Paul Scholes

Porto push-start kept Evra dream alive

Patrice Evra has pinpointed last month's quarter-final win at FC Porto as the moment that put Manchester United FC's trophy charge back on track.

Turnaround
United's campaign seemed to be faltering when, after Premier League defeats by Liverpool FC and Fulham FC and a narrow escape against Aston Villa FC, they drew 2-2 at home to Porto in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder strike in Portugal, backed up by a defensive masterclass, marked a return to form for the European titleholders and new English champions.

'Trigger'
Left-back Evra explained: "We started conceding goals and lost 4-1 against Liverpool at home, which was painful. It was the first time I'd lost two games in a row with United. But we picked ourselves up against Porto in the most telling game of the season. After it finished 2-2 at home, people thought we were out, but we told ourselves: 'The star has always been the team.' We went over there and showed our strength – that was the trigger."

Free-wheeling
After that night on 15 April, United won seven of their next nine games, with the title-clinching stalemate against Arsenal FC – their vanquished UEFA Champions League semi-final opponents – and a goalless FA Cup semi-final with Everton FC the only blips. Normal service resumed at Old Trafford, says the French international: "The basis is the defence, and I don't just say that as a defender. We know we can score at any time, but if we're not solid defensively we won't get anywhere. When we went to Porto and had to win 1-0, Cristiano scored that amazing goal, but we defenders were aware we couldn't concede otherwise we were out."

'Legend'
With the Premier League crown captured for the third successive season, United's campaign culminates in next Wednesday's Rome final against FC Barcelona. Their mission will only be accomplished, however, if they lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup at the Stadio Olimpico as in Moscow last May. "Is this team better than last year? I say at the same level, but if we win we'll definitely be better," added the 28-year-old, "because to win the Champions League twice in a row would be to enter into legend. It's been our motivation since last year. I remember the boss on the bus saying 'congratulations but I need you to be ready for next year'. That makes you ready to try and retain the trophy. That's been the aim.

Winners
"The hunger comes from the mentality of the club – winning is the culture. We hardly celebrated after the title and Champions League last year. I had the sense that for certain players it was normal. People forget we're human. So if we lose a game, as against Liverpool and Fulham, it's a catastrophe. But that helps you put pressure on yourself."

Fear
The flying full-back sounds expert at that, such is his determination to avoid losing a second UEFA Champions League final following defeat with AS Monaco FC, against Porto, in 2004. "It'll be my third final and I've always said my aim is to win three. I could have won two, I only have one, so I don't want to mess this up," he said. "With the second final, I felt more pressure. It was strange, because I'd been with Monaco and then with Manchester, a big team, there was more pressure. I don't want to lose another final."

Power
Key to victory this time will be winning the individual battles against a Barcelona side United overcame 1-0 on aggregate in last season's semi-final. "The game will hinge on various duels and the team that wins those duels will win the game," Evra argued. "It'll be a great final – two teams who like to play football. What could be better? It'll be magnificent, but we'll have to win the duels. We'll have to be strong and impose the power we have. We can play but we're also powerful.

Tactics
"Barcelona have an incredible attacking armada," he went on. "We played them home and away last season in the semi-final and managed not to concede – we did a fantastic job tactically. It's up to us to reproduce a performance like that, but we're used to playing finals and we'll play to score."

United's bid to finhis

United's bid to finhis the Barclays Premier League season with a win on Sunday - and more importantly to win the Champions League next Wednesday - could be boosted by the return of one or hopefully two England defenders.

Wes Brown is in contention for a start on Sunday afternoon against Hull City while Rio Ferdinand's chances of being involved look better after he trained on Friday morning.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson said, "Rio has trained today, which is good news. He’s done quite well. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.

"Wes Brown’s been training for over two weeks now. He comes into contention. He’s another experienced international player who’ll relish coming back into the team."

Sir Alex's team selection for the 38th and final fixture of the league season has been the subject of much speculation, given the game's proximity to the Champions League final and its importance to Hull and the other three clubs threatened by relegation.

"We have a league that’s got the best integrity in the world and we’ll play a part in that on Sunday," declared the United manager.

"No matter which team I pick, it will represent Manchester United in the normal way. We’re expected to win and we’ll go to win. That’s the responsibility I always have so nobody should worry themselves unduly about our intentions on this particular occasion.

"I did contemplate phoning the managers involved - Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Alan Shearer (Newcastle) and Ricky Sbragia (Sunderland). Then I thought to myself, 'Ricky worked here, he knows this club, he knows exactly what we’re going to do. Gareth Southgate and Alan Shearer have played against us many times – they know exactly what it’s like to play against Manchester United.'

"So I dismissed the idea (of phoning) because they must know we’ll be doing our best.”

As normal, the Reds boss did not reveal his line-up at Friday's pre-match press conference, but there was a hint it may resemble his FA Cup semi-final side...

"If I can trust them in a semi-final, why not trust them in the final league match when we have already won the title?" asked Sir Alex.

There could be at least one difference to the young side which narrowly failed to reach the FA Cup final - Darren Fletcher is widely tipped to play against Hull, given he is ineligible to face Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday night. Could the Scot be made skipper on Sunday?

"I've not thought about that one," admitted Sir Alex.

"I'll put it in my memory box... and it may be used!"

Rome's a perfect stage

Italy-based freelance journalist Matt Barker says the Eternal City can’t wait to host the Champions League final…

It’s been a tough couple of months for Italian football. Another sorry showing in Europe, more envious glances towards the Premier League and the power of the modello inglese. However, all those dark mutterings in newspaper columns and animated debates in TV studios have given way to optimism as the country consoles itself with the thought of hosting the Champions League final.

There's a growing sense of expectation, not just in Rome but throughout the country; this is calcio’s big day, a chance to scrub up and show the world its best side. Two of the globe’s best teams battle it out for European football’s greatest prize, with the Stadio Olimpico the stage, and the Eternal City the backdrop. Perfect.

This being Italy, there’s also been squabbles, with UEFA president Michel Platini stepping in after archaeologists criticised plans for a fan zone in front of the Colosseum and portaloos in the shadow of the Palatine Hill. Security fears have been well documented, but the footballing authorities and police are confident that sufficient safety measures are in place to ensure the final is, as Italian Football Federation chief, Giancarlo Abete said, “a great opportunity for Rome it’s hospitality”.

So who will the Romans root for? Native boy Federico Macheda’s exploits have been a huge source of pride among Lazio fans, so Kiko could swing the neutrals United’s way. And surely no self-respecting Italian will fly the flag for a Spanish side after Xavi and co knocked the Azzurri out of Euro 2008...
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

United have continued

United have continued
to set the standard on the pitch this season and they'll also be looking the part off it when they head to Rome on Monday after teaming up once again with English fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.

The knight of the realm - and avid Red - has supplied the first team squad and officials with a special Champions League final suit for the second year running.

The Rome attire consists of Prince of Wales check trousers and jacket in pale grey featuring a peaked lapel. The inside of the suits bears special red-panelled lining with striped piping, identical to that on the tie. A white shirt, black leather belt and shoes complete the outfit.

Sir Paul made a personal visit to Carrington for the official team photo ahead of the clash with Barcelona and he's confident the Reds will return from Rome victorious.

"It's amazing to have designed another Champions League final suit and a privilege to be involved with Sir Alex and the players," Sir Paul told ManUtd.com. "I was very proud to see the squad wearing the suits in Moscow and I'll be equally excited to see them in Rome.

"Unfortunately I can't make the game because of work, but I will at least be in Italy, in Florence following every minute. It was fantastic to see the team win the cup last season and hopefully it'll be the same result again in Rome."

O'Shea delighted by prolonged run

John O'Shea says regular football is more important to him than picking up medals as a bit-part player.

The 28-year-old has been one of United's unsung heroes this season producing a string of consistent performances primarily at right-back.

Sir Alex Ferguson has guaranteed O'Shea a starting berth in Rome on Wednesday night as a reward for his loyal service and the Irishman is relishing the chance to face Barcelona.

"You could say I have been rewarded for my patience, but I was always confident that if I got a run in the side I’d be able to show why I can stay in there," he said.

"I’d never just stay at a club for the sake of winning a medal. If I felt I wasn’t playing a part [then I'd look at things], I’d never just stay for the medals. That has always been the case.

"I was close to getting on in last year’s final and it’ll be a great to play in this one although you never actually know for sure that you're playing until the manager names the team in the meeting before the game.

"It’s been a huge squad effort this season and everyone has played a part in getting us to the final."

O'Shea highlights Sir Alex's man-management skills as the prime reason behind his ability to get the best out of every player and ultimately win trophies.

"It is difficult to keep everyone happy but being successful is a key," says the Irishman. "If you’re winning things it makes it little bit easier when you’re left out of certain games

"Look at the size of squads at big clubs in Europe now. You can't win things with 11 players. The teams who will be successful will have between 18 and 22 playing a part.

"It's the man-management side that does it. He makes you feel involved. He might come around and say 'You are not playing Saturday but you are playing on Wednesday and I want you ready for that game'.

"It's those little things that make him the best in the business."

Betting League: Hull

There's only one round left in the inaugural United Betting League, but even those at the wrong end of the table can snatch victory when the Reds meet Hull on Sunday...

Lou Macari (The Red Legend) stormed into the lead last week when he correctly tipped Wigan to be leading at half-time only for United to take the points after 90 minutes. That bet netted him a cool £290 (28/1 plus his £10 stake) and enabled him to leapfrog Nick Coppack (The Stat Man) at the top of the table.

The beauty of betting is that your fortunes can change in an instant, which is why Mark Sullivan (The Tipster) hasn't given up hope of being crowned champion. If his bet comes in today, he'll snatch victory and earn more than £1000 for Manchester United Foundation.

If you're betting this weekend, we wish you all the best. And remember, only bet what you can afford to lose.

THE RED LEGEND
Ex-Utd striker Lou Macari
Fletcher first scorer (14/1)
Darren can't play in Rome so I think this game is made for him to make an impact.

THE STAT MAN
United Review's Nick Coppack
Utd 3-0 (16/1)
No stats to back this one up - just a desire to win the league!

THE BOOKIE
Betfred's Fred Done
Hull HT, Draw FT (16/1)
Hull are fighting for their lives, while the Reds could play the kids.

THE JOURNO
ManUtd.com's Steve Bartram
Scorecast: Welbeck 1-1 (40/1)
These are long odds, but Danny will definitely start and Hull are desperate to grab at least a point.

THE TIPSTER
MUTV's Mark Sullivan
Scorecast: Fletcher 2-2 (160/1)
Fletch is one of the few players guaranteed a start, but Hull might get a draw.

Can Hull save

Can Hull save themselves from the drop against the newly-crowned Champions?

Form Guide: A win would leave United with a best final points total (90) since the 1999-2000 season. With only one win in the past 22 games, freefalling Hull now sit just above the relegation zone having undone the good work that put them in sixth place at Christmas. They have conceded the second highest number of goals in the Barclays Premier League (63), while the Reds have scored the second highest total (67). The reverse fixture was a pulsating 4-3 victory for United at Old Trafford in November, with goals from Ronaldo (2), Carrick and Vidic proving enough.

Ins and Outs: With an 18th league triumph sewn-up, it's all eyes on Rome for United, with Sir Alex promising to make wholesale changes to the side that clinched the title last week. The manager has said that if Rio Ferdinand doesn't start at Hull, then he won't do so in Rome so all eyes will be on a starting line-up likely to contain youngsters Macheda, Welbeck and Gibson alongside Rome absentee Darren Fletcher. Angolan striker Manucho sits this one out for Hull under the terms of his loan from United otherwise Phil Brown has a full squad to choose from as the Tigers chase a win that will guarantee their survival.

Star Man: Ex-Manchester City forward Geovanni has eight goals for Hull this season, including one against United. Goals may have dried up for him lately but he still possesses the creative spark to be a potential match-winner. George Boateng and Nick Barmby will provide valuable experience.

Rivals Watch: With Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal securing 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively it is the bottom of the table that intrigues. Newcastle vs Aston Villa, Sunderland vs Chelsea and West Ham Utd vs Middlesbrough are the other three clashes that will decide who plays Championship football next season.

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire) has taken charge of four United games this season including cup victories over Derby and Blackburn, the 1-1 draw at Everton and the 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool, when he sent off Nemanja Vidic. He has shown 124 yellow and four red cards in 41 games this campaign.

Missing tickets - resolved

Manchester United and UEFA have today resolved an issue that threatened to prevent more than 200 supporters from attending the Champions League final.

Two hundred and sixteen (216) tickets for the showpiece match between United and Barcelona went missing after they were collected by Royal Mail from the Ticket Office at Old Trafford on Tuesday 19 May.

The chips on the missing tickets have now been cancelled; therefore, anybody who tries to use one of these tickets at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome will not gain access. Any supporter who is offered a ticket for the final from an unofficial source is advised not to purchase it.

As for the supporters whose tickets went missing, they will now be issued with a replacement. UEFA has a policy of not issuing replacement or duplicate tickets, but following talks with United today, the governing body of European football has agreed to make a special exception for the 216 fans affected.

The Ticket Office staff at Old Trafford will contact those 216 fans in due course with details of how and where their Champions League final tickets can be collected in Rome.

Barcelona classic: Mar '84

Few gave the Reds much hope of progressing to the fourth round of the Cup Winners' Cup after Ron Atkinson's men came away from the first leg at Camp Nou 2-0 down.

"It just wasn't our night," bemoaned captain Bryan Robson. "But having seen Barcelona with things going for them, we know we're capable of getting through, despite their lead."

His words proved prophetic. Roared on by a clamorous 58,547 crowd, the Reds ran riot in the second leg, producing a rousing comeback to quicken the pulse rate well beyond acceptable levels.

The performance was not lost on honorary president Sir Matt Busby, who said: “The game took me right back to the time we pulled back two goals against Bilbao at Maine Road for that memorable win in our first season in Europe.”

That night, in February 1957, the Babes had overturned a 5-3 first-leg deficit. This time it was Barcelona – Diego Maradona et al – letting their lead slip. Robson’s full-length diving header on 22 minutes kept the crowd believing; the fans were buoyed with optimism, the players sensed Barça were wobbling, and in a swift, second-half spell the comeback was completed.

Robson struck home a parried Ray Wilkins cross on 50 minutes. Then, five minutes later, the Stretford End sucked in another, Frank Stapleton thumping home a Norman Whiteside pull-back.

Barça rallied but United held firm for a remarkable result. Big Ron danced with delight down the touchline, Robson was carried shoulder-high from the pitch and the memories still tickle the neck-hairs of those who can proudly boast: “I was there.”

Starting XI: Bailey; Duxbury, Hogg; Moran, Albiston; Muhren, Moses, Robson, Wilkins; Stapleton, Whiteside,