Eight Reds braced for big night

As many as eight United players could be involved when the Euro 2008 campaign draws to a close on Wednesday night.

Owen Hargreaves has recovered from tendonitis and could pip Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to a midfield place if England coach Steve McClaren decides to play a 4-5-1 system. Wes Brown is also in the squad to face Croatia at Wembley but Rio Ferdinand is suspended. McClaren has invited the injured Wayne Rooney to Wembley to cheer on his England team mates who need just a draw to qualify for Euro 2008.

Two United players could be on opposite sides in Belgrade. Nemanja Vidic's Serbia need to beat Tomasz Kuszczak's Poland, who have already qualified, to keep their campaign alive. Serbia will then face Kazakhstan on Saturday in a rearranged game and if the result is still crucial, but it remains unclear whether Vidic will be allowed to play in the match as it would mean missing United’s away fixture at Bolton.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani could both play for Portugal when they take on Finland, seeking the point they need to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

The Netherlands and France have both already qualified but Edwin van der Sar is set to play again for the Dutch away at Belarus while Patrice Evra may be given an opportunity for France over the border in Ukraine.

In Group F, Northern Ireland have an outside chance of going through. They must win in Spain, without the suspended United defender Jonny Evans, and hope that Latvia win in Sweden.

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=509142

Ferguson dealing in Man Utd foursome

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to deal in four of his defensive stars.



The Mirror says Wes Brown, out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to sign a three-year contract worth £50,000-a-week in the next few days. He has been right-back this season in place of the injured Gary Neville and can talk to other clubs from January 1 unless United move fast.

Left-back Patrice Evra will renegotiate the deal that brought him to United almost two years, while John O'Shea was offered an improved contract.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will agree a 12-month extension until the end of next season.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65880

Evra is season's star

Forget Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrice Evra has been United's outstanding performer so far this season, according to MUTV pundit Paddy Crerand.

The Reds legend and former European Cup winner insists Evra has been “absolutely fantastic” this term, particularly because of his instinct to attack down the left flank.

Many United fans would agree, and on current form it could be reasonably argued that the Frenchman is the best left-back Premiership.

"I would say without question he’s been the man of the season so far, he’s been absolutely outstanding," Crerand told MUTV. "I don’t think anybody can have an argument about that. But if they do, I’ll argue with them!

"He’s got all the qualities, particularly at Old Trafford because United are invariably the attacking team. He plays up and down that left side and has been fantastic doing it.”

Having arrived almost two years ago for a reported fee around £5.5million, Evra has proved an excellent capture and already seen off the competition of Gabriel Heinze. It may have taken him time to bed in to the English style of play, but the patience, Crerand feels, has paid off.

"He’s another one who, like Nemanja Vidic, needed a little bit of time to settle,” he added.

“I think there’s more pressure at this club on players than there is at any other club because you’ve got a worldwide audience staring at you and they expect you to go on the pitch and be a star straightaway.

“But it takes time. You have to get to know the players you’re playing with and they have to get to know you.

"I believe Patrice is a very popular person with the rest of the squad, but I think being a good player helps to make you popular, and he’s been exactly that for us this season.”

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=508860&page=2