Ferguson: Smalling does NOT have glandular fever

 Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports of glandular fever for Chris Smalling.

Ferguson said Smalling was suffering from tonsillitis and will play against Newcastle next Wednesday or Manchester City the following Sunday.

"I have seen the reports," Ferguson said. "They are well wide of the mark. He has tonsillitis."

Man Utd agree to Tunnicliffe staying with Peterborough

Peterborough United are set to extend Ryan Tunnicliffe's loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, reports BBC Sport.

The 19-year-old-midfielder has made 23 appearances for Posh since joining them in the summer.

"The deal is all wrapped up and he'll be staying here until the end of the season," chairman Darragh MacAnthony told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

Berba: I was told by United that they need me

Dimitar Berbatov is not going anywhere in January — except up the scoring charts.

The Manchester United striker last night confirmed he will be staying at Old Trafford despite starting only TWO Premier League games this season.

Manager Alex Ferguson yesterday revealed the Bulgarian hitman will be offered a one-year contract extension.

Berbatov himself insisted there was never any question of him moving — not even to his old club Bayer Leverkusen, who want him back.

He said: "There are always rumours about my future and some clubs are interested.

"But last summer I was told by United that they need me — and that was good enough for me.

"As a professional I want to play in every game so I need to exploit all chances so no one can doubt my work."

Berbatov, 30, was joint top scorer in the Premier League last term — level with Carlos Tevez on 21 goals. He had to wait until last week to grab his first league goal this season — and is now set on making up for lost time.

Injuries have thrust him back into the spotlight and he has five goals in his last four outings in all competitions — with four in two games including a Boxing Day hat-trick against Wigan.

Today he expects to face Blackburn — and last year he walloped FIVE past them. The Bulgaria star added: "That was a magical day I'll always remember because it is not easy to score five goals in the Premier League.

"During my career I have won many trophies and awards and have kept my hat-trick balls to remind me of those big days. It's a great sensation.

"But five goals. That's the kind of thing that only comes along once in your sporting life ... but I'll be trying again if picked against Blackburn.

"My worse moments are when I know the starting XI and I am not on the list.

"My objective in training is always clear — to give myself a chance of making the team.

"Obviously I want to play but it is very complicated in a squad as good as United's, especially in attack.

"But when I'm on the bench I am full of tension because at any moment the chance to play might arrive. I'm never relaxed.

"I think I have fulfilled my obligation with six goals this season set against the time I've actually spent on the field.

"But my challenge is to play, score goals and to help us get more victories."

Berbatov's great run of form has helped United draw level with neighbours City at the top.

He added: "People believed after our loss in the Manchester derby the title was over. But we've taken our chances since and now we are level.

"Blackburn are at the bottom but I can't see any comfortable games between now and the end of the season."

Fergie: Berba’s going nowhere

Alex Ferguson has told Dimitar Berbatov he will be staying at Manchester United for another year.

The Bulgarian's contract is due to expire in the summer but the champions have an option to extend it by a further year.

He would, in theory, be free to talk to other clubs from tomorrow but Fergie says United will not be unloading Berba, 30, who scored four goals in two games over Christmas.

Ferguson said: "We have an option which we'll be exercising. I think it kicks in in March."

The former Tottenham man shared the Golden Boot last year but has fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the United pecking order.

But Ferguson saluted Berbatov, saying: "He got the hat-trick against Wigan, he's a fantastic talent. He never complains or misses training.

"And he's a finisher, he got 21 last season. If he can get that again this year we'll all be delighted.

"He's got six from limited appearances so his ratio is very good. You can't be surprised by a player with that ability."

QPR set to sign Macheda on loan

QPR look likely to beat Wigan to a loan deal for striker Federico Macheda.

Macheda’s representative, Giovanni Bia said: ‘There was nothing concrete with Wigan. The club closer to Macheda is QPR. I think at 95 per cent that Macheda will go to London, because he needs to play, and this is the only suggestion of a transfer to date.

'He’ll go on a simple loan for six months, because Sir Alex Ferguson believes in him and wants to take him back to United at the end of the season. The other five per cent of chance is that Macheda stays in Manchester.’ 

Macheda has no regrets leaving Lazio for Man Utd as junior player

Kiko Macheda has no regrets over his move to Manchester United.

Macheda, 20, quit Lazio over three years ago to sign for United, but has seen his progress stall in the last 12 months.

"To tell you the truth I do not regret anything, because going to Manchester has helped me a lot," he told lalaziosiamonoi.it/. "If I'd stayed with Lazio, I wouldn't have made my debut at such a young age.

"Also, at the time Lazio's youth team wasn't the best.

"Manchester followed me for two years, while at Lazio I wasn't getting a regular game. I was always on the bench, then came Manchester and it become more serious when I talked to (Sir Alex) Ferguson's brother and all the leaders who made me understand that they had a big project for me."

"In England, the youth sector is completely different from the Italian," he told lalaziosiamonoi.it/. "Here they train all on the same field, Ferguson is always there to see the training of all young players so there is more contact with the first team.

"Manchester in particular is a team that aims particularly on young people and Ferguson is one who is keen to track down the kids and let them know what is needed for them to play in the first team. "

"We had some banter and I complimented them," laughed Macheda when recalling his first meeting with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to lalaziosiamonoi.it/.

"It was nice, because I arrived a year later and almost the next day there 7-1 signs made up. My parents were there and experienced it. I was not there because I was at Lazio, but they told me."

Macheda has seen some rare first team action in recent games and admits Rooney is in a class of his own.

"Rooney is Rooney. He is the player who has the most goals in the Premier League in the history of Manchester United and is only 25 years of age. I think there are only a few around who can match him," Macheda said.

Ferguson: My biggest challenge was to overcome Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson says he'll carry on for as long as he can.

Ferguson is about to turn 70 years of age, but has no thoughts of retiring.

"Age does not matter, I will coach for as long as my health allows," Ferguson told Italy's ExtraTime.

"My biggest challenge was to overcome Liverpool."

Valencia delighted with his personal form

Antonio Valencia is pleased with his current form.

Valencia is starting to look like his old self at just the right time and scored in the 5-0 romp against former club Wigan on Boxing Day.

He said: "It started off badly when I picked up an injury with Ecuador and it took me longer to recover than I'd have hoped.

"Fortunately, the manager has now given me the chance to get a few games under my belt."

He is also helping to plug a few gaps as Alex Ferguson tries to cope with injury problems in defence.

Valencia said: "The manager had a word with me earlier in the season and asked me to fill in at right-back.

"I was happy to do that. But I feel more comfortable in my own position."

Bayer Leverkusen angry over rumours for Man Utd striker Berbatov

Bayer Leverkusen chief Wolfgang Holzhauser has shut down talk of re-signing Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Holzhauser admits he's upset by the speculation comments earlier this week have sparked.

"This is pure speculation," asserted Holzhauser to news agency DPA. "Also, we do not want to get involved as the Bulgarian is currently under contract with Manchester United.

"I view this [the speculation] with some displeasure," Holzhauser continued. "The contact between Berbatov and I was only based on a friendly nature."

Agent admits Man Utd captain Vidic could be out for 12 months

The agent of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has rubbished career doubts over the Serb's knee injury.

Vidic is expected to have surgery later this week and could be out for up to a year after rupturing three major ligaments in his right knee.

Silvana Martina insisted: "The first forecasts say it can last for a year, but it is meaningless to talk about the end of his career.

"It’s a serious injury but club doctors assure us that the recovery will run smoothly and he will be back on the field. It will take time to get back into the old rhythm, but there is no doubt that Vidic will be his old self again.

"Nemanja is feeling good. He will be back next year stronger and better."

Van Wolfswinkel: Man Utd rumours not bothering me

Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel says he's learning to live with rumours about Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Dutchman’s agent has admitted the interest of both Premier League giants.

"I'm always in the sports pages going to a big club," he said, " but I don't pay attention to it. I've spoken to my agent and we've agreed he'll only let me know when there is something concrete.

"As long as I don't hear anything, I won't be thinking about anything.

"Some players have their agents call them after every game, but I'm not like that."

Denmark coach Olsen: Being at Man Utd not enough for Lindegaard

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has warned Anders Lindegaard being at Manchester United won't be enough to be his No1.

Lindegaard has impressed when called upon at United, but is still not a regular.

"It goes without saying that a goalkeeper who is in a big club which has the money to get the best players in the world is guaranteed to have a high level," said Olsen.

"But everything depends on the performance on the pitch. It is not enough just to be part of a big club, perhaps better to be always playing at another club."

Man Utd shutting down Holland scouting network: Talent not good enough

Former Manchester United scout Patrik Andersson has revealed the club has been considering dropping their scouting network in Holland.

Andersson was discussing rumours of United being interested in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Rasmus Elm.

He revealed to fotbollskanalen.se: "We had two people in Holland who scouted the market there. All I know is that the talk was that the club would close down the market in Holland because there was not enough players good enough for United.

"But since then, I don't know what has happened since I left in June."

Warren Joyce turned down a move to Hull City

 Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted Warren Joyce turned down a move to Hull City.

The 46-year-old opted to stay at Old Trafford to continue his fine work with the club's second string, with his team ending the year at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

"We're delighted [he's staying] because there was obviously a concern when he was offered the Hull City job," Sir Alex told the latest edition of Inside United.

"The thing about anybody working here is that they know their job is safe, whereas if you join the managerial merry-go-round, you’re in trouble if you lose three games.

"But he does a great and very important job with the Reserves, and he’s helping [Paul] Scholes settle into his new role, and Scholesy is enjoying working with Warren because he’s a really good professional."

Best league run in 18 years for Man Utd

Manchester United are currently on their best run of league form since the 1990's.

United have pieced together their season, at least from a domestic point of view, to the extent that they are now able to reflect on their best 18-game points haul for 18 years.

And now they can look ahead to the punishing second half of the campaign, when the pressure is at its most intense, and during which the Red Devils so often find the right answers.

"The experience that the manager, the players and the coaching staff have of what's required in the second half of the season, as well as the overall hunger and desire to win competitions will help us," midfielder Ryan Giggs said.

"Big players can't wait for big games and towards the end of the season the games just get bigger and bigger.

"You want that in the run-in - you want to be involved in big games and going for the title. That's why you become a footballer."

Lindegaard turns up heat on De Gea with cheeky tweet

Anders Lindegaard is turning up the pressure on David De Gea.

Lindegaard has underlined the growing threat he poses to De Gea at Manchester United with a tweet boasting about his record of six clean sheets in seven games this season.

Within two hours of the final whistle against Wigan, Lindegaard issued a public reminder of his impressive form as De Gea’s understudy by tweeting: “Calmfidence – 6!” The word is an amalgamation of ‘calmness’ and ‘confidence’ while the number refers to Lindegaard’s clean-sheet record.

Man Utd face Barcelona competition for PSV fullback Jetro Willems

Manchester United face competition from Barcelona for PSV Eindhoven fullback Jetro Willems.

The teenage defender is viewed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as the ' new Gary Neville'.

However, Catalunya Radio says Barca are also watching his performances this season and see him as a successor for veteran defender Eric Abidal.

Man Utd in for Santos superkid Victor Andrade

The Premier League's biggest clubs are watching Santos starlet Victor Andrade.

Andrade, 16, has just signed pro terms with Santos and is seen in Brazil as Neymar's replacement once he leaves for Europe.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all sounded out Andrade's representatives about his intentions and his short-term plans.

Andrade had six months at Benfica as an eleven year-old and his new pro deal carries a €50 million buyout clause so highly-rated he is at Santos.

Macheda will only join Lazio in Italy

 Kiko Macheda says he'd prefer to remain in England if he is to leave on-loan next month.

Macheda is interesting Wigan Athletic.

And he told lalaziosiamonoi.it: "Now I do not feel right to return to Italy because my time at Samp went very badly, even at the level of adaptation was very hard.

"Then the team was not right, so it is hard to think of returning to Italy in January, instead to remain in England to play a little more here.

"Now the only team that I would go in Italy to is Lazio."

Ferguson: An inch taller and Gary Neville would've been greatest

Sir Alex Ferguson says Gary Neville could have been a world great - if he was taller!

Ferguson was interviewed by Italy's ExtraTime and discussed his former club captain.

"Had he been an inch higher, he would have been the best. His father is 6 feet and 2in, I would check the milkman ...," joked Ferguson.

Injury-hit Man Utd target Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol

Manchester United are eyeing Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol.

The highly-rated Spain international has been limited to a bit-part role at Real since coach Jose Mourinho's arrival.

United have NO fit central defenders going into the festive programme and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a move for Albiol.

Ferguson has long admired the stopper since his days with Valencia.

Giggs in line for Wales job

Ryan Giggs is wanted as new Wales coach.

Giggs has been targeted as the man to replace Gary Speed as Wales boss.

Speed tragically committed suicide last month and after a period of mourning, Welsh FA chiefs have now stepped up their search for his successor.

And Manchester United veteran Giggs is believed to be top of their shortlist.

A Welsh insider told The Sun: "Ryan has never managed but he’s seen as a natural successor to Gary. At 38, he’s the right age to be on the same wavelength as our young team.

"We’ve had success with people in the same position. Wales was Mark Hughes’ first job as a manager but he was a success.

"Gary had very limited experience as a manager but he did a great job. Our players and fans still haven’t got over his death."

Macheda branded having worst taste in music at Man Utd

Kiko Macheda has the worst taste in music inside the Manchester United locker room, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand doesn't share the musical tastes of all his teammates, so who has the worst?

Ferdinand told The Sun: "It used to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but Kiko Macheda is the king now. Even with the big headphones you can still hear what people are listening to and I heard some weird techno blasting out from his the other day."

Ferdinand insists his injury woes are over

 Rio Ferdinand insists he's over his injury problems.

A niggling foot injury caused Ferdinand to miss the 5-0 win at Fulham last week and he also sat out yesterday's 5-0 win over Wigan — but hopes to be fit for Saturday's Old Trafford showdown with Blackburn.

Ferdinand told The Sun: "I haven't felt this good for 18 months to two years.

"Playing regular games breeds confidence in your own body and your performances and, as I said, I feel great.

"A lot has been said about individuals in our squad, which is something you come to expect at Manchester United, and I think the criticism has been harsh in some cases.

"I've always said that when I'm playing consistently you will see the best of me.

"The problems I've had the last couple of seasons with injuries have meant I've been getting through games and maybe not being able to train, then missing a few games and coming back in.

"That makes it difficult to get a level of consistency and that's been my problem.

"But this season I've played consistently and you can see the rewards of that."

Lindegaard tribute to coach Steele for rapid improvement

Anders Lindegaard says his game is rapidly improving working with coach Eric Steele.

Keeper coach Steele was a big influence in bringing the Dane to Old Trafford last January from Aalesund.

“This is everything I have dreamt of. If I could have seen this scenario one year ago that I am in now I would have been absolutely delighted,” Lindegaard told the Manchester Evening News.

“I have learned a lot. Eric Steele has taught me everything. He has torn me apart and built me up again. I owe him a lot for the goalkeeper I am today. It has been a long journey and it has been amazing.

“I remember when I first arrived he said to me, ‘Everything you have been taught before you have to forget it because it is wrong and what I say is the truth’.

“And he pretty much did rebuild my game. He taught me from the beginning again. I was happy to do that. I was 26 and thrilled to sign for Manchester United and I would do anything to make my dream come true. I have done as much as I could to live up to what people wanted of me.

“It is the technical aspects of the game that Steely changed and said you just cannot use here in England.

“There are many things he has changed but one for example is that in Denmark when you catch the ball you learn to pull the ball into your chest for safety. I had been taught that from being a kid.

“Now I can see that is a part of the goalkeeping game that is ancient. You cannot use it anymore. If you draw the ball in you lose a split second when you lose the quickness of your distribution.

“Being a Manchester United goalkeeper it is very important that your distribution skills are good and quick. I know that if I hadn’t had good distribution skills I would never have been a part of this club. But becoming quicker has been vital for the way we play.

“If the progress keeps going like it has been I will be very satisfied this time in another 12 months’ time. What do I hope will be the situation then? It is a dynamic process and I have my goals but it is not for me to put them out in the press. I will keep them to myself.”

Carrick to critics: Keep slating us

Michael Carrick fired a message at their critics after victory over Wigan Athletic.

Carrick believes United have answered their critics.

"Keep criticising," he said. "We don't mind. Since I've been here we've had it at some stage every year and more or less we've had good seasons. We know the potential we've got here and how well we've been playing of late."

Gaitan: I'm calm about Man Utd rumours

Nicolas Gaitan is staying grounded over talk of an agreement with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is untroubled by the rumours surrounding his future and is adamant that he is happy at Benfica if no transfer materialises.

"The interest of big clubs is not affecting my head," Gaitan told O Jogo. "I am calm about the rumours about Manchester United.

"It is certain and obvious that some clubs are interested in me and that signifies that I am doing well, but now my mission is to work and help Benfica to be successful.

"I am not desperate to be sold. I am very comfortable in Benfica because we are an excellent team and the people are happy with me.

"My future? I do not want any pressure and I wait for news.

"If, eventually, no concrete offers appear, it's not a problem."

Ferguson considers reviving bid for Inter Milan playmaker Sneijder

 Sir Alex Ferguson is again being linked with a sensational move for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

The Daily Mail says Sneijder came close to moving to Old Trafford in the summer, but Fergie was warned off by the size of the figures involved in the deal.

However, Ferguson could be forced to dip into the transfer market this January after the club suffered injuries to a number of key players.

Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from the game with ulcerative colitis, Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out for the season, Anderson is battling a long-term knee problem and Javier Hernandez and Tom Cleverly are also sidelined.

The Holland international, 27, will have to accept less than his £200,000-a-week wages if he is to complete a move to the champions.

Ferguson has admitted that he would be keen to sign Sneijder, should he become available in the coming weeks.

Kai Rooney is king of the road at Christmas in his gleaming £500 first car

The couple gave their son Kai this £500 two-seater silver and red motorised Jeep for Christmas.

It has two different speed settings, rear suspension, a working FM radio and a tool box for any breakdowns.

Mrs Rooney, 25, posted a photograph on Twitter showing Kai – dressed as Buzz Lightyear from the film Toy Story – in the driving seat of his new motor, proudly calling him ‘king of the road’.

She said: ‘Up bright and early, had to wake Kai up and he weren’t to [sic] happy haha!! But we wanted to open presents before @WayneRooney went Training!!

‘Kai soon woke up & was king of the rd at 7am. Been to see my lovely grandad in hospital, can’t wait for our dinner!!’

The two-year-old is a big fan of the Toy Story films and was dressed in a Woody outfit for his Christening earlier this year, while last week his mother tweeted further pictures of him dressed as an elf playing with a Buzz Lightyear doll.

Husband Mr Rooney, 26, had to leave the family’s Cheshire mansion in the morning for a training session because he is due to play for Manchester United against Wigan tomorrow afternoon.

The footballer admitted he would rather be spending his Christmases in Barbados than the north of England.

He explained when he retires he will be spending his winters on the Caribbean island where he owns a £5million holiday home.

He added: ‘I’ve been there a lot of times and it’s my favourite destination to go on holiday.

‘I’ve obviously never had the chance to go there over Christmas, with playing football, so I think when I’ve finished playing, that’s definitely somewhere I would go over Christmas.’

Kai may hope to upgrade his new off-roader for the real thing when he’s a bit older – following in the footsteps of his mother and father.

The pair both own a host of SUV vehicles, including a Cadillac Escalade and a Chrysler.

Mr Rooney also bought a Hummer – a civilian version of a U.S. army off road vehicle - and a BMW X5 4X4 car.

Mrs Rooney has her own customised silver Range Rover worth around £100,000 and the couple have a range of other high-performance, and expensive, cars including an Aston Martin, a Bentley and an Audi TT.

In total, they are believed to have spent around £1million on cars over the past five years.

Carrick can become Man United's new midfield general, says Fergie

The outspoken opinions of his former captain Roy Keane might be off limits, but Sir Alex Ferguson is more comfortable discussing his hopes and expectations for the player who inherited the Irishman’s No 16 shirt at Manchester United.

Michael Carrick has not always enjoyed the smoothest of careers at Old Trafford since making a £18.6million move from Tottenham in the summer of 2006, and unfavourable comparisons with the likes of Keane and Paul Scholes have hardly helped.

Scholes retirement in the summer and United’s failure to sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan as a replacement raised fears that the Premier League champions would lack a creative spark, while the loss of Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher to injury and illness have further drained United’s resources in central midfield.

But Ferguson believes Carrick is coming into his own now after a run of impressive performances, and has challenged the 30-year-old to establish himself as United’s midfield general for the remainder of his career at the club.

‘He’s grabbed the nettle, there’s no question about that,’ said the United boss. ‘In some ways, he’s maybe seen the departure of Paul Scholes as his opportunity to be the main man in midfield.

‘I think it’s time Michael became the pivotal player of our team. We’ve always known he’s got that in him. He’s a laid-back character - quiet and unassuming - but in different periods during his time here he’s shown his quality.

‘Now is the time for him to start a long period of dominating the centre of midfield like he has in the last few weeks.

‘Michael’s been one of our best players. He’s been instrumental in what’s happening to the team at the moment. His performances have been quite outstanding.’ 

Carrick signed a new three-year deal in March although his critics suggest that it was brought on by necessity with Scholes and Owen Hargreaves due to leave Old Trafford in the summer, Darron Gibson set to follow before a move to Aston Villa broke down, and illness starting to take its toll on Fletcher. 

Another criticism has been Carrick’s lack of goals – just 18 in five-and-a-half seasons.

One of his most memorable efforts came against Monday's opponents Wigan – a late winner to put United on the brink of a third successive title in 2009 – but he did not score at all last season and his individual goal at QPR earlier this month was the first for 70 games.

‘I was quite surprised when I heard that statistic,’ added Ferguson. ‘But he’s quick, you know, and he showed that in the goal he scored against Queens Park Rangers.

‘You don’t see that often because we ask him to control centre midfield rather than venture too far.

‘I think he's been helped by the energy and determination of Phil Jones besides him. The boy’s been quite amazing. I think Michael and Phil help each other.’ 

Ferguson: Man Utd aim to be transfer window observer

Sir Alex Ferguson will only move in the January transfer window if a top player becomes available or his squad is further hit by injuries.

Writing in his programme notes for the Boxing Day game with Wigan, Ferguson said: "All things being equal I am perfectly happy with the strength of our squad in terms of depth, quality and age range.

"I will not be swayed by the endless tweets and blogs urging the club to get busy in the transfer market next month.

"As far as I am concerned I am marching perfectly in step, true to my beliefs and principles. While recruiting some of the world's leading players can lift you into contention for honours, it doesn't necessarily take you all the way, as I hope we will be able to demonstrate before the end of the season as other factors come into play.

"You can never say never in football, of course, because fortunes can fluctuate wildly - that's the football world. If a really top-class player became available, then we would go for him, or if we picked up any further serious injuries, it might be important to add to our squad."

Huntelaar would prefer Schalke stay to Man Utd move

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would be prepared to discuss a new contract at Schalke despite reports of interest from Manchester United.

Only last month, the Holland international was linked with a January transfer to United as part of a swap deal which would see Dimitar Berbatov head to Schalke.

"I know nothing of alleged interest from Manchester United," Huntelaar said to Voetbal International.

"I will not even speculate, I am concentrating fully on Schalke.

"I'll let any offers come to me quietly and will then see what happens. This is the attitude I've always had.

"My contract runs until the summer of 2013. If they [Schalke] want to talk, I'll gladly listen."

5 of Ferguson's best-ever signings at Old Trafford

As Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 25th anniversary as Manchester United manager, here's the five of his best-ever signings at Old Trafford since he took charge in 1986.

Jones sets himself scoring target

Phil Jones is targeting more goals in the second-half of the season.

After netting in consecutive games recently and hitting the woodwork at QPR, Jones has set his own target for the campaign.

"I’d probably like to end the season with five or six goals," he admitted to manutd.com. "That would be great. If I keep playing in midfield I’m sure I can get into goalscoring positions and bang in a few more."

Mikael Silvestre considering Middle East move

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre says he is open to an offer to work in the Emirates’ “improving” Pro League, reports Sport 360.

“I see myself playing here like some other players did in the past,” said the 34 year old, who is enjoying his Christmas break with his family in Dubai. “I’ve had a chance to speak with some who have played here in the past and they’ve all had a good time.

"There are good facilities here and good stadiums and the league is improving, so why not? I haven’t been approached by any clubs; I’ve visited a few, but only as a guest. No offer has come yet!”

Carrick massively underrated – Phil Jones

Phil Jones has hailed teammate Michael Carrick.

The 30-year old midfielder has been a key contributor to the Red Devils’ cause in recent weeks and his performances have not gone unnoticed by Jones who believes he does not get the praise he deserves.

“He’s terrific, I don’t think everybody realises what he does for the team,” Jones told the club’s official website.

“He’s a super footballer and a great lad. He’s massively under-rated.

“Other people may not notice what he does but when you’re playing alongside him, you can’t help but be impressed.

“He seems to have this sixth sense – he knows where to be, where the ball’s going to be.

“He’s always in the right place at the right time to either receive the ball or break up an attack.

“He has a great range of passing, too, and, as we saw at QPR, he has goals in him as well.”

United striker Macheda set to join Wigan on loan

Wigan are hoping to take Manchester United striker Federico Macheda on loan. 

Sportsmail revealed manager Roberto Martinez’s interest last month but United’s run of injuries left Sir Alex Ferguson unwilling to release the 20-year-old Italian.

However, Dimitar Berbatov’s return to action and the emergence of Will Keane could enable the deal to go through on January 1. 

Macheda’s agent Giovani Ba revealed he spoke to the United boss last week and expects the loan deal to be approved.

Everton chasing striker Diouf

Everton are chasing striker Mame Biram Diouf.

The People says the Goodison chief sent number two Steve Round in a delegation to watch the Senegalese hit man score twice for the reserves against Liverpool last week.

Moyes is keen on Diouf and is also aware that United have a long-term interest in Jack Rodwell who has hit form this season and may be a big-money target next month.

United were hot on Rodwell a year ago and Sir Alex Ferguson may have a go for him as he faces up to problems in his midfield.

Man Utd go shopping for strikers in Portugal

Manchester United and Arsenal had scouts posted for Academica's clash with Sporting Lisbon on the weekend.

No less than 18 foreign clubs had representatives in the stands for the match, including United, Arsenal and Everton from the Premier League.

Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley was checking on Academica striker Éder, who is off contract in June.

United have interest in several Sporting players, including Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Stijn Schaars and Daniel Carrico.

Man Utd may pull back from January bid for Newcastle's Tiote

Manchester United may hold back from bidding for Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote next month.

The Mirror says United head the queue for Tiote, but could hold fire until the summer for the in-form Newcastle star.

Tiote, 25, joined the Toon from FC Twente for £3.5million in August 2010, and the Ivory Coast ace penned a new six-and-a-half-year contract in February.

But his defensive midfield­ displays have been noted by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has lost midfielders Tom Cleverley and Anderson to injuries and Darren Fletcher to an illness-related leave of absence.

Man Utd won't allow Chelsea free run at Everton's Rodwell

Manchester United are ready to compete with Chelsea for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell next month.

The Telegraph says if Chelsea do lodge an official bid for Rodwell in the new year, they are likely to face competition from Manchester United.

There has been no offer lodged for the England Under-21 international yet, but there is firm interest from Stamford Bridge in the youngster, who has started to fulfil his potential at Goodison this season.

Everton will be desperate to keep hold of one of their prized assets, but a major offer would be hard to resist given their financial difficulties.

Ferguson ready to beat Liverpool for Shaqiri

Manchester United are chasing FC Basel Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Daily Star says United have sounded out his agent Ulisse Savini about a possible £10m switch to the Premier League champions.

Shaqiri, 20, has been likened to Barcelona star Lionel Messi following a string of impressive displays for Basel and Switzerland.

Liverpool have been tracking Shaqiri since Roy Hodgson was boss and Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has watched him several times.

Fergie is confident of landing him and can offer bigger wages, but Shaqiri is keen to help Basel progress in the Champions League knockout stages.