Red View: Community Shield preview, free video + more

REDS' BOSS BRACED FOR ITALIAN EFFECT New Chelsea boss Carlos Ancelotti won’t be the only Italian on Sir Alex Ferguson’s radar this season. Young striker Federico Macheda is also in the United manager’s mind, having carried his form from the crucial cameos of last term into the pre-season campaign. Kiko scored twice in Asia and looked menacing against Valencia at Old Trafford in midweek, after replacing Michael Owen towards the end of the Reds’ 2-0 win. “I actually thought Macheda was brilliant on Wednesday night,” enthused Sir Alex in his Community Shield press conference. “For his age he's exceptional. I think he's a top, top player. He's going to give me a real (selection) problem.” The boss didn’t reveal which strikers will start Sunday's Shield clash against Chelsea, or whether Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak will get the nod in goal. But the team will certainly be picked to win, not to merely warm up for the league opener. “In the past I've treated the Community Shield as a barometer for fitness and giving players some minutes on the clock,” admitted the boss. “This year I'm not looking at it like that. All the players are already at a good level fitness-wise and when you play Chelsea, pride comes into it and the players want to win." More: Read Sir Alex's views on Ancelotti and Chelsea on ManUtd.com. ANTONIO VALENCIA - AN EXPERT'S VIEW Ex-Wigan winger Antonio Valencia could make his official United debut on Sunday. The Wigan Observer's Paul Kendrick gives us the lowdown on the Ecuadorian… How highly regarded was Valencia in his time at Wigan? Antonio was probably one of the most popular players among the fans at Wigan. He was by far the most potent attacking threat, always likely to make something happen, and a player who got the fans on the edge of their seats whenever he had the ball. What are his main strengths as a player? His lightning pace and dribbling ability. He also very rarely loses the ball, which is rare for a winger. He has a great work-rate and can look after himself too. How consistent is he? It’s hard to judge because Wigan are often on the back foot in games, and a winger looks out of the game when his team are being overrun. But it was rare you’d look at him and think he was having a bad game. I kept an eye on him playing for Ecuador and he never looked out of place, even against Brazil and Argentina. Do you think he has the quality and temperament to cope with life at United? His best games for Wigan last season were against United, Liverpool and Arsenal, so he has shown he can handle the big stage. I think he'll do well at United. Read the full article in the new issue of Inside United, on sale now.

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