Gutted Rooney tweets of his shock and admiration

Wayne Rooney admitted he was devastated to see Fabio Capello quit as England manager as the Italian's shock departure triggered an outpouring of disbelief from English football stars on Wednesday.

Capello resigned following a meeting with Football Association chiefs at Wembley as a row between the Italian and his employers over their decision to strip John Terry of the national team captaincy finally boiled over.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach was furious that the FA took the armband from Terry following allegations he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match last October.

Manchester United and England striker Rooney was the most high-profile of Capello's players to express his disappointment that the Italian wouldn't be in charge at Euro 2012.

Rooney also made it clear he believes the next England manager should be Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourite for the post.

Rooney said on Twitter: "Gutted capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was emerging as a key member of Capello's team before a pre-season injury ruined his campaign, admitted he was upset by the news.

The 20-year-old said on Twitter: "Shocked about news on Fabio Capello...gutted to be honest, gave me my 1st cap and believed in me! Thank you Mr Capello! GreatManager.

"People have their own judgement on Capello but for a young player who was given the chance to play for my country at such a young age...

"He has shown great belief and trust in me so I can only thank him....massive influence on my career so far! Sad to see him go!"

Like Wilshere, Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson took to Twitter to pay tribute to Capello.

"Sad news to see Capello step down. Good man and a Good manager. ThanksForEverything," he wrote.

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker also expressed his disappointment at Capello's departure.

"Gutted to see Fabio Capello go he put a lot of trust in me and gave me my first cap just want to say a big thanks really," Walker said.

Rio Ferdinand, who was angered last year when Capello took the England captaincy from him to reappoint Terry, added on Twitter: "So Capello resigns....what now...."

Redknapp is the main contender to replace Capello and his cause was helped when he was cleared of tax fraud charges just hours before the Italian's departure.

Former England captain Gary Lineker believes Redknapp should get the job and could even manage both England and Tottenham in the short term.

He tweeted: "As you ask I think new man should be English. Players have to be, so should boss. HR the man if he wants it. He can do both jobs til May."

England legend Paul Gascoigne also gave his backing to Redknapp, but claimed former England boss Terry Venables should be offered the job if the Football Association could not get the Spurs manager.

"I think the obvious choice for everyone is Harry, but I don't think Tottenham are going to release Harry," Gascoigne told Sky Sports.

"He is a players' man. Everyone would want to play for him and he's proven that at the clubs he's been to.

"He's like Terry Venables and I would give him a shot again, truthfully.

"If Harry didn't want it and Spurs weren't willing to let him go I would give that man Terry Venables a shot again, without a shadow of a doubt."

Reaction also came from his compatriots in Italy.

"This is a serious loss for England," said Juventus coach Antonio Conte. "I'm disappointed and surprised.

"I have a huge amount of esteem and respect for a coach who has written important pages of history and has won a lot," added the former Italian international, who has guided Juve to the top of Serie A in his first season.

Meanwhile, QPR midfielder Joey Barton claimed England are in turmoil following the loss of Terry as captain and Capello as coach within a few days.

"Well, well, well, this debacle claims yet another victim. Where does this stop. Madness," he said on Twitter.

"No captain and no manager. 4 months from a major championship. What's going on......."

League keep Old Trafford handshakes

The Premier League have no plans to cancel the pre-match handshakes ahead of Manchester United's clash with Liverpool on Saturday, when Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez are likely to come face to face again.

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Press Association Sport understands the handshakes will take place as planned at Old Trafford as the Premier League believes cancelling them would negate the point of having the tradition in the first place.

Saturday's match will be the second encounter between Liverpool and United since Reds forward Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing United's Evra last year.

The Uruguayan was suspended for last month's FA Cup tie between the two sides at Anfield, which Liverpool won 2-1.

Suarez's ban has now expired and he returned to action in Monday's league match against Tottenham.

Last month, the Football Association elected to cancel the handshakes between QPR and Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup clash in an effort to ease tensions due to John Terry's charge of racially abusing Rs defender Anton Ferdinand, an allegation the Chelsea captain denies.

Park joins 200 club at Man United

Park Ji-sung is the latest proud member of Manchester United's 200-club having silenced those who claimed he was only bought to sell shirts in the Far East.

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The energetic midfielder completed the milestone when he was introduced as a substitute in United's staggering comeback draw at Chelsea on Sunday, an impressive effort considering how many times the 30-year-old has been forced out for extended periods through injury since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2005.

At the time, Park's signing was dismissed as an elaborate money-making venture by the Old Trafford money men. Yet Sir Alex Ferguson always knew the South Korean had the capacity to be a key figure in his plans, and Park said: "I am proud to reach this mark."

He added: "I never thought I could play 200 matches for Manchester United. Some people did say those things (shirt-seller) when I came here. Now no-one says it. I am very happy that I proved Asian players can deal with the high levels of European football."

Since he has been at United, the club have claimed four league titles - becoming the first South Korean to collect a winners' medal - three League Cups, the World Club Cup and the Champions League.

Park was not in the match-day squad for the latter triumph over Chelsea in Moscow four seasons ago. However, he did play a pivotal role in the semi-final victory against Barcelona, running a mammoth 19km to help shut down Lionel Messi in the second leg at Old Trafford.

He has also made a remarkable habit of scoring in matches against the biggest opposition, most recently in the FA Cup defeat to Saturday's visitors Liverpool.

Typically though, Park has no desire to rest on his laurels, and said: "To make 200 games is brilliant. I have a lot of good memories, especially the days when I have lifted trophies. They are great feelings.

"But the atmosphere at Manchester United is such that when you reach one point in your career, there is a determination straight away to reach other goals and aims.

"That is why Manchester United players want to lift trophies again and again. I know why their hunger is so much to win titles. That is the mentality."

Berbatov wants more game time

Dimitar Berbatov expects to remain at Manchester United beyond this season but has reiterated his disenchantment at his lack of playing time at Old Trafford.

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The 31-year-old was linked with a move away from the Red Devils in the January transfer window but no deal was completed and it is now expected that the club will activate a one-year extension to his contract - a clause written into his deal when he signed for United from Tottenham in 2008.

Berbatov told Bulgarian sports website www.sportal.bg: "I am a Manchester United player, but I do not currently play in as many games as I want. I'm not happy that I do not play. But I cannot blame anyone, especially in the media. When I have something to say, I go and talk face to face with the manager. He decides everything."

Speaking about his future at United, Berbatov added: "There was nothing concrete as an offer to me. I read about such things, but they are more speculation. I do not know how long I will stay at Manchester United.

"To my knowledge, the clause to extend my contract for another year is automatically activated in March. I know nothing more."

Rio feels for brother Anton

Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of younger brother Anton while admitting he has been left disillusioned by the current racism issues blighting football.

The Manchester United defender has so far kept his counsel on the saga involving his brother and John Terry, which has led to the Chelsea skipper being stripped of the England captaincy for a second time. Terry denies a charge of racially abusing Anton in a match between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road last year. His trial will be held in July, after Euro 2012.

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Speaking to BBC's Football Focus programme, Ferdinand said: "Anton is my little brother. We have grown up together and I have looked after him when we were kids. If something is going to affect him and hurt him, I am always there as a shoulder to lean on."

He added: "In moments like this, when things are so public and you can't really say anything, it can be frustrating.

"For my family, yes, it has been tough. At the end of the day, my brother has not brought any accusations to anyone. He is not the accused.

"But he has had to sit there and take abuse from some small-minded people, which has been very disappointing.

"I hope people see what effect that has, not just on the actual person but the people around them as well, and think before they speak."

Rafael ready to get started

The season starts here for Manchester United's Brazilian full-back Rafael.

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The 21-year-old has been restricted to just six appearances so far this term after yet more injury problems, first dislocating a shoulder during United's pre-season campaign before straining his hamstring in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Finally, Rafael is fit again and eager to make up for lost time, and told United Review: "In many ways it feels like it's only the beginning of the season for me. I'm just getting started, so I'm really looking forward to playing as many games as possible and, hopefully, helping the team win another Premier League trophy."

Rafael was on the bench on Tuesday as United overcame Stoke to join Manchester City on top of the table, although this weekend promises to be a bit more tricky as a trip to Chelsea has rarely ended productively in recent times.

Although United did win the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on their last visit, it is 10 years since they last recorded a league triumph at Stamford Bridge.

Three points would come in very handy this time around as it would really turn the screw on City, who felt their major advantage over the second half of the campaign was through having most of their top-of-the-table clashes at home.

And if United can emerge on the Blues' coat-tails from a run of matches that also includes Liverpool and Tottenham, as Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded, Rafael believes greater experience could become a key factor.

"I know everyone says this but I believe our experience will give us the edge," he said. "We've won many titles before and that is so important. Other clubs don't have that advantage.

"Sometimes that comes into play when you lose a game in April or May. Your first reaction may be to panic but if you look at people like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, they are always calm.

"They know how to act - and know that one bad game doesn't mean it is all over."

Early start suits Mertesacker

Per Mertesacker has challenged Arsenal to lay down an early marker with victory over Blackburn as they look to close back up on the top four.

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The Gunners missed the opportunity to capitalise on Chelsea's draw at Swansea when they failed to beat Bolton after a goalless encounter at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday night.

However, with Saturday's visit of struggling Rovers moved forwards to a 1pm kick-off because of engineering works on the London Underground, Arsenal could leapfrog both Liverpool and Newcastle, who are not in action until later over the weekend, and the German centre-back said: "It is an early game and as we are one of the first teams (to play), so we have to go for three points to show the other teams we are there."

He added: "We are always looking for clean sheets and good performances. We created good chances to score at Bolton, but it wasn't enough. There is a lot of room for improvement.

"We have a very good side with lots of potential but we have to be good on the pitch and we have to use our opportunities."

Midfielder Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal have to consistently produce good performances every week if they are not to fall behind in the race for Champions League qualification, currently trailing Chelsea by five points.

"Hopefully we will get the points on Saturday because we really need them as we have been losing too many in the last few weeks," said the Spaniard.

"We should win the game, like we should have won against Bolton. However, Blackburn will make it tough because they are in a relegation battle and you know how hard a team works in that situation."

Arteta added: "It (the race for a top-four place) is going to be tough. We have the talent and quality in the side, but we have to show it game by game.

"I am confident because we train together every day and I know how good we are, but we have to show it every week not every two or three weeks."

Giggs looks for title springboard

Ryan Giggs believes if Manchester United can come through their testing month of fixtures it could provide the impetus for another successful Barclays Premier League title challenge.

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United visit Chelsea on Sunday, after which they must tackle Liverpool and Tottenham, which a visit to Norwich - who have lost just three times at Carrow Road this season - in between. Little wonder no-one at Old Trafford is getting too confident, even though they moved level on points with Manchester City by beating Stoke on Tuesday night.

"We have shown reasonable form and if we can get good results in those kinds of games, confidence will be sky high," Giggs told Inside United.

"We know that it's a tough run, but those are the games you want to be playing in.

"We are not quite at the make-or-break part of the season, but it is an important time, and we know that if we win those games, then we'll be in good shape and good form going into the run-in. We know what's ahead of us and what we have to do."

With both Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson talking positively about a contract extension, it seems certain the veteran Welshman will extend his career into another season.

Such has been his impact, it seems highly likely that long-time team-mate Paul Scholes will join him after the midfielder abandoned his retirement at the beginning of last month.

"I thought he'd retired too early - a lot of people did," said Giggs.

"Scholesy probably thought he'd made up his mind and when you've done that, you can't really change it.

"But he was still the best in training with the reserves, so he obviously felt he could still do it. Nobody was going to disagree with that and it was a massive boost when we found out he was coming back before the Manchester City game."

Hansen baffled by Fergie blast

Former Liverpool and Scotland defender Alan Hansen said on Wednesday that he is mystified by angry criticism from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

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Ferguson hit out at Hansen on Tuesday, saying the media pundit would end up with "egg on his face" for claiming that United had not played well for 18 months.

However, Hansen said he was baffled by Ferguson's remarks.

"I really don't know where that has come from," Hansen said. "I never said that at any stage.

"What I said was that, over a period of 18 months, they haven't been as good as they have been in the past.

"I have also said that if you take the three teams at the top, Manchester United have consistently played worse than Tottenham and Manchester City.

"But it is to their credit that they are where they are and they will be the team to beat.

Ferguson and Hansen have had a fraught relationship.

Although Hansen was one of the most accomplished central defenders of his era, winning eight English championships and three European Cups with Liverpool, he was capped just 26 times by Scotland.

While caretaker manager of Scotland at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico after Jock Stein's death, Ferguson left Hansen out his squad in favour of the central defensive partnership of Willie Miller and Alex McLeish that he had nurtured while in charge of Aberdeen.

'Nightmare' keeper blow for Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he endured "a nightmare" on Monday when he lost his two main goalkeepers ahead of the match against Stoke.

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In the end, a toothless display from the Potteries outfit meant United were able to cruise home 2-0 winners thanks to penalties either side of the interval from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov.

However, it looks as though United will be forced to rely on 21-year-old third-choice keeper Ben Amos at Chelsea on Sunday, which is hardly an ideal scenario and Ferguson said: "Anders (Lindegaard) got injured in training and David (De Gea) got injured at the end of training, so we had a right nightmare."

He added: "Ben didn't have a lot to do but he was confident and composed, so we are pleased with that."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted he wanted to work Amos more on his Premier League debut.

However, the Macclesfield-born keeper only had one shot of note to save, from substitute Cameron Jerome, as United profited from fouls by Jermaine Pennant and Jon Walters on Park Ji-sung and Antonio Valencia either side of the interval.

"The first one was very debatable," said Pulis. "The second one was [a penalty]... and the one he didn't give - for a foul on Patrice Evra - was a definite penalty."

TV replays suggested referee Mike Jones got it right with the first decision. There was little debate over the quality of Hernandez's finish and Berbatov was equally emphatic when he assumed responsibility for the second spot-kick.

"It was a very good penalty," said Ferguson of Hernandez's effort. "But he takes them for Mexico so it wasn't a problem. Dimitar thought he was going to take the first one so he took the second one and he scored too so we're pleased with that. It has been a good night."

The result, coupled with Manchester City's surprise defeat at Everton, means United are now level on points with their local rivals, whom they trail on goal difference.

Ferguson targets Manchester derby after Stoke win

Sir Alex Ferguson has already pinpointed the Manchester derby in April as the cornerstone of his team's current attempt to regain their Premier League title.

A 2-0 victory over Stoke, courtesy of penalties from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov, coupled with leaders Manchester City losing at Everton, helped United draw level on points, and within six goals of their rivals, at the top of the table.

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In a campaign that has already produced so many twists and turns, the latest development merely adds to the intriguing plot.

With Ferguson expecting to welcome back the injured trio of Wayne Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young for Sunday's visit to Chelsea, the veteran manager is clearly happy with the current status quo.

"The win is obviously significant, but it's still the last day in January," said Ferguson. "I always see March as the important month and we've got City in April.

"We are hopeful Wayne and Nani and Ashley Young might be back for Sunday.

"It's been a good night. But I'm more pleased about our own performance.

"I thought it was terrific, we kept our composure and were very patient. Okay, we won with two penalties, but the manner in which we played our football was the main thing."

Fate appeared to be conspiring against United as injuries to Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea forced Ferguson into handing a league debut to 21-year-old deputy Ben Amos who was rarely troubled by a disappointing Stoke side.

"Anders got injured in training and David got injured at the end of training so we had a right nightmare," added Ferguson. "Ben didn't have a lot to do but he was confident, composed, so we're pleased with that."

A productive evening for United also included Hernandez's return to form and, after a gap of two months, goalscoring as he claimed his seventh goal of the season with his first half penalty.

With Rooney having missed four of his last eight attempts from the spot, United now seem to have an embarrassment of riches in that department although the manager has told Rooney he is permitted to keep taking kicks as long as he wants to.

"It was a very good penalty, but he takes them for Mexico so it wasn't a problem," said Ferguson of Hernandez.

"Dimitar thought he was going to take the first one so he took the second one and he scored too so we're pleased with that.

"Javier did very well tonight. His form has come back in the last few weeks and he's been training very well. It's just a case of getting him the opportunity because Danny Welbeck has been playing so well."

Ferguson also broke his silence over talented youngster Ravel Morrison who joined West Ham on deadline day in a reported £1 million transfer following some high-profile off-field problems at United.

"In the case of Ravel it's been quite well documented, I think he's better out of Manchester," said Ferguson.

"He's got a great talent but how to deal with that is important."

Meanwhile, the Stoke manager Tony Pulis looked ahead to the tightest of title contests but clearly believes United's experience could be the telling factor.

"I think it's very open," said Pulis. "Tottenham are still in it, hanging on their coat tails hoping they will drop points and Alex will be the same.

"But the one thing United have got over them is they've done it before and usually get stronger after Christmas.

"I think it's fantastic having three top sides going for it and I'm very pleased to see Tottenham there. It's nice to see a team from down south!"

Potters pay the penalty

A pair of penalties from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov proved enough to give injury-ravaged Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Stoke at Old Trafford.

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Without 11 senior players though injury, including both his goalkeepers, Sir Alex Ferguson gave Premier League debuts to Ben Amos and substitute Paul Pogba.

However, they were never seriously threatened by a subdued Stoke outfit, who failed to respond after they were punished for fouls on Park Ji-sung and Antonio Valencia

United close in on Veseli - reports

Manchester United are on the brink of snaring former Switzerland Under-17 skipper Frederic Veseli from Manchester City, according to reports.

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The 19-year-old is still to make his debut for the Blues and it appears United have stepped in to sign the defender. Whilst there has been no official comment from the Red Devils, it is thought the player has undergone a medical.

And his agent, Adam Bouskouchi - while not indicating where Veseli was heading for - did advise that news could be expected "very soon" on his Twitter account.

It is not known at this stage whether United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would regard Veseli as a member of his first-team squad.

However, beset by injuries at the moment, Veseli would be a useful addition.

FA charge Cabaye

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been charged with violent conduct following an incident in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round defeat at Brighton.

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The Football Association confirmed on Monday evening that the French midfielder has been charged after allegedly kicking out at the Seagulls' Egyptian defender Adam El-Abd.

A statement said: "Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been charged with violent conduct following an incident in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton Hove Albion."

The statement: "Cabaye was involved in an incident involving Brighton's Adam El-Abd during the FA Cup tie at the Amex Stadium on Saturday 28 January.

"Cabaye has until 6pm on Tuesday, January 31 2012 to respond to the charge."

The 26-year-old faces a three-match ban if he accepts or is subsequently convicted of the charge, with Newcastle well aware that the penalty could be increased if he decides to fight the allegation and fails.

El-Abd was left with a cut lip in the incident, although referee Lee Probert took no action at the time.

Cabaye would be a huge miss for Magpies boss Alan Pardew, particularly with regular central midfield partner Cheick Tiote still away on African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast.

The pair have played a major role in Newcastle's rise to sixth in the Barclays Premier League table and the absence of both at the same time would prove a significant loss.

Should Cabaye plead guilty, he would miss Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League trip to Blackburn, Sunday's home clash with Aston Villa and the tough visit to Tottenham the following weekend.

Manchester duo aim to bounce back after cup exits

Premier League leaders Manchester City and Manchester United will look to put their respective League Cup and FA Cup defeats by Liverpool behind them when they return to league action on Tuesday.

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City, three points clear at the top of the table, travel to Everton while second-placed champions United are at home to Stoke.

Table-toppers City will again be without striker Mario Balotelli as the forward continues his four-game ban for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker.

"I do not agree with this decision, but we can do nothing," said City manager Roberto Mancini. "I explained to Mario and he understood."

City have only managed one victory at Goodison Park since 1992 but Everton, hampered by injuries, are set to be without first-choice central defenders Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, along with Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman.

United goalkeeper David de Gea struggled with crosses and corners in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool and Stoke, renowned for their physical presence at setpieces, are sure to test the Spaniard.

But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to shield de Gea from criticism after the Liverpool match by saying: "Our own players created a problem for the first goal They didn't give him enough room to deal with it."

Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur, despite manager Harry Redknapp spending much of last week in court on tax evasion charges, still got through to the last 16 of the FA Cup after beating Watford.

Tuesday sees Spurs, eight points behind City, look to stay in the title race at home to bottom of the table Wigan.

The transfer window also closes on Tuesday but Redknapp said he did not expect to add to his impressive squad before the deadline is up.

"I can't see an awful lot (happening)," said Redknapp.

Legal action of a different kind will also be on the minds of many Chelsea fans when their side travels to Wigan on Tuesday -- just a day before skipper John Terry is due to appear in court on charges of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand -- an allegation the England captain denies.

Both Terry and Ferdinand were involved in Chelsea's 1-0 FA Cup win over QPR on Saturday -- the first time the two players had faced each other since the allegations surfaced.

On the field, fourth-placed Chelsea will want to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place against a promoted Swansea side who have been one of the success stories of this Premier League season so far.

"It's important to try and reach the top and go to Swansea fully motivated," said Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Liverpool, five points behind Chelsea, may be in one Wembley final (the League Cup) and closing in on another, but forcing their way into the top four remains a key ambition for the Merseysiders ahead of their trip to second-bottom Wolves on Tuesday.

Their cup wins came after a dispiriting league defeat by lowly Bolton and Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, who scored the winner against United, said: "Everyone was really disappointed about the Bolton game.

"We have proved many times we can compete with the best teams. Now it's really important to play well against the other teams. That starts with a very important game against Wolves on Tuesday."

Wednesday sees Arsenal, who knocked Aston Villa out of the FA Cup after coming from 2-0 behind to win 3-2, up against Bolton.

"I hope it will convince the team we have the qualities needed and we can transfer that to the Premier League," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Ferguson set for Stoke challenge

Sir Alex Ferguson is relishing the prospect of his Manchester United side facing the unique challenge presented by Stoke at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

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Following Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, an encounter with Tony Pulis' battlers would not normally be viewed as the ideal method of recovery. However, a draw at the Britannia Stadium in September represented the first points dropped to the Potteries outfit since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2008.

"You know what Tony Pulis's team will be like, they are the same all the time," Ferguson said. "They will be 100% committed and they always get stuck in. You have to cope with that."

He added: "It was like when we used to play Wimbledon. No-one used to look forward to playing against them but my team started to because it was a physical challenge and in terms of taking the ball and playing football.

"Stoke are a different team altogether but they still have the same qualities of never giving in, so it is always a good challenge for us."

The weekend setback has placed even more emphasis on the next few weeks, when Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham must all be faced.

With the Europa League - which United are competing for as a direct result of their Champions League failure - as the only other trophy they can win, focus on the domestic campaign has to be total.

Three points behind Manchester City already, United cannot afford to slip any further adrift if they are to gain any advantage from their vast experience over the run-in.

"It is a big programme," said Ferguson. "From the middle of January until we go to Tottenham, it looked quite a daunting programme. But when you go back years ago in our title campaigns, we have always had periods of must win-games in a row and that is what we have here.

"It is important to keep on City's coat-tails and hopefully come the important part of the season, we still are."

De Gea gets backing from Fergie and Owen

Under fire Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea received the support of both manager Sir Alex Ferguson and veteran striker Michael Owen on Sunday.

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The 21-year-old was criticised, not for the first time this season, for handing Liverpool their first goal in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat.

However, Ferguson -- who signed him for 19million pounds last summer from Atletico Madrid -- said that others were at fault for the Daniel Agger free header, though, many felt the Spaniard's hesitation to go for Steven Gerrard's corner allowed the Dane the time he needed to score.

"Our own players created a problem for the first goal," said Ferguson.

"They didn't give him (De Gea) enough room to deal with it."

Owen said that he believed De Gea -- recalled in place of Anders Lindegaard for the match -- would develop into a front rank goalkeeper.

"Don't agree with all this negativity towards De Gea," tweeted Owen.

"Admittedly he has made a couple of mistakes this season, but listening to some people you would think he had a nightmare.

"I'm not having either goal as his fault. The problem is, once you get labelled, mud sticks and now any tiny mistake is magnified.

"Other keepers make similar mistakes and nothing gets said.

"In my opinion two bad goals to give away but to blame everything on the keeper is totally wrong. The lad will be a top keeper, he is only young. Harsh to blame him for everything."

Milan willing to wait for Tevez

Carlos Tevez's hopes of leaving Manchester City before Tuesday's transfer deadline could be over after AC Milan put their pursuit on hold until summer.

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Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani announced on Friday night the club were dropping their interest in signing the Argentinian in the current transfer window after completing a deal for Maxi Lopez from Catania.

Galliani told Milan Channel the Italian champions had set a deadline of 1900 local time for a final decision and said: "At 1830 I was convinced we were very close to sealing the Tevez deal. I did my best, it was a day where I had my heart in my mouth, but no more could be done. We had everything set for Tevez to come, but the situation changed."

But he added: "Today was still very important because we have solved some misunderstandings of recent days with City, relations are much improved.

"But, patience - life goes on. The market will reopen in four months - we'll see."

Tevez has been in Argentina without City's permission since November hoping to secure a move away and has not played since September.

City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said this week the player would not be sold below the club's valuation, which is believed to be around £25million.

Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian admitted earlier on Friday the prospect of a return to City was growing because no club had made an offer acceptable to City.

Joorabchian told talkSPORT: "We've been in negotiations with three big clubs. I don't think anyone has reached the numbers City were hoping for.

"At the moment it looks like Carlos will remain at City until this summer."

FA won't relish replay - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the Football Association might be hoping Manchester United's powderkeg FA Cup fourth-round tie with Liverpool on Saturday is settled at the first attempt.

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A massive security operation has been put in place for the Anfield encounter, which will be the first time the north-west rivals have met since Patrice Evra made his racism allegations against Luis Suarez.

And the United boss accepts the prospect of an Old Trafford replay, which would take place just days before the two sides are due to meet in the Premier League, and for which Suarez would be available, is probably not too appealing for the game's authorities, saying: "It could be a replay. That would get the FA going."

Although Liverpool's immediate reactions in the wake of the guilty verdict that led to Suarez being banned for eight matches left United distinctly unimpressed, the Merseyside giants have now switched their stance completely and warned supporters any racist abuse will not be tolerated.

Ferguson has followed that up by pleading with supporters and players to ensure the occasion is remembered only for the quality of the football.

The long history of animosity between the supporters even extended to an FA Youth Cup tie at Anfield last season and with over 5,000 fans in attendance, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a section of United's travelling contingent will look to inflame the situation.

Ferguson has stayed clear of the entire row since his initial confirmation that United would back Evra in whatever action he chose to take. However, the Scot feels now is the time to try and ensure all the talk is about the game, rather than the obvious issues surrounding it.

"It is a massive game for both clubs," he said. "There is a tremendous profile on it and there will be interest throughout the country.

"As Steven Gerrard said yesterday [Thursday], there is a responsibility on the players to behave properly. That is what I expect my players to do.

"Both sets of fans have got to make sure we are talking about the game and nothing else."

I missed playing, admits Scholes

Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes, who made a shock return to the game this month, admitted on Friday he missed playing more than he had anticipated after his retirement last summer.

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The 37-year-old's surprise return as a substitute during the FA Cup third-round win at Manchester City came six months after his decision to quit.

He subsequently scored on his first start, against Bolton Wanderers the following weekend.

"At the end of last season, I thought it was the right time to finish," Scholes told MUTV. "But after coming in here for the last three or four months, still seeing people and doing a bit of training with the reserves, I was missing it more than I thought.

"I went to see the manager and said that I wanted to come back playing. I didn't know what he would say. I didn't know what his reaction would be. Thankfully, it was a positive one."

Scholes, denied his retirement, five months after that of long-time team-mate Gary Neville, was to get out of a lengthy pre-season tour to the United States.

"Part of it was," he said. "I didn't fancy going to America for three weeks, I know that. No, in all seriousness, I never thought I would miss it as much as I did.

"Ask any player who has finished, they will all miss it for a period of time. I missed it and decided to give it another go."

And scoring against Bolton was an added bonus.

"It was nice," he said. "I hadn't played for six months, so it was strange being on the pitch again. The first two or three days took a bit of getting used to. But I am back into it now and enjoying every day."