Carling Cup: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur 01/03/2009: FIRST TROPHY FOR UNITED!

CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS!

It was a long and tiring match this one. 90 minutes of normal time wasn't enough too see the Carling Cup winner, so was the extra 30 minutes in extra time.

Manchester United had so many decent chances however no one managed to take that extra step in scoring. Ronaldo had the biggest chance in normal time but his left foot ended up hitting Gomez's right post.

So it went down to the goalkeepers to stop the shooters and Ben Foster took his first penalty shoot out by making a fantastic save giving United that early leading edge during the shoot out. David Bentley took Spurs' third penalty and manages to misses the rectangular goal post. It was all left to Anderson, after perfect goals by Giggs, Tevez and Ronaldo, and Ando did us proud by slotting in an easy low right shot.

Final Score:
Manchester United (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (0)
Manchester United win 4-1 on penalty shoot out

UCL: Inter Milan vs Manchester United - 25th Feb 2009: UNITED COULD NOT FIND THE GOAL AT ITALY

It was a very fast paced football played at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Possession was pretty much balanced put but it was United who had the best chances of the game during the first 20 minutes of the encounter.

Ronaldo's header following a corner kick almost gave the champions the lead but Julio Cesar was up to the task at that time. So did Giggs' chance on the 26th minute after beating the last man of Inter's defence but his shot just went straight towards Cesar. Cristiano Ronaldo's second free kick attempt also almost gave United the away goal that they desperately needed but the super drive of Roanldo's right foot was saved brilliantly by Cesar yet again.

It was all United from 20 minutes onwards winning every free kick, making every passes count, but they just could not muster that one goal needed.

The second half started very differently from how the first half ended for United. The Red Devils just wasn't that much with pace, probably due to the extremely fast tempo during the first half. Other than that, there's pretty much nothing to report. Rooney came in on the 80th minute, but other than getting an unfair yellow card, that was all he could do for United.

Final Score:
Inter Milan (0) vs Manchester United (0)

EPL: 21st February 2009 - Manchester United vs Blackburn Rovers: UNITED WITH ANOTHER WIN!

United started the match against Blackburn strongly. As expected, Wayne Rooney made the starting lineup and Fergie's choice proved to be incisively spot on when Rooney scored his 4th goal in 4 games in between his injury. A lovely pass from Nani from the right flank was the key factor for Rooney's goal on the 23rd minute.

After 22 hours of not conceding a single goal, United had to accept the fact that an opposition goal was coming sooner or later. In this case, it was in this game (32nd minute) when Santa Cruz scored a beautiful right footer towards a pretty much open goal mouth after Kuszczak and Rio Ferdinand could not stop the big Striker from producing Blackburn's leveller.

The English champions could have gone 2-1 up on the 44th minute after a corner from Nani arrives on Evans' head and it went into Blackburn's goal mouth however, the referee disallowed that goal blowing the whistle for a foul against the United young defender instead. Replay suggested the goal was legitimate. Oh well.

A fierce free kick goal from Cristiano Ronaldo gave United a massive boost 60 minutes in. A foul by Andrews on Evra right on the left side of the penalty box gave the Portuguese the opportunity to take United 1 goal ahead and that he did. Ronaldo exhibited the skill which made him adored by United fans all over the world.

Manchester United really have the superiority in possession and shots on goal on each and every games they played this season. With a superb team like this and a perfect team understanding, it wouldn't be surprising if Man Utd wins 4 trophies this season.

Final Score
Manchester United (2) v Blackburn Rovers (1)

Goals Video Highlights for United

Rooney 23"


Ronaldo 60"

LATEST NEWS - AS OF 21st FEB 2009

1. Wayne Rooney will start the game against Blackburn tonight - Fergie.
2. Gary Neville has signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2010.
3. Anderson is back on the training ground. He may be available to play in the Carling Cup final.

EPL: 18th Feb 2009 - Manchester United vs Fulham: UNITED WIN BIG AGAIN

United was on a quest to be way clear ahead of the pack with this one against Fulham. As well, with Van der Sar's clean sheet quest to be Europe's longest clean sheet holder record was on course.

Having left out Berbatov and Tevez few days back against Derby in the FA Cup, both the strikers starts up front and Ronaldo is back where he belongs. The English champs started the first 10 minutes with pace but nothing serious really came out of it.

Not until the 11th minute that is, when a typical United corner kick reaches Scholes' right foot outside the centre of the penalty box and squashes his drive towards Schwarzer goal. The Fulham goalie manages to get a hand to the shot but somehow the ball rolls in the line amazingly. 1-nil to United thanks to a Carrick corner kick plus some classic Scholes right footer. Manchester United dominated the whole pitch from then onwards and managed to get their second through Dimitar Berbatov's easy tap in. The build up for that goal was beautifully crafted as the passing technique of United could really be seen prior to the goal.

The first half ended with strings of chances for United, including a second disallowed goal for offside.

The second half started rather slowly for United during the first 10 minutes, giving away cheap possession, though nothing serious was done. Wayne Rooney was introduced on the 60th minute mark as he made his comeback from a rather long injury haul. Berbatov gave way. Not long following his entrance, Rooney scored a goal and made United even more comfortable. Credit goes to Park for his shot-cum-pass.

Another win for United, which seals their superiority on the top of the league table and another clean sheet for Van der Sar.

Final Score: Manchester United (3) v Fulham (0)

Video Highlights

Scholes 11"


Berbatov 30"


Rooney 63"

UNITED WILL FACE EITHER SWANSEA OR FULHAM FOR THE FA CUP QUARTERFINAL

Manchester United has been drawn against either Swansea or Fulham on the weekend of 7th March 2009. The only bad news about this is that Manchester United will be away against any of these two teams.

UNITED THROUGH TO FA CUP QUARTER FINALS WITH EASY WIN - FA CUP 15th February 2009: Derby County vs Manchester United

The third meeting between Derby County and Manchester United in the last 6 weeks took place at their 5th round FA Cup encounter. Evans, Ferdinand and Evra was expected to start after having injuries and start they did. The weird thing for United this time around was that I could not tell who was playing up front. Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez were not on the starting lineup so it was pretty much a guess between Ronaldo, Park and Giggs.

Fletcher had a decent chance twelve minutes in when a slick passing play between Fletch, Ronaldo and Giggs ended back on Fletch's right foot. But his drive went straight towards Bywater. United's finest effort came on the 29th minute, when Nani striked a right footed unstoppable shot. 1-nil for the red devils. It was not the end for United then, when Ronaldo's free kick ricochets off the wall and gave Gibson the opportunity to score, which he did sublimely with a low right foot drive.

3 minutes inside the second half, it could not get any better than a Ronaldo goal. A typical Ronaldo goal who connected a corner kick with his big head of his. 3- nil up and United were cruising to the 6th round with more than 40 minutes to go. Derby Counnty did get one goal back on the 56th minute with an Addison header. The action packed game did not end there and Welbeck's introduction to the game provided him with the opportunity to score United's fourth goal.

A comfortable win and United gets through to the last 8 without any problems whatsoever.

Final Score
Derby County (1) vs Manchester United (4)

Nani's Goal - 29th Minute




Gibson's Goal - 44th Minute




Ronaldo's Goal - 48th Minute




Welbeck's Goal - 81st Minute

Ferdinand, Evra and Evans Available For Derby County

Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans are all set to be available for United's FA Cup match against Derby County.

Wayne Rooney on the other hand would not be ready as he is still nursing a hamstring strain.

RYAN GIGGS SIGNS ON ONE MORE SEASON AT UNITED

Ryan Giggs has put pen on paper and will be available for United until the end of the 2009/2010 campaign.

Giggs said, "This is an exciting young team and the spirit is great in the dressing room. I want to be a part of that and achieve even more success."

Sir Alex Ferguson also paid tribute to the living United legend, stating, "Ryan is a true professional of the game,".

"His lifestyle, the way he looks after himself, his desire to always want to win is a credit to him and also an inspiration to any young kid who wants to become a footballer.

"He is like a young boy in the way that he plays and, although he wants to play every game, he understands that by using his experience when it matters is a benefit to him and the team.

"It would be easy for him to be complacent after all he has achieved but he isn't and that speaks volumes of why the club wanted to extend his services and use that experience."

Park Leveller Helps Sout Korea Stay Top Of Group

80 minutes in, South Korea was still trailing Iran's 1 goal lead. With nine minutes to go, Park Ji Sung snatched a late equaliser, giving the Koreans a huge point at Azadi Stadium, Iran. The United midfielder helped S.Korea maintain its top position for the AFC World Cup Qualifying round.

West Ham v Manchester United 8th Feb 2009 - Another Clean Sheet, Another 1 - Nil Win

Twelve Premier League clean sheets in a row for Manchester United and they go back to the top of the table after a workmanlike performance, enlightened by a Ryan Giggs special.

The Welshmen slotted in United's again 1- Nil win away from home. Giggs put United ahead on the 62nd minute after a subsequent play following a corner. Scholes found Giggs on the left flank alone, unmarked and Giggs passed 2 West Ham players to release a low right foot drive pass Robert Green.

United were still without Rooney and Evra and were rather unconvincing against the hammers this time around. West Ham looked to be the more composed side and they did manage to get 14 attempts towards Van der Sar's goal mouth. Despite United's ineffectiveness in possession, Sir Alex only did one substitution, Tevez for Park.

Nonetheless, Manchester United picked up the win and goes back on top after Liverpool overtook United 24 hours ago.

West Ham (0) v Manchester United (1)

Ryan Giggs Goal Video

Carrick & Rio named in Capello's England squad for Spain Friendly

Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand are in Fabio Capello's England Squad List for the international friendly against Spain on February 11.

Spain, unbeaten in 28 matches over the last two years, have usurped Brazil at the top of the FIFA World Rankings and will prove to be a stern test for Capello's impressive progress with the national side since taking over 13 months ago.

Tevez Driving in UK without a Valid License

And his Bentley Continental GT Speed is impounded. He was initially stopped for having a rather illegal dark tint on his car's windows.

Funny boy...

6 February 1958 - Darkest Day for the Red Devils

On 6 February 1958, a charter plane carrying 44 people crashed after refuelling at Munich Airport.

The accident claimed 23 lives, among them eight Manchester United players and three club officials.

***Extracts from manutd.com:

February 6th will forever be circled on the calendars of everyone connected with Manchester United.

On that day in 1958, the darkest day in United's history, 23 people - including eight players and three members of the club's staff - suffered fatal injuries in the Munich air crash.

Flying back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade, the team plane stopped in Germany to refuel. The first two attempts to take off from Munich airport were aborted; following a third attempt, the plane crashed.

Twenty-two of the people on board died instantly, while Duncan Edwards - one of the eight victims from the team - died 15 days later as a result of the injuries he sustained.

The tragedy is an indelible part of United's history, as is Sir Matt Busby overcoming his injuries to build another great team which won the European Cup 10 years later.

Roger Byrne (28), Eddie Colman (21), Mark Jones (24), David Pegg (22), Tommy Taylor (26), Geoff Bent (25), Liam Whelan (22) and Duncan Edwards (21) all died, along with club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley.

Eight journalists died - Alf Clarke, Tom Jackson, Don Davies, George Fellows, Archie Ledbrook, Eric Thompson, Henry Rose, and Frank Swift who was a former Manchester City player. Plane captain Ken Rayment perished, as did Sir Matt's friend Willie Sanitof. Travel agent Bela Miklos and passenger Tom Cable also died.

We will never forget.

Manchester United vs Everton 31st January 2009: UNITED CRUISES PAST EVERTON

Despite reporting Vidic as possibly injured for today's Everton clash, Alex Ferguson has included the Serbian in United's starting eleven.

United began the match confidently, grabbing the first chance on the 3rd minute after Carrick was tackled lightly from behind by Fellaini. This was Ronaldo's chance to take United 1 up but he hit the Everton wall instead. Tim Howard had an early scare when Park's cross-turned-shot was creeping into the United Ex-Keeper's right post. If Howard didn't push the ball away, it might have been United's first goal of the game that time.

11th minute - Tevez almost sneaked one in after some messy defending by Everton. Once again, Howard had to save the shot.

25th minute - The best chance of the first half fell to Ronaldo, with a sweet soft shot to the right post, which eventually hits the right post, hence a miss shot, but a great chance regardless.

A minute later, Ronaldo again gave Howard a rough time, shooting from outside the box only to have it saved by Everton's goalie. It was pretty much Man Utd with the ball possession and Everton with the super hard defensive tactics. But all the possession by United finally paid off. Carrick was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box and Ronaldo took the task of putting United ahead with a shot right to the middle, which left Howard with no chance at all. All these with 2 minutes left till the end of the first half.

Carrick almost made it 2 - nil with a superb low drive but Howard was available to keep Everton in the game. 9 shots by United against 1 by Everton sums up how the game carried out during the first half.

United almost had a penalty given again 3 minutes into the second half, when Carrick again was brought down. It looked way worse than the one during the first half, but referee Halsey waved play on. United kept pushing and Tevez had a great chance to add United's lead, but he sky rocketed his shot towards the stands. After 56 minutes, Neville made way to Brown, probably as a precaution by the Gaffer.

Ronaldo was given another chance to score from a free kick just outside the box, however, Tevez was the one with the shot which hits the wall and eventually bounces up highly. Giggs comes in for Fletcher on the 74th minute, most probably to freshen up the center of midfield. And freshen up it did, and it was enough to see United collect another win. Also, its now 12 consecutive clean sheets for the English champs.

With Arsenal and Aston Villa both drew their game, United go further top. If the Liverpool and Chelsea clash results in a draw, United will be somewaht beyond catching up for the rest.

Final Score:
Manchester United 1 : Everton 0

Ronaldo's Penalty Goal Video:

Vidic Gets 1 UEFA Match Ban

Nemanja Vidic has received a one match ban following his Club World Cup final dismissal. FIFA has carried the ban which effectively makes Vidic unavailable to play against Inter Milan in United's clash at San Siro on 24th February. Vidic has also been fined 5,000 Swiss francs for his actions.

Sir Alex said that Evans should be able to be back in time following his ankle injury. With Rio's comeback from his back problems, United's defense should be able to withstand Inter's strike force.

Evra, Nani and Rooney unavailable for Everton clash

Patrice Evra, Nani and Wayne Rooney are all not ready to return against Everton, according to Sir Alex.

However, they are expected to be available for the trip to West Ham United next Sunday, 8 February.

The trio failed to recover from their injuries but their replacements has been very good in covering for them in United's quest to find glory again.

It is also reported that Owen Hargreaves will be ready to start for the 2009/2010 campaign after successfully undergoing his knee surgery.

Manchester United's injury concerns brightening up

Rio Ferdinand - 100% fit
Wes Brown - 100% fit
Park Ji Sung - 100% fit

Patrice Evra - Ankle (could be fit for Saturday's clash against Everton)
Nani - Groin (should be fit for Saturday's clash against Everton)

Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney are all still out.

United stay top with Goal Fest against West Brom

The game started 30 minutes later than scheduled, apparently due to traffic congestion at the motorway. Manchester United were expected to miss a number of key players, but the starting lineup was surprisingly strong. Park and Rio return after some long absence.

West Brom started out the first 15 minutes pretty good. However, United were the ones who managed to get their first goal of the night thanks to Berbatov on the 22nd minute. Dimitar Berbatov's right footed shot from the right side of the box to the centre of the goal was enough to see United leading on the match. Michael Carrick was the one with the through ball.

West Brom's night was made even worse after a devastating tackle by Robinson on Park on 40th minute which eventually resulted in a red card for him. 3 minutes later, Tevez added to United's lead with a simple tap in after a blunder by Scott Carson following a Giggs near the corner flag free kick.

Second half started out really well for United and 15 minutes in, Vidic gets United's 3rd from a header, following a trademark cross by Giggs after a corner. Not long after, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had 4 shots, 2 of which resulted at the back of the net, puts in his first goal after a long goal drought. His right footed shot passes Carson easily. Giggs again with the assist. It had seem like game over for West Brom at that point but United had a different intention. 73rd minute, Ronaldo gets his second of the night, with a similar kind of shot from his first, thanks to Berbatov's assist.

With United's injury concerns, this massive win was vital for the dressing room to build the confidence they need to stay at the top. Another clean sheet, a huge goal fest and confidence are high, Everton better be careful.

West Brom 0 - Manchester United 5

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

0-1 Berbatov


0-2 Tevez


0-3 Vidic


0-4 Ronaldo


0-5 Ronaldo

United Pass Through Spurs Easy - FA Cup

In a night where few of United's stars were unavailable and a Fabio in the starting 11 after the horrible injury, United eases through injury-hit Spurs to go through to the last 16 of the FA Cup.

Pavlyuchenko gave Spurs the lead only after 5 minutes of play, but Scholes levelled home on the 35th minute thanks to some neat play by Carrick, slotting the pass easily giving Scholes the chance to add his to his goal tally for United. It did went in after a slight deflection which left Ben Alnwick with no chance of saving it.

A minute later United went on course of securing a spot in the last 16 with Berbatov slotting in a bottom corner shot pass Alnwick, again thanks to a brilliant pass by Carrick. With Spurs fans making noises hitting at Berba for obvious reasons, the Bulgarian made no mistake and took United to the next round.

There were some added injury concerns after Fabio landed ackwardky in the early minutes of the second half. Welbeck also hobbled off 4 minutes from time. The visit to West Brom in a few days just means United will only have a handful of players available to secure a win to stay on top in the Premier League. On a positive note, Zoran Tosic had his first run out for United's first team subbing in for Ronaldo in the second half. He certainly showed his potential in that match. We'll probably see him in action for the West Brom encounter.

Final Score
FA CUP: Manchester United (2) : Tottenham Hotspurs (1)

Here are the video highlights for Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs 24/01/2009

Scholes's Goal


Berbatov's Goal

Injury Concerns for United

It's official, most of our first team players are out this weekend. Those expected to be missing the Spurs FA Cup match are:

1. Anderson - Ankle (3 Weeks)
2. Evans - Ankle (3 Weeks)
3. Neville - Minor Knock (50/50 chance of playing)
4. Giggs - Minor Knock (50/50 chance of playing)
5. Brown - Surgery (Expected to play against Everton)
6. Ferdinand - Back (Expected to play against Everton)
7. Evra - Ankle
8. Rooney - Hamstring
   
9. Nani - Groin (1 week)
10. Rafael - Hamstring
11. Park - Hamstring

United Goes Through to Final - Carling Cup

Inspirational is the word. Manchester United finally overcame the 1 goal deficit Derby gave them during their 1st leg meet.

Goals from Nani - with a fantastic curling shot from 30 yards, O'Shea - with a sublime shot after a neat pass from Welbeck, Tevez - with a perfect short-range header courtesy of Rafael's cross and Ronaldo - from the spot after Carroll brought down Tevez inside the box, simply gave United a comfortable 4-2 win (4-3 by agregate).

Manchester United Vs Derby County Video Highlights..


There are some setback however, with injuries starting to mount up for the English Champions. On the list are:

1. Nani - minor knock
2. Ando - unsure yet - XRay needed
3. Evans - recurring ankle injury
4. Rafel - hamstring

The game gave James Chester (United Reserves captain) his first senior start and provided Darron Gibson the chance to show his abilities in his midfield maestro-ness. Gibson certainly did that and its a promising start to his first team season.

Manchester United Go Top Of The Table

With United wanting a win at Bolton in order to get to the top of the league table, the English champions has a rather problematic injured players. Rooney, Rio and Evra, all out for this match will be much missed. However, Tevez, Evans and O'Shea are all ready to come into the frame.

A packed and noisy Reebok stadium made it really hard for United to do much in the opening minutes and Bolton's new on-loan Portuguese forward didn't make things any easier. United kept making chances but they were all pretty much no-prospect chances. They wasted every possible opportunities each time from the first whistle up till 20th minutes, and Ronaldo's long range WILD shot on the 20th just showed how United couldn't make anything out of anything.

There was one incident where I was really unsatisfied with Bolton's new recruit, Makukula, who gave Vidic a nudge from behind on the 21st minute. To me, that was worthy of a Red Card, instead the ref only showed the portuguese a yellow. An intruder on the field really didn't help the game that much either. roughly midway to the half, an idiot ran towards the center of the field and the stadium stewards really took their time in removing the culprit.

United's first real chance came to Ronaldo when a Fletcher cross manages to meet with the FIFA world player of the year's head, but it was a little too close to the keeper. A free kick on the 41st minute gave United another good chance to go one up before half time. Ronaldo's effort was brilliant but Jaaskelainen's save was even better. Anderson had the next brilliant shot towards Bolton's goal, but the keeper was up to the challenge yet again. At the end of a frustrating first half, nothing comes between the 2 teams.

The first half might have been less entertaining by United, but the second was certainly far different. It was livelier and much more better by United. Ronaldo had a good chance with a free kick, again saved by Jaaskelainen and a number of chances by various United players after numerous square balls by Ronaldo from the left flank. United needed a change and the old school boys of Scholes and Giggs was brought in with 20 minutes remaining for the ineffective Fletcher and Ando.

The game went on to be more fast paced after the introduction of the pair. It was practically the Giggs and Scholes show from then on with delivery after delivery by the 2 veterans. Ronaldo had another chance from a free kick, but yet again saved by the keeper. Time wasn't on United's side and if they wanted to go top by the end of the night, they had to work extremely hard to get the winning goal. And hard work they did, which eventually led to the decisive winner. A brilliant work by Tevez to scuffle out of 2 Bolton's players, and manages to slot in a cross for Berbatov to head home the winner. All this, on the 90th minute yet again. That was enough to see United go top of the league table after months of being behind liverpool.

Final Score
Bolton (0) v Manchester United (1)

United loans Manucho to Hull

Hull City has acquired Manchester United's striker Manucho until the end of the current season. Manucho, who has only appeared in 1 game for United in the league is poised to play a role for Hull, unlike for United.

Let's hope this boy shows his stuff at Hull, so United can make use of him when the next season comes along.

United Go Second Place

United comfortably took Wigan aside with a first minute goal from Rooney. A simple tap in was enough to secure the English Champs the second spot on the league table. Now 2 points behind Liverpool, a win against Bolton this weekend may put United top spot.

However, Rooney's goal came with an expense as he is out for at least 3 weeks after a hamstring injury sustained during the Wigan match. That will be dear indeed. It looks like Tevez will have more run outs this coming few weeks. Regadless, there will be Welbeck to cover Rooney's absence.

Rio's back problem

Rio Ferdinand has been sent to have his back scanned. He was expected to play against Chelsea on the weekend but woke up to a back spasm which forced him to sit out. This is not good at all. Thankfully we have Evans covering up for the big Englishman.

Ronaldo The Best in The World

It's official, United's ace winger is FIFA's World Player of The Year 2008.

This was a first for an English-based player to win the top award.Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 goals in the 2007/08 season were simply instrumental in helping United to domestic and European glory. He managed to beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool's Fernando Torres to the award.

Manchester United Cruises pass Chelsea - 12th January 2009

United v Chelsea - Old Trafford

It was a night where Rio, Carrick, Ando and Scholes didn't start, eventhough all of them were fit to play. I think Fergie opted for a more no-nonsense lineup putting Park and Fletch in midfield.

It was a fair affair at the start of the match. Everything went lively at 20 minutes. We saw a penalty rejected for United after Ronaldo's cross hits Ashley Cole's hands just around the box line, you have Rooney's pusposedly succesful attempt in getting Bosingwa a yellow card, Carvalho holding onto Ronaldo but manages to get a free kick in his way, Berbatov's shot stopped by Cech and all the dramas in between. Classic United/Chelsea encounter.

United had the best chance on the 45th minute when Rooney and Giggs took a short corner, the ball reaches Ronaldo's head and it goes pass Cech. United should have been 1-0 up by then but the linesman flagged the play to be retaken. Rooney was so furious but United kept their heads up and took the corner again. At that time, the end product prevailed for United again, with Vidic heading in United's first goal of the game. The only whistle from the ref was a goal scored signal.

The champions went in the second half blazing just like how the ended the first. And after hard pressings and some persistence, United made it 2 up on the 63rd minutes thanks to some neat play by Ronaldo and Evra down the left flank with Evra's cross reaching Rooney's boots. Scolari straight away took Bosingwa off from that position, who pretty much left Chelsea unguarded for that second United goal.

On the 80th minute, Carrick came in for Ryan Giggs, who may have well played his best game yet so far this season, commanding the center of the field brilliantly. Ronaldo could have made it 3 for United, but his goal on the 83rd minute was disallowed for offside. Millimitres I tell you. Instead, turning provider, Ronaldo's fierce free kick was met by Berbatov on 86th minute for United's well deserved third and the crucial win.

Still two games in hand to Liverpool, United is catching up to the current leaders, with only 5 points difference. With wins against Wigan and Bolton in the coming week, United could reach top spot before the end of nect week.

Manchester United 3 v Chelsea 0

RONALDO CRASHES HIS FERRARI!

So apparently the spoiled star of the Red Devils was in a car accident in the early morning of thursday at Manchester. Driving his ferrari F599, he crashed into a barrier inside the tunnel on Wilmslow Road. I could not find any images, but I managed to have a sneak peek at a video footage released by ESPN. The front part of the car was totally wasted.

However, Ronaldo was unharmed and was able to step out of his car without any problems at all. After dealing with the Police, he then showed up at Carrington for the team's morning training session.

Looks like our skillfull boy isnt so skillfull on the road. Regardless, loosing a ferrari just means simply buying another new one when you earn millions of pounds a year.

FA CUP: Comfortable Win For The Champions 05/01/09

Southampton 0 v Manchester United 3

It was a day without the big guns in United's starting 11, Tevez and Ronaldo were not even in the bench list, however Rooney was. Southampton starts with a rather youthful side.

An unusual formation for the match was that Anderson was playing on the Left Wing and Giggs went on playing right in the middle of the pitch. The Gaffer probably knew something about Southampton that none of us knows of. Welbeck was given the role to play just beside Berbatov, which was just nice as Berba needs someone that can run fast playing next to him.

United started out the first 10 minutes unconvincingly. Possesion was somewhat balanced, but The English Champions seemed unfamiliar with their own formation and lineups. 16th minute sees Nani's shot stopped. A perfect 1-2 with Berbatov gave Nani just enough room to release one towards Kelvin Davis. United had another descent chance on the 19th minute with Anderson lets fly a bomb of a shot. Too high on that occasion for the Brazillian, however, United managed to get the opening goal from a corner kick. John O'shea's header bounced off the woodwork after a beautiful corner kick by Nani, but the ball was not cleared by the Southampton defenders and Wellbeck took advantage of a point blank header towards the empty goal mouth. 1 - nil to United.

Manchester United failed to go up by 2 goals after a neat play by Carrick, dummy-ing a pass by Giggs letting it reach Berba, who made a perfect through ball to the running Carrick. Unfortunately, the midfielder failed to take the chance.

Southampton manages to make things worse for themselves with Matthew Paterson being sent off on the 36th Minutes. Ref Mike Riley saw the high studs by Paterson on Vidic and did not hesitate to produce the red.

The second half started amazingly fortunate for United when Nani converted a penalty just 2 minutes in. The spot kick was given after Nani's free kick effort hit one of Southampton's defender on the arm. Mike Riley pointed at the spot almost instantaneously. 2-0 for Champions. United would have been given another penalty minutes later after Welbeck was brought down by not one but two Southampton's defenders. Riley did not react to the tackle.

Possebon and Gibson was brought on for Carrick and Giggs on 56th minutes. Must have been precautionary. 63rd minute, Welbeck off, Rooney comes in. That was the 3rd switch for United with 25 minutes left to play. Highly unusual for Sir Alex to make such a move.

United's 3rd goal came on the 80th minute after Rooney sprints past Southampton's defense with ease, unleashing a nice square ball where Gibson was waiting inside the box. Gibson controlled the ball superbly and half volleys the ball to the top corner of Davis's goal.

A comfortable win in the end for the cup holders. After 3 consecutive 1-nil wins, United must feel really good with this big win. And looks like they didn't need Ronaldo after all.

Serbians Signed For United

Manchester United has acquired the only 2 signings for this Season. Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade was the lucky two.

Tosic (left), 21 years old is a highly rated winger and has been in the Serbian National squad appearing 12 times. Ljajic (right), also a midfielder, is only 17 years old.

Tosic is expected to be joining the squad by next week, however, Sir Alex felt that Ljajic would acquire greater experiences staying at Partizan Belgrade for the remaining of the year. Ljajic is expected to join up United by 2010.

It was estimated at around 17 million pounds for the transfers of both of them.
Looks like Vidic will get some company and would be delighted that he can at last polish up his Serb language at the training ground.

Ronaldo: I feel at home here

*The Interview below was extracted from manutd.com*

Cristiano Ronaldo may be adept at avoiding tackles but he didn't dodge anything when MUTV recently asked him about last summer's speculation. The Portuguese winger spoke openly and honestly about the situation, in response to Stewart Gardner's questions:

Very shortly after the Champions League final, there was massive speculation about your future. United fans were clearly concerned and worried about that. Looking back now, can you say what happened?

There’s always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world. People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season. What people are saying now (the recent speculation about an agreement with Real Madrid) is not true. Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here.

Were you at all worried about how the fans might react after seeing all the stories over the summer?

To be honest, no, because I think the people don’t forget quickly what you do for the club. When I arrived at the stadium, to play (my first game of this season) against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure. But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing. I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester.

Sir Alex went to see you in Lisbon this summer. How important was he and that meeting in the whole process?

The boss is always important for me, not just last season but every season. I am at this club because of him. He saw me in a few games before I played against Manchester United - people think I came here just because I played (well) against United but it’s not true. He’s always helped me and I said to him, “I want to be part of this club with you. I want to win trophies with you.” He’s very important in my career, Sir Alex Ferguson.

You’re only 23, you’ve achieved so much, and yet people say your peak will be at 27, 28 or 29. So what are you ambitions for the future?

Age is not important in football in my opinion. Experience yes, but you gain experience if you play and I have played many games at Manchester United with great players and I’ve won many things. This is why I think age is not important. The most difficult challenge now is to keep the same level as last year’s. This is what I’m trying to do. I feel prepared for that. My ambition is still the same, my character is still the same and I know what I can do.