Manchester Utd

Man Utd v West Ham
Sir Alex Ferguson has drafted untested youngsters Markus Neumayr, Darron Gibson and Richie Jones into his squad. Wes Brown (groin) is again missing, while Kieran Richardson (foot) is also absent after limping out of Sunday's win over Birmingham. West Ham will check on the fitness of defender Anton Ferdinand who missed the wins over Manchester City and Wigan with a groin injury. Christian Dailly (hamstring) and Roy Carroll (back) are still out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Giggs, O'Shea, Park, Fletcher, Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Rooney, Rossi, Neumayr, Gibson, Jones. West Ham (from): Hislop, Walker, Scaloni, Collins, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Benayoun, Newton, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington, Zamora, Harewood, Ashton, Sheringham, Katan, Clarke, Ward, Fletcher. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Gaining a five-point lead over Liverpool in third wouldn't be decisive, but it would be important. "We've got some big games coming up - we've still got to go to Bolton, Tottenham and Chelsea this season. "But it doesn't matter who we play, because we're playing with authority." West Ham assistant manager Peter Grant on Alan Pardew: "It's been a long, hard road. "The biggest thing is the strength the manager showed last year. He showed how he wanted to take this club forward and he has got his just rewards now. "The work Alan put in last season, when he got a lot of criticism, has been the foundation for where the club is now."

FA denial over Ferguson criticism
The Football Association has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson's accusation that their compliance unit only acts as a result of media pressure. Ferguson is angry at inconsistencies from the FA's disciplinary body. But an FA spokesman said: "The vast majority of cases have their origin in reports from the match officials. "There was lengthy consultation before the new disciplinary procedures were brought in and managers were very much part of that." The FA spokesman added: "We spoke with the League Managers' Association, the Professional Footballers' Association, all the leagues and the referees before we brought these new procedures in and they have largely been greeted positively." Ferguson cited the example of his defender Gary Neville being fined for his goal celebrations against Liverpool, while Chelsea's William Gallas was not punished for his thumbs-down gesture to Fulham fans after being red-carded. "The FA could not prove what Gary was doing because none of the footage showed the fans, whereas the Gallas one was obvious," said Ferguson. "I am not really bothered about that, I just don't think the compliance unit has any real purpose because they don't do anything unless the press report it, therefore it cannot be a proper system. "The disciplinary system has changed now and everything has to be done immediately or not at all. "But in some cases, you really have to sit back and analyse something if it is wrong." The FA spokesman defended English football governing body over the two different cases. He said: "In the specific instances of Gary Neville and William Gallas, the referee in the United-Liverpool game said he would have booked the player if he had seen what happened at the time, whereas the referee in the Fulham-Chelsea match said he would not have taken any action."

Solskjaer signs new Man Utd deal
Manchester United's injury-plagued striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new two-year contract with the club. The Norwegian forward, 33, has been sidelined for the best part of three seasons and is currently recovering from a broken cheekbone. But a United statement said: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "The deal will see Ole stay at the club until June 2008." Manchester United have not made it clear publicly but it is felt the contract offered to Solskjaer was a pay-as-you-play deal. Solskjaer is a hugely popular figure at the club following his goal that won the 1999 European Cup for United and has battled his way back from two serious knee injuries. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on the club's website: "I am delighted that Ole has signed a new two-year deal. "It reflects our hope that he would return to full play after his recent cheek injury. "It will take Ole to 35 and gives him the opportunity to develop his coaching experience. We also foresee him having a key role as an ambassador for the club in the future." Solskjaer made his comeback from a long-term knee problem as a substitute in the draw at Birmingham in December and was captain for the FA Cup third-round ties with Burton Albion in January. But earlier this month he suffered a fractured cheekbone in a reserve game which is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. In the wake of his most recent setback, chief executive David Gill re-assured Solskjaer about his Old Trafford future. Solskjaer, who has scored 116 goals for the club, arrived at United as an unknown in 1996 and is eligible for a testimonial. He added: "I have always felt at home here and I want to repay the loyalty that has been shown to me by the club, the fans and Sir Alex. "Although my priority is to keep playing I am looking forward to exploring the coaching opportunity being given to me by the club."

Fortune set for Man Utd departure
Manchester United will release South African utility man Quinton Fortune at the end of the season. The 28-year-old has not featured for Sir Alex Ferguson's side this term and has been plagued by injuries during a seven-year stint at Old Trafford. "We have a lot of good young players in his position, so we are not going to be renewing his contract," said Ferguson. "He has been a great servant and played some terrific games for us and I think next season he will get a good club." Fortune joined the Red Devils from Spanish club Atletico Madrid for £1.5m in August 1999. He has won several trophies with the club but failed to cement a regular first-team place and has filled in at left-back and in the centre of midfield at times. Ferguson added: "Quinton came to see me this week and asked what his future was going to be because his contract was up at the end of the season. "I explained the situation to him the best I could, which was not easy because he is such a great lad."

Bolton 1-2 Man Utd
Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his second winner for Manchester United in a week to close the gap at the top of the Premiership to seven points. Van Nistelrooy tucked home his 150th goal for the club from close range after a late cross from strike partner Louis Saha at Bolton. Saha had fired United's equaliser, curling the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen from a tight angle. Kevin Davies had earlier put Bolton ahead after racing through. Saha certainly justified his inclusion with his well-taken effort 12 minutes before the break. It was a just reward for United's early effort and they should have taken the lead before Davies found the target for the home side. They looked to take advantage of striker Henrik Pedersen being fielded as an emergency left-back and their first opening came after a break on that flank, initiated by Gary Neville. The ball eventually fell to Ryan Giggs on the edge of the box and Jussi Jaaskelainen must have feared the worst when he pushed the Welshman's shot straight out to Wayne Rooney. However, the England striker was unable to take advantage as the Finnish keeper reacted well to save a second goalbound effort. But United were caught unawares in the 26th minute when Kevin Nolan slipped the ball through to Davies and the chance opened up for him after he knocked the ball between Rio Ferdinand's legs. Edwin van der Sar was left exposed and dived the wrong way as the former Southampton striker tucked the ball into the corner. The news would have delighted any Chelsea fan concerned about United's recent good form forcing them into the championship picture but it did not take them long to get back on terms. Silvestre guided the ball inside the Bolton defence and there was plenty for Saha to do with the angle appearing tight. However, the French centre forward elected to use the outside of his left foot to guide the ball into the far corner to bring the Red Devils level. Neither side was able to carve out a meaningful opening in the early stages of the second half as their efforts going forward tended to cancel each other out. They were restricted to attempting efforts from outside the box with van der Sar being equal to an effort from Jay-Jay Okocha and Cristiano Ronaldo fired narrowly over from a similar position at the other end. The half livened up after van Nistelrooy, who had finally entered the fray, was denied a penalty after a challenge from Tal Ben Haim. Saha had a chance when he was played through by Ronaldo and van Nistelrooy also lifted the ball over when well placed. But he was in a perfect position when Saha broke free to knock in United's second goal with 11 minutes remaining, tapping the ball home from inside the six-yard box. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolton manager Sam Allardyce: "I was pleased with the way we played but their front line was very difficult to play against and we showed a couple of pieces of naivety. "A 1-1 draw would have been a fantastic result for us against a team that is in great form but they saw Chelsea's result earlier in the day and decided to go for it. "We went to try and win it as well but we just left too many gaps at the back." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "It was a great result on a difficult pitch and it sets us up for a massive game against Arsenal next week. "We have closed the gap but seven points is still very big and it is still Chelsea's to throw away. "They have got to come here in a couple of weeks when the pitch will be even worse and they have also got to go to Blackburn." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolton: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien (Hunt 74), Ben Haim, N'Gotty, Pedersen, Faye, Nolan, Okocha, Speed (Diouf 87), Giannakopoulos, Davies (Borgetti 87). Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Nakata. Booked: Faye. Goals: Davies 26. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo (Park 90), O'Shea, Giggs, Fletcher (van Nistelrooy 61), Rooney, Saha. Subs Not Used: Howard, Evra, Pique. Booked: Ronaldo, Rooney. Goals: Saha 33, van Nistelrooy 79. Att: 27,718 Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Ferguson puts pressure on Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson sounded a warning to Chelsea after his Manchester United side closed the gap on the Premiership leaders to seven points. Chelsea have taken four points from their last three matches, while United have won their last eight league games. "This has asked a question of Chelsea," said Ferguson. "I always think the important thing is if your form is good in April you have got a chance, if your form is stuttering you can throw it away." Ferguson's side play rivals Arsenal next Sunday and he now believes that game will have a major say in whether United can overtake Chelsea in the last six games of the season. Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Birmingham on Saturday, while Ferguson's team beat Bolton 2-1. And the Old Trafford boss has been quick to seize on the slip-up by the Blues to pile on the pressure for the Stamford Bridge outfit. "Everyone expected them to beat Birmingham and they didn't," said Ferguson, whose side face Chelsea away in the penultimate game of the season. "They still have to come to Bolton and they have got to go to Blackburn. It could be difficult for them." Ruud van Nistelrooy came off the bench to grab the winner against Bolton and become the eighth United player to score 150 goals for the club. REMAINING GAMES CHELSEA West Ham (h) Bolton (a) Everton (h) Man Utd (h) Blackburn (a) Newcastle (a) MAN UTD Arsenal (h) Sunderland (h) Tottenham (a) Middlesbrough (h) Chelsea (a) Charlton (h) Louis Saha also scored in the win and Ferguson says he has been left with a dilemma about which striker to start with against Arsenal. "We've got a massive game next week against Arsenal, we're playing well, they're playing well, it should be a fantastic game. "But if we can just get over that hurdle then we will have a chance. "We are catching them and we just hope the finishing line doesn't come too soon." Chelsea boss Mourinho has blamed his side's away displays for their dip in form as he prepares the Blues for their game against London rivals West Ham next Sunday. "It's obvious that away from home we are not performing the same and we are not getting the same results," he said. "In the first part of the season we won every match away and last season was the same. "This season what keeps us in the great position we are is the great record we have at home because at home we do not lose points."

Saha Targeting the Title
Manchester United forward Louis Saha has refused to concede the Premiership title to Chelsea following a weekend in which their lead was cut to seven points by United. Following United's 2-1 away win at Bolton, in which Saha scored, the French international said: "This is a massive win for us and now we have to keep putting the pressure on. We definitely believe it is on. We believe we can do it. "Chelsea have got to make mistakes, we know that, and we have to keep playing the way that we are." United have won eight consecutive games in the Premiership, while Chelsea have let what was a seventeen point lead be hauled back by United, and Saha maintained that there is a great deal of belief at Old Trafford: "We know that we cannot make mistakes. But I am in the best form of my life and was really happy to get another goal, and the way we are playing up front - with Ruud van Nistelrooy as well - is all working well. We are in great form and have to keep it going." His comments were mirrored by those of Edwin van der Sar who said: 'We are coming close. It is interesting now. If we go to Chelsea still in it we know we have got a chance and that is what we are hoping for.' Both sides have six games left in the Premiership and meet on the penultimate week of the season at Old Trafford.

Man Utd can push Blues - Beckham
Real Madrid's David Beckham expects Manchester United to push Chelsea "very close" in the Premiership title race. A run of eight straight League wins has led to Beckham's old club closing the gap on leaders Chelsea to seven points. Midfielder Beckham, 30, told the Daily Mirror: "I think it can go all the way to the wire. It is going to be very close because United are playing well. "Chelsea have a great team and a strong manager but United are on a roll and it will be closer than people expect." United face Arsenal on Sunday and must also visit Chelsea on 29 April but Beckham believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side have nothing to fear. "Their performances are great, they are scoring goals," added the England captain. "They have so many players within the team who can get goals - like Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha - and they are all playing well. "I am really looking forward to seeing what happens."

Man Utd signs £56m AIG shirt deal
Manchester United have signed the UK's richest-ever shirt sponsorship deal. The agreement with insurer American International Group (AIG) is worth £56.5m over four years, the club said. United have had to find a new backer after current sponsor Vodafone decided to end its £9m-a-year agreement from the end of this season. The deal is seen as key to United as they look to bolster their squad to help them challenge for domestic and European honours. Helping hand Off and on the pitch, United have undergone a slight wobble during the past couple of years. Earlier this year, a survey said that Real Madrid had leapfrogged Manchester United to become the world's richest football club in terms of income. SPONSORSHIP DEALS Tamoil - Juventus, £15m a year BenQ - Real Madrid, £14m a year (from 2006) T-Mobile - Bayern Munich, £11.4m a year Samsung - Chelsea, £10m a year On the pitch, Chelsea have dominated the domestic league and United have failed to make an impression in European competitions. The club hopes that the shirt deal will go a long way towards helping to finance a recovery. However, the agreement has not been without controversy. Earlier this week United were accused of "double dealing" by online casino firm Mansion. The company's chief negotiator claimed that Mansion and United had verbally agreed to a £70m shirt sponsorship deal before the football club pulled out. The club countered that it never holds exclusive talks and it was perfectly entitled to hold discussions with other firms. Previously, the UK's biggest shirt deal was Chelsea's current £50m five-year agreement with Samsung. United's search for a new backer was sparked after Vodafone said in November that it would start sponsoring the Uefa Champions League, both as an official partner and the official mobile network of the competition. The world's largest mobile phone company by revenue said it would continue to work with United, but that when the Champions League opportunity arose it was "too good to let go". The telecoms giant first started sponsoring United in 2000 but decided to take advantage of a get-out clause after the club was taken over by US sports magnate Michael Glazer.

Ferguson can be best - Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton believes Sir Alex Ferguson would be the "greatest manager of all time" if he leads Manchester United to the Premiership title. United are seven points behind Chelsea - having been 18 points adrift of the leaders at one stage. "Alex Ferguson's record at United is unbelievable," the 68-year-old United legend told Sir Stanley. "If he was to win the title, he would have to be acclaimed as the greatest manager of all time." Charlton added: "If it happens, then to do what he has done and to come back like that, when so many had written him off, would be fantastic. "He keeps everyone happy and everyone at the club gives him their best. I'm very, very glad we have Alex."

Man Utd v Arsenal
Manchester United defender Wes Brown returns after a groin injury, and should make the bench if not the starting line-up. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will again have to choose between Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Man Utd (from): Van de Sar, Howard, Neville, Pique, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Giggs, O'Shea, Fletcher, Park, Rooney, Saha, Van Nistelrooy, Rossi. Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb: "Although the first half of the season was not so good, we have now found our rhythm and are playing well. "Both the Champions League and Premier League are equal priorities for us. "Since we lost so many points in the first half of the season, we need to try to catch the team above us. We have no more margin for error."

Man Utd claim March award double
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has won the Premiership manager of the month award for March. England striker Wayne Rooney made it a double for United by picking up the player prize. United won all five of their Premiership matches in March, cutting Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premiership to seven points. Rooney, 20, featured in all five games, scoring twice against Newcastle and once against Birmingham. The striker has won the player award twice in the past, while Ferguson has been named manager of the month an impressive 16 times.

Glazer delighted with 'franchise'
Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has told Sir Stanley he is enjoying running "a wonderful franchise" in his first interview with the British media. Glazer, who took over the Old Trafford outfit last June, said: "We are enjoying it greatly. It's a wonderful franchise and we just love it." But he would not talk about fans' concerns over the future of the club. The American, who was on his way to the annual NFL owners' meeting in Orlando, was asked: "Do you want to reassure fans about the future of Manchester United? Some are quite worried." He replied: "I don't want to get into that now. I just want to say hello. I am here for a meeting." Glazer, who also owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in American Football's NFL, added: "We (Manchester United) are going to do just great. It's a great franchise." Many Manchester United fans fiercely protested against Glazer's £790m buyout of the club last summer. Some were so disenchanted that they formed the breakaway club FC United.

Man Utd v Arsenal
Manchester United defender Wes Brown returns after a groin injury, and should make the bench if not the starting line-up. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will again have to choose between Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Arsenal have included defender Sol Campbell in the squad, but the England centre-back may have to settle for a place on the bench. The Gunners are expected to stick with the side that drew 0-0 with Juventus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd (from): Van de Sar, Howard, Neville, Pique, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Giggs, O'Shea, Fletcher, Park, Rooney, Saha, Van Nistelrooy, Rossi. Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas, Gilberto, Pires, Henry, Djourou, Song, Van Persie, Reyes, Diaby, Walcott, Ljungberg, Campbell, Bergkamp. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "This is a major opportunity for us. "Chelsea have dropped points and when your form starts to go in April, it is not easy to get it back. It is not liking turning the gas on and off. "Chelsea are still in the driving seat but the situation is not quite so settled as it once seemed. If we can beat Arsenal, I think we will be difficult to live with." Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb: "Although the first half of the season was not so good, we have now found our rhythm and are playing well. "Both the Champions League and Premier League are equal priorities for us. "Since we lost so many points in the first half of the season, we need to try to catch the team above us. We have no more margin for error."

Eriksson looks into Rooney claims
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is set to talk to Wayne Rooney over newspaper allegations that the striker has racked up gambling debts. The claims about the 20-year-old were made by The Sunday Mirror. But the Football Association stressed it was "unaware of any problems in the England team dressing room." And the FA's Adrian Bevington added: "We believe Sven-Goran Eriksson will speak to the players allegedly involved to clarify the facts." According to the newspaper, Rooney, who earns an estimated £50,000 a week on the pitch and millions more a year from sponsorship deals, is one of a number of England players said to be involved in betting on sports other than their own. Everyone connected to the FA and the England team is determined to do all they can to achieve success in Germany this summer FA director of communications Adrian Bevington Rooney's spokesman refused to be drawn on the allegations, telling the Sunday Mirror: "We have no comment to make." England are due to begin their World Cup campaign in Germany in less than two months' time. FA director of communications Bevington said: "Under Sven the England team have enjoyed a fantastic spirit within the camp, a fact that is regularly made by the players publicly. "This spirit has ensured qualification to three consecutive tournaments. "It's important the fans know everyone connected to the FA and the England team is determined to do all they can to achieve success in Germany this summer." But Bevington added: "We should also state there is little the FA can do to prevent any individuals gambling privately on horse or greyhound racing though there are rules preventing betting on any football matches or competitions they are involved in."

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