United signs Obertan

Manchester United have signed Gabriel Obertan from Bordeaux on a four-year deal.

The 20-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with United.

Gabriel Obertan, a Paris-born France Under-21 international who can fill several attacking roles, will have to wait for his first-team bow, however, as an unspecified minor injury will keep him out of United's forthcoming tour of the Far East.

Obertan underwent a medical on Tuesday and reports in France have claimed he will cost the Red Devils around £3million.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told manutd.com.

"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years."

Bordeaux sent Obertan on loan to Lorient for the second half of last season where he made 15 appearances, scoring one goal.

"I am very happy to join Manchester United," the player added.

"This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."

Obertan scored against England Under-21s in March and took the Most Valuable Player award at last month's Toulon International youth tournament.

He becomes Ferguson's third signing of the close season after Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have led the departures in an already eventful summer at Old Trafford.

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Owen's profile

979: Born December 14, Chester.

1995: Beats the goalscoring record of Kevin Gallen and Nick Barmby for England Under-15s.

1996: Helps Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup in May. Signs professional terms with Liverpool on 17th birthday after previously joining them as a schoolboy.

1997: May 6 - Scores on his first-team debut against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.

September 16 - Scores on European debut against Celtic in UEFA Cup.

November 18 - Nets his first senior hat-trick against Grimsby in the Coca-Cola Cup.

December 17 - Scores on his debut for England Under-21s.

1998: February 2 - Named in Glenn Hoddle's senior squad for the first time.

February 11 - Becomes youngest England international of the 20th century when he starts against Chile.

February 14 - Scores his first Premier League hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday. Finishes season joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals.

May 31 - Named in England's World Cup squad of 22.

June 22 - Scores after coming on as substitute against Romania but England lose 2-1.

June 30 - Scores a sensational goal against Argentina before England bow out of France 98 on penalties.

December 13 - Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, one day before his 19th birthday.

1999: April 14 - Liverpool announce Owen is out for three months because of hamstring and tendon injuries.

2000: June - Named in Kevin Keegan's Euro 2000 squad.

2001: May - Scores twice in the last seven minutes as Liverpool come back to beat Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

Plays, but does not score, as Liverpool complete a cup treble when they beat Alaves 5-4 after extra-time to win the UEFA Cup.

September 1 - A hat-trick helps England to an historic 5-1 win over Germany in the World Cup qualifier in Munich.

September 26 - Signs a new four-year deal with the Anfield club.

December 17 - Named European Footballer of the Year.

2002: April 16 - Named as stand-in England captain for friendly against Paraguay.

June - Scores goals against Denmark and Brazil during England's run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Japan.

2003: April 26 - Scores his 100th Premier League goal, the second of four in a 6-0 rout of West Brom.

June 11 - Making 50th England appearance, captains the side in the absence of David Beckham and nets twice in 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifying defeat of Slovakia at Riverside Stadium.

September 24 - Breaks Rush's club record, scoring his 21st goal in European competition with a header agains Olimpija Ljubljana in the UEFA Cup first round 1-1 draw in Slovenia.

2004: June - Scores one goal for England in Euro 2004 - in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal.

August 12 - Sources close to Real Madrid reveal the Spanish club have agreed to give Liverpool £8million and Antonio Nunez for the services of Owen.

August 13 - Passes medical with the Spanish giants.

2005: May 23 - After scoring 16 goals in his debut season in Spain, states his intention to stay with Real Madrid despite reported interest from Newcastle.

August 3 - After Real Madrid sign Robinho and Julio Baptista, Owen admits he has had "brief dialogue with three or four Premiership clubs".

August 30 - Owen signs four-year deal with Newcastle, sealing £17million permanent transfer.

September 18 - Opens scoring in second game - a 3-0 win at Blackburn - and follows up in the next game with winner against Manchester City at St James' Park.

October 12 - Takes England goal tally to 33 with first goal of the World Cup qualifier against Poland - equalling Gary Lineker's competitive record of 22 for England.

December 17 - Scores first hat-trick for Newcastle in 4-2 win at West Ham.

December 31 - Breaks metatarsal bone in defeat at Tottenham and is ruled out for "several months".

2006: March 24 - Newcastle announce Owen requires surgery to tighten the screw inserted into his foot during the initial operation.

June 20 - Regains fitness to take his place at the World Cup but injures his knee in first minute of group game against Sweden in Cologne and is immediately replaced. Ruled out for at least nine months.

2007: April 15 - Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd says Newcastle may seek an injunction to stop Owen playing for England in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in June.

April 30 - Owen makes first competitive start in over 10 months, playing the full 90 minutes as Newcastle lose 1-0 to Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

September 29 - Owen undergoes a hernia operation, which proves such a success he is expected to return to action in time for England's Euro 2008 games.

2008: January 19 - Appointed Newcastle captain by new manager Kevin Keegan.

2009: May - Finishes the season with 10 goals as Newcastle are relegated from the Premier League on the final day.

June 22 - Confirms that he will not be renewing his contract with Newcastle.

July 1 - Becomes a free agent after his Newcastle contract runs out.

July 3 - Reports link Owen with free transfer to Manchester United and he later signs a two-year contract with the champions after passing medical tests.

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Highs and lows of Manchester United 08-09

Lows first..

* Champions league final loss: United was performing so well till CL final. No one expected such a poor performance from United in European Championship final.

* Tevez to leave?? For most of the season Tevez was sitting in bench and he just got frustrated and decided to move to another club.

* More debt: United's debt increased to 699m.

Highs now..

* Achieved Treble: United won Premier League, Carling Cup and FIFA Club WC.
CL would've been great!!

* Highest turnover: United achieved a turnover of 256m. Highest by a football club in the world.
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Hull v United - Preview

United are likely to field a much-changed team at relegation-threatened Hull City as they prepare for the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

That is excellent news for the Tigers who go into the game just outside the relegation zone after securing a vital draw at Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

However, such is the strength in depth of the current United squad that any team Sir Alex Ferguson decides to field is certain to push Hull all the way.

City can take heart from their performance at the Reebok Stadium when they were unfortunate not to return to the east coast with all three points, but their record at the KC Stadium is awful - they have only won three of their 18 home games this term.

It is possible that Phil Brown's team could lose on Sunday and still avoid an immediate return to the Championship but it is bound to be a nervous afternoon for all concerned.

Long-term injury victim Jimmy Bullard (knee) once again misses out as do Ian Ashbee (cruciate knee ligaments) and Anthony Gardner (back), but Brown is hopeful that Bernard Mendy and Kamil Zayatte could feature.

Having secured a third successive Premier League title by drawing 0-0 with Arsenal at Old Trafford last weekend, United are likely to be in celebratory mood at the KC Stadium.

Recent history suggests they may not be at their best as, two years ago, they lost at home at West Ham United on the final day of the campaign after securing the title.

That allowed the Hammers to stay up while Sheffield United were condemned to the drop.

Ferguson is certain to rest most of his key players but will definitely be without injured quartet Rio Ferdinand (back), Ben Foster (thumb), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Wes Brown (ankle).

The two teams produced an amazing game at Old Trafford earlier in the season when United held on to win 4-3 despite conceding two late goals.

Fixture: Hull City v Manchester United
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: KC Stadium
Date: 24 May
Time:15.00 UK 20.30 IST
Channel: STAR SPORTS India

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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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We're Champions again!!!!

Manchester United have retained their Premier League titlefor a third successive season after drawing 0-0 with Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The result also means United have already secured a treble of trophies in the 2008/09 campaign, following victories in the Carling Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

And finally, the draw at Old Trafford and United retaining the Premier League once again also has the added significance in that the Red Devils have now won 18 EPL titles, equalling the record set by fierce rivals Liverpool.

Saturday 16th May 2009 is yet another memorable day in the lives of all Manchester United fans across the world.

UNITED ARE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND FOR THE THIRD YR IN A ROW!
11TH TITLE UNDER SAF!

HAYS OFF TO SAF AND RED DEVILS FOR ENTERTAINING US!!
UNITED WILL ACHIEVE QUADRUPLE IF THEY WIN UCL!!

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United v Arsenal - Final Title Crunch - Preview

Manchester United need to get at least a draw out of today’s game against Arsenal to win the Premiership for the third year in a row.

If Manchester United manage to get at least a point from their clash against Arsenal on Saturday, then United will be presented the trophy straight after the game.

Yet, the game against Arsenal will not be an easy one. The Gunners have flourished in the majority of their ‘big four’ clashes this season, including their 2-1 win last time these two teams met in the Premier League.

The gap between both sides is 18, and although Arsenal have very little to play for they will still be looking for pride. This is a side who have won 18 of the last 20 Premier League matches.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Arsenal will be keen to help second placed Liverpool. “They have had a bit of criticism recently and they will want to register their abilities on a day when everyone expects Manchester United to win the title,” he said.

Even if Manchester United fail to win this game, the title is still very likely to be heading to Old Trafford, as they still have go to relegation bound Hull City on the final day of the season.

Man Utd can now match Liverpool’s historic record of 18 titles, but Ferguson had admitted that he’d never get this far.

“I never even thought about moving level with Liverpool,” said Ferguson. “My first intention was to win one and break the stranglehold Liverpool had on the title. The big challenge was that first one.”

Fixture: Manchester United v Arsenal
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Date: 16.5.09

Time:12.45 UK 18.15 IST
Channel: ESPN India

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United 2-0 City

Manchester United moved a step closer to retaining the Premier League title after beating rivals Manchester City.
Cristiano Ronaldo's deflected free-kick put United ahead after wrong-footing keeper Shay Given, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Carlos Tevez struck the City woodwork before powering in a 20-yard strike off the post to extend United's advantage.
Robinho wasted City's best chance when he shot wide from eight yards as the home side eased to victory.
United had gone into the game having seen Liverpool draw level with them at the Premier League summit with a win at West Ham on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez's side were hoping the pressure would produce a wobble from the Old Trafford side but, instead, United's pace, power and passing was too much for City.
United have a habit of timing their good form for the end of season run in and, even though this was their 62nd match of the season, they showed little sign of letting the league title slip from their grasp.
The hosts quickly set about City and Ronaldo teed up Ji-Sung Park, who dragged his angled shot wide of the far post.
United had slipped into their slick passing game and it did not take long for their pressure to be rewarded with a goal after City midfielder Vincent Kompany lost possession.
United broke and a back-tracking Stephen Ireland fouled Berbatov to leave Ronaldo to score from the type of 25-yard free-kick he excels at.

Robinho tried to respond for City when the ball broke kindly for him just outside the United area only for the Brazilian to shoot wide.
Too many of City's passes were going awry and left their defence straining as they gave United the chance to continually launch attacks.
Tevez almost made them pay when he shifted inside and curled a strike which came off the angle of the woodwork.
But the Argentine made no mistake when Berbatov sublimely controlled a long Darren Fletcher ball and squared the ball for him to smash in a shot off the inside of the post.
City came out with more ambition after the break and Robinho had a great chance to pull one back.
He latched on to a Nigel de Jong through ball and showed excellent control only to shoot horribly wide from eight yards.
That was a rare chance for a City side who were unable to exert any concerted pressure on a resolute United defence led by the towering presence of Nemanja Vidic.

United were even able to step off the gas and conserve some energy ahead of playing again on Wednesday against Wigan.
Martin Petrov did force United keeper Edwin van der Sar into a full-length diving save to turn his shot round the post, while at the other end Tevez again hit the post, this time with a close-range header.
The only slight on United's win was the angry reaction of Ronaldo to being substituted but they now need four points from their remaining three games - with the others against Arsenal and Hull - to clinch the title.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Vidic, Evans (O'Shea 71), Evra, Ronaldo (Scholes 58), Fletcher, Giggs, Park (Rooney 58), Berbatov, Tevez.Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Carrick, Nani.
Booked: Fletcher.
Goals: Ronaldo 18, Tevez 45.
Man City: Given, Richards, Onuoha, Dunne, Bridge, Elano, Ireland, Kompany, De Jong (Petrov 73), Robinho (Evans 89), Caicedo (Bojinov 63).Subs Not Used: Hart, Zabaleta, Fernandes, Berti.
Booked: Ireland.
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Middlesbrough 0-2 United

United moved six points clear at the top of the table after a comfortable win against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough.

Both sides started brightly but were restricted to long-range efforts in the opening stages, Wayne Rooney having three strikes which didn't trouble Brad Jones.

The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Ryan Giggs found himself in space at the edge of the area from a corner and drove the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

United then sat back but Boro were unable to create anything clear-cut in front of goal, and had penalty appeals waved away when Vidic appeared to handle the ball in the area.

United were immediately on the front foot after the break and it was 2-0 five minutes after the interval, Rooney picking out Ji-Sung Park who fired the ball past Jones into the bottom corner.

Boro brought on Afonso Alves and Didier Digard but were unable to fashion anything close to a chance and never seriously tested Ben Foster in the United goal.
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Ryan Giggs - Profile

1973: Born Ryan Joseph Wilson on November 29 in Cardiff.

1990: Signs as a trainee with Manchester United in July and then as a professional at the start of December.

1991: Adopts mother's maiden name and becomes Ryan Giggs.

March - Makes United debut aged 17 as a substitute against Everton. Two months later he scores the winner against Manchester City at Old Trafford on his full debut.

October - Becomes the youngest footballer to represent Wales when he plays against Germany in Nuremberg aged 17 years and 322 days.

November - Wins his first piece of silverware with United as the Reds beat Red Star Belgrade to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

1992: Helps United lift League Cup and that season is voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

1993: Becomes first player to be named PFA Young Player of the Year twice.

Member of United side which ends the club's 26-year wait to win the league title.

1994: Helps United win the Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in the club's history.

1996: Helps the Reds win the double for a second time.

1997: Wins a third league title in four years and in October scores a memorable goal in their 3-2 Champions League victory over Juventus at Old Trafford.

1998: Injures his hamstring in February and is out for six weeks as United finish the season empty-handed.

1999: Scores stunning winner in United's epic FA Cup semi-final replay victory over Arsenal at Villa Park in April. Helps the Reds complete an historic treble of European Cup, Premier League and FA Cup.

2000: Wins his sixth Premier League winners' medal in eight years.

2001: Collects his seventh league championship and 12th major honour in total.

July - Signs a new five-year contact worth around £50,000 a week. Sent off for the first time in his career for two bookable offences as Wales crash 3-2 in Norway.

2002: April: Describes United's Champions League semi-final defeat by Bayer Leverkusen as the "low point" of his career. United finish third in Premier League.

August 23: Nets 100th goal for United in all competitions with the team's second goal in league game at Chelsea.

2003: May - United are crowned champions again.

September - Giggs, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his involvement in confrontations with Arsenal players after a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

November - Giggs elbows Russia's Vadim Evseev in Euro 2004 play-off in Moscow, prompting the Russian football association to call for an immediate ban.

December - Giggs fined £7,500 and warned as to his future conduct at an FA disciplinary hearing into Old Trafford fracas. Then suspended for two matches for Evseev incident.

2004: May - United finish third in the table but Giggs lines up in the 3-0 FA Cup final victory over Millwall.

2005: May - Signs two-year contract extension, taking him through to June 2007: February - Scores the only goal as United defeat Lille in the Champions League last-16 first leg, curling home a quickly-taken free-kick as home goalkeeper Tony Sylva lined up his wall. The French side appeared to briefly contemplate a walk-off in protest and later appealed to UEFA claiming the goal should not have stood.

May 6 - Wins ninth Premier League title with Manchester United.

May 30 - Announces retirement from international football.

October 16 - Signs new contract until end of June 2009.

2008: May 11 - Equals Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record for the club when he plays his 758th game against Wigan.

May 21 - Breaks Sir Bobby Charlton's record after coming on as a substitute - and scoring a penalty in the dramatic shoot-out - as Manchester United beat Chelsea in the Champions League final.

2009: February 12 - Signs new deal with United, committing him to the club until June 2010.

April 26 - Voted Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.

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Giggsy - PFA Player Of the Year

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year for the first time in his glittering career.

The 35-year-old had picked up the young player award twice - this year's junior gong went to Aston Villa's Ashley Young - and has now been voted for the top accolade by his fellow professionals following his exemplary season, which looks likely to end with his 11th Premier League title.

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

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

Giggs has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions, with the award acknowledging the respect he has from opponents.

If he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg this week, it will be his 800th appearance for United, although the landmark is not as important to him as adding to his trophy haul.

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

Giggs paid tribute to his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also suggested he may play on beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next season.

''The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13,'' Giggs said.

''That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.

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

The Welshman has started taking his coaching badges, which may be a hint at the future, but he added: ''As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't.''

Aston Villa winger Young picked up the Young Player of the Year award and believes it is a sign of the progress his club have made this season.

''It's a massive achievement for the club and my team-mates around me,'' Young said. ''It's a great honour and I'm delighted.''

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

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

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United 5-2 Tottenham !!

Manchester United scored five goals in 22 second-half minutes to surge back from 2-0 down and beat visitors Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday.

After Liverpool had earlier won 3-1 at Hull City to move top on goal difference, United's grip on the title was looking shaky as they trailed to goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric with almost an hour gone at Old Trafford.

However, they were given a way back into the match by a harsh penalty decision after Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes dived at the feet of Michael Carrick, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to score from the spot after 57 minutes.

Tottenham then fell apart as Wayne Rooney equalised in the 67th minute, Ronaldo headed United ahead a minute later and Rooney got the fourth while the crowd were still drawing breath.

Former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov got in on the act with a goal 11 minutes from time to take United back to the top, three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.

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Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur-Preview

Gary Neville has been ruled out for a fortnight by Sir Alex Ferguson after injuring his foot against Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Wednesday. It means he will miss both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal and also the Premier League games against Tottenham tomorrow and Middlesbrough on 2 May.

However, John O’Shea is fit after injuring his ankle against Portsmouth and could be part of a United squad to face Spurs that also includes Wes Brown, who has come through two reserve outings this week without a reaction. Ryan Giggs will make his 800th appearance if he gets on the field.

Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, R da Silva, O’Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney.

Fixture: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 17.30 UK 22.00 IST
Date: 25.4.09
Channel: STAR SPORTS India

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United 2-0 Portsmouth

Paul Scholes marked his 600th Manchester United appearance in trademark fashion, supplying the killer through ball that could eventually seal an 18th league championship for the Red Devils.

Chelsea's failure to beat Everton at Stamford Bridge leaves Liverpool as United's only realistic title rivals. And goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick mean Alex Ferguson's men are now three points clear of their north-west rivals, with a game in hand.

It would be Scholes' ninth title medal. He deserves it for the sublime defence-splitting pass that set up Carrick seven minutes from time after United had failed to capitalise on Rooney's early opener.

Unusually for Scholes, until his telling late intervention he was fairly subdued as he joined Bill Foulkes, Sir Bobby Charlton and long-time team-mate Giggs in United's exclusive 600 club.

In fact, it was midfield partner Anderson and evergreen Giggs - who has now turned out an incredible 799 times for his only professional club - who caught the eye.

The pair were at the heart of most United attacking moves, combining in brilliant fashion for Rooney's early opener.

As Ferguson is well aware, quick goals are vital at this stage of the season, when nerves can create so many problems at both ends of the table.

So the United boss must have been delighted to see Anderson sent Giggs flying down the left flank with a brilliant reverse pass that found the Welshman just onside.

With 10 championship medals to his name, Giggs is not in the habit of panicking in such situations. And he calmly rolled his cross along the six-yard box, where Rooney gleefully tapped him.

Had Rooney been allowed to dart onto another precise Giggs pass at the end of a one-sided opening period, United would have had the victory they craved wrapped up with half the game remaining.

Instead, a very marginal offside decision went against them, as did a failure to convert a series of excellent chances, the best of which fell to Giggs.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the provider with a low cross from the right. Giggs deft chip sailed over David James but bounced agonisingly wide of the post.

Substitute John O'Shea, who replaced Gary Neville shortly after Rooney's opener, had a header cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj, with Giggs spurning another opportunity after Rooney had sent him through, United's stand-in skipper firing straight at James.

The half-time introduction of Jermaine Pennant brought some pace to Portsmouth's forward line.

The problem for Pompey was they struggled to get into an area where it might be exploited.

On the one occasion they did, Glen Johnson was the provider. But Edwin van der Sar read his idea and pushed the England defender's low cross away from Peter Crouch.

Van der Sar was one of nine changes to Ferguson's controversial FA Cup semi-final line-up.

Yet still the United manager could afford to leave Rio Ferdinand out altogether and have both Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench.

Despite Tevez's declaration that he will almost certainly have to seek pastures new in the summer, he remains a major crowd favourite at Old Trafford.

Certainly once O'Shea had limped off, leaving Ferguson with a single remaining substitution, it was the Argentina star most United fans wanted to see introduced.

By then, anxiety appeared to have set in. In addition to Johnson's cross, Van der Sar had to keep out a mis-hit volley from Crouch and a far more dangerous header from the same man that seemed destined for the bottom corner.

Rooney would have restored a sense of calm if he had finished instead of firing straight at James after shrugging off the attentions of Johnson to reach Van der Sar's long punt forward.

Yet Portsmouth's urgency left Ferguson to conclude neither Tevez nor Berbatov would be needed, bringing on Michael Carrick instead to help steady the ship.

The tactic worked a dream, although probably not in the way Ferguson imagined as the England man collected Scholes' superb pass and finished smartly.

It left Pompey dangling precariously six points above the drop zone, facing a crucial trip to Newcastle on Monday.

By then, United will be getting ready to face Arsenal in a Champions League semi-final, with Scholes hoping another of those cherished title medals is within touching distance.
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United v Portsmouth-Preview

Manchester United's bid for a hat-trick of Premier League titles continues with the visit of struggling Portsmouth to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils may have lost top spot by the time they take to the field, having also suffered an FA Cup semi-final defeat at the weekend, going down 4-2 on penalties to Everton.

Sir Alex Ferguson courted controversy by leaving a number of first-team regulars out of his side for that game, but he will not do so again for the arrival of Pompey.

Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be fit to feature, the England striker having missed Sunday's loss to his former club due to a foot injury.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher also returns to the squad, as should Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Michael Carrick is struggling with a slight knock.

Ferguson admitted ahead of the game: "We did our analysis of the semi-final on the train back. It's done and now we move on to Wednesday, it's a big game for us.

"We've got seven league games left to play and I hope we win them all."

Pompey travel to the north-west boosted by a crucial 1-0 victory at home to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.

That win lifted Paul Hart's side six points clear of the relegation places, despite recent criticism that the team had been too negative.

However, they are almost certain to be without key midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who was stretchered off in the morale-boosting 1-0 win at Fratton Park.

However, scans have revealed no significant damage and Kranjcar may only miss one game.

Hart commented: "He's looking a lot better. We're hopeful he'll be back sooner rather than later.

"He's a quick healer, a boy with a strong and positive mental attitude and that's a big boost for us, because he's an integral part of our plans and has been doing well."

Elsewhere, defender Younes Kaboul is likely to miss out due to a thigh muscle strain, but midfielder Sean Davis has been given the all-clear to face United despite injuring his knee against the Trotters.

Fixture: Manchester United v Portsmouth
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:20.00 UK 00.25 IST (Thursday)
Date:22.4.09
Channel: ESPN India

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Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd

Federico Macheda rescued Manchester United's Premier League title defence for the second straight match on Saturday, clinching a 2-1 victory at Sunderland with his first touch after coming off the bench.

Macheda's deflected goal in the 76th minute left United a point ahead of Liverpool, which eased to a 4-0 victory over Blackburn.

Last weekend, the 17-year-old Italian scored a late winner to give United a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.

Paul Scholes had put United ahead after 19 minutes, but the 34-year-old midfielder's header was canceled out by Kenwyne Jones in the 55th.

United, which still has a game in hand, tops the league with 71 points. -- AP
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United 3-2 Aston Villa

Federico Macheda scored a stunning late winner as Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League.

The 17-year-old substitute turned in the box and curled in a superb strike to make his debut the stuff of dreams.

Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from an indirect free-kick after a James Milner backpass, before John Carew's header restored parity.

Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa in front only for Ronaldo to level with a low shot and Macheda to snatch victory.

It was an incredible finish to a match that twisted and turned - and had looked to be going the way of Villa rather than the champions.

But after digging deep, and finding inspiration from an untried teenager, United have leapfrogged Liverpool at the top of the table.

And they also avoided a third successive league defeat, which would have been more galling given that Villa were thumped 5-0 by Liverpool in their last match.

Neville hails 'brilliant' Macheda

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said his side's last-gasp 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday had placed the pressure on United, and he looked to be right from the way they started against Villa.

They struggled with an unfamiliar back four that was forced upon them because of Rio Ferdinand's injury and Nemanja Vidic's suspension.

Gary Neville, returning from injury, was brought in to partner John O'Shea in the heart of defence, but that proved to be a costly mistake.

Carew quickly served notice that he would enjoy the mismatch against Neville when his header was scrambled clear via Darren Fletcher and the post.

And the visitors were in the mood to expose United's vulnerabilities.

The pace of Agbonlahor, back in the side for the injured Emile Heskey, and the poise and passing of Gareth Barry was causing United all manner of problems.

But United were handed a lifeline when James Milner passed the ball back to Brad Friedel, who picked the ball up, and the resulting free-kick in the area was cracked in by Ronaldo after Ryan Giggs had rolled the ball to him.

The goal settled United's nerves and they began to stroke the ball around with more confidence, but without really penetrating.

And Villa remained dangerous on the break, particularly through Agbonlahor, whose speed was a big problem for Neville.

Ashley Young's free-kick was tipped over by Edwin van der Sar as Villa threatened.

From another quick counter Villa deservedly restored parity, Barry's excellent right-wing cross powerfully headed into the bottom corner by Carew as Neville stood by helplessly.

Shortly after, Neville was switched with right-back Jonny Evans - but it had been a half-hour to forget for the former United skipper.

He would have felt better if Ronaldo's glancing header had gone either side of Friedel rather than straight at the keeper and given United a half-time lead.

Instead, Villa struck again on 58 minutes when Ronaldo was caught in possession and Villa moved the ball quickly to Carew, and his cross was headed in by Agbonlahor.

United's response was to bring on Macheda for Nani.

The young Italian, who hit a hat-trick for the reserves recently, appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after he fell under challenge from Curtis Davies.

Then at the other end Davies was close to converting Ashley Young's free-kick.

United needed something special from somewhere and it came from Ronaldo, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low drive into the bottom corner to drag his side level.

The impetus was all with the hosts now and it took a fine save from Friedel to deny Fletcher from 12 yards.

Substitute Danny Welbeck was next to be thwarted by Friedel as he saw his shot saved at point-blank range.

But United were not to be denied and Macheda produced a moment of magic to win the game when he turned and curled a peach of a shot into the far corner.

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United v Aston Villa Preview

Manchester United Manchester United lost 2-0 away to Fulham in their last match, their second consecutive league loss. In their last five matches, Man Utd have won three and lost two, picking up nine points from the fifteen available. Man U are currently first in the league, one point clear of second placed Liverpool with a match still in hand. Manchester United will be without Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic, and the in-form Wayne Rooney after each of the players picked up red cards in recent matches. Man Utd will also be without Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves, whilst Rafael and Dimitar Berbatov are still in doubt with injuries. Aston Villa Aston Villa suffered a 5-0 defeat away at the hands of Liverpool in their last league outing, their third successive loss and fifth straight match without a win. In their last five matches, Aston Villa have drawn one and lost four, picking up only one point!

Fixture: Manchester United v Aston Villa
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:15.00Uk 20.30IST
Channel: ESPN India

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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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