Red View: Sir Alex on Swansea, Phil Jones, Goals of the Month video + more

SIR ALEX PRAISES SURPRISE PACKAGES Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's been impressed by Newcastle United and top-flight new boys Swansea City and Norwich City this season as the three teams approach key fixtures this weekend. Of course, the Reds are in action against Brendan Rodgers' Swansea at Old Trafford after the high-flying Newcastle take on leaders Manchester City at the Sports Direct Arena. On Saturday, Norwich City are away to Arsenal as the Gunners look to take a huge step towards clinching third spot.  The United boss was asked to pick out which sides and individuals have perhaps surprised him this term and he admitted Newcastle's progress has been quicker than expected. The Magpies remain in contention for a place in next season's Champions League following a splendid away win at Chelsea in midweek. "I think Swansea and Norwich are the surprises, together with Newcastle," Sir Alex told Inside United. "With the history and fanbase at Newcastle, you expect them to improve at some point, but they've done well. "The boy Demba Ba had a great first half of the season and scored a lot of goals. At Swansea, Leon Britton and Neil Taylor have had great seasons. Grant Holt has been excellent for Norwich and David Fox has been impressive too." More: Evans and Welbeck out | Podcast: Swansea in town   JONES VOWS REDS WILL RECOVER Phil Jones admits "a lot of questions" have been asked in the Manchester United camp this week following Monday's derby defeat at the Etihad Stadium. In a match billed as the biggest derby in the history of English football, the Reds missed the chance to all but seal a 20th league title. Instead, Vincent Kompany's header, in stoppage time at the end of the first half, handed City three points and the advantage in the title race. The Reds were left understandably deflated by the result, but Jones says they're now fully focused on bouncing back this weekend when Swansea visit Old Trafford on Sunday. "There have obviously been a lot of questions raised this week, and rightly so," Jones told ManUtd.com. "We probably didn't play the best we could have on Monday and it is disappointing. "But make no mistake about it: we are level on points with City. Goal difference separates us at the moment and you've seen already this season that there have been so many twists and turns. Don't be surprised if you see a few more. I think it will go down to the wire. We know what we have to do: win the two games, take six points and see where that takes us. "Obviously the day after the derby the lads were gutted and massively disappointed. But we have moved on quickly and pushed it to one side. We have put it right in training this week. There are still a lot of bubbly characters about and we are looking forward to the game at the weekend." More: Madrid game for ex-Reds | The Gossip: 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.