Report: Man United 4 - 0 Villa

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Kuszczak; Brown, Ferdinand (Hargreaves 61), Vidic, Evra
(O’Shea 61); Ronaldo, Carrick (Anderson 61), Scholes, Giggs; Tevez, Rooney.
Subs not used: Foster, Park.
Booked: Vidic

Aston Villa: Carson; Bouma (Osbourne 80), Mellberg, Laursen; Agbonlahor,
Reo-Coker, Barry, Petrov, Young; Carew (Maloney 42), Harewood (Salifou 69).
Subs not used: Taylor, Knight.
Booked: Bouma

Attendance: 75,932



Barclays Premier League

Venue: Old Trafford

Date: 29/3/08

Goals: Man United: Ronaldo (15), Tevez (32), Rooney (53), Rooney (70)

Goals: Villa: None

Final Score:United 4 - 0 Villa

Both Chelsea and Arsenal snatched narrow wins against Boro and Bolton respectively. Chelsea are now 5 points behind Man U and Arsenal are 6 points behind Man U. United won quite comfortably against Villa . A brace from Rooney, 1 each for Ronaldo and Tevez saw their GD rise up to 50. With six games to go, it's a resounding statement of intent.

Nothing was lacking. Goals, skill, determination, and sumptuous football at times. Villa couldn’t live with United. They arrived without a win at Old Trafford in 25 years (they won 2-1 in November 1983) and on a run of 13 straight defeats against the Reds.

Martin O’Neill signalled his intentions to end a recent run that has seen Villa collect just two points from their last four games. He paired power with more power in the form of John Carew and Marlon Harewood up front, and rapid runners Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor on either flank. With Arsenal earlier in the day coming back from 2-0 down to beat Bolton 3-2, the Reds knew the significance of maintaining their record against Villa.

There could be no time to bask in the afterglow of last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool - not least because it was extinguished by the heavy rain throughout. The weather brought a zip to the surface, and a speed to both teams' play.

a couple of corners for the visitors, an early warning of one of Villa’s best attacking options.

Rooney led United’s early attacking forays, his cross after five minutes causing Nigel Reo-Coker to head behind for a corner, from which his stunning volley was only prevented from bursting the net by Martin Laursen’s brave defending. Cristiano Ronaldo had a volley of his own saved by Scott Carson. From the resulting corner Brown - clearly with a taste for glory after his goal against Liverpool - saw his header go narrowly over the bar.

On 17 minutes the breakthrough arrived. Ronaldo, who else? And this must go down as one of the cheekiest of his 35 goals this term. After Gareth Barry and Wilfred Bouma failed to clear a corner, the ball fell to Ronaldo. With his back to goal he decided, rather than wasting time by turning to shoot, to backheel the ball through Martin Laursen’s legs and past Carson.

What is pleasing about Ronaldo is that, considering the frequency with which he finds the net, his joy at scoring never diminishes. He celebrates every goal as if it were a rarity. The Portuguese winger didn’t let some heavy tackles stop him playing, and provided the assist for United’s second goal on 33 minutes. Tevez - a bundle of energy chasing every cause - started the move which also involved Rooney and Scholes and finished it with a diving header at the far post from Ronaldo's delightful cross. Great goal. Glorious football. Villa’s defenders could only stand and admire.

At the start of the second half it was a case of keeping upthe momentum and the enthralling football of the first 45 minutes. United immediately had the chance to score. After a neat one-two with Tevez, Rooney was one-on-one with Carson. Everyone in the ground was willing the ball to go in, but it went agonisingly past the the post. Rooney must have felt as if he'd never score.

Villa weren't out of it, though. Pouncing on a rare defensive mix-up, Shaun Maloney found himself clean through. But the winger, a first-half substitute for the injured Carew, also hit his shot wide. As the following minutes proved, Villa’s big chance to get back into the game had gone begging.

At the other end, Ronaldo latched onto Scholes’ cross, but his volley deflected off Laursen and the crossbar. Then came the moment just about every United fan had wanted: Rooney's first league goal at home since October. Ronaldo backheeled the ball into Rooney’s path and the Reds forward rounded Carson, with Old Trafford holding its breath, and tapped the ball home. The roar of relief and jubiliation could have lifted the roof off.

Villa, to their credit, kept going. Kuszczak was forced into a great save from Maloney’s curling effort, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. The woodwork was taking a hammering as Rooney went close to his second after 65 minutes, his shot from 18 yards clipping the outside of the post.

The striker did grab his brace five minutes later as Ronaldo’s delightful nutmeg found Rooney to his left inside the box. With the wait for his first goal over, there was no nervousness, only a calm and assured finish inside Carson’s near post. Rooney was denied a hat-trick after turning home substitute Owen Hargreaves’ cross. However, the linesman had correctly ruled he was fractionally offside. No matter, there was enough to savour in an exemplary performance which takes United one step closer to retaining the title. There's still work to be done, but on this form the Reds have every reason to feel optimistic.

Boss: Shades of Best

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Cristiano Ronaldo reminds him of George Best.

Cristiano Ronaldo's great form this season just got better when he scored his 34 goal this season
against Liverpool. He has already scored 25 BPL goals this season. With seven matches to go he might even take his premier league tally to 35. With probably 12 matches left for United this season he might even score fifty goals this season. “There are certainly similarities [between Ronaldo and Best], “ Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.

“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.

“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."

Ronaldo may have eclipsed Best’s tally, but United’s club record for goals in a season still belongs to Denis Law. In the 1963/64 campaign, Law found the net an incredible 46 times.

“Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66.”

Reds love the pressure

John O'Shea insists United are revelling in yet another Premier League title chase with perennial rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions head the chasing pack by five points with just seven games remaining, and O'Shea says experience allows the Reds to savour the ongoing battle.

"Experience really helps," he told Manchester United Radio. "Even the coaching staff, the experience they have in leading or chasing points. This is the time of the season we really enjoy.

"This is when the pressure comes, when medals are decided and when the players stand up and be counted. Those teams (Chelsea and Arsenal) will know that any slip-up is going to be huge at this stage."

A spate of injuries hampered United's Treble ambitions last term and, with the Premier League and Champions League on the Reds' radar, O'Shea admits going into April with an almost empty treatment room is a welcome change this season."You need a bit of luck along the way as well, with injuries, and we’ve had that," he said. "The manager has some really difficult choices when it comes to picking the team.
"That was a scenario we didn’t have towards the end of last season and it probably cost us in the Champions League. Fingers crossed we can make up for that this season.

"You look at all the squads in the top leagues in Europe and there are almost 20 internationals in these squads. That’s what’s needed for success these days."

Rio hails Red's rearguard

Rio Ferdinand says United's defensive solidarity is down to consistent selection of a settled back four.


The Reds have earned 25 clean sheets from 45 matches in all competitions so far this season. And it's no coincidence that Wes Brown, Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have started 22 games as a complete unit.

"I said when I first signed for United that when we got a settled back four we would see the benefits as individuals and collectively. That's what we're seeing at the moment."

United's defence once again proved impassable against Liverpool on Sunday, and Ferdinand and Vidic in particular were outstanding. The pair silenced Fernando Torres, who arrived at Old Trafford having scored nine goals in six games.

It was the continuation of one of the most formidable central defensive alliances in the Premier League, and Ferdinand says their understanding happened completely naturally.

"It takes time to get used to playing alongside some players, but myself and Vida hit it off quite quickly. Our styles just gelled, it's as simple as that," he told MUTV. "There are some players that happens with, and long may it continue."



Rio and Vida's record
Played 34
Won 25
Drawn 5
Lost 4

Skipper remains patient

Gary Neville is itching for first-team football but admits he may have to wait until next season for his chance.

The United skipper has eased his way back from injury with a handful of appearances for the Reserves, most recently in last Thursday’s 4-1 win over Manchester City.

“I’ve played three times for the Reserves since the turn of the year and this is the longest run I’ve been on in terms of training and playing games,” Neville told Manchester United Radio.

“It’s going to take time for me to get back to full match sharpness after being out for so long (it’s now more than 12 months since Neville played for the first team). I’m probably a little bit away from first-team sharpness but the only way I’ll get that is by continuing to train with the first team.

“Hopefully I’ll get a game somewhere but that could prove difficult with the significance of the matches we have over the next few weeks. I just have to hope and pray that I get my chance at some point.

“Usually when you’re coming back from injury there’s an opportunity to throw you back into the side – maybe in one of the cup competitions – but every game’s so important now.”

Anderson aiming high

Brazilian midfielder Anderson could already lay claim to an unforgettable debut season. But, as he told United Review, there's more he can do to make it even better...


How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?

I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.


Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?


If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!

You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?

I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.

The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?


I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure themanager will play me wherever
he feels I will be most effective.


Are you pleased to have avoided Liverpool in the Champions League draw and how much are you looking forward to facing Roma again?

To be honest I didn’t really have a preference as to who we were drawn with in the quarter-finals because at this stage of the competition every game is a tough one, no matter who you play. It’ll be a little strange to play Roma again so soon after the group matches, but I’m really looking forward to the tie. We all want to win the trophy and we know we’ll have to fight very hard to do that. But we have a great chance.

Aside from helping the team win trophies, presumably you’re looking to add goals to your game sometime soon…

I’m literally praying for goals [laughs]! I’m hopeful that when I start scoring I will score some important goals in important games. I’ve certainly got some good celebrations planned!


The fixture schedule is going to be very busy between now and the end of the season – are you looking forward to the challenge?

It’s a beautiful thing to be involved in a finale to a season such as this one. We’re in a good position in the Premier League and the Champions League and we are focused on winning both trophies. Do I get nervous? [Puts on his sunglasses and reclines in his chair, grinning] No, never. I’m always happy! And I hope I will be even happier come the end of the season.

Keane backs Reds title bid

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is certain United will not loosen their grip on top spot in the Premier League and fully expects the Reds to retain the title this season.


United's 3-0 win over Liverpool took Sir Alex Ferguson's men five points clear of second-placed Chelsea and six ahead of now third-placed Arsenal.

Keane reckons United are "like an animal that has sniffed blood" going into the critical final stages of the title race.

"Get your money on United," he said. "They will win the title without a shadow of a doubt. They have had one or two slips, especially at City, but they have been given another chance."

The basis for Keane's comments, which came before the weekend's developments, is his knowledge of the United dressing room attitude.

Keane came to embody the Reds' spirit and determination during 12-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, and he insists they are attributes that still exist in the current side.

"They won't let it go," he added. "The desire is in the fabric of the club. A lot of it comes from the manager, and they have got the hungry players.

"Sometimes it is harsh to say that another team doesn't have the bottle. From my experience of being in that position and the other teams not getting the results, it can be such a fine line.

"I don't think there is a fear of losing [at United]. They are driven on by the expectation of the club. When you sign for Manchester United, you are going there to win, not to come second."

Blues are title threat

Sir Alex Ferguson will take great comfort in United's five-point lead after a potentially decisive weekend in the title race, but he remains alert to the threat posed the Reds' now closest challeners Chelsea.


Avram Grant's men leapfrogged Arsenal with a 2-1 win over the Gunners on Sunday, hours after United defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.

The Reds go to Stamford Bridge on 26 April, which Sir Alex feels will be crucial. "I think Chelsea hold the key," he said, "especially as we go to their place where they've got a formidable record.

"We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted, we have to carry on playing the way we have been. I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league."

The dominant performance against Liverpool has given the United boss plenty of confidence and belief going into the final seven league games of the season.

"We've developed this season and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool," he said. "We've retained last season's consistency, we're challenging for the league and we're in the quarter-finals of Europe."

United's Seven Final's
Aston Villa (H)
Middlesbrough (A)
Arsenal (H)
Blackburn (A)
Chelsea (A)
West Ham (H)
Wigan (A)

Fans recognise Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been voted ManUtd.com Man of the Match for his commanding display in the 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Man of the Match

Wayne Rooney 54%
Paul Scholes 20%
Cristiano Ronaldo 14%
Michael Carrick 9%
Wes Brown 2%
Rio Ferdinand 2%



The 22-year-old worked tirelessly as the lone central striker, his energy and movement constantly troubling Liverpool's centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.

Rooney may be lacking a goal that would surely set him on a scoring run, but there's no questioning his contribution to the team.

The fact that he topped our Man of the Match poll, by some distance, ahead of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, who were all outstanding, speaks volumes of his valuable input.

Rooney, who was in rich goalscoring form earlier in the season (he scored nine in nine games in October and November), hasn't scored in his last six outings. He had chances against Liverpool, but Pepe Reina made several good saves.

Sir Alex will be keen for the Reds front man to find his scoring boots for the remainder of the season, because if he can add goals to his performances then he will significantly increase United's chances of trophies at home and abroad.

Papers: Chelsea clash key

United head for Stamford Bridge on April 26 and, if they’ve won the four games before and then beat Chelsea, they can’t be caught. What would make that extra sweet for United fans is that they had to sit and suffer in West London two years ago as Chelsea won 3-0 to celebrate the title on a day that Wayne Rooney broke a metatarsal. United’s Patrice Evra described the remaining fixtures as “seven finals”. In fact, if United win the next five, which includes the visit of Arsenal on April 13, they simply can’t be overtaken. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged: “I think Chelsea hold the key. We’ve still got to go to Stamford Bridge where they’ve got a formidable record.”
Bill Thornton, Daily Star

Elsewhere, the topic of respect is filling the column inches after Javier Mascherano's petulant display towards referee Steve Bennett at Old Trafford on Sunday. Mascherano, who was shown a second yellow card for dissent, could face an FA charge for his actions, according to The Independent. In The Sun, former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright offers a four-point plan for bringing respect back to the game. He believes clubs should be deducted points if players are found guilty of dissent and says only captains should be allowed to speak to referees if there is a dispute.

In The Times, Tony Cascarino says the only way to stop Cristiano Ronaldo may be to man-mark him. Cascarino calls the Reds' winger a "genius" before saying it's "surely time to man-mark him, to get in his face, to shadow his every move".

Portuguese pair stay put

The pair, who both scored in Sunday's Premier League victory over Liverpool, picked up slight leg injuries against Rafael Benitez's side and have been allowed to stay in Manchester.

Wayne Rooney, who was also limping during the latter stages of the 3-0 victory, has linked up with England for their friendly against France, and trained with club-mates Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves on Monday.

Patrice Evra could well line up against his United colleagues for Les Bleus at the Stade de France, but Louis Saha withdrew from Raymond Domenech's squad last week.

For the other home nations, Darren Fletcher is in George Burley's first Scotland squad, as they host Croatia, while Jonny Evans is in Northern Ireland's squad to face Georgia at Windsor Park.

Kaka has withdrawn from Brazil's squad to face Sweden, and has been replaced by Anderson. The 19-year-old will only have to make a short trip, as the match is taking place at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.Nemanja Vidic is in Serbia's squad to face Ukraine in Germany, while Tomasz Kuszczak is in Poland's party as they host the USA in Krakow.

Poland's U21s line up against England at Molineux on Tuesday evening, with the Reds' Tom Heaton and Fraizer Campbell in line to make appearances for Stuart Pearce's side.

Gerard Pique is also in U21 action for Spain, as they look to edge a step closer to the European U21 Championships with victory over Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

Reds in action

Tuesday, 25 March
England U21 v Poland U21 (19:00)
Spain U21 v Kazakhstan U21 (20:45)

Wednesday, 26 March
Ukraine v Serbia (17:00)
Poland v USA (19:30)
Northern Ireland v Georgia (19:45)
Sweden v Brazil (19:45)
Scotland v Croatia (20:00)
France v England (20:00)

All kick-off times are GMT.

Rio named England's Captain

For his first game in charge, new England manager Fabio Capello entrusted Steven Gerrard with the captaincy but he appears to have implemented a rotation policy as he searches for a long-term leader.

Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the nod for the Stade de France friendly, but an FA statement confirmed Ferdinand will lead the side instead. Fabio Capello will explain his decision at a press conference on Tuesday night.

Ferdinand, who sometimes skippers United in the absence of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, has played 65 times for England so far.

Pat primed for final push

The French left-back helped the Reds to produce a powerhouse performance against archrivals Liverpool and insists all remaining games should be treated in the same way by the champions.

"Psychologically it was very good for us to win against Liverpool," says Evra.

"It was a massive game, an important one for the fans and for the club. But we have seven games left to play and we need to win them too. They are like seven finals. We have the destiny of the title in our hands, that's why I hope we continue to win."

Wes Brown's rare goal against Liverpool means Evra is the only member of this season's regular back four not to have scored in this campaign. But Patrice was nonetheless delighted for his fellow defender.

"I think Wes has had an unbelievable season. He works hard every day, in every training session and he's played for United for a long time so it's great for him to score the first goal against Liverpool. I'm very happy for him."

Patrice Evra was talking to MUTV.

Report: Man United 3 - 0 Liverpool

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, 23 Mar 2008


Goals from Brown, Ronaldo and Nani saw Man U easily beating arch-rivals Liverpool. United are now five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who beat Arsenal 2 - 1. Now Arsenal are 6 points behind United after the loss to Chelsea. Arsenal have not won in five league games. Man U still have to visit Stamford Bridge and have to host Arsenal so the title race is not yet over.

After all the pre-match talk of great attacking players on the park, it was ironic that defender Brown delivered the telling first blow on a pivotal afternoon in the Premier League. But the main talking point in the media could be the same one that followed last week’s match between Chelsea and Spurs - the relationship between referees and players. For Chelsea’s Ashley Cole and ref Mike Riley, read Javier Mascherano and Steve Bennett - but don’t believe the hype that Liverpool’s midfield hardman lost the match as well as his temper. The storm that probably had teacups flying in the away dressing room couldn’t mask the fact United were as superior to Liverpool on the day as they have been this season. And last season, and the season before that…

Blessed with his usual embarrassment of riches in midfield, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for an effective central trio of Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Anderson. The young Brazilian fashioned the first chance when he fed the ball through to Wayne Rooney in the sixth minute. The United striker shrugged off the challenge of Jamie Carragher but couldn’t beat Pepe Reina, the Liverpool keeper who was alive to the threat and blocked.

The first yellow card was shown to Mascherano - compared by his manager to United legend Roy Keane - when the Argentinian scythed into Keano’s old sidekick Paul Scholes.

Liverpool’s first shot across United’s bows came from an unlikely source as left-back Aurelio blasted the ball beyond the top right-hand corner after a well-orchestrated short corner. The Brazilian enjoyed the better of his early encounters with his direct opponent Cristiano Ronaldo, skipping around one challenge from the Portuguese in his own half and evading another in United territory before firing wide.

Ronaldo had more joy on the left flank, switching in time to strike the post in the 24th minute when Ryan Giggs’ whipped-in free-kick from the right was inadvertently flicked on by a Liverpool defender. When play swung to the other end, United were grateful to the nick off Nemanja Vidic diverting Steven Gerrard’s piledriver over the bar.

Another end-to-end episode just after the half-hour began with Reina almost spilling the ball over his own goal-line before pushing it out at the second attempt to trigger a Fernando Torres-led counter-attack. Liverpool failed to capitalise from the corner he won however and were made to pay when Wes Brown charged forward to power home a header from Rooney’s left-wing cross in the 34th minute. Reina was rocky again, flailing with a punch that missed both the ball and Brown who bravely ran the gauntlet.

It was all too much for the opposition to take - within minutes, Liverpool were a man down as well as a goal down after an extraordinary explosion of indiscipline saw Torres booked for dissent and Mascherano given his marching orders when his backchat brought his second yellow card. And all this

after Liverpool were awarded a free kick in United’s half!

Mascherano was like a man possessed and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez had his work cut out to keep his player away from Bennett, before launching into a heated exchange of his own with United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz. It was a stormy end to a fiery first period with the promise of more fireworks to come.

The half opened with Reina snuffing out Ronaldo’s attempt to extend United’s lead and van der Sar saving a long-range Gerrard shot. Alvaro Arbeloa became the first player after the break to get booked, bringing down Anderson inches outside the Liverpool box. It was close enough for Ronaldo to fancy his chances but this free-kick flew low and just wide of the far post.

Liverpool were on still on the ropes but United’s efforts to kill them off were being frustrated, Rooney having a close-range shot beaten away by Reina while a rarely deployed van der Sar looked on from the other end. There was a little resistance from Liverpool, enough to rattle Rio Ferdinand into a booking during his battle with Torres, but nothing to cause any serious nail-biting among the buoyant United supporters.

Reina dived left to thwart Carlos Tevez, just after United’s match-winner at Anfield came on for Anderson. Nani for Giggs was Sir Alex’s other change and the Portuguese sub swiftly made an impact – twice over.

First Nani’s left-wing corner was headed home emphatically by Ronaldo for his 34th goal of the season; then the youngster grabbed a beautiful goal of his own, cutting inside from the industrious Rooney’s pass and lashing the ball beyond Reina.

The ecstatic Old Trafford faithful chorused ‘Champion-es’ – a celebration of the Reds’ current status or a confident statement about the events still to unfold? On a very happy Easter Sunday for United, it could well have been both.

Manchester United: van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Anderson (Tevez, 73), Scholes; Ronaldo, Giggs (Nani, 73); Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea, Hargreaves.

Booked: Ferdinand.

Liverpool: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Kuyt, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel (Benayoun, 66); Gerrard; Torres (Riise, 83). Subs not used: Itandje, Hyypia, Crouch.

Booked: Torres, Arbeloa.
Sent off: Mascherano.

Attendance: 76,000

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Time to push on - Bendtner

LONDON - Nicklas Bendtner admits Arsenal "cannot allow any more points to be dropped now" if they want to be crowned Premier League champions.

Four successive draws have seen the Gunners' lead at the top of the Premier League eroded by Manchester United over the past month.

The defending champions won their match in hand, against Bolton in midweek, to move three points clear.

However, with the top four all going head to head on Sunday, the situation could soon look very different once again after Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea and United play at Old Trafford.

Bendtner, 20, declared: "We have to come out with loads of determination, power, energy and will and really show that we can come back to winning ways in the league.

"It's very important for us to push on now, we cannot allow any more points to be dropped now, otherwise we won't make it - as simple as that."

Arsene Wenger has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip across London, but has little room to manoeuvre in terms of team selection.

Fit-again Robin van Persie played an hour against Boro last weekend in what was more or less Arsenal's strongest XI currently available.

Winger Tomas Rosicky would give the Gunners another option but seems no closer to a return from his hamstring injury, while combative midfielder Abou Diaby has a calf problem and Croatian forward Eduardo da Silva is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.

The Gunners boss, however, could yet be tempted to give Theo Walcott another chance to impress.

The teenager, who turned 19 on Sunday, was selected by Fabio Capello for the full England squad ahead of the friendly with France next week.

Walcott - who starred in the Champions League victory over AC Milan - said: "The call-up is a great birthday present for me. I am looking forward to meeting up with all of the lads after the weekend's game."

Man United vs Liverpool: Ronaldo has the world at his feet - Ferguson

MANCHESTER - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes there is "no end" to the talent of goalscoring sensation Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star took his tally for the season to 33 with both goals in the Barclays Premier League leaders' 2-0 defeat of Bolton on Wednesday.

That saw him eclipse United legend George Best's club-record mark for a winger and earned him yet more glittering plaudits.

The 23-year-old was named player of year last season and seems to be well on the way to retaining that accolade.

"The boy's form obviously demands your attention and you are giving him plenty of that," Ferguson said on Friday.

"I can't do anything about that, it's not my department. He wouldn't be getting it if he wasn't doing it. We have to be pleased with that.

"His form is absolutely fantastic, there is no end to where we think he can go. He has got the world in front of him.

"His tenacity to keep getting the ball and courage to keep it up all the time is terrific.

"I want the boy to continue doing what he is doing and hopefully it'll be a successful season for the team."

United take on fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday looking to protect a three-point lead at the top of the table.

It could prove a pivotal day in the title race with United's closest pursuers, Arsenal, taking on third-placed Chelsea later in the day.

Just five points separate the top three sides with eight matches to go while Liverpool, their fellow Champions League quarter-finalists, are 11 points behind the leaders.

With the games being televised back to back it is another showcase day for the Premier League but not one Ferguson expects to be decisive.

The Scot said: "I don't think you can say that. I think the team that shows real consistency now will win the league - hopefully we can do that.

"They always tell you it's the computer that arranges these games but you have to think it is planned.

"We are first on the menu. We hope we win our match and we can then sit and think about what is the best result for us in the other match."

Ferguson joked: "I think if we win and Chelsea and Arsenal lose it would be a good day!

"I think all three of us involved in this race have got difficult games. No one can say they are a certainty to win it."

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford in fine form having won their last seven games.

Much attention also surrounds striker Fernando Torres, who has scored 27 goals this season including 10 in his last eight matches.

Ferguson expects the atmosphere, for what he refers to as a derby, to be as ferocious as usual.

He said: "You can't avoid the intensity of it, the tension, the atmosphere.

"The Liverpool game brings out a certain anticipation in players. It's a game players all want to play in, so we'll have some disappointed players tomorrow who are not playing.

"Liverpool coming to our ground, a derby game, is always a difficult game. They are very solid defensively and they are talking about the Gerrard-Torres partnership.

"We know about Steven Gerrard, of course, he has played many of these derby games.

"We have to do our preparation but if we play to our form we will have a good chance against anyone.

Anderson ready for Rafa's men

The Brazilian was one of the star performers in the 1-0 win back in December courtesy of Carlos Tevez's first half strike.

Anderson says he was fully aware of the importance attached to a United / Liverpool clash even before he joined the Reds, but admits that even he was surprised by the enormity of the rivalry when thrust into the thick of it.

"The atmosphere amongst the two teams and the determination both sides had to win the game at Anfield was unbelievable," he told United Review.

"It’s difficult to describe the emotion that I experienced in that match – it was amazing. And I’m sure it’ll be the same on Sunday."

Anderson has become a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful after a string of peerless displays in midfield.

The 19-year-old has been overwhelmed by the support of the fans since joining the Reds last summer and he insists he'll be doing his utmost to ensure they have a happy Easter.

"I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing," he beamed.

"It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay them for the fantastic support they have shown me. I hope I can do that on Sunday."

Boss hopes for Edwin bonus

The Dutch goalkeeper has missed United's last two games, enabling Ben Foster and Tomas Kuszczak to play at Derby and at home to Bolton respectively. Although both shot-stoppers performed well to keep clean sheets in Edwin's absence, the United boss would love to welcome back his number one for such an important fixture.

Sir Alex said before Friday's training session: "We’re waiting to see how Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand train this morning.

"They both have to train to give me the confidence to play them. I’m doubtful for Rio, I’m hopeful for Edwin. One out of two would be a bonus, given their experience."

Van der Sar has yet to concede a league goal against Liverpool while playing for United. He's faced the Merseysiders six times since his 2005 transfer to Old Trafford and has only been beaten once, by Peter Crouch's FA Cup fifth-round winner at Anfield in 2006.

United's only other injury concern is over Louis Saha, who started the midweek win over Bolton before being replaced on 70 minutes by Wayne Rooney.

"Louis Saha got a knock on Wednesday," said Sir Alex. "We’ll have to see what he’s like this morning. His injury flared up a bit after training yesterday. Otherwise, everyone’s fit."

Video: Watch Sir Alex's press conference on MUTV Online from 17:00 GMT Friday.

Sir Alex: I love Liverpool Games

The manager has a passion for pitting his wits against United's arch-rivals, in a contest that quickens the pulse like no other match in the calendar.

"I love the Liverpool games, I must admit," said Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday.

"There’s nothing better for me and my players, particularly the older ones who've experienced it many times like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand.

"I think the Liverpool game brings out a certain anticipation in our players and they'll be anticipating a difficult game. Liverpool are very strong defensively and people are talking about the Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres partnership.

"We know about Gerrard of course, he’s been on the scene for a long time and has also played in many of these derby games. Torres has scored twenty-four goals so far in his first season in the Premier League and I’m sure Rafa’s delighted with that return. We have to do our preparation tactically but if we play to our form, we’ll have a good chance."

Ahead of what some are calling 'Grand Slam Sunday', the United manager acknowledged the later game between the other challengers for the championship, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"The three of us in the title race have all got hard games and none of us are certainties to win. Sunday's results won't be decisive but if we win and Arsenal and Chelsea both lose, it will be a big day for us! But seriously, the team that shows real consistency now will win the league. Hopefully we can do that.”

Rio a doubt for Liverpool

The England defender continues to carry a slight back injury and, with the Merseysiders' visit to Old Trafford looming large, Sir Alex opted to rest Patrice Evra and Wes Brown, fielding a defence of Owen Hargreaves, Nemanja Vidic, Gerard Pique and John O'Shea against Gary Megson's side.

"We made a lot of changes and I think that was necessary because, with Rio Ferdinand doubtful for Sunday, we had to find out about young Gerard Pique," Sir Alex told MUTV after the 2-0 win.

"We’ve got great confidence in the lad and he’s come through very well. That was important. We also wanted to rest Wes Brown in case Rio doesn’t make it, then we’ve got the alternative of playing Wes at centre-back – that’s a decision we’ll have to make.

"We tried Owen Hargreaves at right-back, and we can play John O’Shea there on Sunday and bring Patrice Evra in. It’s important to do these things tonight, simply because of Rio’s injury."

'Rocket' Ronny honoured

The 23-year-old also scored both goals in the 2-0 victory, taking his goals tally to 33 for the season.

"It's always good to be captain at this massive club," he said. "For me it's an honour and a pleasure. But my responsibilities are the same. I do not change my game or personality just because I'm captain."

Sir Alex Ferguson felt Ronaldo took the added responsibility in his stride. "Cristiano looks for that kind of responsibility, I think he’s very comfortable with it," he MUTV. "Not everyone wants to be captain, but he carries the mantle very well."

Ronaldo's second goal was another superb long-range free-kick - his fifth of the season - and Sir Alex says the winger's success is purely down to practice. "It’s another marvellous free-kick. He has a technique, but practice is the most important aspect of getting shots on target," he said.

Yet again, Ronaldo's technique for striking dead balls came into question and, when asked if he had christened his style, he replied: "I like to hear people say 'the Ronaldo rocket'. Of course, I am joking!"

Standings at 20/03/2008

Clubs	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
Man Utd	30	22	4	4	61	15	46	70
Arsenal	30	19	10	1	58	22	36	67
Chelsea	30	19	8	3	53	22	31	65
Liverpool	30	16	11	3	55	21	34	59
Everton	30	17	5	8	47	25	22	56
Portsmouth	30	14	8	8	44	31	13	50
Aston Villa	30	13	10	7	52	39	13	49
Man City	30	13	9	8	36	34	2	48
Blackburn	30	12	10	8	39	37	2	46
West Ham	30	12	7	11	33	36	-3	43
Tottenham	30	9	9	12	58	51	7	36
Wigan	30	8	7	15	27	42	-15	31
Middlesbrough	30	7	10	13	27	44	-17	31
Newcastle	30	7	8	15	31	57	-26	29
Reading	30	8	4	18	35	57	-22	28
Birmingham	30	6	9	15	34	46	-12	27
Sunderland	30	7	6	17	26	48	-22	27
Bolton	30	6	7	17	28	45	-17	25
Fulham	30	4	11	15	27	49	-22	23
Derby	30	1	7	22	14	64	-50	10

Report: Man United 2 - 0 Bolton

Man United : Ronaldo 9, 20

Entrusted with the captaincy for the first time, the Reds’ no.7 repaid his manager’s faith by breaking George Best’s record for goals scored in a season from midfield. The win sent United clear at the top of the league, with Liverpool the Reds’ next opponents on Easter Sunday.

Sir Alex made seven changes to the side that won at Pride Park last weekend, with only John O’Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson retaining their spots in the starting XI.

Despite speculation that Ben Foster would continue in goal after his impressive debut, the manager plumped for Tomasz Kuszczak between the sticks (Edwin van der Sar is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s visit on Sunday) and the Pole was magnificent all night.

Owen Hargreaves was handed a starting berth, although the Englishman was deployed on the right side of defence and not in the centre of midfield. That job was given to Anderson and Darren Fletcher, while Carlos Tevez partnered Louis Saha up front.

In the absence of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo was given the captain’s armband for the first time in his United career. And, given his amazing record this season, it was hardly surprising the Portuguese international marked the occasion with the game’s opening goal on nine minutes.

Bolton failed to adequately clear Nani’s corner and when the ball fell to the Reds’ no.7 on the penaltyspot, he buried the chance on the half volley.

The Reds continued to dominate and Nani went close on 15 minutes when his shot fizzed over the bar. Bolton almost forced an equaliser three minutes later, however, when Kuszczak was called into action to deny Wanderers captain Kevin Davies from close range.

The Pole’s smart reflex save drew gasps of admiration, but Ronaldo’s free-kick two minutes later brought Old Trafford to its feet. Fouled by Abdoulaye Meite in a central position, the Reds’ no.7 dusted himself off to lash the ball home from 29 yards. Crisp, dipping and swerving all at once, it left goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi with no chance.

The two goals aside, the Oman international didn’t have much to do in the first half. He did display assured handling 10 minutes before the break, however, when Carlos Tevez twisted and turned his way into the box before firing goalwards.

It was the same result shortly afterwards when the Argentinean headed into Al Habsi’s arms after Louis Saha had bamboozled the visitors’ defence on the left. The half then ended with more flicks and tricks, as John O’Shea scissor-kicked just wide from Ronaldo’s clever pass.

Meite was replaced at the break by Nicky Hunt but it was another Bolton defender, Gretar Rafn Steinsson, who was in the thick of the action as the second half got underway.

The Icelandic international made a clumsy challenge on Tevez just 22 yards from goal, which presented Ronaldo with another chance to fire a free-kick towards the possession stakes. Nani was denied once again by a sharp Al Habsi save before electing to shoot minutes later when a pass would have been better advised. Rooney then teed up Tevez to shoot but, like so many other recent Reds chances, his strike failed to find the target.

Still, it mattered little in the grand scheme of things. By then, United were cruising, 2-0 up and three points clear at the top of the league.

United: Kuszczak; Hargreaves, Pique, Vidic (Brown 60), O'Shea; Ronaldo, Anderson (Scholes 70), Fletcher, Nani; Tevez, Saha (Rooney 70)
Subs not used: Foster, Evra

Bolton Wanderers: Al Habsi; Steinsson, O’Brein A, Meite (Hunt 46), Gardner; Diouf, O’Brien J, Guthrie (Giannakopoulos 82), McCann, Taylor; Davies
Subs not used: Walker, Campo, Rasiak

Booked: O’Brien A, Steinsson

Attendance: 75,476

Silvestre eyes return

The Frenchman damaged cruciate knee ligaments in United's 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park in September 2007.

After a successful rehabilitation programme the 30-year-old defender has now returned to training.

And Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the full-back could take part in United’s Reserves clash with Manchester City on Thursday night.

“Mikael’s training with the first-team now and he’s coming along well,” Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.

“It’s mainly been no-contact stuff but he should play in the next Reserves game, along with Gary Neville.”

The Reserves take on third-placed Manchester City at Northwich Victoria on Thursday 20 March (19:00 GMT).

United Career

Appearances - 358

Goals - 10

United to face Roma in the UEFA Champions League

It's the second time this season that United have been pitted against the Italians, having met in the group stages. And it's the second time in two seasons that the Giallorossi stand in Sir Alex Ferguson's way at the quarter final stage.

The Reds boss will be pleased his side are away in the first leg on Tuesday 1 April, with Luciano Spalletti bringing his men to Old Trafford for the return fixture on Wednesday 9 April.

The semi final draw was also made in Nyon on Friday. Should United get past Roma, the Reds will be away in the first leg of the last four, against either Schalke or Barcelona. The semi final first leg will be played on Wednesday 23 April, the return on Tuesday 29 April.

It means United cannot play Premier League opposition before the final in Moscow, while the winner of Arsenal and Liverpool's all-English quarter final will face either Fenerbahce or Chelsea.

Full Draw
Arsenal v Liverpool
Roma v Manchester United
Schalke v Barcelona
Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Past Record
AS Roma 1-1 United (Group F)
United 1-0 AS Roma (Group F)
United 7-1 AS Roma (CL Q/F 2)
AS Roma 2-1 United (CL Q/F 1)

Report: Derby 0 - 1 Man United

Paul Jewell's rock-bottom Rams frustrated the Reds all afternoon as a string of chances went begging, before Ronaldo was on hand with 14 minutes remaining to stab home from close range.

The winger's intervention spared United the embarrassment of dropping points against a side with just one league win to their name all season and, but for two fine saves from debutant Ben Foster, the hosts could even have snatched all three points.

An afternoon of frustration looked far from likely in the early stages as United dominated. Ryan Giggs, making his first appearance in four matches, almost scored within seconds of kick-off as he rose above the home defence, but Rams keeper Roy Carroll managed to plunge to his left and grasp the ball just in front of his line.

The former United goalkeeper was helpless two minutes later as Evra slid Ronaldo on the left side of the area, only for the winger to lash his left-footed effort off target. Ronaldo's mood was not helped by the attentions of Darren Moore, who earned the first yellow card after six minutes for raking his studs down the Portuguese star's left leg.

Derby conceding a string of corners as they clung anxiously to parity. The hosts had the woodwork to thank after 10 minutes when Ronaldo's low shot curled onto Carroll's right-hand post, while Anderson came within close moments later with a drilled effort.
Giggs then had another chance after 20 minutes but, having half-rounded Carroll, the veteran winger could only skew his shot wide under the attentions of Dean Leacock.

The Reds' pressure was incessant, and more really should have come of a break after half an hour, but Ronaldo underhit his pass with Rooney free in the centre of the park. Moments later, Carroll had to be at his best to claw away Ronaldo's outside-of-the-boot effort.

With last week's smash-and-grab defeat to Portsmouth still fresh in the mind, United were all too aware of the cost of spurning so many chances - a price that was almost reaffirmed by Derby shortly before half-time.

Foster, a virtual spectator throughout, twice denied Rams striker Kenny Miller with superb reaction stops - first tipping away a close-range volley, then brilliantly turning the Scot's low shot around the post.

Those quickfire efforts brought the simmering Pride Park crowd to the boil, but both Rooney and Ronaldo came close again as the half ended as it began - with United on top, but unable to make their dominance count.

After a sluggish start to the second half, the Reds' tale of frustration resumed - particularly for Ronaldo. His long-range free kick was parried away by Carroll, who then blocked the winger's point blank header from the subsequent corner.

Truth be told, clear cut chances were few and far between. Sir Alex Ferguson threw on Louis Saha, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at the expense of Park, Scholes and Anderson in a bidto gain a vital breakthrough. Ronaldo again came close in the 70th minute, dragging his shot just wide from fractionally inside the area, before United finally found the net six minutes later.

Rooney, with a hint of offside surrounding his position, was released by O'Shea down the left wing and pulled back a cross for Ronaldo. Despite an awkward bounce, the winger managed to contort himself to volley down and past the exposed Carroll.

The goal sparked scenes of utter, unabashed relief from United players, staff and fans alike. Ronaldo had been repeatedly frustrated all afternoon, and his joy at finally nudging the Reds ahead was near-tangible.

There were no more scares as a deflated Derby side played out the remainder of the match with few ideas, and Carroll had to be alert again to thwart Ronaldo.

So there was nothing like the anticipated avalanche of goals, just the one was enough. Win pretty or win ugly - at this stage of the season, all that matters is the three points.

Team line-ups

Derby County: Carroll; Edworthy (Todd 55), Moore, Leacock, McEveley; Sterjovski (Robert 80), Savage, Jones, Lewis; Earnshaw (Villa 76), Miller
Subs not used: Price, Ghaly
Booked: Moore, Jones, Savage, McEvely

Manchester United: Foster; O'Shea, Brown, Vidic, Evra; Park (Saha 62), Scholes (Carrick 62), Anderson (Fletcher 72), Giggs; Rooney, Ronaldo.
Subs not used: Heaton,Hargreaves

Foster feels part of the team now

The goalkeeper was thrust into action at Pride Park due to the enforced absence of Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak, just a week after returning from an eight-month injury lay-off himself.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2005 but spent the last two seasons on loan at Watford, told MUTV: “I finally feel like a United player now!

“I’ve been here nearly three years and it’s good to finally get on the pitch for the first team in a competitive game.

“I’m not one for nerves – I just take things in my stride and try not to think about things too much. It’s a big thing to come back from injury and to be thrown straight into the first team, but I thoroughly enjoyed it – though it was a bit harder than I thought!”

Many pundits predicted a cakewalk for United against rock-bottom Derby, but the Reds spurned chance after chance and would have fallen behind in the first half had Foster not made two fine saves from Kenny Miller.

Neville eyes first team return

United’s club captain played 70 minutes for the Reserves on Wednesday night and now has his sights firmly set on rejoining the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

“It’s great to be playing football again,” Neville told MUTV. “That’s my second game in a couple of weeks and I seem to have come through it okay. In that sense it’s a real positive, although I want to get back into travelling with the first team.

“By next week I’d like to be involved with the first team, even if’s just travelling with the side and being part of it again.”

Neville was injured last March against Bolton Wanderers and has since suffered a number of setbacks on the road to recovery.

“Hopefully I’ve seen the back of it now,” Neville said. “I just need to concentrate on training hard and playing well. It’s been a frustrating period and a very long time – too long. No footballer likes not playing but I’m not the first footballer to be out for 12 months. You just have to get on with it.

“Playing with the Reserves is really exciting for me. Just being out on the pitch and on the training ground… I love doing that.”

Report: Man United 0 - 1 Portsmouth

Portsmouth: Muntari 78 pen

Pompey snatched victory with a 78th-minute penalty, resulting in a red card for Tomasz Kuszczak and Rio Ferdinand pulling on the goalkeeper jersey. But it was so ridiculously against the run of play that it very nearly constituted daylight robbery.

The Reds can feel a deep sense of frustration. And injustice, too. Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a clear penalty after seven minutes, one of many refereeing decisions that Sir Alex Ferguson has every right to feel aggrieved with.

The United boss made three changes to the team that beat Lyon in midweek, calling on Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez – not at all bad replacements. The only downside was Louis Saha’s late withdrawal from the bench with an injury, Ji-sung Park taking his place. No matter which team Sir Alex selects, it bears the usual United hallmarks, and the Reds began with clear intent: this competition is more than a passing interest.

After just seven minutes United should have been in front. Rooney’s glorious cross-field pass found Ronaldo, whose first-time touch took him clear of Niko Kranjcar. Darting into the box he shifted the ball away from Sylvain Distin, who clattered into him. Clear bodycheck. Clear penalty. Referee Martin Atkinson saw it differently. The sense of injustice was keenly felt around the ground. And when Papa Bouba Diop tugged thePortuguese shirt, it was a deserved booking. It was scant consolation.

Portsmouth, with Nwankwo Kanu as a lone striker, clearly saw their midfield as key to stifling United and penetrating the Reds' defence. Edwin van der Sar was given his first taste of action on 15 minutes, when Kranjcar tested him with a swerving effort from 25 yards.

Harry Redknapp’s men would have been 1-0 down inside 20 minutes, but for some brave defending from Glen Johnson. Tevez broke clear down the right and put Rooney one-on-one with James, but the Reds striker was not quick enough getting his shot off, and James saved. Tevez latched onto the loose ball and shot goalwards, but Johnson headed the ball off the line.

Shortly after, United had a second penalty appeal turned down when John Utaka bundled into Nani inside the area, though it was far less clear-cut than Ronaldo’s earlier incident. United had plenty of attacking opportunities in the first half, most frequently on the counter. But the final pass, or decision whether or not to shoot wasn’t quite right. United’s crossing also wasn't as sharp as it needed to be against the towering figures of Distin, Sol Campbell and Hermann Hreidarsson.

Kuszczak replaced van der Sar at half-time, but very little changed in the game's pattern; Portsmouth continuing to stifle, the referee making pedantic and often bizarre decisions, and United’s finishing touch still elusive. United's first chance of the second half fell to Nani, after good work from Tevez and Rooney - his powerful shot warming James' gloves. Then on 58 minutes the Reds went even closer. Analmighty scramble in the box following Nani’s corner saw Vidic, Tevez and Scholes all fail to force the ball over the line, before Ronaldo fired wide on the edge of the area.

The chances kept coming. Ronaldo fired wide after a delightful one-two with Rooney, then headed over from his compatriot Nani’s cross. The problem seemed to be that United couldn’t get in behind Portsmouth’s solid defence. Sir Alex responded, bringing Anderson and Michael Carrick on to replace Tevez and Hargreaves respectively. United switched to 4-3-3 with Ronaldo, Rooney and Nani in attack.

Still the frustration told. Ronaldo’s backheel on the edge of the area put Carrick through. He rounded the keeper, but couldn’t get enough on his shot to beat Distin, who cleared the ball off the line. Shortly after, James denied Evra, the Pompey keeper’s fingertip save pushing the Frenchman’s volley onto the post. Then Campbell cleared brilliantly from Nani’s cross. It was unbelievable stuff. The words on everyone’s lips: It's not our day.

That proved to be the case as Portsmouth struck a killer blow. With 12 minutes remaining Pompey hit on the counter, ending with Baros being brought down by Kuszczak. The Pole's red card seemed harsh considering that Anderson and Rooney had both got back to cover. Cue discussions over who should go in goal. Rooney immediately claimed responsibility, but his attacking powers are too precious to lose when chasing a game. So Rio took responsibility - with shades of John O’Shea against Tottenham last year - and although he guessed the right way, Sulley Muntari slotted his penalty home.
The sheer improbability of United trailing having created chance after chance and the sense of injustice at some of the appalling refereeing decisions spurred the crowd into a frenzy. Would it be enough?

Ronaldo went close with a dipping free-kick late on, but there was to be no repeat of his wonder-goal against Pompey in January. It’s no consolation, but United simply did not deserve to lose this tie. Portsmouth, who in fairness worked tirelessly, defended valiantly and took their chance when it came, go through to the semi finals. But even they must concede this was the unlikeliest of victories.

The one hope is that the frustration and disappointment of this defeat does not affect United’s pursuit of success in the league and in Europe. On the flipside, however, it may even enhance them.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 46); Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Carrick 69), Scholes, Nani; Tevez (Anderson 68), Rooney.
Subs not used: O’Shea, Park (replaced Saha).
Booked: Rooney
Sent off: Kuszczak

Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin (Lauren 74), Hreidarsson; Utaka, Muntari, Diarra, Diop, Kranjcar (Hughes 80); Kanu (Baros 54).
Subs not used: Ashdown, Mvuemba.
Booked: Diop, Diarra

Attendance: 75,463

Tuesdays UCL results & Arsenal shock AC Milan

AC Milan 0 (0) lost to - 2 Arsenal (2)

Sevilla 3 (5) lost to - 2 Fenerbahce (5) 2 - 4 on Pens

Barcelona 1 (4) beat - Celtic 0 (2)

Man United 1 (2)beat - Lyon 0 (1)

Cesc Fabregas struck from distance after 84 minutes, before Emmanuel Adebayor slotted home a breakaway second in injury time to send Arsene Wenger’s side into the final eight.

Tuesday’s other match involving British opposition saw Celtic predictably ousted by tournament favourites Barcelona, who led 3-2 from their first leg victory at Parkhead.

Already massive underdogs going into the tie, Gordon Strachan’s side were dead and buried after Xavi’s early goal for the Catalan giants, who strolled through with something to spare.

The game of the evening was between Sevilla and Fenerbahce in Spain. The Spaniards matched their visitors' 3-2 first leg lead after 90 minutes, before the Turks prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Report: Man United 1 - 0 Lyon

Ronaldo's 30th of the season gave the Reds a tenth straight Champions League win at Old Trafford. Lyon, solid and tactically tight but, to their detriment, unadventurous, set the tone for this game. But United broke the mould – if only once – in a game of few chances.

It’s always difficult to second-guess Sir Alex’s team selection, especially with the multitude of options available to him. But the Reds boss still managed to spring a surprise by picking a side that did not contain three of his most experienced outfield players. Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves both took up places on the bench, while a calf injury ruled Ryan Giggs out.

At the start of the season, it might have been difficult to picture a midfield trio of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson playing in such a critical last 16 second leg tie. But, that in itself is a signal of how strong United’s squad is.

Crucially, no player in Sir Alex’s front six had played the full 90 minutes against Fulham on Saturday. It’s a freshness that the United boss has sought in recent weeks. The Reds started brightly enough in the opening minutes. With Sir Alex opting again for a 4-5-1 formation, Ronaldo and Nani pressed forward, Rooney worked tirelessly, while Anderson pushed ahead of Fletcher and Carrick.

Karim Benzema again looked dangerous whengiven space, and Juninho had a few early free-kicks to test United’s rearguard. But the Reds, marshalled by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, looked solid. More and more the game was played out tactically; Lyon content not to concede, looking for a breakaway; United probing for a way through but not going full pelt with a valuable away goal in their armoury. It was less the clichéd chess match, more who blinked first.

Fortunately for United, it was Lyon. The French side failed to clear Anderson’s shot on 42 minutes, and Ronaldo’s delicate touches eight yards out drew him clear of Francois Clerc, and his shot sneaked inside Gregory Coupet’s near post.

Lyon’s game-plan changed very little in the second half, keeping it tight and hoping to snatch a goal on the counter. United chose a similar tactic, hoping to draw Lyon out. After 65 minutes Nani had a shot that arrowed narrowly over, but other than that United were quiet in front of goal until the final 15 minutes. The introduction of Carlos Tevez, United's scorer in the first leg, in place of Anderson may have seemed a bold attacking move. But he was instructed to drop deep and keep possession, providing an outlet on the break.

United, though in control, were not home and dry. Substitute Kader Keita found space in the Reds’ penalty area and struck the post on 74 minutes. But it was a rare breakthrough. The Reds weren’t without chances to put the game out of reach. Rooney latched onto Hatem Ben Arfa’s mystifying back-pass, but he couldn’t beat Coupet. Then Nani burst down the right channel and elected to cross the ball when he should have shot.
With ten minutes remaining, Lyon boss Alain Perrin brought on Fred and went to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation, but in the end their own negativity had worked against them and time ran out. For United this may not have been a resounding victory, but against well-organised and tactically stubborn opponents, it was a professional job well done.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo (Hargreaves 90), Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Tevez 70), Nani; Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Saha, Park, Scholes, O'Shea.
Booked: Evra, Nani

Olympique Lyonnais: Coupet; Clerc, Squillaci, Cris, Grosso; Govou (Keita 68), Juninho Toulalan, Kallstrom (Fred 79), Ben Arfa; Benzema.
Subs not used: Vercoutre, Bodmer, Delgado, Mounier, Boumsong.
Booked: Grosso, Squillaci

Man United vs Lyon: In-form United looking for European glory

Sir Alex Ferguson is banking on Manchester United chalking up another important milestone and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Victory over Lyon will see his side equal Juventus' record in the competition of ten straight home victories in the competition.

The match is finely balanced after the first leg in France finished all square at 1-1.

United breezed past Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kyiv and Roma this season at home.

That gave them a firm foothold in the group stages and they finished first in style.

Asked why United are so formidable at Old Trafford in Europe against top teams, Ferguson replied: "We have been good."

He added: "Our home record in European football has been the foundation of our group successes.

"I have said it many times you need ten points to qualify. If you get three home wins it is a big help. It means you only need a point on the road.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford helps. There is a big stimulant for the fans to come to European nights.

"The players also increase their expectation levels to do well in these games."

Lyon extended their lead at the top of the French League at the weekend when they defeated Lille in front of a record French crowd of 78,000 at the Stade de France and Ferguson expects a difficult game.

"There is still work to do," said the United boss. "Lyon have to score and it could be interesting.

"They will try and play attacking football. But we have the bonus of scoring an away goal and played better in the first leg than was suggested. It was not a bad performance."

Ryan Giggs is Ferguson's only doubt ahead of the match as he is struggling with a calf problem.

The Welsh winger has been hampered by the injury since the first leg against Lyon.

Ferguson said: "The knock he took in the Lyon game has proved to be a bit more complicated than we first thought.

"He did a bit in training this morning but he is still doubtful for the game."

Giggs is unlikely to be risked but Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic looks set to return to the side.

He trained today following a similar injury to Giggs and looks likely to resume his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the back.

United are still in with a chance of winning the treble for the first time since 1999.

And Ferdinand believes there is enough quality in the squad to cope with the Champions League, Barclays Premier League and FA Cup.

He said: "You do not deserve to be here if you haven't got that winning mindset.

"We are in a decent run of form and hopefully we can take that into Europe.

"Not many players have the opportunity to play in a Champions League final never mind win it.

"The club have brought in some very good players and added to the squad.

"Hopefully we will be in with a shout but we will respect our opponents tomorrow. To get to this stage you have to be a good team."

United went out to eventual winners AC Milan last season and that still hurts, according to Ferdinand.

He said: "We had a great opportunity to be part of the final at least but that did not happen.

"We want to change that. We feel we have the talent, the numbers and the desire to do well in this competition.

"But there is still a lot of football to be played before we can win this trophy. We know that

Owen hails squad options

For the trip to Craven Cottage, Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side that thrashed Kevin Keegan's men, but there was no disruption to the team's flow as the Reds cantered to a 3-0 win.

"It was a good performance from everyone in the team after a great display at Newcastle last weekend," Hargreaves told MUTV. "A different team played that game so I think the balance of the squad is very good at the moment.

"We are all part of the jigsaw puzzle. Nobody is going to play in all the games at United. You trust the boss with all the experience he has. So far this season, as far as I'm concerned, he has picked the right team pretty much every time.

"I think all our players have something different to bring to the table. So, depending on how we want to play, we can perform in different formations.

"You only need to look at the win at Fulham - to have Rooney, Ronaldo and Anderson all coming on late from the bench is quite remarkable. And I think the depth and balance in our squad could make the difference in the end."

Hargreaves himself opened the scoring in the win over the Cottagers with a superbly executed free kick which marked his first goal for the club.

"Sometimes you feel good about a free-kick and other times you don't," he admits. "I decided to take it because I thought I'd have a chance to score and thankfully it went in."

Report: Fulham 0 - 3 Man United

Goals from Hargreaves, Park and Davies(og)lead to a comfortable victory against struggling Fulham. This means that United are just a point behind the gunners who only managed a draw against Aston Villa. With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lyon, Sir Alex left out Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic, although he did field former Fulham favourites Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha. And the Frenchman had a golden chance to put the Reds in front in the fifth minute, but sliced wide from 18 yards after Paul Scholes had found the Frenchman from inside United’s half.

Carlos Tevez then went close from distance on seven minutes, forcing Fulham stopper Antti Niemi into a smart save down by his left-hand post. Van der Sar was called into action a minute later, flinging himself to his right to keep out Danny Murphy’s rasping volley. The chance buoyed the home support but it wasUnited who carved out the next chance, Scholes’ shot requiring a brave block from Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland to keep scores level.

But a minute later Hangeland's foul on Carlos Tevez on the edge of the box lead to United's opener. With regular free-kick taker Ronaldo on the bench, up stepped Hargreaves to curl home his first goal for United in front of the Reds’ travelling fans. It came a good time as Fulham were growing increasingly confident.

The goal subdued the home side and Nani almost made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute when his long-range strike whistled past the post. The Reds did hit the target shortly afterwards, Scholes’ header destined for the corner before Finnish stopper Niemi turned the ball around the post at full stretch.

United, by this stage, were in full control. Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown had few worries in defence, while Scholes and Hargreaves were controlling the centre of the park. Nani looked lively on the left wing, his quick feet causing Paul Stalteri all sorts of trouble whenever the Portuguese international reached the goal-line.

Despite United’s dominance, Fulham had the best chance to score the game’s second. Brown's foul near the right touchline gave Jimmy Bullard a chance to swing over a free-kick, which found Murphy unmarked at the back post. Luckily, the former Liverpool midfielder powered his header straight at van der Sar, who saved comfortably on the line.

It was a sharp wake-up call for Sir Alex’s men and the Reds responded by carving out another chance at the other end. This time itwas Patrice Evra providing the cross and although Scholes found himself unmarked in the middle, his first touch – usually so sharp and assured – let him down and the ball trickled into Niemi’s arms.

But the Salford midfielder's measured cross carved the Reds’ second two minutes before half-time. Tevez held the ball up well on the edge of the box before switching play to Nani on the other flank. Scholes, sensing an opportunity to get to the by-line, provided the overlap and Nani duly fed the Reds veteran, who crossed first-time for Ji-sung Park to head into the net via the underside of the bar. Like Hargreaves', Park’s goal was his first of the season and came just before the interval to give United a deserved half-time lead.

Neither manager made changes at the break and although Fulham did put the ball in the net shortly after the restart, Brian McBride was correctly ruled offside. Craven Cottage soon found its voice but it was United who looked most threatening. Nani, jeered by the home crowd for what they believed was a dive early in the second half, cut inside before testing Niemi from the edge of the box after Saha’s effort was blocked.

Moritz Volz saw a shot flash wide after taking a deflection off Evra but it was a sole Fulham spark in an otherwise quiet period for the home side before the hour-mark. Down the other end, Scholes almost unlocked the Fulham defence again with a sweet clipped ball with the outside of the foot, but Niemi reached the pass ahead of Saha to snuff out of the danger.

American Eddie Johnson then pulled a shot wide before Murphy made way for Alexeymertin on 65 minutes as Fulham sought to find a way back into the match. Roy Hodgson won’t have been pleased, then, to see Rooney and Ronaldo introduced four minutes later. They almost had an instant impact, Ronaldo twisting and teasing Hangeland on the right wing before crossing for Park, whose knock down found Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker swivelled but struggled to dig the ball out from beneath his feet.

United's third finally arrived on 72 minutes when John O’Shea’s low cross was diverted into his own net by the hapless Simon Davies. It was cruel on Fulham but, in truth, no less than the Reds deserved on a bitingly cold London afternoon. Ronaldo almost added a fourth in injury time but, of course, three was enough. And it was three cheers for United at the final whistle as Sir Alex’s men clawed back vital points in the race for the title.

United: Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra; Park, Scholes, Hargreaves, Nani (Anderson 75); Tevez (Ronaldo 69), Saha (Rooney 69)
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Pique

Fulham: Niemi; Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Murphy (Smertin 65), Volz (Kamara 90), Johnson (Nevland 90), Bullard, Davies, McBride
Subs not used: Keller, Bocanegra

Attendance: 25,314