Dimitar Berbatov finally broke his Manchester United duck as the Champions League holders swept aside Danish minnows Aalborg 3-0 to kick-start their campaign.
After three matches without a goal, the whispers were already starting about Berbatov's effectiveness.
But with one waft of the right boot, the 27-year-old showed why Ferguson was prepared to spend a club-record £30.75million on acquiring his services and at the same time, if Terry Venables is right, send Tottenham into meltdown.
It doubled a lead Wayne Rooney provided for United midway through the opening period.
But Berbatov was not finished as he finished off Ronaldo's cross with a brilliant scissor kick 11 minutes from time.
Aalborg coach Bruce Rioch had won on both previous occasions that a team of his had entertained the Red Devils, but it quickly became apparent there was little likelihood of a hat-trick.
Sir Alex Ferguson had sprung a major selection surprise by handing a debut to 18-year-old Rafael Da Silva. However, the Brazilian just brought more attacking emphasis to the visitors' play.
What Wes Brown has done wrong remains a mystery. Brown has not figured since scoring an own goal in the defeat at Anfield just over a fortnight ago, which seemed to be Edwin van der Sar's fault.
Brown was on the bench though as Rafael caught the eye with a couple of sizzling shots which might easily have ended up in the Aalborg net.
Berbatov was still searching for his first United goal. It seemed his duck would be broken after just six minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo half-blocked Karim Zaza's clearance but the Bulgarian could not adjust his body quickly enough to turn the ball into an empty net.
Nemanja Vidic nodded Nani's corner onto Rio Ferdinand shortly afterwards but the defender's shot was saved by Zaza.
It was largely one-way traffic, although United's momentum was briefly halted by a worrying injury to Paul Scholes.
The influential former England man has spent too long on the sidelines in recent seasons and now seems set for another spell on the treatment table after appearing to jar his knee as he turned in possession.
An immediate call went out for a replacement, with Ferguson confirming ligament damage, although as Scholes was strechered off, by introducing Ryan Giggs, Ferguson had brought on the man who created Rooney's opener.
Nani flicked a pass into Giggs' path and the Welshman immediately spotted an opportunity to release his young team-mate.
The 22-year-old was in top form against Bolton on Saturday and merely continued that way as he darted past Michael Beauchamp and slotted home the opener.
With Rooney tormenting, Ronaldo teasing and Berbatov creating problems despite failing to find the net, Aalborg were fully stretched and only a last-ditch tackle from Steve Olfers prevented Rooney turning home Berbatov's near-post cross.
It was a big game for Berbatov in the sense that another appearance without a goal, especially against such limited opposition as this, would really turn the focus on Ferguson's latest big-money buy.
Fears for the Bulgarian were dispelled 10 minutes after the re-start when Thomas Augustinussen failed to control Olfers' square pass.
Berbatov was onto the loose ball in an instant, lashing it past Zaza as if his thunderous effort was merely routine.
From his central midfield station, Giggs was producing the kind of forceful bursts United have tended to rely on Scholes for.
One such surge took him deep into the Aalborg box but he could only turn his shot into the sidenetting.
Berbatov and Ronaldo, whose contribution for once was overshadowed, went close to increasing United's lead, as did Carlos Tevez who on this occasion was deemed only to be good enough for a substitute's role.
Ferguson now has the striking strength he has yearned for since his first Champions League triumph in 1999.
And in Berbatov he has another master of the spectacular, as he proved again with his acrobatic second 11 minutes from time.
Ronaldo was desperate to get one too but, like Giggs earlier, could only find the side-netting after a solo burst near the end, leaving Berbatov to grab the headlines.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Scholes out for several Weeks
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes suffered medial ligament damage in Tuesday's Champions League victory at Aalborg and will be out for 10 weeks, the club have confirmed.
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Rooney had scored the opener of United's 3-0 stroll in Denmark.Scholes went down with the injury in the first half and was stretchered from the field and immediately substituted.
Meanwhile, Fabio Capello will be a more than interested observer of Wayne Rooney's ankle injury, which may be a cause for concern for England.
Rafael Da Silva's first Champions League start also ended with him limping off the field while goalscorer Rooney left proceedings feeling pain in his ankle.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already virtually written him out of United's league encounter with Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday.
"Wayne felt his ankle," confirmed Ferguson.
"We hope it is not ligament trouble - but he is doubtful for Saturday, I would imagine."
Capello is due to name his England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Belarus on Sunday and ligament damage would surely rule Rooney out of both.
Scholes is unlikely to be available again until the visit to Tottenham on December 13, which comes immediately before United head to Japan for the World Club Championship.
It means Scholes will miss the rest of his side's Champions League group campaign, plus key Premier League away games at Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City.
In total the 33-year-old could miss 16 matches from United's season and Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves are currently on the sidelines too.
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Rooney had scored the opener of United's 3-0 stroll in Denmark.Scholes went down with the injury in the first half and was stretchered from the field and immediately substituted.
Meanwhile, Fabio Capello will be a more than interested observer of Wayne Rooney's ankle injury, which may be a cause for concern for England.
Rafael Da Silva's first Champions League start also ended with him limping off the field while goalscorer Rooney left proceedings feeling pain in his ankle.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already virtually written him out of United's league encounter with Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday.
"Wayne felt his ankle," confirmed Ferguson.
"We hope it is not ligament trouble - but he is doubtful for Saturday, I would imagine."
Capello is due to name his England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Belarus on Sunday and ligament damage would surely rule Rooney out of both.
Scholes is unlikely to be available again until the visit to Tottenham on December 13, which comes immediately before United head to Japan for the World Club Championship.
It means Scholes will miss the rest of his side's Champions League group campaign, plus key Premier League away games at Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City.
In total the 33-year-old could miss 16 matches from United's season and Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves are currently on the sidelines too.
Heaing On Stamfor Bridge clash in August Delayed
Patrice Evra's personal hearing for a charge of improper conduct relating to an incident at Chelsea on April 26 has been put back, the FA have confirmed.
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The French full-back will have to wait to learn his fate.The Manchester United defender was involved in a fracas, which also involved Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell, after their Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge last season.
However, after a preliminary hearing into the case last month, an independent regulatory commission ruled the FA did not have disciplinary jurisdiction over Bethell "as his employers, Chelsea FC, had failed to notify him that he was subject to the FA's rules and regulations".
This led to the charges against Bethell - which also included using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race - being dismissed, and Chelsea subsequently were charged with "failure to include the required provisions in his employment contract".
Given the substitution of the original charges, it was decided the case against Evra would also be heard at a later date, together with Chelsea, most likely next month.
Chelsea have strenuously denied the charges, which also include a breach of FA rules for failing to ensure that Bethell conducted himself in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from any one or a combination of racist and/or abusive and/or provocative conduct and/or language.
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The French full-back will have to wait to learn his fate.The Manchester United defender was involved in a fracas, which also involved Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell, after their Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge last season.
However, after a preliminary hearing into the case last month, an independent regulatory commission ruled the FA did not have disciplinary jurisdiction over Bethell "as his employers, Chelsea FC, had failed to notify him that he was subject to the FA's rules and regulations".
This led to the charges against Bethell - which also included using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race - being dismissed, and Chelsea subsequently were charged with "failure to include the required provisions in his employment contract".
Given the substitution of the original charges, it was decided the case against Evra would also be heard at a later date, together with Chelsea, most likely next month.
Chelsea have strenuously denied the charges, which also include a breach of FA rules for failing to ensure that Bethell conducted himself in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from any one or a combination of racist and/or abusive and/or provocative conduct and/or language.
Wayne Rooney Injured for this weeks match against Blackburn
Wayne Rooney's latest injury may keep him out of Manchester United's Saturday trip to Blackburn Rovers but not England's World Cup qualifying double-header with Kazahstan and Belarus.
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Rooney turned his ankle during United's Champions League win over Aaalborg, in which Rooney scored the first goal and it was first feared he would join Paul Scholes on the long-term injury list.
However, a club spokesperson told the club's official website: "Wayne has an ankle injury and is considered doubtful for Saturday's game against Blackburn, but he should recover in time for England's forthcoming matches."
Fabio Capello names his England squad on Sunday for the match in Astana on Saturday 11 October and Belarus' visit to Wembley on Wednesday 15 October.
Meanwhile, Turkey Under-21 international Sercan Yildirim claims that United are considering a move for him.
With four goals in as many matches 18-year-old Yildirim is joint top-scorer of the Super Lig alongside Galatasary striker Milan Baros.
"Manchester United have been in contact with my family and the president of my club - that makes me very happy,"' the £5million-rated Bursaspor striker told Turkish media.
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Rooney turned his ankle during United's Champions League win over Aaalborg, in which Rooney scored the first goal and it was first feared he would join Paul Scholes on the long-term injury list.
However, a club spokesperson told the club's official website: "Wayne has an ankle injury and is considered doubtful for Saturday's game against Blackburn, but he should recover in time for England's forthcoming matches."
Fabio Capello names his England squad on Sunday for the match in Astana on Saturday 11 October and Belarus' visit to Wembley on Wednesday 15 October.
Meanwhile, Turkey Under-21 international Sercan Yildirim claims that United are considering a move for him.
With four goals in as many matches 18-year-old Yildirim is joint top-scorer of the Super Lig alongside Galatasary striker Milan Baros.
"Manchester United have been in contact with my family and the president of my club - that makes me very happy,"' the £5million-rated Bursaspor striker told Turkish media.
Fergie Vs. Ince
Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince can't wait to battle with the man he rates as the best manager in the history of the game when he faces Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United on Saturday.
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Alex Ferguson and Paul Ince side by side as Man United win the 1991 UEFA Cup Winners Cup.Ince played under Ferguson at Old Trafford, before being sold to Inter, and is the latest of his alumni to join the ranks of Premier League management, joining Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane as well as the likes of Steve McClaren and Brian Robson, who went on to coach in the top flight after working for the Scot.
Although Ince is delighted with his links to Ferguson the ex-England midfielder wants to forge his own identity as a manager and a good result in Saturday's evening kick-off against last season's double winners - a fixture that highlights Ince's remarkable rise from League Two side Macclesfield to the Premier League via MK Dons - could help do just that.
"I've only been in management 18 months to two years and it takes time to find your own identity as a manager," Ince said. "One thing Ferguson did teach me was to have high standards on and off the pitch which I try to implement in every job I do.
"It's never a good time to play the European champions and the Premier League champions. I'm under no illusions. It'll be a really, really hard game for us. We know that.
"But why not [win]? Look at Arsenal's result against Hull last week, it's got to be the yardstick for clubs like Blackburn."
"This is the exciting thing about coming to the Premier League. It's a chance to pit yourself against the best manager of all time, as far as I'm concerned.
"Fergie has such high standards. I played under a lot of managers but they don't come close. That is no disrespect to them because I don't think anybody does."
Former England captain Ince long hoped to have a future on the touchline and he predicted that Ferguson's days of meeting former players may continue for some time to come.
He expects the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand to join the next generation of top British managers.
Ince said: "I spoke to Giggsy the other day. He's taking his coaching badges and he wants to get involved too.
"Once you get past 30 you do start to think, 'What am I going to do in three, four, five years?'
"It's the same with Robbie Fowler, he's doing his badges here with me because he's thinking that way and I'm sure the likes of Rio will think the same."
Ferguson's side could be without Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick on Saturday but Ince insists the sheer depth of the Red Devils' squad means there is no such thing as a weak Manchester United.
"The injuries don't matter, they have a fantastic squad, not just 11 players. Anderson or Darren Fletcher could come in, Giggsy could start, so we're still talking about world-class players. Then there's (Dimitar) Berbatov and (Carlos) Tevez up front. No matter who they field it will be a huge, huge battle."
United boss Ferguson is also looking forward to the battle with his old midfielder and said: "I have been impressed with Paul. He was a player who was always determined and a stubborn lad.
"He was a fighter on the pitch and I think he's taken those qualities into management. They are good qualities to have, that determination to do well and I'm not surprised he's doing well."
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Alex Ferguson and Paul Ince side by side as Man United win the 1991 UEFA Cup Winners Cup.Ince played under Ferguson at Old Trafford, before being sold to Inter, and is the latest of his alumni to join the ranks of Premier League management, joining Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane as well as the likes of Steve McClaren and Brian Robson, who went on to coach in the top flight after working for the Scot.
Although Ince is delighted with his links to Ferguson the ex-England midfielder wants to forge his own identity as a manager and a good result in Saturday's evening kick-off against last season's double winners - a fixture that highlights Ince's remarkable rise from League Two side Macclesfield to the Premier League via MK Dons - could help do just that.
"I've only been in management 18 months to two years and it takes time to find your own identity as a manager," Ince said. "One thing Ferguson did teach me was to have high standards on and off the pitch which I try to implement in every job I do.
"It's never a good time to play the European champions and the Premier League champions. I'm under no illusions. It'll be a really, really hard game for us. We know that.
"But why not [win]? Look at Arsenal's result against Hull last week, it's got to be the yardstick for clubs like Blackburn."
"This is the exciting thing about coming to the Premier League. It's a chance to pit yourself against the best manager of all time, as far as I'm concerned.
"Fergie has such high standards. I played under a lot of managers but they don't come close. That is no disrespect to them because I don't think anybody does."
Former England captain Ince long hoped to have a future on the touchline and he predicted that Ferguson's days of meeting former players may continue for some time to come.
He expects the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand to join the next generation of top British managers.
Ince said: "I spoke to Giggsy the other day. He's taking his coaching badges and he wants to get involved too.
"Once you get past 30 you do start to think, 'What am I going to do in three, four, five years?'
"It's the same with Robbie Fowler, he's doing his badges here with me because he's thinking that way and I'm sure the likes of Rio will think the same."
Ferguson's side could be without Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick on Saturday but Ince insists the sheer depth of the Red Devils' squad means there is no such thing as a weak Manchester United.
"The injuries don't matter, they have a fantastic squad, not just 11 players. Anderson or Darren Fletcher could come in, Giggsy could start, so we're still talking about world-class players. Then there's (Dimitar) Berbatov and (Carlos) Tevez up front. No matter who they field it will be a huge, huge battle."
United boss Ferguson is also looking forward to the battle with his old midfielder and said: "I have been impressed with Paul. He was a player who was always determined and a stubborn lad.
"He was a fighter on the pitch and I think he's taken those qualities into management. They are good qualities to have, that determination to do well and I'm not surprised he's doing well."
Wembley Up for sale
The Theo Walcott-factor has allowed the FA to post sold-out notices up already for next Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan.
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It is only six weeks since England were booed off after the 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic and coach Fabio Capello admitted it was easier for his team to play away from Wembley.
However, Walcott's hat-trick in the outstanding 4-1 win in Croatia has seen supporters begin to fall back in love with the Three Lions and 90,000 will watch England's final home game of 2008 as Capello's men look to continue their winning start to Group Six.
With away games in Belarus on October 15 and a friendly in Germany a month later, there will be no further opportunities to see England in action on home soil this year.
But the FA hope to ride the current wave of optimism into 2009 when England resume their campaign to reach South Africa by tackling the Ukraine at Wembley in April.
The game is immediately preceded by a home encounter with Slovakia on March 28, with further qualifying games at Wembley against Andorra and Slovenia before the key confrontation with Croatia on September 9.
Capello is due to announce his squad for the Kazakhstan encounter on Sunday, with Wayne Rooney expected to be involved despite picking up an ankle knock during Manchester United's midweek Champions League win over Aalborg.
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It is only six weeks since England were booed off after the 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic and coach Fabio Capello admitted it was easier for his team to play away from Wembley.
However, Walcott's hat-trick in the outstanding 4-1 win in Croatia has seen supporters begin to fall back in love with the Three Lions and 90,000 will watch England's final home game of 2008 as Capello's men look to continue their winning start to Group Six.
With away games in Belarus on October 15 and a friendly in Germany a month later, there will be no further opportunities to see England in action on home soil this year.
But the FA hope to ride the current wave of optimism into 2009 when England resume their campaign to reach South Africa by tackling the Ukraine at Wembley in April.
The game is immediately preceded by a home encounter with Slovakia on March 28, with further qualifying games at Wembley against Andorra and Slovenia before the key confrontation with Croatia on September 9.
Capello is due to announce his squad for the Kazakhstan encounter on Sunday, with Wayne Rooney expected to be involved despite picking up an ankle knock during Manchester United's midweek Champions League win over Aalborg.
Manchester United extends 2 players contracts
Manchester United have received a double dose of good news with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher agreeing new contracts.
Scholes has signed a one-year deal, while Fletcher has committed himself to Old Trafford for a further three seasons.
It is a show of faith from Sir Alex Ferguson in the abilities of Scholes given the former England star, who celebrates his 34th birthday next month, has just been ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
In his own typically understated way, Scholes, who has overcome a serious eye injury that three years ago threatened his career, expressed his satisfaction at remaining with what seems certain to be his only professional club.
"It is great to sign a new deal," he said.
"Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that."
Like Scholes, Fletcher is a one-club man.
Although he has rarely been a member of Ferguson's first-choice side, he is an invaluable figure in the United squad.
Denied his debut as a 16-year-old because he was still at school, Fletcher was heavily linked with a move to Birmingham last season, where he could have joined old Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
However, the 24-year-old chose to stay at Old Trafford, where his value was emphasised at the start of this season when he scored against Newcastle before getting the vital winner at Portsmouth.
"Darren is in the same vein as Paul, Ryan Giggs and Wes Brown in that he is a long-serving member of the team," said Ferguson.
"His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted he has signed a new contract."
Fletcher added: "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that.
"The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success."
Scholes has signed a one-year deal, while Fletcher has committed himself to Old Trafford for a further three seasons.
It is a show of faith from Sir Alex Ferguson in the abilities of Scholes given the former England star, who celebrates his 34th birthday next month, has just been ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
In his own typically understated way, Scholes, who has overcome a serious eye injury that three years ago threatened his career, expressed his satisfaction at remaining with what seems certain to be his only professional club.
"It is great to sign a new deal," he said.
"Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that."
Like Scholes, Fletcher is a one-club man.
Although he has rarely been a member of Ferguson's first-choice side, he is an invaluable figure in the United squad.
Denied his debut as a 16-year-old because he was still at school, Fletcher was heavily linked with a move to Birmingham last season, where he could have joined old Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
However, the 24-year-old chose to stay at Old Trafford, where his value was emphasised at the start of this season when he scored against Newcastle before getting the vital winner at Portsmouth.
"Darren is in the same vein as Paul, Ryan Giggs and Wes Brown in that he is a long-serving member of the team," said Ferguson.
"His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted he has signed a new contract."
Fletcher added: "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that.
"The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success."
Manchester United have received a double dose of good news with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher agreeing new contracts.
Scholes has signed a one-year deal, while Fletcher has committed himself to Old Trafford for a further three seasons.
It is a show of faith from Sir Alex Ferguson in the abilities of Scholes given the former England star, who celebrates his 34th birthday next month, has just been ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
In his own typically understated way, Scholes, who has overcome a serious eye injury that three years ago threatened his career, expressed his satisfaction at remaining with what seems certain to be his only professional club.
"It is great to sign a new deal," he said.
"Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that."
Like Scholes, Fletcher is a one-club man.
Although he has rarely been a member of Ferguson's first-choice side, he is an invaluable figure in the United squad.
Denied his debut as a 16-year-old because he was still at school, Fletcher was heavily linked with a move to Birmingham last season, where he could have joined old Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
However, the 24-year-old chose to stay at Old Trafford, where his value was emphasised at the start of this season when he scored against Newcastle before getting the vital winner at Portsmouth.
"Darren is in the same vein as Paul, Ryan Giggs and Wes Brown in that he is a long-serving member of the team," said Ferguson.
"His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted he has signed a new contract."
Fletcher added: "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that.
"The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success."
Scholes has signed a one-year deal, while Fletcher has committed himself to Old Trafford for a further three seasons.
It is a show of faith from Sir Alex Ferguson in the abilities of Scholes given the former England star, who celebrates his 34th birthday next month, has just been ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
In his own typically understated way, Scholes, who has overcome a serious eye injury that three years ago threatened his career, expressed his satisfaction at remaining with what seems certain to be his only professional club.
"It is great to sign a new deal," he said.
"Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that."
Like Scholes, Fletcher is a one-club man.
Although he has rarely been a member of Ferguson's first-choice side, he is an invaluable figure in the United squad.
Denied his debut as a 16-year-old because he was still at school, Fletcher was heavily linked with a move to Birmingham last season, where he could have joined old Scotland boss Alex McLeish.
However, the 24-year-old chose to stay at Old Trafford, where his value was emphasised at the start of this season when he scored against Newcastle before getting the vital winner at Portsmouth.
"Darren is in the same vein as Paul, Ryan Giggs and Wes Brown in that he is a long-serving member of the team," said Ferguson.
"His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted he has signed a new contract."
Fletcher added: "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that.
"The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success."
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