Manchester United

Manchester City got a stunning 1-6 win at Old Trafford

2011-10-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is the worst day in Manchester United's history. Their local rival, Manchester City, crushed Ferguson's side with an impressive 1-6 victory. Mario Balotelli, Agüero, Dzeko and Silva scored for the "Citizens". Fletcher netted the only goal for United, but it was just not enough.

Italian striker Mario Balotelli proved to be the most dangerous weapon in Mancini's squad. He netted twice and showed a shirt with the phrase "Why always me?". Edin Dzeko and David Silva were also extremely important in this unexpected victory.

As for the "Red Devils", they had a hard time in terms of posession and shots on goals. Wayne Rooney was not the different player that saved his team in the past. And the red card for Jonathan Evans, only in the first minutes of the second half, allowed City to display a great game.

Manchester City is the leader of the Premier League with 25 pts. while United remains in the second place with 20.

"Chicharito" saved the day for Manchester United in 1-1 draw against Liverpool

2011-10-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

The 2011/2012 season in the Premier League will not be an easy one for Manchester United. Rivals are stronger this time, and if Ferguson leaves some of his stars on the bench, bad things can happen.

Indeed, Ferguson sidelined Wayne Rooney, "Chicharito" Hernandez and Nani in order to allow players rotation. The starting team against Liverpool included then Park Ji-Sung, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young in the frontline, but Kenny Dalglish's side was too dangerous to be underestimated.

Captain Steven Gerrard scored the first one for Liverpool, and even Lebron James - who was attending the game - celebrated with euphoria. After the 1-0, Ferguson sent on Rooney, Hernandez and Nani to save the situation.

And it was the mexican striker who scored the equalizer with a late header, at the 81st minute.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid and could be United's rival at Champions League final

2011-04-27T23:02:00.001-07:00

Lionel Messi exposed his outrageous talent against Real Madrid and scored twice to beat Mourinho's team 0-2. With this result, Guardiola's team is virtually qualified for the Champions League final, even when they still have to play the second game.

As we know, Manchester United defeated Schalke with a stunning 0-2 as visitors. After this games, it's very likely to have a Manchester United vs. Barcelona in Wembley.

Only a miracle would help Real Madrid beat their classic rival with a three goal advantage. And Mourinho already said that it will be "impossible". Ferguson knows that Messi will be his next rival.

Rooney and Giggs beat amazing Neuer

2011-04-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defeated Schalke 0-2 in Germany and are closer to the Champions League final.

Schalke golie Manuel Neuer completed a superb performance, but that was not enough to avoid defeat. Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney scored and cleared their road to the Final. If they win the second leg, United will face the winner of the Real Madrid - Barcelona duel.

Spanish striker Raul Gonzalez admitted that Manchester United was superior. "Reaching the final is really hard now. But I find it nice to say good bye at the Old Trafford" said Raul.

Coach Rangnick remains optimistic. "This is football and anything could happen. Schalke have won as visitors before. And we have the best goalkeeper in the world" said the coach.

Alex Ferguson agrees with Rangnick. "This duel is not over. The triumph is important but we must be focused for the second leg if we want to reach the final" concluded Ferguson.

Manchester United vs. Schalke 04: Rooney and "Chicharito" ready to face Raúl in Champions League semis

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson's top strikers, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, have stated that Schalke is a great team and Raul is a living legend. But they also said that Champions League semifinals are always tough to play, and the victory will be for Manchester United.

Raúl Gonzalez Blanco have won the Champions League three times, and he is the top-scorer in the competition with 71 goals. Hernandez is aware of those records, but he is confident in his potential.

Hernandez is playing his first Champions League but his level is superb and he aims to be the perfect companion for Wayne Rooney.

Newcastle 0 - Manchester United 0

2011-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Newcastle United frustrates Ferguson's hopes of going nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manchester United only got a 0-0 draw in their visit at the Saint James Park.

Alex Ferguson complained about the referee. According to him, Danny Simpson hit "Chicharito" Hernandez but Lee Probert missed to notice. "The worst part, he booked Hernandez. That's an insult".

Manchester United remains leader with 70 points. Arsenal is a little bit closer now, with 63.

City defeated United and reached the FA Cup final

2011-04-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Yayá Toure scored the only goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win over classic rival Manchester United. The "citizens" reached the FA Cup final and will have the chance to win a title for the first time in 35 years.

Manchester United used their most important players except for Rooney, sidelined due to yellow cards accumulation. Carlos Tevez - City's best striker - was not fit for the game either, which makes this win even more important for Mancini's team.

The blue team could not dominate the game in the first part. But once they gain confidence, City started creating really dangerous situations with Silva and Toure. Ferguson had troubles in his front line, but used "Chicharito" Hernandez only in the last ten minutes. Clearly a late move.

Ferguson blamed the lost to a "slack defense and not scoring in key moments of the game".

Manchester derby in the FA Cup semifinals

2011-04-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Manchester United has yet another important game to face, this time in the FA Cup semis and against their classic rival in their city: Manchester City. Ferguson announced they're using their best footballers for the match.

Alex Ferguson's team proved to be the best in England this year, and they are clear favorites to win this game and reach the final. For Manchester City, this is the last chance they have to prove they can win a title, at least for this season.

We must notice that the stars in both teams will not take part of the game. Wayne Rooney will miss this match due to a yellow card. Carlos Tevez is sidelined with a muscular injury.

Berbatov and Valencia gave United a 2-0 win over Fulham

2011-04-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

Manchester United is now 10 points ahead of the second place in the English Premier League, after their important win over Fulham 2-0. The title is closer than ever for Ferguson's team.

Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia scored great goals to secure United victory at the Old Trafford Stadium. We must also mention Portuguese star Nani, who was the most important player in this match.

The road to the title seems to be clear for Manchester United. And this result also helps for the confidence ahead of the Champions League quarterfinals against Chelsea.

Champions League: Red devils beat Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge and get closer to the semis

2011-04-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney was the hero once again, and this time it was in the Champions League. The quarterfinals game between Chelsea and Manchester United finished 1-0 for Ferguson's team.

The match at the Stamford Bridge was rough and proved that both defensive lines are strong. But United was precise enough to get an important victory.

The second leg between both teams will take place next tuesday at the Old Trafford, and the winner will meet Schalke in the semifinals of the Champions League.

Ferguson knows why Mourinho would love to work in England again

2011-04-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

"Football coaches in England have more freedom to work, to sign up players they need, compared with Spain... Mourinho is my friend, I know him very well and I understand why he would like to come back to England" Sir Alex Ferguson said on Tuesday.

"However, my job at Manchester United is not over yet, so he might have to look for somewhere else to work" he added.

Ferguson praises the qualities of Mourinho as a football coach. "Mourinho is really good leading a group of footballers. He creates bonds among the group that are really strong".

Champions League: Owen and Rooney confident about defeating Chelsea

2011-04-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Manchester United players get ready for their next match in the Champions League against Chelsea. And some key footballers of the squad are expressing their confidence on achieving a good result.

Michael Owen is not a usual starter in the squad, but he assured that the team has everything to beat the "Blues" and reach the semifinals.

"I know the last games between us did not ended up so good but this can change on wednesday" Owen stated.

Wayne Rooney also added that this match will be especially tough because "Chelsea have a strong midfield and great strikers. But Manchester United have those qualities too".

Old Trafford Stadium Wallpaper 2011

2011-01-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

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Old Trafford Stadium

2011-01-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most famous stadiums in the world is also the home ground for Manchester United: The Old Trafford Stadium. Opened on February 19, 1910, this spectacular coliseum is located in the district of Old Trafford, in the city of Manchester, England.

Capacity: 75,957 people.

Owner: Manchester United Football Club.

First game: Manchester United vs. Liverpool (Feb. 19, 1910)

Architect: Archibald Leitch

Old Trafford Stadium Map:

Portuguese Nani claims to be one of the top players in the world

2010-11-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, also known as Nani, has become one of the most important players in the current Manchester United squad. His last goal against Tottenham Hotspurs, even though very rare, was vital to get the victory.

He claims that hard training and discipline is helping him improve his performance each game. "As a professional footballer, I'm close to being as complete as I can be, because y work hard to be one of the top players in the world. And I think I reached that level. I play for the best club in the world and my role here is as a decisive player, scoring goals or setting up and so the team can win" Nani said.

The portugues player also talks about self confidence: "You have to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities on the pitch. Big games are for big players".

But it seems like most fans just don't agree with him. In fact, many forums over the Internet are showing the opinion of Manchester United supporters, who say that the striker is a "joke" and "deluded".

Wayne Rooney officially confirms his intention of leaving the club

2010-10-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

The popular striker announced on wednesday that he wants to play somewhere else: "I met with David Gill last week, and my conclusion is that what I was expecting for the squad in the future will not become true. That's why I told him that I would not sign a new contract" Rooney said.

An official statement from Wayne for the news clearly says that he has no intention to continue with the club of Old Trafford.

"It's true that the club and I have had many conversations about a new contract. And I expressed that the club should sign more top players to enhance our squad. But if that's not going to happen, then I don't want to stay" the striker concluded.

Ferguson: Rooney will play against West Bromwich Albion, but Hargreaves will not

2010-10-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson will use his most dangerous forward Wayne Rooney in the game against West Brom Albion, despite the contradictory statements that both of them gave to the press during this week.

The game will take place at the Old Trafford Stadium, and Wayne will be leading the "Red Devils" attack. However, Owen Hargreaves did not recovered from his injury and is about to miss the match.

As we know, during this week Ferguson said that an ankle injury lowered Rooney's performance with England against Montenegro. However, Wayne said he had no injuries at all.

In the other hand, Owen Hargreaves will miss the game because Ferguson believes that he is still not recovered from a knee surgery.

Manchester United battle Chelsea in a match that could decide the next champion of the Premier League

2010-04-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

The winner of the clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford will be really close to the crown of the Premier League. Arsenal, who remains in the third place and battle Wolverhampton, hope to take advantage of an eventual tie.

Ferguson's team is only one point over Ancelotti's Chelsea, and there are only six games left for each club. These ingredients make this derby a decisive one.

Wayne Rooney will be out of this tremendous match because of an injury suffered in the last game against Bayern Munich for the Champions League.

However, United's statistics without Rooney are extremly good too: in 11 games without him, the Red Devils got 10 wins and one tie.

In the other side, Chelsea - recently eliminated from the Champions League - had enough time to recover his most important player: Didier Drogba healed a knee injury and will be in the starting team.

Ferguson: Nani is only 23 and he is not for sale

2009-11-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

Portugues forward Nani is having a hard time to become a usual starter at Manchester United squad but despite that and some trading rumours, Ferguson said that he is not for sale.

"I know that some big teams are interested, but there has not been any official offer, and we are not looking forward to sell him anyway. He is only 23. If someone came in for Nani in January we would tell him that he is going absolutely nowhere. Nani is a young boy and he wants to play - and he might get a chance against Spurs in the Carling Cup this week.

Alex Ferguson understands the pressure of having excellent strikers competing for the position: "He has suffered because Antonio Valencia's performances have been excellent and because Obertan has emerged as an interesting forward. He has enough talent and all he has to do is work harder and take his chance when it comes along."

Manchester United Wallpapers

2009-11-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

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United aims to sign Angel Di Maria

2009-11-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Benfica's talented forward Angel Di Maria may end up scoring at the Old Trafford Stadium next season. Sir Alex Ferguson will assist to his Europa League game against Everton.

The Argentinian footballer can operate on both the left and right wings and is seen as an addition that can help plug the gap left by Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid.

Rumours say that other teams from the Premier League are after Di Maria. Odds are that Chelsea and Arsenal will make an offer for the player.

It's impotant to mention that Di Maria has played three times for the Argentinian National Team, but has not scored yet.

Darren Fletcher played against CSKA with a broken bone

2009-11-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

It has been revealed that Darren Fletcher, whose return took place in the 3-3 tie against CSKA, is playing with a broken bone - a little piece of bone in the back of his ankle.

The Scotland player is concerned about his vulnerability, but aims to be part of the team against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He knows that a rough kick from a rival can send him to go under surgery.

Fletcher explained the situation: "I injured my ankle in the Sunderland game last month. A bit of bone has broken off the back of my ankle and is stuck. Every time I bend it is causing just a bit of pain. I have had an injection to clear it up but eventually it is going to need to be cleaned out. There has been a build-up of fluid as well. I will have to get something done but the injection will see me through a few months.

"I think my ankle will be completely healed by the end of this season. Striking a ball or bending the ankle in a flexed position or pushing off hurts. It got to the point where it was too sore to train and play so something had to be done and I had the injection". There's no doubt that Fletcher is a real soldier.

Big dissapointment at Rome after Barcelona's win over Manchester United

2009-05-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Rome was the host for the Final Game. Manchester United had big dreams of repeating the title and be declared the best team of Europe. But the tale didn't end the way we all wanted.

Barcelona and their super talented players made the best game of their lives and beat Ferguson side 2-0. Eto'o and Messi scored for the Catalan team.

However, we are all aware that the Red Devil's players are such a great team as well. They deserved to move to the final and eventually get the crown as well.

Jonny Evans sure to eliminate Inter despite last draw

2009-02-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

Inter and Manchester ended a goal-less game. But the young and talented footballer Jonny Evans is confident that Manchester United will be celebrating a famous European victory in a fortnight.

Indeed, the Red Devils left the San Siro feeling disappointed last night after drawing 0-0 with Inter Milan, who were grateful that United didn’t take full advantage of their dominance for much of the first leg last 16 clash.

A we said, Evans was a concerning injury doubt ahead of the fixture in Italy, but his ankle stood up to the test of Brazilian hero Adriano and Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Once again in a big clash for coach Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, the player really made it good in the last line. If the frontme would have being just as effective, the leg would already be decided.

It’s interesting to read that Evans stated: "We're very disappointed not to have netted an away goal, especially at the moment you look at the opportunitys we had in the first half at the moment we got in behind them three or four times.

"However, it's not a bad result and we go to Old Trafford full of confidence. We must make sure we win – it's as clear as that."

Ferguson praised the contribution of Evans, hailing his desire to play. The Newtownabbey man limped off at full-time but hopes to be fit for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley.

Arsenal supporters will keep an eye on that one, probably still feeling a little apprehensive about their Champions League hopes.

The London team did win the first leg 1-0 at home to Roma last night through a Robin van Persie penalty, but it really must have been four or five.

PD: This game wasn't as good as the last victory over Fulham.

Red Devils win thanks to Rooney goals in his comeback

2009-02-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

Talented Wayne Rooney made a goal-scoring return from his five-week injury layoff to help Manchester United defeat Fulham 3-0 and extend its Premier League lead to five points.

The popular Wayne, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, completed the scoring after coming on as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford last night. United led through first- half goals by Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov.

We must consider that United’s ninth straight league victory lifted the Red Devils to 59 points with 13 games remaining as they bid to tie Liverpool’s record of 18 English championships. Liverpool is second with 54 points.

“We didn’t take any risks with Wayne,” United manager Alex Ferguson told to the press. “I could have played him on Sunday and in despite of that, I felt wait a few days and we’ll get the dividends of that, and we got that tonight.”

The Red Devils has now gone 14 matches unbeaten in England’s top division as it seeks an unprecedented five trophies this season. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar last night extended his shutout streak to 1,302 minutes, a European record.

In fact, Scholes opened the scoring in the 12th minute when he volleyed Michael Carrick’s corner kick from the edge of the area and Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer spilled the shot over the line. It was the 34-year-old Scholes’s 97th Premier League goal.

“Over the years I have always contributed goals and in despite of that, in the last couple of seasons that hasn’t been the case, as I have been playing slightly deeper,” Scholes told MUTV. “Hopefully that’s the start of a few more to come.”

“The Apache” Carlos Tevez had a goal disallowed for offside in the 25th minute before Berbatov made it 2-0 five minutes later when he got between Schwarzer and Aaron Hughes to tap in a cross from John O’Shea, who had been picked out by Scholes’s chip.

It’s amazing to notice that United had a second goal waved off just before half time as Berbatov was judged offside as he headed in Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kick.

Indeed, Rooney, who got injured against Wigan on Jan. 14, replaced Berbatov 15 minutes into the second half. Less than three minutes later he met Park Ji-Sung’s shot across the face of goal at the far post for his seventh league goal of the season.

Edwin Van der Sar, who hasn’t permited a goal during United’s unbeaten streak, surpassed the European single-season mark of 1,275 minutes without allowing a goal set by Atletico Madrid’s Abel Resino in 1991.

Should the Dutch keeper hold Blackburn scoreless for 89 minutes in three days, he will eclipse the record of team Brugge keeper Dany Verlinden, who went 1,390 minutes without allowing a goal over two seasons of the Belgian league in 1990.

Fergie only fears Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool in Premier League

2009-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't think that Chelsea Fooltball Club will provide any major threat to Manchester United's drive for the Premier League title this season. Instead, he is viewing Rafa Bentiez's Liverpool as the most important threat in the Premier League race.

"At this moment in time, Liverpool are our main challengers and our greatest threat," the Scotsman told The Manchester Evening News today.

It’s amazing to notice that Guus Hiddink has been appointed as temporary manager at Chelsea, and in despite of that, Ferguson clearly sees that making negligible difference to a title race his men currently lead by two points form Liverpool, having played a game less.

The gap to Aston Villa in third place is five points, with Chelsea a further two points behind them, and Ferguson clearly views this as an insurmountable gap for the Londoners. Aston Villa remain something of an unknown quantity, whose lack of experience might tell in the run-in.

Indeed, Ferguson has identified the period when United returned from Japan with the World team Championship as key to the progress that they have subsequently made in climbing to the top of the table.

"We went to Stoke and it was a lively pitch and we had just got back from Japan. And in spite of that, we scraped a result because we never gave in," Fergie added.

"We ended up with Ryan Giggs at left-back because we wanted to victory the encounter. It was an important marker to lay down after coming back from Japan. We needed to victory that game. Once we won that we have just gone on.

"Then I looked upon the West Ham encounter as our hardest away game in the run in. They had been playing their best football of the season and it is a tough place to go to.

"We had to play them at a great moment for them in terms of confidence and form so it was always going to be a big task for us. and in despite of that, the footballers delivered. We didn't lose our composure or nerve to play. The footballers know how to handle pressure."

In fact, United can increase the gap between themselves and the rest at the top of table this evening, when they entertain Fulham at Old Trafford.

Talented Ronaldo also enjoys at the time people hate him

2009-02-05T23:54:00.001-08:00

The current World Player of the Year landed a host of individual honours to go along with the Premier League and Champions League success he enjoyed with United last season.

Lauded at Old Trafford, the 24-year-old is often targeted by opposition supporters but the Portuguese has learned how to turn the hostility to his own advantage and be inspired rather than intimidated by the crowd.

“I must say that it’s normal for me now,” said Ronaldo. “If it doesn’t happen I’m thinking, ‘Why aren’t they booing me?

“It’s part of football. perhaps they think if they boo, I’ll lose my concentration. But it doesn’t happen. I like it.”

It is not just in the stands that Ronaldo is singled out for special attention, on the pitch too his notoriety and value to his side means he often comes in for rough treatment.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the treatment that Ronaldo receives and the lack of protection from referees earlier this season – and praised Ronaldo’s strength for ignoring the worst of the attention.

Ronaldo, though, is sympathetic to the difficulty of the referee’s job after getting a taste for it himself during training with United.

“The referees have a tough job,” he said. “When I’ve been injured I’ve been given the opportunity to be a referee in training. The lads will say, ‘Come on, you are the ref in this game’. It’s very tough.

“I respect the referees, but sometimes I don’t agree with what happens. If you want to have a great league and quick football, you have to protect the skilful players.

“They are the ones that put on a show and that’s what the fans want. But there are some very great referees in the Premier League.”

Van der Sar, one of the best players for Ferguson

2009-02-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

Manchester United's veteran Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been attracting a plethora of snowballing plaudits due to his role in keeping opposition attacks frustrated, stifled, and kept at bay every Saturday.

By keeping his sheet clean during the 5-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on January 27 - United's 11th successive shut-out (1032 minutes) - the 38-year old had ensured the club smashed Chelsea's previous Premier League record of ten straight clean sheets (1027 minutes).

The following 1-0 victory over Everton then broke a further record, eclipsing Reading's Steve Death's notable feat of going 1,104 minutes unbeaten.

One has to sift back through 12 league fixtures to find at the time Edwin van der Sar was last beaten and, just like London buses, two goals came at once as Frenchman Samir Nasri bagged a brace during the 2-1 victory in early November at Arsenal's north London Emirates Stadium.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the Edwin effect in his Everton clash programme notes.

"The record has left Edwin revelling in a personal achievement that seems to be giving him as much pleasure as all the many honours he has won with Ajax and Juventus, as well as earning 123 caps with Holland," the passage read.

He continued, "It’s his great experience, allied to youthful enthusiasm, that marks him out as a very special goalkeeper."

Sir Alex though was quick to attribute the feat equally to the rearguard that sits in front and helps protect van der Sar's net, even though injuries have meant that Ferguson has had to field alternative defences with almost every match-day.

"The defensive record is remarkable because this is the part of the side that has been most affected in recent weeks by injury," Ferguson stated.

He finally said: "Everyone has rallied round."

Darren Fletcher: I'm glad i chosed Manchester United

2009-02-05T23:49:00.000-08:00

Darren Fletcher knows now he made the right decision to stick with Manchester United - but last summer the choice was not so easy.

As any former United star would acknowledge, after leaving Old Trafford the only way is down.

Arguably Beckham might be the exception that proves the rule but most Red Devils old boys who go on to achieve success do so at a lower level than they experienced before.

And even Beckham, for all the plaudits he received at Real Madrid and, now, with AC Milan, has not added another Champions League to the medal he won in 1999.

It was that thought that was fizzing through Fletcher's mind during a pivotal meeting with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, balancing out the knowledge the Scot had started on only 10 occasions in all competitions last term.

"People might say you are silly and that if United are offering you a contract why are you thinking about going," Fletcher told the Manchester Evening News.

"Fans were telling me I'd be stupid to go, but I am a soccer player and I want to play. So I had a decision (to make) that was right for me and my family.

"I didn't want to be going home to my girlfriend in a bad mood because I hadn't been playing. You have to sit down and think about your future sometimes.

"Although it's great to be at United and earning things you also want to feel as though you have done something and played a big part in achieving that success.

"I didn't want to tie myself into a long contract if I was only going to be playing for 10 encounters a season."

Not for the first time in his United career, Ferguson asked Fletcher to consider the bigger picture and ask himself whether he could imagine playing in what constituted a big game with a lesser club.

Even at boyhood heroes Celtic, the four guaranteed Old Firm encounters a year can take on a rose-tinted hue at the time put alongside a midweek trip to Inverness or Kilmarnock.

In the end, Fletcher decided to stay and has duly been rewarded with 26 appearances this season, the latest of which came in the victory over Everton on Saturday.

"The boss assured me I was needed and I was a vital asset and there were different qualities I could bring to the midfield," he said.

"Of course there wasn't a guarantee that I would definitely play more matches. He cannot guarantee you that but I just thought I'd give it another go. I believe I can do it and that is my attitude. It was a great decision."

John O'Shea is another who fits into the same category, although the Republic of Ireland star could well lose his place at West Ham on Sunday as Patrice Evra is likely to return from a foot injury.

Wayne Rooney is also due back after hamstring trouble, which in theory at least will put the striker in line to face Spain for England next Wednesday.

However, Ferguson will almost certainly speak with England boss Fabio Capello, if not to advise the Italian not to pick Rooney, then to ration his time on the pitch.

As has been the case recently, almost as much attention has been paid to events elsewhere and the United boss was no doubt relieved to see his side's FA Cup fifth-round opponents settled at the City Ground last night.

It means only a draw between United and Derby at Pride Park on February 15 can prevent the second of their outstanding Premier League encounters, against Fulham, taking place at Old Trafford three days later.

That will bring the Red Devils level with their rivals for the first time since August, although their game against Portsmouth, scheduled for February 28, has been postponed due to the Carling Cup final meeting with Tottenham at Wembley 24 hours later.

Manchester United edged Everton and chase Arsenal

2007-12-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

The talented Cristiano Ronaldo netted two goals for Manchester United as it beat Everton 2-1 in English soccer's Premier League to maintain pressure on first-place Arsenal.

Indeed, Ronaldo converted a penalty kick in the 88th minute to give United a ninth straight victory at its Old Trafford stadium, ending Everton's 13-game unbeaten run.

Defending champion Manchester United moves to 42 points from 18 matches, one point behind Arsenal. Chelsea, which is at Blackburn later today, has 34 points from 17 games, ahead of Manchester City because of a superior goal difference. Everton, in sixth spot, has 30 points.

Ronaldo got the opening goal today in the 22nd minute after collecting a pass from argentine star Carlos Tevez. The Portugal winger stepped past a challenge from Lee Carsley before firing a shot past ex- United goalkeeper Tim Howard.

We can say that Everton tied the game five minutes later when Tim Cahill rose above Patrice Evra to head into the net from a cross by Steven Pienaar.

United pressed after halftime, with Tevez and Anderson both testing Howard. Striker Wayne Rooney hit a 20-yard effort which just cleared the bar.

The exciting clash appeared set for a draw until Pienaar tripped Ryan Giggs in the penalty area with two minutes remaining. Ronaldo scored from the spot-kick for his 16th goal of the season.

Carlos Tevez is closer to sign for Manchester United

2007-07-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

According to many sources, Manchester United are very close to signing talented forward Carlos Tevez from West Ham. And the club manager confirms the issue.

Sir Alex Ferguson said that Tevez is really close to the Old Trafford. But the player is currently at the center of a major transfer wrangle with the Premier League refusing to sanction the £30mil move even though terms have been agreed with the player's agent Kia Joorabchian.

But the Premier League claims the transfer must be “done directly” with West Ham rather than his agent.

“I am sure the outcome will be that we will be taking him,” said the Manchester United coach.

In fact, the club is sure that a deal can be reached by the time Tevez's current commitments with Argentina at the Copa America are concluded at the weekend, if Argentina reach the final.

Gary Neville says rivals underestimated their potential and helped them win the Premiership

2007-07-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Veteran defender Gary Neville is convinced that one of the major factors, which led to his club being crowned the Premier League champions last season, was that the rival teams underestimated the Red Devils' strength.

“I think nobody thought Manchester United would win the Premier League last season,” expressed the England international player.

“And in the end, it seems that they underestimated us. They underestimated the knowledge and class of our manager. For two to three years we had been in suffering. At the start of the season we added Michael Carrick to our team and lost Ruud van Nistelrooy. But Chelsea added Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack from Bayern.

“However, the coach knew what he was doing over a period of two years in building a new team and now we are in a fantastic position.

“Indeed, last season we played the best football, the most attacking and entertaining football - and we deserved to win the title.

It's relevant to say that Neville, 32, who had an ankle injury and a subsequent surgery, is targeting a return to perfect shape for the first encounter against Reading on home turf on August 12.

Manchester United have moved swiftly in the summer transfer market to sign in Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay at the Old Trafford

2007-03-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's star Cristiano Ronaldo is showing the most important level of his career this season, but has persistently been linked with the Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona.

However, he has an existing contract at Manchester United that takes him to 2010, and he has now said: "It is a good sign to know I have so many important clubs interested in me, such as Real Madrid."

"That means that I am valued. But I am absolutely happy where I am and I hope to stay at Manchester United for many years."

Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is with the Portuguese team preparing for their Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia on Wednesday.

His amazing form this season was maintained for his country at the weekend when he cored twice for Portugal in a resounding 4-0 triumph over Belgium.

What's more, Ronaldo has already netted 16 Premiership goals during United's assault on the title, plus two more in the FA Cup.

Asked if he was the best player in the world at the moment, the talented Portuguese replied: "The United players are by my side - but of course I believe I am one of the best."

"I think I have a good contract, in financial terms, but what really matters to me is to show my best form," he concluded.

Manchester United was beaten by Arsenal

2007-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

Premier League leaders Manchester United had a bad night and lost to Arsenal FC. However, their rivals in the race for the title, Chelsea, also got a bad result.

Indeed, United was beaten 2-1 by Arsenal on Sunday. That result, along with Chelsea's game, who went down 2-0 at Liverpool on Saturday, have left England's top four clubs separated by a modest 12 points -- with another 42 to play for.

Ferguson's team just couldn't beat Arsenal and seize a probably decisive nine-point lead over Chelsea was certainly galling for their coach, but the last 10 minutes were heart-stopping stuff to watch.

Young talent Wayne Rooney headed United in front early in the second half and it seemed they were on course to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership to nine points.

However, substitute Robin van Persie equalised with seven minutes of normal time remaining and French star Thierry Henry headed the winner three minutes into injury-time.

But Unfortunately van Persie's celebrations were cut short when he sustained a "partial fracture" to his foot after scoring the equaliser. The hospital comfirmed the fact.

Now, Manchester United remain six points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table, while Arsenal are one point behind Liverpool in fourth positon of the English Premier League.

Red Devils win over Reading and get a six point lead

2006-12-31T02:59:00.000-08:00

Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo had a great performance. The Portuguese player netted his sixth goal in three games, and host Manchester United beat Reading 3-2 on Saturday to move six points ahead of Chelsea in the Premiership.

In the other game, Chelsea, the two-time defending champions, tied Fulham 2-2 in London. Now Mourinho's team have dropped four points in two home games in five days after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Reading.

The game we are talking about took place at Old Trafford, where Ole Gunner Solskjaer also scored for the Red Devils' 17th league win this season, one day before manager Alex Ferguson's 65th birthday. Ibrahima Sonko and Leroy Lita scored for Reading.

"It's been a really good day for us," Ferguson admitted. "Some of our football was very good. The play was excellent at times."

"Despite that, I saw that we had our worst defending of the season. It was a slack goal for us to lose," he expressed of Reading's 89th-minute goal. "We resorted to playing safe football instead of playing the football we like to create."

Smith stays at Manchester

2006-12-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has strongly denied that one of his strikers, Alan Smith, will leave the Manchester United in 2007.

Actually, Smith is undergoing an intensive fitness programme in his effort to return to peak condition after his double leg fracture in February this year.

We must consider that that Everton are plotting a £6million bid for the striker when the transfer window reopens. However, Ferguson with his statement today has certainly cleared the air over the 26-year-old England international’s future.

“The player remains part of United's plans for the second half of the season,” Ferguson said.

“Alan is doing very well at the moment and our speed programme has had an immediate effect. We have seen a tremendous improvement in him over the last month.”

“And he is certainly not far away now. I wanted to take him down to West Ham, but he didn't want to go. He just wanted to stay and train on his own. He deserves great credit for that because it is not simple.”

“He doesn't want to travel again tomorrow, so he will be training again.”

The manager who was favouring a loan stint for Smith at Cardiff City earlier in the season, felt that the striker had perhaps made the right decision in rejecting the transfer.

But Ferguson announced: "He did the right thing. He could have gone and played games, but not been 100 per cent to play in them, whether it is the Tournament or the Premier League. Instead we worked out a programme to improve his speed that he has really taken to.”

Manchester United beat Benfica to advance in the Champions League

2006-12-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

In a really important game, Manchester United stormed back from a goal down to assure thier presence in the Champions League knockout phase with a 3-1 triumph over Benfica on Wednesday.

Indeed, Ferguson's team, who were knocked out at this stage of last season's competition by the Portuguese side, were trailing to a superb 27th minute strike by Nelson before Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic headed an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

The home squad came out fighting after the break and capitalised on some poor defending as Ryan Giggs headed them in front in the 61st minute and French forward Louis Saha sealed the win with their third goal in the 75th minute.

It's important to say that defeat for Benfica dumped a stylish team out of the competition, with United finishing top of Group F and joined in the next round by Scotish side Celtic.

The Derby ended 1-1

2006-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

It was a really tough game for both squads. But the most incredible part was when Ricardo Carvalho muscled in a second-half header to earn visiting Chelsea a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

In the most important derby of the week, Louis Saha gave United a first-half lead in the 29th minute with a wonderful piece of skill, bending the ball past Carlo Cudicini.

In fact, the encounter developed an intriguing ebb and flow in the second half as Saha twice went close, while Frank Lampard rained in a series of shots in reply.

That's when Carvalho earned Chelsea that point when he powered a header past Edwin van der Sar from a Lampard corner in the 69th minute.

We have to say that if Manchester United had the better of the first half, Chelsea were well worth the draw given their impressive second-half display.

What's more, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho brought on Arjen Robben for Geremi at the restart, a switch that entailed Michael Essien dropping to right-back.

That lineup provided Chelsea with greater attacking fluidity, with Essien superb in the way he surged forward from his defensive place on the pitch.

Saha is becoming a vital striker

2006-11-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

French striker is becoming important for Manchester United. And this time it was against Blackburn Rovers, scoring the only goal to get a tough victory.

When United coach, sir Alex Ferguson, is willing to allow Alan Smith to leave Manchester United on loan, the vital role to be played by Louis Saha in this season's title race was underlined here when the French international forward scored a really good winning goal while his partner Wayne Rooney squandered three incredible chances.

Indeed, Saha struck his eighth goal of the season, with an accomplished 63rd-minute hooked shot from six yards - a superb, predatory finish after Rooney, who had been denied for a third time by Brad Friedel from close range just a minute earlier, played a wide ball to John O'Shea whose centre was brilliantly turned across goal by midfielder Ryan Giggs.

We must say that Ferguson thought the performance praiseworthy: "Louis is in good form. He's a threat with good pace and power and he's a great balance to the squad.

"It was a feisty match with a lot of challenges and tackles, and a good result and a great performance by us because in the past we have come here and played better and lost - last season we scored three times and lost 4-3."

Finally free of injury, French striker Saha looks a devastatingly effective finisher, in stark contrast to the efforts of Rooney yesterday, although Ferguson's decision to allow Smith to leave Manchester, at a time when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out injured and Saha and Rooney both have a long history of their own injury troubles behind them, looks a calculated gamble.

However, as long as Saha is in such form, Ferguson's hopes of continuing his team's impressive start to the season and maintaining the pressure on defending champions Chelsea look fine.

"The important thing is Chelsea have done fantastic the last two years, winning the league early on and making it difficult for us all," Ferguson admitted. "But at least this good start must give us a chance"

"A lot of things come into consideration. You've got to get through December, which is always tough, and by January you have a great idea of who's going to contest and who's going to be involved in relegation. That's a pivotal time. Hopefully, if we can keep our good performance and keep the injury situation low, we will be there."

Powerfull attack in the Carling Cup

2006-11-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

Manchester stars Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo could be unleashed on Southend on Tuesday as the team look to book a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

Indeed, Manchester United needed a late extra-time goal to get past Crewe a fortnight ago, and Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to field a much stronger side at Roots Hall, with only Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar missing the game.

It's important to consider that Ryan Shawcross, David Jones, David Gray and Crewe hero Kieran Lee will all be involved but apart from those youngsters, the remainder of United's line-up will be from his first-team squad. Even if Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo do make the trip, they seem certain to start on the bench.

In the other side, Southend will be without Matt Harrold when they host the holders.

The talented forward, who scored Southend's goal in the 3-1 defeat by Wolves at the weekend, is cup-tied having turned out for former club Yeovil in round one.

According to the club, with fellow forwards Lee Bradbury (hip) and Billy Paynter (hamstring) still on the injury list, Gary Hooper is likely to partner Freddy Eastwood in attack.

What's more, defender Adam Barrett is a doubt after missing the Wolves match with a stomach problem, with Spencer Prior ready to step in.

United lost a game and a player

2006-11-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

One of the most beloved players in Manchester, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been ruled out for a few weeks after injuring his hamstring in his team's Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen.

In fact, the Norwegian striker only recently returned from serious knee problems that had sidelined him for two years.

That's why Sir Alex Ferguson expressed: "It's unfortunate for Ole but I am actually quite happy. Given his previous history of knee problems, I was a bit concerned but, fortunately, it is only a hamstring. He will be out for a few weeks."

It's important to mention that Solskjaer is currently United's leading scorer with six goals this season.

Rooney's hat trick help United beat Bolton

2006-10-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

Talented striker Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick to end a 10-match drought to lead Manchester United to a 4-0 Premier League victory against Bolton.

It's great to know that Rooney’s goals were his first for club or country since he scored twice in United’s season-opening 5-1 win over Fulham on August 20.

“I think there has been a lot of talk by a lot of people over the last few weeks saying I couldn’t do it any more, stuff like that, so the feeling when the first goal went in was brilliant. To finish the hat-trick was nice. I am really happy just to be back among the goals again and to have secured the three points in what was a big match for us.”

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo got the other goal as United stayed top of the league with 25 points, leading champion Chelsea on goal difference.

Now, Bolton is third with 20 points, followed by Portsmouth on 19 and Arsenal on 18.

“Chelsea FC have laid down a marker but we want to challenge them,” Manchester United bossman, Sir Alex Ferguson, said. “There is a growing confidence within the club, we are looking very strong and we will have a great go.”

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a cross by Michael Carrick and made it 2-0 six minutes later when he curled the ball into the corner of the net beyond the reach of keeper Jaaskelainen.

And Cristiano Ronaldo scored before Rooney completed the scoring in the 89th from a cross by Darren Fletcher.

“Apart from the third goal, there was very little we could do to stop him,” Bolton coach Sam Allardyce claims. “The first two were magnificent goals made of outstanding quality.”

For the records, it was the second hat-trick in the 21-year-old Rooney’s career. His first was two years ago on his Champions League debut against Fenerbahce.

Manchester United and Liverpool will heath up the Premiership

2006-10-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Old Trafford stadium will host the biggest game of the weekend in the English Premiership. Indeed, first place Manchester United face their first true test of the season against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Ferguson's team, top on goal difference from champions Chelsea, have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and made it three wins out of three in the Champions League in midweek.

We must consider that with Wayne Rooney looking more like his old self, United should be at full strength, with Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand likely to return after missing the win over FC Copenhagen.

But though their start has been impressive, they have played just two teams in the top half of the table. Liverpool, on the other hand, have made a faltering start with just 11 points from their first eight clashes, and their away record has been really bad.

But a 1-0 midweek win in Bordeaux will have lifted their confidence and defender Sami Hyypia is convinced that Liverpool have turned a corner.

"Sometimes you need to go back to basics and make it the main objective not to allow the opposition to score," the Finn admitted.

"This was an example of that, to make sure we get the defending right and then take whatever opportunity came our way.

"We know it is a big game and how important it is for the fans.

"I know we're a long way from the top, so it's even more important, but you never want to take extra pressure into a game like this. We're not going to go there thinking we must not lose. We go into every match thinking we want to win."

United is after Nani

2006-10-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Manchester United are eyeing a move for Sporting Lisbon new talent Nani - but have been warned he is not for sale in January's transfer window.

The British club swooped to take Cristiano Ronaldo from the same club for £12.25million in 2003.

And now boss Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz has identified the 19-year-old Nani as another potential top star of the future.

The right-sided midfield footballer was a key figure in Sporting's second-place finish in the league last season and has already netted three times in six games this term.

He is contracted to the Lisbon outfit until 2008 and his club want to extend it by two or three years, while also eager to insert a clause stating that he cannot be sold for less than £17.5million during that period.

Sporting president Filipe Soares told The Manchester Evening News: "Nani is not for sale today - and neither in the winter market. At this moment we are not interested in any business."

Nani himself is fired up by the interest from United and wants to move at some point.

"If I leave at any time it would be to go to a great team. I am young and very ambitious," he expressed.

The Reds ready to beat Newcastle

2006-09-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Manchester United is fighting to get the title of the Premiership, and this time they will have a really tough rival to beat: Newcastle United.

Manchester United have started strongly and despite failing to pick up a win in their last two Premiership outings, they too achieved a hard fought victory in Europe in the week and will be looking to rediscover the impressive early season form that has ensured they remain within touching distance of championship favourites Chelsea. Defeat at home by Arsenal and a draw at Reading marred what had been a perfect start after four games, and they will be anxious to re-establish winning momentum against the Magpies.

So, is important to mention that Sir Alex Ferguson is without defender Mikael Silvestre for six weeks as he Frenchman recovers from a broken metatarsal, while midfielder Ryan Giggs – in such good form until he injured his hamstring - is expected to be out of contention for a further two weeks. The coach is likely to select the same eleven he started with against Benfica on Tuesday.

Tough victory over Tottenham Hotspurs

2006-09-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

This time, the victory was not so clear. Manchester United actually suffered to continue their perfect start to the Premiership season by beating Tottenham 1-0. They have a record of fourth straight victories.

In fact, it should have been a great game given the star players on both teams. But, in the end, the game went a bit stale after Ryan Giggs' goal in the ninth minute.

But there is no denying that Ferguson's team have made a superb start to the season. They deserved the 1-0 triumph over Tottenham. They showed pace and skill in their build-up play and they certainly have more ideas when it comes to attacking.

But if it's about admitting faults, they have to be more ruthless when it comes to converting their opportunities.

French striker Louis Saha was the biggest culprit and he wasted two great opportunities late on to wrap up the result. In the 83rd minute, Park Ji Sung picked him out on the edge of the box but he selfishly went for glory instead of passing to available team-mates.

And in the last minute, he beat the offside trap but in an one-on-one confrontation with Paul Robinson, he was unable to beat the goalkeeper. Perhaps Saha was trying too hard to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that he can be the man to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Obviously, Man U were caught napping towards the end and could have paid a heavy price for the lapses in concentration. Sir Alex Ferguson will have alot of work to do to remain in the winning path.

Ferguson admits Keane contact

2006-09-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, assured Roy Keane has been in constant touch with him since taking charge at Sunderland Football Club, and he has been in touch with his former mentor at Manchester United several times already.

"In fact, Roy must have rung me up half a dozen times already in the first week at Sunderland," Ferguson told the media. "The first thing he said was 'I never thought it would be like this. I've never been off the telephone'.

“I repeated: 'I told you it's a difficult job'. I've spoken to him several times and I said the same thing to him that I said to my other former players like Steve Bruce.

“You've got to deal with and navigate the problems of today like player power, agents and the media. I wished him well and told him he will have to learn to tolerate some things in football that he just doesn't agree with.

"Don't forget that the most important thing he has to do is find a way of enjoying the job. Some players think they know what it's like to be a manager but they don't know, they can't do.

“I think you've got to be prepared to learn and you've got to find a way to enjoy it. If you can't deal with the pressure, and can't enjoy the job, then you're going to be in big trouble.

"It's true, in management, you've got to accept that challenge. You've got to try and enjoy the job because if you're not enjoying it, you're not going to do the job right any way."

Rio Ferdinand's toe is not broken

2006-08-29T02:01:00.000-07:00

It was a very scary moment for him. Rio Ferdinand pulled up in the final minute of the Reds 2-1 win at Watford on Saturday afternoon, with initial fears he was to spend a spell on the sidelines.

But it's good to know that a scan on Sunday suggested the injury may not be so bad, and further examinations has confirmed the damage is just superficial bruising.

Not only is this a boost for Manchester United, but it also means Ferdinand will link up with the England squad for their Euro 2008 qualifiers facing Andorra and Macedonia. He must be back in one week

Giggs scored in win over Watford

2006-08-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand might have damaged a toe but his team rarely broke sweat as they continued their sanguine start with a matter-of-fact win against an innocent Watford who failed to produce the intensity of performance the occasion demanded.

It's fair to mention that fate and the fixture list have decreed that Sir Alex Ferguson's latest attempt to regain the title, which last went to Old Trafford three years ago, should begin amid the Premiership's foothills. Apart from home encounters with Arsenal and Liverpool United's early opponents are of the type more likely to seek survival than glory.

But lets talk about the match. Goals by Mikaël Silvestre and Ryan Giggs on either side of an equaliser by Damien Francis maintained United's 100 per cent record in a match they should have won more comfortably. Sitting on top of the Premiership for the first time in 32 months, they may appear to be missing neither the departed Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy nor the suspended Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, but must be well aware that there are much tougher challenges to come than those provided so far by Fulham, Charlton or Watford. Indeed, Tottenham and Arsenal are next up after the international break as United attempt to continue their capital punishment.

Manchester United demolished Fulham in their first Premier League match

2006-08-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Manchester United players want to win everything this season and they proved it on Sunday. The "Red Devils" demolished Fulham 5-1 with two goals scored by Wayne Rooney.

French striker Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo also found the net for Man United, which led 4-0 after 19 minutes. Fulham defender Ian Pearce deflected Saha's cross into his own net.

"It was a really good start for us," Rooney expressed. "Getting four goals in the first half an hour was good for us because we could afford to relax. But we know it's a long season and we have to continue like that."

Forward Brian McBride entered in the 64th minute for Fulham. He became the seventh American footballer to play in the Premier League on the opening weekend, joining Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann and Bobby Convey (Reading), Brad Friedel (Blackburn) and Jay DeMerit (Watford).

Despite they lost Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ferguson's team showed it is still an attacking force. Saha gave the hosts the lead in the seventh minute when he headed in a cross from Ryan Giggs.

Rooney, who will miss United's next three encounters after getting a red card in a preseason game, scored his first goal in the 16th minute. Fulham keeper Antti Niemi blocked a shot from Saha but the ball ran to Rooney, who scored with the side of his foot.

The England player then set up the fourth in the 19th with a cross to Ronaldo, who half-volleyed the ball to score the goal.

Manchester United defeated Porto

2006-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Manchester United performed in a very good way as they beat beat Porto 3-1 in the opening game of the Amsterdam pre-season tournament on Friday, although they ended the game with nine men after Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes were sent off.

Indeed, Rooney was shown a straight red card four minutes before the break after he caught Pepe in the face with his forearm while jumping for a high ball.
Scholes followed midway through the second half after a clumsy tackle.

"I think it was a ridiculous decision," United coach Alex Ferguson said of Rooney's sending off when talking to Sky Sports.

wayne Rooney was also sent off during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal in June for stamping on Chelsea FC defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Scholes had opened the scoring for United after 10 minutes when Ryan Giggs picked him out from a corner and he shot into the net from just outside the penalty area.

Rooney then doubled the lead eight minutes later with a fine chip over Porto's goalkeeper Helton.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who played just three league matches in the last three seasons because of injuries, added a third goal after 74 minutes.
Central defender Pepe scored Porto's consolation goal four minutes later with a potent shot form 20 metres.

We must mention that United's new signing Michael Carrick, who cost an initial 14 million pounds ($26.49 million) from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, played his first game with the red jersey.

Spanish Valencia is after Cristiano Ronaldo

2006-07-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Unofficial Spanish news assure that Valencia's president Soler will go for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. They want to sign the player because of his fantastis soccer skills.

He assured: "Until they tell us no several times we will not give up. At the moment it's a priority and we have until 31 August."

In fact, Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. But Manchester United have stressed the player is going nowhere.

Soler, who has already signed Fernando Morientes and Asier Del Horno from the Premiership, is not going to give up: "First we will negotiate with the English club and then the player."

Portuguese Ronaldo's future has been in doubt this summer after he was quoted as saying he wanted a move to Spain after his World Cup incident with Wayne Rooney.

And according to people of the club, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the winger is going nowhere.

Indeed, last week Ferguson expressed: "Without any question, Ronaldo will be our player next season and for the rest of his contract.

"I admit that I haven't paid much attention to what Cristiano is supposed to have said about his future.

We must mention that Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m in August 2003, is under contract until 2010.

Manchester United will not sale Cristiano Ronaldo

2006-07-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Portugal's World Cup greatest player Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, according to his English club Manchester United.

"The club confirms that there is no possibility of Cristiano being sold," United said in a statement. "Cristiano recently signed a new deal until 2010 and the club fully expects him to honour that contract," the statement posted on the club's official Web site said.

"The team board will not listen to any offers for Cristiano."

In fact, British newspapers have speculated that Ronaldo might want a move away after at least partially blaming the 21-year-old for the sending-off of his club team mate Wayne Rooney in Portugal's World Cup clash against England.

According to those newspapers, Ronaldo is linked with a move to Real Madrid, quoting the Spanish giants' new coach Fabio Capello as being interested in the 21-year-old.

"Manchester United has noted the increasing media speculation over the possible trade of Cristiano Ronaldo," the statement continued.

"We all know that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest young stars in world football as demonstrated by his performances at the World Cup in Germany and Manchester United is not in the business of selling their best young players."

We must remember that Portugal beat England on penalties, then lost their semi-final 1-0 to France.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to move away from Manchester

2006-07-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Portugal talented player Cristiano Ronaldo has said he sees no future for himself at Manchester United and wants to sign for a Spanish club as soon as possible.

"I'm not going to stay at Manchester United," Ronaldo was quoted as saying in a newspaper.

It's very important to mention that Ronaldo said the aftermath of the incident with club mate Wayne Rooney during Portugal's World Cup win over England made it impossible for him to remain at United.

"After what happened with Rooney I can't remain there. I will soon have my future sorted out and I want to go to Real," the player expressed.

Portuguese newspaper Record quoted Ronaldo as saying: "To be honest it has been difficult to think about continuing in England. They're making a storm in a teacup. It's really hard to return to a country where you're not welcome."

Another rumour says that wanted to quit the Premier League but leaving open the possibility of moving to Real's arch-rivals Barcelona.

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo joined United from Sporting in 2003 for $20.63m. He signed a contract extension last November that tied him to the club until 2010.

Ferguson wants Marcos Senna

2006-06-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna will turn 30 next month and with just one season remaining on his contract, will more likely change club.

In fact, his current employers are hoping he pens a new contract this summer, but if not, they may sell him now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the current season.

Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson is wanting to completely reshape his midfield ahead of the new campaign, and reports in Spain suggest Senna has emerged as a possible target.

However, United are sure to face competition from Arsenal and Real Madrid to sign the player.

More Glazer family members join the board

2006-06-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Mancheste United most powerful man, Malcolm Glazer has appointed three more members of his family to the board of his club.

Indeed, Sons Kevin, 44, Edward, 36, and daughter Darcie, who will be 38 on Thursday join as non-executive directors.

These three persons join Glazer's sons, Joel, Ave and Bryan, who have been on the Old Trafford board since the American businessman completed his Red Devils takeover last summer.

In fact, while United officials insist the move will have no affect on the day-to-day running of business at Old Trafford, the appointments could be interpreted as a sign of Glazer passing on responsibility for the team to his family.

As we know, the 78-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner is still recovering from the two strokes he suffered in April which left him with slurred speech and partial disability.

"The move reflects common practice," stated a United spokesman.

"It's true that all Glazer family members are involved in all the family's business interests."

Ruud focused on World Cup

2006-06-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy has avoided talk on his future at the club, while he trains for the World Cup with his national team. The Dutchman has fallen out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"No, not really," he said when asked whether he wanted to elaborate on the situation at the club. "I think I left behind me what happened."

"What happened, happened. It's just great that I could go straight into a World Cup team to prepare for that and look ahead not back.

"For me, I never look back. It's great to be feeling part of this dream now and I'm working really hard to do well there."

"I'm here for my country now. It's why I'm in this tracksuit at the moment. My only thoughts are with Holland. What happens in the future, no one knows.

"Right now my only thoughts are with this team.You can ask me anything but you'll get the same answer anyway."

Van Nistelrooy for Cambiasso?

2006-05-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson feels that after Roy Keane left the team, there's a missing piece in the midfield. And he believes that Argentine midfielder Cambiasso can fit in that place.

In fact, Cambiasso is currently playing at Inter Milan, who have been linked with United's forward Ruud van Nistelrooy in the past week. Speculations say that Cambiasso could be part of a potential swap deal sending van Nistelrooy to the San Siro.

However, Inter owner Massimo Morati is reluctant to let Cambiasso go and was initially believed to have rejected the idea but if United insist that it is the only way a deal couild be brokered then the Italians may well relent.

Van Nistelrooy feelings about his situation

2006-05-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's main striker Ruud van Nistelrooy feels he has been betrayed by Sir Alex Ferguson.

That is the opinion of the Dutch forward’s close friend Wim van Hanegem, who has told a local newspaper of the problems the player has been going through with his club manager this season.

"In fact, the departure of Roy Keane had a massive impact on Ruud," van Hanegem confess. "In the dressing room Ruud openly sided with Keane when Ferguson decided to separate the player from the club.

"Because of Ruud's passion and determination he would not keep his mouth shut. Ruud can go far, sometimes too far and that has worked against him at his club."

The fans supposed that Van Nistelrooy and Ferguson had a solid relationship after the Scot helped the player overcome injury when he was still at PSV Eindhoven, yet things have evidently changed.

"However, Ruud was completely overwhelmed by Sir Alex when he first got to know him. When Ruud got injured the first time he was going to move from PSV Eindhoven to United, Ferguson kept in touch with him all the time," added van Hanegem.

"But now Ruud has come to realise, I hope, that Ferguson's caring had nothing to do with a human touch. It was just because Ruud was a world-class striker and Ferguson was desperate to get his services.

"Well, now Ruud has found out the hard way. He has also realised that Ferguson has a funny way of ditching his biggest stars. He saw what happened to David Beckham, Jaap Stam and Roy Keane."

Manchester lost the title

2006-04-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

Chelsea FC retained the Premier League title when they defeated second-placed Manchester United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Goals from William Gallas, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho sealed a second successive title for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and United's bad luck was complete when England striker Wayne Rooney was carried off on a stretcher with a foot injury.

It's important to say that Manchester United and Liverpool have 79 points to Chelsea's 91, although United is still favourite to finish second as it has an extra game.

Wayne Rooney's foot injury, which will be scanned today, cast a shadow over England's World Cup hopes.

Rooney talks before game against Chelsea

2006-04-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney doesn't want any sad moment in the next game against Chelsea. He wants to win so the Blues wont get the title infront of them.

"We must go to Stamford Bridge believing we can win," Rooney claims. "If they win or even get a draw, it will be really bad.

"I'm convinved that next season will be different. Over the last four or five months we have played really well, and if we can continue that and start next season better than we did this one, it could be very close."

Manchester coach Ferguson's comments about Rooney's heart are good. He is so much more than a centre-forward and says his assists give him almost as much pleasure as his goals. Statistically, Rooney's game is compelling. In fact, twelve per cent of his shots result in a goal; 48 per cent strike the target, while 77 per cent of his passes travel precisely where he intended to.

Rooney also talked about the World Cup and the English hopes.

"I am sure they will try to intimidate me. Well, I just have to deal with it and play my own game," Rooney said. "Early on in my career I had a lot of bad press about my temperament, but I was just a young lad over then. I am still young, but I've been playing professionally for four years now and I'm learning with every match.

"We are all confident, especially after the Argentina match. In the dressing room afterwards everybody was jumping. Riquelme was brilliant against us. At half-time some people came in and said, 'what's happening here?' We couldn't get near him. I don't know why, but even though it was a friendly I celebrated that victory more than many of the World Cup qualifying games. It gave us a lot of belief."

Preparing an African Tour

2006-04-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Manchester United will head to South Africa in July to play Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, currently ranked the second and the third in that country's Premier Soccer League.

Irvin Khoza, chairperson of the 2010 Soccer World Cup bid committee, said the idea to take Manchester United to South Africa was "to pick up a few tips as the preparations (by South Africa) for 2010 (World Cup) begin in earnest."

"They must start changing the minds of the South African supporters now for the 2010 World Cup," Khoza said.

Manchester United's first match will be against Pirates in Durban. They will then meet the Chiefs on July 18. Two days later, Chiefs will play Pirates in Rustenburg and the winner will face United in the finals at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on July 22.

Still alive after beating Arsenal

2006-04-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

A great performance of United and a young alternative team in the front side helped to get the 2-0 victory over Arsenal. Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park scored for this important Manchester United win.

Young British star Rooney controlled Mikael Silvestre's brilliant cross before shooting past Jens Lehmann and later crossed for Park to score from close range.

In fact, Lehmann had superbly saved from Rooney twice before his goal, while Kolo Toure appeared to divert a strike from the forward on to the post in a great reaction.

It's important to mention that this result means Sir Alex Ferguson's team move back to within seven points of Chelsea, who defeated West Ham 4-1 earlier on Sunday.

Manchester United have five matches left to catch the reigning champions, including a match at Stamford Bridge against Jose Mourinho's side.

However, the victory over Arsenal means United are assured of finishing in the top four - and thus qualifying for next season's Champions League. Good news for Ferguson's team, eliminated form the current Champions League at an early stage.

A victory to get closer to Chelsea

2006-04-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Manchester United fought hard to get a 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. And thanks to Chelsea’s inability to beat Birmingham City earlier on the same day, the Reds have cut the lead at the top of the table down to just seven points.

In fact, with six matches to go including a clash between the two sides at Stamford Bridge later this month, French striker Saha is in confident mood about landing his first ever league title.

Saha noticed their situation: “We definitely believe it is on, we believe we can do it. Chelsea have got to make mistakes, we already know that. We have to keep playing the way that we are."

“We know that we can not make mistakes. However, I am in the best form of my life. We are in great form and must keep it going."

Solskjaer signs new deal

2006-04-01T03:05:00.000-08:00

Norwegian forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new two-year deal with Manchester United, and the manager Sir Alex Ferguson us happy about it.

Solksjaer is 33, and he's been out of competition for the most part of three seasons. He is currently recovering from a broken cheekbone.

However, a Manchester United statement said: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "The deal will see Ole stay at the club until June 2008."

It's fair to say that Solskjaer is a hugely popular figure at the club following his goal that won the 1999 European Cup for United and has fought his way back from two serious knee injuries.

Indeed, Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted that Ole has signed a new two-year deal.

Ferguson believes

2006-03-21T22:24:00.000-08:00

The whole world say that Chelsea will get the title for this season in the English Premier League. Everybody thinks so except for ine person. Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced that his team can get the championship despite the blues.

Speaking in light of Chelsea’s shock defeat at Fulham on Sunday, the Manchester United coach believes his side can launch a late bid for glory – despite being a whopping twelve points behind the Blues.

"We are looking forward to be in a position to take advantage any slip of Chelsea," Ferguson told to a local newspaper. "There are signs that Chelsea have hit the wall but only time will tell how long it will last."

Manchester team has a match in hand over their rivals that would take them within nine points, and also have to travel to Stamford Bridge for the penultimate encounter of the season.

Manchester United beat Newcastle with Rooney's double

2006-03-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

British young star Wayne Rooney scored two goals in the first 12 minutes yesterday, and Manchester United defeated Newcastle 2-0.

On a very nice move, Rooney picked up an errant pass in the eighth minute and lobbed the ball over Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given.

Four minutes later, Louis Saha and John O'Shea carved through the Newcastle defence with a series of passes, leaving Rooney to shoot past Given for the second goal.

"We could have scored more, we should have," Rooney said. "We should have taken a lot more of our chances and won by a bigger margin, but I'm happy to get the two goals."

Manchester United, which has won four consecutive league games and has 60 points, is 15 points behind leader Chelsea, which beat Tottenham 2-1 Saturday.

This result was Newcastle's first defeat since Graeme Souness was fired two months ago.

Manchester United is the Carling Cup Champion

2006-02-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

Manchester United defeated Wigan Athletic with a blunt 4-0 to win the English League Cup final on Sunday.

The Manchester club, twice European champions, were hot favourites to beat the side from a neighbouring town.

Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson's side created the first clear cut chance in the seventh minute when Wayne Rooney headed against the bar from a Gary Neville cross.

But Wigan, who were making their first ever appearance in a major final, were forced to change goalkeepers as Mike Pollitt was unable to continue with an injury. John Filan came on as his replacement.

The Reds took the lead in the 33rd minute when a long kick up field by Edwin van der Saar was headed on by Louis Saha.

Pascal Chimbonda and Arjan De Zeeuw crashed into each other and Rooney took full advantage to blast the ball past the substitute goalkeeper Filan.

Wigan saw their hopes of getting back into the game ruined by conceding three goals in six second half minutes.

As the reports say, Ryan Giggs picked out Cristiano Ronaldo, who found an overlapping Gary Neville and his cross was bundled home at the second attempt by Louis Saha in the 55th minute, despite a fine initial save by Filan.

The score was 2-0 to Manchester United.

In a very interesting move, four minutes later, atrocious defending by Stephane Henchoz saw his poor clearance fall to the feet of Louis Saha and he slipped the ball through for Cristiano Ronaldo to make it 3-0.

Two minutes later, the game was over as a contest when Man of the Match Rooney scored his second after Wigan failed to deal with a Giggs free-kick.

This victory was the biggest in the final since it was switched from two legs in 1967.

It guarantees United a place in next season's UEFA Cup if they should finish outside the Champions League qualifying places in the English Premier League this season.

Argentine Heinze to be back in March

2006-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Manchester United player Gabriel Heinze, who suffered a cruciate knee ligament damage in September, is convinced that he will be back in action within four weeks.

"I expect to play again in one month," the Argentine player says.

"The doctor of the Argentina national team, Donato Villani, has evaluated me and we are all optimistic. I have worked hard and the results have been very positive."

It's good to remember that the 27-year-old Heinze was injured in United's Champions League game at Villarreal on Sept. 14.

In fact, Sir Alex Ferguson had been sceptical about his chances of recovering in time for the World Cup.

"Every player would want to play in the World Cup, I'm not disputing that, but I can't see it myself," Ferguson told the press in December.

"I just made a bet with Sir Alex Ferguson about returning to the field this season and I am going to win it," Heinze said on Tuesday.

"I think about the World Cup in Germany as the big final target for my rehab."

Heinze is one of the Argentina players seen as a certainty in coach Jose Pekerman's World Cup squad if he is ready to make it.

Manchester United beats Portsmouth 3-1

2006-02-14T00:52:00.000-08:00

Manchester United FC made sure it was third time unlucky for rivals Portsmouth, who were looking for a hat-trick of home Premiership victories against the Reds, by giving them a master class in first-half finishing.

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo scored two fine goals after Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in the rebound from Ryan Giggs' shot as memories of previous 1-0 and 2-0 defeats at Fratton Park were dismissed by the high-flyers.

Harry Redknapp may not yet be running of patience but Portsmouth squad is certainly beginning to run out of time with only 12 games left to somehow hang on to their Premiership status. Next up in a couple of weeks' time is the small matter of a visit to Chelsea.

Redknapp, nevertheless, tried as ever to put on a brave face after another soul-searching defeat, with comments such as "we must go on a run" and "it's all still to play for". Yet you get the distinct impression that he is starting to clutch at straws. Of all the worrying statistics surrounding Portsmouth, none is more telling than the fact that they have just once scored more than a single goal in any League game this season - and that was against Sunderland. They may have paid a record £4.1m for Benjani Mwaruwari but so far the Zimbabwe international striker is firing blanks.

Everything, as they say, goes in threes and Portsmouth were looking for a third successive home win over United, who had triumphed only once in the top flight at Fratton Park in 47 years. Bogey ground? Not any longer. Three certainly figured - for the number of times Dean Kiely had to pick the ball out of his net, all in the first half. Only in an opening burst and a pulsating last 15 minutes did Pompey spark into life, their late rally resulting in Matthew Taylor's goal.

On the positive side, the crowd never stopped giving them rousing support while Lomana LuaLua's pace and trickery were a constant threat. Of Portsmouth's new signings only Pedro Mendes, one of four former Tottenham players in their 16-man squad, looked the part and would have been a contender for man of the match but for a scintillating display from United's Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese scored two goals and kissed the top of the bar after Ruud van Nistelrooy had notched his 19th Premiership goal of the season, nodding the ball over the line after Ryan Giggs had struck the woodwork.

"When we stayed up last time we took 21 points from the last 10 games and we need to do something similar," Redknapp noticed. "Then, of course, we had Yakubu and we need someone like him to start scoring goals. I had to take some chances in January and brought seven players in. It's not easy to hit the ground running but if I'd sat back and done nothing we'd never have survived anyway."

Van Nistelrooy, United's captain for the day, was unhappy about his team's second-half performance but is just two goals away from joining a select band of United legends who have scored 150 for the club. In all probability United will not catch Chelsea, despite closing the gap to 12 points, but second place and at least one domestic cup now look a fair bet. Not a bad return.

Goals: Van Nistelrooy 18 (0-1); Ronaldo 38 (0-2); Ronaldo 45 (0-3); Taylor 87 (1-3).

Portsmouth (4-4-2): Kiely; Pamarot, O'Brien, Primus, Taylor; O'Neil, Davis (Griffin 55), Pedro Mendes, D'Alessandro (Routledge 45); Mwaruwari, LuaLua. Substitutes not used: Ashdown, Karadas, Hughes.

Manchester United (4-4-2): Van der Sar (Howard 45); Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre; Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs (Smith 45), Park; Rooney (Saha 82), Van Nistelrooy. Substitutes not used: Evra, Richardson.

Van der Sar talks about next crucial game

2006-02-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Dutch keeper Edwin van der Sar is convinced that the next fortnight will make or break Manchester United's season.

The Reds will face Portsmouth in the Premiership on Saturday and they want to consolidate second spot in the table before embarking on a crucial cup double, starting with a visit to Liverpool in the FA Cup before tackling Wigan in the Carling Cup final on February 26.

Van der Sar is aware that three wins would leave United looking forward to the remainder of the season with some silverware already in the cabinet.

But in the other handm, three defeats would condemn Sir Alex Ferguson's men to back-to-back trophyless campaigns for the first time in 17 years, a thought Van der Sar is not prepared to contemplate.

"These next few matches are very important if we are going to get some silverware this season," said the giant Dutchman.

Is good to remember that Van der Sar has been widely regarded as a force for good at Old Trafford this term.

United to face Liverpool after beating Wolves in the FA Cup

2006-01-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

Kieran Richardson scored twice as Manchester United won over Wolves 3-0 in the FA Cup. European champion Liverpool also advanced after a 2-1 victory at Portsmouth.

Striker Louis Saha also scored at Molineux as United, winner two seasons ago and runner-up to Arsenal last year, made it to the last 16.

In other game, Liverpool FC went ahead with a 36th-minute penalty shot at Fratton Park. Steven Gerrard's corner struck Portsmouth captain Dejan Stefanovic on the arm and the England midfielder got his 17th goal of the season from the spot.

Four minutes later, John Arne Riise recieved Fernando Morientes' pass, raced down the left and fired a low 25-yard shot that flew past goalkeeper Dean Kiely inside the far post.

Pompey hit back in the 54th when Sean Davis jumped to meet a left-wing free-kick from Gary O'Neil and strike with a glancing header.

Derby Preview: Manchester United vs. Liverpool

2006-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

There are many exciting derbies in the English Premier League. Arsenal vs. Manchester United and Chelsea vs. Liverpool may be hot matches but they just cannot compete with the sheer passion and hatred that only a game between Manchester United and Liverpool can produce.

Both are steeped in history and have been rivals since a very long time and if you ask any Manchester United fanatic which squad they want to beat more in the league then Liverpool tops the list, and it’s vice-versa for Liverpool fans as well. There is no love loss between the two and the atmosphere at Old Trafford should prove to be electric as they battle it out for second place in the Premiership and the all-important bragging rights.

It's good to mention that the revelations about Sven’s desire to sell England down the river last weekend saved Fergie from a proper roasting after his four-letter rant at referee Steve Bennett following their defeat against City. It also saved him from a full investigation into the signing of Evra who if plays like that every week will be crowned the biggest turkey ever to have played in the Premiership. Ferguson will be demanding a vastly improved performance today as United entertain the European Champions knowing that defeat will see them fall to third in the Premiership, having played two games more than their rivals as well.

In the other hand, Liverpool were unfortunate not to have bagged a hatful against Tottenham last weekend. Only a sublime volley from the rejuvenated Harry Kewell managed to get past Paul Robinson. However, Liverpool are showing signs that they are getting back to their blistering form which conquered the game more than 15 years ago. Rafa Benitez has instaled a never say die attitude in the squad and they just never know when they’re beat. They proved it in their stunning Champions League victory back in May and again just a fortnight ago in the FA Cup against Luton Town. After a ropey start this season Liverpool are fast becoming the team to fear in the Premiership.

Cristiano Ronaldo still Red-Card banned

2006-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo must accept a three-match ban after an appeal against the red card he got at Manchester City was rejected by a Football Association panel on Tuesday.

The Portuguese star was dismissed by referee Steve Bennett for a high lunge on forward Andy Cole during the 3-1 defeat. However, Manchester United appealed against the decision on the grounds that no contact was made between the two players.

The punishment will have Ronaldo miss United's matches against Burton Albion, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers.

United drew with Burton Albion 0-0

2006-01-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

In a surprising result, a semi-pro team called Burton Albion (that includes a physiotherapist, a sports shop assistant and a builder), held Manchester United to a 0-0 tie on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup.

Despite Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo played for the last 30 minutes, Manchester United fielded a backup side at the 6,000-seat Pirelli Stadium against a Burton side ranked 105 places below the Reds.

England Forward Wayne Rooney had two strikes saved by Albion goalkeeper Saul Deeney, who also stooped a goalbound drive from Ritchie Jones in injury time.

''Old Trafford here we come,'' said Deeney, who has nine brothers, seven of them Manchester United fans.

Nigel Clough's Burton will go to 67,000-seat Old Trafford in a really lucrative replay.

''It was a staggering game,'' thinks Clough, whose father Brian led Nottingham Forest to back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and '80. ''Playing against Manchester United in a replay, it's absolutely superb for everyone.''

In other matches on Sunday, Leyton Orient from English soccer's fourth tier upset Fulham of the Premier League 2-1 while Toronto's Paul Stalteri scored for Tottenham in a 3-2 loss to Leicester. Sunderland shut out Northwich 3-0.

Manchester coach Sir Alex Ferguson said he was relieved his team didn't lose.

''It's a sudden-death cup. With a difficult pitch, committed opponents, I think these things can happen,'' Ferguson made his point. ''You can get shocks. It's good that we didn't get a severe shock.''

Last season, Manchester United drew 0-0 with non-league Exeter before winning the replay and going on to lose the final against Arsenal on penalties.

Birmingham 2 - Manchester United 2

2005-12-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

Manchester United’s deadly attack line succed in the victory over Birmingham. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney both scored at St Andrew’s on Wednesday evening. However, that wasn’t enough because Jamie Clapham and Walter Pandiani, of the local team, also saw their names listed on the scoresheet.

It was a amazing performance from Steve Bruce’s side who pushed Manchester United all the way in what was a richly entertaining ninety-minutes of football.

Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy scored the lead only to see Clapham equalise for Birmingham before half-time. Rooney restored United’s lead but uruguayan Pandiani levelled again with thirteen minutes remaining.

The final score meant that the gap between Chelsea FC and United at the top of the table had been stretched to eleven points because Chelsea had beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Eastlands.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned after more than 18 months on the sidelines with a knee injury. He made a sixteen-minute appearance after replacing Ronaldo.

Manchester United’s line-up showed three new players from the side which put three goals past West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park were the players missing from that victory. Kieran Richardson, Alan Smith and Cristiano Ronaldo were named as the replacements for this Premiership fixture against Steve Bruce’s relegation-haunted side.

United fought hard in order to get a victory, but Birmingham had displayed some of their manager’s fighting spirit to snatch what could prove to be a valuable point.

Heinze may not fit for World Cup

2005-12-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks that Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze may not be fit for next summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

The player has been out of action since September after rupturing cruciate ligaments and is not expected to be back before the end of the current season.

Ferguson said: "I would have thought it's really unlikely he'll play before the end of this season. I can't see that happening. I know he wants to play in the World Cup, as any player would, but I don't think he'll be available until next season."

Meanwhile, Quinton Fortune is down because of a knee injury and is no nearer to a first team comeback.

The South African has not played for Manchester United this season after damaging his knee during pre-season and he looks set to be more time on the sidelines.

"He's exactly the same as he was," revealed Fergie. "It's not cleared up at all and it doesn't look as if it's going to be an early one either - it's going to be lengthy."

Manchester United hits Wigan hard

2005-12-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

The young English star Wayne Rooney scored twice and Rio Ferdinand made his first goal for Manchester United in a 4-0 rout of Wigan Athletic which pushed the Old Trafford club to second in the English Premier League yesterday.

In another match, West Ham United beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.

Man. United's win, which took its tally to 34 points from 16 matches, helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men leapfrog Liverpool into second place, nine points under leader Chelsea. Wigan, with 25 points, dropped one place to eighth.

At the same time, former United captain Roy Keane is set to sign for Celtic, according to media reports. "Keano" ended a 12-year spell at Old Trafford when he left United last month.

United out of Champions League

2005-12-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

Benfica celebrates a historical result with a 2-1 win over Manchester United, which eliminated the english team out of the competition.

"Our defensive line was always solid, we didn't give up any room to manoeuvre," midfielder Armando Petit was quoted.

Benfica's victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday lifted them from bottom of Group D to second behind Villarreal, who won 1-0 at home to Lille 1-0.

Manchester United, who beat Benfica for the first of their two European Cups in 1968, finished last in the group.

"History is made at Light" ran the headline in Thursday's Publico daily. A Bola sports newspaper crowed "Glorious!"

Paul Scholes gave the English team a sixth-minute lead but Benfica replied with a header from striker Geovanni and Beto fired home a deflected winner before halftime.

"We spoke at the break and we told ourselves that no goal could go in. We would play all night and keep the ball out of our goal," Benfica defender Leo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who Red Devils bought from Benfica's arch rivals Sporting Lisbon, struggled to cope with the tension and the loud whistles every time he got the ball. The winger was substituted in the second half and gestured to the crowd.

Man. Utd. had clocked up a record nine consecutive appearances in the knockout stages of the competition. They piled on the pressure late in the game but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

"This is a huge frustration for everyone. Everybody feels really bad but we have to start over and look to the next game," dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar said. "There's going to be a lot of media pressure, I think that's obvious."

Benfica goalkeeper Quim Silva played down the significance of the win, saying, "Making history? In a month nobody will remember this. Right now we're thinking about our next game with Boavista."

Manchester United defeats Portsmouth 3 - 0

2005-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

Manchester United recovered their best performance and got a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney scored the winning goals .With this result, Man. United remained in second place of the Premiership, but still sits 10 points leader Chelsea, which edged out Middlesbrough, 1-0, earlier in the day.

Paul Scholes opened up the scoring in the 20th minute breaking free in the penalty area and head in a corner shot sent by Giggs. Then in the 80th minute, Rooney made it a 2-0 affair after he took advantage of a Portsmouth turnover inside the box.

Just four minutes later, Van Nistelrooy put the nail in the coffin with a chip shot to cap off the scoring.

Gary Neville made his debut as skipper of Manchester United in the match. The 30-year-old defender replaced Roy Keane, who left the team two weeks ago. Neville has been with United for 12 years and is approaching 500 appearances with the club.

Another results on Saturday: Liverpool posted its sixth straight victory with a 3-0 win over Wigan; Everton blanked Blackburn, 2-0; Bolton knocked off Arsenal, 2-0; Aston Villa and Newcastle battled to a 1-1 draw; The Spurs edged out Sunderland, 3-2; Fulham and West Brom shared the points in a scoreless draw.

Manchester Utd. prepared to beat West Brom

2005-11-29T23:16:00.000-08:00

Saha, Gary Neville, and Korean Park Ji-sung will be the key players in a match where a youthful Manchester United chases a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals. The rival is West Brom.

Neither Neville nor Saha have started a game since their recovery from their injuries, and Park needs match practice after spending most of his time on the bench since joining from PSV Eindhoven in the summer.

Tim Howard replaces Edwin van der Sar in goal and Cristiano Ronaldo will be among the substitutes, while impressive teenager Giuseppe Rossi is handed the opportunity to enhance his glowing reputation in attack.

Lineups:

Man United: Howard, Steele, Bardsley, Neville, Brown, Pique, O'Shea, Eckersley, Fox, Martin, Jones, Park, Fletcher, Richardson, Ronaldo, Saha, Rossi, Ebanks-Blake, Gibson.

West Brom: Kuszczak, Hoult, Albrechtsen, Clement, Gaardsoe, Moore, Scimeca, Carter, Chaplow, Wallwork, Johnson, Inamoto, Greening, Kamara, Kanu, Ellington, Horsfield, Earnshaw.

Good bye, George Best

2005-11-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

George Best, former Manchester United and Northern Ireland football star, has died at the age of 59.

"It was a long and very hard fight, but Mr George Best has died in the ICU at Cromwell Hospital," a spokesman for the Cromwell Hospital in London confirmed to the press.

"The thoughts of all staff at Cromwell Hospital are with Mr Best's family at this time."

Best who has had an alcohol problem for much of his public life, had been in hospital since the beginning of October and was put on a life support machine last week after he developed a lung infection.

A footballing legend who was dubbed the 'fifth Beatle' in his heyday, Best won the European Cup with the Red Devils in 1968 and was also crowned European Footballer of the year in that season.

After making his first team debut at just 17-years-of-age, he scored 178 goals in 466 appearances for Manchester United and was capped 37 by Northern Ireland.

A stint in the North American Soccer League with the Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes amassed another 54 goals in 139 games.

As famous for his off-field behaviour as he was for his wizardry on the pitch, Best once quipped: "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

As stated on the official Manchester United website, www.manutd.com, 'It is unlikely we will ever see his like again'.

Ferguson: Man. Utd. should prepare for the next match and get over Keane

2005-11-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists his side is moving forward - and the coach works in the squad for the next Champions League game. The important matcj against Villarreal is very close, but Sir Alex fielded several questions about the effect Roy Keane’s departure has had on his squad.

"We must be focused on the game," said Sir Alex, speaking at his pre-match press conference.

Ferguson deflected one direct question on his reasoning for letting Roy Keane go. But he then discussed subjects such as the club’s next long-term captain and how the newer players in the team should add experience and consistency to their game. His message couldn’t have been clearer: he is only looking forward.

“That squad that won the European Cup in 1999 can’t last forever,” he said. “That’s natural, players age. That’s the bad part of managing this club for a long time, you watch your great players get older."

Manchester United wins over Charlton (3-1)

2005-11-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

Dutch player Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice for Manchester United starting a new age without Roy Keane. The victory was 3-1 at Charlton. Alan Smith scored his first goal of the season to set the Red Devils on their way at The Valley.

Darren Ambrose drew the home side level after the break, before Van Nistelrooy restored United's lead and then settled it with a low, 20-yard effort five minutes from time.

The Dutch ace once again captained United as they began life without Keane.

Gary Neville returned in Manchester United victory

2005-11-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Manchester United's reserves beated West Bromwich Albion as Gary Neville was back on the field after a tough injury. The midfielder started the game and he was replaced by Danny Simpson in minute 62.

Kenny Cooper opened the scoring after 14 minutes, sliding to flick the ball in off the crossbar after a slick, incisive passing move that started in defence with Gerard Pique.

Giuseppe Rossi uncharacteristically spurned a golden chance to double the advantage 10 minutes later as he fired straight at Albion keeper Russell Hoult when clean through.

The little Italian made no mistake three minutes before half-time, however, as he expertly controlled Markus Neumayr's superb chipped through-ball before rifling across Hoult and inside the far post.

Meulensteen's side effectively put the game to bed in first-half stoppage time through the aptly-named Adrian Manchester. The luckless defender applied the finishing touch to Adam Eckersley's cross which just evaded Rossi at the near post.

Though clearly deflated going into the interval the Baggies started the second half with more purpose, and reduced the defecit with a fine strike from Stuart Nicholson after 55 minutes.

Racing on to a long ball, the forward skipped away from Eckersley and Jonny Evans before rifling a shot high past Tim Howard.

Substitute Darron Gibson almost added a stunning fourth goal, but his 25-yard volley from Neumayr's corner was scrambled away well by Hoult.

Having been heavily involved in the first two goals and smashed a superb second-half drive against the upright, Neumayr deservedly etched his own name on the score sheet after 74 minutes.

Lee Martin's crossfield ball led to confusion in the visitors' defence and the German pounced after Hoult had spilled the ball to hammer United back into a three-goal lead.

The win gives the second string their sixth straight league win and puts them five points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough with a game in hand.

United: Howard, Neville (Simpson, 62), Eckersley, J Evans, Pique, Fox (Gibson, 46), Neumayr, R Jones, Cooper (Campbell, 79), Rossi, Martin.

Fletcher has United support

2005-11-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Manchester United player Darren Fletcher says he's got Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson support. The midfielder is believed to have been one of the chief targets in Keane's infamous MUTV rant.

However, Darren answered by scoring an apparently deliberate header in United's victory over Chelsea last Sunday, and now insists that he has the support of both his captain and manager.

"I'm feeling fit, that is the main thing, and obviously I'm being asked to do different roles - sometimes out wide, sometimes in the centre but I'm just happy to play wherever the manager and club want and if I'm starting I'm obviously pleased," he said.

"I've been through much more difficult periods, everybody knows what happened, we know at Manchester United and that's the way it will stay.

"I've been injured for a year and a half and have been through a lot worse than that and was just looking forward to the (Chelsea) game.

"I've got a great manager behind me and a great captain who supports me.

Locker room bugging alerts Manchester United

2005-11-12T23:46:00.000-08:00

Manchester United is launching an investigatioin after its locker room was bugged during last week's victory over Chelsea.

Manchester United said Saturday on its Web site that audio tapes apparently recorded at Old Trafford locker room on Nov. 6 were offered to The Sun newspaper. The Sun gave United the tapes Friday.

United beat Chelsea 1-0, ending the Blues' 40-match unbeaten Premier League streak.

The tapes reportedly included pre-match and halftime talks, and post-game celebrations.

"We are grateful to The Sun for bringing this breach of security and privacy to our attention," United director of communications Phil Townsend said. "We have launched our own investigation and, if necessary, will involve the police."

United after Aldo Duscher

2005-11-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Manchester United is looking forward to sign up argentinian Aldo Duscher. The Deportivo La Coruna midfielder is said to be an £8million target for Old Trafford, and defender Heinze would welcome his fellow Argentine to the club.

"I have read [the stories about United] and it would be fantastic to play together,” said Heinze. "Aldo is an excellent player who, for me, has already demonstrated that he is worthy of a team like Manchester United.

Fletcher scores for Manchester Utd. victory over Chelsea

2005-11-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

Darren Fletcher scored with a header as Manchester United achieved a victory that cut out the results crisis. But the team still has 10 points to make up on Chelsea, which last lost in the league to Manchester City a year ago.

"We didn't deserve to lose this game," said Chelsea coach Mourinho, whose team now leads second-place Wigan by six points instead of nine. "Today we showed why we are champions and why we are top of the league. I believe that there is no problem for us. I am not afraid for the future.

"In the same way I give (United) credit. I hope they can realize why Chelsea are champions, top of the league and I believe will be champions again."

Chelsea's runaway start to the season, winning the first nine games to leave its big rivals well behind, had led to dismay that the English league had lost its competitive edge. But the 67,864 fans packed into Old Trafford were on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Ruud van Nistelrooy sent an easy chance over the bar and Wayne Rooney saw a goalbound shot beat the goalkeeper but bounce off a defender.

When Chelsea had the United defense creaking in the second half, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar dashed off his line to block Frank Lampard's close range shot and Chelsea defender Asier del Horno volleyed over the bar while unmarked.

"It was a fantastic game, a magnificent spectacle," said United manager Alex Ferguson, whose team appeared in crisis after a 4-1 Premier League loss to Middlesbrough followed by a 1-0 Champions League defeat at French club Lille.

"For the first hour we were terrific and then, until the last five minutes, we were under the cosh. They threw everything at us and that's what champions do."

Ferguson bristled when reminded that his team appeared to be in disarray during the buildup to the game with injured team captain Roy Keane criticizing teammates for the slump.

"We once went 13 games without winning. There's always pressure here," said Ferguson, whose future after 19 years at the club appeared in doubt. "Winning is always important here. How you handle yourself and compose yourself is important. I think the players and staff have shown great dignity despite the criticism leveled at them."

Hoping to rebound from the defeat by Betis, the Blues could have been two goals up before going behind to Fletcher's header.

Didier Drogba expertly controlled a long through ball from Lampard but his hurried, angled shot was blocked by Van der Sar. Left back Del Horno was left alone at the far post when Damien Duff swung over a free kick from the right only to shoot wide of the post.

As if stung by those two close shaves, United put together two standout moves and went ahead.

Mikael Silvestre's long ball sent Rooney down the left and the 20-year-old England star pulled it back expertly for Paul Scholes. The midfielder met it first time but his shot flew just past the post with 'keeper Petr Cech beaten.

It was the prelude to a well worked goal which had a lucky finish.

Rooney won the ball on the edge of the Chelsea area and fed Scholes, who slipped it out to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger turned a defender and floated a cross toward Fletcher, who jumped to lob a header inside the far post.

"I believe that he didn't intend to score," Mourinho said. "He tried to play in into the central area."

Instead the ball looped over the heads of Cech and defender John Terry and inside the far post.

Live or die: Manchester United vs Chelsea

2005-11-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

Manchester United is about to play the most important game of the season on Sunday against Chelsea FC and a defeat could dent their title hopes and even Champions League qualification.

United have been in dire form recently, slumping to defeats at the hands of Middlesbrough and Lille, causing matters off the field to hit the back pages as much as matters on the field.

Earlier this week, Red Devils skipper Roy Keane blasted his team-mates and claim players such as Alan Smith, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea aren't fit enough to wear the United shirt.

However, the MUTV interview with the Irishman was not aired to the public but Sir Alex Ferguson will reportedly show the interview tomorrow afternoon in the United dressing room as motivation.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists motivation is not a problem for Manchester United and also insists United will bounce back. He said: "If a team is not used to losing, it's not easy to live or play when you do lose. Sunday is the best game for them. They don't need motivation or commitment.

"They will be speaking about this game as the one to bring them back to the good level. So it won't be easy for us.

"But while these are the most difficult matches to play, they are the easiest matches to prepare for because I don't need to motivate the players."

Sir Alex Ferguson is likening the fixture to the game his side ended Arsenal's unbeaten run of what would have been 50 Premiership games. "We stopped Arsenal on 49 games, we made sure of that. There are some similarities, but I think Chelsea are made of sterner stuff. They are a very powerful team and committed to defending. It’s not going to be easy to beat them, but I think we can. We need to start well and make them think for a bit. I know we have the ability to do it.

"If we get a good start and the crowd really get going then they’re a formidable lot our lads. I certainly don’t think they will let the players down."

Team News:
Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Gabriel Heinze, Quinton Fortune, Louis Saha and Gary Neville are all noticeable absentees while Chelsea seem to be at full strength for Sunday's encounter.

Alex Ferguson demands fans support

2005-11-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is demanding disgruntled Manchester United fans to get behind his players as they bid to bounce back from back-to-back defeats at the hands of Middlesbrough and Lille when Chelsea visit Old Trafford.

The Red Devils, who are without the likes of outspoken captain Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze because of injury, have come in for much criticism in the last few weeks which have seen them win just one of their last five matches in all competitions.

And Ferguson fears that negativity from the United faithful could bring untold damage to his team as they bid to get their season back on track and make inroads into Chelsea's 13-point advantage over them at the top of the table.

Van Nistelrooy tries to explain crisis

2005-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

Van Nistelrooy saw the trudge over to the corner of the Stade de France, where the Manchester United fans who had bothered to stay to the end were standing, a few claps and a resigned shrug of the shoulders. Some United supporters responded with V-signs.

Ruud would not forget his short time as captain of Man. United and he might have wondered what - when his agent, Roger Linse, appears so keen to dangle his name in front of Real Madrid and Barcelona - he was doing out there at all.

"Is this our most difficult time?" he said when asked if he had known a crisis like this. "Yes, it must be. When I came here 4½ years ago, we were unbeatable but I have committed myself to the club and now, in the bad times, I want to give it my all and get Manchester United back to where I want to see them. I am not off."

The great Dutchman might have a long wait for United to regain this lost summit. When he scored the winner against Benfica - one of only two goals United have managed in this campaign - it was his 38th in 41 starts. It is an astonishing strike-rate, but what is more surprising is that only once have these goals brought him anywhere near a European Cup.

It seems unlikely he will be returning to Paris in May for the final unless United can address an abysmal run of away results. In 2½ seasons they have played 10 away games in Europe, of which two have been won - against Rangers and Panathinaikos, the last in November 2003. In the last five matches they have not managed so much as a goal, and now they are stumbling within the walls of their own fortress. Should they fail to beat Villarreal at Old Trafford later this month, there is a real possibility that a side who have failed even to make the quarter-finals of the European Cup in the past two seasons will not clear the group stages for the first time since 1994.

With United's aircraft due to depart Charles de Gaulle Airport on Wednesday night, Van Nistelrooy might not have had time to list all the reasons why the club have declined so sharply. However, he did his best.

"We are not playing well, we have difficulties keeping the ball. It is not fluent when the ball goes from player to player and we don't have fluent attacks. We don't tend to play in the opponents' half, with good crosses coming in and winning the second ball. We don't put teams under pressure and our confidence seems to be down."

Specifically, Van Nistelrooy thought the service that once fuelled his shooting had begun to run very dry indeed. "Things are different now. I remember games when I was having four or five chances, constant service, which is great. I enjoy that but now it is very different and I have to give my all in this situation."

It is quite a list for United's management to correct before the champions arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday. They might yet attack Chelsea with all the edge they displayed when Arsenal came to Manchester last October in search of their 50th Premiership match without defeat. They would probably settle now for a stalemate and Van Nistelrooy did not pretend the two teams would be meeting on equal terms.

"When you compare our squad with Chelsea's in terms of numbers, that says it all. Whether they play team one or team two, they are both full of internationals who have been at World Cups. You can't compare them with any other team."

Lille wins over Manchester United 1-0

2005-11-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

Lille got an historical victory over Man. United when Acimovic ran onto a pass from Gregory Tafforeau that split United's defense, took a touch to control the ball and struck it into the roof of the net. Lille has five points from three matches in Group D, the same as United. Villarreal, which won 1-0 at Benfica, leads the group with six points.

"We deserved the win in terms of the way we played and the spirit we showed," said Lille coach Claude Puel. "We've been on a learning curve in the Champions League. We had to play at our best level tonight, and we did that."

Tafforeau nearly added a second-half goal for Lille in the 54th, but United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar tipped his curling free kick over the crossbar.

Ruud van Nistelrooy had the best chance for United when his 58th-minute header rebounded off the crossbar and dropped close to the goalline.

"It was a difficult game, whoever scored first ... it would be hard for the other team to come back," United coach Alex Ferguson said. "The pitch was poor, it's hard to pass on it. The ball jumped around a lot."

Ferguson felt his team "didn't deserve to lose" and dismissed talk of a confidence crisis in the team following a 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough last weekend.

"I think the pitch was more of a problem than the confidence," he said. "We just have to regroup and not feel sorry for ourselves."

The match was played at Stade de France because Lille's temporary stadium at Villeneuve d'Ascq was considered too small.

Manchester Utd. with new captain against Lille.

2005-11-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Dutch player Ruud van Nistelrooy will captain Manchester United for the first time on Wednesday night in their Champions League game against Lille. The choice has been a polemic topic ever since Paul Scholes was sent off in the first meeting with the French side a fortnight ago.

With Scholes suspended and Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville all injured it had been suggested that out-of-form Rio Ferdinand could take over the captain's armband - even though it is an honour he has not been given by Sir Alex Ferguson since his much-publicised contract dispute erupted at the back end of last season.

However, even though Ferdinand will play at the Stade de France, Ferguson will make Dutch international striker Van Nistelrooy his captain, overlooking the obvious claims of compatriot Edwin van der Sar, who captains the Holland striker at international level.

Ferguson admits United flawful Defence

2005-10-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

The manager was obviously disappointed with the result but also concerned about the defensive performance, especially with an important trip to Lille looming on the midweek horizon.

"We start with the second minute when we allowed one of their players to receive the ball and move forward without one challenge from 25 yards. When you're away from home, you hope to start with a tight, balanced midfield and see how the first few minutes go until you get your own tempo and rhythm. But we were on the back foot right away and we never recovered from it. The second and third goals were terrible goals to lose at our level. We can't afford to do that." Ferguson said.

Middlesbrough 4 - 1 Manchester Utd.

2005-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Gaizka Mendieta scored two goals to lead Middlesbrough over Manchester United, 4-1, at The Riverside.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Yakubu Ayegbeni also found the back of the net for Middlesbrough, which won for just the second time in six tries at home this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted the sole goal for Manchester United, which suffered is first road loss of the campaign.

Mendieta opened up the scoring right away for Boro in the second minute when he sent the ball though the hands of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

"The start didn't help us," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "From that moment on, we chased it, and when you chase it, you are susceptible to the counterattack which we never handled that well."

Hasselbaink pushed the advantage to 2-0 in the 25 minute when United failed to clear the ball and Yakubu made it a 3-0 affair at the intermission courtesy of a penalty shot.

In the 78th minute, Mendieta netted the final Boro goal on an assist from Yakubu before Ronaldo recorded a meaningless tally in the final minute.

"The great thing about our club is that we have to bounce back," said Ferguson. "There's a lot expected of us. There's a great fascination about how we play every Saturday and what the result is. Today is another page in the history of Manchester United. Middlesbrough has cuffed us 4-1 and we have to get over that because on Wednesday night we have a really important match in Europe."

Capping of the English Premier League on Saturday: First-place Chelsea pushed its unbeaten streak to 11 games after getting by Blackburn, 4-2; Wigan shut out Fulham, 1-0; Tottenham and Arsenal battled to a 1-1 draw in the North London derby; Everton blanked Birmingham, 1-0; Charlton failed to build on its Carling Cup victory with a 1-0 loss to Bolton; Liverpool edged out West Ham, 2-0; Portsmouth cruised past Sunderland, 4-1.

Manchester United 4 - Barnet 1

2005-10-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Barnet's Carling Cup trip to the 'Theatre of Dreams' took just 100 seconds to turn into a chilling nightmare.

Boss Paul Fairclough's plans for the League Two outfit's eagerly-awaited clash with Manchester United were so meticulous, he even had the crowd noise from Saturday's Premiership encounter with Tottenham piped across training on Monday.

What Fairclough could not account for in his preparations was a total brainstorm from his goalkeeper and the jobsworth attitude of referee Richard Beeby.

Ross Flitney had advanced a few yards out of his area as Barnet pushed forward but when United countered, the hapless goalkeeper got his measurements all wrong and plucked a routine pass forward out of the air under no pressure at all a yard before the ball had gone back into the area.

If ever there was a case for referees being allowed to use discretion in administering the game, this was it.

Virtually to a man, the 43,673 crowd - the lowest at Old Trafford for six years - disapproved of Beeby's decision to reach into his pocket with a shrug and wave the red card in Flitney's face.

After spending so long looking forward to a day he should have been able to remember with fondness forever, Flitney was inconsolable as he headed to the dressing room.

Spare a thought too for striker Louis Soares, the man sacrificed for the introduction of Flitney's replacement Scott Tynan, substituted without even kicking a ball.

To make matters worse, Liam Miller, a man who definitely had something to prove, exacted even further punishment by superbly curling the free-kick into the top corner.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson was probably shaking his head at the injustice of it all, but the unexpected development at least allowed his young side to give free rein to their talents.

As usual on these occasions, Ferguson had packed his side with youngsters. Three 18-year-olds, two 19-year-olds and a couple of 20-year-olds represented one of the most inexperienced United sides ever seen, in which Adam Eckersley and Richie Jones were handed their debuts.

It was also the first chance many Red Devils supporters had to cast their eye over Lee Martin, the England youth international whose promise persuaded Ferguson to commit £1million to luring him north from Wimbledon as a 16-year-old.

Martin's development has continued during the intervening two seasons and the Taunton-born teenager revelled in the extra space he found on the right wing even if his night was eventually to come to an unhappy end.

Equally impressive was Eckersley, whose darts forward from left-back were a constant source of menace to the Barnet defence.

Given he is now an England international, Kieran Richardson probably should have stood out against 10 men from a lower league. And, pushed into midfield, he duly did.

After bringing a superb save from Tynan not long after Miller had opened United's account, Richardson went on to double United's lead, although the effort had an element of freakishness to it, a touchline free-kick which floated across the box and into the far corner with no-one getting near it.

By that time, a close-range Giuliano Grazioli effort had been ruled out for offside, so Fairclough and his side presumably knew it was not going to be their night.

At least Tynan was enjoying himself as the man who expected to spend the night watching emerged as the main barrier to United recording a landslide victory.

On at least five occasions, Tynan came to his side's rescue, with Sylvain Ebanks-Blake the man most often denied.

There was nothing Tynan could do to stop Giuseppe Rossi making it three though.

Of all the youngsters on United's books, the US-born Italian has the most glowing reputation, having followed up his free-scoring season at reserve-team level last term with his first senior strike at Sunderland earlier this month.

And although he had wasted a couple of decent chances earlier, when Martin cut a cross back five minutes after the break, Rossi fired into the corner with clinical efficiency.

It proved to be Martin's last meaningful involvement before he was stretchered off in extreme discomfort after crashing into an advertising hoarding.

Dean Sinclair did bring the visiting fans to life late on when he seized on Gerard Pique's blunder and fired home.

But the final word went to United, and Ebanks-Blake, who nipped in after Rossi had knocked Miller's long ball into his path, swerved round Tynan and tapped into the empty net.

Teams

Man Utd Howard, Bardsley, Brown, Pique, Eckersley, Martin (Gibson 75), Miller, Jones, Richardson, Ebanks-Blake, Rossi.

Barnet Flitney, Hendon, Yakubu, King, Gross, Soares (Tynan 3), Lee (Batt 87), Sinclair, Bailey, Strevens, Grazioli (Hatch 75).

Tottenham ties Manchester United 1-1

2005-10-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Tottenham held Manchester United to a 1-1 tie in the Premier League on Saturday while Arsenal missed a bizarre penalty kick in its 1-0 win over Manchester City.

The tie at Old Trafford extended Tottenham's best start to a Premier League season. Charlton, Tottenham and Wigan all have 19 points, eight points behind leader Chelsea, which plays Sunday. United has 18, Manchester City 17 and Arsenal 16.

United took the lead after seven minutes when Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson dropped Ruud van Nistelrooy's header and Mikael Silvestre kicked it into the goal. Jermaine Jenas evened the score in the 72nd minute with a free kick.

Manchester United Squad

2005-10-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

1 Howard
2 G. Neville
4 Heinze
5 Ferdinand
6 Brown
7 Ronaldo
8 Rooney
9 Saha
10 Van Nistelrooy
11 Giggs
12 Bellion
13 Park
14 Smith
16 Keane
17 Miller
18 Scholes
19 Van der Sar
20 Solskjaer
22 O'Shea
23 Richardson
24 Fletcher
25 Fortune
26 Bardsley
27 Silvestre
28 Pique
29 Spector
30 Steele
31 Jones
33 Eagles
40 Ebanks-Blake
42 Rossi

Manchester United History

2005-10-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Manchester Utd. have had four successful big stages in it's history, under J. Ernest Mangnall in the 1900s, in the 1950s and 1960s under Sir Matt Busby, and in the 90s to present under Sir Alex Ferguson. Apart from these successes, the most significant event in the club's history is the Munich air disaster in which eight of the club's players died.

The club's most successful season was 1998-99, when they became the first and only team to win the Treble - winning the FA Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League in the same season.

Early years (1878-1945)

The club were formed as Newton Heath (Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway) (Newton Heath (L&YR) for short) by a group of Manchester railway workers in 1878. The name was soon shortened to Newton Heath. They were founder members of the Football Alliance in 1889 and joined the Football League in 1892 when it merged with the Football Alliance.

The club faced bankruptcy in 1902 and was rescued by J.H.Davies who paid off the club's debts and changed the name to Manchester United, and changed the team's colours from gold and green to red and white. They won the league in 1908 and, with financial assistance from Davies, moved to a new stadium at Old Trafford in 1909.

The team struggled between the first and second world wars, and by time the second world war began they were £70,000 in debt.

The Busby years (1945-1969)

Matt Busby was appointed manager in 1945 and took a then-unheard of approach to his job, joining the players for training as well as performing administrative tasks. He was immediately successful, with the club finishing second in the league in 1947 and winning the F.A. Cup in 1948.

He adopted a policy of bringing in players from the youth team whenever possible, and the team won the league in 1956 with an average age of only 22. The following season, they won the league again and reached the F.A. Cup final, losing to Aston Villa. They also became the first English team to compete in the European Cup, and reached the semi-final.

Tragedy struck the following season, when the plane carrying the team home from a European Cup match crashed on take off at a refuelling stop in Munich. The Munich air disaster of 6 February, 1958 claimed the lives of eight players and another fifteen passengers. There was talk of the club folding but, with Jimmy Murphy taking over as manager while Matt Busby recovered from his injuries, the club continued playing with a makeshift side. They somehow reached the F.A. Cup final again, where they lost to Bolton.

Busby rebuilt the team throughout the early 1960s, signing players such as Denis Law and Pat Crerand. The team won the F.A. Cup in 1963, then won the league in 1965 and 1967 and the European Cup in 1968. This team was notable for containing three European Footballers of the Year: Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best. Busby resigned as manager in 1969 and was replaced by the reserve-team coach and former United player Wilf McGuinness.

1969-1986

United struggled to replace Busby, and the team struggled under Wilf McGuinness and Frank O'Farrell before Tommy Docherty became manager at the end of 1972. Docherty, or 'the Doc', saved United from relegation that season but United were relegated in 1974. The team won promotion at the first attempt and reached the F.A. Cup final in 1976, but were beaten by Southampton. They reached the final again in 1977, beating Liverpool and preventing their opponents from completing the first domestic treble, which they would go on to win in 1999. In spite of this success, and his popularity with the supporters, Docherty was sacked soon after the final when he was found to have had an affair with a colleague's wife.

Dave Sexton replaced Docherty as manager in the summer of 1977, and made the team play in a more defensive formation. This style was unpopular with supporters, who were used to the attacking football preferred by Docherty and Busby, and after failing to win a trophy Sexton was sacked in 1981.

He was replaced by the flamboyant Ron Atkinson who immediately broke the British record transfer fee to sign Bryan Robson from West Brom. Atkinson built an exciting team with new signings such as Jesper Olsen and Gordon Strachan playing alongside the former youth-team players Norman Whiteside and Mark Hughes. United won the F.A. Cup in 1983 and 1985 and were overwhelming favourites to win the league in the 1985-86 season after winning their first ten league games, opening a ten point gap over their rivals as early as October. The team's form collapsed, howver, and United finished the season in fourth place. The poor form continued into the following season, and with United on the edge of the First Division's relegation zone, Atkinson was sacked.

The Alex Ferguson Era (1986-present)

Alex Ferguson replaced Atkinson and guided the club to an 11th place finish. The following season (1987-88), United finished second, with Brian McClair becoming the first United player since George Best to score twenty league goals in a season.

However, things started to go horribly wrong. Many of Ferguson's signings did not reach the expectations of the fans and United struggled badly throughout 1989. There was speculation that Ferguson would be sacked at the beginning of 1990 but a win in the third round of the F.A. Cup kept the season alive and United went on to win the competition.

United won the the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1990-91, beating that season's Spanish champions Barcelona in the final. The following season was a disaster for United, though, as a late season slump saw them miss out on the league to rivals Leeds United.

The signing of Eric Cantona in November 1992 inspired United, and they finished the 1992-93 season as Champions for the first time since 1967. They won the double [the league and the F.A. Cup] for the first time the following season, but legendary manager and club president Matt Busby died that year, on 20 January, 1994.

In 1994-95, Cantona received an eight month suspension for kicking a supporter, and losing their last two matches left United as runners-up in both the league and F.A. Cup. Ferguson then outraged the supporters by selling key players and replacing them with players from the club's youth team, the so-called 'Fergie's Fledglings', but the new players did surprisingly well. United won the double again in 1995-96.

They won the league again in 1997, but Cantona once again shocked the fans by retiring from football at the age of 30, several years earlier than most players. They started the following season (1997-98) well but their results were affected by a series of injuries and they finished the season in second place, well behind the champions Arsenal.

1998-99 was the most successful season in the club's history as United became the first English team to win the Treble - the league, the F.A. Cup and the Champions League in the same season. The final was especially exciting as United were trailing 1-0 with one minute to go, but two goals in stoppage time, including a flick from Ole Gunnar Solskjær, gave them a win over Bayern Munich. Ferguson was knighted for his contributions to British football as a result

United won the league by enormous margins in 2000 and 2001 but the press saw these seasons as failures as they failed to regain the European Cup. Ferguson adopted a more defensive style to make United harder to beat in Europe but it was not a success and United finished the season in third place in 2002. They regained the league the following season (2002-03) and started the following season well, but their form nosedived as Rio Ferdinand received an eight month suspension for missing a drugs test.

In spite of spending millions on the forwards Alan Smith, Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, the 2004-05 season was characterised by a failure to score goals. A series of 0-0 draws left United behind Arsenal and Chelsea early on and they finished the season in third place. The disappointment was increased as United became the first team to lose an F.A. Cup final on penalties, with Arsenal winning after the match had finished 0-0. The success of United's bitter rivals Liverpool in unexpectedly winning the European Cup for the fifth time simply increased the frustration. Off the pitch, the main story was the possiblility of the club being taken over and at the end of the season, the American Malcolm Glazer acquired a controlling interest in the club.

Edwin van der Sar became the first purchase in the off-season as the club looked for a new goalkeeper after releasing Roy Carroll and Ricardo. No goalkeepers had been convincing ever since Peter Schmeichel left the club. Midfielder Park Ji-Sung became the first Korean player to play for United when he signed from PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee.