Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[richie_rich]

HARGREAVES BIDS TO MOVE FORWARD

Owen Hargreaves may never be pain-free despite hitting the comeback trail last week.

After 18 months out of action following major operations on both knees, Hargreaves finally got back on the pitch again last Thursday when he turned out for Manchester United's second string at Altrincham.

The 29-year-old is hoping to build on that 45-minute outing against the same opposition at Accrington on Thursday.

However, it is not all plain sailing for Hargreaves.

Renowned Colorado-based surgeon Dr Richard Steadman told the midfielder his knees were in a worse state than he had ever come across in 35 years of practicing.

And, although Hargreaves has reported a vast improvement, he still experiences discomfort and there is a chance he will never be fully clear of the problem.

"I wouldn't say I am pain free and I don't know if I can play through it," said Hargreaves.

"My training has improved over the last weeks and that is a very positive sign for me. I believe that it will continue to improve and progress.

"But I am still in the process of getting some injections to try to manage the pain because if I didn't have any I would have played at the beginning of the season.

"It's about training, getting these injections and trying to go forward."

Having listened to the so-called experts offer their verdict on an injury that first surfaced during his last season at Bayern Munich, Hargreaves managed 25 games during his debut Old Trafford campaign.

Yet as time progressed, he knew the injury was getting worse. It wasn't until he placed his trust in Steadman, who salvaged the careers of Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy amongst others in his more regular field of cruciate ligaments, that Hargreaves realised how great the extent of the damage truly was.

"Tendons are something that a lot of people think they know about, but don't really," he said.

"My first season at United I had the pain and was able to play through it but basically I shouldn't have been playing.

"In the end, the pain was just too high and I had to have surgery.

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone. There were massive operations, very severe, and a lot of the treatments since have been slightly experimental. You have to try what works."

Even now Hargreaves struggles to explain the exact nature of the problem.

Far more obvious is the frustration felt by the Calgary-born star, who fulfilled a childhood dream when he joined United three years ago, and appeared to have so much in front of him.

"It's difficult to describe the pain. It's just pain," he said.

"At least the surgery did it's job because before the operation my tendons obviously weren't in the greatest condition.

"I would like to progress from this point even more. Hopefully I will be fit this season, and going forward I will be able to play another six, seven or eight years."

Merely getting back out on a pitch last week represented a triumph of sorts.

After all, when you have been out for so long, doubts start to creep in about whether it will ever happen.

"It is only human to think that way," he admitted.

"The longest injury before that was when I broke my leg at Bayern Munich and I was out for a couple of months.

"Football is a physical game and injuries are part of it. But I could never imagine having one that has impacted on me so much.

"I thought - everyone thought - I would be fit for the start of the season. It didn't materialise.

"It has been a pretty humbling experience and I am sure many people doubted me, but anybody who knows me, knows that what I set my mind to, I get."

Judging by Sir Alex Ferguson's forthright reaction to talk of Hargreaves making England's World Cup squad, the latter statement may not be totally accurate.

Hargreaves does have a plan though, and it goes way beyond Thursday night's reserve game, returning to the first-team, or even going to South Africa this summer.

He wants to be the player that brought him to United's attention in the first place.

"I had better get there," he said. "I am not coming back to just be one of the guys and fill a spot.

"I have never been that way and, if that was case, I would rather walk away.

"I am coming back to have an impact."

[richie_rich]

FERGUSON DISMISSES ROONEY WORRIES

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Wayne Rooney has no injury problems ahead of tomorrow's match at Bolton.

Rooney had a knee injury earlier this month and looked to be limping heavily as he left Old Trafford following Sunday's win over Liverpool.

But Ferguson said: "He's okay, there's no problem. He had some bad bruising for a couple of weeks but he's played [since then] and there's no problems with the knee."

Ferguson may start with Ryan Giggs, who came on as a substitute against Liverpool after five weeks out with a broken arm. John O'Shea is back in training and should be available from the beginning of April.

[grandsexster]

Rooney no play , man u have big problem.

[machoman]

Berbatov at double as four-star United regain lead

Sunday, March 28, 2010, 06:15:23 HRS

Bolton Wanderers' midfielder Lee Chung-Yong (L) and Manchester United's forward Dimitar Berbatov go for the ball during their English Premier League football match at The Reebok stadium in Bolton. Berbatov made light of Wayne Rooney's absence by scoring twice as Manchester United restored their one point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win at Bolton.

Dimitar Berbatov made light of Wayne Rooney's absence by scoring twice as Manchester United restored their one point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win at Bolton on Saturday.

It took the reigning champions 38 minutes to go in front and then they needed an own-goal from Jlloyd Samuel.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar made some important saves before and after the opener and the visitors didn't put the result beyond doubt until Berbatov struck twice in the second half, with Darron Gibson adding a fourth late-on.

Victory was all the more important for United after they'd kicked off two points behind following Chelsea's 7-1 thrashing of Aston Villa earlier Saturday.

It also set Sir Alex Ferguson's side up nicely for the midweek Champions League quarter-final trip to Bayern Munich as well as next weekend's clash with Chelsea.

Ferguson singled out Dutch veteran van der Sar for special praise after the goalkeeper saved well from Johan Elmander and Fabrice Muamba when the game was still in the balance.

"They were absolutely magnificent saves," said Ferguson. "The second one, in particular, I think was a match-winning save."

Chelsea may have kept pace with United but third-placed Arsenal fell behind after the Gunners dropped points away to Birmingham, who scored late on in a 1-1 draw.

"It was a bad one for Arsenal to drop points so late in the game today," said Ferguson. "They're now four points behind us.

"We'll all drop points but the name of the game is to make sure you don't drop as many as the rest."

Bolton, despite this defeat, remain five points above the relegation zone but frustrated manager Owen Coyle said: "If you switch off and gift them goals as we did you're going to be punished.

"But for 70 minutes of the game I thought we were terrific. The scoreline flatters Manchester United - no doubt about it. We were the architects of our own downfall."

Bolton Wanderers' defender Sam Ricketts (L) clashes with Manchester United's midfielder Nani (R) during their English Premier League football match at The Reebok stadium in Bolton. Manchester United won 4-0.

United were without both defender Rio Ferdinand and Rooney but still warmed up for Tuesday's Champions League first leg with Bayern Munich in some style.

Bolton caused the champions plenty of problems.

The impressive Jack Wilshere, on loan from Arsenal, opened up United's defence with a pass to Elmander but the Swede's drive was pushed around the post by van der Sar.

Ryan Giggs was picked out by Berbatov and cut inside Zat Knight before driving over from just outside the area.

Gary Cahill glanced a header wide from a free kick from South Korean winger Lee Chung-yong but seven minutes before the break United took the lead.

Samuel was not under too much pressure to clear Giggs's hopeful cross but still managed to turn the ball into the corner of his own net from six yards out.

Van der Sar tipped a shot from Muamba over the bar and the former Arsenal midfielder also had a long-range effort deflected wide.

United had already been angered by Sam Ricketts's challenge on Patrice Evra when the same player's tangled with Nani just before the break.

Ferguson came on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Martin Atkinson as soon as the half-time whistle was blown.

United had chances to double their lead before Berbatov struck 21 minutes from time.

Giggs slipped a pass through for Darren Fletcher. The Scotland midfielder's shot was blocked by Jaaskelainen but not held by the goalkeeper and Berbatov reacted quickest to touch in.

Berbatov wrapped the points up when he was found by Nani's cross, after the Portuguese slipped past Ricketts with ease.

Gibson added a fourth with his first touch after coming on as a substitute, after more fine work from Nani, to seal a convincing victory.

- AFP

[machoman]

Rooney, Ferdinand on way back for United

Sunday, March 28, 2010, 09:06:50 HRS


Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand will both be fit for Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Bayern Munich on Tuesday after the duo missed Saturday's 4-0 win over Bolton.

The England internationals were rested as a precaution as United returned to the top of the Premier League by a point from Chelsea.

Star striker Rooney has been troubled by a foot problem and Ferdinand, whose season and much of his career in recent seasons have been plagued by fitness issues, was left out because of a groin injury.

"They're both a bit tender," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson whose team faces Chelsea in what be a title decider this coming Saturday.

"But both will be fit for Tuesday. We have a big week coming up and we have to use the squad."

United's victory, which featured two goals from Dimitar Berbatov, one from substitute Darron Gibson and, to start the rout, a bizarre own-goal from Jlloyd Samuel, was conclusive.

But Bolton manager Owen Coyle was furious with a challenge by Nemanja Vidic on Johan Elmander which immediately preceded United's second goal.

Bolton were actually down to 10 men, as the Swede received treatment for a cut inflicted by Vidic's blatant elbow - an offence missed by referee Martin Atkinson - when Berbatov scored that goal.

"I like the referee and he did a good job," said Coyle. "But I can only assume he has not seen it and, if he has not, fair enough.

"Because if he had, he would have done something. I'm not looking for excuses but it was a terrible challenge and if the referee had seen it, I'm certain he would have been punished."

Having enjoyed that stroke of fortune, Ferguson could savour a hard-earned victory and look forward to a pulsating title run-in, which features that home game against Chelsea.

"I don't think we dominated," he said. "I think that when you come here you've got to put your head on everything and you get a sore head just watching it.

"They're very difficult to play, the ball's in the air all the time. The times that we did get the ball down, we did play some good football. I'd like to have seen more of it but it was a very difficult day."

Ferguson added: "I think with the league the way it is at the top, every result is an important one.

"If you win them, it cuts one away. We're left with six now and this was an emphatic result.

"It's still a three-horse race. It was a bad one for (third-placed) Arsenal to drop points so late in the game (a 1-1 draw against Birmingham) and they are now four points behind us.

"But we'll all drop points and the name of the game is to not drop as many as the rest of them."

Berbatov was the pick of United's attacking crop, in terms of goals at least, as he stepped in impressively for Rooney as a lone striker.

"He can play there," Ferguson said of the Bulgaria international.

"I know his preferred role is normally dropping in behind the strikers but he's proved time and again that he can play up there on his own and of course he had Ryan (Giggs) close to him most of the time and he was always a threat."

Ferguson also praised the attacking play of Nani, United's Portuguese winger.

"He's hit form at a terrific time for us and he's made two goals so we're really pleased.

"He's signed a new contract for four years, he's young and he's maturing."

- AFP

[richie_rich]

VAN GAAL: UNITED `SHOULD BE SCARED`

Champions League - Name the Finalists 2 Finalists: Man Utd / Barcelona 3/1
Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United have more reason to be afraid of Bayern Munich than the German giants do of their 1999 Champions League final conquerors.

In the build-up to Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggested his team were scared about trying to keep Wayne Rooney quiet.

As the man who must overcome a team who hail from the "level one" station he can only dream of eight months into his work, Van Gaal could have done without the suggestion of an inferiority complex.

And the Dutchman was quick to turn it on its head, even though he accepts Rooney has a special talent that will not be easily quelled.

"I never have fear and my players don't have any fear either," said Bayern manager Van Gaal.

"We value Rooney's quality. He is a super footballer.

"When he was younger, I often wondered whether he had the vision in his game.

"He has developed that now and is very hard to mark out of the game.

"But we can manage because we also have quality. Ferguson and his players should be scared of that."

Bayern are sweating on the fitness of former Chelsea star Arjen Robben, who aggravated a groin injury in Saturday's defeat by Stuttgart.

It is the kind of muscular problem that has plagued Robben throughout his career and he has never given the impression of being too keen to try to play through.

Van Gaal will give his fellow countryman every chance, knowing he is capable of the individual brilliance that helped dispose of Fiorentina in the last round.

But he has vowed no chances will be taken.

"We need a player like Robben against Manchester United but if he is not 100%, he doesn't play," Van Gaal said.

"You have always got to be a bit careful with a player who dribbles at such high intensity. He is not injured but his muscle is tired."

Robben's wing twin Franck Ribery is more likely to be involved despite a nagging ankle injury, although goalkeeper Jorg Butt seemed to suggest Bayern would adopt a cautious approach, possibly more geared towards preventing United bagging an away goal rather than worrying too much about whether they find the net themselves.

Yet to achieve that, Bayern need the one component he believes United have in abundance and his own squad are still trying to generate, organisation.

"Organisation at United is always good," Van Gaal said. "I am jealous of it.

"If we had this organisation at Bayern Munich we would be a step ahead."

There is a link between Van Gaal and the most famous of the seven meetings between Bayern and United, given he was coach of Barcelona, whose Nou Camp stadium was the scene of that staggering Red Devils triumph in 1999.

Van Gaal was present to witness Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored the injury-time goals that changed the course of United's history.

Like most who were present, he still struggles to comprehend exactly what happened.

"It was incredible. I still find it incredible," Van Gaal recalled.

"I was in the stadium and I remember what a high intensity occasion it was.

"It was fascinating to watch, although I was not at Bayern Munich then. Now I don't think I would find it so good."

[alex18122003]

It's all in the mind games

If you can’t beat them, join them. That seems to be the approach Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal has taken to tonight’s Champions League showdown with Manchester United.

Mind games surrounding United games tend to involve Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson. But at the Allianz Arena on Monday afternoon, van Gaal embarked on his own attempt at reverse psychology.

“We are playing against a level-one team and Bayern are not yet at that level,” he said of the four-times European champions. “The difference is that United show level-one form on a consistent basis.

“I know the organisation within United is very good. I am jealous of this organisation. If we had it at Bayern, we would be one step further.”

On Tuesday morning, Sir Alex spoke to MUTV. When asked about van Gaal’s comments, the boss smiled wryly before answering: “I’ve done that sort of thing myself over the years. But I don’t think he’s trying to kid us… he surely knows I won’t fall for it! We won’t be complacent.”

The Reds haven’t been beaten on the road in Europe since May 2007 (16 games) and have lost just once in the last 14 fixtures in all competitions.

“We’re going into the game in the right form and that’s important,” Sir Alex said. “The team’s come together very well and defensively we’re looking really good – that pleases me more than anything.”

Watch the full interview with Sir Alex tonight on MUTV’s Matchday Live (18:30 BST).

[CNY_OX09]

at least Man Utd scored an important away goal.
the return leg will be advantage to Man U.
hope that Rooney's injury is not serious,he has been the top performer for MU.
this coming weekend,i believe will be the decider against Chelsea.

[yinyang]

Macheda's chance tomorrow? And Hargreaves comeback at end season?

Wayne Rooney out for two to three weeks - Ferguson

BBC Sport - Football - Wayne Rooney out for two to three weeks - Ferguson

England striker Wayne Rooney could return for Manchester United as early as 17 April for the Premier League clash against Manchester City.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said the player would recover in "two to three weeks" from ankle ligament damage.

But in a best-case scenario he could play in their last four league matches and any Champions League semi-final.

"The nation can stop praying," said Ferguson, referring to initial fears Rooney could have missed the World Cup.

The striker is certain to miss United's next three matches at the very least, starting with Saturday's hugely important league clash against title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford.

United then face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final next Wednesday, and will also be without Rooney for the Premier League trip to Blackburn on 11 April.

But the 24-year-old could be available to face either Lyon or Bordeaux in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on 21 April, should United advance to the last four, by which time he might have begun his comeback in the Manchester derby four days earlier.

England fans breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday when a Manchester United statement revealed Rooney had suffered only "minor" ligament damage despite leaving Germany on crutches after an awkward injury suffered in Tuesday's first leg against Bayern.

606: DEBATE
Time to shine for Berba. A goal in each of the next two games will silence the doubters

SuperFlyTNT
Ferguson admitted he was relieved to discover that Rooney had suffered "no bone damage or serious ligament damage" after twisting his right ankle on landing after Bayern's Mario Gomez had trodden on his left foot.

"It was panic," said the Scot. "We are relieved. You are hoping when you send him for a scan you get some good news, and it could have been worse given the way he hobbled off.

"But it's out of the way, we can put it to one side and get on with our job on the pitch."

England fans can now expect Rooney, who has scored 34 goals for United this season and contributed nine to England's qualifying campaign, to be available for their friendly against Mexico on 24 May at Wembley.

England's first World Cup game in South Africa is on 12 June against the USA in Rustenburg.

In Rooney's absence, Ferguson confirmed he will deploy Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, who has scored 12 times this season, in the lone striker role against Chelsea on Saturday and Bayern next Wednesday.

"Berbatov's form has come great at the right time," the manager said. "It is always hard to leave a player of his ability out of important games, and I am sure he can thrive on [the responsibility]. He is experienced enough to be able to handle that."

Also primed to play a bigger role in the coming weeks is teenage striker Federico Macheda, who has been back in full training for a month after an injury-plagued season.


John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves have trained very well. They are not far away.

Sir Alex Ferguson
The 18-year-old shot to prominence with a sensational injury-time winner against Aston Villa last year before grabbing another winner at Sunderland six days later as United went on to win the Premier League title.

"He is a terrific talent and can certainly play a big part," Ferguson said. "He was sub at Bolton [last Saturday], he will be sub again tomorrow [against Chelsea] and he will be sub on Wednesday [against Bayern]."

There was further good news for United fans as Ferguson suggested Owen Hargreaves and John O'Shea could make their returns from long-term injuries against Chelsea.

Hargreaves has been out of first-team action for 19 months with a series of knee problems but began his comeback in a match for the reserves against Burnley on 18 March.

O'Shea has been missing since suffering complications in his recovery from a dead leg sustained in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off defeat to France in November.

"John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves have trained very well with the first team," Ferguson added.

"They are not far away and I may use one of them as substitute tomorrow [Saturday] and the other on Wednesday.

"John O'Shea in particular has done a lot of work. The boy has come on terrifically well in the last two or three weeks.

"If I include one tomorrow and one on Wednesday it will give them the confidence that they are back. That is what they need."

[machoman]

Fergie backs United to sink Chelsea without Rooney

Friday, April 02, 2010, 20:06:16 HRS

Manchester United's Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov (R) fights for the ball with Inter Milan's defender Davide Santone in February at San Siro Stadium in Milan. Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have enough firepower to overcome Wayne Rooney's absence and defeat Chelsea in Saturday's crucial Premier League title showdown.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have enough firepower to overcome Wayne Rooney's absence and defeat Chelsea in Saturday's crucial Premier League title showdown.

Rooney is missing for two to three weeks with an ankle ligament injury and will watch the first-versus-second clash from the directors box at Old Trafford.

The England striker has scored 26 Premier League goals this season and there are fears his loss could disrupt United's bid to retain the league title and win the Champions League.

But United manager Ferguson, whose team have a one-point lead over Chelsea, insists there are enough players capable of scoring in all areas of his side to combat Rooney's absence and keep the club on course for an unprecedented fourth successive title.

"I think there are goals there. I haven't got any doubt about that," Ferguson said on Friday.

"It's obviously a very big game and if one team wins it is a significant step forward for that team.

"If we win we go four points clear with five games left. If Chelsea win it's two points ahead of us with five games left. A draw - nothing changes. It will be very, very tight to the end of the season.

"As I've been saying for the last couple of weeks, goal difference may come into it.

"With Chelsea getting seven against Aston Villa last week, it turned the whole goal difference upside down after we had that nice advantage.

"There's only two goals difference between us and that can change in a couple of games."

While United have endured a traumatic week after losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League together with Rooney's injury, Chelsea arrive at Old Trafford refreshed having enjoyed a blank midweek.

But Ferguson does not believe that will have any influence on the outcome.

"I think Chelsea will feel they have an advantage by having a week off," he added.

"Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you're better playing all the time. The continuity of playing and the consistency of performance...it's not a disadvantage to us."

Ferguson has backed Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian came under fire following the club's Champions League exit.

"I don't think there has been any failure on his part," said Ferguson. "I don't think there's been any failure at all. I think he's done very well.

"At this moment in time he's only a point behind us and they're in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

"The disappointment will be being knocked out of the European Cup. It was a really incredible, strong performance from Inter Milan to knock them out. But I think he's done his job well."

Dimitar Berbatov will start in Rooney's absence while John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves, who have been out with long-term injuries, could also feature at some stage.

O'Shea has not played since last November because of a thigh injury while England international Hargreaves has recently returned to training after major knee surgery.

- AFP

[richie_rich]

The loss against Chelski represented the fifth time this season they have lost immediately after a Champions League game and one of the others was a home draw against Sunderland.

EUROPEAN EXIT A BLESSING FOR BLUES

He might not have known it at the time but Jose Mourinho might have been handing Carlo Ancelotti the Barclays Premier League title when he was stripping away Chelsea's Champions League place.

Whisper it quietly around Roman Abramovich, who has made Europe his stated aim. But it seems Chelsea are about to profit from their own misfortune.

There can be no other conclusion to draw from Chelsea's first-half superiority against a 'leggy' United outfit that struggled badly without Wayne Rooney.

And whilst Nicklas Bendtner scored another amazing stoppage-time winner for Arsenal, how long can they sustain their challenge without Cesc Fabregas, William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin?

"Maybe it is an advantage not to play in the Champions League," said the Chelsea boss.

"It is important to be able to train during the week.

"It is important at this moment of the season because it is very busy for the teams who are in the Champions League. We have to take advantage of it."

Ancelotti called for focus and composure as he masterminds the defence of a two-point lead at the Premier League summit.

In truth, the chances of United winning their final five games to apply some pressure is remote, especially if they overhaul Bayern Munich's first-leg advantage in their Champions League quarter-final return against Bayern on Wednesday.

Yesterday represented the fifth time this season they have lost immediately after a Champions League game and one of the others was a home draw against Sunderland.

"I am sure Chelsea would have preferred to be in Europe rather than out of it but it is quite testing when you play away in Europe and then have to come back and play an early kick-off," said United assistant boss Mike Phelan.

"But we have done it many times before. We can't moan about it. That is the fixture list. We have to get on with it."

Nevertheless, the United display left TV pundit Ruud Gullit "worried" ahead of the Bayern encounter, particularly as the German giants are likely to have Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger back to bolster their ranks.

Whether that triggers a quicker-than-expected recall for Wayne Rooney is open to debate.

Rooney has now dispensed with the cast he wore on the return flight to Manchester last week and Ferguson could be forgiven it would be worth having his 34-goal talisman on the bench against Bayern if there was any chance of him making a meaningful contribution, no matter how short the playing time.

Phelan was vague when he addressed the question of Rooney's fitness, although clearly Wednesday falls outside the minimum two-week time-frame Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday.

"You miss his goals," reflected Phelan.

"He is a threat around the box. You can tell that by the season he is having.

"He is undergoing intense treatment and we are trying to get him as fit as we possibly can.

"But we know we can't risk these things. If he is ready, fine. If not, we have to use the players we already have."

Ancelotti will be nothing more than an interested observer, no doubt hoping for extra-time and penalties to get United especially tired ahead of their trip to Blackburn next Sunday.

A day earlier Chelsea will tackle Aston Villa at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final, which could form part of the first domestic double in their history.

"Our reaction since that Inter Milan defeat has been very good," said Ancelotti.

"After a defeat like that, it is very easy to get down.

"But when you are a professional you need a strong character.

"We have got ourselves into a good position but we have won nothing yet.

"Our aim is to win the next seven games because we want a trophy this year."

[richie_rich]

FERGUSON: NO CHANCE OF ROMA REPEAT

Sir Alex Ferguson will not be dredging up the memory of Manchester United's seven-goal destruction of Roma three years ago to inspire his team to victory against Bayern Munich tonight.

That astounding 7-1 success remains the only time United have successfully overturned a first-leg deficit since the Champions League was launched in 1992.

The first-leg scoreline then was 2-1 too, so there are obvious parallels for Ferguson to draw.

But the performance on that never-to-be-forgotten evening was so staggering, the United boss cannot see any point in using it as a motivational tool.

"I haven't thought about the Roma game," he said.

"They were probably equal to what Bayern are now in terms of ability and it was one of those performance you hope you could see every week. But you don't.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime European performance. The scoreline suggests that.

"The thing is to make sure the performance level is good. That makes a difference to the supporters and the players' belief and confidence.

"From there we can start gathering ourselves again."

A tough task will be made even harder if Wayne Rooney is not available to play some part.

The United teamsheet will be eagerly awaited an hour before kick-off given the slightly mixed message on Rooney that Ferguson delivered in his pre-match press conference.

Although the United boss claimed last Friday that the 34-goal striker would be missing for between two and four weeks with the ankle injury he suffered in the last minute of the first-leg defeat to Bayern last Tuesday, rumours surfaced pretty quickly that Rooney could be in action far quicker than that.

Ferguson did at first reject the notion of an appearance in the return outright, insisting Rooney had "no chance" of being involved.

However, within seconds, Ferguson was tempering his words slightly, saying he didn't "think" Rooney would be on the bench, before adding that he expected the 24-year-old to try and change his mind.

Any chance, however slight, of Rooney being involved, will be seized upon by supporters desperate for some good news at the end of a dismal week that will see their European aspirations brought to an end by Bayern unless United can overturn the deficit.

"He has no chance," began Ferguson.

"We have made some good progress with the lad and the medical team have done fantastic.

"But I am not prepared to take a risk on a player who is not 100% fit. They are looking more at the Manchester City game, maybe Blackburn as a substitute. That is possible.

"But it is an ankle injury, the same as any other. He is no different to anyone else."

Asked directly whether Rooney could be on the bench, Ferguson replied: "I don't think so, although he will maybe talk me into it. It is a difficult one."

[RonaldoNani]

United buckle under Bayern strain

Manchester United FC 3-2 FC Bayern München (agg: 4-4, Bayern win on away goals)
A magnificent volley from Arjen Robben capped a stunning Bayern recovery with the home side having taken a 3-0 lead before Rafael's dismissal

FC Bayern München fought back from three goals down on the night to oust Manchester United FC from the UEFA Champions League on away goals.

On a pulsating evening, United stormed into a three-goal lead through Darron Gibson and a Nani double. Yet Ivica Oliæ's goal just before the break raised Bayern hopes and after Rafael's 50th-minute dismissal, Bayern capitalised on the extra man thanks to a stunning Arjen Robben volley 16 minutes from time.

It was a repeat of the Dutchman's decisive goal in the identical away-goals win over ACF Fiorentina in the last 16 and means Bayern can look forward to their first semi-final since 2001, the year of their last European crown when they also beat United at this stage.

The home fans had a lift before kick-off with the news that Wayne Rooney would be starting, this just days after Sir Alex Ferguson had said he faced "two to three weeks" out with the ankle injury sustained in the first leg.

United then made a dream start with a third-minute goal involving two other surprise names on the team sheet. Rafael, in for Gary Neville, dispossessed Franck Ribéry and played the ball to Rooney, who laid it on to Gibson. The Northern Irishman, making only his second start of 2010, side-footed a low shot inside the near post from the edge of the box for his first UEFA Champions League goal.

After seven minutes United had their second. Antonio Valencia teased Holger Badstuber out on the right before driving in a low cross that Nani, ghosting beyond the Bayern back line, turned in with a cute flick of his heel. Michael Carrick, with a shot, and Rooney, a header, then went close with Bayern were struggling to live with the pace of United's play, even with Rooney now hobbling. They duly made it 3-0 as Valencia broke down the right and crossed for Nani to drive the ball high into the net.

Two minutes later, however, Bayern pulled a goal back through Oliæ. Latching on to Thomas Müller's flicked header, the Croatian shrugged aside Michael Carrick and beat Van der Sar from a tight angle.

Louis van Gaal sent on Mario Gómez for Müller at the restart and within five minutes Bayern found themselves with a man advantage when Rafael collected a second yellow for pulling back Ribéry.

With Rooney making way for John O'Shea, Bayern pressed for a second and Van der Sar fisted clear a Ribéry drive just before the hour while Gómez skimmed the crossbar with a header. It was not all one-way traffic, not with United's counterattacking threat – twice Butt saved well from Nani, while Carrick and Gibson spurned half-chances.

With 16 minutes remaining, though, Robben broke United's resistance by levelling the aggregate scores at 4-4. Ribéry's corner found him on the edge of the box and the Dutchman drove the ball on the volley past a helpless Van der Sar and into the far corner. For United, the dream of a third successive final was dead.

[richie_rich]

16 Conclusions From ManYoo 3 Munich 2

Typical Germans? Quite so...

* Small details and small acts may have ultimately denied Manchester United but above all else, their Champions League campaign was derailed by complacency. They under-estimated their opponents and over-estimated their own sense of entitlement. Twice in the tie, they eased off. Twice in the tie, they assumed they were cruising into the last four. Twice they were made to pay. It is one thing for a jingoist television commentator to hysterically screech "42 minutes played, 3-0, United are through", quite another for a team of United's standing to make such a reckless assumption.

Rafael's dismissal made Bayern favourites to progress, but the tie had been back in the balance from the moment just before half-time when slack defending - just how were United caught a man short in the middle of their defence from such a ponderous attack? - allowed Ivica Olic to re-open a closed door. The Germans, those pesky, typical Germans, never require a second invitation. What was it Edwin van der Sar said last week? "In Holland we also know it: the Germans are never really beaten until they are on the bus on the way to the airport." United's mistake was refusing to listen to the repeated warnings.

* Perhaps it's a commentary on the different type of commentary provided by radio and television, perhaps it's a commentary on the type of commentary provided by the good folk of ITV, but those people who followed the game via BBC Radio Five Live must be wondering what all the fuss is about. "Rafael has pulled back Ribery...he'll be booked for that...he was booked in the first half...he'll be going off!...United are down to ten men!"

Remove the blinkers of jingoism, and the situation was as straightforward as that. Ferguson, with the blinkers firmly attached, made the claim that "they got him sent off" but in truth it was Rafael who got himself sent off. Already halfway to a dismissal due to a stupid act of petulance, his second loss of sense and discipline was a second bookable offence. United, like their irresponsible right-back, only have themselves to blame.

* Typical Germans indeed. Franck Ribery is French and Sir Alex Ferguson has never beaten a German team over a two-legged tie. And they are never, ever beaten.

* The curious thing about Michael Carrick is that he is so under-appreciated even when he continues to donate so many performances to his critics. Instead of being castigated for his failings, he should be celebrated for the reflected glory he confers. It is the ultimate form of flattery that a footballer of his standing - an international, a regular for the biggest club on the planet - has so little going for him and his only forte is a five-yard square pass. He should be a hero to the people because the next time the question is asked, 'So how close were you to making it?' the answer can be given 'Well I must have been close because at worst I was only half as rubbish as Michael Carrick'.

* The gamble of selecting Wayne Rooney may have backfired but that does not mean it was a mistake. His unexpected - well, unexpected to those still gullible enough to treat Sir Alex's words to the media as gospel - return clearly galvanised United and swept away the storm clouds that had gathered over Old Trafford. The result, surely impossible without his presence, was a two-goal lead after seven minutes.

Indeed, even after as many as 40 minutes, Ferguson's selections still looked inspired. Darron Gibson may have started to fade into anonymonity within 180 seconds of kick-off but his goal appeared to have set United on cruise control. On the wings, Valencia and Nani were inspired. And Rafael had muted Franck Ribery.

Ferguson was instead undone by events outside of his control: the parting of United's defence, Carrick's feebleness, and Rafael's stupidity - though it can of course be argued that Ferguson was himself slightly culpable for selecting such inexperience.

If the United manager erred then it was in his response to Rafael's expulsion. By replacing Rooney with John O'Shea, he denied his side a pressure-relieving escape valve. Consigned to a formation that seemingly read as a 4-5-0, United were effectively required by their manager to hold out for 35 minutes. It was too much to ask. Too much by half because it took the Germans just 15 minutes to find a way through.

* For Dimi Berbatov, this must have been a new low. Following Rooney's injury, the games against Chelsea and Munich were billed as his acid test, the big-time games in which he would be finally given proper opportunity to prove his considerable worth. Against Chelsea, he snatched at and thus squandered a last-minute opportunity that would have effected a priceless three-point swing, and against Munich he was ignored in favour of a player whose state of unreadiness was evident within 20 minutes. And even then he continued to be ignored. Only as a last resort did he enter the fray. It would be no wonder if his confidence is shredded when it's so patently clear that his manager has none in him.

* Following the Messi wonder show in Nou Camp, here was another illustration of how players of rare talent can lift a team to a level far above the sum of their general parts. Barcelona are made exceptional by their exceptional talent, an otherwise ordinary Bayern have made it through to the last four courtesy of their two players of elite standing.

* With commentary like that, perhaps the Scots can be forgiven for cheering on England's opponents after all.

* And then there were none. After seven years of ever-presence, the absence of the Premier League from the semi-finals of the Champions League will inevitably prompt a wave of obituaries. But though they would be right to conclude that, with the money all burnt up, the glory days of dominating Europe may already be a thing of the past, the humbling of the Big Four does not necessarily mean the Premier League has become weak. The strength of the Big Four in Europe is no more an indication of the general quality of the Premiership than the poverty of the bottom four.

Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to declare last night that "The Premier League is still best," and with just one representative from each of Germany, France, Spain and Italy in the final four, there is no one league that can lay claim to dominance. And the argument can be made, with justification, that the Big Four have found it harder in Europe this season because in the weekends before and after they have had it tougher in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the inescapable conclusion remains that the rest of Europe has become stronger while, at the same time, England has become weaker. The manner and reasons for their exits may have differed, but, above all else, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have been made to pay for the lack of investment that they could no longer afford.

[richie_rich]

HERNANDEZ SIGNS FOR UNITED

Manchester United have completed the signing of Mexico international Javier Hernandez for next season.

The 21-year striker admitted he was "living the dream" after passing a medical with the club.

Although United have yet to secure a work permit for Hernandez, it is expected they will eventually force it through in time for him to join the club after the World Cup.

It will represent a first for United, who have never signed a Mexican player before or played in the country, which they will do in July as part of the deal.

For Hernandez, who has spent just two seasons in the first team at Chivas and scored four goals in his four international appearances so far, it represents a meteoric rise to prominence.

"I feel like I am living a dream," he told MUTV. "All the impressions I have of the club are good and Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person, maybe the best coach in the world."

Hernandez was at Old Trafford on Wednesday night to watch the Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich.

While he was disappointed at the outcome, he marvelled at the atmosphere, which he hopes to experience for himself next term.

Before that, Hernandez must secure a place in Mexico's World Cup squad, which he is tipped to do.

And that will confirm a quick return to England as Mexico will tackle Fabio Capello's men at Wembley on May 24.

"I hope to be at the World Cup," he said. "I have to work hard to win a place in the national team, then I might get a chance to play against England."