Scholes Still Peerless

The performances of United newcomers Anderson and Nani indicate a prosperous future at Old Trafford. But old heads like Paul Scholes still have plenty to offer, according to former Reds midfielder Ray Wilkins.

Sir Alex's two young summer signings have turned in excellent performances of late, providing stiff competition for the likes of Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

"It's a first-class array of talent in that department," says Wilkins. "Only Chelsea can come anywhere near United's senior midfield in terms of quality and quantity.

"Can having too many players be confusing? Let's just say that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely gets it wrong. It's great for United."

The United boss will have a tough job selecting his central midfield pairing to face Fulham on Saturday. But, for Wilkins, there's one player that should be first pick every week.

"They all have their qualities and each combination has its merits. But I'd always have Paul Scholes in there," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"It's Paul and one from the other four for me, depending on the circumstances. If you want a holding player with him, then choose Michael Carrick at home and Owen Hargreaves away from Old Trafford."

Wilkins insists that 33-year-old Scholes remains one of the English game's top talents, and believes his influence will have a decisive impact on United's success this season.

"Paul is an absolute must," he says. "He is still one of the best in the country. He's still a very big influence for United and will continue to be so for some time.

"I know some fans and some critics are claiming he might be on his way out but I bet none of United's opponents are thinking that.

"Of course, Paul is getting on and he may have had a quiet period since his return, but he is going to have a major say for United for a long while yet."

Foster Upbeat About Future

The 2007/08 campaign may be hugely successful for the Reds, but for Ben Foster, the United goalkeeper forced out for eight months with a serious cruciate knee ligament injury, it’s been a write off.

After an England call-up as reward for his outstanding displays on loan at Watford, the challenge of trying to depose Edwin van der Sar as United’s no.1 was next on the 24-year-old’s hit list.

Then the bad news came: a recurring cruciate knee ligament injury that would require surgery, putting his ambitions on hold. Now on the verge of making a reserves return, he explains how he has coped with the long road to recovery…

Can you explain your injury for us?
I ruptured my cruciate knee ligament. It’s an injury I’ve suffered before, years ago when I was at Stoke City. As this is the second time I’ve had the injury, the doctors decided that I should have a donor tendon. It’s had good results for other patients in the past, and the surgeon thought it would be the best option for me. The recovery time is two months longer, because it takes time for the tendon to set in and knit. It was a usual cruciate operation, but with a donor.

How long do you think it will be before you’re playing first-team football again?
I haven’t really thought about it too much. At the start of the season I wrote this season off myself. I just wanted to recover from the operation and get back to full fitness, with maybe a few reserves games. The chance of going out on loan is probably gone now. I think I will just have to wait until next season, realistically. Edwin [van der Sar] has been excellent again this season and Tomasz [Kuszczak] has performed well when he has been called in. I’ve got no qualms about not being put in any time soon.

What have you been doing during the eight months you’ve been out?
It’s really hard. People perhaps won’t realise that you’re going to work every day. You’ve still got to come in each day and go into the gym, do your cardiovascular work, weights etc. I’ve had swimming coaches in and all sorts to improve my fitness. They keep you busy, but it is hard work.

The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, considering you’d just started to get chances for England, and denied you the opportunity to have a go at United’s first team…
I was massively disappointed. At the end of last season I was on a high because everything seemed to be going so well. Then the bad news came along. It was bad timing. But you just have to roll with it. As soon as I did it I just had to forget about England and United’s first-team. You just have to get your head down and get on with the recovery process.

Do you hope that next season you’ll be in a position to challenge for the no.1 jersey?
Last season I felt on top of my game and that nothing would stand in my way. I’ve got to get that feeling back. First, that will mean getting my head down in training and working on the things that you lose from not playing for such a long time. I’m hoping for a few Reserves games before the end of the season and hopefully then I’ll be knocking on the manager’s door.

Sir Alex: Title Could Be Decided By Goal Difference

Sir Alex Ferguson believes this season's title race is so tight it could ultimately be decided by goal difference.

Second-placed Manchester United and leaders Arsenal are separated by three points, with the Gunners still having to travel to Old Trafford on April 12.

If United, who beat Arsenal 4-0 there in the FA Cup 10 days ago, can stage a repeat victory over Arsene Wenger's side, the two arch rivals could be neck-and-neck with four games left. And United boss Fergie reckons the title could then be determined by goal difference for the first time in almost 20 years.

"We're scoring a lot of goals and, you never know, it could be an issue," said Fergie.

"I've always said that having a superior goal difference is worth an extra point. And it could be vital this season with the championship being so close. The title run-in is always tough. If you're involved in Europe, FA Cup and chasing the championship, what do you expect? It's not a doddle, that's for sure."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

Saha's Time To Shine

Louis Saha could make a decisive impact on United’s chase for trophies on three fronts, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The French forward, who has started just four league games this season, has recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury.

He came off the bench against Newcastle to complete a 5-1 romp over Kevin Keegan’s men with his fifth goal of the season.

Sir Alex feels Saha’s return to action is ideally timed in the final few months of the season, and sees the former Fulham front man as a key figure, bringing an alternative approach to United’s forward play.

"Louis Saha is a definite, big bonus to us," the Reds boss told MUTV. "He is different from everyone else in the squad. He gives us strength and penetration.

"You've got to understand what the run-in is like," he added. "It's tense. Points will be dropped. You saw last season, we had some real nail-biters.

"We've got players coming back that are helping. That's the important thing. we have got a good, strong squad. Everyone is fit at the moment, and hopefully we can keep them that way."

Vote For Your Favourite Midfield Pairing

ManUtd.com's midfield pairing poll has caused quite a stir, with readers of the official Reds website divided over which players to choose.

Sir Alex Ferguson again rotated his central midfield against Newcastle at the weekend, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher turning in excellent performances. With Anderson, Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves also at the manager's disposal, United have an embarrassment of riches in the midfield engine room.

Fans have voted in their thousands on the issue, and the current leaders are Anderson and Carrick (30%), followed closely by Anderson and Hargreaves (22%), and Scholes and Anderson (14%).

The fact that 19-year-old Anderson appears in the top three choices is indicative of the wonderful debut season he is having, but that there has been such a varied spread across all the permutations shows just how strong United's midfield options are.

The voting so far

Anderson, Carrick - 30%
Anderson, Hargreaves - 22%
Scholes, Anderson - 14%
Anderson, Fletcher - 9%
Carrick, Hargreaves - 9%
Scholes, Carrick - 6%
Scholes, Hargreaves - 6%
Carrick, Fletcher - 2%
Hargreaves, Fletcher - 1%
Scholes, Fletcher - 1%
(Figures correct at 9:00 GMT, 25 Feb)

Have your say now by voting on the ManUtd.com poll.

O'Shea: A Dream Situation

John O'Shea is excited by the quality United have at their disposal as they enter the business end of the season.

Such was the ease with which the Reds saw off Newcastle on Saturday, it is easy to forget the starting line-up was markedly different from that which took on Lyon in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson rotated four of his forward six after the Champions League draw against the French champions, leaving Owen Hargreaves, Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park out of his squad entirely.

But it made little difference as United cruised to a 5-1 victory – and O’Shea believes this strength in depth could be key to the Reds’ chances of glory on three fronts.

The Irishman, who replaced an ill Patrice Evra at half-time at St James’ Park, told MUTV: “It’s a dream situation. About this time last season we picked up a few injuries and the squad was quite bare, but this year it’s been fantastic.

“The manager can keep his side fresh, changing one or two things around without really affecting how the team is playing, which is ideal because there are games coming up thick and fast in the league and Champions League.

“The manager has faith in the quality of his squad and we have to repay that by winning trophies.”

The manner in which United took Kevin Keegan’s side apart delighted O’Shea and further erased memories of the disappointing derby defeat against Manchester City.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were sensational on Tyneside, scoring twice apiece as Newcastle were routed for the second time in as many months.

“They’ll be glad to see the back of us this season,” said O’Shea. “We have so many great players that if we create that many chances, and things fall for us, there are going to be scorelines like that.

“We can never play as badly again as we did against City.”

Ronaldo’s brace at St James’ Park took his season’s tally to 29, while Rooney has now hit eight goals in eight league games against the Magpies.

“I’m sure Wayne would like to play Newcastle every week!” O’Shea added. “He puts in so much effort every week that the rewards were always going to come for him.

“And Ronaldo is top of the scoring charts now. It’s an amazing achievement but he just wants the team to do well.”

Rampant Man. United Delights Sir Slex

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see his side’s voracious approach in swatting aside Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Reds romped to a 5-1 victory over Kevin Keegan’s side, despite having played two extra matches since the Magpies’ last action, and the United manager watched with great satisfaction as the hosts were run ragged.

“It was a good performance. We could have scored a few goals, we made chances, but the important thing is that they’re looking really fresh,” Sir Alex told Setanta Sports.

“Coming to Newcastle is never easy. The crowd are fantastic, they urge their team on and it’s a volatile place to come. The first job to do is to try and quieten them. It’s not easy, but I think we did that for the most part of the game.”

Sir Alex made four changes to the side which drew with Lyon on Wednesday, rotating his forward six after the exertions of facing the French champions.

“We freshened up the centre of midfield, because that’s an area in which we have a lot of strength,” he said. “We brought Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in after Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson all played on Wednesday, so it gave us a freshness.

“But the match was decided by the ability of our front players, they were all absolutely fantastic. They all did really well. Obviously with Ronaldo and Rooney scoring two goals apiece, they’re going to get all the headlines, but the movement of Tevez and the penetration of Nani contributed to that.”

Following last weekend’s FA Cup romp against Arsenal, a vital away draw against Lyon and Saturday’s thumping of Newcastle, Sir Alex feels his side have responded in the right fashion to the disappointing defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.

“We’re all disappointed with our performance against Manchester City, and since then the players have done their best to atone for that,” he said. “They performed against Arsenal last week, then in midweek against Lyon it was a very good result for us, and today stresses our urgency to try and do better and get up that league.”

Man. United Scores 5 Past Hapless Newcastle To Close Gap On Arsenal

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice as United closed the gap on Arsenal at the top with an emphatic victory at St James’ Park.

Buoyed by news of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw at Birmingham earlier in the day, the Reds dominated from start to finish to record their second convincing win over Newcastle in as many months.

Ronaldo set up Rooney for the opener before the Portugal winger bagged his 28th and 29th goals of the season to put United out of sight.

Abdoulaye Faye pulled one back but Rooney’s superb second and a late strike from substitute Louis Saha left Newcastle still searching for their first win since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, mindful of the need to keep his squad fresh as they chase three trophies, made four changes to his starting line-up after the midweek draw in Lyon.

In came Nani, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Carlos Tevez for Anderson, Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Ryan Giggs, with the latter two not even on the bench.

Keegan’s men had conceded 11 goals in four games coming into the match and United threatened to open them up at will early on.

Carrick made a marauding run through the middle and played in Rooney on the right of the box, but the striker failed to pick out one of his team-mates with his pulled-back cross.

In the 24th minute, Rio Ferdinand had to be at his best to clear the ball in the box with Michael Owen poised to pull the trigger – and a minute later United were ahead.

Ronaldo motored down the left, cut back inside Habib Beye and delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Rooney, who volleyed home smartly at the back post.

Charles N’Zogbia was booked for bringing down Nani and Faye followed him minutes later after preventing Edwin van der Sar from making a quick clearance.

Owen became the third Newcastle player into referee Chris Foy’s notebook for raising his studs as he contested a ball with Nemanja Vidic.

Tevez missed a great chance to double United’s lead five minutes before the break, heading a Nani cross wide from seven yards.

But it wasn’t long before the Reds had their second and it was Ronaldo who delivered the sucker-punch with his 20th Barclays Premier League goal of the season.

This time Carrick was the provider, the midfielder finding himself in acres of space as he drove forward and picking out Ronaldo, who calmly slotted past Shay Given.

Ferguson brought on John O’Shea for Patrice Evra at the break, while Keegan’s only move was to replace goalkeeper Given with Steve Harper.

And five minutes in Ronaldo ended the game as a contest with his second goal of the night. Fletcher intercepted Faye’s poor clearance, put Ronaldo through on goal and the winger rounded Harper before finishing emphatically.

The 23-year-old was denied the chance to score his second Reds hat-trick when he was replaced by Saha in the 66th minute, to a standing ovation from the away support.

Nicky Butt was booked for a crude tackle from behind on Carrick before Vidic, still feeling the effects of Owen’s late challenge in the first half, was replaced by Scholes.

Faye ensured there was to be no exact repeat of the Tynesiders’ 6-0 mauling at Old Trafford last month when he smashed home after a goalmouth scramble.

Scholes, looking for his first goal since August, almost netted United’s fifth but, after a neat one-two with Nani, the midfielder’s header was well pushed over by Harper.

Rooney’s second goal and United’s fourth was exquisite. With 10 minutes left, the striker collected the ball on the edge of the box after the Magpies had only half-cleared a corner and curled an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner. It was his eighth goal in 10 games against Newcastle.

Former United man Alan Smith came close to opening his account for the Magpies but saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped over by Van der Sar.

By now, Newcastle were all over the place at the back and Harper tipped over Saha’s toe-poke inside the box.

But the Frenchman did get on the scoresheet in stoppage-time, firing home from inside the box to cap another resounding win for the Reds over their north-east rivals.

Team Line-ups

Newcastle United: Given (Harper 46); Beye, Taylor, Faye, N'Zogbia; Milner (Geremi 84), Butt, Barton (Carroll 61), Duff; Smith, Owen.

Subs not used: Cacapa, Ameobi.Booked: Butt, Faye, N'Zogbia, Owen

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46); Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani; Rooney, Tevez.

Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson.

Attendance: 52, 291

The Magpies start strongly before Cristiano Ronaldo beats Habib Beye and sets Wayne Rooney up for a superb opener

Michael Carrick cuts Newcastle's defence and passes to Ronaldo who finishes beautifully from 12 yards

Ronaldo continues the celebration after rounding keeper Steve Harper and stroking in his 29th goal of the season

Abdoulaye Faye briefly cheers struggling Toon manager Kevin Keegan up by volleying home his first goal of the match

But Newcastle clear a corner only to Wayne Rooney, who unleashes a sublime curling shot piling misery on Keegan

Then Louis Saha joins in the attack and slots in Rooney's pass in added time which closes the league gap on Arsenal

Sir Alex Hits Out At Wes Brown's Agent

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at football agents after getting no closer to agreeing a contract extension with Wes Brown.

The 28-year-old defender's current deal runs out in the summer, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs.

And Brown's agent Paul Martin is understood to have advised him to hold out for more than £50,000 per week.

"Players of today live in their agents' pockets - it's a situation which really depresses me," said Ferguson.

Brown has made 33 appearances for Manchester United this season, largely because of a persistent injury to club captain Gary Neville.

"It's in his hands. It's not in our hands," said Ferguson.

"We have given him his offer. It's amazing really, given that he has had such a good season and has had such a good run of games while Gary has been injured.

"We wouldn't have made the offer if we hadn't had faith in him. Wes knows this and the other players have told him."

Ferguson added: "Wes has been with us since he was 12 but I don't think that matters these days. Their agents live their lives for them and if you are happy to go along with that then you get the situation that you have got just now."

Sir Alex Joy At Nani & Anderson

A week that has gleaned two excellent results in the cup competitions for United has also highlighted just how important Sir Alex Ferguson’s summer signings have become to the team.

Carlos Tevez got the winner against Lyon in midweek, with Owen Hargreaves operating a pivotal midfield holding role. But it is the form of Nani and Anderson, both new to England, that have pleased the United boss.

The pair have both perhaps played more regularly than that they would have hoped at the start of the season. But their excellent recent displays make it increasingly difficult leave them out of the side.

“We’re very pleased with their progress,” Sir Alex says. “The evidence of their development is there to see on the pitch.

“With Anderson, he has exploded onto the scene, whereas Nani is taking his time. But he is gradually getting better and better.

"They’re different players of course, so that makes a difference. But they’re both doing really well.”

Giggs Aiming For Coaching Future

Ryan Giggs may still be going strong on the football field but the 34-year-old seems set to extend his football career by coaching once he hangs up his boots.

The former Wales captain played his 100th Champions League tie for Manchester United on Wednesday night.

But this summer he will start studying for his Uefa 'A' Coaching Licence, says FAW technical director Osian Roberts.

"Ryan has indicated he wants to come and do his Uefa 'A' Licence with us in Aberystwyth in June," Roberts said.

"It's great news for us in Wales and I think it's also great news for football that someone of his calibre and status will stay in the game.

"With all his experience and expertise he's going to be a great and valued member to football in the future."

Old Trafford has been a good breeding ground for managers, with the likes of Gordon Strachan, Steve Bruce, Paul Ince and Giggs' compatriot Mark Hughes all graduating from playing.

Giggs would still have to go on and gain one of Uefa's Pro Licences after taking the 'A' Licence if he wanted to manage at the top level.

But the indications are that the Welshman's vast experience will be ploughed back into the game for new generations of footballers.

Uefa Waits For Reports On 'Laser'

Uefa is awaiting reports from officials before deciding whether to take action after Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by a laser beam on Wednesday.

The incident in the warm-up before the Champions League tie at Lyon was reported by Manchester United but the winger had no ill effects in the game.

Uefa now wants to see reports from the referee and its own delegate.

"We need to have more information about it, then a decision will be taken," a Uefa spokesman told BBC Sport.

"If it proves to be correct then, in this case, it would be viewed as misbehaviour of the supporters, which would then be investigated.

"We have a whole range of different disciplinary measures, beginning with a warning, then fines and so on."

Television pictures suggested Ronaldo was also targeted when running with the ball during the first leg of the last-16 clash at Stade Gerland, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the club had informed Uefa of the initial incident.

"We reported the matter to Uefa before the game," said Ferguson. "We noticed it in the warm-up and Uefa are aware of it."

Uefa expect to receive the reports from referee Luis Medina Cantalejo and Uefa delegate Jan Damgaard by Saturday and will then decide if they need to investigate further.

Ronaldo was back in the team after a virus and had a quiet game by his standards, according to the BBC's Conor McNamara.

"Manchester United complained to Uefa before kick-off and Uefa may now check TV footage for evidence of repeated use of laser pens during the game itself," confirmed McNamara.

Carlos Tevez's late goal ensured United head to Old Trafford on level terms after Karim Benzema had given the hosts the lead.

United were stunned after the break when the 20-year-old striker turned on the edge of the area and fired a rasping drive into Edwin van der Sar's left corner for his 24th goal of the season.

Late in the game, however, Ronaldo had a vicious free-kick tipped over the bar and Tevez struck after Lyon made a hash of the resulting corner.

Ronaldo came close to scoring at Lyon with a vicious free-kick

Sir Alex Upbeat Over Euro Chances

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals after his side's 1-1 draw in Lyon.

Ferguson's men fell behind to a superb strike from Karim Benzema before Carlos Tevez struck three minutes from time.

"It gives us a good chance," Ferguson said. "You're not sure you're going to get that type of away goal in Europe.

"There was an urgency to get back in the game and I think we are best in that situation."

Wayne Rooney had the best chance in a cagey first half, running on to Ryan Giggs's superb pass before being denied by Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet's legs.

But United were stunned soon after the break when Benzema - a player the Premier League champions have been linked with regularly - turned and fired home expertly.

Tevez, who impressed along with fellow substitute Nani, put the visitors in control of the tie by smashing home following a corner.

"We were in control and they scored out of nothing, which just shows the quality of Benzema," Ferguson added.

"It was a fantastic goal and it gave them the energy to make it difficult for us. I thought they defended very well.

"We made our substitutions and changed the pattern of play, and Tevez and Nani improved our chances.

"I thought they both did very well and we showed our determination to try to get back. I think we deserved it without question."

Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs was playing his 100th Champions League game for the club.

He said: "One hundred games is something special, they (Champions League matches) are special nights and you want to go out there and enjoy it.

"Lyon are a good team and it's a job half done. We will need to play well at Old Trafford to beat them."

Lyon boss Alain Perrin was downcast after the late blow, saying: "The way things stand at the moment, we are out of the competition and it was a strange goal we conceded - we have let ourselves down."

Man. United Ryan Giggs was presented with a silver salver before United's last 16 clash after following in the footsteps of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf in passing the century mark.

Carlos Tevez Scores Crucial Late Away Goal

Carlos Tevez struck a crucial late away goal for Manchester United after Karim Benzema looked to have given Lyon a Champions League first-leg advantage.

Ryan Giggs - in his 100th Champions League game - sent Wayne Rooney clear for the best chance of a cagey first half, but Gregory Coupet saved well.

United were stunned soon after the break when Benzema turned and fired brilliantly past Edwin van der Sar.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a free-kick tipped over before Tevez blasted home.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to come away on level terms after an uncomfortable evening in France, and his team are favourites to progress from the return leg of this last-16 tie in a fortnight.

The United boss will be wary, however, of the cutting edge Lyon possess in Benzema, a man his club have been constantly linked with.

His 24th goal of the season appeared to have eased the pressure on their manager Alain Perrin after a dressing down from outspoken owner Jean-Michel Aulas earlier in the week.

Aulas craves European success after achieving domestic domination - Lyon are challenging for a seventh straight Ligue 1 title - but his team have shown defensive vulnerabilities this season.

And there was enough fallibility about the hosts to excite the likes of Anderson, Ronaldo and Rooney in the first half.

But despite that, and for all the possession they enjoyed, the English champions managed to conjure up only one truly outstanding opportunity to punish that backline.

Giggs's superbly weighted pass was controlled majestically by Rooney, who raced through on goal only to see his shot blocked by Coupet's legs.

Benzema was generally well contained by Nemanja Vidic but United were guilty on several occasions of affording the prolific marksman time and space in the opening period.

He was left alone at a Juninho corner but fired tamely at Van der Sar, and then side-footed just over the bar after Francois Clerc found him in space on the edge of the penalty area.

And after United had made the early running in the second half he demonstrated just why United and the rest of Europe's elite have cast their eyes towards him.

There appeared no danger when Jeremy Toulalan played a hopeful pass towards him on the edge of the area but the 20-year-old turned and fired a rasping drive into Van der Sar's left corner in a flash to stun Ferguson's men.

The United boss took off Giggs - who was struggling after picking up a knock late in the first half - and Paul Scholes, and threw on Nani and Tevez to add an even more youthful and pacey look to his side.

The intention was clear: to throw everything at Lyon's suspect rearguard - but, if anything, the home side looked capable of adding to their lead.

Clerc forced a save from Van der Sar with a powerful drive and free-kick specialist Juninho was inches away from a second when his 35-yard effort deviated just wide after landing in front of the United keeper.

United recovered from that to press vigorously late on and after Coupet tipped over a vicious Ronaldo free-kick, Lyon made a hash of the resulting corner.

The ball deflected off substitute Fred to Tevez, who was in acres of space to gleefully smash home and put his team in pole position to reach the last eight.

Lyon: Coupet, Reveillere, Squillaci, Boumsong, Grosso, Clerc (Ben Arfa 78), Juninho (Bodmer 73), Toulalan, Kallstrom, Govou, Benzema (Fred 83).

Subs Not Used: Vercoutre, Cris, Delgado, Keita.

Booked: Reveillere, Toulalan, Boumsong.

Goals: Benzema 54.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes (Tevez 65), Hargreaves (Carrick 78), Anderson, Giggs (Nani 65), Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Saha, O'Shea, Fletcher.

Booked: Hargreaves.

Goals: Tevez 87.

Att: 39,230

Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).

Cristiano Ronaldo launches an attack for the visitors in the cagey encounter in France

Wayne Rooney has the best chance to break the deadlock for the visitors but finds his effort saved by Gregory Coupet's legs

Karim Benzema scores for Lyon in the 54th minute - thumping a vicious shot into the right-hand corner of the net

Manchester United manage to score a crucial away goal as Carlos Tevez pounces to score in the 87th minute

Giggs Joins Centurions

Ryan Giggs will become only the eighth player to make 100 Champions League appearances in Wednesday night’s second round clash with Lyon, and Sir Alex Ferguson admits everyone at United is proud of the veteran winger.

The 34-year-old was rested for the Reds’ FA Cup battering of Arsenal last Saturday, and is expected to follow in the footsteps of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf in passing the century mark.

“There are only a few players who will reach that milestone in European football,” admitted Sir Alex at his pre-match press conference. “It’s because of his ability, his longevity, how he prepares himself to have a good lifestyle, and obviously being at a successful club.

“For me, Ryan has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34 years of age we expect big, big things of him. Obviously we don’t play him in every game, but that’s natural for someone of that age. We want to play him in the games that really, really matter to our football club, and one of them is tomorrow.

“Ryan, throughout his time with us, has always reserved his best performances for the biggest occasions. I’ve said many times about occasions at Old Trafford and the atmosphere, and the great nights we’ve had there. They could only happen because the right type of players are playing on that stage, and Ryan has produced many great moments for us. So it’s a great occasion for him, we’re all proud of him.”

Patrice Evra is likely to start behind Giggs on United’s left side at the Stade Gerland, and the French defender admits that he is delighted for his team-mate to join such an exclusive club.

“I think it is a privilege to play with Ryan Giggs,” he said. “For me I just say thanks to Giggsy because I’ve learnt a lot of things with him, he’s a great player and I’m very happy for him.”

Giggs is likely to have familiar company in the 100 club sooner rather than later, with Paul Scholes set to join Gary Neville on 98 appearances if he features against Lyon.

In the 100 club

Raul – 114 apps
Roberto Carlos – 113 apps
Paolo Maldini – 106 apps
David Beckham – 103 apps
Oliver Kahn – 103 apps
Luis Figo – 100 apps
Clarence Seedorf – 100 apps
Ryan Giggs – 99 apps

Man. United Jet Off To France

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a strong squad to France for United's Champions League tie against Ligue 1 champions Lyon.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves all returned after sitting out Saturday's thumping FA Cup win over Arsenal, forming part of a 21-man squad that departed Manchester airport this morning.

Sir Alex and one of his players will face the international media at a press conference shortly after touching down in France, before heading over to the Stade de Gerland for a training session ahead of Wednesday's crucial first leg.

United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Simpson, Park, Pique; Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Eagles; Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Giggs, Saha

How To Sleep During Office Hours Without Getting Caught

For those who can’t avoid sleeping or napping at work, these eyelid stickers are designed exclusively for you. Before I introduce this brilliant stuff, I thought that this is just a joke that only can be seen in the movies.

These eyelid stickers have left and right sides for your left and right eyes. Just simply stick the eyelid stickers on your eyelids and you can have your sweet dream during working hours. To have a more realistic outlook, you are advised to shave off your eyelashes.

With these cool eyelid stickers, you don’t need to worry about getting caught sleeping at work again. But you must start learning how to sleep sitting up without the pillow and blanket.

Man. United To Face Portsmouth In FA Cup 6th Round

Sir Alex Ferguson was unsurprised that United were drawn against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup sixth round, but he is pleased the tie against Portsmouth is at Old Trafford.

The match against Harry Redknapp's men will be played on either Saturday 8 March or Sunday 9 March, with the winner booking a semi-final date at Wembley.

United's incredible run of all-Premier League ties stretches to eleven with the visit of Pompey, but Sir Alex says the cup atmosphere at Old Trafford makes it a match to relish.

"It's a home draw, so it doesn't matter who you get. But it's typical that we have another Premier League team!" Sir Alex told ManUtd.com.

"The good thing about the FA Cup, though, is that the opposition bring an increased number of supporters, which makes for a great atmosphere.

"We've had two great home ties against Spurs and Arsenal in the previous rounds, and hopefully we'll have another one against Portsmouth."

The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup – back in last season's fourth round – United ran out 2-1 winners.

Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers will play West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley host Chelsea. The winner of Middlesbrough and Sheffield United's fifth round replay will meet Cardiff City at home.

Rooney: Bring On The Blues

Wayne Rooney says he’ll be delighted if United draw Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter final.

The England international got the scoring underway at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory against top-of-the-league Arsenal.

Minnows Barnsley and Bristol City remain in the competition, but Rooney would prefer a tussle with Avram Grant’s Chelsea.

“I hope we get Chelsea,” Rooney told MUTV. “Personally, I’d like to play them at home and try to knock them out. After that we’ll be through to the semi final and I’m sure we can take things from there.”

Rooney has twice been on the losing side in an FA Cup final and is determined to add a winners medal to his collection this season.

“The FA Cup means a lot to me. I’ve been excited by the competition from a very young age and hopefully we can now go all the way.”

United swept Arsenal aside on Saturday afternoon even though the Reds began the match missing experienced players.

“Last season we had to play all the players in every game,” Rooney said. “Today we had Paul Scholes on the bench and Ryan Giggs got a rest all together. That keeps them fresh and could be key come the end of the season.

“We were very disappointed after last week’s performance against Manchester City. Training was difficult this week and we spent a lot of time talking about the tactics and how we were going to approach the game against Arsenal. I think we got it spot on.”

The Perfect Response

Derby-day disappointment inspired the Reds to victory on Saturday against Arsenal in the FA Cup, according to Darren Fletcher.

Two-goal hero Fletcher said United desperately wanted to banish the memory of last weekend’s loss to Manchester City.

“It was the perfect response to last week’s defeat,” Fletcher told MUTV. “We were all hurt by that performance and we wanted to put things right today. Our attitude, tempo and work-rate was top-class today and we got our just rewards.”

Fletcher found the net either side of the interval but was typically modest about his performance.

“I’ve scored a few headers for United and today I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.

“We created some great chances today and it could have been even more. But the important thing is we’re in the next round of the FA Cup after a terrific team performance.

“At times it was a bit feisty out there but you expect that in a cup game against Arsenal. It’s part of the game and we enjoy that. Sometimes it boiled over a little bit but I think it was all right today. We try to tackle hard and fair and we enjoy it that way.”

Misfiring Gunners Thrashed Out Of FA Cup

Wayne Rooney delivered a virtuoso solo display as Manchester United outclassed Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.

Rooney headed United in front from close range after 16 minutes and Darren Fletcher provided another headed finish from Nani's cross four minutes later.

Michael Carrick set up Nani for a third as United turned on the style.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue was sent off after 48 minutes for a foul on Patrice Evra before Nani was the creator again as Fletcher headed United's fourth.

England coach Fabio Capello was in attendance at Old Trafford and showed his appreciation for Rooney's brilliance by applauding his England striker when he was substituted with 20 minutes left.

United left Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs out of their line-up, while Arsenal kept Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini on the bench - and the Gunners suffered most from the changes.
Rooney returned from suspension after missing the defeat to Manchester City - and made up for lost time by destroying Arsenal with a blistering first-half display.

He was on the mark after 16 minutes when a Nani corner was only half-cleared, and when Anderson headed the ball back into the danger area Rooney was perfectly placed to divert a close-range finish past Jens Lehmann.

Fletcher deservedly doubled the lead four minutes later when Nani opened up Arsenal on the left flank and crossed for the Scot to head in at the near post.

Rooney continued to terrorise the Arsenal defence and could have added to his goals tally before United made it three seven minutes before the interval.

Carrick split the Arsenal defence wide open, leaving Nani to control and calmly shoot past Lehmann.

Rooney had already tested Lehmann again before Arsenal's misery increased after 48 minutes when Eboue was rightly sent off for a raised boot in a tackle on Evra.

The Arsenal defender seemed reluctant to leave the pitch after referee Alan Wiley brandished the read card, but he had no excuses because it was an horrendous challenge.

Rooney was in almost unstoppable form, tearing the Arsenal defence apart almost at will, shooting wide after beating Kolo Toure and then bringing a fine save from Lehmann - all in the space of seconds.

And with 16 minutes left, United got the fourth goal their dazzling football deserved when Nani floated up a perfect far post cross for Fletcher to head in at the far post.

Arsenal, who have enjoyed taunting outclassed teams in the past, were not enjoying getting a taste of their own medicine and William Gallas was lucky to escape punishment for an ill-disciplined kick at Nani.

Substitute Louis Saha almost added a fifth with two minutes left but keeper Lehmann - who had been blameless in the defeat - saved well again.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 72), Park, Rooney (Saha 71), Nani.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez.

Booked: Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher.

Goals: Rooney 16, Fletcher 20, Nani 38, Fletcher 74.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas (Flamini 70), Silva, Hleb (Adebayor 70), Eduardo (Senderos 71), Bendtner.

Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Clichy.

Sent Off: Eboue (49).

Booked: Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor.

Att: 76,000

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Wayne Rooney finds himself free in the box before flicking a header past Arsenal's Jens Lehmann in the 16th minute

The lead is doubled just moments later as Darren Fletcher heads in after fine work from Nani on the left

Nani thumps in United's third in the 38th minute as Arsenal's wretched first-half display goes from bad to worse

Fletcher's thumping header gives the hosts a 4-0 lead in the 74th minute with Arsenal's defence beaten yet again

Chingay 2008 (Preview)

Photos of the colourful preview show taken last night

(Click on the thumbnail for the full size image)

Colourful fishes

Lion dance

May the force be with you......

What happened to our men in blue? Why aren't they protecting us from this "invasion"?

Performers from Japan

Check out the impressive dragon!

A young performer beating the drums

The best solution to get a clear view of the parade? Being at the top, of course

Young gals putting up an energetic performance

Waving to the enthusiatic crowd

Who is getting married? Definitely not me.....

Performers waving the big flags with gusto

View from the peak is always the best!

Indian dance

The youths of our future......

We are so happy!

Brave warriors in "battle"

Armed with swords and body armour, these brave warriors looks to have emerged from the "battlefield" victorious

Hope to drum up a storm, but not rain on our parade