Tosic Granted Work Permit

Manchester United have been granted a work permit for young Serbian winger Zoran Tosic.

Sir Alex Ferguson attended a hearing for the 21-year-old on Friday and emerged with positive news, meaning Tosic will sign from Partizan Belgrade in January.

United have not confirmed the fee they have agreed for Tosic, although they have been looking at the wide-man for some time.

Tosic has appeared 12 times for his country and can play on either flank, having also starred for Serbia's Under-21 side.

He will join fellow countryman Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford, with the prospect of more to come as another Partizan player Adam Ljajic - a 19-year-old dubbed the 'Serbian Kaka' - is also thought to be in talks with United.

Old Trafford officials are staying silent on talks with Ljajic though, insisting there have been no developments.

Fans Ask, Evra Answers

MUTV gave Reds followers the chance to put their questions to Patrice Evra recently. Here are the French defender's answers...

What made you want to join United in January 2006? Saijd, Wembley
I followed United when I was in France because I was a fan of Eric Cantona's. I came over to watch a game [before I signed] and I remember looking round and thinking 'wow, there are 76,000 people here!' I knew it wouldn't be easy and I couldn't believe how quick the game was when I played my first match against Manchester City. I knew I had to work harder and the experience of that first game helped me to do that.

You recently met Maradona. What was that like and who, in your opinion, is the best player ever to have played the game? JP, Ireland
Of course, Pele was a great player, but for me Maradona is the best. I first met him four years ago at the Monaco Grand Prix and we had a little chat. Ever since then I've always shown the photo of me and him together to people and told the lads I knew him, although I don't think they believed me! But when he came to Carrington recently, he came over and said to me 'How are you, my brother?' I was so pleased he remembered me!

What has been the greatest achievement of your career so far? Alexandra, Plymouth
My greatest achievement is simply to be playing for Manchester United. When you play for a club like this it shows that you have a big character and that you work hard every day - you have to because everyone wants to play here.

Other than Old Trafford, what's the best stadium you've ever played in? Yasmin, Manchester
I'd have to say Celtic Park. It was an unbelievable atmosphere when we played there.

If you could be an movie character from any film, who would you be and why? Brian, Salford[Laughs] Can I choose an actor rather than a character? Denzil Washington - he's a very intelligent actor. He makes great action movies and I always enjoy watching him.

Man. United Announce Brazilian Link

Manchester United Academy has joined up with the Brazilian youth club Desportivo Brasil.

The exciting football-driven venture will see players from both clubs visiting each country for the opportunity to experience new training methods and play friendly matches.

The project, driven by Brian McClair, Les Kershaw and John Calvert Toulmin (United's South American recruitment officer), is seen as an invaluable learning curve for players.

While Desportivo have an excellent team of professionals, the Academy will provide technical support to improve Desportivo’s preparation of young players, optimising the chance that players from their club will excel when moving to Europe.

United Academy coaches from different age groups will visit Brazil on a regular basis and Desportivo coaches will be welcomed on reciprocal visits. For United, this will provide invaluable insight into the way the five-time world champions approach the beautiful game.

Academy manager Brian McClair said: “It is exciting to be involved with such an innovative partnership that allows each club to glean knowledge from each other and so develop the future of football.”

United chief executive David Gill added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our coaches and Academy players. They will gain invaluable knowledge and experience from Desportivo. Brazilian football has always been consistent and we already have a strong Brazilian contingent at the club. This will forge an even stronger relationship."

Desportivo Brasil is located in the city of Itu, an hour’s drive from Sao Paulo, and is focused on youth football. The club fields teams competing in the Sao Paulo state championship at U15, U17 and U20 level.

They are currently putting the finishing touches to a new training complex that, when completed, will be one of the top facilities exclusively for junior football in the world. Desportivo’s head consultant is Brazil’s World Cup-winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Rooney Makes Apology For Diving

Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney apologised to him and opponents Villarreal for diving in Manchester United's 0-0 Champions League draw.

The Spanish team's players were angry after the striker went down in the box, despite no contact with the defender.

"He apologised to me and said he didn't mean to do that," said boss Ferguson.

"I think he's been watching (Villarreal forward) Robert Pires too much. At least he apologised to their players. You'd never see Pires do that."

Ferguson also said he believes that teams are fouling United's Cristiano Ronaldo so often referees think the winger is diving.

A goalless draw was enough to put United into the knockout stages of the tournament.

Their opponents ended the game with 10 men after Joan Capdevila saw red for a foul on Ronaldo and afterwards Ferguson stated: "The systematic fouling on him, that's what's now happening.

"It's a tactic. Eventually the referee thinks he's diving all the time."

Ronaldo had been a doubt for the match after limping out of Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa but Ferguson said he was satisfied with the level of protection provided by referee Roberto Rosetti in Spain.

"The referee was very fair and strict with both teams," added Ferguson.

"Capdevila may not have got that red card in England so there is a different interpretation of the physical aspect of the game in European matches."

Stud marks were visible above Ronaldo's knee following the challenge by the Villarreal defender and the United manager thought the referee had made the correct decision with the dismissal.

"When you see the tackle again, it was very high," commented Ferguson.

"When you go as high as that you risk a red card.

"There were three tackles on Cristiano and I think the referee has quite rightly booked the players and then dished out a red card."

United and Villarreal have now contested four successive goalless draws in the Champions League.

"It is amazing in these four games we have not had a goal," said the Scot.

"I do not know how that is because we are an attacking side and Villarreal have a great record themselves.

"I thought we carried a bigger threat than them. We had better opportunities in the match but we are satisfied we are into the next stage.

"That's what we wanted to achieve. We have an advantage over Villarreal now.

"We have a home game against Aalborg and they have to go to Celtic so hopefully we can win the group."

Man. United Through To Last 16 After Stalemate

Manchester United and Villarreal contested their fourth straight goalless draw in the Champions League as both qualified from the group stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to a goal but Diego Lopez brilliantly tipped his strike on to the crossbar.

The Villarreal keeper also denied Wayne Rooney, Anderson and Darren Fletcher while Joan Capdevila headed a deflected Rooney cross off the line.

Capdevila was later given a red card for a challenge on Ronaldo.

It was a contentious decision and ensured a lively and passionate end to what had been a largely low-key European encounter.

It was a late tackle by Spain defender Capdevila as he slid to win the ball but his studs left the ground and he made contact high on Ronaldo's left leg, with the Portugal star writhing in agony.

Howls of derision sounded around the Madrigal for the final 10 minutes of the contest but United closed out the match to ensure their qualification.

It was a broadly disappointing game, with too many misplaced passes and runs off the ball that went unnoticed.

But it was a controlled display by United, who had settled quickly, forcing Diego Lopez into an early save when Anderson shot across goal from a wide angle.

Playing a measured brand of football, the visiting team looked to get behind the Villarreal defence and did so after eight minutes, with Rooney slotting home from a Patrice Evra pull-back only for the effort to be ruled out for an offside against the France defender.

The Villarreal keeper made regulation saves from Ronaldo and Fletcher, returning to the United line-up after injury as one of five changes from the side that drew at Aston Villa on Saturday.

But it was a truly spectacular effort from Diego Lopez to tip a thunderous strike from Ronaldo on to the crossbar late in the opening half.

Villarreal, comfortable on the ball if lacking in ambition, did cause United occasional problems and Tomasz Kuszczak had to be alert to parry a strike from Santi Cazorla.

Several Villarreal players were incensed shortly after the restart when Rooney went down in the penalty area. Fabricio Fuentes was in close attendance but there did not appear to be any contact.

Diego Lopez kept out another shot from Ronaldo and two weak strikes from Anderson while Villarreal, who had lost skipper Marcos Senna to injury at the break, gradually showed some attacking intent.

Soriano Bruno impressed after replacing Senna and almost picked out the impressive Guiseppe Rossi with a cross from the left while three Villarreal players tried but failed to make contact with a teasing ball from the right.

Rooney had a shot on the turn saved but the nearest the half came to a goal after the break was after the forward's cross from the left took a deflection and headed towards goal with the keeper stranded.

Capdevila headed the ball out for a corner but shortly afterwards was sent from the field.

Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Javi Venta, Rodriguez, Fuentes, Capdevila, Santi Cazorla, Senna (Bruno 46), Eguren, Pires (Fernandez 65), Rossi (Franco 78), Ibagaza.

Subs Not Used: Viera, Edmilson, Cygan, Angel.

Sent Off: Capdevila (82).

Booked: Javi Venta, Eguren, Fuentes.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher (Gibson 80), Carrick (Tevez 86), Nani (Park 85), Anderson, Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Giggs, Vidic, Rafael Da Silva.

Booked: Evra, Ronaldo.

Att: 26,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Former United striker Giuseppe Rossi holds the ball up under pressure from Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans

Better Than After 99

Sir Alex believes his side are better equipped to win the Champions League again than the Reds were in 1999.

United’s Treble season brought unparalleled success to Old Trafford, but the English and European Double last term puts the Reds in a similar position this season.

"The year after 1999 we were very naïve," admitted the boss. "Teams sussed us out tactically; teams like Ajax and Anderlecht played counter-attack on their own grounds which caught us by surprise. We should have changed, but we didn’t and we suffered. We didn’t do well that year.

"This season I think I have a better squad so we can make changes tactically and we have improved that side of our game. Our players have grown up in European football. They’ve become familiar in the way the games can change in Europe."

United’s task of winning the Champions League is made harder this season by the precedent of no team winning back-to-back titles since the competition’s reformatting in 1992.

"Milan should have won it twice in a row recently, but the main reason that it’s so difficult to win it two years running is that it’s so competitive. You have the best four teams from Spain, Italy and England – it’s a very tough competition. That’s the main reason why a team hasn’t won it twice in a row in its current format."

Sir Alex puts Barcelona in with the other three English sides as the teams most likely to contest United’s European crown.

"Barcelona will be a big threat to everyone," he said. "Our experience of playing against them last season was that they are a very difficult team to play against. This season under their new coach Josep Guardiola, they have brought in Daniel Alves and one of my former players, Gerard Pique.

"They’ve changed the format of their team around and their goals against record this season is much better than it was last season. I think the natural threat to us is Barcelona. But I’ve said in the last two or three years, the English sides have established themselves as a consistent threat to all the other teams."

However, before attentions can turn to winning the competition, the Reds must first get past the hurdle of Group E. Standing in the way on Tuesday night is Villarreal, a team Sir Alex has huge respect for. Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini has been likened to Sir Alex for the way he has gradually built a team with El Submarino Amarillo (the yellow submarines).

"He’s not as good looking as me," Sir Alex joked with the Spanish press. “The man himself is an example of how a coach can build a team with very little resources. He has created his own identity with his team. You get that with managers like Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, Brian Clough did it at Nottingham Forest and I’ve tried to do it with United. Pellegrini has established himself in this team.

"It’s surprising, then, that given the attacking talent on show for both sides that three meetings in recent seasons have all ended in 0-0 draws.

"I don’t think there is any particular reason," adds the boss. "I think that Villarreal have shown what a tremendous side they are over the years. They’ve been second in La Liga twice in the last few years. To do that with a team from a small town, certainly without the resources of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Valencia, has been fantastic. They’re fantastically consistent and we know that we are playing a well-organised side on Tuesday night."

Vidic: Villa Shut Up Shop

Nemanja Vidic felt Aston Villa's stifling tactics were the reason United failed to score in a league game for the first time in a year.

The Reds were much the better side but only created a handful of chances against a well-drilled Villa outfit, for whom pacy Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only out-and-out attacker.

"When a team defends with 10 players for the whole game, it’s hard to create chances," Vidic told MUTV. "We had a great strike from Ronaldo, Rooney had an opportunity and a few chances from set-pieces, but we couldn't score."

Vidic was involved in the game's major talking point during the second half as he got into a tangle with Agbonlahor and the striker eventually went down just inside the box, but referee Chris Foy waved away Villa's penalty claims.

Vidic continued: "The referee could have given the foul 30 yards from goal, but once we reached the box I touched the ball and I'm sure it wasn't a penalty. Agbonlahor is quick and today they defended and used his pace to surprise us."

With Liverpool and Chelsea also being held to goalless draws, United missed out on the chance to close the gap at the top, but Vidic knows there will be plenty more points dropped between now and the end of the season.

"We knew we had a good opportunity to get closer to Liverpool and Chelsea but we didn’t take it and now we need to focus on the next game," the Serbian added. "The season is long: Chelsea and Liverpool drawing shows the top teams are going to lose points at home this season."

Man. United Held At Villa Park

Manchester United remain eight points off the top of the Premier League after failing to break down Aston Villa in a lively encounter at Villa Park.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor hit an early chance straight at Edwin van der Sar, Ashley Young's tackle prevented Ji-Sung Park from giving United the lead.

Villa wanted a penalty when Nemanja Vidic challenged Agbonlahor before Wayne Rooney miscued in front of goal.

Both teams created openings late on but could do nothing to break the deadlock.

Villa, who leapfrog Arsenal into fourth, will be pleased to have ended a run of 12 consecutive league defeats at the hands of United and claimed their first point against the Old Trafford club since 2002.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was urging his side forward at the end and he might reflect on two points dropped, despite Chelsea and Liverpool being held to goalless draws themselves.

Both teams came into the game with form and confidence from their most recent league outings, Villa having claimed a fine win at Arsenal and United following their home demolition of Stoke.

The pair were separated by just one point but there appeared even less to choose between them in the opening exchanges.

A Luke Young free-kick was headed by Martin Laursen into the path of Agbonlahor but the England striker poked his shot straight at Van der Sar.

At the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped in from the left wing and unleashed a venomous drive that was clawed behind by Brad Friedel, making his 166th consecutive Premier League appearance to equal David James' record.

United, boosted by the returns of Rio Ferdinand and Rooney, were initially frustrated by Villa's 4-5-1 formation, which turned into a 4-3-3 when in possession.

But with United looking to get forward in numbers at every opportunity, the visitors' slick passing soon enabled wingers Ronaldo and Park to get in behind the Villa full-backs.

On 38 minutes Ronaldo sent Park racing through on goal but, just as the South Korean prepared to shoot, Ashley Young slid in with a perfectly-timed challenge to avert the danger.

With Villa struggling to keep hold of the ball, United continued to flow forward and a sliding Park was inches away from converting Rooney's enticing right-wing cross.

United tried to make their superiority count before half-time, Vidic heading narrowly wide from a Ryan Giggs free-kick, but Villa held firm.

Martin O'Neill's men looked vibrant after the re-start and Van der Sar was forced to concede a corner with Ashley Young's intended cross heading towards the top corner.

Villa were beginning to play without inhibition and, on the hour-mark, felt they should have had a penalty when Agbonlahor was felled after out-pacing Vidic on the left, although replays suggested Vidic won the ball.

United wasted a glorious chance when Michael Carrick hooked over the Villa defence for Rooney, who found himself clean through but fired horribly high and wide from close range.

Ferguson replaced an out-of-form Carlos Tevez with Nani as United continued to probe from wide areas but clear-cut chances were not forthcoming and Villa reminded the reigning champions of their threat when Ashley Young's drive was well saved by Van der Sar.

Vidic had to be alert to scramble clear after James Milner beat John O'Shea and crossed but in the end neither side could breach the other's back four.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"We tried to perform in the same way as at Arsenal. It is very difficult against United - they are great players who can turn games but we stuck at it and deserved something.

"These have been two big games for us after losing to Newcastle and Middlesbrough and will help to give the players great self-belief.

"It is exceptionally hard to break into the top four but we are aiming for that sort of thing. The players are improving and have a good confidence about themselves."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"I thought we were the better team apart from a 15-minute spell after half-time when Villa got the ball into our box from free-kicks and corners and caused a lot of problems.

"Apart from that, we weren't in danger. I was pleased with the effort we put in against an aggressive and determined team who defended for their lives.

"With the amount of possession we had at the end I thought another chance must come along but they held on."

Aston Villa: Friedel, Reo-Coker, Davies, Laursen, Luke Young, Sidwell (Carew 81), Petrov, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young.

Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Knight, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner.

Booked: Davies.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo (Anderson 82), Park, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez (Nani 71).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Welbeck, Evans, Gibson, Rafael Da Silva.

Att: 42,585

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Cristiano Ronaldo sends a free-kick just wide for the visitors as the sides draw a blank in the opening 45 minutes

Wayne Rooney also misses the target for Man Utd as Villa hold on to claim the point they need to displace Arsenal from the top four

Disney @ Changi Airport

If you have been to Changi Airport recently, you will be able to see a more cheery and cutesy side to this iconic landmark.

Well, it is because Mickey Mouse & Co. have decided to "relocate" here and are currently spending their time here enjoying the sights and sounds. (For a limited period only)

The following pictures are taken by me on 14th November while I was there simply to relax and to escape from the usual hustle and bustle of life in this little red dot..... .

Enjoy your weekend!

Inside Terminal 3

Hello from the Disney gang

Goofy striking a pose with the Control Tower behind him

Donaldo could not wait to welcome us with open arms

Mickey seems to be so excited!

Minnie (front) with Goofy

Outside the Terminals of Changi Airport

Mickey & Minnie

Minnie Mouse

Goofy

Pluto

Donald & Daisy

Slow down and enjoy the company of Mickey & Co. ......

Cheers!

Fans Ask, Gary Neville Answers

The club captain responds to supporters' questions...

Will you go into management when you stop playing? - Andrew, Didsbury
I’m not sure. I’m doing my coaching badges now with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Giggsy. It’s something that, when you do them, you do get a buzz about being out there on the training ground. But I’m not sure at this stage, I really want to concentrate on my playing career and whatever comes after that… who knows?

Who's the best - Maradona or Pele? And why? - Bazza, Manchester
Pele. Just for the way in which he looked after himself and the way he has been an ambassador to the game. He has led an almost faultless life in that sense, so for that reason I’d choose Pele.

Do you miss having your brother Phil at the club? - Phil, Manchester
Sometimes... but I miss all the lads like Butty, Becks, Ben Thornley and Chris Casper. They were great years when we were coming through and seven or eight of us were playing together for so long. But you move on and new young players come through. We’ve got Anderson, Nani, Rafael and Rodrigo Possebon now coming through the ranks. It’s important that the club always moves on. It’s like a conveyor belt, some players fall off the end. Thankfully I’m still hanging on! But young players are so important to this club, they’re the heartbeat of it.

Region Honours Man. United

Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs were among the winners at the 2008 North-West Football Awards on Monday night.

Sir Alex picked up an Outstanding Achievement Award for leading United to a memorable Double last season, while Giggs was named North-West Footballer of the Year for his continued influence on the pitch and charity work off it.

Sir Bobby Charlton, who himself received a lifetime contribution honour at this ceremony last year, picked up the award on Giggs' behalf at Manchester's Midland Hotel.

United's excellence off the field was also rewarded, as the club shared the Premier League award for Best Club Marketing Campaign with Liverpool.

Cristiano Ronaldo, however, missed out to Liverpool's Fernando Torres in the Premier League Player of the Year category, despite scoring 42 goals for United last season.

The North-West Football Awards are in their second year and acknowledge the region's football heritage both on and off the field.

Judges this year included PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, Manchester United director Maurice Watkins and Paul Thorogood from the Football Foundation.

Surgery Only Option For Hargreaves

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that surgery was the only remaining option in safeguarding Owen Hargreaves' United future.

The England international will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery with the renowned Doctor Richard Steadman in Colorado, but Sir Alex is hopeful that the short-term loss will be a long-term gain for all parties.

"I think that we’ve exhausted every other way of dealing with the situation," the United manager told a press conference. "We tried to manage it, we sent him to a specialist in Leicester who did injections, where the success rate was very good.

"Unfortunately it wasn’t good enough for Owen in the sense that he was still continually feeling great pain in his kneecaps and we had to look at the next stage and that was to send him to a specialist for an operation."

Sir Alex also revealed that the Canadian-born England international will spend a portion of his recuperation in his homeland after completing the second instalment of a two-part process.

"He’ll get his second operation done and he’ll get a break back home in Canada for a little spell," he said. "It’s gone well. These operations aren’t always completely successful, but the surgeon’s very pleased with it. We had a physiotherapist there - John Davin - and he was pleased with the operation, so hopefully he comes back next season a new player."

Carling Cup Quarter-Finals Draw: Man. United Vs Blackburn

Carling Cup Quarter-Finals Draw:
Stoke City v Derby County
Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers
Burnley v Arsenal
Watford v Tottenham Hotspur

* Matches to be played in week beginning 1 December.

Welbeck Has What It Takes

Michael Carrick says Danny Welbeck has the star quality required to make the grade at Old Trafford.

The 17-year-old Reds striker marked his Premier League debut by smashing a shot into the top corner in front of the Stretford End during United's 5-0 win over Stoke. But Carrick insists Welbeck won’t get carried away.

“He’s so talented,” Michael told MUTV. “We see it every day in training. It’s nice for him to produce it on the big stage. His temperament is spot on, so he won’t get carried away. He’s got a good chance of achieving big things here.”

Welbeck’s incredible strike late in the game was as much an indication of his unshakeable confidence as his ability to execute the talent he possesses. Now Carrick wants to see Danny excel in the first team arena.

“What a goal,” added Carrick, who was also among the scorers on an incredible afternoon. “To come on and score a goal like that must be beyond his wildest dreams. I’m sure he’ll build on that.

“He’s got bags of ability and good temperament, so he suits playing for us. I’m not sure about the celebration, but he can work on that!”

Carrick also took time to praise Ronaldo for reaching the incredible landmark of 101 goals for United in his 253rd Reds appearance.

“His scoring record is unbelievable, especially for a winger,” he said. “Even for a goal-poaching centre-forward it’d be a good record. It’s incredible that he scores as many as he does, but his game is about so much more than that. It’s a fantastic achievement and a credit to him.”

Carrick passed a goals landmark of his own on Saturday, albeit on a smaller scale to Ronaldo, with his first-half strike against the Potters. It was his tenth goal for the Reds and, after grabbing his second goal of the season, admits that he’d like to contribute more in front of goal.

“It was a nice strike,” he added. “I managed to turn and get half a yard and just hit through the back of the ball and it went in. It’s something I’d like to do more of, I’d like to get a few goals. Hopefully there’s more to come.”

Welbeck Playing It Cool

Danny Welbeck announced his arrival on the Premier League stage with a wonder goal in the 5-0 win over Stoke City, but the level-headed striker has promised to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Welbeck doesn’t turn 18 until the end of this month, but he has already caused a stir among those in the know with some exciting displays in the Carling Cup this season. But to score on his Premier League debut is the biggest indication yet of the talent he possesses.

“It feels amazing,” he told MUTV after the game. “Scoring in front of the Stretford End is what every young boy from Manchester dreams of. I loved it. I wouldn’t say I’ve dreamt about it, but I’ve thought about it every day of my life ever since I started playing football. There’s nothing better.”

The goal, a shot from 30 yards which flew into the top corner, also shows his limitless confidence in his own ability. “I got the ball on the edge of the centre-circle and I knew Ryan Shawcross was behind me. I played a one-two with Manucho, took a touch and just thought, ‘I’m going to hit it’.

“I was just relieved to see it hit the back of the net. I’m not going to lie, I’ve seen replays of it a few times already!”

But he’s not getting too carried away. “I’m sure the manager will help me keep my feet on the ground but I’m quite level-headed anyway, so I’ll just take it all in my stride. I just want more opportunities. It’s made me hungry for more. Playing with these players in the first team – there’s no better experience. I’m willing to learn and improve as much as I can as a player.”

Sir Alex: Ronaldo's On Fire

Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo has reached top form after watching the Reds winger strike two unstoppable free-kicks in the 5-0 win over Stoke.

The United boss was pleased to see Ronaldo score his 100th and 101st goals for the Reds with two wonderfully struck set-pieces.

It indicates that the Portuguese winger is now back to his very best following a start to the season disrupted by an ankle operation in the summer.

"You saw his celebration, he was very pleased and the crowd were delighted," said Sir Alex.

"He's on fire now, he's back. He's overcome his operation and he is getting quicker with every game. His fitness levels are fantastic. The boy is back."

United's five-star performance against Stoke wasn't all about Ronaldo. Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Premier League debutant Danny Welbeck also chipped in. And Sir Alex was pleased with the way the Reds defended against Stoke's physical and aerial threats.

"We did some work on it during the week. We handled the throw-ins very well - I think the crowd helped us there!" he said refferring to United's fans jeering whenever their was a throw-in that didn't fluster the Reds rearguard.

5 Star Performance From Man. United

Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th Manchester United goal set his side on their way to an emphatic home win over Stoke.

The Portuguese winger smashed home a trademark free-kick from 25 yards before turning provider for Michael Carrick to fire in United's second.

Dimitar Berbatov volleyed home to extend the lead before 17-year-old Danny Welbeck marked his Premier League debut with a stunning strike.

Ronaldo sealed the win with his second, another expertly taken free-kick.

The three points were a fitting reward for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was celebrating 50 years in football after making his playing debut as a 16-year-old during Queens Park's 2-1 defeat at Stranraer on 15 November 1958.

United played with a verve the visitors never came to terms with and made light of the absence of injured Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.

The game was barely two minutes old when a robust challenge from Amdy Faye on Tevez gave Ronaldo the type of chance he craves.

And the Portuguese winger duly stepped up and struck a blistering free-kick that dipped and swerved in front of Thomas Sorensen, who allowed the ball to slip through his grasp.

Ronaldo could have had a second soon after as United piled on the pressure, but Faye threw himself in the way of his rasping shot.

Stoke dug in and a trademark long throw from Rory Delap was headed towards his own goal by John O'Shea, only for Edwin van der Saar to claw the goalbound ball to safety.

United began to lose some of their early momentum, but Sorensen still had to be alert to deny Ji-Sung Park before Ronaldo tested the Danish keeper from distance.

Despite gaining some decent possession in attacking areas the visitors failed to create many chances and found themselves with a bigger mountain to climb when Carrick doubled United's lead just before the break.

The midfielder collected Ronaldo's pass on the edge of area and despite having four defenders around him, he managed to rifle home a left-footed shot from 16 yards.

After the break the home side looked to put the result beyond doubt and Berbatov did just that as he controlled a cross from Carlos Tevez and volleyed home.

Ronaldo was now running the show and twice tested the Stoke keeper from distance as United hunted a fourth before Tevez tried his luck and curled a shot narrowly wide.

Faye was then involved in a confrontation with Ronaldo as the Portugal international aimed a kick at the Stoke midfielder, an incident missed by the officials.

Angolan international Manucho was introduced as a second half substitute by United but headed wide when unselfishly played in by Ronaldo before Berbatov saw an effort cleared off the line by Danny Higginbotham.

The fourth goal eventually came courtesy of Welbeck, another substitute brought on by Ferguson, who gave Sorensen no chance with a powerful shot from 25 yards.

Ronaldo then capped a fine individual and team performance with his second free-kick two minutes from time, struck past the left-hand edge of a badly positioned wall.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo:
"That is nine for the season now. I am sure he will be into double figures very soon.

"Overall, he has scored 101 times in 253 appearances, which is an unbelievable return for a winger.

"He is back now that's for sure. We have been waiting for him to get a free-kick and the power he hit the first one with was very impressive."

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis:
"We were doing okay until United scored just before half-time.

"When they got another just afterwards, it killed us.

"We have done quite well against the other big clubs this season but once we had to chase the game, United just picked us off."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Gibson 63), Park (Welbeck 63), Tevez (Manucho 74), Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Anderson, Nani, Rafael Da Silva.

Booked: Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 3, Carrick 45, Berbatov 49, Welbeck 84, Ronaldo 89.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin (Wilkinson 79), Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Olofinjana (Cresswell 31), Diao, Amdy Faye, Delap, Fuller (Kitson 68), Sidibe.

Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Cort, Whelan, Tonge.

Booked: Fuller, Delap.

Att: 75,369

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Carrick scores Man. United 2nd goal against Stoke City

What a strike! Man. United Danny Welbeck scores an absolute stunner on his Premiership debut

50 Years Of Sir Alex In Football

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates a half-century in football on Saturday.

Ferguson made his debut for Queen's Park as a 16-year-old in their 2-1 defeat at Stranraer on 15 November 1958, scoring their only goal of the game.

Following the end of his playing career in Scotland, Ferguson led Aberdeen to league, cup and European glory before taking charge at Manchester United in November 1986.

Since then he has won 10 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, the League Cup twice, and the Champions League twice.

Sir Alex spent his entire playing career in Scotland, leaving Queen's Park for St Johnstone and Dunfermline in the 1960s, then signing for Rangers in 1967 (pictured, in Rangers shirt, left).

Ferguson scored goals but did not settle at Ibrox, joining Falkirk two years later before ending his playing days at Ayr United.

His managerial career began at East Stirlingshire and St Mirren. By 1978 he was Aberdeen boss - in the next eight years he won three league titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup (pictured right, with Hearts' Sandy Jardine, following Aberdeen's 3-0 victory in the 1986 Scottish Cup final).

Ferguson endured a turbulent initial relationship with Manchester United fans when he joined as manager in 1986.

His first years at the club lacked success, and his job appeared to be on the line following a 5-1 drubbing by Manchester City in 1989.

But Fergie recovered to win the 1990 FA Cup (bottom left, with Bryan Robson), then registered his first Premier League title in 1993 (top left, after a title-sealing victory over Blackburn at Old Trafford).

More league titles followed and Ferguson completed league and FA Cup doubles in 1994 and 1996 (right, with the 1996 trophies).

In 1999, Ferguson and Manchester United completed an unprecedented treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's goal at the Nou Camp, deep into injury time, handed United a famous 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich.

They had earlier beaten Arsenal to the league title by a single point, and defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the FA Cup Final.

Ferguson was knighted for services to football in June of that year, and United extended their success into the new millennium, winning back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001.

After the success of the early 90s, not everything went Sir Alex's way.

1995 was memorable for Manchester United twice snatching defeat from the jaws of victory - first drawing 1-1 at home to West Ham to hand Blackburn the league title (left), then losing the FA Cup final 1-0 to Joe Royle's Everton (right).

But 1995 also marked the birth of Ferguson's famously youthful side of the late 1990s.
David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers all came through into the team, prompting Alan Hansen to declare: "You can't win anything with kids."

Though Manchester United won the league again in 2003, the team that had claimed seven Premier League titles in nine years struggled for silverware in the early 2000s.

But Ferguson splashed the cash on top players like Rio Ferdinand (left), who signed from Leeds for £30m in 2002, and Wayne Rooney signed from Everton two years later.

Ferguson also invested in a young Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, with a view to the future.

Not every gamble paid off - expensive signings like Diego Forlan and Juan Sebastian Veron failed to sparkle.

The most famous of "Fergie's fledglings" was David Beckham, who made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in 1992.

Beckham first wore the number 10 vacated by Mark Hughes, then Eric Cantona's relinquished no. 7 jersey, as he elevated himself to footballing superstar status.

But the relationship between player and manager was a rocky one. In 2003, following a defeat to Arsenal, Ferguson kicked a boot at Beckham, striking him above the eye.

A year later Beckham was gone, signing for Real Madrid in a deal worth £25m.

Club ownership plays an increasingly large role in modern football, and Manchester United are no exception.

Ferguson found himself embroiled in off-pitch politics in 2004 and 2005, as club majority shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus agreed to sell to US tycoon Malcolm Glazer (top left).

Ferguson also fell out with Magnier over the ownership of European horse of the year, Rock of Gibraltar (right, with Ferguson).

And who's this meeting Sir Alex in 2001? Thaksin Shinawatra, later chairman of arch-rivals Manchester City, is pictured below left.

Over the years, Sir Alex Ferguson has developed a reputation as a touchline firebrand.

Referee Jeff Winter was a particular target. Ferguson was sent off by fourth official Winter at Newcastle in 2003 (pictured) having earlier criticised Winter's "ludicrous" refereeing.

Ferguson also clashed on several occasions with referees' chief Keith Hackett, variously accusing officials of bias in favour of Chelsea, or against his club.

"Hackett has got a lot to answer for in this country," said Ferguson in March this year.

Sir Alex Ferguson's footballing legacy is already visible within the sport, as some of the players with whom he won league titles in the 1990s are now top-class managers in their own right.

Former stars Bryan Robson (left), Mark Hughes (top right), Paul Ince and Steve Bruce have all managed in the top flight.

Ferguson's relationships with his fellow Premier League managers have kept many a back page occupied during his tenure.

He and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger (bottom right) do not get on, while Kevin Keegan imploded on air as he declared he would "love it" if Newcastle beat United in 1996.

Ferguson won his second Champions League trophy and his 10th Premier League title last season, as the flow of silverware to Old Trafford continued.

But when will Fergie bow out? He has already been talked out of retiring once, by wife Cathy, in 2002.

Ferguson, 67 this New Year's Eve, recently said he does not expect to continue in management past the age of 70.

That could make 2012 the year the face of Manchester United finally changes, for the first time since 1986.

Evans Rated By Rio

Rio Ferdinand has tipped fellow United centre-back Jonny Evans as a future international captain.

Evans' appearances for Northern Ireland are already in double figures, even though he's played just seven times for the Reds at senior level - including Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Queens Park Rangers.

However, his club statistics are bolstered by his time on loan at Sunderland, whose manager Roy Keane attempted to lure Evans to the north east on a permanent deal in the summer. The reason it didn't happen was Sir Alex Ferguson's determination not to lose a player whose career he believes is “absolutely guaranteed”.

Now Ferdinand, a veteran of almost 300 United appearances, has echoed his manager’s sentiments.

“Jonny is a top, top player,” said Rio. “A few managers wanted to buy him in the summer, so that tells you what a good prospect he is.

“At Sunderland last season he was probably one of their better players. He’s good with both feet, he’s playing for Northern Ireland and he’ll probably be their captain in the near future.

“You can see why the manager fought so hard to keep him, and to make sure Jonny realises his future is here at Old Trafford. He’ll have a major part to play in the coming years.”

A decade ago, Rio was a promising defender coming through the ranks at West Ham United. He knows all too well the frustrations young players can face when breaking into the first team.

“You’re impatient and you just want to play football,” he said.

“When I was a kid I was behind the likes of Slaven Bilic, Alvin Martin and Marc Rieper, but I wanted to play every game. Jonny will be thinking the same.

“No matter who’s in front of you, no matter how good they are, you just want to play football.

“The manager will just make sure Jonny trains hard and takes the best bits from all the players he works with and brings it to his own game.

“He’s looked assured each time he’s been called upon this season and I’m sure that will continue.”

Man. United Join Race To Sign Witsel

Manchester United have joined the chase for Axel Witsel after Sir Alex Ferguson sent one of his top scouts to watch the teenage midfielder in UEFA Cup action last week.

The United manager has been alerted to growing interest in Witsel and may now join the bidding for him after studying a report on another impressive performance in Standard Liege's 1-0 win over Sevilla last Thursday.

Sportsmail can reveal that United and Inter Milan were both represented at the game but that Bolton's hopes of landing the 19-year old for £6million have been dashed after they were told it would take at least twice as much to prise him away.
- John Edwards, Daily Mail -

Hargreaves Out For Rest Of Season

Owen Hargreaves will miss the rest of the season following a successful operation on his right knee.

The midfielder will also undergo surgery on his left knee in a few weeks' time under the guidance of knee specialist Richard Steadman in Colorado.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "He had the operation on Monday and it went well, although we won’t know the exact details until he gets back. He has to have a further operation on his left knee in a few weeks.

"The reason for us sending him out to America was because Richard is a first-class specialist who deals with these sorts of injuries, and Owen's own preference was to be in Colorado.

"Unfortunately he is out for the season, but we hope this will now be put to bed and we’ll get him back as a fit player for the start of next season."Hargreaves has endured a frustrating time at United since arriving last summer.

He missed the start of the 2007/08 campaign but he played a prominent role in United's Double charge after Christmas.

However, the 27-year-old's tendonitis flared up again in pre-season and he has made only three appearances this term.

Tevez Sends Man. United Into Last 8 Of Carling Cup

Carlos Tevez struck from the penalty spot in the 76th minute as Manchester United edged into the quarter finals of the Carling Cup following a dour match.

The Argentine made no mistake from the spot after substitute Danny Welbeck had been felled by Peter Ramage, but it was far from a vintage United performance.

Ji-Sung Park earlier hit a post but a much-changed United side failed to turn their utter dominance into chances.

QPR defended throughout, though Samuel di Carmine had a late effort ruled out.

The Italian forced home from close range but the official's flag was the right call - and an equaliser would have been unjust given the visitors' reticence to attack.

For their part, United totally dominated possession but - with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo rested - attacks constantly misfired.

Still, eight changes to the starting line-up that went down 2-1 to Arsenal at the weekend perhaps explains the disjointed display United produced.

On the day news broke that Owen Hargreaves will be out for the rest of the season with knee trouble, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have been pleased to see Rodrigo Possebon pulling the strings in midfield.

But United struggled to create many clear-cut chances, Tevez forcing a fine, low save with a stinging shot before Rangers keeper Radek Cerny almost let in Ji-Sung Park when he spilled Anderson's effort.

Those were the highlights of a largely drab opening half and things barely got better at the start of the second, with Nani, Anderson and Park all guilty of wayward passes.

Park nearly provided the breakthrough on the hour mark, blazing a 30-yard effort against the post after good work by Rafael da Silva and minutes later Tevez forced Cerny to tip over from 12 yards.

QPR finally managed their very first effort on goal on 73 minutes when Dexter Blackstock brought an easy save out of Tomasz Kuszczak.

Three minutes later Nani burst into the box well and laid the ball to Welbeck, who was clearly felled by Ramage.

Tevez, who has regularly been left out of the United starting line-up in recent weeks, made no mistake from the spot, sending Cerny the wrong way.

Rangers finally rallied following the goal and after Di Carmine's effort had been rightly ruled out, Emmanuel Ledesma fired wide of the goal after Blackstock's shot had been saved.

It was commendable effort at the end of the match from the visitors, but few could argue United deserved the win and to go through to the last eight of the competition.

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"Danny Welbeck changed the game for us, really, and I'm really pleased with him. He gave us something different and earned the all important penalty.

"He's only recently back from a groin injury but now that he's fit he's very much in the first-team picture.

"The only area that has been letting us down of late - and it showed again tonight - is taking our chances. But the goals will come, I'm sure."

QPR caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth on injuries to Gavin Mahon, Lee Cook and Daniel Parejo:
"They are problems we could do without. I will be making changes on Saturday against Burnley that's for sure.

"We have given a good account of ourselves and this is a fairytale for me.

"But we are back down to earth at Burnley on Saturday. The Championship is important for us. We have massive ambition and we want to get out of it."

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Neville (Vidic 89), Evans, O'Shea, Gibson, Possebon (Welbeck 72), Anderson, Nani, Tevez, Park.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Carrick, Manucho, Cleverley, Gray.

Goals: Tevez 76 pen.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Hall, Stewart, Connolly, Buzsaky (Agyemang 33), Rowlands, Mahon, Cook (Di Carmine 78), Parejo (Ledesma 46), Blackstock.

Subs Not Used: Cole, Delaney, Gorkss, Ephraim.

Att: 62,539

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Ronaldo To Get New Deal?

Cristiano Ronaldo will get a pay rise - if he proves his loyalty to Manchester United.

Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met Red Devils chiefs yesterday to discuss the possibility of a new deal. But United made it clear they will not upgrade Ronnie’s £120,000-per-week contract unless he demonstrates his desire to stay at Old Trafford - and that means all talk of a move to Real Madrid is banned. But the Portugal winger can expect a new mega-bucks deal at the end of this season if he behaves himself and continues to play well.

The Premier League champs do not want to put themselves in a position where any top player who is targeted by another club will expect a new deal. That is why Ronaldo has been told he must wait and show his worth in the meantime.
- Ian McGarry, The Sun -

The Daily Mirror also tip Ronaldo for an upgraded contract, but claim that the Portuguese winger is pushing for £170,000 per week.

Cole Calls Time On Career

Ex-Red Andy Cole has announced his retirement from football, bringing down the curtain on a 19-year career.

Cole enjoyed spells with 13 clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, where sadly his career came to an end not befitting his impresssive contribution to the game.

"It's not the ideal ending," Cole told The Times. "It just wasn't working out. I told them from the outset that I didn't want to go there to sit on the bench because I didn't want to be perceived as sitting back and making easy money."

Despite the slightly sour taste of his career's final act, Cole has plenty to look back on and feel proud about. "I wouldn't change a thing. I've lived the dream," he said.

Undoubtedly his most successful spell came during his six trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League winners medal as part of 1999's famous Treble.

He served as United's no.9 with distinction, scoring 121 goals in 275 appearances. In his first season following a then-record £6.25million transfer from Newcastle, Cole scored five goals in the 9-0 rout of Ipswich Town at OT - still an individual and team best in the Premier League.

Cole left United in December 2001, and understandably did not scale the heights he had with the Reds. However, he did score the winning goal for Blackburn in the 2002 Worthington Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

The 37-year-old has already been tipped to pursue a coaching career. Blackburn are reported to have expressed an interest in giving him his break behind the scenes.

Maradona In Carrington

Newly appointed Argentina manager Diego Maradona paid Man. United a visit on 7th November


The photo opportunity of a lifetime for some of the Man. United players

Boss Rues Missed Chances

Sir Alex Ferguson was rueful, but not disheartened after watching his side edged out in a thrilling game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Samir Nasri's double gave the Gunners all three points, while United passed up a string of decent chances - including one gilt-edged opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo shortly after Nasri's second - before Rafael's late consolation strike.

"The chances we had in the game were incredible," Sir Alex told Sky Sports. "It was the area in which we let ourselves down. I think if we'd got one when Ronaldo got his great chance, then we'd have got something out of the game.

"It was fantasy football, it was like playground stuff - you attack, we attack - and they got the goals that mattered. In fairness to my own team, after the second goal their determination and drive to try and rescue the game was fantastic, and we probably deserved something from the game, I think."

After watching his side play a huge part in a pulsating game, the United manager felt the whole affair was a tremendous advert for attacking football.

"Some of the football out there today from both teams was magnificent," he said. "I don't think you'll see a game as good as that anywhere else in the country.

"Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say 'if you're going to get beaten, just make sure it's someone who's going to play football', and Arsenal played good football at times. Not as dangerous as us in attacking play, but they got the goals that mattered."

Samir Guns Down Red Devils

Samir Nasri struck twice as Arsenal beat Manchester United and delivered an emphatic confirmation of manager Arsene Wenger's belief that they are still serious Premier League contenders.

Nasri's deflected shot opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and he doubled their advantage three minutes after the interval with a powerful finish from Cesc Fabregas's precise pass.

Substitute Rafael volleyed United back into contention with a minute of normal time left - but Arsenal survived six extra minutes and an outbreak of mass anxiety at the Emirates to clinch the three points.

It was a victory they merited, with United creating and wasting chances but never carrying the same sense of self-belief as Arsenal in a highly charged atmosphere.

Arsenal have suffered 10 days of soul-searching and criticism after allowing Spurs to secure an unlikely draw and losing in acrimonious circumstances at Stoke City but they responded with an almost open show of defiance on and off the pitch.

They even had the strength of character to cope with losing goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to injury in the closing stages to keep United at bay.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have been frustrated by his side's wastefulness, with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo guilty of throwing away obvious openings, but he can have no serious complaints about the result.

For Arsenal, this performance and result will have only made Wenger - who was given noisy vocal backing throughout the game - even more entrenched in his belief that he will not sacrifice his principles for a more physical style of play.

Arsenal were without injured Emmanuel Adebayor and the suspended Robin van Persie, while United predictably restored Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov after the Champions League draw at Celtic.

But Arsenal looked anything but under-strength in a vibrant first 45 minutes that brought a host of chances at both ends and a deserved lead for Wenger's side.

It was United, however, who had the first opportunity when Arsenal keeper Almunia inexplicably picked up a backpass from Mikael Silvestre inside the first two minutes.

Arsenal were relieved when Anderson's free-kick was half-cleared and Michael Carrick turned the loose ball wide.

Wenger appeared to have instructed Arsenal to probe United's right-flank, where Gary Neville looked desperately uncomfortable at the start of what was a harrowing afternoon for the England defender.

Gael Clichy's cross was headed off target by Nicklas Bendtner, who then failed to get on the end of another dangerous ball from Nasri.

Rooney missed an even better chance for United after 17 minutes, carelessly lofting an inviting ball from Ronaldo over the top when it seemed certain he would score.

Arsenal took full advantage of the reprieve to take the lead five minutes later, when Nasri's shot took a crucial deflection off Neville and wrong-footed Edwin van der Sar.

It was a wonderfully open game but Arsenal were playing like a team stung by recent criticism and the sight of old rivals United had only inspired them further.

Fabregas had a shot deflected just wide but United were threatening themselves and Almunia needed to save well from Ji-Sung Park.

If there was a frustration for Arsenal, it would have been that the crucial second goal had eluded them, despite their dominance.

They did not have to wait long to get it as Nasri doubled their advantage three minutes after the restart.

Fabregas was at the centre of affairs again, punishing United for failing to pick up Nasri when he threaded through a perfect pass for the France midfield man to beat Van der Sar with an emphatic finish.

United, uncharacteristically, were lacking a cutting edge and wasted a perfect opportunity to grasp at a lifeline immediately after Arsenal's goal.

Park found Ronaldo unmarked at the far post but he dragged his shot across the face of goal with only Almunia to beat.

Almunia then required lengthy treatment after an accidental clash with Carrick as United refused to give up on the belief that they could get back into an enthralling encounter.

He carried on but was clearly in discomfort and was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski with 12 minutes left.

United also replaced Rooney with Carlos Tevez and Anderson with Ryan Giggs in what was clearly a last throw of the dice by Ferguson as time ran out.

Rafael, who had replaced Neville in the 63rd minute, pulled one back in the final minute with a spectacular left-foot volley from the edge of the box after Arsenal failed to clear a Giggs cross.

Almunia's injury meant six minutes of injury time but United could not create another chance and Arsenal's fans and players celebrated wildly at the end.

Arsenal: Almunia (Fabianski 78), Sagna, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott (Song Billong 77), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby (Toure 86), Bendtner.

Subs Not Used: Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou. Booked: Gallas, Sagna, Clichy.

Goals: Nasri 22, 48.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (Rafael Da Silva 63), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Anderson (Giggs 72), Carrick, Park, Rooney (Tevez 77), Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Nani, O'Shea, Evans.

Booked: Evra, Carrick.

Goals: Rafael Da Silva 90.

Att: 60,106

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

It is a wet lunchtime in north London, but the game starts at a blistering pace and Samir Nasri fires the Gunners ahead

United fall further behind after the break when Cesc Fabregas picks out Nasri on the edge of the box and the Frenchman rifles home

The chances continue to come at both ends, but you sense it will not be United's day as they fail to seriously trouble the Gunners' goal