CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: BARCELONA 2 - MAN UTD 0

FC Barcelona were crowned European champions for a third time, and the second in four seasons – as a vibrant display of pass and move, capped by goals in either half from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, defeated Manchester United in Rome.

United, bidding to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era, began an open contest at breakneck speed as Cristiano Ronaldo threatened three times. After ten minutes, however, Eto'o put the Spanish champions ahead and they never looked back.

The second goal did not arrive until the 70th minute via, unusually, the head of Messi – Josep Guardiola's side were worthy winners. The 38-year-old becomes the sixth man to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup as player and coach; United are the sixth club to lose the final as holders.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

PARK JI-SUNG'S FINAL MISSION IS ON

The quality within Sir Alex Ferguson's ranks means all but a select few will be unsure of a starting berth on Wednesday, but one man who can rest assured that he will at least make the squad is Park Ji-sung.

Ferguson's decision to leave the midfielder out of his squad for last season's final against Chelsea left Park devastated, especially when taking into account he had figured and impressed in both semi-final legs against Barcelona. However this year, Ferguson has given Park his word that he will figure.

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MAN UTD IS THE KING OF ENGLAND AGAIN!

Manchester United were crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford after a goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals.

After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, Liverpool now have someone else to share the title with. And, if Ferguson is to be believed it will not be long before the Anfield outfit lose it altogether.

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MAN UTD 0 - ARSENAL 0

Sir Alex Ferguson's side might not have given Usain Bolt a goal to celebrate on his first visit to the Theatre of Dreams but the Premier League trophy will do as consolation. The match ended with a goalless draw but enough destroy Liverpool's dream.

While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves. After two dire displays with the Red Devils, plus a hammering on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another embarrassing mauling.

 

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SIR ALEX WANTS TO KEEP TEVEZ

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied rumours suggesting that Manchester United will try and free Carlos Tevez from his contract with Kia Joorabchian.

Some newspaper reports have suggested that the club have tried to find a loophole in Tevez deal to sign Tevez for free. The United manager confirmed on Wednesday after the 2-1 success at Wigan that the club had opened talks with the Argetina striker over the possibility of him remaining at Old Trafford beyond this summer when his loan deal expires.

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CASILLAS NOT INTERESTED IN RONALDO

Iker Casillas has urged Real Madrid to dampen their lingering interest in Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spain shot-stopper also suggested Real turn to home-grown talent, rather than spend lavishly on targets from abroad.

Portugal international Ronaldo was strongly linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer but a move failed to materialise as boss Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm over the winger's future.

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TEVEZ ON DEMAND

Carlos Tevez's agent claims the striker will have no shortage of options if his spell at Manchester United ends at the end of the month. The 25-year-old claimed he had not been treated as ''one of the family'' at Old Trafford.

Agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed Argentina international Tevez is attracting interest from Italy and Spain, plus clubs from within the Premier League. Ruocco has been surprised that United have not moved to sign Tevez permanently. 

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MIDS'BORO 0 - MAN UTD 3

Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung increased Manchester United's stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title as Middlesbrough`s relegation fears increased following a 2-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium.

 

The Welshman and his South Korean team-mate fired their side to a fifth successive league victory in front of the biggest crowd of the season at the Riverside and established a six-point lead over closest rivals Liverpool, who do not play until Sunday.

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RYAN GIGGS BAGGED PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the first ever time. He had also won the PFA Young Player of the Year twice in his early career in the Premier League. The former Wales international's club honours include 10 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League medals.

The 35-year-old, who will make his 800th appearance for United if he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening, was quick to praise Sir Alex Ferguson who has guided him through his entire career at Old Trafford.

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