Sir Alex: Evra's The Best In The Business

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Patrice Evra as the best left-back in the world and identified him as Manchester United's unsung hero this season.

While Wayne Rooney has taken all the plaudits for his 34-goal heroics, United boss Fergie singled out Evra as his most consistent performer this term.

Evra, who has played in every one of United's Premier League games this season, beat Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole to be named in the PFA Team of the Year. And United boss Fergie claimed no other Premier League player had come close to matching the French international for consistency of performance this season.

"The form of Evra has been sensational all season," said Fergie. "There's no-one near Evra's consistency. No-one. He's the one player who has not missed any games. He's only not started one Premier League game all season. We rested him at Blackburn because I think he needed a break, but he came on as a sub there and has done tremendously well since then. If you look at the rest of our back four, it's all been scattered appearances. With that in mind, we've done remarkably well to still be in the picture despite the handicap of our back-four players being injured."
- David McDonnell, The Mirror -

The Rise Of Nani

Wayne Rooney isn't the only player who's enjoyed his best season in a United shirt in 2009/10.

Nani, instrumental in the Reds' win over Tottenham last weekend, has been in tip-top form this term, particularly since the turn of the year.

He's found the net three times in his last two Old Trafford outings, but did you know those goals (one against Tottenham, two against Bayern Munich) were the winger’s first for United since August? Probably not. But it’s precisely because Nani’s all-round contribution was so significant that his lack of goals went largely unnoticed.

The well-held view that he's producing his best form since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 is borne out in the statistics above, which show the impact the winger has had when he's taken to the pitch (and, perhaps more tellingly, when he doesn’t). For instance, United in 2009/10 win more often, score more goals and lose far fewer games when Nani plays. And of the 11 defeats United have suffered this season, only one has come when Nani has started. Even then – away to Bayern Munich – he won the free-kick and whipped in the resulting cross from which Wayne Rooney scored.

His service from wide areas has improved markedly in 2009/10. In the Premier League alone he has 10 assists to his name, a figure that ignores the part he played in forcing own goals against Arsenal and Portsmouth (two). Add those to the tally and then only Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard have created more goals in the league this season.

In Europe, too, Nani was inspirational, playing key roles in goals scored away from home at Besiktas, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich... and then there was the Bayern brace he bagged at Old Trafford. So, although goals may not have flown from his boots at regular intervals across the season, the sparks certainly have.

Nani, we salute you.

Mandanda Welcomes United Move

Marseille's France international Steve Mandanda has welcomed reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old DR Congo-born shot-stopper has been mentioned as a possible long-term successor to stalwart Edwin van der Sar.

Mandanda is certain to make France's World Cup squad this summer, although Hugo Loris is expected to be Raymond Domenech's first choice goalkeeper.

The ex-Le Havre man, who is on a long-term deal with l'OM, has confirmed his dream is to one day play in England's Premier League.

"Naturally I should be staying in Marseille next season but you never know," he told JDD Newspaper.

"I've not had any contact with any club but all know my dream is to play in the Premier League.

"I've heard Manchester United are looking for a goalkeeper. My name isn't on their list, but you never know."

Smalling Intends To Start

Chris Smalling claims Sir Alex Ferguson has assured him he will be a contender for a starting berth at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old signed for the Red Devils in January and is set to complete an £8million move over the summer.

The youngster has taken the fast track to Old Trafford, with United having snapped him up after just seven senior appearances.

He is, however, tipped for a bright future in the game and Ferguson believes he is getting full value for money.

The United boss has every intention of using Smalling from the off, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic suffering with niggling knocks of late, and is confident he will step up to the plate.

Smalling is delighted to hear that his new boss has complete faith in his ability and is determined to show why he is so highly rated.

"I'll definitely be starting on the front foot in terms of a first-team place," he told the Fulham Chronicle.

"Sir Alex sat me down and explained where I am and where I'll be going.

"You start off the season just hoping to get as many games as you can and then you get an opportunity like this, and yeah, it does bring pressure.

"But it's a compliment and a chance to show what you are worth, and hopefully I can repay it."

Rooney: My Best Season

Wayne Rooney was named PFA Players' Player of the Year on Sunday night and admits this has been his finest campaign in a United shirt yet. But the modest Reds front many says he couldn't have done it without his team-mates...

On a personal level, has this been your best season so far?
Yeah, I think so. I’ve scored a lot of goals this season and I think overall my play has been good. It’s definitely been my most prolific season in front of goal and I’m pleased with the way things have gone. But it would complete it all if we could clinch the title.

Who did you vote for as PFA Player of the Year?
I voted for Didier Drogba for the senior award and Cesc Fabregas for young player. To be honest, I was very surprised I was up for the young player award too – I think I won it about eight years ago, didn’t I? [Smiles] So I was a bit shocked to be up for it again this year.

How much do you owe to your team-mates as well – particularly someone like Antonio Valencia?
Of course, as a forward player you rely on the support and service of your team-mates. Without the support of people like Antonio, I wouldn’t be scoring goals. A lot of what I think I’ve achieved personally this season is down to that support from my team-mates.

You’ve linked up very well with Valencia. What is it you enjoy about playing alongside him?
He’s very physical, he’s quick and a strong player. He’s scored a few goals himself this season and he has the ability to create goals with his movement and his crossing, which obviously I’ve benefited from. He reminds me a lot of Andrei Kanchelskis who was here a few years ago. They’re both very traditional wingers, and I like that. Antonio has settled in very quickly and he’s had a good first year at the club which hopefully he can build on.

A lot of people put you up there with the best players in the world. Who do you think is the best?
It’s nice that people put me up there, but for me I think Messi is the best in the world. The things he can do with the ball are just unbelievable and he’s scoring a lot of goals as well. He’s been fantastic again this year, so for me he is the best player in the world.

Wayne Lands PFA Award

Wayne Rooney has been named Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year - winning the prestigious award as voted for by his peers for the first time in his career.

The 24-year-old beat fellow front-running candidates Didier Drogba, Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Tevez and was presented with the trophy at a ceremony on Sunday night.

Rooney has had an incredible season, scoring 34 goals in 42 league appearances - his best return since joining United in 2004.

The Reds no.10 started the 2009/10 campaign by scoring seven goals in eight games, and he hasn't looked back. His best spell came between the end of November and March, scoring an astonishing 25 goals in 23 games.

The PFA trophy remains in a United player's hands for a fourth consecutive year, after wins for Cristiano Ronaldo (2007 and 2008) and Ryan Giggs last season.

Rooney, who has said that he expects to play again for United this season, was also nominated for the Young Player of the Year award, but was beaten to that title by Aston Villa's James Milner.

However, he did make the PFA's Premier League team of the year, along with fellow Reds Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia. The team in full is: Hart (Birmingham); Ivanovic (Chelsea), Dunne (Villa), Vermaelen (Arsenal), Evra (United), Valencia (United), Fabregas (Arsenal), Fletcher (United), Milner (Villa); Rooney (United), Drogba (Chelsea).

Boss: We Held Our Nerve

Sir Alex Ferguson praised his side's ability to cope under the pressure brought about by the Premier League's in-form side at Old Trafford as the Reds ran out 3-1 winners over Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Redknapp's men came into the game on the back of two superb victories over Arsenal and Chelsea and were further boosted before kick-off by the news that United were without both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

While they never looked as threatening as they have in their last two matches, Spurs made life difficult for United who had Ryan Giggs and Nani to thank for securing a vital win which sent the Reds back to the top of the table.

"We played well, particularly in the second half, which was important, but the key thing was we kept our nerve," Sir Alex said afterwards.

"There was no sign of any nerves throughout the game which was great to see. It's a good quality to have at this vital time of the season.

"This game was a big hurdle to get over - everyone saw how well Spurs played against Arsenal and Chelsea and we've probably beaten the league's in-form side today. So we're pleased."

The United manager reserved special praise for the Reds' most experienced campaigner, Ryan Giggs, who calmed slotted home two second half spot-kicks.

"I think his experience showed with the penalties," added Sir Alex. "Ryan had the composure to put them away and experience gives you that composure to place the balls the way he did. They were fantastic penalties."

Attentions will turn to Stamford Bridge on Sunday when United fans everywhere are hoping Stoke City can spring a surprise on Chelsea and put the Reds in the title race driving seat.

"It's always been Chelsea's to lose since they beat us here," acknowledged Sir Alex.

"I'm just glad we've got our game out the way - we've picked up the three points and we're sitting top of the league. I can't ask for any more than that."

Red Hail Nani's "Brillance"

With ten minutes left and the scores locked at 1-1, Nani conjured a magical finish to haul United back in front and then won a penalty for Ryan Giggs to seal a 3-1 triumph.

The Portuguese winger's finish - likened to Lionel Messi's in the Champions League against Arsenal - came in a pressure situation, which only added to its audacity.

"I must say the finish was absolutely brilliant," Sir Alex told MUTV. "To have the audacity to try that at the stage of the game tells you about his courage.

"Not many players would have tried that, particularly from such a tight angle. It was fantastic - 10 out of 10 for doing it."

Ryan Giggs scored twice from the penalty spot - the second earned by Nani - and praised his younger team-mate for showing his "talent and temperament".

"With ten minutes to go and to be one-on-one with the goalkeeper, to chip it over him like that shows great confidence. But he’s the talent he has throughout the season. We were all pleased to see it go in, and he deserved it."

That magical finish

Rooney A Doubt For Season Finale

A groin injury could keep Wayne Rooney out for the rest of the season, although Sir Alex Ferguson insists United's medical team will do all they can to get the striker fit for the last two games.

The 24-year-old sat out the Reds' 3-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday after getting injured in training on Thursday. And the outlook does not look too good for the forward.

"It's difficult to say how long he'll be out," the boss told Sky Sports. "It might take two or three weeks.

"We'll try to get him back and Wayne will be desperate to play, of course. But we'll just have to wait and see."

As well as treating Rooney, the club's medical staff will also be monitoring the health of Patrice Evra and Nani who were both physically sick during the match.

"We had a bit of sickness with two or three players today," revealed Sir Alex.

"Patrice didn't feel too well yesterday, but felt okay to play. The heat maybe brought it on or it might have been something they ate or perhaps a bug is going around the place.

"They've got eight days to recover though so hopefully they will be okay."

Giggs Makes Spurs Pay Penalty

Manchester United turned up the heat on Chelsea as they returned to the top of the Premier League by beating Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Nani's wonderfully composed finish was sandwiched in between two penalties from Ryan Giggs as United ran out deserved winners against a disappointing Spurs to establish a two-point lead at the top of the table - at least until Chelsea face Stoke City on Sunday.

And it was a crucial victory achieved without Wayne Rooney, who was forced to watch from an executive box after suffering a groin problem in training on Thursday.

United's win put a halt to Spurs' charge on fourth place after their recent wins against Arsenal and Chelsea at White Hart Lane, and this was a disappointing display from Harry Redknapp's side.

Giggs gave United the lead from the spot just before the hour after Patrice Evra, who suffered from illness during the game, was fouled by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Ledley King looked to have put Spurs in sight of a point when he took advantage of shoddy United defending to head home Gareth Bale's corner with 20 minutes left, but they went under in the face of a trademark late surge from Sir Alex Ferguson's champions who are seeking a fourth title in succession.

Substitute Federico Macheda's pass set up Nani to restore United's lead with nine minutes remaining, and another Giggs penalty in the closing minutes sealed the points.

He showed all his experience and composure to score after Wilson Palacios hauled Nani to the ground.

Spurs could have no complaints about the penalties awarded by referee Andre Marriner, or indeed the final outcome on a day when the blistering attacking form they had showed in the last fortnight deserted them.

Ferguson's business-like celebrations at the final whistle were a tacit acknowledgement that Chelsea can still put themselves back in pole position.

He will be delighted, however, that his side showed the character and ability to beat a Spurs side that arrived at Old Trafford high in confidence and considered to be a huge threat to United's hopes of securing the three points they required - and all without their talisman, in Rooney.

Rooney's absence was a severe blow for a game United simply had to win to keep applying the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table.

The importance of the game was not reflected in a first 45 minutes that was a carefully assembled monument to tedium, with both teams demonstrating a total lack of inspiration and creativity.

United did exert a brief spell of pressure around the half-hour mark, when King blocked brilliantly from Dimitar Berbatov eight yards out and Antonio Valencia shot straight at Heurelho Gomes after he was sent clear by Rafael.

Spurs did not mount a single serious threat on Edwin van der Sar's goal as the half drew to a tame conclusion that betrayed the quality of the players on show.

United defender Evra was struggling and was physically sick in the opening stages of the second half - but recovered sufficiently to almost create the opener for United after 52 minutes.

Berbatov headed his cross into the path of Darren Fletcher, but he was inches away from providing the crucial touch.

Wilson Palacios then gave Van der Sar his first moment of anxiety with a long-range shot, a sign of Spurs' previous failure to exert any sort of threat on United.

Redknapp attempted to inject more purpose by replacing the desperately disappointing Jermain Defoe with Eidur Gudjohnsen, but it was United who made the crucial breakthrough from the spot after 58 minutes.

The much-criticised Berbatov played a crucial role with a run into the area and clever flick into the path of Evra. Assou-Ekotto was committed to the tackle and flattened Evra, leaving Giggs to score in composed fashion at the Stretford End. Remarkably, it was the first penalty of his long Premier League career.

Spurs fans, frustrated by their lack of penetration, had been demanding the introduction of Aaron Lennon, and he duly arrived with 25 minutes left in place of David Bentley.

The impact was instant, although Lennon was not involved as King drew Spurs level with 20 minutes left. Michael Carrick showed a lack of strength in the challenge as King rose to head Bale's corner past Gomes, with Rafael also out of position as he defended on the post.

Ferguson is the master of the positive substitution and produced another one when he replaced defender Rafael with Macheda as time ran out. As so often before, fortune favoured the brave as Nani restored United's lead with nine minutes left.

Macheda's angled pass released Nani in the area, and he waited his moment to perfection before lifting a superb lofted strike over Gomes as he came out.

And the game was effectively over four minutes from time when United were awarded another penalty, this time when Nani was bundled over by Palacios. This time he chose to go to Gomes' left, but the end result was the same and Old Trafford was able to celebrate their side's return to the top of the table.

The old guards, as described by Sir Alex. This time, it is Ryan Giggs turn to inspire The Red Devils to a victory against Spurs following Paul Scholes late headed goal in the Manchester Derby last week.

Sir Alex On Retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson has laughed off claims he has earmarked a retirement date.

Tabloid speculation suggested the Scot would bring down the curtain on his epic reign at the end of 2010/11 but Sir Alex jovially warned Fleet Street's finest he'll be around for years to come, after singling out the original story's author for banter at Friday's press briefing.

"I hope you're retiring, Bill [Thornton, Daily Star]," smiled the boss. "You deserve to. That's a last hurrah if I ever heard one! It's absolute rubbish, I've no intention of retiring. The only thing that determines my staying here is my health. Unfortunately for you lot I'm bloody rudely healthy! So you can live to suffer me. You'll be gone before I'm gone, don't you worry. The way most of you write, I'll be banning most of you anyway!"

Asked if the exhilaration of the title race has sustained him, Sir Alex replied: "I don't think it keeps you healthy, it's not good for you. But it's there. You have to accept pressure in life and I can deal with it."

Stuart Pearce: Smalling Needs To Stay Level-headed

England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has urged Chris Smalling not to let his approaching move to Manchester United change his personality.

The 20 year-old defender moved from Maidstone United to Fulham in 2008, and signed for the Old Trafford club in January 2010.

Pearce told BBC Radio Kent:"The main thing is for Chris to remain the same lad he was at Maidstone United.

"I've worked with him in the under-21s and he's level-headed and intelligent.

"The important thing for him now is to take the opportunity he's been given."

Pearce was in Kent leading a workshop for 70 local coaches, arranged by the county's FA at Dartford's Princes Park Stadium.

It is believed Manchester United paid Fulham £7m for Smalling when they signed him on a four year contract.

"Chris came on to the radar when he signed for Fulham, but now he's gone to Manchester United even more will be expected from him," said Pearce.

"He'll still have his talent, he just needs to fulfil the expectation of him."

Smalling was immediately loaned back to Fulham after the deal was signed with Manchester United.

He has played in the Europa League for the West London Club, and made his Premier League debut against Chelsea in December 2009.

Macheda Going Nowhere

Federico Macheda's agent does not believe there is any chance of Manchester United letting the young striker leave in the summer.

Macheda was expected to go from strength to strength this season after making a stunning impact in a couple of crucial games in 2008/9.

However, his progress has been hampered by injuries and opportunities have been limited.

Bologna were interested in taking the 18-year-old on loan in January but a switch failed to materialise.

Speculation has now resurfaced about a possible move at the end of the season but Macheda's representative Giovanni Bia expects him to stay at Old Trafford.

"On Macheda there was an interest from Bologna in the January window, but Manchester United held him absolutely unsellable," Bia told Radio Tau.

"I think it will be the same also in the next summer market.

"There will be no possibility of moving because the club will hold him tight."

Wayne's In The Box Seat

Prowess in the penalty area could win the PFA double for Wayne Rooney this Sunday, just as it did for football legend Andy Gray more than 30 years ago.

Gray was the first man to win both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards in the same season, after plundering 29 goals for Aston Villa in 1976/77. Now a respected Sky TV pundit, the ex-Scotland striker believes last summer’s exit of Cristiano Ronaldo – the only other player to have done the PFA double – has helped propel Rooney to the top of the scoring charts.

“We all wondered, certainly last season and the season before, why Wayne Rooney was played so often wide on the left or deep lying,” Gray told ManUtd.com.

“There might have been a reason for it. Maybe Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t think he was ready to be given the responsibility to carry the torch – certainly with Ronaldo there, that might have influenced his thought. But with Ronaldo gone, Sir Alex has unleashed Rooney and given him freedom to express himself.

“Three years ago, Wayne would have been scoring the majority of his goals from outside the area. But he’s scored 30-odd this season and I would guess that he hasn’t got any from outside the 18-yard box. That tells you how things have changed for him and I think he’s loved it.”

Gray guessed right - analysis for next month’s Inside United shows every goal Wayne has scored since the March 2009 FA Cup win over Fulham has come from inside the box. But the former Wolves and Everton poacher says positioning is only one reason why Wayne’s now so prolific, the other being his feed from the flanks.

“Antonio Valenica is never going to be Cristiano Ronaldo - I think Antonio knows that and so does Sir Alex. But what he can be is a supply line," said Gray.

“I think he’s a fantastic crosser of the ball, he very rarely disappoints when he’s delivering from wide and I think Wayne’s benefited from that.

“Also, Nani has been much better this season, certainly in the last couple of months. He’s looked more like the player Sir Alex thought he would be.”

While Rooney has linked up well with Valencia and Nani, and Ronaldo before them, Gray says there’s another Red who would have suited Wayne’s game above all others.

“I think the way Wayne’s playing at the moment, Eric Cantona would have been ideal for him,” Gray pondered.

“People always think that Wayne is a support striker but I’ve never believed that. I’ve always believed he’s a striker who plays right up front and gets goals, because that’s what he does best. And I think with the way Eric played, as a support striker playing just off the front, it would have been a match made in heaven for United fans.”

Andy Gray was speaking to ManUtd.com at the Football Extravaganza, a fund-raising dinner for music therapy charity Nordoff-Robbins.

Agent: Berbatov Staying Put

Dimitar Berbatov's agent insists that the Bulgarian star is happy at Manchester United.
Reports are rife that Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to sell the striker, who he paid over £30million for less than two years ago.

Bayern Munich and more recently AC Milan have been linked with bids.

But Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev insists that he has not even talked with Ferguson about his client's future.

"The situation is clear, the future of Dimitar will still be at Manchester, he is happy there," he told Calciomercato.

"A difficult relationship with Ferguson? I cannot and don't want to comment on these speculations from the press.

"I can only say that I have not scheduled any meeting with Ferguson, because there is no need."

He denied the speculation about Milan, adding: "I have read the article on Milan, I can just say that it is a market rumour and it is not real."

Over the weekend Berbatov himself insisted he wanted to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

One More Year For Sir Alex??

Sir Alex Ferguson will quit Manchester United at the end of next season – and Jose Mourinho will succeed him.

Ferguson aims to complete an unprecedented 25 seasons in charge at Old Trafford before calling time on the most successful managerial career in history. By then, the man who took over in November 1986, hopes to have steered United to a record number of title wins and, hopefully, a third Champions League success.

Starsport understands United have already lined up the charismatic Mourinho, currently in charge of Inter Milan.

Ferguson, who will be 69 on December 31, has been involved in discussions about his successor for the past few years.
- Bill Thornton, Daily Star -

Carrick 'Lauds' Gifted Scholes

Michael Carrick has added his own glowing tribute to Paul Scholes after the midfielder's last-gasp derby winner dragged United back into the title race.

Scholes, who signed a new one-year deal on Friday, capped a passing masterclass at Eastlands with the 93rd-minute winner that propelled the Reds to within a point of Chelsea.

The vintage display provided more proof, if it were needed, that Scholes remains an integral part of United’s plans.

Carrick said: “Everyone can see the performances that he produces and the experience and composure that he brings to our game.

“He’s just a normal lad who loves playing his football. He’s so talented, it’s hard to explain just how gifted he is until you see him at close quarters.”

Carrick admits he owes a debt of gratitude to his fellow midfielder and is delighted that the 35-year-old will be at United next season.

“It’s great to know that we’ll have a player of Scholesy’s calibre around for another year,” Carrick added.

“He’s someone who the younger lads can learn from. I’ve learned a lot from him since I’ve been here and I’m sure he’s been great for the other lads.

“He’s just a top-class player, vital for us, and it’s great to have him around for a bit longer.”

Neville: We Needed That

Not for the first time in his successful career, Gary Neville's face said it all when the final whistle blew at Eastlands following the fourth dramatic derby of this exhilarating season.

Just when United's title hopes looked dead and buried, Paul Scholes popped up to instead bury a header and end a difficult run of results for the Reds in the best possible way. The way the players celebrated, with backroom staff and substitutes racing onto the pitch to join in, was perfectly understandable, says Neville.

"We weren’t getting carried away at the end – if you win a derby in that manner, four games from the end of the season, to give yourself a hope of still winning the title, then obviously you’re going to be excited," Gary told MUTV.

"Obviously there are always question marks at this club when you lose matches. Today we’re delighted we’ve won that game in such a manner.

"I think the celebration was about coming out of a difficult two or three weeks. And winning the derby means everything, to us, to the players, the fans. It’s something that we needed. We definitely needed that as a club.”

Like his manager, Gary felt the Reds merited all three points against Manchester City, citing his team's greater number of goalscoring opportunities.

"I thought we deserved to win, from the chances we had in the first half for Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney and a couple of chances in the second half," assessed the skipper.

"They had a couple as well but I do think we deserved to win. Sometimes you have to watch it back on TV to see if that’s true or not because in the game itself it’s difficult to know if that’s a correct statement. But I felt during the game we had the chances to win it."

In the end, one chance was enough - thanks in part to a solid defensive performance.

"Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans were both excellent. And when we keep a clean sheet, we always think we can win a game because we can always score goals."

While Neville and his fellow defenders laid the foundations for victory, it was secured right at the death by Paul Scholes' seventh strike of the campaign. Coming the day after he had signed a new contract to keep him at United for another year, the midfielder's intervention was reward for a majestic display.

"He deserves it," said Neville. "He’s passed them to death from the first minute until the last. Then in injury time he’s gone forward and scored a goal. It was a perfect performance from a really great player."

Sir Alex Salutes Match-winner

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his generals on the pitch at Eastlands after Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and especially Paul Scholes played a big part in a crucial derby win.

"They've been in so many derby games over the years, they are vital to us now," said Sir Alex. "Apart from their own contribution, their experience helps other players as well."

The manager said Scholes was the pick of his performers, and not just for his decisive goal. "I think he was the man of the match to my mind. I thought he was absolutely fantastic. He’s such a skilful player, he was wonderful today," praised Sir Alex.

"I was prepared to put him forward a little bit, knowing that there’s no-one better at ghosting into the penalty box and getting into the good positions. There was no-one near him. It was a free header and he took it very well."

Had Scholes not scored with 15 seconds left, the boss believes it would have become "very, very difficult" for United to win the league.

"Obviously we’re now hoping Tottenham win tonight [at home to Chelsea, 17:30]. If they do, then the title’s back on," he said. "Our win is a big boost to Tottenham because they can go fourth, that’s where their incentive comes. After tonight we’ll know better [how the title race looks].

"I think we deserved to win our game, although I began to wonder if we would win it after missing a few chances. I thought we were heading for a goalless draw.

"[Never giving up] is a quality that’s part of our history, it’s a fantastic thing to have. Knowing how many late goals we've scored, you just have to hope it's going to happen again. It did happen and I think the way we’ve won has given our supporters great excitement. They were fantastic today as they always are.

"Over the years 1-0 wins have been instrumental in a lot of our championship wins. It’s a big result for us."

Scholes Savours Derby Drama

As demonstrated by the wild nature of the celebrations which greeted Paul Scholes' dramatic winner at Eastlands, Manchester derbies are high up on the agenda for United players and fans alike.

Beyond the bigger issue of United's ongoing Premier League title chase, this season the Reds have revelled in three injury-time victories, having punctured City's inflated ambition in injury-time every time.

After joining the travelling support to rejoice in Saturday's dramatic triumph, Scholes revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad take as much joy as the fans from victories which carry an added slug of schadenfreude.

"It's a massive game for fans of both teams and I know how much this will mean to our fans, and I can assure you it means exactly the same to us," Scholes told MUTV.

"It's great, obviously. To win in a Manchester derby is a big thing, whatever way you do it, and that's three times this season where we've managed to score in the last minute to win games and it's a nice feeling.

"We just keep going. Some teams play for a draw - whether City were doing that I don't know - but we're not a team who ever plays for a draw. We want to win all our games and that guarantees that we'll go right to the end."

City will feel aggrieved to take nothing tangible from a string of enthralling derbies this term, but Scholes feels the Reds' latest victory was fair after a patient, solid display.

"I think we deserved it," he said. "We had a couple of great chances in the first half and could've gone in one or two goals up. City had a couple of chances but I thought, in the main, that we defended brilliantly. The back four were fantastic, Edwin was great and we've managed to sneak it in the end.

"We felt comfortable. I think in the last 20 minutes, when you're pushing men forward to try and get the winner, you know there's a chance you might be a bit open. But they were restricted mainly to shots outside the box and with a keeper like Edwin, it's difficult to beat him from there.

"It's a big result for us. Obviously Chelsea are still in a strong position, but we've done all we can here today to keep the pressure on them."

Scholes Keeps United Title Hopes Alive After Late Manchester Derby Winner

Paul Scholes kept Manchester United's Premier League title hopes alive as his dramatic winner seconds from the end sunk Manchester City at Eastlands.

Scholes settled a scrappy affair when he headed Patrice Evra's cross past Shay Given to give United a third decisive injury-time goal against their arch-rivals this season.

The visitors were on the verge of having to settle for a draw that would surely have ended their title challenge until Scholes, who signed a new one-year contract on Friday, sent manager Sir Alex Ferguson dancing along the Eastlands touchline in delight.

It was also a sickening blow for City, who had been hoping to step up their claims for a place in the top four and deliver a show of their renewed strength to United.

Instead, the story had a familiar finale, with City's hopes of reaching next season's Champions League in the balance and United clinging to their dream of a fourth successive title.

Wayne Rooney wasted Ferguson's men's best chance in the first half, while substitute Dimitar Berbatov also came close with a header as the game sparked into life after the break.

At the other end goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved brilliantly from Carlos Tevez in the first half, while Patrick Vieira and Nedum Onouha both failed to apply the final touches in a desperate late goalmouth scramble.

Craig Bellamy was also guilty of wasteful finishing - and how United made City pay for not taking advantage of the few opportunities they created.

It left Scholes to seal a crucial victory, one that revives United for their last few games while at the same time inflicting damage on City.

United were able to recall the fit-again Rooney, but once more had to do without Rio Ferdinand after he was ruled out by a groin injury.

The champions, who actually entered the game as underdogs in some eyes, controlled possession in a frantic first half full of energy but lacking in moments of quality and inspiration.

United had the game's first opportunity when Darren Fletcher flashed a 20-yard shot inches wide with City keeper Given struggling to make up ground across his goal.

City's response brought a fine diving save from Van der Sar, who showed tremendous athleticism to spring high to his right to clutch Tevez's free-kick as it headed into the top corner.

Valencia was troubling defender Wayne Bridge, returning to the City side after a five-match absence following hernia surgery.

The full-back was fortunate that his handball in the area went unnoticed, and twice struggled to deal with the powerful wide man as United created, and wasted, two presentable chances moments before the interval.

Bridge's positioning was poor as Valencia crossed for Rooney, who allowed the ball to run across his body before pulling his effort wide. And more good work from Valencia set up Ryan Giggs, who could only turn a tame finish into the arms of Given.

The home side's fans were enraged after the break after what looked like a blatant piece of gamesmanship from Rooney resulted in a booking for Vincent Kompany. Rooney rolled in agony clutching his ankle after a challenge, only to recover in an instant and sprint off once the yellow card had been produced.

Bellamy should have done better when he was sent clear by Tevez after 54 minutes. He sent a wayward effort wide with both Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor well placed in the middle.

Both managers then made changes, with Ferguson sending on Nani for Darron Gibson and the Scot's counterpart Roberto Mancini replacing the subdued Adam Johnson with Patrick Vieira.

Mancini's men had penalty claims ignored by referee Martin Atkinson as Gareth Barry went down under pressure from right-back Gary Neville, with the greater frustration coming in the midfield man's inability to take his chance before coming under pressure.

As the game entered its crucial final phase, more tactical alterations were made. The tiring Rooney gave way to Berbatov, while Shaun Wright-Phillips was the somewhat surprising replacement for Adebayor.

And Berbatov, so heavily criticised in recent times, almost made the breakthrough with nine minutes left, flicking a header inches wide from Nani's cross.

United then survived a melee in the area after Van der Sar misjudged Bellamy's corner, with both Vieira and Onuoha unable to apply the finishing touch.

In a frantic finish Giggs was just unable to get his head on the end of another inviting Nani cross as the visitors pressed for the victory they needed.

Bridge then saw a shot saved before Scholes made his dramatic intervention with only seconds of stoppage time remaining, timing his arrival perfectly to meet Evra's cross and send it low beyond Given.

United's wild celebrations illustrated the importance of the goal - and keeps the title fires burning at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes is mobbed by his jubilant team-mates at full-time

Boss Eyes Summer Buys

Sir Alex Ferguson has a maximum of two transfer targets for the summer months, although he says he would still prefer to nurture young talent than spend big in an inflated market.

United already have Mexican striker Javier Hernandez and young English defender Chris Smalling due to arrive at Old Trafford in the close-season. But Sir Alex says he has his eye on a couple more additions.

"From our point of view, we have a good structure. We may need to tweak here and there – a player here, maybe a player there," the boss said on Friday.

"We tend to like buying young players and to build them up within the club. We’ve been good at that over the years. We won’t change that, that’s the reason we signed Hernandez from Mexico. We may buy another player this summer, maybe two at the very most, because that’s where we are, our structure is good. We may look at one or two things, but nothing serious."

Sir Alex also doesn't feel the need to compete with the spending power of our neighbours and Saturday lunchtime's opponents, Manchester City, who the United boss said could afford to sign 10 new players if they succeeded in securing the fourth Champions League spot.

"If we were to prioritise a player, I doubt City would be going for that player as well," he said. "They are maybe after a different type of player, but I don’t know what they are up to or what their plans are. Nobody knows, but they have a buying power that is different from most other clubs.

"The important thing is not to confuse ourselves with other clubs who have so much buying power. That’s just a fact. We don’t really need to worry about that. It was the same when Chelsea were buying players, we didn’t bother ourselves with that. What we tried to do is look at ourselves and see how we can develop our team. And we proved to be successful at it."

New Deal For Scholes

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Paul Scholes has signed a new one-year contract, keeping him at the club until at least June 2011.

Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com: "We are delighted Paul is staying on for another year.

"His form this year indicates his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever, and that's every reason to stay on.

"There was talk about him wanting to retire, but when you see his enjoyment in training and playing, you can see how much he wants to carry on."

Scholes said: "I am pleased to have signed for another year. I am feeling good and enjoying my football.

"I would like to thank the boss, the coaching staff and also the fans for their continued support."

Sir Alex: Rooney Going Nowhere

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports that Wayne Rooney could join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

On Friday, The Sun newspaper said Real will bid £90m for the England striker, 24, and offer him £250,000 a week.

"It's the silly season isn't it," said Ferguson. "It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year."

Mistakes Make You Stronger

Patrice Evra admits Rafael will learn from the experience of being sent off in United’s Champions League quarter-final second leg, but says he’s baffled by those who blame the young Brazilian for the Reds’ European exit.

“People are talking as if Rafael has killed someone,” Evra told ManUtd.com. “A player who’s 29 or 32 can make the same mistake.

“Okay, the first yellow card [issued for kicking out at Mark van Bommel], he shouldn’t have done that. But the second one, I think the German players, as well as my France team-mate Franck Ribery, put pressure on the referee.”

While Rafael’s dismissal certainly had an impact on the second leg – United had to play 40 minutes with 10 men – Evra says those looking for scapegoats should remember the Reds’ performance in Munich eight days earlier.

“We should have won that game,” he says. “We didn’t show the same spirit like we did in the second leg."

Mistakes are part and parcel of football, and although Evra has been one of the Reds' most consistent performers this season, he knows as well as anyone how difficult life can be as a Manchester United player. What’s important, he stresses, is how you react to disappointment.

“You need to make mistakes to be a good player – you learn from them, you become stronger mentally. Rafael is a good player and he will be a different-class player now he has had this experience.

“When I came here I was 24 and I had already played for France and reached the final of the Champions League with Monaco. But the first six months at Old Trafford was difficult. I didn’t expect I’d receive such a big slap in the face, but I went on to show why United bought me.

“Against Bayern Munich, I think Rafael played brilliantly. He won’t be sad after this experience – we won’t let him be sad. The morning after I told him to smile, to be happy, because he has the privilege of playing for Manchester United.

“I know the mentality of Rafael. He has a lot of hunger and I’m sure he’ll be one of the best right backs United have ever had.”

Patrice Evra was talking to ManUtd.com, Press Association, BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103.

Rooney Up For PFA Double

Wayne Rooney's remarkable season has been duly recognised by his peers in the Professional Football Association, who've nominated him for two awards.

The United striker is on the shortlist for both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades after plundering 26 league goals so far in a campaign that could yet yield a fourth consecutive league title.

He's joined on the senior list by ex-colleague Carlos Tevez, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Rooney's main rival for the top scorer's Golden Boot prize.

Rooney's Young Player of the Year nomination may surprise some people, given his length of service in the top flight, but he qualifies by virtue of being 23 or under at the start of the 2009/10 season. The other young nominees are Fabregas, Aston Villa midfielder James Milner and Joe Hart, the Man City keeper who's impressed on loan at Birmingham.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor says, "Wayne has been absolutely phenomenal. In his new role this season, he has created even more havoc for opposition defences.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo was at United, he played more of a supporting role, but as the number one striker and goalscorer, Wayne is now one of the best in the world, not just in this country. He has always been prepared to work at all aspects of his game, and this season in particular, the improvement in his heading ability has been there for all to see."

Red Knights Close On Utd Bid

Sky Sports News understands the group considering a bid to take over Manchester United are hopeful the terms of an offer will be finalised this week.

The Red Knights strategy group is meeting on Wednesday to tempt wealthy investors to join them and there remains every expectation that a formal offer will be made at the end of the season.

Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands the Red Knights are more confident that, following the club's recent exit from the UEFA Champions League, the true value of the club has decreased and all major issues facing the club suggest downside risks.

It is believed negotiations with potential investors include the possibility of keeping the ₤500m bond raised by Manchester United supporters.

It is understood the group has not been put off by the Glazer family's insistence that the club are "not for sale" and the group believe a credible bid will be put together.

Phelan: Players Must Deliver Without Rooney

Manchester United's players have been told they have to start delivering goals in the absence of star striker Wayne Rooney.

The 34-goal forward has missed the defending champions' last two Premier League games due to an ankle injury sustained in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich and aggravated in the second.

The England has only been able to watch on from the sidelines as Sir Alex Ferguson's side surrendered the Premier League summit after a 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea before handing the Blues the initiative with a 0-0 draw at Blackburn.

Carlo Ancelotti's side now have a one-point lead with a game in hand, which comes on Tuesday when they host Bolton, and they could be four points clear by the time United tackle City in the Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime.

Rooney will hope to be back in action for the crucial Eastlands showdown, but assistant manager Mike Phelan has called on his team-mates to prove their worth in his absence.

"We can't rely on that situation (Rooney)," Phelan said.

"Wayne Rooney is having an exceptional season. We can't get away from that.

"But this is Manchester United. We have a lot of other quality players in the squad.

"At times you are going to miss people. When that happens, others have to come to the front and show the calibre that brought them to the club in the first place."

Despite Chelsea now being odds on favourites to prevent United claiming a fourth successive top-flight crown, Phelan is refusing to throw in the towel.

"It has not been the greatest couple of weeks," Ferguson's right-hand man added.

"The last three games have not gone the way that we wanted but you have to take these things on board and you have to carry on.

"The title is not in our hands now, which is disappointing because you always want control of situations. We have not got that.

"But it is not over yet. There are a lot of big games to be played. It is a funny season and hopefully we will still be in it at the end."

Boss Rues Poor Decisions

Sir Alex admitted United’s chances of winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title “slipped away” on Sunday as the Reds were held to a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park on Sunday.

The result leaves the Reds a point behind Chelsea, who will have the chance to extend their lead further on Tuesday when they host Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. United, who now have just four games to play, struggled to create clear-cut chances, despite dominating possession.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult to win this league now,” Sir Alex said. “We’ll have a lifeline if Chelsea blow it, but in their eyes they have an easy game against Bolton on Tuesday. They’ll expect to win that and that would put them four points clear.

“Our play today in the last third wasn’t good enough [and the result] isn’t what we expected given the amount of possession we had. We had the chances in the game – I don’t think Blackburn made any chances – but dominating possession isn’t enough. You need to take your chances. We had enough opportunities to create chances in the last third. We should have done better.”

The Reds’ cause wasn’t helped by injuries to Ryan Giggs, John O’Shea and Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand’s groin tweak arrived 10 minutes from time, after United had already made three substitutions.

“We were a little unlucky with Rio’s injury – that effectively reduced us to 10 men at the end,” the boss said. “John O’Shea also got an injury and Ryan Giggs felt his hamstring in the first half. Things conspired against us a little bit in that respect but we still had enough possession to win the game.”

United Title Challenge Slipping Away After Dour Stalemate At Ewood Park

Manchester United missed the chance to move top of the Premier League after a frustrating afternoon saw them held to a goalless draw at Blackburn.

Paul Robinson made an excellent save after Antonio Valencia had been played clean through and later held a shot from an unmarked Dimitar Berbatov.

Rovers created little but Gary Neville blocked from Steven Nzonzi late on.

United would have moved a point clear of Chelsea with victory but are one point behind having played a game more.

It was a must-win game for United, who were looking for a positive response to the twin disappointment of Premier League defeat to Chelsea and the Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.

But without the injured Wayne Rooney, the visiting team lacked a cutting edge and with four games of their league season left United must now be viewed as unlikely to end the campaign with their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had stressed before the match the importance of victory and his increasingly frustrated demeanour as he prowled his technical area underlined the importance of his team finding a winning goal.

But it was never going to be an easy task against a Rovers team who have been defeated only twice at home this season and, at least until United notably increased the tempo in the closing stages, Sam Allardyce's side looked relatively comfortable.

If it was a largely forgettable afternoon for United, in their first goalless draw of the season, then there was little for the neutral to savour either.

The opening half was without a clear opening until Berbatov's delightful disguised pass played Valencia clean through on goal shortly before the break.

The ball had been gifted to Berbatov by a dreadful clearance from Robinson but the keeper quickly atoned by saving Valencia's crisp strike with his legs.

Valencia also had United's only other decent chance of the opening half after Federico Macheda, making his first start of the Premier League season, slipped the ball into his path but Robinson saved the 18-yard strike.

The largely ineffectual Nani shot wide with a curling effort, while the surly Berbatov, who played in a deep position and spent far too much times waving his arms in frustration and remonstrating with his team-mates, appeared to go down under pressure from Rovers substitute Ryan Nelsen but his penalty appeals were turned down.

Rovers started with Nikola Kalinic as the lone striker and the Croat, competing against the considerable presence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, struggled to hold the ball up.

The only first half chance of note for the home team fell to Chris Samba, but the big defender, who later went off injured, could not generate sufficient power on his eighth minute header to trouble Edwin van der Sar.

Ferdinand, who later limped through the final minutes with what appeared to be a groin injury, horrifically dislocated a finger after 48 minutes but the defender was soon able to continue after receiving treatment.

Rovers brought on David Dunn for Brett Emerton at the break and played slightly higher up the pitch in an attempt to support Kalinic.

But, largely, the second half continued much like the first, with United enjoying the lion's share of possession but encountering a resolute Rovers defence.

Ferguson, cutting an increasingly desperate figure as he prowled his technical area, brought on Darron Gibson for Ryan Giggs and, later, Ji-Sung Park for the anonymous Macheda.

Gibson scored a stunning long-range strike against Bayern Munich but shot wide after Phil Jones's block from Berbatov's shot dropped invitingly.

Berbatov had the opportunity to underline his worth to United after the ball dropped to the unmarked striker 14 yards from goal but his strike lacked power and Robinson saved.

Rovers might have snatched an unlikely victory late on but Neville bravely threw his body in the way to block Nzonzi's strike.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce:
"It was a great, resilient performance and to get a point is always beneficial for our team.

"I know we have been lacking in front of goal for much of this season but we have been very good defensively and it was a another good performance defensively from us.

"United only had the one real chance before half time and we played well to limit them to that."

It was a frustrating afternoon for Berbatov and his United team-mates

Fergie Backs Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he still has confidence in Dimitar Berbatov despite leaving the striker on the bench for most of the game against Bayern Munich.

United, who were down to 10 men after 50 minutes of the Champions league tie, started with Wayne Rooney, who was just back from an ankle injury, in attack.

Ferguson only brought Berbatov on with 10 minutes left but insisted "I still trust him, he's a good player".

"When we got the man sent off there was no need to put a striker on," he added.

"All we were trying to do was go over the line in terms of defending."

United, who eventually lost the tie on away goals after Bayern fought back to make it 4-4 on aggregate, saw Rafael sent off five minutes into the second half on Wednesday night.

Berbatov has begun 20 Premier League games, scoring 12 goals, but has been a substitute for each of United's games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Bulgarian, a £30m signing from Tottenham in September 2008, started the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea last weekend, but it was his first start against either of the other top-three sides.

"There is absolutely no reason why we should doubt that he is a good player," said Ferguson.

"Dimitar has done well in a lot of games recently but we prefer to play with one striker."

Newspaper reports have suggested that a possible deal to supplement United's attack with Valencia striker David Villa failed as United refused to meet the Spanish side's £35m valuation.

But Ferguson refused to confirm any discussions had taken place over the 28-year-old.
"There is conjecture about every good player," he said.

"I am sure by the end of the season there will be half a dozen more. I cannot confirm that speculation but most of it is not right."

Boss: We Had To Move Fast

News of Mexican striker Chicharito's imminent arrival at Old Trafford surprised everybody when the Reds announced the pre-contract agreement on Thursday.

The forward, who currently plays his club football for Chivas, is expected to officially become a Manchester United player on 1 July. But Sir Alex told press on Friday morning that it was important to lay the foundations for the deal now... before this summer's World Cup kicks off in South Africa.

"We first received some background knowledge of the boy last October," the manager said. "One of our scouts went to Mexico in December and watched a few games – the reports that came back were very good. At that time we thought we'd just wait because he was only young.

"But then he came into the national team and that created a potential problem: if he went to the World Cup and did well at the tournament then we could be in danger of losing him.

"So I sent our chief scout, Jim Lawlor, over to Mexico for three weeks to watch him and get some more background on the boy. While Jim was there, Chicharito played twice for the national team and also for Chivas: he scored in every game.

"Jim filed a fantastic report on the boy, so last week we sent our club solicitor over there with Jim to do the deal. We're delighted to sign him."

Although bursting with potential, Chicharito is hardly a global household name. But Sir Alex isn't bothered by the 21-year-old's lack of superstar status.

"We like doing these kind of deals," the boss said. "We identify young talent and we’ve been good at that over the years. These are the kind of signings we prefer to make."

Hernamdez Delighted By United Move

United agreed a deal to sign 21-year-old Mexican striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez on Thursday, and MUTV got the first exclusive interview…

How does it feel to have signed for United?
It’s a dream and I feel so happy. I’ve really enjoyed my week in Manchester – the stadium, the atmosphere at the club and the history are incredible and I want to do great things here.

You were at the game against Bayern – what did you make of the experience?
I felt a lot of things and, as I said, I’m living a dream. The atmosphere was incredible with all the fans singing. It was fantastic to see.

You’ve met Sir Alex – what are your impressions of the manager?
He is a great person and probably the best coach of all time. All my impressions of the team, the club and the city are incredible.

Your family must be very excited at the prospect of you playing for the Reds…
Yes, they are. My family are my biggest supporters and have been there with me through the good and the bad times, so they’re very pleased.

United are playing in Mexico this summer – what reception can the team expect?
The best. In our country Manchester United are the top team and the reception they will get will be fabulous.

Get To Know.... Javier Hernandez

An introduction to United's 21-year-old strike acquisition Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez...

Where's he from?
Hernandez currently plies his trade with Chivas de Guadalajara in Mexico's Primera Division. Chivas are the most successful team in Mexican history with 11 titles. Having been at the club since the age of nine, Javier scored within five minutes of making his first-team debut, in a 4-0 win over Necaxa in 2006, and helped his side win the title that season.

What's his record?
Pretty impressive. He's scored 21 goals in 28 appearances for Chivas this term and has netted four times in as many games for Mexico. At 5ft 9in, he's not the biggest striker in the world, but he's quick and certainly knows his way to goal.

Where does his nickname come from?
Javier is commonly known in his homeland as 'Chicharito', meaning 'little pea', in reference to his green eyes. He received the moniker as he's the son of Chivas legend Javier 'Chicharo' Hernandez, himself a top Mexican striker who played in the 1986 World Cup.

When can we see him in action for the Reds?
Not until he has received a work permit. If that is granted, Javier will join United officially on 1 July and could make his debut in a pre-season friendly against Chivas in Guadalajara.

Additional reporting by James White.

Reds Agree Hernandez Deal

Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Mexican club, Chivas de Guadalajara for the purchase of 21 year-old Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, better known as “Chicharito,” for an undisclosed fee, subject to a successful application for a UK work permit.

Personal terms have been agreed and Javier passed a medical in Manchester this week.

The application for the work permit will be submitted shortly. If a permit is granted, Javier will become a Manchester United player on 1 July 2010. As part of the deal, the Club will play a match to open the new 45,000 capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara as part of its 2010/11 season preparations.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer.

“We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."

Sir Alex Escapes Uefa Punishment

Uefa has confirmed that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not face any disciplinary action after his 'typical Germans' comment aimed at Bayern Munich.

The Scot was left frustrated after defender Rafael was sent off in the second leg of his side's UEFA Champions League quarter-final defeat on away goals on Wednesday night.

Ferguson accused Louis van Gaal's Bayern side of putting referee Nicola Rizzoli under pressure to show Rafael the red card for two bookable offences.

United's manager said after the game: "The young boy showed a bit of inexperience but they got him sent off, everyone sprinted towards the referee, typical Germans."

Uefa, though, has said that the matter will not be the subject of an additional investigation and Ferguson faces no punishment.

Nani: We Are Disappointed

Despite turning in one of his finest performances in a United shirt, Nani cut a despondent figure after the Reds' heartrending Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.

Arjen Robben's cracking late strike put the Bundesliga leaders through to the semi-finals on away goals, and Nani conceded that the post-match mood in United's dressing room was one of dejection.

"We're feeling bad because we did so well in the first half - we scored three goals and I think it was one of our best performances - so we are disappointed," he told MUTV.

"They were a bit lucky, because having one player sent off was the problem for us, it made the team a bit down. That was the difference."

With five games remaining in which to overhaul Chelsea's two-point lead at the head of the Premier League, Nani concedes he and his colleagues are now focused solely on domestic matters.

"Of course, we have to give everything we have now to try to win the league," he said, "and that's where we go now."

Edwin Rues Exit

Edwin van der Sar felt United were decidedly unfortunate to exit the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman admitted the Reds' last-gasp first-leg defeat in the Allianz Arena ultimately cost United the tie, as a sterling show at Old Trafford ultimately yielded no reward.

"I think we deserved to go through," he told MUTV. "They got a lucky goal in the last minute last week, today we had 10 men and even then they didn't create many chances - it had to be a wonder goal to kick us out."

United's cause was severely hampered by the 50th-minute dismissal of Rafael, and van der Sar felt the Brazilian's fate was sealed by Bayern's hounding of referee Nicola Rizzoli.

"Everybody knows who has the cards and they're very good at that," he said. "Obviously the referee wasn't going to do it, I think they put some pressure on him and he got the card out.

"If it's 11 v 11 they have to come back to score the second one, and on the counter or even with the way we pressed them we would probably have got more chances."

Gibson's Rallying Cry

Darron Gibson insists the Reds won't let their Champions League exit derail their title charge.

Despite cantering into a 3-0 lead against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford - kicked off brilliantly by Gibson's 4th minute strike - Arjen Robben's stunning volley sent United out of the competition on away goals.

The Reds put in a hugely spirited display, but just didn't have enough to overcome a Bayern side who had the luxury of an extra man for most the second period following Rafael's dismissal.

The disappointment was etched on Gibson's face as he spoke to MUTV after the game, but he was quick to declare the Reds' intentions to keep fighting for the title.

"It's the only thing we can do," he insisted. "We either lie down and let the whole season go or we stand back up and fight for the championship.

"We've got the experience in the dressing room to do it - a lot of the players have been in this position before.

"You can't describe the feeling [of going out to Bayern]," he added. "We played so well and not to go through is very disappointing. But we've just got to pick ourselves up for the weekend because we're still in the race for the title."

Sir Alex: Red Card Cost Us

Sir Alex Ferguson blamed two big moments either side of the break as United's bid to reach a fourth consecutive Champions League semi-final cruelly faltered.

The Reds were 3-0 up and cruising at Old Trafford until Ivica Olic, scorer of Bayern Munich's injury-time winner in the first leg, pulled a goal back for the visitors just before half-time. That blow was then compounded by a red card for Rafael early in the second half, bringing an abrupt end to the Brazilian's bright performance against Franck Ribery and handing Bayern a one-man advantage.

"Bayern would never have got through [had it not been for the red card]," Sir Alex said.

"With 11 men, we would have had no problem. Rafael's a young boy, a bit inexperienced, but they got him sent off. The Bayern players went towards the referee. They’re like that."

Bayern also risked the wrath of Sir Alex by giving Wayne Rooney a stern test of his ankle injury, following the striker's surprise inclusion in United's starting line-up.

"We expected that and the referee’s got to handle that," added the boss. "But that wasn’t the key issue. I think the key issue was losing the goal just before half-time and then the young boy being sent off."

Apart from the pivotal five minutes which straddled half-time, Sir Alex felt United played well enough on the night to go through. He considers his team to be very unfortunate to have been knocked out on the away goals rule (4-4) after winning 3-2 at Old Trafford.

"I don't think the best team has won the tie, I think we played better tonight than they did.

"I don’t think anything’s been missing in our campaign, and I don’t think we were fatigued tonight. With them having the extra man, they made the ball work. We defended very well and it’s taken an exceptional goal to finish the tie. It was a tremendous hit by [Arjen] Robben.

"I think we’ve done well. Our performance tonight was excellent, it was a great performance. We were very unlucky tonight, very, very unlucky."

Red Devils Exit Champions League After Agonising Away-goald Defeat

Arjen Robben's spectacular late strike wrecked Manchester United's hopes of reaching a third successive Champions League final as he sent Bayern Munich through on away goals at Old Trafford.

The former Chelsea star rifled in a magnificent volley from Franck Ribery's corner with 16 minutes left to stun United after they looked to be cruising into the semi-finals as they went 3-0 up before the interval to establish a two-goal aggregate lead.

Robben capped a dismal week for United that has seen them lose the Premier League leadership and crash out of the Champions League - also ending English interest in the tournament after Arsenal's exit against Barcelona.

Wayne Rooney was in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up as he completed a remarkable recovery from the ankle ligament injury he sustained in Bayern's 2-1 win against United in the Allianz Arena eight days ago.

And he was quickly a thorn in Bayern's side, setting up Darron Gibson's opener after just three minutes. United looked on course for the last four when Nani turned in Antonio Valencia's cross four minutes later to put them ahead in the tie.

Bayern were being run ragged and Nani capped United's complete supremacy when he scored his second and their third as half-time approached - but the whole mood and shape of the tie was turned when Ivica Olic took advantage of poor defending to bundle home a crucial goal before the interval.

Louis van Gaal's side suddenly discovered hope, and a measure of composure, their cause being helped when Rafael was sent off after 50 minutes following his second yellow card for a foul on Ribery.

Ferguson responded by replacing Rooney, who had been limping heavily earlier, with John O'Shea, but the momentum had swung dramatically to Bayern and Robben's wonder goal capped a period of pressure.

United had no Rooney to call on for the finale and they did not have the inspiration to mount a trademark late surge as the Premier League's last representative went out of a tournament in which they have exerted so much influence in recent seasons.

Ferguson must now gather his team for a final assault on a fourth successive title, but there is no doubt they have taken three heavy blows as they attempt to add more silverware to the Carling Cup won against Aston Villa.

And he will also hope Rooney has not sustained further damage to his ankle in this lost cause.

Rooney's presence was greeted with a thunderous roar at Old Trafford - and he was swiftly involved as United made the dream start by taking the lead after only three minutes. He found Gibson, whose right-foot shot from the edge of the box appeared to deceive Hans-Jorg Butt as it flew in.

Bayern were reeling under the weight of United's barrage and they doubled their lead four minutes later when Valencia tormented Holger Badstuber and crossed for Nani to flick his finish beyond Butt and into the far corner.

If Bayern had any plans to contain United, they were in tatters and their shredded nerves were in evidence again when a wild clearance from Butt almost let in Carrick, but his shot flew wide.

Rooney had shown little ill-effects from his injury in the early stages, but a gasp of anxiety swept around the stadium when he emerged from a tackle limping heavily. It was several minutes before he was able to run freely once more, signalling to the relieved United bench that he was able to continue.

Rafael had snuffed out the threat of Ribery in the first half, and was also able to join in United's attacking efforts. He was guilty, however, of wasting a perfect opportunity to increase United's advantage after 34 minutes when he raced clear into the box, only to fire across the face of goal with Rooney unmarked and perfectly placed, waiting in vain for the pass that never came.

Bayern finally posed a threat when Van der Sar was forced to plunge bravely at the feet of Olic in United's first serious moment of danger.

United's response was instant and emphatic as Nani added their third four minutes before the interval. Valencia, who had given Badstuber a torrid time, was the creator again with a cross that went behind Rooney but fell into the path of Nani, who confidently swept his finish high past Butt.

As United contemplated taking a three-goal lead into the interval, Bayern struck as poor defending from Michael Carrick allowed Olic to scramble a finish past Edwin Van der Sar.

Bayern were suddenly buoyant, knowing one more goal would give them control of the tie once again, and Robben's low shot brought a fine save from Van der Sar.

And their hopes were raised further when United were reduced to 10 men after 50 minutes as Rafael received a second yellow card for hauling back Ribery. United boss Ferguson acted quickly to fill the defensive gap as he sent on O'Shea for the tiring Rooney, who may have still been struggling with his ankle knock after the earlier incident.

Bayern clearly sensed there was something in this tie for them and the previously subdued Ribery fired in an instant volley which Van der Sar punched to safety.

United were refusing to sit back, however, and Patrice Evra's astute pass sent Nani into acres of space, but his powerful shot was blocked by Butt.

Bayern knew they needed a goal and continued to press, with substitute Mario Gomez arriving on the end of Philipp Lahm's delivery to send a header glancing off the bar with Van der Sar beaten.

And the strike they craved came with 16 minutes left, courtesy of a magnificent strike from Robben. United fatally left him unmarked at the far corner of the area, but he provided a classic low left foot volley that gave Van der Sar no chance.

Ferguson threw on Dimitar Berbatov for the closing stages but Bayern closed out the game in composed manner as Old Trafford suffered bitter disappointment in near silence.

Ivica Olic celebrates after scoring Bayern Munich's first goal