Some news that I've picked up from another website:-

SAF considered working abroad. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong. The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.


While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.


Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated. His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.

'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager said. 'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona. He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.

'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup. 'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.

'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about. Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.

'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'

Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.

With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.

He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition. It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves. We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.

'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.'

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Spain's big two more popular than Man Utd February 27, 2008
Barcelona and Real Madrid are Europe's two most popular football clubs according to a new survey from SPORT MARKT.
SPORT MARKT surveyed around 9,600 football fans in 16 European markets with an average of 600 respondents per country, and found that Barcelona had the most fans with 50.3 million, followed by Real Madrid with 45.9 million. Manchester United (32.8 million) and Arsenal (22.9 million) make up third and fourth places.


Spanish clubs are supported by an estimated 103.5 million while an estimated 99.2 million people across Europe follow English clubs. English clubs have a larger domestic fan base, but Spanish clubs pull in far more supporters from outside the country.

Hartmut Zastrow, Executive Director, SPORT MARKT said the survey results showed the following:

"Along with Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona is the big winner amongst the top European clubs. Despite still having an unusually high fan potential, the main loser over the past five seasons, with 11 per cent less supporters, is Real Madrid."

"The fact that Chelsea FC has increased its fan base by over five times, clearly shows what a fast-moving market football is. One can achieve a lot in a short amount of time."

. "Europe still offers massive potential for clubs. In Europe alone, clubs could increase their total revenue by four or five times in the next twenty years. In particular, this allows for new media framework to be created. The teams are no longer restricted to national television.

Furthermore, in the big leagues, TV money has been all but exhausted. With new media, the clubs can, however, uncover new target groups."

"There is a booming market of over 225 million football fans right on clubs' doorsteps. It seems more promising to concentrate business here than in East Asia, where English, Spanish and Italian leagues and top clubs already have prominence."

The Top 20 Most Popular European Clubs

Barcelona CF
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Arsenal
AC Milan
FC Bayern Munich
Chelsea FC
Liverpool FC
Juventus
Zenit St. Petersburg
FC Spartak Moscow
Inter Milan
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Marseille
CSKA Moscow
Wisa Krakow
Ajax Amsterdam
Galatasaray
AS Roma
Werder Bremen

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Portsmouth keeper James: Man Utd's Ronaldo free-kicks partly down to luck
February 27, 2008

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning free-kick last month could have been down to good luck as well as good technique.
He told the Daily Mail: "A lot is made of his technique and I thought he must take thousands just like that in practice to hit it so well, until I was talking to Owen Hargeaves about it when we joined up with England and he reckons in training they fly all over the place, apparently. Thanks for that, Owen."

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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney - World Class or still a lot to prove?
FFC columnist Daniel Lomax feels that Wayne Rooney still has a lot to prove at Manchester United and that he has a long way to go before ever justifying the ‘World Class' tag that is continually thrown at him.
Every time I go to Old Trafford or watch United down the pub, my argument is the same. I simply do not think that Wayne Rooney has reached his potential, both at European and International levels. My argument has been rumbling on for months now and the reaction that I receive is divided. I often get heckled but some agree. FourFourTwo magazine recently listed him amongst the top ten players in the world but, is Wayne Rooney class or world class?


Some people will argue the fact that, of the matches Manchester United have lost this season, Rooney hasn't featured. However one player does not make a team and although I accept the fact that Rooney has a massive influence on proceedings and lifts the players around him, through his sheer determination and work rate, the blame should also rest with the rest of the team. Surely a professional player shouldn't need any motivation to pull on the famed Manchester United shirt, especially against Manchester City at Old Trafford?

Now, don't get me wrong, Rooney is still young and has doubtless natural talent and flair that, in many people's minds, has fast-tracked him to ‘World Class' status. This status though, in my opinion, is used too sparingly and should only be credited to those players who have made a significant impact at both European and International levels. Rooney hasn't achieved this feat yet.

Winning is the name of the game and whilst A.C Milan's Kaka has an honours list as long as my girlfriend's shopping list on pay day, Rooney's list isn't quite as impressive. Clearly there are many different factors that influence this and, while I appreciate that England have been a major disappointment; Rooney has also failed to perform for his Country, with the exception of Euro 2004, while Kaka has often been credited as the player to have spurred both his Milan and Brazilian team-mates to European and Worldwide success.

Throughout his career at United I have lost count of the amount of times when Rooney has wasted great goal scoring opportunity, especially in recent matches, when trying to score a spectacular chip or exquisite lob instead of just putting the ball in the back of the net. Granted, when these efforts hit the net, they are awesome and go to show the talent and skill that Rooney possesses, but just get the job done Wayne. He needs to be ruthless in his decision making when in front of goal.

Unfortunately Rooney hasn't hit the heights that were expected of him when he hit the big time. Rooney is a fantastic domestic player who epitomises the style of the English game, fast and furious, and will strive to gun down Arsenal on Saturday. My pessimism, however, lies in Europe where Rooney has hardly set the Champions League alight. It is in continental competition where players receive personal accolades and status that can elevate them to ‘World Class' status. In time, Rooney will develop his game to suit the European and International levels where opposing players will use every trick in the book to unsettle Rooney and distract him from his game.

World Class players are those that have graced the International scene and entertained spectators on a global level, along with lifting major trophies. Will Rooney become a world class player that scores goals on a regular basis for club and country in the future? Will he become a player that deserves the world class tag or is he already a world class player that deserves to be listed amongst the top ten in the world?

your views please.

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George Best vs Cristiano Ronaldo - Who is Manchester United's finest wing wizard?
FFC columnist Stephen Darwin concludes his "Who's the greatest series" on Manchester United. In his final part, Stephen turns his attention to Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best to find out who is the finest wing wizard to play at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons. The Portuguese winger possesses an array of dazzling tricks, a sublime turn of pace and a goal-scoring record that continues to defy the role expected of a traditional wide midfielder. It is no wonder that the Madeira-born wizard has been compared to George Best in recent times.

Best was an extraordinary footballer and undeniably one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. The Northern Irishman would humiliate defenders with his attacking guile and instantly became a favourite among supporters from all over the world. So is all the furore surrounding Ronaldo a tad premature; or can the Premier League's current top marksmen realistically claim to be the ‘Best'?

George Best

On 22nd May 1946 a genuine legend was born. George Best undoubtedly experienced some tough times during his career but this does little to tarnish the unquestionable ability of the Belfast born superstar with a football at his feet. It was by no means an understatement when United scout Bob Bishop announced that he had found a 'genius' in Best at the tender age of 15.

Best would glide past defenders effortlessly and it would seem like the ball was glued to his foot as he drifted away from challenge after challenge. Often the only way to stop the brilliance of Best was to ultimately admit defeat and foul him. Georgie boasted an incredible goal-scoring record too, with 179 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. Best's importance at Old Trafford was underlined by the unprecedented achievement of being the club's leading scorer in five consecutive campaigns.

In only his second season with the Red Devils, Best secured his first league title with the club and would go on to produce one of the most memorable performances of his career a year later. In United's 5-1 triumph over Benfica in the 1966 European Cup quarter final, Best scored a fantastic brace that included a truly remarkable solo run. The Portuguese press were quick to acknowledge Best's supreme class and famously labelled him 'El Beatle'.

A second league title would follow in 1967 and Best proved once again to be the thorn in Benfica's side in the 1968 European Cup Final. In a significantly tight affair, Best gave United a 2-1 extra-time lead that helped inspire the Red Devils to a 4-1 victory and the coveted tag of European Champions. In what had been a magnificent season for Manchester United, Best was crowned both PFA and European Footballer of the Year.

On the international scene, Best represented Northern Ireland 37 times and found the net on 6 occasions. Best has long been described as the greatest player never to have graced a major international tournament - a considerable shame for the decisive winger, as he would have certainly excelled at a World Cup or European Championship.

Best was frequently under the media spotlight and was the first footballer to experience the showbiz lifestyle. Not only an icon on the pitch, Best's appearance made him an extremely popular figure off it too, with modelling assignments and public appearances all part of the Best repertoire. Best had clearly set a trend as we witness the idolisation of the Beckham's and Ronaldo's of the modern era, where modelling contracts are highly lucrative and professional footballers are under the constant scrutiny of the media.

Cristiano Ronaldo

In a similar vein to George Best, it was apparent that United had unearthed a special talent in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo even before he had stepped foot in Manchester. During a pre-season friendly in 2003 that saw United succumb to a 3-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo put in a typically impressive performance that prompted a selection of United's playing staff to encourage Sir Alex to sign the Portuguese maestro. The United manager duly obliged, parting with £12.24 million to secure Ronaldo's signature - a substantial bargain for a player of such unrivalled class.

In contrast to Best, Ronaldo prefers to tantalise and tease defenders with an assortment of tricks before producing an end product. There have been numerous critics of Ronaldo's final ball and willingness to go down but it is apparent that he has addressed these parts of his game in an attempt to become the ultimate footballer.

The manner in which Ronaldo reacted to the post World Cup anger of English supporters is something to be admired. Despite a tirade of abuse from away fans, Cristiano's personality shone through and the Portuguese set off on a mission to silence the boo boys. Infact, the 2006/2007 season proved to be particularly vibrant for United as Ronaldo's scintillating skill, electric pace and clinical finishing helped the Manchester club to their first league title in four years. Ronaldo's superlative form didn't go unnoticed and the 23 year-old picked up a number of individual accolades including the PFA Players Player and Young Player of the Year and the Football Writers Footballer of the Year awards.

Ronaldo has pushed on to unbelievably greater heights this season and his career continues to flourish at United. The exciting winger has already scored 27 goals in all competitive matches this term and is a constant attacking threat whenever he features in the famous red shirt. Ronaldo has a refreshing self belief that is clearly indestructible and he will always strive to improve despite being at the peak of his game.

The Portuguese national team have also reaped the rewards of possessing one of the finest footballers in world football. Cristiano has notched up 36 caps and 12 goals in his relatively short international career. A defeat to Greece in the Final of Euro 2004 quashed Ronaldo's dreams of winning a trophy with his country but with Euro 2008 just around the corner, I'm sure Portugal will be challenging come the end of the tournament.

The Result

Manchester United have been fortunate enough to witness the development of some outstanding number 7's in their illustrious history. Best and Ronaldo stake a legitimate claim of being the greatest and separating the two is an ultimately difficult proposition. Both technically astute and wonderfully gifted footballers but by appearing in 466 matches and consistently performing at the highest level, Best's commitment to Manchester United ever so slightly tilts the contest in my opinion. Yet with Ronaldo thriving at the current rate, there is no reason why he cannot become the indisputable king of the number 7 shirt in the future. As long as the twinkle toed talent resists the allure of Real Madrid, he may well cement himself in United's history as a true legend of the club.

your views please.

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two articles on our club's golden boys- ronaldo & rooney.
hope you enjoy and express your views if any.. cheers!

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Ferguson wary of Chelsea threat

Ferguson's United side still have to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson remains wary of the threat posed by Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.
The Blues are nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal and six behind United but have a game in hand.

Plus, Chelsea still have to play both teams at home and Ferguson insists the title race remains a three-horse race.

"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable as points can be dropped," he said.

"The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."

Chelsea finished as runners-up to Ferguson's side in the top flight last season after winning the crown for two successive seasons.

But the United boss believes Chelsea would be happier winning the Champions League rather than adding to their Premier League title count.

"I think that is what they are really after, given owner Roman Abramovich's contribution to their rise in the last few years," added Ferguson.

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Fulham v Man Utd

Craven Cottage
Saturday, 1 March
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Second bottom against second top.

Triple chasing Manchester United now have a superior goal difference of +4 on Arsenal, therefore victory at Craven Cottage, coupled with defeat for the Gunners, home to Aston Villa, will see the Red Devils return to the summit.

Even three points will not be enough to see the relegation-haunted Cottagers out of the bottom three.

Fulham have won as many Premier League games at home as Manchester United have lost away (three), and conceded as many at home as United have scored on the road (23).

United are still looking for a first in London this season; they have drawn two and lost one of their three Premier League visits to the capital.

Fulham have won one of 27 meetings with Manchester United stretching back to 1965. The victory was at Old Trafford in 2003.

CLUB FORM
FULHAM
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 18th
Lowest could fall: 19th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Gained one win in 15 outings, two in 25, and only three in 27 all season. The next victory will be their 75th all-time in this league.

2. The 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on 3 February is their only victory in nine matches under Roy Hodgson (all competitions). It is also their only maximum this season against a club currently in the top-half of the Premier League.

3. Drawn 10; only Liverpool have finished level more often (11).

4. Dropped 62 points, kept only three clean sheets and failed to score in 11 games (including four of the last five) in this league season; only Derby have an inferior record on all three counts (72 points dropped, two clean sheets, and failed to score in 16).

5. Managed one clean sheet in 17 outings; the goalless draw with Bolton at the Reebok on 29 January.

6. Lost the lead in 11 matches, and flittered away an unequalled 25 points from winning positions. They were in front against Arsenal (a), Middlesbrough (h), Aston Villa (a), Chelsea (h) and West Ham (a), and went on to lose all five games.

7. Only 24% of goals conceded have been in the first half (11 of 45); the lowest such percentage.

8. Gained 10 points fewer than their previous lowest to this stage of the season in 2004-05, when they rallied to finish 13th. Had 13 more points going into their 28th fixture last season, from where they only gained seven more points.

9. Drawn five and lost three of their last eight against North-West clubs since their only victory this season against a club from the region; 2-1, against Bolton in the opening home fixture of the campaign on 15 August.

10. Two more fixtures against North-West opposition follow; away to Blackburn, and home to Everton. Then it's a long trip to Newcastle and not so long journey to Derby.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Lost 1 of 11 (all competitions).

2. Won five of last seven, culminating in the 1-5 demolition of Newcastle at St James' last time out.

3. Secured 19 victories, dropped 20 points and scored 55 goals; only Arsenal eclipse the latter two with 17 points dropped and 56 goals netted, having also won 19.

4. Registered the joint fewest draws, alongside Reading; four each.

5. Boast the tightest defence with 15 goals conceded in 27 matches at one every 162 minutes (two hours 42 minutes) on average.

6. Need one more clean sheet to equal last season's tally. Kept 15 shut-outs so far; only Chelsea match that.

7. Opened the scoring in an unmatched 21 games (won 18, and lost just one of them); and allowed the opposition to score first in five matches - that's fewer occasions than any other club.

8. Fourth in the "Last Six Current Form" table with 13 points. Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton all have 14. (Fulham are fourth bottom with four points.)

9. Scored 15 goals in the last 10 minutes, 10 of which were in the last five minutes, seven of those being in stoppage time; that's the most in all three time sectors.

10. Next Lyon come to Old Trafford on Tuesday for the 2nd leg of the Champions League tie that stands at 1-1. After that it's the FA Cup quarter-final, home to Portsmouth, then a trip to bottom of the table Derby. March ends home to Liverpool and Aston Villa.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
FULHAM

Clint DEMPSEY is Fulham's top scorer with six Premier League goals.

Chris BAIRD, Paul KONCHESKY, Elliot OMOZUSI, Moritz VOLZ, Hameur BOUAZZA and Leon ANDREASEN have all been sent off in league matches this season. Fulham have received more red cards than any other club in Premier League competition this season (six).

If selected:-

David HEALY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Northern Ireland international was a Manchester United trainee, making three appearances before joining Preston for £1.5m in December 2000.

Erik NEVLAND will be facing a club he once played for. The 30 year old Norway international made six appearances (one league) and scored one goal for United between July 1997 and December 1999.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 29 goals, including 15 in his last 13 games.

RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with 21, and is leading the race for the Barclays Golden Boot.

Carlos TEVEZ and RONALDO have scored 32 Premier League goals between them in the current campaign, and 56% of the Red Devils' entire total this season (44 of 79).

Wayne ROONEY needs one goal to total 50 in the Premier League for Manchester United.

If selected:-

Edwin VAN DER SAR will be keeping goal against his former club. The 37 year old Holland international made 154 appearances (127 in the league) for Fulham from August 2001, before signing for United in June 2005.

Louis SAHA will be facing a former club. The 29 year old France international made 143 appearances (117 in the league) and scored 63 goals (53 league) for the Cottagers between June 2000 to his £12.8m move to Old Trafford in January 2004.

If on the field from the outset:-

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United are vying for a seventh successive victory over Fulham.

The Red Devils have not dropped a point against Fulham since being held to a 1-1 draw at the Cottage on 13 December 2004.

The Londoners have never beaten United in a home fixture in the Premier League, and last enjoyed victory over the them on the banks of the Thames with a 2-1 triumph on 5 September 1964.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Fulham 10 wins, Man United 32, Draws 13
Prem: Fulham 1 wins, Man United 9, Draws 3

at Fulham only
League (inc PL): Fulham 8 wins, Man United 9, Draws 10
Prem: Fulham 0 wins, Man United 3, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
24 February 2007 - Ref: Peter Walton
Fulham scorer: McBride 17
Man Utd scorers: Giggs 29, Ronaldo 88

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
3 December 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles
Man Utd scorers: Ronaldo 10, 58

REFEREE
Mike Dean (Wirral)

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Sir Alex Ferguson admits sentiment will influence his team selection if Manchester United reach the final of the Champions League

The Red Devils meet Lyon in the second leg of their last-16 encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in France.

Ferguson is not taking progression for granted, but concedes Paul Scholes has already been pencilled in for a starting role should they make it to the final in Moscow in May.

Scholes missed the club's Champions League success over Bayern Munich in 1999 through suspension and Ferguson believes the veteran midfielder would deserve to play in the Russian capital.

"Hopefully we can get to the final again and this time Paul will get his opportunity," said Ferguson in the Sunday Mirror.

"I'm not a sentimentalist by any means. My one aim has always been to manage the club in the right way.

"But if we got to the Champions League final again then I'm telling you that I would have to be sentimental when it came to choosing my team for that one. I'd have to pick Paul to play because he deserves it.

"Paul doesn't say much about missing out in 1999, but it must have hurt him. He will still feel it because players like that always do.

"Players with his calibre and with his record of being a winner will have felt bad about missing out. It would have hurt Paul just as much as it hurt Roy Keane.

"To miss the biggest club game in the world must have an impact.

"Paul won't talk about things like that because he is not the kind of man to let disappointment destroy him. You only have to see what he has won in the game to realise that."

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Coupet pain free for Old Trafford clash

Gregory Coupet is looking forward to the challenge of facing Manchester United on Tuesday night in the Champions League at Old Trafford after a season disrupted by injury.


The France goalkeeper only returned to the Lyon side in January after a five-month abscence with a knee ligament problem.


Coupet, 35, will play a vital role against a free-scoring United side with the match locked at 1-1 after the first leg.

He said: 'I feel great in myself. I still have to work on the knee but I am not feeling any pain.

'When you are out for such a long time it helps you put things in perspective, not just in football but outside the game.'

Coupet is hoping Lyon can rise to the occassion and reach the quarter-finals.

'We are not favourites but know we have a team that is capable of scoring and that gives us confidence,' he said.

'We have developed as a club and come a long way. Playing against a team like Manchester United at a fantastic stadium could bring out the best in us.

'Our morale is good. We will need to show a lot of fight and effort if we are to get the result we want.'

Coach Alain Perrin believes star striker Karim Benzema will have a vital role to play.

The league leaders know a big performance from the 20-year-old could go a long way to overcoming United.

Benzema opened the scoring in the first leg with a superb strike when he got away from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic before Carlos Tevez grabbed a late equaliser.

The young France international is not in a good frame of mind apparently as Perrin prefers him to play out wide occasionally and not up front.

However, the coach stressed before training at Old Trafford: 'Benzema is one of the key players who could make a difference for us.

'It could come down to his quality as an individual, his skill and technique.

'He can create a chance and score and is dangerous in different areas.'

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Gary Neville says he’s itching to return to the first-team squad after almost 12 months out of action

United’s club captain played 70 minutes for the Reserves on Wednesday night and now has his sights firmly set on rejoining the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

“It’s great to be playing football again,” Neville told MUTV. “That’s my second game in a couple of weeks and I seem to have come through it okay. In that sense it’s a real positive, although I want to get back into travelling with the first team.

“By next week I’d like to be involved with the first team, even if’s just travelling with the side and being part of it again.”

Neville was injured last March against Bolton Wanderers and has since suffered a number of setbacks on the road to recovery.

“Hopefully I’ve seen the back of it now,” Neville said. “I just need to concentrate on training hard and playing well. It’s been a frustrating period and a very long time – too long. No footballer likes not playing but I’m not the first footballer to be out for 12 months. You just have to get on with it.

“Playing with the Reserves is really exciting for me. Just being out on the pitch and on the training ground… I love doing that.”

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Five-time winners Liverpool will play Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals while Manchester United face Roma and Chelsea take on Fenerbahce.

The all-English tie is the highlight of the last eight draw, with the two legs coming either side of a league game between the two at the Emirates Stadium.

With four Premier League teams still in the competition, and English 'civil war' was always on the cards and so it proved, with Arsenal and Liverpool the first two names to come out of the hat.

Officials from both clubs quickly said they would have preferred to play foreign opponents, and the winners may face another English side in the last four - Chelsea.

United will play their fifth and sixth matches against Roma within 12 months, having played the Serie A side in last year's quarter-finals and in the group stage earlier this season.

There will be inevitable concerns about clashes between the opposing sets of fans after problems marred the match in Rome in March 2007, with the Italian police accused of heavy-handed treatment of United fans.

United thrashed Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford last season, but Luciano Spalletti's side are on a high after winning at home and away against Real Madrid.

Chelsea will be more than happy to play Turkish champions Fenerbahce after beating Olympiacos in the last 16, but are sure to face English opposition in the last four if they prevail.

Fener overcame UEFA Cup holders Sevilla on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 aggregate draw.

The Blues lost two semi-finals to Liverpool under Jose Mourinho, and could face the Merseyside club for a third time in four years.

2006 winners Barcelona will be big favourites to see off Bundesliga side Schalke, and could face United in a mouthwatering semi-final.

Barça won both legs against Celtic and look certain to pose the biggest threat to English domination of the competition.

Schalke reached the last eight on penalties after drawing 1-1 on aggregate with 2004 winners Porto.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Arsenal v Liverpool

Roma v Manchester United

Schalke v Barcelona

Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Quarter-final matches to be played on 01/02 and 08/09 April.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Schalke/Barcelona v Roma/Manchester United

Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahce/Chelsea

Semi-finals on 22/23 and 29/30 April.

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Manchester United struggled to a 1-0 win at Derby with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, a result that saw them take top spot in the Premier League

One of the supposed mismatches of the season ended up as a nailbiting affair as the Premier League's bottom club kept the champions out until 15 minutes from time.

Ronaldo finally beat former United keeper Roy Carroll from close range after a precise left-foot cross from Wayne Rooney.

Although they ended up on the losing side, this may go down as the Rams' best performance of the season - a world away from their abject 6-1 surrender to Chelsea on Wednesday.

United had a week to get over their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Portsmouth and, although his side take on Bolton in midweek, Sir Alex Ferguson elected to start with both Ronaldo and Rooney.

Ben Foster made his first start for United in the absence of Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak and impressed in all but his kicking, which was consistently dreadful.

Although there was no Carlos Tevez or, intriguingly, Rio Ferdinand, the visitors looked certain to ease to a comfortable victory.

They enjoyed nearly unbroken possession as first Ronaldo then Ryan Giggs went close from 15 yards before the Portuguese struck the post.

O'Shea pulled a low pass back for Ronaldo, whose daisy-cutter looked destined for the corner before curling improbably onto the woodwork.

United lost their early impetus but still looked dangerous - such as when Wayne Rooney robbed Marc Edworthy and teed up Ronaldo, whose shot was clawed away by Carroll.

After a while, something strange happened. Derby started winning 50-50 balls and put together some decent moves.

In the 38th minute Eddie Lewis crossed from the left and Kenny Miller arrived with a powerful volley that Foster did well to push away, diving to his left.

A minute later the Scotsman came even closer, leaving Nemanja Vidic in a heap and racing clean through, but Foster again repelled his shot smartly.

United eventually restored their dominance of the game through the ubiquitous Ronaldo, who first caused Carroll to fumble with a long-range free-kick on 55 minutes then hit the unwitting Ulsterman with a downward header from the resultant corner.

Ronaldo went close with yet another free-kick before Foster was called into action again; the youngster reacted quickly when a Mile Sterjovski shot looped up off substitute Michael Carrick and nearly dropped into the corner.

As time ticked down, only Ronaldo looked likely to break the deadlock, and so it proved. Two minutes after shooting into the side netting he finally prevailed.

The 23-year-old was the only man in the box when Rooney broke away down the left, and showed great agility to redirect the cross into the corner.

Ronaldo has taken to celebrating his goals with a calm, arrogant shrug. Not this time - he gesticulated wildly, veins popping from his neck. That above all said everything about how hard Derby made United work.

As well as two more Ronaldo shots on target, the remainder of the game provided a pair of curiosities.

First referee Phil Dowd was forced off by injury - replaced by fourth official Trevor Kettle - then Carroll marauded forward to fire off a shot deep in injury time, but it was blocked.

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Semi Retired From FL