Boss backs Boro manager

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Gareth Southgate to win over his critics and keep his job, even if Middlesbrough are relegated this season.

The North-East club host United in Saturday's lunch-time fixture, a contest that means so much at both ends of the table. If the Reds win to go six points clear of Liverpool, it would push Boro closer to the dreaded drop at the end of a transitional season.

"The unfortunate thing for our industry is that when a manager has three or four bad results, the jungle drums start beating through the media," says Sir Alex.

"But I think the Middlesbrough chairman (Steve Gibson) has the courage to stick with a young manager. I think he will recognise that Gareth Southgate is progressive and ambitious and he's trying to change the face of the club by bringing young people into his set-up. I think that’s admirable.

"Gareth is thinking along the right lines of trying to rebuild the team. He let (George) Boateng and (Fabio) Rochemback go, so he's made changes to try and bring his club forward.

"Sometimes it doesn’t always work, it takes time to do these things. Maybe in a couple of years’ time people will recognise that."

Sir Alex recognises that Saturday's game could be difficult, even if the Middlesbrough team is younger than the one that reached a UEFA Cup final under Steve McClaren and became an occasional thorn in United's side in the league.

"I think all matches are difficult at this stage of the season because the pressure’s on everyone," said Sir Alex. "We were accused of playing a weakened team against West Ham one year by Neil Warnock (then Sheffield United manager).

"That possibility arises tomorrow in some games. Some clubs are safe and may want to try young players. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that as long as they put out a team that represents their club in the right way and tries to win. That’s the best way to do it."

United will certainly be trying to win every game of course and Sir Alex is confident he has the right men for the job, even if the title race with Liverpool and Chelsea comes down to the final day, Sunday 24 May, when the Reds travel to Hull City.

"We’ve proved over the years that we’ve got players at this club who can go into the last game and win it," said the boss.

"We’re very lucky to have players with the quality, the temperament and the courage to do that. Sometimes you drive players to the very limit through your motivation and desires but when you’ve got players who’ve got these same attributes, you’ve got the right people."

Carrick sets Emirates target

Michael Carrick is warning that the Reds’ excellent Old Trafford showing in the Champions League semi-final first leg will count for little if United produce an equally impressive display at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday.

John O’Shea gave the Reds a slender 1-0 lead at the halfway stage of the last four tie. It could, and almost certainly should, have been more.

“We played well, especially in the first half when we created a number if chances,” Carrick told MUTV. “It would have been nice for one or two more to have gone in, but we’ve won the game and we’ve kept a clean sheet so we can be pretty happy with that. It gives us something going into the second leg.

“It’s easy to say that [all we have to is play like that again in the second leg], but every game throws up different situations. I’m sure Arsenal will come out and be a real threat in the second leg. We’re confident that we can create enough chances to score again and hopefully that will make it even more difficult for them.”

Arsenal were strangely subdued and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted that his side would have to be much more of a threat in North London, something Carrick says United will have to be aware of.

“They’ve got world class players and some real threats. Fortunately tonight we nullified them as best as we could and we’re very satisified to have kept a clean sheet.

“They had one or two opportunities when they could have threatened a bit more but overall we were quite happy with the way we defended as a team. That probably allowed us to attack a bit better as well. In the second half we could have played a touch better but we did enough in the first half to win the game.”

Teen duo eye Boro chance

With Sir Alex Ferguson looking to shuffle his pack for Saturday’s lunch-time trip to Middlesbrough, two of United's most promising young talents will hope to get their chance to shine.

It's not so much been glimpses of promise from Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda as headline-grabbing heroics. Macheda hit the back pages with recent match-winners against Aston Villa and Sunderland, while Welbeck hit a goal-of-the-season contender on his league bow against Stoke, adding two more in the FA Cup.

Both could be in contention for the crucial league match against Middlesbrough this weekend, as Sir Alex looks to rest players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Arsenal.

“They’ve both been fantastic,” says the boss of Macheda and Welbeck, who have been the discoveries of the season. “I’m trying to keep them happy and feeling wanted as first-team players, which is what they are now.

“I think they have the quality and physical strength to do it, but it's not easy because when it comes to big games, players start to get fit again. Big games bring out the best of people in terms of not being injured, believe me!”

Welbeck, 18, and Macheda, 17, didn’t make the bench for Arsenal match on Wednesday, but they could play a vital role on Teesside, either from the start or as a substitute.

“It’s been very difficult with seven substitutes, and everyone available, and I've tried to use one or the other as one of my options. We were delighted with their performances at Wembley against Everton,” added Sir Alex. “They have both done really well and they could be involved on Saturday.”

Ryan reaches 800

Ryan Giggs capped arguably the most prestigious award of his career by making a landmark appearance against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Just three days after picking up the PFA Player of the Year trophy in London, the United veteran played a remarkable 800th game for the club when he came on as a substitute for Anderson in the second half at Old Trafford.

His introduction brought maturity to the team's play as the Reds sealed an important 1-0 first-leg win over the Gunners and it almost brought a second goal - only for a linesman's flag to ruin Ryan's fun after he'd rounded Manuel Almunia and slotted the ball home.

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke of his admiration for Giggs in his post-match interview on MUTV.

"It's an unbelievable achievement," said Ronaldo. "And he deserved his award because he's had a fantastic season, helping the team to score goals.

"Eight hundred games is unbelievable and I hope to be like him one day."

O'Shea savours birthday gift

John O'Shea's reprisal of the unlikely hero's role came at a timely moment for himself, his team and his father.

The Irishman said his dad was uppermost in his thoughts after he scored United's winning goal against Arsenal, on the eve of his 28th birthday.

"It’s a little early birthday present for me but I have to dedicate that one to my dad," O'Shea told Sky Sports. "He’s been having a tough time of late, I’m sure this will cheer him up a bit."

The goal also brought cheer to more than 75,000 fans inside Old Trafford, not to mention millions of Reds around the world following the riveting Champions League semi-final. But the masses may share O'Shea's feeling that United should have won by more.

"On our first half display, we could have been a couple more goals up," said O'Shea. "Their keeper made a couple of great saves. We have a lead, we’ve kept a clean sheet and we know we’re capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. But the tie's definitely not over."

O'Shea believes a game-plan paid dividends for United, specifically the tactic "to squeeze high up the pitch as much as we could, just to keep the pressure on Arsenal and hopefully win the ball back to play from there.

"It worked very well, especially in the first half and sometimes in the second half. But Arsenal are a good team, they kept the ball well at times and it’s hard to get it back from them. I think in the second leg we need to improve our retaining possession but over all we have to be happy."

Sir Alex Ferguson praised the Irishman's attitude and even went as far as to promise him a place in the starting line-up should United make the final in Rome. "John is one of the great professionals of our time," said the boss. "He never complains and he’s happy to play anywhere. He knows that, over the years, he has not always been the number one choice.

"But he will produce some fantastic performances over the course of the season, and that is a contribution we are very grateful for. Those contributions have been left-back, centre-back, right-back and midfield… he is so versatile and can play in a lot of positions. That is his great value to us.

"He took the goal really well. The ball deflected off an Arsenal defender and he had to react quickly, and it was a good controlled shot. This season he has not missed many games. Now if you asked me whether he would play if we were in the final, I would say yes."

Reds wait on Rio rib injury

United could be without Rio Ferdinand for the decisive second leg against Arsenal after the influential defender headed to hospital on Wednesday night.

The centre-half left the field a few minutes before the end of the European champions' 1-0 victory, having taken a blow to his torso as the Gunners pressed unsuccessfully for an equaliser.

Ferdinand sustained the injury in a ruck of players when Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed over from a Cesc Fabregas free-kick, the nearest the visitors came to breaching the Reds' rock-solid back line.

"Rio got a crack right on the ribs and we hope there’s nothing broken," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"If you get a rib injury, you could be out for two to three weeks maybe. We just have to wait for the (hospital) results obviously."

Jonny Evans came on for Rio to help the Reds complete a priceless clean sheet and the young Irishman is now set to deputise for at least Saturday's league game at Middlesbrough.

Sir Alex: It's not over

Sir Alex Ferguson got his wish: a 1-0 win to take the Emirates Stadium for next Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, second leg. But he couldn’t hide his disappointment at not making the most of United’s dominant display.

The Reds boss admitted United could have all but booked a place in Rome’s final next month, but instead he’ll settle for a slender but certainly advantageous lead at the halfway point.

“Of course you have to be disappointed that we didn’t take more of our chances,” he told reporters. “The goalkeeper [Manuel Almunia] made three fantastic saves. But the pleasing aspect for me was that we said before the game we wanted to score and not concede. We’ve done that.

“The performance level was very good and we have given ourselves a good chance of getting to the final. The tie isn’t over, of course, but we have the players who can score a goal, and we will be a big goal threat at the Emirates.

“We did very well with some terrific play at times. But it was reminiscent of the FA Cup final we had against Arsenal in 2005, where they won on penalty kicks after we’d had so many chances… at least we scored this time! And we haven’t lost an away goal, that is the key to it all.”

Sir Alex wants to see a similarly colossal defensive display at the Emirates – although United may have to do that without Rio Ferdinand, who sustained a rib injury. “Arsenal had possession, without really doing anything. They had a half chance from [Niklas] Bendtner’s header, but otherwise we contained them very well. That’s credit to our defending. When we concentrate, we can produce excellent performances like that. We need that to get through this tie, but I think we can also score.”

The Reds boss has promised a cracker at Old Trafford, but only his team kept up that part of the bargain. Arsene Wenger vowed that the world would see a different Arsenal in six days’ time. That may be the case, but United are ready to go the distance if necessary.

“Arsenal have to be [different next Tuesday],” added Sir Alex. “Arsene will be thinking it was a good day for him. They could have been out of the tie, but they’re not. The other way to look at it is that we tend to do things the hard way, and tonight we perhaps frustrated our fans where we should maybe be in the final, but we’re not. That’s the nature of this club, we’ve done it many times. We did it in the last round, and we might need to go right to the wire again.”

United 1 Arsenal 0

Fitter. Harder. Faster. Stronger. United outfought and outclassed Arsenal on a European night to remember at Old Trafford. Yet the Reds take only a one-goal advantage to the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday, and the road to Rome is not as straightforward as it perhaps could have been.

Sir Alex said before the game that he would happily take a 1-0 victory in this Champions League semi-final, first leg. And United can take heart from an outstanding display of vigour and verve. But after the mauling Arsenal received, the Reds boss can surely only conclude that the winning margin should have been greater.

Right from the off United’s players, backed by an absolutely incredible support, were revved up and right in the faces of the beleaguered Gunners. Carlos Tevez was rewarded for his match-changing second-half display against Tottenham at the weekend with a place in the starting line-up – and he played like he had a statement to make.

Sir Alex’s team selection suggested speed and energy were of the essence. And, spurred on by a fired-up Old Trafford crowd, the Reds made a blistering start, with Wayne Rooney forcing an excellent save from Manuel Almunia after just two minutes. Then Cristiano Ronaldo flashed a cross-shot across the face of goal. It was upbeat and high-tempo stuff, as expected. But Arsenal were nowhere to be seen early on against the hungry-looking Reds.

Tevez was snap-at-your ankles enthusiastic, Ronaldo and Rooney both looked lively and Darren Fletcher maintained his excellent recent form in the heart of midfield. For Arsenal, away from home and with Emmanuel Adebayor up front on his own, theirs was always bound to be a more patient approach. But even when their first spell of possession eventually arrived, they were booed and barracked into submission. United pressed on and after 16 minutes Almunia again came to Arsenal’s rescue. A brilliant interchange from Tevez and Ronaldo saw the ball worked out wide to John O’Shea, and the Irishman’s cross found Tevez’s run, but his shot was stopped at point-blank range by Almunia.

United were soon rewarded, however, in the form of the most unlikely hero: O'Shea. Carrick was lurking at the back post from the resulting corner, and his deflected pull-back found the Reds right-back six yards out and he thumped the ball home. As if the noise levels weren’t loud enough, the deafening celebrations carried far into the Manchester night. And there was barely an opportunity to catch your breath as the Reds went in search of a second.

Arsenal’s first attempt came just before the half-hour mark when Cesc Fabregas’ low shot was well held by van der Sar, but other than a five-minute spell of possession towards the end of the half, that was largely it.

Seconds after Fabregas’ effort, Almunia was called upon again; Tevez scampered down the right wing, skinned Kieran Gibbs and crossed for Ronaldo, whose powerful header was palmed away by Arsenal’s Spanish stopper. Moments later he denied Ronaldo again, this time a curled shot from the edge of the area. Were it not for Almunia, this tie could have been out of sight inside the first half.

United's frenetic tempo naturally dropped in the second half, Arsenal certainly had more of the ball than they had in the opening 45 minutes. The danger for United was that a quick Arsenal counter attack could yield that prized possession: an away goal. Adebayor went close just after the hour with a arcing volley from 30 yards out, but fortunately it went over. It was, if nothing else, a warning. decided on a change with 20 minutes to go, replacing Tevez with Dimitar Berbatov, and Anderson with Ryan Giggs, remarkably making his 800th appearance. Tevez shook his head in disappointment at the decision – a gesture that may or may not be over analysed in the press, but in reality it was natural of any player withdrawn from such a high-profile and enthralling game.

Shortly after the swap, Ronaldo sent a rasping 30-yard shot crashing off the bar, then minutes later an effort from Carrick fizzed wide; Sir Alex must have been scratching his head with bemusement as to how his side were not more than a goal to the good.

The baying Old Trafford crowd sensed Arsenal's vulnerability and mercilessly shouted: 'attack, attack, attack'. United did just that, and Giggs had the ball in the back of the net on 78 minutes, but he was flagged offside. It was a tight call that won little home approval - largely because the officials gave very little United's way all night - but on this occasion they probably got it right.

Arsenal may see containing a rampant United as their main plus point – and they have much to thank Almunia for – but if the Reds play anything like this in North London next week, a trip to Rome surely awaits. This was a job well done, but only half done.

MU - Arsenal Goal (road to Rome)

Ryan Giggs PFA Player of the Year

Ryan Giggs reflects on being voted PFA Player of the Year by his fellow professionals...

I'm really pleased, really proud to have won the award - and pleased for my team-mates as well because without them, I wouldn't have been able to get it.

It's a special award because it's voted for by the people who see you first hand - the players you play against week in, week out.

I don't know about it being a long time coming. Some outstanding people have won it while I've been playing and, consistency-wise, I've probably improved over the last few years.

The ten days at the end of last season - coming on and scoring at Wigan and then winning the Champions League - were massive and definitely the highpoints of my year.

I wouldn't say the award means more to me at this stage of my career than it would have done earlier. But I think I will appreciate it more, because I'm probably not going to get it again... I'm running out of time!

At 35, you start to think you're never going to win awards like that. It was obviously a great surprise and I had a great night down in London. I hope I can celebrate it further with a win against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Hopefully it won't be the last honour I pick up. Still going well in the league and the Champions League, we're all hoping for an exciting end to the season.

Ryan Giggs was talking to MUTV's Mandy Henry.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Match Pack: Arsenal

The Reds remain on course to become the first club to defend the Champions League, but Arsenal stand in their way of a place in Rome...

Form Guide: The Gunners have lost just one of their last ten league and cup games - the FA Cup semi-final to Chelsea. They will have an eye on a crucial away goal on Wednesday and will be buoyed by the fact that they have scored in three of their five Champions League away matches this season.

Ins and Outs: Robin van Persie (groin), William Gallas (knee), Gael Clichy (back) and Tomas Rosicky are definitely out, although both van Persie and Clichy may be back for the game at The Emirates next Tuesday. Former Red Mikael Silvestre is also a doubt with a back spasm. United will still be without the injured Gary Neville who faces another ten days or so on the sidelines.

Card Count: There are a host of players from both teams who are just one booking away from missing the second leg. Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are both on two yellow cards, as are Arsenal trio Abou Diaby, Alexandre Song and Samir Nasri.

Star Man: Cesc Fabregas. The man who makes Arsenal tick was used in a more advanced role behind Nicklas Bendtner in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough and it worked a treat with the Spaniard chipping in with both goals.

Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark). The Dane last took charge of the Reds in the 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in last season's group stages.

Reds decide plan of attack

United's hopes of defending the Champions League trophy have been boosted by an almost totally clean bill of health ahead of Wednesday's semi-final, first leg against Arsenal.

Only Gary Neville joins long-term absentee Owen Hargreaves on the injury list, giving Sir Alex Ferguson a bulging squad as he looks to outwit Arsene Wenger. "Everyone's fit, apart from Gary," he told reporters on Tuesday. "It's a strong position to be in going into a Champions League semi-final."

That in itself poses problems as Sir Alex admits he's "wrestling" with ideas of how to approach the match. "I’ve got to pick the right team, and I have plenty of options. I’ll wrestle with those options in the next 24 hours.

"There are many decisions to be made: the performance in the second half against Tottenham, in particular, and the way that Carlos Tevez changed the game. That’s not lost on me."

The exhilarating way in which Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov ripped into Tottenham makes playing all four players, against an Arsenal defence that has creaked in recent weeks, is a huge temptation. But goals conceded at home can prove fatal in European ties, and the boss is keen to guard against it.

"It’s an untypical semi-final because it’s two English teams," he added. "But the principles are the same. You hope you win your home game and don’t lose a goal. That’s always the case. But it won’t be decided on Wednesday, I feel sure of that.

"There'll be a lot of football left to play at the Emirates. Looking at the tie itself and the players on view, it's a perfect semi-final, full of terrific footballers and both teams play good football. The games have an appetising look about them."

Wenger's respect for Ryan

Arsene Wenger may have been on the receiving end of Ryan Giggs' famous semi-final goal in 1999 - but the Arsenal boss isn't bitter.

Instead, the Gunners manager has nothing but respect for United's newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year and his awesome longevity - Giggs could make his historic 800th appearance for the Reds, in Wednesday night's showdown with Wenger's side.

"I have a big respect for Ryan Giggs because he started his career in 1991 and we are now in 2009," said an impressed Arsene in his pre-match press conference at Old Trafford.

"When a guy has played 18 years at that level, you have to have complete respect. The focus and the sacrifices that it demands to be at the top level for 18 years are massive.

"Now he has been named Player of the Year and there has been a big debate (about that). OK, maybe this hasn't been the best year of his career but the only miracle is not that he got it this year, it's that he never got it before."

Giggs was 25 when he scored the stunning solo goal to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup just over ten years ago; many of Wenger's current players are still younger than that and he is hoping they are now on the verge of something special. He accepts the "Arsenal are still developing, still maturing, maybe next year" mantra is past its sell-by date now.

"This is the moment when we want to show we have what is needed," he said.

"We have built a young team because we wanted to develop a special way of playing and a special spirit. "Our players have been educated together from the age of 16 to 23, 24 and we think there is something special (about them) which we hope will come out at this level of the competition. This is the moment we've waited for."

If Wenger's youngsters can upset the form book and defeat United over two legs, they will be a step closer to compensating for the pain of a European Cup final defeat to Barcelona in 2006.

"The 2006 campaign was special because the only game we lost in the Champions League that year was the final and we were 1-0 up until 13 minutes. The only regret we have for that day is that we played with only ten men," reflected Wenger.

"It's part of a career, to swallow a disappointment and then use that as the spark to come back even stronger. That's what we're trying to do."

Wenger is famously two-nil down to Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of triumphs in this competition. But the Arsenal manager continues to believe that he will one day emulate his rival's successes in Barcelona and Moscow.

"I am an optimist. I believe I will win it and the sooner, the better. That is why I am here with complete belief.

"But in fairness as well, I am at the stage of my career when I am more focused on doing it for my club, for my players and for the fans than I am for myself. I've had the luck to stay at the same club for 12 years.

"I know how much it means to the club and the players, and I am focusing all the energy I have to the team."

Papers: Ex-Red relishes test

Mikael's mission
Mikael Silvestre insists he cannot wait to gun down his former team-mates in the Champions League semi-final. Arsenal defender Silvestre is relishing the chance to play Manchester United tomorrow after a nine-year spell at Old Trafford. And he is backing the fresh-faced Gunners to win the tie. Silvestre, 31, said: "I’m looking forward to tackling all of the United team - they were all my mates. This game means a lot to me. We are on a good run and are confident of reaching the final." - The Sun

Other players quoted in today's papers include Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who describes his direct opponent in Wednesday's match, Nemanja Vidic, as "the toughest (defender) I have played against" (The Sun).

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand's desire to repeat last season's success in Europe makes the Mirror: "It was such a great feeling, I told the players, let's do it again." Also in the Mirror, ex-Liverpool defender and now BBC Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson is backing United to beat Arsenal over two legs and face Chelsea in the final ("Fergie just two good").

There's more reaction to Ryan Giggs' PFA award, ranging from the Daily Mail's "Giggs has started only 12 league matches... so how can he be footballer of the year?" to the Daily Star's "Make Giggsy a Sir." The latter reports MPs Hazel Blears and Chris Grayling are backing a campaign to give the Welshman a knighthood.

The Independent speculates about Nani's future at United, claiming it is in "in increasing doubt after he left Old Trafford before the end of Saturday's game, having been substituted at half time. The 22-year-old is understood to have been "very upset" after Sir Alex Ferguson did not send him out for the second half against Tottenham."

Respectful rivals

Nemanja Vidic and direct opponent Emmanuel Adebayor have been trading praise ahead of United’s tantalising Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.

Serbian defender Vidic believes the Gunners will provide a stern test in the first leg at Old Trafford, especially now the likes of striker Adebayor are approaching top gear.

"Arsenal have always been a good team with quality players. We know and respect that, and now they're on good form - they have started scoring goals (again),” said Vidic.

“Adebayor and van Persie are very difficult forwards to play against. They are great players, they have speed and an eye for a goal.

"We need to concentrate fully for 90 minutes if we are to stop them.”

Adebayor has scored four goals in his last six games for Arsenal, including one in each leg of the Champions League quarter-final victory over Villarreal.

The Togo international also netted in his last appearance at Old Trafford – but the fact Vidic missed that game, an eventual 2-1 win for United, will not have been lost on him.

“Vidic is a very good player, he knows how to play against strikers,” said Adebayor. "He's very strong and he's ready to give his life away for United.

"For me, he's one of the toughest defenders - he prevents a lot of goals. He scores important goals for his club too.”

Sir Alex: We need you

Old Trafford turned into a cauldron of noise on Saturday during the Reds’ stunning comeback against Tottenham Hostpur, and Sir Alex has called for a repeat performance from fans on Wednesday.

With in-form Arsenal in town for the Champions League semi-final first leg, the boss says United could benefit from a similar atmosphere.

“It was an amazing transformation when we scored that first goal [against Tottenham],” Sir Alex said. “We needed that support from the fans and they’re going to have to play their part again before the end of the season.

“They’re going to have to drive us. We’ve been through a hard, hard season and it’s coming up to that part of the season where we need everyone.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by left-back Patrice Evra, who also acknowledged the part United fans played against Tottenham at the weekend.

“The supporters were very important,” he said. “We came off at half-time 2-0 down and were clapped off the pitch by our fans. That was unbelievable.

“I hope the fans support us again throughout the match [against Arsenal]. We need to make it intimidating for Arsenal and put them under pressure. It’s very difficult for opposition teams to play at Old Trafford when the crowd gets behind us.”

Don't forget the Show Your Colours campaign is also running this evening. Fans attending the match have been urged to arrive early and bring shirts, scarves and flags.

Match Review MU - Spurs

Take More united ..

Luca Modric celebrates scoring Spurs' second goal. Darren Bent had earlier put the visitors ahead.


United were given a lifeline when Howard Webb awarded a controversial penalty which incensed the Spurs players


Cristiano Ronaldo got United back into the game from the penalty spot


Ten minutes later, Wayne Rooney drew the Reds level


60 seconds later, quite unbelievably, Ronaldo headed the Reds in front


Ronny speeds off to celebrate


...and off comes the shirt!


Ronny was soon joined by jubliant team-mates


United's Man of the Match makes sure of the victory by squeezing home a fourth


...before setting up Dimitar Berbatov for a fifth

United 5 Spurs 2

Games at Old Trafford should come with a health warning and it should clearly state that visits are not for the faint-hearted.

Having begun the month with a last-gasp victory over Aston Villa, the Reds ended it in similarly dramatic fashion after coming from two goals down to seal a stunning victory over Tottenham Hotspur which moved them three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Darren Bent and Luca Modric had given the visitors a two-goal lead at half-time, but Sir Alex’s men stormed back after the break thanks to a brace apiece from the outstanding Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian was one of five players who returned to the starting line-up after sitting out the victory over Harry Redknapp’s former side, Portsmouth, three days earlier. Rafael da Silva, who had filled in at right-back against Pompey following injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea, carried on where he left off, while Nani, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand were also back. There was, however, no place for Ryan Giggs who watched on from the stands knowing he would have to wait for another day, most probably Wednesday against Arsenal, to make his 800th appearance in a red shirt.

United began the match in second following Liverpool’s earlier victory at Hull and immediately set about gaining top spot. Berbatov almost had the first sight of goal after just 30 seconds, but Darren Fletcher’s pass was just too long for the striker allowing Heurelho Gomes to collect.

Having already secured their top flight status, Spurs came to Old Trafford with little to play for other than pride. But they weren’t about to let that pride be easily dented and with a player of Aaron Lennon’s quality in your side there’s always a chance of opening up the opposition. And that’s exactly what the pacey winger nearly did on eight minutes. Fortunately Darren Bent’s header from Lennon’s floated right-wing cross was pushed around the post by Edwin van der Sar.

At the other end, Gomes had to be alert to Cristiano Ronaldo’s speculative 40-yard free-kick which bounced awkwardly in front of the Spurs' stopper who claimed it at the second time of asking. Four minutes later the Portuguese winger flashed a header wide after jumping to meet Nani’s left-wing cross.

United appeared to edging ever closer to an opener, but it was visitors who struck first blood on 29 minutes. Vedran Corluka’s whipped cross was missed by both Vidic and Ferdinand allowing the ball to fall to Darren Bent who duly smashed home from six yards.

Three minutes later things got doubly worse for United who looked more than a little shaky once more at the back. Lennon’s cross from the right dropped to the unmarked Luca Modric who lashed the ball inside the near post to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

A shell-shocked Old Trafford couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. United were in need of a minor miracle, or two, and Ronaldo almost provided it seven minutes from the break. Having seen his free-kick strike the wall, the winger reacted quickest and flicked a dipping volley towards goal. Only a superb finger-tip save from Gomes prevented the Reds from clawing a goal back.

United’s comeback mission was given a further boost when Carlos Tevez replaced Nani at the break. And the Argentine was involved in the Reds’ first two chances of the second period. First he laid on a cross for Rooney who saw his curling effort deflected wide, before Tevez himself had a close-range shot repelled by Gomes after a lovely little through ball from Ronaldo.

The Portuguese winger was handed the chance to get United back into the game on 57 minutes when Gomes upended Carrick in the area after a defence-splitting pass from Rooney had put the England international through on goal. Replays showed the keeper did in fact get a touch on the ball, but no-one in a red shirt cared a jot.

From the spot, Ronaldo calmly steered the ball down the middle of the goal as Gomes dived to his left. Old Trafford erupted – the fightback had begun.

Ten minutes later the Reds were back on level terms. A great one-two between Berbatov and Tevez allowed the latter to slide a pass into Rooney whose low shot through the legs of Corluka crept in at the near post after Gomes failed to get a strong enough hand on it.

Victory was now in sight and, quite unbelievably, a mere 60 seconds later United were ahead. Evra laid the ball to Rooney who cut inside from the left and sent an inswinging centre towards the onrushing Ronaldo who met it with a diving header that bounced into the roof of the net. The relief and joy around Old Trafford was palpable.

Surely things couldn’t get any better? They could, two goals better in fact. Sublime control from Berbatov was followed by a neat lay-off to Ronaldo who clipped a lovely cross to the back post where Rooney was waiting. The striker brought the ball down and took aim. The ball hit Jonathan Woodgate on the line, but the defender was unable to stop it dropping over despite his and Ledley King’s best efforts.

Darren Bent saw a curling shot whistle inches past Van der Sar’s left-hand post soon after, before United headed upfield once more and bagged a fifth. And it was another excellent move, started and finished by Berbatov, from the rampant Reds. The Bulgarian sent the ball out to Rooney who again cut inside and crossed for Berbatov who was now waiting in the middle. His header was parried by Gomes, but only back into his path allowing Berbatov to poke home from two yards.

Van der Sar produced a fine stop from Robbie Keane six minutes from time, but it was all over by then. It had been a breathtaking comeback from United on yet another unforgettable day at the Theatre of Dreams.

Sir Alex hails terrific Tevez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ours to throw away

Wayne Rooney says the title is United's to throw away after the striker inspired a stunning comeback against Tottenham.

The 23-year-old scored two and made two in the 5-2 victory at Old Trafford, while it was his defence-splitting pass which led to United's controversial first goal from the penalty spot. The victory sent the Reds three points clear of Liverpool at the Barclays Premier League summit and Rooney says the Reds are determined to stay there.

"We know we're in a great position," he told Setanta Sports. "We've got five games left and it's ours to throw away. It was very important to win against Spurs and stay top of the league with a three-point margin. It gives us great belief and confidence ahead of the Arsenal game [on Wednesday].

Despite being 2-0 down at the break, Rooney says United never lost hope and always believed one goal could lead to a hatful.

"It was a brilliant comeback. We played too slow in the first half and Tottenham caused a few problems, especially down the right.

"But even at 2-0 down we knew once we got that first goal we'd get more opportunities to score. Thankfully we took them and in the end it was quite comfortable."

Patrice : Penalty was key

Patrice Evra says United's come-from-behind win against Tottenham Hotspur wouldn't have been possible without an early goal in the second half.

After going into the break 2-0 down, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled one back for the Reds from the spot on 57 minutes.

The goal may have had a touch of fortune associated with it - replays showed Howard Webb was perhaps harsh to penalise Heurelho Gomes for his challenge on Michael Carrick - but Ronaldo kept a cool head to fire past the Spurs goalkeeper.

"That goal was key," Evra told MUTV. "The manager told us at half-time that if we scored once we'd go on to win, and we believed that. But we knew we needed to score in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

"We knew we needed to wake up in the second half. At 2-0 down it was very difficult. We started very slowly and without any aggression. We let Tottenham play too much."

Evra admitted Sir Alex had "made a speech" in the dressing room at the interval. But the boss's team-talk wasn't the sole inspiration behind a stunning second-half performance.

"I have to say congratulations to the fans. We came off 2-0 down and were clapped off the pitch by our fans. That’s unbelievable.

"The fans were very important today and I’d like to congratulate them. It's very difficult for opposition teams to play at Old Trafford when the crowd gets behind us."

Ferguson : Berba proved his worth

At the end of a week in which Dimitar Berbatov was criticised heavily for his penalty miss in the FA Cup semi-final, the Bulgarian tormented his former club and proved just why United shelled out so much money to secure his signature last summer.

Against Tottenham Hotspur, the 28-year-old dazzled in United's 5-2 win, with Sir Alex describing his performance as "fantastic".

"I don't think he gave the ball away once, throughout the entire game," the boss told MUTV. "I thought he was our best player in the first half and then in the second he produced some wonderful moments.

"He produces moments that make you sit back and say: 'that's world class'. The pass he gave Ronaldo in the second half was unbelievable."

Berbatov didn't feature in United's 2-0 win against Portsmouth in midweek, three days after his casual penalty had been saved at Wembley. Many media outlets lambasted the striker for the miss, while radio phone-ins were awash with suggestion that the Bulgarian was overpriced.

"Look, he missed a penalty kick," Sir Alex said. "Many players have done that. Rio missed one last weekend as well and it’s all forgotten about.

"But because we paid so much money for Berbatov people are on his back. I know it was a bad penalty kick, I'm not making excuses for it. But we have to move on. It’s only a missed penalty.

"He produced some fantastic football last week but didn’t get the credit because of the penalty miss."