Ferguson insists Rooney will fill Ronaldo's boots

Sir Alex Ferguson will hand Wayne Rooney a centre forward role this season after backing him to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of Manchester United's goalscoring charts.

Rooney has been deployed in a variety of roles in recent years, with the England international often shifted out wide or into a deeper position.

But with Ronaldo having moved to Real Madrid, Ferguson needs to find another regular source of goals and he believes Rooney will relish the challenge.

The United boss said: "I don't think the responsibility of getting more goals will affect Wayne at all.

"He's got the mental strength for all that kind of thing. He's proved that time and time again.

"He will be used as a central striker this season. He goes on these bursts of goals.

"Last season I think he hit seven in a row at one point - but if he can do that more consistently over the season, he will get to 25 and above.

"But Wayne is a totally different type of player to Ronaldo.

"I don't think you can compare them, they are such different types."

Ferguson Braces Fans For Man United's 'New Berbatov'

Sir Alex has warned other teams about his new and improved Bulgarian hitman.

As Sir Alex Ferguson begins to embrace the prospect of winning a very unique fourth Premier League title in a row, the boss has claimed that the public should ready themselves for a more confident Dimitar Berbatov.




Having shrewdly snapped up Michael Owen on a free transfer during the summer window, Fergie faces the task of picking a striking pair out of a possible three: Berbatov, Owen and, of course, Wayne Rooney.




With Rooney being continually tipped as the gaffer's top pick and Owen playing exceedingly well during United's pre-season friendlies, Sir Alex is aware that he must be careful with his squad rotation so as to get the best out of Berbatov, who has been struggling for confidence since his move to the club from Tottenham Hotspur last year.




"I've never met a player who has not been affected by a lack of confidence at times, even Eric Cantona," The Daily Mail quote Ferguson as saying.




"Strikers are the worst. They feel that only scoring goals counts for them because that is what they are judged on.




"But we were a bit unfair to [Berbatov] last season because we asked him to play too deep. We thought that suited him because of how he played at Spurs, but we were wrong.




"We realize now he is at his best in the final third of the pitch, where he's a real threat. We know how to use him this season and he won't change from that.

Report: Hargreaves In Munich To Save Manchester United Career

The midfield crock is back in Germany as he attempts to find a cure for his crippling injury problems.

Owen Hargreaves is undergoing specialist treatment in Munich as doubt grows over his long-term future at Manchester United, the News of the World claims.



It was reported recently that the England midfielder had flown to the United States to recuperate under the guidance of Dr. Richard Steadman, the world-renowned knee surgeon.




Hargreaves has been out of action since going under the knife for a tendinitis problem last year, an operation that was later followed up by a similar prodecure on his other knee.




Sir Alex Ferguson had said that the player could return this September at a "conservative estimate", but it now looks likely that the Canadian-born star will remained sidelined until
Christmas.




In Germany, Hargreaves has sought the advice of Dr. Hans Muller-Wolfahrt, who has ruled out the possibility of the former Bayern Munich man returning to the field this year.




Interestingly, it is claimed that the nature of the 28-year-old's injury is almost identical to that of Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis champion, as both athletes put extra strain on their knees by moving in short sprints from stationary positions.




There is real concern now that Hargreaves may never recover fully and will be forced into an early retirement. Although Ferguson has declared that he will be patient, many believe that one more setback will spell the end of the player's stay at Old Trafford.

John Terry : Its time for blues.....

'JT' can't stand seeing the Red Devils rake in the honours while the Blues go without.

As Chelsea and Manchester United prepare to square off in the 2009 Community Shield, there is one man who would love nothing better than to get one over Sir Alex Ferguson's men.




"I'm fed up with seeing United win trophies," said John Terry, according to the News of the World.




"It's killed me personally as I'm ambitious. I want to push on as a player and win so many more things for Chelsea."




With the men from Old Trafford edging Liverpool last season to claim their third straight Premier League crown, the Blues of west London are yet to add to their tally since winning back-to-back titles under Jose Mourinho.





And although he is eager to make amends for his infamous slip in Moscow in May 2008, Terry stressed that bringing domestic success back to Stamford Bridge was top priority.




He said, "I want to win the Champions League. I swear to God, I'm desperate to win it. But I'm desperate to get the title back. Going three years without the Prem isn't where we want to be."




Having resisted the advances of Manchester City this summer, Terry will lead Chelsea out on Sunday afternoon as the FA Cup winners take on the league champions at Wembley.




And while he knows that the traditional curtain-raiser is not exactly a win-at-all-costs affair, the England captain is nevertheless hoping to kick off the season with a big win.




He added, "We've got the Community Shield, which will be great to win. OK, it's not the be all and end all, but it would be so nice to beat Manchester United."

Mourinho eyes up United job when Sir Alex quits

Jose Mourinho has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Sir Alex Ferguson when he finally leaves Old Trafford.

The Inter Milan boss says he would jump at the chance to fill the Red Devils' hot seat when 67-year-old Ferguson calls time on his glittering managerial career.

After 23 years at United, Ferguson shows no signs of slowing down, but Mourinho says he would love the chance to continue his love affair with English football, if United chief executive David Gill and the board decided he was the right man to take over.

"I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson,'' he told the Daily Mirror. "If they do, then of course.

"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere.''

The Portuguese coach isn't lacking in confidence and believes he has the right credentials to take one of the most high-profile jobs in world football.

And he took the opportunity to point to his success with Inter Milan, who retained their Serie A title this year, as a contrast to Chelsea's failure to recapture the Premier League title since his departure in 2007.

"I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce,'' he said. "It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone.

"Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don't.''

Valencia to face Boca

Sir Alex isn’t in the habit of announcing his team too far in advance, but the United boss has confirmed Antonio Valencia will start against Boca Juniors in Munich on Wednesday.




The Ecuadorian winger will pull on a Reds shirt for the first time when United kick off the two-day Audi Cup competition against the Argentinean giants.




“Valencia didn’t join us in the Far East because he was behind the rest of the squad in terms of his fitness,” Sir Alex said.




“He’s been back at Carrington doing his endurance and speed work, catching up with everyone else.”




And although it’s unrealistic to expect Valencia to step straight into Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoes, the United manager is confident he’s found a player who will go from strength to strength.




“We lost Ronaldo in the summer and he’s someone who gave us 26 goals last season. It’s going to be hard to replace him and we hope we can find an answer to that.




“We’ve signed Valencia, who has a lot of potential – he’s young, very athletic and possesses good power. At 23 years of age I think he can develop at our club.”

Anderson: Manchester United Want To Get Owen Back To His Best

Michael Owen is the "pride of the country", according to stocky midfielder Anderson.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson advocates the free acquisition of diminutive goal poacher Michael Owen, and today declared that one of the club's primary intentions is to ensure the former Real Madrid and Liverpool striker returns to his exemplary best.

The burgeoning Brazilian explained to the club's official website, “I am certain that he will help us a lot. He is a player who has played a big part in the history of English football.




“I hope he has more success in Manchester and helps us repeat the excellent season that we had last year.




“Owen is more than just an athlete, he is the pride of the country. Our intention at United is to help him get back to his best.




“We want to have the player who enchanted the world at the beginning of his career.”





It is believed that Owen has taken a drastic pay-cut in order to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson, but partnering Wayne Rooney in attack could help the ageing forward play his way into contention for Fabio Capello's next England squad. The Italian manager has always maintained that the door is open for an Owen return.