro skipper John Grounds on the edge of the area.
Grounds was promptly sent off, and Dong hit a deserved winner when he powered the resulting free-kick home, via a slight nick off Mendieta. It was a third goal in two games for the Chinese international, and a second league victory of the season for the Reserves.
Not that Brian McClair and Jim Ryan will be overly concerned with the matter of points. Performances are always preferable at Reserves level, and the bravery and fortitude shown by the young Reds will be as pleasing as any display this season.
United: Heaton; Gray (C Evans, 46), R Eckersley, Chester, S Evans; Bryan (Welbeck, 46), Lee, James (Norwood, 64), Barnes, Dong, Brandy.
Sub not used: Zieler.

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07/11/2007 20:59, Report by Gemma Thompson

Sir Alex wants top spot

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see the Reds book their place in the Champions League knock-out stages thanks to their 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, but urged his players to finish the job and ensure they top Group F.

Victory over Sporting Lisbon, who conceded a late equaliser to Roma on Wednesday night, in their next match at Old Trafford later this month will ensure that.

The Reds secured their spot in the last 16 thanks to goals from Gerard Pique - his first for the club - Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo during a somewhat lacklustre 90 minutes.

"I don't think it was a perfect performance, but it was a perfect result that gets us into the knock-out stages of the Champions League so we're very pleased with that," the boss told Sky Sports.

"It's very important that we win the group now though and that's what we intend to do in the next game."

The Reds endured a frustrating opening half hour with chances few and far between thanks, in the main, to Kyiv's cautious approach.

"They adopted a man-marking system which made it very difficult for us," admitted Sir Alex. "It was something new for the younger players because it's not an approach many teams take. But Kyiv did it quite efficiently.

"We needed the little break with the double deflection for the first goal and that opened the game up for us. The second goal was terrific and after half-time we looked comfortable and had far more attacking
impetus."

The United boss paid tribute to his young performers on the night, most notably goalscorer Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and late substiute Jonny Evans.

"They will have got some good experience from this match and also the understanding that they have a great chance [to make it] at this club," he said.

"Pique, Simpson and Jonny Evans are all terrific young players. They know what's required when they go into the first team and they know their futures are with this club. Tonight only gives them encouragement that they're doing the right things."

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07/11/2007 22:01, Report by Ben Hibbs

Rooney: I didn't enjoy it

Wayne Rooney didn’t enjoy the 4-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv - he felt the Ukrainians came to Old Trafford without any intention of attempting to achieve a result.

The 21-year-old Reds striker got on the scoresheet, but he described the match as “like a training match”.

“We're delighted that we’re through and maybe we can rest a few players in the next two games,” he said.

“It was difficult though because they didn’t want to play. It spoilt the game and I didn’t really enjoy playing in it. It was one of those nights but we did a good job and got the win.

“It was like a training session, they came and showed no enthusiasm to play the game. At times we played some good football, but it was a slow game. The main thing, though, was that we won the game.”

Rooney was pleased with the contribution of young defenders Danny Simpson, Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans, who were all given a chance to shine.

“A few lads came in and did really well – Simmo, Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans got good experience. That will help them in years to come and I’m sure they’ll thrive on that.”

And for the rest of the squad it’s a continuation of the good form the team has been producing in recent weeks. “We’re really confident at the moment anyway,” he added. “We’re playing some good football and we just want to keep that up.”

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07/11/2007 20:53, Report by Ben Hibbs

Report: United 4 Kyiv 0

United saw off Dynamo Kyiv and secured a spot in the Champions League Last 16 relatively unchallenged at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Gerard Pique, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo found the net in a comfortable and comprehensive 4-0 victory that could have been even more convincing, but for several spurned chances. AS Roma's last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Sporting Lisbon ensured United go through.

While the game in Kyiv witnessed almost care-free attacking football from both sides, this tie was laced with an air of inevitability; Dynamo’s expectations seemed dimmed by their lack of success so far in Group F, while United’s sole aim of reaching the knockout stages was sought efficiently. In that sense, it was a job very well done, and young players like Danny Simpson, Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans earned valuable experience.

Sir Alex made five changes to the team that faced Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but there was no place in the starting line-up for Louis Saha, who took up a place on the bench, while Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves were left out entirely.

Despite maximum points from the first three games in Group F, however, this wasn’t a midway breather for United. Sir Alex has designs on lifting the trophy this season and expects qualification to be achieved at its earliest available point. “We’re in a strong position and I have the feeling this team is ready to do well in Europe,” he wrote in his programme notes. “We’ve had disappointments in the Champions League, but I really believe we can go all the way.”
An imposing thought for Dynamo, who arrived at Old Trafford without a point in Group F or indeed a victory in their last ten Champions League games. And with assistant coach, and former Arsenal defender, Oleg Luzhny taking the reins due to head coach Jozsef Szabo’s illness, their preparations were hardly ideal.

The visitors set out solely to strike on the break, and it garnered one or two early chances. Brazilian midfielder Carlos Correa tried his luck from distance in the opening seconds, before turning provider for Tiberiu Ghioane, who broke from the left and tested Edwin van der Sar with a low shot.

For United, it was an almost relaxed start. Ronaldo had the Reds’ first shot on goal when he flung a leg at Nani’s corner and sent his volley narrowly over the bar. But it was still an uncharacteristically slow start.

Rooney attempted to raise the pace. After failing to get a penalty for an apparent elbow by Vladyslav Vaschuk on 19 minutes, he nearly played in Nani for the opener. Controlling Darren Fletcher’s lofted pass, he slid the ball across the face of goal, but Nani’s shot was blocked by Serhiy Fedorov. Clearly still incensed by earlier foul, Rooney raced back into United’s half in search of possession, but a late challenge on Artem Milevskiy earned him a booking.

United were in command of the ball and gradually began to get going. Fletcher, impressive alongside Michael Carrick in the middle, was next to test Olexandr Shovkovskiy in the Dynamo goal. Pape Diakhate closed him down quickly on the edge of the area and his shot ran straight through to
the Kyiv keeper.

Rio Ferdinand may be United’s top-scoring defender this season, but his replacement for the night, Gerard Pique, showed he is equally as dangerous in front of goal as the breakthrough finally arrived after 31 minutes. From Ronaldo’s free-kick, Carrick’s glancing header deflected of Tevez, but 20-year-old Catalan centre-back Pique rose highest to neatly nod in his first goal in a Reds shirt.

Nemanja Vidic, his central defensive partner, almost doubled the lead moments later when his header looped just wide from Nani’s corner. But United didn’t have to wait long for goal number two. The effervescent Carlos Tevez harangued Correa for the ball just inside the Reds’ half, then charged up field and after a one-two with Rooney he smashed the ball high into the net.

At the break Tomasz Kuszczak replaced van der Sar and was immediately called into action in the second half when Dynamo substitute Rincon fizzed in a shot from the edge of the area. The Polish goalkeeper had to be alert and he saved superbly.

Tevez should have scored a second just before the hour after a great attacking move from the Reds. Ronaldo’s pass scythed through the Dynamo defence and Rooney’s square pass left the Argentinian with time and space to shoot, but he elected to turn onto his left, and the opportunity passed.

Dynamo looked far more dangerous with Rincon on the field, and he was just a fraction away from latching onto Marjan Markovic’s cross on 61 minutes.

United seemed capable of
turning up the pressure whenever required and Tevez again went close to his second of the night. Evra turned adroitly in the box and cut the ball back for the 23-year-old forward, but his shot was blocked and Danny Simpson’s follow-up was saved by Shovkovskiy.

It was Rooney that stepped up to put the tie well and truly out of reach 15 minutes from time. The Reds front man calmly side-footed in his eighth goal of the season from Nani’s perfect cross. Ronaldo saved the best till last for United's fourth with barely a minute left on the clock. Latching onto Nani’s pass, Ronaldo turned inside to beat Diakhate and then unleashed a powerful drive into the far corner to complete a comprehensive 4-0 win.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar (Kuszczak, 46); Simpson, Pique (Evans, 73), Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Nani; Rooney, Tevez (Saha, 67).
Subs not used: Brown, Anderson, O’Shea, Eagles.Dynamo Kyiv: Shovkovskiy;  Markovic, Diakhate, Fedorov, El Kaddouri; Ghioane, Vaschuk, Correa; Gusev (Rebrov, 46), Milevskiy (Bangoura, 76), Rotan (Rincon, 46).
Subs not used: Rybka, Gavrancic, Ninkovic, Dopilka.

Attendance: 75,017

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07/11/2007 21:01, Report by Gemma Thompson

Neville making progress

Sir Alex Ferguson says he expects Gary Neville to be fit and ready to play for United after the international break.

The Reds' skipper, who has not featured for the first team since March, missed United's    4-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kyiv with a minor calf strain picked up in training last Sunday.

The United boss revealed that the injury is not as bad as first feared and believes Neville will be in contention to make his comeback during the Reds' 24 November trip to Bolton, ironically the team he suffered his initial against nearly eight months ago.

"Gary will be okay next week," insisted Sir Alex. "He felt a bit of a strain in his calf, so panic immediately sets in with everybody because he has had such a hard time.

"But the projection is that it is more precautionary than treatment requiring, so he will be back in the game after Blackburn."

The manager also confirmed that Edwin van der Sar was withdrawn from the action at the break because of a toe complaint, but should be fit for Sunday's clash with Blackburn.

And Sir Alex insisted his decision to rest a handful of his senior players against the Ukraines was merely a precautionary measure.

"The plan with Owen Hargreaves was always to give him a rest after the Arsenal game," he said. "Rio Ferdinand has played every game this season and it was a good opportunity to give Ryan Giggs a break as well."

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07/11/2007 09:56, Report by Steve Bartram

O'Shea: Sir Alex still hungry

John O'Shea was just five years old when Sir Alex Ferguson joined United in 1986 and, amid another assault on the Champions League, the versatile Irishman admits he is amazed by his manager's longevity.
Sir Alex celebrated 21 years in charge of the Reds this week but, according to O'Shea, his appetite for success is, if anything, becoming more insatiable with time.
"It's an amazing achievement to sustain such a hunger and a desire to be the best," O'Shea told Tuesday's pre-match press conference for the Reds' Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv.
"He's tried to put it through to his players every year and with every squad he has built and every team.
"It's got stronger and stronger from what I've witnessed and that's a credit to his achievement and his team's success, and that's what he wants to continue."
Sir Alex's latest challenge is to overcome the latest addition to the Champions League's managerial ranks, as Oleg Luzhny leads Kyiv into battle at Old Trafford.
Despite his daunting bow, the former Arsenal defender admits he would love to emulate his opposite number this evening. "I think the aim of every coach is to achieve the same result as Sir Alex," he admitted.

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06/11/2007 21:52, Report by Steve Bartram

Heaton praise for Reserves

Tom Heaton was full of praise for the efforts of United's young Reserves in overcoming an experienced Middlesbrough side on Tuesday evening.

Late goals from Febian Brandy and Dong Fangzhuo gave United victory over a Boro side featuring a host of experienced senior players - including former Spanish international Gaizka Mendieta.

The Reds' squad was trimmed substantially by the U18s' involvement in the Pele Challenge at Sheffield United, but the likes of Danny Welbeck, Corry Evans and Oliver Norwood all made substitute appearances at the Riverside Stadium despite facing the Blades earlier on Tuesday afternoon.

Heaton told MUTV: "We saw the names on the team, like Mendieta and Pogatetz, who are experienced players, and we’ve got lads playing half a game this morning and half a game tonight, which is very difficult, so it’s a great effort all round.

"We came out tonight with a young team, but I think we played our football, stuck with it and came out on top in the end. There’s nothing like scoring a winning goal in injury time, which was fantastic tonight, and I think everyone’s really proud."

Heaton was called upon to make several saves at the Riverside, none better than a stunning reaction stop to claw away Mendieta's close-range header, and he was satisfied with his performance.
"I made a few saves in the first half, a couple in the second half and at one point it didn’t look like it was going to count for anything but fortunately the lads stuck with it," he said. "These are my games at the minute, so it’s great for me to come out here, perform and hopefully do a good job."

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Papers: LA calling Carlos?
07/11/2007 09:27

Galaxy Eye Top Bosses
David Beckham could be in line for a Premier League reunion with Jose Mourinho or Carlos Queiroz if his LA Galaxy side get their way. The MLS outfit began their search for a new boss yesterday with Jurgen Klinsmann the other big name in the frame to replace Frank Yallop, who quit Galaxy this week after a disappointing season. Klinsmann lives in California, while Manchester United assistant Queiroz has previously managed in MLS, and Galaxy president Alexi Lalas said: “We are prepared to push out the envelope on this to bring in somebody who is going to have an impact on the Galaxy and also on the league and sport in many of the same ways that David Beckham did.”
Nigel Clarke, Daily Express
The main focus of United's coverage in Wednesday's tabloids is aimed towards the Reds' Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv. Sir Alex is widely quoted as telling his players not to be 'nearly men' in Europe and go on to win the competition this season.
In The Sun, Owen Hargreaves claims that the Champions League has always been the number one priority at United. His source? The autobiography of former Reds skipper Roy Keane.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror claims that alleged United transfer target Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Tottenham, and regrets not moving to Old Trafford over the summer.
Round up by Steve Bartram