Team Pld W D L Pts
1 Man. United 35 26 5 4 83
2 Liverpool 36 23 11 2 80
3 Chelsea 36 23 8 5 77
4 Arsenal 36 19 11 6 68
5 Aston Villa 36 16 10 10 58
6 Everton 36 15 12 9 57
7 Fulham 36 13 11 12 50
8 Tottenham 36 13 9 14 48
9 West Ham 36 13 9 14 48
10 Man. City 36 14 5 17 47
11 Wigan 35 11 9 15 42
12 Stoke 36 11 9 16 42
13 Bolton 36 11 7 18 40
14 Blackburn 36 10 10 16 40
15 Portsmouth 36 9 11 16 38
16 Sunderland 36 9 9 18 36
17 Hull 36 8 10 18 34
18 Newcastle 35 6 13 16 31
19 Middlesbrough 35 7 10 18 31
20 West Brom 36 8 7 21 31
Tévez influence
Tévez was influential throughout, striking the woodwork before adding the second goal when he received a more favourable bounce off the post when turning in Dimitar Berbatov's cross on the stroke of half-time. Robinho and Martin Petrov missed presentable chances to set up a tense finale while Tévez was again denied by the post with a late header. City stay tenth, three points adrift of a UEFA Europa League place with two games remaining.
Deflected strike
Sir Alex Ferguson's side were tenacious from the off at Old Trafford and the only surprise was that it took them 18 minutes to prise open their local rivals' defence. The manner is which they did so was not unfamiliar, however, Ronaldo scoring from a free-kick after his deflected drive wrong-footed goalkeeper Shay Given.
Four points required
With the Merseyside contenders not back in action until their trip to West Bromwich Albion FC next Sunday, United can wrap up their third straight championship if they take at least four points from their away game at Wigan Athletic FC on Wednesday and home contest against Arsenal FC three days later.
Derby spoils send United closer to title
Manchester United FC can retain the Premier League title on Saturday after a 2-0 win against Manchester City FC lifted them three points clear of Liverpool FC, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tévez scoring the goals to settle the derby.
United now need just four points from three games
First-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez sealed the points on a day when United’s back four were rarely troubled. The Blues were no match for a United side determined to regain top spot after Liverpool’s win at West Ham on Saturday had sent the Scousers temporarily to the summit.
Now, however, three points clear and with a game in hand, the Reds are favourites to secure an 11th Premier League trophy and could do so at Old Trafford next Saturday should Sir Alex's men beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night.
For Sunday's derby battle, the United boss made five changes to the side that beat Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday. Jonny Evans and Rafael came into the back four for Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea, while Ryan Giggs slotted into the centre of midfield. Up front, Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov started together for the 11th time in the league this season.
It was Ji-sung Park who had the first chance of the game. The South Korean, who’s scored in United’s last two matches, collected Ronaldo’s knock-down inside the box on three minutes but dragged his shot wide of Shay Given’s right-hand post.
The Reds enjoyed a lot of early possession and both Tevez and Ronaldo tested Given in the opening 10 minutes. City looked dangerous on occasion too, Robinho proving a handful for young Rafael at right back.
But it was United who went in he’d scored from 41 yards; this time it was a mere 28. Slightly left of centre, Ronaldo struck the ball sweetly and it flew goalwards, nicking Nigel de Jong on the end of the wall before bouncing once and nestling in the back of Given’s net.
Carlos Tevez almost added a second just after the half-hour with a brilliant effort that cannoned off the frame of the goal from the corner of the penalty area. The Argentinean, subject to intense pre-match speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, worked hard all afternoon and was involved in many of the Reds’ best attacking forays.
Indeed, it was Tevez who provided the final flourish to round off a superb move on the stroke of half-time and send the Reds 2-0 up. Darren Fletcher pumped a long ball forward, which Dimitar Berbatov cushioned with the delicacy of a father cradling his newborn. The Bulgarian then rolled the ball across the edge of the box to Tevez, who took two touches before rifling into the net off the inside of Given’s left-hand post.
The second goal was thoroughly deserved after a half in which United had dominated possession and continually found space in the final third. At the back, too, the Reds had looked solid with Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence in Rio Ferdinand’s absence. One full-bloodied yet perfectly-timed sliding challenge exemplified why the Serbian centre-back is hotly tipped to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award next weekend.
Neither manager made substitutions at half-time – Sir Alex certainly had no reason to – although City emerged from the break determined to pull a goal back. Robinho was presented with a golden chance to do just that on 50 minutes, but fired over from 10 yards. At the other end, Rafael’s cross-come-shot had Given scrambling momentarily as the ball looped onto the roof of the net.
With an hour gone, Sir Alex withdrew Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite scoring the Reds’ opener had struggled to assert himself on the game. Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney entered the fray, with Rooney taking Park’s place on the right and Giggs shifting onto the opposite wing to make way for Scholes in the centre. There he joined Darren Fletcher, who was superb all day and won countless tackles and loose balls.
City’s search for a goal continued but substitute Martin Petrov’s late strike from distance, which drew a stunning finger-tip save from Edwin van der Sar, was as close as the visitors came. It wasn't a classic Manchester derby, nor a classic performance from the Reds, but the three points Sir Alex's side gained from the match take United to within touching distance of yet more silverware.
Now, however, three points clear and with a game in hand, the Reds are favourites to secure an 11th Premier League trophy and could do so at Old Trafford next Saturday should Sir Alex's men beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night.
For Sunday's derby battle, the United boss made five changes to the side that beat Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday. Jonny Evans and Rafael came into the back four for Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea, while Ryan Giggs slotted into the centre of midfield. Up front, Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov started together for the 11th time in the league this season.
It was Ji-sung Park who had the first chance of the game. The South Korean, who’s scored in United’s last two matches, collected Ronaldo’s knock-down inside the box on three minutes but dragged his shot wide of Shay Given’s right-hand post.
The Reds enjoyed a lot of early possession and both Tevez and Ronaldo tested Given in the opening 10 minutes. City looked dangerous on occasion too, Robinho proving a handful for young Rafael at right back.
But it was United who went in he’d scored from 41 yards; this time it was a mere 28. Slightly left of centre, Ronaldo struck the ball sweetly and it flew goalwards, nicking Nigel de Jong on the end of the wall before bouncing once and nestling in the back of Given’s net.
Carlos Tevez almost added a second just after the half-hour with a brilliant effort that cannoned off the frame of the goal from the corner of the penalty area. The Argentinean, subject to intense pre-match speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, worked hard all afternoon and was involved in many of the Reds’ best attacking forays.
Indeed, it was Tevez who provided the final flourish to round off a superb move on the stroke of half-time and send the Reds 2-0 up. Darren Fletcher pumped a long ball forward, which Dimitar Berbatov cushioned with the delicacy of a father cradling his newborn. The Bulgarian then rolled the ball across the edge of the box to Tevez, who took two touches before rifling into the net off the inside of Given’s left-hand post.
The second goal was thoroughly deserved after a half in which United had dominated possession and continually found space in the final third. At the back, too, the Reds had looked solid with Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence in Rio Ferdinand’s absence. One full-bloodied yet perfectly-timed sliding challenge exemplified why the Serbian centre-back is hotly tipped to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award next weekend.
Neither manager made substitutions at half-time – Sir Alex certainly had no reason to – although City emerged from the break determined to pull a goal back. Robinho was presented with a golden chance to do just that on 50 minutes, but fired over from 10 yards. At the other end, Rafael’s cross-come-shot had Given scrambling momentarily as the ball looped onto the roof of the net.
With an hour gone, Sir Alex withdrew Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite scoring the Reds’ opener had struggled to assert himself on the game. Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney entered the fray, with Rooney taking Park’s place on the right and Giggs shifting onto the opposite wing to make way for Scholes in the centre. There he joined Darren Fletcher, who was superb all day and won countless tackles and loose balls.
City’s search for a goal continued but substitute Martin Petrov’s late strike from distance, which drew a stunning finger-tip save from Edwin van der Sar, was as close as the visitors came. It wasn't a classic Manchester derby, nor a classic performance from the Reds, but the three points Sir Alex's side gained from the match take United to within touching distance of yet more silverware.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Sandwiched between two 2-0 victories against Middlesbrough and Manchester City in the league, the Reds earned a place in the Champions League final in Rome with an outstanding 3-1 win at Arsenal. “I have to congratulate my lads,” said Sir Alex. “We’ve had a great week, but a hard week with the programme we’ve had. So, well done lads.”
United rarely looked troubled against City, but Sir Alex admitted he didn’t particularly enjoy the game. “We didn’t play well today,” he said. “Derby games can be that way, they can be horrible. I think we got a horrible game today. City didn’t look like scoring. They had one chance from Robinho in the second half, but apart from that there weren’t really any chances. Our second goal just killed the game. We settled for 2-0, and the lads made sure that we didn’t lose the game.”
Next up for the Reds is the league game in hand against Wigan on Wednesday. “It’s a hard game and we only have three days to prepare,” added the boss. “I’ll freshen my team up. We’ll make two or three changes again. We need to do that, to keep the squad playing. I’ve got a big squad, so I will use it.”
Rio Ferdinand, who missed Sunday’s derby with a calf strain, could return at Wigan but Sir Alex will want to ensure the hugely influential centre-back is fit for Arsenal's visit on Saturday. “We’ll see if he’s fit for Wednesday, and certainly for Saturday against Arsenal.”
United rarely looked troubled against City, but Sir Alex admitted he didn’t particularly enjoy the game. “We didn’t play well today,” he said. “Derby games can be that way, they can be horrible. I think we got a horrible game today. City didn’t look like scoring. They had one chance from Robinho in the second half, but apart from that there weren’t really any chances. Our second goal just killed the game. We settled for 2-0, and the lads made sure that we didn’t lose the game.”
Next up for the Reds is the league game in hand against Wigan on Wednesday. “It’s a hard game and we only have three days to prepare,” added the boss. “I’ll freshen my team up. We’ll make two or three changes again. We need to do that, to keep the squad playing. I’ve got a big squad, so I will use it.”
Rio Ferdinand, who missed Sunday’s derby with a calf strain, could return at Wigan but Sir Alex will want to ensure the hugely influential centre-back is fit for Arsenal's visit on Saturday. “We’ll see if he’s fit for Wednesday, and certainly for Saturday against Arsenal.”
Darren Fletcher
The 25-year-old Scot’s harsh red card in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Arsenal on Tuesday means that he’ll miss the final, unless a UEFA panel scheduled to meet on Monday decides to rescind the sending off.
Sir Alex admitted last week that he isn’t entirely hopeful, and Fletcher isn’t getting his hopes up. And after another commanding display in the heart of United’s midfield in the 2-0 win over City, Fletch says his mind is solely on helping the Reds win the title.
“I’ve just focused on this game,” he said. “I can’t let it affect me. We’ve still got a championship to win, and that is where all my focus and concentration is. Everything else is out of my hands just now. I can’t let that affect my performances, or affect anything.
“I’m always hoping [that the decision will be overturned], but we’ll have to wait and see. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much because I don’t want to be disappointed.
"We just have to wait and see what happens. Right now I’m focused on helping United win the league.”
It's an admirable attitude, and the midfielder has emerged with great credit and appreciation from United's faithful - his name ringing out around Old Trafford all afternoon.
His performance against City has helped put United in a strong position in the title race. Four points from three remaining games would hand the Reds a third consecutive title, 11th Premier League and 18th championship success in total. But Fletcher says the United players want the title wrapped up as soon as possible, preferably at OT.
“We’re in a great position,” he admits. “But we want to win the league as soon as possible. We want to win it against Arsenal, so we need to get three points in the bag against Wigan. That will be a difficult match.”
Sir Alex admitted last week that he isn’t entirely hopeful, and Fletcher isn’t getting his hopes up. And after another commanding display in the heart of United’s midfield in the 2-0 win over City, Fletch says his mind is solely on helping the Reds win the title.
“I’ve just focused on this game,” he said. “I can’t let it affect me. We’ve still got a championship to win, and that is where all my focus and concentration is. Everything else is out of my hands just now. I can’t let that affect my performances, or affect anything.
“I’m always hoping [that the decision will be overturned], but we’ll have to wait and see. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much because I don’t want to be disappointed.
"We just have to wait and see what happens. Right now I’m focused on helping United win the league.”
It's an admirable attitude, and the midfielder has emerged with great credit and appreciation from United's faithful - his name ringing out around Old Trafford all afternoon.
His performance against City has helped put United in a strong position in the title race. Four points from three remaining games would hand the Reds a third consecutive title, 11th Premier League and 18th championship success in total. But Fletcher says the United players want the title wrapped up as soon as possible, preferably at OT.
“We’re in a great position,” he admits. “But we want to win the league as soon as possible. We want to win it against Arsenal, so we need to get three points in the bag against Wigan. That will be a difficult match.”
Sir Alex defends Ronny reaction
Ronaldo was clearly disappointed at his early departure from the action, after setting United on the way to a comfortable 2-0 win in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, but Sir Alex believes it was a healthy reaction.
“He wanted to stay on, that’s the simple reason,” said the boss. “He’s in great form, but I have got to look at the bigger picture. He had an incredible performance at Arsenal in midweek, he ran his socks off. We have to think about how we get through our games and keeping him fresh.
“It’s great when players want to play. Take Jonny Evans, who was taken ill this morning. We put him on medication but he still said he wanted to play. He was feeling his hamstring at half time but again he wanted to play on. That’s the guts you want. I brought him off because I can’t take chances at this stage of the season.”
United’s other goalscorer, Carlos Tevez, was another player to make a gesture that will make the headlines. After scoring the Reds’ brilliant second, he held his hands behind his ears. The Argentinian’s future remains unclear, but Sir Alex was again unmoved over the issue.
“I didn’t read [what he was quoted as saying in] the papers. You hear things… but, look, he is a Manchester United player. The fans love him. Our fans love triers. When players try, the fans love that.” Asked when Tevez’s future would be sorted out, the boss responded curtly: “I’m not getting into that, OK?”
“He wanted to stay on, that’s the simple reason,” said the boss. “He’s in great form, but I have got to look at the bigger picture. He had an incredible performance at Arsenal in midweek, he ran his socks off. We have to think about how we get through our games and keeping him fresh.
“It’s great when players want to play. Take Jonny Evans, who was taken ill this morning. We put him on medication but he still said he wanted to play. He was feeling his hamstring at half time but again he wanted to play on. That’s the guts you want. I brought him off because I can’t take chances at this stage of the season.”
United’s other goalscorer, Carlos Tevez, was another player to make a gesture that will make the headlines. After scoring the Reds’ brilliant second, he held his hands behind his ears. The Argentinian’s future remains unclear, but Sir Alex was again unmoved over the issue.
“I didn’t read [what he was quoted as saying in] the papers. You hear things… but, look, he is a Manchester United player. The fans love him. Our fans love triers. When players try, the fans love that.” Asked when Tevez’s future would be sorted out, the boss responded curtly: “I’m not getting into that, OK?”
Henry doubtful for United showdown
Thierry Henry faces a fitness race ahead of FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United FC in Rome on 27 May, the French striker receiving "specific treatment" for a ligament injury to his right knee.
Manchester United FC submission
UEFA has also received a submission from Manchester United FC concerning the red card shown to the club's player Darren Fletcher in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal FC in London on Tuesday. The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will meet on Monday to deal with this case.
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