Football news

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed new goalkeeper David de Gea to come good despite the Spaniard’s shaky start to his career at Old Trafford.

“David made a couple of mistakes in his first games, which we didn’t expect and nor did he,” Ferguson told Inside United.

“It was unusual because his form at Atletico Madrid as an 18-year-old was sensational.

“There is no doubt we have a player of great potential. Our job at this club is to realise that potential and make sure he becomes a top goalkeeper.

“He’ll do that once he gains experience and adapt to the physical nature of the league.”

Hleb relishing Wolfsburg challenge

Barcelona’s much-travelled forward Alexander Hleb said he is grateful for the chance to impress at German side Wolfsburg after being loaned to the 2009 Bundesliga champions.

The 30-year-old Belarus international has been signed by Wolfsburg until December 31 and is expected to start training again in two weeks as he recovers from a knee operation in June.

“I would like to thank (Wolfsburg’s coach) Felix Magath for believing in me, even though I am not really fit at the moment,” said Hleb.

“In ten to 14 days, I expect to be back in training.”

Dalglish pleased with Carroll fitness

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has defended striker Andy Carroll in the wake of criticism from England coach Fabio Capello.

The 22-year-old did not make the bench for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Bulgaria on Friday and prior to Tuesday’s win over Wales the national team boss voiced his concerns over the player’s drinking habits and general fitness.

“As we’ve said before Andy was not fit last season because of a knee injury but we have been pleased with his level of fitness this season because he has lost that injury,” said the Scot.

“I think he appreciates Capello’s advice because he has great respect for Fabio and Fabio has great respect for Andy.”

Bin Hammam appeal next week

Mohamed Bin Hammam’s appeal against his life ban for bribery will be heard next week, FIFA have confirmed.

FIFA’s appeals committee will have a hearing on Thursday, September 15 to rule on Bin Hammam’s appeal against the ban handed down by the ethics committee in July.

The hearing could be completed on the day although it could spill over into September 16.

Bin Hammam was banned after the ethics committee ruled he was responsible for cash gifts to officials from associations belonging to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) at a meeting in Trinidad on May 10.

UEFA rules led to Hargreaves gamble

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed bringing the club in line with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations was the reason for the acquisition of Owen Hargreaves.

The Italian coveted Roma’s Daniele De Rossi and Real Madrid’s Fernando Gago but settled on the 30-year-old former Manchester United midfielder because of a lack of income.

Mancini told The Independent: “Gago is a player we liked a lot. We couldn’t spend any more money also for the question of financial fair play.

“De Rossi is one of the best midfielders in the world but I don’t believe he will ever leave Roma. So in midfield we signed Hargreaves, who was out of contact.”

Ramsey seeks ‘fresh start’

Aaron Ramsey feels Arsenal can make a “fresh start” to their Premier League campaign with victory over new-boys Swansea at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

The Gunners have suffered a nightmare opening to the domestic campaign, which followed the sale of key men Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, with Arsene Wenger’s squad left reeling from their 8-2 humil-iation by Manchester United at Old Trafford before the inter-national break.

“We want to put things right after our last result,” said the Wales midfielder.

“Hopefully we put in a really good performance and get back to winning ways.

“We have had a good think about things and it will be a fresh start now.”

Motta injury blow for Inter

Inter midfielder Thiago Motta is facing a month on the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury.

Motta returned from Italy duty on Wednesday with a fitness issue and tests showed that he pulled a hamstring in his left thigh.

The Brazilian-born midfielder started both of Italy’s games against the Faroe Islands and Slovenia but went off at half-time in the latter tie.

Motta had been expected to start for the Nerazzurri this weekend as they begin their Serie A campaign at Palermo.

Inter are also expected to be without Romanian defender Cristian Chivu because of a sprained ankle.