Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Manchester United stayed within two points of Chelsea at the Barclays Premier League summit.


Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney saw Manchester United overcome Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

Berbatov made the breakthrough in the 55th minute and Rooney sewed the match up two minutes from time.

United should have extended the scoreline but substitute Gabriel Obertan missed two great chances on his league debut.

Man Utd target Adler at Anfield for Liverpool defeat

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler was in the stands at Anfield on Sunday to see Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The young Germany international has been linked with United as an eventual successor for Edwin van der Sar, who was between the posts for the Liverpool loss.

Leverkusen general manager Rudi Voller insisted that Adler's trip to the North West was purely coincidently and refused to reveal if his goalkeeper was heading to England.

"I am delighted to see players being so much involved with their job they travel long distances to witness other matches," he told the Rheinische Post.

"I am happy to see Rene being linked to big clubs right now, this is the best signal we have that we have a very good player on our hands and not so much wrong when setting up our squad."

News in Brief Manchester United

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Striker Michael Owen scored his third goal of the season in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley but remains bewildered by what some people expect of him. Owen found the target in the 59th minute of the 2-0 win with a clinical finish at Oakwell following a ball from Fabio. Danny Welbeck had earlier put United in the driving seat after five minutes when he headed home a corner from Anderson. "A start and a goal, you can't ask for more than that. It is how people judge me unfortunately," said Owen. "I started a game against Bolton and was pretty pleased and thought I played pretty well. Then I looked at the papers and was given a three or four. But in this game I played pretty average and scored a goal and I'll probably get seven out of 10. I think I deserved a five in this game and seven or eight from the Bolton game."

Man Utd No2 Phelan: We can't dwell on Liverpool defeat

Manchester United No2 Mike Phelan says they won't dwell on yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.

United were undone by a Fernando Torres-inspired Liverpool, but Phelan insists there's no point in focusing too much on what happened.

He told BBC Sport: “We didn’t really get into out stride today. It was a disappointing result. We’re disappointed for the supporters and the team’s disappointed in that we didn’t really put up the best performance we could have done.

“We will probably look at it again and again and again and talk to the players about it but we have to move on. Another game comes around pretty quickly so we’ll put this one to bed, we’ll analyse it and move on to the next game.”

On the tightness of the league this year, he added: “We’re just part of many teams that can achieve something this year. We know that we have to win as many games as we possibly can and it just makes the league a little bit more interesting.

"There’s a lot more teams now (who) will have a case to push on. I think we’ve done that with Liverpool. We’ve given them a little bit more belief than possibly we should have done but that’s the nature of the game.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson risks more controversy after questioning ref in Liverpool defeat

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson questioned the experience of ref Andre Marriner after defeat at Liverpool.

Ferguson is already facing disciplinary action for his 'unfit' attack on Alan Wiley after his side's draw against Sunderland three weeks ago, but it did not stop him turning his anger on Marriner after a 2-0 win for Liverpool at Anfield.

Seething at key decisions that went against United, when Michael Carrick was denied a penalty and Jamie Carragher escaped with a yellow card for hauling down Michael Owen on the edge of the area, Ferguson said: "It is a very difficult atmosphere here. There was a wounded animal aspect to the game, and it was something we didn't overcome. I think it affected our players, and it affected the referee.

"This sort of atmosphere is hard to handle for a referee. Whether he had enough experience or not, I don't know, but he will certainly learn from it.

"We lost out to one or two major decisions. It was a clear penalty kick, when Carragher went right over the top of the ball on Carrick. The referee was only six yards from it, and it was a bad decision.

"But the one everyone will be talking about was when Carragher brought Owen down on the edge of the box. The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature. Carragher is their best player and captain, and if he goes, it is a different game.

"The referee was only four or five yards from that one, so he can't use a covering defender as an excuse. Michael was clean through and, with his pace, he is going to get away from him.

"Their fans were fanatical, and they put the referee under pressure all the time. With every decision, it was the same."

He added: "Liverpool were the better team and deserved to win, but there were so many controversial things that happened, we have to feel aggrieved at some of them."

Man Utd's Neville: Rooney influence as great as Keane

Manchester United captain Gary Neville says Wayne Rooney is as big influence on the club as legend Roy Keane.

Rooney is battling to be fit for Sunday's clash at Liverpool and Neville said: "Sir Alex said Wayne could easily be one of the best players in the world.

"Personally, I wouldn't swap him for anybody - he has such a big influence on our team. Sometimes the world's best player accolades go to people who are the most eye-catching and skilful.

"Rooney obviously has great skill but he also has incredible team qualities - his workrate, his defending and his goalscoring abilities all stand out.

"He's simply a fantastic all-round player."

Neville compares Rooney's influence on United to that of former captain Roy Keane.

He added: "Wayne's very important, he's infectious and sets the tone.

"Obviously we have a few people who do that but he has a fantastic desire that transmits itself to the rest of the team. In some ways, you see a little bit of Roy Keane's character in Rooney and the way he plays.

"There are always areas in which players can improve - even players who are over 35 will say they can improve. So certainly Rooney in his early 20s is someone who will get better with experience - and that is great for United fans."

Man Utd skipper Neville: I do respect Liverpool

Manchester United captain Gary Neville expects a white-hot atmosphere at Liverpool on Sunday.

Neville can once more expect plenty of stick when he runs out at Anfield. It has been like that for some time.

He said: "I don't get a great reception at Anfield I must say - I'm not their favourite son. No United players get a good reception at Anfield but it's the same for their players at our ground and it is to be expected.

"I've never said I don't respect Liverpool. You have to respect a team that has been as successful as they have and has the history and tradition they have.

"But I'm a United fan and the rivalry is well documented. United fans want United to win and Liverpool to lose - and it's the same the other way."

Despite the stick, Neville still relishes these encounters. He added: "The atmosphere in Liverpool-United games is great - if you're winning!

"Obviously, the atmosphere at Anfield is great and it's the same when they come to Old Trafford. There are a variety of reasons why this fixture is so important - the cities are very close yet have different cultures.

"Both clubs have enjoyed great periods at different times in the past 40 years and now we're level on the number of championships won.

"It's always been a really great game to play in. We never want to lose but it's the same for both teams.

"Liverpool has been the biggest game of the season for a long time, going back 30 years or more, and our rivalry with Liverpool is bigger than it is with Manchester City."

Man Utd's Vidic: Valencia froze under Ronaldo pressure

Nemanja Vidic has revealed how new Manchester United teammate Antonio Valencia struggled to cope at the start of the season with the pressure of succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the Serbia defender believes Valencia is now showing his true worth after hitting two goals in two games for the Barclays Premier League champions.

Vidic said: "At the beginning of the season, Antonio had some difficulties because he was bought to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The media paid special attention and were watching his every move, and the pressure paralysed him a little.

"He is a real artist, gradually gaining confidence and playing better and better with each match. Scoring will help him even more."

Man Utd's Ferdinand likens Valencia to Scholes

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has likened Antonio Valencia to Paul Scholes.

Valencia proved the matchwinner at CSKA Moscow last night and Ferdinand told MUTV: "I think Antonio Valencia is in the Paul Scholes mould, in the way that he approaches the game.

"He's a very humble lad. He comes in and does his work and then goes home. He's most comfortable out on the football pitch. He's been very impressive so far and I'm sure he'll keep improving.

"He's scoring goals now as well, which is great."

Liverpool boss Benitez: I would never coach Man Utd!

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has laughed off the prospect of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Benitez, discussing his future with El Mundo Deportivo, was asked if he could ever see himself managing United.

"No way," replied Benitez. "I coach Liverpool, I'm a 'Red', I'm from Liverpool. The chance of joining United has never entered my mind. Never."

On the prospect of returning to Spain, Benitez added: "I am very happy at Liverpool and my family is settled. But it goes through our heads that the cycle will end soon, in football you know everything is decided by the results."

Man Utd watching Bastia youngster Sony Mustivar

Manchester United are watching SC Bastia youngster Sony Mustivar.

The 19 year-old is inside the final year of his contract and France Football he is being tracked by United.

Mustivar, 19, is a France youth international and has been a regular with Ligue 2 Bastia this season.

Man Utd's Rooney rates Man City on par with Arsenal

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits Manchester City's spending power makes them a genuine title challenger.

While many at Old Trafford have wrote-off City, Rooney told the Daily Star Sunday: "Manchester City have started the season really well, they have bought some really good players. I can’t see a reason why they won’t be challenging along with Arsenal.

“The financial resources which City have at their disposal give them a really good chance. They have a chance to be up there in the top five.”

Man Utd not getting carried away being top - Evans

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans insists no-one is celebrating at the club after going top yesterday.

Victory over Bolton and defeat at Aston Villa for Chelsea saw United leapfrog their nearest rivals to again takeover at the top of the table.

But Evans told MUTV: "It's a good day for us.

"But we were watching the Chelsea game in the changing room before the game and we know it's going to be quite an up-and-down season. A lot of teams in the Premier League are improving all the time and they're getting closer and closer to the top. It's making it a really exciting league."

Man Utd boss Ferguson on verge of losing rag over defending

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will read the riot act to his defenders after another sloppy goal conceded in victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Ferguson admits he's losing patience with the manner of the goals they're conceding this season.

"I think in past years we've had runs of games without losing goals, which have been important in terms of winning the championship," he said. "We have to get back to that.

"Today's was a slack goal to lose; a soft header from the back post. We shouldn't be losing goals like that, but Bolton are a handful and you have to give them credit.

"I can't analyse the goal today in the same context as the Manchester City game, which were complete errors, or the second goal against Sunderland. These are bad errors."

Ferguson: Man Utd's Owen can make World Cup squad

Although Ferguson believes Capello knows almost all of the men he wants alongside him in the battle for the world's biggest prize, the United chief insists Owen could still make it.

"There may be two or three places up for grabs," observed Ferguson. "Fabio maybe will have a number up to 25 in his mind. He will then have to eliminate from that to make 23.

"Michael Owen has a good chance because he is a striker and England don't have a tremendous number of them. The form of Carlton Cole will have encouraged him and Peter Crouch's goals don't do him any harm.

"Along with Wayne Rooney I think those three will go to South Africa, then it is a fight for one more."

He added: "Michael has to play more games.

"Maybe we shouldn't have played him against Wolfsburg. He felt his groin two days before, so we should have left it alone.

"He did train three days later but we know that part now and we wouldn't do it again."

Man Utd boss Ferguson can't believe criticism of Bolton's Megson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson can't believe the criticism Bolton counterpart Gary Megson has received.

Although a close friend of Sam Allardyce, who left such an imprint on Bolton, Ferguson knows what a big job Megson took on when he succeeded Sammy Lee - and he just cannot understand why the Bolton faithful keep giving him so much stick.

"Gary Megson has had criticism, which beggars belief," said Ferguson.

"Bolton are a better team than people give them credit for.

"They have always been a determined side. But when Sam was there he elevated them to a higher level. When he left, he was a big man to replace.

"But Megson has kept them up. They are physical and determined - and they never give in."

Man Utd, Man City head-to-head for Maicon

Manchester United and Manchester City are ready to go head-to-head for Inter Milan fullback Douglas Maicon.

The Manchester Evening News says Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes are monitoring the Inter Milan right back, who is also interesting Barcelona.

The fierce rivals have already locked horns over Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez in the last two seasons, while the rivalry between the two clubs has heightened further this season with the Blues' cheeky poster welcoming the Argentina striker to Manchester and United's last-gasp derby victory.

And now they are set to go head-to-head again in the January transfer window.

Maicon would cost around £20m, which would be no problem for either of the Manchester clubs.

Man Utd coach Joyce hails Obertan debut

Manchester United reserves assistant manager Warren Joyce was pleased with Gabriel Obertan's debut this week.

Obertan had 45 minutes in the Manchester Senior Cup victory over Oldham and Joyce told manutd.com: "Obertan, some of the quality touches and his movement were excellent, and his fitness levels looked really good as well.

"I think (physio) John Davin's shown him one or two tricks during his rehab! Some of his touches were excellent.

"He was inventive, he received it well and his movement off the ball was good as well, so he can be very pleased.

"He's been desperate to get that 45 minutes under his belt, he's been desperate to do even more training than he's done."

Agent expects Man Utd, Real Madrid to try again for Jovetic

The agent of Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic expects Manchester United and Real Madrid to try again for the player.

Since his brace against Liverpool, Jovetic has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs.

“Manchester United and Real Madrid wanted him before Fiorentina signed him. I won't exclude the possibility that these two teams could return for Jovetic in the future,” Vlado Borozan told fiorentinanews.it.

“However, his price is now £25m. He is worth more of less the same as [Wolfsburg striker] Edin Dzeko."

Man Utd targets Rui Patricio, Hulk boast new buyout clauses

Sporting Lisbon are among Portuguese clubs to include new buyout clauses in their stars players' contracts.

Futebol Finance says Manchester United target Rui Patricio, the Sporting goalkeeper, is one such player. Sporting recently inserted a £16 million buyout clause in his deal.

Another player to have been linked with United, Porto centre-forward Hulk, can be signed for a staggering €100 million.

Obertan preparing for much-anticipated Man Utd debut tonight

Gabriel Obertan is set to make his debut for Manchester United tonight.

Obertan was snapped up from Bordeaux in the summer by Sir Alex Ferguson, who had been attracted by the player's potential and received positive reports from the player's club boss, former United defender Laurent Blanc.

The Frenchman's career has stalled in recent times due to injury and almost as soon as Obertan had completed his £3million move to the Old Trafford outfit, Ferguson revealed he would be sidelined for a matter of months after developing spinal problems.

However, the player is now ready for action and will make his bow in a Manchester Senior Cup tie against Oldham this evening.

Also included is Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.

Agent reveals Man Utd want Wolfsburg's Dzeko

Italian agent Silvano Martina has revealed Manchester United are chasing Wolfsburg ace Edin Dzeko.

Martina is close to the Dzeko family and told Tuttosport: "Dzeko is like a golden child. He transforms himself on the pitch. He has world class qualities and the hunger of a real striker.

"It's not a secret that he is aiming for a big club. An Italian side would be good for him, but I think there is something with Manchester United.

"Could he play for Juventus? Absolutely, but I didn't speak with him or his father about that."

Chelsea join Man Utd interest for Vasco da Gama starlet Alex

Brazilian teenager Alex Teixeira Santos is being watched by Chelsea and Manchester United.

The News of the World says the Vasco da Gama midfielder is considered the star of the team and is valued at around £8million. He could even make the full squad in South Africa next summer.

Teixeira, 19, scored twice in the second round against Uruguay and is noted for his pace, creativity and dribbling.

At the end of last season the Brazilian club said they didn't want to sell the player for another two years.

They now have serious financial problems and a deal could even be possible in January.

"I am aware that some English clubs are enjoying my work,'' said Teixeira.

"My dream is to play in Europe and I am convinced that this will soon be a reality.''

Apology not enough as refs seek action against Man Utd's Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may still be charged by the FA over comments made about ref Alan Wiley.


The Mail on Sunday says Ferguson yesterday interrupted a holiday in New York to apologise to Wiley, whom he branded as not fit enough to referee a Premier League game, following last Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

However, Alan Leighton, the head of the union which represents referees, insisted that Ferguson's surprise move had only made things worse and the Football Association should still punish him severely.

Leighton, national secretary of Prospect, the professionals' union which represents referees, said: "If anything, what Sir Alex Ferguson has said makes things worse. The FA should charge him and take serious action against him.

"He's apologised for causing embarrassment to Alan Wiley, but not for calling him an unfit referee. In addition he has extrapolated it to being an issue about referees in general in England being unfit.

"I think he's bringing the game into disrepute. The FA's own disciplinary rules talk about four types of offence in public comments. 'The implication of bias does not apply, but by questioning Alan Wiley's fitness he has questioned the integrity of another participant. The rules also say personally offensive comments should be avoided.

"And to suggest that we've got unfit referees in general is to the detriment of the game as a whole because it damages the confidence of fans, players and everyone else involved in the game."

Le Havre insist Pogba battle still on with Man Utd

Le Havre refuse to accept Manchester United's signing of Paul Pogba.

Both FIFA and United announced the French teenager's transfer this week, but Le Havre insist the move has not bee rubberstamped.

A Le Havre statement read: "As opposed to what Manchester United specifies on its official site, FIFA did not validate the transfer of Paul Pogba but has, like it systematically does in this type of case, issued a provisional international certificate.

"The decision of the international authority is a non event and normal procedure. This procedure has been the same for the previous cases of Charles N'Zogbia, Laure Lepilleur and Gael Kakuta and we know today the result of each one of these cases.

"Like FIFA specifies in its decision, the delivery of the provisional international certificate does not prejudge anything resulting from the case file."

However, the provision of the certificate means Pogba is able to join the United Under 18 side for the time being.

Man Utd's Ferdinand accepts fitness demands of Capello

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand accepts England coach Fabio Capello's requirements for next year's World Cup squad.

The Italian will insist on the squad being 100 per cent focused on trying to lift football's major prize for the first time in 44 years.

Ferdinand said: "It's only right for him not to take players if they are injured. If we want to win, we need everyone firing and going on all cylinders. This manager is very black and white in his thinking. Either you are fit or you are not.

"Too many times in the past we've been umming and ahhing on too many players in previous tournaments. This manager doesn't work like that. He doesn't take anything for granted or chance.

"If he feels someone is going to have a positive effect on the team, then they'll be on the plane. If you're carrying an injury, I very much doubt you'll get on the plane.

"That is the big difference with this manager. He wouldn't allow a distraction.

"There have been distractions over the last few World Cups, whether they've been injuries or loads of other things.

"This manager will try and keep things as football orientated as possible."

Man Utd run rule over Port Vale youngster

Teenage Port Vale goalkeeper Daniel Lloyd-Weston will join Manchester United on trial this week.

The 18-year-old has been handed a two-game test with the Red Devil's academy.

Lloyd-Weston will be hoping to impress during his brief trial spell with Sir Alex Ferguson's youth stars.

He is expected to line-up for United in the Academy League and the Manchester Senior Cup in the coming weeks.

Cole: Sheringham rift began before Man Utd

Manchester United legend Andy Cole admits his rift with former teammate Teddy Sheringham began well before they worked together at Old Trafford.

In an extract from Glory, Glory, a book written by Andy Mitten about United in the 1990s, Cole said of Sheringham: “Our problems started when I made my England debut.

“I replaced Teddy. I was making my debut. Maybe I was naive, but I think he should have wished me all the best.

“I was nervous, as anyone would be.

“Instead, he walked straight past me and blanked me. It's not like I told Terry Venables to take Teddy off.

“So I was devastated when Teddy Sheringham signed for United because I couldn't stand him.

“We played a friendly in Milan in 1997, just after he'd signed. He said something on the pitch. I didn't like it. 'I'm only trying to help you,' he said. 'I don't need your help,' I replied.”

Man Utd's Hargreaves: I can see light at end of tunnel

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves can see light at the end of the tunnel after returning to training this week.

The England international played his last match for the Red Devils in September 2008 and has since had two knee operations.

"It is difficult to say an exact date but I do feel I can see light at the end of the tunnel now," the 28-year-old told the Manchester Evening News.

"Coming back to Manchester was a big step. Having people from United around me also makes me realise I am getting closer.

"I am coming back to have a massive effect and to play well and for us to win titles.

"It is not about getting back for one game or for one day, I want to come back and be back for another six or eight years.

"I have thought about playing again a lot. It is human nature to have doubts obviously.

"I had little moments but I never had one moment of major doubt that I'd be back."

Man Utd scout Roma starlets Caprari, Piscitella

Manchester United's Italian scout David Williams continues to be active in the local market.

Williams was spotted at Roma's Allievi Nazionale clash with Empoli, with the game finishing at 1-1.

United have already raided Empoli for teenage fullback Alberto Massacci, but it was two Roma starlets who Williams was checking this weekend.

Wide players Gianluca Caprari and Giammario Piscitella are both targets for United as Williams monitors their progress this month.

Man Utd get close look at Peterborough keeper pair

Manchester United are taking a close look at Peterborough United goalkeepers Joe Lewis and James McKeown this week.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson is keen for the pair to continue receiving specialist coaching while he searches for a replacement for his former goalkeeping coach Andy Dibble. They will receive expert tuition from United's Eric Steele, a star of the Posh team that won the Fourth Division Championship in the 1973-74 season.

Ferguson told Peterborough Today: "Three coaches were highly recommended to me and I spoke to them all yesterday. They are all strong candidates for a very important position.

"Joe and James will spend the week at United and come back to us next Monday to start preparing for the Bristol City match.

"It means Kevin Russell and I can concentrate on the outfield players."

Man City's Adebayor: We'd have beaten Man Utd if I'd been playing

Manchester City ace Emmanuel Adebayor was gutted to miss their derby defeat at Manchester United.

Adebayor, who missed the Manchester derby because of a three-match ban imposed for a stamp on Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, said: "No way did United deserve to beat us. I am sure I would have scored had I been on the pitch."

The Togo ace also told the People: "I had a bad afternoon against Manchester United because I am sure that if I had played that day then I would have scored a goal.

"It was a shame that we lost in added time. United did not deserve to win - a fair result would have been a draw."

Man Utd's O'Shea: Rooney has found selfish streak

Manchester United defender John O'Shea says Wayne Rooney has taken his game to a new level because he's discovered a selfish streak.

Rooney, 23, has responded with six league goals for the Red Devils plus nine in eight World Cup qualifiers as the Three Lions' booked their place in South Africa.

O'Shea said: "You know you are guaranteed the effort but we have wanted him to be more selfish when he gets the chance.

"He really is world class and strikes fear into defenders because they know his attitude and his desire. It makes us glad he's on our side."

Man Utd deserved to lose

Patrice Evra admits Manchester United were poor for their 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

United needed Evra's deflected shot to rescue a point at Old Trafford and the Frenchman said: “It was a big disappointment because it was a poor display.

“We are very disappointed about the way we played. It was a bad game. We drew, and one point is a bonus. We are pleased to get a point, but I don’t even know if we deserved it.

“We are very frustrated because it looked like we didn’t have any energy or power. It was a bad game for us. You have to say Sunderland played very well. We just didn’t look sharp. Our game was slow, we lost a lot of challenges and in the first half we were very poor.”

Such was Evra’s disappointment, he isn’t even claiming the goal that rescued a point for United.

He told manutd.com: “I just tried to strike it towards goal and it came off Anton Ferdinand. It was a good goal for us, but it’s an own goal. Next time I’ll make sure I score a proper goal!”

Rooney to put birth of first child ahead of Man Utd

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he will put the impending birth of his first child ahead of the club.

Rooney’s wife Coleen is due in late October, just when the Red Devils are set to tackle Liverpool at Anfield but said he would be prepared to miss that match as well as the Champions League fixture in Moscow four days earlier.

"The baby's due the day we play Liverpool," said Rooney. "If Coleen goes in to have it before then, then I won't go to Moscow because I want to be there at the birth.

"If anything happens around that time then I'm sure I'll stay back. But if everything goes to plan then I'll be playing because that's my job and what I'm paid to do.

"I haven't spoken to the manager about it yet, but I want to be there for the birth of my child."

Goal hero ! Michael Carrick was upset for Michael Owen.

Manchester United goal hero Michael Carrick was upset for Michael Owen after he broke down in yesterday's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.

“It's not ideal for Michael but hopefully he won't be out for long and he'll be back scoring goals sooner rather than later,” said Carrick, whose team have now won eight matches in a row in all competitions after their defeat by Burnley in August.

“He's had some bad luck and it's not easy for him but I'm sure he'll be back playing well.”

United too reliant on Giggs.

Ryan Giggs showed his enduring quality at the weekend with a match-winning substitute appearance for Manchester United against Stoke, but United's reliance on him is a little worrying.

Giggsy came off the bench to set up both goals in a 2-0 win, and he - along with Wayne Rooney - is one of the few truly creative players they have left after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

The ball he squared for Dimitar Berbatov was simple but exactly the sort of incisive play United had been lacking; you could see how much Berbatov appreciated it because he went straight over to Giggsy after scoring.

He is such an intelligent player he has been able to adapt his play over the years to account for his loss of pace. When I played with him early in his career, he was the kind of player who you could knock balls over the top for and he would chase anything.

But while everyone marvelled at his pace and dribbling ability, he was always very clever. He is extremely sharp both on and off the pitch; you need to be careful when you are talking to him, because he will pick up on every little detail in a conversation.

He has been a great professional, and he knows how to get the best out of his body. He also learned early in his career how to keep a low profile. It is not that he never goes out and socialises, but he knows how to do it without thousands of flashbulbs going off in his face.

It is great for United that they can still call on a player of his ability, but also worrying because he is nearly 36 and does not have too many miles left in the tank. Sir Alex has rationed his performances in recent years, and on Saturday he managed to make a decisive contribution in a little over half an hour.

For United fans, it is a concern that they do not have another wide player even 50 per cent as effective as Giggsy has been for nearly 20 years.

Nani was very poor against Stoke. When you come up against a side like Stoke who get bodies behind the ball, you want somebody with a cutting edge but Nani proved completely ineffective. He is very hit and miss, and when he is not performing, he can be pretty awful.

Likewise Antonio Valencia didn't really do it. He will be given time to prove himself following his summer move from Wigan, and at least he has the weapon of extreme pace, but he doesn't really have a trick to beat a player.

As a defender, if you stand him up you know you can keep him quiet because he is unlikely to beat you with skill - you don't always need to take the ball off him. When you compare the wingers of today with those I played with, like Lee Sharpe and Andrei Kanchelskis, the modern generation have maybe sacrificed some skill in favour of pace and it doesn't always pay off.