Saturday special Middlesbrough v United

United travel to Middlesbrough as they are inches away from retaining their title and Boro deep in relegation battle . But the title is not won yet and the battle for survival is not over yet . Once again United is back to their best in the last two games.

After their recent adventure against Arsenal and with the next round comes again on Tuesday Sir Alex will give rest to some of his key players . Rio is injured and Club captain Neville is also injured

Ferguson fires warning to Arsenal

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Arsenal they will struggle to stop Manchester United scoring in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Boss Ferguson saw United win their home leg 1-0 but they squandered chances to make the scoreline more convincing.

"We played at a good high tempo and maybe we should have scored four goals but before the game I wanted to win without losing a goal," said Ferguson.

"We know we can go there and score and that is the big problem Arsenal have."

United dominated the game but only had John O'Shea's 18th-minute goal to show for their efforts.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a header saved and hit the bar with a second-half screamer, while Carlos Tevez saw a close-range effort brilliantly stopped by Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia.The bigger problem is if you don't make the chances. I believe they can make the chances again. We know we have goal threats," insisted Ferguson.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his players are capable of a much better performance at the Emirates Stadium and was relieved to emerge from the first leg with only a one-goal deficit to make up.

"I believe that we have a good chance to reverse the result," he said.

"I am convinced you will see a different Arsenal team at the Emirates.

"United can have regrets because they didn't score a second goal. It's down to us to make sure they regret they didn't score a second goal."

Wenger reserved special praise for Spanish keeper Almunia. "His saves were excellent, top class in every sense. His reading of the game, his decision making, quality, sharpness. He was really top class tonight."

Ferguson, meanwhile, chose to single out goalscorer O'Shea, whose only other goal this season was in the Carling Cup semi-final against Derby.

"He is a great professional. The boy never complains. He is happy to play anywhere," said the United manager.

"He has not always been a number one choice but he produces 30 performances a season and it is a contribution we are grateful for.

"At the present moment in time, he would be in the team if we got to the final."

However, Ferguson remains concerned that United's fixture list could hamper their bid to win four trophies this season.He claimed that while Arsenal can afford to rest players in their Premier League game against Portsmouth on Saturday, he must pick a strong side for the early kick-off against Middlesbrough as United look to maintain their lead in the title race.

"Arsenal's big advantage is that they can play Pat Rice at right-back and Arsene himself at centre-forward on Saturday," said Ferguson.

"We have to play a team to win the game. We have a lunchtime kick-off at Middlesbrough and I do not think it is right."

Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal

Ronaldo threatens






United's dominance soon results in the opening goal






Fergie patrols the touch line




It's disappointment for Arsenal

Sir Alex wins the first round

There is going to be three weeks of continuous action between Red devils and Gunners and Sir Alex has got the upper hand over Wenger by winning the first match .It was the heroics of the goal keeper which keeps them still in the game . Otherwise they would have been beaten by 4 or more goals.

Arsene Wenger had called on his young charges to seize the day. Instead it was Man United who rose to the challenge.With better luck and better finishing, the Red Devils would already have one foot in Rome's Olympic Stadium. How it only finished 1-0 to Ferguson's side is a baffling mystery - Arsenal must have played their 'get out of jail' card. Opportunity knocks now for the Gunners, because they must have departed Old Trafford with an overwhelming sense of relief.

The first 20 minutes in particular were as searching a test for Arsenal as they have endured for some years.

In the build-up to the game, Ferguson had referred to this match-up as "the perfect semi-final" and United came close to perfection in the opening half with only goalkeeper Manuel Almunia standing up bravely to limit the damage.

United were tremendous, Wayne Rooney awesomely so, and Arsenal never managed to get their much-vaunted passing game going.

Rooney's effect was doubly good - not only did he scare the life out of the Arsenal defenders, he was also a vital part of Ferguson's tactical plan to deny Theo Walcott the ball.

Whenever Arsenal were in possession, Rooney took up a position to cut off the angle to Walcott whose impact was as a result so limited that he was substituted with 20 minutes left.

It was Rooney who came within a hair's breadth of scoring in the opening exchanges with a powerful looping header that seemed to be dropping over Almunia. The Spaniard performed some body contortions that would not be out of place in the Chinese state circus and somehow managed to claw the ball away from behind him.

Nervousness spread amongst the Arsenal players like wildfire. Kieran Gibbs slipped at a critical moment but Cristiano Ronaldo hurried his cross. Bizarrely, of all the United players, he was the one to have an off-day.

With Carlos Tevez snapping angrily at vulnerable heels there was little respite for the Gunners, and Old Trafford echoed to chants of 'Argentina, Argentina' as the little striker brought a terrific double save from Almunia.

But the keeper could only paper over the cracks for so long and from the corner Arsenal were outnumbered at the far post. Michael Carrick did brilliantly to win some time and space and fire a ball across goal that took a slight deflection off Mikael Silvestre to find John O'Shea - an often unlikely goalscorer at critical moments for United - who thumped it into the roof of the net.

United had so much movement and had so much attacking intent that Arsenal were unable to get into the game. United's verve was summed up by Rooney trying an outrageous driven shot from the halfway line.

Arsenal's suspect defence creaked alarmingly, with United old boy Silvestre looking particularly rusty, and having been physically bullied by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, they were bullied by United's sheer footballing class.

The importance of United keeping Walcott quiet was twice highlighted by the 20-year-old England star providing the only two real moments of Arsenal inspiration: the first providing a chance for Fabregas that Edwin van der Sar did well to hold, the second coming within an ace of breaking through only to be denied by Nemanja Vidic.

The second half was infinitely better for Arsenal, but United still bossed it with Ronaldo finally making a contribution courtesy of a dipping, rasping 25-shot onto the crossbar.

There was controversy too when Ryan Giggs thought he had scored but was denied by the finest of offside calls.

Unfortunate for the player of the year, but fortunate for Arsenal. And make no mistake, this was a massive let-off for the Gunners and they are still in this one.

United and Gunners once again cross the swords

The stage is set for the Kings of Europe as the continents top 4 clubs fight with each other to find out who are going to make to the finals in Rome . This year once again is dominated by English teams , which shows the strength and depth of Premiere League. The only English team knocked out has been done by another English team .

Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is a major doubt to play at Old Trafford, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

"I believe the only serious new problem we have is Silvestre, he has a back spasm and is 50-50 for Old Trafford."

Striker Robin van Persie will miss the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United because of a groin injury.

Manchester United will again be without defender Gary Neville (foot injury) but have no other fresh injuries.

United may also be boosted by the return of defender Wes Brown, who has only made two substitute appearances since October due to a foot injury.

And Ryan Giggs will be hoping to make his 800th first-team appearance for United after being rested for Saturday's 5-2 victory against Tottenham.

Left back Gael Clichy will not recover in time from his back injury for Wednesday's match though.

"He could be back for the second Manchester United game. He has a scan on Monday. We'll go from there. He has a chance to be back in full training next week," Gunners boss Arsene Wenger told www.arsenal.com.

Better news for the Gunners is that Johan Djourou is fit again following a knee injury which kept him out of the 3-0 quarter-final second leg victory over Villarreal.

Rafael extends Man Utd contract

Manchester United defender Rafael has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford until 2013.

The 18-year-old right-back has impressed in his debut season, scoring one goal in 13 league appearances.

"Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional," manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website.

"His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player."

A highly-rated Brazil youth international, Rafael moved from hometown side Fluminense to United along with twin brother Fabio in January 2008.Although Fabio has managed just two FA Cup appearances deputising for Patrice Evra on the left flank, Rafael has been more fortunate on the opposite wing.

Injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville afforded him a chance to impress in the first team and he was named on a six-man shortlist for the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award, which was won by Aston Villa's Ashley Young on Sunday night

"It has been a fantastic first year and I have learned from all the players at the club but especially from the defenders," he said.

"It has been an exciting time for me and I want to be part of this for a long time so to get an extension is unbelievable."

Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is investigating the possibility of picking Rafael for Portugal before he is selected for the full Brazil side. Both he and Fabio qualify through a Portuguese grandmother.

Giggs named finest in England

Finally Giggs got what he desrved for long. The long serving United winger has been named as the best in England.The 35-year-old Welshman beat team-mates Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar as well as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Despite winning a host of honours, including 10 Premier League titles, the PFA award had eluded Giggs until now.

Aston Villa forward Ashley Young took the Young Player of the Year award.

He beat his Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor, Manchester United duo Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva, Aaron Lennon of Spurs and Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.

Since making his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford in March 1991 aged 17, Giggs has been a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's teams.As well as the league crowns, Giggs has also won four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League winner's medals as well as two PFA young player awards.

He has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions and if he lines up against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, it will be his 800th club appearance.

"It's right up there with personal accolades - it's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players," said Giggs.

"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young player award twice, but this is the big one."

United have already won two trophies this season and are still in the running for the Premier League and the Champions League.

"It's an exciting season," said Giggs. "I think it is going to go right to the wire, there's big game after big game now. That is what you want and need at a club like Manchester United."

Giggs paid tribute to his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also suggested he may play on beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next season."The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13," Giggs said. "That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.

"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams, it's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager."

"As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't."

Giggs was also one of six United players named in the PFA divisional team of the year but Wayne Rooney missed out.

The team includes Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was in goalscoring form until the votes were cast but has not found the net since February, and Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson.

John McDermott, the former Grimsby player who spent 20 years at the club, was given the Merit award for his services to the game.

"I thought it was one of the lads winding me up, a real shock," he said. "To still be recognised, I was flattered and honoured."

Premier League team of the year: Edwin Van der Sar (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Manchester United In Talks With Milan's Kaka

According to a rather sensational report in the British tabloid The Sun, Premier League giants Manchester United have held talks with Milan star Kaka's representatives ahead of a proposed transfer at the end of the season.

Apparently, negotiations between the European champions and the Brazilian international have gone well, with a contract totalling €38.8 million (£35m) being laid on the table.

"It was a very positive meeting, although nothing was agreed," a source close to Kaka is quoted as saying.

"The player wants a five-year contract and wages of £135,000 a week. He is very keen to join United and these are figures that are within United’s pay structure. It’s up to them what happens now."

As yet, there have been no discussions between the Red Devils and il Diavolo regarding any sort of transfer fee, however, it is claimed that the Serie A outfit will hold out for a minimum of €77.7m (£70m).

In order to fund the deal, it is said that Cristiano Ronaldo might finally be sold to long-term admirers Real Madrid this summer.

Quotes attributed to Kaka suggest that the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year would be interested in joining Manchester United.

"They have some great players in [Ryan] Giggs and [Paul] Scholes and especially Wayne Rooney," Kaka is reported to have remarked.

"One of my best friends, Anderson, is also there — how can anyone say no?

"They are the English and European champions and a great club to play for."

United produces another sensational come back

On Saturday United produced another sensational come back which is trade mark of the Current English and European champions.Trailing 2-0 at half time the champions scored 5 goals in less than half an hour . The comeback denied Harry Redknapp of his first ever managerial win at Manchester United's home stadium, and created history in that the game was the first time in over two years that the Red Devils have come back from a two-goal disadvantage.

Spurs rocked Old Trafford as they took a two-goal lead in the first half courtesy of goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric, both players capitalising on sloppy United defending.

Twelve minutes into the second period, though, the Red Devils were handed a lifeline when referee Howard Webb pointed to the penalty spot despite Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes taking the ball when challenging Michael Carrick.

And so the turnaround ensued as Cristiano Ronaldo dispatched and Wayne Rooney soon levelled with a shot at Gomes' near post, before the former completed the comeback a minute later with a close-range diving header.

There was further salt in the wound to come for Tottenham when Rooney grabbed his second of the match before former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov helped bundle the ball over the line to ensure United returned to the top.

Saaturday teatime special United v Tottenham

Man United can take another stride towards retaining their BPL crown if they overcome Tottenham at Old Trafford.With six games remaining the title is in their hands .United cannot afford to have an off-day against resurgent Spurs, who under the guidance of Harry Redknapp have been transformed from relegation candidates to Europa League contenders, collecting 23 points from the last 33 available.

The Theatre of Dreams has been one of nightmares for Spurs with only three draws from their last 16 visits to Old Trafford, but at least Redknapp's side come into the game with the better league form of the two sides.The midweek win for United came at a price with the injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea and both are ruled out of Saturday's fixture.

Rafael could start at right-back against Spurs with Rio Ferdinand also set to start after being rested for the 2-0 midweek win over Portsmouth Ferguson has been boosted by the return of Wes Brown after the defender featured for the reserves twice this week

Jermaine Jenas and Roman Pavlyuchenko could both return for Tottenham after missing Sunday's 1-0 victory over struggling Newcastle with hamstring and back injuries.

But Spurs, who are unbeaten in six games against the top four this season, look set to be without the services of Michael Dawson.

The defender has failed to shake off an ankle injury sustained in last weekend's win so Johnathan Woodgate and Ledley King are expected to be the centre-back partnership.

Alan Hutton impressed in his substitute appearance against the Magpies and may pip Vedran Corluka to a starting berth at right-back.

United inches away from retaining their title

Manchester United reasserted their authority over the race for the Premier League title with a crucial victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney - recalled after injury - put them on their way with a simple finish from Ryan Giggs's cross after nine minutes.

And substitute Michael Carrick wrapped up the win when he fired in an emphatic strike eight minutes from time after Paul Scholes delivered a trademark slide-rule pass on his 600th appearance for United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side produced a performance that was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but United's only objective was the victory that puts them three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.

If there was a disappointment for United, it came in the shape of a missed opportunity to improve their goal difference against a Portsmouth side that rarely troubled keeper Edwin van der Sar.Giggs was denied twice by England keeper David James, and also missed from close range as United dominated for long spells without emphasising their superiority until Carrick struck late on.

Rooney was United's main source of inspiration as they looked to capitalise on Liverpool's failure to beat Arsenal in Tuesday's 4-4 classic at Anfield. And the significance of Rooney's return was emphasised when he enabled United to shake off early lethargy by putting them ahead after nine minutes.Anderson started the move with a raking pass to Giggs on the left flank, and as Pompey appealed in vain for offside, he delivered an inviting cross for Rooney to slide home from point-blank range.

United's second-half display had plunged into mediocrity, but it was Rooney again who almost lifted Old Trafford's spirits when he raced clear into the area, only for James to once again come to Pompey's rescue.Ferguson's decision to replace Anderson with Carrick was something of a surprise, but it produced the required effect as the England midfield man sealed the points and United's return to the top of the league with eight minutes left.

Scholes must take huge credit, with a glorious pass that slid into the path of Carrick, who shot across the defiant figure of James into the bottom corner.

It allowed United to relax and enjoy the closing stages - safe in the knowledge that they are firmly in charge of their own title destiny.

United back to EPL

United v v Portsmouth


Now its just quadruple honours for Manchester United are striving for, following Sunday's FA Cup exit to Everton. The Carling Cup winners, World Club champions and Champions League semi-finalists are still in a very strong position in defence of the Premier League title, going into this home clash with Portsmouth.


Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are among the big names who will return for Manchester United against Portsmouth.

Edwin van der Sar, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher also stayed at home as United bowed out of the FA Cup to Everton on Sunday, while Michael Carrick is attempting to shrug off a minor knock.

Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra are all expected to return in a starting line-up containing only Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic from the semi-final team.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, O'Shea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez.

Fergie defends Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Dimitar Berbatov's form in the wake of his dreadful FA Cup semi-final penalty miss against Everton.

Berbatov emerged off the bench in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley, but failed to break the deadlock before missing United's opening spot-kick on the back of Tim Cahill's miss.

The Bulgaria international has now gone six games without a goal following his winner at Newcastle, prompting some to label United's expensive capture a poor signing.

However, Ferguson does not think his form is ebbing away and that, if anything, he impressed off the substitutes' bench.

"He will be criticised for that because when you pay £30m for a player everyone thinks you should be able to score from a penalty kick," he said. "But it's just not as simple as that.
No evidence

"I don't see any evidence that he's tailing off. He had his injury and missed a couple of games, but he came on and did well in the game.

"He did really well. He's disappointed to miss a penalty, of course. He was upset, but it was a disappointed dressing room.

"You lose in a semi-final - and it's the first we've lost - and that's not easy to take. Anyone can lose on a penalty kick, I've lost many like Sunday.

"I don't see it as a defining part of my career because anyone can win or lose them."

Meanwhile, Ferguson hopes former Red Devil Phil Neville goes on to lift the FA Cup at Wembley following their semi-final triumph.

Special

The 32-year-old has spent the majority of his career at Old Trafford before switching to Goodison Park and Ferguson believes he is 'special'.

"Phil is one of the special people in the game so I hope he is picking up that cup," said Ferguson.

"Everyone knows his connection to Manchester United. He was here so long as a kid.

"I know he was captaining Everton in a semi-final but don't tell me there was not one small part in him that was saying, 'Christ I am going to knock Manchester United out of the cup here'.

"It goes to show you the integrity of the man. He is a fantastic person and no-one in the game deserves it more than he does."

Brown boost for United

Manchester United are set to be boosted by the return of defender West Brown.

United chief Sir Alex Ferguson admitted last week he was desperate to have the England star back in his squad.

He suggested Brown could feature in the reserve team clash at Preston on Monday, and he did indeed play - getting through an hour at Deepdale without any problems.

Now Brown, who has not played for the first-team since November because of a foot problem, is ready to return to the first-team fold.

Wednesday's clash with Portsmouth at Old Trafford looks like being too soon for Brown - but he could be in line for a place in the squad at the weekend when they face Tottenham.

Fergie throws away the Quintuple

Everton ended Manchester United's bid for an unprecedented Quintuple after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Sir Alex with his team selection on Sunday has thrown away the chance to win an unprecedented Quintuple. But it was not his young players but the senior members of the team who caused problems for United .Infact if the referee had given the deserved penalty then Danny Welback would have won the match on his own .But it should be Berbatov the 30 million plus striker and his partner Tevez another one who requires 30 million plus to become a United player are the culprits. Tevez though he runs all the time hasn't got any ball control and Berbatov should be ashamed of the way he has taken the penalty

Chances were scarce throughout the match with Foster almost gifting former United striker Louis Saha a goal before Danny Welbeck's shot was deflected narrowly wide by Joleon Lescott.

Tim Cahill tested Foster early in the second half, and Park Ji-sung drilled just wide, before a much-changed United appealed for a penalty on 68 minutes.

Welbeck cut in from the left and nudged the ball past Howard before falling under a challenge from Everton defender Phil Jagielka.

Referee Mike Riley, whose appointment had been questioned by David Moyes in the build-up to the game, waved play on - a decision which incensed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline.

Extra-time came and went before Everton held their nerve in the shoot-out, despite Cahill blazing over the first spot-kick.

Dimitar Berbatov's tame attempt was saved by Howard, who also denied Rio Ferdinand before Jagielka sent the Toffees into the FA Cup final for the first time since 1995 when Paul Rideout's goal accounted for United.
Big guns missing

It had become common knowledge that Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Edwin van der Sar had not even made the trip, while Ryan Giggs was down on most people's lists of the men to be excluded as well.

Nevertheless, when the teams were announced the actual make-up of United's team took the breath away.

Federico Macheda, supersub in his two substitute appearances against Aston Villa and Sunderland, was handed his first start, Fabio da Silva his second.

Darron Gibson and Welbeck made their first appearances since the Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham in the same stadium seven weeks ago, while Rafael da Silva and Anderson were also included in what must have been one of the youngest starting line-ups Ferguson has ever selected.

The Everton supporters knew there could be no better chance to reach the final they crave so much.

United had one first-half escape, when Foster ill-advisedly tried to nip past Saha inside his own penalty area, only to discover the former Red Devils striker was a bit cuter than he had bargained for.

Saha stuck out a foot and for a fleeting moment thought he had nicked the ball away from Foster, only to discover a kind bobble had allowed the England keeper to gobble it back up.

Everton also had a penalty claim waved away by referee Riley. However, it was difficult to argue conclusively that Rafael had fouled Steven Pienaar.

Apart from that, their threat was negligible until Cahill emerged from the torpor to strike a fierce low drive that Foster did well to keep out.

In sporadic bursts, United were at their free-flowing best. Yet Macheda, who started brightly, and Welbeck were both guilty of rushing passes or shots.

The nearest Ferguson's team came was when Lescott deflected a Welbeck shot wide, Rafael supplying the cross.

After the interval, United were the better team. Park sent one shot skimming wide before Gibson tried his luck from long range with a dipping shot Howard saved without being able to hold.

Fury

If Riley is a United fan, as Moyes seemed to suggest in midweek, he had a funny way of showing it as far as Ferguson was concerned.

The failure to award a penalty when Jagielka barged Welbeck over enraged the United boss, who vented his fury at every official within earshot.

In that split-second, any notion that Ferguson did not care about the FA Cup was shredded into tiny pieces and the United boss was off his seat again shortly afterwards when Anderson's piledriver flicked the roof of Howard's net.

The introduction of Berbatov at the start of extra-time, following the earlier arrivals of Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, gave United a more recognisable look, although it was again Cahill who nearly broke the deadlock, Foster making a fine feet-first save.

Everton then came agonisingly close when Vidic toed a shot from substitute James Vaughan away from Cahill, who was ready to slot home a tap-in.

In truth though, a goal never looked like coming.

And finally United saw their shoot-out luck run out, leaving Howard, Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright to celebrate a day they have waited for so long to enjoy.

Tim Cahill missed Everton's first penalty, but keeper Tim Howard saved United's first two efforts from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand.Leighton Baines, Phil Neville and James Vaughan were then on target for Everton, with Nemanja Vidic and Anderson responding for United.

And with Everton's fans providing a deafening backdrop of expectation, Jagielka calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to send one half of Wembley wild. And finally United saw their shoot-out luck run out, leaving Howard, Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright to celebrate a day they have waited for so long to enjoy.

Fergie slams Benitez conduct

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez of "arrogance" and "contempt" towards Premier League opponents.

Manchester United have an FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday and Ferguson has taken the opportunity to intensify his war of words with Benitez as their Premier League title battle hots up.

The United boss has delivered a withering assessment of Benitez's recent conduct, saying it is unbefitting of a Liverpool manager.

Benitez previously described five-time FA Cup winners Everton as a "small club" and Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has complained about Benitez's behaviour during his side's 4-0 defeat at Anfield last week.

The Spaniard shrugged his shoulders and crossed his hands after Liverpool's second goal, with Allardyce claiming it was "disrespectful and quite humiliating", and Ferguson is in agreement.

"Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said," he said.
Unforgivable

"But arrogance is one thing. You cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed Sam Allardyce last weekend.

"When Liverpool scored their second goal he signalled as if the game was finished. I do not think Sam deserved that.

"Sam has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers' Association) and he's had a weakened team. I just thought it showed contempt.

"In my experience no Liverpool manager has ever done that. It was beyond the pale."

Sunday special - FA Cup semi-final Man United vs Everton

United are on the way of winning everything this season and they will be trying to make history as they reach another semi final . Their form has taken a dip recently but they were onto their best in midweek against Porto . Sir Alex will hope that his team will be back to their best again on Sunday . The Toffees will be looking to emulate the class of 1995 when they take to the field at the weekend when a Paul Rideout goal was enough to see off United in the FA Cup final.


Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva have been passed fit for United, while Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick should recover from knocks in time to play.Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung and Carlos Tevez are among those likely to start.Everton manager David Moyes must decide whether to risk striker Louis Saha, who has had a stomach virus.On-loan striker Jo is cup-tied but Joseph Yobo and James Vaughan have recovered from injuries and are included in Moyes' squad.


Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, Fabio, O'Shea, Evans, Ronaldo, Anderson, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Park, Nani, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov, Macheda.

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Pienaar, Neville, Rodwell, Fellaini, Cahill, Yobo, Saha, Vaughan, Nash, Gosling, Jacobsen, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Baxter.

Man Utd dominate PFA awards list

Steven Gerrard is the only non-Manchester United player in the running for the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award.

The Liverpool captain is joined on the shortlist by United's Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar.

Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva are nominees for the young player award.

Also in contention with the United pair are Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon and Stephen Ireland.

Defender Vidic is favourite to lift the trophy at London's Grosvenor House on 26 April.

Voting took place before United's recent dip in form, perhaps explaining why the list of contenders is dominated by players from Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

But Gerrard could benefit from a split vote for United players as David Ginola did during their 1999 treble-winning season - an outcome that annoyed Ferguson. Giggs has never won the award, whereas Ronaldo could become the first player to win it three years in a row.

After a superb season for Manchester City, Ireland is favourite to succeed Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas as the country's top youngster.

Agbonlahor and Young have both impressed for Aston Villa, while Tottenham winger Lennon has also caught the eye.

Arsenal did not have any players nominated for the awards, but Gunners boss Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said the shortlist should not be drawn up until the end of the season.

"What I believe is that the decisions are all made in February," said Wenger.

"But February is not a really important time and that means the players who are rewarded are those who played well until February.

"Now is the most important time of the season - April, May - so I believe these awards just reward the players of the first six months of the season.

"A player who has been out until January has no chance to be voted but he can still be very influential for the rest of the season.

"If they vote in May I hope some of my players would be in there because that would mean we have done well."

Nominees for the PFA player of the year award:

Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd
Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd)
Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)

Nominees for the PFA young player of the year award:

Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
Rafael Da Silva (Man Utd)
Jonny Evans (Man Utd)
Stephen Ireland (Man City)
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Fergie hails 'magnificent' Utd

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with his side's performance in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Porto.

United marked their 150th UEFA Champions League match under Ferguson by becoming the first English team to win at Estadio do Dragao.

Describing Cristiano Ronaldo's rocket goal as, "unbelievable, a magnificent hit", Ferguson beamed with delight after the game.

Complimenting the partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, the United boss admitted his relief in having his defence back to normal.
Key

"They did well," he told Sky Sports. "They had good concentration at the back - they defended very, very well.

"That was key for us. If we can get back to that foundation of not conceding away goals then we can do well.

"The stability at the back, the recognition of Ferdinand and Vidic together, it's always going to be a great start for your team."

Asked how it felt to become the first English team to beat Porto on home soil after 150 games in Europe's elite competition, he said: "It doesn't matter who you beat but one hundred and fifty games is a long time."

Magnificent

Ferguson went on to compliment Ronaldo after his superb strike in the first half made sure of a semi-final tie with Arsenal.

"Unbelievable, a magnificent hit," he said. "He took them all by surprise from 40-yards out - the goalkeeper had no chance."

He added: "I couldn't see dangers against Porto. I thought we controlled the game well and they never bothered us too much.

"Arsenal next? It's going to be a great semi-final. There'll be some great football in that one."

Porto 0-1 Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his native Portugal, opens the scoring with a 39.6-yard thunderbolt in the sixth minute



The game gets tense with half-an-hour left, both teams knowing that a single goal will send Porto through



United hold firm and become the first English club to win at Porto in the competition, and secure an all-Premier League semi-final

Ronaldo thunderbolt sends United to the semis

United became the first English team to record a European victory at Porto. Cristiano Ronaldo wonder goal earned a 1-0 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg win and maintained the holders' grasp on the trophy. For the first time in a month United defence looked well organized and they kept a clean sheet .

Ronaldo's thunderous early strike from just shy of 40 yards flew across goal and into the top corner.Nemanja Vidic missed a great chance from five yards late in the first half and Dimitar Berbatov had a shot saved.Lisandro Lopez might have scored a dramatic late goal for Porto, but Edwin van der Sar saved his weak shot.

The visitors got off to a dream start through Ronaldo’s goal on just six minutes and spurned a golden opportunity to score a second through Nemanja Vidic just before half-time.

The second half was a much better one for Porto as they had more of the play, but they struggled to create too many clear opportunities and United held firm to progress.

The Red Devils now meet Arsenal in the semi-finals after the Gunners defeated Villarreal in the night’s other quarter-final tie.

United made four changes from the side which started the 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung Park and Jonny Evans all made way with Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand coming in.

With Ferdinand in the side United looked commanding at the back.

United wants revenge

Current champions Unitedhold on the Champions League hangs by a thread after Porto left Old Trafford with a darw and two crucial away goals .They have a mountain to climb as they have to win at Porto . Arsenal have a slight advantage of 1 away goal


Man Utd v Porto - Match of the day


United will be out to win at Porto to keep alive the dream of winning all trophies .United look vulnerable at the back and they have to regroup their defence . The injury to key players is the main reason for their slump in form

Porto will be trying to keep a clean sheet for their dream run.Memories of the Portuguese champions knocking United out at the last-16 stage in 2004 are still fresh in the memory for many Red Devils fans.Then under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Porto grabbed a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 at the Theatre of Dreams to seal a 3-2 aggregate win, sending the 'Special One' dancing down the touchline. The Portuguese side went on to be crowned European champions that year but since then, this season is the first time they have progressed further than the first knockout round.

Manchester United Declared The World's Richest Club Ahead Of Real Madrid

Manchester United have retained their position as the world's richest football club ahead of Real Madrid and join nine other Premier League teams in the top 25.
The Red Devils' are considered to be worth €1.42 billion by Forbes, well ahead of los Merengues, who are reported to be worth a figure of €1.03b.

Arsenal are, somewhat surprisingly, in third position, while Barcelona are in seventh place, despite their overall wealth increasing by 22 per cent from last year's summary.

Madrid and the Blaugrana are the only two Spanish representatives on the list. There are also four Italian sides, five teams from the Bundesliga, two French sides and the Old Firm representing Scotland.

The show of strength from the Premier League is highlighted by Tottenham Hotspur's position of 11th, which places them above Inter, Roma and Olympique Lyonnais.

Spurs have only won two League Cups in the last ten seasons and never qualified for the Champions League.

Chelsea's value only sees them make it into eighth place while Manchester City are back in 17th with a value of just €236 million, less than both Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund.

Top 25 clubs: (€, 000,000's)

1 Manchester United 1,423
2 Real Madrid 1,030
3 Arsenal 913
4 Bayern Munich 845
5 Liverpool 768
6 Milan 753
7 Barcelona 730
8 Chelsea 609
9 Juventus 457
10 Schalke 04 388
11 Tottenham Hotspur 339
12 Olympique Lyonnais 322
13 Roma 290
14 Inter Milan 281
15 Hamburg 251
16 Borussia Dortmund 247
17 Manchester City 236
18 Werder Bremen 222
19 Newcastle United 217
20 Stuttgart 201
21 Aston Villa 183
21 Olympique de Marseille183
23 Celtic 166
24 Everton 158
25 Rangers 148

Ferguson hails super-sub Kiko

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed super-sub Federico Macheda after he came off the bench to fire Man United back to the top.

The 17-year-old, who scored his first senior goal for the club last weekend to see off Aston Villa at the death, did the trick once again to kill off Sunderland's brave fightback at the Stadium of Light.

He was in the right place at the right time to deflect home Michael Carrick's shot as it sped through a crowded penalty area and clinch three precious points.

The win took United back to the top of the table after Liverpool briefly unseated them earlier with a 4-0 win over Blackburn.

Ferguson said: "He has got something special about him, the boy. I haven't seen the goal, but one of the players said he actually tried it.

"He side-footed it as it came to him. It's that quick-thinking that goalscorers have got. He has just got that instinct."

The Scot revealed he did not need to say anything to the Italian teenager as he pitched him into an increasingly frenetic battle.

Asked what his instructions were when he was asked to replace Dimitar Berbatov with 75 minutes gone, he replied: "Nothing. He knows the role we want him to play. We want him to penetrate in behind them.

"He has got good movement, he has got quickness in his movement and it showed that when he came on.

"He wasn't fazed by anything. Right away, he got involved in the game and he had a good 20 minutes for us."

Macheda's intervention could hardly have been any more timely with United having been clawed back by Ricky Sbragia's tenacious side.

The visitors had looked to be coasting when Paul Scholes had headed them into a 19th-minute lead, but Kenwyne Jones' 55th-minute equaliser was just reward for a concerted fightback from the Wearsiders.

For a moment, it looked as though United might have to surrender top spot to Liverpool, but they once again struck late to ensure they left with all three points.

Ferguson said: "When they [Sunderland] got the equaliser, maybe a little bit against the run of play, nonetheless, it puts you under pressure to make decisions about your changes.

"Fortunately, I made the right one.

"It's a boost, of course. The important thing is we have seven games left now and at this point, it is about cutting each game off as they come along.

"Today was an important away victory for us. It's a difficult place to come to against a very committed Sunderland team, and we can be pleased with that."

Fergie: Stop your sulking Ronaldo

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered prize asset Cristiano Ronaldo to stop sulking and start playing for the team.

The News of the World have reported that whilst Ferguson believes Ronaldo does not always get the protection he should from referees, the Red Devils gaffer is adamant that when things do not go Ronaldo's way, there is no excuse for the Portugal international to then switch off.

Twice in recent games Ronaldo - who was a second-half substitute during United's 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday - has conceded possession that has subsequently resulted in goals for Aston Villa and then Porto in the Champions League, something Ferguson will simply not stand for.

"No, I don't accept that he will give goals away because of the player he is. I speak to him about it. I don't accept that from anyone," Ferguson told the tabloid.

"In European football, in particular, you give the ball away and it takes a long time to get it back. It has always been a big part of our strategy and philosophy in Europe - keeping possession of the ball.

"It's really important. He's not immune from that. He always feels he's not getting the proper protection and I think that maybe in quite a few cases he is right, and a few cases he is not right.

"It's hard when a player who wants to entertain all doesn't get everything his way. You can't get everything your own way. He understands that, and there's not a problem with that.

"It's just a frustration that he feels that he doesn't get the decision and he gets upset about it. I think obviously he doesn't enjoy that and he knows he's letting himself down more than anything.

"He holds his hands up, I have had to remind him about that but I'm not getting into what has been said."

Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd

Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd




The champions take an early lead when Paul Scholes heads home from Wayne Rooney's cross




Kenwyne Jones beats Ben Foster 10 minutes into the second half




Federico Macheda comes off the bench to score the winner as the Red Devils go back to the top

Macheda strikes again

Manchester United did just enough to slip by Sunderland courtesy of another winning goal by the 17-year-old starlet, Federico Macheda. Federico Macheda climbed off the bench to snatch victory for the second time in a week . The 17 year old Italian is on the top of the world now 2 goals in 2 appearances that too winning goals .Having proved the match winner in last Sunday's late comeback against Aston Villa, Macheda deflected United's second goal just moments after his introduction at the Stadium of Light to secure the points after Kenwyne Jones had cancelled out Paul Scholes' opener.


With one eye on next Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Porto, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rested keeper Edwin Van der Sar, left-back Patrice Evra and winger Cristiano Ronaldo.There was also no Rio Ferdinand because of injury but Jonny Evans passed a late fitness test and partnered Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence, while striker Dimitar Berbatov was handed a shock start despite pre-match reports of an ankle problem.

It took United until the 15th minute to create the first real chance but Danny Collins superbly cleared Vidic's header off the line from Rooney's inswinging corner.
However, United were in front under a minute later as Rooney was afforded far too much time and space on the left flank and curled in a teasing right-footed cross which found Scholes, who looped a near-post header over Gordon for the opener.

The equaliser arrived with 55 minutes gone when Foster failed to claim Teemu Tainio's cross under pressure from Jones, and the striker stabbed the ball into the empty net to peg the visitors back.Scholes smashed a volley wide and Carlos Tevez curled a free-kick over, and it took a fine block by Bardsley to keep out the Argentinian's 63rd-minute effort after Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov had combined to play him in.

it was Macheda's arrival as a 75th-minute replacement for Berbatov which changed the game.The youngster had been on the pitch for just seconds when he steered Carrick's shot past the helpless Gordon to further enhance his blossoming reputation.

Fergie wants European legacy

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will 'definitely' quit Manchester United if they win two more UEFA Champions League crowns.

Ferguson has already intimated that 2010 could be the year he opts to step down from the Old Trafford hot-seat.

Now Ferguson has confirmed that indeed, if United were to win three-in-a-row - that would be the signal for him to quit.

Ferguson has won 18 domestic trophies during his 23 years at United, but in that time he has landed just three European prizes - two European Cups and one Uefa Cup Winners' Cup.

And Ferguson admits he wants that statistic to improve.

"If there was one challenge I'd love the club to win more European trophies than they have done and I think I've made this point a few times over the years. I don't think we've won the number we should have won," he told CNN.

"There have been years when we've been unlucky and years we've been disappointed, and there've been years when we've thrown games away, and that sort of gives a kaleidoscope of what football's like.

"If we could win a couple more European trophies I then would definitely quit."

Easter special - Black cats entertains Red devils

It is the perfect time for United to regroup . Vidic and Rooney is back on the squad and United need to sharpen all their weapons before they travel to Porto as they have to win the match to keep alive the dream of a quintuple. The quintuple is still on for Manchester United , but they've made it a good deal harder for themselves. They will have to achieve what no other English club has managed, and win at FC Porto next week if they're to make the last four of the Champions League, and by the time this match with Sunderland kicks off they could have been knocked off the top of the Premier League table again.


The main problem now for United is defence .Conceded 10 goals in five league games, since clocking up 14 clean sheets in a row. They are looking shattered at the back . Many will be wondering why it is simply because of the absence of key players and players on the field were looking tired . This season United had played more games than any other English teams . It is the quality of players which makes the difference for United and they have match winners like Berbatov and Ferdinand injured.Ronaldo is now looking like a joker on the field always complaining to referees which makes not even awarding genuine fouls and he is not even interested in tracking back when he looses posession which lead to 2 goals last week .

Question marks hang over the participation of central defenders Jonny Evans (groin) and Rio Ferdinand (groin) for the visit to the Stadium of Light.Anderson (thigh) and Rafael (foot) are also likely to be missing. Wes Brown (foot) and Dimitar Berbatov (foot) are still a week away from returning. Owen Hargreaves (knee) continues his rehabilitation from surgery.



Sunderland take on the defending champions, in danger of tumbling to four successive defeats for the first time in the Premier League since March 2006.Picked up one point out of 15 and two out of 18; their longest winless run in the Premier League since completing eight without victory between 22 September to 10 November 2007.

George McCartney is expected to be back in the match day squad after recovering from an ankle injury. Centre back Calum Davenport also returns to the fold after being unable to feature against parent club West Ham United last weekend.Finland international Teemu Tainio (knee) and David Connolly (groin) are still sidelined.

We took eye off ball, says Vidic

Defenders Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans have conceded Manchester United may have been complacent in their bid for an unprecedented quintuple of trophies.

United's Premier League lead has been cut from eight points to one and they drew 2-2 with Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

When asked if United had eased off in recent weeks, Vidic stated: "To be honest, maybe."

Evans said: "Maybe it's been our fault - maybe we've become a bit complacent."

When United beat Blackburn 2-1 on 21 February they moved eight points clear of second-placed Liverpool.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side won the Club World Cup in December, attempted to cool talk of a quintuple after the Red Devils beat Tottenham to win the Carling Cup and since that triumph on 1 March they have suffered a 4-1 home defeat by Liverpool and a 2-0 loss at Fulham.

It required an injury-time winner from teenage striker Federico Macheda to overcome Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday and maintain a one-point advantage over Liverpool, although United have a game in hand.Injuries and suspensions have hindered United, with Vidic banned for the matches against Fulham and Villa and Ferdinand ruled out of the games against Villa and Porto because of a groin problem.

Ferguson's men went 14 Premier League matches without conceding a goal before the victory over Blackburn but since then 10 goals have been let in during the past four games.

"Against Liverpool, maybe you can say we took it easier because we had a game in hand and there was a big gap in points," added Vidic. "We didn't think we were relaxed but maybe we were.

"If you look at the last four games then obviously we haven't played as we did in the 10 games before that. We definitely need to get back on the right road, we need to get back that mentality.

"Maybe we need to work on our defence because in the last few games we have conceded too many goals.

"I don't think it's a case of players not having the confidence but maybe we've had so many games and also we've had players injured - at this stage of the season you need all your players to be ready to play the games.

Man Utd parent company makes loss

Debt repayments at Manchester United have caused parent firm Red Football Joint Venture to make a £44.8m ($65.6m) pre-tax loss for the year to June 2008.

It covers the 2007/08 season, when United won the Premier League and Champions League, and takes the Red Football's debt from £604m to £649.4m.

Red Football Joint Venture was set up when the Glazer family borrowed heavily to buy the club for £790m in 2005.

Group turnover for the year was £256.2m, an English club record.

It was up from £210m the year before, and operating profit was up £5m on the previous year.

'Global brand'

The football club enjoyed a successful 2007/08 - with television revenues made from the improved Premier league deal and Champions League final run, sell-out games at the 75,000 capacity at Old Trafford, and all its other commercial revenues. "The turnover is spectacular, which is what you would expect from a season when they won the Premier League and Champions League," said Harry Philp, financial analyst at Hermes Sports Partners.

Match day revenues were up from 92.6m to £101.5m, while media income was up by close to 50%, from £61.5m to £90.7m. Meanwhile, the club's commercial operations generated £64m.

"The company continues to explore new commercial opportunities within the United Kingdom and overseas to further leverage the Manchester United brand," it said in a statement.

The club said it had four elements to increase its financial growth; maintaining playing success, treating fans as customers, leveraging the global brand, and developing club media rights.

Manchester United also made a profit of £21.8m on player transfers.

Sir Alex frustrated by United fragility

Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue costly defensive lapses as Mariano's late goal gave FC Porto a 2-2 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw at Old Trafford. Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, meanwhile, heaped praise on his side and believes they have a realistic chance of going even further in this year's competition.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager
It's a difficult job now, I agree. The last goal we lost was one you can't afford to lose. It was a terrible goal to lose. At 2-1 we should have seen the game out, we've only ourselves to blame. It wasn't a particularly well manufactured goal. It exemplified the fragile nature of our defence at moment. I don't think we'd have lost the goal had we not lost Jonny Evans. We'd moved [John] O'Shea into centre-back, [Gary] Neville got sucked in and it was a bad goal. We'd been doing well when we were not conceding goals because of the record, we had something to protect. Since we lost the record against Blackburn we've lost a lot of bad goals. [Rio] Ferdinand wasn't close to playing tonight, I'm not sure if he'll be fit for Saturday. We took a gamble by playing on Sunday [against Aston Villa FC] but it wasn't the best preparation. We showed tiredness tonight. Based on the international matches I'd thought it was the best option, I thought the adrenalin from a European occasion would see us through.

I'm not surprised by Porto, this is the way they've been playing away from home. The game against Atlético Madrid was exactly the same, their front three were a handful then and a handful tonight. It was a typical [Carlos] Tévez goal, he's very good at the near post, and was great flick from [Wayne] Rooney. We gave the ball away a lot early on, we were nervous and took half an hour to get our game going. In the second half we were more in control. They were always a threat, counterattacked in numbers. The second half became very open. It's to the European game's credit that teams counter in numbers away from home now, not like ten years ago. We have to win in Porto. No English team has won there but we've got a good set of players and a good chance of being the first.

Jesualdo Ferreira, Porto coach
I would like to congratulate my players because they deserved what they achieved. We never forgot we were playing against the reigning world and European champions but we tried to create problems for United and we managed to do that. It's a good result to take to the Dragão but the tie's not settled yet. It's great to see two players like Fernando and [Aly] Cissokho, who are very young and pretty much still boys, showing such ambition, ability, concentration and maturity. It means a lot to work with a team like this. It's not easy to reach the quarter-finals but we deserve to be here. We never blame individuals; we concede goals as a team and score goals as a team. We try to explain to the players when they make mistakes but we leave it at that.

In the first half at least, we were the team who attacked more and who had more corners. In the second half we tried to contain their attacks and did just that. We reacted well to conceding the second goal; it's good to see the players react like that. I'm aware we had more chances and opportunities than Manchester United, though they probably had more possession. What we need to do is try to speak to the players and convince them they can do even better [than this result], that they're capable of going even further than this. Reaching the quarters is a big achievement but we'll try to go even further. We know that United are very strong and that they will be a different proposition in the second leg. They'll know that they need to win or draw by more than two goals to go through. Whatever happens, nothing can take away what we did today.Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue costly defensive lapses as Mariano's late goal gave FC Porto a 2-2 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw at Old Trafford. Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, meanwhile, heaped praise on his side and believes they have a realistic chance of going even further in this year's competition.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager
It's a difficult job now, I agree. The last goal we lost was one you can't afford to lose. It was a terrible goal to lose. At 2-1 we should have seen the game out, we've only ourselves to blame. It wasn't a particularly well manufactured goal. It exemplified the fragile nature of our defence at moment. I don't think we'd have lost the goal had we not lost Jonny Evans. We'd moved [John] O'Shea into centre-back, [Gary] Neville got sucked in and it was a bad goal. We'd been doing well when we were not conceding goals because of the record, we had something to protect. Since we lost the record against Blackburn we've lost a lot of bad goals. [Rio] Ferdinand wasn't close to playing tonight, I'm not sure if he'll be fit for Saturday. We took a gamble by playing on Sunday [against Aston Villa FC] but it wasn't the best preparation. We showed tiredness tonight. Based on the international matches I'd thought it was the best option, I thought the adrenalin from a European occasion would see us through.

I'm not surprised by Porto, this is the way they've been playing away from home. The game against Atlético Madrid was exactly the same, their front three were a handful then and a handful tonight. It was a typical [Carlos] Tévez goal, he's very good at the near post, and was great flick from [Wayne] Rooney. We gave the ball away a lot early on, we were nervous and took half an hour to get our game going. In the second half we were more in control. They were always a threat, counterattacked in numbers. The second half became very open. It's to the European game's credit that teams counter in numbers away from home now, not like ten years ago. We have to win in Porto. No English team has won there but we've got a good set of players and a good chance of being the first.

Jesualdo Ferreira, Porto coach
I would like to congratulate my players because they deserved what they achieved. We never forgot we were playing against the reigning world and European champions but we tried to create problems for United and we managed to do that. It's a good result to take to the Dragão but the tie's not settled yet. It's great to see two players like Fernando and [Aly] Cissokho, who are very young and pretty much still boys, showing such ambition, ability, concentration and maturity. It means a lot to work with a team like this. It's not easy to reach the quarter-finals but we deserve to be here. We never blame individuals; we concede goals as a team and score goals as a team. We try to explain to the players when they make mistakes but we leave it at that.

In the first half at least, we were the team who attacked more and who had more corners. In the second half we tried to contain their attacks and did just that. We reacted well to conceding the second goal; it's good to see the players react like that. I'm aware we had more chances and opportunities than Manchester United, though they probably had more possession. What we need to do is try to speak to the players and convince them they can do even better [than this result], that they're capable of going even further than this. Reaching the quarters is a big achievement but we'll try to go even further. We know that United are very strong and that they will be a different proposition in the second leg. They'll know that they need to win or draw by more than two goals to go through. Whatever happens, nothing can take away what we did today.

United have a mountain to climb now

Manchester United's hold on the Champions League hangs by a thread after Porto left Old Trafford with a well-deserved draw - and two crucial away goals - on a disappointing night for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.United now had the task of going to Porto and winning the game which no English teams had done . They gave away two away goals very easily . Defensively it looks like United have got a lot of problems . Except for Vidic and Van der sar they looks shattered defensively and Ronaldo the recently titled world footballer of year looks like he is not interested at all on what is going on ground .Giving away ball cheaply and not even trying to win it back it looks like he wants to play for Real .

The only player who tried to do something for United is Wayne Rooney . But the United forward has not got enough support from his team mates . The United players were very tired as they are playing only 48 hours after their last game and recent international duties .

Christian Rodriguez gave Porto the lead inside four minutes, his sharp finish coming as a result of the defensive uncertainty that plagued United from start to finish.And even though Wayne Rooney swiftly levelled after he swooped on Bruno Alves' backpass, there was to be no escape for United. United gave away possession at will and displayed the sort of alarming defensive vulnerability that was first exposed in the home defeat against Liverpool.

Throw in a disjointed midfield and an attacking effort that relied almost solely on the inspirational Rooney, and all the ingredients were in place for the visitors to produce a shock.Porto, in contrast, were sharp on the ball and bright in attack - encouraged by the inability of their opponents to apply any concerted pressure on their defence.

Carlos Tevez's strike five minutes from time looked to have given United an advantage they barely merited as they looked a pale shadow of a side on course to collect an historic haul of five trophies.But as Old Trafford breathed a sigh of relief, Porto delivered what could turn out to be the telling blow when Mariano scrambled home a last-minute equaliser to rekindle dark memories of United's exit to the same team five years ago.

Federico Macheda? - United wonder kid

Macheda has taken the fame in a spectacular fashion .The 17-year-old Italian announced his arrival in English football with a dramatic and decisive injury-time curler, which gave Manchester United a 3-2 win and took them back to the top of the Premier League table above Liverpool.

Macheda was born in Rome in 1991 and began his footballing life at Lazio, where he would have stayed had it not been for Italian football regulations, which prevented under-18s signing professional terms. His nickname among his team-mates is simply 'Kiko'. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson spotted his potential early and named him in this season's UEFA Champions League squad. Macheda was rewarded for his match-winning display at the weekend by being named in the squad to play Porto on Tuesday.

Under the guidance of former United striker Ole Gunnnar Solskjaer - now reserve coach for the reigning Premier League champions - Macheda began getting to grips with English football.He started in the youth team, but, under Solskjaer's tutelage, had been promoted to the reserves this season, scoring eight goals in eight games, including a hat-trick against Newcastle in March.Those three goals, coupled with Dimitar Berbatov's lay-off because of an ankle injury and Wayne Rooney's suspension, led to Macheda being promoted to the first team against Villa.

he striker has already won silverware during his brief time at Old Trafford, winning the Northern Ireland Milk Cup in 2008 and the Manchester Senior Cup in 2007/08.

Ronaldo rejects new Real rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected renewed speculation that he is poised to leave Manchester United for Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer.

Weekend reports suggested Real were set to make a £75m bid for the winger.

"It is always the same question," said Ronaldo ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie against Porto. "I am happy here. I think it is the right club."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson labelled the latest claims "pathetic" as he praised Ronaldo's return to form.

"We are still in three tournaments with a chance of winning them, and that in itself tells you Cristiano is at the right club, and he knows that," Ferguson said.I think he has settled down, his form has returned in the last few weeks and the goals are starting to come for him now. He could have had four goals yesterday [against Aston Villa].

"There is a sense of a big occasion about every game now. For players like Cristiano and the other top players in our team, they are now hopefully starting to go into overdrive."

Ronaldo's two goals against Villa on Sunday took his tally for the season to 20, as United returned to the top of the Premier League.

He said in October that he made the right decision to reject the Spanish side last summer and that he expected to stay at United beyond this season.

But in December, Real director Pedro Trapote was quoted as saying a deal for a transfer this summer had been struck.However, in the wake of president Ramon Calderon's resignation in January, a new round of elections on 14 June are likely to see Real again linked with some of the world's leading players.

While Ferguson has consistently tried to dampen down speculation United might win an unprecedented five trophies this season, having already won the Club World Cup and Carling Cup, Ronaldo believes it is a distinct possibility.

"We are the best team in England," the Portuguese added.

"We have shown that by being top of the table. That speaks for itself. We respect all our opponents but if we carry on winning, we will win the title again.

"We have a chance to win everything this season.

"First we have to beat FC Porto. After that, we must carry on."