Papers: Boss wants trio back
03/10/2011 09:13
The Daily Mail reports...Fergie urges trio to be fit for Liverpool crunch
Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his injured players to get back to match-fitness for Manchester United's clash at Anfield when the international break ends. United have three players - England duo Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley, plus skipper Nemanja Vidic - who have a chance of being fit for the crucial Premier League visit to Liverpool on October 15. Vidic has been out since suffering a calf strain in the opening day triumph at West Brom in August, whilst Smalling and Cleverley are battling to overcome groin and foot injuries respectively. "The most important thing is the work they do before the internationals finish," Ferguson said. "We really want to have Vidic and Cleverley doing some really strong work, and Smalling too, that would bring them on to a level that they could play at Anfield. You can't go there with players who are semi-fit or just coming back from injury. You need players who are fully focused and up to speed in terms of fitness and sharpness."
As United prepare to face a post-internationals test of their title credentials at Anfield and against Manchester City, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas wants his side to take advantage of any slip-ups. "Next game, two title contenders play each other — Liverpool and Manchester United," says the Portuguese. "Then the two Manchester clubs play each other the week after that. It is important for us to continue to win and close the gap."
Elsewhere, plenty of column inches are devoted to England's squad selection to face Montenegro - especially the omission of Reds defender Rio Ferdinand after his injury-hit start to the season.