Rio covets a clean sweep
Having regained the Barclays Premier League title last term, Rio Ferdinand is adamant that United are intent on claiming all available silverware next season.
The England defender is eyeing a clean sweep as the Reds aim to build on last season's near misses in the Champions League and FA Cup and reclaim the Carling Cup.
"Next season we won't be talking about what happened last season," Ferdinand told Sky Sports News. "It's about what we want to win in the future.
"We want to win the league, the FA Cup, the Carling Cup and the Champions League. We know it's going to be difficult, but you've got to set your standards."
Integral to United's hopes of success are three close-season signings - Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves - and Ferdinand is already excited about lining up with the trio.
Already well aware of Hargreaves' virtues from international duty with England, Rio concedes the younger new arrivals are a little more of an unknown quantity - although United did sample Brazilian playmaker Anderson's trickery last summer.
"We all know about Owen," said Ferdinand. "He's a fantastic footballer and is someone who will add another dimension to our midfield that's already great to play behind.
"We played against Porto in pre-season and Anderson played for them. He was someone a few of the lads were talking about anyway.
"I've not seen the other fella (Nani) play. A lot of people say he is very similar to Cristiano Ronaldo. If he is similar to him and he comes half as good as him, we've got a fantastic player on our hands, so it's exciting."
Kieran pushes for final berth
Kieran Richardson is expected to start Wednesday night's UEFA European U21 Championship semi-final as England face hosts Holland in Heerenveen.
The United winger has two starts and one substitute appearances to his name in England's opening three games, which have yielded draws against Czech Republic and Italy and a controversial victory over Serbia.
Stuart Pearce's side are without the suspended Tom Huddlestone, while doubts linger over the fitness of Wigan defender Leighton Baines. Should the Latics defender fail to feature, then Richardson could be deployed as an emergency left-back.
Ex-Manchester City boss Pearce expects an entertaining clash with the Dutch, who served up some scintillating football in their opening three group games.
"I think it will be a sensational game, a great advert for football and for this tournament," said Pearce. "We'll be playing in a great stadium - bigger than the ones we've played at so far. It will be a full house, and it is something we are looking forward to."
Anderson tipped for the top
Former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has tipped new signing Anderson to make a big splash at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old playmaker arrives at United from Porto with the billing of one of football's leading young talents, having already been dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho' in some circles.
And Scolari, whose role as Portugal manager has exposed him to the Portuguese Superliga, feels Anderson can fulfill his massive potential at United.
"Anderson has joined a good English club," said Scolari. "He is one that, probably inside the next two years, will be one of the biggest names in Europe.
"He'll achieve that if he continues the progression that he had with Porto."
Anderson was the first arrival in a triple transfer swoop by United in May, alongside Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
Legend hopes Reds keep Rossi
United legend Paddy Crerand hopes that United keep hold of Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi, despite interest from a host of other clubs.
The 20-year-old forward caught the eye on loan at Parma last season, inspiring Claudio Ranieri's side to several vital victories as they managed to avoid relegation.
Rossi's fine Serie A form has continued into the European U21 Championships despite Italy's failure to reach the semi-finals, and he scored his maiden international goal against the Czech Republic.
There are fears that interest from clubs as diverse as Juventus and Sunderland could prove tempting for Rossi if United cannot guarantee him first team action.
"I'd like to see him stay," Crerand told MUTV. "He came here at a time when United had so many strikers, all experienced players as well.
"Maybe keeps you back a little bit because you don't get as many chances as you'd like. But he's great around the goal. Since I first saw him play as a kid, I always though he had a great chance."
Crerand revealed that his confidence in the youngster's ability is shared by Sir Alex Ferguson - a faith which may see Rossi retained as a first team squad member next term.
"I remember talking to the Manager about him," said Crerand. "And the Manager has his fullest confidence in him, he says he would have no problems about sticking him in the team at any time."
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