Luis Nani into the PFA Team of the year

Luis Nani 

Luis Nani has had his most productive season since arriving to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon. 

"I'm very proud to be named in the PFA Team of the Year," said the portuguese star. 

"Being part of this great club brings great responsibility and great achievements." added Nani.

You can follow him at his official Twitter account at: @luisnani

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Festive fixture guide

I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year and wishing United victories in the following four games...

Sunderland, Old Trafford, Sunday 26 December, 15:00

At the Stadium of Light in October, a determined defensive showing earned United a point – and left Steve Bruce ruing his luck against his former boss. For this Boxing Day return, three points will be on the post-Christmas wish list of every Red, but defence could be the order of the day again, particularly if Bruce rolls up in M16 with the same attacking gameplan that he took to Stamford Bridge.

Birmingham City, St Andrews, Tuesday 28 December, 20:00

Alex McLeish’s men are going steadily about their business this season – with the odd standout result, not least the 1-0 home win that compounded the champions’ misery a week on from the Sunderland debacle. Too many draws have, however, left the Carling Cup semi-finalists worryingly close to the danger zone – a situation McLeish will no doubt be keen to change (for the better) against his one-time boss.

West Bromwich Albion, The Hawthorns, Saturday 1 January, 12:45

Thrashed at home by Stoke, runaway winners at Goodison… West Brom are not only proving the surprise package of this season, but have made it totally impossible to predict their results. After their OT comeback, however, one thing is certain: the Reds won’t be taking the top-flight new boys lightly. And after two, potentially priceless, points dropped in that home clash, making amends is likely to be high on the agenda…

Stoke City, Old Trafford, Tuesday 4 January, 20:00

For a side that didn’t get a point on the board until the fourth game of the campaign, the Potters’ season has picked up very nicely. Home form remains the bulwark underpinning Stoke’s mid-table berth - it took a Chicharito goal just four minutes from time to eke out three points for United at the Britannia.

Source: RedView

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Sir Alex wary of West Brom Albion

Sir Alex Ferguson says United must be on top form to avoid an upset against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The boss has warned his players not to underestimate Roberto Di Matteo's men, following their strong start to life back in the top flight.

“I think they had a bad game losing 6-0 to Chelsea right away but since then their form has been very good,” said Sir Alex.

“They have drawn with Sunderland at home, beaten Birmingham in the local derby and then they went to Arsenal and won 3-2. 

“That is good form and they’re playing attractive football so we expect a tough game. We have got to recognise their performance at the Emirates, three goals against Arsenal tells you something. We just need to make sure we perform properly.”

Although away wins in the league are still proving elusive, United have maximum points at Old Trafford. The Reds are also unbeaten anywhere this season, and have only once come close to losing in the manager's view.

“It’s only the Sunderland game where I feel we were probably a little bit lucky to get a point," admitted Sir Alex. "Sunderland played very well and I think we had a bit of an off day, but that can happen in the context of going through a season. We know our position at the moment [five points behind Chelsea], we just have to get on with it."

Owen Hargreaves wait continues

Owen Hargreaves will not line up against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, contrary to reports in the media earlier this week. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the midfielder has picked up a calf injury and is not available for selection.



“Owen’s not ready. He’s injured,” Sir Alex said. “He got a calf injury and has missed training for the last few days.”



The news contradicts reports from across the Atlantic that suggested Hargreaves was set to make his first senior start since September 2008. Dr Richard Steadman, who has overseen part of Hargreaves’ rehabilitation, was quoted this week as saying: “Owen should play some part on Saturday.”



But Sir Alex insists the statement is “not accurate”.



“I pick the team and I have been doing that for a while,” he said. “We’re having some difficulties with the doctor [Steadman] in Colorado. It’s not fair to the player, to the fans and to ourselves to say the player is going to be playing. It’s ridiculous.



“It’s a small interference that has caused a bit of confusion. Owen’s not available for West Brom.”



One player who could take to the pitch is Ryan Giggs. The Welshman missed United’s games against Valencia and Sunderland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Reds’ draw at Bolton in late September, but Sir Alex says he’s now ready to re-enter the fray.



“Giggsy’s been out for a couple of weeks but he’s fit again.”

Source: Red View & manutd.com

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