Wes: Roo Great too

Wes Brown says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney deserves as much recognition as teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Wayne has made an excellent contribution to the team," said Brown. "You look at his movement and the way he has set up a lot of goals for Ronny (Ronaldo).

Fergie Worries on Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has given Sir Alex Ferguson another defensive headache after leaving the Riverside with his foot in a protective case following Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

United can ill afford to lose Ferdinand for long with fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic out for three weeks and some crucial matches coming up in the Premier League and Champions League.

Vida Out of Arsenal

Crocked Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will miss the Premiership showdown with Arsenal this month due to his knee injury.

United feared their first choice centre-back, 26, had damaged knee ligaments when he was carried off in Rome on Tuesday night. But scans showed the injury is not so serious and he will be out for up to three weeks.

Carrick: We Can Win

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United must prove they are a "great team" by continuing to win the Premier League year after year.

The defending champions have opened up a five-point lead over second placed Chelsea and are hoping to seal back-to-back titles for the first time since they won the league three seasons in a row from 1999-2001.

Saha Out

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed striker Louis Saha is out of this week's Champions League quarterfinal against Roma.

Saha will miss the tie - the winners face either Barcelona or Schalke in the semi-finals - as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Evra: Contract Talks on Hold

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has refused to rule out a move away from Old Trafford after revealing he has yet to agree a new deal.

The 26-year-old, who has another year to run on his contract has held talks over extending his stay at United, but has so far yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Rooney: Great Ronaldo Goal

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has described Cristiano Ronaldo goal against Aston Villa as "unbelievable".

Rooney struck twice himself and said: "A few people have been talking about it but the main thing is we have been winning games.

"It was a well-deserved three points. Some of our passing and movement was brilliant.

Ferdinand Captaincy Battle

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is prepared to battle teammates for the England captaincy.

"I just do my job for Manchester United and if the England manager deems that good enough to make me captain of England even if it is only for one game that's great," said Ferdinand.

"It was a fantastic honour but it is a different situation when you are all competing for the captaincy.

Carrick Salutes Barry

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits he's a big fan of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

Ahead of this weekend's clash, Carrick told manutd.com: "Gaz is a very good player. He's got a great left foot and it's pretty reliable, so we have to be careful when he's on the ball and not give away too many free kicks in the final third.

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