A life in football-History of SAF

Sir Alex Ferguson, born 31 December 1941, Glasgow.

1957: Starts amateur playing career at 16 with Queen’s Park.

1964: Turns professional with Dunfermline Athletic.

1967: Joins Rangers for a record Scottish transfer fee of £65,000.

1969: Moves to Falkirk before finishing playing career with Ayr United.

1974: Appointed manager of St Mirren, winning the first division title in 1977.

1978: Moves to Aberdeen FC and European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983.

1986: Moves to Manchester United. Goes on to make football history.

What his rivals say

Arsène Wenger (Arsenal manager):
“Nobody has done better. It is remarkable to have such a consistent motivation at that level - and deal with the stress and all the other ingredients.”

José Mourinho (Former Chelsea manager, now at Inter Milan):
“I call him boss because he is the manager’s boss. He’s the top manager in the country. Maybe when I become 60, the kids will call me the same.”

Rafael Benítez (Liverpool manager):
“Ferguson is killing referees.”

“When you talk about United you’re talking about a side spending big, big money on every player, every season. For me that is the main difference between the teams.”
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History behind Man Utd v Everton @ Wembley

Man United and Everton will meet at Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time since the Merseyside club triumphed in the competition in 1995.

United are overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy but echoes of Paul Rideout’s winning goal for Everton which left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side trophyless in 1995 may play on United supporters’ minds when the teams meet at Wembley.

The fixture needs no added spice with the antipathy that exists between Everton supporters and their former Gwladys Street favourite Wayne Rooney. It is five years since the striker left Goodison Park for Old Trafford but his move still rankles with Evertonians. Indeed, the last time the two sides met in the FA Cup coincided with Rooney’s first appearance at Goodison Park since leaving the club. Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 victory, but the match was almost a sideshow to the pantomime treatment of Rooney.

Fixture: Manchester United v Everton
Competition: FA Cup
Venue: Wembley, London
Date:19 April,09
Time:15.00 UK 20.25 IST
Channel: SET PIX

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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 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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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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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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