Despite the central defender’s deal having moved into its final six months, which means a pre-contract agreement with another club could be agreed in readiness for a summer move, it is usual for United to conduct contractual talks with players in their 30s during the months before they would become a free agent
Browsing: Manchester United
Javier Hernandez gave the hosts parity, but they later saw Fabio sent off
The result maintained Tim Sherwood’s impressive start as Andre Villas-Boas’ replacement, with three wins and a draw over the festive period taking them above their opponents
David Moyes’s side had laboured until then but in the 57th minute, a favourable ricochet off Javier Hernandez set Welbeck free and he rounded England teammate, John Ruddy, before sliding in the winning goal
Yohan Cabaye’s goal just after the hour gave Newcastle their first victory at Old Trafford since 1972 and consigned United to back-to-back home defeats in the league for the first time since May 2002
Defeat at home to Everton on Wednesday means United have taken just two points from their last three Premier League games and criticism of David Moyes, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager in the summer, is growing
The 17-year-old won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player
Van Persie was unmarked on his run and placed a brilliant glancing header inside the near post, into the top corner
Norwich City started the game well with young midfielder, Nathan Redmond, causing United problems down the right. United grew into the game and the pace and trickery of Wilfried Zaha and Adnan Januzaj started to test the Canaries defence
Stoke City took the lead twice before late headers from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez set United up for only their second win in five home games this season
The champions have made their worst start to a season since 1989 and were set on course for a third consecutive defeat when Craig Gardner scored an early goal for bottom club, Sunderland, at the Stadium of Light
Welbeck had set United on the path to what would have been a priceless away victory, but Taison’s equaliser for the home side 15 minutes from time made sure the spoils were shared
Moyes managed Anichebe at Everton before his own move to Old Trafford
When United had possession, the striker would stretch, labour and generally look as if he had nothing left in the tank only to then suddenly pipe up with another valued contribution
Liverpool then poured forward in a desperate bid to find a late equaliser, and Henderson and Toure both spurned chances in the final minutes as United held on to seal progression to the fourth round
Sergio Aguero volleyed home an acrobatic goal in the 16th minute, Yaya Toure doubled the lead in the 45th minute and Aguero scored his second goal in the 47th
In contrast, Manchester United Manager, David Moyes, endured a depressing day. Moyes failed to claim a hoped-for first win at Anfield following 12 unsuccessful visits with Everton
And although it is a match United will enter without a significant close-season signing – something they have been pursuing strongly – Moyes is still excited
Despite the visitors enjoying overwhelming support even from the home fans, it was the hosts that took the initiative and should have gone ahead within three minutes
Bolt was due to play a part in United’s pre-season friendly with Real Madrid, after Ferdinand convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to give the Olympic 100 metres and 200 metres gold medalist a run-out