Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster completely understands the position of Sir Alex Ferguson over his desire to hold onto Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I am well aware that if I were in his situation I would do the same," said Schuster. "For a player of this kind, not I nor anyone would like to lose him, even if we had won the league and the Champions League.

Michael Carrick is convinced former Manchester United teammate Alan Smith will prove his worth at Newcastle.

Geordie midfielder Carrick told the Evening Chronicle: "Smudge is a good player and he played in different positions last year for Newcastle.

Owen Hargreaves is convinced Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney is set for a huge season ahead.

The Reds midfielder told manutd.com: "This will be a massive season for Wayne. He could be one of the most influential players in the Premier League and I am looking forward to seeing him really explode.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates Rio Ferdinand as the best defender in the world.

Ferguson said: "Rio has been the best defender in the country if not Europe for a couple of years. His maturity and leadership have been key factors in the team's success.

"He is someone that young players learn from and that more experienced players respect.

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is upset over delays to show off their Premiership and Champions League trophies.

United were denied the opportunity to parade the European Cup and Premier League crown immediately after their shoot-out victory over Chelsea.

Michael Carrick admits he wants to continue winning trophies at Manchester United.

"The success we've had over the last couple of years fills you with a lot of confidence," says Carrick. "Wining the Champions League is a tremendous achievement and one we set out to do. We managed to win the double so as players, we're going into the new season full of confidence and looking forward.

Paul Scholes admits he'll be happy when his Manchester United career is over.

"Part of me will be glad to finish," said Scholes. "I can't say I can't wait to finish but I'm looking forward to finishing and everything that goes with it. The only thing I'll definitely miss is the football. The general life of a footballer, I suppose, I won't miss at all.

Manchester United and Portsmouth face malaria concerns ahead of their trip to Nigeria.

The Sun says United and Portsmouth must cover up at night and take malaria tablets after Kolo Toure was hit with the disease.

The Arsenal centre-back, 27, was bitten by a mosquito in his native Ivory Coast.

United play Pompey in a friendly in Nigeria on Sunday.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is keen to see Owen Hargreaves shake-off his tendonitis.

He told the Daily Mail: "I am happy with the squad. I genuinely think there's good improvement there and there are some areas where we expect more improvement. We signed Anderson, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Nani and these players will improve and it gives you confidence.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits this season could be make-or-break for several of his home-grown youngsters.

Fraizer Campbell, Lee Martin, Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson, who were all out on loan last season, plus Chris Eagles all featured in yesterday's friendly victory over Orlando Pirates in South Africa.