TATA to sponsor United?

After Sahara, it is the Tata Group. Exploring fresh avenues for sponsorship, English Premier League giants Manchester United have turned their attention to the $62.5 billion Indian conglomerate. This time, however, it is not for sponsoring the team’s shirt, it is learnt.

Sources at Bombay House - the Tata group’s headquarters - confirmed that they had received a proposal from Manchester United. They, however, declined to reveal the specifics (the category) of the sponsorship.

Manchester United launched their foray into India early this year, sending a proposal to Sahara for sponsoring the team’s shirt after the meltdown-hit American Insurance Group (AIG) - whose name is currently emblazoned on the jerseys - announced that they wouldn’t be renewing their contract.

Apparently, the proposed deal with Sahara was heftier than the present one with AIG, which is worth around 56.5 million pounds.

While Manchester United officials have always maintained that they have been zeroing in on potential sponsors around the world, their focus on India in the past few months is an unmistakable sign that they have sensed a vast financial potential waiting to be tapped in this country.

Also, with UK being Tata’s leading international market with revenues over $7 billion - the group has also acquired prominent brands like Tetley, Corus, Jaguar, Land Rover amongst others - it is only natural that Manchester United have devoted their energies to wooing them.

Tatas earlier forays into international sport included part sponsorship of Narain Karthikeyan in Formula One when he drove for Jordan in 2005. This year, their logo will be displayed on the Ferrari F1 machine. In any case, their association with the Italian auto heavyweight goes back in time with Tata Consultancy Services being Ferrari’s technology partner for over three years.

Says brand consultant Harish Bijoor: "The Tata group has a massive business-to-business (B2B) footprint across several countries and an association with a well-known international sports club would help it develop a business-to-consumer (B2C) footprint. A popular game like football is an excellent way to take the brand forward. Also, the group has a heritage of associating with various sportsmen in the country and this (involvement with Man United) would be an extension."

Meanwhile, in another development, famed bookmakers Paddy Power have reportedly begun betting on the next shirt sponsors for the club. NBTY, manufacturers
of nutritional supplements from the US, top the list. Sahara are second and Tatas are third favourites. It is learnt that Pepsi and McDonalds too are in the race.
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Fulham 2-0 United

Fired up Fulham blew the title race wide open with a stunning victory over nine-man United.

Danny Murphy put the home side ahead from the spot in 17 minutes after Paul Scholes had been sent off for handling a Bobby Zamora header.

Hungarian sub Zoltan Gera ensured Fulham got the win they deserved when he hooked home Andrew Johnson's cross three minutes from time.

Sir Alex Ferguson's day got worse when sub Wayne Rooney was sent off moments later for a second booking.

It was United's second defeat in a row following their 4-1 home mauling by Liverpool last weekend and it is the first time the champions have suffered back-to-back losses in the league since 2005.

Ferguson conceded his men had not been good enough to take anything from the battling Londoners.

He said: "We didn't meet the challenge and never got started.

"Fortunately we have a slender lead at the top. We're home to Aston Villa next and that game will be crucial."

"Losing games in March and April can cost you but I'm hoping we come back from the internationals at our best."

The Cottagers took the game to United and their pressure paid off in dramatic fashion in 17 minutes.

A corner from Simon Davies found Zamora whose first effort was saved by Rafael Van der Sar but his second attempt was kept out by Scholes' hands.

The midfielder had to go and Fulham captain Murphy further punished the Red Devils when he netted the penalty.

Fulham, who were humbled 4-0 at home by United in the FA Cup earlier this month, continued to dominate.

Ferguson threw on Rooney for the ineffective Dimitar Berbatov at halftime and the 10 men began to flourish.

Mark Schwarzer did superbly to keep out a Cristiano Ronaldo header and the Australian also denied Park Ji-Sung and Rooney with a brilliant double save.

But Fulham weathered the storm and Gera made the game safe late on before a frustrated Rooney saw red.

Fulham gaffer Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Schwarzer. He said: "He made a fantastic double save and had they equalised then who knows what would have happened?"
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Fulham v United - Preview

Mid table Fulham must be dreading the backlash of Manchester United's heaviest home defeat in 17 years. The defending champions are still smarting from last Saturday's humiliating 1-4 home loss to arch rivals Liverpool, their first defeat in 17 in all competitions.

The Cottagers go into their 800th fixture in top-flight football hunting their first back-to-back victories in 18 games, following last weekend's 1-3 triumph at Bolton.

Manchester United are vying for a ninth successive Premier League victory over Fulham. They have already beaten the Cottagers twice this season; 3-0 at Old Trafford in the league, and 0-4 at the Cottage in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup a fortnight ago.

The Thames-side club have not experienced a home league victory over the champions in 11 outings, since their 2-1 top-flight victory on 5 September 1964.

Winger Clint Dempsey has had a bout of food poisoning and will be assessed closer to kick-off by Fulham.

Centre-back Aaron Hughes is out with a rib injury, otherwise the Cottagers have no other selection concerns.

Defender Gary Neville and midfielder Darren Fletcher have recovered from a groin strain and virus respectively and are back in Manchester United's squad.

Jonny Evans is likely to replace the suspended Nemanja Vidic alongside Rio Ferdinand in central defence.

Fulham Squad: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Stoor, Hangeland, Konchesky, Baird, Davies, Etuhu, Dacourt, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Kallio, Nevland, Kamara, Gray, Barnes.

Man Utd Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Neville, Evra, Eckersley, Fabio, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes, Park, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck.

Fixture: Fulham v Manchester United
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Craven Cottage
Time:15.00 UK 20.30 IST
Channel: ESPN India

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United to face Porto in QFs of UCL

Holders Manchester United will face 2004 winners Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals, with a potential all-English semi with Arsenal to come.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side went out to Jose Mourinho's eventual winners during that 2003-04 campaign, and will be out for revenge as they continue their title defence in 2009.

United will start hot favourites to overcome Porto, and if they come safely through they'll meet Arsenal or Spanish side Villarreal in the last four.

Sir Alex Ferguson was more than happy with the draw, explaining: "This is a good draw for us, we've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team.

"We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club firstly with Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Nani so we understand Portuguese football."

United will play the second leg in Porto but Ferguson insists that should not be a problem.

He said: "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there is no indication of what is better, the only thing you hope is that you don't lose a goal in the home tie.

"We are happy with the draw and we are looking forward to the next round."

Quarter-finals
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v Porto
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich

# First legs will be played on April 7/8.

# Second legs will be played on April 14/15.
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Vidic suspended for two games!

Nemanja Vidic will be suspended for two matches following his red card in Manchester United’s 4–1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

The centre-back was sent off in the second half for hauling down Steven Gerrard as the Liverpool captain was running in on goal.

As it was Vidic’s second red card of the season – the other also came against Liverpool for two bookable offences in a 2–1 loss at Anfield in September – it means the Serbia international will miss two matches.

Along with this Saturday’s trip to Fulham, Vidic is unavailable for the game at home to Aston Villa, which is currently scheduled for 5 April but will be brought forward by 24 hours if United play in the Champions League on 7 April.
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United 1-4 Liverpool

This has to be one of the best weeks in Liverpool’s history under Rafa Benitez. After beating Real Madrid so convincingly during mid-week in the Champions League, the Reds did the unthinkable today by thrashing Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford.

The Premier League title race is back on.

Liverpool’s win takes Benitez’s side to within 4 points of Manchester United. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has a game in hand.

The performance today by Manchester United was lackluster and missing creativity and speed up front. For once, Fergie got the tactics wrong. Instead of going for the jugular in the first half, his side were too cautious. In the beginning of the second half, Man United’s display improved as it was Liverpool’s turn to sit back and take on wave after wave of United’s attack.

But for United, it was poor performances by Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic that allowed Liverpool to romp to victory. Vidic was guilty of letting Torres get past him for Liverpool’s first goal. Evra chopped down Steven Gerrard late in the first half, which resulted in a penalty converted by the Liverpool captain. The third goal resulted from Vidic pulling down Gerrard outside the box when Vidic was the last defender back. And the fourth goal for Liverpool came out of nowhere with Andreas Dossena lobbing the ball over Edwin van der Sar and into the back of the net.

To me, the man of the match was Alan Wiley. The Premier League referee had the balls to award a penalty against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The last time that happened was two years ago when Bolton were awarded a penalty, which was converted by Gary Speed. Wiley was correct to award the penalty to Liverpool. He also made the correct decision to award the first penalty to Manchester United after Pepe Reina brought down Ji-Sung Park. And the decision to award a free kick and red card Nemanja Vidic was the right one. Alan WIley may not be the most popular man in Manchester tonight, but he deserves a lot of praise for being calm under pressure and making the right calls.

With two months left in the season, here are the matches that both teams have remaining in the league:

• Manchester United: Fulham (a), Aston Villa (h), Sunderland (a), Wigan (a), Portsmouth (h), Tottenham (h), Middlesbrough (a), Man City (h), Arsenal (h), Hull City (a).
• Liverpool: Aston Villa (h), Fulham (a), Blackburn (h), Arsenal (h), Hull City (a), Newcastle United (h), West Ham (a), West Brom (a), Liverpool (h).

As you can see, the title is anyone’s to play for and don’t forget Chelsea who are finding their form at just the right time.

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United v Liverpool - Preview

Old Trafford is the place when Premier League leaders Manchester United go head-to-head with deadly rivals Liverpool on Saturday.

United currently hold a seven-point advantage over both Liverpool and second-placed Chelsea ahead of the weekend action and a win on Saturday would almost certainly ensure a third straight title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's squad is showing unrivalled strength in depth, with only Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Rafael da Silva currently sidelined by injury.

Both Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea shrugged off knocks to feature in the midweek Champions League win against Internazionale, with United's defence, rather than their much-vaunted attack, having been the bedrock of their success this term.

Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have formed a superb partnership in central defence, affording a degree of protection to veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar which recently saw him keep 14 consecutive league clean sheets.

Up front Ferguson has an embarrassment of riches, being able to select from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez.

However, Liverpool will arrive at Old Trafford on the crest of a wave following their 4-0 Champions League thrashing of Real Madrid.

Boss Rafa Benitez eschewed his habitual caution to go for the jugular and his side responded with a total demolition of the Spanish champions.

The Spaniard said after that stunning win: "We have an important game next, but we have played well, scored four goals and are very confident. That is the best way to prepare for such a game.

"It was important for us to play that well, but we are now facing a very good team and we must win to close the gap at the top.

"We have a few days to enjoy this result and make sure we are positive and prepared properly for the game at Old Trafford."

Fernando Torres played and scored in midweek, despite needing a pain-killing injection on an ankle injury and the visitors will be praying that he is fit enough to face United at the weekend.

Earlier this season Liverpool edged a 2-1 win over United at Anfield, but their last three league visits to Old Trafford have ended in three defeats and no goals scored.

Fixture: Manchester United v Liverpool
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:12.45 UK 18.15 IST
Channel: ESPN India

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United 2-0 Inter Milan !

Manchester United scored a goal at the start of each half Wednesday to beat Inter Milan 2-0 and help complete an English sweep into the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Arsenal's 7-6 penalty shootout win at AS Roma means all four English teams in the competition will be in next week's quarterfinal draw after defending champion United withstood concerted pressure to reach the last eight for the third straight year.

Nemanja Vidic scored in the fourth minute and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 49th to give United a 2-0 win over the two legs, while Arsenal lost 1-0 at Roma to draw 1-1 on aggregate -- advancing only when Max Tonetto missed the crucial penalty.

Barcelona eased into the quarterfinals with a 5-2 home win over Lyon and FC Porto progressed on away goals after a 0-0 draw with visiting Atletico Madrid.

United, which drew 0-0 at Inter two weeks ago, led early at Old Trafford when Vidic twisted and turned inside the area to lose his marker and head a corner past goalkeeper Julio Cesar from about 12 meters (yards).

Although Inter dominated the rest of the half and hit the bar with a header by striker Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Wayne Rooney set up a second goal.

The England striker taunted Maicon with the ball on the edge of the area before floating a diagonal cross from the left corner of the box through the defense, giving the unmarked Ronaldo an easy close-range header.

It was Ronaldo's first Champions League goal since last season's final win over Chelsea and marked the first time in 14 attempts that United had scored more than one goal against a team managed by Jose Mourinho.

Inter hit the frame of the goal again when Adriano volleyed onto the post but United deservedly joined Chelsea and Liverpool, which advanced on Tuesday, in the next round.

"United deserved to win," Mourinho said. "They scored two goals over the course of the two games and we have to accept that, in football, the team that wins always deserves it."

Arsenal's play was largely devoid of the flair that has characterized manager Arsene Wenger's teams but advanced when Tonetto smashed the 16th kick of the shootout high over the bar.

"We needed to show our nerve tonight and determination," Wenger said. "We were a bit nervous at the start and gave a goal away more by nerves than them creating the chance.

"I must pay tribute to the nerves of my team. There is something in there that comes out: that is huge mental strength."

Eduardo Da Silva had missed Arsenal's first kick but Mirko Vucinic wasted the advantage when he weakly hit Roma's second at goalkeeper Manuel Almunia in the middle of the goal.

Roma, which lost the first leg 1-0 at Arsenal, had earlier drawn level on aggregate in the 10th when a cross from the left beat four defenders and was fired into the net by the unmarked Juan.

Barcelona made sure of its place with four first-half goals against Lyon, two of them in three minutes from Thierry Henry.

Henry made it 2-0 and Lionel Messi then slalomed into the area and exchanged passes with Samuel Eto'o before scoring his sixth tournament goal of the season with a calm shot. Eto'o put Barcelona further in front in the 43rd from a pass by Henry.

Jean Il Makoun got a goal back a minute later with a header from a corner and Juninho hit a low shot four minutes into the second half to narow the deficit to two goals, but Seydou Keito struck in the final minute to make it 6-3 on aggregate.

Porto, meanwhile, progressed courtesy of the two goals it scored to draw 2-2 at Atletico Madrid in the first leg.

"Nobody thought we would come this far. We're a young team and we're still growing," Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira said.

Villarreal and Bayern Munich also progressed Tuesday, with the latter's 7-1 win over Sporting Lisbon wrapping up a 12-1 aggregate win -- the biggest ever in a post-group stage match.
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United v Inter Milan - Preview

Ever since the draw was made, the image of Jose Mourinho celebrating Francisco Costinha’s goal at Old Trafford following Porto’s 1-1 draw in March 2004, that sent them through to the quarter finals, has hovered over this tie. Since Sir Alex Ferguson has only ever engineered one win over the “Special One,” it appears that Inter may be able to do the impossible and shatter the Manchester United quintuple dream.

Despite dominating Serie A, the truth is that Inter Milan are not a great team, they have probably three world class players in Julio Cesar, Maicon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the supporting cast, which includes some real quality (Cambiasso, Zanetti etc.) is not in the same league as the attacking array of talent United have at their disposal.

So, if Inter are to progress to the quarter-finals it could well be due to the brilliance of Jose Mourinho and his side will need a resilient defensive performance combined with either an early goal to knock the stuffing out of United and the Old Trafford crowd or go the route of Porto in 2004 and claim a late away goal which won’t give Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov et al the opportunity to hit back.

Whether Rio Ferdinand plays or not, United will be confident of taking a major step to their second successive Champions League final after a dominant display in the San Siro. The Manchester United midfield overpowered the Italians in the first leg and the likes of Fletcher, Carrick and Park should have the legs to see off Inter should the game go to extra time.

Ferguson will surely go for the Berbatov-Rooney partnership initially with Tevez off the bench if things are not going as smoothly as expected. And Cristiano Ronaldo will expect to perform on the biggest stage and claim his first Champions League goal of the season.

Fixture: Manchester United v Inter Milan

Competition: UEFA Champions league

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Time: 19.45 UK, 1.15 IST (Thursday)

Channel: TEN SPORTS (India Only)

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Inter will play 4 penalties - SAF

Sir Alex Ferguson accuses Inter Milan of negativity ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game @ Old Trafford and predicted that Jose Mourinho’s side will play for penalties in the second-leg of their last-16 tie.

Mourinho claimed before the two sides’ initial meeting at the San Siro, which ended 0–0, that United would not be willing to meet Inter “eye to eye” and would change their usual approach. Now Ferguson has turned the tables and tried to second-guess his opponents’ tactics, perhaps in the hope that it will goad the Portuguese into taking a more attacking approach.

“Could he really have believed that we wouldn’t attack at the San Siro?” Ferguson said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “Well, I’ll tell you that at Old Trafford Inter will play for penalties. There is always that Italian mentality. Even with Argentinians and other foreigners, that remains the idea. They will look to suffocate the game and aim for 120 minutes of goalless football. But I’m not worried about anything. My players have shown they have what it takes when it comes to penalties. I hope it continues like that.”

United won last season’s European Cup and this month’s Carling Cup on penalties and Ferguson feels that nothing the Portuguese tries in the build-up will surprise or disturb him.

“We are used to Jose,” he said. “I’m not a little lad from the Govan alleys who finds himself on Fifth Avenue in New York. I’m not shocked by anything any more. Mourinho has a magnetic power over the media; everyone wants him because he goes from the amusing to the spirited to the offensive. He’s a great media tactician. But he also know that when the game begins it will only be Inter against the Reds, he can’t do anything more. Personally I trust in those I send out on the pitch.”

Ferguson has urged his players to find the spirit of last year’s semi-final against Barcelona as they prepare to welcome Inter. United were level at 0–0 after the first-leg of that tie and won thanks to a Paul Scholes goal. “In the build-up to a match against Jose I have to expect everything from him,” he said. “But we are preparing in the same way as after the 0-0 in the Nou Camp. An intense and efficient preparation, which worked very well.

“We controlled them well in Milan – Inter only had a couple of half-chances in the second half. My players played with an incredible level of concentration. They have to do the same in the return leg.”

Inter have not been looking their usual selves in Serie A of late, although they won 2–0 at Genoa on Saturday to move seven points clear of Juventus at the top of the table, but Ferguson believes that is because they have had one eye on Wednesday. “Inter are in command in Serie A and after they came back against Roma [3-3], they have the Scudetto in their pocket,” he added. “He must also believe it, judging from the players he’s been putting out since the first leg. He’s obviously thinking of us.”

Mourinho has spiced up the game by saying he could take over as manager at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retires. “If you want me to rule out ever being Manchester United manager I can’t,” Inter’s coach added. “Special clubs need special managers so in theory it could work, but nobody knows what the future is in football. The England national team wanted me as coach and that is the biggest job in England, so I am sure when Sir Alex retires they will look at the best managers in the world and I certainly fall into the category.”

But Ferguson laughed off the idea that he might be close to the end at Old Trafford. “Who’s talking about stopping?” he said. “You would have to take me out of here by force. I’m really not thinking about it at all. And even less so is Mourinho thinking about coming to United.”

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Fulham 0-4 United

United march towards a quintet of trophies continued apace at Craven Cottage as Carlos Tevez helped sweep aside Fulham and earn a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Tevez scored twice before half-time and his double helped explain why Sir Alex Ferguson’s men might lift five bits of silverware this season - nine of his 12 goals have come in cups.

SUMMARY:
Fulham 0-4 Man Utd
Tevez 20,35
Rooney 50
Park 81

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Fergie: I'll continue as long as my health allows!

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is scared of quitting management because of the impact his departure from Old Trafford could have on his life. The Manchester United manager acknowledges that he is in the final stretch of his career but wants to continue for as long as his health and enthusiasm allow. He announced several years ago that he was going to retire from football – only to reverse his decision – and is happy to remain in the game

“When I reached 60, I asked myself the question. I almost left,” said Ferguson in an interview with L’Equipe’s sport magazine. “But I quickly realised, with my family, that it was a mistake. Today, I fear the idea of retiring. I have been on the train for so long that when I get off I fear my system will collapse. I have decided not to ask myself the question any more. Three things can make me stop. One: my health. Two: if I don’t take pleasure any more. Three: if I don’t have the strength for new challenges any more.

“Each summer, I have a look at those three things. I go to my doctor first. I had a pacemaker set up four or five years ago. Today, I am playing the penalty shoot-out of my managerial career. I know that. The rest is decided between me and me. I see my doctor every summer. He says ‘boss, you are 67. You will have more and more back pains. Getting up in the morning sometimes won’t be easy.’ This is the penalty shootout.”

Ferguson explained how he helps to bring out the best from his players and keep them hungry for success in an era of huge salaries. “I like to remind them of their roots, so they remember where their parents and grandparents come from,” he said. “I want them to think of the history of their family. To carry the values of their class. Being from the working-class today is facing a world full of technology and comfort that you can’t afford. The players can afford everything but I make sure they keep an ethos. And that starts by working hard. I try to touch the players in their heart. I tell them that nobody will knock on their door to offer them a trophy. That only work and solidarity will reward them.

“Of course you need technique, work and team spirit but you also need the sense of sacrifice. Bryan Robson was a complete and perfect example. To win, you need eight players in the rhythm and the good spirit. Then, they can carry the other three. Less than eight, it’s tough. I like to see a part of my personality in the players. Every manager is like that. It’s reassuring. At Aberdeen the players looked so much like me. Here, it’s in Bryan Robson that I found me the most. He was a manager playing football. What intelligence.

“It’s rare that players respect my tactical wishes throughout the heat of the game. It’s why I have always taken young players and never neglected the local players. So they can understand the United challenge. I prefer a player who can have a bad day but works like a madman more than a naturally-gifted player. I will give more time to the first one to improve because I know he will try and try. Roy Keane was like that. He maybe didn’t have the potential but he became an absolute Manchester United player. He strangled the life out of his opponents. He raised his game. Cristiano Ronaldo is another example. He had talents but above that I believed in his mental strength. In three or four years, he has become the best player in the world. Their success is the success of a club that has given them the right values.”

Ronaldo stayed at Manchester United last summer despite interest from Real Madrid and Ferguson said that it was not a reluctance to sell to Madrid in particular that shaped his determination to keep the Portugal international but the strength of his desire to keep the player. “If two clubs came to offer £100m for Cristiano and Cristiano wants to go to Madrid, do you think I could make him sign for the other club? You think I could go against his wishes? All I can do is advise him. But all this makes sense only if we are ready to sell Cristiano for £100m.

“We have already sold players to Madrid: Heinze, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy. We sold them those players because we wanted to. We didn’t sell Cristiano because we didn’t want to. It’s just a business question, not an ethical question. I won’t let my personal feelings influence my decision-making.”

Ferguson also spoke highly of his goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who he signed from Fulham in 2005. “At the end of January, something interesting happened with Van der Sar. When he beat the unbeaten record for a goalkeeper, he absolutely wanted to get the match ball. And he was so excited that in the dressing room he went and kissed each of his team-mates. At 38, achieving that still meant a lot to him. This made me proud. It means that maybe I have brought something to my players. I am like the keeper of the temple. For 23 years, it has been my motto to never let the perfectionism go.”

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Fulham v United - Preview

United's Wembley heroes could be asked to book a return to the stadium for the FA Cup semi-final.

Fulham stand in the way of the Reds' third outing under the Arch this term after penalty successes in both the Community Shield against Portsmouth and last Sunday's shoot-out win against Tottenham in the Carling Cup Final.

United visit Craven Cottage for the FA Cup sixth round tomorrow with a semi-final at Wembley beckoning.

The tie against Roy Hodgson's side is sandwiched between the successful Premier League trip to Newcastle and the second leg last 16 Champions League showdown with Inter Milan.

Game: Fulham v Manchester United
Competition: FA Cup Quarter Final
Venue: Craven Cottage
Time:17.15 UK 10.40 IST
Channel: SONY PIX (India Only)

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United's injury list

Ferdinand is over his back spasm and has a nine-match run under his belt and Vidic has had one or two rests Fergie said in his pre-match press conference for the Newcastle match that the Anglo-Serb alliance was likely to be here to stay.

"Ferdinand and Vidic will be a really solid partnership to the end of the season now we hope," he revealed.

With injuries ruling out Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Rafael, either John O'Shea or Jonny Evans, who have been nursing heel and ankle problems respectively, will occupy the right back berth.

Patrice Evra had a seven-match enforced rest with his ankle injury plus a four-match ban over the festive season so he is almost certain to play.

Fergie's embarrassment of riches in midfield is likely to see his Newcastle quartet, and possible Inter engine room of Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park all miss out tomorrow.

Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson, Anderson and Nani, who all featured at Wembley in the Carling Cup, will be favourites to line-up at Craven Cottage.

Up-front, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov appear to be Fergie's choice for the big Premier League and European matches which leaves Carlos Tevez fronting the domestic cup assaults.

Though Danny Welbeck partnered the Argentinian at Wembley it could be Rooney asked to join forces at Fulham.

After only starting two games in two months, the England striker is in need of a run of matches.
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Newcastle 1-2 United

Manchester United restored their seven-point lead at the top of the table after being given a scare at Newcastle. Peter Lovenkrands put the Magpies ahead as Edwin van der Sar conceded for the first time in 1,311 minutes after he spilled Jonas Gutierrez's shot. Wayne Rooney levelled with a fine low shot on the turn from 20-yards. And it was another blunder - this time by Ryan Taylor - who slipped and allowed Ji-Sung Park to square for Dimitar Berbatov to slam in the winner.

Summary:
Newcastle 1-2 Man Utd
Lovenkrands 9
Rooney 20
Berbatov 56

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Newcastle v United - Preview

Relegation threatened Newcastle United face a stern test when league leaders and Carling Cup champions Manchester United come visiting at St.James Park this Wednesday.

Bolton’s win over Newcastle at the weekend leaves the Magpies just two points above the relegation zone. Newcastle have won just once in nine league games, and the St.James Park faithful’s patience is drawing to an end. The fans taunted the assistant managers when Martins was substituted for Viduka towards the end of the game, saying that they did not know what they were doing. Michael Owen and Joey Barton are injured, and winter signing Kevin Nolan is suspended.

Newcastle United form ( Last five games- all competitions)

Bolton 1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 0-0 Everton
West Brom 2-3 Newcastle ( Damien Duff, Peter Lovenkrands, Steven Taylor)
Newcastle 1-1 Sunderland ( Shoela Ameobi)
Man City 2-1 Newcastle ( Andy Carroll)

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling shootout in the Carling Cup final, and the defending champions will be full of confidence ahead of this game. Defender Rafael is injured. Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic could all return to the first eleven after being rested for the Carling Cup.

United are in imperious attacking form, and take on Fulham in the FA Cup after this game.

Manchester United form- last five games- all competitions

Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
Inter Milan 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers ( Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo)
Manchester United 3-0 Fulham ( Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney)
Derby 1-4 Man United ( Darron Gibson, Danny Wellbeck, Nani, C.Ronaldo)

When United visited St.James Park last time, they thrashed the Magpies 5-1. Something similar could well happen here unless Newcastle turn in an exceptional performance.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-3 Manchester United

Match: Manchester United (1st- 62 points) vs Newcastle United (15th-28 points)

Competition : Barclays Premier league

Venue : St.James Park, Newcastle

Kickoff : Wednesday, 04 March 2009, 19.45 UK time,1.15 IST (Thurs)

Live Telecast:ESPN (India)

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United wins Carling Cup !

Manchester United have a quintuple in their sights after Ben Foster's penalty shoot-out heroics helped them beat Tottenham and win the Carling Cup 4-1 on penalties at Wembley.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men remain in the hunt for five trophies this season, including the Club World Cup they had already won in December, after Foster saved from Jamie O'Hara in the shoot-out following 120 goalless minutes.David Bentley also went wide with his penalty, and Anderson tucked away the winning spot-kick.

Afterwards, Ferguson told Sky Sports: "They took their penalties very confidently. Ben Foster did a fantastic save and that gave us a big lift."

The United manager admitted he would have preferred to win the match in normal time as United continue to pursue an unprecedented quintuple.

"We could have done without extra time to be honest and I suppose Tottenham will be saying the same.

"There'll be some tired legs and I need them to freshen up.

"The league's a priority and the Champions League as well."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp praised his players and urged them to get over their disappointment quickly ahead of the crucial league game at Middlesbrough next week

"I thought we were super," he said. "It was a great performance and it came down to a lottery in the end.

"I have to be honest, we were not that confident with our penalty takers really and you looked over there and they had very confident penalty takers.

"But overall they couldn't beat us in 90 minutes plus extra time so we didn't deserve to lose and I thought we were fantastic.

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