United's swift rise to the top is pleasant surprise for Ferguson

United's swift rise to the top is pleasant surprise for Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is surprised by the speed with which his side have asserted a dominant position at the top of the Premier League. United returned from the Club World Cup in Japan seven points behind Liverpool and the recovery time which some thought Ferguson's squad would need gave succour to Luiz Felipe Scolari and Rafael Benitez.


In the month since, United have established a two-point lead with a game in hand. "I didn't think we would be top so quickly because we had a recovery mission after Japan," Ferguson said. The United manager considers the first game back, a win at Stoke City on Boxing Day, to have been psychologically significant.

There was a minor setback last night after Nemanja Vidic was banned for the first leg of their Champions League tie against Internazionale at San Siro for his sending off in the Club World Cup final against LDU Quito. United will not appeal, though Inter coach, Jose Mourinho, who had demanded a two-game ban for Vidic, may rue the fact that Takahiro Futagawa, of Gamba Osaka, sent off for a lesser offence in the third-place play-off, received precisely that.

It was a benign Ferguson who was surveying those trailing in his wake yesterday. With United having surpassed Chelsea's four-year-old record of 11 consecutive clean sheets, a defence without Vidic does not appear to be a concern and the 5-0 win at The Hawthorns on Tuesday suggests that the side's struggle to score may be in the past, too. Ferguson was hopeful that the knock Vidic suffered in training on Thursday will not prevent him facing Everton at Old Trafford today.

Ferguson was guarded about title talk, but he does dare contemplate each of Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Carlos Tevez scoring 20 goals this season. "I don't know whether I said I expected them each to get 20 [at the start of the season] but I certainly said they were capable of doing it."

Berbatov, in particular, has come to prominence since United returned from Japan, his four goals in the last five games include late winners against Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough. "The most important aspect is that the other players are understanding him," Ferguson said.

Confirmation that Patrice Evra and Nani have returned to training, and that Rooney will do so on Monday after a hamstring injury, highlights the depth of the squad. All three should be available for the match at West Ham United on 8 February, while Rooney may make England's friendly with Spain in Seville on three days later.

The Midweek Premier League Winners & Losers

The Midweek Premier League Winners & Losers

Manchester United
Two points clear with a game in hand, the champions will be leading a one-horse race if they win on Saturday at home to Everton before Chelsea and Liverpool cancel each other out 24 hours later.

For the neutrals and ABUs, there will be unease and disappointment that a title race that promised so much is already in danger of petering out towards predictability. This particular Premier League tale has been told too many times already. Yet for Sir Alex Ferguson formality cannot come too soon. At a rough count, United may still face another 30 or so matches during the remaining four months of the campaign - almost as many as some top-flight teams play in an entire season - so the quicker the league becomes a procession the better. Never mind their odds on winning the title - cut to 4/11 last night - start slashing their odds for the Champions League and another big drink.

Sir Alex Ferguson
What was it that Ferguson prophesised a few weeks ago that so infuriated Rafa Benitez? "There's no doubt in the second half of the season they will get nervous. With the experience we've got, having won a couple of titles in the past couple of years, it helps you. They are going into the unknown and, at this stage, if you make mistakes you get punished."

So prophetic we might as well talk about mind gain rather than mind games.


Aston Villa
The draw at Goodison Park was their best possible result and their 1-0 win at Fratton Park was the most they could have achieved with their only shot on goal during the 90 minutes.


Cristiano Ronaldo
Apparently there's such a thing as the Thierry Henry Addition - a goal scored late in a match already won that serves no other purpose than to provide cheap improvement to a player's goalscoring tally.

Apropos to nothing, Ronaldo's nine goals since October have included the final two additions in the 5-0 thrashing of West Brom, an 89th-minute penalty against Derby in the Carling Cup, a 90th-minute strike in the 5-0 win over Stoke, and two others against Hull and WBA that increased rather than secured United's lead of the game.

Tim Cahill
'The credit he receives is utterly incommensurate to his influence. He has never featured in the PFA's Team of the Year, not even after scoring 13 goals in 2005, his debut season in the Premiership. But other than Aaron Lennon, he is the best player, in terms of contribution and value, in the Premiership not playing for either ManYoo, Arsenal, Chelski or Liverpool' - Winners & Losers, December 2006.

Lennon may have regressed terribly since then but Cahill continues to be the league's best outside of the absolute elite. Indeed, it is his ability to rise to the occasion - often literally so, due to his incredible leap and timing - that marks out Cahill as a very special player. Since that eulogy was published, the Australian - whose record at Everton of 35 goals in 118 appearances is entirely pure in the sense it has not been doped up by any free-kicks or penalties - has scored at the Emirates, Anfield, Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.

While he has not received the acclaim he deserves outside of Merseyside, his value to Everton is priceless. In the 35 league games he has appeared in since the start of last season, Everton have won 21 and lost just five. In the 26 he has missed, they've won just eight and lost 12.

final point in the form of a repeat: More's the pity that the obsession towards promoting English talent causes Cahill's qualities to be so shamefully unrecognised. Ironic, too, for having been plucked from Championship obscurity in 2004, the Aussie serves as a salient lesson for the Premier League that, instead of keeping their sights fixed abroad, the lower leagues of England can offer an outstanding product as well.


Arsenal
A vital point for the Gunners because otherwise Everton would have trailed them by two points rather than five and it would require the results of at least three sets of fixtures to go their way if Villa are to be overhauled rather than just two.


Robin Van Persie
As previously stated, only Van Persie's injury record prevents him being yet regarded as one of the league's absolute top performers. So note that, while Steven Gerrard was being withdrawn due to "tiredness" at Wigan even at a time when his side desperately required late intervention, the Dutchman was still on the pitch in the 94th minute at Goodison Park despite being an ever-present this year for the Gunners after Arsene Wenger felt unable to withdraw him against Cardiff on Sunday.


Andrei Arshavin
Are there still people struggling to fathom why Arsenal are preparing to take a very expensive plunge on Arshavin after Samir Nasri completed another 90-minute study in anonymity and Denilson was shunted on to the right of midfield at Goodison?


Frank Lampard
Lampard is the sort of bloke who always buys a ticket. His long, slow, looping corners against Boro to create Kalou's brace were not especially well-delivered in terms of speed, curl or accuracy but heeded the fundamental rule of set-pieces: Goals will not be scored if the ball doesn't get past the first defender.


Didier Drogba
He's improving. His last shot in the league went the very-wayward side of the corner flag. Against Boro, he at least managed to hit it.


Wigan Athletic
The Latics don't enjoy many positive results against the Big Four but, when they do, it tends to matter. In fact, their draw at Liverpool last January accounted for their first-ever point in the Prem against Big Four opposition along with prompting the F365 headline 'Pool's Title Chase Over For Another Year'. Two months later, Arsenal's own title chase was deflated by a wretched stalemate on the JJB quagmire and Emile Heskey's injury-time equaliser at Stamford Bridge in mid-April was the result that cost Chelsea the time. And this year...


Debutant Strikers
Before their debut strikes this midweek, Emile Heskey's 27 games this season had sourced just three goals, Craig Bellamy was averaging a goal every two-and-a-half games, and Mido had only netted once since August.


Manchester City
Now boasting the third-best home record in the league.


Carlton Cole
Update: Six goals in seven games represents the best run of his professional career. On a very incidental note, not one of those six goals was scored before half-time.


Matthew Taylor
Relative to his side's own standing in the league, Taylor has been one of the most influential players in the Premier League this season. After putting the gloss on a 3-1 victory at West Ham in October, Taylor scored the winner at Hull while his last four goals have all been recorded before the 20th-minute mark in games that Bolton have either won or drawn.


Benni McCarthy
The Blackburn striker's equaliser was his seventh goal in eight games. It was also critical. Without it, Bolton would head their north-west rivals by five points rather than just two.


Losers

Rafa Benitez
To borrow one of Rafa's favourite words, the fact of the matter is that, in a season in which his side are challenging for the title, the Spaniard is now enduring more criticism than in the five years previously in which Liverpool never offered any sort of challenge.

While that may sound a little perverse, the drift in opinion is easily explainable.
Whereas in previous seasons Benitez could cite Champions League success and construction work in the league, it is his evident failings whilst auditioning to be the manager of a title-winning side that has resulted in the erosion of trust. To repeat an increasingly-frequent accusation, Benitez seems too bloody-minded, too defensive and too perverse to guide Liverpool to the summit and keep them there. And those accusations just keep on mounting.

To describe his work in recent weeks as unconvincing would be generous. His handling of Robbie Keane constitutes a failure of management, his team selections have repeatedly backfired and his decision to embark on a public spat with Sir Alex Ferguson has, as feared, proved to be an error of seismic proportions. Wrong time, wrong way. While 'Rafa's Rant' may not have had a direct bearing on subsequent results, the confirmation it was an own-goal - not least because it made him a hostage to success - has only enforced the suspicion that he is not the man to lead Liverpool to the holy grail.

At Wigan, in a match that Liverpool had to win, the message from the top was garbled. In the context of a title race, resting Steven Gerrard - Liverpool's topscorer and talisman - for the final seven minutes in spite of Mido equalising in the 82nd was, to borrow another of Rafa's favourite words, 'crazy'.

Nor was the Spaniard making any more sense after the game. "In the second half it was a crazy game. When you don't control crazy games you don't win points. I don't know what is happening. Actually I do know, but I can't say anything about it. It is just crazy. You can't control what you can't change. It could be like this for years. Alex Ferguson has been here for 22 years and you can see what it means when you have been here for so long. The past three games have something in common I don't like."

Take your own pick from what that one common ingredient might be: a failure to convince, a failure to win, or a failure to manage.


Liverpool
Three successive draws and just three wins from their past ten matches. The wheels have come off and unless a fix is completed soon their concern will soon become securing a qualifying place for the Champions League.


Tony Adams
The winner of just 16 of his 73 games as a manager.


Newcastle United
Even by the Toon's standards, it has been a miserable week. In the space of a few hours, the spine of their team has been ripped out with Shay Given handing in his notice and Michael Owen and Joey Barton ruled out for two and three months respectively. Barely able to fend for themselves, only the inadequacies of others can keep them in the league.

And things might still deteriorate spectacularly before May's denouement. In a remark rather too revealing for comfort, Joe Kinnear confirmed on Wednesday night that the credit-crunch losses of owner Mike Ashley amounted to ฃ2bn and he was only "just about" able to continue to pay the club's wages.


Hull City
Since beating WBA on October 25, Hull have garnered seven points from a possible 42.


Middlesbrough
Without a league win since November 9.


Stoke City
Bottom of the away league table with just three points from 12 games.

FERGIE HAILS RECORD-BREAKERS

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hailed goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar and his defence after they set a double Barclays Premier League record during the 5-0 demolition of West Brom at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night.

Van der Sar surpassed Petr Cech's record of 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal for Chelsea during the 2004-2005 campaign.

And the Red Devils also set a new record of 11 successive clean sheets, overtaking the tally set by the Blues during the same season four years ago.

Ferguson said: "The defensive record is a fantastic performance and it is down to the experience we have gathered together in the back four.

"Even though we've had to make changes in the last few weeks because of injuries, they have all applied themselves very well.

"Edwin Van der Sar, who has achieved everything in the game, is as delighted as when he saved that penalty kick in Moscow during the Champions League final.

"He was over the moon in the dressing room and that tells you his desire. He has still got that ambitious streak and wants to win all the time."

Ferguson was also pleased that his star studded attack also delivered goal-power with Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez amongst the scorers as they moved three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table.

He said: "The form has come good at a good time. March and April are the crucial months but it is good to get our show on the road.

"We saw a ruthless streak that has maybe not been there this season. We hoped it was going to come. We expected it to come become of the standard of forwards we have.

"Tonight was the first indication that it was there. For the first 10 minutes West Brom did very well and gave us a bit of defending to do and we were quite resolute at that stage of the game.

"But once we got the ball in their half of the field, we always looked dangerous."

Ferguson felt Albion defender Paul Robinson was guilty of a reckless challenge on United midfielder Ji-sung Park which resulted in an instant red card from referee Rob Styles.

He said: "I thought it was a reckless challenge from where I was sitting but they tell me from the camera the other side it didn't look as reckless.

"It was a careless challenge when he didn't need to do it. Ji-Sung is on the ground and the boy has come in late, sliding into him and it is careless and reckless a bit."

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray initially refused to discuss the red card but conceded a review of the incident today will decide whether to lodge an appeal.

He said: "That will probably be a club decision really. I am pretty sure our hierarchy will have a look at it and decide what they want to do.

"For me, I will abide by that. It depends what angle you look at it. I don't know what the club will do. They will probably make a decision today (Wednesday).

"It is all about opinion and the referee made the decision tonight. If his angle meant he thought it was a red card, he'll give it.

"If the TV angle show that Robbo didn't leave the ground or show his studs, that it was an honest collision between two players going for the ball, then I am sure there will be a case to appeal it.

"Until we look at it in the cold light of day, we won't know if we are going to make that decision."

Man Utd lose two more to injury

Man Utd lose two more to injury

Manchester United's injury crisis worsened on Saturday as Danny Welbeck and Fabio limped out of their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Tottenham.

Already without 10 senior players, United will now be missing the services of the newly injured duo for Tuesday's Premier League encounter with Stoke.

"You could do without these things," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'm okay with the midfield and front players. It's the full-back positions that cause us a bit of concern."

Fabio was making his United debut when he injured his calf early in the second half, while fellow 18-year-old Welbeck limped out of the tie late on with an ankle problem.

"Danny Welbeck got kicked on the ankle. It's nothing serious but I don't think he'll make Tuesday," added Ferguson.

"Young Fabio has a calf strain and it's disappointing because he's only just come back from a long injury. He did very well too."

They join fellow defenders Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and his twin brother Rafael on the sidelines for the Premier League leaders.

Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Ji-sung Park were also unavailable for Saturday's game.

Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn after 71 minutes against Spurs and after the game Ferguson admitted the Portuguese winger was a doubt prior to the match.

"We had to get the doctor in to see Cristiano," said the Scot.

"He had a bit of a bug and I think it showed today, I don't think he was anywhere near ready.

"But he showed the appetite to play and it's always good to have him on the pitch, opponents are always aware of him. He should be better by Tuesday."

Berbatov's sublime strike ends unlikely dream for Tottenham

Berbatov's sublime strike ends unlikely dream for Tottenham

Manchester United's injury crisis worsened on Saturday as Danny Welbeck and Fabio limped out of their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Tottenham.

Already without 10 senior players, United will now be missing the services of the newly injured duo for Tuesday's Premier League encounter with Stoke.

"You could do without these things," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'm okay with the midfield and front players. It's the full-back positions that cause us a bit of concern."

Fabio was making his United debut when he injured his calf early in the second half, while fellow 18-year-old Welbeck limped out of the tie late on with an ankle problem.

"Danny Welbeck got kicked on the ankle. It's nothing serious but I don't think he'll make Tuesday," added Ferguson.

"Young Fabio has a calf strain and it's disappointing because he's only just come back from a long injury. He did very well too."

They join fellow defenders Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and his twin brother Rafael on the sidelines for the Premier League leaders.

Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Ji-sung Park were also unavailable for Saturday's game.

Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn after 71 minutes against Spurs and after the game Ferguson admitted the Portuguese winger was a doubt prior to the match.

"We had to get the doctor in to see Cristiano," said the Scot.

"He had a bit of a bug and I think it showed today, I don't think he was anywhere near ready.

"But he showed the appetite to play and it's always good to have him on the pitch, opponents are always aware of him. He should be better by Tuesday."

Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham

FA CUP-ManU 2:1 Tottenham - MyVideo

Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham

United’s quest five major trophies continues apace in spite of a crippling injury list, as the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Harry Redknapp’s men took a surprise early lead through Roman Pavlyuchenko, but United’s first half display was otherwise outstanding as goals from Paul Scholes (albeit via a wicked deflection off Tom Huddlestone) and Dimitar Berbatov against his former club secured the win.

Even with injuries limiting Sir Alex’s selections, the boss has the ability to surprise with his line-ups. Fabio, twin brother of Rafael who has impressed this season, was drafted in for his debut at left-back, with John O’Shea moving across the back four to right-back. Fellow teenager Danny Welbeck was asked to play in a wide-right position. While not his preferred position, it isn’t an altogether unfamiliar role for the 18-year-old forward who played there in his first season with the U18s. The six changes to United’s line-up from the midweek victory over Derby County are a sign of how injuries have hit the Reds, but Sir Alex could still boast nine internationals in his starting eleven.

Redknapp has also struggled with injuries. But, despite widespread reports that he would field his weakest available team, he made only three changes to the team that, despite losing 3-2 to Burnley on Wednesday, booked their place in the Carling Cup final against United on 1 March with a 6-4 aggregate victory.

With selection problems for both teams it was little surprise that the game was open from the start. But it was Tottenham who made the first coherent attack, and scored from it. Having penned United into the corner, Huddlestone's cross from the left saw Pavlyuchenko do what so few forwards have this season – beat Nemanja Vidic to a header. And the Russian’s glancing touch took the ball past the stranded Ben Foster.

The goal came after just five minutes and sparked the home crowd into life, while the away section fans sang, “…we’re going to Wem-ber-ley” – premature perhaps, unless they were stating mere fact at their impending visit in the other domestic cup competition. United upped a gear and soon asked serious questions of Tottenham’s resilience. Berbatov sent a low shot skimming wide on 10 minutes, while Tevez thundered a left-footed effort against the bar on 18. Welbeck was next up with a jinking run into the area. He was only denied a shot when Chris Gunter made a last-ditch intervention. Seconds later Tevez forced a fine save from Spurs keeper Ben Alnwick when he volleyed goalwards from Berbatov’s knockdown.

There was plenty more to be positive about – with Welbeck’s enthusiasm and skill on the right, and Fabio’s attacking intent on the left a welcome surprise. In fact, United had every reason to feel unlucky to be behind. But that was soon put right. The ceaseless pressure paid off on 34 minutes when Carrick’s corner found Scholes unmarked on the edge of the area – never a good idea for opponents – and his shot beat Alnwick via a hefty deflection off Huddlestone.

Two minutes later United had the lead when Carrick again provided the killer pass. His lofted ball put Berbatov through and the former Spurs man ruthlessly fired his shot into the bottom corner. The United fans gleefully turned to the away supporters and sang “que sera sera…”, scolding the Spurs fans’ for their earlier bragging, and shortly after added a “that’s why we’re champions” and “you’re going down with City” for good measure.

Fabio’s impressive debut unfortunately came to an end shortly after half time when he was forced off with an injury. The young Brazilian was replaced by another debutant, Richard Eckersley. The Salford-born right-back is a more traditional, defensive player compared to Fabio’s flair and penchant for creeping forward, but it was an equally proud day for the young defender.

The tempo dropped dramatically in the second half; perhaps the motivation to expend maximum energy in the midst of hectic fixture schedule wasn’t top priority. It was a shame because the first half had been so entertaining but, in the long run, was probably necessary for both teams. Redknapp offered one final attempt to inject vim and vigour into his side’s display by bringing on Jermain Defoe with 20 minutes left, while Sir Alex gave a third debut of the day to Zoran Tosic, who replaced Ronaldo. The changes – though good for United fans to see the latest sprightly addition to the first-team ranks – made no impact on the scoreline as the Reds booked a place in Sunday’s fifth round draw, and edged a step closer to another Wembley outing.

Man Utd: Foster, O'Shea, Neville, Vidic, Fabio Da Silva (Eckersley 53), Welbeck (Fletcher 86), Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo (Tosic 72), Berbatov, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Giggs, Possebon, Chester.

Booked: Vidic, Tevez.

Goals: Scholes 35, Berbatov 36.

Tottenham: Alnwick, Gunter, Corluka, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley (Defoe 72), Huddlestone, Zokora, Bale (Taarabt 67), Modric (Giovani 46), Pavlyuchenko.
Subs Not Used: Gomes, Gilberto, Rocha, Dervite.

Goals: Pavlyuchenko 5.

Att: 75,014

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Manchester United linked with Wigan's Valencia

Manchester United linked with Wigan's Valencia

Manchester United are interested in bringing Wigan's Antonio Valencia to Old Trafford according to reports.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been monitoring the Ecuador international for sometime, but his impressive performance when Wigan visited Old Trafford last week has increased United's interest.

Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for Valencia, with reports claiming they could make a £15m bid for the player.

Valencia would be seen as the ideal cover for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially with the disappointing performances of Nani since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan is confident Zoran Tosic is ready for his Red Devils bow.

Tosic has not played a competitive game since the beginning of December, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed it would be the end of February before the 21-year-old was in the right condition to make his senior debut.


But the former Partizan Belgrade winger has been so impressive in training that Ferguson has had a change of heart and now intends to name Tosic in his squad for tonight's Carling Cup semi-final with Derby.

United have a single-goal deficit to make up on the Rams from the first leg at Pride Park a fortnight ago, so Ferguson needs to get the decision right. However, Phelan has no doubt Tosic is up to the task.

"Whether it is as a starter or coming on as a substitute against Derby we have not decided yet," Phelan told the Manchester Evening News.

"But Zoran has shown he is capable of blending in. He has done it nice and quietly. Now it is a case of giving him a chance for everyone else to see what we have seen.

"He has really impressed us."

BERBATOV PROVING HIS WORTH - NEVILLE

BERBATOV PROVING HIS WORTH - NEVILLE

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville feels Dimitar Berbatov has now adjusted to life at Old Trafford - and what better way for the striker to show his well-being than with a last-minute winner?

Sir Alex Ferguson's entire 22-year reign has been littered with late drama, most famously of all in the 1999 Champions League final.

So when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot rolled through to Jussi Jaaskelainen and just a minute remained to be played at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, United refused to accept a draw.

One scuttling run and cross from Carlos Tevez later, Berbatov was burying his ninth goal of the season to claim a dramatic 1-0 win, send the Red Devils top of the Premier League and provide the final proof he has what it takes to be an Old Trafford star.

"Dimitar's performances in the last couple of weeks have been really impressive," said Neville.

"He is starting to look fantastic in certain games and now he is winning us matches.

"In five games on the trot now, he has had an influence at big moments. That is what you want from your forwards."

Remarkably, in two games United have battled through 178 consecutive barren minutes yet emerged with six points, with Berbatov's last-gasp effort following up Wayne Rooney's first-minute winner against Wigan. Liverpool should note the statistic with alarm.

Rafael Benitez will also be aware that when United touched down after their successful Club World Cup quest in Japan they were seven points adrift of their fierce north-west rivals.

Five consecutive wins now have United at the head of affairs, piling the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Monday's Merseyside derby at Anfield.

"I am not surprised at the turnaround," said Neville.

"We obviously had games in hand but they have to be converted into points.

"We were buoyed by the fact teams did not pull away from us while we were in Japan, since when we have got through some difficult games.

"It is really important to win matches when you are not at your absolute best. But no-one is running away with themselves. The hard work is still to do."

At least, as far as the Premier League is concerned, there is no more hard work until the trip to West Brom on January 27.

In the meantime, Ferguson will juggle his injury-ravaged squad for cup games against Derby and Tottenham, the first of which comes with the added carrot of a Wembley final if United can overcome a first-leg deficit.

Ferguson has already given some senior players a few days off, suggesting the Scot will honour his pledge to stick with the younger lads who have been the backbone of United's Carling Cup quest.

As the only side to beat United in any competition since November 8, the Rams have already collected a notable scalp. Merely by scoring against Ferguson's side, they are in a select group.

For the statisticians need to go back to that post-Bonfire Night reverse at Arsenal for the last time the Red Devils last conceded a goal in Premier League combat - over 15 and a half hours, or a record-equalling 10 games ago.

Considering Rio Ferdinand has missed six of those games, and Patrice Evra seven, United's rearguard deserve immense praise.

Little wonder Ferguson has cancelled all leave for his defensive recruits.

"Ten clean sheets on the run is a massive achievement," reflected Neville.

"Defence has always been the bedrock for us. We won't always get the credit because we usually score lots of goals. But in the last couple of months we have had to keep clean sheets.

"You can't score five goals every week although there will come a time when we have to score more than one."

Jussi Jaaskelainen looked like even denying United that with a succession of superb saves.

Little wonder defeated Bolton boss Gary Megson claimed he would not swap the Finn for anyone else in the Premier League.

United simply move on to their next challenge, the momentum with them as surely as night follows day.

"Momentum is important but there are four months left yet," shrugged Neville.

"The biggest games are still to come.

"But considering the difficult start, with all those away games, and the travelling, we are happy with the position we are in."

Berbatov stirs just in time to help shaken United to the top

Berbatov stirs just in time to help shaken United to the top

"Attack, attack, attack," Manchester United's support chanted towards the end of a frustrating afternoon but it was not until the last minute of a disappointing game that they were able to break through a resolute home defence in which the goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was outstanding. He did not deserve to be beaten by a header from the unmarked Dimitar Berbatov that brought United a third win in seven days, carrying them to the top of the table ahead of Liverpool, who play Everton tomorrow.


Until that unexpectedly dramatic finish, the champions' efforts in Wayne Rooney's absence were lacking in conviction. Berbatov had been more infuriatingly languid than ever, Carlos Tevez was never close to a goal and only Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kicks were a threat. It took the introduction of Ryan Giggs – for his 550th Premier League appearance – and Paul Scholes to inject real urgency.

So this strange season winds on, the leading teams making hard work of establishing their credentials. With the past week's work United have at least put down a marker. They have not conceded a goal for more than 10 games, equalling Chelsea's record, but away from Old Trafford goals of their own have been hard to come by. Yesterday's was only the 10th in 11 games.

It condemned a weakened Bolton, who cannot score anywhere, to a fourth successive defeat and continuing worries about their prospects of staying up. "We made a really poor decision defensively, which cost us a goal and that sticks in the throat," said their manager Gary Megson. His opposite number looked distinctly relieved. "They had one or two moments in the second half," Sir Alex Ferguson said. "You have to keep your concentration and we've been doing that very well. Being top is the best place to be, even if it's only for two days."

The most interesting incidents for half an hour were that Ronaldo, convinced he had been fouled by Kevin Davies, climbed off the floor to win the ball back; a United supporter,either bored, drunk or both, wandered all the way into the centre circlebefore stewards thought to apprehend him; and Ariza Makukula, on his Bolton debut, was booked for blatantly barging Nemanja Vidic in the back.

Makukula is on loan from Benfica with an option to buy him for £4.5 million in the summer. Playing on his own in attack, with Davies and MattTaylor supporting from the wings, he found it a difficult introduction to English football against a defence that had remained unbeaten for so long. At last came a decent chance at either end.

First Fabrice Muamba, easily holding off Anderson's challenge, muscled on and from 20 yards forced Edwin van der Sar to touch a strong shot over the bar. Ten minutes before half-time Gary Neville sent Darren Fletcher to the byline to cross for Ronaldo, who looked odds-on to score from eight yards. He headed the ball down into the ground and as it bounced up Jaaskelainen was able to push it away.

The goalkeeper, so often Bolton's saviour, had two more fine moments before the interval. After Berbatov won a soft free-kick, he knocked Ronaldo's fierce drive aside, and then did the same to a swerving shot from fully 35 yards by Anderson.

Neville led United out at a purposeful sprint for the second half, though the home side soon roused a smaller crowd than expected. Jlloyd Samuel beat United's captain and cut back a deep cross that Davies rose to head on to the top of the net. Makukula made way for Topi Obadeyi in attack but it was significant that Ferguson felt obliged to send on both Giggs and Scholes, even with two big cup ties coming up this week. Until that point, Ronaldo had remained the most likely source of a breakthrough for them. His tantalising cross eluded Fletcher and two free-kicks lined up in characteristic gunslinger-pose were then struck hard and low at Jaaskelainen, who was grateful to push them out.

Just as it looked as though Bolton would hold out for a deserved point, their sturdy resistance was broken. Giggs fed Tevez for a deft turnbetween two defenders and a cross on to the head of Berbatov, whose sole contribution of the afternoon proved to be the most decisive by anyone.

Calderon resigns over voting row

Calderon resigns over voting row

The president of Real Madrid, Ramon Calderon, resigned yesterday as the club's board began investigating allegations that he had rigged votes at last month's general assembly.


Calderon, who has denied the claims, was half-way through a four-year term. His popularity was already waning with Real slipping 12 points behind Barcelona after he had failed to deliver on transfer targets Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and others.

The news comes as Real prepare to host La Liga's bottom club Osasuna tomorrow.

Defender Michel Salgado said: "We are on a good run and the controversy is not welcome. We are on the up and trying to isolate ourselves."

Barcelona meet seventh-placed Deportivo La Coruña at home tonight with Yaya Touré expecting a tough match. "Our rivals are playing more defensively, games are more physical than technical and some teams are committing a lot of fouls," he said.

In Italy, Gianluigi Buffon is in line to make his first Serie A start in three months in the Juventus goal at Lazio tomorrow, but leaders Internazionale are without the suspended Sulley Muntari for their match at Atalanta.

Adriano will play some part, said manager Jose Mourinho, after the enigmatic striker appeared more committed recently. The coach added: "I'm happy to have re-found Adriano and I think he can do a lot for Inter, as long as he does not arrive late to training."

Reintegrating Mario Balotelli may be trickier after the teenage starlet's agent said he wanted to spend the rest of the season on loan elsewhere.

Milan will be without the suspended Ronaldinho at home to Fiorentina tonight but David Beckham will start, as should the in-demand Kaka.

The Bundesliga is on a winter break but leaders Hoffenheim are reeling after leading scorer Vedad Ibisevic was ruled out for months with torn knee ligaments.

The The Vertigo Gossip

The Vertigo Gossip

PENNANT TO KEEP RONALDO'S PLACE WARM
All other gossip seems rather insignificant compared to all this Kaka nonsense, but here we go anyways.

The most amusing tittle-tattle appears in The Daily Mirror, who claim that Real Madrid, not perturbed by him turning them down once, will make a new move for Jermaine Pennant.

The paper reports that, while Real have a ฃ3.5million permanent agreement already in place with Liverpool, they will instead ask for a six-month loan move, with Pennant providing a stop-gap before Cristiano Ronaldo moves there in the summer.

Apparently Real believe they have an agreement for Ronaldo all wrapped up, even though Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted on numerous occasions that he wouldn't sell his man to Real, while the man himself has been slightly less than 100% certain about his future at Old Trafford.

However, AC Milan have apparently offered Pennant a pre-contract, while assorted rags claim Porstmouth are going to make a move for the winger, who will be out of contract come the summer.


CHELSEA IN FOR TEVEZ?
Before the world went completely insane, we would laugh this story off in The Daily Star heartily, but now we just don't know what to believe anymore.

The paper claims that Chelsea are planning to lure Tevez away from Manchester United at the end of the season, when the Argentine's loan agreement runs out.

They report: 'The Blues see Tevez and Seville's Luis Fabiano as the men they need in order to revamp their strikeforce after losing patience with Didier Drogba, who will move on this summer.'

And lookey here! They quote a 'club source' as saying: "Chelsea like Tevez very much and he will be their major summer target, along with Fabiano, who is almost certain to arrive."

SPURS TO USE BENT TO GET JONES
It seems that 'Arry Redknapp is pretty keen on Sunderland's Kenwyne JOnes.

According to The Times, Spurs have had several cash offers of 'up to ฃ10million' turned down for Jones, so will now try and use Darren Bent, who they value at ฃ12million, in a part-exchange deal.

The chances are that Sunderland will still say 'No dice', having declared that the striker is not for sale, but that won't deter our hero.

Meanwhile, The Times (along with a few other papers) claim that Spurs will raise their offer for Wilson Palacios to ฃ14million, while The Guardian reckons they may include Jermanie Jenas in the deal, and that might just do the trick as far as Wigan are concerned.

More on that one here.


SPURS CLOSE ON BELLAMY
While Sky Sports News reports that both Spurs and Manchester City have had new bids for Craig Bellamy turned down, The Daily Mail begs to differ and claims Tottenham were 'locked in talks' with the Welshman over a ฃ12million move to White Hart Lane.

The Mail claims that Citeh are expected to match Spurs' bid on Friday, and that: 'While Spurs would be unable to match personal terms available at City, Redknapp will hope Bellamy's initial preference for a move across London will prove decisive.'


SOME OTHER CITEH STUFF
Amid all the Kaka broohaha, it's nice to see a new name in the frame for Manchester City.

And that name comes in The Daily Mail, who claim that Mark Hughes is close to signing Hamburg's holding midfielder Nigel De Jong.

The paper reports: 'The 24-year-old is valued at ฃ15m and City manager Mark Hughes sees him as the club's future anchorman after failing in bids to sign Scott Parker from West Ham and Lassana Diarra (now at Real Madrid) from Portsmouth.'


ARSENAL TO USE BENDTNER TO GET UPSON
Quick line that we've heard before, but is interesting nonetheless.

The Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal are set to make a ฃ12million move for Matthew Upson, with Arsene Wenger apparently 'desperate' to sign a centre-half in January.

So desperate, in fact, that they will include Nicklas Bendtner as a ฃ5million makeweight in the deal.


AND THE REST...
Reading will let Stephen Hunt join Tottenham for ฃ5million...Blackburn have been told it will cost them ฃ9million to land Red Bull Salzburg striker Marc Janko...Crystal Palace are chasing Sheffield United striker Danny Webber...Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is targeting Nurnberg's Greek striker Angelos Charisteas...Luis Boa Morte wants to stay at West Ham after snubbing a ฃ1.5m move to Hull...Benfica striker Ariza Makukula is set to join Bolton on loan...West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is pessimistic about landing Paris St Germain striker Peguy Luyindula...Espanyol say goalkeeper Carlos Kameni has a deal in place to join Manchester City...Former Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter, 24, has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Wolves.

Rooney quick out of blocks to hurt Wigan... and himself

Rooney quick out of blocks to hurt Wigan... and himself

"Rafa's cracking up." Sir Alex Ferguson's sentiments, gratefully seized upon as a new anthem by the Old Trafford crowd last night and perhaps presciently, bearing in mind how long it took Manchester United to continue their inexorable journey towards Liverpool's fragile ascendant position.


The goal took 52 seconds, to be precise, and though United hardly laid waste to Wigan's goal during a game in which Steve Bruce's side demonstrated why they – and not Chelsea – are the ones who have just won six from seven, the champions are currently inexorable, grinding out wins and keeping heads when all around them are losing theirs. United have also not conceded in 13 hours and two minutes of domestic football now – a club record – and the prospect of them reeling in Benitez's side by 5pm on Saturday looks highly likely, even though Wayne Rooney, who had scored and departed the field inside seven minutes, will not play a part. Rooney's hamstring injury will keep him out for three weeks.

There were actually signs of ill health in the stadium all night: the Old Trafford announcer was substituted after his croaking attempts to introduce Cristiano Ronaldo as Fifa's World Player of the Year. Carlos Tevez and stand-in central defender Jonny Evans also took knocks: Ferguson's squad is looking war weary at present.

But a war effort was required against a Wigan Ferguson later described as "the best side to have played here this season by far" – and that was not another sly dig at Luiz Felipe Scolari. The build-up might not have augured well for them – the club repulsing a £10m bid from Tottenham for his prized midfielder Wilson Palacios – but they grew in stature as the night drew on and United melted away. Antonio Valencia, the night's outstanding performer and another Bruce may struggle to keep, won his battle against John O'Shea. Nemanja Vidic's headed clearance from under the bar from one of fully a dozen of the Ecuadorian's crosses was part of a mighty and necessary performance from the Serb.

Rooney's departure provided one of the rare opportunities Tevez so covets but it was one he again could not take. How badly the Argentine needed a good first touch on an O'Shea header which sailed over Wigan's midfield 18 minutes after taking the field. But Tevez's heavy control took the ball out of his reach when he might have rounded Chris Kirkland to score. His manager seems to be willing him to prosper too: he was on the pitch with the striker after the teams re-emerged from the interval, issuing instructions, an arm around him. But tirelessness alone does not light up games and Tevez's propensity to dive at the first opportunity did not help either.

Dimitar Berbatov was more inconspicuous but while he might feature less, he certainly offers more. It was his masterful pass across to Ronaldo that allowed the Portuguese to mesmerise Maynor Figueroa, then cross for Rooney who was left free to side-foot home as Paul Scharner abandoned his station. An elegant curled effort from the outside of Berbatov's boot, just wide, was also the best it got for United after the break.

By then, Bruce's side looked like they might steal his old boss' thunder. Emile Heskey had good grounds for his penalty shout after Vidic appeared to bring him to ground with a left arm in the penalty area. Valencia might also have helped Benitez's mental health had he kept his head after Evans's rushed challenge left the winger running into the United box. He fired over.

"If I was ever going to get something from coming back it was today," lamented Bruce, after his 12th managerial visit here without a win. "They showed a bit of resilience and had a go. I detected it in training they were looking forward to it. Some of them hadn't played here and they looked around and fancied it. But I think that's the quickest goal in Sir Alex's tenure here."

Meanwhile, United, two points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, march on. "You don't mind when you're top, its being top which is the place to be," Ferguson said. "Hopefully we can do that by Saturday night."

Goals: Rooney (1) 1-0.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Van der Sar; Rafael, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea; Carrick, Scholes (Fletcher, 85); Ronaldo, Rooney (Tevez, 8), Nani (Anderson, 59); Berbatov. Substitutes not used: Kuszczak (gk), Neville, Park, Welbeck.

Wigan Athletic (4-4-2): Kirkland; Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Figueroa; Valencia, Cattermole (Kapo, 88), Palacios, Taylor (De Ridder, 81); Zaki (Camara, 75), Heskey. Substitutes not used: Kingson (gk), Edman, Brown, Boyce.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).

Bookings: Wigan Athletic: Bramble, Scharner, Zaki.

Man of the match: Scholes.

Attendance: 73,917.

UNITED HAVE `FANTASTIC INCENTIVE`

UNITED HAVE `FANTASTIC INCENTIVE`

John O'Shea knows Manchester United could have no greater incentive for beating Bolton than going top of the Premier League.

Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Wigan means three more points at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday will take Sir Alex Ferguson's men to the summit for the first time this season.

No one at United is taking victory for granted, not least because of the injuries that threaten to leave Ferguson's strong squad severely weakened.

But O'Shea thinks a place at the head of affairs for a couple of days - before Monday's Merseyside derby - should focus a few United minds.

"It is a fantastic incentive," said the Republic of Ireland star.

"That was what we were talking about a few months ago when we had these games in hand.

"We felt if we could get to a stage where we could be top, having played the same number of games as everyone else, it is a definite advantage."

With Bolton generally a happy hunting ground for United - last season's defeat and finger-jabbing row between Ferguson and referee Mark Clattenburg excepted - and the Trotters' form having dipped in recent weeks, the visitors should be confident.

But having amassed what most pundits believe is the strongest squad in the Premier League, Ferguson is now fearing certain parts of it being decimated.

Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown are definitely missing from a defence that has now kept a club record nine successive clean sheets in the top flight - with Jonny Evans possibly joining the casualty list after limping through virtually the full 90 minutes last night.

If the Northern Ireland star does not make it, Ferguson would be forced to push either Gary Neville or O'Shea alongside Nemanja Vidic.

Either move creates a headache, because Neville has played only a handful of league matches at centre-half in his entire career - while for O'Shea to move inside, Ferguson would presumably have to hand a debut to Fabio Da Silva, who played in a closed-doors friendly with Bradford earlier this week.

The striking berths are equally problematic, because Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury - and Carlos Tevez's state of fitness is also a concern.

Rooney's absence includes the FA Cup fourth-round tie with Tottenham, plus Premier League meetings with West Brom and Everton in addition to the Bolton trip and next Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final against Derby.

While United can cope with that, any extension to the present recovery timescale brings England's friendly against Spain on February 11 and the Champions League meeting with Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan at the San Siro two weeks later into view.

Rooney's spell on the sidelines is compounded by the knowledge that his almost certain replacement, Tevez, spent most of last night's win limping - after being caught by a thunderous Titus Bramble tackle.

Having waited so long for a decent run in the side, Tevez would be cursing his luck if he was unable to make the most of Rooney's misfortune - although at least Ferguson would be able to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo's abilities as an orthodox striker alongside Dimitar Berbatov if he was without two of his leading men this weekend.

"Bolton will be another difficult away game," O'Shea predicts.

"They will definitely be up for it. They will see that we only got past Wigan by one goal and maybe get some confidence from that.

"It will be hard. But we will be up for the battle."

Ronaldo dismisses Madrid link

Ronaldo dismisses Madrid link

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he wants to remain at Manchester United and win more silverware.


Fresh reports emerged from Spain yesterday claiming the Portugal winger will join Real Madrid in the summer after the Primera Liga champions failed to sign him last year.

But Ronaldo's priority is to continue his success at Old Trafford.

"I know it will be hard but I want to achieve even more things with these great players we have at United," he said.

"We can dominate. Manchester has a lot of young players - myself included - so the future for the club looks good. I want to be here, to be a part of the success that I believe lies ahead.

"For me, it's great to be a part of this fantastic club and my motivation is to win more trophies.

"I'm still very ambitious. I want to carry on and repeat the success I've already had."

Ronaldo sees his future at United

Ronaldo sees his future at United

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he wants to remain at Manchester United and win more silverware.

Fresh reports emerged from Spain on Tuesday claiming the Portugal winger will join Real Madrid in the summer after the Primera Liga champions failed to sign him last year, but Ronaldo's priority is to continue his success at Old Trafford.

"I know it will be hard but I want to achieve even more things with these great players we have at United," he said. "We can dominate. Manchester has a lot of young players - myself included - so the future for the club looks good. I want to be here, to be a part of the success that I believe lies ahead."

He added: "For me, it's great to be a part of this fantastic club and my motivation is to win more trophies.

"I'm still very ambitious. I want to carry on and repeat the success I've already had."

Torres tips Manchester United for title

Torres tips Manchester United for title

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres said Manchester United were still favourites to retain the Premier League title despite the Anfield club leading the table since the beginning of December.


"They are world and European champions," Torres was quoted by British media as saying.

"We respect them totally for the class of players they have. Many of them are among the best in the world and they're clear favourites to win the title.

"But we're working hard to compete and finish above them and we're on course."

Liverpool have drawn five of their last eight league matches and champions United, who began the season slowly, will go top if they beat Wigan Athletic at home on Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers away on Saturday.

Liverpool, who hold a five-point lead over United and have played two games more than them, are not in action until Monday's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Spain striker Torres, who came third in Fifa's World Player of the Year on Monday when United's Cristiano Ronaldo took the honour, said Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford in March would be the critical point of the season.

"I think the game at Old Trafford will decide the title," Torres said. "If everything goes as we expect, we think we'll go there in a similar position to the one we are in now.

"Then it will be up to us to play our game and try to get a result in a ground that, in the past few years, has not been good for Liverpool.

"We know the chances we have. We have to go to Old Trafford and we'll play Arsenal and Chelsea at home."

The last of Liverpool's 18 league titles came in 1990 and United would equal that record should they win the league this season.

Ronaldo, Torres talk up United prospects

Ronaldo, Torres talk up United prospects

Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres may be fierce title rivals but both players believe Manchester United's comprehensive defeat of Chelsea has now made the reigning champions the favourites to defend their crown.

While their respective managers have been slugging it out verbally, the duo sat next to each other in harmony in Zurich's Opera House, before Ronaldo was awarded FIFA's world player of the year, with Torres coming third.

Their opinions were united on United too - though Rafa Benitez may not welcome his Spanish striker's opinion - in that both believe Sir Alex Ferguson's side are once more in pole position following the 3-0 rout of Chelsea.

Ronaldo, who also insisted no deal has been agreed for him to move to Real Madrid next season despite reports to the contrary in Spain, said: "Manchester United are of course in a good position right now to win both the Champions League and the Premier League again.

"We have shown we are one of the best clubs in the world and if we continue on this path we would have few troubles - we are in a very good position to win.

"We respect all the other teams but I believe we can win this year."

Torres agreed, but said Liverpool will fight every inch of the way, and believes that the title is likely to be decided at Old Trafford when the Reds visit on March 14.

He also pointed out that United could overtake Liverpool at the top of the table if they win their two games in hand - Ferguson's men in fact could be leaders again before the Merseysiders play their next game.

Torres said: "They are the favourites and the champions right now and have shown over the years they are a very powerful team.

"They have two matches more to play and if they catch up will be on top of the league.

"We know we have Old Trafford waiting for us and then Arsenal and Chelsea at home. We have to fight until the very end.

"The match at Old Trafford could turn out to be the decider and we hope we can be on an equal footing when we go there and try to win the match at a place that has not been advantageous for us in the past."

Ronaldo praises Ferguson influence

Ronaldo praises Ferguson influence

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as a guiding light after he was named as Fifa's world player of the year.


The Manchester United and Portugal winger finished ahead of runner-up Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Liverpool's Spanish striker Fernando Torres in third place to take the award at a star-studded gala in Zurich last night.

Ronaldo is the first Premier League player to have won the award and it ends a stunning year for the 23-year-old in which he played the starring role as United won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.

Ronaldo received the award from Pele and paid tribute to the influence of the United manager.

He said: "It's true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.

"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.

"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

He added: "It is a dream come true and I would like to dedicate this to my family.

"I'm extremely happy, it's one of the most important moments in my life and I hope I can come back here again.

"After what I did in 2008, to receive this award is amazing and I feel very proud of this achievement.

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won."

Torres was honoured to have come third ahead of Kaka, who finished fourth, and Xavi, who was fifth.

The Liverpool striker said: "Ronaldo and Messi are for sure the two best players in the world and to come next to them is a privilege.

"The very fact of being here is a reason to be proud to represent my club and my country. It's a matter of pride to have two Spaniards amongst this group."

Ronaldo's 31 league goals (42 in total) won him the European Golden Shoe as the continent's top scorer, and he was also awarded the Ballon d'Or and FIFPro's player of the year.

The awards are voted for by all countries' head coaches and captains.

Steven Gerrard finished sixth, Frank Lampard 12th, Didier Drogba 13th, Michael Ballack 14th, Cesc Fabregas 15th, Emmanuel Adebayor 17th and John Terry 21st.

Premier League players have finished as runner-up before - David Beckham and Thierry Henry both did so twice while Lampard also came second two years ago - but Ronaldo is the first to take the top prize.

For his votes, England head coach Fabio Capello's choices mirrored the one-two-three positions but England skipper Terry voted for Xavi first ahead of Torres in second and Ronaldo third.

Other votes: George Burley (Scotland) - 1 Ronaldo, 2 Xavi, 3 Messi; Barry Ferguson (Scotland) - 1 Ronaldo, 2 Messi, 3 Gerrard; John Toshack - (Wales) 1 Ronaldo, 2 Gerrard, 3 Messi; Craig Bellamy (Wales) - 1 Messi, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Torres; Nigel Worthington (Northern Ireland) - 1 Messi, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Kaka; Maik Taylor (Northern Ireland) - 1 Ronaldo, 2 Messi, 3 Torres; Giovanni Trapattoni (Rep of Ireland) - 1 Messi, 2 Ibrahimovic, 3 Ronaldo; Shay Given (Rep of Ireland) - 1 Casillas, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Messi.

Ronaldo lands FIFA's top prize

Ronaldo lands FIFA's top prize

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first Premier League star to be named FIFA's world player of the year.

The Manchester United and Portugal winger beat AC Milan's Kaka, Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi to take the award at a star-studded gala in Zurich.

Ronaldo said: "It's a dream come true for me to get this award and I would like to dedicate this to my family.

"But it's also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.

"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won.

"I am lucky to to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

It caps a stunning year for the 23-year-old in which he played the starring role as United won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.

His 31 league goals in the 2008-09 season, and 42 in total, won him the European Golden Shoe as the continent's top scorer.

He was also awarded the Ballon d'Or by France Football magazine, and named FIFPro's player of the year.

Ronaldo named Fifa player of 2008

Ronaldo named Fifa player of 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008.

The Portugal and Manchester United winger becomes the first Premier League player to win the award.

Ronaldo, 23, beat AC Milan's Kaka, Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi to the prestigious title.

"It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues," said the United star.

His 42 goals for Manchester United last season helped the Old Trafford club clinch the Premier League and Champions League double.

Ronaldo, who also picked up the European Player of the Year crown in December and the FifPro World Footballer of the Year honour in October, paid special tribute to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Did Ronaldo deserve the title?


"It's also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him," he added.

"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.

"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won.

"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."

The coaches and captains of 155 national teams took part in the voting for the award, with Messi finishing second ahead of Torres, Kaka and Xavi.

Ronaldo is only the second Portuguese player to pick up the Fifa honour following Luis Figo's triumph in 2001.

Meanwhile, Brazil forward Marta, who is joining Los Angeles Sol in the new women's professional league in the United States, collected her third successive women's award - equalling the record set by German Birgit Prinz.

"This is an amazing achievement for me," said the 22-year-old, who has spent five years at Swedish club Umea and who was part of the Brazil team that finished as runners-up to the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

"This game has given me so many great moments of joy. This award is fantastic and I'd like to thank you all very much."

England and Arsenal Ladies striker Kelly Smith was one of the five nominees for the title.

Tevez voices frustration over season in the cold

Tevez voices frustration over season in the cold

A cold night beckons in Derby for Carlos Tevez in the Carling Cup tonight, but not even the depths of another English winter have chilled him quite like his own attempts to put the record straight on his future at Manchester United.


The Argentine might look like Neanderthal Man in some images – a picture of him with Diego Maradona at United's training ground adorned the front of the Red Issue fanzine with the headline "Carrington Halloween Mask Winner" – but those who know him well attest to the fact Tevez is far sharper and more purposeful in conversation than most footballers. "He's strong-minded and has never been afraid to say what he thinks," said one individual who knows him well yesterday.

That was the characteristic which came to the fore after a report suggested at the weekend that he had turned down a contract to stay at Manchester United because he wanted wage parity with Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand. Tevez is said to have been highly agitated by that suggestion, which did not reflect anything Sir Alex Ferguson has said publicly. A statement from him, rubbishing it and expressing his desire to stay at Old Trafford, was issued within a few hours and he pushed for the opportunity to elaborate further in a British print interview and an Argentinian radio interview on Monday.

But the published interview was mixed in with quotes from a Spanish magazine article which appears to be several months old and the result was yesterday's reports that he is discontented and tempted to move to Real Madrid. His representatives attempted to provide some context yesterday – Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian told The Independent that the 24-year-old's comments about Real were a response to a question from the Spanish magazine about his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo moving to the Bernabeu. "He said he didn't speak for Ronaldo but that Real Madrid was a great club and lots of people would like to play for it," Joorabchian said. "He was simply saying that Sunday's report was total lies." Ferguson may still demand an explanation from the striker.

In part, Tevez is getting into a needless stew, expressing annoyance in his radio interview about statements attributed to the Manchester United manager which he has been assured are not true. But his radio interview does show some of the frustration the player must be feeling, with no sign of the £32m deal to make his move permanent and Tevez's role in Ferguson's side a more marginal one now that Dimitar Berbatov has arrived. "I don't know what my future is. United know what they have to pay if they want me to stay," he told Radio Del Plata.

The player's representatives are actually quite relaxed about the moves towards making Tevez – currently on loan to United from an investment fund headed by Joorabchian – a permanent signing. The fee has been agreed, so too the £80,000-a-week salary and though a deal will possibly not be forthcoming until the summer, the delay appears to be a product of the current financial climate. Why lay out all that money on a player now, when they can do so in the summer?

From the player's perspective, though, the prospect of the deal reaching fruition must look as far away as ever, given his limited role this season. Also Ferguson's general irritation with questions about contract negotiations contribute to curt replies when he is approached on the subject of Tevez. "'The Tevez situation doesn't concern me long term," was his response last Friday and though that could be positively interpreted to mean that he believes a deal will be forthcoming, it was hardly the warmest term of endearment for an individual who had been told he was free to spend the first week of the year in Argentina, while United played Middlesbrough and Southampton.

However, avid Ferguson watchers will tell Tevez he should not read too much into the manager's language. He was withering last month about the coterie of agents whom he suggested were affecting the deal to bring Serbian winger Zoran Tosic to United. Within a week Tosic was a United player.

Tevez's fate appears to depend either on him proving to Ferguson that he is worth more games at Berbatov's expense, or else on Ronaldo leaving the club in the summer. The chants of "Argentina" as United toiled to score against Middlesbrough last week indicated Old Trafford's appreciation of him and the four goals he scored in the last round of the Carling Cup against Blackburn suggest that the much maligned trophy might yet provide the means of proving he has a future at the club.

FERGIE: RON MUST COPE WITH PRESSURE

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he can understand Cristiano Ronaldo's recent frustrations - but claimed the superstar winger must understand his behaviour will be heavily scrutinised.

Ronaldo has escaped censure for a series of petty indiscretions, the most recent of which came during Manchester United's scrappy win over Middlesbrough on Monday.

The Ballon d'Or winner got involved in an angry half-time confrontation with Boro skipper Emmanuel Pogatetz before catching the Austrian with a nasty-looking tackle in the second half.

Thankfully for United, the Football Association decided not to take any action, leaving Ronaldo free to face Southampton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Ferguson is wary of discussing Ronaldo's conduct too much as he feels the 23-year-old is under the microscope enough already.

However, he does see why certain situations occur and feels the aftermath is the price of being the world's top player.

"Of course I can understand Cristiano's frustration," said the Scot.

"Enough has been said about it already but I can understand it.

"He has produced little moments of displeasure at the treatment he is getting. They are trivial things but, as he has said himself, because it is Ronaldo it is magnified.

"That is the penalty for being a great player. He has to understand that."

Ronaldo dismisses fresh Madrid link

Ronaldo dismisses fresh Madrid link

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed fresh speculation linking him with Real Madrid and insisted he is happy at Manchester United.


Ronaldo was linked with a switch to the Bernabeu throughout the summer and the story was revived recently following claims the Spanish club had reached an agreement with United over the sale of the Portugal international.

But in an interview with MUTV, Ronaldo said he was happy and settled in Manchester and not interested in a move.

"There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world," the 23-year-old said.

"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.

"What people are saying now is not true.

"Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

Ronaldo did little to discourage the speculation in the summer, and openly said he was keen to play for Madrid.

However, after scoring 42 goals in all competitions last year, he was welcomed back to Old Trafford by the United faithful at the start of the new season and insisted he was never worried about what the fans thought about him.

"I think the people don't forget quickly what you do for the club," he said.

"When I arrived at the stadium, to play (my first game of this season) against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure.

"But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing.

"I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester."

RONALDO SNUBS REAL LINK

RONALDO SNUBS REAL LINK

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo insists continued speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid is not true.

Ronaldo dazzled for United last season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions as the Red Devils won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

That form led Spanish champions Real Madrid to pursue the 23-year-old during an unsuccessful summer transfer saga, which angered United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Real director Pedro Trapote was quoted in December claiming that his club have a deal in place to sign the Ballon D'Or winner at the end of this season.

Ronaldo, though, has reiterated that the claim is false, telling United's official website: "There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world.

"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.

"What people are saying now (the recent speculation about an agreement with Real Madrid) is not true.

"Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo admits he felt under pressure to impress after a summer of rumours, but was not worried that fans would turn against him.

"I think the people don't forget quickly what you do for the club," he added. "When I arrived at the stadium, to play (my first game of this season) against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure.

"But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing.

"I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester."

RONALDO IN HALF-TIME RUMPUS

RONALDO IN HALF-TIME RUMPUS

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz repotredly had to be separated in the tunnel as tempers threatened to boil over as the two teams made their way down the Old Trafford at half-time during Monday night's game.

After Pogatetz grappled Ronaldo to the ground as the two players lined up for an injury-time corner, the Portuguese treated referee Martin Atkinson to a finger-wagging rebuke as he pleaded for a penalty. His complaints then carried on at the interval with the two players reportedly coming close to blows.

'The players squared up to each other and went forehead to forehead, with witnesses saying that the squabble and shouting continued into the players' tunnel, where a member of Middlesbrough's backroom staff also railed at Ronaldo,' reports The Times.

"It seemed as though Pogatetz grabbed him around the neck,'' commented Sir Alex Ferguson. "That happens in penalty boxes all the time. We've had referees coming to meet the players a couple of years ago and they said it would be stamped out with one warning and then a red card. But nothing ever happens.''

A spat involving Ronaldo does, however, seem to be an increasingly common occurrence. In recent weeks, he has kicked out at both Tottenham's Michael Dawson and Stoke's Andy Wilkinson after both players dared to tackle him.