City Kept Waiting

So with one weekend of matches left the only thing still remaining for decision is the title itself. Relegation has been decided and Wednesday night sorted out fourth place.

Spurs finally edged Manchester City out at Eastlands in a deserved one nil victory, Crouch scoring in the closing stages. The result was no more than Spurs deserved after a brave attacking performance.

Surely though, with the money at their disposal, this can be no more than a bump on the road in City's quest to qualify for the Champions League. Last summers spending spree will only be built upon this year. There was already a marked improvement in their development and any new signings will surely serve to strengthen their position. After coming so close this year, another glut of signings will likely give them the boost required to get them over the finishing line next year. And you have to feel once they get in, there will be no looking back for them, as a combination of the calibre of player they will be able to purchase allied to their incredible resources may well cement their position for the foreseeable future.

For Spurs, well they now have to ensure they don't end up with egg on their faces. One can hardly criticise them for their celebrations at the final whistle on Wednesday. After all, not only did the result ensure that they secured fourth place ahead of a Big Four team (Liverpool) it also meant they edged out a team that at the start of the season most would have pinned as the favourites to gate crash the usual Big Four cartel (City). They must now make sure they actually make the group stages of the Champions League. Obviously a lot of this is simply down to luck in terms of the quality of opponent they are drawn to face. One hopes they don't encounter a similar scenario to that of Everton a number of years ago.

There is no fear that they won't spend big in an attempt to increase the quality of player already at the club. They have spent big in recent years anyway and surely the purse strings won't be tightened now. Further, their position should ensure that they retain the services of their best players, with Manchester United rumoured to have been sniffing around the likes of Luka Modric. (There is an argument that qualification for the Champions League doesn't necessarily lead to positive club development. When one looks at French, Italian, German, and to an extent even Spanish clubs that have qualified throughout the years, there seems to be an element of inconsistency in that the teams qualifying often vary hugely, suggesting that they have not been able to fully capitalise on their Champions League qualification. The caveat in that argument however may well be that these clubs had limited budgets in place anyway, and simply did not have the sums of money required to establish themselves. Clubs from these countries often do not have the same income levels as their Premier League counterparts as a result of television revenue and television deals, ticket sales, etc.)

One thing is for sure - if Spurs do not improve the quality of player this year, then the likelihood is that this will be a one off flash in the pan for them, with City rebounding for another, stronger surge next year.

Race Drawing to a Close

While this is unlikely to be the decisive weekend in this years Premier League title race, it is likely to be the one that most shapes the destination of the title. While one round of games will remain for both United and Chelsea after this Sunday's, this weekend's fixtures may well be United's last chance to overtake Chelsea in their efforts to retain their status as England's best for another year.

Chelsea travel to Liverpool knowing a win will all but secure a first title since the departure of Mourinho. They will face a Liverpool side still feeling the effects of their battle with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. As Rafa Benitez has been at pains to express in recent days, facing a lunchtime kick off on the Sunday immediately after a taxing game on Thursday is far from ideal. Having to play Chelsea only exasperates the situation.

Liverpool's state of mind going into this game is questionable. There are doubts as to where the manager's future lies following recent links to Juventus. He has spent much of the week fending off questions regarding his future, with his answers coming across as non-committal. You also have to factor in the impact of the result on Thursday night when Liverpool's last remaining chance of silverware evaporated thanks to Diego Forlan's away goal. Extra time is the last thing United fans would have wanted in that game.

I do feel that whatever team Liverpool pick will attempt to win the game, despite some fans suggesting they would rather see Chelsea win as opposed to aiding United in their quest to retain the title. It has to be remembered that Liverpool still have an outside chance of fourth spot, and while that chance remains you have to believe they will continue to fight for it. And we all remember what happened in 1995 when they did their job but United failed to capitalise.

It also shouldn't be forgotten that United face no easy task on Sunday afternoon. Sunderland have hardly set the world alight in recent months and their inconsistency must infuriate their fans. However, there is no espcaping the fact that they do get themselves 'up' for the games against the top sides as results have shown this season. It could well prove a tricky fixture for United who will hope to have Rooney back on the bench at the least following recent ankle and groin injuries.

The bottom line is that whatever happens at Anfield, United have to keep up their end of the bargain a couple of hours later. The title is still there to be won and lost. It won't be for much longer.

The Twists Keep Coming

And so just when it looked like the destination of the Premier League Title had all but been decided for another year, the season took another of its unexpected twists.

United's draw with Blackburn last weekend, coming hot on the heels of their reverse at home to Chelsea, seemed to all but hand the title to Chelsea. After this weekend's results the race is back on.

United went into the derby knowing anything other than a win would effectively signal an end to their title defence. Chelsea surely fancied City to do them a favour. After all, for City this was more than just a derby. It was a chance to put a marker down in terms of their intentions over the coming years and more importantly to continue their assault on the much coveted fourth place. What followed was a limp performance from City, so out of character with the verve and goal scoring prowess of recent weeks. While United hardly had it all their own way and again struggled to create the chances that one has come to expect from them, they managed to steal the points at the death, with Paul Scholes rolling back the years and reminding us of his stealth like ability to ghost into the opposition box unmarked. United edged the contest and therefore probably just about deserved the victory. From City's point of view there will be much disappointment both in terms of the display and the result. Paul Scholes dominated the match and was at his imperious best. However, this a sad indictment of Manchester City - allowing a player who is likely one year away from retirement to dominate a derby in your stadium is a sad reflection of your performance.

As for Chelsea - well it wasn't long ago that their fans referred to White Hart Lane as 'Three Point Lane' such was their dominace at that venue. Not so anymore. They were out of sorts on Saturday evening, and in truth faced a Tottenham team clearly still invigorated following a fabulous midweek result against Arsenal. John Terry had the kind of game defenders dread, and finally gave away a penalty that has been coming for a couple of matches. The red card he eventually received came as no great surprise. While Lampard gave them hope late on, the reality is Tottenham would have been more than two clear at that stage but for some woeful finishing.

Arsenal were involved in the most dramatic game of the weekend - a game which served to highlight their Jekyll and Hyde character. One moment they can pass teams off the park, the next concede goals where there appears little danger. They combined both against Wigan. First strolling to a two goal lead before capitulating in the final ten minutes in the manner of a team attempting to stave off relegation rather than hunting the title. That title hunt can now be called off. They have been written off on numerous occasions this season and each time regrouped and rebounded with a revived assault on the title. After two defeats in a matter of days, the championship is surely off the agenda for another year. In fairness to Arsenal, one wonders where they would be if their relentless injury list was to ease up, even momentarily (though it is hard to escape the possibility that Arsene Wenger, with his infamous desire to curb spending a much as possible, buys good players at low prices who simply tend to be more injury prone than new signings should be). Oh well, so much for Arsenal having the easiest run in of the contenders.

It is hard to call this title race, and indeed is almost foolhardy to attempt to do so given the way the season has gone. However, with United still to travel to Sunderland and next week having to face an in form Spurs, and with Chelsea still to play Liverpool, there is a good chance more points will be dropped before a winner is crowned.

Lights Out For Dimi?

And so is that all she wrote for Dimitar Berbatov's Manchester United career? He had the chance to keep United's league and European campaign on track in the absence of star man Wayne Rooney - it was an opportunity to show those fans who continue to question him that he has what it takes to be a difference maker. He failed to deliver.

Ferguson, as he would, talked him up big time in the build up to the Chelsea game. Sir Alex has little choice in the matter - it was he who paid £30.75 million for him after all. He played relatively okay in the match but so obviously failed to provide the goal threat required of a player operating as a lone striker.

And then Ferguson showed his hand in relation to Berbatov for the Bayern Munich game - preferring to gamble on a half fit Rooney, rushing him back into the starting line up at the Bulgarians expense. Hardly a resounding endorsement of Dimi's ability and clearly demonstarting that Ferguson does in fact have a lack of faith in him, despite his claims to the contrary. While that must have shattered his confidence enough, when Rooney eventually succumbed and had to be withdrawn, the Bulgarian was left on the bench, with Nani moving into the forward role.

The following weekend Berbatov was reinstated against Blackburn - though this time with Macheda to lend a hand up front. Macheda was poor but so was Berbatov, squandering one of the few chances United created on the day in the final minutes.

There is no doubting Berbatov's ability and hearing United fans boo him at Blackburn was unsavoury to say the least. However, the truth of the matter is that he doesn't always suit United's style of play. United tend to be at their best playing quick incisive football with a high tempo. Berbatov can sometimes apply himself well as a supplier of chances within this framework and usually with a striker supporting him, but just as often he slows play up when the reverse is not only required, but is also what works best for United.

It would be wrong in the extreme to blame United's faltering end to the season exclusively on Berbatov (it is clear that many problems exist in the heart of midfield) but there is no doubting he hasn't delivered as often as United fans would have hoped when he signed.

Barca Brilliance

Messi Masterclass
Sky claimed that this was an occasion that in years to come people will ask 'where were you when Messi scored four?' That may have been an exaggeration considering his performance came against an Arsenal side ravaged by injuries, but it was stunning nonetheless. One always wants to see the best players come to the fore on the biggest stage and while Messi may have been quiet in the first leg, he ripped Arsenal apart at the Nou Camp. Granted he was assisted by the imperious Xavi (does he ever lose possession?), Messi was still the difference maker, taking his goals with the aplomb of someone far beyond his tender 22 years.

Here Messi led Arsenal in a merry dance and Barcelona into the semi finals. Last year he sealed victory in the final. He seems to have done it all, already. But soon thoughts will turn to the World Cup. Despite his status at Barcelona, the little magician is far from revered in his homeland as a result of some less than vintage displays for Argentina. There can be no doubt that his form at international level must be hampered by the farce that is Maradona's management tenure thus far. However, to truly rank amongst the best footballers ever, he has to match the feats of Pele and Maradona at a World Cup. This summer he has that chance, but bear in mind it will probably not be his last opportunity to light up the grandest stage of them all.

Pass and Move
It's what the great sport is based on, but far too often forgotten in modern times. Watch Xavi - he recieves the ball, plays it, and moves into another position to take the next pass. It sounds so easy but if it was then everyone could do it. He is seldom static in the middle of the pitch, always available to take the ball and has a unique ability in choosing the best option in terms of whether to make the simple pass or the incisive one. While Messi rightly takes so many of the plaudits, it is this man (and to a lesser extent the fabulous Iniesta) that makes the team tick. A joy to watch and proof positive that brains can overcome brawn in the engine room of any team.

United turn to Berbatov

It had to happen. With his record of injuries it was always going to. Manchester United fans endured a horrible 90 minutes in Munich, possibly the worst their team has performed all season. And as if letting a one goal lead be completely reversed in the closing moments was not bad enough, the thing United fans had been fearing all season finally happened - Wayne Rooney fell to the floor in a heap clutching his ankle. Disaster. He left the field courtesy of the support of two men, and it is tempting to think that United's season was leaving the field with him.

The prognosis isn't quite so bad. Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the anticipated recovery time is three weeks and the hope is that he will return in time for the Manchester derby with those noisy neighbours. Apparently United fans are supposed to believe this is good news. Unfortunately though, his injury comes at the business end of the season. With the return fixture from the aforementioned Bayern match next week as well as the potential title decider against Chelsea both looming large, it is not the most opportune time for United's leading light to raise the white flag.

United now go into these crucial matches with Berbatov leading the line. In defence of the much maligned Bulgarian, his record this season is somewhat improved on his poor debut year and he appears to be in relatively good form. However, there is a reason he tends not to be selected for the big occasions. Ferguson's preference for the 4-5-1 formation in the big matches is likely to be the structure once again for the next two games. Berbatov played well last week against Bolton in the same set up. The big question now is can he do it against two teams of real pedigree and stature.

One of the main issues with Berbatov playing as a lone frontman is that he likes to drop deep and play as a link man. There were frustrating moments last weekend when he dropped into midfield to collect the ball, leaving a chasm where the forward should be. In a 4-5-1 he has to attempt to resist the temptation to drop so deep too frequently. The result can only be to stifle the midfield. By the time he lays the ball off, there is no one far enough forward to receive the next pass. When one notes the great players used as a single frontman they tend to be fantastically mobile, good at holding the ball up, and willing to graft to ensure room is made for midfielders breaking from deep. These are characteristics of the like's of Rooney and Drogba. While Berbatov demonstrates some of them, others surface less frequently. In the next three weeks he may have to bring them to the fore more often if United's season is to remain on track without their talisman.

Player of The Year: The Contenders

It's approaching that time of the year again when thoughts begin to turn to recognising the best player in the division. This year see's what may turn out to be a changing of the guard in terms of the standout performers in England. Some seasoned players that tend to be in contention year in year out have not performed to their usual high standards. In particular, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and John Terry cannot seriously be in the running this year, for what seems like the first time in the best part of half a decade. Add Ronaldo's exit from these shores and the line up may well boast some new additions...possibly.

So, the candidates:

Wayne Rooney
Surely the standout contender for the individual awards this year. Wearing the number ten at United, he is now for the first time in his career playing more like a number nine. Spearheading the United attack, he is consistently scoring the type of goals that previously he would have converted only sporadically. Indeed, his two recent goals against AC Milan at Old Trafford are perfect examples of the type of goals he might not have scored a number of years ago - the first a perfectly executed header, the second a delicate finish. The improvement in his heading is well documented, but what also deserves mention is that all his goals this year have been scored inside the box. While van Nistelrooy he is not, this statistic is in stark contrast to seasons past and shows his new found focus to get himself into more orthodox goalscoring positions. There is no doubt he has thrived in Ronaldo's absence. While he was never the mere supplier of chances or an outcast on the wing as often as some would like us to believe, his influence was far more marginal when Ronaldo was around. He is now the go to man when things aren't going smoothly for United.

There have been arguments made that he doesn't score enough against the top teams, that he is a flat track bully. However, 4 goals against Milan, 2 against Arsenal, 2 against City, and now 1 against Liverpool, would suggest that if there was an element of this to his game then he is beginning to eradicate it.

Didier Drogba
Just as Wayne Rooney is spearheading United's title challenge as the goalscoring centre forward in form, so too is Didier Drogba for Chelsea. The man so often ridiculed in his first season or two in English football has matured into the ultimate centre forward. Just like Rooney, he does far more than just finish off moves, and can be found in the role of provider almost as often as finisher. Drogba has the extra burden this year of playing in a team surprisingly bereft of goals from the supporting cast. While one could argue Rooney is without Ronaldo and Tevez, Lampard and Anelka have been particularly quiet considering their goalscoring pedigree. Anelka, for his part, certainly started the season well but his goals have dried up since the turn of the year. This makes Drogba's performance all the more commendable. There is of course the nasty streak to his game that he has never managed to erase fully, recently resurfacing against Inter Milan. But his form and general performances this year deserve to be recognised.

Cesc Fabregas
The absolute heartbeat of his young Arsenal side. He has well and truly stepped up to the plate and grown into the role of club captain. He is at the centre of everything good about Arsenal. A couple of years ago a regular complaint against him used to be a lack of goals. Many people felt that was holding him back somewhat from becoming the ultimate midfield player. That is a complaint that no longer holds any weight. 15 league goals is a stunning return from the position he occupies, a return many forwards would be pleased with come the conclusion of the season. And this has barely affected his assists statistics. This year Arsenal lost Adebayor, have played without van Persie, Bendtner and any number of attacking midfield players, and yet Fabregas has been able to increase his contribution yet again. The great fear for Arsenal fans is that Barcelona seem intent on prising him back to the Nou Camp. The Premier League as whole would suffer almost as much from his absence.

There are more contenders for the prize, such as Richard Dunne, Thomas Vermaelen and Carlos Tevez, and Fernando Torres would be in contention if he had played more games as his goal return is still staggering. However, the aforementioned are without doubt the prime contenders at this stage.

Old Enemies Meet Again

It was a case of deva vu all over again for the two remaining English clubs as both were paired against enemies from the past.

Arsenal have the hardest assignment as they were given the draw that everyone was hoping to avoid - Barcelona and a certain Lionel Messi. Memories of the last time Arsenal encountered Barcelona may still haunt them. That of course was Barcelona's Henrik Larsson inspired 2-1 victory in the 2006 final, a game Arsenal looked like winning for the most part. It has come at the worst time for Arsenal as Barcelona seem to have recovered some of their awesome form that deserted them in the months after Christmas. Unsurprisingly Lionel Messi leads the way as ever in dragging Barca back to their incisive best. Arsenal are on a charge in the league at the moment and have built up something of a head of steam. This confidence they will need to maintain and bring with them into the ties with Barca. In many ways, if Arsenal overcome the daunting challenge, it may well be the makings of their young team - a defining moment in their development.

There are other factors to be taken into account of course. Cesc Fabregas will be playing against the team he left at a young age, and if the non-stop rumours are to be believed, his eventual destination in the not too distant future. Conversely, Thierry Henry will be against his former employers (or sitting on the bench perhaps). Back in 2006 he was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, and spent the immediate aftermath of that final complaining about the rough treatment he received in the game. He still ended up there - and it has now come full circle.

For Manchester United, the draw brings far better memories - Fergusons first triumph in this competition after years of failed attempts. However, it was a success that United failed to build on in Europe, and Bayern exacted revenge by knocking out United a couple of years later. That was an elimination that signalled an overhaul of United's tactical approach in Europe, with Ferguson bringing in Veron and adopting a more continental five man midfield. It was a system that took years to perfect.

United would have to be viewed as favourites for the tie. While Bayern are decent going forward with Ribery and Robben influential from wide positions, their defence isn't strong and United should expose this - especially with the form they have recently found and their now more destructive use of a five man midfield in the big matches.

In terms of going forward in this competition, if Arsenal do make it to the semi finals they will likely play Inter Milan - who no doubt will be hugely boosted following their efforts at Stamford Bridge. If United get passed Bayern they face the winners of the all French tie.

Whatever the outcomes, we should all sit back and enjoy the quarter finals. On display should be a level of football that will set the purists pulses racing.

Time Running Out For Chelsea

With a restrained but triumphant punch in the air, Jose Mourinho celebrated Samuel Eto'os strike and signalled the end of Chelsea's latest attempt to land the one prize that continues to elude Roman Abramovich. The prize he craves the most. How ironic then that it was the man he hastily kicked out the door who this time kicked Chelsea out of the competition.

In truth it was no less than Inter deserved. It was just reward for what was a fabulous performance at a venue that is hardly welcoming to opposing teams. Nullifying Chelsea's attack, they countered brilliantly on the break when the opportunities arose. Indeed, Chelsea were reduced to few real chances of note, and when they did manage to turn the screw they were met by a wall of resistance in Samuel and Lucio (it must be said however that the legality of the defending on show could strongly be called into question on multiple occasions).

While being knocked out is in itself a major disappointment to a Chelsea side so desperate to add 'old big ears' to their trophy collection, there is an added reason why yet another knockout blow in this competition is so devastating - the squad is getting old.

It is well documented that the team is aging. Indeed when it seemed like the club was to be hit with a transfer embargo during the Kakuta row, the big worry was that the team would be badly affected due to the age of the players. That worry hasn't gone away even of the ban has.

Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka. Key players for Chelsea, the spine of their team, all getting old. Too old? Not yet, but that time is fast approaching. Players such as Lampard and Terry cannot go on forever. Injuries apart, when do either get rested? Their form has dropped alarmingly this year and while Terry's can possibly be explained away by his indiscretions off the field, Lampard cannot really point to external factors for this years relative loss of form.

All of which of course means that the Russian in charge will have to get his cheque book out again. This team doesn't need major surgery right now. But pivotal players like Terry, Lampard, and Drogba need to be helped and eventually replaced. Someone would do well to translate the old saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' for the billionaire. Either that, or the trophy he covets most may well continue to be the one that gets away.

United Stroll Past Milan

Rooney, Ferdinand, Vidic, Scholes. Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Beckham, Ambrosini. The second leg of this Champions League tie had all the makings of a classic. At least on paper. On the field it was an utterly different story altogether.

True enough, Milan did have some early chances - Ronaldinho was unlunky not to score with a header that came to him quickly, and Huntelaar should have scored but his control let him down at the crucial moment. Then, just as in the first leg, United took their chances after Milan squandered theirs. Rooney settled them with yet another header, this time from a Gary Neville cross. There musy have been an audible gasp when Neville was included in the starting line up, in the knowledge that he would be in direct competition with the former world power that is Ronaldinho. Neville had him in his pocket.

Ronaldinho actually started brightly. That header aside he played some lovely balls in behind the United rearguard. But in his heyday he was all about direct running at the opposition with the ball at feet. Not anymore. In the second half he descended to new depths, jostling with Rafael and generally sulking and complaining when things were not going his way. It was disappointing to see how far the great man has fallen.

Milan played out the first half with the majority of possession, but never really looked like scoring. Rooney killed the tie off in the second half, applying a delicate touch to a tremendous pass from Nani. After that it was a matter of how many United were going to score. It also became the David Beckham show. He received a rousing reception upon entering the field, followed by a chorus of 'There's Only One David Beckham'. It was easy for the United fans to do so considering they were three up.

It's sad to see the steep decline that has engulfed Milan. Aging players have been retained with little youth coming through. Granted they were without the pace and penetration of Pato for this tie, and the exerience of Nesta at the back. But it would be churlish to assume United would not have gone through had both been playing. It will be interesting to see where Milan go from here.

As for the lasting memory of the night - well that may very well belong to Beckham, unsurprisingly, as he wrapped himself in a green and gold scarf leaving the field. Heartfelt or photo opportunity? Only he knows.

Everton Stun United

It has been asked on numerous occasions over the past few months - just what would Manchester United do if Wayne Rooney was injured and therefore unable to take his customary place in the starting XI? We pretty much got our answer on Saturday, and it made for grim viewing for United fans. Yes, I realise he wasn't injured and did in fact play, but he might as well not have been on the pitch for all the impact he had on the game. Quiet and out of sorts, the fact remains that this performance had been coming from him. Superhuman feats are just that for a reason - you cannot expect them week in week out. Like every other player he will have his off days, and that is when he needs those around him to step up and shoulder the burden for a change. Only the oft maligned Berbatov came even remotely close to doing so on Saturday. So United lost, with a whimper.

This is actually another knock on effect that United have suffered in the wake of Ronaldo's exit. Whereas previously if Ronaldo was having an off day, then there was always Rooney (or whisper it Carlos Tevez) to come up with the decisive moment that would swing a game in United's favour. Alas, it now appears that this is for Rooney and Rooney alone to conjure.

Take nothing away from Everton. United started well but Everton roared back and after the first twenty minutes they dominated. In the end they won comfortably, with wonderful performances from their midfield five. The signing of Donovan is proving something of a masterstroke from David Moyes - not many could have anticipated the stunning impact that he has had. This display and their recent form demonstrates just how seriously the injuries they suffered in the first half of the season hampered their form. One wonders where they would lie in the table had the injuries not been as widespread.

The Everton line was led, as ever, by the superb Louis Saha. It must be one of Ferguson's biggest regrets that Saha was never able to maintain his fitness for a sustained period of time at United. It is obvious how highly Ferguson rated him - moving on the prolific van Nistelrooy to make room for the Frenchman. This move coincided with United's return to a more customary style of attacking, penetrative football, that was often lacking in the days of the Dutchman. It also resulted in a return to Championship winning ways for United.

Unfortunately, injuries curtailed Saha's Old Trafford career and United ended up losing a man who may well have eased the burden that Rooney now bears.

Average Performance Gets Win Against Average Team

So United finally did it. They finally beat AC Milan at the San Siro, scoring their first goals against Milan in Italy in the process. It was a great result, tempered somewhat by the concession of the second Milan goal so late in the game, but to go away from home in Europe especially against an opponent of this stature and to come away with three goals is an achievement.

However, it has to be remembered that it's not the achievement it would have been some years ago. United were handed a lesson in this very stadium in the three nil reverse recently - beating Milan then would have been a real statement. And even at that stage they were an aging side, not the force they had been in years past. One thing they did have of course was Kaka in his pomp - form that he is struggling to recapture since his multi million Euro move to Madrid.

In fairness, United could only beat the team they were faced with on the night. And while the the remaining players in this Milan team are now older, and of course they are without Kaka, two other Brazilians have stepped up in the hope of emulating him - a somewhat rejuvenated Ronaldinho and Pato.

It was predicted far and wide that Milan would attempt to come out and blow United away early in the match, before tiring and aging limbs caught up with them. This is exactly what happened and United were fortunate to only be a goal down in the first thirty minutes - they gave away so many chances that they were lucky to still be in the tie, let alone the match. Ronaldinho was orchestrating play and it was deja vu all over again as United struggled to cope with Milan's early pressure.

Scholes' moment of fortune changed the game and the second half was a different story with United dominating the play. The energy of the United midfield simply overwhelmed Milan's and once Rooney got his double, it looked as if United could get a fourth and put the tie out of Milan's reach. Not to be, as a wonderful finish from Seedorf breathed fresh life into the tie. Carrick's relatively soft sending off was surprising given the manner in which the game was played in, but also entirely in keeping with the ebb and flow of the match.

Make no mistake, this was a big win for United. It laid to rest the ghosts of previous visits, gave Rooney his first European goals this season and proved he could do it away from home against one of Europe's biggest names. But that's all Milan are. A name. They are no longer the formidable force they once were. Sterner tests await United if they get through - though if they play like they did in the first thirty minutes here and give away a goal or two then it will be a toss up to see who progresses.

A quick note on Beckham - there has been a great divide in opinion as to how he performed in the match. Some say his display showed he can still compete at the highest level, while others are using it as evidence to suggest that he should not make the journey to South Africa. I respect Beckham for what he did at United but personally I think he contributed very little of note in open play and maybe it proved that Capello is right to view him as a cameo man at best.

Finally - I find it odd that a player like Flamini, who Arsenal fans were praying would remain at their club not so long ago, cannot get into this team on a consistent basis. How can it be that a player who seems to possess the energy Milan so desperately need in their midfield doesn't get selected? Or used off the bench even in this match when it was glaringly obvious that they were being overrun in the second period? It certainly seems strange.

Arsenal Versus United Reaction

Wayne Rooney is simply a force of nature. A man who could so easily have felt this season as if he had the weight of the world (or more accurately Old Trafford) on his shoulders, has instead been revitalised and reborn as a world class player. He is playing with a freedom at the moment not seen since his first couple of seasons at the club. Then, he would take a game by the scruff of the neck by charging at defences, using his power and pace to wreak havoc. In many ways this has receded in recent years. He has relied more on his cunning, his football brain, to pick a pass or make space for an effort on goal. The last fortnight however has seen a return to the form that brought him to the nation's attention as a teenager. If he can continue to produce anything close to the kind of form he has shown in the last month, United are in with a real shout of the title.

Speaking of revitalised and reborn, who could have seen this performance coming from Nani? The question now is can he prove that this is not a flash in the pan run of form? There are also a couple of caveats to his current run. Firstly, he is playing well from the right hand side of midfield. Throughout his United career he has more frequently been deployed on the opposite flank - maybe Ferguson has finally realised that from the right he is more likely to deliver a quality cross (being that he is right footed) and less likely to cut inside and shoot (repeatedly). Secondly, Nani played well against Clichy, an Arsenal left back who appears in terminal decline. The ease at which he was beaten time and time again was staggering. How will Nani fare against some of the leagues more seasoned performers?

This also makes you wonder about Valencia's role in the next couple of weeks, and indeed the season. Nani has justified his inclusion to this point, but what did Valencia do to justify being omitted? By all accounts he was well and truly hitting his stride and finally seemed comfortable in the United shirt. He appears to be hugely one footed so it will be interesting to see what Ferguson does from here on in.

As for Arsenal, well this was a second humiliation at the Emirates in a couple of months against another title rival. The combined score of the visits of Chelsea and United reads 1-6. Devastating. Wenger talked a big game before the match, and the outcome may well have been different had Arshavin taken one of his chances early in the game when he had the United defence, and Wes Brown in particular, on the back foot. In fairness to Wenger, he was as honest as he could have been in his post match appraisal of the contest.

Arsenal simply underperformed on the big occassion yet again, as they did in the Champions League semi final last year against the same opponents. Too many players didn't show up on the day - Denilson, Nasri, Clichy, Rosicky, and of course, Almunia. How Arsenal can ever expect to seriously challenge with the collection of goalkeepers they have simply beggars belief.

Arsenal knew they were entering a testing period of the season. A draw at Aston Villa and this loss means it has not started well. As for United, well they will just be hoping that Rooney stays fit for the season's climax.

Is There Life After Wayne??

4 goals against Hull has ensured that Wayne Rooney is well on course to surpass his previous best goalscoring season of 23 in all competitions. At the start of the season Rooney was seen as United's white light, the man to turn to in the absence of both Ronaldo and Tevez. He was always a key player, but now he has well and truly stepped out of Ronaldo's shadow. He is THE man at United. He has taken on the role as great players should and is likely to have his most productive season as a result. There have been plenty games where he hasn't been at his best this year but it has often been forgotten how poorly Ronaldo played in a number of matches, only for it to be swept under the mat after he scored a goal or two. And that's fair enough. That's what makes great players great - they can make the difference even when not in the most inspired form.

The question is what do United do if he gets injured? A strikeforce of Owen and Berbatov hardly instills confidence. History has taught us that Rooney hardly manages an entire season injury free. Be it hip, metatarsal, or some other freak occurrence, his body usually succumbs to a strain at some point. One would have to feel that this is all the more likely this year given the extra burden placed on his broad shoulders, both in terms of games played and responsibility.

In the longer term there is an even greater worry for United fans. Rumours have begun to gather pace that he may have to be sold as the Glazers continue their efforts to service the oft spoken about debt. If this come's to pass one worries about the future of United. The current team looks weak as it is, at least in comparison to recent years. Indeed many aspects of the team bring unwelcome reminders of the 2005 era, and the 'heady heights' of Kleberson, Miller, Djemba-Djemba, etc. If Rooney, the only true star and saleable asset in the current team is sold, then what is left?

This is an entirely different scenario to the one which saw Ronaldo leave. Ronaldo wanted to go. Rooney doesn't and appears to love the club. He has bought into its history, something that the Glazers sadly appear to be tainting more and more with each passing day.

And anyway, would it really be in the Glazers best interest to sell Rooney? Sure, he would bring in a one off transfer fee of massive proportions but what hope would this United team have of success without him? The last faint glimmer of hope would be extinguished. If the Glazers think the protests they are experiencing now are bad, it would be incomparable to the flak they would receive if Rooney was sold. Yesterday against Hull there were empty seats at Old Trafford. How many more would be empty if Rooney was not in the team altogether? The Glazer's much sought after corporate "fans" would surely be thin on the ground if United's last marquee name was sold.

The fact is that by selling Rooney the Glazers would end up losing money in the long run - in terms of the teams success (or lack thereof) and gate receipts. Not to mention the commercial opportunities Wayne presents.

They have already alienated a huge chunk of United fans - selling Rooney would test the fragile relationship still further, and probably stretch it to breaking point.

Premier League Thoughts

Chelsea will be rubbing their hands with glee after the only two games of Premier League action this weekend resulted in draws for their nearest challengers.

Manchester United faced a tricky match away to an in-form Birmingham City. Ferguson has suggested that the one all draw was a good result, but the truth of the matter is that a team looking to retain or win the title should really be taking maximum points from fixtures such as this. Regardless of the form of Birmingham, the fact remains that their remarkable run of unbeaten games (12 now) has to come to a close at some stage. United played will in the opening half and in truth they were horrendously unlucky to find themselves a goal behind at the interval, with Birmingham scoring from their first attack of note. What should be encouraging is that in the majority of Uniteds defeats this season they have failed to create any real chances. Even when they were behind here, they created plenty and that is a positive.

For Birmingham we saw exactly what their fantastic run has been built on - defence. In the first half especially, every United attack seemed to end with a City player throwing themselves in front of the ball. It was block after block after block. Tremendous defending - it was like playing against a defence of Jamie Carraghers. In the second half we saw a different side to them as they called the United keeper into action on a number of occasions and indeed finished the game the stronger of the two sides (though Fletchers relatively soft red card may have influenced this somewhat).

Arsenal were the benefactors of two huge slices of luck in their match at home to Everton. Finding themselves behind twice (to two excellent Everton goals - Pienaar's in particular was a wonderful finish), they required two deflected equalisers to claw a point from the game, one of these coming in stoppage time. Everton will count themselves as unlucky to concede the goals in the manner that they did but there was much to be admired about their performance, including an impressive debut from Donovan. Wenger was delighted with the point - and in the context of the game and the performance he is probably correct to be, though in the overall scheme of the Premier League title race this will more than likely be remembered as two points dropped.

Finally, it would be remiss to talk about this weekend's action (well what sparse action there was) and not briefly discuss the incident in Africa. It is no surprise that the Togo national team have pulled out of the African Cup Of Nations. No tournament is worth the suffering that they went through on Saturday. Who would have thought that a bus carrying a team of footballers would provoke such premeditated gunfire? Incidents such as this have to raise serious quesion marks around the organisation and safety offered to the teams and players in Angola. And while the ACON is the concern at the moment....the greatest show on Earth is taking place this Summer in South Africa. One wonders what effect this incident will have on the preparation for the World Cup. Security efforts will have to be stepped up. This cannot be allowed to happen again.

Where Now For United?

There was always a chance of an upset. Leeds were in good form coming to Old Trafford, the 9,000 fans they were bringing were always going to be in good voice, and it was always likely that Ferguson would shuffle his pack. But all that doesn't change the fact that this was an upset.

Even Ferguson had few complaints - the referee didn't add enough time apparently - but he accepted that Leeds were worthy victors and that his team had grossly underperformed.

But where now for United? And more importantly where now for United's kids? Ferguson always talks them up, as any manager would, and recently defended them in the wake of Uniteds first home Champions League defeat in years. But serious questions marks are posed by results such as that, and this defeat at the hands of a team effectively in the Third Division.

Are the likes of Welbeck, Fabio, Gibson, Anderson, Obertan, etc really good enough for United? Will they ever be? Will they go the way of Richardson, Spector, Nevland, Healy - all footballers well able to make a living in the game but good enough for football at its pinnacle? No. Absolutely no. Time will tell if this latest set of United youngsters go that way. And lets be fair, they do have time on their side. But not a whole lot.

United face City this week in the first leg of a Carling Cup Semi Final. Having been so easily taken care of by Leeds, will Ferguson trust the same youngsters to do battle with a team desperate to add some silverware after a massive financial outlay? He certainly indicated that they would play following the Quarter Final victory - it will be interesting to see if his patience has snapped with them in the aftermath of the toothless display against Leeds. He surely wouldn't want to risk another humiliation against major rivals. Or maybe he'll trust his younsters to come out fighting.