Birmingham's Lee Bowyer should have been sent off, says Alex Ferguson

The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the Birmingham City goalscorer Lee Bowyer should have been sent off for his first-half challenge on Darron Gibson during the 1-1 draw at St Andrew's. Bowyer received a yellow card from the referee Lee Mason after a late lunge at Gibson, who was starting his first Premier League game since April. Ferguson felt Bowyer, who is 34 next week, should have been given a red card and he took advantage of staying on the pitch by scoring a last-gasp equaliser.

The United manager said: "The Bowyer tackle in the first half, I thought it was a red card. He's gone over the top of the ball. Bowyer has been given a yellow card so nothing can be done about it [retrospectively]. But it's a dangerous tackle.

Ferguson's sense of injustice would have been increased when replays suggested the Blues striker Nikola Zigic was guilty of handball and committing a foul in the build-up to Bowyer's goal, which earned a point for the Midlands side.

But United head into the new year top of the table. They have lost only two league matches during 2010 and remain unbeaten in the top flight this campaign. Ferguson said: "I always say if we get to that top position on New Year's Day, then we've always got a great chance. There's five or six teams who are all contesting that area towards the top of the league."

With Wayne Rooney still without a club goal from open play in nine months, Ferguson will be relieved Dimitar Berbatov continues to sparkle. His 15th goal of the campaign at St Andrew's means he has already passed his totals of 12 and 14 for his previous two campaigns at Old Trafford. Ferguson said: "Dimitar is in great form and it is good to see that. His confidence is high too – and that is important."

Ferguson will hope that Arsenal find it as difficult as the other leading teams when they visit Birmingham on Saturday. Alex McLeish's side have already beaten Chelsea and drawn with Tottenham at home this season in addition to gaining the point against United, which moved them out of the bottom three.

Ferguson said: "Maybe it will be seen as a good point in the long run. Absolutely. Birmingham is a very difficult place to come to. You see their home record in terms of goals against them. Very few teams score goals at Birmingham. That has been going on since Alex [McLeish] came here as a manager. They set their stall out very well."

McLeish was full of praise for the resilience shown by his team and their never-say-die attitude surfaced once again in thwarting United. But the former Scotland manager is aware of the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to climb away from the relegation zone.

He said: "Why are we near the bottom? We haven't scored enough goals. That is the bottom line. We've not been battered in any game this season and the players can be proud of that.

"I heard David Moyes talking the other day about the reason Everton are in their position they are because they haven't scored enough goals. We haven't done that either. The thing which has let us down is we've not scored enough goals. It will take us up the table if we score the chances we create."

McLeish believes United and Arsenal are the favourites to win the title. He said: "I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be United. Chelsea are still a wee bit away now. United and Arsenal are favourites now but we say that at different stages of the season and then a couple of results go against you and it changes.

"It has been such a topsy-turvy season. It has been a strange one, teams in the lower half beating the top teams. Even the top teams have been a little inconsistent but United's recent form has been great."

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Don’t worry Manchester United, no other big guns beat Birmingham City at home either

Forget Anfield, Eastlands or Stamford Bridge, Birmingham City's St Andrew's is the true Premier League fortress. Unbeaten by a big six side at home for 18 months, Alex McLeish's men held on to the record on Tuesday night thanks to a controversial 89th-minute strike that had Rio Ferdinand calling foul and Edwin van der Sar offside.

Lee Bowyer's intervention at the back post not only brought the Blues' support to their feet but injected new life into the title fight. Although United return to pole position, the fallibility of the early months of the campaign made a welcome return in the eyes of the chasing pack. Before Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur get too excited, however, they should all look at their own recent history in the second city.

While Carlo Ancelotti's charges are the only heavyweight to fall to defeat, critical points have been dropped by all. The Gunners' faltering challenge fell apart thanks to a Manuel Almunia gaffe in March, while then City boss Mark Hughes' fatal run of stalemates included one at the ground.

Arsenal are next in the firing line on New Year's Day, with City to follow on February 1.

Since promotion back to the top flight in time for the start of last season, Alex McLeish has imbued his team with a desire unable to be stamped out by the big guns.

Certainly, St Andrew's imposing - and decaying - exterior is a culture shock to the visiting superstars spoiled by the exclusive facilities on offer at the likes of Old Trafford. Its location within a tough Birmingham neighbourhood must also unsettle the nerves.

Pin-ups such as Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney play within sedate 60,000-plus crowds at the Emirates and Old Trafford. No such timidity is present at St Andrew's.

The 30,009 baying Brummies create a tinderbox atmosphere hard to match in the division. While this can certainly - and unforgiveably - step over the mark, such as the ugly scenes in the recent derby with Aston Villa, big egos from visiting stars can be shrunk to size with a choice chant.

A tussle between Anderson and Barry Ferguson was greeted enthusiastically in the terraces. Wayne Rooney's repeated efforts to find the back of the net were met with a humour likely to further rile the Scouse firebrand.

This further ensures that McLeish's watertight tactics are given the backing they deserve. From every towering header from Roger Johnson, to each snapping tackle from Ferguson and a round of applause for each run down the channel from shot-shy striker Cameron Jerome, the pressure on the chalk board is carried through by the fans.

The Scot himself took the chance to bemoan the lack of goals from his side in his post-match press conference. While this slackness was an Achilles heel during the recent defeat to lesser lights Wolverhampton Wanderers, a rigid 4-5-1 against potential champions acheived the desired effect. Even attacking outlets Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson put in a shift for the team. Anyone who shirks responsibility, no matter reputation, will get an earful.

This was exemplified by Gardner's attack on Alexander Hleb after the mercurial summer signing failed to track back once he was thrown in to the action as a substitute. Never mind that the Belarus international can point to spells at Arsenal and Barcelona on his CV. This team spirit and commitment has ensured the Premier League big dogs now fear the trip to St Andrew's. Arsenal, you have been warned.

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Manchester United have history on their side as they protect unbeaten record at Birmingham City

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, unbeaten in the Premier League since a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Old Trafford last April, travel to St Andrew’s as the only team in England yet to lose a league game this season. And only Sheffield United, who led the old First Division with an unbeaten record on Dec 31, 1899, have failed to win the league after starting the new year undefeated. On that occasion, the Bramall Lane club finished second to Aston Villa, despite not suffering their first league defeat until losing to Bury in mid-January.

Ferguson has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of United emulating Preston in 1888-89 and Arsenal in 2003-04 by sustaining the unbeaten run throughout an entire season. The United manager, speaking earlier this month, said: “It won’t happen again. The time Arsenal did it they had 12 draws. It was a great achievement, but in this present league, you cannot think for a minute you will go through undefeated.”Leeds United (1973-74), Liverpool (1987-88) and Arsenal (1990-91) all survived defeats in the second half of the season to win the league having been unbeaten at the start of the new year.

Yet with United, who have won just once away from Old Trafford this season, due to visit Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in the second half of the campaign, the difficulty of avoiding defeat appears to justify odds of 11-1 for Ferguson’s team to remain unbeaten for an entire league season.

But Ryan Giggs, who is chasing his 12th league title this season, admits that United’s traditional improvement in the new year ensures that the squad expect to sustain their form. Giggs said: “We hope to get better in the second half of the season, but our form over the last few weeks has been really good. We looked sharp against Arsenal and Blackburn, and it was the same against Sunderland.

“You are obviously wary, though, because of the way the league has been this year. Anyone can beat anyone. We are thankful that we remain unbeaten and confidence is high, but we realise that nothing can be taken for granted. It is a tough league and we need to be at our best in every game.”United winger Antonio Valencia has revealed that he is unlikely to return from ankle surgery until March after being told not to rush back to action by the club’s medical staff.

Valencia, who was given permission to spend Christmas with his family in Ecuador before returning to Manchester early next month, had been expected to make his comeback in mid-February after having his recovery accelerated with work in a Nasa-developed underwater treadmill at United’s training ground. But he now admits that he is targeting the final three months of the campaign for his comeback.

Valencia said: “The injury was very hard. It has taken three months so far, but my recovery is well under way and I hope to be 100 per cent within three months. Last week, I was able to run and I felt very well, but I just need the swelling to go down now. “The team have told me that there is no rush because I have three months to recover and I do not need to take risks.”Unbeaten runs that have mark of champions

If United avoid defeat at Birmingham, they will become only the seventh team in history (dating back to the inaugural season in 1888-89) to enter the new year unbeaten in the top flight (Football League and Premier League). Only once, Sheffield United in 1899-1900, have a team reached that stage unbeaten and failed to win the league. Here are the teams who have achieved the feat, when they suffered their first defeat and where they finished.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to use part of £50m funds to bring in Liverpool's Pepe Reina

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be in the process of receiveing over £50 million to splurge on the transfer market. And the Daily Mail claims that the Red Devils boss is targeting a £20m move for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

The Dutchman is widely expected to hang up his gloves at the end of the season, but it has been reported that Ferguson is willing to wait until the summer to swoop for the Spaniard. United have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid's young shot-stopper David De Gea, who has been appreciative of the interest that the club have shown in him.

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Manchester United consider Barcelona clash in July

United, who prepared for the current season with a five-game tour of Canada, the United States and Mexico in July, are due to make a decision within the next month on their plans for next summer. But the prospect of United and Barca meeting on July 30 for the first time since the 2009 Champions League final in Rome, which United lost, is likely to prove hugely lucrative for both clubs due to the growing interest in the game in the United States.

With Sir Alex Ferguson’s tour squad expected to be at full-strength due to the absence a major international tournament next year, the club have also received money-spinning offers to tour the Far East, with fixtures in Malaysia, China and Indonesia under consideration.

United’s most recent tour of the Asia in 2009, when they played in Malaysia, South Korea and China, was marred by the cancellation of a fixture in Indonesia due to a bomb attack on the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jakarta, just 24 hours before the team were due to check-in to that hotel.

It is understood that a return to the USA next summer is most likely, however, with Ferguson being impressed by the training facilities throughout the trip, plus the competitive nature of the friendlies played during the three-week tour. United’s close ties with kit manufacturers Nike, and their Chicago-based shirt sponsor Aon, are also set to influence where the club chooses to tour in preparation for the 2011-12 campaign.ends.

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Premier League preview: Manchester United v Sunderland

Both sides come into the festive period in good spirits. Manchester United find themselves top of the Premier League and with a relatively kind draw in the last sixteen of the Champions League. Meanwhile, Sunderland harbour genuine hopes of a European spot themselves and should Steve Bruce's side carry their form into the second half of the campaign, there is every chance that it might just happen.

Having said that, the statistics indicate that the chances of Sunderland pulling off a famous victory are slim. The Mackems have not won at Old Trafford since 1968 and last beat United ten years ago in a League Cup tie. Last season, Anton Ferdinand's late own-goal denied Bruce's side a memorable win in the corresponding fixture.

The Black Cats will also have to contend with the fact that Manchester United remain the only unbeaten team in the country. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have rarely hit top form this season, but have yet to lose in 16 Premier League games and will feel that there is little reason not to extend that run on Sunday.

United are sitting pretty at the top of the table, two points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand. Ferguson will be aware that perhaps their main danger on Sunday will be a sense of over-confidence and should they suffer from complacency, Sunderland have shown that they have enough quality about them to take advantage. However, Bruce looks like he will have to contend with a number of absentees from his squad as he returns to the club at which he made a name for himself as a player.

The Sunderland boss has taken a realistic approach ahead of the game, saying "We know what to expect, it will be difficult. But I always enjoy going back, even if I do come back with my backside kicked."Certainly Ferguson will hope to send his former captain back to Wearside nursing his wounds.

Manchester United – Hoping that they don't slip up Sir Alex Ferguson will go into Christmas a happy man. Not only are his side in an excellent position, but importantly, they exude an air of stability and consistency somewhat missing from their title rivals. Ferguson's team has begun to more or less pick itself. Edwin Van der Sar continues to be an enormous presence in goal and will be sorely missed once he retires. Brazilian youngster Rafael Da Silva has made the right-back slot his own while Patrice Evra continues to impress on the other side of defence. Much of United's solidity is down to the fact that they have been able to call on the partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for a prolonged period this season, a luxury over the past couple of campaigns.

In midfield, Ji-sung Park has been in excellent form, including scoring the winner against Arsenal last time out. Anderson has also earned high praise from Ferguson while Michael Carrick should continue to patrol the middle of the park. Portugese winger Nani will be asked to continue impacting games to good effect.

All eyes though will likely be on the front two of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney . The Bulgarian is the man of the moment, having hit five goals recently against Blackburn in United's 7-1 romp. The England striker though has still not found his scoring boots this season and will be anxious to hit the back of the net. Sunderland will hope that they are not on the receiving end of Rooney's return to form.

Sunderland – Down to the bare bones As if a trip to Old Trafford weren't difficult enough under normal circumstances, Sunderland will take on an in form Manchester United with up to seven players unavailable for selection as Steve Bruce looks to cobble together his starting eleven.

At least he knows that Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon goes into the match with plenty of confidence, having pulled off a sensational save against Bolton last week to help ensure a 1-0 victory for the Black Cats.

At the back, Sunderland will be without Titus Bramble and Michael Turner with knee injuries, while John Mensah is out for three weeks with an ankle knock. Expect either Argentinean Marcos Angeleri or 'the Egyptian Beckham' Ahmed Al Muhammadi to come in as cover.

Meanwhile, controversial midfielder and Black Cats' captain Lee Cattermole is suspended having picked up his fifth booking of the season. Youngster Jordan Henderson and Kieran Richardson more or less pick themselves, providing incisive running from out wide. Steve Bruce will hope that David Meyler is fit to take his place in the centre of midfield, particularly with Cattermole missing. The young Irishman suffered a knock at Fulham and it is unclear whether he is available for the trip to Old Trafford. Both Steed Malbranque and Boudewijn Zenden will hope that they can be accommodated in an inevitable midfield reshuffle.

Up front, the in-form Danny Welbeck is unavailable as a condition of his loan deal from Manchester United . The responsibility for breaching United's back four will rest upon Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan.

Steve Bruce will be hoping that a rather makeshift side holds its own at Old Trafford with a thin looking spine to both midfield and defence looking somewhat suspect.

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Manchester United will not be caught out when Edwin van der Sar leaves

Sir Alex Ferguson says he expects Edwin van der Sar to retire at the end of this season but believes lessons learned from Peter Schmeichel's departure will prevent another goalkeeping crisis at Manchester United. Van der Sar was 40 in October and, despite recent mixed messages over his intentions when his contract expires next summer, has told Ferguson this will be his final campaign at Old Trafford. "We are planning for this being his last season," the United manager said today. "I expected it. It is amazing to be playing at this level at 40 years of age. You can only do it if you've got that structure and the mind. "To be able to programme himself and train the way he does is phenomenal. He's an outstanding man.

United have not discussed a possible coaching role with Van der Sar, although Ferguson indicated a position could be made available for the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper. "He is a player that will be of interest because of his knowledge and standing in the game," said the Scot, who rates the Dutchman alongside Schmeichel as his most important keepers at Old Trafford and now faces a similar predicament over finding a permanent successor.

A procession of players failed to live up to the Dane's imposing reputation after his United exit in 1999, ranging from a World Cup winner in Fabien Barthez to calamities such as Massimo Taibi. Tomasz Kuszczak, who may also leave the club next summer, and Ben Foster failed to dislodge Van der Sar as No1. Although Anders Lindegaard has recently signed for £3.5m from the Norwegian club Aalesunds and there are high hopes for Ben Amos, Ferguson indicated a proven, top-class keeper will be on his transfer agenda next summer. David de Gea of Atlético Madrid and Schalke's Manuel Neuer are potential candidates.

"I think we have learned the lesson [from failing to replace Schmeichel]," Ferguson said. "I should have signed Van der Sar after Schmeichel. I made a mistake but now we think we know where we're going. Both of them have been magnificent. I've been very lucky to have had them both."

Ferguson gave no credence to rumours that David Beckham could return on loan during the MLS close season. "I don't think so with David at his age," he said. A more immediate aim for the United manager "is to be top of the league by 4 January. If we are, then we have done well."

The league leaders entertain Sunderland on Boxing Day, with games at Birmingham and West Bromwich Albion and at home to Stoke completing their festive campaign. Despite Tottenham's continued improvement, Ferguson believes United's closest challengers will come only from the usual suspects.

"There were indications last season when Tottenham got into the top four that things were changing and that elite four that people had spoken about for years had changed," he said. "And it looks as if it can change again because there's a battle for fourth place again. You have to recognise it's a different type of league but I don't think there'll be anyone outside of ourselves, Chelsea or Arsenal [challenging for the title]. I think those three will certainly be there.

"I know Harry [Redknapp] is talking up his chances very well at Tottenham but they're involved in the Champions League and it's a new thing for them. Particularly if they get through this next stage, it's not easy to manage European competition at that level and do the league programme and FA Cup ties. It's very difficult and usually your experience gets you through. [Manchester] City have got a chance, of course. That's the other team. And they've also got the Europa League but maybe they can buy in January. Harry could maybe buy as well because it's very difficult to manage them both."

Ferguson has no concerns over a rearranged date for United's visit to Chelsea, provided it is fair to both clubs' demanding schedules. The original game was postponed due to the snow last weekend and may not take place until the end of the season.

"I'm not concerned when it's played," said Ferguson. "So long as it's fair on both teams in the sense of congestion of fixtures when the game is actually played and wedging it between certain games. We've had to look at the fixtures in the last few days and it's quite a difficult one. It certainly seems like it's not going to be played until after March at least."

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Dimitar Berbatov: I would rather quit football than leave Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov has claimed he would sooner walk away from football altogether than leave current club Manchester United. The £30 million striker is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 11 goals but has divided fan opinion since he joined the Old Trafford club. But the Bulgarian, coming into the final 18 months of his contract, is not about to give up his No.9 shirt.

"I fought to have a chance to play for United and now I can only go down if I leave," Berbatov said, as quoted by the Telegraph. "Why I should do this? It would be better to retire."Berbatov, 29, has been named Bulgaria’s Footballer of the Year for the seventh time and in November became only the fourth player in Premier League history to score five goals in one match, after United’s 7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.

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Manchester United non-executive director Mike Edelson reveals Glazer family intend to sell the club

Manchester United’s future has been thrown into doubt after one of the club’s top officials made it clear that current owners, the Glazer family, will sell up. Mike Edelson, who is the non-executive director at Old Trafford, told The Sun that they will be looking to leave at some stage. "It's no secret that, at some time, the family will sell," he said at a recent Q&A session at the Maccabi Sports Club in Prestwich, Manchester. And with this revelation, it is now believed this has opened the door for the Qatar royal family, led by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to seize their opportunity tio take control of United in a £1.5 billion takeover.

However, with Edelson’s comments it has given the first clear indication that the Glazers are ready to move on, having taken United into debt. It is also believed that the Glazers will almost double their money if they sell, having bought the Old Trafford club five and half years ago, for £790m. According to The Sun, sources have claimed that the Glazers are willing to sell so that they can pay back £252m of the £752m they have accumulated since being the owners at United.

"The belief is that they have already brought in extra finance from a third party in a bid to set the club up for a sale," one top city source was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, a Middle East finance expert has also said that Qatar holdings - who deal with business concerning the royal family - are waiting to strike to gain control of the Premier League giants.

"They have made tentative moves before with little success but this time it looks like they could be going for it," the source said. "Now they have landed the 2022 World Cup, the country wants to expand its influence in the game across the globe."

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has no time for retirement talk after beating Sir Matt Busby's record

The Manchester United manager, who celebrates his 69th birthday on New Year’s Eve, eclipsed Busby’s 8,810 days service as United manager on Sunday. And Ferguson will mark 25 years at Old Trafford if he continues to be in the charge of the club next season.

Having changed his mind on plans to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season, Ferguson has since claimed that he would not work beyond his 70th birthday. But with United now chasing a record 19th league title, the Scot admits that he has no idea of when he might call time on his management career. Ferguson said: “The older you get, the more worried you are about retiring. “You start to realise that, whilst you have got your health and good fitness, you should carry on in your job. All thoughts of retirement are in the back of my mind.

He described the decision to say he was going to go as “a mistake”, adding: “At the time there were some reasons for it. It was one of those things.”

United missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table following the postponement of Sunday’s clash with Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

But despite the growing threat from across Manchester in the shape of Roberto Mancini’s high-flying City team, Ferguson believes that Tottenham – who entertain United at White Hart Lane next month – can also challenge for the title this season.

He said: “It is a tough league, but do you want Manchester United and Chelsea or Arsenal to steamroller the league every season? “I think the public like what they’re seeing now, all of us dropping points, and you have also got the rise of Spurs.

“They have been fantastic since Harry [Redknapp] went there. They could have won some games and could have lost others, but there has been a real improvement by them. “As Harry says, why can’t they win the league? That is getting through to his players.”

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Manchester United is not for sale at any price - Glazers

The Glazers have moved to quell the speculation concerning a potential sale of the Manchester United, by declaring that the club is not for sale at any price. There had previously been reports that Qatari Holdings were looking into the possibility of making a £1.5 billion move to takeover the club, with reports pointing towards manager Sir Alex Ferguson being given a mammoth war-chest for transfers.

It had been thought that the current owners may make a profit from the potential sale and walk away, but according to the Daily Star, a spokesman for the Glazers said: "There has been no bid for the club. Any such bid would be irrelevant anyway because the club is not for sale."The Glazers took over United five years ago, for a sum believed to be in the region of £790 million.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny: I beat Manchester United's Wayne Rooney in a battle of wits

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has taken credit for the penalty miss by Manchester United's Wayne Rooney in the recent meeting between the two sides. Park Ji-sung had given the hosts the lead during the first-half, and the former Everton marksman was presented the opportunity to double the advantage from the spot in the second period.

However, the actual shot went awry as the 25-year-old ballooned the ball over the bar. And the Polish sho-stopper believes it was a mental battle in which he beat the England international. "I did prepare myself for a Rooney penalty before the game," Szczesny said, according to The Mirror. "I actually decided to try to delay him, show him my presence and hope for the best.

"Maybe my presence put him off and made him miss it. "It's obviously a mental battle between the goalkeeper and the striker, a psychological battle, so I tried him and stand off my line for as long as possible, until the referee put me on the line. Then I made myself big and he missed. "People were congratulating me for the saves in the second half but I don't think they were fantastic stops.

"Anderson pretty much hit it straight at my chest because I was in the right position at the right time and the second one, I don't think Rooney connected very well. I was a little bit scared when he took it on but if it had been a little bit higher, as he was trying to do, I maybe wouldn't have got it."

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Wenger: Time to beat Man United

The Gunners remain top of the table after Didier Drogba's stoppage-time penalty miss at Tottenham meant Chelsea dropped down to fourth following Manchester City's win at West Ham on Saturday, which left them level on points with the leaders.

There is certainly little margin for error in what looks set to be one of the tightest championship battles for many seasons, with United still holding a match in hand on the teams around them. It has been four years since Arsenal beat the Red Devils on home soil. However, in each of the seasons in which they went on to win the Premier League, Wenger's side got a positive result at Old Trafford.

The Arsenal manager feels now is the perfect time for his latest generation to deliver. "We have an opportunity to show how good we are - that is what you want in life," Wenger said. "Let's go without any preconceived ideas, not [thinking] about any weakness of Manchester United, nor about any weakness from us, just let's focus on the day, to give your best, play with belief, play for each other and we have a good chance to beat anybody."

Wenger maintained: "I know that my team will be really up for it, and I always have great belief in my players - I know how hungry they are for success and am sure that will come out in the game."

Tonight's game will again pit Wenger against great rival Sir Alex Ferguson, and the Frenchman insists his former spats with the Scot should be taken in isolation. "It's always for me in the heat of the moment,""I'm not somebody who bears grudges for years. I can forgive - indeed, sometimes I need to be the person to be forgiven - but I'm not somebody who thinks for 10 years, forever, 'I will hate you'. "Relations with people go up and down a little bit. Why? Because many things happen in the heat of the moment and you know it's not for definite.

"I had [arguments] not only with him but with other managers."A decision on whether to play captain Cesc Fabregas, who is battling to be fit from a hamstring problem, will be left as late as possible, while Theo Walcott - who impressed when coming off the bench to inspire the Champions League victory over Partizan Belgrade - could make his first start at Old Trafford.

Walcott has struggled to crack the Arsenal first team in recent weeks but Wenger insists his patience will be rewarded. "Frankly I can understand that because for me Theo Walcott is doing well," Wenger said. "For me he is not an impact player, he is a regular player. "At the moment he does not play as often as he should but he will play soon. "In fairness, Theo is fantastic. His attitude and behaviour has been absolutely great."

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Manchester United's Nani looks ready to torment Arsenal again

In his Manchester United career so far it has been Nani's great misfortune to be cast as Cristiano Ronaldo Lite, a less prolific, not quite as talented yet even more irritating version of his more famous compatriot. So much so that it comes as a slight surprise to be reminded that his time at Old Trafford only overlapped that of the more stellar stepover artist by a couple of seasons, and the winger more properly known as Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha only arrived in this country at the stage when Ronaldo was beginning to articulate a desire to leave.

The pair have more than United in common, of course. They played together at youth level in Portugal, both came through the Sporting Lisbon ranks, and briefly lived together when Nani was new to Manchester. They operate in tandem for the national side, where Nani could be seen fully playing to type in the 4-0 friendly defeat of Spain last month, brainlessly applying an unnecessary final touch to an exquisite chip by Ronaldo that had already beaten the goalkeeper and seeing a collector's item of a goal chalked off for offside. Ronaldo was furious.

In England, too, Nani's challenge has always been to live in Ronaldo's shadow. First he had to survive comparisons with someone who was arguably the hottest property in world football at the time, then he had to try and step into his shoes. Perhaps not immediately, for Antonio Valencia was signed to provide width and penetration first, and was gradually growing into the role when his ankle fracture thrust the spotlight back on Nani. Even then Sir Alex Ferguson, who described him as "immature" when he first joined the club, appeared to lack faith in Nani's ability.

The United manager has often seemed disappointed with the development of a player he bought for £17m as a 20-year-old, either damning him with faint praise or highlighting his reservations through his selections. It is perhaps revealing, though, that Nani is still around after voicing his frustrations last year, the sort of speaking out of turn that led to the rapid departure of Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy. If Ferguson has adopted a patient approach over a player who has only just turned 24, there have been distinct signs this season that the wait may not have been in vain. Nani not only seems to realise his responsibilities now, he has started to look capable of discharging them.

In the 7-1 rout of Blackburn last month Nani was probably United's best player, his contribution only overshadowed by the headlines commanded by Dimitar Berbatov's five goals. Nani scored a fine goal that day and made a couple more, the story of his season in miniature. His assists alone have earned him new respect at Old Trafford because he not only appears to have acquired unselfishness but decisiveness, the ability to select the right option then deliver.

Ferguson has noticed. "He's got better, that's the great thing," the United manager said. "He's always had pace, courage and great feet, but he's added a goal ratio to his game, which is important."

Arsène Wenger has noticed, too. A couple of Nani's best displays in this country have been against his team – not that everybody in north London has been impressed. After a fractious FA Cup tie two years ago William Gallas accused him of showboating and Gilberto Silva said he was a big-head. No shocks there, though it should also be recorded that Nani was man of the match with a goal and two assists.

Nani did more or less the same thing in the league victory at the Emirates last season. He says he enjoys playing against Arsenal because they give players a chance to show their quality – and though Wenger can only take that as a back-handed compliment he is big enough to concede that the player is worth watching.

"I like what he is doing," the Arsenal manager says. "He has great individual ability but he has improved a lot in his team play. He is a little bit less direct than Ronaldo but technically he is a virtuoso, he has remarkable speed and he is a great crosser of the ball."

United fans baffled by that last remark should bear in mind that Wenger has seen Nani mostly against Arsenal, when he always seems to raise his game. He has not necessarily seen all the crosses that miss their target, sometimes even miss the penalty area, at Old Trafford. Yet with two good feet, pace to burn and a propensity for scoring goals, Nani has the potential to be as deadly a supplier as David Beckham and as elusive in open play as Ryan Giggs.

While he may never eclipse Ronaldo, Nani is extraordinarily gifted by any other measure and appears to be finally understanding how to harness his talent for the benefit of the team.

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Date confirmed for Blackpool : Manchester United game

BLACKPOOL FOOTBALL club’s Barclays Premier League home game against Manchester United has now been rearranged for Tuesday 25 January. The fixture, which was originally due to take place last Saturday, will still be televised by ESPN and the game will kick-off at 7.30pm.

All previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the game. In other Blackpool Football news, Blackpool Manager Ian Holloway has said he doesn’t expect to see too much transfer activity at Blackpool during the winter transfer window.

While speaking he said:

“I won’t be able to afford the people who will be being bought and sold in January, so we know where we are going and what we are looking at. We might get some free transfers. If there is one or two that I fancy – and I have already spoken to my chairman about one or two – if any of those deals come off and they are good for the club, I trust the chairman to do it and then we will do it. But I’d rather look after who I’ve got and keep working with them.”

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Bennett ends FC United's dream but supporters remain on song

The thought that FC United of Manchester might participate in the same round of the FA Cup as the behemoth they broke away from five years ago was lost in the mist and frost last night. Portsmouth, who have less money than either of these supposed minnows, will at least be spared the expense of a journey to Bury for the third round in January.

Had Jake Cottrell not driven a penalty against the post midway through the second half, FC United might have taken this match into extra time, although fittingly it was Elliott Bennett, the man of this particular match who broke away to put the tie out of reach of an upset, although the sight of Matt Sparrow rolling the ball into the net in the final seconds of normal time was rather too cruel.

Sir Alex Ferguson might regard them as a footballing SDP but when their supporters split from Old Trafford they brought the great stadium's voice to Gigg Lane. Unlike Old Trafford, FC United's was a crowd that remained noisily to the bitter end.

Britain's new ice age had ensured that neither of these sides had played since the 1-1 draw 11 days before. And although 112 places separated a side at the top of League One from the team third bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier, Gus Poyet, the Brighton manager, wanted the odds shortened, selecting a stronger side than he had in the rather more genteel atmosphere of the Withdean Stadium.

As well as FC United played, Brighton were sharper and better and in the shape of Bennett, Poyet possessed a player who created both goals, cutting in from the left flank. The first was turned in from close range by Fran Sandaza, the second came in similar fashion but this time it was Inigo Calderon, the full-back signed from Alaves, who found the net with his head.

Although Nicky Platt led something of a fightback, that was pretty much that in the first half. The remarkable atmosphere, however did not fade, although the choice of songs did. Before kick-off, they demanded that Manchester United be brought on; as the tie wore on it was"Sloop John B" with its poignant line about wanting to go home. They would leave with honour.

FC United of Manchester (4-4-2): Ashton; Jacobs, Munroe, Parker (Battersby, 77), Quistin (Tierney, 90); Roca, Platt, Cottrell, Deegan; Ovington (Wolfenden, 59), Norton. Substitutes not used: Hibbert (gk), Holden, Carden, Ayres.

Brighton & Hove Albion (4-4-2): Brezovan; Calderon, El Abd, Greer, Painter; Bennett (Baz, 88), Bridcutt, Kishishev (Smith, 75), Murray (Hart, 72); Sandaza, Sparrow. Substitutes not used: Poke (gk), Elphick, Battipiedi, Dunk.

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United secure top spot in Group C

Manchester United needed a rare goal from Anderson in a game bursting with missed chances for their more usual scorers to draw 1-1 with Valencia on Tuesday and secure top spot in Champions League Group C.

The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder scored only his second goal since joining in 2007 to bring United level after the Spaniards had taken a first-half lead through Pablo Hernandez. United needed to avoid defeat at Old Trafford to win the group and peppered the Valencia goal with chances before their hopes of becoming the first team to go through the group stage without conceding were dashed with the opener.

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Manchester United thrashing left Blackburn Rovers boss 'exhausted'

SAM Allardyce admits Blackburn Rovers’ Old Trafford thrashing had left him mentally exhausted and claims time off was the perfect tonic. The Rovers boss called off training on Wednesday and Thursday, due to the weather, but believes it provided the perfect chance to recover from their 7-1 drubbing. Allardyce’s men stormed back to form in style, with a 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, and he believes the enforced break was ideal for all concerned.

He said: “I can’t speak for the players but I can speak for myself. "I had two days off as well and it was the best thing I could have done. “My head was all over the place. Mentally I was fatigued because it is never off your mind when you suffer a defeat like that, particularly as a manager. “You get the criticism and you have to take it and you have to stand it on your shoulders because it is your responsibility. “I benefited hugely from the two days off and I am sure, from their performance, the players did as well. “We gave them two days off because we didn’t want them travelling two hours in and two hours home in those conditions.

"Some of the players could have been travelling five hours a day and that is not mentally good for you. “Mental fatigue could play a part so we gave them Wednesday and Thursday off. "We couldn’t get a piece of grass until Friday.”

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Blackpool ready to train on the beach for visit of Manchester United

Blackpool may train on the beach this morning in preparation for tomorrow's visit of Manchester United. With their regular training ground frozen they used an artificial pitch at a local college yesterday, but Ian Holloway felt the surface was not sufficiently grasslike and was worried about players picking up strains.

"We'll use the beach if we have to," the Blackpool manager said. "We wanted to use it last winter but on that occasion it turned out to be frozen solid like everywhere else. Teams often used to train on the beach in the old days, and Stanley Matthews used to work out on the beach before going to training. If it's good enough for a player of that calibre it will do for us.

Holloway was offered the option of a few days' warm weather training in Marbella but turned it down. "I though it was better to stay here – it was purely a personal decision," he said. "The chairman was willing to pay, and we had accommodation lined up, but in the end I thought it might not be a good idea to come back from the warm into cold like this. Besides, Charlie Adam was moving house."Without undersoil heating Blackpool cannot be certain that the evening kick-off tomorrow will go ahead and are using warm-air blowers in an attempt to keep the pitch frost-free.

"The machine looks like something we've borrowed from a fairground," Holloway said. "I waited for about 10 minutes trying to get a hot dog. I hope the game can go ahead because the whole town has been looking forward to this fixture all season. If we play we stand a chance of being embarrassed on the pitch, but I think we'll be even more embarrassed if we have to call it off."

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