Edwin Grateful To Coaching Staff

Edwin van der Sar heaped praise on United’s backroom staff after the Reds’ victory against a physical Bolton side at the Reebok Stadium.

Van der Sar made a point of bringing fitness coach Tony Strudwick in front of the MUTV cameras during his post-match interview, in which he credited the Reds' current form to the work behind the scenes at Carrington.

“Tony and his team work hard to prepare the players in the best way possible,” Edwin told MUTV. “A lot of the progress we are making on the pitch is down to him.

“With his help and the tactics of Rene [Meulensteen], Mick [Phelan] and the boss, it’s a delight to be here."

Strudwick responsed by saluting van der Sar for his professionalism on the training ground, as well as his performance on the pitch following the two crucial saves he made when the score was at 1-0.

“Edwin’s got a programme in place which he manages himself. He seems to be getting younger as he goes on,” said Tony. “He made some terrific saves today and he’s very professional and sets the standards for everybody."

The fitness coach gave an insight into the challenges of a busy run-in, with United now getting ready for a trip to Bayern Munich, swiftly followed by Chelsea at home.

“It can be difficult when you don’t have much time to prepare between games but the players have a process in place," said Strudwick.

"They recover well and they are very professional. There are no days off for them at this stage so it’s important to keep going.”

Turning to the match itself, van der Sar was pleased with the performance of his team-mates, particularly Nemanja Vidic, who had to contest aerial balls all evening. He also admitted United were delighted to draw first blood with a goal shortly before half time.

“These sorts of games are ideal for someone of Vida’s quality. He won a lot of aerial battles when they were putting the high balls in.”

“You know what you are going to get with Bolton. I’ve been here a few times now and it’s always like this.

“It was great to get the first goal so we had something to hang on to. Even after the second goal we were eager to go on and score more. They could have easily grabbed a goal and got back in it so it was important to score more.”

The Dutchman also singled out double goal-scorer Berbatov and the man who created two strikes, Nani.

“Dimitar did really well. He scored twice and Nani also played well with some great assists and the whole team performed the way you would have expected us to.”

The Reds went into the game knowing that as well as Arsenal dropping points, Chelsea had put seven past Aston Villa, but Edwin insisted the United players remained fully focused on their own performance, making points the priority rather than goals.

“It didn’t add too much pressure. We knew that Arsenal drew and that Chelsea were winning.

“Chelsea have scored twelve goals in two games and that’s a lot. In the end goals can be decisive so we knew we had to get a few but the most important thing is the three points, which is hard enough against a team like Bolton."

Boss Praises Team Resilience

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with United’s emphatic victory over Bolton Wanderers, but insisted it wasn’t as straight forward as the scoreline suggested.

An own goal from Jlloyd Samuel gave the Reds a half-time lead before two goals from Dimitar Berbatov and one from Darron Gibson sealed the win in the second period.

The United boss admitted his side had to show grit and courage in the face of a physical challenge from Bolton.

“I don’t think we dominated,” said Sir Alex. “I think when you come here you have to put your head on everything. You get a sore head just watching it! It’s very difficult to deal with balls in the air all the time.

“The times when we did get the ball down we played some good football but I’d have liked to have seen more of it. It was a difficult game."

Edwin van der Sar made important stops from Johan Elmander and Fabrice Muamba with the game at 1-0, two saves that Sir Alex described as match-winning.

“They were absolutely magnificent saves, the second one in particular from Muamba. He did well to reach that.”

Samuel’s own goal was the eleventh this season for United, nearly double the previous record. Sir Alex agreed it was surprising but insisted that it doesn’t matter how they come.

“It’s one of these freak incidents to get that many own goals,” he said. “It’s very rare.”Sir Alex reserved special praise for several of his players amidst an impressive team performance. He was particularly pleased with the contributions of Berbatov and Nani.

“Dimitar showed again he can play there. His preferred role is to drop in behind striker but he’s proved time and time again that he can play on his own.

“He had Ryan (Giggs) close most of the time and I thought he was always a threat to them.

“Nani has been playing like that for weeks now. He’s hit form at a terrific time for us and he’s made two goals so we’re very pleased.”

“He’s signed a contract for another four years. He’s young, he’s maturing and that’s the area we want to see him develop.”

Sir Alex felt the presence of veterans Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville was another big factor in United's success on Saturday.

“Experience is a vital thing. In the second half they showed their experience in terms of possession and composure on the ball that’s so important in an atmosphere like today.”

The United manager said it was vital to get a win of any kind ahead of two big games - away to Bayern Munich and at home to closest title challengers Chelsea.

“I think with the week we have and the games we have left, any good result is an important one. That’s another game down and it was an emphatic win in the circumstances with Chelsea winning earlier in the day.”

Even though third-placed Arsenal only managed a draw at Birmingham, Sir Alex believes the Gunners remain in the title hunt.

“It’s still a three-horse race. It was bad for Arsenal conceding to drop points so late in the game. They are now four points behind us but I think everyone will drop points. The name of the game is dropping less than the rest.”

Berba Bags Brace In Red Devils Rout

Dimitar Berbatov scored a second-half brace as Manchester United swept aside Bolton to restore their one-point advantage at the Premier League summit.

Jlloyd Samuel inadvertently handed United the initiative when he turned a Ryan Giggs cross into his own net.

Berbatov stretched the lead, turning in the rebound from a Darren Fletcher shot before flicking in Nani's cross.

Fabrice Muamba had earlier gone close for Bolton, but Nani set up substitute Darron Gibson to seal the win late on.

A point ahead in the title race at the afternoon's outset, United briefly relinquished the lead to Chelsea, who hammered Aston Villa 7-1 at Stamford Bridge, but re-established their slender advantage with a performance of growing authority.

Bolton provided stern opposition in the initial stages, weathering an early United storm and testing Edwin van der Sar's reflexes through Johan Elmander and, notably, Muamba, who drew a flying, fingertip save from the United keeper

But Samuel's own goal - the 11th that has gone in United's favour this season - was a hammer blow, and once Berbatov had tucked home to double the champions' lead in the 69th minute, the spirit slowly ebbed from Owen Coyle's side.

More daunting hurdles lie ahead for United, who now travel to Germany for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich before a Premier League summit meeting with Chelsea at Old Trafford next Saturday.

With the home leg against Bayern to follow on Wednesday week, it promises to be a season-defining period for Sir Alex Ferguson's men, and with that in mind the United manager rested both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Predictably, Rooney was the more missed of the absent duo, a point underlined by United's inability to capitalise on some fine build-up play in the initial stages.

With the evergreen combination of Paul Scholes and Giggs orchestrating the proceedings superbly in midfield, United dominated the opening quarter but, in the absence of the talismanic Rooney, initially seemed to lack a telling presence in the box.

Berbatov, the understudy for United's leading scorer, came close to breaking the deadlock with an audacious hooked effort from a narrow angle, while Jonny Evans should have done better than blast a Fletcher lay-off into the stands from close range.

Yet Bolton's resilience in the face of severe pressure came as no surprise.

For all the talk of Coyle's mission to transform his players from artisans to artists, defensive strength has been the key to the outstanding home form that has guided the club towards safety since the Scot's January appointment.

Prior to United's visit, they had kept four successive clean sheets in league clashes at the Reebok Stadium, in the process taking 10 of a possible 12 points.

But the possibility that they might maintain that impressive record, or that Coyle might mastermind a repeat of his early-season win over United with Burnley, was dashed following Samuel's unfortunate intervention.

Fed by the flamboyant Nani, Giggs centred for Fletcher only for the ball to reach Samuel, who stabbed home across the stranded Jussi Jaaskelainen

United had the lead, but the game remained in the balance, as illustrated by Ferguson's anger when Sam Ricketts, who had earlier felled Patrice Evra with a late challenge, caught Nani with a trailing arm just before the break.

An incandescent Ferguson confronted referee Martin Atkinson at half-time, although he apologised when the teams emerged for the restart.

If the United manager had calmed down, his mood no doubt improved further when Fletcher drew a sprawling save from Jaaskelainen and Berbatov tucked in the rebound.

It was the cue for United to enter processional mode.

Nani eluded the attentions of Ricketts to centre for Berbatov, who tucked home his 12th goal of the campaign with a nonchalant flick off the outside of his boot.

And when Nani repeated the trick, once again bamboozling Ricketts, Gibson - on as a substitute for Fletcher - made it four.

With Arsenal earlier held to a 1-1 draw at Birmingham, the result leaves United four points clear of the third-placed Gunners and narrowly ahead of Chelsea in their bid to claim an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"It was a real battle. I said to the referee at half-time it was supposed to be a game of football.
"He handled it the best way he could.

"You need to show composure because the ball is never out of the air, and we needed some fantastic defending at times.

"I don't know how many times Nemanja Vidic headed the ball clear but it must have been thousands."

Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"I'm disappointed with the defeat and the manner of the defeat late on.

"That's what happens when you play against the best teams. If you switch off and gift them goals as we did you're going to be punished. But for 70 minutes of the game I thought we were terrific.

"There was a lot of things we could have done better. The scoreline flatters Manchester United - no doubt about it. We were the architects of our own downfall."

Dimitar Berbatov acknowledges the away fans after putting United 2-0 up

Red Knights Delays Bid For Man. United

The Red Knights consortium has revealed it is not planning to make a bid for Manchester United before the end of this season.

The group of United supporters has been vocal about a change of ownership at Old Trafford and is considering the feasibility of making a proposal.

A statement said: "We will continue to work on it but do not expect it to be done before the end of the season."

United are owned by the Glazer family, who paid £800m for the club in 2005.

But the level of debt United are in - now at £716.5m - has prompted unease over their ownership and supporters' groups have vented their frustration at the Americans.

The Red Knights, made up of wealthy United fans, has recruited the Japanese investment bank Nomura to help it put together a bid which will interest the Glazers, who for their part have said United are not for sale.

But the group, which includes Jim O'Neill, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, lawyer Mark Rawlinson and financier Keith Harris, says the number of fans willing to invest in a takeover bid is growing.

Their statement added: "The Red Knights have been liaising with the Manchester United Supporters Trust, and their representatives were at our first meeting on 2 March. They remain closely involved with our plans.

"On 12 March we involved Nomura as our adviser. Since then they have been speaking to and meeting many potential Red Knights who have contacted us since our interest was made public.

"These potential Red Knights have offered ideas and support and, with the help of this input, our plans have been developed further."

The Glazers, meanwhile, have insisted that the club is not for sale and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been publicly supportive of the Americans.

But the 'Green and Gold campaign' has seen thousands of supporters wear the colours of United under their original guise of Newton Heath, with former United hero David Beckham donning a scarf after AC Milan's Champions League defeat at Old Trafford.

The Red Knights believe they will need to raise between £800m and £1bn to lauch a serious bid for the club.

Nani Lands New Deal

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Nani has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until at least June 2014.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract and I am sure he will have a long and successful future here at Manchester United."

Nani, who signed for United in July 2007 from Sporting Lisbon, added: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been like a dream come true to play for Manchester United.

"The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the world.

"I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team.”

Giggs Plays Down Talk Of A Wales Return

Ex-captain Ryan Giggs says he will only return for Wales in an emergency.

A newspaper interview suggested that the Manchester United midfielder, 36, would make a comeback if called upon by Wales manager John Toshack.

But Giggs told BBC Radio Manchester: "I've got no immediate plans on coming back and playing regularly.

"I just said I wouldn't rule it out. If there was ever an emergency or a game that they needed me I would obviously think about it."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson acted with incredulity when faced with the story of a Giggs comeback, initially reported in the Western Mail newspaper.

"Ryan? You must be joking," said Ferguson. "I can't see it, it must have been a weak moment for Ryan. I can't see that happening."

Wales open their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in Montenegro on 3 September.

In October they host Bulgaria and travel to Switzerland, before welcoming England on 26 March next year.

The injury to Wales' Aaron Ramsey - the Arsenal teenage star Giggs has described as a "future Wales captain" - was cited by the Western Mail as a reason for the rethink.

The horrific injury suffered by the 19-year-old against Stoke - fractures to his tibia and fibula in his right leg which required surgery - means Ramsey could be out until the new year, missing Wales' first three Euro 2012 qualifiers where Giggs could fill the creative gap.

The Manchester United star quit Wales in 2007 after winning 64 caps - scoring 12 times - in a 16-year Wales career.

He retired to extend his club career and the Welsh footballing great is now Manchester United's all-time appearance record holder with 829 games for the Old Trafford club.

He is the current PFA Footballer of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Giggs is one of a host of experienced players to have retired since Toshack replaced Mark Hughes as Wales manager in 2004.

Swansea defender Ashley Williams, who is one of 11 players to captain Wales in Toshack's reign, welcomed talk of a potential Giggs return.

"It is maybe what the squad needs," Williams told BBC Sport.

"Everyone knows Ryan Giggs is an absolute legend for Wales and Manchester United.

"He is still an amazing player and one of the best of the Premier League so if he was to return, he would give the boys a massive boost.

"And it would obviously help if he comes back to play for us."

Giggs has won a record 11 Premier League crowns, two Champions League trophies, four FA and League Cups in a distinguished career for one of the most successful club teams of the last generation.

The one-club man - hailed as a 'United God' by Ferguson - would certainly add experience to a young Wales midfield that includes many players in their early 20s like Jack Collison, Dave Edwards and Joe Ledley.

"Let's just hope that [Toshack] accepts Giggs' potential offer of a return and there is no big hoo-ha over it," said former Wales striker Walsh when the original story broke.

"If Ryan is there to give us a helping hand it would be fantastic and the fact that we've got England in our group as well... we know the games we've got this year and if he is available to face Montenegro, Bulgaria and Switzerland it would really enhance our chances."

Giggs said in his Western Mail interview: "Starting off well in a fresh campaign is vital.

"Those first two or three games are so important to get the whole country fully behind the team."

Hargreaves Steps Up Comeback

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has joined in first-team training for the first time following his long-term injury problems as he aims to return to action before the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson took the England international out of the reserve team line-up for Thursday night's trip to Burnley as he aims to get Hargreaves back to full fitness.

The midfielder played his first game for 18 months in the reserves against the Clarets last week but will not be joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on Thursday night.

"Owen won't play for the reserves," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"He's going to be training with the first team and we'll see where that takes him.

"We're keen to get him back involved because he's an experienced player and will be a valuable addition for us in the run-in, when having a strong, fit squad is vital."

Hargreaves is only eligible for the Premier League as he was not registered for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase because of uncertainty over his recovery.

And the player himself has admitted there were times during his long fight for fitness that he wondered whether he would ever play again.

"It is only human to think that way," he said.

"The longest injury before that was when I broke my leg at Bayern Munich and I was out for a couple of months.

"Football is a physical game and injuries are part of it. But I could never imagine having one that has impacted on me so much.

"I thought - everyone thought - I would be fit for the start of the season. It didn't materialise.

"It has been a pretty humbling experience and I am sure many people doubted me, but anybody who knows me, knows that what I set my mind to, I get."

Scholes Targets Historic Title

Reds veteran Paul Scholes tells us why United have the edge in the championship race...

This is the business end of the season. Do you enjoy the pressure?
Yeah, the title run-in is always exciting and it’s obviously better if you’re one of the teams involved. And this season we’re definitely in with a shout. We always say it’s important to put yourselves in a position where you’re in with a chance of winning the league, even if you’re not leading from the front. If you can be there or thereabouts then that’s good enough because anything can happen in the run-in. We’re in that position, so now it’s a case of kicking on and winning games.

Does the opportunity to make history appeal to you?
It would be great. Three titles in a row was a big achievement and now we want to go one step further. But the chance to make history doesn’t drive me - that’s not what’s in the back of my mind when I walk out onto the pitch. I just want to win every game and hopefully win every trophy, whether it’s the first time I’ve won it or the 10th time. The aim each year is to win the league. If that means making history then terrific - if not, so be it.

What gives United the edge over other teams in the title race?
I’d like to think we’ve got the right players, ones who have been there before and know how tough it is to win the league. The game against Chelsea is going to be massive and we know we need to win it. But that’s not the only important game. If we want to win the league we’re going to have to win every game. It'll be tough but I’m sure we can do it.

Why do you think United have done well against Chelsea at home recently?
I’m not sure. You’re right, though: for whatever reason, we’ve had some good results against Chelsea at Old Trafford in recent seasons. Away from home we’ve struggled a little at Stamford Bridge but with the United fans behind us we’ve managed to get the better of them. This match is going to be crucial because there’s such a big prize up for grabs and this could have a big impact on the title race. But every game’s important - the teams at the bottom are fighting for survival and we need to make sure we beat them as well.

All the talk has been about United and Chelsea, but what about Arsenal?
You can’t rule out Arsenal, especially with the run-in they’ve got. They’ve played all the top teams twice already, so they’ll be confident of putting together a good run of results. But the bottom line is that if we win all our matches we’ll win the league.

We play City again in April. How do you rate this season’s derbies so far?
That first one, the 4-3 at Old Trafford, was unbelievable. I think City only had three shots and scored three goals. Meanwhile, we had about 25 chances but only ended up winning the game in the last minute of injury time. That was an amazing game, and the Carling Cup semi-final wasn’t too bad either. We all enjoyed that win a lot – when you’re playing your local rivals it’s always nice to win, but it was also the semi-final of the Carling Cup and there was a spot at Wembley up for grabs. As for the game in April, it’s definitely going to be difficult, especially given we lost there in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, but we believe we’re strong enough to go there and get all three points.

Can City now be considered genuine trophy challengers?
Well, they weren’t far off in the Carling Cup – they got to the semi-final – and it looks like they might be fighting for fourth place in the league. That’s definitely an improvement for them and if they continue to spend money at the rate they have done then I think in the next few years they’ll definitely start challenging for trophies.

How much an edge will your title-winning experience give you?
To be honest, it can work both ways. If you’ve never won the league then you’re desperate to win it. On the flip side, once you start winning trophies you don’t want to stop. And maybe that experience will help us, maybe we know what it takes to win the league. But every season’s different and throws up new twists and new challenges – all we can do is hope we react to those challenges in the right way.

How would you assess your own season?
It’s difficult for me to say. You go through spells when you’re playing a lot and then you have periods when you’re in and out of the side. It can be difficult to build up momentum but that’s something we’ve all had to get used to in recent years. Everyone wants to play every week and it certainly helps you if you have a little run in the side, but that’s not always possible. You just have to make sure you’re ready when the boss calls upon you.

Do you ever wish you'd tested yourself in another league?
Not at all. I’ve achieved everything I could have wanted by playing at United. And I’ve always viewed that, playing here, as a fantastic achievement for me. Growing up I never imagined I could play for the club, but thankfully I've been lucky enough to do it. I’m also lucky that I’ve played in good teams over the years that have won trophies. I’ve never seen a reason to change any of that.

Team-mates often name you as their favourite player in training. Who's yours?
I’d have to say Ryan Giggs. He does something every day that takes your breath away, whether it’s scoring a goal or taking somebody on. He’s great to watch and play with.

Ryan’s longevity is often attributed to yoga classes. What’s your secret?
I don’t think there is a secret. I just try to live as healthily as I can, eat the right things, make sure I’m training hard at the right time and also resting at the right time. The coaches here at United are great and they often let you dictate how much you do in training. If it’s a day or two after a big game and you’re feeling a little stiff then you might take things a little easier. As you get older you get to know what’s best for your own body so you have a good idea of when you need to work hard and when you need to rest.

Have you ever joined Ryan for a yoga class?
No [laughs]. I don’t think that’s for me.

Title Tops Reds Priorities

Patrice Evra says United's primary aim is to win a "historic" fourth Premier League title in a row, ranking domestic success above European glory - a view ManUtd.com readers support.

The Reds can also become the most successful team in English league history outright, a title of course that we currently share with Liverpool on 18 championships each.

"We start each season with the desire to go all the way in every competition," Evra told FIFA.com earlier this month.

"At United, winning one title a season doesn't cut it. We're obliged to win several, if not all of them. This year, the main goal is to win a fourth championship in a row, which would be historic."

In a poll in our Today at Old Trafford blog, we asked fans which trophy they would most like United to win, the Premier League or Champions League. The results were overwhelmingly in favour of domestic success - 78 per cent of fans picking the league.

However, United's French left-back says he's very much determined to succeed in Europe as well, revealing that he and his Reds team-mates are not short of motivation in that competition either."The one thing that sticks with me most about last year was the worst moment: the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona," he said. "That's what has stayed with me, because I'm a winner.

"Barcelona won the final because they played really well. But even so, I'm frustrated because I feel that we didn't show the real Manchester United. We were a bit too confident and sure of ourselves, and we were caught cold.

"True, we won the league title and the Carling Cup, but missing out on winning the Champions League again had the most impact on me. That bad memory affected me more than any other big moment from last season."

United's hopes of succeeding in both competitions will be put to test in the coming weeks when the Reds face a crucial run of games in the league, against Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea and Manchester City. Then there's the Champions League quarter-final ties against Bayern Munich either side of Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford.

Source: Manutd.com

Fletcher: It's In Our Hands

Darren Fletcher turned in another all-action performance against Liverpool on Sunday, from battling with Dirk Kuyt in midfield to creating Ji-sung Park's winner.In this exclusive interview, the Scot speaks about midfield partners and staying on top...

The manager has opted to play you in a midfield three for a number of crucial games – are you pleased with how it’s worked?
It’s a formation we’ve played in Europe a few times over the last few years, and it’s one I enjoy. It’s always a pleasure to play in the same midfield as Paul Scholes – his ability to control a game is second to none, and I think he can carry on doing a job in the middle for the team for a number of years yet.

Sir Alex says we made need to win all our remaining league games. Is that how you see it?
That’s certainly the challenge that’s there for us, and we’ve got to rise to it. The league is in our own hands – if we win all our games we’ll be champions, and hopefully we can do that.

How does the experience of having been there and done it help; and is it something you consciously draw on?
I think it’s something that’s just there, although the manager and experienced lads like Gary, Paul, Ryan and Rio will remind you of things in certain situations. The fans have been through it so many times before as well, and they understand about patience in games and when to get behind the team. They can play a big part between now and May.

Is the fact we could overtake Liverpool in the league title stakes something that drives you on?
This club's all about breaking records and setting the standard, so we all want to make it four titles in a row. That would be our 19th overall. It would be a great achievement to have won the most championships in English football.

At this stage of the season, do you pay much attention to how United’s rivals are performing?
I watch football on TV and hope things go our way when our rivals play. But we’re just focused on doing our own job. I don’t tend to look at the fixtures. It’s been such a funny season, with so many strange results, that you can’t really pin your hopes on certain games because anything can happen.

One final question... do you switch off when you get home or are you a football addict?
"I’m a real addict! I buy pretty much every football magazine going, and always watch any game that’s on."I’ve been the same since I was a kid, and I think I’ll always be like that. I just love everything about the game and enjoy watching different players and other teams."

Boss Praises Priceless Pair

Sir Alex Ferguson pinpointed the tireless work done by Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher against Liverpool as being crucial to United’s 2-1 win over our foes from down the East Lancs road.

Park struck the winning goal with his daring diving header in the second half, while Fletcher added another fine display to his already impressive portfolio of big-match performances.

”Ji-sung was fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “He’s one of these players that we can give him roles to play and he does it because of his control and discipline. We found another role for him [against Liverpool], which was slightly different to the one he played against Milan, but nonetheless he did a really important job for us. He’s such a brave little lad that his courage got him the goal.”

Fletcher was equally omnipresent all over the pitch and Sir Alex was quick to pay tribute to the work his fellow Scot did. “His work-rate is fantastic, and his natural energy is important,” said the boss. “He’s got such a light frame, too, but he covers every inch of ground and does a really important job for us. It’s interesting that we’ve lost the last three games to Liverpool and Darren has missed all of them, twice with flu once with injury.”

The United boss was also pleased with the performances of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Despite the early blip of allowing an unmarked Fernando Torres to head Liverpool in front, the central defensive pair was rock-solid at the back.

”It was good to see them looking fresh,” he said. “It was only their eighth game together, but having them back to that form gives us a great hope for the rest of the season.”

We Just Never Give In

United’s fighting spirit and ability to remain calm and overturn a deficit won the Reds the match against Liverpool, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United manager said his players reacted very well after going a goal down to Fernando Torres’ opener after five minutes. The Reds regrouped a saw out what Sir Alex described as “an intense match”.

”In these intense matches you just want to win them,” he said. “At this stage of the season, winning is the name of the game. We’ve been very consistent in the last two or three months. For periods today we played well, and in other periods we had to dig in and concentrate.

”It’s always difficult to lose a goal and come back and win. I was disappointed with Torres’ goal, he was unmarked. We didn’t defend it well. But we recovered from it and that is the important thing. It’s a great quality that Manchester United have, and it’s that quality that won us the game.”

Liverpool had their own complaints about the foul from Javier Mascherano on Antonio Valencia that led to the penalty for Wayne Rooney’s equaliser. But Sir Alex feels Liverpool’s Argentinian midfielder was lucky to remain on the field, instead only picking up a yellow card.

”I thought that with the penalty incident, it should have been a red card [for Mascherano]. There was no chance that Jamie Carragher could have got across because Valencia was too quick for him. Absolutely no way. OK we got the penalty but if you stop a player from having a goalscoring opportunity it’s a red card. Not today it wasn’t. Mascherano tugged him outside the area, but didn’t bring him down, it was only when Valencia got into the box he brought him down. So it was the right decision [to give a penalty].”

Rooney saw his initial spot-kick saved, but reacted quickly to steer home the rebound. ”Wayne said to me that he had changed his mind and gone the other way with his penalty. I said, ‘never change your mind’. But he got the rebound and it’s still a goal.”

Torres fluffed a chance to level for Liverpool late on, and Sir Alex was relieved the Spaniard missed as a draw would have been a result they did not deserve. “A draw would have flattered them, but in these games I don’t think they would have been bothered about being flattered. It would have been important for them, to help them get fourth place and perhaps helping to stop us winning the league. I don’t think they would have been bothered by scoring at any time.”

Rio Relishes Result

Rio Ferdinand knows exactly what victory against Liverpool on Sunday meant to United fans.

The Reds defender, who was among United's best in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford, told MUTV: "We’ve given our fans the bragging rights as they go back to work this week. It's always nice to get a result against Liverpool, especially after the last few games against them."

The win wasn't exactly routine, though. Fernando Torres headed the visitors in front after just five minutes. And even after Wayne Rooney and Ji-sung Park had put Sir Alex's men 2-1 up, the Spanish striker fluffed a late chance to salvage a point from the match.

"We’ve been defending very well of late so to concede a goal after five minutes in such a big game was disappointing, " Rio admitted. "But after the first goal I thought we got to grips with Liverpool and stopped the supply to Torres.

"The way we came back, picked ourselves up and took the game to Liverpool, speaks volumes of the talent we have in our squad."

The Reds wasted little time in pegging back the early deficit. Just seven minutes after going behind, Wayne Rooney equalised when Pepe Reina's penalty save presented Rooney with a second bite at the cherry. Liverpool players were indignant at the award of the spot-kick, but Ferdinand says United had their own frustrations over the incident.

"Regardless of whether or not it was inside or outside the box, I think it should have been a red card," he said. "I think he [Javier Mascherano] got off lightly.

"Antonio Valencia was through on goal and I don’t think anybody was going to get back to stop him shooting. For me, that’s a red card."

The deciding goal arrived on the hour mark courtesy of Ji-sung Park. He showed real bravery to convert Darren Fletcher's cross with a textbook diving header.

"Ji has been phenomenal recently," Ferdinand said. "He’s a player who’s probably appreciated a bit more by his team-mates than some of the pundits and the media."Now, however, I think people are starting to see what a talented player he is. Maybe that's only because he’s scoring goals, but we’ve always appreciated him. He’s a top man and a top player."

Park: Netting Winner Was 'Fantastic'

Ji-sung Park could barely contain his delight at scoring the winning goal against Liverpool in front of the Stretford End.

It’s the stuff of dreams for millions of Reds around the world, and the Korean, who turned in a potential Man of the Match-winning performance on Sunday, was delighted to make it reality.

”It was a great feeling,” Ji told MUTV. “Derby matches are very important games, so to score the winner in a derby is a fantastic feeling.

”Doing it in front of the Stretford End was unbelievable as well because you’re right next to the fans’ reaction. I was very happy [celebrating in front of them].”

Park was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Paul Scholes late on in the match, and he says he hopes to impress the United faithful in the future with plenty more goalscoring displays.

”I want to score more goals for United and it doesn’t matter who they are against,” he said, referring to the fact that his last three goals have come against Liverpool, Milan and Arsenal.

“I know I should score more goals. I feel good scoring against the big teams like Arsenal, Milan and Liverpool, but I want to score more goals, hopefully I experience it more often.”

Park has been hugely effective when deployed as a search-and-destroy central midfielder against Milan and, most recently, Liverpool. It’s a role he relishes, but insists it’s not entirely alien to him.

”I enjoy playing in the middle of midfield. I have experience playing there before for PSV Eindhoven and for the Korean national team. So, for me, it doesn’t matter playing in the middle or on either wing.”

Most importantly, Park was pleased to be involved in aiding a vital win in United’s pursuit of title glory, which he says is now tantalisingly close.

”It was very important that we got over losing 1-0,” he said. “We did that and won in the end, it’s a big boost for the rest of the season. There are seven league games left and if we win them all then we will win the title. So we need to concentrate and keep up our performance levels.

"We don’t need to worry about Arsenal or Chelsea, because if we win our games then we will be champions. So that’s why we need to concentrate on our performances and our games.”

Sweet Revenge For Red Devils

Manchester United came from behind to beat Liverpool at Old Trafford to return to the Premier League summit.

Fernando Torres was United's tormentor again as he rose to head in Dirk Kuyt's cross after only five minutes to revive memories of Liverpool's crushing 4-1 victory here last season - but United were to exact revenge on their arch-rivals.

Liverpool were furious when United were handed the opportunity to draw level swiftly as referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty as the outstanding Antonio Valencia was hauled back by Javier Mascherano as the pair raced into the area.

Wayne Rooney was unsettled by Liverpool's lengthy and vociferous protests, but when his penalty was saved by keeper Pepe Reina he was first to react and turn in the rebound.

United then held sway and snatched a deserved winner on the hour when Darren Fletcher's cross deep into the heart of the Liverpool penalty area was headed in by Ji-Sung Park.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who confronted fourth official Andre Marriner and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after Rooney's equaliser, was infuriated by the penalty award - and was also animated throughout by what he clearly regarded as a succession of contentious decisions that he believed went in the home side's favour.

Goalscorer Torres led Liverpool's other complaints against officialdom, and he became increasingly frustrated at virtually having to battle single-handedly against Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who ended an unwanted record of three dismissals in his last three games against the Merseysiders.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was desperately disappointing, although he created a late opportunity which Torres missed. Yossi Benayoun should have done better than head the loose ball tamely at Edwin van der Sar.

Ferguson will have regarded this as one of the most difficult tests of United's title run-in, and his succession of clenched-fist salutes at the final whistle demonstrated his delight.

For Liverpool counterpart Benitez, he watched his side fade badly as they lost further ground in the battle for fourth spot and a place in next season's Champions League.

Ferguson and Benitez made a single change each to their teams, with Park replacing Dimitar Berbatov for United and Maxi Rodriguez coming in for Ryan Babel in the Liverpool line-up.

United's boss insisted they had learned the lessons of being terrorised by Torres last season - but apparently not well enough as the Spain striker quickly emphasised his class.

Gerrard released Kuyt on the right, leaving Torres to escape from Vidic and Ferdinand to plant a firm header beyond the reach of Van der Sar.

United were level seven minutes later in contentious circumstances, following referee Webb's decision to award a penalty after Valencia tangled with Mascherano. It was a foul, but Liverpool felt the infringement started outside the area and chaotic scenes ensued.

As Liverpool boss Benitez raged on the touchline, Torres kicked away the penalty spot markings in fury as Rooney complained about the delay.

Liverpool keeper Reina blocked Rooney's spot-kick, but the rebound fell kindly for the England striker to slot home into an empty net.

Ferguson and Benitez were then involved in an angry exchange almost nose-to-nose in the technical area, with fourth official Marriner in between the pair in an attempt to keep the peace.

Valencia was United's main source of danger as he tormented Emiliano Insua down the right flank, and his cross almost created a second for Park as he headed just wide with Reina scrambling across his goal.

Torres, in particular, appeared aggrieved by what Liverpool saw as a grave injustice and he took his frustration out on Park to earn an overdue yellow card, his fifth in seven games.

Reina was tested twice by Nani's shot and a Rooney free-kick from the edge of the area before the interval, but the game had settled after an explosive opening.

The sparring continued in the early stages after half-time, but United managed to pierce the massed ranks of Liverpool's defence to take the lead after an hour. Fletcher was the creator with a perfect cross from the right flank, and Park bravely hurled himself in front of Johnson to head beyond Reina.

Rooney had been hugely industrious in his efforts to ensure United's victory, and he was almost on the scoresheet again with four minutes left, but he pulled a low shot just wide.

Liverpool had barely troubled United in the second half, but with only a minute remaining of normal time they conspired to waste a wonderful chance to snatch a point.

Gerrard, an anonymous figure until then, set up Torres with a cross. He mis-hit his shot, but it lofted invitingly into the path of Benayoun, who headed straight at Van der Sar from only six yards.

United were then able to play out five minutes of stoppage time - and the celebrations from players and fans at the final whistle illustrated just how vital this victory was to the champions.

Vital goal: Ji-Sung Park celebrates after scoring the winner against Liverpool

Owen Relishes 'First Step'

After so long on the sidelines, Owen Hargreaves was elated to be back in action for United Reserves. MUTV's Mark Sullivan caught up with the United midfielder for an exclusive dressing-room chat at Moss Lane after his 45 minute cameo...

Owen, finally you got onto the pitch... how did it feel?
It was lovely to be back in a team environment. It's been about 16 months, I think, while I've been having surgery and individual rehab, so having team-mates around you, getting used to playing on a bigger pitch and having opponents was great. It's been a very long time and it was great to do that first step.

It's the first step on the road to recovery, but an important one psychologically to get out on the pitch and play in a competitive match...
Absolutely. I don't think I could have anticipated the rehab and the whole thing taking as long as it has. It's been incredibly frustrating but I guess you just have to deal with it, take it step by step, try to be patient and and try to do what's best. Sometimes you can't force things. Today was the first step and hopefully I can kick on from here.

There's a lot of work you have to do in your rehab, isn't there?
A lot of training on your own, lot of fitness work and this hard work is starting to pay off now... can you see light at the end of the tunnel?Well it's been an incredibly long 16 months! I've invested a lot of time and so have a lot of people who have become very close to me as well. They've helped me a lot. But it has been a lot more time than I
potentially would have expected just to be available for the squad, so I'm looking forward to getting back into a more normal training pattern and hopefully get back to playing some games.

And you can see by the number of fans that have turned up here tonight how much they want to see you back in a United shirt.
That's got to be pleasing for you, to see them?Well the reception has been fantastic. It's been disappointing for me, really. I came and we had a good first season and I came back early to do some training to hopefully be fit for the start of my second season and it just didn't work; it had an adverse affect to it and it just snowballed from there. The fans have been great. Always when they see me they ask when I'm going to be playing and tell me they want to see me play. I've been doing my utmost to be able to play, so I look forward to being able to run out on Old Trafford again in front of the fans and being able to repay the faith the fans have shown.

So what's the next step for you now?
Well I think I'm doing some injections, actually, which is part of my training and part of the whole protocol, so I think we'll try and get as much training in me as possible with this treatment and just continue on as I have. Obviously this was the first step and from here we should try to progress and go further. That's the plan.

And do you think first team football between now and the end of the season is a possibility for you?
I would like to think so, absolutely. That's what I'm aiming for. I'm not coming back just to be back, I want to come back and have just as much of an impact as I did in my first season. It means a lot to me, so those are my targets and it will happen when time's ready.

First and foremost we want to see you in a red shirt, but there's a World Cup at the end of the season - is that a realistic possiblity?
A lot of people talk about it and it's obviously a topic. You know... we'll just see. I just have to take it day by day. In a perfect world, obviously I'd love to be a part, but I have to do what's best for me, best for Man United and then England. Then we'll see. Obviously it's something I would like to be able to do and I'll just see how I progress in the next month.

Bayern Will Be Tough, Says Fletch

Darren Fletcher gave us his reaction after United were drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals...

Firstly Darren, what do you make of the draw?
I think it’s a tough one and outside Barcelona it’s probably as tough a draw as we could have got. I was talking to Gary Neville and he said we’ve had a lot of tough games against them over the years. We played Bayern in pre-season and we were very impressed with them. They’ve hit a bit of form since Christmas and are a real danger in the tournament.

The most famous meeting between the two sides came in the final in 1999 – where did you watch that game?
I was at home watching with my dad and I remember jumping up and down when United scored the two late goals. That night was obviously a great night in the club’s history and even though we didn’t play too well we showed that resilience and never-say-die attitude to win it at the end.

As you say, Bayern have really come into form of late…
Yes, they’ve been doing really well. They understand the way Louis van Gaal wants them to play and they have some dangerous players - Robben and Ribery are two of the best wingers in world football and we need to be aware of that threat. And being a German side you know they’re going to be resilient and very tough to beat.

If you get through you’ll be up against either Lyon or Bordeaux, but presumably it’s important not to look too far ahead…
It’s very important not to be too presumptuous and talk about other teams we might play. The teams left in the competition are all tough – you don’t get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League by being a poor team. It’s important not to underestimate anyone otherwise you’ll be out. We’ve got to be 100 per cent focused on every game. We play Bayern Munich first and we’ll be doing our best to try and get into the semi-finals.

How important was to avoid Barcelona in the draw?
I think if you beat Barcelona you won’t be far away from winning the tournament this season. They’re the benchmark right now. We’ve beaten them over two legs before, but if we get them this season it’ll be in the final and if that was to happen hopefully it would be another great final but with the end result being in our favour this time.

After missing the final last season, you must especially determined to get back there again...
Yes I am but just as the whole squad is. It’s in the past now and we’re all just desperate to make to that stage again after the disappointment of last year. Hopefully we can do that.

The two games against Bayern come either side of the crucial league clash with Chelsea – just how big a week is that going to be?
It’s going to be a very big week in the season for us. It’s going to be a really tight run-in from now on – the manager has spoken about needing to win every game and that’s the challenge that’s there for us now in Europe and the Premier League.

Darren Fletcher was speaking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, Key 103 and BBC Radio.

United Welcome Bayern Test

Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden insists the Red Devils are delighted with Friday's UEFA Champions League draw which has seen them pitted against Bayern Munich.

All eyes were on Nyon as the route to the European Cup final was decided and the draw failed to disappoint as the English involvement in this year's competition delivered a couple of crackers.


Arsenal take on Barcelona in a repeat of the 2006 final, while United square off against Bayern, who were conquered by the Red Devils in the 1999 showpiece.

United may have landed Europe's top honour over the Bundesliga outfit a decade ago, thanks to late goals form Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham, but the German super-powers boast a formidable record against the English champions.

"Of all the opponents we could have drawn they have the best record against us," admitted Ramsden, whose side's win over four-time winners Bayern was their only success in seven meetings.

"But we won the most important one so we're not frightened of them and no more than they would be frightened of us.

"They're a special club, we met them in pre-season and they are a most hospitable and efficient club and we enjoyed working with them and we're looking forward to two very good games."

Ramsden admitted United, who lost last year's final to Barcelona, were glad to avoid the Catalan giants with a semi-final date against a team from France with Liege 1 duo Lyon and Bordeaux pitted against each other.

But the Red Devils secretary insists Sir Alex Ferguson will not be plotting a potential route to the final for a fourth European crown in the Santiago Bernabeu showpiece just yet.

He added of Ferguson's mindset: "I don't think he plans this far ahead but if we chose the draw this would be a good draw but the games are there to be won and we are a long way from the final yet so there will be no complacency at Old Trafford.

The draw could also come as a timely boost for United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who played 45 minutes for the reserves on Thursday.

And Ramsden believes the former Bayern performer, who is looking to return to first team action after an 18 month lay-off through tendinitis in both knees, will be keen to return to his former club regardless of his fitness.

"I'm sure he will want to be in Munich whether he's playing or not," he added.

Anderson: Bayern Will Be A Test

Viv Anderson has warned Manchester United not to underestimate the threat of Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final.

The game will be a repeat of the competition's 1999 final.

The former United defender told BBC Radio Manchester: "They've got some really good players who can hurt you on their day.

"They've got a lot of good international players with experience, it will be a really interesting tie."

Anderson believes Wayne Rooney will be the key man for United again.

"He's stepped up to the plate since Ronaldo's left, he's been in unbelievable form and I think everyone else has chipped in," he said.

And the former England international says United are well placed to retain the Premiership.

"The likes of Scholes, Giggs, Neville they've all been there, seen it and got the t-shirt, and they can influence the younger players around them," he said.

"Although Chelsea are a decent team they've got to come to Old Trafford, so it's all in our hands which you dream about being at this stage of the season."

Champions League Quarter-finals: United To Face Bayern Munich

United will face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, away on Tuesday 30 March and at home on Wednesday 7 April.

Should the Reds beat the Germans, then Sir Alex Ferguson's men are guaranteed to meet a French side in the semi-finals - the winners of the Lyon vs Bordeaux quarter-final. United would be at home in the first leg of the semi on Wednesday 21 April, away in the second on Tuesday 27 April.

United and Bayern have previously clashed seven times in the competition including, of course, the 1999 final at the Nou Camp in Barcelona - arguably the greatest night in the Reds' history as injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer secured the historic Treble.

The last Champions League meeting between the sides was in March 2002, when Bayern held United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford in what was then a second group phase.

The final score was also 0-0 when the clubs played a pre-season game in Germany last summer - Bayern won the Audi Cup final on penalties with Edwin van der Sar sustaining an injury that kept him out until October.

The full quarter-final draw, made at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, was as follows:
Lyon v Bordeaux
Bayern Munich v United
Arsenal v Barcelona
Internazionale v CSKA Moscow.

Ferguson Calls FA 'Dysfunctional'

Sir Alex Ferguson has called the Football Association "dysfunctional" for its handling of incidents involving Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard.

The Manchester United manager was angry after Ferdinand got a four-match ban for a challenge on Hull's Craig Fagan.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's Gerrard was not punished for an alleged V-sign or an elbow on Portsmouth's Michael Brown, freeing him to face United on Sunday.

"There is no consistency," said Ferguson. "It is a dysfunctional unit."

Liverpool captain Gerrard has been under scrutiny twice this month, firstly for appearing to flash a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner during the 1-0 defeat to Wigan on 8 March.

A week later, he seemed to strike Brown with an elbow in the second half of the Reds' 4-1 victory over Portsmouth.

Both incidents were seen by the referee during the match, making the FA powerless to apply retrospective punishment.

"I didn't expect anything to happen to Steven Gerrard," said Ferguson. "It [the FA disciplinary panel] is a dysfunctional unit. I don't know what they are doing."

Ferdinand received a three-match ban after the FA reviewed video evidence of a clash in which he appeared to swing an arm into Fagan.

The punishment was increased to four games after his appeal was rejected as "frivolous".

At the time, Ferguson likened the incident to a challenge by Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano in a Carling Cup tie against Leeds, which, like the Gerrard situations, went unpunished.

"There is no consistency for a start and I didn't expect to get any," continued Ferguson.

"I am not too bothered about it. They can do what they want down there. It is crazy at times."

Premier League leaders United host Liverpool on Sunday in a match which could go a long way towards determining whether Ferguson's men can surpass the Reds by claiming a 19th top-flight title this season.

Hargreaves Makes Man. United Comeback

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves finally made his comeback after 18 months out injured, playing for the reserve team on Thursday.

Hargreaves, 29, managed 45 minutes against Burnley reserves, although he was cautions not to over-exert himself.

"It was great today. I'm happy I can be back with an 11 against 11 and a referee," said Hargreaves, who has had surgery for tendinitis in both knees.

"I feel good. It's about managing the injury and trying not to do too much."

Hargreaves, who joined Manchester United in 2007 from Bayern Munich in a £17m deal, has suffered long-term problems with tendinitis and played only three games for his club in 2008.

In a bid to solve the problem, he had knee surgery under the guidance of specialist Dr Richard Steadman in America and returned to United's Carrington training base 12 months later.

And now, after so much time on the sidelines, the England international is eager to force his way back into contention at Old Trafford.

"I missed almost two full seasons with Man United," Hargreaves added on BBC Radio 5 live.

"I came here with high expectations for myself and not to be able to play from 27-years-old to 29 is incredibly disappointing.

"Now I will just train with the team and when the sharpness comes back and I start to feel better then I will consider playing a first-team game but that's up to the manager to decide."

Hargreaves looks likely to involved when the reserves take on Burnley again in next week's return fixture.

"I am delighted for him. He has been out of the game for 18 months, which is very difficult," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He will need a couple of games more with the reserves. After that he should be back in the first-team squad. It is a good one to get at this time of the season."

Despite not playing a first-team game since facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in September 2008, the former Bayern Munich star is not ruling out a return to the England team in time for the World Cup.

"It's something that is there, how it will materialise I don't know," said Hargreaves.

"I would love to have the opportunity to play again but I think I'll have to see how I progress and just take it day by day.

"If I'm there, I'm there, I'd love to help, but if I'm not, I'm not."

Turkish Delight For Red Devils

Manchester United have launched a new partnership with Turkish Airlines, the club's official airline partner.

Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Nani, Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher joined Chief Executive David Gill, Director of Commercial Richard Arnold, Turkish Airlines Chairman Hamdi Topcu, and Co–Chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi at Old Trafford on Monday to reveal details of the sponsorship.

The three-and-a-half year deal will see the airline's fleet livery carry the Manchester United crest as well as other iconic club and player imagery on the airline's fuselage, while Europe's fourth-largest Airline will transport the team and officials on their travels for Champions League matches and other tournaments and training camps throughout Europe and the world. The airline will also receive a number of rights from the deal, including perimeter board advertising at Old Trafford and consumer promotions using the club's intellectual properties.

David Gill said: "The deal with Turkish Airlines is yet another example of the global appeal of Manchester United and we welcome them to the club, already they are proving to be a dynamic and committed partner which will no doubt allow us to further develop the reach of Manchester United and for Turkish Airlines to grow their customer base in Manchester and around the world."

Richard Arnold said: "We have been impressed with Turkish Airlines, who are a creative and ambitious company, they have very exciting plans to make the most of the comprehensive sponsorship rights their partnership with the club brings and we are looking forward to working closely with them.

Hamdi Topcu said: "It is a great honour for Turkish Airlines to be associated with Manchester United as the team's official airline sponsor and I am confident the partnership will make an excellent contribution to our brand value. Like Manchester United we aim to be the very best in everything we do with first class quality of service in all aspects of our business. We are very excited about the commercial opportunities that the sponsorship will offer the airline working alongside one of the most famous football clubs in the world."

Turkish Airlines was formed in 1933 and today flies to 120 destinations worldwide, transporting over 25 million passengers. The airline, which is a Star Alliance Member and operates the only four star cabin service in all classes within Europe, has recently announced plans to grow its fleet to 196 aircraft within the next five years.

Wayne Can Surpass Ronaldo

Former Reds striker Andrew Cole reckons Wayne Rooney has every chance of bettering Cristiano Ronaldo’s 42-goal haul of two seasons ago.

Rooney’s well-taken brace against Fulham on Sunday took him to 32 for the season and he has a possible 13 more games in which to overhaul the Portuguese winger's 2007/08 tally.

Cole believes the mark won’t be at the forefront of Rooney’s mind, but that the striker is now in a great position to achieve a feat which seemed improbable only a few weeks ago.

“Wayne’s priority will be trying to win the Premier League again, and to fire United to another European Cup, so it won’t be top of his agenda,” Cole told ManUtd.com.

“But there are eight league games to go and if he keeps scoring at his current rate, he’s got a great chance.”

Rooney has hit 24 goals in the last 22 games of United’s three-pronged trophy assault. And as a former striker himself, it’s apparent to Cole that the Reds’ number 10 is playing with supreme confidence – an ominous sign for any opposition defence.

Cole said: “It’s hard to know what else to say about the boy! He must go out there every game, look at who he’s up against and believe he has a good chance of scoring.

“It’s great to go into games thinking that, because football is all about confidence, especially for strikers.

“He’s playing some great football and has been very consistent. He’s in a fantastic vein of form and long may it continue.”

With only two points separating the top three, it’s shaping up to be the a thrilling finish to the title race. But Cole believes United’s Premier League pedigree could give the champions the edge over Chelsea and Arsenal.

“It’s always important to have experience of title races, because it feels like familiar ground,” Cole added. “Mentally and physically you know what it’s going to take out of you.

“United’s players definitely thrive on the pressure – that’s why they are playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"The title race is hotting up and could go down to the wire, but I think United have more than enough in the locker to go on and win it.”

United's Title Defence

After a season of injury bedevilment in defence, Sir Alex Ferguson suspects having a consistent back four for the remainder of the season can make the difference as United hunt a fourth straight Premier League title.

A third clean sheet in eight days against Fulham signified a return to the unflinching form which underpinned last season's triumph. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand back in tandem and flanked by Patrice Evra and Gary Neville, Sir Alex feels keeping those four fit - and maintaining the availability of understudies Jonny Evans and Rafael - is key as United look to close out the season in style.

"I think the key for us is if we can keep the back four in together," he told MUTV. "We've had a few injuries, particularly to defenders. I keep praying. If we can keep that back four together, with the experience they've got, and van der Sar's experience at the back, that'll give us a massive chance.

"Jonny Evans and Rafael missed today; Rafa got injured in training and Jonny felt his knee, and we can't take risks with defenders at the moment. We have to have someone ready for the next game, and both of them will be ready for next Sunday (against Liverpool), for instance.

"So that's the situation we're in at the moment. John O'Shea will hopefully be back for the beginning of April, he's looking much better now. Young Fabio made his return today after a few weeks out with an injury, so it's a patching up job almost every week, getting defenders ready."

The champions currently boast the meanest defensive record of the Premier League's top three, despite this season's spate of injuries, with just 24 goals conceded.

Rooney (right) took his tally to 24 Premier League goals on Sunday. The reigning Champions will next face Liverpool at home on 21st March.

Boss Salutes Wide-awake Reds

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side's lightning start to the second half provided the platform for victory over Fulham.

After a frustrating first period in which Fulham stifled the Reds' attacking play and provided scares at the other end, Wayne Rooney needed under 30 seconds of the second period to turn in Nani's cross and end the Cottagers' stubborn resolve.

"Fulham made us work because they've got good possession of the ball, they have composure and experience on the ball and they made us chase all over the pitch, particularly in the first half," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"We had some good pieces of play in the first half and their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves, but we had to speed up the play. Murphy and Baird were completely in control in midfield and we had to hurry them up and make the game a bit quicker. The start to the second half was crucial and we got a good one to put us in a good position. After that our confidence grew."

While Rooney's opener was the all-important goal, his second strike six minutes from the end of normal time was the most aesthetically pleasing for the United manager - not least for the approach work by Dimitar Berbatov, who rounded off the scoring late on.

"The second was the star goal really," he said. "The work by Berbatov was fantastic football and he just laid it on a plate for Wayne, who took it well. He (Berbatov) is intelligent, he has good composure on the ball and he adds to the team all the time. The making of the second goal was absolutely superb. It was very important (for him to score later), because he had a few opportunities, but he took one, and that's important."

Carrick Happy Taking Turns

The close nature of this season's Premier League title race, allied to the staggering of fixtures for TV coverage, means pole position could change hands with dizzying regularity over the coming weeks.

Victory over Fulham allowed United to end the weekend in top spot, having slipped to third after Saturday victories for Chelsea and Arsenal, but Michael Carrick insists the Reds' players shrug off the psychological setback of dropping down the table without playing.

"It's not really too much of a factor," the midfielder told MUTV. "It's nice before the game if you see them drop points, but it really doesn't affect us once we're at the ground and we go out on the pitch. You get into game mode and focus on winning.

"If you apply too much pressure too early then you start doing things that maybe you shouldn't. We just believe in ourselves. The confidence and belief's there at the moment that we're scoring good goals and scoring plenty of them. Hopefully that maintains through this part of the season."

With just two points separating all three teams in the hunt for the title, Carrick admits he fully expects a captivating dash for the line from all the protaganists - although he is targeting the consistency that can take United to a record-breaking fourth successive title.

"It is very tight," he conceded. "I'm sure it's going to go down to the wire. There are eight games to go and it's just really about us winning as many as we can, and hopefully that'll be enough."

Berba Pleased To Help

Dimitar Berbatov takes as much pleasure from providing goals as scoring them, and insists he will happily forsake a spot on the scoresheet if he ends the season with more medals.

The Bulgarian striker created Wayne Rooney's second goal against Fulham and bagged the Reds' late third himself, but maintains that he is indifferent as to who gets the goals, so long as United achieve victory.

"I'm pleased," he told MUTV. "It's part of my job, to assist and to score, but if we win it doesn't matter if I score, as long as we are champions in the end. I preferred the second goal I gave to Wayne today than scoring (the third goal)."

Against Fulham, Berbatov headed home his 10th goal of the season in his 23rd start in all competitions, while Rooney reached 32 goals from 36 starts. The pair's fruitful partnership will be key over the remainder of the campaign, and Berbatov expects the England international to extend his unstoppable form.

"I think Wayne can go over 40 goals," he said. "We have plenty of games till the season is over so I wish him luck and we're all going to help him to go over the 40 line.

"I think at the moment he is the best (in the world). He is still so young so he has chances to become even greater. Like I've told him many times, just stay healthy and he can achieve everything."

Rampant Rooney Puts United Back On Top

Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Fulham to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Rooney, who saw a long-range strike saved in the opening 45 minutes, slotted home from 12 yards after just 30 seconds of the second half.

Mark Schwarzer denied Darren Fletcher but Rooney sealed the points with a low strike across goal after superb approach work from Dimitar Berbatov.

A teasing cross from Ji-Sung Park was then headed home by Berbatov.

Fulham might have defeated United 3-0 at home in December but Roy Hodgson's team had precious few sights of goal at Old Trafford - and the result ensured their miserable run away from Craven Cottage in the Premier League continued.

Fulham's last league away win was at struggling Portsmouth on the opening day of the season - but with a Europa League match against Juventus and an FA Cup quarter-final looming, their priorities currently lie elsewhere.

United's defeat at Craven Cottage remains their heaviest of the season but in the return contest Sir Alex Ferguson's team dominated territory and possession - and created the vast majority of the game's decent chances.

Berbatov was selected to start alongside the in-form Rooney and linked play effectively as United repeatedly carved open their opponents backline as they increased the pressure on Arsenal and Chelsea, although Carlo Ancelotti's team have a game in hand.

Nani was sent clear down the left flank after intelligent play from Berbatov before delivering a teasing cross that the unmarked Bulgarian, who had drifted into the Fulham area, headed wide at the near post.

Berbatov also saw a shot blocked, while Rooney was inches away from connecting with a cross into the box, forced a good save with a crisp low strike and should perhaps have been awarded a penalty after Stephen Kelly appeared to prevent him from jumping to head a cross.

But occasional good fortune and obdurate defending ensured that Fulham got through to the break without conceding.

Hodgson's team had shown precious little in attack but a brilliant dipping strike from long distance by Clint Dempsey almost caught out Edwin van der Sar.

And Bobby Zamora, looking for his ninth goal of the Premier League season, failed to hit the target with an ambitious volley after a long ball forward from Danny Murphy.

But Fulham's chances of completing a first league double over United receded when Ferguson's team scored exactly 30 seconds after the restart.

Rooney slipped the ball out to the heavily involved Nani and was allowed to drift into space inside the Fulham area to collect the return pass and slot home his 24th goal of the Premier League season.

Schwarzer spilled a shot from Nani as United looked for a decisive second, while Fulham somehow cleared the ball after a goal-mouth scramble, Rio Ferdinand hooked the ball just wide from a corner and Berbatov again headed wide.

United, who play Liverpool and Chelsea in their next two Premier League home fixtures, were almost punished for their profligacy when a neat flick from substitute Erik Nevland sent Zamora through on goal but Nemanja Vidic did superbly to make a crucial block.

Schwarzer brilliantly denied Darren Fletcher with a one-handed save but could not prevent Rooney from scoring with a low strike across goal after brilliant approach work down the right by Berbatov had created the opening.

And United's dominance resulted in Berbatov scoring the goal his performance merited, with the striker finally hitting the target from six yards.

Rooney scored with two low strikes as his great form continued