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BOSS PREACHES CAUTION Sir Alex is not getting carried away with United's flying start to the season as he admits there are plenty more hurdles to overcome. The Reds have won all five Barclays Premier League games for the first time under the boss with Stoke next to stand in the champions' way on Saturday. Yet the manager still believes his team will improve in the New Year, once the league has really started to take shape.
"It's only five games of course and we're delighted at that," explained the boss. "It's not normal for us to do it. We did change the dynamics of the team in terms of the early-season some years ago - we tried to address that when Chelsea made those flying starts. "In the first two years, we didn't catch them - they were off and running before we'd got out of the blocks ourselves and we couldn't afford that. The third year, we addressed that and our start to the season was much better. In the competitive league we're in now, I think we do better in the second half and I think we'll do better in the second half again this season. At the moment, it's only five games - there are a lot of hurdles to navigate. "I always look at the league then and see whether we have a chance or an uphill fight. We've had all the big teams at home so far and if you think in the second half of the season we're going to have to go to all those grounds. So hopefully our second half is good." More: Stoke praised by the manager | Hernandez fit for Stoke | Boss' Nani shock
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RIO FERDINAND Q & A Rio Ferdinand recently took the time to answer a few questions posted by fans on the club's official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/manchesterunited ... What's the most challenging thing about being a player at Manchester United?
It can take time to get used to the pressure that comes with pulling on the United shirt. I remember when I was at West Ham and we'd go to somewhere like Old Trafford; before the game, we'd be delighted with a draw. But here, even if you're losing 1-0 with just 10 minutes left, we always think about winning. Who is the most difficult forward you've had to defend against?
My former United team-mate Louis Saha, now at Everton of course. He's quick, he's strong, he's aggressive, he hits the ball cleanly with both feet, he's great in the air... if I was building a prototype of a perfect number nine then I'd look to Louis. Are you planning to go to any events at the 2012 Olympics in London?
I'd love to go to the 100 metres athletics final. It would be great to see Usain Bolt go through the finish line in about 8.5 seconds! Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have really impressed the fans. How highly do you rate them?
They're top quality players and they can both play in different positions. They can both play at right-back and Phil can also play in midfield a little bit. They are both great players with great futures ahead of them. More: Rio return vital | Fryers' taste for action | New boys delight boss |
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McILROY: STOKE CAN'T LIVE WITH US Sammy McIlroy feels Sir Alex will opt for experience when United travel to Stoke on Saturday. The Northern Irishman, who left the Reds to join the Potters in his playing days, is confident the Barclays Premier League leaders will be able to overcome a stiff examination at the Britannia Stadium. Speaking at the filming of the club's official Greatest Ever XI DVD, McIlroy said: "Stoke have a totally different way of playing. They are a big, physical side and set-pieces are going to play a big part in it. "It's how we can cope with that but, once we get the ball down, I don't think Stoke are going to be able to live with us, the form we're in at the minute. "I think it'll be tough but I think United will win. Sir Alex will absolutely put out a side that can stand up to Stoke's physical side, without taking anything away from the type of football we're playing. To cope, I think he'll put some experience in there and Rio Ferdinand knows all about playing there in games like this. "If Rio's fit and able to go, I think he will play down there as the manager goes for an experienced side." More: Tunnicliffe's role models | Macari stunned by Reds' start | Red Voices podcast |
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