Harris In United Takeover Plans

Renowned football finance expert Keith Harris has offered a lifeline to Manchester United's mounting debt by confirming he is trying to broker a takeover of the club.

United fan Harris has been labelled as football's 'Mr Fixit' after being involved in several Premier League takeovers, such as welcoming Roman Abramovich to Chelsea and helping Eggert Magnusson take control of West Ham.

And with the Red Devils holding growing debts of more than £700million since the Glazer family took over in 2005, Harris said members of the Manchester United Supporters Trust went to him as a glimmer of hope to help turn around the club's financial fortunes.

"Yes, we have been approached," Harris said.

"We can lend our weight to doing something for the good of United and for the good of football - none of the takeovers that I have been involved in have involved any debt.

"They've been takeovers by people who've wanted to be involved for reasons other than money."

The Seymour Pierce investment bank chief executive declined to name any of the people who have approached him, identifying them only as 'The Red Knights'.

"A number of people have been to see me and I've had long chats with them," he said.

"I know there are one or two people in senior positions in the financial services that have access to the capital.

"We don't know if the Glazers can be made to listen, but there is serious intent on the part of people who have support in their hearts. The time feels right."

Earlier it was revealed that the club issued £500million worth of bonds in a re-financing effort. However Harris shares the anger displayed by fellow United supporters.

"(The Glazers) are playing with an icon of football, one of the most respected brands in the world, and it is in danger," he said.

"Seventy five pence of every pound (fans) are spending is now going to the Galzers either for themselves or to pay debts."

United have since issued a statement to deny there are problems.

A spokesman for the Glazer family insisted they have no interest in selling.

Smalling To Make Big Move

Manchester United is delighted to announce that Fulham defender Chris Smalling has agreed terms and passed a medical examination. He will join the club in July 2010 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

An England Under-21 international, Smalling has made 10 first-team appearances for Fulham, who signed him from non-league Maidstone 18 months ago.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months. He’s very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we’re delighted to have secured his signature."

Smalling, 20, described the move as an "unbelievable opportunity".

"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff," he said. “But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in the squad.

"I’ve played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can’t wait.”

Q&A: Antonio Valencia

United's Ecuador winger has impressed in his first season at Old Trafford, scoring six goals along the way, and he's looking to help the Reds to a crucial victory in north London this weekend...

Besides Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, you’ve played more games than anyone for United this term. Did you expect that?
To be honest, I didn’t expect to be playing as much as I have. I thought I’d be used sparingly at first and then more as I settled in at the club, but as a footballer you train hard so that you’re always prepared to play. Then it’s down to the manager to make the decisions, and he has given me lots of opportunities. I’m really enjoying my United career so far, and this is just the start.

You were voted ManUtd.com's player of the month in both November and December. Is it nice to be recognised by fans?
It’s a source of motivation to keep working harder and harder and to keep trying to win these awards. The fans are incredibly important, so it’s very nice to get that recognition from them.

Why do you think your goalscoring has improved so markedly since your Wigan days?
I’m getting into the box more than ever before in my career. I’m encouraged to get forward and there are a lot of balls coming in from the left side, so I’ve been able to get to the far post and get on the end of a few crosses.

Do United have a big following in Ecuador, now that you play for the Reds?
I wouldn't say all of Ecuador are now United fans, but certainly my family and friends have converted. They’re all big football fans, though; they don’t just watch the games for me. A lot of them came over to Manchester in December and stayed to watch a couple of games. Luckily one of those was the Wigan game, so they got to see me score!

Rio Handed 4-Game Ban

Rio Ferdinand has been handed a four-match suspension after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association.

The Reds' defender was involved in an off-the-ball incident during United's 4-0 victory over Hull City and will now miss the next four matches against Arsenal, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Everton.

A statement on the FA website said: "At an Independent Regulatory Commission today [Thursday] Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was given a four-match suspension to be served with immediate effect.

"Ferdinand denied a charge of violent conduct in relation to an incident in Manchester United’s home match with Hull City on Saturday 23 January 2010.

"Furthermore, the Independent Commission felt that the player’s claim against the charge was frivolous and on that basis have awarded an additional one match ban upon the statutory three match ban awarded for violent conduct."

Carrick Savours Victory

Michael Carrick says the modus operandi – not to mention the opposition – made victory in the Carling Cup semi-final all the sweeter.

The midfielder looked to have cued up a comfortable finish at Old Trafford when his goal made it 2-0 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate, to the dominant home side. But plain sailing isn’t the United way, as Michael has learned – and enjoyed – in his time at the club.

“We could have finished it off earlier when we were in a commanding position but to win it like we did (in injury time) makes for a very special night,” Carrick told MUTV.

“The place was bouncing and we’ve sent everyone home happy on the red side.

“There was a lot riding on the game tonight, playing against City with the chance to get to a final bit we’ve come through it and we’re delighted.

“Our dressing room was a happy place to be.”

Carrick’s neat finish following a link-up between Nani and Darren Fletcher was his second goal in a Manchester derby – “my first one didn’t mean as much because we lost, so this one was a bit more special” – and he admitted he could have had another.

“We were playing well in the second half, on the front foot and creating opportunities. I missed a good chance to score what would have been my second goal (of the night) so when Wazza scored, it saved me a bit!”

Carrick heaped praise on the man who spared his blushes and booked United’s passage to Wembley, saying: “He (Wayne Rooney) is awesome.

“He just keeps improving. When I first came to the club, I thought he was a great player. But three years on he’s improved again. He just gets better and better.

“All credit to him because he’s taken on more responsibility up top and not only is he scoring goals, he’s creating them for others.

“He’s doing everything you could possibly ask of him. Let’s hope it continues until May.”

Boss: Fans Were Fantastic

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to fans at Old Trafford on Wednesday night who he said carried United to Wembley.

The Reds boss described the atmosphere as “unbelievable” as the United clinched an injury-time victory over fierce local rivals Manchester City.

Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney got the goals, but the manager reserved special praise for the part the fans at Old Trafford played on the night.

“I thought our fans were unbelievable tonight,” he told MUTV. “When Old Trafford is like that, the players really respond to it. They dragged us home. I have to pay special tribute to them. They were wonderful.”

After a goalless first half, United looked up for it after the break and, spurred on by a vocal backing from 65,000-or-so vociferous Reds.

“We missed a lot of chances in the game and Edwin van der Sar made a fantastic save just after half-time. But our second-half performance was absolutely marvellous,” the boss said. “We could have scored six or seven goals and kept in control of the game.”

Rooney Sends United To Wembley After Dramatic Winner Against City

Wayne Rooney's dramatic stoppage-time header sent Manchester United into the Carling Cup final and wrecked Manchester City's hopes of reaching a first major Wembley showpiece in 29 years.

Carlos Tevez looked to have sent the semi-final into extra-time when his sensational backheel flick after 76 minutes answered second-half goals for United from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

But Rooney, United's man of the moment, demonstrated once more that he is in the form of his life by heading Ryan Giggs's cross past City keeper Shay Given to send Old Trafford wild and set up a final meeting with Aston Villa on 28 February.

For City, it was a grim and heartbreaking echo of their Premier League defeat at Old Trafford earlier this season when Michael Owen's last-gasp goal gave United a 4-3 win.

Roberto Mancini's side showed admirable composure in the cauldron as the battle unfolded, and Tevez and Micah Richards brought fine saves from Edwin van der Sar as they went in search of the goal that would have put them at the gates of Wembley.

But Scholes struck from 18 yards early in the second half, and when Carrick put United ahead on aggregate 19 minutes from time, City's bold bid to show they are now serious rivals to the Old Trafford empire looked in tatters.

Tevez, still very much the villain in the eyes of United's fans after his summer move to Eastlands, threatened to deliver a dream script with an imaginative finish, but Rooney is penning his own big stories these days and it was almost inevitable that he would write the final chapter in this domestic squabble.

Security was heightened after trouble at the first leg, and United's win was marred by a second-half incident when Craig Bellamy was felled after he appeared to be struck on the head by a coin, with a bottle also thrown.

It did little to sour the Old Trafford elation at the final whistle, and how they enjoyed putting City in their place once more.

The anticipation outside Old Trafford was matched by the crackling atmosphere inside - stoked by the words exchanged between the two clubs since the contentious first leg.

United set the tempo early on, but once City gained a measure of composure they created the better opportunities in a tightly contested first half.

Tevez, inevitably, was a central figure and Rio Ferdinand was fortunate to escape punishment from referee Howard Webb when he caught the Argentine in the face with a swinging arm as they tussled for possession.

Bellamy tested Van der Sar with a header from Shaun Wright-Phillips's cross, and then set up an even better opportunity which was wastefully squandered by Tevez after 28 minutes.

The former Manchester United striker arrived on the end of Bellamy's perfect cross, but made life too easy for Van der Sar with his headed finish.

United's response was a low shot from Giggs on the edge of the area, but Given was perfectly positioned on the edge of the area to make a routine save.

The pressure was on United to make the running at the start of the second half, but it was City who almost snatched the lead when Richards brought an athletic save from Van der Sar with a rising drive.

Bellamy was then the victim of a shameful incident as he went to take a corner, going to ground after appearing to be struck by a coin, with a plastic bottle also landing in the striker's vicinity.

United made the breakthrough they craved after 52 minutes, and it came from Scholes, who had been at his most influential amid the midfield mayhem.

He was lurking in familiar territory on the edge of the area, and when a loose ball arrived at his feet he drilled it unerringly beyond Given.

The tie had swung towards United, and the balance shifted even further when Carrick added a second with 19 minutes left, just as City boss Mancini prepared to introduce Emmanuel Adebayor in an attempt to wrest back some control.

City failed to clear in the area, and when Fletcher laid the ball back to Carrick, he steered a composed finish across Given into the bottom corner.

Rooney, so deadly in front of goal in recent times, then wasted a glorious opportunity to set the seal on United's night when he somehow turned his shot wide of a gaping goal from eight yards after being played in by Nani.

And how Tevez made him pay just minutes later when he brought the tie level with a stunning piece of invention.

Ferdinand stooped to head Bellamy's cross away, only to find it removed from his forehead by an acrobatic backheel from Tevez that flew low out of the reach of Van der Sar.

Just as Old Trafford was bracing itself for the tension of an extra 30 minutes, United mounted a typical late surge that brought the stoppage-time winner that booked their Wembley ticket.

Given saved superbly from Fletcher, but when City failed to concentrate at the resulting corner, Giggs delivered for Rooney to head past the powerless the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

Ferguson danced with delight in the dug-out as City were forced to put their plans to topple their illustrious neighbours on hold.

ROONEY: Last-gasp aggregate winner

Tosic Joins Cologne On Loan

Winger Zoran Tosic has joined FC Cologne on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in January 2009 and has since made five substitute appearances for the Reds. This season the Serbian has featured heavily for the Reserves, scoring five goals in seven appearances.

Tosic, renowned for his silky skills and set-piece prowess, joins a Cologne side currently 13th in the Bundesliga but fresh from a win away from home against last season’s champions, VfL Wolfsburg.

He has reportedly told Serbian newspaper Blic: “I believe I haven’t had my final say at Manchester United and that my performances with Cologne will be my ticket back to Old Trafford.”

Ferdinand Denies FA Charge

The Football Association has confirmed Rio Ferdinand has denied a charge of violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident in United's 4-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday.

A statement on the FA website said: "Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has denied a charge of violent conduct.

"The charge relates to an incident involving Hull City forward Craig Fagan during the second half of the match at Old Trafford on Saturday 23 January.

"A Regulatory Commission will hear the charge on Thursday 28 January."

Man. United Sign Smalling

United have agreed terms with Fulham to sign their England Under-21 international defender Chris Smalling.

The 20-year-old Greenwich-born centre-back will join the Reds from the start of the 2010/11 season.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United has agreed terms for the transfer of Chris Smalling from Fulham. Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010/2011 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season."

An England Under-21 international, Smalling has made just nine first-team appearances for Fulham, who signed him from non-league Maidstone 18 months ago.

After shining in the club’s Reserves, Roy Hodgson handed him his senior debut on the final day of the 2008/09 season. His first start came in September 2009 when Fulham travelled to CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw. Hodgson said: “If you analysed his performance, he played with a maturity I'm not entitled to expect from a player so young.”

Smalling earned an England U21 debut in November last year and a first league start, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, six weeks later.

Profile:
Chris Smalling
Position: Defender
DOB: 22/11/89, Greenwich, London
Height: 192cm
Weight: 81kg
Previous Clubs: Maidstone United
International: England U21

Rooney: I Am Happy At United

Wayne Rooney takes satisfaction in reported interest from the world's other top clubs that has come with his outstanding recent form, but the Reds front man has no intention of leaving United.

Rooney is as committed as ever to the Old Trafford cause and confirmed his loyalty by outlining his desire for the Reds to “create history” and win a record fourth consecutive league crown.

The press claim interest from Spain's top clubs in the Reds' in-form no.10, but Wayne made his feelings clear on Monday at the official launch of the new Nike T90 Laser III boots that he's been using to such deadly effect lately.

"There’s always speculation, and when other big teams are talking about you, it’s nice that you’re talked about," he said. "But as I’ve said many times before, I’m a United player and I’m very happy here."

Rooney's mind is 100 per cent focused on the team's objectives - namely winning the league - and his show of allegiance comes at the start of a crucial week in which the Reds take on Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday, before visiting title rivals Arsenal in the league on Sunday.

"I hope we can win the title again this year," he added. "We’ve won the league the last three years and nobody has ever won it four times in a row. We want to create history.

"The title race is much tighter this year and it’s probably more exciting for the neutrals or fans around the country. But we’re hoping that now we are top we can go on and remain there for the rest of the season."

Rio Charged By FA

The Football Association has charged Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand with violent conduct after his clash with Hull City's Craig Fagan on Saturday.

Video replays provided evidence that the England centre-back swung an arm at his opponent in the second half of the Red Devils' 4-0 win at the weekend.

FA officials have decided to act and the 31-year old now has until 6pm on Wednesday to respond to the charge before a decision is made regarding his punishment.

The match was Ferdinand's first game since the end of October following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

United host derby rivals Manchester City on Wednesday in the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg.

United Make Smalling Move

Sky Sports News understands Fulham have accepted a bid from Manchester United for Chris Smalling.

The 20-year-old defender has become the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window, with a number of clubs tracking his progress.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, a man renowned for nurturing young talent, had openly expressed his admiration for the talented centre-half.

The Gunners are, however, yet to show their hand, with Wenger favouring a cagey approach in his winter transfer business.

That appears to have opened the door to reigning Premier League champions United, with Sir Alex Ferguson keen to snap up Smalling as a potential star of the future.

The England Under 21 international has made rapid progress since joining Fulham from Maidstone in 2008, and made his first Premier League start against Chelsea on 28th December 2009.

The Cottagers had been keen to fend off interest in the youngster amid mounting speculation, and have not commented on United's reported offer, but they appear to have relented in their efforts to keep Smalling in the capital.

When asked about the bid, a Fulham spokesperson said: "Fulham has no comment to make on speculation surrounding Chris Smalling"

United To Offer Rooney £40m New Deal?

Manchester United will make Wayne Rooney their highest-paid player on £150,000 a week to fend off interest from Spain and placate their rebel fans.

Rooney, whose four-goal haul in Saturday's 4-0 win over Hull underlined his importance to United, is expected to be offered the new five-year deal within the next few weeks.

Although Rooney still has two-and-a-half years on his current deal, United are ready to hand him a new contract - worth £40m - that matches his status as the club's most influential player.

United are aware of interest in Rooney from Real Madrid and Barcelona, and recognise they must match the kind of wages the Spanish clubs are willing to offer the 24-year-old.

Rooney has no desire to leave Old Trafford, but all parties agree a new agreement, to reflect his emergence as one of the world's most influential players, must now be struck.
- David McDonnell, Daily Mirror -

Welbeck Joins Preston On Loan

Preston have signed Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old striker has made 11 first-team appearances for United this term but manager Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to let him go out on loan as his side head into the business end of the season.

It will be Welbeck's first spell away from Old Trafford and is a path also trodden by David Beckham, who kick-started his career with a one-month stint at Preston in March 1995.

Manchester-born Welbeck is Darren Ferguson's first signing as Preston boss and goes straight into the squad for Tuesday's trip to Peterborough.

"Danny is a young lad who has played quite a few games for United this season," Ferguson junior told Preston's official website. "He's got fantastic potential.

"I think it helped with United going out of the FA Cup - they wanted him to go out and get experience.

"He'll come here and get games, and I'm sure he'll show the right attitude because of where he's come from."

Welbeck has scored five goals in 24 appearances for United and signed a four-year contract extension in December.

Rooney Targets Record Haul For Man. United

Wayne Rooney set his sets on beating his record of 23 goals in one season after scoring all of the goals in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Hull.

The 24-year-old's performance ensured United hit the Premier League summit, and he now has 19 goals this term.

He said: "It is the first time I have scored four times in a professional match and it is a great feeling.

"I am really proud of the achievement. It is something special. I'm confident of beating my best season at United."

Rooney added he would be "disappointed" if he did not beat his previous best tally for United.
"I've still got hopefully another 20 games to play, I won't be happy if I don't get more than 23," he added.

"The difference this season is that I've consciously been getting in the box more and trying to put myself in goalscoring situations."

Rooney becomes the first United player to hit four in a game since Ruud van Nistelrooy did it in a Champions League encounter with Sparta Prague in November 2004.

And his superb form has come at just the right time for the champions as they push to try and successfully defend their title.

England boss Fabio Capello will also be delighted to learn of Rooney's performance, which drew warm praise from beaten manager Phil Brown.

"I would have to say he is one of the best strikers in the world just now," said Brown.
"He is someone who is capable of making half chances into a great chance.

"When you see him in that form it certainly bodes well for England at the World Cup."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was also glowing in his analysis of the striker.

"Without doubt those four goals were the highlight for me," said Ferguson.

"He has been wanting to develop himself as a scorer and there were some terrific finishes today."

"He has always been a main player for us, from the moment he came to the club. He never gets left out."

Rooney's efforts were ably assisted by what was possibly Nani's best performance in three seasons since his £17m arrival from Sporting Lisbon.

And they took the focus away from fan protests at the club's ownership by the Glazer family, which has been put in the spotlight by confirmation United's debt is now in excess of £700m.

Pleas for unity from Ferguson in his programme notes went unheeded with noisy and regular anti-Glazer chants of varying degrees of vulgarity echoed around the ground.

"There was no dissent against the players," said Ferguson. "It did not have any effect at all."

Rooney Proud Of 4-goal Haul

Wayne Rooney spoke of his pride at netting all four goals in the Reds' victory over Hull City as United returned to the Barclays Premier League summit.

The England international produced yet another menacing display and got proceedings off to the perfect start with a close-range finish on eight minutes. Despite a couple of scares, United always looked on course for victory and Rooney made sure of the points with three devastating finishes in the final 11 minutes.

"The last time I scored four goals was probably when I was about 12!" he joked during an interview with MUTV afterwards. "It's my first time in professional football so I'm obviously delighted. It's a great feeling to score one goal in the Premier League, so to score four makes me very proud.

"Hull had a couple of chances when it was 1-0 and it was a bit nervy," he added. "That was when we had to show our experience and make sure we got that second goal.

"We'd had some good chances before then and maybe should have got our second in the first half, but it wasn't to be. Thankfully it eventually came and we pushed on from there with two more goals which killed the game off."

While Rooney was delighted with his four-goal haul, he was even more satisfied to have helped the Reds leapfrog Chelsea and Arsenal into top spot.

"Being top is very important," he insisted. "We can only do our job and we've done that today by getting the win to go top and it puts a bit more pressure on the other teams."

Boss: It's Good To Be Top

United’s stay at the top of the Barclays Premier League may be shortlived, as Chelsea and Arsenal can both move above the Reds with midweek games against Birmingham and Aston Villa respectively. Nevertheless, Sir Alex says he’d rather be top than not.

“It could be important. It’s significant being top of the league at this point in the season,” he said. “Chelsea and Arsenal have games in hand, but you have to win them. We are in the right place. It’s good to be top of the league in January at the start of the run-in period.”

United’s goal-difference has significantly been boosted by this healthy win, even though at times during the game Sir Alex was not completely happy with the display. “The scoreline is a good one, so I’m happy,” he said. “We started very well, but I thought we became a bit frivolous in our control of the game. I thought we should have been hammering home the point, particularly in the first 20 minutes where we played really well. We took our foot off the pedal a little bit.

“We had some good chances to get further in front in the first half. In the second half you have to give credit to Hull, they kept going. Any team that is down at the bottom if going to do that – they’re going to fight, they’re going to scrap and be organised. That’s what we found. With 20 minutes to go they were unlucky with a chance that went just by the post. It was maybe a wake-up call because 1-0 is a dangerous scoreline when you’re at home.”

Wayne Rooney provided the magic – and all four goals – that was the clear difference between the two teams. But Rooney wasn’t the only impressive performer according to Sir Alex.

“I thought Nani was excellent today,” he said. “In the second half he hit some fantastic crosses into the box. On another day he might have made four or five goals. So we were very pleased with that. And I thought that, apart from a two-minute spell in the second half, our back four looked very solid. Rio Ferdinand’s presence, composure and balance really stands out. It’s a great bonus for us to get him back.”

Rooney Is "The Main Man"

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Wayne Rooney for inspiring United’s victory over Hull City, describing the Reds forward as being in “excellent goalscoring form” after taking his tally to 20 goals for the season.

Rooney’s four-goal haul extends his lead in the Premier League’s top scorer stakes. He now has 19 league goals, four more than the next highest scorers, Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe and Didier Drogba, all with 14.

“[Wayne Rooney] was the undoubted highlight of the match,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “It’s the first time that he’s scored four goals for us. That is very pleasing and he is in excellent goalscoring form at the moment.

“He’ll beat his previous best tally of 23 goals, I’m sure of that. He’s in excellent form. It’s only encouraging for Wayne because he’s wanted to develop himself as a scorer.”

Sir Alex feels Rooney’s form is more due to his growing maturity and developing game rather than him stepping to the fore following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I don’t think that comes into it at all,” he said. “He’s always a main man. He’s very seldom left out and he’s always been a main player for us. I thought he did well today alongside Michael Owen. There was good movement and hunger. They did well.”

Rooney Strikes Man. United To The Top

Wayne Rooney scored all four goals to send Manchester United top of the Premier League after victory over Hull.

Rooney opened the scoring when he slotted in a rebound after Paul Scholes' shot was beaten away.

After Nani's free-kick was pushed on to the woodwork by keeper Boaz Myhill, United worked the ball to Rooney who smashed in a drive to make it 2-0.

Rooney headed in Nani's cross to complete his hat-trick and fired in a low shot to cap his superb performance.

It is a result that means United leapfrog title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, who do not play in the league this weekend because of their involvement in the FA Cup.

But while all seems to be coming together on the pitch for United - Rio Ferdinand was impressive on his return after three months out injured - there was disquiet off it.

Home fans voiced their anger at United's owners, frequently chanting "Glazers out" in protest at the scale of the club's debt and their perception the Americans are preventing new signings.

Whether that is the case, there does appear to be a need for United to boost their firepower to ease the burden on Rooney.

Michael Owen's finishing was well below the required standard, the former England man doing nothing to dismiss critics who suggest his best days are long gone.

And while Rooney looked sharp, he looked equally frustrated at times - once even aiming a verbal volley at Darren Fletcher for a poor throw-in.

But United will be delighted with Rooney's form and with the return of Ferdinand, who belied his three-month absence with an assured display - although Hull rarely tested the home defence.

Other than a Nick Barmby effort that Edwin van der Sar turned wide, there was little threat from the visitors.

Yet United took a long time to build on their great start that saw Rooney open the scoring early on when he pounced on a rebound.

Ferdinand twice flicked efforts wide, Owen had a low shot well saved by Myhill and Rooney's volley took a deflection to zip narrowly over the bar.

United's best chance to add to their advantage fell to Owen, who was heavily involved in the superb build-up but shot weakly at Myhill from eight yards.

As the pattern of the match remained unchanged, Rooney sent a low shot fizzing wide and Owen glanced a header off target.

Owen made way for Dimitar Berbatov as United looked to find a more clinical edge up front.

Instead it was Hull substitute Kamel Ghilas who almost made the biggest impact when he tuned and shot narrowly wide.

But from then on Rooney took the game by the scruff of the neck.

He was clinical in dispatching a drive after Hull failed to clear following Nani's free-kick, and that gave United breathing space.

Rooney was equally ruthless when he converted Nani's cross with a well-placed header.

It was end product that the striker had deserved - and eased his annoyance that had been in evidence until that point.

In the closing stages, Rooney gave himself and United even more reason to smile when he struck a low shot into the corner to add gloss to the victory.

Yet some of the home fans will leave Old Trafford bearing twisted smiles as they wonder about the long-term future of their club.

Wayne Rooney scored all four goals to send Manchester United top of the Premier League after victory over Hull.

Gary Neville Avoids FA Punishment

Manchester United's Gary Neville and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez have escaped punishment by the Football Association, BBC Sport understands.

Neville was under investigation for a one-fingered gesture that took place in United's 2-1 loss to City on Tuesday.

Tevez called former team-mate Neville a "boot-licker" and a "moron" for his comments about the Argentine before the Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

However, both players have been warned about their future conduct by the FA.

It is understood if the players were to be formally disciplined in future the FA reserves the right to refer to Neville's conduct and Tevez's words.

The FA has also been in touch with Greater Manchester Police with a view to ensuring the second leg passes off without incident.

Both clubs will be under huge scrutiny both before, during and after Wednesday's second-leg at Old Trafford.

In September, Neville was cautioned about his future conduct following United's dramatic 4-3 derby win in the Premier League when he ran towards City fans to celebrate Michael Owen's injury-time winner at Old Trafford.

The England defender received a £5,000 FA fine and was warned over his future conduct in 2006 because he celebrated in front of Liverpool's fans after United secured a late winner over their rivals.

Argentine Tevez joined City in July 2009 following an extended, two-season loan deal with United, with whom he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

His move to bitter rivals City angered United fans as Tevez was a firm favourite with Old Trafford supporters.

Before the first-leg tie at Eastlands, Neville said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been right to let Tevez leave the club last summer, rather than signing him on a permanent deal after his two-year loan spell ended.

Tevez scored twice in City's 2-1 win, and gestured and cupped his ears after scoring his second goal

Cameras appeared to catch Neville making an obscene gesture in response, and afterwards Tevez said his celebration had not been aimed at the United bench but specifically at his former team-mate.

"My celebration was directed at Gary Neville," Tevez told ESPN Argentina.

"He acted like a complete boot-licker when he said I wasn't worth £25m, just to suck up to the manager.

"I don't know what the hell that moron [tarado] is talking about me for. I never said anything about him.

"I didn't go overboard in my celebration and it was directed at Gary, not at Ferguson and not at the fans.

"I think he did the wrong thing because I was his team-mate and I never said anything bad about him."

The row has made plenty of headlines and has done little to help the FA's hopes of reducing tensions between the clubs.

And Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable Ian Hopkins has called for fans to be on their best behaviour, with around 9,000 City fans expected at Old Trafford.

He said: "As one of the host cities for the 2018 World Cup bid, the second leg truly is a great day for Manchester to shine. We would ask that fans play their part by behaving sensibly and do the city proud.

"I would like to stress that although the rivalry has always been there between the fans, previous derby matches have passed off largely peacefully and without major incident.

"I would ask that fans adhere to this tradition on Wednesday, regardless of what happened in the first leg."

Manchester United Raise £504m In Bond Issue

Manchester United have successfully raised £504m through a bond issue, which will cover most of what the club owe to international banks.

The deal means the Premier League club will be able to pay off nearly all their outstanding debts of £509m.

They will face an annual interest bill of £45m a year on the bonds.

The sale comes after figures showed debts at the club's parent firm, Red Football Joint Venture, rose to £716.5m ($1.17bn) in the year to June 2009.

The bond was sold in two tranches, one of £250m with a coupon rate - or interest rate - to bond holders of 8.75%, and another tranche of $425m with a coupon rate of 8.375%.

However, unlike the debt at present secured against the club, the seven-year bonds will not mature until 1 February 2017.

The annual interest bill on the bonds is close to the £41.2m in interest paid in the last financial year.

But by converting the money owed to banks into a bond, it means the club will be free of the potentially strict financial conditions imposed by lenders.

Man. United In Turkish Airlines Sponsorship Deal

Manchester United have signed a sponsorship deal with Turkish Airlines, the club has confirmed.

The three and a half year contract will see the airline replace Air Asia as the team's official carrier.

Manchester United said it was a multi-million pound deal, but have not released the exact financial details.

It comes a day after accounts showed that the club's debts had risen to £716m. It is also proposing to raise £500m in a bond issue.

The accounts of Manchester United's parent group Red Football Joint Venture also showed that the club's sponsorship income had grown 48% over the past year, not including the £80m shirt deal with American finance group Aon that takes effect next season.

Turkish Airlines, which operates flights from Manchester Airport, carried 25.1 million passengers last year.

It employs more than 12,000 people and is a member of the Star Alliance grouping of airlines that also includes United Airlines, BMI and Lufthansa.

Big Boss Man

Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United stars: Cross me and you're dead.

The ruthless Old Trafford boss has earned a reputation for knowing exactly the right moment to kill off the United careers of his star names. David Beckham, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy were all booted out by Fergie.

He said: "If I lose control of these multi-millionaires in the Manchester United dressing room then I'm dead. So I never lose control. If anyone steps out of my control, that's them dead."

Fergie has ruled with a rod of iron at Old Trafford for 23 years. He said: "Through my development, I've come across two issues - power and control. Control is important, very, very important. My control is the most important thing."

Fergie's words were delivered with a smile at a lecture in Dublin - but will send a shiver down the spines of some of his current United squad.
- Martin Blackburn, The Sun -

There Is Still Hope For O'Shea

Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful that John O'Shea could play again this season, after initially fearing the Irishman was out for the remainder of the campaign.

The defender has not played for United since November, due to complications with a dead-leg style injury sustained on international duty for the Republic of Ireland.

Earlier this week, Sir Alex was quoted as saying, "He'll probably miss the season now," but in Friday's press conference, the boss was slightly more positive about O'Shea's chances - based on the recovery of another United player.

"Reece Brown, the youth player (Wes Brown's brother), had exactly the same injury as John and all of a sudden, he’s fit," said the manager.

"It looked as though Reece was going to be out for quite a while. He got the injury in October but he’s fit now.

"John will not be back quickly but hopefully we’ll get some of the season from him."

O'Shea Out For Rest Of Season

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to be without John O'Shea for the rest of the season.

The defender picked up an injury whilst on international duty for the Republic of Ireland in November and has not played since.

O'Shea was initially thought to have suffered a dead leg, but Sir Alex has revealed the injury is much more complicated and is likely to keep the Irishman sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

"It's a bad blow for the boy and for the team because he can play anywhere," Sir Alex told the Irish Independent. "When you look at all the problems I've had with the back four this season, he could have played every single one.

"It's one of those sorts of injuries that are unusual. It's like a dead leg except a dead leg usually [lasts] only three or four days.

"The problem is that the blood clot became all knotted and when it gets knotted you get calcification so therefore it's a long process to clear that up. He'll probably miss the season now," he added.

Simpson Deal Done

Danny Simpson has moved to Newcastle United permanently, for an undisclosed transfer fee, following a successful loan spell on Tyneside.

The Salford-born right-back made eight first-team appearances after graduating from the academy, his senior debut coming in the 2007/08 Carling Cup tie against Coventry City.

Simpson also played on loan for Royal Antwerp, Blackburn Rovers and his new employers' arch-rivals Sunderland during his Old Trafford career. He joined Newcastle at the beginning of the current season, and has now signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton, himself a former full-back, said: "We're delighted to complete a permanent deal for Danny.

"He's a player who has been with us since the summer and has played a key role during the first half of the season.

"Danny is a very popular lad in the dressing room and he took no time at all to settle in. He was always a player we wanted to keep at the club and he was very keen to stay given how much he's enjoyed being here."

Cole: Wayne's A Winner

Andrew Cole has given Wayne Rooney the perfect pick-me-up after the derby defeat at Eastlands – by backing him to fire the Reds to more silverware.

In an interview with ManUtd.com, United legend Cole expressed his admiration for the Reds’ number ten and his effervescent approach to the game.

“I think Wayne has been awesome so far this season,” Cole told us.

“In the early part of the season, he made it known that he’d have to step up after Cristiano Ronaldo left and I think he’s done that with great character, great ability.

“The way he plays it looks as though he’s saying to everyone, ‘I want to be the man, I want to try and propel United forward to win even more trophies.’

“If he keeps playing the way he’s playing, I’d like to think he can do just that.”

Rooney almost scored his 17th goal of the season on Tuesday night, when he weaved through the City defence before forcing a stunning save from Shay Given. It was the kind of effort that Cole has come to expect from United’s current top scorer.

“That’s what people want to see him do – drop his shoulder, knock the ball past someone and put one in the top bin (top corner). I think he prefers to do that rather than poach one from close range,” assessed Cole.

“If you were to ask Wayne himself, he’d probably tell you he’s not a fox in the box. He’s not the type of player who’ll just play between the 18-yard and six-yard lines. He wants to be everywhere - left wing, right wing and chasing back to help defend.

“Wayne wants to get involved in the play and for me, that’s what he’s best at.”

Cole feels Rooney’s all-action approach typifies the current generation of strikers in the Barclays Premier League. The ex-Red says the archetypal centre-forward scoring in the high twenties and thirties – Cole scored 34 for Newcastle in 1993/94 – are a thing of the past, at least for now.

“Looking at the Premier League now, it seems to get harder and harder every season to get 20 league goals. There aren’t many out-and-out ‘number nines’ now who say, ‘I just want to play in the area and score goals for my team.’

“Everyone wants to be a ‘number ten’ and get involved. That’s just the way the game is, but it moves in cycles, and it will surely go around again.”

FA To Investigate Gary Neville's One-Fingered Gesture

The Football Association will look into Gary Neville's apparent one-fingered gesture that took place in Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

The United substitute was warming up on the touchline when City's Carlos Tevez celebrated scoring a penalty that made it 1-1 in the Carling Cup semi-final.

Cameras caught defender Neville appearing to make a gesture in return.

The FA confirmed it will scrutinise the first-leg footage before deciding whether any further action is required.

In September, Neville was cautioned about his future conduct following United's dramatic 4-3 derby win in the Premier League when he ran towards City fans to celebrate Michael Owen's injury-time winner at Old Trafford.

The England defender received a £5,000 FA fine and was warned over his future conduct in 2006 because he celebrated in front of Liverpool's fans after United secured a late winner over their rivals.

Argentine Tevez joined City in July 2009 following an extended, two-season loan deal with United, with whom he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

His move to bitter rivals City angered United fans as Tevez was a firm favourite with Old Trafford supporters.

Plenty Of Positives

Goalscorer Ryan Giggs says United will take heart from Tuesday’s performance at Eastlands, despite losing 2-1 to Manchester City in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

The Welshman, who’s played in 31 consecutive Manchester derbies, put the Reds in front on 17 minutes, only to see former United striker Carlos Tevez turn round the deficit with a goal on either side of half-time.

“It was the perfect start,” Giggs told MUTV. “You always want to go 1-0 up in a cup tie away from home. After that we probably weren’t as crisp with our passing and kept playing the ball backwards. We let City back into it, really.”

City’s lifeline arrived courtesy of a dubious penalty. Rafael tugged at Craig Bellamy’s shirt but contact appeared to be outside the box.

“We felt we were a little unlucky to go into the break at 1-1,” Giggs admitted, “but we also knew we could play better.

“[The penalty decision] was a turning point. If we’d have gone in 1-0 up it might have been a different story. Sometimes you get decisions and sometimes you don’t – you just have to get on with it.”

Tevez grabbed a second on 65 minutes before United dominated the closing stages as the Reds threw everything at City in search of an equaliser.

“We created plenty of chances but we didn’t have that stroke of luck or the composure in front of goal. Hopefully we’ll have that in the second leg – and hopefully we can put the chances away this time.

“After they scored we played well and probably deserved to get that equaliser.

“Last season we comprehensively beat Derby County in the second leg of the semi so hopefully we can do that again. It’s going to be tough, City are a good team. But there were enough signs, especially in the last half-hour, to suggest we’re good enough to beat them.”

Boss Keeps Calm Amid Storm

Sir Alex Ferguson had a simple message for his men after the 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Manchester City: Forget the events of Eastlands, just win at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs' early opener was overturned by a controversial double from Blues striker Carlos Tevez, but the boss was far from perturbed ahead of next Wednesday's return in M16.

"I think we dominated the game, we just let it slip for two minutes in the first half," he told MUTV. "We had a mad two minutes where we lost a bit of our composure and they got in the game. The important thing is to win at Old Trafford. Forget the scoreline here, win your match and we have a great chance."

The Blues seemed devoid of inspiration before they were awarded a hotly-contested penalty for a tug by Rafael on Craig Bellamy. In the second half, the Brazilian was incorrectly adjudged to have conceded a corner. Tevez was on hand to profit from both decisions. Nevertheless, Sir Alex refused to criticise referee Mike Dean.

"It happens that way," he said. "Sometimes you get them for you, sometimes you don't. You just have to take it, bite the bullet and get on with it. They got a decision for them to get them back in the game, but after that you can lose a game anyway. Set-pieces are a part of the game today and you have to handle them well.

"Was it a corner kick? I don't know, I'd leave that to the experts, but we didn't defend it well. After that we dominated but couldn't get the ball to go in. There was some good football, I was pleased. The performance was good."

Tevez Draws First Blood For Man. City In Carling Cup Semi-Final Against Red Devils

Carlos Tevez tormented former club Manchester United as Manchester City came from behind to steal a slender advantage after the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands.

Tevez, who crossed the city in the summer in acrimonious circumstances, silenced the taunts of Manchester United's fans by scoring either side of the interval to keep alive City's hopes of securing their first major Wembley final in 29 years.

United looked on their way to securing a result that would put them in pole position for next Wednesday's second leg at Old Trafford when Ryan Giggs slid them into an early lead from close range.

But City were back in the derby when Tevez equalised in controversial fashion three minutes before half-time. Rafael da Silva clearly fouled Craig Bellamy outside the area, but referee Mike Dean waited until the pair were inside the box before pointing to the spot.

Tevez lashed home the penalty and gave his former club further aggravation when he headed home from six yards after 65 minutes and celebrated near the technical area, yards from the man who declined to sign him - Sir Alex Ferguson - as Eastlands went wild.

City then had to survive frenetic closing stages, during which time the brilliant Shay Given saved from Wayne Rooney on three occasions and substitute Michael Owen had a shot smuggled off the line by City's Nedum Onuoha.

City boss Roberto Mancini punched the air in delight at the final whistle, but this semi-final remains delicately balanced with both sides harbouring serious hopes of reaching Wembley.

But the night belonged to Tevez, such a bone of contention between Manchester's football community, and he was given a hero's reception when he was replaced in the closing stages.

Now the scene switches to Old Trafford on 27 January, and City will be be looking to Tevez to inspire them once more at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ferguson, no doubt unwilling to give his neighbours any encouragement, fielded a stronger side than has been his custom in the Carling Cup, and for the first 30 minutes they controlled affairs with ease.

The Eastlands atmosphere, already at fever pitch, was stoked even further as members of City's legendary 1969/70 team were introduced and the stadium was plunged into darkness as a "blue moon" was shone on to the stands, a nod to the club's anthem.

For some time this was as good as it got for City, as United's extra men in midfield exerted their superiority and their opponents appeared stifled by the importance of the occasion.

And Giggs gave United tangible reward for that supremacy when he put them ahead after 17 minutes. He had the simplest of tasks to score after Given could only block Rooney's shot from Antonio Valencia's right-wing cross.

Tevez, predictably, was not being warmly received by the fans who used to idolise him when he was at Old Trafford, but he wasted the perfect opportunity to silence his tormentors when he headed wide when unmarked only eight yards out.

The Eastlands crowd had been unimpressed with City's timid early approach, but they came to life as half-time approached and drew level three minutes before the interval.

Bellamy escaped from Rafael and was tugged back by the United defender outside the area, but when the tangle continued inside the box referee Dean pointed to the spot.

United were furious, but Tevez remained calm amid the mayhem to convert the spot-kick with venom in front of the visiting supporters, much to his obvious delight.

Giggs almost got his second as the hour approached, but Given was alive to the danger and blocked his header at the near post as he closed in on Rooney's cross.

Tevez punished United again after 65 minutes, heading past Edwin van der Sar from close range after Vincent Kompany hooked Pablo Zabaleta's header into the six-yard box.

And United were grateful to Van der Sar as City looked to extend their lead, with the Dutchman saving well from Shaun Wright-Phillips after good work by Bellamy.

This was the signal for Ferguson to make a change as he introduced Owen for Anderson with 18 minutes left.

Owen soon made an impact when he played in Rooney inside the area. Given raced out to make a vital block and City substitute Onuoha was on the line to clear when Owen returned the rebound.

Rooney, as ever, was providing United's inspiration and he was denied again by Given when his rising drive was turned over the top by the keeper.

As five minutes of stoppage time was signalled, Given was still able to frustrate Rooney once more to ensure City preserved their precious lead.

Tevez tangles with his former team mate, Carrick.

Boss Relieved By Nugent Miss

Sir Alex Ferguson cited David Nugent's glaring second-half miss as the turning point in United's victory over Burnley.

The on-loan Clarets striker shot wide just four minutes before Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring, and the United manager felt the let-off galvanised home players and supporters sufficiently to prompt victory.

"If he'd scored then, Burnley would have had something to hold onto," he told MUTV. "I think we got a wee bit of a gee up then, and when the crowd gets up it makes a difference to our game. It wakens the players up. We had more speed about our game and I think we finished well.

"It was a funny game. We were frivilous with our chances and they had chances themselves. It could have been embarrassing. We were maybe just a bit nervous and anxious about our game, but the way the second half was going I just felt we were going to score.

"You need that goal to break open teams like that, particularly teams who are settling in at Old Trafford with men behind the ball. They played with three central midfield players, which causes problems at times. A 3-0 scoreline was maybe a bit unfair on them, but I don't think unjustly fair."

Berbatov broke the deadlock before being substituted along with Rooney, and Sir Alex confirmed that the Bulgarian had suffered a recurrence of his troublesome knee injury.

"Dimitar was feeling his knee again," he said. "He's played through it today. He could have come off at half time but he wanted to stay on, which is good. We'll look at it on Monday again.

"I think Dimitar was the one who looked like scoring today. Wayne had one of these days where he kept knocking it by the post, over the bar and he must have had 10 attempts, so he'll be relieved to get his goal. That calmed us down, that second goal."

The starting strikers were both removed after Rooney's killer goal, for Michael Owen and Mame Biram Diouf, and the latter celebrated his introduction by heading home a late third goal on his home debut.

"We've got a big programme coming up and I wanted to see how Michael Owen and Mame Diouf would do together, and they did ok," said Sir Alex.

"Mame's got great spring, the boy, he's quick and he'll look to run in behind them all the time. He's very good in the air and he's got a lot of good attributes we could use. we're quite excited about him."

Diouf's Dream Debut

The last time United signed a relatively unknown centre-forward from Norwegian side Molde FK, it turned out to be an extremely shrewd piece of business. Is it possible Sir Alex has struck gold yet again in Mame Biram Diouf?

Like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Senegalese striker’s arrival at Old Trafford was decidedly low-key. And on Saturday against Burnley, Diouf continued to mirror Ole’s early OT career by netting on his home debut.

Diouf, sent on for Wayne Rooney on 73 minutes, put the icing on the cake of United’s 3-0 win, stealing in during injury time to head over the onrushing Brian Jensen at the Stretford End.

“It feels good to score in my first game here,” he told MUTV. “I was nervous for the first two or three minutes but then you forget about all the people in the stands and you do your job.”

Diouf’s debut came last weekend at St. Andrew’s, where he was handed a late cameo in the Reds’ 1-1 draw. And he insists he’ll give his all whenever Sir Alex selects him next.

“I’m just going to work hard and do my best and we’ll see when the manager needs me. I’ll be ready, though.

“I want to give my best for my new team and be ready when they need me. I’ll work hard in training, never give up and be ready for the next chance that comes along.”

The 22-year-old, who scored 23 times in 52 games for Molde in Norway, says he’s keen to work closely with United’s other forwards.

“I’m sure I can learn [by playing alongside Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov],” he said.

“They are top players, some of the best in the world. They’ve done so much in football and in this league so I’m going to try and learn a lot.”

Man. United Down Clarets

Three second-half goals secured a hard-fought win for Manchester United against a spirited Burnley.

The Clarets could have taken the lead early on but David Nugent fluffed a good chance when through on goal.

And Dimitar Berbatov made them pay on 64 minutes with a deflected effort before Wayne Rooney dispatched a low drive after Berbatov's shot was saved.

Substitute Mame Diouf headed Antonio Valencia's cross over the onrushing Brian Jensen to complete the scoring.

The win means United remain a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who hammered Sunderland 7-2 at Stamford Bridge.

While the final 20 minutes of the game were comfortable for Sir Alex Ferguson's team, for the preceding 70 they were frustrated by a determined visiting side.

New Burnley boss Brian Laws would undoubtedly have preferred an easier first test of his reign.

The Clarets may have beaten United at Turf Moor earlier in the season but the man who masterminded that result, Owen Coyle, is now Bolton manager and this result means they have failed to improve upon a record of only one away point this season.

Having only been in charge for three days, it is too soon to judge Laws but despite the final result he will be pleased with the application shown by his side.

They worked hard to stifle United's attack while also producing some incisive play of their own to fashion a number of openings on the counter-attack.

It was from one such break that the visitors should have taken the lead within the first 10 minutes.

Nugent broke free down the right and played it across to two Burnley players, one of which was Steven Fletcher, exploiting a lack of home defenders and bearing down on goal, but he flashed his shot across goal and wide.

The focus given this week to the crisis at Liverpool has somewhat taken the heat off United, who have courted criticism since their FA Cup third round defeat by Leeds, followed by a draw at Birmingham last time out.

Unsurprisingly, they dominated possession and posed the greater attacking threat but they looked a side short of confidence and too often players were indecisive when it came to providing a final ball.

When this was provided the shooter fluffed their effort, with Nani and Berbatov chief culprits with miscued attempts at goal.

Portuguese midfielder Nani drew a good save from Brian Jensen in the Burnley goal with a spectacular overhead kick effort late in the half, but this was as close as the home side came to scoring before the break.

The start of the second half picked up where the first had left off with United pressing but making little inroads.

Jensen was able to comfortably save a header from Paul Scholes - looking to score his 100th Premier League goal - and a Nani long-range shot.

Rooney's workrate alone made him the most likely to fashion something for the home side and just before the hour he almost did just that.

Patrice Evra cut into the box on the right and teed up the England striker but he snatched at the shot and hit it over.

Rooney's strike partner Berbatov had a wonderful chance to give United the lead minutes later when he skilfully pulled the ball down from an Valencia pass and turning on goal but his shot from 10 yards was less impressive, striking the post and going wide.

In response, Burnley gave further warning of their threat when Chris Eagles carried the ball into the United half and found Nugent, who held off the challenge of Jonny Evans but was unable to get his shot on target, instead poking it harmlessly wide.

Having survived that scare and with Burnley in the ascendancy, United took the lead.

Rooney picked up the ball on the edge of the box before finding Berbatov who held off Michael Duff and digging out a shot that found its way past Jensen via a deflection from the defender.

Their frustration lifted, United doubled their lead shortly after when Rooney collected following a Jensen save from Berbatov, delayed his shot before finding the bottom corner with a well-placed side-foot effort.

Despite this double blow Burnley continued to work hard and almost snatched a lifeline in the 83rd minute when Steven Thompson rose to head at goal but his effort struck the post and went wide.

Cruelly, the visitors conceded a third in injury time when Valencia's long ball forward found substitute Diouf whose cute header looped over Jensen and in.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"We could have been embarrassed.

"We had a number of opportunities to punish them in the final third but there was a bit of nervousness and anxiety about our game.

"You need a goal to open teams up in matches like that, although while they will probably feel 3-0 was unfair, I didn't believe it was too unjust."

Burnley manager Brian Laws:
"If you look at key moments in games we should have taken the lead when Nugent went through.

"When you come to places like this you have got to take your chances.

"I don't there are many teams who come to Manchester United and have the chances we had."

Mame Biram Diouf completes the scoring for United in injury time.

Evra: I'm Sure We'll Win Title

Patrice Evra believes the squad is united in the belief that the Reds can become the first team to retain the title for four consecutive seasons.

The players are feeling fresh from a five-day training get-together in Qatar, where they enjoyed sunshine, some good training work and a chance to talk over the aims for the run-in. As far as Evra is concerned, the message couldn’t be clearer: "I'm sure we will win the league this year," he says.

“I think it was a great idea to get away for a few days," he adds. "It’s better sometimes when you wake up and you see the sun out of your window! But it was more about making sure everyone understands that now we have a chance not to throw the league away. It made everyone unite for the same target: to win the title for a fourth time in a row and do something nobody else has done.

“It was good [in Qatar] because we enjoyed staying together and had a good time, but we worked hard as well, and talked about what we need to achieve between now and the end of the season. It was about both training and talking amongst ourselves. The facilities were unbelievable, and it’s nice to train in good weather. But we talked a lot as well. I think we will see the affect of this against Burnley.”

Undoubtedly, United have not always been firing on all cylinders this term, but the Reds remain well in contention in the title race. And Evra feels not enough consideration has been given to the defensive injuries that have hampered the first half of an unusually open Barclays Premier League campaign.

“I don’t want to look arrogant, but we have made the league look open,” suggests the Frenchman. “I don’t want to give excuses either, but tell me one team that could lose nine defenders and still be in the position we are in.

No other team could do that, only Manchester United, because we have the right spirit here. This is why it is my hope - and I am sure we can do it – that we can win the league. When everyone is back fit, with Edwin, Rio and Nemanja joining Wes Brown and Jonny Evans, we'll be much stronger.”

Evra believes that, had those players remained fit this season, United would be the current league leaders. And he makes a convincing case: “A lot of people talk about United's attacking strength, but the real strength is the defence. When the defence is strong, we can beat any team. If you watch the performance against Barcelona two years ago in the Nou Camp (Champions League semi-final first-leg), it was our best performance. Defensively everyone was compact, and when we are a unit like this it’s difficult to beat us. This year, we don’t want to throw it away. We know there is a chance to write history, and that is a privilege. Everyone knows what we need to do.

United missed the chance to go top of the league last weekend with a 1-1 draw against Birmingham. But Evra feels that it was a “good point” and insists the league title is still within the Reds’ grasp. “People talk about the game against Birmingham, but it’s not easy to go there. Chelsea drew there as well. It’s a tough place to go. I wasn’t happy with a draw, but it was a good point. Now we need to carry on. If we don’t win against Burnley then it looks like we don’t want to win the title. It’s that simple.

“I fear nobody. Now we need to keep a winning mentality. I’m proud to be where we are, because no other team would be in the same position without nine defenders. We’ve been criticised, but in France we say at the end of the Ball you pay the musician. If in the end we don't succeed, people can criticise. The only thing that matters is what we achieve at the end of the season.”

Manchester United To Raise £500m

Manchester United has said it plans to raise £500m through a bond issue in order to refinance its debts.

The announcement came as the club announced pre-tax profits of £48.2m for the year to 30 June 2009, compared with a loss of £21.4m a year ago.

The profit includes the £80m fee the club received from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.

US businessman Malcolm Glazer bought the club for £790m in 2005, borrowing heavily to do so.
Group turnover rose to £278.5m from £256.2m the previous year, the club's holding company Red Football Ltd said.

There has been much speculation in recent weeks that United was considering a bond issue to address its debts.

Although no total debt figure was disclosed in the results announcement, it has previously been reported as £699m.

The Old Trafford club paid £41.9m in interest on a £509.5m loan.

Without the sale of Ronaldo, United would have reported a loss of £31.8m, despite winning the English Premier League for the third year in a row, as well as the Carling Cup and the Club World Cup last season.

The team also finished runners up in the Uefa Champions League.

"What the Glazers are trying to do is to give the club a bit more financial security," said Roy Kaitcer, client director for Brewin Dolphin stockbrokers in Manchester.

"If you thought that Man United weren't going to go bust, that interest rate compares favourably to what you could get from a bank."

Financial analysts expect the bonds to be priced at the end of next week.

The club was knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup this month, a defeat that could have cost Manchester United more than £2m should the club have gone on a run all the way to the final.

Red Football Ltd Results

Red Football Ltd - the holding company of Manchester United Ltd - has published the following summary for the financial year ended 30 June 2009.

Group turnover for the year was £278.5 million (2008: £256.2 million). Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation of intangible fixed assets for the year was £91.3 million (2008: £80.4 million). Profit before tax for the year was £48.2 million (2008: Loss of £21.4 million).

The Manchester United team maintained a very high level of performance on the pitch, winning the Premier League for the third consecutive season, winning the Carling Cup, and finishing runners up in the Champions League. In addition to this, the team were crowned World Club Champions.

During the year Old Trafford staged 34 major events, including 19 Premier League home games, 6 UEFA Champions League, 5 domestic cup, 1 friendly and the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer testimonial), the Engage Super League Grand Final and an international rugby union fixture between Argentina and England.

Manchester United secured a new shirt sponsorship deal during the year with Aon who will become the new principal shirt sponsor and will succeed AIG from the commencement of the 2010/11 season. Manchester United also welcomes a number of significant new commercial partners, including 3 Indonesia, Bharti Airtel and Hublot as our official time keeping partner. In addition, we welcome back Audi as our car partner.