Giggs: 'This can be the best United ever'

United's favourite old son is revelling in a new central role - and is convinced Ferguson's latest creation could surpass previous generations Spring is in the air and in everyone's step around Old Trafford, most notably in that of the oldest of the old boys. Once Chelsea's new money took over from Arsenal's aristocrats, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs must privately have wondered whether their handsome medal collection was complete; but after today's home game with West Ham the Premiership trophy will be handed back to Manchester United, and on Saturday the chance exists to complete a fourth Double. Giggs, like Ferguson, appears to have been given a new lease of life by the emergence of this young United side and there is something touching about his obvious excitement at the prospect of walking out at Wembley again. Winning the Cup would be Giggs's 17th major honour, eclipsing Liverpool's Phil Neal as the English game's most decorated player, and at 33 he is entitled to adopt an air of having seen it all before. Instead, a boyish enthusiasm shines through, undiminished by life as an elder statesman and father of two in his £5 million Victorian pile: "For me personally it was great to play in Cardiff, but as far as I'm concerned the FA Cup final should be played at Wembley. It looks very good on the television and we're just excited to be back. It gave us an extra incentive, because you want to be at the first Cup final at Wembley, you don't want to miss out and be sat at home watching on TV thinking, 'We could be there'. That's where it belongs, and you want to be part of it." In Giggs's case it will be a seventh Cup final, the previous half-dozen having produced four wins and two defeats. And in the beginning, at Wembley 1994, there was Chelsea, albeit a very different outfit under Glenn Hoddle to the force United will face this week: "Winning the first one [4-0] was obviously a good memory, it was a Double-winning season, one of the few occasions it rained, which I was quite happy with because I didn't particularly like playing at Wembley. "It was sticky and dry and for someone who likes to dribble it was always tough, the grass was so lush. Actually I think Chelsea beat us twice in the League that season. They hit the crossbar and they were the better team in the first half, but then we got the first goal and deserved to win in the end. I hope it's 4-0 again but I don't think it will be! In '95 we got beat by Everton, which was disappointing, but one of the most memorable FA Cups was probably Liverpool the next year, beating our biggest rivals, great memories of that game." If neutrals were less enamoured by that desperately dour encounter, Giggs provided them with a genuinely iconic Cup moment en route to his next final in 1999. In a thrilling semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park, he scored one of the great individual goals with that slalom through the defence, rounded off by a slashing shot and hairy-chested, shirt-waving celebration. Victory over Newcastle at Wembley completed another Double but Cardiff, while home from home, provided mixed memories, with a routine win over Millwall and an undeserved defeat on penalties after dominating Arsenal the following year. For a while he could not be sure of a starting place, and on one occasion was even jeered by United supporters when substituted against Blackburn. Yet the kids who threatened his place have now helped his rejuvenation and reinvention as a central midfielder. "Certain players give you a new lease of life," he says. "You get a buzz from watching them play, and in the last couple of days I've got a real buzz out of seeing the faces of the lads who've won their first championship. "I remember when I won my first championship, it's the best feeling in the world, and to get that buzz and see their faces, how they're so happy to have done it, that's definitely been a factor in enjoying my football a little bit more this season. Seeing the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and the performances of Fletcher and Sheasy [O'Shea] gives you a lift, because there's real quality in the team and it's great to see." With Ronaldo and often Rooney out wide, Giggs and Paul Scholes have brought their experience to bear in a more central role that he feels could help prolong his career further; perhaps even beyond the contract that expires at the end of next season. He needs 46 more appearances to overhaul Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 759 and Ferguson believes he can play for at least two more years. "I've enjoyed playing in a central role, you're involved a lot more than on the wing, where you're reliant on people giving you the ball. Even when I play on the wing I'm not playing like I did 10 years ago anyway. You use your experience and positional sense and just try to be clever. You aren't going to be as quick at 33 as you were at 17 but you are maybe a bit quicker in the brain and have that experience as well." As to Saturday's task, and in particular the contrast in the two teams' styles: "I've got to be careful what I say! We're a bit more cavalier whereas Chelsea are a bit more patient, European in a way, how they pack the midfield, try to get possession of the ball. They've got that defensive base and platform but also players who can go out and win games. We probably play a little bit differently, with wide men and players who can score from anywhere, that's the way United have always played." He is clearly proud to have been a part of that tradition ever since his 14th birthday, the day on which Ferguson arrived in person on his doorstep to secure a coveted signature. Now he goes as far as to say that the manager's latest creation could become his best: "Potentially this team can be the best definitely, because of the quality and age of the team. So many players are at the start of their career or are starting to hit their peak and we genuinely have world-class players. There's real quality in the squad, and depth. Obviously, you need things to go right for you injury-wise, but potentially this side can be consistently good over the next five or six years." He does acknowledge, however, that to be universally acclaimed as the best United side of modern times would necessitate securing another European crown at least: "It's always something you want to achieve. You always want to win the Premiership, then after that it's the Champions' League. You can't really prioritise, but this season the target was to win the Premiership, then the next step is the Champions' League. We deserved the Premiership this year, we played great football but have been consistent and had that bit of steel as well. Now can we go on and win it again? I'm sure we can, because we've got the ability and the hunger." Although Giggs is not big on personal milestones, a 10th championship would assuredly have a certain ring - as well as almost certainly never being beaten. In the meantime, he has regained a place in both the team and supporters' hearts that was briefly - and inexplicably - lost. The Record-Breaker: The public life of Private Ryan Long-Service Awards In addition to his record haul of nine League titles, eclipsing the eight won by Alan Hansen and Phil Neal, Giggs holds the record for trophies won by a player; he has earned four FA Cup and two League Cup medals and a Champions' League medal to sit alongside those League souvenirs, plus has finished runner-up in the Premiership four times, the FA Cup twice and League Cup twice. Brothers United In Triumph Ryan isn't the only Giggs to play on the wing for United and win a title this season; his younger brother Rhodri turns out on the right (and sometimes as a striker) for FC United of Man-chester, the club set up by fans opposed to the Glazers' takeover at Old Trafford. This season they are First Division champions of the North West Counties League, having won the Second Division last year. Major Disappointment Giggs won his 62nd cap for Wales in the 3-0 win against San Marino in March, but has yet to play in a major championship. The enduring myth that he could have elected to play for England stems from his appearances for England Schoolboys, but that was open to anyone being educated in the country. Giggs was born in Wales to Welsh parents (though his father, the rugby league player Danny Wilson, was originally from Sierra Leone) and would not have qualified to play for England. Fistful Of Firsts Giggs was the first to win the PFA Young Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93), a feat since emulated by Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney. He is the scorer of United's fastest goal, after 15 seconds against Southampton in November 1995, is the first player in Champions' League history to score in 12 successive seasons, and is one of only two players (the other is Gary Speed) to score in every Premiership season. Classic Remark From Homer Giggs is the only Premiership player to be mentioned in The Simpsons, in November 2003 when Homer, visiting England, says to Marge: "Can you believe they gave Giggs a yellow card?" Reference: independent.co.uk

EPL 2006 - 2007: Fergie has one hand on the trophy

Does it really matter where, when and how the medals are secured? Does it matter that Manchester United's players could be enjoying a siesta on a welcome day off and Sir Alex Ferguson will be patrolling the golf course if weather permits? All that matters is, the finish line is in sight. United secured the required win in the den of their neighbours and if Chelsea do not win at Arsenal this afternoon, they will be over the line. Even if Chelsea can delay the passing of the baton back to the Old Trafford team after three seasons of London champions, United will need only a point from their two remaining league matches, at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and at home to West Ham on Sunday. Deliverance here came courtesy of two penalties that went in their favour - Cristiano Ronaldo scored and Edwin van der Sar blocked - and the United contingent celebrated with the conviction of a team who know that their work is all but done, the players hurling shirts and clenching fists in front of their supporters, with Ferguson on the pitch grinning wildly behind them. This was the perfect antidote to the deflation inflicted by Kaka and company in the Champions League last week. It has been an emotionally charged few days. Ferguson summed up his team's efforts with the phrase 'pure courage'. It certainly took bravery for Ronaldo to withstand the full force of Michael Ball, especially on the back of a stinker at the San Siro last week. In the frenetic opening moments, Ball took the opportunity to aim a sly and ugly stamp into Ronaldo's midriff while the double player of the year was grounded. The thought occurred that it was just as well Joey Barton was not in the vicinity. Ferguson railed on the touchline. The City fans wailed back. The temperature soared. What must Jose Mourinho have thought watching on television? A symbol of game on? Hardly. It was more of a clue as to what would decide this crucial instalment of the Premiership quest. Ball was on a mission to stop Ronaldo more by foul means than fair. Unfortunately for City, they had no other means of squaring up to United. This particular duel aside, it was too cagey a spectacle to set the pulses racing. United were comfortable, if tired. City were toothless. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand struck the bar from set pieces in the opening 25 minutes. United's breakthrough arrived shortly after and it was no surprise to see the joint catalysts were Ronaldo and his gritty shadow. When Smith's crossfield pass found Ronaldo, the overture to his dribble consisted of two stepovers - evidently a red rag to Ball's bull. The City left-back crowned a malicious performance when he dived in and naively kicked at Ronaldo's foot. Rob Styles pointed for a penalty without hesitation and the boy himself relished the chance to put United in front. Ronaldo, hardly one to keep things simple if there is some showmanship to be had, used the old Robbie Fowler routine. He stepped forward, stopped, then whacked his spot-kick low into the corner. It was his seventeenth Premiership goal of a campaign Ferguson described as 'a fantastic season for the boy'. There was little evidence that City could respond to peg United back, considering the closest they came to troubling Van der Sar until their 80th-minute penalty was a volley from Emile Mpenza aimed nicely at the goalkeeper's chest. Stuart Pearce tried to inject a fraction more energy when he replaced the creaking Dietmar Hamann with Sun Jihai at the interval. But the second half served up more of the same as United stroked the ball around without exerting too much of what was left of their mental and physical power after arriving home deflated from Milan at 5am on Thursday. Ten minutes from time, United's title advantage hung in the balance as Ball jinked into the area and crashed into Wes Brown. Styles awarded the second penalty of the match. Thousands of Chelsea fans willed Darius Vassell to do the honours, but the former England striker shot straight down the middle of the goal, enabling Van der Sar to pull off a theatrical save with his legs. And the Dutchman knew it, roaring to the heavens before the ball had even been cleared. And so the chance for City to end their uneasy run without a goal at home was dashed. They have not scored at the City of Manchester Stadium since New Year's Day. On this evidence they may not until 2008. 'Putting the ball in the back of the net is our Achilles' heel,' lamented Pearce afterwards. 'It is what we have to address going into next season.' Unsurprisingly, the stadium was half empty by the time the City players reemerged for a sheepish lap of honour. Their fans may feel like hibernating over the next few days. Apart from the handful who left the ground in the free City scarves that had been handed out singing 'We're all going to Wembley'. Man of the Match - Nemanja Vidic There is only one contender if the criteria are the game's most influential player and talking point - Michael Ball wins that hands down. But seeing how the City left-back undermined his case through the ugliness of his performance, the honours go to the cool and composed Vidic. Reference: guardian.co.uk

EPL 2006 - 2007: Fergie happy to give Sam a smooch

'I'll be giving him a hug and a kiss. In fact, he can have a hug and two kisses.' Manchester United showed patience as well as poise in coming back from two goals down to put one hand on the Premiership trophy. Sir Alex Ferguson was relaxed enough to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench even when Everton scored their scintillating second in the 50th minute, because he felt he had enough quality on the pitch both to create and convert chances. So it proved, and a combination of four goals in the last half-hour and the scoreline from Stamford Bridge had Ferguson dancing on the touchline at the end. With Chelsea failing to win again, the title could be decided next weekend, if United win the Manchester derby and Chelsea cannot beat Arsenal at The Emirates. 'Obviously, a five-point lead is significant with three games to play,' Ferguson said. 'The momentum is back with us now, though you can never count your chickens in football. Look at the way the game went today. I can't explain that, but it's football.' Everton supporters had a few explanations for the way the game went, ranging from criminally poor defending to the £500,000 bonus the club will receive by virtue of Wayne Rooney's transfer negotiation, should United win the title. United are famous for comebacks, although when the team in front are as generous as Everton this one cannot rank with Turin or Barcelona, no matter how significant the result. The game was full of ironies. The best goal of the afternoon was scored by a Portuguese winger who has no chance of being footballer of the year. United equalised through an own goal by the Everton captain, playing against his old club. A mistake by rookie goalkeeper Iain Turner, playing only because United held Everton to the strict terms of Tim Howard's original loan deal, cost the home side dear. But the greatest irony of all was Rooney scoring and creating the last two goals on the day Goodison mourned Alan Ball. Ball's memory was cheered for minutes on end, and Rooney was booed for just as long. Ball was Everton's last international icon, Rooney was supposed to be their latest, but the club's status has diminished in the intervening years. It would be harsh to say they now know how Blackpool must have felt in the 1960s - not when Everton are challenging for a Uefa Cup place - although tours of the two club's trophy rooms would show certain similarities. There was nothing wrong with the way Everton started. Joleon Lescott headed against the bar after three minutes and Alan Stubbs put them ahead 10 minutes later, his somewhat ambitious drive from a free-kick 30 yards out being lifted over Edwin van der Sar by a crucial deflection off Michael Carrick. Rooney went close a couple of times before the interval, but otherwise Everton's policy of retreating into defence and leaving James Vaughan on his own up front looked capable of smothering United's disjointed attacking efforts. If there was surprise when Ronaldo failed to appear after the interval, there was amazement when United's only response to going two down was to send on Kieran Richardson. Manuel Fernandes, on loan from Benfica but with his value rising with each impressive display, collected Mikel Arteta's pass and completely ignored Wes Brown's attempt to block him as he lashed a shot past Van der Sar from the edge of the area before saluting the Gwladys Street End in a manner reminiscent of Ball. Everton fans need a little more than a two-goal lead to start to party, however, and a match-turning incident on the hour showed why. Turner claimed a Giggs corner then dropped it under no pressure, allowing John O'Shea to score. Almost without trying, United were back in the game. Now Ronaldo came on, in time to meet a Carrick corner after 68 minutes with a header that caused such consternation on the Everton line that Phil Neville beat his own goalkeeper. There was only going to be one conclusion to the game now, and sure enough Rooney provided it. He had already missed a decent chance from a Giggs pass, taking the ball too far round the goalkeeper, but when Tony Hibbert passed straight to Ronaldo 11 minutes from the end Rooney was on the end of O'Shea's cross to score at the far post. Ronaldo surprisingly wasted a glorious chance of a fourth just before the end when with all the time and space in the world he too could not find a way round Turner, but in stoppage time substitute Chris Eagles applied the coup de grace by running on to Rooney's delicately timed pass to finish confidently for his first United goal. It will be a surprise if what is left of the title race produces anything as dramatic, although David Moyes correctly pointed out United scored their goals far too easily. 'We gave United an opportunity to get back in the game,' Moyes said. 'Their first goal was a big turning point and it was all our fault. So were the other three. It was poor all round really. We made it easy for them. If they had opened us up in the way they can do, I'd be the first to congratulate them, but today we gave them the goals.' And with them, surely, the title. The showdown at Stamford Bridge next month could be a lap of honour for United unless both Chelsea and Manchester City can win their derbies next weekend. Bolton are fairly popular at Old Trafford at the moment, too. Would Fergie be giving Big Sam a call? 'I'll be giving him a hug and a kiss,' the United manager said. 'In fact, he can have a hug and two kisses.' Reference: guardian.co.uk

EPL 2006 - 2007: Don't Panic Yet, We Still Lead By 3 Points

Hello and Good Day. I have to admit that my mood is really down right now...But as a real fans, we just need to get behind the team, no matter how bad the team was. And it is not the time to panic yet. We have built a gap to compensate for games like this. Man Utd as usual need a loss to keep them focused. Sometimes, its not wrong to commit a mistake...but the team have to admit and learn something from this losing. The good news is, we still lead the table by three points. End of Story. Bring on Roma.

Scholes keeps United hurtling on title tracks - Is He Human? Hes So Damn Good

Ferguson described it as a "performance of champions" and the Stretford End sang: "We want our trophy back." Manchester United's ninth championship in 15 seasons is now so close that Chelsea's habit of scoring late winners has become no more irritating than a bothersome fly. Sir Alex Ferguson's players are so exuberant, their football so thrilling, it seems inconceivable that the Premiership trophy will not be prised, finger by finger, from Jose Mourinho's grasp. Chelsea's durability prolongs the intrigue but United answered some important questions on Saturday and all that can shipwreck their season now is what Ferguson knows as a "Devon Loch moment". Strange things can happen in football but such a collapse is scarcely conceivable. This is not a team that shows any vulnerability to losing nerve or direction, even when the pressure is close to intolerable. If there was going to be a moment when United might crack, it arrived after that jolting two-minute spell when Nemanja Vidic departed with a dislocated shoulder, which could keep him out for the remainder of the season, and Matt Derbyshire stabbed Blackburn into the lead. This, before an increasingly alarmist crowd, was the point when United could either fold like a house of cards or reach their point of maximum expression. They took the route of champions, always assured, totally at ease with their vision of themselves at the top of the hierarchy. Not once did United send forward hopeful balls or try to score from improbable angles. Never did they rush or force the play when they could rely on their ability to pass and move. Ferguson later described it as the most accomplished performance of the season, although it would have been more accurate if he had focused simply on the second 45 minutes because it has been a long time since Old Trafford was bewitched by such an exhilarating period of slick, attacking football or, indeed, that the stadium's acoustics have sounded so good. This was the Premiership at its most thrilling and, after the drudgery of England's internationals, an antidote for those who have come to see the beautiful game through tired and jaded eyes. Of Ferguson's side the only player not at his optimum was Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, to name but three, played with such verve and vigour the visitors from Roma will have returned to Italy with a dossier that presumably has a skull and crossbones on the front. United have shown themselves to be intrepid travellers and, if Scholes in particular can sustain this level of excellence in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg, United have an outstanding chance to prolong their hopes of emulating the 1999 treble. Scholes it was who instigated United's comeback, his splendid goal breaking Blackburn's resolve after 61 minutes, and it is easy to imagine Steve McClaren watching Match of the Day from behind his sofa. How McClaren must regret Scholes's decision that he wants no part in the pantomime of the England national team. Blackburn are robust opponents - entitled to be irritated by the assumption they will provide no more than walk-on parts in their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea - but Mark Hughes was wrong when he said the score flattered their hosts. United could have amassed a record Premiership score to go with another record crowd had Brad Friedel not been in such outstanding form and Rooney been less generous. Rooney's performance could be summed up by the moment, in first-half stoppage time, when he was offside, having run clear, but decided he wanted to reacquaint himself with the art of finishing anyway, if only to see the ball caress the back of the net. His first effort hit Friedel's legs. His second struck the goalkeeper's shins and bounced away again. Friedel barely bothered to move for either shot. In mitigation Rooney's head never went down and he made a significant contribution in the second half. Yet compare and contrast with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scoring United's fourth goal barely five minutes after entering the field as a substitute. Solskjaer accepted his solitary chance with the look of a man for whom nothing could be more natural. Rooney still conjured a couple of moments of brilliance but there is evidence, too, that he is not as immune to insecurity and self-doubt as was once perceived and it is a legitimate cause for concern. Others in red radiated confidence. If points were awarded for pass completion, Michael Carrick might be runaway favourite for player of the season. Rio Ferdinand snuffed out the threat of Derbyshire and Benni McCarthy and Wes Brown's form means the news of Vidic's injury may not be so debilitating. Giggs's name will also be circled in red in the Roma scouting report while Ronaldo was the usual blur of pyrotechnics, crossing for Carrick to make it 2-1 and setting up Park Ji-sung for the third with a free-kick that rebounded off Friedel. Ferguson described it as a "performance of champions" and the Stretford End sang: "We want our trophy back." Man of the moment: Paul Scholes For his demonstration of midfield expertise, passing the ball beautifully and scoring the equaliser in United's resurgent second half just as the crowd was growing restless, if not anxious Best moment The way he wriggled away from two attempted challenges, remaining composed and controlled, and picked out his spot before firing in the goal that began United's comeback. Title run-in Manchester Utd Apr 7 Portsmouth (a) Apr 17 Sheffield United (h) Apr 21 Middlesbrough (h) Apr 28 Everton (a) May 5 Manchester City (a) May 9 Chelsea (a) May 13 West Ham United (h) Chelsea Apr 7 Tottenham (h) Apr 18 West Ham United (a) Apr 22 Newcastle United (a) Apr 28 Bolton Wanderers (h) May 6 Arsenal (a) May 9 Manchester United (h) May 13 Everton (h) Mind the gap - coming from behind to win No team has ever surrendered a lead of six points at this stage of the Premiership season. Only two teams - Arsenal and Manchester United - have led the league at the end of March and been caught. End of 2002-03 season Pld Pts Man United 38 83 Arsenal 38 78 On April 5 of 2002-03 season P Points Arsenal 31 66 Man United 31 64 Sir Alex Ferguson's side picked up six wins and one draw in their final seven fixtures. Arsenal won three, drew three and lost one. April 5 proved a turning point: two Ruud van Nistelrooy penalties paved the way for a 4-0 win over Liverpool, while an own goal from Arsenal's Kolo Touré resulted in a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. End of 1997-98 season Pld Points Arsenal 38 78 Man United 38 77 On March 31 of 1997-98 season Man United 31 60 Arsenal 29 57 Manchester United entered March leading Arsenal by 11 points but had played three games more than their rivals. By April Arsène Wenger's team, on 60 points, trailed United by three points but had two games in hand. United stumbled in mid-April, drawing 1-1 with both Liverpool and Newcastle United. Arsenal extended a winning streak to 10 games, culminating in a 4-0 victory over Everton on May 3 - captain Tony Adams scored a late fourth - when they are crowned Premiership champions. The north London side became only the second team to record a second league and FA Cup double. Reference: guardian.co.uk

EPL 2006 - 2007: Manchester United 30 - 7 Blackburn...Shots On Goal, Btw

Manchester United 4 - 1 Blackburn (United: Scholes 61, Carrick 73, Park 83, Solskjaer 90 - Blackburn: Derbyshire 29) Premiership leaders Manchester United came from behind to beat Blackburn 4-1. United overcame a first-half scare to keep their title challenge on course with an impressive victory at Old Trafford. The Red Devils went a goal down when Morten Gamst Pedersen's low cross from the left caused confusion in the 29th minute. It took a fine save from Edwin van der Sar and the base of the post to prevent a Michael Carrick own goal, but England Under-21 striker Matt Derbyshire followed up to finish the job. United drew level after an hour's play when Paul Scholes evaded the challenge of two Blackburn defenders and drilled a low shot past Brad Friedel. And they forged ahead in the 73rd minute when Cristiano Ronaldo cut the ball back into the path of Carrick who passed it low into the net before Park Ji-Sung made the result safe by scoring on the rebound after Friedel could only parry a Ronaldo free-kick. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, back in the fold after injury, added a late fourth. Man of the match Paul Scholes Scholes's goal was all United needed to go on to a comfortable victory. Sir Alex Ferguson believes Paul Scholes will be the key factor behind what, if any, silverware United win this season and this match proved why. After an uninspiring first-half performance by his team, the midfielder got hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and claimed the crucial equaliser. Thats Our Scholes!!!. Reference: guardian.co.uk, teamtalk.com, soccernet.com,

Rumour Mill: Bayern Munich are "talking tough" with Manchester United over Owen Hargreaves

Bayern Munich have warned Manchester United they will not be bullied into selling Owen Hargreaves this summer. The England midfielder has been at the centre of a £20million tug-of-war between the two clubs since his performances at the World Cup last summer. So far the German champions have managed to resist United's advances despite repeated pleas from the 26-year-old to be allowed a move to the Premiership. Sir Alex Ferguson offered £20million for Hargreaves in the January transfer window but now Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed his club have no need to sell. "We have had a large offer for Hargreaves from United and it remains valid until this summer," he said. "But he has a contract until 2010 and we are in the fortunate position that our finances are in top-class shape. "We'll be presenting another first-class balance sheet this year, so we can still say 'no' if a club like United come in with a large offer for one of our players. "There aren't many players of Owen Hargreaves' quality in the holding midfielder position and our aim is to build a team capable of great things." Nani gloat from Sporting Lisbon Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon have warned Premiership clubs that it will cost £13.5million to sign winger Nani. The 20-year-old has been attracting interest this season following his displays in the Champions League, with Tottenham the latest club linked with a move for the Portugal international. The youngster is believed to have a clause which would see him leave for £13.5million, with his club appearing reluctant to let him go for less. A Sporting spokesman told Skysports: "The club that wants the kid have a price. Only by this money would we be disposed to let Nani leave. "We know of the interest of several English clubs for Nani, and that is normal because of his quality - but until this moment we have received no offer in writing." Nani has been compared with Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed from Sporting in 2003. United have been linked with a move for the Portuguese prospect following their previous business with the club. French side Lyon have also been suggested as a possible destination. Nani is represented by Jorge Mendes, who is also the agent of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. "The decision depends on Sporting because the player has a deal," said Mendes. "But Nani is a player of enormous potential and other big clubs have asked about his situation." Highlights From 3 Previous Matches 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and half a century of United's participation in Europe: Manchester United (plus Andy Cole) 4 - 3 European All-Star XI EPL 2006 - 2007: Manchester United 4 - 1 Bolton Wanderers FA Cup 2006 - 2007: Manchester United 1 - 0 Middlesbrough Reference: teamtalk.com, youtube.com

EPL 2006 - 2007: Last-gasp O'Shea Silences The Kop, March 3, 2007

John O'Shea plundered a dramatic stoppage-time goal as 10-man Manchester United won 1-0 at Liverpool to go 12 points clear in the Premiership. United produced a smash and grab victory at Anfield that could well see them clinch the title. They had been second best to Liverpool for long periods, and when they had Paul Scholes sent off with four minutes left, a point was surely the best they could have hoped for. But in injury time O'Shea scored in the six-yard box with what was only United's second shot on target in the whole match. Another Smash-and-Grab That, ladies and gentlemen, is a lesson in how to win a championship. United were thoroughly outplayed for most of the afternoon, and Liverpool will feel hard done by (though questions should be asked over their failure to convert dominance into many clear-cut chances), but champions win games they don't deserve to and that is exactly what United are doing at the moment. Chelsea should, realistically, close the gap back to nine points this afternoon against free-falling Portsmouth, but it's getting harder every week to see where United are going to drop points, even with Scholes likely to be suspended and Rooney's new injury. "Liverpool fell for SAF's masterplan hook, line and sinker. Tell Rooney to get injured so that super-sub O'Shea can come on and score the winner, after the ginger prince has got himself sent off to lull the scousers into a false sense of security. That's why he's the Premiership's best manager!" And to think that I saw it as a defensive manoeuvre - Paolo Bandini, Guardian Unlimited. Sources: football.guardian, teamtalk.com

EPL 2006 - 2007: Manchester United On Cloud Nine, Feb 24, 2007

We moved nine points clear of Chelsea at the top of the English Premier League after Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 88th minute to give the team a come-from behind 2-1 win at Craven Cottage. Fulham were on top from the start and took a deserved lead when Brian McBride pounced to score his ninth league goal after a mix-up between central defender Nemanja Vidic and goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar. United equalised 12 minutes later when Ryan Giggs volleyed his third goal in four matches following a far-post cross from Wayne Rooney. But it was Fulham who looked by far the more threatening side until Ronaldo's 88th-minute goal, the winger beating two men on the left before cutting in delivering a right-foot that deflected past keeper Jan Lastuvka Enjoy the highlights below Brian McBride 17' Ryan Giggs 29' Cristiano Ronaldo 88' After Match Reaction 'Smash-grab-win' - Reuters. 'To put it mildly...Fulham will feel very aggrieved at not winning the match' - Sir Alex Ferguson. 'Phew! that was really scary to say the least. Can we put that performance down to Euro blues? No need to get on anybody's back cause the whole team were woeful, but we need to praise the boys for even grinding out the win. Obviously the hardest game of the season for us so far and i agree with fergie on that notion. The only one brilliance from the match was Ronaldo's late winner. No matter how frustrating he is throughout the 90mins, all he needs is a second to produce a moment of magic.' - MMI, Manchester United fan. 'Someone call the police, there has just been a robbery! We stole three points from Fulham, and it is the second horrible performance in a row. Still, we won both. I believe this is the match we can look back at, and say won us the title. It was extremely important we won it, nothing less than that. If we had drawn or lost, then I would have gone back to hold Chelski as favourites. I assume they will win the rest of their matches, the only major doubt is when we meet them. Facing both Pool and Chelski, we simply have to win all the other matches. Believe me, a draw at either big face-offs, is a big bonus. Judging by the last two performances, we face a loss at Anfield. And taking a point from Stanford Bridge, will be extremely difficult. Those are 6 points. We must get our game together, or it will all change in 3 weeks.' - Badfellah, Manchester United fan. Source: teamtalk.com