Smith Receives Plaudits

Alan Smith inspired a second-string Manchester United team to a 3-0 victory over Championship side Crewe.



Crewe boss, Dario Gradi, heaped praise on Alan Smith after admitting his own team were second best.

"Smith was the outstanding player on the pitch. He caused us all sorts of problems. It appears Sir Alex got his team selection just right."

Sir Alex Ferguson made 11 changes to the team that beat Arsenal on Sunday but the new-look side took only 10 minutes before Smith calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Ben Williams.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy banned for the next two games, Ferguson has the perfect replacement to keep his side firing on all cylinders.

Alan Smith has now taken his goalscoring tally to 7 for the season.

Ruud Accepts Charge

Ruud van Nistelrooy has pleaded guilty to the charge of serious foul play following his challenge on Ashley Cole in Sunday's clash with Arsenal.



A Manchester United statement said: "Ruud van Nistelrooy has decided to accept the FA's charge of misconduct relating to the incident with Ashley Cole."

"Ruud has accepted the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension and Manchester United fully supports Ruud's decision."

The ban has started with immediate effect, ruling him out of today's Carling Cup tie against Crewe.

By pleading guilty to the charge, van Nistelrooy has brought forward his expected ban, making him available for the away trip to Newcastle on the 14th of November.

Van Nistelrooy added, "Throughout my 10-year career I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all clubs."

In his entire career, Ruud van Nistelrooy has never served a suspension before.

"There was no deliberate intent to harm Ashley Cole and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to him," he added.

Van Nistelrooy Claims Innocence

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy claims he is innocent after being charged with serious foul play by the Football Association for his tackle on Arsenal's Ashley Cole.



The Dutch international has been given until Tuesday to "deny or admit" the charge, which will be heard on Thursday.

If van Nistelrooy is adjudged to have deliberately hurt Ashley Cole, he could receive a three-match ban ruling him out of United's games against Portsmouth, Man City and Newcastle.

Van Nistelrooy told The Sun, "We both just went for the ball. It was a 50-50 ball and in these situations two players can collide".

The FA will also investigate the tunnel fracas in which it was alleged that an unnamed Arsenal player threw food at Sir Alex Ferguson in the aftermath of Sunday's victory.

Wenger will also be brought before the FA following his scathing post-match comments about Mike Riley.

Glazer Rebuffed

Manchester United have ended talks with the US sports tycoon Macolm Glazer over a possible takeover of the club.



United said the offer "was not in the best interests of the company".

Chairman of the influential Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, Jules Spencer, added: "This is a welcome statement.

"If Glazer wishes to make a hostile bid, he will be against not only the supporters but the board as well."

The end of negotiations between Man Utd and the Glazer camp was rejoiced by fans, who have tirelessly campaigned against the takeover.

"This looks like the final nail in Malcolm Glazer's coffin because JP Morgan [Glazer's bankers] do not back hostile takeovers," said SU spokesman Oliver Houston.

"It is fantastic news and due in no small part to the campaign we have waged against him".

"The fans have led from the front and I hope the board will recognise that and give them some kind of payback".

"We have rallied to the cause to protect our club and we would like a meeting with the board ahead of the AGM on 12 November to discuss how we can go forward together".

"It's time for the board, the manager, the players and the fans all to be working in the same direction".

Nine Games Unbeaten

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney each struck to give Manchester United a vital win that ended Arsenal's 49 game unbeaten run.



Van Nistelrooy opened the scoring from the penalty spot following a controversial decision after Sol Campbell's challenge on Rooney.

Arsenal had chances of their own but were denied by excellent saves from United keeper Roy Caroll.

Rooney celebrated his 19th birthday by rounding off an excellent United move to make it 2:0.

Gabriel Heinze continued to shine for the Red Devils and proved again his £6.9m price tag but it was the stand in captain, Rio Ferdinand, who took centre stage.

Ferdinand's all round game was phenomenal and he easily deserved his man of the match award.

Arsene Wenger and his players were incensed by referee Mike Riley's handling of the game.

In the opening stages the Yorkshire man allowed the game to flow but as it progressed he was guilty of numerous high stake blunders.

Riley missed van Nistelrooy's knee high tackle on Ashley Cole, failed to award a penalty following Cole's tackle on Ronaldo and ignored a red card for Ferdinand's last ditch tangle with Freddie Ljunberg.

If Arsenal fans were upset at the first penalty decision they should turn their minds back to the penalty Robert Pires won against Portsmouth last season.

Manchester United's unbeaten run has now extended to nine Premiership games.

How To Beat Arsenal

Manchester United bid to end Arsenal’s 49 game unbeaten run in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated clash of the titans.



Roy Keane is struggling to shrug off a flu virus that kept him out of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Prague.

Vieira was expected to miss the game due to an ankle injury but he seems to have responded well to treatment and is expected to play.

Arsenal’s only injury other injury concerns lie with Giblerto Silva while United’s absentees include Quintin Fortune and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer

Victory for Manchester United would prove especially sweet as it would prevent Arsenal from extending their unbeaten run to 50 games.

When it comes to attacking free flowing football, Arsenal can beat anyone in the Premiership but if you are looking for a chink in their armour, I would say they do not like physical games.

On that basis, I expect Ferguson to pick a very strong side with Christiano Ronaldo possibly dropping to the bench. The United supremo will be expecting big things from players such as Keane, Heinze, Smith and Rooney

Wayne Rooney has terrorized Arsenal in the past, ending a 30 game unbeaten run when he was just 16. Could young Rooney be the Gunners thorn once again? I certainly hope so.

Probable line-up: Carol, Heinze, Sylvestre, Ferdinand, G Neville, Giggs, Keane, Scholes, Smith, Rooney, van Nistelrooy

Predicted Score: Manchester United 2 : 1 Arsenal (Arsenal score first)

Vieira Doubtful For United Clash

Patrick Vieira is doubtful for Sunday's mouth-watering tie with Manchester United.



The French international twisted his ankle in Saturday's win over Aston Villa and will struggle to be fit for the Old Trafford showdown.

"I think there's a big problem after the way I've seen him limping," admitted manager Arsene Wenger.

Heinze Boost

Gabriel Heinze has given Sir Alex Ferguson a welcome boost with his availablity to play in two additional Premiership games following a suspension he received while playing for Argentina this week.



The Argentine international is suspended for his country's next World Cup qualifying game against Venezuela, making him available for Manchester United's trip to Newcastle on 14th of November and the home tie with Charlton the following Saturday.

Neville Defends Giggs

Gary Neville has joined Sven-Goran Eriksson in admitting he wishes Ryan Giggs was English ahead of England's clash with Wales.



Although as a youth, Ryan Giggs played for England schoolboys nine times, captaining the side against the Welsh at Swansea, but there has never been any doubt about his nationality.

In fact, the only reason the Welshman ever played for England was because his school was in England.

"I don't think it was ever a case of him having to decide whether to play for England or Wales, as he never had that option," said Neville.

"His family are all Welsh and he's very passionate about playing for Wales."

"I wish he was English, Sven has said that as well. Then again, I wish Roy Keane was English too," added Neville.

United Fans Oppose Take-Over

Manchester United fans are organising shareholders and fans to fend off any bid for their club from US billionaire Malcolm Glazer.



Malcolm Glazer is believed to be the man behind an approach made to Manchester United's plc board to buy a majority sharehold of the club.

"We have got various plans going forward at the moment," Nick Towle, chairman of Shareholders United, told BBC News Online.

"Fans are aware of the dangers and pitfalls of the club falling into the hands of Mr Glazer or some other individual."

"Mr Glazer would have to take out a number of loans to achieve any takeover, which would turn United from a debt-free club into a debt-laden model."

Mr Towle insists Mr Glazer is gambling on a break-up of current television rights, with clubs earning more control and the possible formation of a European Super League.

"That could double the value of the club, and Mr Glazer is looking very clearly at the bottom line. However he does not care about football or this club," said Mr Towle.

Rooney: World Player Of The Year

Wayne Rooney has been shortlisted along with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Christiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs for FIFA's 'World Player of the Year' award.



The Manchester United quartet join Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Michael Owen among the 35 contenders.

United Not For Sale

Manchester United today confirmed that they have received a takeover approach from an undisclosed party.



"The company is seeking clarification of this proposal and at this stage it is unclear whether any offer will be made," the club said.

Speculation continues to mount that the bid is from US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

Dutch media mogul, John de Mol, the man responsible for the TV show Big Brother, was once believed to be a contender but his shares now lie in the hands of the Irishmen.

Other potential suitors are believed to include Scottish mining entrepreneur Harry Dobson, and Dermot Desmond, the Irish millionaire who owns part of Celtic football club.

Malcolm Glazer holds a 19.7% stake in Manchester United and is the second largest share holder behind Irishmen John Magnier and JP McManus who own a 28.9% controlling stake.

Malcolm Glazer transformed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from a mediocre team into one of American football’s most profitable clubs but he upset fans by raising ticket prices and threatening to move the club away from Tampa unless the city built the team a new stadium.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters Association has vowed to take whatever steps necessary to prevent the American tycoon from owning the club.

"If Mr Glazer wants a fight, we will give him one. We want to make it clear that he is not welcome or wanted as owner of Manchester United," said Association chairman Jules Spencer.

Ronaldo Must Learn

With every game he plays, Christiano Ronaldo continues to grow in stature but before he will be considered a great player he has to become less selfish.



Ronaldo may have stolen the lime light in recent weeks with his dazzling runs and intricate step-overs but he has a long way to go before he can be compared to Welsh wizard, Ryan Giggs

On Saturday Ronaldo terrorised the Middlebrough defenders with his mazey runs but his selfish greed often led to United's attacks breaking down.

Ryan Giggs on the other hand, ran his heart out for the full 90 minutes, twisting and turning, providing pin point crosses and tracking back to back possession.

Christiano Ronaldo has the best mentors in the business in Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs but he must listen to their advice and play more for the team.

Ronaldo is only 19 years old and is improving every week but until he improves his all-round game, he will stay nothing more than an exciting prospect.

Wes Brown Snubs United

England defender, Wes Brown, looks set to leave Manchester United after turning down the offer of a new contract.



The injury plagued 24-year-old will see his current contract expire in the summer and United would be forced to sell him at the earliest opportunity or risk losing him for nothing under the Bosman rule.

Ferguson told the Guardian newspaper: "We've made the boy an offer and he's turned it down. It's his decision.

"There are no more talks planned that I'm aware of. We'd like to avoid the situation where he leaves on a free."

Brown has recently changed switched agents and is now represented by SFX and it is thought that they have asked for a sizeable increase.

"He has changed his agent - I don't know why," said Ferguson.

"He's got an agent that has given him advice that I do not understand. I think the problem is with the agent, not the player."

Middlesbrough Prediction

Manchester United entertain Middlesbrough on Saturday in what is sure to be an exciting game.



Following his European debut, Wayne Rooney is expected to make his Premiership debut against a depleted Middlesbrough side.

Paul Scholes will be missing from the home side along with Wes Brown and Louis Saha but Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest dilemma will rest with Wayne Rooney.

Following his dramatic European exploits should he be in the starting XI or begin life on the bench?

Sir Alex Ferguson has the option of bringing Roy Keane and Christiano Ronaldo back in to the side that comprehensively beat Fenerbahce 6:2 in midweek.

With Rio Ferdinand back from suspension and Ruud van Nistelrooy back from injury, United are beginning to fire on all cylinders.

My prediction: Manchester United 3:1 Middlesbrough