Alex Ferguson Reveals Midfield 'Headache' At Manchester United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has acknowledged today that he is beginning to face a pretty knotty dilemma when it comes to selecting his midfield.

Darren Fletcher has matured into one of the finest midfielders in Britain, whilst veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs continue to defy the passage of time with their fine performances.

Anderson and Michael Carrick turned in fine displays against VfL Wolfsburg, whilst Owen Hargreaves is due to return from injury in November.

Darron Gibson is also developing well, and Ferguson admits that making a selection is becoming increasingly tricky.

“Our two central midfielders – Carrick and Anderson – were fantastic against Wolfsburg, and I thought Fletcher and Scholes were outstanding at Stoke. It is giving me a real headache," the Scotsman told reporters at his Friday press conference.

“Michael [Carrick] is always a slow starter. But we got some juice on the ground on Wednesday night and he seemed to revel in that. We’re pleased that his form is coming right. He knows himself that he’s not a quick starter. But I thought he was fantastic on Wednesday. I was really pleased for him.

"Anderson impressed me too, and his form in the last few weeks has been top, he’s looked very, very good.

"Darron is an exceptional young player, but he is having to bide his time. He will get opportunities this season, though, I’m certain of that."

As for Scholes, Ferguson feels that the former England international could be the finest United player of all time, whilst the sheer energy of Giggs still amazes him.

“On Saturday against Stoke [Scholes] gave an absolutely masterful performance," he added.

"It was incredible. He had 78 passes in the match and four were off target. Four. It’s a phenomenal rate. As Tony Pulis said after the game, I can’t think of a better United player I’ve seen. You can understand that because when you see that kind of performance, it’s wonderful.

"They [Giggs and Scholes] defy their age and the enthusiasm, confidence and maturity that is in their game, it’s refreshing to see that players can retain these qualities for such a long time.”

Adebayor Hit With Suspended Two-Game Ban & £25,000 Fine

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a £25,000 fine and a suspended ban of two games by the FA following his charge for improper conduct.

The charge related to his goal celebration in front of opposition fans during City's victory over Arsenal at Eastlands earlier this month.

City boss Mark Hughes had earlier asserted that he didn't feel the celebration was worthy of any further sanction, following the three-game ban given to Adebayor for violent conduct during the same fixture – Adebayor kicked Gunners striker Robin van Persie in the face during the game.

The player's celebration triggered a disorderly reaction from the London club's fans in the away end, which was a matter of concern for Greater Manchester Police.

Yet Hughes will able to select the player for Monday night's eagerly anticipated clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.