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Ferguson: 21 pivotal decisions

SIR Alex Ferguson celebrates 21 years at Old Trafford today - a period of unprecedented success for Manchester United.

James Robson counts down the 21 most pivotal decisions he's made during his time at the helm of the biggest club in the world.

21 Opting against Zidane - Ferguson monitored Zinedine Zidane when he was a little-known playmaker at French side Bordeaux. Despite being a big admirer of Zizou, he had nagging doubts about how to squeeze both him and Eric Cantona into the same side. Zidane went on to sign for Juventus and become the finest player in the world, while Cantona went on to announce his retirement a year later.

20 Withdrawing from the FA Cup - When United opted to take part in the inaugural World Club Championships instead of defending the FA Cup they won in 1999, it was heralded as the death of football's oldest cup competition. Ferguson, meanwhile, thought he was blazing a similar trail on the world stage as Matt Busby had done in Europe 40 years prior.

Ultimately neither prediction proved true.

19 Selling Van Nistelrooy - Described by Ferguson as United's greatest striker since Denis Law, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 217 appearances. But that counted for nothing when the Dutchman was deemed to have an unsettling influence in the dressing room. Like so many before him, he was ruthlessly cast aside after five magnificent seasons. His departure, though, spurred United on to their first title in four years as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney came out of Nistelrooy's shadow.

18 Keeping Bryan Robson - When Ferguson headed to Old Trafford in 1986 he came into a club with an established drinking culture that he could not abide. As such, he dumped fans' favourites like Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath - but turned a blind eye to Robson's antics, claiming it didn't affect the United captain's performance levels.

Robson continued to serve the club with distinction, stewarding them through Ferguson's early years before eventually being rewarded with his first title in 1993.

17 Rock of Gibraltar - At first his relationship with John Magnier looked like a match made in heaven. Not only was he the finest manager on the planet, but he was also part owner of the finest horse in Rock of Gibraltar. But it all turned sour when the issue of stud rights came up, with the argument escalating to the boardroom and at one point seemingly threatening Ferguson's very position at the club. The two parties eventually came to a settlement, and Fergie's interest in horse racing has been distinctly lower profile ever since.

16 Appointing Steve McClaren - He might be far from convincing as England manager - but McClaren was fabulously successful as Fergie's No2 at Old Trafford. Recruited when Brian Kidd left to take charge of Blackburn in 1998, McClaren's first season saw United complete the treble. He went on to help them to two more titles in successive years before heading for Middlesbrough in 2001. The following season United failed to win the Premier League for the first time in three years.

15 Selling Stam - Whether it was his autobiography, injury record, form or the £16m Lazio were willing to pay for him, Stam's departure was a costly one for United. Not least because he was replaced with an immobile and ineffective Laurent Blanc. Without their rock at the back, United relinquished the title after three successive wins - finishing the 2001-2 season in third place and behind Liverpool for the only time since the Premier League began.

14 Eric Harrison - Fergie put his faith in Eric Harrison when deciding that a proper youth structure was the key to success.

As youth team coach Harrison played a pivotal role in the development of all Fergie's fledglings. From Giggs to Darren Fletcher and everyone in between, Harrison nurtured them through the early days.

13 Burying the hatchet with Schmeichel - The Great Dane looked to be on his way out of United in 1995 despite four outstanding years at the club. Ferguson had blamed Schmeichel's kicking for United's failure to hold on to a 3-0 lead at Anfield, prompting a furious bust-up. The keeper was all set to leave when the manager overheard him apologising to his team-mates, and decided to forget the incident. Schmeichel went on to win four more titles with United and captained their 1999 Champions' League victory in his final appearance for the club.

12 Standing by Cantona - The Frenchman's kung fu kick on a fan at Selhurst Park in 1995 led to furious calls for his departure. Ferguson, though, had other plans - going to great lengths to convince Cantona that he still had a future at Old Trafford. How right he was as Cantona came back to captain United's next generation to the double and back-to-back titles.

11 Keane fallout - Of all the players Ferguson has had to let go, the acrimonious departure of Keane was probably the most painful. After publicly slating his team-mates on MUTV, the fiery Irishman was given his marching orders. In truth he had been below his best for some time and his exit forced Ferguson to embrace the future - splashing out £18m on Michael Carrick.

10 Selling Beckham - No sooner than a flying boot struck the head of the then England captain, his departure from Old Trafford was inevitable.

Ronaldo's arrival cushioned the loss of the midfielder - but his absence still had a profound impact on United, who would take four years to win another Premier League title.

9 Signing Ryan Giggs - Giggs was connected with Manchester City when Fergie turned up on his doorstep with YTS forms for United. His high hopes for the Welshman led him to watch his youth games as a teenager, before heading off to prepare for first team matches later that day. Arguably the club's greatest ever servant - Giggs has been a pivotal part of each of the nine titles won under Ferguson.

8 Announcing retirement - When Ferguson revealed he was set to retire at the end of the 2001-2 season it was largely blamed for a rather limp defence of the title they'd dominated for the previous three seasons - with a number of players deemed to have coasted as they awaited his replacement.

7 Scrapping retirement plans - With Sven Goran Eriksson reputedly set to be announced as his successor, Ferguson shelved plans to step aside, instead promising to build a third great team at United. His decision was soon vindicated as he went on to win his eighth title at Old Trafford the next season.

6 Bringing through the kids - Fresh from missing out on the title to Blackburn and FA Cup to Everton in 95, Ferguson called time on his first great United side - selling off Paul Ince, Andrei Kanchelskis and Mark Hughes. In came youth academy graduates Beckham, Butt, Scholes and the Nevilles, prompting BBC television pundit, Alan Hansen, to assert: "You never win anything with kids." How wrong he was as United went on to win the double and those same kids proved the nucleus of the 1999 treble-winning side and beyond.

5 Selecting Robins - The FA Cup third round clash with Nottingham Forest 1990 looked every bit a must-win for Ferguson. With the national press already writing his obituary, defeat would surely have cost him his job, little over three years in the post. He opted to play a little-known prospect from the youth team called Mark Robins, who stooped to head the only goal of the match and set Ferguson on course for his first trophy at United and spark a flood of silverware.

4 Dropping Leighton - If Robins spared Ferguson the sack, his decision to drop Jim Leighton for the Cup Final replay against Crystal Palace, truly saved his job. Given that United ended the season just five points above the relegation zone, he needed tangible proof that he was building something at Old Trafford. His first piece of silverware provided that - but not without putting Jim Leighton's nose out of joint. The Scotland international's jittery performance in the 3-3 draw in the first match, led to Ferguson calling on loanee Les Sealey, who duly kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

3 Sending in the SAS - With 23 minutes remaining and United trailing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the 1999 European Cup final, Ferguson threw on Teddy Sheringham to try to turn the match. With nine minutes left and still no change, he sent for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. With only stoppage time remaining United were still behind to Mario Basler's sixth minute strike. By full-time both Sheringham and Solksjaer had scored to clinch the treble.

2 Taking a chance on Cantona - The Frenchman had been pivotal to Leeds edging United to the title in 1992 and his brilliance was beyond question. But he came with baggage and enfant terrible image that Howard Wilkinson couldn't tame. When Leeds made an approach for Denis Irwin in late 1992, Fergie countered with a cheeky request for Cantona. The rest is history.

1 Accepting the job - Surely the most pivotal of all, not just for Ferguson but Manchester United. He brought unprecedented success and returned to the summit of English football at a time of massive change for the national game. Ferguson had already reputedly gone close to taking a job at Tottenham, only to later change his mind. Had he not, the face of English football might be very different today.

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Ferguson: 21 best signings

In the second of our fourt part series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at Old Trafford, James Robson lists the Old Trafford boss's best signings.

21 Brian McClair, 1987-98, £850,000 - Not everyone's cup of tea, but whether as a striker, midfielder or coach, he was a consummate servant to the club.

20 Henrik Larsson, Jan-Feb 2007, loan - A surprise inclusion, but Larsson's role in United's title success last season should not be underestimated. Arriving at a time when they were down to the bare bones in attack, he was on the losing side only once in 13 games. Had he stayed for more longer, United may well have stayed the course in the Champions League as well.

19 Nemanja Vidic, 2006-present, £7m - The Serbian is in the early days of his United career, but has already made a big impression. Strong as an ox, he brings back memories of Steve Bruce in both his bravery and eye for goal.

18 Edwin Van der Sar 2005-present, undisclosed - Fergie has long struggled to find a replacement for Peter Schmeichel and Van der Sar is as close as he's come.

17 Dwight Yorke, 1998-2002, £12.6m - The most frustrating thing about Yorke is never knowing how good he could have been. At least United fans will always have the memories of his outstanding debut treble season.

16 Rio Ferdinand, 2002-present, £30m - Criticised for his laid-back approach, but Ferdinand is a classy defender and creator from the back. Helped United to the title in his first season at the club - and his suspension midway through the next campaign pulled the rug from under their defence of it.

15 Teddy Sheringham, 1997-2001, £3.5m - Aged 31, Eric Cantona announced his retirement in '97. Teddy Sheringham was the same age when signed as his replacement later that summer. Looking for medals to crown a hitherto commendable career, he left United four years later with three titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League. Job done.

14 Andy Cole, 1995-2001, £7m - The ex-Newcastle hitman was a constant focus of criticism, not least from former England manager Glenn Hoddle. But in six years at Old Trafford he won five titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League - scoring 121 goals in 275 appearances.

13 Jaap Stam, 1998-2001, £10.75m - Described as a colossus on skates, the Dutchman had power and pace - and was the bedrock of United's treble success in '99. Won the title in each of his three seasons at Old Trafford. Had he not been hastily sold in 2001, United might have gone on to be crowned champions for a fourth successive year.

12 Wayne Rooney, 2004-present, £27m - After missing out on Paul Gascoigne, the mercurial English talent of his generation, there was no way Ferguson was going to let another, Rooney, slip through his grasp. Fresh from an outstanding Euro 2004, the then Everton striker was the most sought-after young player in Europe when United splashed out £27m for his services. He responded by scoring a hat trick on his debut and becoming a pivotal figure for both club and country. Should be much higher up the list when he eventually calls time on his career.

11 Gary Pallister, 1989-1998, £2.3m - Ferguson was prepared to break the British transfer record for a defender when signing Pallister for £2.3m from Middlesbrough. Had a nightmare debut - 2-0 defeat to Norwich - but rarely put a foot wrong thereafter.

10 Cristiano Ronaldo, 2003-present, £12m - Signed as a replacement for David Beckham in 2003, Ronaldo announced himself with a dazzling cameo on his debut against Bolton. He has since matured into one of the best players in the world and fired United to their first title in four years last season.

9 Steve Bruce, 1987-1996, £800,000 - Ferguson was stunned that United had allowed Terry Butcher to leave Ipswich for Rangers when he took up the post in '86. Seeking a similarly selfless warrior for the heart of his defence, he settled on Norwich's Steve Bruce and never looked back.

8 Mark Hughes, 1988-1995, £1.8m - The Welshman was sold to Barcelona the season before Ferguson took the job at United, but he wasted little time in bringing him back to the club in 88. Hughes consistently scored outrageous and vital goals. His double against Crystal Palace in the '90 FA Cup final springs to mind, as do his strikes against Barcelona in the Cup Winners' Cup final and a last-gasp equaliser against Oldham in the '94 FA Cup semi.

7 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 1996-2007, £1.5m - At £1.5m the baby-faced assassin was an absolute steal. So much more than a supersub, but he had an uncanny knack of coming off the bench to score vital goals. Not least the winner in the Champions League final.

6 Ruud van Nistelrooy, 2001-2006, £19m - Ferguson was prepared to wait for the deadly Dutchman to overcome knee-ligament damage - and how he was rewarded. Van Nistelrooy was the goal machine he had longed for throughout his time at Old Trafford. With 150 goals in 217 appearances, his record compares with United greats Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

5 Denis Irwin, 1990-2002, £625,000 - The unassuming Irishman was virtually faultless at left-back for the best part of 10 years. Not bad considering he was right-footed. Perhaps the most consistent performer throughout Fergie's reign. He also possessed a mean free-kick with either foot.

4 Ryan Giggs, 1990-present, trainee - Technically a product the United youth system that also gave him David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, but Ferguson personally paid Giggs a house call to ensure he tied his future to the club when still a schoolboy. The Welshman has been the one constant throughout United's nine titles since then. Giggs has been peerless on the left for more than 15 years. Should go on to break Bobby Charlton's record of 759 Reds appearances.

3 Roy Keane, 1993-2005, £3.75m - The Irishman had big boots to fill when signed as a successor to Bryan Robson in '93, but he took that mantle in his stride. Incomparable in central midfield throughout the 90s, he was the heartbeat behind Ferguson's glory years.

2 Peter Schmeichel, 1991-1999, £550,000 - Schmeichel is not only United's greatest-ever goalkeeper, he might just be the finest keeper in the history of the game. The Great Dane cost only £550,000 when signed from Brondby in 91, which Fergie described as the "bargain of the century". Won every club honour going at United - captaining them to Champions League glory in his final appearance for the club.

1 Eric Cantona, 1992-1997, £1.2m - An obvious choice, but without him, who knows how long United would have been searching an elusive league title? Cantona was the crowning glory of a team Ferguson had been building since taking charge in 86 - and the catalyst to the success that followed. In four and a half seasons at United he won four titles and two doubles and inspired the golden generation of Giggs, Beckham and Scholes. Stature, majesty, charisma, he became a legend after joining from Leeds for £1.2m. Cheap at 10 times the price.

Fergie has made a few mistakes too...Massimo Taibi, 1999-2000 £4.5m - Fergie's success with goalkeepers has been mixed to say the least, but none flopped so badly as Taibi. Eric Djemba-Djemba, 2003-2005, £3.5m - The Cameroon international was seen as a potential successor to Roy Keane when he arrived. But not for long. Kleberson, 2003-2005, £5.93m - United spent the summer of 2003 chasing Ronaldinho, but ended up with his Brazilian compatriot Kleberson. Nationality was the only similarity they shared.

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Ferguson: 21 that got away

In the third of our four-part series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at the Old Trafford helm we look at the ones who got away.

The Reds boss has signed some gems in his time, but here is a selection of the players he missed out on.

21: John Hartson - Not a Ferguson target, but might well have ended up at United had Brian Kidd and Martin Edwards got their way. After Arsenal's slick football had seen them move into the ascendancy in 1998, the direct style of Hartson was deemed United's best response. Ferguson baulked at the suggestion - quashing the move, signing Dwight Yorke and winning the treble.

20: Jon Obi Mikel - United made the best part of £8m on the Nigerian who never played a single game for the club. But the £16m Chelsea paid to resolve the controversial midfielder's contract dispute might still end up looking a bargain.

19: David Ginola - Despite winning the title at a canter in 2000 and 2001, Ferguson thought Ginola - then nearing the twilight of his career at Tottenham - could add some guile to United in Europe.

18: Terry Butcher - Though Ferguson didn't try to sign him at United, one of the first questions he asked when arriving at Old Trafford in 86 was why the England defender had been allowed to leave Ipswich for Rangers earlier that year.

17: Laurent Blanc - The languid French defender eventually signed in 2001 - but at 36 he was a shadow of the player he'd been throughout his career. Ferguson tried and failed a number of times to get him at his peak, which explains why he was so desperate to bring him to Old Trafford even when he was so clearly past his best.

16: David Hirst - In 92 Hirst was as sought-after as Alan Shearer and one of the two strikers Ferguson had identified as being capable of firing United to the title. But whereas Southampton welcomed offers for Shearer, Sheffield Wednesday simply wouldn't budge over Hirst. Given his subsequent injuries, it's probably just as well.

15: Paolo Di Canio - With United's bid for a fourth successive title in 2002 faltering - Ferguson moved to freshen up his attack. He signed Diego Forlan, but thought controversial Italian Di Canio would give his side an extra dimension. His failure to offload Yorke, ultimately meant he had to shelve plans for the West Ham man.

14: Brian Laudrup - When Eric Cantona hung up his boots in 97, Laudrup was seen as the perfect replacement following his outstanding performances for Rangers. With the move south of the border all but sealed, the Dane decided stay in Scotland for another year, prompting United to turn their attentions to Teddy Sheringham.

13: Matt Le Tissier - The move that never was. The Southampton talisman's maverick abilities meant he was long seen as the natural successor to Eric Cantona, but ended up spending his entire career at the Dell.

12: Patrick Kluivert - After seeing Arsenal overtake United in 98, Ferguson set his sights on adding firepower. He targeted Yorke and Kluivert. In the end he had to settle for Yorke, whose partnership with Andy Cole spearheaded the treble success the following season.

11: Arjen Robben - The flying Dutchman's move to United was all but sealed midway through the 2003-4 season as Ferguson began building his latest generation at Old Trafford. But disputes over his price allowed Chelsea to steal in for the electric winger, who would go on to star in their title-winning campaign the following season.

10: Marcello Salas - After extensive scouting by Martin Ferguson in 97, United looked all set to move for the then unknown Chilean striker, who would be eligible to play in the second half of that season's Champions' League campaign. But with Cole and Sheringham filling their boots at the time and United looking set to win a third successive title at a canter, Ferguson could not justify the move to the Old Trafford board. Soon after the goals dried up, United limped out of Europe and relinquished the title to Arsenal to prompt a frantic summer search for a new hit man.

9: Mick Harford - Most United fans would hardly consider the lanky striker, who spent the best part of his career at Luton, much of a loss. But Ferguson believes he would have been the difference between winning and losing the title to Leeds in 92.

8: Stan Collymore - Midway through the 94-95 season Ferguson wanted to freshen up a strike force that had led United to back-to-back titles and identified Collymore (below) as the man. But when he tried to negotiate a deal with Nottingham Forest, Frank Clark refused to take his calls. He ended up moving on to his second choice, Andy Cole, who went on to score 121 goals for the club - winning eight major trophies.

7: Alan Shearer - Ferguson first tried to sign Shearer when he was a precocious goal scorer at Southampton in 92. Fresh from allowing Leeds to pip United to the title, he was looking for a prolific striker to play off Mark Hughes and Brian McClair. But deterred by Shearer's apparent preoccupation with money, the forward went on to sign for Blackburn for a British transfer record £3.6m. It turned out not to be such a loss with Cantona signing a few months later.

6: Peter Beardsley - Ferguson wanted to sign the Newcastle forward, who had once been at United on loan, when beginning his rebuilding of United in 87, but baulked at the £3m asking price. So it was understandable that he was so infuriated when Beardsley went to Liverpool for £1.9m that same year.

5: John Barnes - Then at Watford, Barnes was generally accepted as one of the country's finest talents. Ferguson though had already committed Jesper Olsen to a long-term deal and opted against pursuing his interest in the winger, who went on to become a pivotal part of Liverpool's title-winning sides of 88 and 90. He later admitted that was one of his greatest regrets.

4: Zinedine Zidane - Ferguson thought long and hard about making a move for the Gallic genius when he was a little-known playmaker at Bordeaux. But doubts about how to incorporate him in a team that already included Cantona convinced him to pass up the opportunity.

3: Ronaldinho - Having sold David Beckham to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003, Ferguson was looking for a new icon for his team and was determined to land the brilliant Brazilian Ronaldinho. But despite being at the front of the queue for the Paris St Germain playmaker, United somehow conspired to blow the deal, allowing Barcelona to snap him up and promptly return to the summit of European football.

2: Paul Gascoigne - Ferguson went on holiday in 88 believing he'd secured the signing of the most exciting English talent in recent memory. Relaxing by the hotel pool, a message over the tannoy told him he had a phone call. It was Martin Edwards. Gascoigne had just signed for Tottenham.

1: Alan Shearer - After being burned once over the England hit man, Ferguson was certain he'd get his man when going back in for Shearer in 96. The striker had starred at Euro 96, while United were on the back of their second double in three years. It looked like the perfect match. Shearer, though, threw a spanner in the works when signing for Newcastle for a world record £15m. United still went on to win the title.

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Fergie's 21 top triumphs

IN the fourth part of our series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at United.

87 Division One 1986/87, Liverpool 0-1 United: Trophies were hard to come by in Ferguson's early years at Old Trafford, so it was the chance to get one over the all-conquering Liverpool that filled United supporters with delight. As such, the first three entries in this list are against the old enemy, who Ferguson promised to "knock off them off their perch" when he made his way south of the border. And he struck an early blow when first taking United to Anfield with a 1-0 win on Boxing Day 1986.

88 Division One 1987/88, Liverpool 3-3 United: Gordon Strachan's mock cigar-smoking celebration will always be remembered after he sealed United's comeback at Anfield. With Liverpool on course for the title, they led 10-man United - who were second - 3-1. But Ferguson temporarily wiped the smile off Scouse faces by rescuing a point.

89 Division One 1988/89, United 3-1 Liverpool: The first sign of Fergie's fledglings - in particular Russell Beardsmore. In only his second full game, aged 19, the midfielder scored one and made two as United roared back from a goal down to beat the champions on New Year's Day.

90 FA Cup Final replay 1989/90, United 1-0 Crystal Palace: Hardly a classic. The first match was the thriller - a 3-3 draw with two goals from Mark Hughes earning United a replay. But it was Lee Martin's strike that would have the longer-term significance.

91 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 1990/91, United 2-1 Barcelona: Barcelona were strong favourites. But on a rainy night in Rotterdam, Ferguson gave a tantalising glimpse of his managerial genius. Hughes sealed his status as a United legend with two goals against his former club, though Ronald Keoman's free kick made for a nervy finish.

92 Rumbelows Cup Final 1991/92, United 1-0 Nottingham Forest: While United allowed Leeds to pip them to the title in 1992, Ferguson at least made it three successive years with silverware when Brian McClair's strike earned United the League Cup for the first time in their history.

93 Premier League 1992/93, United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Locked in a three-way battle for the title with Aston Villa and Norwich, United could ill afford to drop points at home to Wednesday when the two sides met in April - but they trailed to John Sheridan's 65th-minute penalty.

Steve Bruce equalised in the 86th minute, and then struck again in injury time to spark unbridled celebrations from Ferguson and Brian Kidd.

94 Premier League 1993/94, City 2-3 United: The reigning champions were second best in the first half at Maine Road, with two goals from Niall Quinn putting City in control. Then Eric Cantona sparked into life after the break - scoring two of his own, with Roy Keane getting the other for a memorable derby victory.

95 Premier League 1994/95, United 9-0 Ipswich: Andy Cole had made a stuttering start to his United career, having signed from Newcastle for £7m two months earlier. But he burst into life against Ipswich with five goals in this Old Trafford rout. Hughes also struck two, with Paul Ince and Keane getting the others.

96 Premier League 1995/96, Newcastle 0-1 United: Hardly a classic performance, but victory at runaway leaders Newcastle proved the catalyst to their second double in three seasons. After Peter Schmeichel repelled an early onslaught from the home side, Ferguson's young team secured the win thanks to Cantona's volley six minutes into the second half.

97 Charity Shield 1996/97, United 4-0 Newcastle: With Alan Shearer a £15m addition to a forward line that included Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla, David Ginola and Peter Beardsley, Newcastle were out to avenge the previous season's title failure. But Ferguson's side proved they were still England's top team, thanks to goals from Cantona, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Keane.

98 Champions League group stages 1997/98, United 3-2 Juventus: Having lost twice to Juve the previous year, United were keen to show they had learned their lessons in Europe. They fell behind in the opening minute to an Alessandro Del Piero goal. But United countered with strikes from Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes and a screamer from Ryan Giggs. Zinedine Zidane's last-minute consolation gave the scoreline a closer look than it deserved.

99 Champions League semi-final second leg 1998/99, Juventus 2-3 United: The treble-winning season provided enough great games to make up the majority of this list itself. But none epitomised the campaign like this clash in Turin. Trailing to two goals from Pippo Inzaghi inside 10 minutes, United had a mountain to climb. But galvanized by Keane, United reached the final thanks to goals from the Irishman, Dwight Yorke and Cole.

00 Premier League 1999/2000, United 7-1 West Ham: United had already beaten West Ham 4-2 earlier in the season and filled their boots again when the Hammers travelled to Old Trafford. Paolo Wanchope had the nerve to give the visitors the lead, which only served to stir the beast. A Scholes hat-trick along with goals from Denis Irwin, Cole, Beckham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completed a rout.

01 Premier League 2000/01, United 6-1 Arsenal: United might not have had things all their own way in Europe, but this rout against Premier League runners-up Arsenal proved just how far ahead of the game they were on the domestic front. Yorke helped himself to a hat-trick after only 22 minutes, while goals from Keane and Solskjaer gave United a 5-1 lead by half time, before Sheringham compounded Arsene Wenger's misery in the last minute.

02 Premier League 2001/02, Tottenham 3-5 United: There was a huge Jaap Stam-shaped hole in United's defence when the Dutchman was off-loaded to Lazio at the beginning of the 2001-02 season. Tottenham took advantage when racing to a 3-0 first half lead against the champions. But while United would go on to relinquish the title for the first time in four years, they were still capable of moments of magic, such as the five goals they scored after the break to earn Ferguson one of his most improbable victories - Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Veron and Beckham turning the game on its head.

03 Premier League 2002/03, Newcastle 2-6 United: Arsenal looked to have their second successive title in the bag when United kicked into life after Christmas in the 2002/03 season. Back-to-back games against Liverpool, Newcastle and the Gunners in April would make or break their title challenge. They beat Liverpool 4-0, drew 2-2 at Arsenal, but in between produced a display of consummate attacking football at St James' Park. Two goals from Scholes and strikes from Solskjaer and Giggs saw them take a 4-1 lead at half time. Scholes completed his hat-trick after the break with Van Nistelrooy adding a sixth.

04 FA Cup semi-final 2003/04, Arsenal 0-1 United: Rio Ferdinand's eight-month ban undermined United's title defence, while Arsenal went from strength to strength. Wenger's men looked capable of emulating Fergie's treble success in 1999 - until the two sides met in the FA Cup semi-finals. Despite being heavy underdogs, United showed a twitch of defiance, with Scholes' first-half strike taking them to the final, in which they beat Millwall.

05 Premier League 2004/05, Arsenal 2-4 United: With Chelsea emerging as the new force in the Premier League, this clash shouldn't have had the same intensity as previous United-Arsenal clashes. But clearly no one told the players. Keane and Patrick Vieira were inches away from coming to blows when lining up in the tunnel, and the fireworks truly flew when the match kicked off. Giggs' goal was sandwiched between strikes from Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp to give Arsenal the lead at the break. But United blew them away in the second half with two from Cristiano Ronaldo and another from John O'Shea.

06 Carling Cup Final 2005/06, United 4-0 Wigan: Three years and no titles, but Ferguson insisted he was building his third great team at United. The League Cup has rarely been high on the Scot's priorities, but victory in 2006 was evidence of progress. Wayne Rooney (2) and Ronaldo, who both scored, went on to be pivotal players in United's title success the following year. Louis Saha also scored while Van Nistelrooy was left out, signalling an end to his Old Trafford career.

07 Champions League quarter-final second leg 2006/07, United 7-1 Roma: Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, United supporters were bracing themselves for a tight, edgy re-match at Old Trafford. Any chance of that was blown away when Michael Carrick, Alan Smith and Rooney put Ferguson's men 3-0 up before the 20-minute mark. Two more from Ronaldo, another from Carrick and a seventh from Patrice Evra crowned one of United's finest Champions' League performances.

There's only ONE FERGIE!!!

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Originally Posted by MelbSJ

09/11/2007 15:16, Report by Gemma Thompson

ROONEY OUT FOR A MONTH

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday.

Sigh...such things happen. Most important is not let the gap between ourselves and league leaders widen. If we maintain within this striking distance then we should be fine when Rooney, Barclays Player of Month for October, returns.

There's only ONE UNITED!!!

[CibLover]

Originally Posted by MelbSJ

.....

ROONEY OUT FOR A MONTH

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday........

WAYNE ROONEY injured his ankle after a freak training ground incident which saw him fall over a piece of equipment.

The Manchester United and England star — now ruled out for four weeks — was waiting by the side of the training pitch when he took a step back. He got his leg tangled in a metal piece of apparatus which the players use to run round.

Rooney, 22, fell to the ground holding his twisted ankle and immediately called for treatment. He was carried from the pitch and left the training ground on crutches for a scan on his ligament injury. The right ankle is twisted and badly bruised and United believe he will not play again for at least a month.

The injury also came on the day Rooney was named Barclays Player of the Month for October.

This is the second major injury set-back for Rooney this season.

He broke his metatarsal in the opening game of the season against Reading at home and missed the next five games. That was the same injury he suffered ahead of England’s World Cup campaign in Germany which he rushed back for.

As well as scoring for fun of late, Rooney was also forging a deadly strike partnership with Carlos Tevez.

Ironically, Ferguson had been boasting ahead of training that he now had the strongest and fittest squad he had been able to call on all season. He also said that French striker Louis Saha was going to have to satisfy himself with a role as a supersub against Blackburn.

Now Saha will go straight into the first team tomorrow.

================================================== =======

What a freak accident!!! Got tangled in a training apparatus.
Anyway, gotta see how Saha wanna repay the Gaffer's faith and patience with him. Actually IMHO, Saha's quite a good player. He's strong, quick and skillful. It's just that he's not had much luck with his injuries.

Let's see how he take this opportunity.

GLORY, GLORY MAN UTD!!!!!

[imom]

Originally Posted by CibLover

...Actually IMHO, Saha's quite a good player. He's strong, quick and skillful. It's just that he's not had much luck with his injuries...

Mr Balsa Wood better step up to the plate man. Looks like we gotta get used to not being spoiled with 4-goal romps for at least a month.

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by CibLover

..Now Saha will go straight into the first team tomorrow. ...What a freak accident!!! Let's see how he take this opportunity.

Blast, saw it also over CNA sport news. Miust ask soothsayer to pass him amulets to ward off suay luck. Just when his thingy with Tevez ben building up like a charm C'mon Saha, show us a thing or 2 ... oops, scram b4 his fan club patron comes in here again

[CibLover]

Originally Posted by yinyang

...C'mon Saha, show us a thing or 2 ... oops, scram b4 his fan club patron comes in here again.....

You mean the Chairman of Love Saha Club, our bro Mafan???
Oppss.... yeah, better scram first!!!

[qbdp]

Fergie purrs over current United crop

Confidence high as United title charge gathers pace Fergie purrs over current crop

Sir Alex Ferguson is not a man prone to exaggeration, so when he claims his current squad is the best of his 21-year Manchester United reign, we must be witnessing something special.

Arsenal may have been lauded this season for the flair and finesse of their football, but United have been equally formidable, prompting Fergie to hail the Class of 2007 as the best he has ever worked with.

That's some accolade, given that Fergie has assembled some of the finest teams to grace English football, from the imperious Double winners of 1994 to the unprecedented Treble-winning heroes of 1999.

The likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are already assured of their place in United folklore because of their glittering achievements.

But in Fergie's eyes the current crop, led by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, and aided by old heads like Giggs and Paul Scholes, are worthy of being hailed the very best.

He said: "This is what I've been working towards. I don't like the shortterm fix. I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special which, believe me, is happening.

"I had to get Carlos Queiroz to stop training the day before we played Arsenal, simply because it was too good. I wanted to make sure the players saved something for the game.

"There's the old cliche that players have got to win something to prove how good they are. But the signs are good. I enjoy watching this lot. They play with great enthusiasm and imagination, and we have individuals who can win games.

"There has always been great ability in our teams, but this one - since I took stock and brought in a new element - is maturing fast and I'm convinced the players are ready to deliver."

In a glittering managerial career spanning 34 years, Fergie has seen it all and won it all, including an extraordinary haul of 20 major trophies at Old Trafford.

But do the current United squad deserve to be hailed as his finest, particularly when many have just one league title to their names? And new arrivals Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson have yet to win their first trophy at the club.

Certainly, the central defensive partnership between Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is now being talked about with the same reverence as that of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, which proved so successful in the early 1990s.

The statistics back that up. This season United have conceded an average of one goal every other game, by far their best record since the Premier League was formed.

And United possess an embarrassment of riches going forward. Fergie's current crop average more points per game than the Double winners of 1994, the Treble winners of 1999 and the 2003 League champions.

"Talk comes cheap," he said. "But we've built a platform that, with a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to capturing trophies this season."

[qbdp]

Fergie lands wonderkid

MANCHESTER United have won the race for Burnley's Ghanaian wonder kid John Cofie.

Sir Alex Ferguson has beaten off interest from Liverpool and Chelsea in agreeing a deal for the 14-year-old striker, who was spotted at a youth tournament in Germany.

Rafa Benitez was reportedly ready to spend £250,000 for Cofie, who refused to return to training at Turf Moor - but the Championship side opted to deal with United instead.

Cofie cannot sign professional terms at Old Trafford for another three years, but Ferguson was determined to get the German-born Ghanaian into his famed youth academy.

As part of the deal United will play Burnley in a friendly - as well as giving them a 25 percent sell-on clause and first refusal should the teenager go out on loan.

Burnley operational director Brendan Flood said: "The player was unwilling to come back to Burnley so we didn't have a choice in keeping him here.

"He was going to go to one of the clubs chasing his signature and in the end, we all felt that Manchester United was the right option.

"He has a good future ahead of him and hopefully we can try to keep youngsters of John's quality at the club in future."

[qbdp]

Giggs still has title hunger

RYAN Giggs feels the only way he will be able to really enjoy the remainder of his career is by maintaining the winning habit.

Now approaching his 34th birthday, Giggs has just signed a contract extension with Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2009.

Already the most decorated player in Reds history, Giggs should now eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton as the man who has appeared most times for United as well.

And, while the Cardiff-born winger accepts it will be a memorable day when he equals Charlton's current best mark of 759 - he is currently 27 short - Giggs is more bothered about adding to his impressive medal haul.

"I was pleased to get the contract sorted because it means I can just get on with my football over the next 18 months or so," he said.

"Winning the Champions League again is definitely a big aim and it would be nice to win a 10th title. The main thing is just to enjoy my football but you only really do that when you are winning trophies."

Giggs has been reluctant to mention Charlton's record, dismissing it as an achievement he cannot even think about until he gets close.

However, with the landmark achievable before the current campaign reaches its conclusion, the thought has started to penetrate Giggs' mind.

"It will be a great personal honour," he said.

"To play so many games for the club you have supported all your life and pass the total of probably the greatest player the club has ever had would be brilliant.

Landmark

"It is something I don't really like talking about until it has happened but given that the landmark is getting close, it would be great to do it."

Giggs was singled out for special praise by Sir Alex Ferguson for his outstanding performance in yesterday's 2-0 win at Blackburn.

Ferguson took the opportunity to rest the Welshman from the midweek Champions League triumph over Dynamo Kiev and although Giggs only retired from international combat last summer, United already seem to be getting the benefit.

With most of his team-mates heading off for far-flung corners of Europe over the next fortnight, Giggs will remain at home, marking him out as one of the key men for United when they resume their title quest at Bolton on November 24.

"Sitting out the occasional match is something I have come to terms with," he said.

"At 33, you can't play every game but I should get the benefit towards the end of the season, when I hope to still be fresh and on top of my form.

"Getting these breaks and the odd rest doesn't just prolong your career, it keeps you fresh for the games you are involved in."

Yesterday's win was United's ninth in their last 10 league games.

Their only slip during that time came at Arsenal, courtesy of William Gallas' last-gasp leveller which prevented Ferguson's men stealing a march at the top of the Premier League.

Gut-wrenching

No-one at Old Trafford has denied what a gut-wrenching experience it was to lose a lead at the Emirates Stadium, although Giggs was not convinced by Arsenal's over-the-top celebrations.

"It seemed some of the Arsenal players thought they had won the game when the final whistle went," he said.

"I am not sure we would have celebrated like that if we had just drawn at home."

Instead, United will remain quietly focussed about the task in hand, namely accounting for Bolton, Fulham and Derby before tackling Liverpool in their next major test at Anfield on December 16.

With a place in the Champions League knock-out phase already secure two games ahead of schedule, life is looking good for United just now, although Giggs knows his demanding manager will ensure no-one eases off just yet.

"Sir Alex is enjoying it more than ever and he still has the same passion for winning without any doubt," he said.

"He still has the same hunger to win games and ensure his sides continue to play the Manchester United way.

[qbdp]

United fill the gaps

SIR Alex Ferguson is ensuring United's backbone has a long-term future with Patrice Evra, Wes Brown and Edwin Van der Sar being lined up for new contracts.

Last week the Reds secured central defender Nemanja Vidic on a new extended deal to keep him at the club until 2012.

Evra signed in the same transfer window as Vidic when he was bought from Monaco for £5m on a deal to 2009.

After a difficult start initially the French left back has also become a successful and popular member of the Reds squad and has even immersed himself in the history of the club by devouring books and DVDs on United's history.

He was brought in after Gabriel Heinze suffered his cruciate knee ligament injury in 2005 and then fought off the Argentinian's challenge. Evra is now going to be rewarded for his form and loyalty.

Wes Brown will reach a decade of senior service for the Reds next year and now appears to have warded off fears about his Old Trafford future.

Having been ousted by Vidic as Rio Ferdinand's regular centre back partner last season Brown was being targeted most keenly by Newcastle United last term and also Middlesbrough and Tottenham.

But the Longsight-born 28-year-old returned to a regular right back spot when Gary Neville injured his ankle ligaments last March and helped see the Reds through to the title.

This term he has continued to successfully deputise for the captain and has also been back in the England squad.

Brown's current deal ends next summer after signing on for four years in November 2004. Now he is set to renew his future and book in to keep himself at the club into his 30s.

Adding further to the deals for United's rearguard is expected to be a new one-year contract for goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar next month or soon into the New Year as his deal ends next summer also.

[chickenzip]

On today Strait Times, Home, Sport Section (16 Nov, 07)

Spurs manager, Ramos, revealed he intented to bring former spurs player Michael Carrick back to White Hart Lane, with a bid of $18 mil pound, the exact amt which Man United paid for Carrick 16 months ago.

[qbdp]

14 Nov 2007

Berbatov would be a hit at Old Trafford - ex-Spurs midfielder attempts to woo White Hart Lane striker

Michael Carrick has claimed Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov would be a welcome addition to the Manchester United squad.

Berbatov's future has been the subject of widespread speculation since the summer, given he was strongly linked with The Red Devils in the previous transfer window.

Tottenham's poor run since the start of the season has done little to dampen the speculation and at times he has looked decidedly frustrated with his situation.

Berbatov recently stated he had no desire to move away from Tottenham, but former Spurs star Carrick has thrust the Bulgarian back into focus by claiming the forward would be a great addition to the Old Trafford ranks.

"Any world-class player who is going to bring something different to the club, you always welcome that whether it's Berbatov or whoever," said Carrick.

"He's a very good player. I've watched him quite a bit because he plays for my old club and I try to watch them whenever I can.

"He had a very good season last year and people are always going to link him with big clubs like Manchester United.

"As players here what you look for is a player coming in who can bring you something different, like Berbatov certainly would.

"I'm not saying he's better than what we've got because we've got the best around up front.

"But we would welcome any world-class players who can strengthen the squad and Berbtatov certainly would do that."


15 Nov 2007

Ramos ready to bring Carrick back to White Hart Lane for £18m

Tottenham coach Juande Ramos wants to bring Michael Carrick back to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.

England midfielder Carrick is one of the players Ramos has targeted to provide the creative spark that the Spurs side are currently lacking to turn their season around.

The ex-Sevilla coach is prepared to pay Manchester United £18 million to resign the midfielder who left the club to move to Old Trafford just 16 months ago.

United, however, would stand to lose £600,000 having splashed out £18.6m for the former West Ham player's signature last July.

Carrick, who was overlooked by England coach Steve McClaren for the double-header of matches with Austria and Croatia, has held down a regular place in the United team this season.

That has been in no small part to Owen Hargreaves' current injury problems which has seen the former Bayern Munich midfielder forced to withdraw from England duty this week.

Carrick also faces competition from summer arrival Anderson this season, but the 26-year-old has welcomed the added pressure and has said he knows just how determined the young players are to land a first-team place at Old Trafford.

"It wasn't that long ago I was in the same position, trying to establish myself," he said.

"I have seen these boys in training for the last year or so and I know how much quality they have got.

"There is no better place to learn your trade than here. I am sure they will improve bundles just by having the opportunity to train with some of the lads we have here."