Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for September and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres taking the players’ prize.

Ferguson’s award caps a perfect month after steering Manchester United back to the top of the table.

The champions came from behind to beat Tottenham, won a thrilling derby against Manchester City and saw off Stoke.

It is the 24th time he has been named manager of the month.

Torres, on the other hand, scored five goals during the month – a double in a 3-2 win at West Ham and a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hull last week.

The Spaniard is currently the league’s top goalscorer with eight this season and has scored 46 in 65 appearances in the competition since joining Liverpool in 2007.

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Victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last weekend sent champions Manchester United back to the top of the table and with Chelsea taking on Liverpool on Sunday, they have the chance to consolidate that position with the visit of Sunderland.

Despite failing to really sparkle so far in this campaign Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have won their last eight games in a row thanks largely due to the impressive form of the evergreen Ryan Giggs.

After inspiring his side to victory last weekend at Stoke, the Welshman took the plaudits again in midweek with a vital contribution in United’s Champions League win over Wolfsburg, a match which also saw him notch up his 150th goal for the club.

Yet the Red Devils cannot continue to rely on the 35-year old who may, indeed, be rested for Sunday’s match after his recent heroics. However, having beaten Sunderland in 12 of their last 16 Premier League meetings, United should not lack for confidence.

Even so, the champions may need some form of inspiration to beat a buoyant Sunderland side who almost held on for a famous win at Old Trafford last season. A terrific defensive performance almost yielded a vital point until Nemanja Vidic popped up in the 90th minute to snatch a crucial win.

Breaking records

Sunderland, meanwhile, are enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season and a 5-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend will have filled the Black Cats with confidence.

Despite the win, manager Steve Bruce bemoaned his team’s defending after the game, blasting it as “comical” at times, and the visitors will certainly need to tighten up if they are to emerge from Saturday’s fixture with any points.

Yet whilst defensively there are question-marks, offensively Sunderland are a different proposition and with Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones and former Red Fraizer Campbell on the books, they boast a strike force to fear.

Indeed Bruce has this week hailed his forwards, describing them as “terrific”, and with 12 goals between them already this season, they are certainly delivering the goods.

Of course more will be needed if they are to secure victory over United for the first time since March 1997 – and their first at Old Trafford since May 1968.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

Sep 30: Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg
Sep 26: Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United
Sep 23: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Manchester United
Sep 20: Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City
Sep 15: Besiktas 0-1 Manchester United

Sunderland

Sep 27: Sunderland 5-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sep 22: Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham
Sep 19: Burnley 3-1 Sunderland
Sep 12: Sunderland 4-1 Hull
Aug 29: Stoke 0-1 Sunderland

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Ben Foster will replace Tomasz Kuszczak in goal after missing the Wolfsburg game. Michael Owen is out after aggravating a knock in midweek so Dimitar Berbatov should regain his place in the starting XI.

Predicted Starting XI: Foster, O’Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney

Sunderland

Lee Cattermole has recovered from a heel problem and should start, as will skipper Lorik Cana who has shaken off an ankle knock. However, John Mensah is a doubt with a thigh injury and will have a late fitness test.

Predicted Starting XI: Gordon, Turner, Mensah, Ferdinand, Richardson, Malbranque, Cana, Reid, Cattermole, Bent, Jones

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United – Darren Fletcher

The Scot has been one of United’s key players this season and therefore it was something of a surprise to see his name missing from the Red Devil’s team-sheet to face Wolfsburg in midweek.

Fletcher will surely be needed on Saturday, however, and against a Sunderland side that proved tough to break down last season, his drive and determination from midfield will certainly be required.

Sunderland – Darren Bent

Darren Bent is in superb form with seven goals in his last seven games and he has this week admitted he is full of confidence and playing as well as he has done for years.

Despite bagging a brace last weekend, the forward got a ticking off from his manager for handing spot-kick duties to Kenwyne Jones and he may be keen to make amends at Old Trafford.

PREDICTION

Games between these two have been tight in recent seasons and this fixture looks to be no exception. Sunderland were notoriously defensive on their last trip to Old Trafford, a policy that almost worked, but are likely to be more adventurous this time with strikers Bent and Jones in top form.

Yet that approach may just suit United, who will shuffle their pack from midweek, but should still have enough quality to sneak another win and maintain their place at the top of the pile.

Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

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Dimitar Berbatov has admitted his disappointment after a tough first year at Manchester United, but is already happier with his form this term.

The Bulgarian failed to hit the heights expected of him in his first campaign following his £30.75million move from Tottenham last year.The 28-year-old scored just nine league goals last term and came in for heavy criticism, even from United fans.

But Berbatov admits that it is him who needs to adapt.

“That is my fault, not theirs. It is me who must change,” he said of the criticism. “Manchester United are their club. They have treated me perfectly since I came.

“In my first year I was disappointed in myself. I need to say that.

“It was a big pressure for me and maybe I failed myself. I think I wanted to prove myself to these supporters.

“You must remember, they are used to Best, Charlton, Cantona. I am just Dimitar.

“I got a number of assists, but I must score more goals.

“I don’t know what I am doing wrong sometimes. Maybe it’s luck, maybe it’s me… who knows?

“At nights I have stayed awake thinking, ‘You could have done this instead’.”

Berbatov has begun his second term in better fashion and has scored two league goals already.

“I am more pleased with my overall game in this second season already,” he told The Sun.

“I feel that I have integrated myself better into the team. I am much stronger, much fitter. But I still wish I could score more.”

Berbatov admits his languid style has not always endeared him to the fans, saying:

“This is my style of play. I don’t run for no reason. I am always alert and ready.

“I looked at our ProZone stats and saw that I was ninth in distance covered.

“I am kind of a nerd. I looked at them too much, maybe. By the end of the season I was fourth. Maybe this season I will be first!”

He admits his hefty price-tag was also a heavy burden to carry, but he insisted that he was happy.

“Who can live up to that sort of money? Nobody can. If I think about that money it is crazy to me. I can’t believe it,” he said.

“I am playing with legends like Scholes, Giggs and Rooney. Being coached by a man like Sir Alex Ferguson. How can I not be happy?”

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Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson thinks that the two-game ban handed to Arsenal striker Eduardo for his dive to win a penalty against Celtic in the Champions League is perfectly justified, and feels that such tough action is necessary in order to cure the game of the blight of simulation.

“It was a high-profile game and something has to be done,” The Guardian report the Scotsman as saying.

“[In a big game] it creates an incredible reaction from the media and public in these instances. Something should be done and we hope the message gets across.

“I don’t think any coach is proud of it when players simulate to get decisions. A coach can’t be proud if his team have won that way. Nobody can be proud. A player can’t be proud one hour afterwards when he sits with his brothers and sisters and father and mother.”

“You have to remember five-year-olds are watching. Players in a Sunday team do it. It happens at five or six years old. We all have a responsibility on how it influences young people.

“It’s a very difficult area because I think in the last 15 years it has crept into the game and it is not acceptable.

“I think we have to combat this by educating the players and by getting them to understand the gravity of the offence and what it does for the wellbeing of the game.”

Nevertheless, despite that condemnation, Ferguson felt some empathy for Arsene Wenger’s stance on the specifics of the Eduardo case, and also maintained that a manager should never criticise his own players in public.

“Arsene’s point of view is a good one which is ‘Where do we stop?’” he added.

“I would not criticise one of my own players publicly. When you make public criticism of your players, you damage morale. Your job is to keep it [the dressing room] solid.”

England striker Wayne Rooney has proclaimed that Fabio Capello is the best England manager that he has worked with.

“He’s definitely helped me more than any other England manager,” Rooney is quoted by The Daily Mail as saying.

“He’s probably the first England manager I’ve played under when you know if you don’t play well there’s a chance you’re not going to start the next game. He keeps us on our toes.”

The 23-year-old hitman declared that the Three Lions’ players fear and respect their boss, claiming that he is the person best suited to lead the country to glory.

“He’s a fearsome man, strong, passionate and wants to win,” he said.

“When he first arrived, his presence was clear for everyone to see. He explains what he wants you to do, how he wants us to play, the team shape. He explains about the other teams and where the threat comes from. He’s definitely the best manager for England.”

Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans has proclaimed that he hopes to avoid surgery on his ankle, which has been troubling the youngster for almost a year.

The rising star recently indicated his willingness to play through the pain barrier and represent his country in the crunch World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovakia.

“A few weeks ago it was in the back of my mind that I might need an operation, but with steroid injections it is feeling a lot better again,” the 21-year-old told Sky Sports News.

The Manchester United player went on to claim that his countrymen are aiming to finish at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.

“You have got to look to get that top-spot,” he said resolutely.

“The play-offs is a lottery, top spot would be unbelievable and it is something we have to aim for – we have a chance, so why not?”

Manchester United have registered 35 footballers to participate in this season’s group stage in the Champions League, which kicks-off on September 15 with a fixture against Besiktas in Istanbul.

The Red Devils, who followed up their triumph in the competition in 2008 with an appearance in the final in 2009, but were defeated by history-making Barcelona, have also been grouped with Russian Premier League side CSKA Moscow, and Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg.

A perhaps surprise inclusion is defensive screen Owen Hargreaves, who continues to nurse troubling knee problems.

The following players have been named:

van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Evra, Fabio, Rafael, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia, Nani, Scholes, Park, Hargreaves, Gibson, Giggs, Obertan, Macheda, Owen, Berbatov, Rooney.

The UEFA ruling also allows players who are born on or after January 1 1989, to compete outside of the registered 25. The following players have been included:

Amos, J Evans, Cathcart, Chester, Hewson, C Evans, Anderson, Gray, Welbeck, Zieler.

At the end of each month, MANUFC looks back at the previous month and finds the most valuable player to Manchester United’s success in that month. Here is who we thought were our very, very best.

A LOOK BACK AT THE RESULTS:

Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United (4-1 pens)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Dimitar Berbatov, Fabio Da Silva, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Nani, John O’Shea

Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham City
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Darren Fletcher, Ben Foster

Burnley 1-0 Manchester United
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Giggs
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: n/a

Wigan Athletic 0-5 Manchester United
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher, Ben Foster, Nani, Michael Owen, Luis Antonio Valencia

Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
MAN OF THE MATCH: Darren Fletcher and Wayne Rooney
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS: Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs

TOP PLAYERS OF THE MONTH:

5. Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha “Nani” – Had one of his best months in a Manchester United shirt. Started off the new season with a stunning goal against Chelsea in the FA Community Shield and then scored a masterstroke free kick in the 5-0 demolition of Chelsea. Good signs of things to come. Appearances: 4 Goals: 2 Best Match: Wigan Athletic Average Rating: 6.9 (27.5/40)
4. Ryan Giggs – Was a vital component of United’s first team in August with some good performances. Was by far the stand out at Burnley, although he was not lucky that the rest of the team weren’t up to scratch. Played an important role in United’s win over Arsenal, provided the ball for Rooney’s penalty. Appearances: 4 Goals: 0 Best Match: Arsenal Average Rating: 6.9 (27.5/40)
3. Patrice Evra – Even though he missed the decisive penalty in the Community Shield, he still played an important role in the game, shutting down Chelsea’s right wingers all day. Was a standout for United in the first Premier League game against Birmingham and continues to stamp his intent on keeping his left-back role and not giving it up for young Fabio. Appearances: 5 Goals: 0 Best Match: Birmingham City Average Rating: 7.1 (35.5/50)
2. Darren Fletcher – Underrated and normally forgotten, Darren Fletcher was once again, just like all of last season, absolutely marvellous in August, and was unlucky not to get player of the month. He was obviously missed in the game against Burnley, and had he been played, United would have gotten a better result. Was unlucky not to score against Birmingham. Appearances: 4 Goals: 0 Best Match: Arsenal Average Rating: 7.3 (29/40)

1. Wayne Rooney (MANUFC Player of the Month)

Well, well, well, how couldn’t he be?  Wayne Rooney was at his absolute best in August ending up joint top-scorer in the Premier League with Jemain Defoe. After scoring a very late equaliser in the Community Shield and forcing penalties, Rooney scored goals against Birmingham, Wigan (2) and a very important penalty against Arsenal whilst also bringing up his 100th Manchester United goal. His general play was a sight to behold aswell. Really good signs shown by him after losing Ronaldo and Tevez.

Appearances: 5
Goals: 5
Best Match: Wigan Athletic
Average Rating: 7.7 (38.5/50)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he questioned the dedication of his players after their 1-0 loss to Burnley at Turf Moor.

“After the Burnley game, I examined our commitment,” the Scot is quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

“But after analysing our failings, I didn’t think we were lacking in that area.”

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have recovered from the defeat, hammering Wigan Athletic 5-0 and defeating Arsenal 2-1.

The gaffer has conceded that he will now have to make sure the players do not take things easy following their victories.

“I must always guard against complacency,” he remarked.

“Some players can drive themselves on while others are happy to settle for an easy life, but Manchester United cannot afford that kind of player.”

The 67-year-old tactician went on dispel the suggestions that he needed to add to the squad following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

“We took a lot of flak after the game at Turf Moor and there was no shortage of suggestions as to what I should do about it, such as dashing out to pay through the nose for a big-name signing,” ‘Fergie’ said.

“The bulk of the £80 million fee we got from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo is still there and it seems to be burning a hole in the pockets of a lot of fans. But you don’t suddenly scrap your transfer policy because of one defeat, even if it was a bad one.

“I have explained our strategy based on my confidence in our squad. With existing players maturing and more eager beavers on the way up, I have no intention of abandoning it.”

The United boss wrapped up by saying that he now has full faith in his squad, declaring that it would be an “insult” if he did not trust his players.

“I know we have the right squad and I trust them,” he said.

“It’s an insult to suggest that overnight I could lose my faith in my players.”