Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted at a possible future Old Trafford return for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Manchester United hero left for pastures new in the Summer, but after crashing out of the Champions League at the first knockout stage with Real Madrid, he would have cast an envious eye back on Manchester as United cruised past AC Milan into the quarter finals.

Ferguson likes to think Ronaldo could one day return to the club that turned him into the best player in the world, and believe the media circus surrounding Madrid could be a factor.

“I don’t think Real Madrid is an easy club to play for. There is a circus attached to it. There are often loads of fans and an intensive media always filming them.”

“You would like to think that one day he will come back, but you never know. I don’t think he will stay at Real Madrid for life or anything like that.

“There will be other challenges and he is that type of player who welcomes them.”

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has heaped huge praise on team mate Wayne Rooney by insisting he’s the best striker in the world.

The Serbian defender may come up against Rooney at the World Cup and is looking forward to the challenge.

“Wayne is definitely the best striker in the world,” said Vidic. “This year he has been great, especially in the second part of the season.

“He is one of the major reasons why we have been winning so many games. But after sharing the same dressing room, it would be fun to play against Wayne.

“One of us would have to lose and he is a great player, who would be hard to keep quiet. But that is the challenge. You want it. That is why you play football.”

Manchester United have been boosted by news that Ryan Giggs will be fit in time for their clash with Liverpool.

The veteran winger has been out of action after breaking his arm a month ago, and Ferguson believes this rest will reinvigorate Giggs for the title push.

“Ryan will be fit for the Liverpool game,” Ferguson said in his Friday press conference.

“His performances in training have been fantastic.

“He is getting another plaster on today but we will be getting a fresh player back, which is good.”

Ferguson also revealed that Giggs’ comeback has been carefully planned, and his return to the team after a month long rest can only be a good thing.

“For weeks we had to try and work out the best games for him to play in, in terms of freshness and rest,” he added.

“Now he has had a month’s rest.”

The Champions League game with AC Milan on Wednesday night was pretty much ended as a contest at the start of the second half when the man of the moment, Wayne Rooney, slotted in a perfectly timed ball from Nani. This feeling transferred to the fans noticeably and it was clear for all to see and hear that the protests against Malcolm Glazer and his ownership over Manchester United were beginning to gain momentum.

We all expected the chants during the game, but even Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler noted how the “mood was changing” late in the second half as a torrent of noise hailed down from the Stretford End with the words “WE WANT GLAZER OUT” being the message. It did without doubt have that hostile atmosphere about it and one can only imagine that these protests will continue to grow, as each week there seems to be a little more Green & Gold around the stadium.

Newspapers and television coverage ran the story prominently today with images of huge 12×12 banners hanging down from the Stretford End the main picture on show. A massive well done to the person(s) who managed to get the banners reading “LOVE UNITED HATE GLAZER” into the ground and get them unveiled to the millions of eyes watching the game.

Another notable moment of the night came after the final whistle. David Beckham, who made an emotional return to Old Trafford, exited the playing field at the end with a Green & Gold scarf around his neck, applauding the Stretford End. Does David support the campaign for getting Glazer out? He also lifted the same scarf to rub his cheek in his post-match interview – a quick pointer to viewers that he supports the protests?

Reports continue to emerge about the Red Knights – a group of several wealthy Manchester United fans – and their intention to build up a deal to buyout the Glazers for a reported sum of 1.2bn. Many have dismissed these claims saying that either the funds won’t be raised or Glazer won’t sell. Will the Red Knights save Manchester United?

Click the links below to view images from the game featuring the Green & Gold protests.

Stretford End unveils it’s mega banners

Beckham adorns the Green & Gold

Beckham applauds the Stretford End

Love United Hate Glazer banner

(Match Report / AC Milan (H) Champions League Last 16 – 2nd Leg)

On the night of prodigal son David Beckham’s return to Old Trafford, Manchester United racked up one of their most impressive wins in the Champions League, with a 4-0 thrashing of AC Milan. United came into this match with a 3-2 advantage on aggregate, and 3 away goals was already quite an advantage to go in with. Darren Fletcher and Wayne Rooney were amongst those recalled, and Ji-Sung Park once again was handed the task to mark Andrea Pirlo in the middle of the park. The injury to Wes Brown meant that Neville had the job of dealing with Ronaldinho. Vidic and Ferdinand started their first European game since November. Beckham, however, only made the bench. There was some talk before the match of the fans boycotting the first 10 minuted of the game, but Old Trafford was rocking as the game kicked off.

United started brightly, and Neville went on a number of forward runs. An early chance fell to Rooney, when he turned outside the box, but he dragged his shot wide. The tempo was set, but then Milan had a great chance to score. A freekick was taken by Pirlo on the far side, and Nani only managed to flick his headed clearance into the danger zone. Ronaldinho, not expecting the ball to come his way, snapped at the header, and almost scored, but the ball just went past the post. Huntelaar then had a fantastic chance himself when he was found in the box with a brilliant ball from Thiago Silva, but the Dutch striker couldn’t manage to get the ball under his control.

United then took the lead on 13 minutes, through, you guessed it, Rooney and his head. Neville crossed in beautifully from the right, and Rooney headed in perfectly to Abbiati’s right, and out of his reach. This left Milan quite a job to do now, and the goal seemingly deflated the team somewhat. They played a lot of possession football, but the back two of Vidic and Ferdinand were absolutely solid in defence. The only other decent chance came when Nani’s poor clearance eventually fell to Pirlo at the edge of the box, and his shot, initially spilled by van der Sar, was collected on the second attempt. Nothing too much to trouble United, however, and the teams went into half time, with the tie more or less settled.

The second half kicked off, and United and Rooney were at it again right from the off. Nani dribbled down the left with the ball, and found Rooney in the clear with an exquisite pass with the outside of his foot. With the form he’s in, no one expected Rooney to miss and he didn’t disappoint, calmly placing the ball under Abbiati and into the net for 2-0. 13 minutes later United scored again, and this was now becoming humiliating for Milan. Paul Scholes collected the ball outside the box, and under the fans’ urges to shoot, took the sensible option and played in Park, who’s brilliant first touch set him up for great finish in the far corner of Abbiati’s net.

Realising that it was now a lost cause, coach Leonardo then made a nice gesture by giving Old Trafford what it wanted — sending on David Beckham. As he came onto the field, he was greeted it a standing ovation, and great applause from the fans around the stadium — such was his reception, that Beckham had a little tear in his eye. He nearly had his dream return when he sent a thunderous volley hurtling towards van der Sar, but the Dutch goalkeeper managed to beat it away. The United fans, in a buoyant mood, began chanting “Fergie, Fergie Sign Him Up!”

As an icing on the cake, United scored a fourth. Substitute Rafael sent in a delightful cross from the right, and an unmarked Fletcher headed in at the far post to complete a great all-round performance. 7-2 on aggregate, and for the first time in European competition, United had knocked out Milan. There was a chance for a late consolation goal when Beckham sent in a dangerous cross from the right, but Fillipo Inzaghi mishit with his shin from only 2 yards out. It really wasn’t their night.

Throughout the game, the anti-Glazer protests were rife. A lot more green and gold was seen last night, showing that a lot more people have now become involved in this movement. On about 76 or 78 minutes, huge banners saying “Love United, Hate Glazer” were hung at the four corners of the stadium and fans waved their green and gold scarves with tremendous passion. There was a special moment at the end of the game as the teams left, and Beckham showed his support for the movement, after he fashioned a green and gold scarf of his own. What better way to get publicity, than to have it supported by the biggest star in world sport?

As an all-round performance, this has to go down as one of the best by any United side, matching the heights of the 7-1 thrashing of another Italian opponent AS Roma 3 years ago. The whole team played magnificently, and special mentions must go to Rooney, Park and Fletcher, who were simply outstanding. On to the next round, and now, even without Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United fears no one.

Best Moment: Beckham coming on

Worst Moment: Some fans being removed for protesting in the South Stand

Ma(e)n of the Match: Ji-Sung Park , Darren Fletcher
Written by Sownak27

Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that he expects Italian striker Federico Macheda to be fit within a fortnight.

The youngster – who made his name by scoring dramatic late winners against Aston Villa and Sunderland last season – has not played since December when he featured in the Carling Cup quarter final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

His return to fitness is welcome news to the United manager. Michael Owen has recently been ruled out for the season, leaving Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as the only senior strikers at Old Trafford. Mame Biram Diouf will provide backup, while Danny Welbeck continues his loan spell at Preston North End.

“Macheda started light training this week,” said Ferguson.

“He has had a long-term injury which has been disappointing for us because he is such a great talent.

“But he should be back in the football side within two weeks.”

It’s round two of this tie in the Champions League as AC Milan travel to Old Trafford with a win being their only option. 3-2 down from the first leg, it’s bound to be a wonderful atmosphere at Old Trafford for this game and it could be the twelfth man – the crowd – that end up pushing us past the Serie A giants and into the next round of this years campaign. 

Last Time Out

Easy game at Wolves? Not a chance! We were made to sweat in this league game as we had to settle for a 1-0 win thanks to a good strike from Paul Scholes – his 100th Premier League goal too. Wolves made it very difficult for us and had a few chances to score themselves. But a United team, without Wayne Rooney, lacked something and it was clear for all to see. Despite that, we did get the all important goal, but even in the dying seconds of the game, we could have thrown away two valuable points as Vokes incredibly managed to sky a shot into row Z when the ball fell to him on the edge of the six yard box. It was easier to score! But fortune is what is needed to win league titles, and should Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs or whoever lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks time, then I’ll certainly be looking back to this league game as one of the most important wins.

Our Line Up

Van Der Sar

Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra

Valencia Fletcher Giggs Park Nani

Berbatov

Van Der Sar made some important saves last time out so he’s an obvious starter. As for the back line, Wes Brown has been ruled out through injury and I’m expecting Rafael to be given the task of taking on Ronaldinho. Ferdinand and Vidic are back as a pair which is great to see and Patrice Evra has been his usual consistent self causing problems going forward as well as breaking up opposition attacks.

Midfield is where we’ll win this game I think. Valencia and Nani are the two wingers for me as both have pace in abundance which will be a cause for concern for the Milan defence. Fletcher was superb in Milan and will surely start, and I’m going to go for the ever-green Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung alongside him in a five man midfield. I can’t see Fergie playing four in the middle. Park’s work ethic and Giggsy’s intelligence and experience could be vital to the midfield battle. Those five are capable of damaging any team in the world.

Now the conundrum. Ferguson said after the Wolves game that he would be starting Berbatov for this game, and reports earlier today claimed that Rooney was back in training ahead of the clash. I don’t think it’s major mind games, and I’m expecting Rooney to be named on the bench and brought on should things go a little pear-shaped.

Key Devil

Darren Fletcher was immense in Italy in the first leg and I expect him to put in another fantastic shift here. Milan had to work ever so hard to get past him and the Scotsman setup some great attacks and also chipped Rooney in on goal for United’s third goal.

The Opposition

Milan have played three games since the first leg and are unbeaten in all three. They beat both Bari and Atlanta but dropped points away to Roma in a game that ended 0-0. They’re currently second in the table four points behind fierce rivals, Inter Milan.

Keano’s History Lesson

Our win in the San Siro in the first leg was the first time we’ve ever scored away against Milan, and also the first time we’ve ever won away against the Italian club. Milan have visited Old Trafford 4 times in the past and we’ve come out on top three times with our only defeat against AC Milan at Old Trafford coming in 2005 when Hernan Crespo scored the only goal of the game.

Keano’s Verdict

It will be a wonderful atmosphere and if we can get our passing game going, and eliminate the poor passing and decision making of the first half in Italy, then I’m confident that we’ll be singing proudly after the game. I can see Milan scoring, but I think we’ll prove too much for their defence which has come in for some criticism of late.

Manchester United (5) 2-1 (3) AC Milan

Wayne Rooney returned to training today ahead of Manchester United’s crucial Champions League last 16 second leg against Italian giants AC Milan.

The striker – who has netted a career best 28 goals this term – scored two of United’s goals in the 3-2 win at the San Siro in February, and will be a huge boost to Sir Alex Ferguson if available for selection tomorrow.

Rooney had been doubtful for the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa last week, but a season ending injury to Michael Owen forced Rooney to make an appearance early on.

He was then forced to play almost the entire 90 minutes in a meaningless England friendly on the terrible Wembley pitch, which caused him to miss United’s away win to Wolves at weekend.

The good news though is that he was able to take part in this morning’s training session at the club’s Carrington training ground. Sir Alex will be hopeful he’s fit enough to start tomorrow’s all important Champions League game.

(Match Report / Wolves (A))

Paul Scholes’ 100th Premier League goal was enough to earn 3 points away to Wolves, and send Manchester United to the top of the table, after a relatively unconvincing performance from the Carling Cup champions. Wayne Rooney, who was always a doubt for the game, was left out, and the season-long injury to Michael Owen meant that Dimitar Berbatov would be leading the line for United. Darren Fletcher was also given a rest, for the midweek clash against Milan, and Nani returned after a 3 games suspension to complete a midfield of Carrick, Scholes, Gibson and Valencia. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic paired up for the first time since October — indeed, this was the first time that the back four of Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra and Brown had played in 18 months. On paper, it seemed a simple enough task of getting 3 points, but as the game proved after on, nothing is played on paper, and the win was a very laborious one in the end.

As the teams kicked off in the late match of the day, there seemed to be a lack of urgency from United. A Wembley hangover maybe? Or perhaps missing the energy and enthusiasm of players like Fletcher, Rooney and Park. The first chance of the game came for Wolves in the form of Kevin Doyle, who was performing quite well against United’s centre backs. Breaking off a counter attack, Matt Jarvis found Doyle at the edge of the box, but he Irishman only managed to drag his shot across the face of van der Sar’s goal. Jarvis was then at it again, after he turned Carrick and Gibson brilliantly in the middle of the park, and laid it off for David Jones, whose goalbound shot was blocked heroically by Carrick.

The best chance then came for Wolves yet again, this time for Stephen Ward, after Jarvis sent in a lovely cross, but the unmarked Ward only managed to head it straight at van der Sar. The United fans were visibly frustrated, and the midfield seemed to lack any kind of bite without the presence of Fletcher.The only chances for United before the break came from long-range efforts, but nothing special to test Hahnemann in goal. Nothing concrete, though.

After the break, the performance did improved minimality, but nothing too much to concern the battling Wolves side. Patrice Evra came close early on after bursting into the box, but his effort on goal was cleared away from danger by Foley. Mame Biram Diouf was brought on in place of Darron Gibson, to partner Berbatov up front. Just when it seemed as though this was going to be “one of those days”, Paul Scholes stepped up and made the difference. The relatively ineffective Nani sent in a pass into the box that Wolves had some trouble defending. Scholes made a rare venture into the box and latched onto the error from the Wolves defence, and placed a lovely strike into the bottom corner from about 8 yards out. That was goal number 100 in the league, a milestone that has been long awaited, but it came at a crucial time for the lacklustre Reds.

Ji-Sung Park came on to bring some urgency to the side, and this seemed to push United through the gears a lot, and a number of chances presented itself in quick succession. Diouf managed to sky a free header over the bar, and then had a an easier chance to finish from 6 yards out, but did not anticipate well enough to think that the ball would get past all defenders and to his feet.

Into injury time however, United fans had their hearts in their mouths, when Zubar’s pass somehow rolled to Sam Vokes 8 yards out, with only van der Sar ahead of him, but inexplicably, the “striker” blazed his shot into the stands, perhaps bottling under the heat of the moment. Had he scored, it could have been a really vital point for Wolves, and a big dent in United’s title ambitions, but luckily enough Vokes crumbled.

A crucial 3 points for Manchester United then, but a far from convincing performance. Fans will hope that Rooney is back for the 2nd leg Champions League clash against Milan, and a better performance too. Anyway, a win is a win, and we’re back at the top of the table!

Best Moment: Scholes’ 100th

Worst Moment: When Vokes nearly scored

Man of the Match: Paul Scholes
Written by Sownak27

Newspaper reports claiming Sir Alex Ferguson is supportive of the Red Knights bid to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family sparked controversy this weekend, but the United boss insists there’s no truth in them.

Talk of a take over is gathering steam following an appearance by Manchester United supporters trust Chief Executive Duncan Drasdo on Sky Sports News.

Drasdo stated that the Red Knights would like to see MUST’s membership figures increase from 30,000 to over 100,000 as a signal that the United fans would welcome them.

Must now has over 120,000 registered members, so he message is clear. United fans want their club back and will support the Red Knights.

Rumours claimed Ferguson would be willing to back the proposed takeover, not just in principle but financially too. He knows some of the Knights personally and has defended their right to launch a takeover bid. He has also been supportive of the green and gold campaign that has added colour to Old Trafford and indeed Wembley recently.

However, he was blunt when it was mentioned to him that he would become a Red Knight himself, branding the notion “absolute rubbish” and insisting “there’s not an ounce of truth in it.”

A United spokesman echoed the manager’s words: “The Glazer family and the manager enjoy 100% trust in each other.”