The 23-year-old scored two and made two in the 5-2 victory at Old Trafford, while it was his defence-splitting pass which led to United's controversial first goal from the penalty spot. The victory sent the Reds three points clear of Liverpool at the Barclays Premier League summit and Rooney says the Reds are determined to stay there.
"We know we're in a great position," he told Setanta Sports. "We've got five games left and it's ours to throw away. It was very important to win against Spurs and stay top of the league with a three-point margin. It gives us great belief and confidence ahead of the Arsenal game [on Wednesday].
Despite being 2-0 down at the break, Rooney says United never lost hope and always believed one goal could lead to a hatful.
"It was a brilliant comeback. We played too slow in the first half and Tottenham caused a few problems, especially down the right.
"But even at 2-0 down we knew once we got that first goal we'd get more opportunities to score. Thankfully we took them and in the end it was quite comfortable."
Patrice
After going into the break 2-0 down, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled one back for the Reds from the spot on 57 minutes.
The goal may have had a touch of fortune associated with it - replays showed Howard Webb was perhaps harsh to penalise Heurelho Gomes for his challenge on Michael Carrick - but Ronaldo kept a cool head to fire past the Spurs goalkeeper.
"That goal was key," Evra told MUTV. "The manager told us at half-time that if we scored once we'd go on to win, and we believed that. But we knew we needed to score in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
"We knew we needed to wake up in the second half. At 2-0 down it was very difficult. We started very slowly and without any aggression. We let Tottenham play too much."
Evra admitted Sir Alex had "made a speech" in the dressing room at the interval. But the boss's team-talk wasn't the sole inspiration behind a stunning second-half performance.
"I have to say congratulations to the fans. We came off 2-0 down and were clapped off the pitch by our fans. That’s unbelievable.
"The fans were very important today and I’d like to congratulate them. It's very difficult for opposition teams to play at Old Trafford when the crowd gets behind us."
The goal may have had a touch of fortune associated with it - replays showed Howard Webb was perhaps harsh to penalise Heurelho Gomes for his challenge on Michael Carrick - but Ronaldo kept a cool head to fire past the Spurs goalkeeper.
"That goal was key," Evra told MUTV. "The manager told us at half-time that if we scored once we'd go on to win, and we believed that. But we knew we needed to score in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
"We knew we needed to wake up in the second half. At 2-0 down it was very difficult. We started very slowly and without any aggression. We let Tottenham play too much."
Evra admitted Sir Alex had "made a speech" in the dressing room at the interval. But the boss's team-talk wasn't the sole inspiration behind a stunning second-half performance.
"I have to say congratulations to the fans. We came off 2-0 down and were clapped off the pitch by our fans. That’s unbelievable.
"The fans were very important today and I’d like to congratulate them. It's very difficult for opposition teams to play at Old Trafford when the crowd gets behind us."
Tevez
And while nothing will ever match the impact Sheringham and Solskjaer had on the 1999 Champions League final, Carlos Tevez’s introduction against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening must surely run it close.
The Argentinian striker may not have found the net, but his work-rate and link-up play with his fellow forwards was nothing short of breathtaking.
“In the first half we were playing far too slowly,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “But bringing on Carlos Tevez enthused everyone, the fans included. He won the game for us. He turned the game… although obviously everyone played their part.
“Wayne Rooney, as well, has such desire and it doesn’t matter where you ask him to play. He has wonderful hunger and drive that can transform a team and a game.”
The Reds went into the break 2-0 down after goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric had stunned the home side. Had the score remained that way after 90 minutes, United would have ended the day in second place, level on points with Liverpool but with an inferior goal difference.
“At half-time, Liverpool were right back in it,” the boss said. “If we’d lost today it would have blown the title race wide open.
"The game really changed when we scored the first goal. You could see the fans lifted, the players were running quicker and passing the ball much faster. Then I brought Paul Scholes on, which gave us further incisive passing. We produced a magnificent performance in the second half.
“We’ve won the game and we’re a goal better off than we were on Wednesday night. That’s important. We’re only two goals behind Liverpool now. The five we scored today makes a difference."
The Argentinian striker may not have found the net, but his work-rate and link-up play with his fellow forwards was nothing short of breathtaking.
“In the first half we were playing far too slowly,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “But bringing on Carlos Tevez enthused everyone, the fans included. He won the game for us. He turned the game… although obviously everyone played their part.
“Wayne Rooney, as well, has such desire and it doesn’t matter where you ask him to play. He has wonderful hunger and drive that can transform a team and a game.”
The Reds went into the break 2-0 down after goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric had stunned the home side. Had the score remained that way after 90 minutes, United would have ended the day in second place, level on points with Liverpool but with an inferior goal difference.
“At half-time, Liverpool were right back in it,” the boss said. “If we’d lost today it would have blown the title race wide open.
"The game really changed when we scored the first goal. You could see the fans lifted, the players were running quicker and passing the ball much faster. Then I brought Paul Scholes on, which gave us further incisive passing. We produced a magnificent performance in the second half.
“We’ve won the game and we’re a goal better off than we were on Wednesday night. That’s important. We’re only two goals behind Liverpool now. The five we scored today makes a difference."
United 5 Spurs 2
Having begun the month with a last-gasp victory over Aston Villa, the Reds ended it in similarly dramatic fashion after coming from two goals down to seal a stunning victory over Tottenham Hotspur which moved them three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table.
Darren Bent and Luca Modric had given the visitors a two-goal lead at half-time, but Sir Alex’s men stormed back after the break thanks to a brace apiece from the outstanding Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Dimitar Berbatov.
The Bulgarian was one of five players who returned to the starting line-up after sitting out the victory over Harry Redknapp’s former side, Portsmouth, three days earlier. Rafael da Silva, who had filled in at right-back against Pompey following injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea, carried on where he left off, while Nani, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand were also back. There was, however, no place for Ryan Giggs who watched on from the stands knowing he would have to wait for another day, most probably Wednesday against Arsenal, to make his 800th appearance in a red shirt.
United began the match in second following Liverpool’s earlier victory at Hull and immediately set about gaining top spot. Berbatov almost had the first sight of goal after just 30 seconds, but Darren Fletcher’s pass was just too long for the striker allowing Heurelho Gomes to collect.
Having already secured their top flight status, Spurs came to Old Trafford with little to play for other than pride. But they weren’t about to let that pride be easily dented and with a player of Aaron Lennon’s quality in your side there’s always a chance of opening up the opposition. And that’s exactly what the pacey winger nearly did on eight minutes. Fortunately Darren Bent’s header from Lennon’s floated right-wing cross was pushed around the post by Edwin van der Sar.
At the other end, Gomes had to be alert to Cristiano Ronaldo’s speculative 40-yard free-kick which bounced awkwardly in front of the Spurs' stopper who claimed it at the second time of asking. Four minutes later the Portuguese winger flashed a header wide after jumping to meet Nani’s left-wing cross.
United appeared to edging ever closer to an opener, but it was visitors who struck first blood on 29 minutes. Vedran Corluka’s whipped cross was missed by both Vidic and Ferdinand allowing the ball to fall to Darren Bent who duly smashed home from six yards.
Three minutes later things got doubly worse for United who looked more than a little shaky once more at the back. Lennon’s cross from the right dropped to the unmarked Luca Modric who lashed the ball inside the near post to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
A shell-shocked Old Trafford couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. United were in need of a minor miracle, or two, and Ronaldo almost provided it seven minutes from the break. Having seen his free-kick strike the wall, the winger reacted quickest and flicked a dipping
volley towards goal. Only a superb finger-tip save from Gomes prevented the Reds from clawing a goal back.
United’s comeback mission was given a further boost when Carlos Tevez replaced Nani at the break. And the Argentine was involved in the Reds’ first two chances of the second period. First he laid on a cross for Rooney who saw his curling effort deflected wide, before Tevez himself had a close-range shot repelled by Gomes after a lovely little through ball from Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger was handed the chance to get United back into the game on 57 minutes when Gomes upended Carrick in the area after a defence-splitting pass from Rooney had put the England international through on goal. Replays showed the keeper did in fact get a touch on the ball, but no-one in a red shirt cared a jot.
From the spot, Ronaldo calmly steered the ball down the middle of the goal as Gomes dived to his left. Old Trafford erupted – the fightback had begun.
Ten minutes later the Reds were back on level terms. A great one-two between Berbatov and Tevez allowed the latter to slide a pass into Rooney whose low shot through the legs of Corluka crept in at the near post after Gomes failed to get a strong enough hand on it.
Victory was now in sight and, quite unbelievably, a mere 60 seconds later United were ahead. Evra laid the ball to Rooney who cut inside from the left and sent an inswinging centre towards the onrushing Ronaldo who met it with a diving header that bounced into the roof of the net. The relief and joy around Old Trafford was palpable.
Surely things couldn’t get any better? They could, two goals better in fact. Sublime control from Berbatov was followed by a neat lay-off to Ronaldo who clipped a lovely cross to the back post where Rooney was waiting. The striker brought the ball down and took aim. The ball hit Jonathan Woodgate on the line, but the defender was unable to stop it dropping over despite his and Ledley King’s best efforts.
Darren Bent saw a curling shot whistle inches past Van der Sar’s left-hand post soon after, before United headed upfield once more and bagged a fifth. And it was another excellent move, started and finished by Berbatov, from the rampant Reds. The Bulgarian sent the ball out to Rooney who again cut inside and crossed for Berbatov who was now waiting in the middle. His header was parried by Gomes, but only back into his path allowing Berbatov to poke home from two yards.
Van der Sar produced a fine stop from Robbie Keane six minutes from time, but it was all over by then. It had been a breathtaking comeback from United on yet another unforgettable day at the Theatre of Dreams.
Darren Bent and Luca Modric had given the visitors a two-goal lead at half-time, but Sir Alex’s men stormed back after the break thanks to a brace apiece from the outstanding Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Dimitar Berbatov.
The Bulgarian was one of five players who returned to the starting line-up after sitting out the victory over Harry Redknapp’s former side, Portsmouth, three days earlier. Rafael da Silva, who had filled in at right-back against Pompey following injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea, carried on where he left off, while Nani, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand were also back. There was, however, no place for Ryan Giggs who watched on from the stands knowing he would have to wait for another day, most probably Wednesday against Arsenal, to make his 800th appearance in a red shirt.
United began the match in second following Liverpool’s earlier victory at Hull and immediately set about gaining top spot. Berbatov almost had the first sight of goal after just 30 seconds, but Darren Fletcher’s pass was just too long for the striker allowing Heurelho Gomes to collect.
Having already secured their top flight status, Spurs came to Old Trafford with little to play for other than pride. But they weren’t about to let that pride be easily dented and with a player of Aaron Lennon’s quality in your side there’s always a chance of opening up the opposition. And that’s exactly what the pacey winger nearly did on eight minutes. Fortunately Darren Bent’s header from Lennon’s floated right-wing cross was pushed around the post by Edwin van der Sar.
At the other end, Gomes had to be alert to Cristiano Ronaldo’s speculative 40-yard free-kick which bounced awkwardly in front of the Spurs' stopper who claimed it at the second time of asking. Four minutes later the Portuguese winger flashed a header wide after jumping to meet Nani’s left-wing cross.
United appeared to edging ever closer to an opener, but it was visitors who struck first blood on 29 minutes. Vedran Corluka’s whipped cross was missed by both Vidic and Ferdinand allowing the ball to fall to Darren Bent who duly smashed home from six yards.
Three minutes later things got doubly worse for United who looked more than a little shaky once more at the back. Lennon’s cross from the right dropped to the unmarked Luca Modric who lashed the ball inside the near post to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
A shell-shocked Old Trafford couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. United were in need of a minor miracle, or two, and Ronaldo almost provided it seven minutes from the break. Having seen his free-kick strike the wall, the winger reacted quickest and flicked a dipping
volley towards goal. Only a superb finger-tip save from Gomes prevented the Reds from clawing a goal back.
United’s comeback mission was given a further boost when Carlos Tevez replaced Nani at the break. And the Argentine was involved in the Reds’ first two chances of the second period. First he laid on a cross for Rooney who saw his curling effort deflected wide, before Tevez himself had a close-range shot repelled by Gomes after a lovely little through ball from Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger was handed the chance to get United back into the game on 57 minutes when Gomes upended Carrick in the area after a defence-splitting pass from Rooney had put the England international through on goal. Replays showed the keeper did in fact get a touch on the ball, but no-one in a red shirt cared a jot.
From the spot, Ronaldo calmly steered the ball down the middle of the goal as Gomes dived to his left. Old Trafford erupted – the fightback had begun.
Ten minutes later the Reds were back on level terms. A great one-two between Berbatov and Tevez allowed the latter to slide a pass into Rooney whose low shot through the legs of Corluka crept in at the near post after Gomes failed to get a strong enough hand on it.
Victory was now in sight and, quite unbelievably, a mere 60 seconds later United were ahead. Evra laid the ball to Rooney who cut inside from the left and sent an inswinging centre towards the onrushing Ronaldo who met it with a diving header that bounced into the roof of the net. The relief and joy around Old Trafford was palpable.
Surely things couldn’t get any better? They could, two goals better in fact. Sublime control from Berbatov was followed by a neat lay-off to Ronaldo who clipped a lovely cross to the back post where Rooney was waiting. The striker brought the ball down and took aim. The ball hit Jonathan Woodgate on the line, but the defender was unable to stop it dropping over despite his and Ledley King’s best efforts.
Darren Bent saw a curling shot whistle inches past Van der Sar’s left-hand post soon after, before United headed upfield once more and bagged a fifth. And it was another excellent move, started and finished by Berbatov, from the rampant Reds. The Bulgarian sent the ball out to Rooney who again cut inside and crossed for Berbatov who was now waiting in the middle. His header was parried by Gomes, but only back into his path allowing Berbatov to poke home from two yards.
Van der Sar produced a fine stop from Robbie Keane six minutes from time, but it was all over by then. It had been a breathtaking comeback from United on yet another unforgettable day at the Theatre of Dreams.
My Italian job for MUTV
Most of my work for MUTV is devoted to our live coverage of United’s academy and reserve teams, but however enjoyable that can be, the Barclays Premier Reserve League North doesn't quite cut it in the glamour stakes against a prestigious competition in Italy. My last trip of this type was in 2006 when I helped to cover the Milk Cup but again, as much as I loved our stay in Northern Ireland, I was more excited by northern Italy this time around.
As a producer, I had to sort out many of the logistics for our Italian adventure - hotels, flights, hire cars, budgets, currency, filming permission (quite difficult when your Italian doesn’t stretch much beyond ‘Ciao’ and ‘Grazie’!)
Three months of meticulous planning seemed to pay off because while United were winning the cup on the field, our work off it went very smoothly. Happily I have no international incidents to report, although somehow bypassing payment on Italy's equivalent of the M6 toll road may come back to bite us on the behind (what can I say, we’d been in the country five minutes and were still getting to grips with driving on the wrong side of the road...)
The weather was glorious but don't believe what our jealous colleagues back in Manchester might have said about it being a jolly - like Paul McGuinness and his players, we worked hard. (Although maybe the team's hard work didn't extend to test-driving a Ferrari, as it did for a cameraman and yours truly).
All in all it was a very successful trip, as you can see by watching MUTV's The Maranello Job on Sunday 26 April (21:30 BST).
As a producer, I had to sort out many of the logistics for our Italian adventure - hotels, flights, hire cars, budgets, currency, filming permission (quite difficult when your Italian doesn’t stretch much beyond ‘Ciao’ and ‘Grazie’!)
Three months of meticulous planning seemed to pay off because while United were winning the cup on the field, our work off it went very smoothly. Happily I have no international incidents to report, although somehow bypassing payment on Italy's equivalent of the M6 toll road may come back to bite us on the behind (what can I say, we’d been in the country five minutes and were still getting to grips with driving on the wrong side of the road...)
The weather was glorious but don't believe what our jealous colleagues back in Manchester might have said about it being a jolly - like Paul McGuinness and his players, we worked hard. (Although maybe the team's hard work didn't extend to test-driving a Ferrari, as it did for a cameraman and yours truly).
All in all it was a very successful trip, as you can see by watching MUTV's The Maranello Job on Sunday 26 April (21:30 BST).
Wes Brown could be in contention
Brown looked comfortable as he lined up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side for the second time this week, and left the fray unscathed at half-time as the two sides contested a hard-fought draw.
Skipper Corry Evans neatly put his side in the lead after nine minutes but, like his colleagues, could only watch on helplessly as Frank Wiafe Danquah thundered home a stunning equaliser for the Magpies 10 minutes later.
Fabio saw his penalty saved with just over 10 minutes remaining as United missed the chance to secure second spot in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north), but there was enough quality on show to why these two sides are both likely to finish the season in the top three positions.
It was United who were faster out of the blocks. Evans, playing in his more accustomed midfield role, had already seen one drilled effort saved by Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul before he put United ahead inside 10 minutes.
Lee Martin picked up a header from Matty James, brought the ball under control and advanced on goal, before slipping through a pass which required a neat, simple left-footed finish in-between Krul's legs.
The Reds continued to call the tune, but the visitors' forward line - and the imposing Nile Ranger in particular - were proving a handful, although it took a bolt from the blue to bring Newcastle level. A long punt forward was brought down and laid off by Ranger and Danquah struck a stunning 25-yard effort past the helpless Tomasz Kuszczak.
The absence of a striker by-trade in the United ranks became more apparent as the half wore on, with chances few and far between. At the other end, Ranger was perhaps a touch unfortunate to see his headed goal chalked off for climbing on James.
Chances were at even more of a premium after the break, but the best of them fell to Newcastle. Xisco powered against the outside of Kuszczak's post from a tight angle, before the Pole's half-save from the Spanish striker was cleared to safety by Fabio.
The Brazilian was disappointed shortly afterwards, however, as he missed the opportunity to snatch all three points. Martin was upended in the Newcastle area, but Fabio's spot-kick was at a comfortable height for Krul to palm away.
United: Kuszczak; Brown (Stewart 46), Eckersley, Gill, Fabio; Drinkwater, Gibson (Eikrem 63), James, C Evans, Tosic; Martin.
Subs not used: Amos, Brandy.
Skipper Corry Evans neatly put his side in the lead after nine minutes but, like his colleagues, could only watch on helplessly as Frank Wiafe Danquah thundered home a stunning equaliser for the Magpies 10 minutes later.
Fabio saw his penalty saved with just over 10 minutes remaining as United missed the chance to secure second spot in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north), but there was enough quality on show to why these two sides are both likely to finish the season in the top three positions.
It was United who were faster out of the blocks. Evans, playing in his more accustomed midfield role, had already seen one drilled effort saved by Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul before he put United ahead inside 10 minutes.
Lee Martin picked up a header from Matty James, brought the ball under control and advanced on goal, before slipping through a pass which required a neat, simple left-footed finish in-between Krul's legs.
The Reds continued to call the tune, but the visitors' forward line - and the imposing Nile Ranger in particular - were proving a handful, although it took a bolt from the blue to bring Newcastle level. A long punt forward was brought down and laid off by Ranger and Danquah struck a stunning 25-yard effort past the helpless Tomasz Kuszczak.
The absence of a striker by-trade in the United ranks became more apparent as the half wore on, with chances few and far between. At the other end, Ranger was perhaps a touch unfortunate to see his headed goal chalked off for climbing on James.
Chances were at even more of a premium after the break, but the best of them fell to Newcastle. Xisco powered against the outside of Kuszczak's post from a tight angle, before the Pole's half-save from the Spanish striker was cleared to safety by Fabio.
The Brazilian was disappointed shortly afterwards, however, as he missed the opportunity to snatch all three points. Martin was upended in the Newcastle area, but Fabio's spot-kick was at a comfortable height for Krul to palm away.
United: Kuszczak; Brown (Stewart 46), Eckersley, Gill, Fabio; Drinkwater, Gibson (Eikrem 63), James, C Evans, Tosic; Martin.
Subs not used: Amos, Brandy.
U18s
In a highly entertaining spectacle, the Reds came from behind to secure an impressive victory over a determined Magpies side.
Oliver Norwood got the Reds off to the perfect start with glorious effort after just three minutes. Picking up the ball on the right wing, the United skipper spotted Ole Sodeberg in the Newcastle goal a couple of inches off his line and curled an audacious shot, from what looked an near impossible angle, in off the far post.
United continued to press, but it was the visitors who got themselves on the scoresheet on 19 minutes. After some neat build-up play, the ball came to the feet of the impressive Sam Adjei on the left side of the box and he calmly sidefooted a curling effort past Ben Amos.
The Magpies were 2-1 three minutes before the break thanks to Brad Inman's close range finish. A free-kick upfield was flicked on Adjei into the path of Inman who took it in his stride and slotted past Amos.
The Reds restored parity 80 seconds after the restart when substitute Joshua King fired hom Cameron Stewart's low cross from the right, albeit via wicked deflection. It was the second time in as many games that King had found the net after coming off the bench.
King could have had a second when he rattled a post from a tight angle and he had what looked like a decent penalty shout turned down soon after when he appeared to
Oliver Norwood got the Reds off to the perfect start with glorious effort after just three minutes. Picking up the ball on the right wing, the United skipper spotted Ole Sodeberg in the Newcastle goal a couple of inches off his line and curled an audacious shot, from what looked an near impossible angle, in off the far post.
United continued to press, but it was the visitors who got themselves on the scoresheet on 19 minutes. After some neat build-up play, the ball came to the feet of the impressive Sam Adjei on the left side of the box and he calmly sidefooted a curling effort past Ben Amos.
The Magpies were 2-1 three minutes before the break thanks to Brad Inman's close range finish. A free-kick upfield was flicked on Adjei into the path of Inman who took it in his stride and slotted past Amos.
The Reds restored parity 80 seconds after the restart when substitute Joshua King fired hom Cameron Stewart's low cross from the right, albeit via wicked deflection. It was the second time in as many games that King had found the net after coming off the bench.
King could have had a second when he rattled a post from a tight angle and he had what looked like a decent penalty shout turned down soon after when he appeared to
Pally tips Ryan
No fewer than five of the six nominees for the PFA Player of the Year prize ply their trade at Old Trafford, and ex-Red Gary Pallister, winner of the 1992 accolade, is tipping former team-mate Ryan Giggs to finally get his hands on the honour voted for by fellow professionals. Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard are also in the frame, but Pallister feels United’s most decorated servant is the fitting choice.
“There would be a few worthy winners this year and you have to say Gerrard is certainly one of them,” Gary to United Review. “But I’d like a United player to win and personally I hope it’s Ryan. I think Nemanja will push him hard, but I’m going for Ryan.”
It’s not just in the main category that United have a chance of victory, the Reds also have two representatives in the PFA Young Player of the Year section. Rafael da Silva and Jonny Evans are nominated alongside Aston Villa pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.
“This is a tough one to call,” says Pallister. “Jonny has done brilliantly and is a valuable member of the squad as is Rafael, who has shown great enthusiasm and bravery. I’d say the real threat is likely to come from the two Villa lads.”
Ahead of Sunday's announcement, Pally assesses United’s nominees for the main award...
“There would be a few worthy winners this year and you have to say Gerrard is certainly one of them,” Gary to United Review. “But I’d like a United player to win and personally I hope it’s Ryan. I think Nemanja will push him hard, but I’m going for Ryan.”
It’s not just in the main category that United have a chance of victory, the Reds also have two representatives in the PFA Young Player of the Year section. Rafael da Silva and Jonny Evans are nominated alongside Aston Villa pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon and Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.
“This is a tough one to call,” says Pallister. “Jonny has done brilliantly and is a valuable member of the squad as is Rafael, who has shown great enthusiasm and bravery. I’d say the real threat is likely to come from the two Villa lads.”
Ahead of Sunday's announcement, Pally assesses United’s nominees for the main award...
Kuyt at the double
A thunderous shot from Xabi Alonso after his initial free-kick had been blocked by the wall put the visitors 1-0 up just before the break. Hull had Caleb Folan sent off on the hour and they lost another goal soon after when Dirk Kuyt headed home. Geovanni gave the Tigers a lifeline when he slotted home on 72 minutes, but Kuyt made certain of the victory a minute from time.
Elsewhere, Salomon Kalou secured a 1-0 win for Chelsea at West Ham to keep the Blues slim title hopes alive.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland went down to a surprise 3-0 defeat at bottom-placed West Brom following goals from Jonas Olsson, Chris Brunt and substitute Juan Carlos Menseguez, while Fulham striker and former Red Erik Nevland condemned relegation-threatened
Elsewhere, Salomon Kalou secured a 1-0 win for Chelsea at West Ham to keep the Blues slim title hopes alive.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland went down to a surprise 3-0 defeat at bottom-placed West Brom following goals from Jonas Olsson, Chris Brunt and substitute Juan Carlos Menseguez, while Fulham striker and former Red Erik Nevland condemned relegation-threatened
Berba proved his worth
Against Tottenham Hotspur, the 28-year-old dazzled in United's 5-2 win, with Sir Alex describing his performance as "fantastic".
"I don't think he gave the ball away once, throughout the entire game," the boss told MUTV. "I thought he was our best player in the first half and then in the second he produced some wonderful moments.
"He produces moments that make you sit back and say: 'that's world class'. The pass he gave Ronaldo in the second half was unbelievable."
Berbatov didn't feature in United's 2-0 win against Portsmouth in midweek, three days after his casual penalty had been saved at Wembley. Many media outlets lambasted the striker for the miss, while radio phone-ins were awash with suggestion that the Bulgarian was overpriced.
"Look, he missed a penalty kick," Sir Alex said. "Many players have done that. Rio missed one last weekend as well and it’s all forgotten about.
"But because we paid so much money for Berbatov people are on his back. I know it was a bad penalty kick, I'm not making excuses for it. But we have to move on. It’s only a missed penalty.
"He produced some fantastic football last week but didn’t get the credit because of the penalty miss."
"I don't think he gave the ball away once, throughout the entire game," the boss told MUTV. "I thought he was our best player in the first half and then in the second he produced some wonderful moments.
"He produces moments that make you sit back and say: 'that's world class'. The pass he gave Ronaldo in the second half was unbelievable."
Berbatov didn't feature in United's 2-0 win against Portsmouth in midweek, three days after his casual penalty had been saved at Wembley. Many media outlets lambasted the striker for the miss, while radio phone-ins were awash with suggestion that the Bulgarian was overpriced.
"Look, he missed a penalty kick," Sir Alex said. "Many players have done that. Rio missed one last weekend as well and it’s all forgotten about.
"But because we paid so much money for Berbatov people are on his back. I know it was a bad penalty kick, I'm not making excuses for it. But we have to move on. It’s only a missed penalty.
"He produced some fantastic football last week but didn’t get the credit because of the penalty miss."
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