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United were unable to secure the perfect send-off to Japan for the Club World Cup after being held to a goalless draw by Spurs at a soggy White Hart Lane.

The champions were strangely out-of-sorts for much of the game and were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession in a scrappy first half.

The game improved as a spectacle as the game wore on but the Reds found Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes in inspired form and missed out on the chance to close the gap on Liverpool at the top.

United would have been spurred on before kick-off by news of the leaders’ home draw with Hull, and a stronger-than-anticipated line-up took to the field at White Hart Lane.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match injury fears did not materialise as Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov all started, the latter two against their former club.

Berbatov was booed by the home fans every time he touched the ball and struggled to impose himself on the game, although his link-up play often threatened to open Spurs up.

Ji-sung Park, making his 100th United appearance, had an early shot which took a deflection and looped just over his former PSV team-mate Gomes’ bar.

David Bentley then tried his luck with a left-footed volley from 25 yards, but Edwin van der Sar was alert to parry the effort.

But the home side’s depleted defence contained United well for the majority of the first half. On a lush playing surface the champions sprayed the ball around but failed to break down Spurs' cagey 4-5-1 formation and seriously test Gomes.

Indeed, it was Spurs who had the best chance on the half-hour mark as Aaron Lennon darted infield and his shot from 18 yards forced van der Sar into a superb save low down to his right.

Carlos Tevez looked determined to take advantage of a starting berth in place of the suspended Wayne Rooney, and one scampering run down the left saw the striker beat three men before firing narrowly over from an acute angle.

Seven minutes before the break Luka Modric escaped Ferdinand in the box but headed Didier Zokora’s cross wide when well placed.

At the other end neat interplay involving Tevez and Ronaldo opened Spurs up, but Gomes did well to cut out the latter’s cross from the left of the box.

Berbatov exploded into life in one second-half moment as he evaded his marker in the centre circle, charged down on goal, only to be denied by a last-ditch Michael Dawson tackle.

Ronaldo blasted the ball home from Park’s resultant corner but referee Mike Dean ruled the winger had initially controlled the ball with his hand. On this occasion it was definitely accidental.

at Gomes.

Rafael picked up United’s first booking for bringing down Lennon and, from the free-kick, van der Sar was forced to scramble across goal to tip over Bentley’s effort.

Ferguson, back on the touchline following his two-game ban, made a double substitution with 20 minutes left in a bid to inject life into a game that was ebbing away. Off came Tevez and Darren Fletcher, to be replaced by veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

The move almost paid instant dividends as Nemanja Vidic got a firm header to Giggs’ whipped-in cross from the left, but Gomes held on well.

With 15 minutes left Ferdinand had a great chance to break the deadlock but headed Giggs’ cross inches over at the near post. Gomes was again called upon to tip over Park’s stinging drive as United strove for a late winner.

But the Reds were almost punished in the dying minutes as Modric drove forward and his deflected shot landed on the roof of the net, with van der Sar beaten.

The game’s final chance fell to Giggs, whose curled free-kick looked destined for the top corner but was tipped over superbly by Gomes.

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Manchester United became kings of Europe for the third time on a night of high drama and emotion in Moscow as they beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

United celebrate with penalty hero goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was the hero with a penalty save to deny Nicolas Anelka after Chelsea captain John Terry had missed the chance to win the Blues the trophy by firing his own spot-kick hit the post.

The dramatic shootout looked to be going Chelsea's way after Petr Cech saved Cristiano Ronaldo's effort but Terry's miss opened the door for Sir Alex Ferguson to clinch his second Champions League crown.

As the celebrations began, you could have expected the ghosts of such giants as Duncan Edwards and George Best to be dancing with delight at the outcome.

It is 40 years since United first won the trophy with a team rebuilt by Sir Matt Busby from the survivors of that Munich disaster. Eight players lost their lives following the catastrophic events on a snow-filled German runway in February 1958.

It was fitting that United became the first English club to win the trophy 10 years later and even more apt that, half a century on, Ferguson's men had again taken on Europe's finest and beaten them all.

Their achievement was made even more poignant by Munich survivors Harry Gregg, Albert Scanlon, Kenny Morgans, Bill Foulkes and Sir Bobby Charlton, now a club director, who watched the drama unfold from the stands.

But modern-day football has its own heroes and the likes of Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and the unstoppable Ronaldo now trip off the tongue in the same way Best and Charlton once did.

Yet, the opening 25 minutes of the first all-English final barely lived up to its hysterical pre-match hype.

However, all that changed from the moment Ronaldo headed United in front with his 42nd goal of a memorable season.

Paul Scholes, who missed United's last triumph through suspension in 1999, played a delightful interchange of passes with Wes Brown on the right flank.

His final return pass put Brown in the clear and the full-back's left-foot cross found the waiting Ronaldo in space at the far post.

The Portugal international planted a firm header into the corner of the net past a static Cech to give United first blood.

Chelsea's somewhat muted response almost brought them an equaliser in the 33rd minute when Lampard's cross was headed back into the six-yard box by Didier Drogba.

United's Rio Ferdinand, under pressure from Michael Ballack, was forced to head the ball towards his own goal and only a superb save from Van der Sar prevented a Chelsea equaliser.

But it required a sensational double save from Cech to deny United their second moments later.

Wayne Rooney delivered an inch-perfect 40-yard crossfield ball into the path of the ever-dangerous Ronaldo and the United goalscorer placed his cross on the head of the diving Tevez only for Cech to deny him.

Chelsea's failure to clear the loose ball gave Michael Carrick the chance to reward their superb approach work but again Cech was equal to the task with another fine save.

The Blues began to grow in confidence as the first half approached its climax and in the 45th minute, they took advantage of a massive slice of luck to level the score.

Michael Essien's attempted shot from 25-yards took two deflections on its way towards goal but the most telling was off the back of United captain Ferdinand.

It changed the direction of the ball into the path of Lampard, who duly supplied the finish from six yards.

Chelsea, buoyed by their flourish at the end of the first half, almost took the lead in the 54th minute.

Essien managed to get clear of the United defence but his attempted curler from the edge of the penalty area was far too high.

It was all Chelsea now but they could not force a second goal. Drogba sent a header a wide from Lampard's corner and Ballack was just off target with a 25-yard drive.

In the 77th minute, United had the woodwork to thank when Drogba sent a 20-yard shot against Van der Sar's left-hand upright. The Ivorian went close again four minutes from time when he just failed to convert Joe Cole's low cross.

Ryan Giggs was introduced in place of Scholes seconds later for the Welshman to make a record 759th appearance for the Red Devils.

The game went into extra-time, and within three minutes of the restart, the woodwork came to United's rescue again. This time it was Lampard who sent his shot crashing against the crossbar as United continued to ride their luck.

But Chelsea were almost made to pay dearly eight minutes later when Terry cleared a goalbound effort from Giggs off his own line.

Drogba was then sensationally sent off for slapping Nemanja Vidic as tempers flared on both sides.

But the lottery of penalties ensured that United clinched the trophy.

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Record-holder Ryan Giggs marked a lifetime's loyalty with the best present possible as he delivered another Premier League title to Manchester United as they beat Wigan 2-0.

United were in front but needing calming despite Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half penalty when Giggs kept his nerve to coolly slot home Wayne Rooney's through ball.

A quarter of an hour earlier, Giggs' had been introduced for his 758th United appearance, equalling a milestone left by Sir Bobby Charlton that will surely be eclipsed in Moscow on May 21.

But all Giggs will care about is adding to a medal collection that continues to expand, containing all 10 championships won under Sir Alex Ferguson, part of an overall United haul of 17, one adrift of Liverpool, who Ferguson has vowed to overtake.

Few would begrudge the Red Devils their latest success, even if the free-flowing attack that has propelled them to glory by two points over Chelsea - who drew 1-1 with Bolton - was strangely muted.

Certainly anyone still daring to suggest Steve Bruce was happy enough to do his old club a favour clearly was not inside a stadium where, contrary to stated wisdom, the vast majority wanted a home win.

And how Wigan did their supporters proud as they controlled possession for long periods and enjoyed the majority of chances.

Emile Heskey was a particular thorn in the side of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and, with Antonio Valencia providing flashes of inspiration from the flanks, United were wobbling.

Had Chelsea known the strife their rivals were in and taken advantage in those tense early minutes, United may have toppled.

Instead, Michael Brown, Jason Koumas and Marcus Bent all failed to convert half chances and Chelsea, with longer-term problems concerning John Terry to deal with, could not seize the early initiative.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Ronaldo had been a subdued force until his moment of destiny arrived and allowed him to equal Alan Shearer's Premier League best haul of 31.

The Portugal winger is still to produce the one stand-out performance on a day of high importance that will silence his remaining critics.

But, with the pressure starting to increase, Ronaldo was the coolest man in the stadium, sending Chris Kirkland the wrong way after Boyce had clipped Wayne Rooney.

As Sir Alex Ferguson had listed Rooney as no better than having the chance of a place on the bench 48 hours earlier, the striker's presence in United's starting line-up was a major surprise.

Like Ronaldo, Rooney toiled for long periods without having an impact but as Paul Scharner let the ball slide under his foot, Ferguson's decision to select the England man was fully justified as he was onto it in a flash.

A posse of Wigan players, Boyce among them, surrounded referee Steve Bennett to complain, although in truth they had a more plausible argument when Paul Scholes barged Wilson Palacios over by the touchline a couple of minutes later.

As the tenacious midfielder had already been booked for a foul on the same man, Bennett would have been fully justified in giving the afternoon a dramatic twist by pulling out a red card.

Instead, the official, harangued by Ferguson for dismissing Ronaldo at Portsmouth earlier in the season, opted to issue a final warning, which merely reinforced the belief that United would be champions.

United certainly began the second-half as if they believed it.

Kirkland denied a thunderous Ronaldo free-kick and goalbound efforts from Rooney and Carlos Tevez.

It formed past of a frenzied period which should have seen United awarded a penalty for Titus Bramble's ill-advised lunge on Scholes and Rooney booked as he launched a volley of abuse at Bennett for a free-kick awarded against him.

At least for the sake of United's nerves, the action was taking place around the Wigan goal but by the time Giggs was introduced, the Latics had revived and Emile Heskey planted a header on the roof of the visitors' net from Koumas' free-kick.

But United were not to be denied and 10 minutes from time, Rooney provided the killer pass for Giggs to wrap up yet another title and allow minds to wander towards the Luzhniki Stadium in 10 days' time when they intend to leave Chelsea heartbroken once more.

Ten-man Manchester United powered towards the Premier League title with a clinical 4-1 destruction of West Ham at Old Trafford.

Victory at Wigan next Sunday will confirm Sir Alex Ferguson's men as champions, but the coronation may come even earlier as Chelsea now need to get something - and almost certainly win - at Newcastle to fight on until the final day.

Not even the first-half dismissal of Nani could shake United from their stride as Cristiano Ronaldo's double took his tally for the campaign to 40 and was quickly followed by a Carlos Tevez thunderbolt.

Michael Carrick wrapped up victory after the interval to keep United on course for the double and place all the pressure on Champions League final opponents Chelsea, who are now three points adrift, with a far worse goal difference and two matches to do something about it.

A veteran of nine successful title quests - and a few failures as well - Ferguson would have known what benefit an early goal would bring.

After seeing his team reach the Champions League final on Tuesday, then cheer his beloved Rangers into the UEFA Cup final two days later, Ferguson might have wondered if enough wishes had been granted for one week. Yet, within three minutes the Red Devils were ahead.

The familiar frame of Ronaldo would have been capable of causing some damage anyway as he collected Nani's flick, but Lucas Neill's ill-timed slip merely allowed the double Footballer of the Year to charge into the box and unleash a shot which flicked off George McCartney and flew in.

There was no sense of nerves around the ground, but any remaining apprehension was dispelled as United assumed total control and 20 minutes later they had a second.

In amassing 40 goals this season Ronaldo has scored some amazing efforts. His latest was not among them as Owen Hargreaves swung a left-footed cross to the far post which the entire Hammers defence failed to cut out.

It still needed scoring, though, and a quick swivel of the hips ensured the ball bounced past Robert Green.

Ronaldo has not been overshadowed very often this season, but Tevez did exactly that as he picked up his young team-mate's lay-off, then blasted a 30-yard rocket into the roof of Green's net, the West Ham goalkeeper powerless to resist.

On this ground last season, the Hammers fans hailed Tevez a hero and they still revere the Argentinian now for keeping them up.

Yet instead of applause, the visiting contingent could only wonder what fate lay ahead as their team threatened to be submerged, even against a side lacking Wayne Rooney, whose hip problem has been reported in some quarters as a far more worrying hernia complaint.

The Hammers need not have worried, for, after Dean Ashton's smart overhead kick completed a remarkable spell of three goals in six minutes, Nani lost his head.

Neill hardly reacted in the most calm manner after Nani had tried and failed to connect with an ambitious overhead kick, but the Portugal winger had no excuse for responding the way he did by butting Neill and dismissal was automatic.

The red card threw unnecessary doubt over United's charge towards the title, although they received assistance from West Ham's woeful attempt to make the extra man count.

It was not lack of desire which kept them from toppling their hosts, who Hammers boss Alan Curbishley feels deserve to win the title, more a lack of ability.

Carrick was offered more room to run into than he could believe before firing home his second goal of the campaign, with Neill again providing the accidental deflection.

The unconnected arrival of Ryan Giggs and departure of Ronaldo were significant in that it took the Welshman to within one game of equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's revised appearance record of 758.

It also suggested some element of doubt over Rooney returning, as it offered United's major attacking force a rest, even though he remained on a hat-trick and apparently full of energy.

Ronaldo's replacement, Darren Fletcher, struck a post with his precise shot, although by then it hardly mattered.

United thanked their supporters for a season of effort with a lap of the pitch at the end. In eight days' time they could be celebrating for real.

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Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put Manchester United firmly in the driving seat going into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Roma.

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Ronaldo connects with the header to score.

Ronaldo made the breakthrough with his 36th goal of the campaign to leave the Italians stunned.

Then to heap more misery on the Italian title-chasers Wayne Rooney extended United's lead in the second half after a defensive mix-up in the six-yard box.

It was a marvellous show of composure from United, who went into the match on the back of six straight Barclays Premier League wins.

Given they had taken four points off Roma in the group stages this season, it was little surprise they approached this match with confidence.

And although the Italians had a lot of possession in the first half they found their opponents hard to break down.

Park Ji-Sung's inclusion in the United side was a surprise and he got into a good position after 12 minutes only for Christian Panucci to take the ball off his toes as he shaped to shoot.

Roma hit back and Mirko Vucinic should have tried his luck on goal but opted instead to pass to Alberto Aquilani and the move broke down.

This was a good spell for the home side and Mancini saw his effort deflected to safety by Vidic. Then Panucci headed over the top from Rodrigo Taddei's corner.

Play broke down the other end and Rooney released Anderson but the Brazilian, who has yet to score for the club, blazed a shot over the top.

Ronaldo tried his luck with a free-kick from all of 30 yards only to see his effort go wide of the post in the 22nd minute.

Roma carved out a good chance in the 28th minute when Vucinic escaped his marker and cut inside, only to rattle a shot over the top.

Vidic then needed treatment after landing badly following an aerial challenge with Vucinic.

The Serbian seemed to have twisted his knee and was forced to come off.

He was replaced by John O'Shea, who partnered Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Ronaldo was anxious to improve on his 35-goal tally but not surprisingly was finding himself closely marked.

However, he broke free of his shackles in the 39th minute to make the breakthrough.

Rooney released Scholes on the right and he delivered a delicate chip into the area.

Ronaldo ran from deep and headed the ball beyond Brazilian goalkeeper Doni for a brilliant solo effort.

The Portugal winger was left dazed in the incident but recovered quickly to United's relief.

However Roma could have equalised in the three minutes later but Vucinic dragged his shot wide of the post.

Roma started the second half brightly and Vucinic released Max Tonetto but he sent his effort over the bar.

A minute later Tonetto's shot was superbly turned over the top by Edwin van der Sar.

Roma kept up the pressure and Panucci squandered a good chance in the 52nd minute.

He was left free at the back post but only succeeded in sending his effort wide of the target.

Roma responded and substitute Ludovic Giuly got clear down the right only to send a poor cross into the grateful arms of Van der Sar.

However Van der Sar needed to look alert to make a fine one-handed save from Vucinic's header.

This was a difficult time for United and Vucinic was proving to be a bit of a handful in the absence of Francesco Totti.

United, however, made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Park headed the ball into the area at the back post.

It resulted in a mix-up between Doni and Panucci with Rooney on hand to knock the ball home.

Then Ronaldo skipped away from his marker only to see his effort come back off the post.

With a two-goal cushion, United were knocking the ball around well and Michael Carrick came close in the 71st minute, his effort going narrowly wide.

Rooney had put in a hard shift and was replaced by Carlos Tevez with six minutes remaining as Roma looked dispirited.

Tevez saw his effort go wide then Ronaldo rattled a superb volley narrowly over the bar as United finished the match in style.

*Information taken from www.soccernet.com

Wayne Rooney grabbed a brace just when Manchester United needed it the most as the Red Devils moved six points clear of the rest at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 4-0 home demolition of Aston Villa.

The England striker had gone six matches for the title-chasers without hitting the target, but he rediscovered his touch at Old Trafford as United made it six straight league wins to tighten their grip at the top.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with his 35th goal of a remarkable season and Carlos Tevez added a second to leave Villa stunned.

With Arsenal claiming a dramatic victory at Bolton, United knew it was important to keep the momentum going.

And they did just that, going 2-0 ahead in the first half to take a firm grip on the match.

Even though Ashley Young went close with a shot in the fourth minute, Villa never looked like ending a miserable run of results at the ground, stretching back 25 years.

That close shave only succeeded in getting United going and Rooney rattled in a shot from the edge of the area that was cleared by Stiliyan Petrov.

Ryan Giggs then slipped the ball through to Tevez in the 10th minute, but Mellberg made a crucial block.

United almost took the lead a minute later when Michael Carrick released Ronaldo. He cut inside, only to see his effort turned around the post by goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Giggs swung in the corner and Brown peeled away from his marker but headed over the bar.

United went ahead in the 17th minute.

Villa failed to clear Giggs' corner and Rio Ferdinand chested the ball into Ronaldo's path, and the Portugal winger clipped an outrageous back-heel through Martin Laursen's legs and beyond Carson.

Considering they had not won at the ground in the league for 25 years, Villa were facing an uphill task early in the game.

Nigel Reo-Coker, drafted in at right-back instead of his usual midfield role, was struggling to settle and United made it 2-0 after 33 minutes, with Ronaldo this time setting up the goal.

He latched onto a clever pass from Scholes and delivered a cross to the back post. Reo-Coker had gone missing and Tevez was left with the simple task of heading the ball home.

United were knocking the ball around with ease, with Scholes at the heart of everything good about their play.

United should have extended their lead in the 48th minute when Rooney was sent clear by Tevez.

It looked as though he must score, but the England striker sent his effort wide from close range.

Villa substitute Shaun Maloney followed suit a minute later when he rattled his effort wide with only Tomasz Kuszczak to beat.

United hit back and Ronaldo came close in the 52nd minute when his shot hit Wilfred Bouma and came back off the bar.

However, a minute later Rooney made it 3-0 when he rounded Carson after Ronaldo's flick-on split the Villa defence.

It was Rooney's first goal in six games in all competitions for United and he savoured the moment after taking his tally to 16.

However, Maloney nearly reduced the arrears in the 55th minute, only for Kuszczak to make a superb block.

With Roma in mind next Tuesday in the Champions League, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made three substitutions in the 62nd minute.

Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and John O'Shea replaced Patrice Evra, Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.

United remained in the driving seat and Tevez should have scored in the 66th minute, only to head wide in front of goal following a cross from Hargreaves before Rooney hit the post.

Rooney made it 4-0 in the 70th minute with his second of the game after again being released by Ronaldo and Villa boss Martin O'Neill cut a miserable figure in the lashing rain.

Rooney thought he had scored his hat-trick in the 78th minute, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Given his unselfish running, it would have been well deserved in an impressive show by United.

They played out the last four minutes with 10 men as Giggs came off with what appeared to be a knock.

*information taken from www.soccernet.com

Cristiano Ronaldo again showed his liking for the big stage by scoring the winner at Old Trafford as Manchester United set another Champions League milestone following a 1-0 victory over Lyon.

The Portugal winger steered the club to a 10th straight home victory in the competition, equalling Juventus' record set 11 years ago.

Ronaldo struck in the 41st minute to break Lyon's resistance and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Vidic and Benzema

The French side carved out a couple of decent chances before United made the breakthrough.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were highly motivated from the off and Patrice Evra let his enthusiasm get the better of him.

He picked up a booking after only four minutes for a challenge on Karim Benzema.

The highly-rated Lyon striker had scored a superb opening goal in the first leg and Ferguson knew the danger he posed.

United made a swift break in the 10th minute and there was a buzz of anticipation around the ground as Ronaldo collected the ball.

The Portugal winger cut inside only to see his effort blocked by experienced Brazilian defender Cris.

Anderson then tried to thread the ball through to Evra only for Francois Clerc to read the situation well and clear the danger.

United had stepped up the pressure and Michael Carrick picked out Darren Fletcher in the 16th minute but he rattled a shot from distance wide of the post.

Play broke down the other end and Benzema got clear, only to fire his shot from 25 yards over the top in the 20th minute.

Ronaldo then weighed up a free-kick but scuffed his effort. The ball broke to Wayne Rooney but he too failed to find the target.

Lyon were looking well organised and Clerc whipped in a cross from the right after 27 minutes that Edwin van der Sar took cleanly.

Two minutes later the Dutch goalkeeper had to look alert to parry Kim Kallstrom's rasping effort as the French visitors suddenly stepped up the pace.

Lyon were beginning to knock the ball around and the home fans were getting anxious.

Evra then latched on to a good through ball from Ronaldo and delivered a cross into the box.

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet got there ahead of Darren Fletcher only to be clattered by the Scottish midfielder and earn a free-kick.

United made the breakthrough to go 2-1 ahead on aggregate thanks to Ronaldo's 30th goal of the season in all competitions.

Nani started the move and sent Wes Brown clear on the right. He found Anderson, whose effort was blocked.

The ball broke to Ronaldo, who beat Coupet at the near post and stun Lyon.

That goal from Ronaldo had given United the boost they needed and Nani saw his effort blocked in the 49th minute.

Lyon were anxious to get back in the game and a minute later Juninho tried his luck from distance but failed to test van der Sar.

Then Evra picked out Carrick and he fired in a shot that was deflected to safety.

Juninho has carved out a reputation as a dead-ball specialist and he was not afraid to try his luck from all of 30 yards in the 58th minute.

But he was left frustrated as Ronaldo showed his defensive side by heading the free-kick to safety.

Lyon, however, launched a swift counter-attack in the 66th minute with United almost paying for their carelessness.

Benzema got away and released Clerc but the move broke down when he delivered a weak cross cum shot into the area.

United boss Ferguson brought on Carlos Tevez for Anderson in the 71st minute in a bid to extend their lead.

Rooney then tried to release the striker with a cross only to see it blocked before Lyon almost grabbed the equaliser.

Substitute Kader Keita showed good pace in the 74th minute but saw his shot come back off the post.

United hit back and Rooney should have scored following a poor back pass from Hatem Ben Arfa only for Coupet to block his chip.

Rooney was again out of luck in the 87th minute with Lyon stretched as they went in search of the equaliser.

While the England striker was left frustrated the consolation was that United completed the job.

Information from: www.soccernet.com

Cristiano Ronaldo turned in another superb display as Manchester United made the most of Newcastle United's woes to close the gap on Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points.

The Portugal international claimed a double either side of half-time to take his tally for the season to 29, with Wayne Rooney, who had opened the scoring on 25 minutes, adding a brace and substitute Louis Saha scoring against his former club after Abdoulaye Faye had pulled one back.

It was just what manager Sir Alex Ferguson had ordered after the Gunners had conceded a late equaliser at Birmingham City earlier in the day to pass up the chance of establishing an eight-point lead.

United were simply irresistible on a day when their pace and movement were just too much for an angst-ridden Newcastle side, who have now not won in 10 league matches and taken only three points from the last 30 on offer.

But in truth, the Red Devils would have beaten better sides than the beleaguered Magpies on this form and Arsenal can be in little doubt that the men from Old Trafford are in hot pursuit.

Sir Bobby Robson, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Monday, was presented on the pitch before kick-off after the club he once managed had earlier unveiled a bust in his honour at St James' Park.

Ronaldo's scorching run gave the Newcastle defence no chance, but it was Michael Carrick's incisive pass which handed him the chance to slide a shot past the helpless Shay Given.

The Magpies lost 6-0 at Old Trafford on 12th January and on that day, they went in at the break level, and that cannot have made for an easy team-talk as Keegan looked for fresh inspiration.

Given's involvement ended at half-time when he was replaced by Steve Harper with his groin injury still causing him problems before the break.

Newcastle set about their task with a certain determination and went close twice in quick succession, Duff forcing a solid save from Edwin van der Sar at his near post and then Nicky Butt fired a long-range effort wide.

United were content to try and hit the home side on the break, and they did that to stunning effect on 56 minutes when, after spurning an earlier opportunity, Ronaldo made the most of Steven Taylor's slip to round Harper and fire home the third goal.

Duff and N'Zogbia both went close as the Magpies gamely fought on, but it was defender Faye who claimed a little consolation 12 minutes from time with a close-range finish.

But United had to have the last word, and they did when Rooney curled home a superb right-foot shot two minutes later with Saha setting the seal on a comfortable win in injury time.

United spectacularly banished memories of their derby defeat with a stunning 4-0 win over Arsenal to book a place in the FA Cup quarter finals.

The Reds oozed energy, class and goals to register a memorable Cup victory and, perhaps, strike a key psychological blow in the race for the title. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on 16 minutes before Darren Fletcher made it two four minutes later. Nani put the Reds three-up seven minutes before half-time, while Fletcher grabbed his second on 74 minutes. In his 100th FA Cup tie, Sir Alex made five changes to the side that lost to Manchester City last weekend. Rooney and Patrice Evra returned from suspension, while Ji-sung Park, Michael Carrick and Fletcher were all handed starts. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo were rested, no doubt with Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Lyon in mind. United lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Rooney working the line as the lone striker. Support was close at hand from Fletcher, Nani, Carrick, Park and the outstanding Anderson and it was the Brazilian who produced the Reds’ first effort on goal. With nine minutes gone, Anderson lashed a first-time volley goalwards after Evra’s attempted cross was block. The shot was on target but Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved well down to his right. The Reds continued to press and both Rooney and Fletcher came close to capitalising on a stray Arsenal backpass. Luckily for the Gunners, their German stopper was alert to the situation as he sprinted from goal to clear. Glory-Glory Man Utd~

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his irrepressible goalscoring form with yet another delightful double to sink Portsmouth and send United back to the top of the Premier League.

His two goals – one a neat finish, the other a jaw-droppingly good 25-yard free-kick – came within three minutes of each other and completely deflated Harry Redknapp’s men.

What this excellent performance proves beyond doubt is just how ruthless the Reds can be. This was a game United controlled from start to finish, but it was less about blitzing a team for 90 minutes, and more about a clinical job, pitilessly carried out.

The visitors may have lost four key players to African Nations Cup duty, but they cannot really complain with new signings Lassana Diarra and Milan Baros bolstering their ranks. The simple fact is that United, on this attacking form, are unplayable for most opponents. Even for a Portsmouth side that has taken seven wins from 12 on the road this term - Redknapp's men arrived in Manchester confident, if perhaps quietly so.

For United it was a case of maintaining momentum. Unbeaten in 2008, the Reds’ chief aim was to regain top spot from Arsenal in what is turning into a see-saw claim for the title. Paul Scholes, making his 550th appearance for the Reds, was given his first start since mid-October, and the Salford-born midfield magician was heavily involved from the start, pinging passes all over the pitch.

United and Arsenal will play out the tie of the round after being paired together in the FA Cup last 16.

Having overcome Tottenham in Sunday's thrilling tie at Old Trafford, the Reds will now entertain Arsene Wenger's side at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the competition.

The Reds may feel slightly unfortunate to have drawn such difficult opponents, especially as Chelsea and Liverpool were handed home ties against Huddersfield and Barnsley respectively.

Incredibly, United have now drawn Premier League opposition in each of the last 10 FA Cup ties (plus two replays). In order, they are: Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Watford, Middlesbrough, Reading, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Liverpool.

The full draw is as follows:

Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield

Ni lah keputusan akhir Man Utd 3 - 1 Tottenham Hotspurs FA cup 4th Round...



1 Jaringan oleh Carlos tevez dan 2 lagi jaringan daripada Cristiano Ronaldo telah membawa kemenangan untuk Man United..



Glory2 Man Utd..terus kan kemenangan...

Ronaldo's late effort at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday took his tally for the campaign to 23 to equal his return of last season.

"I never imagined I would have 23 goals by January, but the team are playing very well and my friends are creating many opportunities for me to score," said Ronaldo.

"It is a pleasure and a great compliment when people compare me to George Best. For me, Best was one of the most important players ever.

SCORE MORE

"Last season I scored 23 times. This time I want to score more. I just want to do my best and improve every year."

But while he is happy to be likened to Manchester United legend Best, Ronaldo insists he is concentrating on helping his side win the Barclays Premier League.

Ronaldo added: "If I break his record I'm happy, but to be honest, I don't care. The most important thing is for the team to win the title."

Sir Alex Ferguson will not have been thankful for his side’s profligacy in front of goal for much of the match, especially against a side of Reading’s energy, enthusiasm and unwillingness to give in.

It took 77 minutes for Rooney to put United in front with an expert flicked finish, but it should have been far more straightforward. Ronaldo’s goal deep in injury time confirmed victory, although this was a win that tested the nerves.

The game was wide open in the first ten minutes, with United picking up where they left off in the second half against Newcastle creating chance after chance.

Inside the first minute Carlos Tevez and Rooney linked up to play in Ronaldo on the right, and the Portuguese winger’s low shot was only narrowly wide.

The Reds still had to be sharp at the opposite end when Leroy Lita got in behind Rio Ferdinand after ten minutes. Edwin van der Sar saved the Royals striker’s shot, and Nemanja Vidic's brilliantly-timed sliding tackle stopped Dave Kitson passing the rebound into an empty net.

Seconds later Ronaldo sent another shot fizzing past the post, before Rooney and Tevez again combined with the Argentina international firing narrowly wide.

keputusan seri...haha mmg dah dijangka...Man Utd menurunkan team B tanpa manurunkan pemain tonggak mereka..walaupun aku tgk Man Utd mcm nak kalah, tapi keputuasn tetap seri Man Utd 0-0 chelsea..

Glory, glory, Man United,
Glory, glory, Man United,
Glory, glory, Man United,
As the reds go marching on, on, on.

Just like the Busby Babes in Days gone by
We'll keep the Red Flags flying high
You've got to see yourself from far and wide
You've got to hear the masses sing with pride

United! Man United!
We're the boys in Red and we're on our way to Wem-ber-ly
Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!
We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly
Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!
We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

In Seventy-Seven it was Docherty
Atkinson will make it Eighty-Three
And everyone will know just who we are
They'll be singing 'Que Sera Sera'

United! Man United!
We're the boys in Red and we're on our way to Wem-ber-ly
Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!
We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly
Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!
We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

Glory Glory Man United
Glory Glory Man United
Glory Glory Man United
As the Reds Go Marching On! On! On! (3x)