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DE GEA RELISHES SPANISH RETURN David De Gea is eagerly anticipating playing his first United game in Spain following the Reds' aggregate victory over Ajax in the Europa League. The summer acquisition from Atletico Madrid will be back in his homeland on 15 March, for the Round of 16, second leg match against Athletic Bilbao. De Gea played a key role in overcoming Ajax over the two legs, including one world-class save to deny Siem De Jong, "I was lucky enough to be able to help the team and now we're in the next round," he told UEFA.com. "We started very well with a goal from Chicharito which put us in control but I think we relaxed a bit and felt too confident and, if you do that against a team like Ajax, what happened to us can happen - you lose the game. "The manager wasn't happy but we got through and that's the important thing. Athletic Bilbao are a good team. I've got lots of friends there and it'll be great to go back to Spain - and to win." De Gea has happy memories of Bilbao's San Mames Stadium after helping Atletico Madrid win 2-1 there in September 2010. However, his side then lost the return match in La Liga, 0-2 at home in January 2011. More: Bilbao next for United | Ajax match report | Player ratings vs Ajax |
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FABIO ANSWERS THE FANS The Brazilian left-back fields questions from United Review readers... Have you ever claimed credit for something Rafael has done? Nick Millard
When I was young, yes! In school, sometimes, and at parties with girls [laughs]. Maybe seven years ago, when we looked the same. Now there are differences but back then our hair was the same and sometimes we wore the same clothes. Who would win a race between you and Rafael? Amit
[Laughs]. This is a hard question. Some months, one is faster than the other one. The next month, it changes. It's always changing. When we were younger, I was faster - maybe now I'm a little faster than him too! You've taken free-kicks for Brazil. Do you hope to do so here? Carlos Villanueva
A lot of players here can take free-kicks. One day I hope I can take them but I'm young so I have to wait. Maybe I'll start to practise them and then they'll let me. Did you enjoy playing golf on tour in pre-season? Amir Ahmed
Yeah, it was the first time I played in my life! It's different in Brazil because, for some reason, we don't play out there. We play more volleyball, basketball and football. Golf is not played really. It was fun though. I nearly hit my brother but it was funny! More: Valencia injury boost | Nani eyes return to fitness | Smalling: We'll improve |
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DE LAET IMPRESSED BY CANARIES' ETHIC Ritchie De Laet's inside knowledge of Norwich City suggests Manchester United will have to work hard for a vital league victory on Sunday. The Reds defender spent the first four months of this season on loan at Carrow Road, and developed an admiration for the East Anglian club's collective spirit. From the dug-out to the dressing room, to the backing of the entire town, De Laet says the Canaries' togetherness is key. "There are no big players at Norwich," De Laet told ManUtd.com this week. "Some of the players have come all the way from League One to the Premier League with Norwich and with the same manager, Paul Lambert. When I was there, he'd often come in the dressing room or the gym and have banter with the lads. But the players also knew exactly what the manager expected of them. They play the same system that has earned them two promotions. It's a hard system to play against, and they've just kept going with the same winning mentality." The Canaries have picked up points in nine of their 12 home league games - a similar record to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this season. So what is it that makes Carrow Road the proverbial tough place to visit? De Laet has two theories. "For a start, it's far away! For example, it's four hours from Manchester by road, although United will fly to Norwich. And because there's only one team in the neighbourhood, everybody supports them. The local fans get behind the team really well." More: Six Reds in England squad | Amos and Keane called up | February transfer gossip |
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