‘It was a bad one, I can’t believe it’, said Sir Alex Ferguson after the match. It was the heaviest defeat for Sir Alex in his 25 years at Old Tafford.

‘The red card killed us,’ said Ferguson. Jonny Evans received a red card at the start of the second half which obviously had a huge impact on the game.

Goals for City: Balotelli 22, 60, Aguero 68, Dzeko 90, 90+3, Silva 90+1

Goals for United: Fletcher 81.

Pic: dailymail.co.uk

It was a day where a notable 5-1 drumming of Spurs by Manchester City was forced to take back seat. Danny Welbeck rewarded the Gaffer’s faith in him once again by drawing first blood in the 22^nd minute. Welbeck broke away from Djourou as Anderson chipped a cheeky pass over the backline, taking advantage of Wojciech Szczesny’s hesitation and headed the home side’s first off the bounce. Robert van Persie had a chance to make it 1-1 from the penalty spot, but placed a predictable attempt to the left which was well saved by David De Gea, granting him some redemption after recent performances. United took advantage of the Dutchman’s failure to make any impact and immediately pushed back up the field to see Ashley Young net the host’s second with a mesmerizing  curler in the top right corner.

Welbeck’s performance was short-lived as a hamstring injury forced him off the field only 35mins into the game. A minor concern for United as he was replaced by Javier Hernandez and United simply continued their pace. A further blow to the Gunners struggling fight back was landed in the 41^st minute, as Wayne Rooney’s effortless free kick put the devils up 3-0. Arsenal looked determined to pull one back before halftime and Walcott netted a bit of hope during stoppage time. If Arsene’s halftime motivational deemed it something to build on, he was very sadly mistaken.

Andrei Arshavin and Van Persi saw two great attempts at a comeback go to waste and all seemed to come undone when Rooney copied and pasted a second free-kick in the 64^th minute, followed by Nani’s nonchalant chip past Szczesny to make it 5-1. Park Ji-Sung replaced Nani just after and added a sixth to United’s tally with less than two minutes on the pitch. Van Persie managed to temporarily ease the embarrassment with a clinical finish, but moments later, Arsenal took another knuckle to the gut as Carl Jenkinson was sent off with a second yellow. Arsenal are now averaging a red card per game. At this rate, Wenger will have to spend in the January transfer window just to be able field a team.

Walcott’s negligent challenge on Evra in the box soon after saw Rooney’s easily take penalty yield him a hat trick, his 152^nd goal for United and their seventh of the game.  Arsenal seemed like the kid on the ground covered in blood, while the big kids kept kicking. Young drove through the final sleeper blow in the 90^th minute, as he nailed a monstrous shot into the top right corner from outside the box.

United bowed with an 8-2 finish at game’s end, putting them in top position, above Manchester City with a single goal’s difference. With only 1 point keeping them clear of the relegation zone and a transfer window closing fast, if Wenger hasn’t laid down any contingency plan for the departure of Nasri and Fabregas, Arsenal look destined to face a long season of this sort of bullying.

Nichol Hoekstra

@theKaptiv

Pic: soccernet.com

This sentiment is rooted in something much more substantial and far less trivial, namely supporters’ colours. The very fabric that distinguishes binds and endears you to a select group. These matters that appears so fundamental to the tools inherent to making an on the spot, split second family differential. Imagine a staunch Manchester United supporter (I’m feeling nauseous already) sporting the famous Red Devil shirt, tucking into a Cornish pasty, washing it down with a luke-warm “widow-maker” ale. Have you got the mental picture? Scary isn’t it?! Now imagine this lout taking a seat slap-bang in the middle of the Kop section at Anfield.

I could not even conceive of such a scenario, but if team colours were blurry and not distinctly recognizable, this very state of affairs might play itself out… Which (if you think about it) isn’t all bad, seeing as the Mancunian will get a bloody good thumping, but let’s not confuse the topic! It would therefore be fair to assume that there should be a direct correlation between how you feel and how you look. It stands to reason that if you’re proud to support a franchise, donning the uniform should come naturally. But does it?

In the U.K. where football is a religion, this certainly seems to be the case, but in South Africa things are slightly different (what’s new?). Over here rugby is the game of the gods, albeit not even the chosen game of the masses!! The Bulls rugby franchise has a truly fanatical fan base and the “blue blanket” covering all corners of the crowd has become a very familiar (yet somewhat annoying) sight at Loftus Versveld. Virtually all the spectators wear some form of Bulls merchandise, accompanied by flags and other “special” trinkets like hats fashioned with authentic bullhorns. This is the only way these people know to show their unwavering support and I salute them for it. Before we move on, let us be crystal clear, I salute them, which does not mean I like them!!

The KZN based rugby team is another outfit that have a very special following, consisting of laid-back, surfer types who thrive on the awesome vibe set by the merchandising machine that is the Sharks. Branding is very much at the forefront of the frame of reference of Sharks fans and they duly reciprocate by (shamelessly) advertising the brand in the form of shark-man stickers. These can be seen everywhere from car bumpers to dodgy pubs’ bathroom doors. Shark jerseys are also worn proudly by just about all the fans whether they are at the match or at a braai.

Finally we focus our attention on that historically easy-going spot at the foot of the “Big Table”, Cape Town. Best known for ridiculous property prices, outrageously extravagant shopping outlets, notorious ” four-seasons-in-one-day “weather and Western Province/Stormer rugby. Traditionally respected and targeted alike for their inclination to creative, expansive and daring (I used this term very loosely) style of rugby. Unfortunately I have to admit that I’ve always found a regrettable, yet very tactile lack of proper “jersey pride”. The vibe is one of “even if I own a Province/Stormer jersey, it doesn’t mean I have to wear it to the stadium?” This cuts to the very core of the Capetonian and I don’t see it changing any time soon.

So does “jersey-pride” and “team pride” equate or does the one outweigh the other? My answer to this is simple; pride in any form is commendable and shouldn’t be over analyzed. The long and the short of it is nothing that you wear (on the outside) can make you a bigger fan (on the inside).

See you at the game, jersey or not.

A. Waldeck

Pic: blog.wpfans.co.za

For those fairly new to international club football, the fall of the boys from Buenos Aires is the equivalent to Manchester United being escorted out of the Premier League.

River Plate was already facing an uphill battle after losing 2-0 in the first leg in Cordoba last Wednesday evening. River Plate looked up for the challenge when Mario Pavano netted the opener after only six minutes, but 17 minutes into the second half saw their hopes combust as Guillermo Farre equalized for the visitors. To add gloom to doom, Pavano had a substantial chance frustratingly denied midway through the second half when Juan Olave’s beautifully saved his penalty attempt.

Roughly 25 people were taken to hospital with stone wounds shortly before the final whistle as riots broke out in the Monumental Stadium. Fans within the sold out stadium started throwing objects onto the pitch and tearing off seats to use as weapons, as well as clearing fences, forcing police officers to escort players from both sides to safety. Further violence continued in the streets outside of the stadium and water canons, tear gas and rubber bullets were used as riot police attempted to restore a degree of order.

A sad and blemished ending to a fruitful history for the Argentinean giants, which also sees an end to the legendary rival match-ups with Boca Juniors. Hopefully, this will be a temporary departure.

Watch the riots here.

Nic Hoekstra

His brother, Rhodri Giggs told The Sun newspaper that ’I was with her on Saturday but I’m not with her now’. They split up on Sunday.

Rhodri’s wife Natasha (28) apparently started seeing Ryan before she began dating his younger brother Rhodri. News of the World claimed that Ryan slept with Natasha  a day after his 8-year-old daughter and the day after his four-year-old son was born.

The affair allegedly continued until April 9 this year.

His parent fling with former Big Brother housemate Imogen Thomas convinced his sister-in-law to tell her tale.

“When I found out he was cheating with Imogen too, I was really hurt,” she told the paper through a ‘friend’.

There are NO more league games left. No more bouts of football that offer log position changing results or reputation creating moments for the hungriest of players. All but one is done. One final battle that all fans will be focused on, and if the club you support isn’t involved in this massive spectacle, then you’re inevitably picking a side.

Saturday, 28th May 2011. Not only is it the biggest annual club match in the world, but this years final also sported two of the biggest clubs in the world. Both sides last featured in a Champions League Final in 2009, when Barcelona claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

In the red corner: Manchester United have sported a less convincing side this past season than what we’ve become accustomed to seeing, yet Fergie‘s men showed a top-shelf level of discipline and consistency that overshadowed teams that seemed bigger challengers on paper. This proved to be key in their haul of a record 19th Premier League title and their climb to the Champions League final.

In the blue corner: FC Barcelona have had a tremendous 2010-2011 La Liga campaign, not only winning the Spanish league for the 3rd consecutive season, but beating Jose Mourinho’s superstar-studded Real Madrid side in what was a two horse race for the title.

Almost as if the 2009 Final script was revisited, the echo of the whistle to kickoff had barely faded and the Red Devils were let loose like hunting dogs. United’s applied pressure gained them an early dominance and the Catalans struggled to create a rhythm or adequate possession of any kind. Unfortunately, closing down a team at this rate is nearly impossible to keep up for 90 minutes and it didn’t take too long for Barca to gain momentum and control of the game’s pace. Barcelona maintained 67% possession in the first half of the game, spending most of it in the devil’s half of the pitch. They produced a continuous flow of attempts to get closer into the box where they usually prove to be most dangerous, but a commendable defensive effort from United broke down the attack systematically, forcing the Catalans to gamble on a series of ambitious, but unsuccessful attempts.

It was in the 27th minute that the game was opened by a trademark Barca counterattack that allowed them space around United’s tight defence and saw Pedro net a clean shot from just outside the big box from a well-timed Xavi through ball. Seven minutes later, Wayne Rooney created, carried through and finished a beautiful run from the right flank, near midway on the pitch. Rooney’s second pass in his run was to a questionably off-side Ryan Giggs who’s touch back set Rooney up for an unstoppable shot.

The second half saw Barca pick up from where they ended the first half. Determined to regain their lead, they sped up the game pace, creating a number of dangerous opportunities with no reward until the 54th minute. During their typical predatory movement around United’s big box, Barca opened the perfect gap after Park Ji-Sung’s miss-timed attempt to intercept an Andreas Iniesta pass pulled him out of position and left Lionel Messi to pick up the pass and make use of the neglected space. A quick run at the defence dragged Patrice Evra across to overlap Nemanja Vidic, opening up a narrow gap for Messi to boot an elegant left foot shot past Edwin van der Sar.

United were unable to piece together a solid attempt at equalizing as Barca conducted the momentum for the remainder of the game. One can never write off Fergie’s men though, as they’ve proved on countless occasions in the past by turning games around at the death and creating goals from minimal possession. However, red hearts dropped and belief in a game turnaround was diluted in the 69th minute when David Villa added his name to the score sheet in a ‘stand & deliver’ fashion. Once again, Messi was involved as he made another defence-trailing run into the box and his misplaced pass was repossessed by Sergio Busquets in a shaky defensive shuffle, then laid back to Villa who placed a sublime shot into the top right corner from a near stationary position outside the big box.

United fought hard but were given little time on the ball to make any significant headway. There was much speculation by pundits prior to the match as to its final result. United had just won the league after a great run of form and the possibility of the tables turning is always more likely to be expected when two teams with similar lineups face each other for a second final in short succession (as with Liverpool and AC Milan in the 2005 and 2007 finals). United were also on English soil and the likes of Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey and Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal proved that Barcelona CAN be floored. Still, it’s no textbook task.

Acknowledging the fact that a large portion of their squad makes up much of the 2008 Euro and 2010 World Cup winning Spanish side, how does one defend against and attack a team who consist of so many players that can fill multiple roles during a match and who has players in the midfield and backline that are able to score crucial goals frequently? How does one tactically structure a team differently to counter such a side and then maintain that level of consistency for the full 90 minutes? How do you break down a team who seems to play as well in congestion as they do in space?

United may have been deconstructed in possession and control of the game, but definitely not in spirit. A hard fought display against what is arguably the best club football team in the world. In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of Barcelona or just a football fan in general, you can’t argue that in this day and age where so many teams comprise largely of foreign imports, it’s a pleasure to see a team that consists predominantly of domestic players, lift club football’s most celebrated award.

Nic Hoekstra

Pic: cdn.bleacherreport.net

Requiring only a point to lift their 12th championship of Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible reign, United had fallen behind in the first half when Brett Emerton’s far-post drive gave Blackburn a shock lead.

With Tomasz Kuszczak’s nerves affecting his team-mates, for a while, United looked to be heading for a nerve-jangling final-day ending with Blackpool.

But help was at hand in the form of Rovers keeper Paul Robinson, who needlessly slid out on Javier Hernandez.

Much to Robinson’s frustration, the Mexican went down and after referee Phil Dowd had restored order, Rooney drilled home to finally knock Liverpool off their perch, as Sir Alex Ferguson had promised all those years ago.

Travelling north in their thousands to herald a record title and put a damper on anything that might happen at Wembley a couple of hours later, United being behind at half-time simply was not in the script.

The visitors had played with the confidence of a team who felt they were about to become champions, stroking the ball around efficiently and creating plenty of space around the Rovers box.

But that killer ball was missing.

After Nani had thudded a close-range header against the bar with only three minutes on the clock, United just could not find their range.

Nani cut a shot past the near-post, Ryan Giggs brought an excellent save out of Robinson and Wayne Rooney’s chip sailed narrowly over.

United actually looked less likely to score as that opening period went on.

This would not have been too bad if Blackburn were scoreless too.

However, a combination of their perilous league position and being piqued at having their own position completely overlooked in the scramble to acclaim the men from Old Trafford, they approached their task with a fierce sense of determination.

Christopher Samba had already been slightly unlucky that Phil Dowd had ruled his excellent effort out for a foul on Nemanja Vidic when Emerton drifted a cross-shot to the far-post.

Kuszczak tried to push the ball away from danger but succeeded only in keeping it in play, which allowed Martin Olsson to retrieve it.

After exchanging passes with Junior Hoilett, Olsson crossed to the far post where Emerton finished with an excellent first-time effort.

It nearly got even worse for United when Michel Salgado’s cross from the other side of the pitch dropped nicely for Olsson, whose shot was disappointingly off-target.

However, Ferguson must have been questioning the wisdom of his only concession to United’s position, offering 40-year-old Edwin van der Sar a rare break, as Kuszczak had twice almost been caught in possession, having dwelt on routine back passes for far too long.

Quite apart from putting United’s celebrations on hold, it also highlighted just what a tough job Ferguson faces in making sure the veteran Dutchman’s replacement is a worthy successor.

Javier Hernandez has already proved his value to the Red Devils cause.

The Mexican was not having one of his better days though, failing to collect a Ryan Giggs’ through ball that would have sent him clear of the Blackburn defence.

More weak goalkeeping from Kuszczak forced Rio Ferdinand into a rushed clearance before Olsson nodded an Emerton cross against the post with the United keeper nowhere.

Another Emerton cross led to Ferdinand getting rather too close to heading into his own net for the central defender’s liking.

The hesitancy Kuszczak created had spread through the United defence.

Normally the strongest of partnerships, Vidic and Ferdinand crashed into each other as they tried to complete a routine interception on halfway.

Something needed to go United’s way. Robinson’s rashness provided it.

The former England keeper complained bitterly at the outcome but it is hard to imagine any striker not going down in such circumstances.

Blackburn were angry. Not angry enough to warrant caution being thrown to the wind in an attempt to win though.

Their top-flight survival fight will go down to the last day, when United will receive the Premier League trophy as the most successful team in English league history.

Teams

Blackburn Robinson, Salgado, Samba (Andrews 77), Phil Jones,Givet, Emerton, Jermaine Jones (Dunn 73), Nzonzi, Olsson,Hoilett (Pedersen 58), Roberts.

Subs Not Used: Bunn, Kalinic, Santa Cruz, Mwaruwari.

Booked: Jermaine Jones, Nzonzi, Salgado.

Goals: Emerton 20.

Man Utd Kuszczak, Fabio Da Silva (Scholes 62), Ferdinand,Vidic, Evans, Valencia, Giggs, Carrick, Nani (Berbatov 80),Rooney, Hernandez.

Subs Not Used: Amos, Evra, Owen, Anderson, Smalling.

Goals: Rooney 73 pen.

Att: 29,867

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Source: football365.com

Pic: guardian.co.uk

The victory, secured thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic, gives Sir Alex Ferguson’s side a six-point lead with two games remaining in the Premier League season. Only a minor miracle will now prevent them from securing a fourth league title in five seasons, and surpassing the overall record they currently hold with Liverpool.

Any hopes Chelsea had of taking top spot with a victory were undone as early as 36 seconds into the game when David Luiz failed to cut out a pass from Park Ji-Sung and Javier Hernandez, clinical as ever, beat Petr Cech for the 19th goal of his debut season in England.

United’s lead was doubled after 23 minutes when Ryan Giggs, now surely destined to collect his 12th title-winner’s medal, found Nemanja Vidic with a cross and the United captain converted with a glancing header.

Chelsea performed horribly in the first half, with Luiz and John Obi Mikel both substituted at half-time, but somehow pulled a goal back on 68 minutes when Frank Lampard poked home a volley following Branislav Ivanovic’s knockdown.

But Chelsea were unable to claw their way back into the game and instead the best chances fell to United, with Hernandez unmarked when missing a header, as they closed out the all-important win. United have won 52 of an available 54 points at Old Trafford this season and will win the title if they secure a draw away at Blackburn prior to the FA Cup final on Saturday.

That result finally extinguished Arsenal’s tiny hopes of winning the title, and a 3-1 defeat to FA Cup semi-finalists Stoke ensured The Gunners failed to take three points for the seventh time in nine games as their season continued to peter out to a disappointing end. Having beaten Manchester United in their previous match, they now remain five points ahead of Manchester City in third place with two games remaining after their latest disappointment.

Arsenal were behind when Andrei Arshavin committed a foul near the corner spot, allowing Jermaine Pennant to whip in a free-kick that found Kenwyne Jones unmarked and cushioned off the striker’s chest and in. Five minutes before half-time, Pennant, who joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 1999, capitalised on another defensive lapse to fire in a shot that deflected off Johan Djourou and over Wojciech Szczesny.

Aaron Ramsey’s return to the scene of his horrific leg injury suffered last season lasted only 45 minutes as he was substituted at half-time, while tempers flared in the second half as Alex Song and Robert Huth and Jack Wilshere and Pennant became involved in confrontations.

Robin van Persie scored with nine minutes remaining when his shot crept under Asmir Begovic, his record extending to scoring in eight away games in succession, but Stoke replied within 60 seconds. Both Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou were guilty of failing to clear and Jonathan Walters made it 3-1.

Wolves escaped the relegation zone with just two games remaining of the Premier League season courtesy of a 3-1 win in their derby match against West Bromwich Albion.

Mick McCarthy’s side started the day in 19th place but move up to 17th, one point ahead of both Blackpool and Birmingham, thanks to a win inspired by two goals from Scotland international Steven Fletcher, who has now scored four in four games.

Wolves benefitted from some sloppy West Brom defending from set-plays as they opened up a two-goal lead in the first half at Molineux. After 15 minutes, Adlene Guedioura turned a corner into the path of Fletcher, who finished from close range.

The players combined again after 28 minutes, this time Fletcher heading back across goal from a corner and the unmarked Guedioura doubling Wolves’ lead. Fletcher continued his fine recent form when claiming a second from Kevin Foley’s assist after half-time as he capitalised on an error by Abdoulaye Meite, but Guedioura conceded a penalty after 54 minutes, allowing Peter Odemwingie to score his 15th goal of the season, and fifth in five games.

Jerome Thomas then hit the bar as West Brom threatened to mount a comeback, but the Baggies, already safe from relegation, were defeated by their local rivals in a big result for Wolves.

Source: soccernet.espn.go.com

Pic: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

First-half goals from Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson ensured there was no way back for Schalke, who were already two goals down from the first leg, and a late double from Anderson completed a handsome victory.

For Gibson in particular it represented a fitting riposte to the critics who forced him off Twitter last week after spending barely two hours exposed to a demanding public.

And Ferguson got exactly what he wanted too, namely the chance of revenge over Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who was watching from the stands, for that one-sided encounter in Rome.

But crucially, he also kept all his main players fresh for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who will seize top spot with two games left if they win.

Eight changes from the weekend defeat at Arsenal was not so much a calculated gamble as a starting line-up born out of necessity from a manager who simply could not afford to risk injury.

As a result, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand found themselves in the unusual position of not being required at all for a semi-final decider in club football’s biggest competition, while four more key men started on the bench.

Ferguson must have factored into his thinking that the Germans simply could not be as bad as they were on home soil eight days ago.

They were certainly more solid in the opening stages, as was Gibson’s stomach as he took an accidental kick from Jefferson Farfan.

United had an early chance to settle the tie when Dimitar Berbatov wriggled into space with some deft skill by the dead ball line, only to allow Manuel Neuer to intercept his cross as Antonio Valencia waited for a tap-in.

Chris Smalling was similarly frustrated the next time Berbatov found himself with a crossing opportunity.

The nervousness soon disappeared though as Anderson quickly switched a stray pass into Gibson’s path.

He picked out Valencia and, unlike last week, United did not need 11 chances before finding the net as the Ecuadorian sent his precise effort through Neuer’s legs.

Ferguson celebrated with the gusto of a man who felt the tie was over, his total confidence in a squad so many have doubted vindicated once more.

Within five minutes United had their second. The same three players were involved again too as Anderson used his strength to provide Valencia with a return pass.

He rolled the ball into Gibson’s path, although the Irishman would be the first to admit he benefited from a huge slice of good fortune as Neuer inexplicably fumbled, proving he is not perfect after all given last week’s heroics.

It was simply unthinkable that United might lose a four-goal advantage, but Jose Jurado gave them something to ponder almost immediately when he profited from back-to-back errors by Smalling and Rafael.

To follow the burst of goals, three yellow cards were dished out with even greater speed, condemning United’s entire central midfield trio to walk a disciplinary tightrope for the remainder of the game.

The most vulnerable of the three was obviously Paul Scholes, who collected his caution for failing to retreat at a free-kick rather than one of his trademark wild tackles.

But tonight there was never any danger of the 36-year-old overstepping the mark.

Gibson had already made a positive impact, as had Anderson. The Brazilian is still bedevilled by inconsistent performances, but this was a good one.

He even managed to do something he has never managed during his entire time at United, score twice in a game.

His first was due to his persistence, firing home with a shot on the turn after he had been crowded out of his first attempt to finish Nani’s low cross.

The second was a tap-in thanks to Berbatov’s unselfish square ball.

With Darren Fletcher returning after two months out and no-one suspended for the final, everything had gone right for Ferguson and his team.

But the true test this week will come from another team in blue, desperate to retain their title and thirsting for revenge at being eliminated from this very competition at the quarter-final stage.

Source: football365.com

Pic: telegraph.co.uk

Aaron Ramsey’s second-half goal – his first since January 2010 – saw United’s lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.

Both sides claimed a penalty at the Emirates Stadium, but the officials were unmoved when first United captain Nemanja Vidic handled the ball in the area and Michael Owen went down following a challenge from Gael Clichy.

Although Ferguson admitted Arsenal had a good case for their own penalty, he felt hard done by.

“It’s too big a game not to get the decisions right,” Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

“It balances out in that respect but I think it was difficult to see that one (Vidic’s handball) but the one at the end, Clichy knew, he put his hands up in horror.”

Ferguson added: “Obviously, it gives Chelsea a major chance now and that’s what happens when you get these decisions.

“They got one at Old Trafford last season so that’s the worry now.

“But in terms of ability – a game at Old Trafford, the supporters will be ready for it – and so will our players.”

The Scot conceded his team had disappointed until Arsenal scored through Ramsey in the 56th minute.

“After that we dominated and I think we deserved something,” he said.

“I think we didn’t use the ball properly but once we lost the goal we were in their half most of the time.”

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “You can give a penalty [to United] as well. I saw it on television, but I feel it is less obvious than the Vidic one by far.”

Owen himself claimed he was fouled, although he accepted United did not play well.

“Not seen TV replay but don’t need to as I know mine was a pen,” said the former England striker on Twitter.

“Heard people saying Arsenal should of (sic) had one too so can’t complain too much.

“That was a kick in the teeth. We were not happy with our performance but it is important to put today behind us now and focus on things we can affect in the future.

“Still in a great position so time for one final push.”

Owen also observed that all four Champions League semi-finalists lost this weekend, although Ferguson has already vowed to do something about that on Wednesday, when United will try to defend a two-goal advantage against Schalke at Old Trafford.

“We have a big week ahead,” said the United boss.

“Wednesday is a European semi-final second leg and then the game on Sunday, so two massive games.

“We will regroup and freshen it up.

“I will make some changes on Wednesday without question. I will bring Paul Scholes back in, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen.

“We’ll need to do that but I will probably keep my experienced players at the back.”

Should United lose next week, they will surrender top spot, on the slimmest of goal differences, with two games remaining and turn the title race into a two-game shoot-out

“We are in as good a position as you could ever wish for at the start of the season – semi-final of the European Cup, second leg, two-goal lead and go into a home game on Sunday level on goal difference.”

Source: football365.com