Carling Cup final-United v Tottenham-Preview

Manchester United’s dream of an unprecedented Quadruple could begin or end with their trip to Wembley Stadium to contest the 2008-2009 Carling Cup. Standing in their way will be the defending Carling Cup champions Tottenham Hotspur.

Unlike in previous years, Manchester United have consistently fielded strong (albeit younger) teams in this competition, and as such, there will be many established first-team players who could end up getting shut out of the lineup for the Final. Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he will give preference to the players who helped get United into the Final, and he’s already indicated that midfielder Darron Gibson will start. Additionally, anything short of a starting role for Carlos Tevez, the joint leading scorer in the competition with Tottenham’s Roman Pavlyuchenko, will surely result in a massive uproar that could distract the club and seal Tevez’s departure in the summer.

You wouldn’t expect Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, or Rio Ferdinand to miss out, which only diminishes the number of spots available to the rest of the team. Additionally, Ferguson has tipped Gary Neville to lead the club out of the tunnel, which can’t make Rafael (who has started every single Carling Cup match thus far) happy. Record-breaking goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, who hasn’t started a single Carling Cup match, could also lose out to Ben Foster, while Dimitar Berbatov could find himself on the bench against his old club. Clearly, with a club as deep and as talented as United, it’s inevitable that a lot of excellent players will have to miss out. However, the players at Manchester United know that the goal is not to win one, two, or even three trophies. The goal will be to win four. And that will, no doubt, keep the team focused no matter who makes the squad for this match.

Harry Redknapp, however, could have the opposite problem as he’s hoping to find enough quality to give United a good run for their money. Defender Ledley King is still a question mark as a result of nagging knee and hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe remains a long-term absence due to injury, new acquisitions Robbie Keane, Wilton Palacios, Carlo Cudicini, and Pascal Chimbonda are all cup-tied, and Frazier Campbell is ineligible to play per the terms of his loan agreement from Manchester United. As such, Redknapp will have no choice but to play out-of-favor Darren Bent up front with Pavlyuchenko while praying that no one gets hurt against Hull City on Monday.

Tottenham has a UEFA Cup tie in midweek against Shakhtar Donetsk, but have all but conceded defeat to the Ukraine side that earned a 2-0 victory against Spurs last week. Harry Redknapp showed his intentions by resting Luka Modric, Jonathan Woodgate, Wilson Palacios, Aaron Lennon and Carlo Cudicini for that loss, and it’s very likely that he’ll do the same thing for the return trip to Donetsk. For Redknapp, the priorities are retaining the Carling Cup and avoiding relegation. It’s a far cry, indeed, from Sir Alex Ferguson’s lofty ambitions.

So, Tottenham will be a massive underdog going into this match. Do they have a chance at winning? Of course they do. Anything can happen in a cup final, and if it goes to a shoot-out, they have one of the best shot-stoppers available in Heurelho Gomes. Also, remember that Tottenham was a big underdog against Chelsea in last season’s Carling Cup Final, and we all remember how that one turned out. Plus, Harry Redknapp knows a little something about winning at Wembley, having won the F.A. Cup with Portsmouth last season (and eliminating Manchester United along the way, at Old Trafford no less).

Additionally, Tottenham played Manchester United tough when they met in the Premier League earlier in the season. They were also leading United, at Old Trafford, during their fourth-round F.A. Cup tie before United stormed back behind two quick goals from Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov. If Spurs play the way they’re capable of playing, then it could be a long night for Manchester United.

Of course, Manchester United are heavily favored for a reason. They’ve romped to the top of the Premiership on the strength of 14 consecutive clean sheets in the league, a run that was finally stopped by Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. They’re playing their best football of the year and just got important starters Rooney and Patrice Evra back from injury. They’ll have a tough match in midweek against Inter Milan, but should be focused and ready to contest the Carling Cup.

Will Manchester United’s dream of a Quadruple come crashing down? Or will they dispatch Harry’s boys with the same kind of ruthless efficiency that they’ve displayed with their league rivals? In any event, it should be a great match.

Manchester United v. Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Competition: Carling Cup Final
Date: 1 March 2009
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT, 10:00 ET,20.30 IST

Live on: Zee Sports (India)

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United's 20 game unbeaten streak in Champions League

Here are the details of Manchester United's 20 game unbeaten streak in Europe..

19 Sept 2007 Sporting Lisbon 0–1 Manchester United

2 Oct Manchester United 1–0 Roma

23 Oct Dynamo Kiev 2–4 Manchester United

7 Nov Manchester United 4–0 Dynamo Kiev

27 Nov Manchester United 2–1 Sporting Lisbon

12 Dec Roma 1–1 Manchester United

20 Feb 2008 Lyon 1–1 Manchester United

4 Mar Manchester United 1–0 Lyon

1 Apr Roma 0–2 Manchester United

9 Apr Manchester United 1–0 Roma

23 Apr Barcelona 0–0 Manchester United

29 Apr Manchester United 1–0 Barcelona

21 May Manchester United 1–1 Chelsea

17 Sept Manchester United 0–0 Villarreal

30 Sept Aalborg 0–3 Manchester United

21 Oct Manchester United 3–0 Celtic

5 Nov Celtic 1–1 Manchester United

25 Nov Villarreal 0–0 Manchester United

10 Dec Manchester United 2–2 Aalborg

24 Feb 2009 Internazionale 0–0 Manchester United

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Manchester United’s complete European record under Sir Alex Ferguson after 0–0 away draws in the first leg

Cup Winners’ Cup, first round 1991-92

Manchester Utd 2–0 Athanaikos

After a stalemate in the away leg, United needed goals from Mark Hughes and Brian McClair in the final 12 minutes of extra-time at Old Trafford to squeeze past minnows Athanaikos, at the time bottom of the Greek first division

Uefa Cup, first round 1995-96

Manchester Utd 2–2 Rotor Volgograd (Rotor win on away goals)

With injuries forcing the 18-year-old Phil Neville and 20-year-old John O’Kane to fill in as full-backs United fell two goals behind in the opening 30 minutes. Paul Scholes pulled one back early in the second half and as they threw players forward the goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel headed an equaliser, but it wasn’t enough

Champions League, quarter-finals 1997-98

Manchester United 1–1 Monaco (Monaco win on away goals)

The group stages had been a doddle and after boring their way to a 0–0 in the south of France, United thought they’d done the hard part. But injuries to Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs meant Ferguson’s side struggled to respond once David Trezeguet put Monaco ahead inside four minutes at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer equalised early in the second half, but Jean Tigana’s side held out

Champions League, quarter-finals 1999-2000

Manchester United 2–3 Real Madrid

Mark Bosnich produced an inspired performance at the Bernabéu in United’s first knockout game as holders (sound familiar?). But a Roy Keane own goal and a brace from Raúl meant United were 3–0 down before the hour at Old Trafford. David Beckham and Paul Scholes pulled goals back, but the champions were out

Champions League, semi-finals 2007-08

Manchester United 1–0 Barcelona

As with this week’s fixture in Milan, United were hampered by injuries at Camp Nou, with Owen Hargreaves filling in at right-back. The visitors held out, however, and Paul Scholes’s 25-yard drive in the second leg coupled with a stout defensive effort was enough to set up a meeting with Chelsea in the final

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History against United

On four visits to Old Trafford Jose Mourinho has produced the kind of result that would dump United out of the European Cup.


The Reds are still favourites to go through following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw against Inter in Milan but history shows they are in a precarious position against the wily Portuguese manager.

Mourinho escapes ref rap

Jose Mourinho will escape disciplinary action following his remarks about referee Luis Medina Cantalejo.


The Inter Milan manager was critical of Cantalejo’s performance during the 0-0 draw with United on Tuesday. But Uefa have confirmed that no action will taken against him, meaning he will avoid a potential touchline ban for the second leg at Old Trafford on March 11.

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United fans clash with Inter Milan Supporters!!

Inter fans blamed for incident after Champions League tie !
Three United fans taken to hospital but later discharged !!!

Three Manchester United supporters were attacked by four Internazionale fans after the Champions League match between the sides last night, according to reports in Italy. The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the stadium, on a road connecting San Siro with the nearest metro stop.

The United fans, aged 28, 48 and 49 were taken to San Carlo hospital in Milan for treatment. One suffered a broken nose and another a cut on the head. All three were later discharged.

The group of Inter fans escaped in a car before police could apprehend them. No motive was given for the attack.

Manchester United fans have run into trouble in recent years when in Italy for Champions League matches against Roma. Four United supporters were released from jail in Italy last May after fighting in Rome in December 2007, when five United fans were stabbed. Similar incidents occurred in the Italian capital in April of that year.

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Inter Milan 0-0 United

Sir Alex Ferguson will have to do something he has managed just once in 13 meetings and defeat Jose Mourinho after a masterful Manchester United display went unrewarded in the San Siro.

Despite a succession of clear chances, including one in the last seconds that Cristiano Ronaldo cannoned into Julio Cesar's chest, a vital away goal would not come.

So while Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be confident of getting a goal in the second leg at Old Trafford, they remain vulnerable to Mourinho's guile.

It was expected a meeting between the undisputed kings of Italy and England would be a keenly-fought affair with little give on either side.

In fact the first half turned out to be a landslide in every respect but the scoreboard.

The sheer speed of United's movement caught Inter napping almost as much as Ferguson's decision to leave Wayne Rooney on the bench.

Their swift snappy passing, allied to movement off the ball gave Inter a problem they struggled to solve. Indeed, they would not have managed it without an outstanding individual performance from Julio Cesar.

Brazilian goalkeepers may have been derided down the years but no-one was complaining among a noisy and increasingly agitated home contingent as Cesar made a string of saves to keep United at bay.

Ryan Giggs was denied at one point but the main victim was Ronaldo, who took aim with a series of free-kicks and found the Brazilian in the way every time, sometimes theatrically but always effectively.

Ronaldo did beat him once with a point-blank header but it flashed wide.

The world player of the year was a conclusive winner of his head-to-head duel with Zlatan Ibrahimovic though.

Mourinho rates the Swede as number one on the planet right now but there was precious little evidence to back up such a lofty claim as United's defence, reinforced by John O'Shea and Jonny Evans - who both overcame fitness concerns to start - kept him at bay, with Adriano virtually non-existent.

The major worry, especially with a coach as wily as Mourinho in the opposing dug-out, must be United's failure to score.

It was not as though they lacked the opportunity. Lone striker Dimitar Berbatov surged clear in the box at one point, only to look up and see no-one in support as he prepared to cross.

Inter's frustrations were summed up just before the break when Cesar's deputy, Francesco Toldo, was booked for protesting on the touchline at another decision that had gone against his team.

Ferguson must have sensed Inter would finally flex their muscles after the break, and so it proved.

Adriano had already flashed one shot wide when he crashed to the turf under Ferdinand's challenge as Javier Zanetti crossed.

The Brazilian screamed for a penalty but TV replays suggested Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo was right to say no.

But Inter tails were up and Stankovic was narrowly wide with another shot before attempting to release Ibrahimovic, who had strayed narrowly offside when otherwise he would have been clear.

United were not quite clinging on as their opponents had been earlier. However, they were being tested and it took them some time to regain their earlier composure.

Their goal threat had become sporadic with Zanetti's far-post clearance to prevent Giggs reaching Ronaldo's low cross the summit of United's danger until the veteran Welshman was allowed to gallop into the Inter box, where his shot was blocked by Ivan Cordoba and Carrick fired the rebound over.

After seeing Cordoba fail to make the most of a Mario Balotelli corner, Ferguson gave Rooney seven minutes to make a difference, and was no doubt not meaning for Rooney to pick up a booking for a foul on Stankovic.

However, it was a peripheral moment, with Ronaldo taking centre stage one last time to unleash another 20-yard thunderbolt. Cesar remained defiant and saved with his chest.

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Inter Milan v United - Preview

United to face Inter Milan tonight in the knock out stages of UEFA Champions league at San Siro, no doubt this will be a cracker of a match!

Last time United visited this ground, they were hopelessly crushed by AC Milan 3-0. That was in 07 season. But repeat of that scoreline is unlikely tonight as the European Champions are in a great form.

United is in defensive crisis as Vidic is suspended and Evans and O'Shea are injured. Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rafael da Silva are all out of contention. Fabio da Silva and youngster Adam Eckersley will be drafted in the squad as cover.

Man Utd Probable Team

Van der Sar

Rafael - O’Shea - Ferdinand - Evra

Ronaldo - Carrick - Fletcher - Giggs

Rooney - Berbatov

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Ron expects a titanic!

Cristiano Ronaldo is predicting a "titanic" battle between Manchester United and Inter Milan in the San Siro tonight.

The world player of the year is aiming to be part of the first side to retain the Champions League trophy since it was formed in 1992.

But there could have been few more arduous tests than the runaway Serie A leaders, who United meet at the same last-16 stage Jose Mourinho knocked them out at in 2004 with eventual winners FC Porto.

And, while Ronaldo is confident the holders will get through, he recognises Inter will not be disposed of without a mighty battle.

"It is going to be a titanic fight," he said.

"Inter are top of Serie A which tells you immediately they are a good team who are going to give us a tough game.

"But we are playing well, which should give us confidence. We just have to be ready."

With fellow countryman Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson at odds over when the tie will actually be decided, Ronaldo prefers to concentrate on what would be a good result for the visitors.

Like his manager, the star winger acknowledges United's formidable home record will give them a chance to progress providing their injury-hit squad avoids a similar calamity to the one they suffered on their last visit to the San Siro two years ago when AC Milan scored three times without reply to cause Ferguson more semi-final heartache.

"A good result is a win but if we draw it is not bad because Inter know it will be difficult to beat us in Manchester," added Ronaldo.

Ferguson will take a late check on the fitness of John O'Shea and Jonny Evans before finalising his line-up.

O'Shea is more likely to shrug off the pain of a sore heel than Evans is to battle through an ankle injury, but if either are fit it would at least give Rio Ferdinand a partner in central defence.

Fabio Da Silva - whose twin brother Rafael is absent with an injured ankle - and Darren Fletcher stand by to fill the right-back slot.

"My options? I panic!" said Ferguson, only half-jokingly when asked what he would do if both his Irishmen were ruled out.

"I suppose I could play Dimitar Berbatov as a sweeper."

At a time when plausible rivals on the domestic front are disappearing, the United chief is relishing a meeting of minds with Mourinho, who has only lost one of their previous 12 head-to-head duels.

There has never been anything worse that a healthy rivalry between the two men, with opinion growing that Mourinho will one day succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford.

And, as he enjoys a fabulous climax to his own career, Ferguson credits Mourinho's arrival in England for giving his team the edge they had lost.

"When Jose came there was a great upsurge at Chelsea," he said.

"I remember he uttered those words 'I am the Special One' and it seemed to galvanise the whole club. They won the first two titles under his management and their starts just caught us on the hop.

"By the time we got to October in that first season we were trying to play catch-up. It gave them the upper hand over everyone really."

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United 2-1 Blackburn

Cristiano Ronaldo produced a moment of magic to give Manchester United a hard-

fought 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. But Manchester United's record-breaking clean sheets run came to an end, but stretched their winning run in the Premier League to 10 games.

Man Utd go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of Liverpool who'll face City today at Anfield.

Rooney snatched in a perfect ball from Nani to score his second goal in two games. But 10 mins later, Santa Cruz cruised past Kuszcak to score his 6th goal of the season. He also ends United's 14 match clean sheet run.

It stayed same scoreline at break. In the second half, United got a free kick at the edge of the box. Ronaldo steered in and scored a stunning goal.

The scoreline stayed the same till the end. Its 2-1. United wins!

Summary:
Man Utd 2-1 Blackburn
Rooney 23
Ronaldo 60
Santa Cruz 32

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United v Blackburn - Preview

Wayne Rooney will start for United as the Reds look to extend their lead at the Premier League summit to eight points by beating Blackburn at Old Trafford.


Rooney made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a goalscoring substitute against Fulham on Wednesday and Sir Alex Ferguson intends to find out whether the striker is fit enough to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Man Utd Probable team

Van der Sar

Brown - Vidic - Ferdinand - Evra

Ronaldo - Scholes - Carrick - Park

Rooney - Berbatov

Prediction: 2-0 win to United

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Neville signs new contract

Gary Neville has agreed a new contract with Manchester United, tying him to the club until June 2010. The full-back’s current deal expires in the summer but he now follows in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, who signed a one-year extension last week.

“Manchester United is the only club I have ever wanted to play for so I am delighted to have signed for another year,” said the 33-year-old Neville, who made his debut for his boyhood club in 1992.

The right-back is not expected to play beyond 2010 having fallen behind the Brazilian Rafael in the pecking order. Despite this, Sir Alex Ferguson remains full of praise for the player. “Gary is a true professional and I admire how he has overcome an injury which kept him out for over a year, returning as good as ever,” he said. “He deserves this new contract and we are very happy to have him here.”

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United go 5 points clear !!

Wayne Rooney scored with his first touch to set the seal on a 3-0 win for Manchester United against Fulham that sent them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

United never looked like losing their advantage once Mark Schwarzer had let Paul Scholes' early piledriver squirm home.

Dimitar Berbatov added another before Rooney tapped home Park Ji-Sung's cross-shot two minutes after his introduction as a second-half substitute, which was more than enough as Edwin van der Sar kept a 14th consecutive Premier League clean sheet at the other end.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the strength of his United squad should prevent a repeat of their 1998 misery.

Eleven years ago, the Red Devils opened up a 12-point lead on Arsenal but succumbed to a mountain of late-season injuries to allow Arsene Wenger's men to clinch the Premier League title.

"You can never be dead sure but it is fair to say Chelsea have an uphill fight now," reflected Ferguson.

"Things can happen. We were 12 points clear of Arsenal in 1998 but we got a lot of injuries and lost the league.

"Now we can cope with it, like we have done in the last few weeks.

"That is the change at this club. We have such a big squad we can make changes."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson knew his team would be up against it once they lost Andy Johnson and Paul Konchesky to injury before the game.

And, while Hodgson felt his team could have done better at times, he had no complaints at the outcome.

"The first goal was a poor one for us to concede but we were beaten by a better team," said Hodgson.

"What happened was no disgrace. Manchester United are a very good team with a great chance of winning the Premier League."

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Neville and Brown ruled out !!

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled defensive duo Gary Neville and Wes Brown out of the Premier League clash with Fulham - and virtually dashed any hope Anderson had of making next week's Carling Cup Final.

Neville is still recovering from a virus, while Brown has not yet reached full fitness, despite a couple of substitute appearances after an ankle operation.

Neither man will be considered for the Cottagers clash, as United look to stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Meanwhile Anderson, who would almost certainly have been involved against Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday week, is still some weeks away from a return to action after suffering an ankle injury in the latter stages of the semi-final win over Derby.

But with Wayne Rooney back after a hamstring injury, Ferguson has plenty of options on Wednesday for a game originally postponed last August due to United's European Super Cup commitments.

"If we win the gap is five points, which is a fantastic incentive for us," Ferguson told MUTV.

"It would allow us to look at the league in its proper perspective."

United are looking for a 14th consecutive top flight clean sheet, a run that has continued uninterrupted despite their successful Club World Cup campaign in Japan before Christmas.

Even Ferguson now concedes he was concerned about the impact it would have on his side's domestic season. But, once they had returned to England and won at Stoke on Boxing Day, the Scot had no fears for United's future.

"We didn't know whether Japan was a hurdle we could overcome," said Ferguson.

"Even I had my doubts. But winning that match at Stoke on Boxing Day kick-started our season."

Although, in theory, Aston Villa and Chelsea remain challengers, in reality only Liverpool would be in a position to stop the Red Devils claiming an 18th title, allowing them to move level with the Anfield outfit.

But for record signing Dimitar Berbatov, such historical milestones pale into insignificance alongside his desperate desire to land a first Premier League crown.

"The players here who have already won it, need it again and again and again," he said.

"I have none of that. When I am here, it is like I need it - I want it.

"With the help of everybody, with the right amount of effort on the pitch and with the team we have, I am pretty sure we can win it again."

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United v Fulham-Preview

Van Der Sar has not conceded a goal in 1,212 Premier League minutes but he is till some way short of the world record, standing at 1,816 minutes by Mazaropi for Vasco de Gama.

Not only has he got a chance to break the record, he will also make his 250th career Premier League appearance. And he could do it against him former club, Fulham, where he made a total of 127 league appearances.

Their opponents from West London have only managed three goals away from home this year, so don’t expect Van der Sar run of clean sheets to be troubled in Wednesday’s game.

Wayne Rooney could make his comeback tomorrow evening but only on the bench. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV:

“Wayne should be ready for Saturday’s game against Blackburn, we’re quite confident of that,” “Wayne should be ready for Saturday’s game against Blackburn, we’re quite confident of that.”

“He may have a slight chance of being fit for the bench on Wednesday.”

Man Utd Probable team

Van der Sar

Brown - Vidic - Ferdinand - Evra

Ronaldo - Scholes - Carrick - Park

Tevez - Berbatov

Fulham Probable team

Schwarzer

Pantsil - Hangelaand - Hughes - Konchesky

Davies - Murphy - Etuhu - Gera

Zamora - Johnson

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United v Fulham-Preview

Van Der Sar has not conceded a goal in 1,212 Premier League minutes but he is till some way short of the world record, standing at 1,816 minutes by Mazaropi for Vasco de Gama.

Not only has he got a chance to break the record, he will also make his 250th career Premier League appearance. And he could do it against him former club, Fulham, where he made a total of 127 league appearances.

Their opponents from West London have only managed three goals away from home this year, so don’t expect Van der Sar run of clean sheets to be troubled in Wednesday’s game.

Wayne Rooney could make his comeback tomorrow evening but only on the bench. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV:

“Wayne should be ready for Saturday’s game against Blackburn, we’re quite confident of that,” “Wayne should be ready for Saturday’s game against Blackburn, we’re quite confident of that.”

“He may have a slight chance of being fit for the bench on Wednesday.”

Man Utd Probable team

Van der Sar

Brown - Vidic - Ferdinand - Evra

Ronaldo - Scholes - Carrick - Park

Tevez - Berbatov

Fulham Probable team

Schwarzer

Pantsil - Hangelaand - Hughes - Konchesky

Davies - Murphy - Etuhu - Gera

Zamora - Johnson

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Rooney Returns!

Wayne Rooney will return to the bench for Manchester United as the Red Devils look to open up a five-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit by beating Fulham at Old Trafford.

Rooney has missed seven games since limping out of the home win over Wigan with a hamstring strain.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted to leave him out of the squad for Sunday's FA Cup trip to Derby, a decision that has proved to be a wise one.

It allowed Rooney to get an extra day's training under his belt that should ensure he plays some part against Roy Hodgson's men, even if Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov are expected to be handed the starting spots in attack.

"The plan is for Wayne Rooney to be involved tomorrow night and he will start on the bench," Ferguson told Key103.

"We have handled him in the right way.

"He is training now. His performances have been excellent and he is back to his best.

"The decision not to involve him on Sunday was a good one because he was able to train and that extra day has brought him on a lot."

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Kolkata boy chosen as 'Extreme Manchester United Fan'

A college student from Kolkata emerged as the "Extreme Manchester United Fan" which earned him a trip to Old Trafford.

Sugata Mukherjee, a 21-year-old college student, won the contest which was open to individuals between the age group of 15 to 25 years and hosted on nikefootball.in.

The contest that began in September last year challenged all fans in India to prove in five photographs or less why he/she is the biggest Manchester United fan ever.

Sugata thus booked himself an all-expense paid trip to Old Trafford stadium in Manchester to watch a Manchester United game, visit the team's legendary training ground at Carrington and undertake an Old Trafford Museum Tour, Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director of Nike India Pvt. Ltd said.

Thrilled to have won the contest, Sugata said, "I hail from a middle class Bengali family and could only dream of visiting Old Trafford. But now, I am going to live my dream, thanks to Nike.

"Honestly, I started watching matches involving Manchester United because I am a huge fan of David Beckham. But gradually, I fell in love with the club, after learning about the rich history of the club. A major portion of my passion for the club revolves around Sir Alex Ferguson. I am at awe with the kind of dedication he has for the club, being the boss for almost 23 long years," he added.
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DERBY 1-4 UNITED - Review

Manchester United strolled into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable victory over Derby.

Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park had early efforts saved before Nani rifled a right-foot shot in from 20 yards.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal belatedly ruled out after a consultation between the match officials before Darron Gibson volleyed home from 18 yards.

Ronaldo nodded in a third before Miles Addison headed in for Derby but Danny Wellbeck's late curler secured the win.

United dominated from the kick-off and Gibson, one of seven changes to the side that beat West Ham last time out, demonstrated their intent in the opening minute with a powerful forward run, but his rising drive cleared the bar.

Fletcher was the first to test out Stephen Bywater with a stinging drive from the edge of the box after a neat interchange of passes with Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs.

Nani then turned Rams skipper Paul Connolly inside out down United's left before delivering a deft chip to the back post, but Park's header was palmed away by Bywater.

Derby had half chances of their own, but Rob Hulse fired a volley on the turn just over and directed a header wide before Kris Commons forced United keeper Ben Foster into a low save from a 30-yard free-kick.

But the goal that United's domination deserved duly arrived just before the half hour mark.

The ball was worked across the edge of the box to Nani, via Fletcher and Giggs, and the Portuguese winger cut back in from the left and hit a powerful drive beyond Bywater with his right foot.

Ronaldo thought he had doubled the lead when Foster's quick throw-out was flicked into his path by Giggs and the Portuguese forward raced clear and tucked the ball home.

But as Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, the assistant referee learned from referee Alan Wiley that Giggs had touched the ball in the build-up and he belatedly, and correctly, raised his flag for offside.

United's second goal, just before half-time, also had a touch of controversy about it.

Gibson lashed in a low volley from 20 yards after Ronaldo's free-kick had hit the wall, but United's Rafael Da Silva, technically in an offside position, had to hurdle the ball before it flashed past Bywater.

Ronaldo scored a legitimate goal immediately after the restart though, powerfully heading Giggs' corner over Gary Teale and into the net.

And United would have added a fourth but for an outstanding double save by Bywater.

Giggs again put Ronaldo through with another neat flick, but the Rams stopper palmed his low shot away and then kicked Fletcher's fiercely hit drive to safety.

Derby refused to be beaten though and deservedly pulled one back when Robbie Savage's quick free-kick found Commons on the right and his centre was headed home by Addison just before the hour mark.

Teale began to make more of a nuisance of himself down the Derby left in the final 30 minutes as the Rams found a renewed confidence, but all too often the final ball into the box was lacking.

The midfielder did test Foster with a low shot that the United keeper turned round the post and from the corner, Addison found himself in space, but headed agonisingly wide.

United had the last say though when Fletcher and Giggs combined again on the edge of the box before the former flicked a pass out to substitute Danny Wellbeck on the left and the 18-year-old curled a first-time shot beyond Bywater.

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Derby v United - Preview

Derby County tested United in both legs that was just when they first appointed Nigel Clough as their new manager. Since taking charge he has quickly changed the fortunes of the clubs, as now the Rams are in top form. Clough is a manger without much experience but has helped the club from spiralling towards relegation.

Kris Commons, who scored that marvelous strike in the first leg of the League Cup, will also be a threat against United on Sunday.

“We’re more confident this time round,” Commons said. “Before it was just a dream to try and beat them. Now we know it is half-dream, half-reality.”

Man Utd on the other hand are likely to field a side packed with both youth and talent and will do their best have to prevent a hungry, in form Derby side.

Derby County

Bywater

Connolly - Albrechtsen - Addison - McEveley

Barazite - Green - Savage - Teale - Commons

Hulse

Man Utd

Foster

Rafael - Vidic - Evans - Evra

Park - Scholes - Fletcher - Giggs

Tevez - Welbeck

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I have the best - Fergie

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes he possesses the best squad in the Premier League.

After a slow start to the season,The Red Devils have now hit their stride and a run of only one defeat in 23 matches in all competitions sees them topping the table.

In addition, United's defence has been impregnable of late after going a record-breaking 13 league matches without conceding a single goal.

After being questioned on Ferguson's best side, the vastly-experienced Scottish tactician said he does not have a favourite starting XI, insisting that it is now a squad game.

With United going strong in every competition this season, the Old Trafford chief believes he possesses the strongest squad in England's top flight.

"People sometimes ask me what I consider to be my best side, and the short answer is that I don't have one," said Ferguson.

"I select the team that I consider is the best for each particular match. I have got a great many factors in mind, ranging from the tactical to who needs a rest and who we play in the next game.

"I can give you my best 14 or 15, but better than that, all I can say is that is a squad game and that we have a damn fine squad. In fact it is the best.

"Everyone has done so well and rallied around when we have had injuries that I'm beginning to dread picking the team.

"I feel guilty when I am forced to leave someone out who has not only done nothing wrong but who has played exceptionally well. It puts the club in a strong position, of course, but it doesn't make the manager's job very easy."

The 2008/09 campaign is now at the business end of the season and Ferguson is pleased his troops are showing the grit and determination needed to retain their Premier League title.

"We're at the time of the season where you expect the players to kick on," he continued. "We've seen it over the years.

"The present group I've got seem to have a gear where they can find. For instance, when we went to Stoke it was lively pitch and we'd just got back from Japan but we scraped a result because we never gave in.

"It was an important marker to lay down and, having come back from the World Club Cup in Japan, we needed to win that game. Once we won that, we've gone on."

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Giggs is the best - Vidic

Nemanja Vidic has held Ryan Giggs up as the perfect role model for any young player.

Giggs signed a one-year contract extension that will allow him to complete an incredible 19th season at Manchester United.

Already the 35-year-old is the most decorated player in English football history and given United's present dominance, the chances are Giggs will be adding to his collection over the next 18 months.

Vidic has been a team-mate for just three years of Giggs' near two-decade stint. Yet the Serbia defender has been around long enough to be aware of the standards Giggs sets.

And, should any player ever ask Vidic for the finest example of a professional footballer, he would have no hesitation putting the Welshman's name forward.

"Young players need to look at Ryan," he said.

"He is a complete professional and any young player can learn from him about how to develop themselves and how to have a big career and a long career.

"He has done very well this season and I am glad he has signed a new contract and will be part of this squad for another 18 months."

It is only a week ago at West Ham that Giggs - set to be followed in his successful contract negotiations by skipper Gary Neville - sauntered in off the touchline and scored a magnificent goal to put the Red Devils back to the Premier League summit.

"He has been at this level for 18 years," said Vidic. "To do that at Manchester United is not easy.

"In order to keep winning trophies for that long you don't just need football ability, you must be mentally tough as well."

Giggs' greatest goal was his memorable solo run and finish against Arsenal, voted the best ever in the FA Cup.

Having failed to become the first player for well over a century to complete a fifth win in the competition two years ago when United were beaten in the final at Wembley by Chelsea, victory over Derby at Pride Park on Sunday would leave Giggs just three wins away from making amends.

United have already been to the midlands outfit once this season, 24 hours after Nigel Clough had been installed as permanent successor to sacked Paul Jewell.

They were beaten too as Kris Commons lashed home the winner.

On that occasion, the Red Devils, who have Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans available but not Wayne Rooney who has been given extra time to get over his hamstring injury, had another game to tidy up the mess.

There will be no such safety net this time around if United lose again.

But Vidic, knowing the stakes are high, is not expecting a repeat.

"We only have one game this time around and we know it will be hard," he stated.

"Derby will want to finish it tomorrow as well. They don't want to come to Old Trafford because they know it will be more difficult for them there.

"They have a good team and the atmosphere will be quite intense.

"But we have the experience from last time and if we take our chances, I am sure we can do well.

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SAF expects an improvement from United on second Derby visit

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his players he expects a significant improvement when Manchester United play Derby County in the FA Cup tomorrow compared with their last visit to Pride Park. On that occasion United lost 1–0 in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, with an enraged Ferguson describing it as his team’s worst performance of the season and singling out the usually reliable Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic for criticism in the dressing room.

The damage was only superficial, with United winning the second leg 4-2 at Old Trafford, but Ferguson was as angry as at any other stage this season. The manager felt his side “could have lost by four goals” and, in particular, he was disappointed by the contribution of his more experienced players in an experimental line-up.

“Maybe, in some respects, what happened is a good thing because we’ll know what to expect now,” Darren Fletcher, the midfielder, said yesterday. “We’ve played against them a couple of times and it won’t be a shock to us this time. I’m sure it’s going to be a similar type of game. They’re going to come at us at 100 miles per hour and it will be a good atmosphere but I’m sure we will be ready for them this time.”

United will, however, have to try to navigate a way into the quarter-finals without Wayne Rooney, while Derby are having a mini-revival under the management of Nigel Clough, with three wins in succession since dropping into the Championship’s relegation places.

“I’m really surprised that they’re struggling,” said Fletcher. “They did well against us. They looked impressive and showed that, on their day, they can raise their game and cause problems for anyone. I’m sure their manager is looking at them and saying, ‘Why can’t you perform like that in the league?’ But this is a one-off cup game and they will see it as the chance of a big scalp to knock out Manchester United.”

Rooney is still recovering from the hamstring problem that has kept him out of United’s past six games as well as England’s friendly against Spain this week. He has resumed full training but Ferguson believes it would be safer to bring him back in Wednesday’s league game against Fulham at Old Trafford and, with a Champions League tie coming up against Internazionale later this month, he is not prepared to take any risks.

“We would never jeopardise anything,” said Mike Phelan, Ferguson’s assistant. “We have numerous players in the squad that we can use and Inter Milan is always in your mind.”

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Clough hopes 4 another win over United

The Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping for another shock result against the Premier League champions in tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Just over five weeks ago, Clough, who had been appointed to manager the Rams the day before, watched from the Pride Park stands as Derby beat Manchester United 1-0 in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

It was a weakened United side that played that night, and although Derby were defeated 4-2 in the second leg at Old Trafford, they still caused Ferguson’s side problems – Clough’s side scored three in total against a United defence that has not been penetrated in the league since 8 November.

Although Ferguson has conceded the FA Cup is low on his list of priorities as his team chase five trophies, Clough is convinced he will not want to be embarrassed again.

“We showed we could cause them problems over the two matches, and certainly we did down here,” said Clough. “Defensively in the first half at Old Trafford we weren’t very good and that is why we lost the tie at Old Trafford. But going forward we created chances, scoring three goals in the two games, which is a rarity against United these days.

“Certainly, I think the home leg will have a bearing, even though there are bigger competitions in their eyes, given the Champions League and Premier League.

“I think they will be a bit more cautious. If they had come here and won two or three nil, he [Ferguson] would probably think he could put the same side out and do it again. But there will be a little doubt there, and in the players’ minds as well we hope.

“All we have to do is relax and play. There’s no point getting too nervous, too het up, and think we’re playing Manchester United, the best team in the country, the world. We just have to say ‘Hold on a minute’, calm ourselves down and play our stuff as well. It’s very important we do that.

“We’re preparing exactly the same for them as for anybody, the same as it will be for Blackpool on Wednesday – which I hasten to add is a more important game for us.”

The Rams are without the suspended Jay McEveley, whilst Luke Varney is sidelined with a groin strain.

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Rooney to miss Derby county clash??

Manchester United will not jeopardise Wayne Rooney's fitness by rushing him back to action for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Derby.

Rooney has been absent with a hamstring injury for almost two months and was expected to return at West Ham last Sunday.

However, the England striker was left out for the win at Upton Park and seems unlikely to be risked this weekend either as the Red Devils chase a quarter-final place.

With the first leg of their Champions League knock-out clash against Inter Milan due to be played at the San Siro on February 24, United are not keen to risk Rooney just now.

So, the chances are Rooney will not be considered until next Wednesday's Premier League encounter with Fulham at Old Trafford.

"We are still assessing Wayne," said United assistant-boss Mike Phelan.

"He has done a little bit of work but we are not going to rush that situation because we have important games. We will ease him back in as quickly as we can.

"If he is available terrific, if not we will look at it for the next game against Fulham because we would never jeopardise anything."

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Vidic - Proud to be in United

Nemanja Vidic is proud to be part of Manchester United's record-breaking defence - but 13 successive Premier League clean sheets would mean nothing to him without victories to go with them.

United have won 11 of those matches, meaning they have surged to the top of the Premier League table while still having a game in hand over all their main rivals.

Sir Alex Ferguson may swap his defenders around for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Derby on Sunday, especially as Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans have recovered from foot and ankle injuries respectively.

But Vidic has assured Red Devils supporters there is no intention among the defenders who do play to let their standards slip as the hunt for trophies becomes more intense.

"I am very proud and happy to be part of a team that created the record," said the Serbia international.

"We are delighted to have the new record but we will try to keep going and doing the same things we have done in the past because the most important thing is to win games."

Nevertheless, having dedicated his professional life to stopping opponents finding the net, Vidic takes immense satisfaction from a run that dates back to Samir Nasri's goal for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on November 8.

Vidic and Edwin van der Sar are the only ever-presents during that amazing run and the 27-year-old admits he has allowed himself a few moments of satisfaction to reflect on a run that might continue against Fulham next Wednesday.

"I am very happy to be part of this defence," he said.

"I have been there all the time and it is a nice feeling to know you have not lost a goal for so many games.

"As defenders we can take a lot of credit because our job is to keep clean sheets.

"It is obvious we have done well over the last few months and I have really enjoyed it."

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United - Second richest in the world !!

Manchester United may be champions of World and Europe and about to reveal record profits - but they still lag behind Real Madrid in the list of the world's richest clubs.

The strength of the euro against the pound has helped Real Madrid maintain their position at the top, despite a 21% increase in revenue for United, according to the Deloitte Football Money League.

Barcelona are third in the list, while Bayern Munich have climbed above Chelsea (fifth) and Arsenal (sixth) to be fourth.

United are due to announce their figures shortly, but Deloitte are predicting the club will reveal revenue of £257million in 2007/08 compared to £210million in the previous 12 months.

Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "Real Madrid's 4% revenue growth is more modest than recent years, but the club have doubled their revenues since 2002 and have a lead of £32.5m over Manchester United.

"Real have announced they are budgeting for revenues of 400m euro (£360m) in 2008/09, so it will be difficult for rivals to replace them at the top of the Money League next year.

"Manchester United's success in winning the Premier League and Champions League has contributed to significantly-increased revenue in 2007/08, but the depreciation of the pound against the euro means they remain in second position."

All the English clubs suffered from the currency issue - Barcelona's revenue increased by only 6%, while Chelsea and Arsenal enjoyed rises of 11.5% and 18% respectively yet both Premier Leagues sides saw themselves fall a place. Liverpool, however, have gone up a place to seventh with a 25% rise in turnover.

Jones added: "If the value of the pound had not depreciated, there would have been nine, rather than seven English clubs in the top 20 - and Manchester United would have topped the Money League ahead of Real Madrid."

English clubs should continue to feature heavily in the list in future years following last week's announcement by the Premier League of a slight increase in domestic broadcast rights to £1.78billion for 2010-2013. Overseas rights are expected to increase even further.

Celtic, however, have dropped out of the top 20 clubs in the Money League - and Manchester City have come in.

Deloitte Football Money League (2007/08 revenue)

1 (last year - 1) Real Madrid £289.6m
2 (2) Manchester United £257.1m
3 (3) FC Barcelona £244.4m
4 (7) Bayern Munich £233.8m
5 (4) Chelsea £212.9m
6 (5) Arsenal £209.3m
7 (8) Liverpool £167.0m
8 (6) AC Milan £165.8m
9 (11) AS Roma £138.9m
10 (9) Internazionale £136.9m
11 (12) Juventus £132.6m
12 (13) Lyon £123.3m
13 (16) Schalke 04 £117.5m
14 (10) Tottenham £114.8m
15 (15) Hamburg £101.3m
16 (19) Marseille £100.4m
17 (14) Newcastle £99.4m
18 (-) Stuttgart £88.3m
19 (-) Fenerbahce £88.1m
20 (-) Manchester City £82.3m

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Glory Glory Man United - Lyrics

Glory Glory Man United is the football chant sung by the fans of Manchester United FC. Manchester United fans have been singing this song since the early 1980s.Manchester United fans claim that this song was adapted in the 1960s but with the lines 'In Seventy-Seven it was Docherty, Atkinson will make it Eighty-Three' prove that this song was adapted much later than claimed. It is in fact Tottenham Hotspur that used the song in the Glory Days during the 1960s, as well as Hibernian FC who recorded 'glory glory to the hibees', also in the 1960s.

Here are the lyrics...

Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching up up up!

Just like the busby days and days gone by,
We’ll keep the red flags flying high,
Your gonna see us all from far and wide,
Your gonna hear the Mans that sing with pride.

United, Man united,
We’re the boys in red and we're on our way to Wemberly!

Wemberly, Wemberly,
We're the famous Man united and we're going to Wemberly,
Wemberly, Wemberly,
We're the famous Man united and we're going to Wemberly

In ’77 in the stockham team,
Back in December '83,
And everyone will no just who we are,
They'll be singing que sera sera

United, Man united,
We’re the boys in red and we're on our way to Wemberly!

Wemberly, Wemberly,
We're the famous Man united and we're going to Wemberly,
Wemberly, Wemberly,
We're the famous Man united and we're going to Wemberly

Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching up up up!

Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching up up up!

Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching up up up!
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Manchester United - History

Manchester United were founded in 1878 as Newton Heath, the works team for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway workers in the local area. It was in 1902 following a brush with insolvency that the club changed hands and became Manchester United Football Club.

It was under manager Matt Busby during the 1950s that Manchester United really came to the fore though as Scotsman Busby built a side based on players he had groomed through United's youth structure and fashioned a great side which became known as the "Busby Babes" due their precocious talents at young ages.

Tragedy was to befall the club and the Busby Babes before they truly reached their peak though as the players and staff were involved in a plane crash at Munich in 1958 resulting in eight players and fifteen other passengers losing their lives and many others seriously injured including talismanic manager Matt Busby.

The club recovered slowly under Busby's return following his recuperation and in the early 1960s began to piece together a side including players like Bobby Charlton (a survivor of the Munich crash), Denis Law (a Scottish goal machine striker) and the mercurial Northern Irishman George Best.

An FA Cup win in 1963 was followed by English league title wins in 1965 and 1967 and was capped off by winning the European Cup in 1968 at Wembley, with Manchester United becoming the first English club to get their hands on Europe's premier club trophy.

The side began to fall apart after this and following Busby's resignation in 1969 and several failed replacements the club found themselves relegated to the second division in 1974.

Despite several FA Cup wins over the next ten years and a quick promotion back to the First Division, United didn't find a natural successor to Busby's legend until 1986 when Alex Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson as manager and began a new dynasty.

The impatient Manchester United board may have been close to sacking Ferguson a few times in his first few years but once he found his rhythm there was no stopping his sides with eight Premiership titles in ten years between 1993 and 2003 to show for their domestic dominance. In 1999, they also completed a treble of Premiership, FA Cup and a second European Cup win as Ferguson finally laid Matt Busby's ghost to rest.

Now owned by American billionaire Malcolm Glazer, Manchester United are arguably the world's best known sporting brand and undeniably world football's biggest club.

Club Details:

Full name: Manchester United Football Club
Previous Name: Newton Heath LYR FC
Nickname(s): Red Devils

Ground / Stadium:

Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
Capacity: 76,212

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