Manchester United 3 - 0 Fulham : Highlights Video

1st Half

2nd Half

Manchester United 4 - 0 AC Milan (7-2 Agg) : Match Highlights

ALEX FERGUSON last night challenged Wayne Rooney to top Cristiano Ronaldo's goals record at Manchester United.


Rooney struck twice as United buried AC Milan to march into the Champions League quarter-finals.

That took him to 30 goals this term - 12 short of the Portuguese winker's 42 which led United to Euro glory in 2007-2008.

Boss Fergie revealed the England striker has Ron's mark in his sights.

He said: "It's a challenge. I am happy he's got to the 30 mark but to be honest, he just keeps on improving."

Milan's crushing defeat ruined David Beckham's hopes of a dream return to Old Trafford.

But Becks declared: "Wayne is one of the best, if the not the best player in the world with Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.

"They don't come better than that. He's a young player who's always willing to learn.

"He'll always be a worry to any team and any defenders. He is such an exceptional talent."

United cruised into the quarter-finals with a 7-2 aggregate win over the Italians. And Fergie insisted he does not mind who they get in the last-eight draw on Friday week.

He added: "It was a marvellous second-half performance. We got a break with the early goal in the second half and that gave us a chance to settle.

"After that we played very well. When we play at that tempo, we are very difficult to play against - it was a solid performance.

"With the kind of team I have got, it doesn't matter who we are playing in the next round."

Rooney became only the second player after Walter Pandiani to score home and away against Milan in a European tie when he headed in Gary Neville's 13th-minute cross.

An outstanding pass by Nani, delivered from the left with the outside of his right foot, left Rooney with the easy job of prodding past Christian Abbiati as the keeper dashed out a minute after half-time.

Beckham came on to a hero's reception on 64 minutes - and was light-heartedly booed by his old fans with his first touch.

Park Ji Sung added United's third on 59 minutes and Darren Fletcher headed in on 87 minutes to complete the rout.

Fletcher said: "It was a great result. To win 4-0 against AC Milan in Europe is a great achievement and not many teams do that. We fully deserved our result."

As for on-fire Rooney, he added: "If he keeps going the way he is he can definitely reach the 40-goal mark. Wayne is not the kind of player to take it easy now. He will be trying to push on.

"There are so many great teams in the Champions League - but if you want to win it then you have to beat the best teams.

"We will see what the draw brings and take it as it comes but I think the rest of the other teams will look at us now."

1st Half Highlights

2nd Half Highlights

Beckham wearing Manutd Green - Gold scarf and post match interview

AC Milan vs Manchester United (2-3) UCL Round of 16 1st Leg at San Siro

Manchester United vs Portsmouth (5-0) BPL

Rooney takes United to Wembley

Wayne Rooney headed Manchester United to Wembley with an injury-time winner to beat Manchester City 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate.

The England striker settled a pulsating Carling Cup semi-final when he turned home Ryan Giggs' cross from close range at Old Trafford.

United had already been pegged back once when Carlos Tevez scored to haul City level on aggregate after Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick had found the net either side of half-time.

Villa booked their place in the final last week, when they beat Blackburn Rovers 6-4 in the their semi-final second leg at Villa Park.

The final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 28th February.

No Man United Players On Facebook Or Twitter

Over recent months footballers from other clubs have made some controversial comments using either twitter or facebook. The most recent being Liverpool’s Ryan Babel revealing that he had been dropped by Rafa Benitez.

Man United have confirmed that none of their players are on social networking sites.

A notice on ManUtd.com read: "The club wishes to make it clear no United players maintain personal profiles on social networking websites.

"Fans encountering any web pages purporting to be written by United players should treat them with extreme scepticism."

Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher all had accounts on twitter- they have been removed. Giggs, Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand all had facebook accounts and they have also been removed.

JOHN O'SHEA is set to miss the rest of the season

The Manchester United star has not played since the second leg of Ireland's World Cup play-off against France in November.

Initially, the problem was diagnosed as a dead leg but United boss Alex Ferguson revealed he is unlikely to be back until August.

Ferguson said: "John has a terrible injury, one of those which is unusual.

"It's like a dead leg, except a dead leg usually last for only three or four days.

"The problem is that the blood clot became all knotted and you get calcification.

"It's a long process and he'll probably miss the season now."

JOSEP GUARDIOLA has agreed terms on a new one-year deal to remain as manager of Barcelona

The news ends speculation linking the Spaniard as Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United after the Scot hinted this season could be his last in charge at Old Trafford.

Guardiola, 39, will not sign his new contract until the summer, when Barca will be hold their presidential elections.

But current president Joan Laporta said: "We are here to announce that Pep Guardiola will be the coach of Barca for another year.

"The contract will be signed with the new president but we have Pep's word that he will be the coach.

"I think that is very good news for everyone associated with Barcelona because we all wanted Pep to continue.

"He doesn't like me saying it but Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and we are proud to continue to have him here.

Last year Guardiola won the Treble in his first season in charge — a feat which included a triumph over Fergie's United in the Champions League final.

He then steered the Nou Camp side to the Spanish and European Super Cups and completed a six-trophy haul by winning the Club World Cup in December.

And the former Barca captain — who won six league titles, the European Cup and the Copa del Reys in his 11-year stint playing for the club — has vowed to lead the team to even more success.

Guardiola said: "I know that sooner or later I will cease to be coach of Barca and I have to enjoy the time I'm here to the maximum.

"A coach of Barca can't be here for life. I think that you have to sign for short periods in which the coach has to earn things, with the players, with the fans.

"I wanted to see if that was happening, if I had the support of the players, the board.

"Nowhere am I going to be as comfortable as I am here."

We dont miss Carlos Tevez : Ryan Giggs

RYAN GIGGS is the latest player to say that Manchester United do not miss Carlos Tevez — the day after the Argentine destroyed them.

Former Old Trafford darling Tevez grabbed both the goals for rivals Manchester City last night in a 2-1 win at Eastlands in the Carling Cup semi-final first-leg.

But United stand-in captain Giggs said: "There are no regrets.

"Carlos is a good player and he is a good penalty taker. If he gets chances he scores.

"We know what Carlos is all about but he chose to go to City. That is the end of it.

"We have quality players at the club and we have shown that."

Manchester City vs Manchester United (2-1) Carling Cup Semi Final

Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1 (RYAN GIGGS)

Manchester City 1 Manchester United 1 (CARLOS TEVEZ)

Manchester City 2 Manchester United 1 (CARLOS TEVEZ)

CARLOS TEVEZ taunted Gary Neville as he destroyed United.

Tevez netted twice, just hours after Neville claimed he was not worth £25million.

Goal celebration No 1 saw the City hitman gesture at United sub Neville to shut up.

Goal celebration No 2 saw an elated Tevez run to the visitors' dugout and mockingly cup his ears.

Tevez moved to Eastlands in the summer, claiming Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson did not want him.

Outspoken Neville reckoned Fergie had got it spot-on by refusing to pay £25m for the striker.

And how that fired up Tevez for this Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

On 42 minutes he netted from the spot after Rafael was adjudged to have fouled Craig Bellamy. He followed that with his snipe at Neville.

After 65 minutes, the Argentine headed in No 2 and then charged off to celebrate in front of the United bench.

Ryan Giggs had put United ahead on 17 minutes, tapping into an empty net after Shay Given had parried Wayne Rooney's shot.

Tevez said: "It was special for me to get two goals tonight. It was for the fans of City."

And City midfielder Gareth Barry added: "It was a great performance from Carlos. The way he works, he deserves it."

City are now eyeing a final date with Aston Villa or Blackburn at Wembley on February 28.

But first it is sure to be a white-hot atmosphere at Old Trafford on Wednesday for the second leg, with United angry that ref Mike Dean awarded City their penalty.

TV pundit Alan Shearer said: "It was a foul outside the box. I don't think there was a foul inside the box."

But fellow pundit Alan Hansen added: "I thought United were there for the taking. Defensively, they were all over the place."

Harry Redknapp is interested in luring Ruud van Nistelrooy to Tottenham

The Real Madrid striker has been linked with a loan move to Tottenham recently and the Spurs manager seems keen to offer the frontman a return to the Premier League.

The former Manchester United hitman has fallen down the pecking order at Real after a string of long-term injuries and finds himself behind the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Raul.

However Redknapp admitted that possessing five strikers was not an option and accepted that a move for the 33-year-old would not happen unless someone came in for want-away striker Pavlyuchenko.

"It's interesting but it depends what the deal is," said Redknapp of the possibility of landing Van Nistelrooy.

"The chairman would deal with that side but he's an interesting player. He was fantastic in England and a great goalscorer.

"If he was available it could be of interest. It's not impossible ... if it was right we could be interested."

Discussing Pavlyuchenko, Redknapp confirmed: "Pav is looking to move. He was tremendous in training this morning. Only if someone came in and it was a good offer though, otherwise it would not be possible."

Tottenham are well stocked with strikers, and Redknapp said: "I could not have five. It is difficult enough with four and I find it hard leaving one out of picture.

"As for Foster, I never made any offer whatsoever. Ben's a good keeper but I'm looking for back-up. Foster and David James (the Portsmouth goalkeeper) want to go to World Cup - not sit on the bench as a number two."

Redknapp believes it is the perfect time to take on Liverpool who are without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard through injury.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has also come under fire from several former Anfield stars and some fans as the Reds have endured a terrible season.

Redknapp said: "They are two world-class players in one team and will be a big 'miss' in the next few weeks.

"It is a good time to be playing them. I hope their injuries are not bad and they will be back next week but if they're not playing, they're not as strong.

"Rafa has done a great job over the years and I am sure he can handle whatever comes his way. If we play as well as we can we've got a big chance.

"It is another very important game at a difficult place. I have never been to Liverpool yet and had an easy game. The atmosphere is fantastic and there is no better place. It is an amazing arena.

"We are looking to go there and be positive. We are not set up to go and defend."

Redknapp also reiterated that the club had not bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster as was reported on Monday.

"We have never ever made an offer for Ben Foster so I wouldn't have a clue where that came from," he pointed out.

"He is a good goalkeeper don't get me wrong but I'm looking for a back up goalkeeper, I have got a first choice goalkeeper here.

"I've got (Heurelho) Gomes and he is my number one goalkeeper and I have been delighted with him so I am looking for somebody to come in to be a number two.

"Ben Foster would want to go to the World Cup the same as David James would want to go to the World Cup and they don't want to come here and sit on the bench as a number two goalkeeper so we never made any offer."

Manchester City could one day knock Manchester United off their pedestal as England's biggest club

Mancini will experience his first local derby at Eastlands on Tuesday knowing victory in the two-legged semi-final would secure City a place in a major domestic showpiece for the first time since 1981.

Given the amounts of cash owner Sheikh Mansour has already invested, with the promise of much more to come, it seems only a matter of time before a 34-year trophy drought comes to an end as well.

And, given United's much-publicised financial restraints, there are some who feel it is also only a matter of time before the Red Devils are usurped as top dogs.

It may seem improbable given United have joined Liverpool on 18 titles by winning 11 since the Premier League was formed in 1992, but Mancini does not believe it is beyond the realms of possibility.
"If we work well, it is possible," said the Italian.

"United have a big history. They have been a good team for many years.
"City can become a big team in the next year. It is most important that we get into the top four.
"That would change the situations. Surely it would be better if City were also a big club in the future because then Manchester could have two clubs in the Champions League."

That is the stated aim for this season, although, having scrambled into a top-four berth last weekend, City promptly fell straight back out of it again on Saturday when they were beaten at Everton.

It was Mancini's first loss, made more notable for a recurrence of Roque Santa Cruz's calf injury after just four minutes that will keep him out for at least a month and his replacement, Robinho, being substituted himself early in the second half as Shaun Wright-Phillips was introduced.

The move has been interpreted as a clear signal Mancini is not impressed by the £32.5million Brazilian's lack of effort and it is once again being suggested Robinho is heading for the Eastlands exit door, if not this month then next summer.

Mancini tried to play down such talk, although he hardly helped matters with an unfavourable comparison to Carlos Tevez.

"It was a bad night for us all. Robinho can play well but it is not always possible and on Saturday he played the same as his team-mates.

"When I put Wright-Phillips on I had to take a striker off because I cannot keep five forwards on the pitch.
"I had to decide between Robinho and Carlos."

In truth, the conclusion was an obvious one and Mancini will be pinning his hopes on Tevez to do some damage to his old club, having left Old Trafford in such acrimonious circumstances last summer.

"I hope that Carlos can score goals because he is an ex-United player," said Mancini.
"But it is important that the squad plays well. And we must not forget this match is over two games."

As Patrick Vieira's debut is on hold until he recovers from the calf injury he picked up immediately before his move from Inter Milan, Mancini is probably relieved Stephen Ireland is at least fit enough to take up a place on the bench after missing three matches with a hamstring problem.

Mancini admitted his first taste of defeat in England left him feeling angry - not so much with his team's performance, which was poor, but purely because he is a bad loser.

However, he has been made aware of a far more tense situation at United, where the financial restraints imposed by the Glazer family's controversial takeover have been laid bare.

Not that Mancini expects that to have any impact tomorrow.

"Manchester United have been on the top for many years," he said.

"It is not important if they have problems.

"On a pitch there are only players, not money."

Tevez was never worth 25million pound : Tevez

GARY NEVILLE insists Manchester United were right to get rid of Carlos Tevez because he was overpriced.

The Reds balked at a £25million asking price after the Argentine had spent two years on loan at Old Trafford.

Now the striker, 25, is in red-hot form for rivals Manchester City and they meet tonight at Eastlands in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-finals.

But United's club captain agreed with boss Alex Ferguson that at the end of last season the figures just did not stack up.

Neville said: "The manager over the years has made many decisions with regard to players coming and going - and he has almost always been proved correct.

"Over a period of 20 years he may have got one or two wrong, and I think he has admitted that himself, but he knows exactly what he's doing and he understands when a player's time is up. I can't disagree with his decision on Tevez. He was a good player for us but, if the financial demands are too big, then that's just the way it goes.

"Other good players have left this club in the past, it's not the first time it's happened.

"We have the best manager in the world at putting teams together. He's done it successfully for 20 years. There have not been many people who have questioned him over the years and been proved right."

Tevez has 11 goals in his last nine starts and will be desperate to add to that tally tonight in one of the biggest clashes between the city rivals for many years.

Neville admitted: "Our two Carling Cup games against City are massive. It's a derby and one of the biggest games we have played against City for a long time.

"Certainly we expect it to be a difficult game. They are in good form and it's always difficult away against City. We will have to be at our best for the game.

"I've only seen one of City's games since Roberto Mancini took over as manager - their 3-0 win at Wolves. City impressed me in that game but I haven't seen a great deal of them."

United full-back Patrice Evra dismisses the rivalry with City, claiming that while it's a big game for the blue half of Manchester it is just another match for the red half.

He said: "It's an important game against City, a big game, but I only talk about it because I want to win this game and have a chance to win a trophy.

"Maybe that's the difference between United and City. We play the game to win and to win the Carling Cup, they play to win against Manchester United."

While United struggle under crippling debt, City can boast being the richest club in the world under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour.

But Neville says there is no paranoia at Old Trafford over City's increased strength.

He said: "I don't see the game as a chance to reassert our dominance over City.

"We're quite comfortable with where we are. We are second in the league, in the Carling Cup semi-finals and in the second phase of the Champions League.

"People might think something is going on in Manchester between the two clubs, but we can't afford to get involved in that."

THE Glazer family have gone cap in hand to Manchester United's players - effectively asking them for a multi-million pound loan.

United stars were stunned by the handout request when they arrived back last week from their Qatar training camp.

Players were handed a prospectus, as owner Malcolm Glazer attempts to raise a staggering £500million through a bond issue to refinance huge debts.

And SunSport understands even the lower paid Old Trafford staff have been offered the 'opportunity' to invest in the club by the American owners.

A United insider said: "The players don't know what to make of it, really.

"Most are bemused that the people who pay their wages are basically trying to find out if they can have some back.

"A few of the lads know a good investment when they see one, but not too many seem prepared to put their money where their mouths are!"

United are believed to be offering investors an annual return of seven per cent on the bonds, which start at £50,000 a block.

But City experts say returns are dependent on continued success on the field in the years ahead.

The insider added: "There have been people working at Old Trafford for many years, on low salaries, worried about their futures.

"Yet now they are being offered the chance to stretch themselves even further. It's a joke!"

BARCELONA have shrugged off claims that coach Pep Guardiola will move to Manchester United.

The 39-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Alex Ferguson's eventual successor.

Barcelona won six trophies under Guardiola last season, including a Champions League final victory over United in Rome.

But although his contract expires at the end of this season, Barca president Joan Laporta is convinced the coach will stay put.

Laporta said: "We cannot avoid the speculation as he is the best coach in the world and many clubs will be interested.

"Manchester United are just one club who I am sure are watching his future — but he has a long way to go with Barcelona.

"Because of his characteristics we expect him to continue to write the pages of history of this football club.

"We would like to solve this question mark over his future as soon as possible and we are convinced that he will sign but we must respect his decision to wait."

Manchester United vs Leeds United FA Cup 0-1

First Half

Manchester United vs Leeds United Part 1 (0-1) FA Cup 3rd Round from owen hargo on Vimeo.

Second Half

Manchester United vs Leeds United (0-1) Part 2 FA Cup 3rd Round from owen hargo on Vimeo.