Rooney Picks Up Supporter Award

Wayne Rooney has been voted England's player of the year for 2008 after a vote by fans.

The 23-year-old Manchester United striker topped the poll on the Football Association's website ahead of Gareth Barry and Theo Walcott.

The award follows Rooney's two goals in England's 4-0 friendly victory over Slovakia on Saturday.

Rooney, who has 21 international goals, is set to win his 50th cap when England play Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday.

However, Rooney, who has scored seven times in his last four appearances for England, insists he will not be resting on his laurels.

"I want to win more trophies, earn more caps and score more goals," he told the FA's official website.

"When I finish my career I can look back on those kind of things, but while I'm still playing I don't want to be looking back, I only want to look forward to the achievements I can get in the future."

Rooney, whose success with United includes winning the Premier League twice and triumphing in last season's Champions League, added: "After we won the Champions League we were thinking about the start of the next season straight away.

"The manager said 'make sure we're ready for next season'. It is something that you have to do. You can enjoy the night when you win trophies but after that you're looking forward to winning them again."

And Rooney believes England have cause for optimism under manager Fabio Capello as they chase a first major trophy since winning the 1966 World Cup.

"Since the manager came in the routine has changed and the team started playing a lot better football," stated the former Everton forward.

"The main aim was to get wins in qualifying games and we did that, and thankfully I was able to score some goals.

"Of course it is every player's aim to win a trophy with England. It is something that hasn't happened in many decades now.

"If we could do that in the next few years I'm sure everyone - from the fans, the players and the staff involved - would be absolutely delighted."

England are well placed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having won their first four games to top Group Six.

Victory over Ukraine - the only team Capello's men have yet to encounter - would give England one foot in the finals with only half the campaign completed.

"We had some great results and performances in our qualifying games last year," continued Rooney.

"Now we have some important matches coming up and we must not get complacent."

O'Shea Is United's Rock

FOOTBALLER'S LIFE:

John O'Shea has been an integral part of Manchester United's first-team squad since his breakthrough season in 2002-2003 but fans have been slow to accept the defender until recently.

O'Shea has figured prominently in the Manchester United defence this season that has swept away previous defensive records, starting in 11 of United's record 14 consecutive clean sheets in the Barclays English Premier League.

Having been an important member of last season's double-winning squad, he has made 40 appearances so far as the Manchester club look set for more glory.

That is something that has not escaped the attention of his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently praised the player, saying: "I feel blessed that we have players like John O'Shea, who has stepped in to play out of his skin. John has thrived on playing regularly and I'm sure that if I asked him to play at centre-forward he would get us a goal."

O'Shea started his development at Ferrybank FC in his native Waterford in Ireland before United beat several other English clubs for the services of the 17-year-old.

Following impressive loan spells at lower-league outfit Bournemouth and Belgian side Antwerp he was ready for first-team action, although he was the first to admit he felt a bit intimidated by playing at the highest level.

"I was desperate to make sure I acquitted myself well," he said. "Make a mistake and it will be talked about all day, miss a sitter and everyone gives you a bad time. I wanted to be noticed, but not too much."

Despite making over 300 appearances for United since his debut in October 1999 the Irish defender has frequently been the target of frustration for fans of both club and country.

Often plagued in the past by moments of lapsed concentration, his career path has not always been easy.

O'Shea burst onto the scene in 2002 with some fine displays of attacking full-back play but found it hard in the coming seasons to reproduce that initial form, reportedly one of the players who drew the infamous ire of international compatriot Roy Keane in an interview with MUTV.

Known for his versatility, O'Shea has played all across the back for United, in central midfield and even enjoyed a brief stint in goal against Tottenham in 2007 following Edwin van der Sar's dismissal.

O'Shea made his Irish debut against Croatia in 2001. Great things were expected of the youngster having been part of the Irish team that captured the Under-16 European Championship in 1998.

Things haven't always gone smoothly for O'Shea at international level, but he now seems to have settled at centre-half forming a strong pairing with Manchester City's Richard Dunne.

His nomination for Irish Player of the Year would seem to support the view O'Shea has finally found consistency.

FOOTBALLER'S STRIFE:

Progressing through the ranks at Manchester United has been no easy feat for the Irishman with criticism and hours on the bench a common theme of his time at Old Trafford. However, he has stuck to his dream and established himself as an important member of the squad.

FOOTBALLER'S WIFE:

Like many of his team-mates at Manchester United O'Shea tends to keep his personal life under wraps, although he is reported to be dating long-term girlfriend from back home, Yvonne Manning.

FOOTBALLER'S DRIVE:

O'Shea is in good company at Manchester United driving the same BMW 6 series V8 as club mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Didier Drogba and David Bentley can also be seen behind the wheel of this popular footballer's model.

ONE TO REMEMBER:

Manchester United fans will remember O'Shea nutmegging Luis Figo as a youngster but possibly his finest moment in a red shirt came in a game against Arsenal in 2005. With United leading 3-2 O'Shea ventured forward and impudently chipped the onrushing Manuel Almunia, a finish that seemed to even surprise himself as United won 4-2 at Highbury.

ONE TO FORGET:

O'Shea was part of the Irish team that was humiliated by Cyprus 5-2 in 2006. In a game that has been described as the lowest moment in Irish football history O'Shea was one of the players that was singled out for particular criticism following an inept display.

FOOTBALLER'S STATS:

Position: Defender
Club: Manchester United
D.O.B: 30/04/1981
Ireland Caps: 51
Ireland goals: 1
Ireland debut: August 15 2001 v Croatia

Evans Value Education

United defender Jonny Evans may only be 21 but he's already being rated as one of the best British centre-backs around.

Reds team-mate Rio Ferdinand has tipped the Belfast boy to go on and captain Northern Ireland; Evans could earn his 16th international cap on Saturday when Nigel Worthington’s men welcome Poland to Windsor Park.

The youngster’s rise to prominence and ice-cool composure on the pitch has been well documented this season. His performances have even drawn the odd comparison to the senior members of the Reds’ rearguard, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

“I don’t like to compare myself to those guys,” Evans told ManUtd.com.

“I look at certain aspects of their game – Vidic is unbelievable in the air and competes for every ball, which is something I’d like to add to my game. Meanwhile, Rio is so composed: he makes things look easy, rarely does he look fazed in a game.

"People will always make comparisons, but I just try to concentrate on the things I’m good at."

Of Evans' 21 starts this season, nine have been as Rio's sidekick, nine alongside Vida and three with Gary Neville in the heart of the back four.

As you might expect, the approach Evans takes onto the pitch is dictated by his central defensive partner.

“When Vidic is beside me I usually let him attack the ball. I sometimes let Rio do that too but he's so quick and is a great reader of the game, so I tend to attack the ball a bit more when I’m with him. I definitely try and adjust my game depending on who's next to me.

“There are no two better defenders in the world than the two we have here. We have a good balance here with Rio, who is like the Rolls-Royce, and Vidic, who attacks the ball so well.

“But I try to learn things from everyone. Wes Brown is a great competitor, for example, and can play anywhere across the back four.”

Evans is likely to start United's next match, against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday 5 April, as Nemanja Vidic will be serving the second of a two-game suspension following his red card against Liverpool.

Foster Wants Future With Man. United

Goalkeeper Ben Foster says he has no plans to quit Manchester United despite admitting staying at Old Trafford could compromise his international prospects.

The 25-year-old is in line for only his second England cap in Saturday's friendly against Slovakia at Wembley.

Foster has not started a Premier League match all season.

"You don't expect to be picked for England when you are not playing, but I don't want to leave Manchester United," he told BBC Sport.

Foster added: "Manchester United are the biggest club in the world.

"I know if I stay there, I will get my chance and I will be ready to take it. Anywhere else would be a step down. I've just got to bide my time."

Foster has suffered a series of injuries since Fabio Capello replaced Steve McClaren as England manager 15 months ago.

But a man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham in the Carling Cup final in February has brought the former Watford keeper back into international contention.

"I can't complain about not being number one at the moment, Edwin is doing a fantastic job," he said.

"I just have to wait until the summer comes and try and start again next season. I want to stay there as long as I can."

And Foster dismissed suggestions about going on loan.

"The manager wasn't going to let me out on loan, I wouldn't think that's an option," he added.

However, former England number one Peter Shilton - England's most capped player with 127 appearances - urged Foster to reconsider, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "From an England point of view, you want your keeper playing regularly and Ben has to do that.

"It looks like he has been earmarked as the next Manchester United keeper which will be very good, but for now Edwin van der Sar is the number one and that means Ben isn't playing. Short-term that's not good."

Should Foster secure first-team football, Shilton sees no reason why he cannot stake a claim to be England's new first-choice.

"There's no-one at the moment you can point at and say 'he is definitely England's number one'," he said. "I don't think you can place all your eggs in David James's basket.

"Ben has had his injuries but he's come back in one big game and performed impressively so he's done nothing wrong. He looks the part."

United To Play In Audi Cup

Four of the best teams on the planet – including world champions Manchester United – will take part in the Audi Cup in Germany this summer.

The two-day competition, held at Munich’s Allianz Arena, will feature United, Boca Juniors, AC Milan and Bayern Munich.

The Reds will meet Boca – Carlos Tevez’s former club and 23-times champions of Argentina – on Wednesday 29 July, with Milan and Bayern also competing on the same day. The winners of each game will play each other on Thursday 30 July in the final, which will be preceded by a third-place playoff featuring Wednesday’s losing sides.

At the tournament launch in Munich, attended by representatives from each side (including United defender Wes Brown), Audi chairman Rupert Stadler described the event as “a sporting highlight on the brand’s 100th anniversary”.

“We are proud that we have been able to attract these teams to Munich,” Stadler said.

Meanwhile, former Boca Juniors legend and current managing director Carlos Bianchi said the Argentinians were looking forward to pitting their wits against some of Europe’s finest footballers.

“It is both an honour and a big challenge for our team to compete against these sides,” he said.

Rio Backs Defensive Partner

Rio Ferdinand says it would make a refreshing change to see a fellow defender pick up the PFA Player of the Year award and he feels team-mate Nemanja Vidic is a strong contender for the accolade.

Only three defenders – John Terry (2004/05), Paul McGrath (1992/93) and Gary Pallister (1991/92) – have picked up the award, which is currently in the possession of Cristiano Ronaldo, in the last 20 years.

Vidic has been one of United's most consistent performers this season and has also chipped in with seven goals.

Ferdinand reckons his defensive partner would be fully deserving of the prize, as would team-mates Edwin van der Sar and Ryan Giggs.

"I think Vida will be in the running for Player of the Year. He's probably been our most consistent player along with Ryan and Edwin," Rio told ManUtd.com.

"Those three are probably our stand-out players of the season in terms of consistency.

"The attackers normally get the accolades and the adulation so it would be nice to see a defender win it.

"JT [John Terry] won it a few years ago, but over the years not many centre halves have won it. So it would be good to have a defender win."

Rio was talking to ManUtd.com, BBC Radio, PA.

Fergie Downcast In Defeat

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue two red cards during his side's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Fulham.

United gave away a penalty and had Paul Scholes sent off early on, before Wayne Rooney's late dismissal topped a dismal afternoon in the capital.

Following their loss to Liverpool last week, Ferguson's side have now succumbed to two defeats in a row, and the veteran manager admits that dropping six points in eight days is tough to take.

"I'm disappointed," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"I was disappointed with the first half, we didn't get started at all and that's cost us the game.

"But in fairness to the team, in the second half they responded to the half-time talking and I think that we were unlucky not to get something out of it.

"If we'd have got the goal then we could have maybe even have won it. We could have played with a lot of patience and discipline and waited until the last part to have a charge, but in fairness to them they kept going and full credit to them."

Pivotal decision
Scholes' dismissal for the penalty had seemed a fair call by the referee, but Ferguson has cast doubt over the decision by noting that the midfielder was little more than a yard from the header when it was made by Bobby Zamora.

"It's close to him so he could have easily not given it, but it's Phil Dowd so what do you expect?" Ferguson remarked.

"The second one I have to say, did he (Rooney) throw the ball at the referee? The ball was thrown direct to where the free-kick was taken and did it hit the referee? No, the ball didn't hit the referee.

"Was it thrown in anger? Yes, because he wanted the game hurried up, he threw with pace to get the game going."

Title pressure
If Liverpool can overcome Aston Villa in Sunday's late kick-off then the gap between United and their rivals will be shortened to just one point - although United will have a game in hand.

Many Red Devils fans may well be feeling nervous at the ever-lessening lead that Ferguson's charges hold, but the Scot insists that his side are still in the driving seat for glory in May.

He added: "If you lose games in March and April then it can cost you, but fortunately we have a little slender lead at the moment."

Devils Crumble At The Cottage

Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were sent off as Manchester United's title hopes took a shock blow at Fulham.

Scholes saw red after 18 minutes for handling Bobby Zamora's header, Danny Murphy dispatching the penalty.

And as United pressed for a second-half equaliser, Zoltan Gera struck on the break with a superb control and finish.

Seconds later, Rooney threw the ball away in frustration to earn a second booking on a miserable day for United, whose lead could be cut to one point.

It was a historic result for Fulham, as it was for United - although not one they will look back on with any fondness.

Fulham had not beaten United at home in 45 years, while the visitors, beaten by Liverpool last weekend, had not lost successive league games since 2005.

The Cottagers' celebrations at the final whistle will surely have been matched at Anfield. Victory for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Sunday will see United's lead cut to just one point, albeit with a game in hand.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who at least saw Chelsea beaten by Spurs on an incredible day in the Premier League, will need all his managerial experience to galvanise his troops ahead of the visit of Aston Villa on 5 April.

United's frustration at Craven Cottage was epitomised by Cristiano Ronaldo, who twice had to be warned by referee Phil Dowd for his petulant complaining and was booked for a reckless lunge at Murphy in the second half.

In truth, Ronaldo, like his team-mates, was completely out of sorts, harried into giving the ball away with shocking regularity in a first half in which Fulham were rampant.

Roy Hodgson's side, who had leaked seven goals without response in their two previous games against United this season, peppered Van der Sar's goal with 10 shots before half-time, while limiting the opposition to just two.

Quicker in the tackle and always willing to test Van der Sar from distance, they fully deserved their lead when it came.

Former Fulham keeper Van der Sar did well to keep out Zamora's header from a corner, but the rebound came straight back to the striker and as he nodded towards goal, Scholes instinctively put his arms up.

Scholes knew what was coming as he stayed on his knees, looking ruefully at the ground.

As the midfielder trudged down the tunnel, Murphy confidently stroked the penalty high into the net.

It continued an incredible scoring record for Murphy, who three times gave Liverpool a 1-0 win against United in his Anfield days.

Fulham continued to take the game to United, with Zamora in particular terrorising the visitors' creaking defence.

They should have had a second when Andrew Johnson miscontrolled and then Clint Dempsey blazed over from a good position.

And it looked as if Fulham would pay for failing to make the most of their dominance as United came out fighting after the break.

Dimitar Berbatov, who landed awkwardly on his ankle at the end of the first half, was replaced by Rooney at half-time and the change gave United some much-needed urgency.

Darren Fletcher shot too close to Schwarzer after a one-two with Ronaldo, who could also only find the keeper with a free header from Rooney's cross.

United fans were on their feet when Ronaldo set up Ji-Sung Park in front of goal but Schwarzer not only kept his effort out but was up quickly to keep out Rooney's follow-up.

And Fulham wrapped up victory through Gera, who had his back to goal when he collected Johnson's cross but managed to flick the ball up and hook it home.

The sight of the second goal going in proved too much to bear for Rooney, who threw the ball away when a free-kick was taken from the wrong place to pick up his second booking.

The England striker gave Dowd a volley of abuse before storming down the tunnel, punching the corner flag for good measure on the way.

The incident which costs Man. United dearly in the game at Craven Cottage

Sir Alex Happy With Draw

Sir Alex admits United were dealt "a good draw" on Friday after the Reds were paired with FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

United will play the first-leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 7 April before travelling to Portugal for the second-leg on Wednesday 15 April.

"This is a good draw for us," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there's no indication of what is better.

"The only thing you hope is that you don’t lose a goal in the home tie."

Of course, United boast two Portuguese players - Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani - and another, Anderson, who actually played at Porto before arriving at Old Trafford. This, Sir Alex said, could prove a decisive factor.

"We’ve met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team. We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club, firstly with Carlos Quieroz but now with Cristiano and Nani. So we understand Portuguese football.

"We're happy with the draw and we're looking forward to the tie."

Champions League 2008/09 Quarter-final Draw: Man. United To Meet Porto

United will face Porto at the quarter-final stage of this season's Champions League.

The Reds will play the first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 7 April, with the second leg taking place on Wednesday 15 April.

Should United emerge triumphant from the two-legged tussle, the Reds will face either Arsenal or Villarreal in the semi-final. On the other side of the draw, Liverpool meet Chelsea in the quarter-finals, with the victor set to play either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the last four.

United club secretary Ken Ramsden was in Nyon for the draw and spoke to Sky Sports News: "I think we can be pleased with that," Ramsden said, "although that doesn't mean we'll get through automatically.

"In a perfect world I think Sir Alex would have preferred to play the first leg away from home, but the draw is what it is and we'll make the most of it.

"Porto have great pedigree and we have great respect for them. This is not an easy tie: don't let anybody think that's the case."

Indeed, United know all about FC Porto after the Portuguese side knocked the Reds out of the competition – and then went on to win it – in 2004.

Champions League draw

Quarter-finals

QF1: Villarreal v Arsenal (7, 15 Apr)
QF 2: United v FC Porto (7, 15 Apr)
QF 3: Liverpool v Cheslea (8, 14 Apr)
QF 4: Barcelona v Bayern (8, 14 Apr)

Semi-finals

SF 1: QF 2 v QF 1
SF 2: QF 4 v QF 3

First-leg to be played 28 or 29 April, second-leg 5 or 6 May.

Fans Ask, Fletcher Answers

MUTV recently gave United fans the chance to put their questions to Darren Fletcher. Here are his answers...

Can you describe what it feels like to score in a big game at Old Trafford? - Debs, Middleton
It's great to score anytime, but it's a little bit more special to score in a big game because there is always such importance riding on them. They can sometimes make or break title runs or a team's season so to score in one of those games is special. It's difficult to explain the feeling - it's a combination of excitement and relief, and the emotions hit you all at once. That's why you see some crazy celebrations!

Who's the toughest midfielder you've played against? - Darren, Chorley
I always give the same answer to this question - Paul Scholes in training. I've improved over the years just from playing against him every day - his sharpness, passing, touch, everything about him is top quality and playing against him is not easy. I'm glad that I don't play for another team because I wouldn't want to come up against Scholesy.

How much has your life changed since having twins? - John, Urmston
It's changed totally for the better. It's been the best thing that's happened to me and I enjoy every minute of it. Looking after two two-year-olds can take your mind off football sometimes which is good for you. It can be hard work, but I'm loving every minute of being a dad.

How proud were you to captain your country for the first time and do you and Sir Alex chat much about the national team? - Ally, Mayfield
Captaining my country [against Estonia in May 2004] was a great moment. I was only 20 at the time, but it didn't feel like it was a burden. I relished the opportunity. I've been captain a few times since then and it's something I really enjoy. It's a proud moment every time you represent your country, but to captain them is even more special. Before international games the manager always wishes me good luck. He watches all the games and he always wants Scotland to do well.

Of all the trophies you've won which is your favourite and why? - Gaz, Mossley
I think my first Premier League title in 2006/07. We hadn't won it for a while - Arsenal had gone undefeated for a season and then Chelsea won it two years in a row so to win it back was great. It was my first league title and I'd played in the majority of the games so it was a brilliant feeling.

Describe yourself in just one sentence? - Mark, Manchester
[Ponders the question] That's a difficult one! Laid-back, enjoys his job playing for United and likes going home to his family after he's finished. It's a long sentence!

Evra's Team-mate Tales

Patrice Evra reveals who has the best taste in music, the best trainer and worst-dressed Red in his team-mate tales...

Ok, so who’s the best trainer?
Hmmm… I’ll go for Ji-sung Park. He’s full of energy and runs around just like he does in every game. He’s difficult to play against in training because sometimes you don’t know where he is – one minute he’s behind you, the next he’s somewhere else – he’s like a ghost!

And the worst?
Tony Strudwick, our fitness coach! [Laughs].

Who would you say is your most intelligent team-mate?
That’s an easy one, van der Sar. He’s got a lot of experience and knows a lot about different things - he’s a very clever guy. He’s great to play alongside because he helps you a lot with your positioning.

What about the funniest?
I’d say Nani. He’s a great guy, a strong player who always trains hard, but someone who also likes to have a laugh.

Name the best-dressed Red…
[Ryan Giggs appears and points across to Nemanja Vidic, who is sat nearby and says “He’s definitely the most improved!”] [Patrice laughs] I’m going to say Tomasz Kuszczak.

And the worst?
If he was still here I would have said Louis Saha, but instead I’ll go for Tomasz Kuszczak again - one day he’s the best, the next he’s the worst!

Your first car?
It was a silver VW Golf. I got it when I was in France and it was really nice to drive.

Last book that you read?
I don’t read a lot, to be honest. Although I do like football books, particularly ones on United and the club’s history.

What can you remember about your first United goal?
To score against Everton in front of 76,000 people was an unbelievable feeling. Afterwards, all I kept thinking was I want to do it again and again and again. My goalscoring is the one thing I want to improve.

Who’s got the best taste in music at United?
That’s an easy one – me! I like every type of music from R&B to hip-hop to rock, and I try my best to look after the music in the dressing room as well as I can, so that I can keep everyone happy.

You’re the boss, who’s in your Reds five-a-side team?
I’d go for Ryan, Scholesy, Fletch, Ji and Tevez.

Park: Forget & Move On

Ji-sung Park says the Reds must forget the 4-1 defeat and remember that the league title is still in United's hands.

Park was one of United's best players during the defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. While he was disappointed with the result, Park and team-mates will only be looking forward.

"Obivously it's not a good result for us," he told ManUtd.kr. "But the league is not over and we're still top.

"If we produce good performances, like we have been doing, for the rest of our league games then this defeat will not be a big problem."

United now have a week to prepare before the next Premier League match away to Fulham on Saturday. It's a time for reflection, but not too much reflection.

“We don’t have a match until next weekend, so it’s good that we can take some rest and get ready to play Fulham," Ji added. "We must forget about this result, because next weekend I am sure we will be back with good performance.

“We have about ten league matches left, so from now on it is really important that we win our games, and to win the title, we have to play well."

Sir Alex Demands A Response

Sir Alex Ferguson rued defensive errors against Liverpool, but refused to castigate Nemanja Vidic and says his side will now do one thing: respond.

United have become accustomed to having things their own way at Old Trafford this season, so defeat – and 4-1 to our fiercest rivals – sticks in the throat. “It’s difficult to defend a 4-1 defeat. We got in front and then threw the game away. It’s a hard one to take,” admitted the boss. “But at this club it’s always about how you respond. When you lose a game: respond. And that is what we will do.”

Vidic made an error for Liverpool’s first goal, and his second-half sending off for a foul on Steven Gerrard led to their third goal on the way to an embarrassing scoreline. But Sir Alex didn't stick the boot in. “Nemanja has been unbelievably consistent for us this season. Players do have off days, and he’s made a mistake. He’s a human being, all players make mistakes. It’s just a costly one for us.”

The United boss didn’t have any complaints about the Serbian’s sending off. “It looked as if he [Gerrard] was clear to have a shot at goal. Whether Rio could have got across, I don’t know. I couldn't really argue with the decision. We’d have been looking for a red card if it was against us.

“It was one of those days, we made uncharacteristic mistakes. In big games you don’t want to do that. If you see the consistency of our defending over the last two years, you don’t expect it. If you win 4-1 at Old Trafford you deserve the plaudits, you can’t deny Liverpool that.

“But if the league was starting today, you’d take a four-point advantage with a game in hand. The goal difference is narrowed, it’s only five goals now. It was a bad day, but we have to kick on."

Man. United Stunned At Old Trafford

Liverpool revived their ambitions of claiming the Premier League title in remarkable fashion as they humiliated champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side looked on course to stretch their advantage at the top of the table when Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty gave them an early lead after Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina fouled Ji-Sung Park.

But Fernando Torres hounded Nemanja Vidic into a mistake eight minutes later and raced through to coolly beat Edwin van der Sar.

And the transformation was complete a minute before the interval when Steven Gerrard scored from the spot after he had been upended by Patrice Evra.

United's day of misery was summed up 15 minutes from time when Vidic, who had a nightmare afternoon at the hands of Torres, was sent off for fouling Gerrard and Fabio Aurelio brilliantly curled home the resulting free-kick from 25 yards.

The torment for United stretching into stoppage time when Liverpool substitute Andrea Dossena lobbed a composed finish over Van der Sar after being allowed to race unchallenged on to Reina's goal-kick.

United remain firm favourites to claim the Premier League, with a four-point advantage and a game in hand, but if Liverpool needed any incentive to continue to carry the fight to United, the impressive manner of this performance will have provided it.

It has been a dream week for Rafael Benitez's side, with both Real Madrid and United put to the sword with four-goal performances.

Liverpool, once they found their feet, were the brighter and more creative side - with the magnificent Torres the spearhead, ably assisted by Gerrard.

The Premier League leaders, in contrast, were lifeless in all areas as they suffered their heaviest home defeat since losing 4-1 against QPR on New Year' Day 1992. They were unsettled at the back and toothless up front with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney unable to make their presence felt.

United must now bounce back from a defeat that was unexpected, both in style and scoreline, while Liverpool will move forward with renewed optimism that they can still over-turn the odds and catch the pace-setters.

Liverpool had already lost influential midfield man Xabi Alonso to a calf problem when their difficulties increased in the warm-up, Alavaro Arbeloa injuring a hamstring with Sami Hyypia coming into the side, though the veteran gave an outstanding performance.

Benitez's revamped side struggled to settle early on, and it took a trademark block from Jamie Carragher to deny the industrious Park.

Torres posted the warning signals for United with a turn inside the area that needed Vidic to clear.

But it was United who took the lead after 23 minutes when Liverpool were punished for a rush of blood from keeper Reina, who dashed from his line and brought down Park when there appeared to be no imminent danger, Ronaldo completing the formalities from the spot.

If United thought the setback would break Liverpool's resolve, they were to be sadly mistaken as Torres produced a golden spell that had them in front before the interval.

He levelled after 28 minutes with an example of all the qualities that make him arguably the world's finest striker.

Martin Skrtel's long clearance was speculative at best, but Torres' presence created uncertainty.
Vidic let the ball bounce and Torres showed lightning speed to touch the ball away from the defender and steer a composed finish beyond Van der Sar.

Torres then planted further seeds of doubt in Vidic's mind with an arrogant nutmeg on the defender, followed by respectable penalty claims when he collided with the Serb.

There had been few flashpoints, but there was a swift exchange of bookings after Liverpool's Carragher tripped Carlos Tevez and Rio Ferdinand fouled Dirk Kuyt. Liverpool had ended the half in the ascendancy, and they were rewarded with the lead in the 44th minute.

Torres was the creator with a clever pass inside Evra, and when Gerrard was tripped after reaching the ball first, referee Alan Wiley again got the big decision right and pointed to the spot.

Gerrard tucked the penalty beyond Van der Sar, leaving Old Trafford stunned at the strength of Liverpool's fightback.

United, inevitably, penned Liverpool back after the break - but found the visitors in grimly determined mood.

Liverpool were fortunate to escape after 62 minutes when Ronaldo, a subdued figure throughout, found Rooney at the far post and his header flew across the face of goal with Tevez unable to apply the finishing touch.

Ferguson went for broke with 18 minutes left, making a triple substitution as he sent on Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes for Anderson, Carrick and Park.

But there was barely time for his changes to make a difference as United were reduced to 10 men and went further behind in the space of seconds.

Vidic, who was also sent off at Anfield earlier this season, had suffered a harrowing afternoon, and once again his control was poor as he allowed Gerrard a clear run on goal. He chose to haul Gerrard back and the red card that followed was inevitable.

As a stunned Old Trafford came to terms with that, Aurelio poured salt in the wounds with a superb 25-yard free-kick that left Van der Sar rooted to the spot.

The stadium was deserting rapidly as Liverpool inflicted one final piece of punishment on United, substitute Dossena lifting a stylish finish over Van der Sar.

As Liverpool's players celebrated a landmark victory, there was only misery at The Theatre of Dreams - for once an inappropriate label for the home of the champions.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick (Giggs 74), Anderson (Scholes 73), Park (Berbatov 74), Rooney, Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Nani, Evans, Fletcher.

Sent Off: Vidic (76).

Booked: Ferdinand, Van der Sar.

Goals: Ronaldo 23 pen.

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Aurelio, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard (El Zhar 90), Riera (Dossena 67), Torres (Babel 81).

Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Insua, Ngog, Arbeloa.

Booked: Carragher, Mascherano, Skrtel.

Goals: Torres 28, Gerrard 44 pen, Aurelio 77, Dossena 90.

Att: 75,569

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Wayne Rooney can't hide his disappointment

Vidic: Award Talk An 'Honour'

Nemanja Vidic says it is a 'big honour' to be considered one of the major candidates for the Player of the Year award.

The Serbian has been a tower of strength at the heart of United's backline this season and featured in every league game of the Reds' record-breaking clean sheet run.

As well as being on top form in defence, the 27-year-old has also made his mark in attack with seven goals, the most of recent which came in the 2-0 victory over Internazionale.

Many pundits believe Vidic would be a deserved winner of the Player of the Year crown, although team-mate Ryan Giggs is also likely to be in with a shout of scooping the honour.

Vidic himself has been pleased with his form this season, but says his overall improvement since joining the Reds in January 2006 is what's given him the most satisfaction.

"It's definitely been a good season for me, but what I'm most pleased about is the way I have improved since I joined," he told ManUtd.com. "As a player you want to improve every year and I feel like I have done that.

"Just to be a candidate [for Player of the Year] is a big honour for me. There are so many great players in the Premier League and I'm just happy to be a part of it. But it's a big thing for me to be considered.

"The fact I have scored a few goals this season has helped me," he added. "People notice your game a bit more when you score.

"Of course, this season we have had a great run in the league with 14 consecutive clean sheets and I was involved in that. When the team does well, individuals also get praise and I'm very happy to receive that."

Nemanja was talking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, BBC Radio and Key 103.

Jose: United's Five Alive

Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho believes United have a real chance of winning every trophy on offer this season.

Mourinho was humble in defeat after United beat Inter 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday. And such was the Reds' strength that the Inter boss has backed a clean sweep for Sir Alex.

"Right now they're at their maximum level," he said. "They have experience, quality, great physical condition and intensity in their game.

"That's why they're European champions. That is why they can win everything. I think they can win five trophies."

Echoing Sir Alex's comment that the Reds deserved to go through, the Inter boss said: "I'm honest in my way of analysing things and they (United) are better than us. My team played to their maximum of their potential. They couldn't have given any more.

"The result could have been completely different, yes, because Inter could have won the tie with a little bit of luck at the right moments.

"We had four big chances to score in the first half. We had a really big possibility of going in front (on away goals) with 1-1 at half-time. At the start of the second half they (United) did nothing to score the second goal, but they did it.

"Still we had a good reaction. We had another big possibility to leave the fear in the air with Adriano (hitting the post) but we didn't score. We didn't have that little bit of luck you need to win big matches."

Carrick Happy To Progress

By hook or by crook, United are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League - and Michael Carrick cares not a jot that the Reds were below-par in overcoming Internazionale.

Goals from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo carried the Reds past the Serie A champions at Old Trafford, as the visitors spurned a host of first-half opportunities and struck the woodwork twice.

"We weren't at our best and we know that," Carrick told MUTV. "But it's about getting through and we managed to do that with two good goals.

"We started very well. The atmosphere at the start was unbelievable. You could see how we started; We were really up for it and got the goal, but as the game ran on we didn't play as well as we could have and should have.

"Credit to them, they came back into the game and caused us a few problems. But we came out in the second half, scored again and after that we were in control. I know they had a couple of chances, but it doesn't really matter now. I always felt we were in control and we're very happy."

With the three other English contenders, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Porto awaiting in the quarter-final draw, Carrick has little preference as to who United face.

"They're all good teams at this stage so it's hard to pick any one or two out," he said. "But any game's going to be tough, we know that, so we'll be ready. European nights are always great occasions here, and hopefully there are more to come this season.

Ferguson Fumes At Sloppy Man. U

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was a relieved man after Manchester United made it through to the Champions League last eight by beating Inter Milan.

United won 2-0 but Ferguson said his players had made life difficult for themselves with some slapdash play.

"After scoring the first goal, I thought we'd kill them off," he said.

"I thought we could score a few goals but then we started doing flicks and back heels. We can play better than that but I am happy to get through it."

Centre-back Nemanja Vidic put United in front with a header but Inter regrouped to put the home side under pressure and saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic head into the ground and on to the crossbar.

Dejan Stankovic also missed a glorious chance for the visitors, and Ferguson was not impressed with some of the play he had to watch from his side.

"It was really reckless football and it allowed Inter Milan to get a grip of the game," he said.

"From the middle of the first half to the end of the first half they were the better team."

But Cristiano Ronaldo nodded in to give the Old Trafford side a 2-0 lead and, even though Adriano struck the post with a shot, United subsequently had little trouble securing their progress.

"We changed the system at half-time, closed the door on (Esteban) Cambiasso and we were a bit better in the second half," Ferguson added.

"We played a team at its maximum, potential-wise with all the experience they have. And they played to their maximum."

United are one of four Premier League teams in the quarter-finals, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Spanish clubs Barcelona and Villarreal plus Germany's Bayern Munich and Portuguese outfit Porto are the other teams through to the next round, with the draw set to take place on Friday, 20 March.

"It has been obvious for three years that the Premier League has the upper hand," said Ferguson.

"But I am only happy for Manchester United because we had the hardest draw.

"We can play better than that and I am sure we will be better in the next round."

Vidic said his side had allowed a touch of anxiety to creep into their play after his early goal.

"We started well and played well until I scored my goal, and then after we looked a little bit nervous," said Vidic.

"I agree we played better in Milan without getting the win than we did in this game which we won."

He added: "The manager told us before the game not to play defensively, to go out and score goals, and we did that.

"We knew if we conceded then it would have been difficult because Italian teams play tactically very well and it becomes hard to score against them."

Man. United Advances To Last 8 Of The Champions League

Sir Alex Ferguson emerged victorious in the showdown with his old rival Jose Mourinho as Manchester United survived a nervous night against Inter Milan to reach the last eight of the Champions League.

Nemanja Vidic powered in Ryan Giggs' corner to give United the lead in the tie after only four minutes, and Cristiano Ronaldo rose to head home Wayne Rooney's cross three minutes after the interval.

But in between those two strikes, Mourinho's Inter were left to regret a succession of missed opportunities to grab a crucial away goal and put the skids under United's bid for an historic haul of five trophies.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the bar with a first-half header and Dejan Stankovic missed a glorious opportunity as Inter failed to take advantage of uncharacteristic slackness in possession and defence from United.

There was still time for substitute Adriano to strike the woodwork again after Ronaldo's goal, but this was United's night and their bid to rewrite the record books is still on course.

Mourinho prowled the Old Trafford technical area for virtually the entire 90 minutes as he held out hopes of a repeat of his famous 2004 victory with Porto that sent United out of the Champions League - but it was all in vain as Inter fell victim to their own generosity in front of goal and the more clinical finishing of their opponents.

Inter dominated for spells, but there was an inevitability that they would be punished for their failure to score - and so it proved as United delivered the telling blows in an engrossing battle.

United never touched the heights, but once again they proved that they have perfected the habit of winning even when their best form eludes them.

Indeed, the result extended their unbeaten record in major European competitions to 21 - breaking the 37-year-old mark of Juventus.

Ferguson will be elated with the victory against a dangerous adversary in Mourinho, who was made to suffer the taunts of an Old Trafford gallery that has suffered at his hands before.

But the former Chelsea boss remained defiant to the end, standing alone on the touchline, but turning to congratulate the United backroom staff at the final whistle.

United will need to produce better as the champions of Europe continue on what they hope will be the road to Rome and another final, but they deserve the utmost admiration for the resilience they displayed in grinding out a priceless win.

The tie was played out against the backdrop of the Mourinho factor, and his mere presence guaranteed an atmosphere of pure theatre around a packed Old Trafford.

Vidic was recalled after his first leg suspension to bolster United's defensive resources, but it was his threat at set pieces that reaped dividends.

Mourinho, the great defensive organiser, will have been mortified to see the Serbian, hardly a secret weapon on these occasions, rise almost unchallenged to head Giggs' corner past Julio Cesar.

And yet, instead of settling the early nerves United may have been experiencing, the holders failed to build on Vidic's goal and barely survived a harrowing spell of pressure from Inter.

Ibrahimovic is one of the great enigmas of European football, often failing to justify his glowing reputation when the stakes are at their highest.

And he should have drawn Inter level after 28 minutes when he stole in unmarked on to the end of Maicon's free-kick, only to send a downward header against the bar with Edwin van der Sar beaten.

United were careless in possession, which did not help their cause with Inter growing in confidence as the half progressed.

Stankovic's long-range shot was turned to safety by Van der Sar before United relieved the pressure to almost grab that crucial second goal eight minutes before the interval.

Rooney's instant pass sent John O'Shea clear in the area, but Julio Cesar raced off his line to make the block.

Inter ended an absorbing opening half in the ascendancy, with Stankovic adding to the catalogue of missed opportunities when he somehow steered Ibrahimovic's pass over the top from point-blank range.

Mario Balotelli's clever pass then released Ibrahimovic for a volley that beat Van der Sar but flew inches wide.

Mourinho must have felt a real surge of optimism at the start of the second half, and attempted to inject fresh impetus into his side replacing the sadly pedestrian Patrick Vieira with Sulley Muntari.

If he was upbeat about over-turning United again, it was a feeling that did not last for long as Ronaldo headed the second goal United craved after 48 minutes.

Rooney's cross was an open invitation for Ronaldo and he rose to flick an emphatic finish past the helpless Cesar.

The scoreline was a harsh reflection on the contribution Inter had made to the game, but they paid the ultimate price for their failure to make a lengthy period of supremacy count.

The burly Adriano replaced Stankovic in what amounted to a final throw of the dice from Mourinho, and he almost handed the Italian champions a lifeline when he stretched to turn Esteban Cambiasso's cross against the post.

United were being offered more space as Inter went for broke, and Cesar needed to be at his best again to deny Rooney, recovering well to block Dimitar Berbatov's shot after he was set up by Giggs.

Ronaldo tested Inter's defiant keeper one final time with a long-range effort, but by then the fight had drained out of Inter and United were on cruise control to the quarter-finals.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes (Anderson 70), Giggs, Rooney (Park 84), Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Evans, Fletcher, Gibson, Tevez.

Booked: Rooney.

Goals: Vidic 4, Ronaldo 49.

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Santon, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Vieira (Muntari 46), Stankovic (Adriano 58), Ibrahimovic, Balotelli (Figo 70).

Subs Not Used: Toldo, Maxwell, Cruz, Rivas.

Booked: Samuel, Muntari.

Att: 74,769

Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).

Vidic rising highest to score the opening goal

Vidic celebrates his goal with Ferdinand

Ronaldo scoring to make it 2-0 for the Red Devils

Rooney congratulating Ronaldo for his goal against Inter Milan

Special Badge For United

In recognition of United's Club World Cup triumph in Japan, FIFA President Sepp Blatter will present the Reds with a special 'Champions' badge before United's clash with Internazionale on Wednesday evening.

The white emblem features an image of the Club World Cup trophy and is inscribed with the words "Manchester United Champions 2008."

It will be worn on the shirts during Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup games until the new winner is decided later this year.

Sir Alex Ferguson is immensely proud of his team's achievement in becoming the first side to win the trophy and says his players will be honoured to don the badge.

"It was an enormous honour to become the first British club to win the FIFA Club World Cup and this is a badge we will wear with great pride," he said.

"I hope we are in a position to defend the trophy in Abu Dhabi in December."

FA Cup Semi-finals Draw: United To Meet Toffees

United have been drawn against Everton in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

It will be the 11th FA Cup meeting between the pair with the last cup clash - an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2005 at Goodison Park - ending in United's favour.

The Toffees famously defeated the Reds in the 1995 FA Cup final thanks to Paul Rideout's winner.

This latest meeting will take place over the weekend of 18/19 April.

United booked their place in the last four of the competition thanks to a 4-0 victory at Fulham following goals from Carlos Tevez (2), Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park.

The other semi-final sees Arsenal or Hull take on Chelsea. Arsenal, who beat Burnley 3-0 in their delayed fifth round tie on Sunday, will entertain Hull at the Emirates Stadium later this month in their delayed quarter-final clash.

Evra: One At A Time

A decade ago, United became the first (and only) side to win the league, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

And while the Reds are in a position to repeat the feat this term – oh, and you can throw in the Carling Cup and FIFA Club World Cup for good measure – Patrice Evra insists none of the players are getting carried away.

"We're not thinking about winning five trophies," he told MUTV after United booked a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals after a scintillating 4-0 win over Fulham. "None of the players are talking about this – it's just the media."

The key, Evra says, to success on multiple fronts is taking each game as it comes, even if bigger tests lie just around the corner.

"When you're on the pitch the game in which you are playing is always the most important – not the next one .

"You could see against Fulham that everybody was hungry to win the game. It was more important than Wednesday's match against Inter.

"We have to concentrate on every game and when you pull on the Manchester United shirt you have to give your best. That's the spirit of Manchester United and with that spirit we can go far and reach the end of our
mission."

At Fulham on Saturday, Carlos Tevez produced a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice in the first half, including a 25-yard scorcher that fizzed into the top corner.

"I'm very happy for Carlos," Patrice said. "He doesn't play every game but whenever the boss picks him he performs so well.

"He's different class, an unbelievable player. He deserved to score two goals and now Sir Alex will have a small problem when he chooses the team to play Inter."

All In It Together

Michael Carrick says every member of United's burgeoning squad is playing an important part in the Reds' quest for trophies this season.

Carrick was talking after seeing Carlos Tevez produce a goalscoring display on his return to the starting line-up in the FA Cup quarter-final victory at Fulham.

Tevez put the Reds 2-0 up in the first half, before Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park added their names to the scoresheet after the break.

Sir Alex has been rotating his first XI to great effect all season and Carrick insists all the players are making an important contribution.

"Everyone gets rotated at some point and the players that have come in have been on top form," he told ITV1 after the game. "Hopefully that will continue because there's a lot of important games coming up.

"Carlos came in and was excellent. His second goal was a great strike and it put us in control of the game. After that it was pretty comfortable for us.

"We created a number of chances and although Wazza missed a bit of an easy chance in the first half, he made up for it later on. And we kept a clean sheet so we're very happy."

United Await Semi-final Draw

United will find out who they will face in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday evening following their sublime victory over Fulham.

Goals from Carlos Tevez (2), Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park sealed a 4-0 quarter-final win at Craven Cottage to book United's place in the last four.

Also through are Chelsea who disposed of Championship side Coventry City on Saturday lunchtime following a 2-0 win.

There are two more places up for grabs with Everton and Middlesbrough due to fight it out at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon, while Hull await a trip to the winners of the delayed fifth round tie between Arsenal and Burnley who meet at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the day.

The semi-final draw takes place at 18:45 GMT on Sunday evening, with both ties scheduled to take place at Wembley over the weekend of 18/19 April.

Due to United's involvement in the FA Cup, the Reds' Premier League trip to Wigan, scheduled for Sunday 19 April, will now be postponed.

Ferguson Reserves Special Praise For Tevez

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reserved special praise for Carlos Tevez after the Reds’ thumping 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

The win, kick-started by Tevez’s first-half brace, means United will now contest an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 April.

“It was a superb performance from Carlos Tevez,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “He was like a jack-in-the-box all day and he showed great energy, getting on the ball and great movement.

“His second goal, in particular, was fantastic.”

That strike, a 25-yard rocket from the edge of the box, ranks up there among Tevez’s best in a red shirt. It put the match beyond Fulham’s grasp and gave the Reds a well-deserved two-goal cushion at half-time.

Wayne Rooney added a third on 50 minutes to cap a fine individual performance before Sir Alex withdrew him from action 14 minutes later.

“Wayne was marvellous today,” the manager said. “He played last Wednesday and he’s only just come back from a hamstring injury. I didn’t want to take any chances because we need him for Wednesday against Inter Milan. That’s why I took him off.

“Right from the word go all the players played with great energy and enjoyment. They went out to enjoy themselves and were backed by a fantastic support.”

Man. United Cruises into FA Cup Semis

Manchester United remain on course for an historic quintuple after easing past Fulham into the FA Cup semi-finals.

Carlos Tevez headed the opener after 20 minutes and added his second before half-time with a 25-yard power drive.

Fulham's Andrew Johnson saw an effort bundled off the line by Nemanja Vidic, but they ended outclassed as United sealed another Wembley appearance.

Wayne Rooney got the third with a low finish after 50 minutes and Ji-Sung Park's precise shot completed the win.

United had some anxious moments early on when Fulham threatened a shock, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side rode their luck to eventually show the quality that has brought an unprecedented haul of five trophies into their sights.

Rio Ferdinand went off at half-time with an ankle injury as a precaution, and a hamstring injury to John O'Shea provided the only other cloud on their horizon.

And with victory sealed long before the end, Ferguson could even afford the luxury of taking off Wayne Rooney to preserve his energy for bigger battles ahead.

Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov before crucial clashes with Inter Milan in the Champions League and the pivotal Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

But any hopes Fulham had that this would have weakened United's potency were swiftly swept away by the partnership of Tevez and Rooney.

Fulham's cause was not helped by their own failure to take a succession of presentable opportunities they created in the first half.

If you make chances against this United side you must take them - and the penalties for failure are heavy.

Tevez posted the warning signals for Fulham after two minutes when keeper Mark Schwarzer dived low to his right to save superbly from the Argentine.

Vidic came to United's rescue early on when Johnson toe-poked Simon Davies' long ball beyond the stranded Edwin van der Sar, racing back desperately to clear the ball off the line.

Van der Sar then saved well from Clint Dempsey, but United were soon on the march into the last four with the opener after 20 minutes.

Anderson's corner was flicked on by Rooney, and when Paul Konchesky misjudged the flight of the ball at the far post Tevez rose to head home.

Davies then wasted another opening when he fired over the top after Bobby Zamora chested John Pantsil's cross into his path.

Rooney was guilty of a glaring miss when he slid Park's cross against the post, but United did not have to wait long to double their advantage.

If Tevez's first goal owed something to poor Fulham defending, his second after 35 minutes was all his own work of brilliance.

He picked the ball up just in Fulham territory and left Dickson Etuhu on the floor before striking a rising 25-yard drive with his right foot that gave Schwarzer no chance.

It effectively ended Fulham's hopes, but Ferdinand was still forced into a saving tackle to stop Johnson with only Van der Sar to beat.

Ferdinand was subsequently troubled by an ankle knock and he was replaced by Jonny Evans at half-time.

Rooney made amends for his earlier miss after 50 minutes when he gathered possession after more slack work from the Fulham defence, curling a precise finish beyond Schwarzer into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Ferguson removed Rooney from the action just after the hour - and just after a robust exchange with Clint Dempsey - to protect him ahead of this vital forthcoming week in United's season.
It had turned into a procession after the early show of defiance from Fulham.

And Park crowned his own industrious display nine minutes from time with another low finish past the besieged Schwarzer as United demonstrated the huge gulf in class that had emerged between the sides.

United have reached a record 26 FA Cup semi-finals and the question remains - who can halt their march towards history?

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Etuhu, Murphy (Dacourt 57), Dempsey, Zamora (Gera 67), Johnson (Kamara 60).

Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Stoor, Kallio.

Booked: Pantsil, Dacourt.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea (Eckersley 52), Ferdinand (Evans 46), Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Park, Rooney (Welbeck 64), Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Berbatov, Giggs, Scholes.

Goals: Tevez 20, 35, Rooney 50, Park 81.

Att: 24,662

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Tevez scoring the opening goal for Man. United

Man. United players celebrating one of Tevez's goal

Etuhu falls, Tevez scores his second for Man. United

Park scoring Man. United's fourth goal of the match

Berbatov 'Can Be Like Eric'

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with Dimitar Berbatov's contribution in his first season at United and hopes the Bulgarian can have the same long-term impact on the side as Eric Cantona.

Berbatov has already popped up with several crucial goals for the Reds – something Frenchman Cantona made a happy knack of during his four-and-a-half seasons with the club.

"Dimi is a different player to what we had last season," Sir Alex said. "He has a patience and composure in the final third of the field, which is helping us.

"He’s scored four or five winning goals for us now. Cantona used to score important goals and if Berbatov continues to, then it’s an emphatic result for us."

United are seven points clear at the top of the league and Ferguson admits he couldn't have hoped to be in a better position heading into the run-in.

"If you’d asked me at the start of the season where I’d like to be in March, it wouldn't have been far off where we are at the moment," he said.

"We’re in the position we want to be and the next week is important. If we navigate it well, there are a lot of exciting things ahead for us."

Vital statistics

Berbatov's 2008/09 goals

30/09/08 Aalborg 0-3 United (2)
18/10/08 United 4-0 West Brom
21/10/08 United 3-0 Celtic (2)
15/11/08 United 5-0 Stoke
29/12/08 United 1-0 Middlesbrough
11/01/09 United 3-0 Chelsea
17/01/09 Bolton 0-1 United
24/01/09 United 2-1 Tottenham
27/01/09 West Brom 0-5 United
18/02/09 United 3-0 Fulham
04/03/09 Newcastle 1-2 United

Exclusive: Adem Ljajic Q & A

He may not be able to join the club officially until next January, but Serbian youngster Adem Ljajic has been in Manchester for a few days to train with his future team-mates.

Regarded as Serbia’s brightest young talent, the 17-year-old is an attacking midfielder blessed with vision and intelligence.

Ljajic (pronounced ‘yaich’) will continue his footballing education at Partizan Belgrade until next January, but will make regular trips to Carrington to allow United’s coaches to monitor his progress.

During his latest visit, ManUtd.com sat down with Adem (and fellow countryman Zoran Tosic, who acted as translator) to discuss his hopes for the future at Old Trafford…

When did you first hear about United’s interest and how excited are you at the prospect of playing for the club?
I first heard they were interested in me about a year-and-a-half ago, which I was very excited about. I spent a week at Carrington training with the first team, which I really enjoyed, and I feel very happy to be a Manchester United player. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome and I’m looking forward to joining in January.

How does the training at United differ to what you’ve been used to in Serbia?
The quality is very high over here because you’re training with great players, but the main difference is it’s much quicker. I have enjoyed it very much and training with these top players can only help me improve. Training with the team has allowed me to see how things work so I know what to expect when I come here. And I hope that when I join in January I will be involved with the first team from the start.

What have you learned from the other players so far?
I am a big admirer of all of them and I learn things from them in every session. I try to copy what they do and I hope I can keep improving.

For those United fans who have not seen you in action, how would you describe yourself as a player?
[Laughs] I think I am good technically – I like to dribble with the ball and I am quick.[Tosic gives his own evaluation] Adem is a very good player with great technical ability. He likes to play just behind the striker or on the right side of midfield. We played together for around six months at Partizan and we worked well together – me on the left and him on the right. He has just under a year left in Serbia to keep practicing for when he joins and when he arrives I think he’ll be ready to play for the first team. And I’m sure that when he starts playing for United, the fans will love him.

Adem, how much has it helped having fellow countrymen Nemanja Vidic and Zoran at the club?It’s been great. I have spent a lot of time with them whenever I have been over in Manchester and they have both shown me around the city. It can be hard when you move to a new country and don’t know anyone and are yet to learn the language, so it’s been fantastic to have them both here.[Tosic continues] Vida told us what a great place United was before we joined, but both Adem and I knew what an amazing club it was. I’ve been a big United fan since they won the Treble in ’99 and have watched every game I could in Serbia between then and now. Our family and friends are very excited to see us at United and we both feel very proud to have signed.

Sir Alex Ferguson has always put a lot of faith in the club’s young players. Is he one of the major reasons why you joined?
Ljajic: Yes, he is a great manager. I was very excited to meet him and although Vida had to translate for us, we had a good discussion. I am looking forward to working with him.
Tosic: He is a fantastic manager who has always given young players a chance. We saw the way he brought Giggsy, Beckham, Scholesy and Gary into the team and help them develop. We hope he will do the same with us and help us improve.