Sergio Ramos aims to stop Van Persie

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has insisted that the Spanish giants must be aware of Manchester United's in-form striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman is likely to start against Los Blancos in the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 clash at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.



"Van Persie is on very, very good form," The Guardian quotes Ramos as saying. "We hadn't seen him this good for years. He's quick, strikes the ball well, he's a constant nuisance.



"[Wayne] Rooney's different. He's hard-work, heavy going. He enjoys the physical challenge. I prefer that, to be honest. I like that defender versus striker battle, that challenge."



Meanwhile, former United defender Gary Neville believes that the Red Devils will have to double up on Cristiano Ronaldo in order to stop him from controlling the game.

Rooney defends Welbeck over lack of goals

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has defended his teammate Danny Welbeck for his recent lacklustre form in front of goal.

The England international has netted just one goal in 27 appearances for the Red Devils this season but Rooney expects the forward to find form.



"He is a great player and his time will come when he gets that run up front," BBC Sport quotes Rooney as saying. "Then I am sure then he will score goals."



Meanwhile, United are on course to clinch the Premier League title this season due to their nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Ronaldo ready for facing Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo always wanted to face Manchester United in the Champions League and thinks his return to Old Trafford will be like a family reunion.

Ronaldo set to face Man United for the first time since moving to Real Madrid

The two world-renowned clubs are getting ready to face off in the last 16 of Europe, with the first leg at the Bernabeu on 13th February before a second meeting in England on 5th March.



Ronaldo will as a result face United for the first time since his record-breaking £80million transfer to Spain in the summer of 2009.



Redknapp - Heroes welcome for Ronaldo

And the Portuguese superstar said in The Sun: "On the day of the draw, I was out training and I had this strong feeling that we were going to get Manchester United.

"And when the draw was made, I was very happy. It's a tough match, of course. Madrid and United are the two biggest clubs in the world and it's a real 50-50. It could go either way.



"But, for me, it will be a pleasure, a real pleasure. Of course, I know there will be a lot of attention on me but for me there is no pressure, no pressure at all.



"It is only a game, just a football match against my old club. I'm not going to war, I'm going home and I am really looking forward to it."



Ronaldo, who scored an own goal in Real's 1-0 La Liga defeat by Granada on Saturday night, added: "Manchester was my home and still is in my heart.



"I love it. Because when people treat you very well, you never forget that. And I will never forget United, the people who work there and the supporters.



"So I am so happy to be going back to Manchester.



"I will go and see my old house and see my Manchester friends. They're a kind of a family to me there and it will be great. It will be fun."




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Paul Scholes car 'stolen'

Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes has had his car stolen after he left its engine running while defrosting the windscreen.

Police said the grey Chevrolet estate had been taken from the drive of his house in Greenfield, Oldham at around 08:00 GMT on Monday.



A police spokesman said "inquiries to locate the car are ongoing".



Scholes is understood to have the car as part of the motor company's sponsorship of the Premier League club.



The spokesman added that Greater Manchester Police had issued warnings about "ice bandits - offenders who target vehicles left outside houses, early in the morning, with the engine running while the owner returns to the house".



"Motorists may be tempted to leave their vehicle with the engine running while they go inside to stay in the warm - however, it only takes a few seconds to steal a car when keys have been left in the ignition," he said.

United confirm deal for Zaha

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Crystal Palace to sign Wilfried Zaha.



Zaha, who is undergoing a medical today, will be loaned straight back to the Championship club for the rest of the current season, before moving to Old Trafford in July.



The winger has agreed personal terms and the deal is expected to be concluded next week.



United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are signing a player of potential. We always feel we develop players well. We have proved that many times. We hope the boy enjoys coming here, when he comes in the summer."



Zaha said: "I am delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending the recent speculation.



"I would like to thank the owners at Palace for making the move possible, however my focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace.



"I have been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them get back to the Premier League, particularly for the fans who have always been so good to me."



Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish said: "I feel this is a great deal for the club and the player. We would like to thank Wilf for all he has done for the club and we all wish him well when he joins Manchester United in the summer.



"It was essential to Wilf and ourselves that he stayed at Palace for the remainder of this season to help the club with its main aim of promotion to the Premier League."

United line up Garay to replace Ferdinand

Manchester United are closing in on Benfica centre-back Ezequiel Garay, according to Spanish daily Marca.



Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the Argentine defender and is now convinced he would be a perfect replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who is widely tipped to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.



The Red Devils hope to sign the player in the summer transfer window and are prepared to offer around €15 million, but the problem is Benfica are holding out for double the amount.



Nevertheless, Marca believes the two parties will eventually come to an agreement that will see the highly rated defender make a switch to Old Trafford.



Garay, 26, has managed to kick-start his career at Estadio da Luz following a disappointing spell at Real Madrid and established himself as one of the best centre-backs in European football.



The Argentina international has been especially impressive during team’s Champions League campaign, while also earning a regular starting berth in the national team.



With a wealth of experience at the highest level and still at least five or six good years ahead of him, Garay would be a very good investment for the Premier League giants.

Fergie: No one-man team

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims that Manchester United are turning into a one-man team.



Much has been made of Robin van Persie's impact since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, but Ferguson insists there is more to his team than the in-form Dutch striker.

Van Persie has scored 10 goals in his last 10 appearances and earned warm praise from his manager, but Ferguson is anxious to point out that he is not their only threat.

"I don't go along with the idea we have become a one-man team," Ferguson told United Review.

"There was a time in our history when one man did carry us for a while. Eric Cantona kept us in contention with his goals when a few others were off the boil.

"But things are quite different now. Javier Hernandez has weighed in with 12 goals while Wayne Rooney is currently on nine.

"Two defenders, Johnny Evans and Patrice Evra, have chipped in with eight between them so it doesn't stand up to see us as a one-man band overly dependent on van Persie, brilliant as he has been at both making and taking goals.

"He is absolutely relishing his new challenge. He is the right player, at the right club, at the right time.



"He has a winning mentality, but as he points out, it is one that goes right through the squad and one that will hopefully see us push on in both league and the cups and successfully navigate what is a busy and challenging period."


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Man Utd v Liverpool - (Team News)

Team news for Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford (1.30pm).

Manchester United :

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.



It means Javier Hernandez is set to partner Robin van Persie in attack for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.



United are boosted by the return of Nani and Anderson from injury with the pair likely to be on the bench.



Nani has been sidelined since the beginning of November with a hamstring injury while Anderson has been missing since he also reported a hamstring problem in early December.



Liverpool :

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has no fresh injury worries to contend with as he must decide whether or not to hand new signing Daniel Sturridge his Premier League debut.



Sturridge scored on his debut in last weekend's FA Cup win over Mansfield, but is still struggling for match fitness after his move from Chelsea.



Jose Enrique remains sidelined for Liverpool with a hamstring strain, meaning Glen Johnson is set to deputise at left-back with Andre Wisdom starting at right-back.


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Macheda in Spanish loan link

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is being linked with a loan switch to Rayo Vallecano for the rest of the season.



The Italian striker, 21, is certain to leave Old Trafford on loan during January with his agent having admitted that the option of a stint in Spain is interesting to all parties.



The former Lazio youth teamer does not want to go back to Italy after an unhappy experience at Sampdoria two years ago when the club were relegated amid allegations over match-fixing in the camp.



Macheda is desperate to play regular first-team football after making only two starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League for United in the past four seasons.



His last league goal for the Reds was at Aston Villa over two years ago and he is unlikely to be benefiting from having to get the vast majority of his football in the development league.



United might be happy to see him go to Rayo with the attacking philosophy of their coach Paco Jemez currently taking the club into Europa League contention.



Rumours that Rayo are ready to sell their Brazilian frontman Leo Baptistao could also boost Macheda's chances if a deal can be done before the end of January.

Ferguson upbeat on Bebe loan

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Bebe's loan move to Portugal will help boost the striker's stuttering career.



The £7.4million 22-year-old forward, who arrived at Old Trafford from Portuguese club Guimaraes in 2010, has secured a temporary contract at Rio Ave until the end of June.



"We feel the boy has got to get good experience at a better level than our reserve team," Ferguson told MUTV.



"He's gone to Rio Ave who are fifth in the Portuguese league at the moment - they have a young coach [Nuno] who has a very good reputation.



"Bebe has done quite well in the last two or three months. He got a cruciate knee injury when he was on loan in Turkey last season and that derailed him for a bit.



"Coming back from these injuries takes time but he's started to develop quite well. Hopefully his spell in Portugal, where he is from anyway, could help him."



Having made the move at the end of 2012, Bebe said: "I'll give it everything while I'm here and try to help the team to continue occupying the places that they have been in the table.



"Obviously something went wrong in the last phase of my career, I had a serious injury which thankfully I have fully recovered well from.



"I'm fine physically - I was always training and playing. It's good to come here and I want to show what I can do."

Ferdinand reveals fans confrontation

Veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the time he was confronted by a gang of hooded Manchester United fans at his home.



The group turned up outside the player's house to demand that he sign a new deal eight years ago.



Ferdinand's future had been the subject of speculation at the time after he had been photographed with then Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon in a restaurant, but that had been a chance encounter.



Ferdinand was asked to come to the door but could not see anyone on his security monitors.



The 34-year-old told FourFourTwo magazine: "So I go to the side door and grab a big bit of wood, jump on the side of the wall and I'm just about to scream 'raaaah!' when I see there's a massive group of people, with hoodies and caps covering their faces.



"I just thought, 'I'm going to get served up in a moment, so go bananas and they'll think you're a nutter!'



"Then one of them said, 'We're the United boys, f***ing sign your contract,' and I was like, 'What you talking about? I've only just started negotiating two months ago, what you worrying about?"'



Explaining the background, he added: "Basically I went to see my agent for half-an-hour and Kenyon was with him.



"Someone's taken a picture and made out like we're having a bloody meal together. So I'm saying to these guys, 'If I'm going to do a deal with another club, do you think I'd be doing it in broad daylight?'



"One of the neighbours had called the police by then and they got off when they heard the sirens."



Ferdinand, in a question and answer section with fans, also spoke of the lowest point of his career, when he was banned for eight months after failing to attend a drugs test in 2003.



He said: "If that sort of thing can't make you more responsible, then I don't know what can.



"People assume I must have had something to hide but I did all the tests that were asked in the end and the judge said I had proved beyond any doubt I had nothing in my system - those tests trace stuff from months back.



"So I never had any doubt in my mind, it was just irresponsible of me not to go to the test at the time and I got punished severely for it.



"Eight months of my career just gone, just like that. It was easily the lowest point of my career, especially as I knew people were trying to tarnish my name by saying I was into drugs.



"That's the most disappointing thing for me, that people assumed I was involved in drugs or had something to hide."

Blackburn sign Joshua King from United

Blackburn have made an early move in the transfer window by signing forward Joshua King from Manchester United on a permanent deal.



The 20-year-old initially arrived at Ewood Park on loan at the end of November and has scored twice in his eight appearances so far.



The Norwegian international has signed for an undisclosed fee and he has agreed a contract which runs until the summer of 2015, with an option for a further year.



King said: "I've enjoyed my time here. We've a great group of lads and I think I've settled in well.



"I'm happy to be here and I'm really looking forward to the next two-and-a-half years that I've signed for. Everybody has made me so welcome here. I feel comfortable and I'm happy to make the deal permanent."



King can play out wide or as a centre-forward and has long been regarded as a bright prospect at Manchester United, for whom he made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 League Cup win over Wolves in September 2009.



However, he has been unable to break into the United side again and spent time on loan at Preston, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hull before arriving at Ewood Park.

Monday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is keen on returning to former club Manchester United next summer, according to The Sun.



- Santos striker Neymar, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid, has emerged as a target for Manchester City, according to the Sunday Telegraph.



- Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez insists Fernando Torres is fully behind the club's bid to bring in a new striker during the January transfer window, with the Blues widely believed to be preparing to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao.



- Chelsea star Eden Hazard dreams of playing for Real Madrid, international team-mate Christian Benteke has told The Sun.



- Romelu Lukaku hopes Chelsea will allow him to see out a season-long loan at West Brom, rather than recall him in January.



- Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has played down reports that he could join Chelsea, telling Sky Sports: "I have a contract until 2015 with Spurs and I do not know if they want to sell me, so for me it is paper talk."



- Valencia have made a move to snatch Arsenal and Liverpool target Isaac Cuenca on loan from Barcelona.



- Manchester United are among a string of Premier League clubs tracking Sporting Lisbon youngster Carlos Mane.



- Sampdoria have told Manchester City to give up their pursuit of Pedro Obiang - and have warned them they will face competition from Napoli and Juventus when the Serie A side finally decide to cash in.



- Stoke City will sell midfielder Michael Tonge to Leeds United in January.



- Arsenal and Liverpool target Fernando Llorente is expected to leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer next summer rather than move clubs in January, according to reports in Spain.



- Denilson says he does not know if he will return to Arsenal when his loan spell at Sao Paulo comes to an end next summer.



- Jack Wilshere is hoping Theo Walcott will become the latest Arsenal player to commit his long-term future to the club.



- Stewart Downing claims he has never wanted to leave Liverpool and hopes his return to form will earn him an extended stay.



- Manchester United target Viktor Fischer says it is too early to contemplate leaving Ajax



- West Ham are set to renew their interest in Charlton defender Chris Solly when the transfer window reopens in January.



- West Ham are set to make a decision in the next week if they are to make a permanent move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.



- Swansea City could face competition from Atletico Madrid for the signature of Iago Aspas.



- FC Nordsjaelland star Jores Okore is flattered by speculation linking him with a possible move to Manchester United.



- Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected reports linking David Villa with a move away from Camp Nou in January.



- AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that Brazilian duo Robinho and Alexandre Pato have both asked to leave the club.



- Adel Taarabt has claimed that while his agent has spoken to AC Milan, other factors would have to happen before any move to the San Siro.



- Salomon Kalou is determined to be a success at Lille and is not looking for a move, according to his representative.



- Bastia have announced the signing of goalkeeper Mickael Landreau on a deal until the end of the season.



- Blackburn defender Gael Givet could be set for a return to France in the January transfer window.



- Nicky Weaver has admitted he may have to leave Sheffield Wednesday in the January transfer window.



- Leeds United boss Neil Warnock has warned rival clubs that Luciano Becchio will be off-limits in the January transfer window.



- Huddersfield have extended Jermaine Beckford's loan deal from Leicester until the end of the season.

Rafael sets sights on trophies in 2013

Rafael has expressed his determination to remain as consistent as possible and help Manchester United claim some silverware this season.

Rafael has already won the Premier League twice during his time a tOld Trafford but he is hungry for more glory and is looking forward to the rest of the campaign.



He recognises that each game will become increasingly important over the next few months and is keen to play a major role.



"My target for 2013 is like every player: we want to win trophies," the Brazilian said in the Daily Star.



"When you're at this club that has to be your focus. We all want to win and I want to play as many games as I can and be consistent in my performances.



"When you get into January you know the really important time in the season is not far away and there will be big game after big game.



"Every game is important, but after Christmas they become massive. Hopefully we can do well."



Rafael feels he has taken his game to another level in 2012 and says that becoming a father has made a big difference.



He said: "It's been a great year for me. I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing. My daughter was born this year, which has helped me a lot, too.



"I was only 18 when I first came here, I was just a boy.



"Some people may think I am still young and still a boy, but now I feel I'm a man."

Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Manchester United are ready to enter the race to sign Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott, according to the Daily Mirror.



- Manchester United will use funds generated from the sale of Nani to move for two new players in the January transfer window, according to the Manchester Evening News.



- Manchester United target Mats Hummels admits it is an "honour" to be linked with Spanish giants Barcelona.



- Manchester City are preparing to step up their interest in Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, according to AS.



- Brad Jones has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool after impressing for the first team this season.



- Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to give Joe Cole any guarantees about his future at the club, telling the Liverpool Echo that the midfielder's future is being assessed from game to game.



- Martin Jol does not believe Brede Hangeland will leave Fulham despite the latest speculation surrounding the defender's future.



- Swansea City defender Neil Taylor is poised to sign a new deal with the Premier League club.



- Jan Vertonghen claims he opted to join Tottenham Hotspur over Arsenal as Arsene Wenger wanted to play him in midfield.



- Barcelona have scuppered Liverpool's hopes of signing Spanish starlet Cristian Tello by handing him a new deal - but the Reds will be encouraged by his £8m buyout clause.



- Queens Park Rangers midfielder Esteban Granero is a £5.6million target for Fiorentina, according to the London Evening Standard.



- Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has said he could move to an MLS club as he seeks to reignite his injury-plagued career.



- Athletic Bilbao outcast Fernando Llorente declared it is “totally untrue” that he has agreed a move to Juventus, as his options are open ahead of the January transfer window.



- Malaga will offer Isco a bumper new deal to ward off interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, according to reports in Spain.



- Newcastle face a battle with AC Milan to clinch the signing of Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia.



- Roma are leading the chase to sign Manchester United winger Nani when the transfer window re-opens in January.



- Roma could steal a march on Chelsea and AC Milan in the chase to sign Romania international Vlad Chiriches.



- Miralem Pjanic claims he would be happy to remain at Roma as speculation regarding his future intensifies.



- Robinho's father and agent Gilvan de Souza has rubbished rumours that the Brazilian star could leave AC Milan in January.



- FC Twente are expected to cut short their loan deal for defender Dedryck Boyata and send him back to parent club Manchester City after failing to make an impact for the Dutch outfit.



- Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak says he may need to hold talks over his future as he continues to struggle to hold down a regular place in the first team.



- Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway believes Wilfried Zaha may be distracted by the club's wish to keep him beyond January.



- Bundesliga outfit Greuther Furth have completed the signing of Serbian striker Nikola Djurdjic from Haugesund.



- Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Alexander Meier says he would be willing to stay with the club beyond the end of his current deal.

Ferguson confirms Vidic return

Nemanja Vidic is in contention to make his return for Manchester United in Saturday’s Premier League match against Sunderland with manager Sir Alex Ferguson delighted to have his captain available again.



Vidic had been expected to be out until Christmas after undergoing surgery on a knee injury in mid-September, but he returned to training early and it was suggested that he would take to the field against Manchester City, only for Ferguson to dismiss the idea.



The manager was unwilling to risk the Serbia international in Sunday’s Manchester derby but with an extra week behind him the defender could return to the starting line-up for the visit of Sunderland to Old Trafford.



“It would have been crazy to play him against City but against Sunderland…definitely,” said Ferguson.



“It’s a big bonus to have him back. He is a real competitor with that uncompromising way of his. He likes defending – that’s what it is.



“In the last 18 months he has only had 10 games or something. It is not many games that he has played.



“Now he has no pain in the knee, and it’s a different knee to the one he did his cruciate on.”



United’s defence has been questionable this season with the Reds having conceded 23 goals in 16 Premier League games, but Ferguson expects Vidic to make the difference.



“He’s under pressure isn’t he? But he’ll make a difference, absolutely. He gives us the options,” Ferguson added.



“And to have senior players like that, it’s helpful.”

Police charge nine after derby

Police have charged nine people following incidents at Sunday's Manchester derby.



But they are yet to charge anyone for the coin-throwing incident which saw Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand hit by an object at the end of the match.



Ferdinand was celebrating Robin van Persie's late winner but was left with a gash above his eye after the incident.



Two men have been charged with pitch encroachment.



Chief Inspector Steve Howard said: "To have just 13 arrests for a crowd of this size and a match of this proportion is a testament to the policing operation we put in place.



"Despite fierce rivalry and high tension there was no major disorder. However, we will continue to investigate the coin throwing incident and are determined to work with the club to bring the perpetrator to justice."

Three-week lay-off for Anderson

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United midfielder Anderson will be out for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury.



The Brazilian limped off during Saturday's win at Reading.



It came at the end of an impressive recent period for the former FC Porto star, who has brought added energy to Red Devils' ranks.



However, after a succession of major injuries, Anderson has now picked up another one that will keep him out for the remainder of the month.



"It is a hamstring," Ferguson told MUTV.



"It will be three or four weeks. It is not serious but it is a hamstring."

Rafael ready for 'biggest test'

Rafael knows Manchester United cannot afford to defend as they did against Reading when they face Manchester City on Sunday.



The Manchester rivals clash at the Etihad Stadium with United currently holding a three-point lead on the champions.



Even though the season is not yet halfway through, Rafael knows the meeting with their fierce rivals is a great chance for United to open up a significant lead.



"If we open the gap it can make the other team nervous and make it easier for us," said the Brazilian.



"There is definitely a determination to get the title back after the way we lost it. It was hard to take.



"We will never forget how we felt after the last game. We just looked at each other and asked, 'How did we lose that?' After last season, we just want the title back."



Rafael was taken off in United's last game at Reading after just half-an-hour as they struggled to cope against the Royals, before edging a seven-goal thriller.



And he admits that they were not good enough despite their 4-3 victory at the Madejski, adding: "If we defend like we did at Reading against a team like City we will be in trouble, that is 100 per cent.



"This will be our biggest test of the season so we need to concentrate well."

Fergie: Derby win will be huge

Sir Alex Ferguson says victory against Manchester City on Sunday would be one of his side's "best-ever results".



Premier League leaders Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium three points clear of champions City, whose European adventure ended in midweek after finishing bottom of their UEFA Champions League group.



Ferguson also expressed concern over his fragile defence and challenged his side to learn from their error-strewn display at Reading last weekend.



"If we win it will be one of our best-ever results," Ferguson told MUTV.



"They are a really good, powerful team with massive players.



"It won't be easy and if we defend like we did at Reading we'll be in trouble.



"The important thing for us is to take lessons from the mistakes we're making and do something about it. We need to find a solution."