Video: Newcastle v Man Utd Match Analysis & Highlights

Manchester United were slowed in their chase for the Premier League title with a goalless draw to Newcastle. In a fixture which usually splurges goals, it was surprising to see such a lack of them in a game which Newcastle started very well indeed, putting pressure immediately onto the United defence with excellent chances falling to Peter Lovenkrands several times only for him to waste them. United responded with an attack involving Chicharito and Rooney, but when the latter broke into the box after a lucky bounce, it was hit well over and the chance was of course gone.

United never really got into the pace - their pace, and although in the second half were not challenged very much in defence, were not greatly effective going forward either. Ryan Giggs spurned the best opportunity, as can seen above when a ball pulled back was hit agonisingly wide by the United veteran. It was the best chance of the game, and on another day, the Welshman would have seen it hit the back of the net, but unfortunately for him and United's title charge, to was not one of those days.

There were a couple of penalty appeals too. Firstly Nani went down in the first half, with no real contact on him. To be fair he didn't really appeal, probably through guilt for going down in the first place, but it isn't good to see. Then Lovenkrands was caught by Anderson in the box, with real contact, but nothing was given, much to the strikers frustration. United had another appeal turned down when Chiek Tiote raised his arms when a shot came at him in the box, and the final one in the last few minutes saw Chicharito fall under a challenge in the box. Lee Probert blew his whistle, and for a second United fans' eyes were wide open in anticipation. But a penalty was not given, rather a yellow card for Chicharito for simulation.

United are still on course for their 19th title, but will have their nervousness levels raised if Arsenal win against local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. With Arsenal still to play at the Emirates, and Chelsea to play at Old Trafford, the way the title goes is well in United's hands. Maximum points will be United's target, but today's performance must be improved to do so.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Good Response Is Vital to Win League

Neither Arsenal nor Manchester United enjoyed good results over the week end. United lost to local rivals City in the FA Cup Semi-final, and, although Arsenal didn't lose, it must have felt like a loss with the equalising penalty so late on in the game for Liverpool. Both results were crushing. Players' morale will have taken a blow, but it is who recovers first, and gets up from the low blows they have been dealt who are most likely to win the League. A quick recovery is crucial.

United are now favourites to win their 19th League title after Arsenal's week-end draw, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side 6 points clear at the top, but the Scot knows that any slip up could be capitalized on by Wenger's side. It is still a tight battle, and a battle either could yet win. Arsenal however will have to win every remaining game to stand a chance, and they must start with beating their local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. If they lose or draw this game, it is surely over, but if they win, it keeps the heat on United, who they are yet to play.

United play on Tuesday against Newcastle at Saint James' Park. The atmosphere will be loud and tense, but with Rooney back, United will be favourites. The English striker is back from his FA ban for the swearing incident, and will be eager to make an impact after watching his side crash out of the FA Cup in great animation on the sidelines. United will hope he is bursting with goals - goals which will propel United further away from Arsenal, and closer to lifting the Premier League trophy.

Sir Alex has been here before, and he knows the huge importance of the Newcastle game:

"Going to Newcastle is the most important game we have coming up because the league is still our first priority. The Premier League and the Champions League are the two priorities at this club.

"The players had a big adrenaline surge for the semi-final with Manchester City but we need to win on Tuesday. And that's why Newcastle and the home game with Everton next Saturday are vital - after that there are only four games left and then we go to Arsenal the following week.

"So it's absolutely crucial for us and I think everybody knows when you go to Newcastle you have to deal with the atmosphere up there. They have fantastic supporters and you know they will be on your backs."

This game is vital in the Premier League race, and it is all about picking the players up and getting on with the job. There is a danger that some players may be mentally and physically drained because of the adrenaline of the Cup game, but with United's strength in depth, this should not be a problem.

Arsenal on the other hand do face a massive test against Tottenham, who, as the clubs local rivals, would love to rub salt in the wounds of the Gunners whilst moving closer to the Champions League places. It should not be forgotten that this is also a must win game for Tottenham, as their exploits in Europe this season have shown, they need the prestigious competition to keep their top players such as Bale and Van der Vaart at the club whilst using it as a valuable asset to attract top players to the club.

A good response to a bad result is vital, and whichever team wins the three points in the next few days will certainly have a better chance of winning the League. But anything can happen in football.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Best News For Man United Since Rooney Contract

Manchester United fans may not be having the best day today. Some will have woken up this morning only to remember the crushing events of the day before - a loss to fierce rivals Manchester City. Other's may have not even woken up this morning, sleeping their sorrows away, blocking out the fact that a treble bid is now over because of their noisy, now deafening neighbours.

So perhaps the words that have come from Nemanja Vidic's mouth will cheer those fans up. He has been talking about his future, a future that has been called into question with rumours about a possible transfer away from Old Trafford. Apparently, his wife had been complaining about life in Manchester, and perhaps the Serbian was starting to listen. Top teams with far hotter weather and slightly more tropical surroundings beckoned; Real Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona all showing interest, but Vidic has now rubbished those rumours:

“I hope to spend the rest of my career here at United." 

“I heard the speculation about me maybe leaving last year, but I know where I want to be and I have shown my commitment to the club. 

“I have given the best years of my career to this club and the talk about me leaving here was never correct. 

“I always give my best. Of course, sometimes you have good and bad days, but I think I always try to give 100 per cent – and especially now I have that armband and the responsibility that goes with it. 

“I'm definitely here for the rest of my career now. It never came from my mouth that I would be leaving United. I love it here and I think I show that on the pitch.”

What great news that is for Manchester United, who have seen Vidic be an unmovable rock at times in the United back four. He has headed out countless attacks, intercepted opposition moves at crucial times and been an inspiring, brave captain for the majority of this injury free season for him. He is undoubtedly a contender for Manchester United's player of the year, and is deservedly on the short-list for the Premier League Player of the Year.

Now it may not have seemed good news at the time, but Wayne Rooney's new contract is certainly up there with Vidic's vocal commitment to United. Rooney became hugely unpopular overnight when he claimed he wanted to move on last summer to a club with more ambition, but then made a miraculous u-turn and signed a renewed contract with United.

A poor start to the season had people questioning Rooney's quality, asking whether his career had already peeked. But as he has since proved, form is temporary, and class is permanent. A good end to the season has seen his form been clawed back, with United looking so much more dangerous when he is floating behind the striker on the pitch in the team. This was highlighted in the derby yesterday when the Englishman was missing against a tough opposition. United suffered in his absence, with it being extremely hard to break down the City defence as they doubled up on pretty much every attacking player.

That wasn't helped by the early departure of Paul Scholes, who is usually provider of that killer pass - a pass that Rooney has proved he is completely capable of.

But United fans can sleep a little easier tonight. Hopefully, they will have gotten over the gut wrenching loss to City, and have their sights on the two trophies that really count now; the Premier League and Champions League. They can do that now with the spirit lifting knowledge that Nemanja Vidic is going nowhere, and Wayne Rooney will be back from suspension. It isn't looking too bad.

Video: The Goal That Ended United's Treble Bid

Manchester United fell at the one hurdle that they would have nightmares about falling at. They fell as their rivals, Manchester City rose to the occasion. United were missing their controversial talisman Wayne Rooney, and it showed. City were missing their injured striker Carlos Tevez, and very unusually, they seemed unaffected by his absence as they deployed their trouble making and arrogant. But it was Yaya Toure who got the all important goal to turn the tie in City's favour and drop United out of the FA Cup to end any hopes of a treble winning season.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 0 Fulham

Manchester United moved 10 points ahead of Arsenal with two first half goals for Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia - with both goals created by Nani for his 17th and 18th assist of the season. 

Wayne Rooney was serving his ridiculous 2 match ban and was missing, while Sir Alex Ferguson was up in the stands watching over his United team proudly as the eight changes from the midweek Champions League game against Chelsea proved enough to overcome Mark Hughes' Fulham side.

Nani's contribution for both of the goals was outstanding, skilfully weaving around the defenders and setting up Berbatov for the first, and then using his pace to reach the ball, getting round the goalkeeper and flicking it to Valencia for the second.

Watch: Rooney Goal v Chelsea

Wayne Rooney added to his hat-trick against West Ham on the week-end with another vital goal in Manchester United's vital Champions League tie with Chelsea. 


It was a brilliantly worked goal with Michael Carrick launching a wonderful cross field pass to Giggs on the left who took a perfect touch, went round his man, and squared it to the awaiting Rooney who placed it onto the post to bounce back into the gaping net.


United then held on, threatening on the counter attack - especially on the wings, occupied in the end by all three of Giggs, Valencia and Nani after Rafael's second half substitution. United were lucky to get away a late penalty call when Evra brought down Rameires in the box, but Torres' desperation to appease the fans saw him dive twice in the box - receiving a booking as a result.


United take a vital lead into the the second leg, and hold that away goal too. And with all the talk about Rooney before the game, after scoring yet another goal, a clear smile was visible on his face - he was happy. It's looking good for both United and Rooney, but this tie is still very much in he balance.

A £20 Million Bid for Berbatov Should be Accepted

You could say that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are like beauty and the beast. Watching the Bulgarian with the ball at his feet is a joy to behold, as he effortlessly glides past players with the silky skills of a suave, smooth and polished perfectionist. Meanwhile, Rooney charges around, with his undoubted quality, bullishly tracking back, rocketing cross field passes and sometimes getting involved in incidents he really shouldn't be.

You wouldn't, for example ever see Dimitar Berbatov screaming obscenities into a television camera after scoring a goal. That isn't his style, but both players are undeniably Manchester United quality, and are both passionate about their football.

However, the rumours circulating claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell the "beauty" of this pairing for an amount in excess of £20 million. Manchester United's top scorer, who is also the Premier Leagues top scorer with 20 goals, seems to have fallen out of favour with the United manager as his starts in games have become all to infrequent. Javier Hernandez's growing reputation as a guaranteed goalscorer at important times has seen him propelled into a starting spot alongside Rooney, whose place in the team seems more or less guaranteed.

Bayern Munich have apparently noticed this, and will reportedly attempt to persuade Berbatov to come back to the country where he made his name - with Bayern Leverkusen. The Germans are supposedly preparing a £22 million bid for the striker who was bought by United in 2008 for £30.75 million.

After two seasons which saw the Bulgarian score a total of 26 in 86 games, he was labelled rather harshly as "Berbaflop". He had cost a lot of money, and at his age, (now 30), it was beginning to look like a bad buy from Ferguson. This season has proved all of his critics wrong, with a stunning total of vital goals in vital games including a hat-trick against Liverpool. He has now almost scored the same amount of goals this season than he did in his firs to season's at Old Trafford, yet starting games is becoming a rarity.

I like Berbatov - he has grown on me - especially this season, but I think if United are offered £22 million like is being reported, then Sir Alex should take it. It would be sad to see Berbatov go after what he has done for United this season, and his incredible touch and fantastic hold up play will be missed by many. His calm, collected figure will be missed too, but at his age, £22 million is a fantastic deal, and one that will not be equalled in the future if this opportunity is passed.

United could use the money this summer to sign a younger striker or midfielder, someone who can contribute to the team for many years to come. A central midfielder is what is needed, and a player similar to Owen Hargreaves who is the engine of a side.

It will be sad to see Berbatov go. He is a brilliant player, with a unique style. Strong when he needs to be, quick when he wants to be, and deadly in front of goal - always.

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Watch: Rooney Hat-trick & Chicharito Goal v West Ham

Manchester United showed why they are sitting at the top of the table with a brilliant comeback which saw Wayne Rooney score a fantastic hat-trick which included a curling free-kick and a coolly taken penalty. Chicharito rounded off the comeback with a typical poachers goal. Watch the goals below:

A Passionate Rivalry Fuelled by Desire to Win

Ryan Giggs once said that the fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United is "probably the most famous fixture in English football". The veteran United player was speaking from experience - vast experience, and if anyone between the two sides still playing knows how deeply intense and important a game between the two sides is, it is Giggs. He has won 11 Premier League medals during his 21 years at Old Trafford, and under Sir Alex Ferguson, has equalled Liverpool's record for League titles.

18 titles each, and the end of the season is on the horizon. Neither side have relived their glory days this season, and, in Liverpool's case, have seen their quality dive to an unexpected and very unwelcome low under Roy Hodgson. Replaced by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, and their form picked up, but such was their deficit of the leaders, that they now have no chance of catching either United or Arsenal at the top of the table and preventing their North West rivals from taking that 19th title.

The record means "so much" according to Rooney. The young United striker may not have as deeply rooted loyalty to United than Ryan Giggs has possessed over the passed two decades, but his past with Everton has fuelled his contempt for the Reds. He said yesterday that winning the 19th title for United would mean not only so much to United fans, but Everton fans too, who love to see their rivals suffer. 

"I grew up an Everton fan so to be part of the team to overtake Liverpool's record would be brilliant. It would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.

"It is something I have been thinking about a lot. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and hopefully we can. You look forward to every game at this stage and you've got to enjoy it, especially when you are in the running for a few trophies. It is exciting for the fans and it's exciting for the players knowing that you are just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two."

Liverpool's modern team have, as it is well known, failed to win a Premier League title, and in the meantime, United have succeeded at the pinnacle of the League table time after time, even winning the title three times in a row from 06/07 to 08/09. Liverpool have only been able to watch United succeed with gritted teeth - only coming close in the 08/09 season when they achieved their highest points total of 86 which was still not enough to overcome United. 

Players feel this rivalry, as Rooney showed in the quote above. Gary Neville, recently retired from United had a stunning passion for beating Liverpool, and as a result became a massive hate figure for Liverpool fans. This kind of fiery, hot-blooded conflict between players and opposing fans create that fantastic atmosphere in games. Much like Roy Keane's hatred for both Arsenal, and losing moulded the way in which the United - Arsenal games were played.

Steven Gerrard too, a talismanic figure for Liverpool who has often carried the team when many of the team dragged their heels with laziness is involved in this fight of the North West. The captain of Liverpool inspires his side at times admirably, but his main ambition to win a Premier League title has so far failed, and as he gets older, this achievement looks more and more unlikely. Gerrards banning of any Manchester United shirts in his house really sums up this burning rivalry.

Just as it means "so much" to Wayne Rooney and indeed I am sure, Ryan Giggs, it means a great deal to fans of both sides who live to see their respective teams succeed, and defeating their rivalry along the way. Whether there ferocious tackles, dubious decisions, last gasp goals or referee criticism, this is a rivalry that will continue with the same burning passion and interest for a long time. 

Michael Owen: I'm Fit & Ready for United & England Return

Manchester United will have no shortage of strikers next season. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov will be ready and raring to go as well as those young strikers returning from loan deals; Danny Welbeck, Kiko Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf. One striker whose future is still yet to be decided is a man who Sir Alex Ferguson has described him as "world class", with "absolutely superb" positional play, first touch and finishing.

Surely then, with those qualities, Michael Owen would have no problem in getting into the United side. On the contrary, because of a mixture of both injuries and bad luck, his appearances for United have been limited.

11 appearances this season due to the hamstring injury he suffered during last years Carling Cup final and other unfortunate injuries has seen him score four goals. Despite criticism of being "injury plagued", last season saw a fantastic return from the then 30 year old - 31 appearances and 9 crucial goals.
His last game for England was in 2008 which was incidentally his only appearance under the management of Fabio Capello. 89 appearances and 40 goals for his country however tell a different story.

The new man to Twitter spent today clearing a few things up on the micro-blogging site:

"By the way, to answer a common question: I'm fit. I was on the side of the pitch about to come on last week [against Bolton] until Jonny Evans got sent off."

He also congratulated Gareth Barry on the news that the Manchester City midfielder would captain England on Tuesday against Ghana. He also joked about his England situation:

"Congrats to Gareth Barry, great honour for him. Quite a few dropped out of squad, Mr Capello must be making room for me to return!!!!!!!!!!!" 

In response to some obviously derogatory responses to that Tweet, Owen followed up with this:

"I knew that joke would get a few of you taking the p*** out of me! You certainly need thick skin to play this Tweeting game."

Follow Michael on Twitter @themichaelowen 

Watch: Wales 0 - 2 England

England played impressively on away soil at the Millenium Stadium today, with two early goals separating the two sides. The three lions proved too much for the one dragon as England breezed to victory without any real problems at the back whilst performing very well in the midfield and out wide. 

Watch the Goals below:

Chicharito on The "Monster" Rooney & Tevez Comparison

Javier Hernandez is living the dream. Playing regularly for Manchester United, scoring vital goals, getting on with your business and playing with some great players. Yet from all of his quotes and interviews, he seems so down to earth and grounded. The 22 year-old Mexican has been in sensational form in his first season in England, scoring a brilliant total of 16 goals so far and starting a very promising partnership with Wayne Rooney - pushing the Leagues top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov on the bench in the process.

'Chicharito', as he is known, spoke of Wayne Rooney, comparisons to the former United striker and current City player Carlos Tevez, and what his secret to success on the field is:

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United."

“'The Little Tevez'? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.” 

 “I am very happy because I know there is much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points."

 "I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck."

Hernandez was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson for £6 million this summer and is probably the buy of the season. When you consider Chelsea's splurge of money on Torres and Manchester City's £30 buy of Edin Dzeko, Chicharito looks such a great buy for the club.

His impressive performances in last years World Cup saw him score a few vital goals including one against France and one against Argentina, and the former Guadalajara player believes that the physical aspect of the game in better in England:

“Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited.” 

Now Hernandez will be hoping United can push on after the international break and go on to cement their place at the top of the Premier League, and progress against City and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively.

Rooney: I'm Staying At United Into My Thirties

Wayne Rooney has dismissed any talk of a big money transfer this summer. Rumours have been circulating - as they so often do - that the contract troubles last summer are still very much present in the United camp and that the signing of a new 5 year contract was simply a way of making more money out of a sale in the summer. These rumours suggest that the bridges that Rooney burned with Sir Alex Ferguson over his contract saga are beyond repair and that the manager will look to sell in the summer. But Rooney says these rumours are simply not true. Firstly, he banished any idea that him and Sir Alex have fallen out:

“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] has no problems whatsoever."

Perhaps all of those doubters were looking too far into the situation, and not taking the contract he signed for face value. You can't really be blamed for that considering Rooney's poor form at the start of the season with his personal problems causing havoc on his on field performances. The England striker said:

“I’m enjoying my football here and, if I was going to leave in the summer, I wouldn’t have signed a new contract when I did. I’ve signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.”

Those questioning his commitment anger him too:

"Yes, you get angry. On Sunday I didn’t even know it was in a newspaper until I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer. I’ll be here until I’m in my thirties though, that’s for sure.”

Rooney's form has certainly picked up in the last few games. He played very well against Marseille on Tuesday with his touch much improved and his cross field passing ability delightfully brilliant as well as clever, quick thinking passes to set up goal scoring opportunities.

"The last two or three weeks is the best I’ve felt all season. I feel sharp and, if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch, then fine.

"I haven’t played as many games so I feel good, but the more you play, the more consistent you are and better you feel.

“Since I had my injuries, people have taken their chance when they’ve come into the side and done brilliantly, so I’m delighted that we are still in three major competitions and it’s going well.”

He isn't getting carried away however with the possibility of a Manchester United treble. United remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but Rooney insists United must take one game at a time:

“We have to just take each game as it comes. We can’t look at that [The Treble].

“If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on ourselves, so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens.

"We didn’t win the league last year or the Champions League or the FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.”

Video: Sir Alex & Phelan Laughing at Benched Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson had a good old laugh with his assistant Mike Phelan over Berbatov's moody expression having been left on the bench. Despite his team being involved in a very tense, nervy game which could have seen United knocked out at any point with a Marseille away goal, Sir Alex had time to have a little laugh.

Watch Goals and Match Summary here

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Marseille

Just a quick summary tonight - I have a politics essay to finish!

Manchester United played a solid, strong game against a difficult to beat, well rehearsed Marseille side. A Chicharito double pulled United through this one, with his fantastic ability to find space in the box proving vital at the pivotal times in the game to kill off any possible momentum the French side could gain.

 

The win however did come with its negatives. Both John O'Shea and Rafael had to be substituted due to hamstring injuries. O'Shea started and was replaced by Rafael because of a hamstring injury, but well into the second half, Rafael had pulled up holding his hamstring, and was substituted with his twin bother replacing him.

Marseille will be bitterly disappointed with themselves after creating some wonderful opportunities to score, with Gignac and Diawara missing glorious chances early on. Gignac was played through with a skillful ball over the United defence leaving the French hit man one on one with van der sar. He attempted some sort of lob or high placement as the ball bounced and was hit wildly over the bar. Then, Diawara saw a cross fly right on his head. With no defenders marking him, his free header went woefully wide, allowing United fans to breath a sigh of relief.

A late Wes Brown goal led to some more buttock clenching, nail biting times for United fans as Marseille pushed forward for that crucial goal to win the tie. They searched, but couldn't find that goal, and leave the competition at Old Trafford, knowing that they had their chances and wasted them.

One more thing: Wayne Rooney had a great game. His cross field, attacking long balls were masterful which Paul Scholes often achieves with apparent ease. He created the first goal both with the first ball to the wing, and his continued determined run into the box and eventually crossed to Chicharito who claimed an easy tap in. Impressed with the two strikers tonight. What must Berbatov be thinking? 

Rooney Appreciates the Importance of Valencia & VDS

Manchester United missed Antonio Valencia. They missed his pace, his skill, his clever shimmies around defenders, his sumptuous crosses into dangerous areas and his priceless assists. Wayne Rooney more than most missed the Ecuadorians individual qualities and has had possibly the worst season of his career in the winger's absence.

So Valencia's return to first team action against Arsenal on Saturday was a rare plus point in Rooney's season. His first start since that horrible broken ankle against Rangers in the Champions League last September was welcomed with a rousing ovation at Old Trafford, highlighting his importance to the team and the clubs success. Rooney was delighted:

"I can't tell you how good it is to see him back out there. It was Antonio's first game back after six months out and he looked like he'd never been away. It's fantastic for him and fantastic for us to have him back and playing the way he did."

Valencia's return to action is even more convenient when you consider Nani's absence after the Jamie Carragher horror tackle which ripped open his shin. Valencia will now make his return to Champions League football at Old Trafford against Marseille on Tuesday as United hope to progress further in the competition at the stage which Arsenal recently slipped up at to Barcelona.

Rooney praised Edwin van der sar's superb contribution to the FA Cup tie against Arsenal on Saturday as well, claiming that him and the rest of the team have been attempting to persuade the Dutchman out of his decision to retire:

"The players are trying to persuade Edwin to stay on too. I was speaking to him in the shower afterwards but it is his decision and we have to respect it."

"He is such a great goalkeeper. Despite his age he is still the best keeper in the world."

This is a sentiment shared by so many United fans who remember the huge difficulty in replacing their last consistently brilliant goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. It will cost a large fee to replace van der sar now, especially considering the current transfer market climate - it is however, something that United will have to get used to; not seeing the great Dutchman guard the goal anymore.

Rooney's comments come after the News of The World claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell Rooney in the summer transfer window. The paper's source claims that, "relations between Rooney and Ferguson are so strained that it is affecting other players," adding that, "Sir Alex is not pleased with the way Rooney has been playing... Rooney has been moaning about the squad again but Sir Alex has told him he should look at himself before criticising others."

I really can't see this being the case. Despite a bad season in front of goal, United do still look a better team when Rooney is on the team sheet. Sir Alex Ferguson knows it; Rooney's goals last season emphasise his importance to the team, and there is no way Ferguson would jump to the conclusion that Rooney isn't good enough for this United side anymore. His passion and desire was on show for all to see at Old Trafford against Arsenal, summed up in the crunching but fair challenge on Bacary Sagna, met with massive cheers from the United fans, impressed by Rooney's impressive show of commitment to the cause.

The Reds Go Marching On - Crushing Arsenal's Cup Hopes

Watch Goals Here

Manchester United don't lose three in a row. After two disappointing losses against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, there was a wave of relief around Old Trafford when Fabio da Silva smashed the ball into the roof of the net to set United on track to overcome Arsenal. It was a fantastic team performance from a very much altered United side which saw some magnificent individual displays all round in a team which contained seven defenders.

Arsenal began well, keeping possession well when they had it and creating more shots in the first ten minutes than they did in the whole 90 at Barcelona in midweek. However, despite a bright start, Arsenal could not get past the quite amazing Edwin van der Sar who even at 40 displayed millions of reasons throughout why Sir Alex Ferguson is still attempting to persuade him out of retirement.

The two starting wingers, Fabio and Rafael da Silva combined to create a wonderful chance early in the first half as Fabio's cross was met by Rafael after a cutting run. Unfortunately, his header was not one from that of an experienced, prolific striker, but rather what he is; a right wing back, and his header went wildly over. It was however, a warning to Arsenal - these two were dangerous - and more was to come.

It was the goal that changed the game, and it came from Rafael. It was a brilliant move that would have been terrible if it wasn't finished with a goal. Fabio began the attack on the right, and feeding it to Rooney, continued his run. Rooney spotted the ever energetic Hernandez, and dinked it to him, and the "Little Pea" duly directed his header towards the goal brilliantly. Almunia kept it out, but pushed it into the path of the onrushing Fabio who smashed it into the net for the opener.

From then on, Unite has control, and played with confidence going forward and wonderful solidity at the back, with the Smalling, Vidic and Van der Sar keeping out the intricate Arsenal attack superbly.

Arsenal didn't create too much in retaliation, but a beautifully curling shot from van Persie which just dipped over the top corner of his compatriots goal, as well as a Samir Nasri's volley which bounced into the ground into van der Sar's safe hands. A Hernandez shot however, once again led to a United goal, doubling United's lead and giving Arsenal no chance of getting back into it.

Hernandez hit it in the box, only for Johan Djourou to get in the way. The blocked ball bounced up awkwardly and Rooney met it with a soft header which crept into the corner from the post. A flailing Sagna leg could not stop it, and as the ball nestled into the net, Rooney wheeled away with United fans overjoyed at the very likely possibility of an FA Cup semi final.

United held on well, and really could have scored two or three more goals but for a solid Almunia performance. Arsenal fans will be distraught after yet another trophy has slipped away from them. Not only that, but despite the fantastic sight of both Antonio Valencia and Aaron Ramsey returning to action after their terrible injuries, Johan Djourou was stretchered off with what looks a bad injury. The process of fixing him up, putting him on the stretcher and so on, took around six minutes, and we all wish him well in his recovery. It looked like a dislocated shoulder.

It was however, nice to see a Manchester United - Arsenal clash which for 90 minutes contained no bad blood or controversy. Then Paul Scholes came on. He received a yellow card for a rash tackle straight after coming on, and a few minutes into the injury time produced another slightly late tackle. It wasn't a bad tackle - he didn't get the ball, but didn't actually commit a foul. Arsenal players retaliated angrily, and a show of pushing and shoving began between a few players. Arsenal players were asking for a second yellow, but Chris Foy just gave him a stern talking to, which was a good decision.

If he had been sent off, we wouldn't have witnessed a truly beautiful volleyed pass to Rooney which saw United look for a third. Rooney crossed it to Chicharito but it was stopped by Almunia.

A fantastic game, which sees United cruise into the semi-finals of the FA Cup in search of their 12th win of the trophy. So many positives can be taken out of this game from Sir Alex, who may have been worried about a self destruction by his players towards the end of the season. It was quite the opposite to that, and United have a great confidence boost going into their Marseille game on Tuesday. On the other hand, it's time for Arsenal to push on and commit to winning the League.

Nani to Move to Central Role?

Early in Nani's Manchester United career, he was criticized by certain football fans for imitating Cristiano Ronaldo at every opportunity. The nationality obviously can't be helped, but certain similarities in their playing style plus resemblances in some mannerism's prompted people to label Nani as a Ronaldo "wannabe".

Nani has recently asked to not be compared to his former team mate as he has been having a fantastic season as one of United's main providers of goals with 15 assists for the season as well as plenty of goals. But there is one area of Ronaldo's time at United that Nani would be pleased to copy.

Rumours that Ashley Young is pushing for a move to Old Trafford have been building, but one must ask where he would fit into the United team if he does arrive in the summer. With Antonio Valencia soon to return and surely certain to start whenever fit, Giggs signing a new contract, Ji Sung Park soon to return and Young best on the wing - competition out wide would be fierce. Alexis Sanchez is also another prospective winger who has been linked toa move to United.

Ronaldo moved from the wing to a central role in his time at United, and became one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He was able to make the position his own - pushing Rooney out wide and away from the goals, and fought for the title of the best in the world with his very worthy opponent, Lionel Messi.

What is to stop Nani doing something similar? Perhaps not as the leader of the line, but he could certainly cut it as an attacking midfielder just off the striker. Which striker may be the dilemma for Ferguson, as he has watched Berbatov become top scorer and Hernandez close behind, while guaranteed starter Rooney has lagged behind in possible the worst season of his career.

The more quality and creativity on the pitch the better, and Nani's much improved final ball doesn't have to be missed; Valencia's delivery is superb, as is Young's while Sanchez's ability to shimmy around players with his low centre of gravity could cause chaos among opposition defences.

Nani has all the potential to follow in his compatriot's footsteps - perhaps not to the extent of being worth £80 million, but certainly a very valuable player to Manchester United - as he has been throughout the season. Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the two Portuguese attackers in the past, claiming Nani has settled into English football quicker than Ronaldo:

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player, but it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."