Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher’s illness is a sporting shame of great proportions.

The news regarding Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and his medical problems is saddening.

The Scotland captain has missed a large amount of football recently with the excuse of a mystery ‘viral illness’.

Manchester United have now announced the true nature of Fletcher’s condition and revealed he will be taking an extended break from football.

The illness he is suffering from is known as ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

It is wretched luck for any player to miss playing time through injury, but there seems an even greater injustice when it is something completely unrelated to football, as Fletcher’s problem is.

It does remind us that Premier League stars, who we elevate onto such unrealistic moral and emotional pedestals, are subject to the same ills and ailments as us normal folk.

It is an obvious statement to make but is it not strange to think of Wayne Rooney not being able to play because he has a cold? Or Robin van Persie missing a game because he has a migraine?

Fletcher deserves greater respect and sympathy from us all by the route he had to take to becoming a key squad member at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old was not a supremely gifted footballer, to whom things came effortlessly; he was technically sound and relied on hard work to further himself.

For many years Fletcher was derided as a sub-par member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, some even ludicrously suggested he was there because he was Scottish.

Never a fashionable member of the successful Manchester United sides over the past few years, Fletcher has come to be a player that Ferguson relies on in big games.

Shortly before his illness began to affect his number of appearances, the Scot had become a regular in the side and his tireless displays in the centre of midfield had led to him becoming one of the most important members of the team.

It seems doubly cruel that a player who could never be accused of being a prima dona or someone who has not fulfilled their potential, is struck down at a time when he appeared to really be coming into the prime of his career.

For the many detractors who have criticised Fletcher in the past, his honours record will be painful reading:

Four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one Champions League and one World Club Cup.

If the worst were to happen and Fletcher is unable to return, his record would put to shame most other players who have played the game.

While Fletcher’s absence will trouble United greatly due to their current injury problem, Fletcher’s drive and determination will be greatly missed if the Old Trafford side are still challenging for the league come May.

One thing is for sure though, there is no chance that Fletcher will not be doing all he can to return to the full fitness as quickly as possible.

Cole has faith that UNITED will come good soon

Manchester United favourite Andy Cole has backed his former side to come good in the second half of the season after a topsy-turvy run of results that have seen Sir Alex Ferguson’s side exit the Champions League at the group stages.

United’s 2-1 defeat against Basel last week meant they were dumped out of European football’s premier club competition at the group stages for only the third time in 17 years, while they still trail fierce rivals Manchester City by two points in the Premier League.

However, Cole points to United’s previous resilience in the league that has seen them overcome an indifferent start to the season before powering on to the title, saying he believes they can repeat the trick this season.

"I always look at December and January as being key months in the season." Cole wrote in his column for United Review.

“Easter time is always a period I remember as being a huge part of the campaign as well but, if you can get the right results in December and January, it sets you up for the rest of the season.

"It is important to be in good form at the right time and the time to do that is always in the second half of the campaign.

“There's no point running away with it now. Just look at what happened to Newcastle in 1995/96 - they were 12 points ahead when we went there and, after our victory, we went on a great run, whereas they pretty much capitulated after that."

United were buoyed by City’s defeat at the hands of Chelsea that meant the Red Devils finish the weekend just two points behind their rivals.

However, there was more bad injury news for Ferguson as Darren Fletcher was ruled out indefinitely after a statement revealed he was suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

However, Cole believes that despite the mounting injury woes Ferguson faces, the mentality “ingrained” in the club will help them push City all the way.

"I don't know why we've always done well in the second half of the season,” he added.

“I think it's just ingrained in the DNA of the players. They know they have to deliver and that when the New Year comes round, it is time to really focus, get your heads down and kick on."

Rooney Nani sends the Reds to within 2 point with city

Nani and Wayne fire in the goals as the title race continues...

Picture : UNITED beats Wolves

Phil Jones action


Rooney, Welbeck, Nani and Jones celebration goal


Ferdinand : Good job Nani ... More


Rooney Shoot


Nani Goal


Our Defender Evans

Rooney 2 Nani 2 - Wolverhampton 1

ANALYSIS
By Rob Stewart at Old Trafford

Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson creating siege mentality at Theatre of Dreams as he tries to silence his critics following Champions League disappointment without key personnel

Manchester United badly needed a nice little homecoming party following their harrowing Champions League exit, and thanks to Wayne Rooney and Nani they enjoyed one to raise spirits on their return to Old Trafford.

Together Rooney and Nani put smiles back on faces in Salford as they helped themselves to two goals apiece in a one-sided encounter against a Wolves side who rarely looked capable of being party poopers. The fact that Rooney and Co. were back among the goals and re-producing their early season form helped United provide the perfect response to the Champions League defeat in Basel. Their endeavours raised the gloom that enveloped Old Trafford before this encounter and ensured the Red Devils ended what manager Sir Alex Ferguson had in his programme notes called a “black week” for the club on a high.

The road to redemption might be a long one but Sir Alex set the tone by insisting that while “we may gnash our teeth there is no point wailing about it”. He even launched a thinly veiled attack at former United skipper Roy Keane, who had voiced criticism of the d isplay in Switzerland in his role as a television pundit, with Sir Alex bemoaning “stick even from people we thought were perhaps on our side”.

If Sir Alex - who appeared impossibly upbeat as he greeted fans on his way to the dugout - was attempting to create a siege mentality then it worked because United played as if they owed their fans one against a struggling Wolves side who were there for the taking from the off with just Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher able to take the fight to their hosts.

It was, though, crowd-pleasers Rooney and Nani who made sure that this was the morale-booster that everyone associated with the club needed following their first failure to make it out of the Champions League group stage since 2005.

On a gloomy day, it even stopped raining following the final whistle to ensure that the mood improved in more ways than one.

That they bounced back from such disappointment was down to Sir Alex’s decision to attack Wolves relentlessly down the flanks where Nani and Antonio Valencia tormented their markers and ensured that the visitors were unable to frustrate their hosts.

That is what Mick McCarthy’s side did last season when it required a last-minute goal from Ji-sung Park to secure United all three points, and the pessimists feared a repeat performance.

However, those fans who insisted they trusted Sir Alex to weather the storm and come back even stronger in the long term had their faith vindicated.

That there was no need for late drama on this occasion is due mainly to Rooney, who was this contest’s outstanding performer; his goals that spelled the end of his barren spell meant that he has still never gone ten games without scoring for United.

The emphatic victory also marked a return to the club’s free-scoring ways that had seen Arsenal thrashed 8-2 here and then Bolton swept aside 5-0 at the Reebok. Before this game United had not managed more than a solitary goal in eight of nine Premier League outings.

Rooney’s exploits showed why England head coach Fabio Capello was so keen to have his Euro 2012 suspension reduced and gave United fans reason to think they might hold on to their Premier League crown despite the threat posed by Manchester City.

Rooney remains their key asset and they will need him more than ever now thanks to injuries in other key departments.

It is difficult to see United coping without injured skipper Nemanja Vidic for the rest of the season, and while Michael Carrick and Phil Jones were head and shoulders above their Wolves counterparts, they might struggle when facing leading Premier League midfielders.

That is why Sir Alex will need Tom Cleverley and Anderson back in the thick of it sooner rather than later.

It also explains why there seems to be an obsession with Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder following their ill-fated pursuit of the Dutch ace last summer as the club moved to fill the void left by Paul Scholes’ retirement.

United have eminently winnable games coming against Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, Wigan, Blackburn and faltering Newcastle before aiming to avenge their 6-1 pasting by City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 8.

Given Sir Alex’s habit of proving his critics wrong, it would be foolish to write off United’s title chances just yet.

Blog : Team of the weak?

Kuszczak; Rafael, Neville, Evans, Fabio; Possebon, Fletcher, Gibson, Nani; Macheda, Welbeck. That’d be my side for Sunday’s trip to Hull.

I’m not in the habit of telling Sir Alex what side he should pick for matches, nor am I doing so here, but no United fan would complain if such a line-up were fielded at the KC Stadium on Sunday. There’s a certain appointment in Rome next Wednesday that must, simply has to, take precedence.

As is their way, the media have sniffed a possible scandal in the offing – field a weakened line-up and United could face legal action from the North East clubs. Or at least that’s what is being reported by certain papers this morning. And wouldn’t the media just love that – a last day controversy to replace the title finale that the Reds so cruelly robbed them of by winning it early. We’re such spoilsports.

Grounds for suing the club, apparently, would be the contravening of paragraph E20 of Premier League rules, which states that “in every league match, each participating club should field a full-strength team.”

But therein lies the problem – who determines what is and isn’t full strength? Isn’t that at the discretion of the manager? Shouldn’t Sir Alex be the one to decide if Rooney and Ronaldo, for example, are in need of a rest and therefore not fully fit? What about those players who have picked up knocks in recent weeks and for whom Sunday could be a game too far and lead to injury ahead of possibly the biggest game of their life? And what exactly is the point of a squad if you’re only allowed to field your strongest XI every week?

Sir Alex has never put out a side to do anything other than win a match and that won’t change now. In fact, there’s every chance that the side I’ve suggested is wide of the mark and some perceived bigger names will feature. But whatever starting XI he selects, it will be a side he believes is good enough to beat Hull City.

Indeed, if the line-up was similar to the one I’ve suggested, then it’s hardly a weak one: five of the possible starters I’ve listed held a full-strength Everton – currently English football’s fifth-best side – to 0-0 over 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, just a month ago. Four others are internationals.

That same team lifted the Carling Cup a month earlier, so it’s hardly one lacking in first-team experience and far from the ‘rookie side’ being touted by some papers, who are predicting a line-up not unlike mine at the top of this blog.

The suggestion that Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland will have grounds for legal action should Sir Alex go with what is deemed a weakened side is just plain daft. A non story. Besides, I don’t remember Newcastle complaining when they grabbed a point against a patched-up United side on the first day of the season. Or maybe I just missed the resulting lawsuits from Sunderland and Boro...?

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

Blog : A thirst to be first

MUTV commentator and regular 12 o'clock blogger Stewart Gardner is awestruck by Sir Alex's hunger and drive for more success...

What is the secret of Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable, sustained success? I was given a clue on Saturday afternoon in the tunnel at Old Trafford.

The champagne was being sprayed in the dressing room and thousands of fans were celebrating a hat-trick of titles. But amid all of these joyous scenes, one man was already thinking about next season – the boss.

Less than half an hour after the final whistle, he was already plotting a record breaking 19th Championship. I put it to him that equalling Liverpool’s haul of titles was a great achievement. He was more interested in beating it – now THAT really would be a special achievement he told me.

And therein lies the difference between Sir Alex and the rest. A frightening, almost superhuman will to win. No resting on laurels, no basking in glory – it’s a case of “job done, what’s next?”

It's amazing really - for him, the time to celebrate and the time to reflect on another season of glory seems to last just a few minutes.

He deserves all of the eulogies that have been written about him over the past few days. He also should have been congratulated by Rafa Benitez. But I personally found it quite disrespectful that the Liverpool boss wasn't particularly forthcoming with his praise of the modern game's greatest manager.

Liverpool pushed United all the way in the title race and Benitez and his players deserve credit for that. The Ferguson-Benitez rivalry certainly added some colour and excitement to the campaign. But I’m quite certain that if

Liverpool had won the title then Sir Alex would have congratulated Benitez – just as he did with Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger when they were victorious.

The fact that United have wrapped up the title with a game to spare means that some of our biggest names will have 10 clear days to prepare for the Champions League final. Barcelona are in a similar position, having tied up La Liga.

What a mouthwatering prospect that match is! But before that we go to Hull and back. And I’ve got a question for you. What team will the boss pick at the KC Stadium next weekend? Post your answers on the Talking Reds thread - but I bet nobody gets it exactly right! And, of course, you'll find out first on MUTV at around 15:00 BST on Sunday.

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

Papers : Rafa snubs Sir Alex

Benitez: I'll say well done to Utd, no one else
Rafa Benitez last night refused to congratulate Alex Ferguson on winning the Premier League. The angry Liverpool boss could not even bear to mention Fergie’s name when quizzed about Manchester United’s achievement in drawing level with the Reds on 18 titles. Instead, Rafa — whose side relegated West Brom yesterday by beating the Baggies 2-0 — snapped: “I’ll say ‘Well done’ to Manchester United — but not to anybody else! I try to be polite and respectful to my fellow managers at all times throughout the season. But in this case, I saw some things and I heard some things that I did not like. So I’ll repeat, to make it clear, that I’m prepared to congratulate Manchester United as a good club and a big club. But that’s all, nothing else.”
Janine Self, The Sun

Meanwhile Ryan Giggs has hailed Nemanja Vidic after the Serbian scooped two gongs at United’s end of season awards ceremony. Giggs, who picked up the PFA Player of the Season crown last month, was beaten to the United Players’ and Fans’ Player of the Year titles by the defender. The Welshman is quoted in The Sun saying: “Consistently through the season he’s been brilliant.”

Elsewhere the Daily Mirror claims that Carlos Tevez will leave United in the summer because he “does not feel loved by boss Sir Alex Ferguson.” The paper has interpreted the Argentine’s substitution on Saturday as Tevez waving “adios” to the fans at Old Trafford.

Round up by Joshua Evans

Ronny proud on 'special day'

"It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times. The lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."

- Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo beamed with pride as he reflected on clinching the third Premier League title of his United career.

The Portuguese winger, United's top scorer for a third successive season, revelled in the post-match celebrations after the Reds' draw with Arsenal had given the reigning champions an unassailable lead at the head of the table.

"It's unbelievable, it's a special day," Ronaldo told MUTV. "We've won the league again and now we get to celebrate with our families. I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times, the lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."

The Reds' triumph secured an 18th league title, equalling the longstanding record of Liverpool, but Ronaldo admits United need only concentrate on winning more silverware.

"We don't need to care about other teams," he said. "It's always good to be on the top, and we are in a good moment. We've won a few things and this club needs to carry on. It doesn't matter which players are here or which coach is here, the mentality of this club is always to win. I'm looking forward, and proud to be in the history of this team."

With one half of last season's Double now safely retained, United's attentions will now switch to overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League final. Should the Reds reign in Rome, Ronaldo believes this campaign can be held in the fondest regard, admitting: "If we win that then it's an unbelievable year."

The title in two minutes

United are English league champions for the 18th time.

1907/08, 1910/1911, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1964/65, 1966/67, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We’re not holding our breath, but one day the facts – a popular word this season – might stack up enough for the penny to drop elsewhere. Cast your minds back to 1998/99. Notice any similarities? In that season United won two of the opening five games. Crisis, they said. Whatever. Last season? Slow start. This season? Slow start. There’s a pattern emerging.

Chelsea, under ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, made hay in the early-season sunshine. A(nother) new dawn broke over Eastlands. And Liverpool stirred their loins. All the while we waited in the wings, and when the supporting cast had delivered their best lines and started to ad lib, the leading men assumed centre stage, parts learned off by heart, roles well-defined and well-rehearsed. Lights, camera, action!

By October’s end and a 2-0 victory over West Ham – in which the newly-crowned World Footballer of the Year (Ronny, who else?) bagged his first league brace of the campaign – the boss had started to talk about “a momentum that I believe will take some stopping”. New boys Hull showed the teeth that had characterised the Tigers’ pre-Christmas campaign, leaving Old Trafford after a spirited 4-3 defeat, but, to quote the bard of Stretford, Morrissey, November spawned a monster – especially if you happened to be an opposing striker. For the 13 league games after the 2-1 reverse at Arsenal that followed Hull, our defence turned away all-comers, setting a British record shut-out of 1,311 minutes into the bargain.

To prove we’re not just take, take, take, we even offered Newcastle fans a rare moment of cheer as Peter Lovenkrands put the ball past Edwin van der Sar – the first time we’d gone behind since January. But in between, we’d won at Eastlands, returned from Japan with the Club World Cup, battered Stoke 5-0 (ton-up for Ronny), and made the Champions League knockout stage as group winners. Paul Scholes was back in the fold and the next generation had taken us to the Carling Cup final. Phew.

And so, here we are: champions once again. It wasn’t a sprint, it was a marathon, but we entered the final straight, firing on all cylinders to reach our third title in a row for the second time under Sir Alex Ferguson – something no English club has achieved before. Brilliant season? That’s a fact.

18 Reasons : Part 2

Our feature continues with more reasons why United are champions yet again...

10. Ronny’s rockets
Let’s be honest: Ronaldo was never going to eclipse last season’s incredible tally of 31 league goals. But 18 so far isn’t too shabby, is it? In fact, it’s better than anyone else in the Barclays Premier League! We’ve seen some scorchers, too. Remember his two free-kicks against Stoke? How about the one against Blackburn from wide on the left? And don’t forget the headed third (or the shirt-off celebration) against Spurs to complete an incredible turnaround at Old Trafford in April. And to think some outsiders still question his status as one of the world’s best...

11. Size does matter
How must Sunderland’s players have felt in April when they saw (among others) Ronaldo, Tevez, Evra and Giggs sitting on the bench? The array of talent at Sir Alex’s disposal is frightening, but it’s also absolutely vital in a season that will see the Reds play an energy-sapping 66 competitive matches. That’s 26 more than some other top-flight clubs (and, it’s worth mentioning, 11 more than Liverpool)! It helps explain why United have used 31 different players in the league this term.

12. Young stars
Okay, so we’ve already shown Alan Hansen and the rest of the football world that you can actually win things with kids, but that’s no reason to gloss over the contribution from United’s youngsters this term. Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva, in particular, regularly slotted into the Reds’ back four and, more often than not, looked like seasoned pros. Both were nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck scored screamers on their league debuts, and Richard Eckersley, Rodrigo Possebon, Darron Gibson and Zoran Tosic also sampled the big stage.

13. Leaving it late
It wouldn’t be United without late drama, would it? Late winners are woven into the fabric of the club and the 2008/09 season has been no different. The Reds have scored more league goals after the 75th minute than in any other 15-minute period, with five arriving in the 90th minute or later. Three of those – Berbatov v Bolton, Vidic v Sunderland, Macheda v Villa – turned draws into wins (or, put another way, earned United six additional points).

14. The 12th man
The Reds’ travelling support is widely regarded as the best in the country and even Wayne Rooney admits he wishes he could sample the experience (“It looks mad!”). But at Old Trafford this season, too, United supporters often raised the roof to roar the Reds to victory. Against Villa and Tottenham in April the crowd became a 12th man, just as they had when every Chelsea touch in January was met with intimidating jeers and whistles. But perhaps the best testimonial for United’s unwavering support came at half-time when the Reds were trailing to Spurs: “We came off at half-time 2-0 down,” Patrice Evra recalls, “and we were clapped off the pitch. That’s unbelievable.”

15. Comeback kings
How many times have you heard commentators claim: “United never know when they’re beaten”? It’s true, though. When the going gets tough, the Reds invariably pull something out of the hat. In the league this season, United have gone behind on six occasions. In half of those games, the Reds went on to claim all three points (never more dramatically than coming from 2-0 down to thump Spurs 5-2). It was only in games away to Arsenal and Fulham that the Reds failed to secure at least a draw after conceding first.

16. Unsung heroes
You don’t have to be make headlines to make an impact. Ronaldo and Rooney may dominate the back pages but the Reds wouldn’t have lifted the trophy without contributions from the likes of John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park. O’Shea, especially, proved his worth this season with a string of top-class performances. Whether asked to play right back, left back or even at centre-half, the Irishman got on with the job and consistently produced the goods.

17. The old heads
When the heat is on, it helps if you’ve got people on your side who have been there before. In Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, the Reds have three men who boast 28 league-winners’ medals. And while they don’t play week-in, week-out anymore, Gary (Stoke), Ryan (Chelsea) and Paul (Fulham) all put in man-of-the-match performances this term on the way to the Reds’ latest title triumph.

18. The Boss
You’d think you’d get bored of the same job after 22 years, wouldn’t you? Not Sir Alex. In charge at Old Trafford since 1986, the boss is as hungry as ever for success. His tactical nous hasn’t diminished either. In January, Sir Alex surprised everyone by playing Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher in the centre of midfield against Chelsea. It turned out to be a masterstroke, as was the way he blooded young talent, rotated his central midfielders and managed his substitutions throughout the season.

18 Reasons : Part 1

United are champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time! Here are 18 reasons why, in no particular order...

1. The reinvention of Ryan
When he finally hangs up his boots, Ryan Giggs will be remembered as one of the best left wingers to ever play the game. But this term he’s been inspirational in the centre of midfield, where his cool head and ability to pick the perfect pass has done untold damage to opposition defences. His form wasn’t lost on his fellow professionals, either: in May he was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

2. That boy Macheda
Every 17-year old dreams of scoring an injury-time winner on his debut in front of the Stretford End, but Federico Macheda actually did it. With time slipping away against Aston Villa, the Italian took one exquisite touch before curling an unstoppable shot past Brad Friedel and into the far corner. Cue pandemonium in the stands as the teenager became an instant hero. And as if that wasn’t enough, six days later he came off the bench again to score the winner at Sunderland. Magnifico!

3. He comes from Serbia
Hotly tipped to win United’s Player of the Season award, Nemanja Vidic has been outstanding this term. He was the only constant feature of the Reds’ back four during the record-breaking clean-sheet run and also chipped in with valuable goals at the other end (remember Sunderland at home in the last minute?). Of course, he’ll want to forget Liverpool’s opening goal at OT, but that mistake merely proved he’s human after all...

4. Keeping it clean
You don’t win football matches if the opposition score more goals, so the best platform you can give yourself is to keep a clean sheet. The Reds did just that in 14 consecutive league games between 8 November and 18 February, setting a new English record in the process. In fact, by the time Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz poked the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak at OT, the Reds had gone 1334 minutes without conceding a league goal. The word “watertight” springs to mind.

5. Home rule
When Liverpool take stock of where it all went wrong they’ll probably point to the number of points dropped at Anfield (12 prior to the final day). But while Rafa’s men were drawing at home to the likes of Stoke and Fulham, United’s only Old Trafford wobbles came against Newcastle (1-1), Liverpool (1-4) and Arsenal (0-0, when a point won the title).

6. A day to forget
Most Reds would prefer to erase this fixture from their minds but there’s no denying the role it played in United’s title charge. Losing 4-1 at home to your biggest rivals is never enjoyable, but at least it brought everyone back down to earth at a time when some fans and members of the press were starting to think an 18th title was a mere formality. A timely reminder that you can’t take anything for granted in football.

7. Sharing it around
All successful teams contain at least one forward who bangs in goals for fun. For the Reds, Ronaldo and Rooney have hit the back of the net more than most, but they’re just two of 15 United players to get on the scoresheet in the league in 08/09. It’s a terrifying thought if you’re an opposition defender... and the perfect riposte to those critics at the beginning of the season who claimed the Reds relied too heavily on Ronaldo’s goals.

8. That winning feeling
Far from disrupt the Reds’ momentum, act as a distraction or tire players out, the trip to Japan in December for the FIFA Club World Cup simply energised United and made the players hungrier for more success. The returning world champions won 19 of the next 20 fixtures after touching down back in England, beginning with a gritty 1-0 win over Stoke City on Boxing Day.

9. The fab four
On more than one occasion this season Sir Alex has admitted to "selection headaches” when it comes to his forward line. Managers around the country often spend Friday afternoons sweating over the fitness or form of their star striker, but Sir Alex has the “luxury” of deciding who to leave out. Carlos Tevez offers industry and energy, Dimitar Berbatov sublime control and the ability to bring others into the game. Wayne Rooney feeds others as well as he finds the net himself, while Cristiano Ronaldo has proved he’s just as effective up front as he is on the wing. Of course, sometimes not even Sir Alex can choose and plays all four at once! Well, can you blame him?

Rio's special feeling

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record. The fact that we've beaten to do it means it's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

- Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says it's a "sweet feeling" to have drawn level with Liverpool's record of 18 titles.

The defender missed out through injury on Saturday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal which sealed a hat-trick of league championships for the Reds, but was on hand to collect his winners' medal and join in with the jubilant celebrations at Old Trafford.

This latest triumph is United's eleventh in the Barclays Premier League era, but Ferdinand says the squad remain hungry for more and are determined to overtake Liverpool's longstanding haul.

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record," admitted the defender.

"It's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

The players embarked on a lap of honour after being presented with the trophy to acknowledge the unwavering support from the fans.

"The fans travel far and wide and spend a lot of money coming to watch us week in, week out and for a lot of them it’s what they live for," explained Rio.

"We’re very appreciative of their great support and it’s only right we say thank you because without them the club wouldn’t survive. And it really is a genuine thank you.

"We’ve had some great times with the fans this season and hopefully there’s plenty more to follow in the coming seasons."

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Ryan Giggs, Anderson and Wayne Rooney celebrate at the final whistle


Darren Fletcher in action against Arsenal at Old Trafford.


Nemanja Vidic was dominant in the air against the Gunners.


Arsene Wenger on the bench while a United fan sports an Eric Cantona mask


Jonny Evans didn't give Robin van Persie any room.


There's never a moment's peace when Carlos Tevez is around.


Wayne Rooney puts Bacary Sagna under pressure.


Ryan Giggs has now won 11 Premier League titles.


Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with Edwin van der Sar


Cristiano Ronaldo at the final whistle


Rio Ferdinand lifts the 2008/09 Premier League trophy

United 0 Arsenal 0

United are once again champions of England and inevitably, it was achieved the hard way, with a nail-biting goalless draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

A tense, nerve-wracking afternoon saw few chances at either at end, as a largely dour match dragged agonisingly to its conclusion. Hearts were in mouths for United fans throughout the afternoon, and never more than when Cesc Fabregas struck the post with six minutes remaining.

Victories over Manchester City and Wigan had the champions six points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the match, meaning a point would secure a record-equalling 18th league title. Mindful of the dangers of playing for a draw, the Reds were quick out of the traps.

Barely 15 seconds had passed before Cristiano Ronaldo got the better of Kieran Gibbs, exposing the space behind the young full-back to race onto Darren Fletcher’s through-ball. The Portuguese declined to continue his sprint, however, and his cross was cleared before it could reach Ryan Giggs.

That early opening heralded a sustained spell of United pressure, which only served to heighten the expectant buzz which had hummed around Old Trafford long before kick-off.

However, Arsenal, still reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of United, and the subsequent scrutiny of their silverware drought of recent years, were not at Old Trafford to simply roll over for the champions-elect.

Robin van Persie headed wastefully over from Andrey Arshavin’s pinpoint right-wing cross, despite having no United defenders in

his immediate vicinity, while it took a last ditch challenge from Jonny Evans to halt an Arshavin run which had bypassed three of the Reds’ backline.

Slowly, United began to find gaps in the Gunners’ midfield and defence, and Wayne Rooney was agonisingly close to opening the scoring after 17 minutes, as he glanced Michael Carrick’s measured back-post cross narrowly past the upright.

From there, chances were few and far between for either side. United found Arsenal’s reshuffled backline hard to penetrate, while the visitors struggled to find the killer ball to crown their impressive approach play.

Giggs lashed over the bar from a difficult angle, but the half ended on a nervous note for United as Samir Nasri lashed a half-cleared corner goalwards. The Frenchman’s effort was heading off target, but could have deviated anywhere as it hit the unmarked van Persie. Fortunately for the Reds, the loose ball fell kindly and Nemanja Vidic was able to clear.

At the break, United had the required point to seal the title. The growing air of nervousness inside Old Trafford suggested a foreboding that Arsenal, with no great motivation of their own, could still gatecrash the party.

The Gunners were clearly in the mood to do so. The second half was barely underway when Cesc Fabregas was booked for following through on Evra. Moments later van Persie, already booked for hacking Ronaldo down, also caught the Frenchman. Referee Mike Dean lectured the Dutchman on his behaviour, before promptly booking Nasri for a cynical trip, again on the battered and bruised Evra.

As if to add a more dramatic backdrop to the now simmering atmosphere, proceedings were subjected to a brief, but torrential downpour which added further zip to the turf. Both sides continued to pop passes around, regardless of the saturated conditions, and United's first clear chance of the game was quickly forthcoming.

Giggs' cross from the right wing found Tevez, who rolled Kolo Toure but was quickly pressurised by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Argentine was unable to fire shot off, and Ronaldo blazed the rebound high into the Stretford End.

Arsenal were still retaining possession with more authority than their hosts, and Sir Alex Ferguson responded by throwing Ji-sung Park into the fray, at the expense of Tevez. The Korean soon had the ball in the Arsenal net, bursting through and swapping passes with Ronaldo before tapping in, only for the goal to be ruled offside. To the naked eye it was comfortably the right decision, only for television replays to reveal that Ronaldo had been played onside by Bacary Sagna.

A goal would have lifted all the growing tension on and around the field, but instead it was allowed to fester as United dropped deep, looking to counter as Arsenal pressed for a heartbreaking winner.

It meant much of the game was seen between fingers for plenty of United fans, although hands were briefly on heads when Ronaldo, felled after a lightning breakaway, drilled a free-kick fractionally past Fabianski's top left-hand corner.

Arsenal came even closer with six minutes remaining. Another fine build-up culminated in the ball reaching Fabregas, and the Spaniard's shot took the merest of flicks from Edwin van der Sar's fingertips before rattling against the outside of the post.

United were, by now, simply running down the clock. There was just about time for one last scare as Rooney was ruled to have fouled Sagna on the edge of the area, only for van Persie's free-kick to flick wide of the far post.

The final whistle prompted delirium among the fans who could finally exhale. Once again, success had been reached. Once again, United had straddled a knife-edge all the way there.

18 for EPL

The desire to ensure Manchester United in the title of champion her own home form. Although it does not get the victory, but the 0-0 tie against Arsenal enough for them to maintain the title.

In the fight to the last-37 at Old Trafford on Saturday (16/5/2009), MU can not repeat the success at twice beat Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal round. However, they also can not be caused to bow by also by The Gunners.

90 more minutes pass without a goal is created, 'Red Devils lock the Premiership title as acquisition number is impossible two ranked teams are Liverpool. They have point number 87, while the new Reds 80. Even if the two fight win and the rest of MU lost weekend game in Hull, Liverpool are still under the MU.

This is the time to MU-18 to be in the best club competition in the top division of English Football, Liverpool rival record. Specific format in the Premier League, the team Sir Alex Ferguson upbringing add this collection title to 11 times.

18 For UNITED

1 8ELIEVE 4 UNITED ... now 18 it's get, we wait for 4 UCL.

Eyes on the prize

“We’ve just got to concentrate on winning the league and try to do that in our own way. Going for a point is always a dangerous game to play when that’s all you need, we must try and go for the win.”

- Sir Alex Ferguson

With just two league games remaining United can seal an 18th title and third successive Barclays Premier League crown with a draw against Arsenal on Saturday.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his players against complacency and challenged them to take all three points from the lunchtime clash at Old Trafford.

“I think it helps that we are playing Arsenal because we know from previous games you have to play them at a good level,” the boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“They are a very good team and they will attack us, there’s no question about that. They won’t change the way they play and I’m expecting a good game.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on winning the league and try to do that in our own way. Going for a point is always a dangerous game to play when that’s all you need, we must try and go for the win.”

The United manager also expressed his desire for the Championship crown to be won at Old Trafford, as a reward for the supporters.

“It is strange that we’ve won it four times on the last game of the season elsewhere, but have only done it once out of the ten times at Old Trafford,” he said.

“We have great fans and it will be great for them if we can do it. I always say I don’t care where we win it but on a day like Saturday with the opportunity to do it, it would be nice.”

Rio set to miss Gunners clash

Rio Ferdinand is likely to miss out as United aim to clinch the Premier League title against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

A calf strain ruled the defender out of the Reds' wins over Manchester City and Wigan, but Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful of having Ferdinand available for the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"Rio is still struggling with a calf strain," the manager told his pre-match press conference. "These niggles usually take a week to 10 days to clear up. Hopefully he'll be fit for Hull and the Champions League final.

"He's not training, he's having treatment. He's doing gym work and work on the bikes. He's our only concern for tomorrow, but I'll freshen up from Wednesday - it was a gruelling game and a heavy pitch."

Jonny Evans is likely to deputise again in Ferdinand's absence, as the Reds chase a point or more in order to secure an 18th league title.

“I am not looking at equalling anyone. I think we should be looking at ourselves and this team has got a bit to go yet. That is more exciting for me and is the prospect that resonates with me far more than equalling others.”

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson claims he will get no satisfaction from equalling Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles, should United retain the Premier League against Arsenal on Saturday.

The United boss told his pre-match press conference: “For me, I am not looking at equalling anyone. I think we should be looking at ourselves and this team has got a bit to go yet.

“They could go on and win another five titles. That is more exciting for me and is the prospect that resonates with me far more than equalling others. The squad is young enough to win more titles and hopefully they can do it.”

As United legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville all approach the home straight of their careers, Sir Alex cannot help but compare his wise old heads with the current crop of youngsters at Old Trafford:

“We have got a lot of young players in the squad right now and that is healthy," he said. "Obviously we hope the dinosaurs like Giggs, Scholes and Neville will last another two years. It would be wonderful to think that because by that time I think the young players will have benefitted from it. But it is a very young squad

and we are excited by that.

“I try to think about what Giggs was like at that age, when Scholes and Neville were still learning with great potential. I think the younger ones like Welbeck, Evans, Gibson, Macheda and Rafael have the same potential, there's no question about that.

“They are also playing at a higher level than when Ryan, Gary and Paul came into the team so that makes it more difficult for them. We try to equate the circumstances of those players.”