Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be celebrating his 70th birthday on the occasion of the visit of Blackburn Rovers. Speaking ahead of the match, Sir Alex Ferguson said that Tottenham cannot be discounted as just another team this season. He says that Tottenham have the ability to launch title bid given that they have a game in hand over both the Manchester clubs at the top of the table. After the exit from the Champions League at the hands of FC Basel, Manchester United have been on an excellent run of form.

Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the decision of the referee to award Newcastle United a penalty in the match against Old Trafford. Newcastle United equalised through the penalty and then managed to hold on till the end. The penalty was viewed with a lot of criticism from various quarters, although many would feel that Manchester United have had their fair share of dubious decisions gone their way. It is probably the first in a more than 100 matches that Manchester United have had a penalty decision against them. Still, it has caused United to miss the opportunity to close the gap on Manchester City, who could only draw against Liverpool on Sunday.

Manchester United's Michael Owen has been ruled out of action for anything up to six weeks, which means that United will be struggling to get him fit for the Christmas rush of games.

Alexis Sanchez has rejected Manchester United in favour of Barcelona in a major blow for the England club. Pozzo also held talks with two Italian sides — believed to be Juventus and Inter Milan — as well as meeting Barcelona’s sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, and vice-president, Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is praying for the return of Rio Ferdinand in the Champions League match against Chelsea. Prior the 1-0 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge, Ferdinand, cursed by back, knee and calf injuries for the past two years, had made 20 appearances for United this season and emerged unbeaten in each one.

Manchester United could not break the deadlock against Marseille and ended up drawing the first leg Champions League game. Didier Deschamps’ critique about their paucity of creativity, simply demonstrating the resolve in their ranks to take a solid step towards the Champions League quarter-finals. No richness but no risks either.

Manchester United are planning to make a big bid for Ashley Young. According to reports, United were also keen on Ashley Young and even went as far as making a £15 million bid.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to confirm that in his programme notes for Saturday's Manchester derby.

Manchester United are set to miss Rafael Da Silva for the FA Cup clash with Southampton. The Brazilian international was stretchered off in the second half with concussion during United’s 3-2 victory over Blackpool on Tuesday after a clash of heads with Marlon Harewood.

Manchester United have drawn Southampton in the FA Cup fourth-round and it is an away tie for the Premier league side.The Saints, who beat Premier League side Blackpool 2-0 on Saturday, will face Alex Ferguson’s men at St Mary’s on the weekend of January 29/30.

Manchester United are looking to offer a new coaching role for Edwin van Der Sar once he retires. The goalkeeper has yet to officially state his intentions, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson reckons this campaign will be the 40-year-old’s last.