Rossi sees red in Italy win

Italy overcame Portugal on penalties to seal a berth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, despite the sending off of Giuseppe Rossi.

The United striker received his marching orders in Nijmegen after collecting a second booking for dissent in the 74th minute.

Rossi had earlier come close to opening the scoring for the Azzurini, showing great pace to burst past three Portuguese defenders and into the area, but his powerful shot was superbly blocked by goalkeeper Paulo Ribeiro.

New United team-mate Nani also enjoyed an eventful game for the Portuguese, going close on two occasions to opening the scoring for the underdogs.

Nani did find the net eventually, in the subsequent penalty shootout after the match had finished 0-0, but misses from team-mates Manuel Fernandes and Antunes gifted Italy a 4-3 win and a berth in China.

No United bid for Italian

United have not voiced an interest in Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella, according to the player's agent.

The 23-year-old Italian international has been linked with Old Trafford in recent weeks but, although agent Silvio Pagliari claims United are interested, no move has materialised.

Pagliari told BBC Sport: "I know there's some interest from Manchester United. I'm very proud of it, as he is. But United have had no contact with me or with Sampdoria.

"He'd be keen on playing in England, for sure. We have many things to think of, as many big clubs in Italy too are interest in a player like Fabio.

"We can talk about Inter Milan, Juventus, Man Utd, Chelsea - this is no problem for the player as they are all massive clubs."

A host of strikers from across Europe have been linked with United ever since Chief Executive David Gill's admission that the Reds could be tempted into action if the right target became available.

Ferguson looks to delay Chelsea

Ferguson's side beat Chelsea earlier in the season

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United side are determined not to let Chelsea win the title against them when they meet on 29 April.

United visit Stamford Bridge with Chelsea needing only a point to earn back-to-back title triumphs.

Ferguson said: "It will be a fantastic game. We need to make that second spot.

"Hopefully we can achieve that. It keeps the fans interested and keeps everybody at the club interested and keeps the season bubbling away."

Ferguson also tried to continue to maintain some psychological pressure on Chelsea.

He added: "There are times when you have the title sewn up and there is a bit of complacency about the place."

The game against United is the big final and everybody has been waiting for this game Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he does not care who his side confirm their Premiership crown against and seems determined make sure his side do not ease up after their run of three successive victories.

"We are very close but not there yet and now I just want to be the champion," he said.

"Some people prefer to win it at home, some away, but for me the thing is to beat Manchester United and if we do that we will be champions.

"If it was Blackburn or Newcastle, the desire would be the same. You cannot choose.

"The supporters want us to be champions at home so they can give us an extra push - and maybe that will take us to the silverware.

"For me it is important to finish in front of Manchester United. I have always said that the best team wins the championship because it is 10 months long and it is not about luck or mistakes.

"The best team wins so if at the end of the season we finish first, I am very happy."

United beat Chelsea in the reverse fixture earlier this season and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hinted the club's players would relish earning the point they need against the Old Trafford side.

The Ivory Coast forward said: "The game against United is the big final and everybody has been waiting for this game."

Reds Pass Century Mark

United have scored 100 goals in all competitions so far this season.

The Reds were edged over the century mark by Ji-sung Park’s match-sealing strike against Arsenal on Sunday, which was the team’s 66th Premiership goal this term.

Incredibly, United had only notched 40 goals when they exited the Champions League to Benfica on December 7, averaging 1.67 goals per game over 24 games.

Team Goals Games United 100 51 Liverpool 90 56 Chelsea 87 48 Arsenal 79 50

The heartbreak of defeat in the Stadium of Light served to reignite United’s attacking prowess, and they have plundered 60 goals in the proceeding 27 games, at an average of 2.2 goals per game.

Outside the Premiership, nine goals came in the Champions League, eight in the FA Cup and 17 in the triumphant Carling Cup campaign.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is once again the Reds’ top scorer with 24 goals this term, while fellow strikers Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha have 17 and 14 strikes apiece for the season.

Fans Impressed With New Quadrant

A record crowd of 70,908 witnessed United's crucial 2-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Not since 27 December 1920 have as many fans packed themselves into the stadium; back then, 70,504 saw United's (old) First Divison match against Aston Villa.

The full opening of the North-west quadrant saw Sunday's attendance surpass a record which has stood for 85 years.

ManUtd.com spoke to some of the lucky few who had a ticket in the new section of the ground and they were all hugely impressed with their matchday experience...

"The view is fantastic and my wife and I were overwhelmed when we first got to our seats. We've sat in most areas of the ground but I think it gives you a completely different angle from which to watch the game compared to anywhere else which is great. You're able to see how the game is developing which makes a big difference. The stairs were a bit of a problem - there are a lot (!) - but actually getting into the ground was very easy with the new ticket swipe machine. There's also a nice little extra with the view across Salford Quays from the concourse inside the block. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our day."
Chris & Ann Bell from Grimsby

"We were very impressed with the view and I really like the bowl-effect of the ground now. There was a good atmosphere amongst the fans and even though you're high up, you still feel very much part of the crowd. We'd definitely come and sit here again."
Chris George with sons Joshua and Sam from Buckinghamshire

"I've been to a lot of other Premiership grounds like Chelsea, Tottenham and Charlton, but I'd have to say this is the best - the view is brilliant. Getting into the ground was very easy and quick and I thought the ticket swipe machine was top-notch! There was a good selection of efreshments available and we were served very promptly. I'm very much looking forward to coming again."
Hung Hua and Jason To from London

"I'd definitely say it's one of the best views in the ground. Getting into the ground was very easy and the facilities were excellent inside. Everything was very clean and the stewards were all very helpful."
Paul Fleetwood and son Tom from Stockport

"The view was really impressive and the angle from which you see the game is quite unique. We usually sit at the back of East Stand Tier 2 and even though we were at the same height up in the quadrant, the pitch seemed closer. I'd like to see the ticket swipe entry introduced throughout the ground - it was very easy to get into the stadium. We look forward to sitting in the quadrant again."
Mr and Mrs Laurie from Worcester