Park Eyes United Stay

Park Eyes United Stay



South Korean winger Park Ji-Sung has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United, and believes that he has a bright future at the club.

The 27-year-old was thrilled to put his name on the scoresheet in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea after enduring a torrid few months.

After recovering from injury and playing a considerable part in helping his side reach the Champions League final last May, the ex-PSV Eindhoven man was dropped from the panel altogether for the Moscow showpiece.

He subsequently re-injured a fragile knee on international duty over the summer, and that meant he was prevented from making the trip to Beijing for the Olympic Games in August.

With the Champions League snub in mind, Park reflected on the clash in London yesterday and stated that he still had a long career in front of him at Old Trafford

He told the press: "It has been a hard time for me. I have to show my abilities so I don't suffer that experience [being omitted from a squad] again. This was a chance to do that and I need to take them because I still believe I have a big future at Manchester United."

Although he is still regaining some part of his match fitness, the Korean coped admirably in his wide position yesterday. Park was forced to pin Jose Bosingwa in his own half while trying to make an impression at the business end. Overall, he was pleased to have made a contribution.

He continued: "I was quite pleased with my performance. My fitness is coming back now. I have been in the gym a lot and prepared as much as I can, so I am pretty much recovered."

Park also commented on the performance of Mike Riley during yesterday's fixture; the referee admonished seven bookings to Manchester United players and only one to Chelsea. Although no protests were made at the final whistle, inkeeping with the 'Respect' drive of the Premier League, Park was quick to vocalise the perceived persecution felt by his side.

He stated: "It was unfair. The Chelsea players did the same tackles but the yellow cards went to us. A couple of their men deserved them as well."

Ferguson defends booked players

Ferguson defends booked players



Manchester United manager boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw seven of his players booked in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea but did not feel it was a dirty match.

Ferguson also refused to be drawn on the performance of referee Mike Riley.

"It was a competitive game but I did not think there was one bad tackle in it," said Ferguson.

"People are saying what is going on here but it is difficult to say anything about the referee. I do not want to get involved."

However, United will now face questions from the Football Association as an investigation is automatically triggered when one side has six players cautioned and they could be fined up to £25,000.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was quick to suggest any punishment meted out to United on the pitch was deserved.

"That is what the referee is there for," said Scolari. "If players do not respect him, it should be yellow and red cards. It doesn't matter who you are - Liverpool or Manchester United, whoever."

The FA is also likely to assess the clash between United defender Rio Ferdinand and Chelsea's Didier Drogba, which left the striker needing treatment.

That incident was the last of the match as Riley blew the whistle for full-time after the pair collided in the air.

Matters continued to be aggravated off the pitch as United's team coach was attacked after leaving Stamford Bridge.

A bottle was hurled from the pavement, cracking the windscreen, although no-one was injured, with United officials eager to play down the incident afterwards.

"There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police," said a club spokesman.

As for the game itself, Scolari was relieved to escape with a point after injuries to Deco and Ricardo Carvalho.

Deco injured a thigh in the warm-up and Carvalho suffered a knee injury early on.

Scolari said: "The game is one of the best games we've played this season, because we have many problems.

"After we lost Deco, Manchester controlled the game for 15 minutes and they played better than us.

"They made a goal - and after this, we improved. We had more chances than them but we missed some chances in front of goal.

"At half-time I said we wanted Lampard and Ballack more up front, nearer the strikers - and we put Drogba on."

Ferguson admitted he was disappointed not to be leaving London with a victory after his side led for much of the game.

"I feel we have missed a good chance, obviously. If we had had a bit more energy, we would have been OK," he said.

"We started to drop off the pace a bit in terms of the speed we were playing at.

"That was a bit of a disappointment because it allowed them to regroup at half-time.

"We started to give the ball away in the second half and that got them back into the game. They had a couple of chances, but that's about all they had."

Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd

Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd



Salomon Kalou's late equaliser preserved Chelsea's long unbeaten home league record and earned a deserved point against Manchester United.

Ji-Sung Park put United ahead in the 18th minute after Chelsea keeper Petr Cech fumbled Dimitar Berbatov's shot.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar to injury in the first half and Chelsea took control of a disjointed game.

Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka wasted great chances before substitute Kalou headed in with 10 minutes left.


It stretched Chelsea's unbeaten sequence in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge to 85 games, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be frustrated that his side failed to build on a perfect start and lost their way as the game went on.

Chelsea will be delighted and relieved with a point - but they should have claimed all three after dominating the second half.

United opted to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, where he was joined by Carlos Tevez as Berbatov and Wayne Rooney were paired up front.

Chelsea were forced into a reshuffle of their own when Deco injured a thigh in the warm-up, although they were hardly weakened by the subsequent inclusion of Michael Ballack.


United opened with real purpose, Darren Fletcher scrambling a finish wide and Rooney hooking just off target after a poor clearance from Cech.

Chelsea had a chance of their own in the eighth minute when Joe Cole ran clear after appearing to use his hand, only to shoot wide.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side suffered a serious blow three minutes later when defender Ricardo Carvalho departed with a knee injury, with Alex coming on as substitute.

United's ambition was rewarded with a deserved opener after 18 minutes, when Park pounced from close range after Cech could only parry Berbatov's shot.

Van der Sar had been having a mixed afternoon, his mood not helped by a knee injury sustained in an accidental clash with Florent Malouda.

And it was no surprise when he limped off and was replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak after 31 minutes following another fumble.

Kuszczak was quickly in action to block a long-range effort from Alex, but the game was degenerating into a scrappy affair littered with stoppages.

Chelsea made another change at the interval, sending on Didier Drogba for Malouda, while United waited until nine minutes after half-time before sending on Ronaldo for Paul Scholes.

Joe Cole wasted another great opportunity after 65 minutes, shooting straight at Kuszczak after being released by Ballack's superb pass.

And Anelka was guilty of a shocking miss seven minutes later when he was set up by Joe Cole, but he failed to even apply a touch only three yards out with the goal at his mercy.

But Chelsea were building up a head of steam and it was no surprise when they drew level with 10 minutes left.

Rooney was booked for a crude lunge at Ashley Cole, and the punishment was doubled when Kalou headed Jon Mikel Obi's free-kick beyond a static Kuszczak.

And it took a desperate block from Gary Neville seconds later to deny Kalou, bravely deflecting his shot over the top as United hung on for a point.


Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho (Alex 12), Terry, Ashley Cole, Obi, Joe Cole, Ballack (Kalou 74), Lampard, Malouda (Drogba 46), Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Bridge, Belletti, Ferreira.

Booked: Obi.

Goals: Kalou 80.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 32), Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Scholes (Ronaldo 55), Park (O'Shea 75), Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Giggs, Nani, Tevez.

Booked: Scholes, Ferdinand, Neville, Berbatov, Rooney, Evra, Ronaldo.

Goals: Park 18.

Att: 41,760

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

Roma v Man Utd

Roma v Man Utd




CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL FIRST LEG
Venue: Stadio Olimpico.
Date: Tuesday, 1 April.
Kick-off: 1945 BST.

Roma skipper Francesco Totti has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg after suffering a thigh injury on Saturday.

Totti, Roma's top scorer with 14 goals, is set to be replaced by Mirko Vucinic.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar looks set to return to the side after missing the 4-0 win over Aston Villa with a groin injury.

Mikael Silvestre has overcome a knee ligament injury, but Nani and Louis Saha are both ruled out by injury.

French defender Silvestre has not played since suffering the injury against Everton in September.

His return boosts Sir Alex Ferguson's squad after Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs complained of knocks after Saturday's emphatic win over Villa.



Totti suffered his injury in Saturday's 1-1 Serie A draw at Cagliari but hopes to return for the second leg at Old Trafford.

In his absence, Roma will look to Vucinic, who has scored four goals in the Champions League this season and was rested for the match against Cagliari.

Central defender Juan has a foot problem so Christian Panucci looks set to cover with MarcoCassetti, Max Tonetto and Cicinho battling for his right-back slot.

The two sides met twice last season at the same stage of the competition, with Roma winning 2-1 in Italy before suffering a humiliating 7-1 thrashing in Manchester.

They have already played twice in this season's group stage, United winning 1-0 at home before the teams drew 1-1 in Rome.

The matches have been marred by violence between supporters and both clubs have been working on ways to avoid further problems.

Italian authorities are providing free transport to the stadium for United fans in a bid to keep them away from any possible trouble.

They have also introduced a voucher system for ticket collection in a bid to stop touts.


Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Evra, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Ronaldo, Anderson, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Scholes, Pique, O'Shea, Silvestre, Kuszczak, Tevez, Eagles, Heaton, Welbeck.


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

AS Roma and Manchester United have met four times before in European competition.

Last season, on 4 April 2007, AS Roma won 2-1 at home in the CL quarter-finals, but Manchester United recorded an emphatic 7-1 victory at Old Trafford six days later, to progress to the semi-finals. It was AS Roma's heaviest ever European defeat and the biggest ever victory margin in the CL knock-out stages.

In this season's group phase, the Red Devils beat the Italians 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams on 2 October, through a Wayne Rooney goal in the 70th minute. The return match in Rome on 12 December, ended 1-1 through goals by Gerard Pique and Alessandro Mancini.

European history

In the 1960-61 season, AS Roma won the Fairs Cup, their only piece of European silverware. They have also reached two other European finals; the 1983-84 Champions Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Liverpool, and the 1990-91 Uefa Cup final, which they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Internazionale. Roma have never reached the semi-final stage of the CL in their history.

Manchester United have won three European trophies - the 1967-68 Champions Cup, 1990-91 Cup Winners' Cup and 1998-99 Champions League. Last season, after knocking out AS Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the CL quarter-finals, United were eliminated themselves by AC Milan in the last four, losing 5-3 on aggregate.

Current European form

AS Roma have not lost any of their last six Champions League matches and are undefeated at home in nine in this competition.

Manchester United are unbeaten in eight Champions League matches, since the 3-0 loss to AC Milan in last May's semi-final second leg in Italy. United are one of three unbeaten teams in this season's Champions League. Chelsea and FC Barcelona are the others.

Player and disciplinary info

Simone Perrotta (AS Roma) is suspended for this match. Mirko Vucinic, Marco Cassetti, Cicinho, Daniele De Rossi and Max Tonetto (AS Roma) are all one yellow card away from suspension. Nani and Patrice Evra (Manchester United) will also be suspended upon receiving a yellow card.

Francesco Totti has made more appearances (36) and scored more goals (11) than any other AS Roma player in Champions League history. Vucinic leads Roma goalscorers in this season's Champions League campaign, with four.

David Pizarro and Daniele De Rossi are the only AS Roma players to have appeared in all eight of their club's CL matches this season.

Portuguese defender Antunes (Roma) celebrates his 21st birthday on the day of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo is joint top scorer in this season's Champions League having netted six goals.

Rio Ferdinand will play his 50th Champions League match if selected. Ferdinand made his competition debut on 13 February 2001, for Leeds United against Anderlecht (2-1).

Nani is the only Manchester United player to have appeared in all eight of his club's CL matches this season.

Other miscellaneous facts

AS Roma drew 1-1 at Cagliari on Saturday with Francesco Totti scoring. Roma are second in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter Milan by four points.

Manchester United beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, and top the table, five points clear of Chelsea.

Concern over quintet

Concern over quintet



Fingers will be crossed for five United players ahead of Tuesday's trip to face AS Roma in the Champions League.

Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand were all withdrawn in a triple substitution during Saturday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa. United then played the last five minutes with ten men after Ryan Giggs also left the field.

"I had to make the changes because of injuries," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Carrick, Rio and Patrice Evra all had injuries and then Giggs got injured towards the end. With the rain continually coming down, the pitch was starting to prove very heavy and that can be a problem with hamstrings. Hopefully they'll be all right (for Rome)."

The fifth player causing fresh concern for the manager is Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman missed the Villa match, leaving Tomasz Kuszczak to start in goal with Ben Foster - who is ineligible for Europe - on the bench.

"Edwin van der Sar may be a doubt for Tuesday," admitted Sir Alex.

"He’s got a groin problem again, it’s happened two or three times in the last few weeks. We'll see how he is over the next few days. Not risking him today gives us a better chance."

Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa

Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa




Man Utd's Patrice Evra congratulates Wayne Rooney after his first goal


Manchester United stretched their lead at the Premier League summit to six points with a stunning display.

Cristiano Ronaldo's outrageous flick started the agony for Aston Villa after 17 minutes and he provided Carlos Tevez with a simple second before half-time.

Wayne Rooney rounded Scott Carson for a third after 53 minutes and he slid home the fourth with 20 minutes left after more superb creativity from Ronaldo.

Shaun Maloney missed Villa's best chance, but United were outstanding.



Cristiano Ronaldo opens the scoring on 16 minutes at Old Trafford with a cheeky flick


United's football was mesmeric, despite atrocious conditions, and Martin O'Neill's fast-fading side could easily have been on the end of an even heavier beating.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson took a precaution ahead of the Champions League quarter-final visit to AS Roma by resting goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who was suffering from a slight groin strain.

Tomasz Kuszczak returned in goal, but spent much of the evening admiring a virtuoso United attacking display.

Ronaldo had already tested Villa keeper Carson before he produced a finish that was brilliant even by his own sky-high standards to give United the lead after 17 minutes.

Villa could not clear a Ryan Giggs corner, and when Rio Ferdinand chested the ball towards Ronaldo, he produced an outrageous flick between the legs of Martin Laursen to beat Carson.

Ronaldo turned creator as United extended their lead after 33 minutes, producing a perfect first-time cross to provide Tevez with a simple headed finish.




Ronaldo then crosses for Carlos Tevez to add a second for the Red Devils before half time

Villa were facing a long and arduous 90 minutes, and their situation was not helped when striker John Carew limped off with a groin injury before half-time, to be replaced by Maloney.

Rooney should have sealed the points for United after 48 minutes when he was put clear by Tevez only to shoot wide - Maloney then wasting an equally good chance for Villa in a similar position seconds later.

England striker Rooney made amends for his miss after 53 minutes when he took another flamboyant touch from Ronaldo to round Carson and score with ease.

Kuszczak was called into action after 55 minutes to save from Maloney's curling angled drive, but it was a minor inconvenience to a United side threatening to run riot.

Ferguson made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, sending on Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and John O'Shea for Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Ferdinand.

Hargreaves was in on the action instantly with a perfect cross that Tevez somehow headed wide, before Rooney struck the outside of the post with a measured finish.

Ronaldo and Rooney were irresistible - and combined once more for United's fourth in the 70th minute.

Rooney slid in a right-foot finish after being played in by another stunning touch from Ronaldo.




Wayne Rooney scores twice in the second half and almost bags a hat-trick to complete a comprehensive win

• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:


"The players reached a peak last week and we've continued that.

"They realise now it's a race to the line, we need consistency and real focus and we showed fantastic energy.

"The title doesn't feel that close for us, but there is great confidence in the way the team is playing and that's great at this time of the year."


• Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:


"If you could ever try to set the benchmark, that's it.

"We came up against a team on top of their game; we have to admit they were splendid.

"There were things there to give us heart. The scoreline was pretty strong, but we had one or two chances that could have made it more respectable."



Man Utd: Kuszczak, Brown, Ferdinand (Hargreaves 62), Vidic, Evra (O'Shea 62), Ronaldo, Carrick (Anderson 61), Scholes, Giggs, Tevez, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Park.

Booked: Vidic.

Goals: Ronaldo 17, Tevez 33, Rooney 53, 70.

Aston Villa: Carson, Reo-Coker, Mellberg, Laursen, Bouma (Osbourne 80), Agbonlahor, Petrov, Barry, Young, Harewood (Salifou 69), Carew (Maloney 41).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Knight.

Booked: Bouma.

Att: 75,932

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

O'Neill: United are class act

O'Neill: United are class act





Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was left awestruck by United’s “terrific” performance in the 4-0 win over his side on Saturday.

O’Neill, unlike some managers that bring their teams to Old Trafford, refused to shut up shop and try to frustrate the Reds. You may ask why if it means losing so comprehensively. But the Villa boss says United’s performance is something every team should aspire to.

“That is why Manchester United are a class act,” he said. “We lost at home to Sunderland last week and I was very down. We’ve lost 4-0 at Old Trafford, but I’m actually OK.

“We went at it with everything we had. I think that’s why Manchester United enjoy playing against us. We try to play and we don’t try to close the game up.

“You have to go and play. Isn’t that the enthralling part of football? What’s the point in coming to Old Trafford and putting ten players behind the ball and have them break you down eventually? Having witnessed Manchester United’s performance, that’s what you have to aspire to. It really was terrific stuff.

“I thought we had quite a bit of possession of the ball. The difference was that we didn’t close them down enough and prevent them having time and space on the ball, because that is when they will cut you open. They are a very fine side, there is no question about that.”

Players' energy pleases Sir Alex

Players' energy pleases Sir Alex




Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with United's effervescent performance against Aston Villa, on a day when fatigue could have been forgiven.

Continuous rain made for difficult conditions at Old Trafford but the players coped brilliantly, not only to compete but also to create some wonderful play for the enthralled home fans.

"I think we showed fantastic energy," said Sir Alex. "That's very pleasing, considering some of the players had been away for internationals and the pitch was very heavy."

Ferguson's men followed on from their 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool with a display that gave Villa little hope of ending a miserable run of 13 straight defeats against the Reds.

"I said last week the players had reached a peak and that continued today," said the boss.

"I think the players realise now it’s a race to the line and we need consistency, we need real focus. They want to play at their very best. There’s good evidence of that in the last two games. Being at home is always an advantage of course but we’ve played against two very good sides so these (last two games) are good omens for us."

However, Sir Alex insists he won't relax yet - not with Chelsea and Arsenal still on the schedule, and the Gunners gaining a last-gasp win at Bolton earlier in the day.

"We don’t feel that close (to the title) with six games left. We wish it was only one. Nonetheless I think there’s great confidence in the way the team is playing and that’s always good at this time of year."

Rooney's wait is finally over

Rooney's wait is finally over




Wayne Rooney was pleased to end a six-game run without a goal, and a five-month wait to find the net in the league at Old Trafford, with two goals against Aston Villa.

The Reds striker, whose last league striker at home came in the 4-1 win over Middlesbrough on 27 October, saw a couple of chances go begging and feared his barren spell was set to continue.

But after striking twice in a hugely impressive 4-0 victory on Saturday evening, he revealed his relief that the wait was over.

"I'm very pleased," said Rooney. "It's been a bit frustrating in the last few weeks.

"I had a chance just before I scored that I missed. I should have scored, and I felt like I wasn't going to score again. But I was delighted to get two goals in the end."

Rooney's goals may grab the headlines, but there wasn't a bad performance in a red shirt. Now with just six games to go in the race for the title, United are getter closer and closer to retaining the crown.

"It was a good game for us," he added. "Coming after international matches, it can be tricky. But we got two goals in the first half which settled us down, and then we got two more in the second half. It was a good performance all-round and a well-deserved win.

"Each game we get closer. But we have to keep playing our game and picking up the wins in every game. If we do that that will hopefully see us through."

Foster kept as cover

Foster kept as cover



Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Ben Foster will remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season, providing top-class cover for Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak.

The England international was set to build his match fitness with a short-term loan deal until the end of May.

However, Sir Alex opted to exercise caution after van der Sar's recent injury.

"Ben was ready to go out on loan, actually," the manager said on Friday. "I talked to a few managers, then Edwin got his groin injury.

"It's the third time he's had a groin injury this season, so the old dog maybe needs a bit more protection!

"And when Tomasz got his sending off it brought Ben back into the limelight.

"With only seven games to go I think it would be silly to take chances. We have the option, if something were to happen to Edwin again, or even Tomasz, of having England's goalkeeper for the future."

Foster stepped in for the 1-0 win over Derby when van der Sar was injured and Kuszczak was suspsended.

Further chances of first-team football may be limited, however, because Foster is not registered for the Champions League, which means Kuszczak is ahead in the pecking order should van der Sar get injured or need a rest.

Sir Alex admits Foster would most likely have preferred to sample competitive action after so long on the sidelines, even if it meant going out on loan, but paid testament to his selflessness at remaining in Manchester.

"We could have let him go out to Coventry, Nottingham Forest or Stoke City, the teams who enquired about him," said the manager. "But really I think it was an easy decision.

"I don't think it suits Ben entirely, but in fairness to the lad he understood.

"At 24 years of age his career's in front of him, he will do very well."

Scholes holds the key

Scholes holds the key


Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Paul Scholes has returned to top form in time to inspire United to a successful end of the season.

The veteran midfielder has been feeling his way back to fitness and form after being dogged by knee problems, but Sir Alex is confident that his display against Liverpool last Sunday suggests a timely return to his devastating best.

“Last Sunday's win over Liverpool was a great sign for me in terms of the confidence and composure of the team," he told his weekly press conference.

"But what pleased me most was the performance of Paul Scholes. After three and a half months out he’s taken time to get back to real Paul Scholes form.

“He was absolutely head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch – and there were some fantastic performances. His form over the next few weeks will be important for us.”

Scholes remained at Carrington during this week's international programme, leaving him fresh for the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday - a prospect which is sure to daunt Villans manager Martin O'Neill, who is a huge admirer of the midfielder.

"Winning is about being able to compete week in, week out,” said O’Neill. “All you have to do is look at Paul Scholes.

“He’s won umpteen Championships and he still plays as if he’s 18. That comes from within and from being really successful and hungry."

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Old Trafford
Saturday, 29 March
Kick-off: 1715 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day




Mancheser United's Darren Fletcher is out for six weeks after damaging his knee ligaments playing for Scotland.

Striker Louis Saha (hamstring) is also sidelined while Nani is doubtful because of a thigh problem.

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is set to return from suspension and replace Craig Gardner.

Martin O'Neill has to decide whether to keep faith with on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson who has looked short of confidence in recent games.


Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, 0'Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Tevez, Kuszczak, Foster.

Aston Villa (from): Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Gardner, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Agbonlahor, Osbourne, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Berger, Maloney, Young, Carew, Harewood, Salifou.


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"I need to have one eye on Roma when it comes to team selection tomorrow because it is such an important fixture.
"But that must not lessen our thoughts about the match against Villa.

"The most consistent team will win the league and we have to prove that consistency in the coming weeks."


Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:
"The long and the short of it is we have got ourselves in this predicament and we have to do something about it.
"To me, there is no sense of the season fizzling out. We've got to get back to winning.

"We've got seven games left, we're on 49 points, which means we're not a phenomenal distance away from the other teams and it's still worth chasing."


BIG-MATCH FACTS
Victory from the 150th league meeting with Aston Villa will send Manchester United eight points clear at the summit, and would see retain that margin on Saturday night, if Arsenal lose at Bolton in the 1500 hours kick-off.

United are looking for their 700th win under Sir Alex Ferguson (counting cup ties decided on penalty shoot-outs as either a win or a defeat). The Red Devils boss is also looking to add to the 18 major titles he has masterminded for the Old Trafford club.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is chasing a 25th win in his 70th Premier League match in charge. Villa also need only a draw to total 100 points under O'Neill.

The Midlanders have lost their last two, without scoring, and are eight points short of fifth place. They're facing United for the third time this season and first since losing 0-2 at home in the third round of the FA Cup.

United are defending an unbeaten home Premier League record against Villa. They are chasing a 14th league and cup victory over the Villans home and away, and 11th in a row in the league.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 27 goals in 25 league starts for United, and needs 13 more from the minimum of nine remaining games, and maximum of 12, to break Denis Law's club record of 46 in a season.


CLUB FORM
MANCHESTER UNITED


Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 1st

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Lost one of nine (all competitions).

2. Won nine of the last 11, including the last five against Newcastle (a), Fulham (a), Derby (a), Bolton (h) and Liverpool (h).

3. Secured 23 victories, dropped 20 points, scored 64 goals, at one every 44 minutes on average, and conceded 15, at one every 186 minutes (three hours six minutes); the best in all four categories.

4. Registered the joint fewest draws, alongside Reading; four each.

5. Not conceded in 371 minutes (six hours 11 minutes), since Abdoulaye Diagne Faye's consolation for Newcastle in the 5-1 home win over the Magpies on 23 February. Kept more clean sheets than any other club; their 19 shut-outs, is two ahead of the next nearest, Chelsea.

6. Opened the scoring in an unmatched 25 games (won 22, and lost just one of them); and allowed the opposition to score first in five matches - that's fewer occasions than any other club.

7. Scored 16 goals in the last 10 minutes, 10 of which were in the last five minutes, seven of those being in stoppage time; no club can beat those, although Arsenal and Reading can match their stoppage time return.

8. On the longest current run since a goalless draw of 30 matches; and the longest since failing to score of 17 matches.

9. Lost two of 32 home league games.

10. The next fixture after this is the Champions League quarter-final, away to Roma next Tuesday. The league run-in is:-

Middlesbrough (a)
Arsenal (h)
Blackburn (a)
Chelsea (a)
West Ham (h)
Wigan (a)

ASTON VILLA

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 6th
Lowest could fall: 9th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. No win in four; drawn two and lost two since winning 1-2, away to Reading on 24 February.

2. Not lost three in a row since 16-30 December 2006 when four successive losses were suffered.

3. On the longest current sequence without a clean sheet of 17 matches; the 0-4 away win over Blackburn on 28 November being their last shut-out.

4. Not finished higher than sixth since their fifth placing in 1996-97. The current tally of 49 points after 31 games is their best return to this identical stage in 11 years.

5. Come from behind on an unequalled 13 occasions, and recovered 17 points from losing positions. Won three, against Fulham (h), Wigan (a) and Newcastle (h), and drawn eight, in which they were behind.

6. Scored more headed goals than any other club in the division (13), while 31 of their 52 goals have been scored from set pieces (corners, free kicks and penalties), and a league high 56% of their total have from come from within the six-yard box (29).

7. Fielded fewer players than any other club, with the exception of Blackburn (21 each).

8. Won one of the seven against the 'Big Four' this season; drawn the last three.

9. Won one of the last five away; 1-2 over Reading at the Madejski Stadium on 24 February.

10. The run-in is:-

Bolton (h)
Derby (a)
Birmingham (h)
Everton (a)
Wigan (h)
West Ham (a)


KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED


Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 34 goals.

The Portuguese is also United's leading Premier League marksman with 25 from 25 starts, and is leading the race for the Barclays Golden Boot.

Wayne ROONEY needs one goal to total 50 in the Premier League for Manchester United.

If on the field from the outset:-

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

ASTON VILLA


John CAREW is Aston Villa's top scorer with nine Premier League goals.

Wilfred BOUMA and Martin LAURSEN have started every one of Villa's Premier League games this season.

If on the field from the outset:-

Nigel REO-COKER will be making his 200th career league start (Wimbledon, West Ham and Aston Villa).


HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United are unbeaten in 22 home league games against Villa, and have not lost to them in a league clash at Old Trafford since a 1-2 reverse on 5 November 1983, with the aid of a brace from Peter Withe.

Villa have lost more Premier League games against the Red Devils than any other club

Villa were one of 12 clubs United did the double over last season; United were the only club to do the double over Villa last term.

United are on course to double the Villans for the 10th time in the Premier League and fifth season running.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 73 wins, Villa 42, Draws 34
Prem: Man United 22 wins, Villa 2, Draws 7

at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man United 48 wins, Villa 10, Draws 16
Prem: Man United 11 wins, Villa 0, Draws 4


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa
13 January 2007 - Ref: Hoeard Webb
Man Utd scorers: Park 11, Carrick 13, Ronaldo 35
Villa scorer: Agbonlahor 52


THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Aston Villa 1-4 Manchester United
20 December 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles
Villa scorer: Agbonlahor 13
Man Utd scorers: Rooney 36, 44, Ferdinand 45, Giggs 75
Sent Off: Reo-Coker 60, Carson 66 (both Villa)


REFEREE
Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

Fletcher out for six weeks

Fletcher out for six weeks




Darren Fletcher's season may be at a premature end after it was confirmed that the midfielder will be out for six weeks with knee ligament damage.

The 24-year-old picked up the injury on international duty with Scotland. He was substituted seconds from the end of the 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park on Wednesday. For Sir Alex Ferguson, the injury raises question marks over international friendlies at such a crucial stage of the season.

"It's a bad blow that emphasises the futility of these games," he said. "Darren was recovering from a bad chest cold, which is why we rested him against Liverpool. He should have only played for 45 minutes, 60 at most, but he played the full game for Scotland. Now we've lost him for six weeks."

The Reds boss, who plans to make "two or three" changes for Aston Villa's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday, will be disappointed to lose Fletcher, who had turned in some excellent recent displays.

However, he is confident his squad has strength-in-depth and experience to cope with the demands of the title run-in. "There are some very interesting games ahead," he added. "I still believe the most consistent team will win the league. I'm confident in my squad. We've got proven winners and enthusiasm to succeed. We have to keep our momentum going and enjoy it."

Villa present a tough challenge, having taken points off all the other top four sides this season. "I find it interesting that Martin O'Neill works with a small band of 17 players. He picks virtually the same team every week, which provides consistency. The players' endurance is also impressive. That's why they're challenging for a UEFA Cup place. We look forward to the challenge."

Duo bolster Reserves

Duo bolster Reserves



Ben Foster and Mikael Silvestre will line up for the Reserves against Newcastle on Thursday evening as they bid to hone their match sharpness.

England goalkeeper Foster recently started the second string's victory over Middlesbrough, while Silvestre starred in last week's thumping win over Manchester City.

Danny Welbeck was the hero against the Blues last week, scoring a hat-trick, and he looks likely to start against the Magpies with either Chris Eagles or Italian starlet Federico Macheda alongside him.

Highly-rated Irish youngster Robert Brady is also named in Brian McClair and Jim Ryan's squad, and could make his first Reserves appearance as United play their penultimate league game of the season.

The match takes place at the Marston's Arena, Northwich (KO 19:00 GMT) and will be shown live on MUTV.

United squad: Foster, Zieler; C Evans, SIlvestre, Eckersley, Chester, Norwood; Jones, Possebon, Cleverley, Galbraith, Eikrem, Brady; Eagles, Welbeck, Macheda.

Carrick: Barry's one to watch

Carrick: Barry's one to watch


After being left out of Fabio Capello’s latest England squad, Michael Carrick was forced to watch Gareth Barry partner Owen Hargreaves in the centre of midfield on Wednesday night.

This weekend, Carrick says he’ll have his eye on Barry once more, as Aston Villa come to Old Trafford in search of three points.

“Gaz is a very good player,” Carrick told ManUtd.com. “He’s got a great left foot and it’s pretty reliable, so we have to be careful when he’s on the ball and not give away too many free kicks in the final third.

“He’s played in a few different positions during his career. I think he started at centre half and then played at left back before moving onto the left wing.

“Now he’s settled into the central midfield role and developed a good partnership with Nigel Reo-Coker. Those two work really well together.”

In last season’s corresponding fixture, United won 3-1 and Carrick scored his first goal in a United shirt.

“It was an important goal although I’ve probably scored better ones since,” he said. “Hopefully there’s one or two more from me before the end of the season.”

International Reds

International Reds




Rio Ferdinand lived the dream of leading England out as captain on Wednesday night, but there was no fairytale ending as the Three Lions slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Stade de France.

A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.

Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves completed 90 minutes in Paris, while Wayne Rooney (45 minutes) and Wes Brown (63 minutes) also turned out for England. Patrice Evra was an unused substitute for the French side.

In London, Reds midfielder Anderson came on for the last half-an-hour as Brazil beat Sweden 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. A large section of the crowd, presumably Arsenal fans, booed Anderson’s every touch.

Darren Fletcher was also involved in international action, with Scotland coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.

Elsewhere, Tomasz Kuszczak was an unused substitute as the USA ran out 3-0 winners in Poland, while Nemanja Vidic played 74 minutes in Serbia’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ukraine.

Ji-sung Park played in South Korea's World Cup Qualifier against Korea DPR, which ended 0-0.

Pat primed for final push

Pat primed for final push


Patrice Evra wants to maintain a big match mentality as United approach the final seven fixtures of the league season.

The French left-back helped the Reds to produce a powerhouse performance against archrivals Liverpool and insists all remaining games should be treated in the same way by the champions.

"Psychologically it was very good for us to win against Liverpool," says Evra.

"It was a massive game, an important one for the fans and for the club. But we have seven games left to play and we need to win them too. They are like seven finals. We have the destiny of the title in our hands, that's why I hope we continue to win."

Wes Brown's rare goal against Liverpool means Evra is the only member of this season's regular back four not to have scored in this campaign. But Patrice was nonetheless delighted for his fellow defender.

"I think Wes has had an unbelievable season. He works hard every day, in every training session and he's played for United for a long time so it's great for him to score the first goal against Liverpool. I'm very happy for him."

Foster Bid Blocked

Foster Bid Blocked


Ben Foster's bid to go out on loan to the Championship has been blocked by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The once-capped England keeper asked if he could drop down a level and sign on loan for the rest of the season, but Fergie has refused despite Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuzszack being fit. Foster had been given the go-ahead to leave before making a shock debut at Derby County but now Fergie has told him to wait for his chance.

Boss: Shades of Best

Boss: Shades of Best



Sir Alex Ferguson admits Cristiano Ronaldo reminds him of George Best.

The Portuguese winger rewrote Best’s club record for goals in a season from midfield when he notched his second against Bolton last Wednesday.

It took Ronaldo’s 07/08 tally to 33, a figure he added to on Easter Sunday in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.

“There are certainly similarities [between Ronaldo and Best], “ Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.

“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.

“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."

Ronaldo may have eclipsed Best’s tally, but United’s club record for goals in a season still belongs to Denis Law. In the 1963/64 campaign, Law found the net an incredible 46 times.

“Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66.”

Skipper Remains Patient

Skipper Remains Patient



Gary Neville is itching for first-team football but admits he may have to wait until next season for his chance.

The United skipper has eased his way back from injury with a handful of appearances for the Reserves, most recently in last Thursday’s 4-1 win over Manchester City.

“I’ve played three times for the Reserves since the turn of the year and this is the longest run I’ve been on in terms of training and playing games,” Neville told Manchester United Radio.

“It’s going to take time for me to get back to full match sharpness after being out for so long (it’s now more than 12 months since Neville played for the first team). I’m probably a little bit away from first-team sharpness but the only way I’ll get that is by continuing to train with the first team.

“Hopefully I’ll get a game somewhere but that could prove difficult with the significance of the matches we have over the next few weeks. I just have to hope and pray that I get my chance at some point.

“Usually when you’re coming back from injury there’s an opportunity to throw you back into the side – maybe in one of the cup competitions – but every game’s so important now.”