MAN UTD 1 - MIDDLESBROUGH 0

Middlesbrough forced Manchester United to work hard at Old Trafford before conceding a 1-0 loss. After missing a series of chances, Dimitar Berbatov spared their blushes with the only goal. The Bulgarian volleyed home from close range in the 69th minute after Michael Carrick's left-wing cross had bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater.

 

Berbatov, who replaced Boxing Day's match-winner at Stoke Carlos Tevez after he returned to Argentina on a ''family issue'', was one of the guilty culprits in the first hour of the match. But he was not the only one with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-sung all squandering chances against a determined Middlesbrough side. United may have won with just one goal but managed to keep Premier League leaders Liverpool within their radar.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD

STOKE 0 - MAN UTD 1

A late goal by Carlos Tevez ensured Manchester United returned to Premier League action with a 1-0 win at Stoke City. The home side had earlier been reduced to 10 men with Andy Wilkinson picking up two yellows.

 

The striker scored the vital goal with seven minutes remaining to end Stoke`s brave resistance, shortly after Andy Wilkinson was ordered off. However it took United a while to get going after they only arrived back on Monday from Japan.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD 

UEFA TO PUNISH VIDIC

Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United's Champions League clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro after being sent off in the final of the Club World Cup against LDU Quito. The Serbian was shown a straight red card for elbowing Claudio Bieler in the second half of the Red Devils' 1-0 win on Sunday and under FIFA rules the subsequent suspension is carried over to the next match of the club's federation.

 

In this case that means the next match in a UEFA competition and rules Vidic out the European Champion's trip to Milan on February 24, 2009. A FIFA spokesman confirmed that he will get at least a one match ban. However, with FIFA still to ratify the exact punishment, Vidic could face up to a three match ban. That would rule the centre-back out of the entire Champions League tie with Inter and possibly the first leg of the quarter-final should United overcome Jose Mourinho's men.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD 

FERDINAND APPRECIATES SIR ALEX WORDS

Rio Ferdinand hopes a motivational team-talk from Sir Alex Ferguson will prove to be 'a defining point' in Manchester United's season. United lifted the Club World Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Liga de Quito in Japan and Ferdinand admits Ferguson made the players aware of the significance of the game.

 

The centre-half revealed the United manager warned the Premier League and European champions that losing in the Club World Cup final would have a negative effect on their campaign.

 

BOLA BOYZ MAN UTD

MAN UTD 1 - LDU QUITO 0

Ten man United clinched the world title in Japan. A second-half strike from Wayne Rooney handed Manchester United a deserved 1-0 victory over LDU Quito in the Fifa Club World Cup Final at the Yokohama Stadium. The UEFA Champions League holders dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock as goalkeeper Jose Cevallos was called into action on several occasions.

 

The Red Devils were dealt a setback four minutes after the interval when centre-back Nemanja Vidic was handed a straight red card by referee Ravshan Irmatov for catching Claudio Bieler with his elbow. South American club champions LDU Quito began to make their numerical advantage pay but they were undone on 73 minutes as Rooney smashed home the winner after he was teed up by Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

GAMBA OSAKA 3 - MAN UTD 5

Two goals from Wayne Rooney after a late introduction send Manchester United to the Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito on Sunday. Earlier, United had already established superiority over Gamba Osaka thanks to first-half headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney's arrival led to a frenzied spell of six goals in 18 minutes, the England man netting either side of a Darren Fletcher effort as the Red Devils kept spirited Gamba resistance at bay.

 

Gamba Osaka responded with Masato Yamazaki effort after the first 2 goals, but Rooney and Fletcher buried them further. The Japanese side tried another comeback with goals from Yasuhito Endo and Hideo Hashimoto, but time has really ran out of them.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

EVRA BANNED, ROONEY CLEARED

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will not face any disciplinary action over his apparent stamp on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard during a Champions League clash at Old Trafford last week. The pair tangled after a tackle and Rooney appeared to land on the AaB midfielder's chest in the aftermath but UEFA ruled any contact was accidental rather than malicious.

 

Meanwhile, Manchester United have decided not to appeal against Patrice Evra's four-match ban for a post-match fracas at Stamford Bridge last season. The French full-back was handed the punishment by the FA almost two weeks ago, stunning Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

However, after examination of the case, United have decided not to take the matter further. It had been believed that they had asked for transcripts of the FA's judgement. It appears unlikely Evra could win an appeal given he had already admitted he was at fault for the incident at Stamford Bridge involving Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

TOTTENHAM 0 - MAN UTD 0

Heurelho Gomes was the hero at White Hart Lane as he saved a last minute freekick that earned Tottenham Hotspurs a goalless draw against champions, Manchester United. The Brazilian produced a fingertip save to turn away a Giggs freekick that was going to creep in as United desperately searched for a winner to ensure they left for Club World Cup duty in happy mood.

 

It left the Red Devils rueing their failure to take advantage of second-half superiority and opened the door for Chelsea to surge clear in the Barclays Premier League title race by beating West Ham tomorrow. Dimitar Berbatov will have been particularly disappointed at his failure to make an impact, which just gave the Spurs fans more reason to cheer.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

 

Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite again to win another major honour after being included on the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. The Red Devil has been nominated alongside Lionel Messi, Xavi, Kaka and Fernando Torres.

 

Ronaldo scored 42 goals and scooped the Premier League title and European Cup with United last season whilst Torres and Xavi won Euro 2008 with Spain.  However, regular contenders Kaka and Messi didn't win any silverware in 2008.

 

The shortlist has been complied after coaches and team captains from around the world were asked to vote for their top choice and it is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named. The winner will be announced at a glitzy gala at the Zurich Opera House on January 12.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

VAN DER SAR SIGNED NEW DEAL

Edwin Van der Sar has signed a new deal with Manchester United which will keep him at the club until 2010. The Dutch keeper has agreed a one-year contract extension, an agreement which will see him clock up five years' service at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson certainly appears to have no intention of dropping the Dutchman, having expressed his delight at persuading the 38-year-old to commit his future to the club.

 

The veteran shot-stopper has been a revelation since arriving from Fulham in 2005, helping the Red Devils claim back-to-back Premier League titles, a League Cup success and the UEFA Champions League crown. He has also helped to bring stability to the troublesome keeping conundrum at United, with a number of his predecessors having failed to plug the sizeable void left by Peter Schmeichel's departure in 1999.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD 

SIR ALEX EYES WORLD CROWN

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the club will be doing their utmost to win the Fifa Club World Cup. The English and European champions will fly to Japan next week as they bid to claim the world crown.

 

Ferguson guided his side to the title in 1999 - when it was known as the InterContinental Cup and involved just a one of match between the European and South American champions.

 

Now the tournament sees a group phase before the final as the champions of every continent compete for the title in Japan. Despite the schedule coming in the middle of United's Premier League campaign, Ferguson has no plans to use an under-strength squad in the Far East.

BOLA BOYZ    MAN UTD 

MAN UTD 2 - AAB 2

Manchester United secured top spot in Group E after equalling a record of 19th  unbeaten Champions League game, even though victory over Aalborg eluded them at Old Trafford as the game finished 2-2.

 

Carlos Tevez scored his fifth goal in a week after just three minutes put the Red Devils on the driving seat. But an unexpected first-half response from the visitors left United trailing at the interval. Although Wayne Rooney levelled, the hosts could not find a winner.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

RONALDO HAPPY AT OLD TRAFFORD

Newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is
loving life at Manchester United and hopes to collect many more awards
at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United winger was named as Kaka's successor in the
early hours of Tuesday morning and was presented with the trophy in a
televised ceremony.

Ronaldo, who was the subject of much speculation this summer over a
possible move to Real Madrid, was delighted to finally get his hands
on the Ballon d'Or and has vowed to fire his club to more success this
season.

MAN UTD 1 - SUNDERLAND 0

Nemanja Vidic snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory for Manchester United in Sunderland's first game since the departure of Roy Keane. The Black Cats, who had fallen into the bottom three after losing five of their last six games, looked set to be rewarded for a spirited display with a vital point.

 

They had withstood everything United had thrown at them, while Cristiano Ronaldo had also been forced off due to injury midway through the second half. However, Vidic turned the ball home in the first minute of injury-time to keep United six points behind league leaders Liverpool.

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 

RONALDO ALMOST A GUNNERS

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was poised to join Arsenal before he accepted an offer to sign for Manchester United in 2003. The winger, recently crowned European Footballer of the Year, has admitted his admiration for Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger and revealed how close he came to becoming part of the squad at the Emirates.

 

However, United's offer of £12.24 million was three times that of Arsenal's, and Sporting Lisbon had no choice but to accept.  Ronaldo said that he met Arsene on three occasions and one of those times was with his mum who wanted to hear what the Gunners' boss was proposing. Since then, Wenger remains someone that he admired and believes that the french manager is a really intelligent football guy.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL   MAN UTD  

MAN UTD 5 - BLACKBURN 3

Carlos Tevez seized his opportunity to fire Manchester United to a 5-3 victory against Blackburn and reach the Carling Cup semi-finals. With his Old Trafford future at stake, Tevez has no regard for the fixture backlog piling up for Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

The Argentinian scored a total of 4 goals after Nani scoring the second goal of the night. Carlos Tevez hailed a night to remember as he claimed the first four-goal haul of his career.

 

RONALDO WINS 2008 BALLON d'OR

Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrating ''one of the most beautiful days of
my life'' after being award the prestigious Ballon d'Or on Tuesday.
The Manchester United and Portugal winger who inspired United to the
Champions League and Premier League double this year, was named as the
World Player of The Year ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi and
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

77 out of 96 top journalists voted Ronaldo as their number one player
this year and every one placed him in their top five after he scored
42 goals in United's trophy-laden season. He polled an impressive 446
points from a maximum 480, finishing comfortably ahead of
second-placed Messi (281) and third-placed Torres (179).

The 23-year-old becomes the third Portuguese player to lift the famous
trophy, after legendary pair Eusebio and Luis Figo. Beside being the
first Premier League player since Michael Owen in 2001 to land the
award, Ronaldo also becomes the fourth Red Devil to take the gong
after Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966) and George Best (1968).

MAN CITY 0 - MAN UTD 1

Manchester United secured local bragging rights on Sunday as they
ground out a 1-0 win over neighbours Manchester City at Eastlands.
Wayne Rooney's solitary strike towards the end of the first half
proved to be enough, despite the Red Devils having Cristiano Ronaldo
sent off.

The visitors dominated possession from the off, creating the better of
the chances and forcing City onto the back foot. Rooney, Ronaldo and
Dimitar Berbatov all went close, with Joe Hart enduring a difficult
afternoon in the City goal.

It appeared that neither side would be able to force a breakthrough
before the interval, only for Hart to then parry a low Michael Carrick
effort straight to the feet of Rooney on 42 minutes. The Blues' cause
was then handed a timely boost on 68 minutes when Ronaldo was shown a
second yellow card following a bizarre handball incident, but they
were unable to restore parity.

BERBATOV BACK TO TRAINING

Dimitar Berbatov has returned to training after a hamstring injury but Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is still to decide how to use him in Sunday's derby clash with Manchester City.

 

The Red Devils' record £30.75million signing has missed the last two games after reporting back from international duty with a minor problem picked up against Serbia.

 

He was able to join his team-mates for the latter part of the training session on Thursday morning, putting him in contention to face Mark Hughes' side at Eastlands.

 

VILLARREAL 0 - MAN UTD 0

Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention as Manchester United
confirmed their place in the next stage of the Champions League. For
the second successive match, the Portugal winger had to endure some
stiff challenges.

United looked the more assured of the two sides throughout the game
but it took them until the 41st minute before they made a real impact.
Villarreal were then reduced to 10 men four minutes later when
Capdevila was sent off for a high challenge on Ronaldo has he tried to
race down field. Despite being a man up, United had little time to
make their advantage pay. However a draw confirmed both teams place in
the next stage.

A RESPONSIBILITY FOR EVRA

Patrice Evra admits Manchester United's players feel a responsibility
to retain the UEFA Champions League trophy they won last season. No
side has ever won the European Cup back-to-back since the Champions
League's inauguration and Evra is eager to make history this season
following last term's glorious night in Moscow.

The Frenchman concedes that retaining the trophy is more difficult
than winning it, but feels United have as good a chance of any this
season. United need a point from their game on Tuesday night in
Villarreal to secure progression to the competition's last 16.

SIR ALEX LOOKING BACK TO ROSSI & CAMPBELL

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he would be interested in
re-signing former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi. The Red
Devils sold the Italian in 2007 for £6.6million but the Premier League
champions insisted a buy-back clause be inserted into the player's
contract.

Last week, the Old Trafford boss also mentioned about the possibility
of recalling Frazier Campbell from White Hart Lane in January transfer
window. The young striker is currently on a loan spell with Tottenham
since the signing of Dimitar Berbatov who moved to the opposite
direction.

ASTON VILLA 0 - MAN UTD 0

Manchester United failed to capitalise on stumbles by their title
rivals after being held to a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Despite
controlling the tempo of the game for long periods, the champions were
unable to extend their long winning sequence at Villa Park.

Wayne Rooney had United's best chance of the match in the second half,
but he lashed wildly over the bar from close range after being played
in by an astute pass by Michael Carrick. Martin O'Neill's side ended
their 14-match losing sequence against the Red Devils but the visitors
could have cut the deficit on the pacesetters to six points after the
leading two were both held earlier in the day.

GERMANY 1 - ENGLAND 2

England travelled to the German capital ravaged by injuries and
surrounded by debate regarding the importance of Wednesday's friendly,
but Capello's side produced a thoroughly convincing display to secure
a fifth successive win.

A late John Terry header ensured England continued their resurgence
under Fabio Capello with a 2-1 victory over Germany in Berlin to end
2008 on a high. The Three Lions, who recorded a famous 5-1 success on
their last visit to Germany, took a scrappy lead in the 23rd minute as
centre-back Matthew Upson poked home after Rene Adler had flapped at a
Stewart Downing corner.

After the break, England continued to enjoy the better of proceedings
but substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson endure a horrible mix-up with
Terry to allow Germany striker Patrick Helmes to equalise on 63
minutes. Terry headed a late winner at the Olympic Stadium after
Matthew Upson's first-half opener was cancelled out by Patrick Helmes,
and the Chelsea defender was pleased to secure the win.

Injuries forced Fabio Capello to name an experimental line-up in
Wednesday's friendly in Berlin, with Aston Villa striker Gabriel
Agbonlahor making his debut. But an England side which also included
fringe players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick and
Stewart Downing put on a highly impressive performance.

FABIO WILL DO THE SAME

Sir Alex Ferguson has high hopes that Fabio Da Sliva will make as big an impact on the first-team as his twin brother Rafael. The 18-year-olds twin arrived in the summer from Fluminese and right-back Rafael is already making an impression in the first-team squad.

 

Fabio, a left-back, has seen his progress hampered by a shoulder operation which has meant he has been sat on the sidelines as his brother has captured the headlines. But Ferguson admits that he is fully confident that Fabio will soon produce the goods like Rafael.

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD 
 

MAN UTD 5 - STOKE CITY 0

Cristiano Ronaldo's finally scored his 100th goal and the Manchester
United boss marked 50 years in the game with a comfortable 5-0 win
over Stoke. It was not as bad as what Arsene Wenger said about Stoke,
their robust approach might have suggested Sir Alex Ferguson to revise
his opinion about Tony Pulis' side.

It took just three minutes for Ronaldo to reach his personal milestone
with a trademark free-kick and rounded off United's biggest win of the
season in similar fashion at the end. In between Michael Carrick and
Dimitar Berbatov also found the net, with England Under-19 forward
Danny Welbeck scoring on his debut.

BENZEMA BIG DREAM

Karim Benzema admits he would consider a move to Manchester United in
the future. The Lyon striker was quoted referring the Red Devils as
one of the the big clubs which he can progress to a higher level in
his career.

The highly-rated France international is expected to leave the Ligue 1
champions at the end of the season, with no shortage of admirers
waiting in the wings. But Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is
understood to be a long-term fan of Benzema, could now consider a bid
after the 20-year-old confessed that he would be attracted to any 'big
club'.

SIR ALEX OR CAPELLO FOR OLYMPICS

Sir Alex Ferguson has been informally approached by London 2012
Olympics chairman Sebastian Coe about the role of Great Britain
football team. But the Manchester United boss has played down talk
that he would be involved.

Current England manager Fabio Capello could be another suitable
candidate as he has suggested he would love to end his career when he
is 66 at the London Olympics. However, the Prime Minister's ambassador
for the 2018 World Cup bid, Richard Caborn still optimistic that Sir
Alex can still be persuaded for the job.

RONALDO TO DISCUSS NEW CONTRACT

Cristiano Ronaldo's agents have confirmed that the player is set to
have talks over a new deal at Manchester United. Ronaldo, who is odds
on favourite to be named both World and European Footballer of the
Year later this season, appears keen on securing a new deal, despite
spending most of the summer stating he wished to move to Real Madrid.
However, there is still no confirmed date for the talks has been
scheduled.

MAN UTD 1 - QPR 0

Carlos Tevez's late penalty saw off QPR 1-0 as Manchester United
advanced to the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford. Few would
begrudge United their success but their Championship opponents would
have taken the tie to extra-time had it not been for Peter Ramage's
rash tackle on England Under-19 striker Daniel Welbeck.

Tevez was not about to pass up the opportunity and confidently beat an
otherwise faultless Radek Cerny to steer United through. No-one could
deny United deserved their success even though they wasted a
succession of half-chances and were not as clinical as they might have
been given their dominance of possession.

RAFAEL KEEP IMPRESSING AT OLD TRAFFORD

Rafael Da Silva arrived with twin brother Fabio and Possebon as
United's search for young talent took on a global dimension. Although
it was felt all three would have to be patient in waiting for their
first-team opportunities, Ferguson has recognised the extreme talent
in his midst.

Rafael is now pushing skipper Gary Neville and currently-injured
England international Wes Brown hard for a regular starting spot.
Ferguson credited Rafael with providing the lead that eventually
resulted in the Red Devils snatching a precious Champions League point
off Celtic at Parkhead last week. And then on Saturday, he belted home
his first senior goal, even if it was not enough to stave off defeat
at Arsenal.

HARGREAVES TO MEET KNEE SPECIALIST

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has flown to Colorado to
see renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman to see if he can put
an end to his injury nightmare.

The midfielder has been out of action for seven weeks and has seen his
time at Manchester United constantly interrupted by what the club
diagnosed as endonitis. It has got so bad that the 27-year-old cannot
play two games in the same week for the Reds and United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson has confirmed that Hargreaves has flown to America.

ARSENAL 2 - MAN UTD 1

Arsenal bounced back from turmoil to defeat Manchester United 2-1
thanks to a brace from Samir Nasri. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger
admitted that the at Emirates Stadium breathes life into their
campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners had Adebayor injured and van Persie suspended but Samir
Nasri provided the attacking threat, taking advantage of slack marking
in each half to grab his fourth and fifth goals of the season. Rafael
da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home a late strike to give Sir
Alex Ferguson's men hope, but Arsenal held on after six minutes of
stoppage-time for the win they needed..

It was Arsenal's first test this season against their traditional
top-four rivals and Wenger's men passed the examination. This clash
between two heavyweights had everything, chances, yellow cards,
counter-attacking and also four penalty shouts.

ROONEY IS ON FIRE FOR EMIRATES SHOWDOWN

Over the past two seasons the Reds have twice squandered match-winning positions at Arsenal, and Rooney is intent on avoiding a repeat.

 

Rooney scored on both visits so far to the Emirates, but on each occasion Arsenal mounted dramatic late comebacks. In January 2007, Thierry Henry scored a rare headed goal to give the Gunners a 2-1 win and last season William Gallas netted seconds from the final whistle to secure a point.

 

Meanwhile, Rooney is confident United's squad is equipped to cope with the strains of competing in multiple competitions, and says he relishes the hectic fixture list.

 

BOLA BOYZ    MAN UTD

MARADONA VISITS MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United's players were given a lift ahead of their Premier League game against Arsenal when Diego Maradona visited them at their training ground on Friday. The new Argentina coach is visiting clubs in England to meet up with some of the key players in his national squad.

Maradona had a conversation with United's Argentina striker Carlos Tevez but also made a big impact on the rest of Alex Ferguson's squad, including Rio Ferdinand who received a signed shirt from the 1986 World Cup winner to mark his 30th-birthday. Ferdinand added that Maradona had been one of his inspirations when he started to play football as a youngster in London. Sir Alex Ferguson, preparing his team to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, also welcomed Maradona's visit.

 

RONALDO WANTS TO WIN AT EMIRATES

Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipating a tough encounter against Arsenal on
Saturday but feels confident that Manchester United can pick up three
points. The Gunners have struggled for form in recent weeks and also
have a number of injury problems ahead of the match at Emirates
Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's men are already six points adrift of Premier League
leaders Chelsea and Liverpool and have yet to play any of their major
rivals. There have been suggestions that Arsenal's title challenge
could be over if they slip to defeat against United but Ronaldo is
still wary of the threat they will present.

United lost their visits to both Liverpool and Arsenal and also
dropped points against Newcastle and Everton this term, and Ronaldo
feels Sir Alex Ferguson's side have plenty to prove as they go for a
title hat-trick. United had an excellent record at Highbury in its
latter years, they have so far managed a single point from two visits
to the Emirates, conceding late goals on both occasions.

FABREGAS CHALLENGES TEAM-MATES FOR DEVILS CLASH

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has challenged his team-mates to turn around their recent slump and beat Manchester United at the weekend. The Gunners were held to a goalless draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday, making it three games without a victory.

Boss Arsene Wenger repeated his recent criticism of Stoke's strongarm tactics by again accussing referees and opponents of victimising his side following the stalemate with Fenerbahce. Mikael Silvestre is a fresh injury concern and Almunia missed the Group G clash with an upset stomach, while Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor were also sidelined.

CELTIC 1 - MAN UTD 1

Ryan Giggs equaliser six minutes from time rescued Manchester United from defeat at Celtic and send the Champions League holders to the brink of a place in the last 16. Giggs, who celebrates his 35th birthday this month, finish from close range after Artur Boruc had failed to hold Cristiano Ronaldo's stinging shot.

 

Celtic opened the scoring as early as 13th minute after start when Ben Foster was left in no man's land and McDonald's lob looped over his head and dropped neatly into the visitors' net. With Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney consigned to the bench, United's attempts to get level centred around Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils also had the better share of possession throughout the match.

 

BOLA BOYZ    MAN UTD

CAPELLO PRAISED BECKHAM'S MILAN DEAL

England boss Fabio Capello fully approves of David Beckham's move to AC Milan, whom the England midfielder will join on loan on January 7. According to the deal, Beckham is only available for nine Serie A matches, he will be training at high intensity and will be determined to win a place in Carlo Ancelotti's team, with Capello certain the Milan boss will be impressed by the England midfielder's attitude.

 

The England also added that signing Beckham is a great acquisition. He is a very focused lad true professional. Recalling to his own experiences of the former Manchester United's star's strength in adversity: "When I left him out of the team in Madrid because he had signed the contract with the LA Galaxy, he continued to come to the pitch to train and I put him back in the team."

 

BOLA BOYZ   MAN UTD

MARADONA TO VISIT ENGLAND

Rafael Benitez is preparing to welcome Diego Maradona to Anfield. The new Argentina boss has announced he is to visit England to discuss plans with Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Manchester United's Carlos Tevez.

 

Argentina federation has told Benitez that Maradona will be in England between November 2 and 8. At the same time, Javier Mascherano was very excited pleased with the legend's appointment as the Argentina national team manager.

LAMPARD PICKS RONALDO AS BEST PLAYER

Frank Lampard feels Cristiano Ronaldo would be a worthy recipient of the FIFA World Player of the Year award. The Chelsea midfielder feels that with Ronaldo's 42 goals in a season, performances and wins the league and the Champions League is going to be hard to beat.

 

He also agrees with Ronaldo;s remark that The World Player of the Year award should go to a top player, and it goes generally to those that have won things as well. Both midfielders were named on the shortlist for the prestigious gong this week.

 

NO HAL   GOOD FOOD   MAT KEPOH   TIME FOR LAUGH

MAN UTD 4 - HULL CITY 3

Manchester United survived a second-half fightback from Hull City to earn a nervous 4-3 Premier League victory at Old Trafford. The Tigers focus was ruffled as early as the third minute at the home of the champions as Ronaldo opened the scoring with his left foot after a give-and-go with Dimitar Berbatov.

 

Daniel Cousin equalised 20 minutes later, but United were soon back in front as Michael Carrick netting from 18 yards, and Ronaldo nodded in a third at a Nani corner. Nemanja Vidic put United in cruise control with another goal after the break. Hull tried to make a comeback with goals from Bernard Mendy and Geovanni converted from the penalty spot.  However, the efforts were too late for them to frustrate the Red Devils.

UNITED EAGER TO SIGN TEVEZ

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has held talks with Carlos Tevez in a bid to keep the striker at Old Trafford. Argentina international Tevez has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season as the partnership between Rooney and Berbatov begins to flourish.

Tevez has yet to agree a permanent deal at Old Trafford, raising concerns he could be tempted elsewhere as Real Madrid are rumoured admirers. But Ferguson has revealed that he has met with the 24-year-old, who started against West Ham on Wednesday, to discuss his future.

Sir Alex has explained to Tevez that he remains a top player in the eyes of the manager, the players and supporters. Three players won't fit into two positions and it's the manager's job is to balance the team. Tevez has understood that when the season really hots up the team will need everyone.

MAN UTD 2 - WEST HAM 0

Cristiano Ronaldo offered an immediate reply to Sir Alex Ferguson's challenge to score 25 goals this season with a first-half double as West Ham were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford. Both goals were scored in the first half.

Tevez was given a chance after sitting on the sidelines for virtually a month and Rooney was the man sacrificed. Ronaldo took his tally for the campaign to five, first profiting from Nani's precise cross before tapping home from two yards, an effort that owed everything to the genius of Dimitar Berbatov.

PAPADOPOULOS KEEN ON UNITED

Greek 16-year-old wonderkid, Kyriakos Papadopoulos admits he would be 'proud' to play for Manchester United, but is trying not to be distracted by transfer speculation.

Report says that United are planning a bid to sign the Greek starlet, who currently plays for Olympiakos, in the January transfer window. The highly-rated centre-half is unaware of any interest from United, but would be honoured to join the Premier League and European champions.

RONALDO IS FIFPRO WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FifPro World Footballer of the Year. It is the first in what is expected to be a host of individual honours for the 23-year-old, who scored 42 goals for Manchester United on their way to Champions League and Premier League title glory last term.

Ronaldo had suggested last week he could do no more than he did to be crowned the best player on the planet and peers from over 40 countries are in agreement. He also feels that being recognised by over 50,000 professional players worldwide is absolutely amazing.













FifPro team: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Kaka (AC Milan), Xavi (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).

EVERTON 1 - MAN UTD 1

Everton surprised Manchester United with an unexpected 1-1 draw thanks to a marvellous second-half fightback. The Red Devils dominated the first 45 minutes of the clash with a controlled and confident display, to the point that Everton were chasing shadows.

 

United held a deserved lead through Darren Fletcher at the break, but in the second period Everton stormed back with a physical performance, with Marouane Fellaini heading the equaliser. Everton had former United striker Louis Saha up front with Ayegbeni Yakubu, while Phil Neville returned from injury. And Tim Howard outstanding performances denied many goal attemps by his former club.

AC MILAN TO BID BECKHAM

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club hope to sign David Beckham on a short-term loan. The former England captain is determined to maintain fitness and keep his place in the national team, and a spell on loan in Europe during the Major League Soccer close season could be beneficial.

A number of clubs have been linked with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, but Milan are leading the race for Beckham's signature. He is under contract with LA Galaxy but their regular season finishes on Sunday. However Beckham would not be available immediately because of his key role in Galaxy's promotional tour of Australia and New Zealand.

MANCHESTER UNITED 3 - CELTIC 0

Two goals from Dimitar Berbatov, taking his Champions League tally to four and a customary strike from Wayne Rooney gave Manchester United a 3-0 win over Celtic at Old Trafford. Rooney, who now has nine in seven games for club and country, paid scant justice to United's total dominance.

Celtic players were comprehensively outplayed and penned in their own half for long stretches, allowing Sir Alex Ferguson to gain personal satisfaction of avenging a defeat to the same team two years ago. Dimitar Berbatov was delighted with his double and was given standing ovation when he left and replaced by Carlos Tevez.