Tag Archives: cleverley

Anderson set to leave Manchester United in summer

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Anderson set for Man United exit while others could follow in Old Trafford clear-out

By
Paul Collins

PUBLISHED:

07:19 GMT, 17 March 2013

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UPDATED:

07:20 GMT, 17 March 2013

Anderson is set to leave Manchester United in the summer after failing to hold down a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has failed to fulfill on the potential that United saw in him when they prised him from Porto with a 17million bid in the summer of 2007.

Bar the odd brilliant match, Anderson has not looked like reaching the level expected of a United midfielder and is behind Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs in Fergie's plans.

Farewell Anderson (left) could leave Man United in the summer after failing to earn a regular starting position

Farewell Anderson (left) could leave Man United in the summer after failing to earn a regular starting position

He has made just 12 Barclays Premier League appearances this season and scored just one goal in the competition.

His other strike this season came against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup.

Anderson is likely to head back to Portgual in the summer, according to The Mirror.

Javier Hernandez

Nani

In the balance: Javier Hernandez (left) and Nani (right) could also leave Old Trafford in the summer

Other players who could leave Old Trafford in the summer are Paul Scholes, who may retire again, and Javier Hernandez who wants to start more games.

Alexander Buttner and Anders Lindegaard will also be evaluated come the end of the season, while Nani could also be sold, with his contract set to expire in 2014.

Manchester United 2 Reading 1: match report – Javier Hernandez and Nani score

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Manchester United 2 Reading 1: Clinical Nani and Hernandez see off brave Royals

PUBLISHED:

21:56 GMT, 18 February 2013

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 18 February 2013

Manchester United were made to sweat after Jobi McAnuff scored a late Reading goal after the hosts had gone two goals up.

After relentless pressure, Sir Alex Ferguson's men finally scored on 69 minutes when Nani struck from an Antonio Valencia pass.

Javier Hernandez scored United's second just three minutes after the opener, but McAnuff coolly slotted past David de Gea to make things interesting for the final ten minutes.

Near post: Javier Hernandez nodded the ball past Adam Federici to put the Reds 2-0 up

Near post: Javier Hernandez nodded the ball past Adam Federici to put the Reds 2-0 up

Breached: Nani finally opened the scoring for Manchester United at Old Trafford

Breached: Nani finally opened the scoring for Manchester United at Old Trafford

MATCH FACTS

Manchester United: De Gea, Jones (Nani 42), Smalling, Vidic, Buttner, Valencia, Anderson (Carrick 84), Young (Van Persie 64), Cleverley, Hernandez, Welbeck

Subs not used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Giggs, Kagawa

Goals: Nani 69, Hernandez 72

Reading: Federici, Shorey, Mariappa, Morrison, Kelly, Karacan, Leigertwood (Guthrie 63), McAnuff, Le Fondre, Hunt, McCleary (Robson-Kanu 70)

Subs not used: Andersen, Gunter, Pearce, Daniel Carrico, Pogrebnyak

Goal: McAnuff 81

Referee: Andre Marriner

More to follow…

Wheeling away: Nani came off the bench for Phil Jones in the first half

Wheeling away: Nani came off the bench for Phil Jones in the first half

Fist pump: Sir Alex Ferguson gestures to the home crowd as he makes his way out after half-time

Fist pump: Sir Alex Ferguson gestures to the home crowd as he makes his way out after half-time

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Chase: Danny Guthrie attempts to keep pace with Manchester United's Anderson

Chase: Danny Guthrie attempts to keep pace with Manchester United's Anderson

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Blow: Phil Jones was taken off in the first half through injury

Blow: Phil Jones was taken off in the first half through injury

Blow: Phil Jones was taken off in the first half through injury

Blow: Phil Jones was taken off in the first half through injury

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Words of wisdom: Ferguson (left) talks to fourth official Phil Dowd as the pair leave at half-time

Words of wisdom: Ferguson (left) talks to fourth official Phil Dowd as the pair leave at half-time

Newcastle defender Danny Simpson knocked out in Manchester street fight

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Newcastle defender Simpson 'OK' after bloody 4am brawl in Manchester

By
Tom Wilkinson, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

09:18 GMT, 4 February 2013

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UPDATED:

21:58 GMT, 4 February 2013

Danny Simpson was left bleeding and unconscious in the street after a bloody 4am brawl outside a takeaway in Manchester.

The Newcastle defender, who is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, was out celebrating his side's last-gasp 3-2 win over Chelsea on Saturday evening.

He had recovered enough by Monday morning to tweet: 'For the record im okay, 2 on 1 well done!'

Battler: But Danny Simpson could be on his way out of Newcastle

Battler: But Danny Simpson could be on his way out of Newcastle

Simpson's argument was said to have
kicked off outside the Rice Flamebar and Grill in Manchester in the
early hours of Sunday morning after the night out at the exclusive
Circle Club.

But after leaving the night spot on his own to get food, he reportedly got into a scrap with a fellow punter while queuing for his kebab.

'Him and this guy started getting aggressive with each other,' a source told The Sun. 'They started scuffling. The man was pushing and shoving Danny and he just lost it. He punched him and he dropped to the ground.'

Manchester United graduate: Simpson remains good friends with Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley

Manchester United graduate: Simpson remains good friends with Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley

But while he attempted to leave in the
back of a taxi, two bouncers are said to have to have dragged him out
and punched him in the face, leaving him unconscious on the floor for 15
minutes before an ambulance arrived on the scene.

The source added: 'He dropped to the floor and was half on the pavement, half on the road with blood pouring from his mouth. He was in a bad way. It looked like he’d been knocked out.'

An ambulance spokesperson confirmed a man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary following the incident, while police said they were called to the takeaway restaurant after reports of an assault but a man with 'minor injuries' did not wish to make a complaint.

Out of favour: Simpson has not been a Newcastle regular of late

Out of favour: Simpson has not been a Newcastle regular of late

The following morning Simpson wrote on his Twitter page that he was enjoying spending some time with his young
daughter.

He tweeted: 'Sunday chill out with my little girl.'

Fulham and West Ham are among those reported to be interested in signing Simpson on a free transfer in the summer.

Sol Campbell says England caps are handed out too easily

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Easy caps are costing England: Former defender Campbell says players are not earning their international call-ups

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UPDATED:

12:58 GMT, 22 December 2012

Former England defender Sol Campbell believes the country are failing at international level because too many players are being capped too young.

Campbell, who won 73 England caps, says that too many players receive an international call up before they have established themselves at club level.

Campbell completed three full seasons at Tottenham before earning his first cap in 1996.

Earning his caps: Sol Campbell played for three seasons at Spurs before getting his first England cap and says players get them too easily today

Earning his caps: Sol Campbell played for three seasons at Spurs before getting his first England cap and says players get them too easily today

Speaking on Football Focus, Campbell said: 'Some of the young players have got their England careers far too early.

'It's far too easy for players who have not done much in the game to play for their country, it all connects and that's why results aren't going so well.

'When I started, I had to play top football for 18 months before I could get a look-in.

Earning his place: Campbell trained with the England squad before he was capped in 1996

Earning his place: Campbell trained with the England squad before he was capped in 1996

'Yes, I was in with the England side earlier than that but just training with the team and then I'd go back with the Under 21s.

'Now it seems like if you've played a
few games, scored a few goals, cleared a few balls off the line and
threaded a couple of really good balls in, all of a sudden you're in the
England side.'

Wilfried Zaha

Jonjo Shelvey

Too much, too young Wilfried Zaha and Jonjo Shelvey have been capped by England this year

ENGLAND'S 2012 DEBUTANTS
Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland, age 25)Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal, 19)Martin Kelly (Liverpool, 22)Jack Butland (Birmingham, 19)Tom Cleverley (Manchester United, 23)John Ruddy (Norwich, 26)Jake Livermore (Tottenham, 23)Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea, 23)Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, 20)Steven Caulker (Tottenham, 21)Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, 18)Leon Osman (Everton, 31)Ryan Shawcross (Stoke, 25)Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, 20)Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, 20)

Campbell was
part of the squad that reached the Euro 96 semi-finals and also played
at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the Euros in 2000 and
2004.

And in the year Campbell made his England debut, seven other players – Robbie Fowler, Jason Wilcox, Ian Walker, Phil Neville, Ugo Ehiogu, David Beckham and Andy Hinchcliffe – also won their first caps.

This year saw debuts handed to 15 players, most of whom had little – and some no – Premier League experience.

'I still feel playing for your country is the number one,’ said Campbell, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, and also scored in the 2006 Champions League final.

'When players get to England they need to be playing at the top of their game, but some have been getting in the England squad when they're not even in their club side, and that is not right.

'You're believing you're at the top because you play for England, but you're not. Then obviously the results [follow] from there.'

Manchester United players and WAGs at UNICEF charity gala

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Manchester United stars suited and booted for charity dinner at Old Trafford

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UPDATED:

10:01 GMT, 20 December 2012

The stars of Manchester United were out in force on Wednesday night for the club's annual gala dinner.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand fronted the star-studded cast arriving at Old Trafford for the dinner in aid of charity UNICEF.

Questioning: Rio Ferdinand is joined on stage by Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and co at Unted's gala dinner as they are interviewed by BBC political editor Nick Robinson

Questioning: Rio Ferdinand is joined on stage by Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and co at Unted's gala dinner as they are interviewed by BBC political editor Nick Robinson

Cheer up, Ryan: A rather glum looking Giggs poses for a picture with team-mates Rooney and Fletcher

Cheer up, Ryan: A rather glum looking Giggs poses for a picture with team-mates Rooney and Fletcher

Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney

Chris Smalling

Double act: Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney strike a pose with Chris Smalling and partner Sam Cooke

Sir Alex Ferguson however was a notable absentee.

The United boss, whose secrets behind
his unrivalled success at Old Trafford were in part revealed following an
unprecedented study by Harvard University, didn't join his side at the
black-tie affair despite his name being mentioned on the official
invite.

Patrice Evra

Darren Fletcher

Suit you, sir: Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher look the part as they arrive at the home of Manchester United

Happy: Hernandez shares a joke with Valencia while Cleverley, Young and Welbeck are all smiles (below)

Happy: Hernandez shares a joke with Valencia while Cleverley, Young and Welbeck are all smiles (below)

Happy: Hernandez shares a joke with Valencia while Cleverley, Young and Welbeck are all smiles (below)

The United boss is unlikely to be
happy that his side playing three games in seven days over the Festive
period starting with a tricky trip to Swansea on Sunday.

United will begin the tough run of games with a six-point cushion over rivals Manchester City as they
attempt to wrestle back the Premier League trophy to the red half of the
city.

SHINJI KAGAWA

Jonny Evans

Thumbs up: Shinji Kagawa (left) and Jonny Evans with his girlfriend Helen McConnell

In the swing: United veteran Ryan Giggs arrives at the star-studded evening at Old Trafford

In the swing: United veteran Ryan Giggs arrives at the star-studded evening at Old Trafford

Men in black: Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck pose for the assorted media

Men in black: Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck pose for the assorted media

Nick Powell

Alexander Buttner

Picture perfect: Summer signings Nick Powell and Alexander Buttner with their respective partners

Lat year's gala raised 130,000 for
charity and some punters would have paid in excess of 3,500 a ticket
for last night's do which included a three-course meal, free bottle of
wine and a VIP drinks reception at the United museum, according to the
club's website.

Catherine Tyldesley

Catherine Tyldesley

Red Devil: Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley arriving at Old Trafford for the gala dinner

PS United are always in the news… but what are you doing here, Nick

The evening was hosted by BBC political editor Nick Robinson – a lifelong Manchester United fan who is from Macclesfield

Holding the mic: Nick Robinson

Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie, Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott at X-Factor final

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Rio's got the X-Factor! Ferdinand sports cut eyebrow as host of footballers attend talent show finale in Manchester

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UPDATED:

13:33 GMT, 10 December 2012

You wouldn't blame Rio Ferdinand for wanting to let his hair down in the wake of the tempestuous Manchester derby which ended with him sporting a nasty cut above his eye.

The Manchester United defender joined a number of team-mates at the X-Factor final along with 10,000 fans at Manchester Central for the grand finale of the talent show on Sunday evening.

Hart of the matter: The Man City keeper and United striker watched the final together

Hart of the matter: The Man City keeper and United striker watched the final together

All right on the night: Ferdinand and Hart arrived, just hours after the dramatic conclusion of thr Manchester derby

All right on the night: Ferdinand and Hart arrived, just hours after the dramatic conclusion of thr Manchester derby

All right on the night: Ferdinand and Hart arrived, just hours after the dramatic conclusion of the derby

Flashpoint: Hart intervenes as a City supporter approaches Ferdinand

Flashpoint: Hart intervenes as a City supporter approaches Ferdinand

Ferdinand bore the scars the thrilling encounter at the Etihad Stadium which was marred by a fan throwing a coin at Ferdinand which struck him just above the eye which left a painful scar.

And City goalkeeper Joe Hart had to
intervene after one supporter ran on to the pitch to confront Ferdinand
in the wake of Robin van Persie's late winner sealed a remarkable
afternoon in the Barclays Premier League.

City slickers: Lescott and Barry were also in attendance at the events in Manchester

City slickers: Lescott and Barry were also in attendance at the events in Manchester

City slickers: Lescott and Barry were also in attendance at the events in Manchester

But he looked relaxed and calm as he
posed for photographs with fans and was happy to smile and chat with
other celebs as arrived.

Stars from both Manchester clubs were in
attendance with Jonny Evans, Tom Cleverley, Ferdico Macheda, Joe Hart,
Joleon Lecott and Van Persie being snapped leaving the event.

All smiles: Van Persie made an appearance, as did Tom Cleverley with his better half

All smiles: Van Persie made an appearance, as did Tom Cleverley with his better half Georgina Dorsett

All smiles: Van Persie made an appearance, as did Tom Cleverley with his better half Georgina Dorsett

Rio Ferdinand reminded of West Ham debut by Manchester United"s Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck

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Feeling old, Rio Veteran United defender reminded of 'vintage' debut by team-mates Cleverley and Welbeck… who were aged just 6 and 5 at the time!

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UPDATED:

14:33 GMT, 26 November 2012

Young Hammer: Rio Ferdinand became a key West Ham player during the late 1990s

Young Hammer: Rio Ferdinand became a key West Ham player during the late 1990s

For most associated with Manchester United, May 5 1996 will go down memorably as the day the club sealed their third Premier League title after a 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.

Sir Alex Ferguson side’s triumph came after overhauling a 12-point gap to Newcastle, but for current United centre-back, Rio Ferdinand, the day was memorable for different reasons.

The future Red Devils star was making his professional debut for West Ham as a 70th minute substitute during a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Upton Park.

Ferdinand tweeted earlier today that he didn’t know how to react when reminded by team-mates, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck that they were only in primary school when he made his professional entrance.

In May 1996…

As Rio made his debut, George Michael's 'Fastlove' was No. 1.

Mission:Impossible broke opening Box Office records with 7.4m.

FIFA award the hosting of the 2002 World Cup to Japan/South Korea.

Ferdinand said on Twitter: @tomclevz23 + Welbz just told me they were 7 + 5yrs old when I made my debut for West Ham….didn't know whether to laugh or cry!#Vintage !

Cleverley's memory is not as sharp as one would suspect given he was six (and not seven) but it does put into context the vast experience Ferdinand has now gathered having featured a further 649 times in his club career since his debut

The then 18-year-old replaced Tony Cottee on the final day of the 1995/96 campaign before later going on to cement his place in the West Ham backline and sealing an 18million move to Leeds in 2000.

Sadly for Rio, his 20-minute cameo was not enough to convince Terry Venables to include him in the England squad ahead of Euro 96.

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie miss Manchester United trip to Galatasaray

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Rooney and co dodge 'hell'… no wonder they were enjoying a laugh in United training as Fergie leaves out big names for Turkey trip

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UPDATED:

13:50 GMT, 19 November 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has left out his big names for Manchester United's trip to Galatasaray – otherwise known as 'hell'.

A full 19 years after their infamous visit to Turkey – when they were given a fiery reception at the airport before entering the intimidating stadium – they make a return in the Champions League.

But Ferguson has opted to rest his key men, including Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Also missing are Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David De Gea.

Instead, Ferguson has selected a youthful squad for the daunting trip.

All smiles: Wayne Rooney (left) and Paul Scholes mess around in training on Monday

All smiles: Wayne Rooney (left) and Paul Scholes mess around in training on Monday

All smiles: Wayne Rooney (left) and Paul Scholes mess around in training on Monday
United squad v Galatasaray

Sam Johnstone, Anders Lindegaard; Rafael, Alexander Buttner, Phil Jones, Tom Thorpe, Marnick Vermijl, Scott Wootton; Michael Carrick, Davide Petrucci, Larnell Cole, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Nick Powell, Ashley Young, Ryan Tunnicliffe; Javier Hernandez, Joshua King, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda.

So, it was no wonder that United's
stars were all smiles in training at Carrington on Monday as they were
given crucial time off with their passage to the knockout stages already
confirmed.

It would have been understandable if
the mood were sombre given the daunting prospect United face when they
come up against Galatasaray and their notorious fans on Tuesday night –
especially off the back of a humbling defeat to Norwich on Saturday.

United were greeted with banners reading 'welcome to hell' when they made their first visit to the Turkish capital in November 1993 – a night which saw hundreds of United fans arrested, Eric Cantona sent off and a mass brawl ensue after a 0-0 draw, and they can expect a similar reception on Tuesday night.

There are several reasons for United to be cheerful, however. They have never lost to the Turkish side over 90 minutes in five meetings, Galatasaray have not won at home in Europe since 2009, and both Rooney and goalkeeper De Gea trained with on Monday after missing the Norwich defeat.

Rooney missed the weekend defeat to Norwich with tonsillitis while De Gea was absent having had wisdom teeth removed.

Both were present at an open session ahead of their Champions League trip to Turkey to face Galatasaray on Tuesday night.

Gearing up: United face Galatasaray on Tuesday night

Gearing up: United face Galatasaray on Tuesday night

Gearing up: United face Galatasaray on Tuesday night

However, midfielders Shinji Kagawa and Nani and defender Jonny Evans – who have been struggling with knee, hamstring and groin injuries respectively – were all absent for the first 15 minutes of the session which was open to the media.

Watching manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to give a number of players a rest as United have already won their group to ensure progress to the knock-out stage.

Although they are through midfielder Michael Carrick has no intention of spending the week trying to work out who they may play next.

'You can drive yourself mad thinking about who you might get and all the various permutations,' he said.

'We just have to win our games, which we have done, and see what the draw gives us.

'Whoever it is, we will be ready in February.'

Welcome to hell: United are greeted with hostile banners back in 1993

Welcome to hell: United are greeted with hostile banners back in 1993

Brawl: Cantona (left) scuffles with Galatasaray players, leading to his dismissal

In recent years, United have done rather well in the knockout stages of the competition too, reaching three finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final on the last five occasions they have progressed beyond the group phase.

'That is the big test,' said Carrick.

'That is when the competition really comes alive.

'We have done the first part. The second one is when we get the really big European nights and we go away to the best places in Europe and win games.

'We have managed to do that very well over the past few years. Hopefully we can get back to that.'

Of course, all the success just made the shattering disappointment of exiting at the group stage last term all the more galling.

Cruising: United have won all four of their Champions League fixtures so far this season

Cruising: United have won all four of their Champions League fixtures so far this season

The transformation this time around could not be more marked.

Four wins from four games looks good, even if United have been behind in three of those matches and struggled to edge past Galatasaray in their first match, when an early Carrick goal did the damage.

'It is a happier place because of what we are doing in the Champions League,' he said.

'Last year we were chasing our tails a bit and came up short. This year we have been ahead of the game.

'Getting those wins and points on the board makes it an awful lot easier.'

Norwich v Manchester United live

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PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Norwich v Manchester United – as it happens from Carrow Road

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UPDATED:

17:58 GMT, 17 November 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Norwich host Manchester United at Carrow Road to conclude Saturday's action. Sir Alex Ferguson's side are favourites to clinch three points at the relegation threatened Canaries, but Chris Hughton's team have already upset Arsenal on home turf this term. Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Norwich 0-0 Manchester United (5.30pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Bassong,
Turner, Garrido, Snodgrass, Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Holt.
Subs: Bunn, Howson, Jackson, Morison, Elliott Bennett, Tierney, Ryan
Bennett.

Man Utd: Lindegaard, Da Silva,
Ferdinand, Smalling, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Young, van Persie,
Hernandez.
Subs: Johnstone, Jones, Anderson, Welbeck, Scholes,
Cleverley, Fletcher.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Click here for the live Premier League table

All the latest from the Championship

26min: Move of the match. Pilkington's reverse pass finds Javier Garrido inside the box but his powerful pass across the six-yard box fails to find Holt or Snodgrass who only needed to get a strong touch on it to divert the ball into the back of the net.

There is an argument to suggest the full-back should have taken a shot on goal instead.

24min: Hoolahan has been Norwich's most creative player so far and nearly plays his part in scoring an opening goal for the hosts.

The midfielder picks up a loose ball on the left wing and after cutting on to his right foot, delivers a cross that Snodgrass heads wide across the far post. Rio Ferdinand did just enough to put the former Leeds midfielder off there.

21min: The corner in evades everyone inside the box, but Patrice Evra was very close to getting his head on it.

20min: A great 30 yard pass from Young splits the home defence to allow Hernandez to pick the ball up near the byline. The Mexican is chased down quickly though and his cross is blocked behind by Turner.

18min: More patient passing from Norwich and finally they find a gap in front of the United defence as Wes Hoolahan picks up a pass.

The midfielder runs towards goal but is quickly closed down before his low 23 yard strike is saved by Anders Lindegaard.

15min: Young and Giggs stand over, and it's the former that strikes the set-piece by powerfully firing straight at Ruddy who claims comfortably.

14min: Now United win a free-kick 25 yards out after Michael Turner pushes Javier Hernandez.

13min: Plenty of ambition in Norwich's attacks judging by their neat passing in the midfield to create space so far. But United are edging this with Young and Valencia dominating the flanks.

10min: One from the training ground from Manchester United but they need more practice.

The visitors win a free-kick after Whittaker trips Young, but Giggs' short pass to Van Persie 16 yards out is ballooned awkwardly over on the turn by the Dutchman.

8min: Whittaker could have a sore head by the end of this game, as he nods behind again from an Antonio Valencia cross.

Ashley Young's corner though is again cleared by the hosts and that leads to a counter attack which ends with Anthony Pilkington firing wide across goal.

5min: An early sighter from Norwich as shortly after a throw in, Robert Snodgrass lashes a rising ball over the bar from 20 yards.

4min: It leads to successive corners after Steven Whittaker heads behind, but the Canaries eventually clear their lines.

3min: Good one touch stuff from United leads to Robin van Persie squeezing in a low shot towards the bottom corner from the edge of the box which John Ruddy turns behind for a corner.

Kick-off: In front of watching England boss Roy Hodgson, Norwich get us going.

17.29: From InfostradaLive:

Ryan Giggs makes only his fourth PL start of the season and first since September 29. His last PL goal came at Carrow Road – the 92nd minute winner in their 2-1 victory there on February 26.

17.26: Out come the teams, it's usually packed anyway inside this ground but the noise is louder than usual with the visit of Manchester United.

17.24: It looks quite chilly at Carrow Road judging by the young Norwich mascots.

Kitted out in replica matchday wear, they are all jogging on the spot trying to keep warm on the touchline. The players are starting to from in a slightly warmer tunnel.

17.20: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to ESPN before the game:

'David De Gea had to go to the dentist to have teeth taken out and Wayne Rooney has had tonsillitis, he should be okay by Tuesday.

'Chicharitio made his contribution last week and Van Persie has been in great form so it’s terrific to have those options.

'Norwich have tightened up at the back and it’s never easy when we go to these away games and last season was exactly that as we managed to win late on.'

17.17: You don't have to go back too far for Norwich's last win against Manchester United.

Just three games in fact, after strikes from Dean Ashton and Leon McKenzie helped the Canaries to a 2-0 win over the Red Devils seven years ago at Carrow Road.

It didn't keep them in the Premier League but it's a win their supporters are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Doubling up: Norwich last beat Manchester United in a 2-0 win at Carrow Road in April 2005

Doubling up: Norwich last beat Manchester United in a 2-0 win at Carrow Road in April 2005

17.14: Norwich City boss Chris Hughton spoke to ESPN:

'The performances have been similar to early in the season but we have tightened up as a unit since facing Liverpool and Chelsea. We are in good form at the moment.

We haven’t changed the team too much of late and that helps consistency, especially in the back four.

'I don’t think you ever speak about Manchester United being vulnerable. We will have to be at our best to get anything and catch United on one of their bad days.'

17.10: Manchester United are without England striker Wayne Rooney because of an ankle injury for this afternoon's Barclays Premier League trip to Norwich.

Leading scorer Robin van Persie, however, recovers from the thigh strain which kept him out of Holland's midweek friendly with Germany.

Javier Hernandez also starts after his match-winning cameo at Aston Villa last weekend while Anders Lindegaard comes into goal for David de Gea, who is troubled by a wisdom tooth.

Norwich are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games and name an unchanged side from the team which drew 0-0 at Reading.

17.05: The full line-ups from Carrow Road:

Norwich v Man Utd
Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido, Snodgrass, Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Holt. Subs: Bunn, Howson, Jackson, Morison, Elliott Bennett, Tierney, Ryan Bennett.

Man Utd: Lindegaard, Da Silva, Ferdinand, Smalling, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Young, van Persie, Hernandez. Subs: Johnstone, Jones, Anderson, Welbeck, Scholes, Cleverley, Fletcher.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

17.00: Anyone who witnessed Manchester United play at this time last week will realise just about anything can happen in a match involving Fergie's men.

The Red Devils came from two goals down to win by the odd goal in five at Aston Villa last Saturday, and with an inconsistent Norwich team hosting today's final game, I wouldn't rule out another blast of goals this evening. Team news up next.

Saturday finale: Norwich host Manchester United at Carrow Road in the day's last Premier League match

Saturday finale: Norwich host Manchester United at Carrow Road in the day's last Premier League match

Jack Wilshere"s performance gives Roy Hodgson hope

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It was short and sweet, but Jack's back: Wilshere's cameo offers Hodgson hope

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UPDATED:

23:44 GMT, 14 November 2012

The all-clear came from Arsene Wenger. Then Roy Hodgson. And then Jack Wilshere himself.

Wilshere's appearance, after 61 minutes, would have made Arsenal boss Wenger wince as he walked on to a rutted pitch that was torn to shreds by the time he replaced Tom Cleverley.

It has been 17 months since his last England appearance, a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley.

Jack's back: Jack Wilshere (left) looked competent when he returned to the England fray

Jack's back: Jack Wilshere (left) looked competent when he returned to the England fray

After that length of time, it was just
good to see him back. His first touch was a cushioned header to his feet
and his next was a simple double-tap with his left foot before he was
taken out on the touchline.

Hodgson spent some time with Wilshere at Arsenal's training ground last month, talking him through his future plans for his evolving England team.

Wilshere wanted to be a part of it, given the incentive to play international football again as he came to the end of his exhaustive rehabilitation programme.

Even Hodgson believed a friendly with Sweden would be too soon but Wilshere responded and was rewarded for his efforts in Stockholm's Friends Arena.

He spent half an hour on the pitch, taking up his familiar left of centre position and looking every inch an accomplished international.

After 226 minutes back in the Arsenal team, he is also an England player again.

The future of this England team is focused on players with Wilshere's ability. Simple, effective passes played into like-minded players in space.

Raheem Sterling, who was excellent on his first appearance for his country, will thrive in a team that has Wilshere whetting the appetite.

He is a refreshing player, adding another dimension to a team flooded with forward thinking players.

In three months' time Wilshere will be first choice for club and country, in the starting XI for a friendly at Wembley with Brazil.

For now he is taking baby steps, returning to Arsenal overnight and reporting for training today to prepare for Saturday's clash with Tottenham.

Last night was short and sweet but at least he is in the clear.

Late change: Wilshere replaced Tom Cleverley with 30 minutes to play

Late change: Wilshere replaced Tom Cleverley with 30 minutes to play

Crisis averted: Both Hodgson and Arsene Wenger were concerned about Wilshere's fitness

Crisis averted: Both Hodgson and Arsene Wenger were concerned about Wilshere's fitness