Meulensteen: Ajax keeper Stekelenburg tops our list

Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has emerged as Manchester United's top target to succeed Edwin van der Sar.

The Dutch veteran announced this week he will hang up his gloves at the end of the season and the search is on for his replacement.

Ajax star Stekelenburg, 28, was believed to feature on a shortlist which also includes Manuel Neuer and David de Gea.

But Old Trafford coach Rene Meulensteen revealed the current Dutch No1 is their choice.

He said: "Stekelenburg is indeed the keeper who is at the top of our wanted list.

"We naturally talk a lot among ourselves about who should replace Van der Sar.

"Alex Ferguson has spoken about Stekelenburg with Edwin, and that does not seem strange to me at all."

Park announces South Korea retirement

Park Ji-sung has announced his international retirement from South Korea.

Former Tottenham full-back Young-Pyo Lee, who won his 127th cap against Uzbekistan, has also retired.

South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae said: "The two players have done a remarkable job for the prosperity of Korean football.

"It would be better if I could retain both of them in the national team but other players have done an excellent job."

Macari urges Ferguson to go with Rooney over Chicharito

United great Lou Macari claims Ferguson has to stick with Rooney and feels Hernandez is better used as an impact substitute, in the style of 1990s favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“It’s a big decision for the manager to even consider,” Macari told theMirror. “If he leaves Wayne out, it is then on the back pages for the next two weeks, so I don’t think he is going to go down that road.

“But putting the ball in the back of the net certainly is not happening for Wayne. It’s foolish for us to be talking about his scoring coming back, because it isn’t.

“With Hernandez, when he comes off the bench he seems a different player. He seems full of confidence, he’s got the pace for the ball over the top, he’s always on the end of things, and even if he doesn’t score he comes close.

“But that’s not the case when he starts games. He has not been so effective. It hasn’t really happened for him, but coming off the bench, he’s a super sub.”

Ferguson admits struggling to find best role for Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's struggling to get the best from Wayne Rooney.

Ferguson admits to being impressed with Javier Hernandez's ongoing progress and faces something of a selection poser now that he is outshining Rooney.

Following the midweek encounter at Bloomfield Road, Ferguson said: "We tried to use Wayne as a wide player and although he has played that role well many times, he was just not getting into the game in the first half.

"It was no fault of his. The rhythm of our game wasn't right. We were all over the place.

"We then tried to put him through the middle but, when we were still 2-0 down 20 minutes into the second half, we had to do something and had to gamble.

"Chicharito [Hernandez] was a gamble. But of course immediately he went right through and forced a terrific save from their goalkeeper.

"Then he got the equaliser for us and in fact could have scored four goals. So he made a great impact."

Finally... Ferguson settles on Neuer as Van der Sar successor

Manchester United intend to move for Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer later this season.

With Edwin van der Sar announcing his retirement today, United will step up their search for a new No1.

The Daily Mail says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to avoid a repeat of the mistakes he made when Peter Schmeichel left the club in 1999 and has set his sights on Germany international Neuer to join this summer from Schalke as a proven replacement.

The 24-year-old is Ferguson's first choice, ahead of mooted targets David De Gea and Julio Cesar, but United face strong competition from German giants Bayern Munich.

Fabio: Rafael cannot remember collision

Rafael da Silva has little memory of his clash against Blackpool.

The right-back clashed heads with Seasiders' striker Marlon Harewood and was taken off on a stretcher in a neck-brace.

Rafael was rushed to hospital for scans which revealed the Brazilian, 20, had concussion.

His twin brother Fabio, who witnessed the horror crunch as he was on the United bench, said: "He doesn't remember much.

"But doctors have said this is normal and he'll be out for two weeks."

van de Sar announced his retirement.

Edwin van de Sar says he could have played on next season.

The Dutchman has announced his retirement today.

Van der Sar maintains he is still as fit and able as ever, and that an ageing body has not forced him to leave the games on terms other than his own.

"One minute you're out. The next, you question it again. I thought about stopping, maybe a year ago," said Van der Sar.

"After a defeat, I thought differently than after playing a few good games in a row.

"My age played no role. I am 40 years old, but I still feel fit.

"And then the decision came suddenly. Do not ask me how or why, but suddenly you know. That was sufficient.

"The time has come to devote greater attention to my family - although they have never complained. Everyone in the family has indeed always had to focus on me, but we have also had a lot in return."

Gary Neville to join Sky Sports panel as Gray replacement

Gary Neville is set to join the Sky Sports team.

The Daily Mail says Neville has been lined up by Sky Sports to be the big-name pundit to fill the void created by the sacking of Andy Gray.

Manchester United’s former England defender Neville, who is due to retire from a glittering playing career at the end of this season, was already on the television network’s radar before the ‘Linogate’ scandal erupted this week.

It is understood that the 35-year-old will not be a like-for-like replacement for Gray.

Berbatov: Best form of my life!!

Dimitar Berbatov feels he's in the form of his life after his brace against Blackpool.

It made it five goals in two games for Berbatov but he feels his best football is ahead of him.

He said: "Personally, I hope this is not the best football of my career - I hope the best is still in the future in a United shirt."

But Berba conceded: "The substitutions did change the game. Giggs has experience and his cross was excellent and Chicharito just wants to score goals - but it was the team spirit that won the game."

Cristiano Ronaldo: Ferguson is my best friend

Cristiano Ronaldo regards Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson among his best friends in football.

Ferguson has made it no secret he would love to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

And Ronaldo said: "I have often said that he was a father figure for me in football.

"I keep saying that because he is a good friend and someone I learned a lot from.

"He's in my heart."

Ferguson admitted he never wanted to sell Cathcart to Blackpool

Sir Alex Ferguson is happy seeing Craig Cathcart doing so well at 

Speaking before last night's dramatic win, Ferguson admitted he did not want to lose the Ulsterman.

“Cathcart has done really well,” said Ferguson.

“He was always a good player – excellent talent. The problem was he had a few injuries with us, and then we had Pique, Shawcross and Evans.

“I didn’t really want to let him go to be honest, but he had to go for his career. The only thing I could have done was put him on loan again.”

Southampton plan Man Utd talks this weekend over Oxlade-Chamberlain

Southampton are ready for talks with Manchester United this weekend over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Daily Express says Saints face United in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round at St Mary’s and look likely to wait to hear what manager Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to offer when he makes the trip to the south coast.

Arsenal emerged as favourites to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, 17, then allow him to go back on loan, but it is believed Saints have still not received an official offer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is already cup-tied, having played for Saints in their third-round win over Blackpool. So unless a massive offer is received in the meantime, he will figure in Saturday’s game against United.

Evra interview at which move to Real Madrid was discussed never took place

Patrice Evra have denied an alleged interview took place with the Spanish media at which the player discussed a move to Real Madrid.

Spanish media claimed on Monday that the French full-back had admitted in an exclusive interview that Real Madrid would be an attractive proposition should he leave Old Trafford.

But the 29-year-old has denied conducting the interview and insists he has no intention of leaving the current league leaders.

"You may have read rumours surrounding a possible summer exit for Patrice Evra, " read a statement onUnited's official website.

"Spanish website Intergoles.comclaimed the full-back discussed with them, in an exclusive interview, alleged interest from Real Madrid.

"Manchester United and the player would like to make it clear that this interview never took place and that Patrice is very happy at Manchester United."

Thierry Henry: Yes, Man Utd can be Invincibles. Of course they can!

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Manchester United can match his Invincibles achievement.

Henry was one of Arsenal’s title-winning Invincibles – but this season it is rivals Manchester United who remain on course to go through an entire season unbeaten.

Henry told the People: “United have a chance to be Invincibles like we were in 2004.

“People have asked me if they can do it. Yes, of course they can. Anything is ­possible when you have the ­confidence and belief.

“But Chelsea can still come again – it’s not too late for them. They have to play United twice so they still have a chance if they win those games.

“Manchester City are strong, too, but for Arsenal  the league title can be theirs this season and I think Arsene knows that. If the players believe it then they will win.”

Bastos would be flattered by Man Utd interest

Sir Alex Ferguson is having Olympique Lyon wing-back Michel Bastos tracked this season.

French media sources confirmed Ferguson's interest in Bastos last month and the United manager has intensified his interest over concerns that Patrice Evra is considering his future at Old Trafford.

Bastos is also being watched by the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus and his Italian agent, Fabrizio Ferrari, doesn't expect the Brazil international to move this month.

Ferrari represents Bastos' interests Italy, but on talk of a move to the Premier League, he told tribalfootball.com: "Honestly, I don't know what will happen in June regarding English clubs interested in Bastos.

"I'm sure he's flattered by the interest of Manchester United as they are one of the biggest clubs in the world - just as the two Spanish and the three Italian clubs are.

"So, we will see in the summer ..."

Fergie hijacks £10million Alex Chamberlain bid!

Alex Ferguson has made a late bid to hijack Alex Chamberlain's £10million move to Arsenal.

A United insider said: "The boss has made his move and now it's down to the lad and his family to decide - but United are a massive club to turn down."

The Southampton midfielder, 17, is currently the hottest property in English football.

He looked set to sign for the Gunners this week and follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott.

Chamberlain's dad, Mark, who won eight England caps in the 1980s, said: "Alex is technically better than Walcott and can play in a more central role.

"He is not the most robust but he has been working on strengthening since he was 10."

Hat-trick of videos for Berbatov's hat-trick for Manchester United in 2010-11

Berbatov now has 17 Premier League goals for the season in 22 games. Fifteen of those goals have come at Old Trafford, and his record of three hat-tricks equals Ruud van Nistelrooy's in 2002-03 - and he is closing in on the Premier League record set by Alan Shearer 15 years ago of five in a campaign.

To keep you all in the loop, here are Dimitar Berbatov's three hat-tricks so far in 2010-11.

1. Dimitar Berbatov scores three v Liverpool, September 19, 2010. Probably the best hat-trick of the lot as it came against great rivals Liverpool and was also truly the difference between winning and not winning the match. Whilst the first goal of the three was a decent header, the second was a sensational overhead kick that will go down as one of the goals of the season. The third was the winner on 84 minutes and this was arguably the day when Berbatov proved his worth at Old Trafford.

2. Dimitar Berbatov claims five v Blackburn, November 27, 2010. The star of a 7-1 win, Berbatov became just the fourth player to score five goals in a game in Premier League history. In truth the former Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham striker was presented with some easy chances, thanks to fine build-up play by the likes of Rooney and Nani, but he gobbled up the chances and took another major stride towards winning over the Manchester United faithful.

3. Dimitar Berbatov's third hat-trick of the season v Birmingham, January 22, 2011. The opener came after 90 seconds, Berbatov heading in from on the line after a John O'Shea flick on. The second came just after the half hour, Berbatov easing past Roger Johnson and then firing past Ben Foster after Rooney had played him in. The hat-trick was completed seven minutes after the break with Giggs and Rooney involved (sensational control from an Edwin van der Sar clearance).

Pique: I joined Man Utd too young

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique admis he joined Manchester United too young.

Since leaving United, Pique has won every top honour in the game.

He told fifa.com: "I was just 17 when I joined United. I came on a lot there, by training in the first-team squad with players like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

"I think I was too young , and barring my path were two of the best centre-backs in the world in Rio and Nemanja Vidic, who Sir Alex Ferguson rated more highly. But it was a very good experience, I still get on well with the coach and my former colleagues and I think it was a very useful period."

Ferdinand is delighted with female assistant ref Sian Massey in the Premier League.

England captain Rio Ferdinand is delighted to see female assistant ref Sian Massey in the Premier League.

Massey was excellent in Wolves' defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, getting a crucial offside call right in the build-up to Liverpool's opening goal.

Ferdinand said via Twitter: "What's wrong with a woman being an official in a football game?

"I'm cool with it. All that counts is do they get the decisions right."

Berbatov now feels he belongs at Manchester United..The same with the fans!

It's taken a couple of years, but Dimitar Berbatov now feels he belongs at Manchester United.

That's the claim of United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen, who has worked closely with the forward.

“I said to him once in training to think of himself as the best musician in the world and, as a team, we’re the best orchestra in the world.” Meulensteen told the Telegraph.

“Everyone is playing the same tune and Berba is elevating the whole performance. He is a vital ingredient to what the team is trying to achieve.

“Berba sees the art and beauty of bringing a ball down from 30 yards, then flicking it through with a back-heel. It’s an artistic approach which gives colour to the game and makes him colourful.

“He wants to be key for the team. He understands what he needs to do to be key for the team and that’s clear in his performances.”

Steve Bruce: NO chance to get Welbeck from SAF at all

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce accepts there's no chance of a permanent deal for on-loan Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.

Bruce knows Sir Alex Ferguson has big plans for Welbeck at Manchester United next season – and even a club record £16m-plus bid from Sunderland would cut no ice with his old Man U boss.

Bruce said: “He has had such an impact here that it has actually reduced our chances of signing him permanently.

“If he hadn’t done so well, it might have gone the other way!

“Before he got injured, arguably he was in better form than Benty or Asamoah Gyan. It’s not easy to tempt Manchester United, is it?”

Van der Sar rules out immediate coaching role

Edwin van der Sar won't jump straight into coaching once he hangs up the gloves.

Van der Sar, 40, has confided to his team-mates he will retire at the end of this season, says The Sun.

He said: "I will hopefully not start coaching too quickly.

"I will try to have 18 months or two years for myself - and I've a family to do nice things with too.

"I think about 80 per cent of players who played in football are saying that."

Evra admits he would leave Man Utd only for Real..

Patrice Evra admits he would be prepared to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has concerns over Evra's contract situation and is aware of Real and Barcelona's interest.

Quoted in the Spanish media byIntergoles, Evra revealed: "I am very happy in Manchester and I have not thought about leaving, but if Alex (Ferguson) wants to use me to buy another player, then I admit that Real Madrid is the best alternative to Manchester United.

"If that option comes and Manchester United is positive about the operation, then I would accept with pleasure."

But Evra insisted his first loyalty was to United.

"I have a contract until 2012 with Manchester United and if people think I'm upset about being here, they are wrong."

Moyes warns Man Utd: We won't sell Rodwell

Everton boss David Moyes has warned Manchester United off Jack Rodwell.

                           Rodwell is a long-term target for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Asked if he would sell Rodwell, in order to buy the quality striker Everton so desperately need, the emerging talent having started only five league games this season, Moyes replied: "No, Jack will figure and he will play more.

"I would like the money but not at the cost of selling our best players."

Rooney should be careful with Berbatov and Hernandez!

“It’s not an unusual situation where a striker goes a length of time without scoring and it's a confidence thing. I see it often - when they score they don't think they're going to miss and when they're not scoring they don't think they're ever going to score. It's a fact of life.”

Those were Sir Alex Ferguson’s words on the eve of the New Year, after a 12-month spell which had seen star striker Wayne Rooney score just once for the club since injuring himself in the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich – in March. 

Rooney did indeed get his goal, in the third minute of the 2-1 victory over West Brom. But two games on, the England striker has failed to add to his tally. 

Despite Rooney’s barren run, Ferguson has continued to show faith in his prize asset. But has this choice come to the detriment of fellow strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez?

Scoring goals is as much about confidence as it is technique and ability – even the poorest of forwards have been known to go on striking sprees down the years. The golden rule is, when a sharpshooter is on form, play him.

This, however, has not been the case with Berbatov and Hernandez, and the table below makes for stark reading.

Sir Alex tracking Leighton Baines.

Sir Alex Ferguson is following the progress of Everton fullback Leighton Baines.

The Telegraph says Baines and Fabio Coentrao have been identified as possible replacements for Patrice Evra at Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson prepares for a summer in which the French defender will be one of nine senior players entering the final year of their contracts at Old Trafford.

With Portugal left-back Coentrao rated in the £20 million bracket by Benfica, Everton defender Baines, who signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park last June, would be a less expensive option should United pursue their interest in the 26 year-old.

The absence of stand-out cover for Evra is another concern at Old Trafford.

Ferguson admits missing out on top January transfer target

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's failed to land his one January transfer target.

Ferguson had been considering his options, knowing his side have moved top of the Premier League despite rarely hitting top form.

"I won't be going into the transfer market during the present mid-winter window," Ferguson told United Review.

"I thought at one time that I would like to bring in just one player, but that has not worked out.

"I don't feel that it is necessary to buy just for the sake of it because, as I say, I am more than happy with my squad."

Carrick will be allowed to leave Man Utd. Sad sad...

Michael Carrick will be allowed to leave by Manchester United in the summer.

The ex-Spurs star has just 18 months left on his contract and there are no plans to offer him a new one.

Carrick, 29, had an inconsistent first half to this season and only a marked improvement will prompt a change of mind by the management.

Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson increasingly sees Darren Fletcher, 26, and Anderson, 22, as his central midfield partnership for the future.

Micheal Carrick will open talks about staying at Manchester United after the January transfer window.

Brazilian Anderson has already signed a new long-term contract, while the club are trying to persuade Patrice Evra to stay despite interest from Real Madrid. 

El Hadji Diouf revealed Sir Alex admires him this season. How true is that?

Blackburn Rovers attacker El Hadji Diouf has revealed he has a fan in Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Former Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is close to Ferguson.

And Diouf revealed to the News of the World: "Sam told me everyone in England knew I had been playing the best of my career here.

"He told me Sir Alex Ferguson commented that he had never seen me play as well as I have this season.

"And Sam is not the type of manager to tell you things for effect."

Anderson: My hair is my life and How England can win World Cup.

Anderson has ruled out any talk of shaving his head inside the Manchester United dressing room.

The midfielder insists the mane will remain.

"There is no chance I would ever consider having all my hair cut off," he said.

"My hair is my life. It is so important to me. If you cut off my hair, it is like cutting out my heart or cutting off my legs. I would cry for days and days."

Anderson also offered England some advice on how they can win the World Cup.

Anderson says English players run too much.

"Fitness is a priority but it is more important to make the ball do the work," he told United Review. "You don't need to run all over the pitch. It is much better to pass the ball well from one point to another.

"It can move faster than you can, so you should keep football simple and pass the ball as much as possible.

"In England, sometimes people think you aren't very good if you don't run around a lot.

"But I think that is one of the reasons why England don't do very well at World Cup finals. They run around too much."

Man Utd watching Standard Liege starlet Daniel Opare

Standard Liege fullback Daniel Opare is attracting interest from England's biggest clubs.

The Sun says Opare, 20 - once a target for Liverpool - is now on Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United's radar.

All three clubs have been active in the Belgian transfer market this season.

Opare was brought to Europe by Real Madrid from Ghana and is now a star with Standard.

Man Utd sell Etzaz Hussain to Valerenga

Manchester United have sold youngster Etzaz Hussain to Valerenga, in Norway.

The transfer fee is undisclosed.

Oslo-born Hussain was midway through his second season with the Reds, having joined the Academy in July 2009. He signed a professional contract in January 2010.

In Hussain's first campaign, 2009/10, he made 17 appearances for the club's Under-18 side, scoring three goals. He also started two games for the Reserves

Macheda says priority is Man Utd future

Federico Macheda sees his future at Manchester United.

The Italian striker has signed on-loan with Sampdoria to the end of this season.

"First I want to see what prospects I have in England, and then if there aren't any..." he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I have always said I would like to return to Manchester in the Premier League so I can affirm myself with the Red Devils who are a top level club.

"They are also a step ahead in terms of organisation. [Sir Alex] Ferguson used to come and watch the youth games and he has always encouraged me. This never happened at Lazio."

Macheda also spoken of the day he copped the hairdryer treatment from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Macheda is on-loan at Samp from United for the remainder of the season.

On his relationship with Ferguson, the Italian revealed: “One time he tore shreds off me when I got back to the hotel late after a night out.

“I do like it at Sampdoria, so if I see there aren’t many prospects in England, then I could stay on longer.”