Manchester United Fan's: 2010

New home kit unveiled

The new Manchester United home kit for the 2010/11 season combines elements of the club’s history with new age technology – as every shirt will be made entirely from recycled polyester, each created from up to eight plastic water bottles as part of Nike’s ‘Considered Design’ programme.

Red, white and black is in the DNA of Manchester United and Nike has captured the spirit of the club through this season’s home kit. The new shirt leans towards a classic look, inspired by the 1970s, and features a collar for the first time since Nike became the team’s official kit supplier in 2002. And the chevron design that featured last season is evident in the engineered mesh pattern on the back of the shirt, with the V-shape echoed in the shoulder print detail and in the socks.

Kit-wise, there are three options for the home games: red jersey, white shorts and black socks; red jersey, black shorts and white socks; or red jersey, white shorts and white socks depending on the opponents.

Aon, the new shirt sponsor, features on the front of the shirt, while inside the shirt on the back of the club crest is the club's mantra, 'Believe'. The message sits right next to the heart, revealing every United fan's 'Inner Pride', while the symbolic Red Devil sits on the sleeve of the shirt and the shorts to add the finishing touches to the kit.

Nike’s 'Considered Design' programme aims to create performance products that minimise environmental impact by reducing waste during the design and development process, use environmentally preferred materials, and eliminate toxins.

To make the kits, Nike uses discarded water bottles destined for landfill sites in Japan and Taiwan, where they can take up to 500 years to decompose. This saves precious raw materials and reduces energy consumption by up to 30 per cent compared to conventional fabrics.

The bottles are placed in a large washing machine to clean them and get rid of labels, before they are chopped into tiny flakes and melted down into a yarn that is ultimately spun to make the fabric for the jerseys.

Use of recycled polyester across its new range of club kits means Nike has saved nearly 13 million plastic water bottles, a total of around 254,000 kg of polyester waste – enough to cover more than 29 football pitches, and to stretch over 3,000 kilometres if laid out end-to-end. The process is used for all shirts, whether worn by the players or available to fans.

"As we look at how we design and develop products and run our global business, it’s not enough to be solving the challenges of today," said Nike spokesman Charlie Brooks.

"We are designing for the sustainable economy of tomorrow, and for us that means using fewer resources, more sustainable materials and renewable energy to produce new products. We’re proud to be a partner of Manchester United and to help them achieve their environmental goals."

Considering the environment doesn’t mean sacrificing the renowned high performance of Nike’s kits, and the new Manchester United home kit has been engineered to give players a greater competitive advantage than ever before, keeping players drier and more

comfortable, allowing them to maintain their optimum body temperature and perform at their peak on the pitch.

The improved Nike 'Dri-Fit' fabric, now 13 per cent lighter than previous kits, helps to quickly evaporate moisture by drawing through the fabric to the surface and to keep players dry.

Innovative ventilation zones are placed along each side of the jersey to enhance breathability, by up to 7 per cent compared to previous kits, and allow air to pass across the whole torso. These zones have up to 200 tiny laser-cut holes, backed by Nike’s innovative halo application which prevents ripping without reducing air flow. An additional ventilation zone is placed below the waistband on the shorts at the base of the spine.

The jersey’s new double-knit structure gives it a sleeker appearance, while offering 10 per cent more stretch, and also boasts a new dynamic fit, cut to follow the natural contours of the body while allowing for maximum airflow and movement.

Reds winger Nani said: "I think it looks really good and it feels nice. It’s always a nice moment for the players and the fans when you first see the new kit and it’s like a new motivation for us at the start of the season."

The 2010/11 home shirt is available now at store.manutd.com.

If you are based in the USA, you can order your 2010/11 kit here.

Pair become United players

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Chris Smalling are officially United players from today (1 July).
The two new boys initially agreed deals to join the club during the last season, and their contracts are now effective.

United fans have been excited by Chicharito’s promising displays at the 2010 World Cup. The talented striker hit two goals in four games for Mexico, including a superb late effort in his side’s last-16 defeat to Argentina at the weekend.

Chicharito is determined to succeed at Old Trafford. "My expectations are to do the best I can personally, to work, to learn, and to win many trophies," the 22-year-old said when the deal was first announced – to near-universal surprise – in April.

Defender Smalling, who played 18 times for Fulham last season, agreed terms on a four-year deal in January. The 20-year-old will link up with his new team-mates at Carrington next week as those players not involved in the World Cup return to training.

Chicharito will be given some time off after his exploits in South Africa and will meet his new team-mates for the first time during July's trip to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Reds fans will likely get their first glimpse of the duo during the tour, and Sir Alex has confirmed Chicharito will play some part in the friendly against his former club Chivas.

For tour news, features and free videos, visit manutd.com/tour2010.

United 4 Stoke 0

A season of thrills and spills, up and downs, highs and lows, all built towards a final-day climax. Sadly, there were no dramatic scenes in Manchester, as Chelsea smashed eight past Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge to clinch the title by a solitary point, rendering the result at Old Trafford meaningless – even though United produced a wholly professional display to see off Stoke 4-0.

The time for reflection and the dissection of this most unpredictable of campaigns lies ahead, but United can be proud at least that, in a difficult season hampered by injuries, the Reds pushed Chelsea right until the very last.

Sir Alex was able to select arguably his strongest team for this season finale and his men did him, and the club, proud with the performance. Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have easily been United’s most potent central midfield pair, while they were flanked by the in-form Nani and Ryan Giggs, with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in attack.

Rio Ferdinand was handed a start for the first time since the 0-0 draw with Blackburn, while Gary Neville, who missed the wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland, joined him in a back four that also included Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, with Edwin van der Sar in goal.

United came out of the traps quickly, determined to keep our side of the bargain. Berbatov had the Reds’ early chances. The first came after Nani surged down the left and found Rooney, who cut the ball back for Berbatov, whose shot was blocked. Rooney again teed-up his strike-partner after ten minutes - this time a cute pass down the right channel,with Berbatov’s angled effort nudged wide by Robert Huth. Berbatov’s third opportunity was the best of the lot, a header four yards from goal from a Nani cross that the Bulgarian headed over.

Stoke come with brave defending as standard, so it was unsurprising that Huth threw his body selflessly in front of Evra’s shot midway through the half, after neat footwork inside the Stoke area had created space for the Frenchman to shoot.

It was all United, Stoke offering little ambition, instead settling for showcasing their physical presence in defence. The verve all came from the men in red. Berbatov was again denied, but appeared to be getting closer to the target. Nani, showed what an attacking force he has become this year, attacking from the right flank, cutting inside and crossing with the outside of his boot. Berbatov’s towering header was just fractionally over the crossbar.

United carved the visitors open with an ease and frequency that fully warranted the breakthrough on 31 minutes. From Giggs’ corner, Vidic headed the ball into a crowd of bodies; it pinballed around until Fletcher put his laces through the ball to find the roof of the net and give United the lead. However, news shortly filtered through that Chelsea had added a second goal, a Frank Lampard penalty, to Nicolas Anelka’s early strike against ten-man Wigan to dampen hopes of last-day success.

Nevertheless, United ploughed on. Berbatov orchestrated play from a deep-lying position, his flicks, vision and excellent execution of through-balls sparking almost all of United’s attacks. And the Bulgarian created the Reds' second goal. He beat Andy Wilkinson for pace and squared the ball initially towards Nani, who missed it, but Giggs had anticipated the situation and followed up to fire past Asmir Begovic to make it 2-0.

The Reds came out after the break with a similar pursuit for goals. Regardless of what was happening at Stamford Bridge, it was important to put on a show. And inside ten minutes United made it 3-0. Fletcher’s brilliantly disguised pass found Rooney in the box and he turned away from his marker before firing the ball low across goal. In trying to stop the cross reaching the lurking Nani, Danny Higgingbotham turned the ball into his own net.

However, just as United were strolling at Old Trafford, Chelsea were at a canter at Stamford Bridge and the Reds’ slim title hopes faded rapidly after the break. The Stoke fans gleefully sang ‘you’re not champions any more’. Painful though it was to accept, it would soon be true.

On the hour mark Sir Alex made two substitutions, taking off the excellent Berbatov and Scholes to be replaced by Federico Macheda and Darron Gibson. It was a nod to the future, and to next season. 2009/10 has not been United’s year, but there is enough to suggest that, with a little more luck with injuries next season and perhaps one or two additions in the transfer market, Sir Alex’s men will again be a force to be reckoned with.

United pressed on, and after 65 minutes Nani was denied by a good save from Begovic after Rooney had set him racing clear with an arrowed through-pass. But Chelsea’s unassailable lead over Wigan had sucked some of the impetus out of United’s play. How could it not?

A fourth Reds goal arrived in the 84th minute when substitute Ji-sung Park produced a diving header from Giggs’ corner to make it 4-0. But the scoreline was for pride alone. United can feel proud, this season Sir Alex's men were close, but not close enough. For the last three years Old Trafford has been home to the Premier League trophy. The Reds relinquish the title reluctantly. But Chelsea can count on this: next season we will come knocking, we will want our trophy back.

Sunderland 0 United 1

The win – achieved courtesy of a solitary goal from Nani's right boot – means Chelsea lead by just one point heading into the final day of the season. The Blues host Wigan, while United welcome Stoke City to Old Trafford.

It can’t have been easy for Sir Alex’s men to step onto the pitch in Sunderland after seeing Chelsea beat Liverpool at Anfield in the day’s early kick-off. But the Reds, boosted by the inclusion of Wayne Rooney from the opening whistle, began brightly.

Rooney, who had started only two of United’s last five fixtures, took just four minutes to make an impact, chesting down a cross from Dimitar Berbatov and volleying towards the far post. Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon was equal to the task and then grateful to his defenders for blocking Ryan Giggs’ follow-up.

At the other end, the home side threatened twice from set pieces: John Mensah headed wide from an early corner before captain Lorik Cana flicked a free-kick just over the bar. Mensah limped off after 18 minutes, though, as Black Cats boss and former United captain Steve Bruce was forced to reshuffle his defence.

The Reds almost reaped immediate rewards when Giggs clipped the corner of the crossbar after expertly making space for himself on the edge of the box. Gordon was well that occasion, just as he was on 28 minutes when Nani fired low and hard past the Scottish stopper to give United the lead.

The Portuguese, starting in his preferred position on the right wing, applied the finish with the outside of his boot, but he owed the goal to the invention of Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher, who all played one-touch passes in the build-up to bamboozle the Black Cats’ back four. The goal was Nani’s fourth in his last four starts and reaffirmed the belief that the Reds’ no.17 is currently enjoying the form of his life.

United continued to dominate without ever really testing the Sunderland defence, although both Evra and Berbatov missed half chances to extend the lead before the break. Evra was at the heart of the action again in first-half stoppage time when he headed a tame effort off the line, but it would have been harsh on United had Sunderland pulled level at that stage.

The scoreline would have better reflected United's dominance had Nani’s effort early in the second half found the net. Instead, Gordon stood up well to block from close range. Then Berbatov twice missed the target from close range (the first from barely a yard out) after clever play from Rooney on both occasions. United had made enough chances to have put the game to bed by this stage and Reds fans must have been wondering if their team would be made to pay for such wasteful finishing.

Sunderland, despite a lack of penetration in the final third, kept fighting and constantly made life difficult for Sir Alex’s midfielders. Lee Cattermole, on for David Meyler,was particularly physical and relished his battle with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher. Scholes, yet again, was United’s star performer. Tough in the tackle and always looking to take the ball in tight spaces, he set the tempo in midfield and passed the ball superbly all afternoon.

Sir Alex sent on Michael Carrick for Berbatov on 71 minutes to add stability in midfield but the change did little to take the sting out of United’s attacking intentions. Within a minute, Rooney sent a ferocious effort just wide of Gordon’s right-hand post after Fletcher’s initial shot had been blocked. Carrick then went close after Nani teed up the former Tottenham midfielder on the edge of the box. His low shot beat Gordon but not Michael Turner, who had stationed himself on the line after the goalkeeper had ventured out to attempt to win the ball.

Ex-Red Fraizer Campbell hooked the ball wide with eight minutes remaining to remind United of just how precarious a 1-0 lead can be, but it was the last time the home side even remotely threatened. In the end, Nani's goal was enough to clinch the points and keep Sir Alex's men in the hunt for a 19th league title. There was even time – barely – for Owen Hargreaves to return to first-team football after 19 months on the sidelines and give United fans another reason to smile on the way home to Manchester.

But will the Premier League trophy end up in M16 next weekend? Let's be honest: it would take a minor miracle – Wigan must earn at least a point at Stamford Bridge assuming United beat Stoke – but in this most unpredictable of seasons it would be foolish to give up hope just yet.

United can be champions

Quality, consistency and luck are all important if you want to win the league. But on Saturday at Old Trafford, United displayed two more title-winning attributes: bravery and know-how.

Patrice Evra showed bravery. It was clear he wasn’t feeling the best and it can’t be too pleasant emptying the contents of your stomach in front of 75,000 people. Lesser mortals would have gone off straight away. But the Frenchman found the determination to soldier on and set up United’s opening goal after he was fouled in the area by the hapless Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

There was bravery from Nani, too. If you're sent through on goal with nine minutes to play in a game where the stakes are so high, you've got to have some bottle to attempt a delicate dink of a finish. Just imagine what the reaction would have been had he made a mess of it. Now and then Nani drives us all mad but he's got that X factor and can produce the extraordinary as we saw against Bayern Munich.

On Saturday he also won the match-clinching penalty with a driving run into the box. To complete an eventful afternoon, the Portuguese winger "did an Evra" and threw up on the hallowed Old Trafford turf. I wonder what United groundsman Tony Sinclair makes of it all? I’m pretty sure stomach contents aren't the ideal fertiliser for his magnificently manicured surface.

So that’s bravery dealt with. United also exude know-how. Quite simply, they know how to win. When Ledley King headed home a Spurs equaliser, United didn't panic. In fact, the Reds remained remarkably calm. There was no lumping the ball forward in desperation, there was no headless-chicken-style football. United just continued to play, buoyed by the confidence that comes with winning countless games in the dying stages.

Ryan Giggs has done everything in football. But until Saturday, he’d never scored a league penalty. And yet you’d never have known that when the great man stepped up in front of the Stretford End. Did you think for a moment he was going to miss?

And so, against the odds, a fourth consecutive title is still very much a possibility. And what a delicious prospect: Liverpool could help us win a record breaking 19th title by beating Chelsea. That would surely be too good to be true!

Watch Denis Irwin’s verdict on the Spurs game when he joins Stewart for The Big Match on MUTV on Monday (17:30 BST).

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

United 3 Spurs 1

Ryan Giggs put United in front from the spot in the second half, but Tottenham equalised through Ledley King and arguably looked like being the team to win it. However, the victory was secured by some brilliance from Nani. The Portuguese winger scored with an audacious chipped finish with nine minutes left, before earning a second penalty for Giggs to convert to ensure a 3-1 win.

That there would be drama and frayed nerves should not have come as a surprise in a topsy-turvy season which took arguably its wildest twist last weekend.

United were seconds away from being out of the title race altogether at Eastlands when the derby was headed for a draw. In the third minute of injury time a Paul Scholes-of-old late dart into the box and header into the bottom corner clinched three points. That dramatic win was capped by Tottenham’s defeat of Chelsea later that day. Game on in the title race.

Tottenham posed a serious risk after their wins over the Blues and Arsenal. As difficult as this fixture already was, it was made more difficult when Wayne Rooney was ruled out with a groin problem. Sir Alex intimated on Friday that he had “one or two doubts”, but Rooney’s availability was only publicly brought to light when he was pictured watching the Under-18s at Carrington on Saturday morning.

His absence was confirmed when the teams were announced, so too was news that Rio Ferdinand was missing again. But Owen Hargreaves’ return on the bench, and the prospect of his first action in 19 months, came as a very welcome boost. The Reds lined up with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher in central midfield, Antonio Valencia and Nani on the flanks and Ryan Giggs operating just behind Dimitar Berbatov up front.

However, it was an uncharacteristically quiet start, Tottenham making much of the early running and controlling play. That was perhaps down to Spurs’ confidence, maybe the importance of getting a result weighed on the United players’ minds, or perhaps it was because of Rooney’s absence – noticeable in the stands as much as on the pitch – but something was needed to bring United out of their shell. The truth of it was that, by the midway point in the first half, neither side had had a shot on target.

United's best opening came after 29 minutes. Nani slipped a pass to Evra who crossed for Giggs, but the ball never reached the Welshman. Berbatov was quickest to react, but his goal-bound strike was blocked by King. Seconds later, Valencia raced clear on goal, shrugged off the attentions of Gareth Bale and forced an excellent low save from Heurelho Gomes, although Berbatov was screaming for a squared pass. Two minutes later Evra volleyed over from 12 yards; United’s tails were up – the men in red just needed to make it count.

Spurs, despite their early possession, were far from potent in the final third. Their best chance of the first half was a Bale free-kick, after Nani’s foul on David Bentley earned him a booking, but it didn’t trouble Edwin van der Sar. It was United who threatened to score more than the Lilywhites. Berbatov saw a volley five minutes before half time rise over the bar. The half which had started so timidly from the home side, ended far more positively – albeit without the goal United craved to settle everyone’s nerves.

The Reds were first out after the break and urged on by the Stretford End. From a short corner seven minutes in, Berbatov headed agonisingly wide – with Fletcher narrowly missing out on turning the ball over the line. Then Nani hit the side-netting after a neat turn and shot inside the area. United were in the ascendancy and the breakthrough finally came after 58 minutes. Berbatov did well to escape the attentions of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. He brilliantly backheeled the ball to Evra but the Spurs defender fouled the Frenchman and a penalty was correctly awarded. Without Rooney, Giggs took spot-kick duties and coolly slotted the ball past Gomes. It wasn’t without cost – Berbatov injured his groin in the build-up, Evra had already been sick on the pitch, and Valencia was forced off - replaced by Michael Carrick – after clashing with King. Most importantly, United were in front.

The Reds were hardly settling on the lead, but Tottenham hadn’t given up hope either. And their attitude was rewared on 70 minutes. From Bale’s corner, King rose above Carrick and headed into the far corner beyond Rafael on the post. With 20 minutes remaining, the question now was: what did United have left in the locker?

Sir Alex brought on Federico Macheda with ten minutes to go, hoping the Italian teenager could reprise his heroics of last season against Aston Villa. And while he didn’t provide the finish, Macheda’s neat ball set up Nani for the crucial second goal. It was Nani's finish that really caught the eye. His dinked finish over Gomes was sublime and worthy of winning any football match. It was similar to that of Lionel Messi against Arsenal in the Champions League, but arguably a more high-pressure situation with nine minutes left and United's season on the line.

United, and Nani, were not finished there. The Portuguese picked up the ball on the halfway line and charged at the Tottenham defence. After twisting Michael Dawson’s inside-out, he drew a foul from Wilson Palacios to earn a second penalty of the game. Giggs went to Gomes’ left this time, but his spot-kick was equally as unstoppable. The Stretford End bounced, singing ‘we shall not be moved’. United are back on top of the league. Chelsea - who take on Stoke on Sunday - the ball is in your court...

City 0 United 1

After a tense, tight derby encounter, the midfielder popped up in the final minute of added time to nod home Patrice Evra's superb cross and move the Reds to within a point of Chelsea, ahead of the league leaders' late-afternoon trip to Tottenham.

Amid the Reds' ongoing chase for a fourth straight title, the subplot of City's challenge for local and, ultimately, national supremacy had seemed set to hog the headlines. But Scholes had other ideas and just a day after penning a one-year contract extension, the 35-year-old illustrated his enduring value not only with his winner, but by dictating play in a masterful midfield performance.

Of United's three pre-match injury doubts, two recovered sufficiently to join the starting XI. Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs were both available, but Rio Ferdinand's groin injury prompted a return for Jonny Evans alongside Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence.

Both sides started the game with evident intent to attack. Darren Fletcher fired a 25-yard effort inches wide of Shay Given's post, with the Irishman well beaten, before Carlos Tevez's top corner free-kick drew a fine full-length catch from Edwin van der Sar.

Despite coming out of their corners swinging, both sides quickly displayed an awareness of the potential cost of failure. United bossed possession by virtue of an extra man in midfield, but refused to overcommit in support of Rooney, while City sat deep, costing themselves the chance to offer quick, accurate service to Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Scholes scuffed a shot wide from 25 yards, before a slip from Vincent Kompany allowed Rooney to race into the Blues' area. The Belgian's blushes were spared, however, when Kolo Toure blocked two attempted pull-backs from the striker. That characterised a first half largely comprised of chances snuffed out in their infancy. Giggs' in-swinging free-kick and Craig Bellamy's low ball across the six yard box both begged for conversion, but were instead left unfulfilled.

United spurned the two clearest openings of the half in its final five minutes. Both chances were created by the industry of Antonio Valencia, who held off Wayne Bridge to head across for Rooney, only for the striker to fire uncharacteristically off-target, before the Ecuadorian's low cross was stabbed straight at Given by Giggs.

Level, but having been comfortably outplayed, City began the second half with greater purpose. Kompany and Adam Johnson both picked up yellow cards in quick succession, before a counter-attack from the home side was wasted by Bellamy, who blazed wide instead of squaring for Tevez.

Despite that scare United were still bossing matters, and the Reds' need for victory was layed bare when Nani replaced Gibson. Roberto Mancini responded conversely, sending on midfielder Patrick Vieira for winger Johnson. The two substitutes were soon involved. A patient United move culminated in Giggs sliding an enticing ball into the area, which Nani slid wide under heavy pressure from Vieira. As the game entered its final 20 minutes, both teams began to open up.

Gareth Barry, largely anonymous in the midfield battle, had a glorious chance after latching onto Adebayor's neat through-ball, but the England midfielder opted to cut inside and tumble under Neville's attentions rather than pull the trigger. No penalty met his half-hearted appeal, and as play continued he was indebted to Given's
close-range save from an attempted lob by Giggs.

Dimitar Berbatov replaced Rooney, who looked short of full fitness, while Valencia made way for Gabriel Obertan as United continued to press. The Bulgarian's first contribution was almost a telling one, as his glancing header from a Nani cross sneaked just past Given's post.

At the other end, Vidic produced two brilliant interceptions in quick succession to keep City at bay, first flicking a cross away from the lurking Nedum Onuoha, then toe-poking away the danger in an almighty goalmouth scramble.

United's menace continued to linger, though. Agony was etched across Giggs' face when he just failed to reach Nani's cross in the final minute of normal time, but those emotions flipped entirely just as time seemed to be up.

Evra led one final foray down the left flank, exchanged passes with Obertan and floated a superb cross into the centre of the City area. There, onrushing in trademark fashion, was Scholes to execute a perfect header which nestled just inside Given's post.

The goal prompted near-feral scenes of delight among players, staff and supporters of a Red persuasion. The saying goes that lightning never strikes twice. How about thrice? Just as the Blues had seemed set to curtail the Reds' hunt for history, United struck a winner in injury-time for the third of four meetings this season. For now at least, Manchester resounds to status quo, rather than new order.

The bigger picture for United is one of silverware. There must be favours from other clubs in order for history to be re-written, but if the champions are to be dethroned, it won't be without a fight.

United 3 Bayern Munich 2

Darron Gibson's early strike and a brace from Nani put United 3-0 up on the night after 41 minutes, only for Ivica Olic to quickly reduce the arrears before Arjen Robben hit a superb – and pivotal – second away goal for the Germans 16 minutes from time.

United, who had Rafael sent off for two bookings five minutes into the second half, were seemingly home and hosed after a breakneck start to the evening, but Bayern's 2-1 first leg victory in the Allianz Arena laid the foundations for an unlikely turnaround.

The harsh denouement to the evening was a far cry from the rousing manner with which United had started the game. For all the pre-match tub-thumping about raising the Old Trafford roof and providing a soundtrack to inspire Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, far more inspirational was the shock inclusion of Wayne Rooney.

Eight days of hysterical speculation could finally die down, as the team sheets confirmed pre-match whispers that United’s talisman would play a part after his battle with ankle ligament damage. Alongside him, Rafael and Darron Gibson replaced Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, while John O’Shea made a welcome return to the bench after his long battle with a complicated leg injury.

Bayern could also count on reinforcements, as Robben won his own high-profile race against time and Bastian Schweinsteiger returned from suspension. To accommodate them, Hamit Altintop and Danijel Pranjic dropped to the bench.

Predictably, given the late personnel boon, Old Trafford was abuzz prior to the first whistle. Less than three minutes in, the Theatre of Dreams was a citadel of sound. Rafael superbly rolled off the attentions of Frank Ribery and curled a pass infield to Rooney. He instantly laid off to Gibson and sped towards goal, expecting a return pass. Instead, the young midfielder advanced and powered a low 25-yard shot inside Hans-Jorg Butt’s near post.

The home support erupted, and wild scenes of celebration were replicated in evermore feral fashion just four minutes later as the Reds’ lead was doubled. Again Rooney was involved, spreading a glorious pass wide to Valencia, and the Ecuadorian teased Bayern right-back Holger Badstuber, twice shimmying to cross before firing in a flat delivery which Nani impishly backheeled just inside Butt’s right-hand post.

Eight days earlier, Bayern had recovered from an early concession to overcome United in the Allianz Arena. Two down inside seven minutes and completely under the cosh, the odds were stacked against Louis van Gaal’s side. Not that they were helping themselves. Butt was extremely fortunate that his shanked clearance was not punished by Michael Carrick, who had to fashion space before shooting just off target with his left foot.

United’s dominance was near absolute. The sterling work of Patrice Evra and Rafael – who was booked for an
altercation with Mark van Bommel – was negating the attempts of Franck Ribery and Robben to influence proceedings.

The foundations for Bayern’s first-leg victory had been laid in winning the central midfield battle, but Carrick, Gibson and the omnipresent Darren Fletcher ensured there would be no repeat in the opening stages of the second leg. Gibson drilled a 30-yard rasper just over the bar before feeding Rafael, who could only fire past the far post after running virtually half the field in possession of the ball.

With six minutes of the half remaining, both sides exchanged a flurry of blows. Edwin van der Sar made a superb sprawling save from Olic, and two minutes later Nani grabbed his second goal of the evening to seemingly put United out of sight. Rafael’s quick throw released Valencia, who bypassed Martin Demichelis before pulling the ball back across the area. The ball was out of Rooney’s reach, but arrived perfectly for Nani to steer an unerring finish which brushed the crossbar en route into the roof of the net.

With only four minutes until the interval, United appeared to have put the tie out of Bayern’s reach. Not so. Almost immediately, Thomas Muller headed on for Olic, who held off the attentions of Carrick before firing inside van der Sar’s far post.

In first-half stoppage time, the Dutchman had to make a stunning one-handed stop to keep out compatriot Robben’s curling effort as Bayern finished in the ascendancy, before referee Nicola Rizzoli brought a breathtaking first period to a close.

United’s dominance had been almost total, but given Bayern's first-leg lead, one defensive mix-up had suddenly placed the tie back astride a knife edge.

To further complicate matters, United were reduced to 10 men within five minutes of the second half commencing as Rafael received a second caution for tugging Ribery’s shirt as the Frenchman threatened to break. United had overcome adversity once in overturning Bayern’s lead. Now, a man down and just a goal away from exiting the competition, it would have to happen again.

The early omens were good. Darren Fletcher’s free kick prompted confusion in the Bayern box, and Butt had to flick Nani’s superbly-measured volley over the crossbar as a result. From the resulting corner, Fletcher curled a yard wide of the far post. Between those two chances, John O’Shea replaced Rooney, who had been visibly struggling since taking two heavy hits on his right ankle midway through the first half.

Inevitably, Bayern's pressure grew. Van der Sar needed to be alert to punch away a volley from Ribery, and the Bundesliga leaders had United encamped in front of the Scoreboard End. Just after the hour, however, Evra's fine run and pass released Nani, deployed as the new lone striker who was only denied a hat-trick by the reflexes of Butt. Carrick fired over from a clever corner by the Portuguese as the Reds continued to search for an unlikely killer goal, but defending in numbers was the new gameplan.

Substitute Mario Gomez glanced Philipp Lahm's cross onto the top of the crossbar and Schweinsteiger's low drive tested van der Sar's handling, before Robben struck a hammer blow on 73 minutes, superbly volleying Ribery's corner through a crowd of players and inside van der Sar's far post.

Although Dimitar Berbatov and Ryan Giggs were thrown into the fray, Bayern gradually constricted the life out of United with a masterclass in keep-ball. Ribery almost fired in an equaliser late on, but second-leg victory – however hollow – was the least United deserved for an heroic, sweat-soaked show of defiance.

Bayern Munich 2 United 1

The Reds looked all set to come home with a decent score draw but that all changed when, two minutes into injury time, Bayern striker Ivica Olic swept past a couple of defenders and finally beat the man who'd been a big obstacle all night, Edwin van der Sar.

United had led for the majority of the match, from Wayne Rooney's lightning strike in the second minute until Franck Ribery's free-kick equaliser in the 77th. But the home side were the better side on the night and will come to Old Trafford full of confidence.

The Reds' first attack produced the coveted away goal. Only fifteen seconds in, Nani was brought down by the masked Martin Demichelis close to the corner flag. The Argentine assailant was then found wanting as the winger’s free-kick, via a large deflection off Markus van Bommel, dropped into the six-yard box where Rooney volleyed triumphantly into the roof of the net.

It was a dream start for the Reds and it threatened to get even better as Sir Alex’s superior midfield unit sliced through the Bayern rearguard and presented Nani with an opportunity of his own. Unfortunately, he scuffed wide of the near post but the opening was encouraging, as was his right-wing cross that skimmed off the bar.

With the injured Arjen Robben forced to watch from the stands, Bayern were pinning their hopes on Franck Ribery. There were several flashes of danger fromthe French international inside the first half-hour - a low drive well held by van der Sar, a majestic ball through the heart of United’s defence that Hamit Altintop couldn’t kill, and a searing run down the left flank past Gary Neville. On the last attack, Ribery’s cross was punched only half-clear by van der Sar and when Altintop bounced the ball back into the middle, Olic should have done better than divert it wide.

Bayern stayed on the boil to force another van der Sar save through Danijel Pranjic’s long-range effort. But the closest this absorbing first half came to producing a second goal was when Fletcher floated a superb cross in from the left to Rooney, who pulled the ball down but fired too close to Butt, enabling the keeper to block his shot. It was a big chance – the sort you can rue if the opposition comes back to bite you.

Ribery and Bayern came flying out of the traps and won two corners within two minutes of the restart, when van der Sar thwarted Olic’s effort from a tight angle and Daniel Van Buyten’s shot was diverted wide. The United keeper had to make three further saves before the hour mark, to keep out two shots from Thomas Muller – one wickedly deflected off Vidic’s inside leg – and a stringing strike from Altintop after he wriggled past a couple of defenders.

Silenced early on by Rooney’s lightning strike, the Bayern supporters were beginning to find their voices with the game, if not the score, in the grip of their improving team. But for all their possession, the best they could throw at United was long-range shots – like the Pranjic effort which the slidingScholes diverted onto the roof of the net.

Sir Alex shuffled his attacking pack for the last 20 minutes, sending on Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia for Ji-sung Park and Michael Carrick. But the next opportunity again fell to Bayern as Muller backheeled inside the box to Olic and van der Sar tipped the Croatian’s shot around the post. The Dutchman was also called into action at the corner, pushing it away to give United some respite.

Louis Van Gaal’s first change was well received by the home crowd, Germany striker Mario Gomez making his return from injury as a substitute for Muller. But a greater roar would follow moments later when Bayern’s pressure finally paid off.

Neville’s handling of the ball just outside the box received double punishment - a yellow card and then the equaliser as Ribery’s free-kick clipped off the defensive wall to leave van der sar stranded. So unlucky for United, 13 minutes from time.

Sir Alex responded by sending on Ryan Giggs and there was almost an instant dividend as Nemanja Vidic powered a header against the crossbar from the Welshman’s first corner. At the other end, van der Sar made his best save in injury time, tipping away a Gomes shot. But Bayern were not finished and when Olic broke into the box, he fired home clinically. A horrible end for the Reds was compounded by Rooney limping off with an injury - here's to a quick recovery as United bid to turn this difficult tie around.

Bolton 0 Manchester United 4

After a Jloyd Samuel own goal gifted the Reds a half-time lead, Dimitar Berbatov made certain of three big points with his first league brace for United. Darron Gibson then added a late fourth goal after coming on as a substitute.

The margin of victory was no more than the champions deserved, having dictated proceedings with the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs pulling the strings and Nani and Antonio Valencia stretching the play on the opposite flanks.

Darren Fletcher was also heavily involved, almost creating the opener with a similar cross to his assist against Liverpool – only this time it yielded not a header from Park, but a wonderful volley by Berbatov, well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen. Fletcher laid the ball off to Jonny Evans when the ensuing corner wasn’t cleared but the Irishman, in for Rio Ferdinand, couldn’t keep his shot down and Bolton breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the best chance of the first half-hour was for the home side, when Jack Wilshere – on loan from Arsenal – played Elmander into the left-hand channel. The big Swede looked odds-on to score but his powerful shot was beaten away by the strong hand of Edwin van der Sar.

Ryan Giggs was revelling in his first start since mid-February and he was unlucky not to hit the target after teeinghimself up with an exquisite first touch at the edge of the area. The misfortune was all Bolton’s, though, when Berbatov won a header, Nani hooked the ball on and Giggs delivered a left-wing cross that Jloyd Samuel comically sidefooted into his own net. Fletcher and Valencia were sniffing around but there could be no excuses for the ex-Villa defender – this was a howler of the highest order.

Also from the top drawer was the next save from van der Sar; the Dutchman flew to his right and flicked away Fabrice Muamba’s tremendous rising shot. A world-class stop, it denied what would have been an instant leveller from Owen Coyle’s men.

If the defence were indebted to van der Sar, the reverse was true when the Dutchman was slow in coming back onto the field following the award of a Bolton corner. He wasn’t in position for the set piece but the Reds closed ranks to prevent an embarrassing equaliser.

Sir Alex was irate at referee Martin Atkinson as the teams left the field at the interval, apparently after an unpunished aerial challenge by Ricketts left Nani clutching his face.

The Reds started the second half strongly and might have swiftly doubled the lead had Berbatov not slipped inside the area after some neat play by Scholes. The Bulgarian stayed on his feet to set up Fletcher with a one-two; the Scot’s shot went inches wide.

The battles in the skies continued, and Bolton had a man off the field for treatment – Elmander injured in a clashwith Vidic – when United moved further in front. Giggs was again involved in the goal, by threading a pass through to Fletcher. The latter unleashed not the fiercest of shots, but all Jaaskelainen could do was deflect the ball into Berbatov’s path and give the Bulgarian the simplest of tap-ins.

Two-nil - home and hosed? If not then, United certainly were nine minutes later when Nani tormented Ricketts with some lovely footwork on the left flank and pulled the ball back for Berbatov to stab in his second and the Reds’ third strike.

“United, top of the league,” chorused the vocal away fans, even before the flourish of a fourth goal. The creator was the same, Nani bewitching Ricketts once more before squaring it for Darron Gibson to crash a shot in off the keeper’s hands and the crossbar. The scorer had been on the pitch for less than two minutes as a substitute.

The Reds had answered Sir Alex’s call for goals, but more importantly regained top spot from rampant Chelsea, ahead of next Saturday’s showdown at Old Trafford. Bring it on.

Betting: Liverpool

Odds stated are correct at time of writing. For the very latest prices, see Betfair's website at manutd.com/bet.

First, some facts. United have lost the last three matches against Liverpool, including a horrific 4-1 mauling at OT 12 months ago.

But there are other facts, too. Sir Alex's men are top of the league, four places above Liverpool and favourites at 2.66 (13/8) to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.

The Reds' boss will use United’s poor recent record against their fierce rivals to motivate his men but, as a childhood Evertonian, Wayne Rooney won't need any more encouragement to get at Liverpool’s shaky defence and add to his 32-goal tally. Sir Alex always says the way to beat Liverpool is to score first, so back United to win the match at 1.73 (8/11) and Rooney to open the scoring.

There have been five red cards on the last four occasions the sides have met. Incredibly, three of those have gone to Nemanja Vidic. It might be fiery on Sunday, so back the sending off at around 3.5 (5/2). We also think United will keep a clean sheet.

Almost two years ago to the day, United won this fixture 3-0. It’s just a hunch but we fancy we could get an identical result on Sunday so we’ll back 3-0 in the Correct Score market at 18.0 (17/1). As a saver bet you might like to take odds of 1.89 (10/11) on Under 2.5 goals but do remember that only two of United’s last 10 games has failed to produce three goals or more.

Much has been made of the Reds' tough run-in – with Chelsea still to come on April 4 – but a United win on Sunday would send a clear signal that Sir Alex's men are on their way to a 19th Premier League title. Those odds of 2.66 (13/8) will only narrow so get on while you can.

Manu Utd 4-0 Ac Milan

Big win.I'm very proud of Manu Utd because they have wins against Ac Milan 4-0.Suprising win.Rooney(2),Fletcher and Park.Amazing scored.Manu Utd believe Park is the key to defeat Ac Milan.

Dinner With Eric

Reds' legend Eric Cantona will be reunited with Sir Alex Ferguson and a host of his former team-mates next month at the Football Extravaganza dinner in London and two lucky Reds will be there too.

The Frenchman will be the recipient of the ‘Legend of Football’ award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the beautiful game, the highlight of which was his four-and-a-half-year stay at Old Trafford. Sir Alex will be on hand to present the accolade to the former Red-turned actor, while a number of other United legends and well-known football faces will be in attendance at the dinner at London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel on 12 April.

Since its inaugural event in 1996, the Football Extravaganza, which is hosted by Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, has honoured a number of the game’s greats, including Sir Alex, Denis Law and Teddy Sheringham.

Over the past 14 years, the dinner has raised almost £4million for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins which specialises in transforming the lives of children and adults constrained by illness, disability, trauma or isolation, through the power of music. As well as the main presentation to Eric, there will also be music and entertainment and a charity auction featuring some unique United-themed items.

To be in with a chance of winning two VIP tickets to join Eric and co. for a great evening’s entertainment enter our exclusive competition (terms and conditions apply). A limited number of tickets are still available to buy, costing £3,500 per table of ten or £350 per individual place. To purchase tickets, please email Rae Peal at Enquiries@TheFE.co.uk

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Up Up and Away !

AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United.Manu has a small win but it is enough to happy the team.Fantastic win.At minutes 3 Ronaldinho shock MANUTD with a great goal.Then after about 20 minutes MANUTD was draw to AC MILAN after PAUL SCHOLES scored.Then,MANUTD got a goal from WAYNE ROONEY.Rooney scored at minutes 66 and 74.MANUTD think that AC MILAN cannot scored anymore.But at minutes 85 MANUTD again shock after SEEDORF scored the second goal for AC MILAN.

Draw Against Aston Villa

Again missed to the top of the table.If MANU wins with ASTON VILLA , MANU will go to the top of the table.It was a dissapointed match.It is so great match but MANU still can't win.

Gedeboom !

MANU wins again!This time MANU wins 5-0 against PORTSMOUTH.Then,MANU just easily go to the top of the table.The scorer are WAYNE ROONEY(40) our heros score the first goal,followed by o.g from VANDEN BORRER(45o.g),HUGHES(58o.g),Dimitar Berbatov(61) and WILSON(69o.g).After this MANU will face ASTON VILLA.I hope MANU win the game.

Repeated Our Winning!

I never thught that MANU will win to ARSENAL again.But MANU win 3-1.Great game,great winning.Almunia has scored own goal.than after 4 minutes ARSENAL became pressure when WAYNE ROONEY score another goal.Then,MANU scored again.This time,Park Ji-Sung scored it.For MANU it is not a easy game.

Going To Final (Carling Cup)

MANU on the way to Final for Carling Cup after beat MANC 3-1.
MANU will fight ASTON VILLA in the final.
MANU was dissapointed after MANC scored one from CARLOS TEVEZ.
Then MANU score.Thank You very much PAUL SCHOLES.
In extra time MANU do a goal.It is from WAYNE ROONEY and MICHEAL CARRICK.

Big Win For MANU

MANU win 4-0 against HULL CITY.
Very interesting games to see.
Then WAYNE ROONEY(STRIKER) scored four goal.
It was so amazing.
Then 3 minutes Rooney can score 2 goal.
After this MANU will fight with PORTSMOUTH.

MANU didin't go to FINAL

after lose to MANC,MANU didn't go to final
so dissapointed
they can win without EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
it was very amazing
but,MANU still HAVE a game
after this in MARCH
MANU will fight with AC MILAN
AC MILAN(UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE) have DAVID BECKHAM
I hope to MANU to win this cup

Carling Cup semi-final 2nd Leg

Please note that the Carling Cup semi final second leg match versus Manchester City (scheduled for Tuesday 19 January 2010 at Old Trafford) has been postponed. This match will now be played on Wednesday 27 January 2010, kick-off 20:00 GMT.

Any tickets held for the original match date will remain valid. If you are unable to attend the game due to the re arranged date please return your tickets to Ticketing & Membership Services, please note all returned tickets need to arrive at Ticketing & Membership Services at least 48 hours before the game.

One United Members can purchase tickets online or by calling 0161 868 8000. Ballot results can be obtained by calling 0161 868 8000.

Non-members can call 0161 868 8000 to speak to a customer service advisor about purchasing a ticket or visit ManUtd.com/oneunited to purchase a One United Membership and become an official member with the club.

Hospitality is also available with prices starting from just £119 + VAT. Call 0161 868 8000 for more information.

The deadline for Season Ticket holders to opt-out of purchasing a ticket has now passed. Season Ticket holders choosing not to 'opt-out' are advised to monitor their bank account to ensure that payment(s) was processed and access cards credited correctly.

Due to the visiting team's ticket requirements, all Season Ticket holders seated in East Stand Tier 2 who haven't opted out of the Carling Cup will be automatically relocated for this fixture and will receive paper tickets.

Manchester United Fan's