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LIVERPOOL MATCH OUR BIGGEST OF SEASON-FERGIE
Forget the Manchester derby, the Roses clash with Leeds and all those pitched battles with Arsenal - the biggest match of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson is still against Liverpool. Despite Manchester United's intense rivalries with Manchester City, Leeds and Arsenal, Liverpool remains the most important fixture for Ferguson. United and Liverpool are the Premiership's fiercest rivals and even though the Merseysiders have struggled in recent years, this game has lost none of its appeal for Ferguson.
The two heavyweights go toe to toe in a high-noon showdown at Old Trafford tomorrow and Ferguson cannot wait. ''I think in my time here it's always been the most important fixture of the season,'' said the United manager.
''It has a lot to do with the historical success of both clubs in different eras. I know a lot of Manchester fans prefer the derby game with Manchester City, but this is always the most important game.
''This is an important game for us. It's not for me to say what it means to Liverpool, but it's a massive game for us and I'm just concentrating on making sure we win this match.''
The champions and league leaders can take yet another step towards making it seven titles out of nine if they beat Liverpool. But Ferguson is irked by such talk and he claims the real battle only starts in the New Year.
''We're not even at the halfway stage and I always think that January 1 is the important date,'' he said. ''We have a game against West Ham on January 1 and after then you are able to see the shape of the league I think.
''I think that the Christmas period is always a tough time. We've eight games in December and one on the first of January, which is nine within a month really. So it's a difficult spell really for the players. But we've got the squad to cope and they're all looking forward to it. There's a good environment here and the team spirit is marvellous.''
Liverpool have won just once on their last 18 visits to Old Trafford and United are hot favourites to continue their miserable run.
It is two years since United last lost a Premiership match at home, while it is five years to the day since Liverpool last beat them. United are also fresher going into the match and they have been enjoying the rare luxury of a week off.
By comparison Gerard Houllier's side lost to Ipswich on Sunday and then had to go through 120 minutes of gruelling Worthington Cup action before beating Fulham on Wednesday.
Ferguson said: ''It's difficult to say what affect that will have. Obviously we've had a great week to prepare and I'm happy with our preparations. It's been good and our players are looking nice and fresh.''
A further boost to United's chances is the news that Fabien Barthez has recovered from his ankle injury and will replace Raimond van der Gouw in goal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored United's equaliser when the sides last met in March at Old Trafford, gets a rare chance to shine and he will partner Teddy Sheringham in attack as Dwight Yorke begins his three-match ban.

WHERE'S THAT SMILE GONE DWIGHT?
There's something different about Dwight Yorke this season. The confidence, the self-belief, the swagger - and the goals - which made him such a potent force in his first season at Old Trafford are not so evident. Neither is that sparkling smile which used to be so readily associated with the once happy-go-lucky man from the Caribbean.
His tackle on Emerson Thome the other day was also completely out of character for a player who previously gave the impression of not having a malicious bone in his body.

And Yorke's mood as he reflected on a disappointing end to a frustrating week will not have been helped by the sight of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer racing through to score within minutes of replacing the former Aston Villa striker during Saturday's win over Spurs.

Solskjaer came off the bench with 17 minutes to go after his Ã‚Â£12.6m colleague had failed to muster a single noteworthy effort on goal. Solskjaer wasted no time in making an impact when he scored United's second goal to seal victory over a gallant Tottenham side at Old Trafford.

Yorke has struggled to hold down a regular starting place this season and his looming three-match ban for his red card at Sunderland in midweek will not help his chances. So seeing Solskjaer in such clinical form was just what he did not need.

The Norwegian international has spent more time sitting on the bench than playing and after netting his fifth goal of the season he aims to reverse that trend. ''I'm one of the players who wants to be on the bench the least at the moment,'' said Solskjaer.

''Obviously you want to show the manager that you are still in form and that's what I'm hoping to do. You have to perform at this club and if you perform you are going to play the next match as well. That's what I'm trying to do. It's such a big squad and everyone is playing well so whenever you do get a chance you have to perform.''

(03/12/00)

SHAREHOLDERS WANT FERGIE TO BE NEXT CHAIRMAN
Sir Alex Ferguson should be offered the post of Manchester United chairman when he retires as manager, according to Shareholders United. United chief executive Peter Kenyon has reiterated his pledge to keep Ferguson at Old Trafford in some capacity after he steps down as manager at the end of the next season. Shareholders United back Kenyon's stance and feel Ferguson would be as adept in the boardroom as he is in the dressing room.
Alternatively if Ferguson does not want to become chairman, the supporters group believe he should be offered either a seat on the football club board on a place on the plc board as a non-executive director.
Shareholders United spokesman Oliver Houston said: ''Sir Alex Ferguson is regarded by the city as a financial asset and in terms of the club board, the club should not only think about him serving as a director.
''Many people see him as an ideal candidate for the chairmanship of the club board, the post held by Martin Edwards. We want to see him made a substantial offer and if he wants he should be given a post with some power.''

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LIVERPOOL MATCH OUR BIGGEST OF SEASON-FERGIE Forget the Manchester derby, the Roses clash with Leeds and all those pitched battles with Arsenal - the biggest match of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson is still against Liverpool. Despite Manchester United's intense rivalries with Manchester City, Leeds and Arsenal, Liverpool remains the most important fixture for Ferguson. United and Liverpool are the Premiership's fiercest rivals and even though the Merseysiders have struggled in recent years, this game has lost none of its appeal for Ferguson. The two heavyweights go toe to toe in a high-noon showdown at Old Trafford tomorrow and Ferguson cannot wait. ''I think in my time here it's always been the most important fixture of the season,'' said the United manager. ''It has a lot to do with the historical success of both clubs in different eras. I know a lot of Manchester fans prefer the derby game with Manchester City, but this is always the most important game. ''This is an important game for us. It's not for me to say what it means to Liverpool, but it's a massive game for us and I'm just concentrating on making sure we win this match.'' The champions and league leaders can take yet another step towards making it seven titles out of nine if they beat Liverpool. But Ferguson is irked by such talk and he claims the real battle only starts in the New Year. ''We're not even at the halfway stage and I always think that January 1 is the important date,'' he said. ''We have a game against West Ham on January 1 and after then you are able to see the shape of the league I think. ''I think that the Christmas period is always a tough time. We've eight games in December and one on the first of January, which is nine within a month really. So it's a difficult spell really for the players. But we've got the squad to cope and they're all looking forward to it. There's a good environment here and the team spirit is marvellous.'' Liverpool have won just once on their last 18 visits to Old Trafford and United are hot favourites to continue their miserable run. It is two years since United last lost a Premiership match at home, while it is five years to the day since Liverpool last beat them. United are also fresher going into the match and they have been enjoying the rare luxury of a week off. By comparison Gerard Houllier's side lost to Ipswich on Sunday and then had to go through 120 minutes of gruelling Worthington Cup action before beating Fulham on Wednesday. Ferguson said: ''It's difficult to say what affect that will have. Obviously we've had a great week to prepare and I'm happy with our preparations. It's been good and our players are looking nice and fresh.'' A further boost to United's chances is the news that Fabien Barthez has recovered from his ankle injury and will replace Raimond van der Gouw in goal. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored United's equaliser when the sides last met in March at Old Trafford, gets a rare chance to shine and he will partner Teddy Sheringham in attack as Dwight Yorke begins his three-match ban.			UNITED LOOK TO SUCCESFUL BLUEPRINT Steve McClaren believes Manchester United's disciplined display in the Manchester derby can be the blueprint for success against Liverpool. United kept their cool to win 1-0 at Maine Road last month, despite being provoked by some of the Manchester City players and the home crowd. McClaren is expecting a similar rough ride in tomorrow's high-noon clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford and he feels United can beat their fiercest rivals if they show the same composure. ''I've seen Liverpool play a couple of times recently and they're going to be tough and they're going to be hard,'' said United's assistant boss. ''They're a bit up and down at the moment, but I know when they play Manchester United, it's the old cliche, the form book goes out the window. ''I do know from previous encounters with Liverpool, there's always something. There's always something controversial and I'm sure Sunday will be no different. ''It's a big rivalry and I know the players see it as massive, but we've got to be like we were in the Manchester City game - have that controlled aggression, have that maturity and calmness and make it a football match. If we do that then I believe we have a very good chance of winning.'' United have had the rare luxury of a week off to prepare for the game, while Liverpool played Ipswich on Sunday and then Fulham on Wednesday, and McClaren claims the players will be out to prove a point. United were disappointed with their 3-3 draw at Charlton last weekend and McClaren says they intend to show that was just a blip. McClaren said on MUTV: ''It's a big game and a really significant game. 'Liverpool have got to win it, but if we win it we will really set our marker down for the Christmas period, especially for the rest of the Premier League. ''OK we dropped two points against Charlton we felt, but that's all behind us now. That's what we are setting our stall out for. We've had a long week to prepare for it while Liverpool have had two tough games. ''I know from speaking to the players that they're all looking forward to this game. I know we will be up for it and we will be ready.'' The Reds also have the added incentive of knowing that they can equal the club record of 37 home matches unbeaten in the league if they avoid defeat tomorrow. It is nearly two years to the day since United last lost at Old Trafford in the Premiership, while they have scored in each of their previous 40 home matches in the league. The statistics certainly favour United and Liverpool have won just one of their last 18 visits to Old Trafford while tomorrow will be five years to the day since they last beat the champions. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved to be Liverpool's nemesis on more than one occasion since then, and the Norwegian will partner Teddy Sheringham in attack as Dwight Yorke begins a three-match ban. Fabien Barthez has shrugged off an ankle injury and will replace Raimond van der Gouw in goal.
THE MAN UTD CHRISTMAS SONG 'NUMBER ONE' Glory days and Busby Babes Forever in our hearts They will always be remembered When the football season starts That was then..We're here again The glory and the power Come an join us all in Fergie's finest hour!! We are Manchester United Glory glorious We're gonna sing this song forever We will reign victorious So it's welcome to Old Trafford Were the reds go marching on We are Manchester United Number one! Red and white...the northern light The treble '99 You can always here us singing In the Manchester sunshine Beckham Scholes and Giggs and Cole And Charlton and the rest And we love you uncle Georgie You're the Best! We are Manchester United Glory glorious We're gonna sing this song forever We will reign victorious So it's welcome to Old Trafford Were the reds go marching on We are Manchester United Number one! Come on come on United Glory glorious Come on come on United Glory glorious RIVALS FERGIE PRAISES CHARLTON COURAGE Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Charlton's courageous comeback at The Valley to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester United, which reopened a shaft of light in the title race. With United surrendering a two-goal advantage for the third time this season after previous draws against West Ham and Chelsea, while Arsenal also beat Newcastle 5-0, the champions' lead at the top was cut to six points. But Ferguson was left to reflect on conflicting fortunes in one of the best games of the season, which included a double-strike by striker Shaun Bartlett on his home debut and a memorable 40-yard volley by Ryan Giggs. The United boss, who was made to pay for tinkering with his side's formation early on, said: ''After 20 minutes, we would have been delighted with a point. So it was a mixed bag for us but for anyone watching, it was a magnificent game of football. Six goals and it could have been more. So we've contributed once again to a really entertaining match and that pleases me. ''It was a really courageous effort by Charlton. They deserved their point because of their courage and they played some nice football at times. They are a great lesson about patience and management. Alan Curbishley has not panicked. He went down with that squad and has come back up with them. They've shown a genuine improvement from their last season here and I think they will stay up without question.'' Ferguson had rested several key players, as well as starting with a new-look 4-5-1 formation which he abandoned after just 20 minutes with Charlton already 1-0 up through on-loan South African striker Bartlett. ''We were looking for some freshness and width. But it wouldn't have mattered what our system was as they got at our throat straight away and could have been 3-0 up,'' insisted the United boss. As it was, United equalised through Giggs on 42 minutes before the Welshman let fly 30 seconds later with an awesome 40-yard volley that struck the crossbar, before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer slid home the rebound. ''Giggs was a real handful for them, they couldn't handle him. His vision for the second goal was marvellous. I didn't expect that, I don't think anyone did,'' added Ferguson. ''It was unbelievable but the follow-up by Solskjaer was equally tremendous as he was probably the only player on the pitch who thought that ball was going to come back out.'' With Roy Keane substituted because of a back injury, Charlton fought back as on-loan Bartlett grabbed his second goal and then substitute John Robinson equalised with just three minutes left. Charlton boss Curbishley agreed with Ferguson's view of the game, although he insisted that his side ''got back in it - not because of blood and guts but because we played well''. Curbishley, who praised not only Bartlett and keeper Dean Kiely but his entire side, added: ''For the first 35 minutes, I don't think Manchester United have been tested like that. We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up. Then to get stung like that before half-time, I don't think many clubs would have come back. ''United could have gone even further in front but we clawed our way back into it. It was a great game, great entertainment and a fair result.'' CHECK OUT ALL THE STATS FROM GAMES AT THE LINK BELOW! OPTA STATS			WHERE'S THAT SMILE GONE DWIGHT? There's something different about Dwight Yorke this season. The confidence, the self-belief, the swagger - and the goals - which made him such a potent force in his first season at Old Trafford are not so evident. Neither is that sparkling smile which used to be so readily associated with the once happy-go-lucky man from the Caribbean. His tackle on Emerson Thome the other day was also completely out of character for a player who previously gave the impression of not having a malicious bone in his body. And Yorke's mood as he reflected on a disappointing end to a frustrating week will not have been helped by the sight of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer racing through to score within minutes of replacing the former Aston Villa striker during Saturday's win over Spurs. Solskjaer came off the bench with 17 minutes to go after his Ã‚Â£12.6m colleague had failed to muster a single noteworthy effort on goal. Solskjaer wasted no time in making an impact when he scored United's second goal to seal victory over a gallant Tottenham side at Old Trafford. Yorke has struggled to hold down a regular starting place this season and his looming three-match ban for his red card at Sunderland in midweek will not help his chances. So seeing Solskjaer in such clinical form was just what he did not need. The Norwegian international has spent more time sitting on the bench than playing and after netting his fifth goal of the season he aims to reverse that trend. ''I'm one of the players who wants to be on the bench the least at the moment,'' said Solskjaer. ''Obviously you want to show the manager that you are still in form and that's what I'm hoping to do. You have to perform at this club and if you perform you are going to play the next match as well. That's what I'm trying to do. It's such a big squad and everyone is playing well so whenever you do get a chance you have to perform.'' (03/12/00)
			SHAREHOLDERS WANT FERGIE TO BE NEXT CHAIRMAN Sir Alex Ferguson should be offered the post of Manchester United chairman when he retires as manager, according to Shareholders United. United chief executive Peter Kenyon has reiterated his pledge to keep Ferguson at Old Trafford in some capacity after he steps down as manager at the end of the next season. Shareholders United back Kenyon's stance and feel Ferguson would be as adept in the boardroom as he is in the dressing room. Alternatively if Ferguson does not want to become chairman, the supporters group believe he should be offered either a seat on the football club board on a place on the plc board as a non-executive director. Shareholders United spokesman Oliver Houston said: ''Sir Alex Ferguson is regarded by the city as a financial asset and in terms of the club board, the club should not only think about him serving as a director. ''Many people see him as an ideal candidate for the chairmanship of the club board, the post held by Martin Edwards. We want to see him made a substantial offer and if he wants he should be given a post with some power.''