Red View: City vs United previews, derby wallpaper, Rooney goals video + more

GIGGS FOCUSED ON CITY CLASH Ryan Giggs may have seen it all before in terms of derbies and title races but he admits there is added spice in Monday's blockbuster clash at Manchester City. The veteran midfielder is hoping to be involved at the Etihad Stadium as Sir Alex is likely to ponder a recall for one of his most trusted professionals in the heat of battle. Certainly, the 38-year-old is one player who will not be feeling any nerves in the tense build-up, after all he was credited with the winner in a derby as long ago as 1991 - even if it did appear to be an own goal by Colin Hendry. When asked on MUTV's Countdown to Kick Off if it's one of the most exciting title battles for a while, Giggs replied: "It looks like going to the last game, so you've got to say it's up there. Obviously there's added spice as it's the two Manchester clubs and it's got everyone interested. "I've been involved in a few title races that have gone to the wire, especially with Arsenal and Newcastle in similar scenarios and everyone was saying it was their title. I think it's up there as one of those races where you just can't call it." Giggs' eyes are firmly fixed on the prize, which would earn him a scarcely believable 13th championship medal, and is treating this 2011/2012 race like all of the others that have gone before.  "I don't think it feels too different," he insisted. "The hype around it is multiplied. Everyone is focused on Manchester at the moment so that's a different aspect to it. But, at the end of the day, we're still fighting for the title against another team and we want to get it." More: City here to stay | United take a break | Global Reds are ready IRWIN BACKS REDS IN TITANIC BATTLE United legend Denis Irwin says the Reds can handle the nerves when the pressure is on at the Etihad Stadium... "I was fortunate to play in 13 Manchester derbies and they were always massive games. But this is the one. This is the biggest I've ever known. "It's the first time City have ever challenged for the title in the Premier League era and to have the game so late in the season means there's an awful lot at stake. As I say they're always big games and they've got bigger in the last few years but this one is off the Richter scale in terms of importance! "There's no doubt both sets of players will be nervous. If you're not nervous before a game like this there's something wrong with you. It's human nature to have nerves in this situation. Everyone will have them - the manager, the players and fans. It's how you handle them that's important. "The manager certainly won't let any nerves show. I always remember him being very calm in the lead-up to big matches. He'll just be telling the players about the importance of playing our own game and trying to stamp our authority on proceedings. In terms of our approach, I know we'll be going out to win the game. Yes, a draw is a decent result but it's not in our nature to go anywhere and play for a draw. We've never done that before and we can't start doing it now. We've got to play our normal game and just see how the game pans out. I think it'll be pretty tight early on, but I expect it to open up a bit in the second half. "It's hard to call what the score will be. When the top teams have played each other this season we've seen a lot of goals and it actually wouldn't surprise me if Monday night was the same. Usually in big games you'd be expecting a 0-0 or 1-0 scoreline, but I wouldn't be shocked to see the derby finish up at, say, 2-2. And we'd be more than happy with that result of course." Derby Blogs: Hit City on the break | Reds ahead on experience | The biggest derby ever OWEN EXPECTS ROONEY RECORDS Michael Owen believes Wayne Rooney will continue to break goalscoring records at United, but warns that nothing can ever be taken for granted. The 32-year-old forward has seen Rooney overtake George Best and Dennis Viollet to leap into fourth place in the all-time list at Old Trafford. "You can only imagine records are going to tumble, the longer he plays," Owen told MUTV. "The longer he stays at the top of his game at a club like this, and on the international stage and the rest of it, he's going to break records. "I know it can quickly change though. I was looking at the England goalscoring record and I was nine off Sir Bobby [Charlton] and only in my mid-to-late twenties. I was thinking it was a formality when, all of a sudden, Fabio Capello came in and didn't pick me once and it looks a mile off now and is virtually impossible." Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 249 goals is still some 60 strikes away for Rooney but Owen thinks the top tally is still a realistic target for the Reds' number 10. "It's certainly manageable if he keeps in great shape and great form," said Owen. "If he plays here another half-a-dozen more years, he's obviously going to go past it and set a real tough target for anyone coming through to beat." Awards: Vote for your Goal of the Season and Player of the Year before 1 May   This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.

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Red View: David Gill exclusive, Sir Alex, Rafael and Valencia video and more

GILL PROUD OF REDS' PHILOSOPHY  United chief executive David Gill is backing the Reds and Sir Alex to continue producing players through the famed Academy at Carrington. Of course, United have a rich history of developing youth products ever since the days of the Busby Babes and the match-going fans enjoy nothing more than seeing homegrown talent getting the chance to impress on the big stage. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have all come through the ranks and made an impact on the title challenge this term. "It's been a feature of Manchester United for many years and will continue to be," he told Red View. "We need to be in a position to buy players like David De Gea when we need to buy a goalkeeper or this, that and the other. But, at the same time, we're very fortunate in having a manager and a philosophy that talks about our own players and developing those. "That's crucial, not only obviously for getting into our first team as that's very difficult with our squad but also a number of players have developed great careers in the game having been brought up with United. "That's what we're about and I think our fans want it. It's clear when you go to Old Trafford that they really take to the lads from the Academy. It's very important to us." More: Anderson, Pogba out for the season | Sir Alex's Ashley advice BOSS EXPECTS TOFFEES TEST Sir Alex Ferguson is under no illusions about how difficult it will be take another step towards the title on Sunday. Everton traditionally make life awkward for the Reds and the champions had to wait until the 83rd minute in the home game at a similar stage last season before Javier Hernandez, who has scored the winner in the last two games against the Toffees, nodded home. "Everton going out of the FA Cup was a bad result for them," he said. "They went into that game in good form but losing a semi-final and a derby is always disappointing. No matter what happened last week, it was always going to be a hard game for us. We expect hard games and we're prepared for hard games. They are always hard matches against Everton. Sometimes we've done well, sometimes it's been difficult." Wayne Rooney will be striving to once again show his former club what they have been missing since his move to Old Trafford. "Wayne's goals have been fantastic," added the boss. "He's the one player who's scored consistently for us this season. He used to score in clutches but now they've evened themselves out over the season. It's an important game on Sunday and Rooney likes the edge that a big game brings." More:  Evans: Standard is even higher | Podcast: Everton preview RIO RESPECT FOR JELAVIC Rio Ferdinand is aware of the threat Nikica Jelavic will pose at Old Trafford on Sunday. Everton's shrewd signing from Rangers has settled well south of the border and scored again in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool last weekend. The Merseysiders provide a formidable barrier before any hopes that the Manchester derby on 30 April could be decisive in the race for the title. "The key thing is that we have to win against Everton in order to even give ourselves that chance [of going for glory at the Etihad Stadium]," he said. "All we're thinking about at the moment is that game, not what we can or can't do next weekend or the weekend after that. And Everton always give us a tough game, so we need to make sure we do the job properly. "They've looked really good recently. Nikica Jelavic has come in and grabbed a few goals - he looks handy - and they're the sort of side who give their all for the manager. "They're desperate to finish above Liverpool in the league this season, especially after losing to them last weekend. They're coming here with plenty to play for." Votes: Goal of the season | Reserves Player of the Year   This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.

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Red View: Ashley Young on Villa, Giggs, Pogba and much more..

YOUNG RELISHING REUNION Ashley Young insists there will be no extra edge about facing his former club Aston Villa on Sunday. The in-form winger is convinced Alex McLeish's side will have no problem avoiding relegation, even if he is determined to ensure they leave Old Trafford pointless at the weekend. It is the second time that Young has faced his old employers since leaving the club in the summer of 2011 after playing his part in a 1-0 triumph at Villa Park in December. "I always look out for Villa's results," he told United Review. "I enjoyed my four and a half years there and keep in touch with a lot of the people there. I exchanged a couple of messages with some of the lads last week - I was trying to find out their team! "There won't be any extra edge for me because it's against my old team - I'll just be trying to put in another good performance and help us get three points." When asked if the Midlanders can get out of trouble at the wrong end of the table, he replied: "I hope so. It's so tough at this stage because every team is fighting for something but, if they can get some good results at home, they'll have a great chance. "We got dragged into a bit of a relegation battle when I was there last season, but we had a good team spirit and got ourselves clear of it and finished ninth in the end. I'm sure they have the squad and team spirit to survive." More: Scholes back on Sunday | Sir Alex urges perspective GIGGS ANSWERS THE FANS Ryan Giggs responded to questions from the Red Army in the latest issue of United Review.. Which opposition player has stood out for you this season? (Max Singer) Robin van Persie. In a team that hasn't always been performing to its maximum, he's been brilliant. He's produced so many goals, and important ones as well. You really have to hand it to him. How does it feel when some of the referees are younger than you? (Ellen Graham) [laughs and then mocks outrage] Who sent that one in? I want their name and address! Honestly... what can I say to that? Actually, to be fair, I quite enjoy having a referee who's a similar age to me. It makes it easier to talk to them. Referees make a lot of decisions in a game - most of them they get right, but they're also going to get the odd one wrong. When they do, it's nice if you can chat to him and ask him why he's made a particular decision. Your career is full of highlights, but what's been the lowest moment? (Andy Mutch) Two stand out for me: when we lost the league to Leeds in 1991/92 and the Champions League final in Rome in 2009. I still remember how bad it felt after we'd lost at Upton Park and then at Anfield in 1992. It was horrible to come so close and lose out. The Champions League final in Rome was worse than last year's at Wembley for me, simply because we just didn't turn up in Rome. It was a massive missed opportunity for us to win back-to-back Champions League trophies. More: Giggs expects response | Ruud savours Red years PAUL POGBA IN PROFILE United's French youngster was in the spotlight on MUTV's Thursday Focus this week... First kicked a ball.. I think I was three or four. Signed for United.. I joined United two years ago. Who are your idols in football? The first time was Ronaldo, the Brazilian. After that, it was Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira. Why? Because they are great and just enjoyed football as well. They are great players and, for me, they are legends. What are your strengths? Not many tall players can be skilful with their feet. I think that's my strongest point. What has been your career highlight? I think it was signing for Manchester United. Definitely, because it was a dream for me. What are your aims for your career? To be a regular first-team player, a top player for Manchester United and become a legend here like Eric Cantona hopefully. Who is your best friend in football? Everyone really. I get on with everyone. John Cofie, all the team, we just laugh together - even the first team sometimes. Everyone - they are all my friends. Why do you love football? The atmosphere and the big games. I love big games because you play against big players as well and have to show them who is the best on the pitch. I just want to be better than them. More: Player of the Year voting | Young Reds aim for final    This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.

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Red View: Rooney on the title race, Goals of the Month video + more

SIR ALEX: FANS CAN HELP US ON SUNDAY Sir Alex Ferguson is urging the Easter Sunday crowd at Old Trafford to follow the example set by the away fans earlier this week - and roar the Reds to victory. Speaking in his Good Friday press conference, the United boss praised the contribution made by supporters in the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers and expressed his hope for more of the same against Mark Hughes' QPR. "The fans have been important over the years at this time of the season," he said. "The surge they can give us in the last 15 minutes or so of games when they're right behind us almost helps to suck the ball into the net. It's a terrific feeling. They definitely give us an advantage." Sir Alex was also pleased with the patience shown by the supporters at Blackburn, given the breakthrough goal from Antonio Valencia didn't arrive until the 81st minute. "We had to wait for late goals on Monday night but the fans were fantastic at Blackburn from the first minute, they never stopped," said Sir Alex. "It would be great if they can create that for the rest of the games because it does help the players." More: Valencia rumours refuted | Nani back for busy week | Red Voices podcast ROONEY KEEPS EYE ON CITY Wayne Rooney admits he will be watching Manchester City's matches during the run-in on television as the tension increases at the top of the table. United's top scorer is an avid football watcher and will be hoping the Blues slip up at Arsenal on Sunday after the Reds take on QPR at Old Trafford. "I watch pretty much every game that's on no matter who's playing; if there's a game on, I can't not watch it!" says Rooney, in the new issue of Inside United magazine. "Watching games can be really frustrating but when things go your way it's a great feeling. The most important thing for us is to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we take care of our results, but of course it does give you a real boost when you see your rivals drop points. We just need to keep winning to ensure we take advantage of that if and when it happens." Some pundits have claimed that the current United side is not a vintage one, the same criticism that was levelled at the club last season. So what's Rooney's take on it? "I think there have been games when we could have played better. But we've shown the spirit and the determination to grind out results when we've needed to. "We've got a lot of quality players in the side and at times this season we've played some great football and then, at other times, we haven't played as well. But we've still dug out results. If you look at the points tally for this stage of the season it's probably one of the highest in United's Premier League history. We are in a great position to win the league again this year so we haven't done too badly." More: Giggs expects stern test from Sparky | Jones enthralled by title race PETRUCCI AIMS FOR PROGRESS United Reserves' Italian captain Davide Petrucci talks about his hopes of breaking into the first team... Are you pleased with how the season is going? I'm happy because we are doing so well. We're top of the league and we're working hard to stay there. We hope to win it. How much have you had to adapt your game personally? Warren Joyce has praised your running and tackling... When I came here, I obviously wasn't used to English football. They told me that, to play in England, you have to play with the ball but also do the defensive part. That's what I'm trying to be focused on now. I feel better because I had injuries but now I feel good so I want to push myself. Are you more of a complete midfielder now? Obviously I like to play going forward. But I need to be ready to do everything - sometimes you have to play in front of the defence, sometimes in the middle. You just have to be ready to do everything. If you are a complete midfielder, you have more chances to do well. How pleased are you to captain the Reserves? I feel very proud when I am on the pitch wearing the armband. Just playing for United is so good. I try [to lead by example] but they are all great lads and they know how to behave already. You were on the bench for the first team as part of the squad at Spurs, although you weren't a sub... Yes, I travelled with the team and that was such a great experience. That was my dream - to play for the first team - so that's been my target and I want to achieve that. Hopefully I can have more chances. The next step up will be to be on the bench and making my debut would be my dream. Do you feel you're close to breaking through? I'm not far but, at the same time, it's still far off. I have to work very hard here at United. Even the biggest player is never settled [in terms of his place] and there are always challenges in front of them. It's the same for everyone. More: Macheda's dream debut video | United Reserves news |  April transfer gossip   This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.

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