Nani's Going Nowhere

Sir Alex has rubbished reports suggesting Nani will leave Old Trafford in the summer.

The Portuguese winger has started just six league games this term and was taken off at half-time on Saturday with United 2-0 down against Tottenham Hotspur. Media outlets have since claimed the 22-year-old’s days are numbered, with Internazionale apparently keen to secure his services.

However, speaking before the Reds’ crunch Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal on Wednesday night, Sir Alex revealed the Portuguese winger is going nowhere.

“Nani’s been unlucky this season," the boss said.

“The form of Ji-sung Park has been absolutely outstanding and most of the time he’s kept Nani out of the team. He also picked up a little injury…

“So it’s been difficult for Nani to get a consistent run and that’s really been his problem.

"But he’ll be here next season and he’ll do very well for us."

Giggs In A Class Of His Own

It has been a long time coming, but 18 years after making his debut, Ryan Giggs has picked up the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award.

The 35-year-old Manchester United veteran, who is in line to make his 800th first-team appearance this week if he plays against Arsenal in a Champions League semi-finals, was handed the ultimate accolade from his peers on Sunday.

The Welshman hopes it will be the first of three trophies he wins in the coming weeks.

With United on course for a third straight Premier League title and two games away from a second successive Champion League final appearance, Giggs is on the verge of collecting more silverware for an already heaving personal trophy cabinet.

He has won an unprecedented 10 league titles, two European Cups, four FA Cup wins, two League Cups and a Fifa World Club Cup.

Yet the longevity of Giggs is an achievement in itself considering he is a winger who has spent his record-breaking days dazzling defenders in the most physically demanding league in the world.

"That's why if you asked any player or pundit in the world which left-winger is in their ultimate dream team, they'd say Ryan Giggs," said his first Manchester United captain Bryan Robson.

"Ryan has fantastic balance, he's quick, a great athlete and lately his composure in the final third has improved."

Giggs has been a constant for Sir Alex Ferguson as the Old Trafford supremo etched himself into footballing folklore as the most decorated English manager with United, matched only in history by Liverpool's dominance of the late 1970s and early 80s.

"If Ryan could no longer contribute to Manchester United then Sir Alex would be the first one to tell him," said Giggs' former Wales team-mate Dean Saunders.

"United can't afford to carry passengers and if Giggs' standards had dropped then Fergie would have just opened the cheque book and replaced him with another world-class player because the United boss has no sentiment.

"But Sir Alex hasn't needed to because there has been no-one better than Ryan and he knows much of his success is down to the industry, vision and creativity of Ryan Giggs and whenever Fergie has celebrated winning a trophy at United, Ryan has always been with him.

"Players with Ryan's footballing brain are rare breeds; he's more than a left-winger, he can play in any attacking position and if you make the right run he'll see the pass - that's why he's still at United."

Giggs was the first superstar of the Premier League era but he never fell foul of the trappings of celebrity.

"He is one of the game's great ambassadors," former England boss Terry Venables told BBC Sport.

"He is the prototype that every youngster should want to copy."

Robson, who played when Giggs made his United debut, added: "He has an unbreakable winning mentality and attitude to want to improve himself whenever he is faced with a challenge.

"There was once talk of him leaving United but he simply reinvented himself and became even better. A player with that much drive and focus is hard to find."

Giggs' 64-cap international career is the one barren area on an otherwise glittering CV.

Even Arsenal's Brazilian star Gilberto Silva admitted: "In his prime, Ryan Giggs could have represented any country in the world - even Brazil!

"To play regularly for a great and successful club like Manchester United for so long, you have to be a bit special."

If Giggs was never able to lead Wales to a major tournament, the boy raised in Cardiff has the consolation of a club career that seems to get better and better.

The Life Of Ryan
Date of Birth: 29 November, 1973
Place of Birth: Cardiff
Position: Left-winger/attacker
Man Utd appearances (goals): 759 (144)
Wales caps (goals): 64 (13)
Man Utd debut: v Everton, 2 March, 1991
Man Utd honours: 2 Champions League, 10 League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 6 Community Shields, 1 Uefa Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup

Did You Know?: Giggs' skills were honed at Manchester City's School of Excellence

China Friendly Announced

United's opposition on the China leg of this summer's four-match Asia Tour will be Chinese Super League outfit Hangzhou Greentown.

The Reds will play a friendly against the team from Zhejiang province on 26 July at the Dragon Stadium, kick-off 1pm BST.

The game will be the last of United's pre-season tour of the Far East, which also takes in Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea. Details of those fixtures will be confirmed on ManUtd.com.

Chief executive David Gill said: “We are delighted to be coming back to Asia for our summer tour. The passion and excitement of the games has to be experienced to be believed, and the tour is great preparation for the new season."

United last visited Asia two years ago and were overwhelmed by the level of support across the continent. The friendlies in China, Japan and Korea sold out quickly and hundreds of fans turned out just to watch the Reds training.

Paul Kam, chairman of tour promoters ProEvents, added: "United have a tremendous fan base in China and we are delighted by the club’s decision to bring the team here again.

"I am sure many fans, not only those in Hangzhou but also nearby cities such as in Shanghai, Nanjing and Ningbo, will welcome this great opportunity to seethe world champions in action.”

Greentown, named after the local company which co-founded them in 1998 and also known as Zhejiang Lucheng, have quickly risen to the top division in Chinese football, finishing ninth last season.

Rafael Signs New Deal

Young Reds right-back Rafael has agreed a two-year contract extension, keeping the promising Brazilian teenager at Old Trafford until at least June 2013.

The Rio de Janeiro-born full-back has caught the eye with 24 first-team appearances, and ever since his Barclays Premier League debut against Newcastle in August, he's never looked out of his depth.

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the rapid progress the 18-year-old former Fluminense starlet has made.

“Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional," the United boss told ManUtd.com.

"His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player, and we are delighted that he has signed a new contract.”

Rafael hopes that his new deal heralds a long association with the Reds.

“It's been a fantastic first season and I have been learning from all the players at the club, especially from the defence," he told us.

"It has been an exciting time for me and I want to be part of this club for a long time, so to get an extension to my contract is unbelievable."

Giggs Earns Prestigious PFA Award

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

The 35-year-old Welshman beat team-mates Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar as well as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Despite winning a host of honours, including 10 Premier League titles, the PFA award had eluded Giggs until now.

Aston Villa forward Ashley Young took the Young Player of the Year award.

He beat his Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor, Manchester United duo Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva, Aaron Lennon of Spurs and Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.

Since making his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford in March 1991 aged 17, Giggs has been a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's teams.

As well as the league crowns, Giggs has also won four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League winner's medals as well as two PFA young player awards.

He has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions and if he lines up against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, it will be his 800th club appearance.

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

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

United have already won two trophies this season and are still in the running for the Premier League and the Champions League.

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

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

"The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13," Giggs said. "That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.

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

"As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't."

Giggs was also one of six United players named in the PFA divisional team of the year but Wayne Rooney missed out.

The team includes Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was in goalscoring form until the votes were cast but has not found the net since February, and Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson.

Premier League team of the year:
Edwin Van der Sar (Manchester United),
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth),
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United),
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United),
Patrice Evra (Manchester United),
Ashley Young (Aston Villa),
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool),
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United),
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United),
Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea),
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Sir Alex Hails Terrific Tevez

Sir Alex has previous form when it comes to making substitutions to inspire dramatic comebacks.

And while nothing will ever match the impact Sheringham and Solskjaer had on the 1999 Champions League final, Carlos Tevez’s introduction against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening must surely run it close.

The Argentinian striker may not have found the net, but his work-rate and link-up play with his fellow forwards was nothing short of breathtaking.

“In the first half we were playing far too slowly,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “But bringing on Carlos Tevez enthused everyone, the fans included. He won the game for us. He turned the game… although obviously everyone played their part.“

Wayne Rooney, as well, has such desire and it doesn’t matter where you ask him to play. He has wonderful hunger and drive that can transform a team and a game.”

The Reds went into the break 2-0 down after goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric had stunned the home side. Had the score remained that way after 90 minutes, United would have ended the day in second place, level on points with Liverpool but with an inferior goal difference.

“At half-time, Liverpool were right back in it,” the boss said. “If we’d lost today it would have blown the title race wide open.

"The game really changed when we scored the first goal. You could see the fans lifted, the players were running quicker and passing the ball much faster. Then I brought Paul Scholes on, which gave us further incisive passing. We produced a magnificent performance in the second half.

“We’ve won the game and we’re a goal better off than we were on Wednesday night. That’s important. We’re only two goals behind Liverpool now. The five we scored today makes a difference."

What A Sensational Comeback!

A controversial penalty and sensational second-half fightback helped Manchester United beat Tottenham and retain their grip on top spot in the Premier League.

Darren Bent smashed home from close range and Luka Modric converted Aaron Lennon's cross as Spurs dominated.

But then Ronaldo scored from the spot after Heurelho Gomes was harshly ruled to have felled Michael Carrick.

Wayne Rooney quickly equalised before further goals for Ronaldo, Rooney and a Dimitar Berbatov secured the victory.

With Liverpool top of the table following their 3-1 win at Hull, United, who chose to leave Ryan Giggs out of their squad, created precious little early on.

Instead it was Spurs, hunting their first win at Old Trafford for 20 years, who had the first real sight of goal.

With striker Jermain Defoe back in London following the death of his half-brother, Bent led the frontline and should have done better with a header at the back post.

Ronaldo, who had been forced to skip a shocking double-footed challenge from Wilson Palacios early on, went close with a header from a Nani cross.

But, for all United's possession, it was Spurs who took the lead.

Vedran Corluka curled in a cross from the right and Bent got the better of Rio Ferdinand to crash home his 17th goal of the season from the six-yard line.

Just two minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead, Modric converting Aaron Lennon's cross at the far post after the winger had jinked his way past Patrice Evra on the right.

With half-time looming and the Old Trafford faithful sounding increasingly anxious, a Ronaldo volley came within a Gomes fingertip of pulling a goal back.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson replaced the lacklustre Nani with the far more industrious Carlos Tevez at the break.

And the Argentine, who could leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, tested Gomes when one-on-one inside the hour.

Two minutes later, Carrick burst into the box and nipped the ball around Gomes, who was ruled to have felled the midfielder as he dived at the ball.

The Tottenham players were incensed with Howard Webb's decision, as was Spurs manager Harry Redknapp on the touchline.

But they were powerless to stop Ronaldo from reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.

If there was any doubt about the first goal there was none about the equaliser.

Rooney blasted home from outside the box after Rafael and Berbatov had combined to set up the striker.

Just one minute later, United were in front, Rooney crossing from the left for Ronaldo to head home their third.

It was a phenomenal turnaround, although not quite as grand as the recovery in 2001 at White Hart Lane when United won 5-3 after trailing 3-0 at half-time.

The misery continued for the shell-shocked visitors.

Rooney made it 4-2 when his volley from Ronaldo's delicate cross crept over the line despite the scrambled efforts of Jonathan Woodgate.

Having scored four goals in just 14 minutes, United, perhaps sensing an urgent need to improve their goal difference, poured forward in search of a fifth.

Remarkably it arrived, courtesy of the boot of former Tottenham player Berbatov.

His initial header was saved by Gomes, but the Bulgarian stabbed home the loose ball to cap a remarkable afternoon.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (O'Shea 70), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Scholes 61), Nani (Tevez 46), Berbatov, Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Anderson, Evans, Macheda.

Booked: Tevez, Scholes, Ronaldo.

Goals: Ronaldo 57 pen, Rooney 67, Ronaldo 68, Rooney 71, Berbatov 79.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric (Bale 86), Keane (Huddlestone 87), Bent.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Hutton, Zokora, Bentley, Chimbonda.

Booked: Woodgate, Jenas, Gomes.

Goals: Bent 29, Modric 32.

Att: 75,458

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Tottenham took a shock 1 - 0 lead through Bent. Modric made it 2 - 0 three minutes later

Ronaldo reduces the scoreline to 1 - 2 in favor of Spurs from the penalty spot after Carrick was brought down by Gomes

Man. United 2 - 2! Rooney celebrates with Berbatov

Man. United 3 - 2! Ronaldo scores with a diving header a minute after Rooney's equalising goal

Rooney scores again! 4 - 2 to the Red Devils in the 71st minute

Berbatov makes it five. Berbatov rounding up the thrashing of Spurs in the 79th minute.

Ryan Eyes New Landmark

Ryan Giggs is on the brink of making his 800th United appearance for the Reds, and it's just yet another reminder of the Welsh midfielder's astonishing achievements as a player at Old Trafford.

Giggs was outstanding in his 799th run-out for United in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday. He will make it 800 if he plays against either Tottenham on Saturday or Arsenal on Wednesday.

“Ryan is the most respected player at the club," said Reds boss Sir Alex. "What he has achieved is an example for everyone.

“When you think of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda, who played in the semi-final last week, Ryan made his debut about the time they were born! It’s unbelievable. Whatever accolades he gets, he deserves them."

Giggs has won just about all the game has to offer, but so far the PFA Player of the Year award has proved elusive. Sir Alex thinks it would be a fitting tribute if the 35-year-old was handed the trophy at the annual ceremony in London this Sunday.

“I hope [he gets it]," added the boss. "He’s played 40 games this season. The way you use squads today, not everyone plays all the games, very few do. So hopefully he is rewarded for his contribution to the game, and he would thoroughly deserve it.

“We’re a very special club that way, in that players put down there career at a club like us. Being local boys does help. Players like Giggs and Paul Scholes are not in on sentiment, they’re there on ability.”

Michael Carrick agrees, saying that Scholes, who made his 600th appearance on Wednesday, and Giggs are have achieved extraordinary levels of success which he aspires to.

"They're just unbelievable professionals with fantastic talent and ability," Carrick told MUTV. "They are great people to learn from and the perfect example of what it takes to be a winner at this club.

"They're an inspiration to us all. To keep producing over such a long period at the highest level is frightening. Not many people can do that and it speaks volumes for the kind of players and people they are."

Tevez's Trophy Pledge

At this stage of the season hard work is as important to trophy-chasing sides as it is to those battling against relegation. Fortunately, United have plenty of players who relish that challenge.

Few enjoy putting in the hard yards quite like Carlos Tevez. And, as he told United Review, he'll be doing all he can to deliver silverware come the end of the season…

United's 11-game winning run in the league ended with successive losses in March. Was that a tough time?
It’s true we had a difficult period, losing to Liverpool and Fulham. But when you arrive at a club you make a commitment to be there throughout the good times and the bad times. In a way, the dip in form was almost a positive because it gave us the opportunity to face up to the problem and tackle it head-on. You need challenges in life – they help you realise just how tough you are and often bring out a lot of very good qualities. It’s important you bounce back from disappointment.

The team did that with victories over Aston Villa and Sunderland, helped largely by goals from Federico Macheda. Do you have any advice for the teenager?
Well, Federico has done tremendously and he’s very lucky to be playing for Manchester United at such a young age. I’d tell him to enjoy every minute of his time on the pitch. That’s the main thing: you have to love what you do. He’s definitely good enough to play at the highest level. He’s a big, strong lad who’s also very skilful. That’s a good combination and I’m confident he has what it takes to make it to the top.

It’s inevitable there’ll be tired legs at this stage of the season. Are you confident you and your team-mates can make it over the line?
You’re right: it’s natural. After all, we play a lot of games and do a lot of travelling. We all know the games will get tougher as the season wears on. Also, when other players line up against Manchester United they put their life on the line, they put absolutely everything into trying to beat us. We always know we’re in for a difficult game, but mentally we’re all very positive and we’re enjoying every minute of the title race. We’re focused 100 per cent and we know exactly what it takes to win trophies.

There are plenty of games against top sides remaining, but is there extra bite to games against teams battling to avoid relegation as well?
At this stage of the season it’s always very difficult, and our opponents will make us work very hard for a win. We’re not just playing our opponents – we’re almost playing ourselves as well. We need to be strong mentally, strong physically and be prepared to combat any other factors like tiredness or nerves.

Do you talk with your friend Javier Mascherano about the title race?
We do have the odd joke between us but we try not to talk about it too much. It’s not like he phones me after Liverpool play to tell me to watch out because they are catching us! We have a lot of respect for each other and each other’s teams. Having said that, I’m very confident we’ll win the league this season.

Carrick Happy To Chip In

Michael Carrick was delighted to put the seal on a crucial victory against Portsmouth which sent Sir Alex's men three points clear of Liverpool at the league summit.

The substitute latched onto a fine ball from Paul Scholes - making his 600th appearance - to drive home United's second in the 82nd minute, which had somehow been evasive since Wayne Rooney's opener on nine minutes.

"The longer it went on at 1-0 the more they started to come into it," Carrick told MUTV. "They had a couple of oppportunities after the break and Edwin had to make some good saves.

"We played some great stuff at times in the first half and the link-up play was brilliant at times. We had a number of chances to go further ahead and that would have put the game to bed. So it was a bit frustrating. We still played well and from a personal point of view it's always nice to score. It was a quite an important goal at that point so I was pleased to get it."

Despite being in the title race driving seat following Liverpool's two dropped points against Arsenal on Tuesday, Carrick maintains there's still work to be done before any silverware is handed out.

"Liverpool's draw was a big boost and we're in a decent position now," he said. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going until the end of the season and put the league to bed as quickly as we can. There are big games coming thick and fast and we need to be at our best in all of them."

Carrick scoring against Portsmouth

Man. United Open Up Gap At Top

Manchester United reasserted their authority over the race for the Premier League title with a crucial victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney - recalled after injury - put them on their way with a simple finish from Ryan Giggs's cross after nine minutes.

And substitute Michael Carrick wrapped up the win when he fired in an emphatic strike eight minutes from time after Paul Scholes delivered a trademark slide-rule pass on his 600th appearance for United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side produced a performance that was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but United's only objective was the victory that puts them three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.

If there was a disappointment for United, it came in the shape of a missed opportunity to improve their goal difference against a Portsmouth side that rarely troubled keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Giggs was denied twice by England keeper David James, and also missed from close range as United dominated for long spells without emphasising their superiority until Carrick struck late on.

Rooney was United's main source of inspiration as they looked to capitalise on Liverpool's failure to beat Arsenal in Tuesday's 4-4 classic at Anfield.

This was no classic, indeed for long spells it was distinctly low-key, but the result mattered more than the performance and United boss Ferguson looked a happy man as he strode away at the final whistle, to receive further good news that rivals Chelsea had been held to a draw by Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson, predictably, made nine changes from the side that lost the FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley on Sunday.

And the significance of Rooney's return was emphasised when he enabled United to shake off early lethargy by putting them ahead after nine minutes.

Anderson started the move with a raking pass to Giggs on the left flank, and as Pompey appealed in vain for offside, he delivered an inviting cross for Rooney to slide home from point-blank range.

There was concern amid the celebrations as it became clear that Gary Neville, whose season has been dogged by recurring injury problems, was struggling again and he limped off, to be replaced by John O'Shea.

Rooney's goal deflated Portsmouth's early confidence, and the remainder of the first half was a tale of United creating - and wasting - a succession of presentable opportunities.

O'Shea's header was cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj and James plunged bravely to block Giggs after he was cleverly played in by Rooney.

Giggs was the culprit again six minutes before the interval when Sol Campbell unwittingly set Cristiano Ronaldo free with a misplaced header but the veteran bundled the resulting cross wide from six yards.

There was one final opportunity for dominant United in the dying seconds of the half, when Darren Fletcher pulled his shot wide after being set up by Rooney.

The visitors, Peter Crouch apart, were showing little in attack and boss Paul Hart made a change during the interval, replacing David Nugent - who had been hobbling after a challenge that earned Nemanja Vidic a booking - with Jermaine Pennant.

O'Shea was caught by a poor challenge from Belhadj moments after the re-start, and he was replaced by Rafael da Silva after 52 minutes.

Rooney had been at the heart of all of United's best work, and an instinctive flick again released Giggs in the area, but James was swiftly off his line to make a decisive claim.

United had a rare anxious moment on the hour when Glen Johnson broke free in the area and forced the previously unemployed Van der Sar to push his low cross to safety.

Substitute Pennant then squandered a good opportunity when he arrived unmarked in the area, but instead of shooting he pulled a poor cross behind Crouch, who could only steer a volley wide.

The same pair then combined as Pennant's free-kick found Crouch, whose header was saved by Van der Sar.

United's second-half display had plunged into mediocrity, but it was Rooney again who almost lifted Old Trafford's spirits when he raced clear into the area, only for James to once again come to Pompey's rescue.

Ferguson's decision to replace Anderson with Carrick was something of a surprise, but it produced the required effect as the England midfield man sealed the points and United's return to the top of the league with eight minutes left.

Scholes must take huge credit, with a glorious pass that slid into the path of Carrick, who shot across the defiant figure of James into the bottom corner.

It allowed United to relax and enjoy the closing stages - safe in the knowledge that they are firmly in charge of their own title destiny.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart:
"The players are a bit down, they thought they could get something out of the game.

"Having rode our luck a bit in the first half, I thought at times after the break we controlled the game and were a bit unlucky not to get a goal

"We felt we could come here and get something, but if the players play like that, they'll be hard to beat."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (O'Shea 13), Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson (Carrick 76), Giggs, Ronaldo, Rooney, O'Shea (Rafael Da Silva 52).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Berbatov, Nani, Tevez.

Booked: Vidic.

Goals: Rooney 9, Carrick 82.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Davis, Mullins, Hughes, Belhadj, Nugent (Pennant 46), Crouch.

Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Cranie, Kanu, Basinas.

Att: 74,895

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Michael Carrick lifts the tension around Old Trafford with a clinical second strike

Scholes Set For 600 Club

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about mercurial midfielder Paul Scholes in Monday's press conference - here are the journalists' questions and the manager's answers.

Scholes is on 599 appearances for United. Are you surprised by his longevity?
It's fantastic, considering Scholesy’s probably had three or four longish term injuries during his career. He had the eye problem, he’s had two knee operations that kept him out for three months at a time, so he’s probably missed over a year of football in that time. He would probably be closer to 700 now had he not had those injuries.

Last summer Scholes said he would play for another two years and then call it a day. Do you see him sticking to that or carrying on?
Paul usually says what he means, there’s no question about that. He means what he says. He’s an amazing man.

He's said he likes playing football but hates being a footballer because of the attention that comes with it...
Absolutely, it's agony trying to get him to the press conferences for UEFA matches!

Is he a one-off in that respect?
No, quite a few players don’t enjoy the press. Some do it grudgingly and can cope with it. Others enjoy it, of course, and some are very professional, particularly European players - it’s like a duck to water for them, they are quite accessible that way. But I don’t think Scholesy's so different from everyone, I think there are quite a few who don’t enjoy that part of it. They see themselves as footballers and like to go home when they finish training.

Could you perhaps persuade him one day to be captain, just for one game?
He’s been captain. He didn’t like it and I think we lost actually.

Where will he stand in the list of all-time United legends when he does retire?
If you go back to the Bests, Edwards, Charltons and Laws, then you’re talking about quite a wide panorama of players. But in my time, he’d been in the top six or seven players, without question, for his contribution and his quality, and some of the fantastic goals he’s scored. Even on Sunday, the first touch he took was better than anyone else’s had been in the whole of the previous hour. He’s got that wonderful velvet touch on the ball, it goes stone dead when he gets it. In the midst of all the mayhem that can happen in football matches, it’s wonderful to see that.

Presumably there have been a number of enquiries from all the big clubs across Europe for Paul at some stage?
Funnily enough we’ve never had one enquiry for Paul Scholes. You know why? Because they all know he would never leave.

Defeat Hurts Serbian Star

Nemanja Vidic turned in a Man-of-the-Match display at Wembley and scored in the penalty shoot-out, but that is of little consolation to the Serbian as the Reds crashed out of the FA Cup.

“We're disappointed because this is a trophy we wanted to win,” he told MUTV. “We played some good football and created chances, but in the end it came to penalties – and that’s just a lottery. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. In the Champions League final we won… but today we didn’t score our penalties. You have to congratulate Everton.”

Vidic dispatched his spot-kick with aplomb, even though it wasn’t enough to prevent a 4-2 shoot-out loss, but he says dealing with the pressure of converting from 12 yards is “nothing new”.

“I practise in training and I also took penalties for Red Star Belgrade and Spartak Moscow,” he said. “It’s nothing new, but there's always the possibility you'll miss, especially in games where there is pressure. I scored, but it’s not about me scoring. The team didn’t win. We need to forget this game now.

“We must take it and recover for the next game. It’s going to be hard, but we have Wednesday’s match against Portsmouth and we need to be focused. It helps that some players were rested. They are going to be fresh and I hope we have a good game at Old Trafford.”

Vidic was proud of the performances of four teenagers in United’s youth-inflected starting line-up. And he says it's the result, rather than the performance, which was frustrating. “We played well, so we don’t need to be disappointed about that,” he added. “We played offensively and tried to score. We had young players in our team, they showed some quality. We know they are capable of doing that. We just didn’t take our chances."

Ferguson Questions Ref Decision

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said comments from Everton's David Moyes may have denied the Red Devils an FA Cup semi-final penalty.

Referee Mike Riley did not give United a spot-kick when Danny Welbeck appeared to be fouled by Phil Jagielka and Everton went on to win on penalties.

Everton boss David Moyes had queried the choice of Riley prior to the game.

Ferguson said: "I've no idea if it affected the decision but it may have. It can prey on a referee's mind."

Riley's decision prompted Ferguson to storm angrily towards the pitch but in his post-match media conference the United boss admitted there had been room for doubt over the decision.

"I've seen the video and it looks a penalty kick but in the importance of the game the referee probably has to be dead sure," added Ferguson.

"Why would Welbeck go down when he had the goalkeeper stranded out of his goal? It was a major decision and unfortunately it has gone against us. Nothing you can do about it. We have to move on now.

"When Riley sees it he'll probably realise he's made a mistake but I can't say that's the reason for us losing."

United captain Rio Ferdinand supported Ferguson's suggestion that referees are hesitating over giving the champions penalty decisions.

"We don't get many penalties these days," stated Ferdinand. "Referees are reluctant to give them to us. Maybe they're are being put under pressure by people in the media."

Moyes had questioned the choice of Riley after it had been suggested he was a United supporter.
Riley was appointed to referee the match at Wembley after original choice Steve Bennett withdrew because of illness.

In January, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had claimed that Ferguson is "the only manager who will not be punished" for verbally attacking referees, a comment which has sparked an ongoing feud between the two managers.

However, Moyes conceded that United had been unlucky not to have been given the penalty.

"I thought it looked a penalty kick," said Moyes. "If I had been the manager I would have been calling for a penalty kick."

Moyes was too nervous to watch Jagielka score the decisive penalty as Everton won the shoot-out 4-2 to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in 14 years.

"I'm really, really pleased. I'm pleased for myself and the team but, more importantly, the supporters. They were fantastic," Moyes told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I have got to praise Manchester United because they gave us a real hard game. I know on another day they could have put another team out and it could have been even harder.

"But my players have given everything again today and they have done all season."

Young Devils Fall Out Of FA Cup Semi Final After Shootout Loss To Toffees

Everton won a penalty shoot-out at Wembley to wreck Manchester United's hopes of a historic haul of five trophies and seal an FA Cup final date with Chelsea.

The Toffees reached the showpiece for the first time in 14 years - but Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be left fuming at referee Mike Riley.

Riley refused what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty when defender Phil Jagielka brought down Danny Welbeck in the second half, and United's disappointment will be felt more acutely after they cracked under the pressure of the spot-kick shoot-out.

Tim Cahill missed Everton's first penalty, but keeper Tim Howard saved United's first two efforts from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand.

Leighton Baines, Phil Neville and James Vaughan were then on target for Everton, with Nemanja Vidic and Anderson responding for United.

And with Everton's fans providing a deafening backdrop of expectation, Jagielka calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to send one half of Wembley wild.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright looked close to tears in the Wembley directors' box as boss David Moyes raced on to the turf to celebrate with his players.

For United and manager Ferguson, there was only disappointment and they must now turn their attentions back to the pursuit of the Premier League and Champions League.

As expected, Ferguson made wholesale changes to the side that secured a Champions League semi-final place with victory in Porto on Wednesday - with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar not even on the bench.

But United's revamped line-up acquitted itself well in a drab first 45 minutes that offered little in the way of quality or chances.

Marouane Fellaini sent Neville clear in a dangerous position inside the area after 10 minutes, but finishing has never been the Everton captain's strong point and he blazed well off target.

Carlos Tevez then shot wide for United before goalkeeper Ben Foster nearly gifted Everton an opener in the 20th minute, stumbling over an attempted clearance and almost allowing former United striker Louis Saha in to score.

Everton had a narrow escape two minutes later when Rafael's cross was touched on by Welbeck, before a deflection off defender Joleon Lescott diverted the ball on to an upright with Howard wrong-footed.

The Merseysiders almost had an opening goal to cheer minutes after the break, but Foster made a superb low save from Cahill's 25-yard drive.

Ji-Sung Park responded with a shot just wide before United made the first change of the semi-final, replacing the limping Fabio with Patrice Evra.

Darron Gibson then tested Howard from long-range as the game finally showed signs of life.

United were then denied what looked the clearest of penalties when a breakdown in communications between Howard and Jagielka forced the defender to haul down Welbeck.

Riley, whose appointment had been been questioned by Moyes, waved away United's appeals as Ferguson was moved into a jig of fury in his technical area.

Welbeck had recovered from a nightmare first half, showing great character to emerge as a threat for United, curling a good effort just off target with seven minutes left.

United, who had already introduced Paul Scholes, brought on Berbatov for Federico Macheda at the end of 90 minutes, perhaps hoping a moment of quality from the Bulgarian would avoid the need for penalties.

Cahill, while not at his most prominent, was always a danger and he forced Foster into a save with his legs two minutes into extra-time.

And he was almost on the end of a miscued shot from substitute Vaughan - on for Fellaini - as Everton strived to break the deadlock.

But there was to be no breakthrough and the teams went into a penalty shoot-out, which would at least provide some drama on an afternoon that was hardly a glittering advert for the Premier League.

United keeper Foster was the hero in the Carling Cup win against Spurs, but there was to be no repeat as the Toffees kept their nerve to run out winners and book a return to Wembley to meet Chelsea on 30 May.

Man Utd: Foster, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio Da Silva (Evra 63), Welbeck, Gibson, Anderson, Park (Scholes 67), Tevez, Macheda (Berbatov 91).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Nani, Evans.

Booked: Rafael Da Silva, Tevez, Scholes.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Neville, Fellaini (Vaughan 102), Pienaar, Cahill, Saha (Rodwell 70).

Subs Not Used: Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling.

Booked: Fellaini, Cahill.

Everton win 4-2 on penalties

Att: 88,141

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

Man. United was denied a penalty after Welbeck was fouled by Phil Jagielka in the penalty area

Rooney Salutes Team Ethic

Himself a bastion of selflessness, Wayne Rooney put Wednesday's impressive win over Porto down to the Reds' collective toil, rather than any individual effort.

The England international striker shone as a makeshift right winger, lending equal amounts of support in attack and defence, and while Cristiano Ronaldo's thunderbolt was the difference on paper, it was that hard-working mentality which faciliated United's passage to the Champions League semi-finals.

"It was a good performance by the team," Rooney told MUTV. "We looked solid and never looked like conceding, and it was a wonderful goal from Cristiano to win us the game.

"We knew that if we defended well we'd get opportunities to score and I think Rio coming back was a big plus for us tonight. We were really solid and they didn't give us that many problems in front of goal."

Arsenal now await United in the last four, and Rooney admits the all-English tie presents a mouth-watering prospect.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The only other English team we've played against in this competition was Chelsea, so it should be an exciting couple of games and hopefully we can overcome them."

Ronaldo Stunner Thrills Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder strike that delivered Manchester United a Champions League semi-final showdown against Arsenal.

Ronaldo's 40-yard strike - which the 24-year-old hailed as the best goal of his career - earned Ferguson's side a 3-2 aggregate victory over Porto.

"It was unbelievable - a magnificent hit," said the United boss.

"It took them by surprise and the keeper had no chance. To do it at that point gave us a real platform."

Ronaldo struck after six minutes and Ferguson, who became the first manager to reach a sixth Champions League semi-final, said the early goal was a huge bonus.

"We wanted to start the game quickly with good tempo... but to get a start like that, no-one can expect it, no-one can expect that type of goal," added Ferguson.

Ronaldo's astonishing strike put United into the record books as the first English side to win in Porto, and he admitted he could not wait to watch his long-range effort again.

"It is the best I have scored," he said.

"It was a fantastic strike and I can't wait to see it again on DVD. I am very happy with it."

Porto rarely looked like breaking through as United kept their first clean sheet since 11 March, having conceded 11 goals in their last five games.

And Ferguson, who was taking charge of his 150th Champions League clash, said Rio Ferdinand's return after a three-game absence had made a huge difference.

"Rio coming back was a major part of our success," he said.

"He and Nemanja Vidic have a partnership that goes back three years. They have a great understanding of the game and there is a good balance between them.

"We defended very, very well and that was the key to it really, because if we get back to that foundation of not giving away goals then we can do well.

"They had to chase. That early goal had them on the back foot. I don't think they made any chances in the match."

United have now stretched their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 23 games, winning a second leg away from home for the first time since the 1999 semi-final triumph in Turin against Juventus.

"We tried to change and spread the team around the field and hope Manchester would make some mistakes," Jose Gomes, who replaced suspended Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, said.

"We feel very bad. You can understand our emotions. We feel that wasn't a very just result. They scored one goal and it was scored by the best player in the world."

United's semi-final with Arsenal will be the first time they have met English opposition in a two-legged European tie.

Arsenal beat United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, and Ferguson is predicting another classic encounter.

"It would be tough no matter who we played but the fact it is another English side gives a different type of spice to it," said Ferguson.

"We are two good footballing sides, so it should be a terrific semi-final. Our game earlier in the season was fantastic. It was the way football should be played and we will look forward to it.

"The first leg is at home, so 1-0 would be perfect for us. But it is not going to be easy."

Ronaldo Stunner Enables Man. United To Overcome Porto

Cristiano Ronaldo struck a stunning winner as Manchester United saw off the threat of Porto to seal a Champions League semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Ronaldo's thunderous early strike from just shy of 40 yards flew across goal and into the top corner.

Nemanja Vidic missed a great chance from five yards late in the first half and Dimitar Berbatov had a shot saved.

Lisandro Lopez might have scored a dramatic late goal for Porto, but Edwin van der Sar saved his weak shot.

It was United's first clean sheet since their Champions League victory over Inter Milan on 11 March and it could not have been more timely as United became the first English club to win at Porto in European competition.

With Rio Ferdinand restored to the side after a three-game absence there was an increased assuredness to the United backline and in truth, Porto failed to create any clear-cut openings until Lisandro's 85th-minute chance.

However, United's failure to score a decisive second goal ensured a nervous final few minutes to the tie as Porto pushed for the equaliser that would have put them through on the away goals rule.

The first 20 minutes of the match must have been close to perfect for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was presiding over his 150th Champions League game.

Wayne Rooney started on the right with Ryan Giggs on the left and Ronaldo supporting Berbatov up front. This formation allowed Ronaldo to occasionally drop deep in search of possession, which he did after six minutes before smashing his amazing goal.

United dominated possession, allowing them to play the game at a steady, controlled tempo, and there were few alarms for Van der Sar, who allowed a free-kick from Bruno Alves to drift wide of his goal.

Porto gradually forced their way into the match, slowly pushing United towards their own goal, and Van der Sar was eventually forced into action to save Christian Sapanuru's shot on the turn while Bruno Alves headed wide from a free-kick.

The home team lost momentum when Lucho Gonzalez was stretchered off the field after a delay while he received treatment and United went on to create a brilliant chance to take full control of the match.

John O'Shea flicked on Giggs's corner and the ball dropped invitingly to the unmarked Vidic but the defender's effort flew wastefully over the crossbar.

Porto's Raul Meireles and Hulk shot over after the break, while Berbatov collected a beautifully weighted pass from Rooney but his subsequent shot lacked power and Helton saved.

By this stage it was pouring down in Porto but Van der Sar made no mistake with a Hulk free-kick, while Rolando headed wide beyond the far post for the home side.

The visitors continued to press and the match became increasingly tense as United dropped deeper and deeper.

But it was United, who play Everton in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, who went close to a second goal, with Helton making a good low save to claw away Ronaldo's shot.

FC Porto: Helton, Sapunaru (Costa 80), Rolando, Bruno Alves, Cissokho, Lucho Gonzalez (Mariano Gonzalez 31), Fernando, Raul Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez (Farias 64).

Subs Not Used: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Madrid.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Giggs, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 78), Rooney, Berbatov (Nani 68), Ronaldo.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Neville, Evans, Tevez, Macheda.

Booked: Vidic, Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 6.

Att: 50,000

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).

Ronaldo's second Champions League goal of the season was spectacular

Man. United Dominate PFA Award Lists

United's domination of the domestic season so far is further underlined by the PFA's shortlists for the Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

The Barclays Premier League leaders, Carling Cup winners and FA Cup semi-finalists occupy all but one of the nominations for the PFA Players' Player of the Year. There are five Reds in the running - goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and attacking midfielders Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo. The only opposition player on the six-strong shortlist is Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

One third of the PFA Players' Young Player of the Year nominees play for United - namely right-back Rafael and centre-back Jonny Evans. The other four contenders are Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland or Tottenham Hotspur's Aaron Lennon.

The news that so many Reds have been recognised by their fellow professionals can only boost confidence as United prepare to take on Porto in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. Hopefully most, if not all, of the seven short-listed players will be available for selection at Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday night, including Ferdinand who has missed the last three games with a groin injury.

Nominees for the PFA player of the year award:
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd)
Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)

Nominees for the PFA young player of the year award:
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
Rafael Da Silva (Man Utd)
Jonny Evans (Man Utd)
Stephen Ireland (Man City)
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Carrick Relishing Hectic Run-in

With the season approaching a critical stage, Michael Carrick says the Reds are fully focused on seeing the job through to the end...

With so many big games coming up, is there a real air of excitement within the dressing room or a steely focus?
It’s a bit of both really. There’s always a real determination for success and thankfully we’ve had that in recent years, but we want it again. We’re English and European champions and we don’t want to let either trophy go; we’re probably even more determined than we were last year to stay on top. It's great to be playing Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday - you can’t wait for the big games to come and you just want to get out there and get the right result. Hopefully we can do that.

Presumably the experience of going the distance in the last two years helps…
Yes, it'll stand us in good stead. You don’t consciously draw on past experience, it just develops. You know what to expect in certain situations and the things you didn’t do so well you try to put right this time round. This is the stage when you need to go out and get the job done and we’re determined to do that.

How big a part can the fans play?
They can play a huge part in every game. The matches in which things aren’t going quite so well are the ones they pull you through. It’s easy for supporters to get a bit frustrated in those games, but our fans are always behind us which gives you a big lift. They can make Old Trafford very intimidating for opposition teams as well - I’m always glad to be playing for us when the fans are really up for it!

On a personal note, how pleased have you been with your form this season?
It’s been okay. I’m always looking to improve and I feel I have each season since I joined. Playing with top players year in, year out helps and as a team and a squad we’re getting better and becoming stronger. When you play in a great side it makes your job as an individual a lot easier in terms of improvement, and I hope there’s still a lot more to come.

Your performances this season have earned you a lot of praise in the media, but many fans would say it's nothing new and you haven't received the recognition you deserve...
Well, it’s hard to comment when you’re talking about yourself! When you play in a team that’s successful then everyone must be doing something right. But I don’t mind who grabs the headlines - as long as we’re sitting with one or two more trophies at the end of the season and I’ve played my part then I’ll be happy.

Sir Alex Hails "Special" Macheda

Sir Alex Ferguson lavished praise on substitute Federico Macheda after his goal secured a 2-1 win at Sunderland to put Manchester United top of the table.

"He's got something special about him, the boy," said the United manager of the 17-year-old Italian striker.

"He has a good eye for goal, a terrific physique and is not shy about playing under pressure - that's credit to him.

"He wasn't fazed by anything. Right away, he got involved in the game and he had a good 20 minutes for us."

In the space of a week Macheda has scored two goals in two substitute appearances, after his late goal on his league debut earned a 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Ferguson decided to bring on Macheda as a 75th minute substitute to replace Dimitar Berbatov, with United in desperate need of a winning goal to overtake Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Securing all three points proved vital for United's title defence, on a day when both rivals Liverpool and Chelsea had been victorious.

"It's a boost, of course and an important away victory for us," said Ferguson.

"Sunderland is a difficult place to come, they were very committed so we can be pleased with that.

"The important thing is we have seven games left now and at this point, it is about cutting each game off as they come along."

But the 67-year-old Scot played down suggestions that his team were feeling increased pressure in the title run-in.

"At the end of the day you have to do your own job and have the confidence in your players to react to any situation.

"Irrespective of where our opponents are the expectation is that Manchester United should get a result."

Man of the moment: Macheda (far left)

Boss: We Are 3 Points Closer

Vintage United it was not, but Sir Alex Ferguson cared not a jot as his side moved three points closer to retaining the Premier League title with victory over Sunderland.

The Reds were only sporadically anywhere near top form at the Stadium of Light, but were able to grind out a vital victory through Kiko Macheda's late strike.

"In the first parts of the match we played very well," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We got in front, didn't push it home and lost our momentum in that period. We started well again in the second half, but credit to Sunderland they keep going, keep battling and you expect that with the position they're in.

"It's not easy here, as we all know. They certainly put us under a lot of pressure. For periods of the game we did play well, for periods we were a bit sloppy. But the pitch was difficult to play at times, but at the end of the day we've ground a good result out."

Not only does the result mean United go into next week's crucial Champions League trip to Porto on a high, it is also one more victory closer to seeing off the domestic challenges of Liverpool and Chelsea.

"It's a boost of course," said Sir Alex. "The important thing is that we've seven games left now. At this point it's about cutting each game off as they come along. Today was an important away victory for us, at a difficult place to come to against a very committed Sunderland team. I think we can be pleased at that."

Macheda Strikes Winning Goal At Stadium Of Light

Federico Macheda rescued Manchester United for the second successive league game as his goal sent the champions back to the top of the Premier League.

Paul Scholes had given United a first-half lead with a fine header before Kenwyne Jones bundled home from close range to equalise for Sunderland.

But with 15 minutes left substitute Macheda turned in Michael Carrick's wayward shot with his first touch.

His winner restored United's one point lead over nearest rivals Liverpool.

The Anfield club had briefly gone top having earlier thrashed Blackburn 4-0, leaving United needing a victory to return to the Premier League summit.

That result looked unlikely as United again showing signs of tiredness in an indifferent display until 17-year-old Macheda made his decisive contribution.

With one eye on next Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Porto, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rested keeper Edwin Van der Sar, left-back Patrice Evra and winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

There was also no Rio Ferdinand because of injury but Jonny Evans passed a late fitness test and partnered Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence, while striker Dimitar Berbatov was handed a shock start despite pre-match reports of an ankle problem.

Wayne Rooney started on the left with Carlos Tevez partnering Berbatov up front and United predictably dominated early possession against opponents who relied on strike duo Djibril Cisse and Jones to provide them with an outlet.

It took United until the 15th minute to create the first real chance but Danny Collins superbly cleared Vidic's header off the line from Rooney's inswinging corner.

However, United were in front under a minute later as Rooney was afforded far too much time and space on the left flank and curled in a teasing right-footed cross which found Scholes, who looped a near-post header over Gordon for the opener.

Calum Davenport had Sunderland's best chance with the former West Ham man sending Phil Bardsley's cross just past the post.

Bardsley was causing problems down United's right and Jones, under pressure from Gary Neville, was just wide from one of his teasing crosses as Sunderland edged close to an equaliser.

Moments later Cisse forced a smart save from Ben Foster and as Sunderland continued to press, Evans almost turned a Carlos Edwards cross into his own net but the post spared his blushes.

Just before the break Park Ji-Sung fired just past the angle as United finished an indifferent first-half performance on a positive note.

Following the re-start, Rooney sent a fierce shot inches wide but it was Sunderland who were the next to celebrate as Tainio beat Park down the left and sent in a teasing cross which Foster fumbled into the path of Jones, who bundled the ball home from close range.

The goal seemed to galvanise United and Scholes was unlucky to see a half-volley fizz just wide of Gordon's post.

Half-chances for Tevez and Berbatov followed with Sunderland relying on the counter-attack and Ronaldo was introduced with 20 minutes remaining as United desperately sought inspiration.

But it was another substitute, Macheda, who made the required impact just seconds after coming on by redirecting Michael Carrick's wayward shot into the corner of the net with a deft left-foot flick.

Victory sent United top with seven games left while Sunderland slipped closer towards the relegation zone with the Black Cats just two points off the bottom three.

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Davenport (McShane 73), Collins, Edwards, Leadbitter, Tainio (Yorke 85), Reid (Murphy 80), Cisse, Jones.

Subs Not Used: Fulop, Malbranque, Ben-Haim, Colback.

Booked: Ferdinand.

Goals: Jones 55.

Man Utd: Foster, Neville, Evans, Vidic, O'Shea, Park (Ronaldo 69), Carrick, Scholes, Rooney, Berbatov (Macheda 75), Tevez (Anderson 82).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Evra, Giggs, Nani.

Booked: Neville, Rooney.

Goals: Scholes 19, Macheda 76.

Att: 45,408

Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire).

Macheda celebrates scoring the winner for Man. United

Kiko is lifted aloft by Wayne Rooney after his priceless winner

Ask Sir Alex

The boss answers questions from Inside United readers...

As a lad growing up, did you ever expect to find yourself cooking for Denis Law on a TV show? Colin Bryant, Aberdeen
(Laughs) No! Doing Red Devil’s Kitchen for MUTV was a bit of fun and quite enjoyable. I really like cooking. I used to do it more years ago, but not so much now my sons are grown up and away. I can cook Chinese, but I mainly did Italian food.

Are any of your coaches particularly good at football?Carl Wilkinson, Telford
They’ve all played at one time or another. Mike Phelan was a first-team player here, so were Brian McClair and Jim Ryan. Paul McGuinness was a member of the Reserves. The staff have a match on Friday afternoons, but I’ve never taken the time to watch one. You hear about the matches but the reports vary depending on who you listen to!

How is Owen Hargreaves progressing in his comeback from injury?Andy Large
His operations have gone perfectly well, he’s feeling good about them and he’ll be back in action for the start of the season in August. Hopefully, that’s the end of that because the lad’s had a torrid time. He came back after his problems last year at a really vital time in the season, against Barcelona, Arsenal and then Chelsea in the Champions League final, and he was absolutely brilliant. His experience and pace were of great benefit to us, and we can look forward to having that again next season. Everyone recognises that we’ve got tremendous riches in central midfield, but Owen will play his part and become very important for us.

When United won the league in 2007, I remember you saying that your grandson had also won his league on the same day. How has his fledgling career panned out?Sarah Coates, Hull
All of my grandsons play for teams. They enjoy the game, but I don’t think they’re going to be players or anything like that. The great thing about any level of football is taking part in matches and keeping fit.

Wayne's World

In this month's Inside United magazine, there are interviews with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand. Here's what Wayne had to say...

One of the big factors in United’s success in recent seasons has been the team’s form at Old Trafford. What is it about the ground that gives United such a big advantage?
When you’re playing at Old Trafford you have 70-odd thousand people behind you and that generates a special atmosphere. Also, the way we play is different to anybody else in the league – we like to attack teams at Old Trafford and we’ll keep attacking teams until we break them down. We’re also used to the big pitch and that favours attacking teams. If you want to spend most of the game defending then ideally you’ll be playing on a small pitch so you can keep the game compact; a lot of teams find it hard to contain us at Old Trafford.

Which Old Trafford atmospheres stick in your mind?
I always remember the day we beat Chelsea 1-0 back in November 2005. At the time, Chelsea were really gathering momentum. Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich had come to the club and shaken things up a bit. Chelsea had signed some good players and spent a lot of money and their league position reflected that. But I remember walking out of the tunnel and hearing our fans and thinking they were really up for it. It was an amazing atmosphere and it helped make for a great day.

So fans really can have an impact on what happens on the pitch?
They definitely play their part. When the fans are right behind you and you can hear them singing and hear how passionate they are, it really lifts you. It sounds silly but when the fans are up for it you feel like you can run faster and further. They inspire you to do things you might not have thought you could do. Away from home our fans are always brilliant. I’ve never known United fans not to take up a full allocation in the away end and they sing non-stop throughout the game. It’s unbelievable and it looks like a mad experience. Sometimes you wish you were in there with them, singing all the songs! It looks like a lot of fun. Our supporters are definitely the best away fans in the league.

You missed five weeks of football earlier this year. What sort of spectator are you when you’re not on the pitch?
I hate watching! I obviously want the team to do well and it’s a real pleasure to watch United play football, but I’d always prefer to be out there on the pitch. It’s not easy watching when you’re not playing, but it’s something you have to put up with and you work every day to try and get yourself back to full fitness. To be honest, I get a lot more nervous when I’m not playing. It’s a horrible feeling knowing you can’t have any influence on the game. But those spells on the sideline help you realise why the fans keep turning up to see us play. We always try and entertain and play attacking football, and I think we’ve done that well over the last few years.

How true is it that success makes you hungrier for more trophies?
There’s no doubt about it. When you win the league, for instance, you know it will be even more disappointing the next season if you don’t win it again. You’ve already proved you’re good enough to do it, so you can’t see it as anything but a failure if you don't retain the trophy. The history of the club demands we continue winning, and the manager demands we continue winning.United have been there and won it before.

Will experience play a part this season?
I think it could. We know what we’ve got to do and we know in some games we might not dominate proceedings. But we have the experience to know that that’s what happens sometimes and we have the belief to keep going until the end. If we have to nick a 1-0 win at the end then that’s fine. In fact, those games are often some of the most important when you look back on the season.

Is there anything you haven’t won yet that you’ve got your sights set on?
The FA Cup, without a doubt. If I’m honest, it’s probably the trophy I wanted to win the most when I was growing up. Like most kids I grew up dreaming of scoring the winner in an FA Cup final at Wembley. Also, as an Everton fan I wasn’t under any illusions that we were good enough to win the league, so the cup competitions were much more realistic. The FA Cup has such a big history and that’s stuck with me from back then. I still want to win it. I’ve played in two finals with United and lost them both and that’s a horrible feeling. I’m desperate to win that trophy.

Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have all been tremendous this season. You didn’t begin your career at United, but can you see yourself still at Old Trafford when you’re 34 or 35 years old?
I really hope so. I’ve always said that as long as United want me I’m happy to stay at the club. I don’t want to leave. I love the club and I have no reason to move or even think about moving. I’m sure I’ll be here for a long time.