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20/03/2008 21:03, Report by Steve Bartram

Reserves: United 4 City 1

Danny Welbeck hit his first Reserves hat-trick, while Mikael Silvestre and Gary Neville completed 76 and 90 minutes respectively in a thoroughly satisfying victory over Manchester City at the Marston's Arena.
Danny Simpson also scored as the the Reds overcame a spirited City side, teeming rain and blustery winds to roar back from a goal down and take victory.
Both Silvestre and Neville emerged seemingly unscathed from a strenuous workout in far from desirable conditions, and will hope to return to Sir Alex Ferguson's first team set-up in the near future.
City took the lead inside two minutes as towering central defender Clayton McDonald rose to powerfully head home a left-wing corner, but the conditions made the early exchanges difficult for both sides.
Despite such a heavy hindrance, the football on show was of a high standard for much of the match. United pressed gamely for a route back into the game, and Welbeck came close 10 minutes before the break when his close-range effort was well saved by City's Neil Martin.
Welbeck was far less charitable in front of goal eight minutes later. Released by a fine through-ball from Chris Eagles, the England youth striker slotted clinically into the far corner to level the scores.
Just two minutes of the second half had passed when United moved ahead, as Tom Cleverley's corner found its way to Simpson, who swept home from close range.
Chances started coming thick and fast, but it was Welbeck who had the telling strike just before the hour mark - although his 20 yard strike took a sizeable deflection off McDonald en route to goal.
The City defender's evening tailed off further when he was harshly adjudged to have fouled Welbeck inside the area after 75 minutes. The striker dusted himself down and coolly slotted the penalty into the corner to claim his second treble of the season, following a four-goal haul in the U18s' win over West Brom back in October.
Having completed his first competitive outing since last September, Silvestre replaced by Richard Eckersley immediately after the Reds' fourth goal, while Neville went on to complete the 90 minutes.
United: Heaton; Neville, Simpson, Chester, Silvestre (Eckersley 76); Gray, Cleverley, Possebon, Barnes (Galbraith 85); Eagles, Welbeck.

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19/03/2008 23:46, Report by Steve Bartram

Rio a doubt for Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his reshuffled defence against Bolton was a pre-emptive experiment in case Rio Ferdinand misses Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

The England defender continues to carry a slight back injury and, with the Merseysiders' visit to Old Trafford looming large, Sir Alex opted to rest Patrice Evra and Wes Brown, fielding a defence of Owen Hargreaves, Nemanja Vidic, Gerard Pique and John O'Shea against Gary Megson's side.

"We made a lot of changes and I think that was necessary because, with Rio Ferdinand doubtful for Sunday, we had to find out about young Gerard Pique," Sir Alex told MUTV after the 2-0 win.

"We’ve got great confidence in the lad and he’s come through very well. That was important. We also wanted to rest Wes Brown in case Rio doesn’t make it, then we’ve got the alternative of playing Wes at centre-back – that’s a decision we’ll have to make.

"We tried Owen Hargreaves at right-back, and we can play John O’Shea there on Sunday and bring Patrice Evra in. It’s important to do these things tonight, simply because of Rio’s injury."

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20/03/2008 09:10

Robbo takes on Reds role

Manchester United have appointed former captain Bryan Robson as an ambassador for the club.

Robson, nicknamed Captain Marvel during his illustrious 13-year United career, will help promote the club’s name, charity and community work around the world, working alongside United director Sir Bobby Charlton.

The 51-year-old former Middlesbrough, West Brom and Sheffield United manager says he is looking forward to his new role at Old Trafford.

“I’m delighted to have the chance to work alongside Sir Bobby and to be such a central part of Manchester United’s future. Since signing for the club in 1981, it’s always been special to me.

“I enjoyed the happiest and most memorable times of my career at Old Trafford and it will be great to play a role in making the club even more successful.”

United’s chief executive, David Gill, added: “Bryan was the outstanding player of his generation and he remains close to the hearts of everyone that saw him play.

"His relationship with United supporters is second to none and I look forward to working with him for the benefit of the club, the team and the fans.”

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Papers: Riise warns Reds
20/03/2008 08:22

United will fear us
John Arne Riise reckons Manchester United will be running scared from in-form rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Rafa Benitez’s men have won seven in a row since their shock FA Cup defeat to Barnsley. And Reds winger Riise reckons it will not have escaped the notice of the league leaders ahead of their crunch clash at Old Trafford. Norwegian ace Riise, 27, said: "United will definitely be worried about us because we’re the form side. These next couple of weeks are going to be unbelievable. We are playing top games against top teams. But we are looking strong and so can’t wait for the matches to come around. This is the sort of run of games you train for and work towards during the season."
Martin Blackburn, The Sun
All the tabloids claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is indeed sweating ahead of Liverpool's visit, but it's injuries to Rio Ferdinand (back) and Nemanja Vidic (nose) that are causing him concern.
The tabloids afford plenty of coverage to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose two-goal display against Bolton took United three points clear in the title race, and saw him overtake George Best's club record of 32 goals in a season for a winger.
United are alleged to have missed out on two goalkeeping targets, with The Sun claiming that Tottenham have agreed to sign Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni, while Everton have snapped up seven-year-old prodigy Harry Yates.
Round up by Steve Bartram

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20/03/2008 00:13, Report by Steve Bartram

League lead delights Boss

With an intriguing title race seemingly winding towards a tight finish, Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to open up a three point lead after victory over Bolton.
Arsenal and Chelsea now trail the Reds by three and five points respectively and, although United rarely scaled the heights against the Trotters, Sir Alex was focused entirely on some welcome breathing room.
"The important thing was that we had the opportunity and incentive to get to three points clear of Arsenal, our nearest pursuer, and we’ve done that," he told MUTV after the game.
"It’s a lead, that’s important. It’s not a significant lead, but it’s a lead nonetheless. With eight games to go, the team that’s most consistent will win the league. If we can keep our consistency we have a chance.
"I think Chelsea hold the key to it, they have ourselves and Arsenal at home, and their home record is very good, so that to my mind is going to make it a really tight finish."
Cristiano Ronaldo's early brace gave a much-changed United side victory over Gary Megson's side, and Sir Alex was keen to salute the professionalism of his players against a spirited Bolton outfit.
"They’re all top players," he said. "I have to have faith and trust in them, and when they get their opportunities they know how important every game is for us.
"I think at times we were a bit relaxed. When we sped the game up, played with great precision and penetration in the last third of the field, we could have scored a few goals. In the second half we were charitable again, but nevertheless we played some good football in these moments.
"Credit to Bolton, they’re fighting for their lives at the bottom of the league, and they had a real go at us tonight. They probably deserved better than they got, really. They played some good football at times and kept at us all the time, great credit to their tenacity."

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20/03/2008 12:52, Report by Ben Hibbs & Steve Bibby

Trickbox: Portuguese parade

Cristiano Ronaldo said being captain for the night against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday wouldn't change the way he played - and he wasn't proved wrong, scoring two goals and showing flashes of his usual brilliance.

But in terms of tricks, his countryman Nani had to take top marks.

Penned in near the corner flag late in the game, and with Bolton midfielder Matthew Taylor closing in, Nani's quick feet got him away from his mark.

But the Portuguese wide men weren't the only ones showboating. Carlos Tevez and John O'Shea also got in on the act and make our latest Trickbox video, available to view now for FREE on MUTV Online.
Box of tricksIn the latest Trickbox video...

29 mins - Nani quick feet clear the danger

33 mins - Ronaldo backheel makes space for an attack

35 mins - Tevez dances through Bolton's defence

45 mins - Ronaldo flicks sets up O'Shea acrobatics

65 mins - Tevez's cheeky nutmeg

80 mins - Nani nutmeg on Taylor

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19/03/2008 21:00, Report by Nick Coppack

Report: United 2 Bolton 0
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and skippered United to victory against struggling Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Entrusted with the captaincy for the first time, the Reds’ no.7 repaid his manager’s faith by breaking George Best’s record for goals scored in a season from midfield. The win sent United clear at the top of the league, with Liverpool the Reds’ next opponents on Easter Sunday.

Sir Alex made seven changes to the side that won at Pride Park last weekend, with only John O’Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson retaining their spots in the starting XI.

Despite speculation that Ben Foster would continue in goal after his impressive debut, the manager plumped for Tomasz Kuszczak between the sticks (Edwin van der Sar is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s visit on Sunday) and the Pole was magnificent all night.

Owen Hargreaves was handed a starting berth, although the Englishman was deployed on the right side of defence and not in the centre of midfield. That job was given to Anderson and Darren Fletcher, while Carlos Tevez partnered Louis Saha up front.

In the absence of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo was given the captain’s armband for the first time in his United career. And, given his amazing record this season, it was hardly surprising the Portuguese international marked the occasion with the game’s opening goal on nine minutes.

Bolton failed to adequately clear Nani’s corner and when the ball fell to the Reds’ no.7 on the penalty
spot, he buried the chance on the half volley.

The Reds continued to dominate and Nani went close on 15 minutes when his shot fizzed over the bar. Bolton almost forced an equaliser three minutes later, however, when Kuszczak was called into action to deny Wanderers captain Kevin Davies from close range.

The Pole’s smart reflex save drew gasps of admiration, but Ronaldo’s free-kick two minutes later brought Old Trafford to its feet. Fouled by Abdoulaye Meite in a central position, the Reds’ no.7 dusted himself off to lash the ball home from 29 yards. Crisp, dipping and swerving all at once, it left goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi with no chance.

The two goals aside, the Oman international didn’t have much to do in the first half. He did display assured handling 10 minutes before the break, however, when Carlos Tevez twisted and turned his way into the box before firing goalwards.

It was the same result shortly afterwards when the Argentinean headed into Al Habsi’s arms after Louis Saha had bamboozled the visitors’ defence on the left. The half then ended with more flicks and tricks, as John O’Shea scissor-kicked just wide from Ronaldo’s clever pass.

Meite was replaced at the break by Nicky Hunt but it was another Bolton defender, Gretar Rafn Steinsson, who was in the thick of the action as the second half got underway.

The Icelandic international made a clumsy challenge on Tevez just 22 yards from goal, which presented Ronaldo with another chance to fire a free-kick towards the
Bolton goal. It was Nani, though, who surprised everyone by curling the ball goalwards and forcing a fine save from Al Habsi by the goalkeepers’ left-hand post.

The visitors did get the ball in the net on 55 minutes but El Hadji Diouf’s wide free-kick was ruled to have been taken too quickly. When referee Alan Wiley was eventually satisfied, Diouf pulled the trigger again and this time Kuszczak made a superb flying save to his right.

The Polish stopper pulled off an even better stop minutes later, acrobatically tipping over Nicky Hunt’s rasping volley. He proved his worth once again in the next phase of play, this time getting down well to push Gavin McCann’s shot around the post.

Bolton were enjoying a rare spell of sustained pressure and, at this point, had registered more shots on goal than the Reds. Pressure counts for nothing if not converted into goals, however, and Bolton have struggled all season to find the back of the net. Tonight at Old Trafford, Kevin Davies led the line in his usual bustling manner, but brawn alone can’t unlock top defences.

But for Al Habsi’s reflexes at the other end, Ronaldo would have netted his hat-trick just after the hour. Louis Saha then blasted high and wide, his final contribution in what was his first start in four games.

The Frenchman made way for Wayne Rooney on 70 minutes, while Paul Scholes came on for Anderson in the heart of midfield.

The change seemed to restore normalcy to proceedings, as United resumed top billing in the
possession stakes. Nani was denied once again by a sharp Al Habsi save before electing to shoot minutes later when a pass would have been better advised. Rooney then teed up Tevez to shoot but, like so many other recent Reds chances, his strike failed to find the target.

Still, it mattered little in the grand scheme of things. By then, United were cruising, 2-0 up and three points clear at the top of the league.
United: Kuszczak; Hargreaves, Pique, Vidic (Brown 60), O'Shea; Ronaldo, Anderson (Scholes 70), Fletcher, Nani; Tevez, Saha (Rooney 70)
Subs not used: Foster, Evra

Bolton Wanderers: Al Habsi; Steinsson, O’Brein A, Meite (Hunt 46), Gardner; Diouf, O’Brien J, Guthrie (Giannakopoulos 82), McCann, Taylor; Davies
Subs not used: Walker, Campo, Rasiak
Booked: O’Brien A, Steinsson

Attendance: 75,476

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21/03/2008 12:05, Report by Adam Bostock

Boss hopes for Edwin bonus

Edwin van der Sar could bring his vast experience to bear on Sunday's big match against Liverpool after being rated as "hopeful" by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutch goalkeeper has missed United's last two games, enabling Ben Foster and Tomas Kuszczak to play at Derby and at home to Bolton respectively. Although both shot-stoppers performed well to keep clean sheets in Edwin's absence, the United boss would love to welcome back his number one for such an important fixture.

Sir Alex said before Friday's training session: "We’re waiting to see how Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand train this morning.

"They both have to train to give me the confidence to play them. I’m doubtful for Rio, I’m hopeful for Edwin. One out of two would be a bonus, given their experience."

Van der Sar has yet to concede a league goal against Liverpool while playing for United. He's faced the Merseysiders six times since his 2005 transfer to Old Trafford and has only been beaten once, by Peter Crouch's FA Cup fifth-round winner at Anfield in 2006.

United's only other injury concern is over Louis Saha, who started the midweek win over Bolton before being replaced on 70 minutes by Wayne Rooney.

"Louis Saha got a knock on Wednesday," said Sir Alex. "We’ll have to see what he’s like this morning. His injury flared up a bit after training yesterday. Otherwise, everyone’s fit."

Video: Watch Sir Alex's press conference on MUTV Online from 17:00 GMT Friday.

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21/03/2008 11:52, Report by Adam Bostock

Simpson out as Nev nears return

United defender Danny Simpson will again taste life in the Championship after being allowed to join Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season.
The Reds right-back played 14 league games on loan at Sunderland last year, helping Roy Keane's side to win promotion to the top flight.

This season, Simpson has played in eight matches for United but the last of these was at the end of January when he came on as substitute in the FA Cup win over Tottenham. Although he was named in the 16 again for the Manchester derby on 10 February, Danny's opportunities have diminished during March.
“I’ve let Danny Simpson go on loan to Ipswich, a good football team, until the end of the season,” Sir Alex Ferguson announced on Friday morning.
“It’s good for the lad - with Gary Neville coming back, the boy needs games.”
United captain Neville played another 90 minutes for the reserves on Thursday night and now “isn’t far away” from a first-team return according to Sir Alex.
The Reds boss was also pleased to see Mikael Silvestre play for the second string in their 4-1 derby win over Manchester City. Sir Alex said:

“For someone who hasn’t played for seven months, Mikael showed tremendous energy."

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21/03/2008 11:04, Report by Adam Bostock

Michael misses out

Fabio Capello has named four United players in his second squad since becoming England manager - but there's no place in the 30-strong list for Michael Carrick.
The Reds midfielder is a surprising omission given his recent good form for the club. Fit-again goalkeeper Ben Foster misses out on the chance to win his second cap - a more understandable exclusion given he only returned to club football last weekend.
The United men who could face France in Paris next Wednesday, 26 March are Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney. However, Capello’s initial list of 30 will be reduced to 23 on Saturday, even though further withdrawals are possible after 13 selected players turn out for United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday in the two big Premier League games.
Chelsea are the only club with more players in the 30 than United - the six Blues named are defenders Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and John Terry and midfielders Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Former United midfielder David Beckham could win his 100th cap against France after being recalled.

Michael misses outEngland squad v France, 26 March

Goalkeepers: James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan)
Defenders: Bridge, A Cole, Terry (Chelsea), Johnson (Portsmouth), Brown, Ferdinand (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Wheater (Middlesbro'), Woodgate (Spurs), Upson (West Ham)
Midfielders: Barry, Young (Aston Villa), Bentley (Blackburn), J Cole, Lampard, Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbro'), Jenas (Spurs)
Forwards: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Crouch (Liverpool), Rooney (Man Utd), Owen (Newcastle), Defoe (Portsmouth).

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21/03/2008 07:20, Report by Gemma Thompson

Anderson ready for Rafa's men

Having sampled the euphoria that comes with beating Liverpool at Anfield, Reds' midfielder Anderson is hoping for more of the same on Sunday lunchtime when United entertain Rafa Benitez's men at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian was one of the star performers in the 1-0 win back in December courtesy of Carlos Tevez's first half strike.

Anderson says he was fully aware of the importance attached to a United / Liverpool clash even before he joined the Reds, but admits that even he was surprised by the enormity of the rivalry when thrust into the thick of it.

"The atmosphere amongst the two teams and the determination both sides had to win the game at Anfield was unbelievable," he told United Review.

"It’s difficult to describe the emotion that I experienced in that match – it was amazing. And I’m sure it’ll be the same on Sunday."

Anderson has become a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful after a string of peerless displays in midfield.

The 19-year-old has been overwhelmed by the support of the fans since joining the Reds last summer and he insists he'll be doing his utmost to ensure they have a happy Easter.

"I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing," he beamed.

"It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay them for the fantastic support they have shown me. I hope I can do that on Sunday."

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20/03/2008 21:33, Report by Steve Bartram

Welbeck elated by treble

Danny Welbeck was predictably elated after scoring his first hat-trick for United's Reserves in a 4-1 victory over Manchester City.
The promising young striker struck thrice as United came from a goal down to win and, having already hit a four-goal salvo for the Academy this season, Welbeck is happy the goals keep coming.
"I'm definitely delighted," he told MUTV. "It's always good to get goals - especially playing in the Reserves and getting my first hat-trick. I'm proud and happy.
"I think the first goal brought us back in the game, especially playing with the wind in the second half. It helped us, but it helped them too in the first half. It's a fair game!"
The blustery conditions at the Marston's Arena made for a difficult evening - particularly the first half when United were playing against the wind - but skipper Tom Cleverley felt the Reds handled them well.
"Obviously we were against the wind in the first half and they made it hard for us," he said. "They camped us in at times. We're a team that like to get it down and play, so I thought we coped pretty well. In the second half our football showed.
"It (the captaincy) was a bit unexpected with all the big names out there, but it's always good to captain your side to a win against City!"

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21/03/2008 08:56, Report by Gemma Thompson

Aurelio eyes OT scalp

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio says Rafa Benitez's men will come to Old Trafford on Sunday with only one thing on their mind - winning.

The Anfield side have failed to beat the Reds in their previous seven league meetings with their last OT scalp coming in April 2004.

Sunday's clash marks the 150th league meeting between the pair and after five straight league victories, Aurelio insists Liverpool are feeling confident over their chances.

"When you get good results, the team starts to believe a bit more," he told Liverpool's official website.

"For sure . It is a really important game for us and we must gain points.

"We know against top teams anything can happen and it will be the real test of where we are at the moment.

"But we need to be strong enough to go into these games with confidence.

"Of course, playing in Old Trafford is really difficult but we have to believe that we can go there and win."

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20/03/2008 07:31, Report by Steve Bartram

Carlos: We're in control

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is delighted that United have their fate in their own hands, after opening up a three point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bolton took the Reds three points clear of Arsenal and five ahead of Chelsea. With a host of tough fixtures remaining, Queiroz is relieved to have some breathing room.

"It was crucial to win and be in this position with eight games left," he told BBC Sport. "It gives us the right confidence and motivation. It is very positive that from now to the end our it is in our hands."

United made seven changes in personnel between the victories over Derby and Bolton, and Queiroz admits it is important to be able to call upon a wealth of talent during such a hectic period.
"This is a crucial moment in the season, but all the games will be difficult," he said. "We need to be ready and strong because all teams are fighting for something."
"We need to think about the games in front of us. We have a strong squad and all the lads are ready to play."

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21/03/2008 22:30, Report by Adam Bostock

Sir Alex: I love Liverpool games

The latest blockbuster between United and Liverpool falls on Easter Sunday but St Valentine's Day might have been more appropriate for Sir Alex Ferguson.

The manager has a passion for pitting his wits against United's arch-rivals, in a contest that quickens the pulse like no other match in the calendar.

"I love the Liverpool games, I must admit," said Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday.

"There’s nothing better for me and my players, particularly the older ones who've experienced it many times like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand.

"I think the Liverpool game brings out a certain anticipation in our players and they'll be anticipating a difficult game. Liverpool are very strong defensively and people are talking about the Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres partnership.

"We know about Gerrard of course, he’s been on the scene for a long time and has also played in many of these derby games. Torres has scored twenty-four goals so far in his first season in the Premier League and I’m sure Rafa’s delighted with that return. We have to do our preparation tactically but if we play to our form, we’ll have a good chance."

Ahead of what some are calling 'Grand Slam Sunday', the United manager acknowledged the later game between the other challengers for the championship, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"The three of us in the title race have all got hard games and none of us are certainties to win. Sunday's results won't be decisive but if we win and Arsenal and Chelsea both lose, it will be a big day for us! But seriously, the team that shows real consistency now will win the league. Hopefully we can do that.”