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2012-01-29T02:16:00.000+08:00

31|01 @ 2000hrs : United vs Stoke City

Manchester United

Stoke City

Line-up

Substitute

Last 5 seasons Premier League Head to Head
2011-2012
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United
2010-2011
Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City
Stoke City 1-2 Manchester United
2009-2010
Manchester United 4-0 Stoke City
Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United
2008-2009
Stoke City 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United 5-0 Stoke City

Premier : United vs Stoke City | Preview

Rio Ferdinand on course for Stoke City
Ferdinand could be back in action for the Reds in Tuesday's League clash against Stoke City. The defender missed last weekend's win at Arsenal after a back problem flared up. He was on the bench for the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool and Sir Alex hopes he will feature at Old Trafford against the Potters. "Rio only had one real training session on Friday and we couldn't gamble with only that preparion behind him for the FA Cup clash. He'll train tomorrow and on Monday and could be ready for Tuesday. Rooney and Nani could be available for next Sunday's league trip to Chelsea but Jones is likely to be out for a little while longer."

2012-01-29T01:42:00.009+08:00

We regret late lapse in concentration : Park
Park Ji-sung admits the players were cursing a late lapse in concentration after Kuyt stole in to knock United out of the FA Cup. The Liverpool substitute latched on to a Carroll flick-on, after being left unmarked, before firing past De Gea to seal a 2-1 victory for Kenny Dalglish's men. Park, who netted United's equaliser just before half-time, says the Reds felt particularly disappointed at the final whistle after dominating much of the possession.

"We controlled the ball which is what we wanted before the game. We did that well but that couldn’t get the win for us. In the team meeting, we talked about keeping possession and then make chances. We did that, that’s why we played very well. Then, we lost concentration for a moment and ended up giving them the goal to make it 2-1. Everyone was quiet afterwards because we all feel disappointed."

As always in the aftermath of defeat, players can't wait for the next game and United don't have long to wait with an important League clash against Stoke to come on Tuesday. Vital league matches against Chelsea and Liverpool follow early next month with the latter stages of the Europa League also due to start. "We must quickly forget about this game, move on and look to the future. We still have the League and Europa League to focus on," insists Park.

2012-01-29T00:31:00.001+08:00

United have agreed to sell Diouf to Hannover
United have agreed to sell Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover 96 for an undisclosed transfer free. The Senegalese striker was undergoing a medical with the German club on Saturday. If the move goes through, he'll be the third player to be sold by the Reds during this January transfer window, following the departures of Gibson to Everton and Drinkwater to Leicester. Diouf has netted 10 goals for United Reserves this season, making him the joint-top scorer with Will Keane in Warren Joyce's side.

However, his first-team action has been limited to just three starts in the Carling Cup, the away victories over Leeds and Aldershot and the home defeat to Crystal Palace. Signed from Molde FK in July 2009, Diouf made his debut in the away league match against Birmingham in January 2010. He went on to make nine senior appearances in total for the Reds, scoring one goal. Diouf also gained valuable experience during a season-long loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2010/11, when he scored six goals in 30 games.

2012-01-29T00:02:00.017+08:00

We didn't deserve to lose : Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex was at a loss to explain United's FA Cup defeat to Liverpool after the Reds dominated proceedings for much of the clash at Anfield. "I don't know how we lost it. It was a really good performance from us. That can happen in the FA Cup though, you can have one bad break against you and you lose the game. It's a sudden death situation which we've experienced many times over the years and anything can happen. It's a bad blow because we didn't deserve that."

"I'm pleased with my players. They performed very well, dominated the game and played good football. They didn't deserve to be beaten at all. We maybe should have won the game, we were the better team but that's FA Cup football I'm afraid and it's not the first time it happened. To lose it is a devastating blow." United had plenty of possession and Sir Alex felt United's good play deserved better reward but ultimately, he was disappointed with the goals his side lost.

"Both goals were avoidable. We didn't do well, we had too many defenders in and around the goalkeeper for the first one and the second one was just one of those lucky breaks you get. Some of our possession and movement off the ball was very good and the equaliser was a great finish from Park, that put us in the driving seat. I was looking to win it in the second half, that's why I put Chicharito on. He gives you that thrust and pace round the edge of the box which is always difficult to handle. To lose is hard to believe."

2012-01-28T23:37:00.007+08:00

Academy : United 1 Everton 4 | Report
United’s winless streak in the Academy League continued with a heavy defeat to Everton. Despite another Barmby goal and some excellent saves by Coll, the Reds were second best to a Toffees side inspired by Barkley, a young midfielder with seven first-team appearances under his belt. The much-talked about Barkley assisted the opening and fourth goals for Everton, came closest to scoring in the deadlocked first half when he forced a fine stop from Coll.

The United goalkeeper also thwarted Long in a period of few chances, while Byrne spurned the Reds’ best chance when he scooped Gorre’s pull-back over the bar. Goalless at half-time, the game opened up immediately after the break with Forrester slotting low past Coll from Barclay’s pass and then Barmby finding an instant equaliser for the Reds, curling a free-kick into the top right corner.

Coll tipped Lundstram’s long-range effort over the bar in the 58th minute, only for the resulting setpiece to bring Everton their second goal. When the corner was half-cleared by the Reds, Toffees left-back Touray netted with a terrific long-range volley. United coach Paul McGuinness made his first change at that point, replacing Hendrie with Rudge but it was Everton who made the next alteration to the scoresheet when Johns played a one-two with Forrester inside the area to beat Coll and make it 3-1.

The Reds brought on two more substitutes, Januzaj and Daehli, both of whom could start in Thursday’s FA Youth Cup tie at Swansea but to no avail, as Everton wrapped up their comfortable victory with 14 minutes remaining. Barkley was involved again, winning a header from Coll’s kick upfield and directing it towards Hope who lobbed over the advancing United keeper.

United: Coll, Weir, Rowley, Wilkinson, McGinty, Ekangemene, Gorre (Daehli, 72), Hendrie (Rudge, 59), Byrne (Januzaj, 72), Wilson, Barmby. Subs not used: Sutherland, van Velzen.

2012-01-28T18:37:00.043+08:00

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1

Liverpool

Manchester United

Rd 3(H) : Won Oldham 5-1

Line-up
Reina
Enrique
Skrtel
Carragher 63'
Kelly
Downing
Agger 21'
Henderson
Gerrard 72'
Maxi 63'
Carroll

Substitute
Doni
Coates
Johnson
Adam 63'
Shelvey
Bellamy 72'
Kuyt 63' 88'

Rd 3(A) : Won Man City 3-2

Line-up
De Gea
Evra
Evans
Smalling
Rafael 66'
Park 39'
Carrick
Giggs 90'
Scholes 76'
Valencia
Welbeck

Substitute
Lindegaard
Fabio
Ferdinand
M.Keane
Pogba
Berbatov 90'
Hernandez 76'

Last 5 seasons FA Cup Head to Head
2010-2011
Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool

FA Cup : Liverpool 2 United 1 | Report
United suffered heartache at Anfield as a late Kuyt goal knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup. Kuyt, sent on as a second-half substitute, collected Carroll's flick-on before firing past De Gea to seal a berth in the fifth round. Goals from Agger and Park had earlier punctuated a pulsating first 45 minutes. The second half, though, yielded little goalmouth action until Kuyt's winner. Indeed, both sides appeared to have settled for an Old Trafford replay.

Anfield is never an easy place to visit and United's task on this clear but cold Saturday afternoon was rendered more difficult given the absence of Rooney, Jones and Nani. The trio all picked up knocks at Arsenal last weekend, while Ferdinand was deemed fit enough only for the bench. Joining Ferdinand among the substitutes were teenagers Pogba and Michael Keane, while Berbatov and Hernandez also had to be content with a place on the bench as Sir Alex turned once again to Welbeck to lead the line.

All the focus was on Evra, who on his last visit to Anfield, was involved in an angry verbal exchange with Suarez, which eventually resulted in the forward receiving an eight-game ban for gross misconduct. Despite the constant booing and abuse from the home fans, Evra carried himself impeccably all day and in the early stages, linked well with Giggs. The Welshman, facing Liverpool for the 44th time in his career, had United's first chance of the afternoon but saw his volley from 20 yards saved easily by Reina.

Reina was beaten when Valencia darted inside, made a beeline for the penalty area and let fly from the edge of the box but his low shot cannoned off the post and out to safety, much to the agony of the Reds' travelling support. That support was silenced four minutes later when Liverpool took the lead through Agger. De Gea, starting in goal for the first time since New Year's Eve, couldn't fight his way past Carroll to claim Gerrard's corner, so could only watch as Agger rose to head home from six yards.

The goal didn't dent the Reds' confidence and Sir Alex's men enjoyed long spells of possession in Liverpool's half before restoring parity just before the break. Rafael scampered down the right and skipped past a challenge before cutting the ball back from the goal-line. There waiting, 12 yards from goal, was Park, who pulled the trigger to fire United level. It was well deserved and came at the end of a half in which both teams had enjoyed bright spells and yet neither could claim to have dominated.

The break afforded time for reflection and despite the intense rivalry between the sides and the hype surrounding the fixture, the match was played in a sporting spirit, with barely a bad tackle made nor a heated word exchanged. When play resumed, United looked more threatening and even had a half-hearted penalty appeal for handball turned down. Liverpool then had their own complaints on 56 minutes when Smalling scuffed his clearance and while on the ground, the ball bounced onto the defender's hand.

Referee Mark Halsey didn't budge and within a minute, home fans' hearts were in mouths as Welbeck beat Reina to a through ball and rounded the goalkeeper but Skrtel recovered to snuff out the danger. Kenny Dalglish made a double substituion, Kuyt and Adam on, Carragher and Maxi off, The switch helped the home side gain more control of the midfield. Captain Gerrard tested De Gea with a free-kick and then a long looping shot but the keeper was equal to both tests and Gerrard soon made way for Bellamy.

Sir Alex waited until the 76th minute to make his first change, Hernandez coming on for Scholes to bolster the Reds' attack. The Mexican made a nuisance of himself almost immediately, harrying Liverpool's defenders and constantly lurking on the shoulder of the last man. He couldn't help engineer a winner, though. Instead, it was another substitute who made the difference, Kuyt blasting in to send Liverpool through to the next round.

While Kenny Dalglish's men can celebrate beating both Manchester clubs at home in the space of four days, the Reds from Old Trafford must now regroup in readiness for Stoke on Tuesday and continuing tilt at title number 20.

2012-01-28T12:29:00.005+08:00

Liverpool 0 United 1 2004|05
On the 15th of January 2005, Sir Alex's side knew nothing less than three points would do, as they struggled to keep up with the pace set by Chelsea at the top of the table. It was fitting then that former Everton player Rooney, on his return to Merseyside, should be the one to silence the home fans. The 19 year-old cemented his reputation as a young man for the big occasion by scoring the only goal. The opening minutes of the game were typical of any Manchester-Merseyside derby, with tackles flying in and players attempting to stamp their authority on the game. Rooney’s opportunity came midway through the first half as he collected a pass from Ronaldo, turned infield and let fly with a shot that went under the body of Jerzy Dudek. The action continued at a frantic pace in the second half but despite having Wes Brown sent off, United held on to keep a seventh successive clean sheet and claim the win.

Liverpool 0
-

Manchester United 1
Wayne Rooney (21)

2012-01-28T01:36:00.001+08:00

More to come from Welbeck : Sir Alex
Sir Alex has warned defenders that Welbeck still has a lot of growing up to do. Welbeck's introduction to the first-team has been one of the major bonuses for Ferguson this season. The 21-year-old was part of the new wave of Red Devils that took the early weeks of the campaign by storm. However, after a month on the sidelines with a muscle injury picked up on England duty in November, Welbeck has hit a rich vein of form, scoring four times on his last six appearances and taking his tally to three in three games with his late winner at Arsenal last week.

It represents the kind of return that saw Ferguson predict Welbeck would gatecrash Fabio Capello's World Cup squad in 2010. A succession of niggling problems prevented that from happening but now the Manchester-born striker is fulfilling his potential, even if Ferguson feels there is still a bit of physical development left. "We were always aware of Welbeck's ability. The issue with him now is addressing the physical side. When he was 16, he had problems with his knees because he was growing, had some thigh problems."

"It was nothing serious, just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man, which we are seeing the signs of now. Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult." One area that doesn't need much assistance is attitude. It was interesting to make a comparison between last weekend's young match winners. Whilst Balotelli has got himself into all kinds of scrapes, Welbeck has largely kept himself away from the headlines, other than a failure of yet to sign a new contract.

"He has good attitude, although he should have, a player with an opportunity at United. That's one of the reasons you pick players because they show their temperament as they come through the youth and reserves. I am always confident about their temperament, attitude to the game and enthusiasm to play. In terms of judging young players, I don't think we've ever failed in that respect." Having been restricted to the scope of youngsters they could attract to their academy due to FA rules on recruitment, United have had to use their extensive scouts to trawl the local area.

As a boyhood United fan, Welbeck was always likely to gravitate to the Red Devils. It maintains a tradition that goes back decades and came to fruition most notably with the 'Class of 92' which provided a core of locally-born players for both United and England. Now, Ferguson feels others are emerging from the United side that won last year's FA Youth Cup, although it hardly seemed like an accidental oversight that he failed to include controversial youngster Morrison amongst the players to watch out for.

"The team that won the FA Youth Cup last year were almost all local boys and they're all starting to emerge in their own different ways. Most of them have been involved in the first-team this season; Michael and Will Keane, Cole, Lingaard, Fryers, Pogba and young Tunnicliffe, who is at Peterborough and playing regularly in the Championship at the age of 18. That's good going. Obviously, the difference is that in 1992, that group all got into the first-team at more or less the same time and managed to stay in it. That's the big test for these young players and it will be interesting to see if they manage it."

2012-01-28T00:42:00.003+08:00

Sir Alex is right not to panick : Neville
Despite lengthy casualty list, Fergie has resisted plunging into the January transfer market in a bid to beef up his resources and Gary Neville has praised Fergie for not panicking and splashing out in order to boost his depleted squad. “I’ve never seen it work where a player comes in January, signs for big money and settles before the start of next season. To go into the market in January, you never get full value. People think you’re desperate, so they ask for more. Sir Alex has never been one to panic. You’re signing a player now and he needs to get used to the club.”

“Potentially, if he’s coming from abroad, you need to get used to a new league. You never quite get the players you want as all the top teams want to keep the best players. They’ve had a lot of injuries but that’s not an excuse because the reason you have a big squad at a big club is you’re able to cope with it. They need to get some players back to get a consistent back four because I think problems at times have been caused by not having a consistent back four and a bit of uncertainty at the back.”

2012-01-27T14:36:00.002+08:00

Reserve : United 6 Newcastle 0 | Report
Will Keane was the first of four United players to find the net on Thursday night, with second-half additions from Petrucci (2), Michael Keane and Massacci plus an own goal by Newcastle goalkeeper Soderberg gave the hosts a handsome victory, the joint-biggest win of the season so far, after Swansea were also trounced 6-0 back in August. With Petrucci and Pogba impressively pulling the midfield strings, aided and abetted by Lingard and Cole on either flank, the Reds had too much class for a young Newcastle side light on senior experience yet full of endeavour.

The Magpies' energetic chasing almost brought them the opening goal, when Taylor took control for Newcastle and tested Johnstone with a low drive. The Reds' keeper had the original trajectory covered but was perhaps lucky to still divert the shot wide after it took an awful bobble off the bumpy surface. At the other end, the Reds’ grip of the midfield proceedings almost paid off when Lingard cut inside from the left and fed Petrucci. When the young Italian curled a ball into the area, Will Keane flicked it on and Soderberg took flight to ensure the header went wide.

Will Keane showed another side to his attacking prowess when he charged forward from the middle of the park, muscling or weaving his way past four Newcastle players. In the end, he was outnumbered and forced to try and lay the ball off for Lingard, unsuccessfully, before he could shoot. Lingard was teed up midway through the half when Pogba pulled off a trick on the right and left McDermott with twisted blood as he jinked his way along the byline. The Frenchman deserved an assist but Lingard lifted his pull-back over the bar and let Newcastle off the hook.

Pogba again showed his close control to outfox Henderson and feed Lingard for a run that McDermott halted with a brave challenge. When the ball broke for Will Keane, the striker fired straight at Soderberg, just as Pogba had done moments earlier from outside the area. A more subtle connection from the Frenchman helped to set up the Reds' breakthrough goal, as the ball was forwarded by Fryers, Lingard, Pogba and finally Petrucci into Will Keane's path. The striker swiftly controlled it and with Henderson at his back, he drilled home into the bottom-left hand corner.

A step-over and a shimmy preceded Pogba's next attempt but his rising shot didn't live up to the approach. Cole also cleared the crossbar when Fryers charged down the left and cut the ball back shortly before half-time. The second-half started with Taylor heading straight at Johnstone and eight minutes later, Soderberg made his embarrassing blunder, allowing Norwood's cross to spill out of his arms and over the line. Norwood would have claim it, although his short corner to Lingard and subsequent delivery well executed, the Sweden keeper will surely catch the next 99 crosses.

From the ridiculous to the sublime... when Soderberg next picked the ball out of the net, he'd been beaten by a beauty. Petrucci's looping shot into the top left-hand corner after a neat exchange with Lingard just outside the area. The range of goal types was added to in the 68th minute when Michael Keane motored forward and headed in from Cole's right-wing cross, as his brother Will selflessly peeled away. Four goals to the good, Warren Joyce made a double change for the final 15 minutes, bringing on the Italian pair Massacci and Fornasier and resting Lingard and Cole.

It was Massacci who made it 5-0, killing Petrucci's ball over the top on his thigh and spinning to beat Soderberg with a left-foot strike across the keeper. Petrucci then helped himself to a second goal of the game and United's sixth, in injury time with a low shot deflected in off Henderson. Six goals, a fourth consecutive clean sheet and three points to close the gap on leaders Sunderland, Joyce could hardly have wished for a better first league game in 2012.

United XI: Johnstone; Vermijl, Wootton, M. Keane, Fryers; Norwood, Pogba, Petrucci; Cole (Massacci, 75), W. Keane, Lingard (Fornasier, 75).
Subs not used: Coll, Thorpe, Giverin.

2012-01-26T20:44:00.005+08:00

Liverpool 1 United 3 1997|98
On the 6th of December 1997, Cole opened the scoring with a low finish moments after the half-time break, before Fowler drew the Merseysiders level from the penalty spot with half an hour to go. However, the headlines belonged to Beckham, then produced his party piece to regain the lead before Cole sealed a deserved victory, tapping in Sheringham’s flick for his fifteenth goal of the season. Unfortunately, this would later stand out as one of the season's few highlights. Life after Cantona proved tough when injuries took their toll and the Reds ultimately lost the title to Arsenal.

Liverpool 1
Robbie Fowler (60)

Manchester United 3
Andy Cole (51, 74) David Beckham (70)

2012-01-25T19:31:00.004+08:00

Liverpool 1 United 2 1992|93
On the 6th of March 1993, eventual champions United beat then-15th-placed Liverpool thanks to goals by Mark Hughes and Brian McClair. Hughes and McClair yielded 39 goals in all competitions that term and at Anfield, Hughes headed the Reds in front on 42 minutes but not before Parker had turned the ball onto his own crossbar or Schmeichel had made a world-class point-blank save from Hutchison. Liverpool's pressure paid off when Rush equalised shortly after the break but partiy lasted all of six minutes. McClair clinched victory when he headed home from close range and it could have been more as first Hughes and then Kanchelskis spurned presentable chances.

Liverpool 1
Ian Rush (50)

Manchester United 2
Mark Hughes (42) Brian McClair (56)

2012-01-25T00:58:00.006+08:00

Arsenal 1 United 3 2008|09
On the 5th of May 2009, United won for the first time at the Emirates Stadium with a devastating display of counter-attacking football to reach the Champions League final. Leading 1-0 from the first leg, the Reds opened the scoring when Park took advantage of Gibbs' slip to score from close range. Three minutes later, the tie was effectively over as Ronaldo let fly with a 40-yard free-kick rocket that left keeper Almunia flailing. Ronaldo's second, a fine rising shot on the hour following Rooney's perfectly-weighted pass, sparked a mass exodus of home fans. The only sour note on a jubilant evening was the late dismissal of Fletcher for bringing down Fabregas inside the box, which ruled the Scot out of the final. Van Persie smashed home the penalty but it was too little, too late for the Gunners.

Arsenal 1
Robin van Persie (76)

Manchester United 3
Park Ji-sung (8) Cristiano Ronaldo (11, 61)

2012-01-24T00:08:00.011+08:00

Arsenal 1 United 3 2009|10
On the 31st of January 2010, a superb team display gave United a first-ever league win at the Emirates Stadium. Nani was the architect of the Reds' opener, jinking past three men on the right before chipping a precise far-post cross which Almunia could only palm into his own net. Rooney doubled the lead four minutes later with his 100th League goal, a first-time finish following a wonderful breakaway involving Nani, which was later named United's goal of the season. Another counter-attack produced the champions' third goal, as Park received a neat Carrick pass to race away and slot past Almunia. Vermaelen scored a late consolation, which deflected off Evans.

Arsenal 1
Thomas Vermaelen (80)

Manchester United 3
Manuel Almunia (33) Wayne Rooney (37) Park Ji-sung (52)

2012-01-20T21:28:00.002+08:00

FA Youth Cup 2011|2012 Round Four
Manchester United 2 Derby County 1

2012-01-19T12:46:00.031+08:00

FA Youth Cup : United 2 Derby 1 | Report
Jack Barmby took his goal tally into double figures for the season with both strikes in a hard-earned 2-1 triumph against Derby County in the FA Youth Cup. The Rams went ahead in the first half but Barmby turned things around with a perfectly-placed shot and an 80th-minute penalty that was contested by the visitors, to see the holders safely through. Paul McGuinness handed defender Ioannou a full debut with van Velzen deployed as a lone attacker.

After a scrappy opening, Ekangamene could only produce a wayward shot after a thrilling run by Barmby, who tricked his way past three opponents down the left. McCullough was fortunate not to concede a penalty but moments later, a Hughes ball into the box and Richards was allowed to turn and lash home with his left foot. Jacob thwarted Bennett seconds later but the Reds regained composure, Januzaj combining with Daehli to force Morch to pat away.

The opposition keeper then fielded a tame shot by van Velzen. Jacob saved well from Lelan and Bennett while a double shout for handball against Ioannou and Blacket inside the box was survived. United carved out chances, with Morch clutching a Daehli cross-cum-shot and van Velzen unable to convert a Blackett cross. Barmby looked the brightest spark and it was him grabbing the equaliser, running at the defence and saw his shot loop up to Morch.

The keeper could only parry the ball back to the forward, who took it past the shot-stopper and found the net with an unerring finish despite the presence of defenders. After some neat play by Daehli, Barmby fired over the top but Derby responded with a Dawkins free-kick that flew wide moments before the interval. United started the second half on top with Daehli denied by a fine save by his fellow countryman Morch and Barmby drifting a curler off target.

Ekangamene's low volley then brought the best out of the visiting keeper, who flung himself to his right to palm the ball behind for a corner. McCullough was forced off on the hour mark after failing to shake off a knock. Dales had Jacob scampering across his goal with a drive that bounced wide. The Rams then lost Galinski and the match remained on a knife-edge going into the closing quarter of an hour with the atmosphere becoming increasingly tense. With 11 minutes left, Januzaj collected a Daehli pass inside the area and was brought down by Sharpe's challenge.

A penalty was awarded and Barmby confidently beat Morch from the spot with his strike going in off a post despite the keeper guessing correctly. Barmby made way towards the end whilst struggling with an injury to allow Wilson a welcome return following a dislocated ankle suffered at Southampton early in the campaign. Lelan and Hughes mustered late efforts before United saw out the final stages in a professional manner, with Wilson going close to adding a third and Jacob safely watching a free-kick go over the bar, to book a place in the next round against Swansea.

FA Youth Cup third round
Manchester United 2
Jack Barmby (40, 80)
Derby 1
Kane Richards (20)

United: Jacob; Love, Ioannou, McCullough (Rowley 60), Blackett; Daehli, Ekangamene, Hendrie, Barmby (Wilson 86); Januzaj, van Velzen (Byrne 76). Unused subs: Sutherland, Weir.

2012-01-16T11:21:00.003+08:00

United weighing-up move for Keisuke Honda
United are reportedly weighing-up a move for Japanese international playmaker Keisuke Honda. Honda shot to prominence during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The former Nagoya Grampus and VVV Venlo star's form in Russia has continued to lead to transfer speculation, although United have rarely been mentioned alongside the 31-cap international. With Berbatov not guaranteed first team football, it's claimed he could be the make-weight in this particular deal. Berbatov is yet to sign a new one-year contract with United, the speculation is set to continue and a move to CSKA is one of the reported possibilities.

2012-01-13T23:48:00.006+08:00

United 3 Aston Villa 1 2006|07
On the 13th of January 2007, a first-half blitz enabled United to beat Aston Villa for the second week in a row. The two sides had met in the FA Cup third round the previous Sunday when the Reds had been pushed all the way before securing a 2-1 win. This time it was much more routine. Inspired by Scholes, United took the lead when Park fired low into the corner after Cahill fluffed his clearance. Carrick opened his account for the Reds to double the lead shortly afterwards, before Ronaldo headed in the third. Agbonlahor pulled one back for Villa in the second half but it proved no more than a consolation.

Manchester United 3
Park Ji-sung (11) Michael Carrick (13)
Cristiano Ronaldo (35)

Aston Villa 1
Gabriel Agbonlahor (52)

2012-01-13T22:22:00.012+08:00

Manchester : United 1 Stockport 0 | Report
Mame Biram Diouf hit an early winner against Stockport County in the Manchester Senior Cup but the woodwork prevented the Reserves from extending the lead on three occasions. After scoring a brace against Blackburn in the Lancashire Cup, the Senegalese gave Warren Joyce's side the perfect start, latching onto Petrucci's measured pass in the eighth minute to round Glennon and tap home.

It was largely one-way traffic with Petrucci firing wide, Diouf sending a spectacular effort off target and Lingard close on a couple of occasions while Say and McConville surviving a couple of near misses in terms of putting through their own net. After Diouf had a goal chalked off for offside in the second half, the hitman linked up with Lingard and the midfielder's fierce drive cannoned off the inside of Glennon's post when the move deserved a goal.

Diouf struck the upright again two minutes later from another Petrucci through ball and Lingard was frustrated by firing wide and then being subjected to a late offside call after beating Glennon. The visiting keeper made telling saves to thwart Diouf and Cole but could do little when Keane's spectacular drive in the final minute again rattled the woodwork, following a perfectly-timed pass by Lingard.

United: Amos, Vermijl, Fryers (M. Keane 46), Fornasier, Thorpe, Brown (Massacci, 59), Cole, Norwood, Diouf, Petrucci, Lingard. Subs not used: Coll, Rafael Leao, Giverin

2012-01-10T13:55:00.003+08:00

United eye Olympiakos versatile Torosidis
United are considering a move for Olympiakos right back Vasilis Torosidis, 26. The Greece defender has been on United’s radar for 18 months and their need for a versatile player at the back has become more pressing with a spate of injuries. United scouts watched him play in a 0-0 draw with Doxa Drama on Sunday night and will make a decision over the next few days whether to follow up with a bid. Torosidis, who scored Greece’s first goal at a World Cup finals in 2010, has a buy-out clause set at £6m but the Greeks’ need for cash could reduce that.

2012-01-10T04:54:00.003+08:00

FA Cup 2011|2012 Round Three
Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

2012-01-08T23:44:00.008+08:00

City 0 United 1 2009|10
On the 17th of April 2010, Scholes headed a priceless last-gasp winner to keep United in the hunt for the League title. After a tense, tight derby encounter, the midfielder popped up in the final minute of added time to nod home Evra's cross and move the Reds to within a point of Chelsea, ahead of the league leaders' trip to Tottenham. Amid the Reds' ongoing chase for a fourth straight title, the subplot of City's challenge for local and ultimately, national supremacy, had seemed set to hog the headlines. Scholes had other ideas and just a day after penning a one-year contract extension, the 35-year-old illustrated his enduring value not only with his winner but by dictating play in a masterful midfield performance. Of course, United fans will be hoping for a reprise from him this April 2012, after his decision to come out of retirement. The Reds visit the Blues' Etihad Stadium in the 2011/12 campaign.

Manchester City 0
-

Manchester United 1
Paul Scholes (90)

2012-01-08T15:54:00.004+08:00

United's POTM, Dec 2011|12 : Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov's goalscoring return to action in December has earned him United's Player of the Month award. When the polls closed, the Bulgarian was placed marginally ahead of runner-up Antonio Valencia while Michael Carrick finished in third place. Berbatov averaged a goal every half an hour (32 minutes to be precise) during the festive month after firing in six of the Reds' tally of 20. His hat-trick haul against Wigan on Boxing Day and brace in the New Year's Eve defeat to Blackburn followed his 50th strike for the club, a cheeky backheel in the 5-0 win at Fulham. The other players nominated in our December poll were Patrice Evra, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney.

United POTM, December, 2011|12 Nominees
There's little doubt defeats against Basel and Blackburn tainted December but the month also included its fair share of highlights. The Reds netted 20 goals in 7 fixtures, including 5-0 hammerings of both Fulham and Wigan, while a number of individuals shone brightly. Which United star gets your vote for Player of the Month award?

Here's the shortlist
Dimitar Berbatov:
The Bulgarian played just 193 minutes of football in December, yet netted six times, a ratio of a goal every 32 minutes. Three of those came against Wigan on Boxing Day, two hauled United back into contention against Blackburn and one was a cheeky backheeled finish at Fulham to notch his 50th strike for the club.

Michael Carrick:
The Reds' no.16 produced his best performances in the centre of the park, most notably against Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers, where he also scored a spectacular solo goal. His nomination is enhanced by his versatility and appears at centre-back against Wigan and Blackburn.

Nani:
Nani shoulders much of the responsibility for United's creativity and must be applauded for his willingness to run at opponents. He was the Reds' liveliest performer in Basel, netted twice against Wolves, once against Fulham and over the course of the month, provided four assists.

Phil Jones:
Fast becoming a fans' favourite, Jones broke his career goalscoring duck against Aston Villa and then scored again away at Basel. Like Carrick, Jones played both at the back and midfield during December and excelled in both areas.

Wayne Rooney:
Rooney didn't feature on either Boxing Day or New Year's Eve but started all five other December fixtures. He looked dangerous without scoring against Aston Villa and Basel, before netting a brace against Wolves and then one each against Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

2012-01-08T02:16:00.005+08:00

City 0 United 1 2006|07
On the 5th of May 2007, United moved towards the brink of the League title with a 1-0 win at City. Ball escaped with a stamp on Ronaldo but was penalised for a blatant trip on the winger inside the box and the Portugal international nervelessly converted the spot-kick. Ferdinand headed against the bar while City offered precious little in attack as the game wore on. There was late drama when referee Rob Styles awarded a debatable penalty after Ball tumbled inside the box under a challenge from Brown. Vassell stepped up with 11 minutes left but could only fire against van der Sar to spark real scenes of celebration on the bench as the Reds clinched a deserved success.

Manchester City 0
-

Manchester United 1
Cristiano Ronaldo (34)

2012-01-08T02:04:00.004+08:00

City 0 United 2 2004|05
On the 13th of February 2005, United triumphed City 2-0 in a hard-fought and scrappy encounter. Rooney made the breakthrough with 22 minutes to go, seeing his shot deflect in off Dunne folllowing a cross from the right by Neville. Dunne then sliced a Rooney centre past James to register a clear own goal as the Reds secured some breathing space. A Fowler miss helped Carroll keep a clean sheet and only the woodwork denied Giggs a third for the visitors.

Manchester City 0
-

Manchester United 2
Wayne Rooney (68) Richard Dunne (75)og

2012-01-05T22:01:00.001+08:00

Posh, Coventry & MK Dons keen on Norwood
Report has surfaced that several clubs are hoping to land Oliver Norwood on loan. Norwood has just returned to United after enjoying a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe during the first half of the campaign. The 20-year-old made 19 appearances and his performances are thought to have alerted a number of Championship and League One clubs. Norwood, who came through United's youth system, is highly regarded within the corridors of Old Trafford and is seen as a key player in Sir Alex's future plans.

Ferguson is ready to loan out Norwood again, so that he can continue his development and Peterborough, Coventry and League One hopefuls MK Dons are all thought to be keen on the Northern Ireland international. All three are keen to bring in Norwood on a loan deal until the end of the season and Ferguson will now decide where he feels is the best move for the player, so that he can come back ready to make the step up to the United side next season.

Norwood eyes Championship loan in January
Oliver Norwood has admitted he would consider a loan move to the Championship in January as he looks to continue his development. The talented midfielder was loaned out to Scunthorpe at the start of the season as Sir Alex looks for Norwood to gain some experience before giving him a shot at the first team. Norwood's loan spell expires in January and a host of Championship clubs are believed to be keen on taking the Northern Ireland international on a temporary basis in the New Year.

The 20-year-old admits Ferguson wanted him to go out on loan to a Championship club in the summer but Alan Knill persuaded him to sanction his switch to Scunthorpe.
"Before I joined Scunthorpe, the gaffer said he wanted me to go to a Championship club but Alan Knill came in and said I would play. The gaffer likes the way Knill plays football and it has done me good coming here. I have learnt the horrible side of the game. You have got to get your tackles in, win your headers and stop the opponent."

"I am grateful to Alan Knill for giving me the chance to prove I can play at this level or at a higher level. My time at Scunthorpe expires in January. I spoke to United reserve team boss Warren Joyce and mentioned about January but he said they had not looked that far forward as yet. He just told me to keep performing, playing the way I have done and let other people worry about that. Hopefully a couple of Championship clubs will want to take me but it is a bit far to be looking that far ahead yet."

2011-12-31T20:06:00.047+08:00

Manchester United 2 Blackburn 3

Manchester United

Blackburn

Line-up
De Gea
Evra
Carrick 23'
Jones
Rafael 85'
Park
Valencia
Nani 11'
Welbeck
Berbatov 52' 62'
Hernandez 46'

Substitute
Lindegaard
Fryers
Anderson 46'
Cole
Pogba
Diouf
Keane 85'

Line-up
Bunn
Samba
Hanley 80'
Henley
Formica 85'
Pedersen
N'Zonzi
Lowe 47'
Petrovic 56'
Rochina 55'
Yakubu 16' 51' 90'

Substitute
Kean
Vukcevic
Morris 55'
Linganzi
Slew 90'
Blackman
Goodwillie 85'

Last 5 seasons Premier League Head to Head
2010-2011
Blackburn 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn
2009-2010
Blackburn 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn
2008-2009
Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn
Blackburn 0-2 Manchester United
2007-2008
Blackburn 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn
2006-2007
Manchester United 4-1 Blackburn
Blackburn 0-1 Manchester United

Premier : United 2 Blackburn 3 | Report
The Reds made it an unhappy 70th birthday for Sir Alex by slipping to a shock 3-2 home defeat to Blackburn. After conceding two goals to Yakubu, the Reds battled back magnificently thanks to a double by Berbatov. However, Hanley scrambled a late winner against the run of play to ensure the champions finished 2011 on a low note, missing out on the chance to go top of the table. Injury problems led to Rafael and Park forming a makeshift central midfield partnership with Carrick continuing in defence.

Steve Kean's side didn't start like a team at the foot of the table as they passed the ball around with composure while the Reds started with unusual lethargy. Nani sent a shot wide and Carrick was squeezed out by Bunn at the near post from a Nani corner. Disaster struck when Samba was felled inside the box as he grappled with Berbatov following a long free-kick by Bunn. Mike Dean had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Yakubu sent De Gea the wrong way to stun Old Trafford with 16 minutes on the clock.

United's response was muted. There was a shout for another penalty when Evra was sent flying by Petrovic and Samba got his head in the way of a Welbeck drive but the Reds were showing little of the sparkle of previous weeks. Jones was denied a goal against his former club when he met a Nani corner but could only fire against Hernandez. The Mexican tried to atone with a firm shot from outside the area that flew wide after some fine play by Evra before Nani lashed over after an intricate move inside the box.

Berbatov escaped after another grappling match with Samba at the other end but it was largely one-way traffic and United finally started to build a head of steam as half-time approached. Nani finally extended Bunn with a snap-shot after controlling an Evra cross and the keeper also thwarted Hernandez at his near post. Frustrated by some time-wasting antics from the visitors, United played with more fire and the end to the opening 45 minutes at least showed promise of an improved display after the break.

Sir Alex introduced Anderson for Hernandez and reshuffled with Rafael, Nani and Valencia all switching positions. After Nani looping a curler over the bar, Rovers doubled their lead with a goal out of nothing. The excellent Yakubu went through Carrick's slide tackle and advanced past Jones to bury a fierce drive under De Gea. This time, the response was immediate. Rafael drove into the box and fired across goal for Berbatov to steer in a diving header to reduce the arrears and get the crowd on its feet.

There is no finer sight in football than United attacking with gusto and the visitors started to creak. Bunn kicked away an Evra cross at his near post but was beaten again when Rafael headed to Valencia and the Ecuadorian sped past a couple of defenders to tee up a firm finish by Berbatov for his second goal of the match and his sixth in three games. A great run by Rafael led to Berbatov's cross being scrambled away and Jones headed wide from a Valencia cross as United attempted to keep up the pressure.

Although Formica offered a deflcted shot off target at the other end, the Reds had the upper hand and Valencia thrashed a volley over the top when the ball fell to him at the far post. With 10 minutes left, Hanley headed into the air by beating De Gea to corner and showed desire to get the second ball himself through a crowd of players, nodding over the line to the immense frustration of most of the Old Trafford crowd. It was a sloppy one to concede and left United with an absolute mountain to climb.

After Berbatov headed a Carrick cross over, a final throw of the dice saw Will Keane introduced for his senior debut in place of Rafael but there were to be no late heroics and no salvation for the Reds. Keane was denied by a last-ditch Samba tackle and Jones was frustrated by what looked like a combination of Keane and Bunn on the line. The injury problems meant this was one match too many over the festive period and Sir Alex must pick his troops up for the testing trip to Newcastle in midweek.

2011-12-30T21:40:00.005+08:00

United 5 Wigan 0 2009|10
On the 30th of December 2009, Roberto Martinez's Latics were no match for the classy Reds, who were 3-0 up at the interval, as a one-sided contest unfolded at Old Trafford. Rooney's expert near-post finish to a Rafael cross got the ball rolling before Carrick swept an Valencia pass past Kirkland. Rafael added a third just before the break by firing in from the edge of the box and then celebrating with his brother Fabio on the bench. Berbatov nudged in a Valencia centre in the second half and the Ecuador winger capped a fine display against his former club with a majestic finish after being slid in by Rooney.

Manchester United 5
Wayne Rooney (28) Michael Carrick (32) Rafael (45) Dimitar Berbatov (50) Antonio Valencia (75)

Wigan 0
-

2011-12-29T19:45:00.005+08:00

Oldham 2 United 5 1993|94
On the 29th of December 1993, United looked in the mood to retain the title despite conceding twice. Kanchelskis, who had been suffering from 'flu, caught Royle's side cold with the opener and was then felled by Pedersen's blatant foul. Cantona stroked in the penalty but Oldham replied on both occasions through Sharp after a mistake by Irwin against his former club and Holden's free-kick beat Schmeichel. Irwin atoned with an inviting corner that was thundered home via the head of Bruce to regain the lead before the break after a pulsating first half. Giggs, playing centrally due to the absence of Hughes, cut inside to drill past Hallworth via a deflection and then wrapped things up by scrambling over the line to ensure 100 points in the calendar year for the rampant Reds.

Oldham 2
Graeme Sharp (15) Rick Holden (26)

Manchester United 5
Andrei Kanchelskis (4) Eric Cantona (18) Steve Bruce (38) Ryan Giggs (54, 60)

2011-12-29T16:19:00.004+08:00

Leeds 3 United 4 2001|02
On this day 30th of March 2002, United bounced back from a surprise home defeat to Middlesbrough to win a cracker at Leeds 4-3. As we haven't played our rivals from Yorkshire for some time at league level, we thought we'd take a trip down memory lane by replaying the highlights of the seven-goal showdown, which was a noon kick-off at Elland Road. The Reds raced into a 4-1 lead, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scoring a quickfire double but had to withstand a late fightback from the hosts before securing the three points. Unfortunately, we had to settle for third place at the end of the season behind Arsenal and Liverpool but days like this are well worth recalling.

Leeds United 3
Mark Viduka (20) Ian Harte (62) Lee Bowyer (80)

Manchester United 4
Paul Scholes (8) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (37, 39)
Ryan Giggs (55)

2011-12-29T15:43:00.004+08:00

City 2 United 3 1995|96
On the 6th of April 1996, United clinched a memorable derby-day victory at Maine Road with Giggs grabbing the winner. Sir Alex's side looked comfortable after Cantona slotted in a penalty with characteristic calmness but a Quinn knock-down allowed debutant Kavelashvili to equalise. The Reds' instant response was for Cole to regain the lead following a one-two with Cantona, only for substitute Rosler to level matters again in the second half. With 13 minutes left, Cantona played in Giggs and memorably, Curle appeared to back off and point him towards taking a shot at goal. Our Welsh wonder responded with a drive that speared into the top corner of Immel's net, silencing the home crowd. United went on to do the Double while City were relegated.

Manchester City 2
Mikhail Kavelashvili (39) Uwe Rosler (71)

Manchester United 3
Eric Cantona (6) Andy Cole (41) Ryan Giggs (77)

2011-12-28T21:51:00.003+08:00

United 5 Coventry 0 1992|93
United have racked up five goals in the last two Premier League outings and it was no different on this day back in the first season of the revamped division in 1992. En route to ending a 26-year wait for the title, Coventry were crushed 5-0 on 28 December with Cantona and Giggs ripping the Sky Blues' defence to shreds. Giggs' hanging left-footed shot went in off a post to open the floodgates with Hughes pouncing on a Cantona pass to double the lead. Cantona got in on the act himself with a typically cool penalty before heading a McClair cross into the path of Sharpe, whose volley bounced past visiting keeper Gould. Hughes teed up Irwin for a deflected fifth in a classic demonstration of United in the most rampant of moods.

Manchester United 5
Ryan Giggs (6) Mark Hughes (40) Eric Cantona (64)
Lee Sharpe (78) Denis Irwin 83

Coventry 0
-

2011-12-26T13:31:00.050+08:00

Manchester United 5 Wigan 0

Manchester United

Wigan

Line-up
Lindegaard
Evra
Evans 24' 46'
Carrick
Valencia 75'
Park 8'
Gibson
Giggs 64'
Nani 64'
Berbatov 41' 58' 78'
Hernandez

Substitute
De Gea
Fryers 46'
Rafael
Diouf
Macheda 64'
Rooney 64'
Welbeck

Line-up
Al Habsi
Alcaraz
Caldwell
Stam
Figueroa
McCarthy
Diame 46'
Gómez 72'
Moses 80'
Jones 22'
Sammon 39'

Substitute
Pollitt
Crusat
McArthur 72'
Gohouri
Di Santo 46'
Watson
Rodallega 80'

Last 5 seasons Premier League Head to Head
2010-2011
Wigan 0-4 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan
2009-2010
Manchester United 5-0 Wigan
Wigan 0-5 Manchester United
2008-2009
Wigan 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United 1-0 Wigan
2007-2008
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester United 4-0 Wigan
2006-2007
Manchester United 3-1 Wigan
Wigan 1-3 Manchester United

Premier : United 5 Wigan 0 | Report
A clinical hat-trick from Berbatov and well-taken finishes from Park and Valencia gave United a second successive five goal victory and moved the Reds level on points with City at the head of the Premier League table. Park opened the scoring inside 10 minutes and Berbatov added a double either side of the interval before Valencia blasted home and Park won a penalty for Berbatov to confidently convert with 10 minutes remaining. City's stalemate at West Brom means only goal difference separates the two title rivals.

A much-changed Reds side coped comfortably with widescale reshuffling, though their cause was aided by the harsh dismissal of Wigan striker Sammon for a perceived elbow on Carrick, who again deputised in defence. Sir Alex was forced to make several changes to his side. Jones and Smalling missed out through injury and were replaced by serial moonlighters Valencia and Carrick. In turn, Gibson stepped into midfield while Park took up a berth on the left wing and Nani shunted over to the opposite flank.

The Reds' League record against the Latics had been aired repeatedly in the run up to the match but Martinez's side arrived at Old Trafford on the back of successive away wins at Sunderland and West Brom, as well as creditable home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool. Buoyed by the champions' comparative unfamiliarity, Wigan's early approach demonstrated a willingness to commit numbers to counter-attacks and one surging run from Moses culminated in a shot which Carrick chested to safety.

However, the bulk of the visitors' early play was spent trying to congest central areas, a plan which United tore up inside eight minutes. Evra ended some patient possession play by bursting into the Wigan area, bypassing challenges from Moses and Alcaraz and sliding a ball across the area for Park, who stabbed a neat finish around Figueroa and past the unsighted Al-Habsi. Scenting blood, United continued to pour forward down the flanks, flooding the space afforded by Wigan's three-man central defence.

Park found Berbatov, whose pull-back was destined for Chicharito until Caldwell intervened. Moments later, the Mexican's neat turn was negated by a hooked challenge from Alcaraz, yet referee Phil Dowd ignored the United's compelling claim for a penalty. A second goal seemed inevitable. Caldwell escaped embarrassment as his pressured clearance ricocheted against Al-Habsi, while Gibson's effort from 25 yards was deflected wide by Stam and Nani's free-kick from similar range curled off-target.

Gomez spurned a promising free-kick from a similar position for the visitors, scuffing his shot against the wall before Moses drew an important block from Gibson after fashioning space for himself in the United area. Stam then flung a superb ball across Lindegaard's area, only for the Latics' lack of attacking numbers to undo its excellence. Just as the visitors were growing in confidence, however, they were dealt a crippling double blow as they lost a player and a second goal in the space of two minutes.

Referee Dowd judged that Sammon deserved a red card for catching Carrick with a stray arm but the apparent lack of intent in the striker's flailing prompted irate protests from his colleagues. Their fury was compounded soon, as Gibson's curled cross found its way to Berbatov on the edge of the six-yard box. Though the Bulgarian's first touch, for once, sent the ball looping out of control, he admirably held off Alcaraz and clinically tucked a left-footed finish underneath the onrushing Al-Habsi.

Events prompted minor half-time tinkering from both managers. Sir Alex withdrew Evans, moved Evra inside and introduced Fryers at left-back. Martinez compensated for Sammon's loss with the arrival of striker Di Santo in place of Diame. The Argentine partner Moses in a 3-4-2 system which, while bold, left Wigan fragile in the face of United attacks. Park might have doubled his tally moments of the restart, as his header was palmed out by Al-Habsi, only for the rebound to fall tantalisingly shy of the Korean's reach.

Berbatov then headed a Giggs corner narrowly over before the Bulgarian assured United's victory with another goal drenched in his unquestioned class. Valencia embarked on another voyage down the yawning right flank and slipped a pass inside to the striker, who controlled the ball with his right instep and spun to face the goal in one motion before toe-poking a fabulous finish high into Al-Habsi's net. That was the cue for further changes, with Giggs and Nani removed and preserved for forthcoming festive action.

Macheda and Rooney came in for the left and central midfield berths respectively. Though the game slowed markedly, only a stunning close-range stop from Al-Habsi prevented Chicharito from turning in Rooney's mis-hit volley. Having cruised through the second period, United cranked up the pressure with 20 minutes remaining. Macheda's cross-shot was palmed over by Al-Habsi and Caldwell's inadvertant header dropped just wide before Valencia heaped further misery with a cracking strike.

A half-cleared corner was worked across to the Ecuadorian by Carrick and Valencia thundered a low shot across a packed area and into the far corner, his second goal in as many Old Trafford outings against the club who brought him to England. United were making substantial inroads into the goal difference deficit City had built up during the opening months of the campaign and notched up another when Alcaraz felled Park on the cusp of the area.

Berbatov assumed penalty duties to complete his treble and duly stroked the ball past the wrong-footed Al-Habsi. The joyous feel around Old Trafford was further heightened when news of City's goalless draw at the Hawthorns filtered through. As the Reds continue to gather momentum in spite of a raft of injuries, drawing level at the head of the table proved an unexpected, yet highly welcome, festive fillip for the defending champions.

2011-12-23T00:38:00.005+08:00

Lancashire : Blackburn 0 United 4 | Report
Mame Biram Diouf's first-half double and late strikes from Jesse Lingard and Will Keane sent United marching into the Lancashire Senior Cup semi-finals at the expense of Blackburn. Senegalese striker Diouf turned home a pair of clinical finishes at Leigh Sports Village to put the Reds firmly in control of proceedings, before Lingard and Keane added gloss to the scoreline in the dying stages.

Warren Joyce was able to name a strong, experienced line-up in his side's final outing of 2011 and it didn't take long for the Reds to forge ahead, as Diouf latched onto Gibson's pinpoint long pass to head home. Shortly after the half-hour, the lead was doubled as a surging run from Rafael, who completed 90 valuable minutes in his comeback from injury, culminated in the Senegalese slipping home a neat finish from deep inside the six-yard box.

The second period drifted at times, with United largely controlling proceedings before a late surge made for a more emphatic victory. Lingard secure victory from just inside the box with 10 minutes remaining, before Keane hammered home a deserved fourth to cap another sharp personal display and a fine team outing.

2011-12-22T23:57:00.002+08:00

Olympiakos pushing for Kuszczak answer
Olympiakos are pushing to sign United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. The Greek giants held talks with the Pole's minders earlier this month but still need to know from United if they're willing to release him. Kuszczak is desperate for the move to happen after falling to third-choice this season behind De Gea and Lindegaard. Even Amos has tasted Carling Cup action, ahead of the Pole.

Olympiakos chasing keeper Tomasz Kuszczak
Olympiakos are chasing United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. The Pole is expected to leave United in January. Sporting Director Darko Kovacevic has reportedly been meeting with the player's agent in England and sources from the Greek club have revealed that after two meetings in the last week, a deal could be signed in the next few days.

Tomasz Kuszczak issues his statement
United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak has issued the following statement following media stories earlier this week. "In response to recent press reports in the English media, I would like to set the record straight by clarifying that I did not use the word ‘slave’ in a recent interview I gave to the Polish newspaper, about my current position at United.

"At no point during the interview did I use the word ‘slave’ or imply that the Club was treating me like a ‘slave’. Indeed what I did say has either been misinterpreted or mis-reported. It is important to clear this mis-information up because I have the utmost respect for the Club and have not described my relationship with the Club in this way because it is simply not the case."

Tomasz Kuszczak slams United treatment
Kuszczak has claimed he is treated like a "slave" after a proposed loan move to Leeds was blocked. The Poland international, 29, was keen to join the Championship side on a deal until January to keep himself in the national coach's thoughts ahead of next summer's Euro 2012, which his country will co-host with Ukraine. In comments reported, Kuszczak said: "I've become a slave to United. I'm frustrated but I don't want to slander or criticise Ferguson. It's not my style. I've talked to him recently."

"I asked to leave the club now, before the January transfer window. I told him I want to play and get back into the national team. Euro 2012 is just around the corner but it seems he doesn't care. The possibility of a two-month loan to Leeds came up two weeks later. The club blocked it. It was a glimmer of hope for me. It would have reminded the Poland manager about me but I didn't get the club's approval. I have respect for Ferguson because for me, he's a great manager but I hope he will let me go in January."

Sir Alex blocked Leeds loan move : Kuszczak
Tomasz Kuszczak has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson blocked a loan move to Leeds United this week. Kuszczak is out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford and Leeds were looking for a new number one this week after Paul Rachubka's poor display against Blackpool saw him replaced at half-time. According to Kuszczak, Leeds made an approach but Ferguson blocked it. He instead claims that possible deals to Doncaster and Sheffield United are the only moves United will sanction. "My loan to Leeds was not possible because Alex Ferguson has blocked it. I could only go to Sheffield United or to Doncaster."

Kuszczak could be set for a move to Leeds
Tomasz Kuszczak is a target for Leeds, with the 29-year-old set to replace Paul Rachubka after his errors contributed to the side’s 5-0 loss to Blackpool. Kuszczak has struggled for game time and is reportedly hoping to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window. Even though United and Leeds are massive rivals, the stopper is being courted by Leeds manager. With Kuszczak’s experience, the npower Championship side see the Polish as the perfect addition as they aim to get back into the top-tier. Kuszczak’s defection will certainly make for some angry United fans, making encounters between the two great rivals.

Black Cats seeks emergency Kuszczak loan
Sunderland are considering an emergency loan move for United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Manager Steve Bruce has admitted the club may seek special dispensation after Simon Mignolet underwent surgery on the badly broken nose he suffered during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Keiren Westwood came on at Villa but Bruce is still short of keepers with Craig Gordon yet to resume training and Trevor Carson out with a back injury.

Tomasz Kuszczak set for United departure
Kuszczak is preparing for a cut-price departure from Old Trafford in January after failing to find a way out of the club in the summer. The keeper has no future at United and is now fourth choice behind De Gea, Lindegaard and Amos. West Ham passed up the opportunity to sign him on loan recently and instead opted for Almunia, so the United outcast has to wait it out until the transfer window opens.

West Brom were keen in the summer but failed to reach an agreement with United over Kuszczak's market value. Kuszczak, 29, moved to Old Trafford for around £2m in 2006 and has made just 61 appearances in five years at the club but his chances of leaving have been hampered as United valued him at around £4m. Nobody was willing to pay that amount for the Pole but United are ready to accept a significantly lower sum in January, enabling Kuszczak to leave and get his career back on track.

Hannover plan goalkeeper raid on Kuszczak
Sources have suggested that Bundesliga side Hannover 96 are contemplating a move for Tomasz Kuszczak and that the German side could make their move as early as January. The Poland international has seen himself drop down the pecking order at Old Trafford with the arrival of De Gea and Lindegaarde. The emergence of Amos has also seen Kuszaczak not feature for the side’s Carling Cup victory against Leeds and there were rumours throughout the summer that the 29 year old could be ready to move on.

With United having four goalkeepers, it could be deemed that that is one too many. Hannover do have former United keeper Ron-Robert Zieler on their books, however at 22 years of age, it is believed he may be too inexperienced to take the side forward with only Markus Miller at 29 adding some experience. Although Zieler has shown some class at this early stage in the Bundesliga season, the side have leaked eight goals in seven matches.

2011-12-22T23:39:00.004+08:00

Agent reveals Rodriguez plans January move
Agent of Independiente star Patricio Rodriguez is staying tightlipped over interest from United. Sources say United have been scouting the 21 year-old attacking midfielder this season, along with Benfica. Rodriguez's agent, Silvio Sandri, revealed: "The only thing I can say is that Patito will leave Independiente to play in Europe when the market reopens. There are many clubs interested and he feels prepared to embrace a new challenge. I cannot say if he'll go to United or another club."

United eye Independiente Patricio Rodriguez
United are reported to be interested in Patricio Rodriguez. Sir Alex is looking to bolster his forward options at Old Trafford, although he has indicated he is unlikely to add to his squad when the window reopens in January. Despite this, the report claims he has had Independiente forward Rodriguez watched in action this season and has been impressed. The 21-year-old is valued at around £10m by the Argentine club, who are also expecting to be contacted by Benfica, Udinese and Marseille about the player.

2011-12-22T17:38:00.004+08:00

United 6 Southampton 1 2001|02
On the 22nd of December 2001, a goalscoring machine scored the first of his six hat-tricks for United. Ruud van Nistelrooy was the hero for the Reds with three goals in a 6-1 rout of Southampton at Old Trafford. The Dutchman’s first came after just 32 seconds as he latched onto a superb 40-yard pass from Scholes to drive home. Ten minutes before the break, he squeezed home his second from close range. Solskjaer netted with an unerring volley to make it three, before Ruud completed his treble following another perfect Scholes pass. Pahars conjured a reply for the beleaguered Saints but Keane and Neville got in on the act to complete the scoring.

Manchester United 6
Ruud van Nistelrooy (1, 34, 54) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (41) Roy Keane (72) Phil Neville(78)

Southampton 1
Marian Pahars (55)

2011-12-22T02:31:00.043+08:00

Fulham 0 Manchester United 5

Fulham

Manchester United

Line-up
Stockdale
Baird 63' 74'
Hangeland
Senderos
Riise
Ruiz
Murphy
Dembele
Etuhu
Dempsey 85'
Johnson

Substitute
Etheridge
Kelly 74'
Gecov
Duff
Hughes
Frei
Zamora 85'

Line-up
Lindegaard
Evra
Evans
Smalling
Jones 20'
Nani 28'
Carrick
Giggs 43'
Valencia
Rooney 88'
Welbeck 5' 77'

Substitute
De Gea
Fryers
Rafael
Park 59'
Young 20' 59'
Berbatov 77' 90'
Hernandez

Last 5 seasons Premier League Head to Head
2010-2011
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
Fulham 2-2 Manchester United
2009-2010
Manchester United 3-0 Fulham
Fulham 3-0 Manchester United
2008-2009
Fulham 2-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 3-0 Fulham
2007-2008
Fulham 0-3 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
2006-2007
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United 5-1 Fulham

Premier : Fulham 0 United 5 | Report
United kept up the pressure on City with another impressive performance on their travels to secure a first league victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage for almost four years. Welbeck set the Reds to a convincing 5-0 victory with a smart finish after just five minutes. Nani doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, before the outstanding Giggs claimed a deflected effort ensuring he has scored in the top flight for 22 consecutive seasons.

Rooney netted a 30-yard screamer, before Berbatov put the icing on the cake with a delightful back-heeled finish from close-range. It wasn’t all good for the Reds, with both Jones and Young picking up injuries. Jones’ looked a nasty one after he was grounded by an accidental elbow to the face by Dempsey. He lasted 20 minute before being replaced by Young, who limped off midway through the second period. Sir Alex made two changes to the starting XI that beat QPR.

Lindegaard came in between the sticks, while Giggs was brought into midfield to replace Jones, who switched to right-back, with Smalling moving into a central position alongside Evans to cover Ferdinand’s absence through injury. Jones seemed set to join Ferdinand in the treatment room after just a minute of play when he was caught by Dempsey. He was closely examined by United’s medical team before being given thumbs up to continue.

The stoppage wasn’t about to derail the Reds who had started brightly and just as they did at Loftus Road, United made the most of their first opening. After Nani had collected possession just inside the Fulham half, he worked his way down the left touchline before pulling a low cross back to the unmarked Welbeck to sweep into the far corner in the fifth minute. In truth, it was poor marking from the Cottagers, a tidy finish from the England international.

Giggs could have made it two three minutes later but Jones’ lovely curling cross was just too far ahead of the midfield veteran who had burst into the area. The Reds looked very much in the mood, while Martin Jol’s side looked distinctively out of sorts and unable to cope with United’s attacking exploits. Rooney, Giggs and Nani all tested Stockdale soon after but the Fulham keeper was up to the task to ensure the Cottagers remained in the game.

At the other end, Ruiz got in ahead of Jones after a neat one-two but the defender recovered brilliantly with a last-ditch tackle. Still struggling with the earlier head injury, Jones’ fine tackle turned out to be his last piece of action after signalling to the bench he couldn’t carry on. Young came on to replace him and immediately took up a position on the left with Nani switching to the right and Valencia moving to Jones’ right-back position.

It was the Ecuadorian’s link-up with Giggs which led to United’s second on 28 minutes. Giggs and Valencia swapped passes before the veteran curled an inviting cross into the area which Nani headed into the far corner. The Reds should have been given the opportunity to make it three just after the half-hour mark but referee Mark Halsey somehow managed to miss Senderos’ blatant foul on Welbeck inside the area, despite having a clear view of it.

United had victory all but sealed two minutes before the break as Giggs ensured he kept up his phenomenal record of having found the net in 22 consecutive seasons in the top flight. Nani weaved his way into the area before pulling the ball back to Giggs whose goal-bound shot hit Senderos and looped over the helpless Stockdale. Fulham were still keen to have a go after the break and Lindegaard had to be alert to save Dempsey’s header just before the hour.

Dembele and Riise flashed efforts just wide soon after, while the Reds lost yet another player to injury as substitute Young was replaced by Park after picking what looked like a knock to his knee. United had struggled to keep up the momentum of the first period but still looked a threat on the counter-attack and went close to grabbing a fourth on 66 minutes when Nani crossed for Valencia, who had burst into the area but Stockdale came out to block.

Rooney and Welbeck both saw efforts deflected wide, while Welbeck wasted a great chance when put clean through by Nani after clipping the ball over the bar. Fulham continued to probe at the other end with Lindegaard needing to be on top form to save three times from Johnson in quick succession. The Reds rounded things off in style when Rooney blasted a stunning 30-yard drive past Stockdale and substitute Berbatov back-heeled Valencia's cross into the far corner to ensure back-to-back wins in London.

2011-12-21T19:15:00.006+08:00

United 5 Sunderland 0 1996|97
On the 21st of December 1996, Cantona was out of touch and out of form with some pundits prepared to write off the fabulous Frenchman. The shrewdest of signings from Leeds had already ended an 11-game goal drought in the League with a penalty but proved he was back to his best with a stunning strike that had the hallmark of genius stamped all over it. Exchanging passes with McClair, Cantona moved through the backpedalling Sunderland defence and conjured up a chip over Perez that was a thing of beauty. The iconic celebration that followed, turning slowly to regally address all corners of Old Trafford with a mixure of arrogance and satisfaction, summed up why he was dubbed 'King Eric' by the fans.

Manchester United 5
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (36, 48) Eric Cantona (43, 79)
Nicky Butt (58)

Sunderland 0
-

2011-12-20T18:34:00.010+08:00

United in battle to sign Xherdan Shaqiri
United are reportedly ready to sign Xherdan Shaqiri. The 20-year-old has impressed for both club and country over the past twelve months and is believed to be of interest to a number of top clubs from around Europe. According to report, United are also keen on Shaqiri as Sir Alex looks to strengthen his midfield. Ferguson has seen midfielders Fletcher, Anderson and Cleverley sidelined due to either injury or illness and is light on numbers in that area.

The Red Devils have sounded out his agent about a possible £10m move to Old Trafford. Shaqiri recently insisted that he is happy at Basel but admitted in an interview that he was unsure how long he will remain at the club. When asked if he wants to join a bigger club, he said: "I don’t know. I am with Basel now and I want to win the championship with them and am playing in the Champions League. I do not know what will happen in the future."

2011-12-18T14:02:00.028+08:00

Queens Park Rangers 0 Manchester United 2

Queens Park

Manchester United

Line-up
Cerny
Traore
Connolly
Gabbidon 26'
Young
Wright-Phillips 65'
Barton
Faurlin
Mackie
Bothroyd 75'
Helguson 66'

Substitute
Kenny
Orr
Hill 75'
Derry
Taarabt 65'
Campbell 66'
Smith

Line-up
De Gea
Evra
Ferdinand 18'
Evans
Smalling
Nani 88'
Carrick 56'
Jones 61'
Valencia
Rooney 1' 78'
Welbeck 63'

Substitute
Lindegaard
Fryers
Giggs 78'
Park
Young 88'
Berbatov
Hernandez 63'

Last 5 seasons Premier League Head to Head
No previous record

Premier : Queens Park 0 United 2 | Report
United turned in a devastating display of incisive attacking football which might have yielded a resounding win over Queens Park Rangers but the Reds can still reflect on an impressive victory secured by goals from Rooney and Carrick. Rooney headed home the opening goal inside a minute at Loftus Road and Carrick added a fine solo goal early the second period, only the woodwork and some inspired goalkeeping from Cerny prevented the Reds from running up an eye-catching scoreline.

From front to back, the Reds were impressive but it was in central areas where the champions most exuded their authority. Evans and Ferdinand provided a rock-solid defensive core, Carrick and Jones shone in midfield and Rooney oozed class throughout. Sir Alex’s hand was strengthened by the return of Berbatov and Chicharito, yet the manager opted against shuffling and named the same line-up which overpowered Wolves last weekend.

Among the highlights of the victory over Mick McCarthy’s side were the return to goalscoring form of Rooney and an incisive display of wingplay from Valencia. Both parties combined within the opening minute at Loftus Road to give United a dream start. Having nicked possession, Valencia redirected the ball to Rooney and raced onto the striker’s headed return pass before arcing a magnificent cross into the path of the onrushing Rooney.

Though the striker had to contend with the attentions of Connolly, he managed to fling himself and redirect the ball inside Cerny’s post to register United’s quickest goal of the season so far. The visitors’ red-hot start almost yielded further reward before three minutes were up. Nani pounced on a loose ball, exchanged passes with Rooney and fed Welbeck, whose scuffed effort was blocked by Cerny.

Aside from a Helguson header which drifted just wide, QPR’s riposte was one of physicality. A strong challenge by Connolly on Rooney went unpunished, a decision which prompted Ferdinand to earn a caution for dissent before Gabbidon joined him in the book for a lunge on Valencia. United continued to forge openings. Rooney released Welbeck to finish neatly, though it was contentiously deemed offside before the Reds enjoyed a spell of pressure.

First, after Welbeck had beaten Cerny to Nani’s corner, Evans nodded onto the top of the crossbar. Jones was thwarted in a one-on-one encounter with Cerny, who then heroically flung up an arm to deny Valencia from close range. From the subsequent corner, Evans’ header was hoofed off the line by Faurlin. The danger of creating and spurning such a procession of chances was underlined by a rally from the hosts late in the half.

Though Evans and Ferdinand coped admirably with the aerial onslaught raining down on them, United could only watch with baited breath as Bothroyd’s marvellous cross rolled across De Gea’s six-yard box without conversion. The second period began in bizarre fashion, as referee Webb began proceedings before Gabbidon has retaken the field. United looked to expose their numerical advantage but Rooney could only fire straight at Cerny.

United’s attacking play continued to threaten a second goal and it was duly delivered by Carrick’s first strike of the campaign. Pouncing on an errant pass from Barton, the midfielder surged into a yawning gap in the hosts’ half and slotted a low finish past Cerny. The Czech might have lamented his failure to keep out Carrick’s effort, though he may well have been fooled by the midfielder’s refusal to even glance at the goal before shooting.

Soon enough, Cerny redeemed himself with a spectacular save to fend away Welbeck’s curling effort. Rooney then stabbed over as he tried to redirect Evans’ stabbed effort before Jones curled a superb low shot against the base of Cerny’s post. In a bid to improve his side’s fortunes, Neil Warnock introduced Taarabt and Campbell from the bench, with the latter wastefully stabbed the former’s cross over the bar from close range almost immediately.

That was one of the rare occasions in which the hosts managed to pierce United’s imperious backline, providing further evidence that the Reds have heeded Sir Alex’s insistence on shoring up defensively after their cavalier opening to the season. Now allied to that familiar attacking swagger and a run of six wins and a draw in seven league games, United are building a promising momentum.

2011-12-16T02:00:00.004+08:00

Queens Park Rangers 2 United 3 1994|95
United last won a Premier League match at Queens Park Rangers home, the Hoops' ground in 1994, when a dramatic 3-2 win in the capital moved Sir Alex’s side to within one point of then league leaders Blackburn. Les Ferdinand fired QPR into a shock lead with a goal of the season contender before Scholes and Keane edged the Reds in front by half-time. Scholes' second header made it 3-1 to the Reds just after the break and although Ferdinand reduced the deficit by completing a double of his own, United held on to claim all three points. After the match, Sir Alex paid tribute the Reds’ young number 18 following a virtuoso display up-front in the absence of Hughes. “As for Scholes, what can I say? He has a superb scoring record and has a brilliant grasp of the game.”

Queens Park Rangers 2
Les Ferdinand (23, 65)

Manchester United 3
Paul Scholes (34, 47) Roy Keane (44)

2011-12-15T21:23:00.004+08:00

United's 15 league games so far in 2011|12
Reports of United's demise seem greatly exaggerated when you consider the stats in the Premier League so far. The Reds have scored in every league game and have won 11, drawn three and lost just one. Here's a video showing a goal from each game, 15 in total and there are some crackers for you to sit back and enjoy. Consider this as we look forward to our remaining 23 league games... if the same average of 2.4 points per match is maintained until May, United will finish the season with 91 points, a higher tally than was needed to win the last five league titles!

14/08/11 West Brom (A) 2-1
22/08/11 Tottenham (H) 3-0
28/08/11 Arsenal (H) 8-2
10/09/11 Bolton (A) 5-0
18/09/11 Chelsea (H) 3-1
24/09/11 Stoke (A) 1-1
01/10/11 Norwich (H) 2-0
15/10/11 Liverpool (A) 1-1
23/10/11 Man City (H) 1-6
29/10/11 Everton (A) 1-0
05/11/11 Sunderland (H) 1-0
19/11/11 Swansea (A) 1-0
26/11/11 Newcastle (H) 1-1
03/12/11 Aston Villa (A) 1-0
10/12/11 Wolves (H) 4-1

2011-12-14T19:22:00.010+08:00

United 4 Sunderland 0 1999|00
On the 15th of April 2000, United were runaway leaders at the top of the League, nine points clear of Liverpool, when Sunderland came to Old Trafford. Promoted from Division One as champions in the previous season, Sunderland had surpassed people's expectations and were safe from the drop in the seventh place. However, the Reds were still daunting opposition for Peter Reid's men, having scored seven against West Ham in the previous home game. United got off to a flying start, Solskjaer seizing on a short backpass and put the Reds in front. Stubborn Sunderland defending held back the red tide until five minutes after half time, when Solskjaer doubled the lead with a wonderful strike. Butt netted number three on the hour mark before Berg bagged a rare goal to round off the win.

Manchester United 4
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2, 51) Nicky Butt (66)
Henning Berg (70)

Sunderland 0
-

2011-12-14T18:40:00.006+08:00

United 3 Fiorentina 1 1999|00
On the 15th of March 2000, United welcomed Fiorentina in the penultimate game of the Champions League group phase, knowing a win would seal a place in the knockout stages. However, the Reds were very wary of the visitors, having lost 2-0 in Florence in November. It was Batistuta who put the visitors ahead, letting fly from 25 yards with a swerving shot that soared past Bosnich and silenced the Stretford End. Three minutes later, Cole pulled Neville's pass out of the air, swivelled past Repka and fired a low shot beyond Toldo, passing Law's European record.

With the Italian side under increasing pressure, the Reds took the lead as Keane lashed home the rebound after Berg headed against the crossbar. The Reds began the second half on the front foot and the game was effectively over for La Viola when Rossitto was shown a straight red card for a crude lunge on Yorke. The in-form striker, who had netted a hat-trick four days earlier, made absolutely sure for United, planting a header beyond Toldo from Giggs' cross. Three goals and three points for Sir Alex's side, who booked their place in the last eight with a game to spare.

Manchester United 3
Andy Cole (19) Roy Keane (32) Dwight Yorke (70)

Fiorentina 1
Gabriel Batistuta (16)

2011-12-12T19:06:00.008+08:00

United 5 Derby 0 2001|02
On the 12th of December 2001, United dispatched an out-of-form Derby County with ruthless efficiency. Solskjaer got off to a perfect start, collecting Silvestre's pass and slipping past Oakes in the Derby goal. Solskjaer turned provider for Keane to double United's tally by firing home an inviting low cross. Keane and Veron both forced fine saves from Oakes in the first half, before Solskjaer delivered the killer blow two minutes before the hour mark, tapping in after van Nistelrooy had forced another save from the besieged County goalkeeper. Van Nistelrooy got himself on the scoresheet five minutes later, rounding off a good United move involving Keane and Scholes, the goal coming just moments after Ravanelli had seen a golden chance saved by Barthez. Scholes rounded off the scoring late on, controlling Solskjaer's pass and driving home.

Manchester United 5
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (6, 58) Roy Keane (10)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (63) Paul Scholes (89)

Derby County 0
-

2011-12-12T17:44:00.002+08:00

FA Youth Cup 2011|2012 Round Three
Manchester United 4 Torquay 0

2011-12-12T16:11:00.006+08:00

United plot swoop for Dutch Jetro Willems
United are chasing Holland’s wonder boy Jetro Willems as Sir Alex looks for the next Patrice Evra. Ferguson sent his brother Martin, a United scout, on a spying mission to watch the 17-year-old left-back play for PSV Eindhoven at the weekend, teeing up a quick move for the teenager. Willems joined PSV from Sparta Rotterdam at the end of August but could be on the move again if Fergie thinks the time is right to act before rivals get their act together.

The Holland youth has already played 20 senior matches, catching the eye of top clubs in England and Europe. Fergie does not have an obvious player to groom for Evra’s role within the Old Trafford ranks and he could swoop soon for Willems rather than wait for his price to rise. Willems would be eligible for United’s Europa League campaign if they do business in the New Year market but United are likely to watch him again before the transfer window opens.

2011-12-12T15:31:00.002+08:00

United's hat-trick heroes
Long before Berbatov's glorious treble against Liverpool...

1. Lou Macari (Birmingham 1-4 United, Aug '77)
A memorable day as he scores thrice at St. Andrews.

2. Andy Ritchie (United 4-1 Spurs, April '80)
His second hat-trick in front of the Stretford End.

3. Lee Sharpe (Arsenal 2-6 United, Nov '90)
A glorious curling finish, a header and a low slot into the corner completed a memorable triple as the Reds ran riot.

4. Paul Scholes (Newcastle 2-6 United, April '03)
A top notch hat-trick as the Magpies are hit for six.

5. Wayne Rooney (Bolton 0-4 United, Oct '06)
Three clinical finishes ended a 10-game goal drought.

2011-12-12T15:21:00.001+08:00

Manchester derby heroes
Manchester derby always promises to be an enthralling encounter between United and City. City moved two points clear last weekend after taking advantage of United's draw at Liverpool by beating Aston Villa. It will potentially be the strongest Blues side to visit Old Trafford in many years but they do not boast a strong record on our ground, where they have won only once since 1974. United are seeking to regain top spot by recording a 10th home win over City in the Premier League era, so why not relive the champions' previous nine triumphs from the last two decades. Nine wins, nine goals, nine different scorers.

Mark Hughes – United 2-1 City, 06/12/92
Eric Cantona – United 2-0 City, 23/04/94
Andrei Kanchelskis – United 5-0 City, 10/11/94
Paul Scholes – United 1-0 City, 14/10/95
Ruud van Nistelrooy – United 3-1 City, 13/12/03
Cristiano Ronaldo – United 3-1 City, 09/12/2006
Carlos Tevez – United 2-0 City, 10/05/09
Michael Owen – United 4-3 City, 20/09/09
Wayne Rooney – United 2-1 City, 12/02/11

2011-12-12T15:08:00.001+08:00

Wayne Rooney's fantastic goals
01. 28/09/11: Fenerbahce (H)
02. 28/08/11: Arsenal (H)
03. 28/05/11: Barcelona (N)
04. 12/02/11: Man City (H)
05. 31/01/10: Arsenal (A)
06. 12/09/09: Tottenham (A)
07. 28/04/07: Everton (A)
08. 24/04/07: Milan (H)
09. 17/03/07: Bolton (H)
10. 24/04/05: Newcastle (H)

2011-12-12T15:06:00.001+08:00

Nani's finest strikes
vs Tottenham Hotspur (26/08/07)
vs Middlesbrough (27/10/07)
vs Liverpool (23/03/08)
vs Derby County (21/01/09)
vs West Ham United (28/08/10)
vs Bursaspor (20/10/10)

2011-12-12T15:05:00.002+08:00

Michael Owen's best goals
22 Aug 2009: Wigan 0-5 United
Owen’s first goal for United rewound the clock with the sort of cool, clipped finish that dominated his early years.

20 Sep 2009: United 4-3 City
He may never top this moment. An unerring finish, deep into injury time, to win a thrilling Manchester derby.

8 Dec 2009: Wolfsburg 1-3 United
Owen sealed his hat-trick with a superb solo run.

10 Feb 2010: United 2-1 Aston Villa
Owen helped the Reds to Carling Cup silverware with this neat goal in the final before limping off with an injury.

22 May 2011: United 4-2 Blackpool
There’s only ever one winner, Michael Owen, when the striker goes one on one with the goalkeeper.

2011-12-12T15:03:00.002+08:00

Javier Hernandez's vital goals
United fans had reason to smile as the club announced Hernandez had put pen to paper on a new and improved deal. To celebrate Chicharito’s five-year contract, which will keep him at Old Trafford at least the end of 2015/16, here's five of his most important goals in a Reds shirt.

Valencia 0 United 1 (29 September 2010)
His first strike in Europe, a smart left-footed finish after a brilliant first touch, settled a tense affair at the Mestalla.

Stoke 1 United 2 (24 October 2010)
After nodding United in front with a back-header, he won the game four minutes from time with a predatory finish.

United 1 Everton 0 (23 April 2011)
It looked like the Reds would have to settle for a draw… until Chicharito popped up with another late winner.

United 2 Chelsea 1 (8 May 2011)
Just only 36 seconds had elapsed when Hernandez sprinted clear of the Chelsea defence and slotted home calmly.

Liverpool 1 United 1 (15 October 2011)
Sent on to help salvage a point, he did that when reacted first to Welbeck’s flick-on and headed in from close range.

2011-12-12T15:01:00.002+08:00

Antonio Valencia's best goals
Valencia has signed a contract extension that will keep him at United until the end of the 2014/15 campaign. Valencia, who signed for the Reds from Wigan in 2009, is a firm fans' favourite at Old Trafford and an almost immovable part of Sir Alex's first-team plans. The winger has made 69 appearances and scored 10 goals during his first two years, a remarkable feat considering he spent most of last season recovering from a fractured and dislocated left ankle.

Debut: 9 Aug 2009 v Chelsea (Community Shield)
2009/10 season: 49 appearances, 7 goals
2010/11 season: 20 appearances, 3 goals

2011-12-12T14:58:00.002+08:00

Andrew Cole’s best goals
Andrew Cole turns 40 on 15th of October 2011 and league victory at Anfield is an experience Coley enjoyed three times during his playing career with us in the late '90s, thanks in no small part to the four goals he scored there. Here's a look back at three of those Kop-silencing strikes, plus a selection of other memorable Cole goals for United. Happy birthday, Andrew!

Signed: 12/01/1995 | Debut: 22/01/1995 | Left: 29/12/2001
Appearances: 275 | Goals: 121
Best season: 1997/98, 25 goals in 45 games
Record vs Liverpool: 4 goals in 12 games

2011-12-12T14:56:00.002+08:00

Ruud van Nistelrooy's hat-tricks
Berbatov's third goal against Birmingham had hacks and stattos scrambling to find the last time a Reds star scored three hat-tricks in a campaign. They didn't have to go too far back. Eight years ago, van Nistelrooy achieved the feat with a trio of triples against Newcastle, Fulham and finally Charlton. Like Berba, the Dutchman notched all of his hat-tricks at Old Trafford and all in the league as United pipped Arsenal to win the 2002/03 title race.

23/11/2002 | United 5-3 Newcastle United
22/03/2003 | United 3-0 Fulham
03/05/2003 | United 4-1 Charlton Athletic

2011-12-12T14:54:00.002+08:00

Wayne Rooney's hat-trick
It didn't take long for Wayne Rooney to endear himself to the United faithful. After injury delayed his debut, he made up for lost time with a sensational hat-trick on his Old Trafford bow against Fenerbahce and it was always going to be the start of something special. The treble at Bolton, his second in successive Reds matches, means he has now hit at least three goals seven times in his career. The Trotters have already been on the receiving end once, in 2006 and Portsmouth, West Ham and Arsenal have also suffered a similar fate. A four-goal haul against Hull remains Rooney's best individual tally in a game but considering the form he's in at the moment, that record could be threatened as the season progresses.

28/9/04 | United 6-2 Fenerbahce
28/10/06 | Bolton 0-4 United
28/11/09 | Portsmouth 1-4 United
23/01/10 | United 4-0 Hull City*
02/04/11 | West Ham 2-4 United
28/08/11 | United 8-2 Arsenal
10/09/11 | Bolton 0-5 United
*Scored four goals

2011-12-12T14:37:00.002+08:00

Andrew Cole's 5 vs Dimitar Berbatov's 5
On 4 March 1995, Andy Cole netted five goals in United’s 9-0 romp over hapless Ipswich at Old Trafford. He said: "It’s one of the highlights of my career. To score five goals is an amazing feeling and to do it for a team like United was great. I think I was the first to achieve it in the league. While it was a great day for me personally, it's all about the team but unfortunately, we didn't go on to win the league that season, which was disappointing. It was just one of those days when everything you hit ends up in the net. There were a couple of scruffy finishes but they all count!"

"I was delighted to see Berba get five against Blackburn. He deserves all the credit he's been getting. He took quite a lot of flack in his first two years but he's been banging the goals in this season and is well on course to finish it with a great tally. I'm really pleased for him," Cole reflected on United’s most recent five-goal haul, scored by Dimitar Berbatov in the 7-1 win over Blackburn in November 2010.

2011-12-12T14:33:00.002+08:00

Hernandez’s 13 goals of 2010|2011 season
Paul Scholes aside, nobody expected Hernandez to make such an impact in his first season at Old Trafford. After watching his non-competitive debut in the USA, Scholes told Sir Alex the Mexican would score 25 goals. He wasn’t far wrong. The manager planned to introduce his new forward to the first-team fold gradually but could not ignore the 22-year-old’s rapid acclimatisation to life at United and unerring accuracy in front of goal for long.

2011-12-12T14:32:00.002+08:00

Berbatov’s 20 goals of 2010|2011 season
Dimitar Berbatov has picked up a richly-deserved prize for his efforts in helping United to win the title by scooping the Barclays Golden Boot. Despite having his second goal against Sunderland in December taken off him by the Premier League’s Dubious Goals panel, he still finished level on 20 goals with Man City's Carlos Tevez. The Bulgarian's contribution to United’s title charge cannot be underestimated. He claimed multiple-goal hauls against Liverpool, Blackburn and Birmingham but also scored vital late winners against Bolton and Blackpool.

2011-12-12T14:30:00.002+08:00

2011-12-12T14:22:00.001+08:00

Paul Scholes Testimonial
Manchester United 6 New York Cosmos 0

2011-12-12T14:19:00.002+08:00

USA Tour 2011 Fixtures

Date	Fixtures	Results
13\|07, 2000hrs	New England Rev	Won 4-1
20\|07, 1900hrs	Seattle Sounders	Won 7-0
23\|07, 1600hrs	Chicago Fire	Won 3-1
27\|07, 2030hrs	MLS All-Stars	Won 4-0
30\|07, 1900hrs	Barcelona	Won 2-1

New England Revolution 1-4 Manchester United

Seattle Sounders 0 Manchester United 7

Chicago Fire 1 Manchester United 3

MLS All-Stars 0 Manchester United 4

Barcelona 1 Manchester United 2

2011-12-12T14:17:00.002+08:00

Review of key games 2010|2011
United’s quest for 2010/11 Premier League glory wasn’t always a smooth ride but that only made it more exciting for us to watch. While progress was serene at Old Trafford, where United have only dropped two points all term, a series of away draws put us behind early pacesetters Chelsea but the Londoners suffered a mid-season slump and the Reds took full advantage.

Arsenal emerged as third candidates for the title but Sir Alex’s men were not to be denied. The pain of defeat by three of the so-called ‘big five’ was assuaged by the joy of several late victories. Sir Alex often remarked during the season that the gap between the top sides and the rest of the league had shortened. It meant that, with one or two exceptions, there truly were no easy games for United and that will perhaps make this title the sweetest yet.

2011-12-11T17:20:00.002+08:00

Community Shield 2011 | Manchester United 3 City 2

2011-12-11T16:47:00.002+08:00

United 4 City 3 2009|10
Owen's first goal for United could not have been better timed. The summer signing collected a Giggs pass and placed a perfect finish wide of Given after Bellamy looked to have pinched a point for City with his second goal of the game. Rooney's early opener was cancelled out when Tevez pounced a mistake by Foster to tee up Barry for the equaliser. Fletcher nodded United back in front, only for Bellamy to drill a fine effort past Foster to make it 2-2.

Another header from Fletcher looked to be enough to clinch the points, only for Petrov to rob Ferdinand and play in Bellamy for a 90th-minute leveller. Lesser teams would have been deflated but the Reds regrouped and Owen struck in the sixth minute of injury time to leave City chief Mark Hughes fuming as the home fans rejoiced.

Manchester United 4
Wayne Rooney (2) Darren Fletcher (49, 80)
Michael Owen (96)

Manchester City 4
Gareth Barry (16) Craig Bellamy (52, 90)

2011-12-11T16:46:00.002+08:00

United 3 Celtic 2 2006|07
On the 13th of September 2006, United saw off Celtic 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford with Solskjaer grabbing the winner. The Bhoys, skippered by current boss Neil Lennon, took a surprise lead when Vennegoor of Hesselink struck but Boruc felled Giggs to concede a needless penalty. Saha stepped up to score his first goal at this level from the spot. A fine Scholes pass allowed Saha to hand United the lead, only for a Nakamura free-kick to leave van der Sar stranded and stun the home crowd. When Scholes released Saha again, a hat-trick looked on the cards but Boruc saved and the rebound was hit into the path of Solskjaer by the French striker for the Norwegian predator to poach a left-footed tap-in to take the points.

Manchester United 3
Louis Saha (30P, 40) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (47)

Celtic 2
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (21) Shunsuke Nakamura (43)

2011-12-11T16:44:00.002+08:00

Dinamo Bucharest 1 United 2 2004|05
Sir Alex's side have played at the National Stadium in Bucharest. The injury-hit Reds ran out 2-1 victors against Dinamo Bucharest in 2004, despite falling behind to an unfortunate own goal by Fortune. Giggs levelled matters by latching onto a pass by Scholes and calmly beating Gaev. After Smith hit a post, substitute Miller set up the winner with the ball going in off Alistar. It was Miller's debut for the club, following his Bosman free transfer move from Celtic and United went on to wrap up a 5-1 aggregate success in the qualifying round for the Champions League.

Dinamo Bucharest 1
Quinton Fortune (10) og

Manchester United 2
Ryan Giggs (38) Angelo Alistar (72) og

2011-12-11T16:43:00.002+08:00

Liverpool 1 United 2 2003|04
On the 9th of November 2003, two goals from Giggs earned the Reds a sweet 2-1 success at Liverpool. The Welshman broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when his left-footed cross curled straight into the net past Dudek. A second provided some breathing space as he collected a Forlan centre and fired home via Dudek and the bar. Kewell, who had mustered a couple of efforts with the scoreline still at 0-0, pulled one back for the Merseysiders and the Reds were grateful that Heskey spurned a glorious injury-time opening when an equaliser looked on the cards.

Liverpool 1
Harry Kewell (76)

Manchester United 2
Ryan Giggs (59, 70)

2011-12-11T16:41:00.002+08:00

Leeds 2 United 3 2003|04
United hope to repeat the League Cup victory in 2003 against Leeds. Sir Alex's much-changed side were taken into extra-time by Peter Reid's team but progressed to the next round courtesy of Djemba-Djemba's only domestic strike for the club. David Bellion cancelled out a Roque Junior opener with 12 minutes remaining of normal time and Forlan edged the Reds in front. Roque Junior netted again but Djemba-Djemba had the final say late on when his shot looped over Robinson for the winner.

Leeds United 2
Roque Junior (49, 114)

Manchester United 3
Bellion (78) Diego Forlan (99) Eric Djemba-Djemba (117)

2011-12-11T16:40:00.002+08:00

United 1 Liverpool 0 1996|97
On this day, 12th of October, 15 years ago, Beckham's full-blooded strike proved the difference between the two teams and collected three points, with the Merseysiders leading the table for much of the early part of the season. Sir Alex's charges were about to embark on an unusually poor run that included four defeats in five games to Newcastle (0-5), Southampton (3-6), Fenerbahce at home (0-1) and Chelsea (1-2). United still went on to overhaul Roy Evans' side in the title race and Beckham scooped the PFA Young POTY award for a fabulous campaign.

Manchester United 1
David Beckham (23)

Liverpool 0
-

2011-12-11T16:38:00.002+08:00

Port Vale 1 United 2 1994|95
17 years ago, United courted controvesy by fielding a 'weakened' team in the League Cup. Just as he did at Leeds on Tuesday night, Sir Alex made significant changes as the Reds travelled to Port Vale on 21 September 1994. Only two players were asked to start again having faced Liverpool five days earlier, Irwin and May, with nine men drafted into the side included some then rather unfamiliar names including Gary, Beckham, Butt and Scholes.

It was the latter who hogged the headlines and little wonder after scoring both United goals on his senior debut, as the visitors to Vale Park won 2-1. Sir Alex later admitted his selection "could incur the wrath of the authorities but people expect us to do the right thing for United. The inexperience of my side was an advantage tonight because they didn't seem to have a care and feared no-one. The boy Scholes took his goals superbly and capped an excellent performance by the whole team."

Port Vale 1
Lee Glover (7)

Manchester United 2
Paul Scholes (36, 53)

2011-12-11T16:36:00.002+08:00

City 2 United 3 1993|94
Alex Ferguson took his United team to Maine Road in November 1993, still seeking his first Manchester derby away win. Such a result again seemed unlikely when Quinn headed the Blues into a two-goal lead at half-time. The Republic of Ireland striker latched onto a sweeping centre to put a bouncing header past Schmeichel for 1-0 and then doubled City's advantage by beating Bruce to a floating cross. The Reds looked a different side after the break however, inspired by some choice words from the boss.

Cantona tucked away a sloppy backpass from Vonk to revive United's chances and then equalised midway through the second period with a tap in at the back post. The champions' winning goal, the product of some superb passing, was hammered home by Keane with four minutes to spare. United went on to win the title by an eight-point margin over closest challengers Blackburn. City struggled in a relegation battle most of the season, avoiding it by just three points thanks to a late burst of form.

Manchester City 2
Niall Quinn (21, 32)

Manchester United 3
Eric Cantona (52, 77) Roy Keane (86)

2011-12-11T16:33:00.002+08:00

United 2 City 0 2008|09
United brushed aside City's challenge to move to within touching distance of a third successive title. First-half goals from Ronaldo and Tevez sealed the points on a day when United’s back four were rarely troubled. Ronaldo opened the scoring with a free-kick from 28 yards that clipped de Jong on the end of the wall, before bouncing once and nestling in the back of the net. Tevez, who had been the subject of intense pre-match speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, rounded off a superb move involving Fletcher and Berbatov on the stroke of half-time. The win left the Reds needing four points from the final three games to secure the title, which duly arrived with a goalless draw at home to Arsenal two games later.

Manchester United 2
Cristiano Ronaldo (18) Carlos Tevez (45)

Manchester City 0
-

2011-12-11T16:31:00.002+08:00

United 3 City 1 2006|07
United stretched their lead at the top of the table to nine points after a 3-1 victory over City. Rooney slotted home just six minutes after being set up by Ronaldo, before Saha doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. The visitors were handed a lifeline when Trabelsi fired past van der Sar but Ronaldo made sure of the victory when he volleyed home from five yards. City's misery was compounded by the dismissal of Corradi who picked up a second yellow for diving in the area. The Reds would later go on to be crowned champions for the first time since 2003.

Manchester United 3
Wayne Rooney (6) Louis Saha (45) Cristiano Ronaldo (84)

Manchester City 1
Hatem Trabelsi (72)

2011-12-11T16:29:00.001+08:00

United 3 Benfica 1 2006|07
United sealed progress to the Champions League knockout stages as Group F winners with a 3-1 win over Benfica in December 2006. The visitors stunned Old Trafford thanks to Nelson’s 25-yard stunner midway through the first half. The Reds delivered a rousing response and laid siege to the Portuguese goal with immediate effect, producing a superb attacking display. Parity was restored by Vidic's fine header shortly before the break and Giggs further eased the nerves with another precise header, before Saha wrapped it up from 12 yards. "We’ve too many young players to play with patience. When they play the cut-throat way, they’re a good team," remarked Sir Alex at full-time.

Manchester United 3
Nemanja Vidic (45) Ryan Giggs (61) Louis Saha (75)

Benfica 1
Marcos Nelson (27)

2011-12-11T16:27:00.006+08:00

United 2 Crystal Palace 0 2004|05
United's last Carling Cup meeting with Crystal Palace, the Reds' next opponents in the 2011/12 competition, was on this day (10 November) in 2004. Rossi came off the bench to make his debut after his move from Parma, as the Reds cruised into the quarter-finals. Saha and Richardson's first-half goals set up United's 2-0 win before Rossi gained his first taste of action four minutes from time. The US-born striker miscued a chance to mark his introduction with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box.

Manchester United 2
Louis Saha (22) Kieran Richardson (39)

Crystal Palace 0
-

2011-12-11T16:25:00.002+08:00

United 3 City 1 2003|04
Scholes' headed double provided the backbone for United's 50th league victory over City. The majestic midfielder took only seven minutes to nod past Seaman and van Nistelrooy extended the advantage to put the Reds firmly in the driving seat at half time. Wright-Phillips pulled one back after a solo run and shot past Howard but Scholes made sure of the three points when rising to convert a Kleberson centre. As he lay on the deck with his arms outstretched, he was engulfed by his appreciative team-mates. The victory meant United were only a point behind leaders Arsenal but the FA Cup was the only trophy in the cabinet at the end of the campaign, with Sir Alex's side eventually finishing 15 points adrift of Wenger's 'Invincibles'.

Manchester United 3
Paul Scholes (7, 73) Ruud van Nistelrooy (34)

Manchester City 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips (52)

2011-12-11T16:24:00.002+08:00

Basel 1 United 3 2002|03
On the 26th of November 2002, United faced FC Basel for the first ever time and recorded an invaluable come-from-behind win at the St Jakob Stadium. Competing in the old UEFA Champions League Phase 2 format, the Reds fell behind as early as the first minute when Giménez hammered past the helpless Barthez. Sir Alex’s men hit back after the break, with van Nistelrooy scoring twice in as many minutes before a 3-1 victory was guaranteed by Solksjaer’s low finish on 68 minutes. The result could provide inspirational for the present day Reds, who need to avoid defeat against Basel on December 7, in order to reach the Champions League knockout stages.

FC Basel 1
Christian Giminez (1)

Manchester United 3
Ruud van Nistelrooy (62, 63) Ole Gunnar Solksjaer (68)

2011-12-11T16:22:00.002+08:00

United 5 Newcastle 3 2002|03
On the 23rd of November 2002, Sir Alex came out on top in a knight's duel, as the Reds beat Sir Bobby's Newcastle in an eight-goal thriller. Scholes fired the home side in front after fine work from Solskjaer, before Olivier Bernard levelled in fortunate circumstances. Van Nistelrooy's brace gave Sir Alex's men a two-goal cushion at the break. Newcastle threatened to get back on terms in the second half, Shearer rifling home a superb free-kick but van Nistelrooy completed his hat-trick just a minute later and Solskjaer made the points safe with United's fifth. Barthez superbly denied Bellamy with a quarter of an hour remaining, though the Welshman netted a consolation for the visitors from the resulting corner. The result sparked a four-game winning streak for United, who went on to lift league title number 15 at the end of the season.

Manchester United 5
Paul Scholes (25) Ruud van Nistelrooy (38, 45, 53)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (55)

Newcastle 3
Olivier Bernard (35) Alan Shearer (52) Craig Bellamy (75)

2011-12-11T16:19:00.002+08:00

Tottenham 3 United 5 2001|02
One of United's most amazing comebacks came at White Hart Lane on this day a decade ago. The Reds were reeling at the break as goals from Richards, Ferdinand and Ziege handed Glenn Hoddle's Spurs a commanding three-goal lead. Cole's header from a Neville cross had the hosts quaking a minute after the restart and a famous fightback continued when Blanc converted a Beckham corner. With 18 minutes left, van Nistelrooy levelled the scores and a wonderful move culminated in Veron edging United ahead soon afterwards. Beckham added the coup de grace with a beautiful piece of chest control before despatching his shot past Sullivan, the keeper he beat from the halfway line.

Tottenham 3
Dean Richards (15) Les Ferdinand (25) Christian Ziege (45)

Manchester United 5
Andrew Cole (46) Laurent Blanc (58) Ruud van Nistelrooy (72) Juan Sebastian Veron (76) David Beckham (87)

2011-12-11T16:16:00.001+08:00

United 3 Everton 0 2006|07
On the 29th of November 2006, United beat Everton 3-0 at Old Trafford on an evening of firsts. Gary and Phil Neville became the first pair of brothers to captain opposing sides in a Premier League encounter. The visitors threatened first with Osman warming the hands of van der Sar from distance, before McFadden shot just wide. Rooney almost headed the Reds in front, glancing Silvestre's cross just wide, before Ronaldo firing low into the corner after Carrick's shot had been blocked. United took control in the second half and Evra controlled Rooney's fine pass to lash home, before some quick thinking from Heinze allowed the Reds to score a third. This time Evra turned provider for O'Shea, who flicked home at the near post.

Manchester United 3
Cristiano Ronaldo (39) Patrice Evra (63) John O'Shea (88)

Everton 0
-

2011-12-11T16:15:00.002+08:00

United 5 Crystal Palace 2 2004|05
On Crystal Palace's last visit to Old Trafford in 2004, they were on the end of a five-star United performance. The game was just eight minutes old when Fletcher was tripped inside the area but Kiraly made the save to keep out Rooney's spot-kick. It took until the 22nd minute for the Reds to break the deadlock. Scholes collected a Keane pass before cutting inside and lashing past Kiraly. Iain Dowie's side restored parity five minutes later, Granville turning home a loose ball. Scholes had a hand as the Reds regained the lead, Smith heading home the midfielder's corner. The visitors came back again as Kolkka nodded them level. After sustained United pressure, Neville's teasing cross was turned into his own net by Boyce under pressure from Scholes and a minute later, Scholes struck again. O'Shea had the last word, volleying home a fine centre from Giggs.

Manchester United 5
Paul Scholes (22, 49) Alan Smith (35)
Emmerson Boyce (48)og John O'Shea (90)

Crystal Palace 2
Danny Granville (27) Jonas Kolkka (46)

2011-12-11T16:14:00.002+08:00

United 3 Boavista 0 2001|02
On the 5th of December 2001, United ensured they would go into the Champions League winter break in a strong position, to make the knockout stages following a home win over Boavista. It took the Reds half an hour to get into gear, Phil Neville dispossessing Sanchez inside his own half before swapping passes with Veron and then squaring for van Nistelrooy to sweep Sir Alex's side in front. Veron also had a hand in the Reds' second goal when his corner was met by an unmarked Blanc who headed home, before van Nistelrooy rounded off the scoring, taking Yorke's through ball in his stride and firing past Ricardo.

Manchester United 3
Ruud van Nistelrooy (31, 62) Laurent Blanc (55)

Boavista 0
-

2011-12-11T16:12:00.001+08:00

United 4 Everton 1 2001|02
On the 8th of September 2001, United crushed Everton 4-1 at Old Trafford in a game which saw Blanc make his debut for the Reds and Veron score his first goal for the club. Sir Alex left the likes of Beckham, Giggs and Van Nistelrooy on the bench but his decision to rest key men was vindicated when record signing Veron netted after a neat one-two with Keane. Cole made it two after good work by Chadwick and Fortune added another with a smart finish just after half-time. Campbell grabbed a goal a back for Everton but it was United who had the last laugh when substitute Beckham fired in from 25 yards in stoppage time.

Manchester United 4
Juan Sebastian Veron (4) Andy Cole (40)
Quinton Fortune (46) David Beckham (90)

Everton 1
Kevin Campbell (68)

2011-12-11T16:11:00.002+08:00

Wimbledon 0 United 3 1996|97
A star was born on the opening day of the 1996/97 season when Beckham confirmed his growing reputation as a potential superstar. The midfielder had already shown immense promise but his strike from the halfway line proved he was a player of rare quality. Collecting a short pass from McClair, he launched an incredible shot over Sullivan, who was off his line and the ball dipped under the bar to register one of the most memorable goals in Premier League history. Well-struck efforts from Cantona and Irwin had already put the Reds on cruise control as Sir Alex's side started the campaign in style.

Wimbledon 0
-

Manchester United 3
Eric Cantona (25) Denis Irwin (58) David Beckham (90)

2011-12-11T16:09:00.002+08:00

Bolton 0 United 4 2006|07
On the 28th of October 2006, Rooney claimed a hat-trick in United's 4-0 battering of Bolton. The striker ended an eight-game goal drought in dramatic fashion, lashing in the opener with his left foot after only 10 minutes. A calmly-placed second when Neville's run was halted soon put the visitors firmly in the driving seat. Saha teed up a simple tap-in for Ronaldo and a Fletcher through ball allowed Rooney to beat Jaaskelainen for his hat-trick late on.

Bolton 0
-

Manchester United 4
Wayne Rooney (10, 16, 89) Cristiano Ronaldo (82)

2011-12-11T16:08:00.002+08:00

United 6 Fenerbahce 2 2004|05
Rooney crowned his eagerly-awaited United debut with three goals on this day in 2004. There was great anticipation around Old Trafford when the Reds' deadline-day signing from Everton was fit enough to start against Fenerbahce after being injured at the European Championship with England. Taking to the Champions League like a duck to water, the teenager added to Giggs' early header with two crisp strikes before curling a free-kick past Recber in front of the Stretford End to complete his hat-trick. Van Nistelrooy and Bellion also got in on the act on a memorable night in Manchester.

Manchester United 6
Ryan Giggs (7) Wayne Rooney (17, 28, 54)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (78) Bellion (81)

Fenerbahce 2
Marcio Nobre (47) Tuncay Sanli (60)

2011-12-11T16:06:00.002+08:00

Leeds 0 United 4 1996|97
On the 7th of September 1996, United won 4-0 at Elland Road in what proved to be Howard Wilkinson's final game as Leeds manager. Cantona returned to his former club to ensure an even more hostile atmosphere than usual and his detractors enjoyed a rare missed penalty from the Frenchman after Martyn's own-goal gave the Reds an early lead. Butt did double the advantage and Poborsky, in one of his finest performances for the club, hammered in a third to put the result beyond any doubt. There was still time for Cantona to rub salt in the wounds and enjoy the last laugh, as he prodded home before raising his arms in celebration in front of the home fans. Giggs ushered him away to a safer place but the hurt felt at his controversial cut-price move across the Pennines had already been intensified.

Leeds United 0
-

Manchester United 4
Nigel Martyn og (2) Nicky Butt (48) Karel Poborsky (77) Eric Cantona (90)

2011-12-11T16:04:00.002+08:00

United 4 Galatasaray 0 1994|95
On the 7th of December 1994, the Reds hosted Galatasaray with a fresh-faced youngster from Leytonstone making his debut. Beckham was one of four young guns in the line-up as Sir Alex looked to acquaint some of his fledglings. Two of those rookies combined to put the Reds in front, Davies collecting a pass from Neville and smashing into the bottom corner. Cantona went close to adding a second before Beckham opened his account, driving home from 20 yards. After the interval, Keane ghosting past two defenders to slot home the third, before Bulent's own goal made it four after a searing run and cross from Cantona. The seeds were sown. Five and a half years later, Beckham, Neville and Butt were all part of the side that ended United's wait since '68 to win the European Cup again.

Manchester United 4
Simon Davies (2) David Beckham (37) Roy Keane (48) Bulent Akin (87) og

Galatasaray 0
-

2011-12-11T15:36:00.001+08:00

United 5 Stoke City 0 2008|09
On the 15th of November 2008, United overwhelmed Stoke to notch an impressive 5-0 victory at Old Trafford. Tony Pulis' side had no answer to the rampant Reds and 17-year-old Welbeck came off the bench to mark his Premier League debut with a stunning strike in front of the Stretford End that he will never forget. Ronaldo's free-kick made it 100 goals for the Portuguese star in the United shirt and he supplied the assist for Carrick's goal on the stroke of half time. Berbatov and Welbeck got in on the act before Ronaldo wrapped things up late on with another trademark set-piece past Sorensen.

Manchester United 5
Cristiano Ronaldo (3, 89) Michael Carrick (45) Dimitar Berbatov (49) Danny Welbeck (84)

Stoke City 0
-

2011-12-11T15:31:00.002+08:00

United 6 Arsenal 1 2000|01
Sunday's demolition of Arsenal immediately evoked memories of 2001's similarly one-sided affair. Arsenal were virtually vaporised in one of the most memorable first halves Old Trafford has hosted. Yorke bundled in Scholes' cross to open the scoring after three minutes, only for Henry to establish parity before Yorke twice plunder his second and third goals, sealing a hat-trick inside 22 mins.

Revelling against a hapless, ramshackle visiting defence, the Tobagan then crossed for Keane to ram in another. By the time Solskjaer added a fifth on 38 minutes, the previously jam-packed away end boasted scores of empty seats. Those who fled early were into the midlands by the time Sheringham struck the final indignity in the last minute of the second half. The Stretford End mockingly chorused: “One-six, to the Arsenal.”

Manchester United 6
Dwight Yorke (3, 18, 22) Roy Keane (26)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (38) Teddy Sheringham (90)

Arsenal 1
Thierry Henry (16)

2011-12-11T15:30:00.002+08:00

United 7 Blackburn 1 2010|11
It's time to reflect on the Berbatov-inspired battering of Blackburn in November last year, when the Bulgarian helped himself to five of the goals, one a true classic after winning the ball deep in his own half. Park and Nani also got in on the act as Robinson found himself in the firing line. Sir Alex saw something in the beleagured Jones to suggest he had the right character to play at Old Trafford. Samba's late consolation was scant, to say the least.

Manchester United 7
Dimitar Berbatov (2, 27, 47, 62, 70)
Park Ji-sung (23) Nani (48)

Blackburn 1
Chris Samba (83)

2011-12-11T15:28:00.002+08:00

United 6 Newcastle 0 2007|08
Another of United's biggest Premier League victories came with a 6-0 caning of Newcastle. The managerless Magpies were shown no mercy after a goalless first half in which Sir Alex accused his players of "trying to walk the ball into the net". The floodgates opened after Ronaldo's opener and the Portuguese went on to bag his first and only hat-trick in the division as keeper Given must have started to feel like he was in a firing range. To make matters worse for the visitors, former Red Smith was sent off for dissent.

Manchester United 6
Cristiano Ronaldo (49, 70, 88) Carlos Tevez (55, 90)
Rio Ferdinand (85)

Newcastle 0
-

2011-12-11T15:26:00.002+08:00

United 6 Bradford 0 2000|01
It’s a 6-0 thrashing of Bradford at the turn of the century. Fortune bagged a rare, well-taken double in the Old Trafford triumph on 5 September 2000, while Sheringham also netted twice late on. Almost inevitably, Cole was on the scoresheet with a deflected 11th-minute opener and Beckham made it six with a crisp shot five minutes left. It was an early taster of what was to be a difficult season for the Bantams, who finished eight points adrift at the bottom and were relegated. United, meanwhile, went on to retain the title by 10 points ahead of Arsenal.

Manchester United 6
Andrew Cole (11) Quinton Fortune (23, 60)
Teddy Sheringham (71, 81) David Beckham (85)

Bradford City 0
-

2011-12-11T15:25:00.002+08:00

United 7 West Ham 1 1999|00
Another classic thrashing for the Reds as West Ham were put to the sword at Old Trafford. When Wanchope opened the scoring, some would have feared an upset but United hit back in sensational fashion to rack up seven goals of their own. Scholes completed completed a hat-trick just past the hour mark before getting a deserved rest and Irwin followed up his spot-kick to net after Forrest kept out his initial effort. Cole, Beckham and Solskjaer got in on the act and the hapless Hammers were grateful there was no addition to the scoreline in the final 17 minutes.

Manchester United 7
Paul Scholes (24, 51, 62) Denis Irwin (26) Andy Cole (45) David Beckham (66) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (73)

West Ham 1
Paulo Wanchope (11)

2011-12-11T15:22:00.001+08:00

Bolton 0 United 6 1995|96
When United put six past Bolton at Burnden Park in 1996, it was the Reds' biggest away victory in the league since the 6-0 drubbing of Blackpool in the 1959/60 season. With the hosts sitting rock bottom of the table before the game, the young visitors were in no mood to hang about, opening the scoring in the fifth minute courtesy of a Beckham header. Beckham then turned provider ten minutes later when his corner was met by Bruce for his first goal of the season. The Reds were forced to defend well at times in the second half but Cole’s 70th minute strike opened the floodgates with substitute Scholes scoring two in three minutes and Butt finishing things off with a sixth goal in stoppage time.

Bolton 0
-

Manchester United 6
David Beckham (5) Steve Bruce (15) Andy Cole (70)
Paul Scholes (76, 79) Nicky Butt (90)

2011-12-11T15:20:00.002+08:00

Nott Forest 1 United 8 1998|99
In an 8-1 win at the City Ground on 6 February 1999, Solskjaer enjoyed one of his most famous games in the red shirt, coming off the bench to score four goals in a remarkable final 10 minutes. Yorke and Cole also bagged a brace apiece as Ron Atkinson's side fell apart in the most recent meeting between the sides. It remains United's and the Premier League's biggest ever away win and the Reds' joint-seventh largest margin of victory overall.

Nottingham Forest 1
Alan Rogers (6)

Manchester United 8
Dwight Yorke (2, 66) Andrew Cole (7, 49)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (80, 87, 90, 90)

2011-12-11T15:19:00.002+08:00

United 7 Barnsley 0 1997|98
United fans witnessed a 7-0 triumph over Barnsley at Old Trafford, on 25 October 1997. As in the previous two one-sided wins, Cole was heavily involved, scoring a first-half hat-trick. Giggs (two) and Scholes were also among the goals, before Czech winger Poborsky rounded off the scoring. Danny Wilson's Barnsley side were relegated that season with the league's worst goal difference, while this was the eighth time the Reds, either as United or Newton Heath, had won a competitive game 7-0.

Manchester United 7
Andrew Cole (17, 19, 45) Ryan Giggs (43, 56)
Paul Scholes (59) Karel Poborsky (80)

Barnsley 0
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