Chelsea had to come from behind in the highly-anticipated clash between last season’s Premier League runners-up and reigning champions Manchester United, a match that ended in a 1-1 stalemate.



In a fast-paced clash at Stamford Bridge, the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute as Park Ji-Sung following up Petr Cech’s parry and slotted the ball home, before substitute Salomon Kalou headed his side level with 10 minutes remaining.

Sir Alex Ferguson surprisingly opted to drop Carlos Tevez to the bench, with the Argentinean joining Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the many attacking options the Premier League champions could call upon.

Similarly, Jonny Evans retained his place in the line-up ahead of Wes Brown, while Chelsea were dealt a major blow prior to kick off as Deco injured himself in the warm-up, meaning Michael Ballack had to step in to take the Portugal international’s place.

First Half

Both teams looked lively in the early exchanges, with the visitors belying suggestions that they would look to sit back and absorb the pressure as Darren Fletcher had an effort blocked and then fired wide early on.

The Red Devils went close to breaking the deadlock after ten minutes in an astonishing run of play. Cech’s clearance reached only as far as Dimitar Berbatov 40 yards out, and the Bulgarian’s volley found Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker’s own volley then flew just wide in what would have been an extraordinary goal.

There was to be a further injury blow for The Blues as Ricardo Carvalho had to be replaced by Alex due to suspected ligament damage, and with the hosts having to reorganise themselves once again, United pushed on.

Nicolas Anelka’s wayward ball was collected by Berbatov, who in turn played in Rio Ferdinand of all people, and the defender’s subsequent effort required the full attentions of Cech who tipped it over.

The pressure finally paid off for Ferguson’s men, and it came courtesy of some fine link-up play between the blossoming Rooney-Berbatov partnership. Patrice Evra burst down the left, played the ball into the middle which saw the two Red Devils strikers bamboozle The Blues’ defence, and it was eventually played into the six yard box. While Berbatov’s initial effort was saved by Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing Park to fire home the rebound.

The home side rallied in the hope of finding an equaliser, and they were almost gifted one as Gary Neville’s tame headed backpass towards Edwin van der Sar was collected by Florent Malouda, but the Frenchman’s shot was blocked by the visitor’s goalkeeper to hand his team-mate a reprieve.

However, the Dutch shot-stopper forced the Red Devils into a change of their own as he sustained an injury, with Ferguson having to call upon the services of Tomasz Kuszczak, and he was immediately required as he collected Frank Lampard’s blocked shot.

Chelsea were beginning to gain a foothold of processions, Alex being the next in line to shoot on goal from 25 yards out, and while the Brazilian’s effort was parried by the Poland international, Ferdinand was the first to the ball and he cleared.

The visitors had a glorious chance to extend their lead as Rooney picked up the ball on the right and played it to Berbatov’s feet, and all the Red Devils’ forward needed to do was find Park with a simple lay-off for a great opportunity. However, the Bulgaria hit-man played a sloppy ball behind the midfielder, and the chance went begging much to the fury of Ferguson on the touchline.

Second Half

As expected by the home crowd, Didier Drogba was introduced to proceedings just two minutes into the second half as Malouda made way, and he immediately made his presence felt with aerial battles against Evans and then Kuszczak.

United were still dangerous on the break and, as Chelsea committed men forward, it allowed Rooney to dispossess Mikel John Obi and burst forward in a move that eventually saw goalscorer Park fire well over from 20 yards.

Ferdinand was in imperious form as he cut out a dangerous ball from Joe Cole in a piece of defending that could quite easily have ended in an own goal, and shortly after Ronaldo was added to the game in a bold move by Ferguson – the visitors had three forwards in the game, despite their 1-0 lead.

Chelsea were still toiling and a superb interchange between Drogba and Ballack saw the latter play an inch-perfect ball over-the-top for Joe Cole to run onto, but his shot - in what was a guilt-edged chance to equalise - was straight at Kuszczak who collected it comfortably.

Anelka had another half-chance to volley his side level, but his connection with the ball from 12 yards was weak and the ball dribbled wide, and events took a turn for the worse as the Frenchman missed failed to convert an effort into the open goal.

Joe Cole, who was increasingly influential as the game progressed, got beyond Evra and played in a dangerous ball which evaded Kuszczak but Anelka, unmarked at the far post, unbelievably failed to find the net. Scolari had his head in his hands, and it was no surprise as another chance for Chelsea went begging.

The Premier League champions responded with an opportunity of their own which could have sealed the points, Ronaldo crossing in from the left towards Rooney at the back post, but the former Everton man could only find the side-netting.

Chelsea finally found a way through the stern United defence, but it was a goal that will have left Ferguson seething with his players. Kalou, introduced with 15 minutes to go, rose highest to meet a free-kick and head into the back of the Red Devils’ goal, despite the forward being surrounded by a host of opposing players.

After an initial lull following the equaliser, The Blues had a chance to seize the lead as Kalou’s shot was deflected just over by Neville after a rapid counter-attack, and then it was United’s turn to go close as Alex dived in superbly to block Fletcher’s goal-bound shot.

There were to be no further clear-cut chances for either side as the final minutes were played out, and as the final whistle was blown, both manager’s will have been satisfied with the point – Scolari after starting defeat in the face for so long in the game, and Ferguson having seen his players perform to a much higher standard after last weekend’s defeat.

Teams:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho (Alex 12'), Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda (Didier Drogba 46'), Deco, Michael Ballack (Salomon Kalou 74), John Mikel Obi, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole. Substitutes (Not Used): Carlo Cudicini, Wayne Bridge, Paulo ferreira, Juliano Belletti.

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar (Tomasz Kusczcak 32'), Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes (Cristiano Ronaldo 55'), Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung (John O'Shea 75'), Owen Hargreaves, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Substitutes (Not Used): Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Nani

Goals

Chelsea: Kalou (80')

Manchester United: Park (18')

Will Wood

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Man Utd 0 Villarreal 0

The holders began the defence of their trophy with a goalless draw at Old Trafford against Villarreal. Cristiano Ronaldo made a second half comeback but even his presence was not enough to secure victory for the home side.

Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded the return of Ronaldo and sure enough the winger was to be found on the substitutes’ bench at the start of the evening.

On the field, however, the United side had an unfamiliar look. Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick were both missing through injury, and with Paul Scholes suspended, Fletcher, Nani, Park and Hargreaves made up an unfamiliar looking midfield.

Certainly the holders were missing the creativity of Ronaldo, Scholes and Giggs and chances were at a premium in an uneventful first half at Old Trafford.

A cautious start from both sides ensured the game failed to really spark initially with long range shots from first Evra and then Tevez the closest the home side came to breaking the deadlock in the early stages.

The visitors, on the other hand, seemed content to sit back and absorb the United pressure and offered little as an attacking threat.

Pires, on his return to Old Trafford, forced Van der Sar into a save just before the half hour mark but it was to be as close as Villarreal came in a quiet opening period.

The second half yielded little more joy for United and indeed it was Villarreal who should have opened the scoring on the hour mark.

Some excellent interplay from the visitors saw them patiently keep possession in the United area. The move ended with a low cross from Pires being converted by Franco, but agonisingly for the striker, his flick rebounded off the inside of the post and into the grateful arms of Van der Sar.

Ferguson’s patience with his side quickly evaporated and on came Anderson and Ronaldo, to a huge ovation, as the holders stepped up their search for the goal.

It took the Portuguese only five minutes to test Diego Lopez in the Villarreal goal. A quick break from Anderson and Tevez found the winger in the box but his shot was hit into the ground and allowed the goalkeeper the opportunity to save.

The arrival of the United number seven, however, certainly seemed to inspire the home side who upped the tempo. A fast flowing break saw Ronaldo feed Rooney and his cross reached Tevez but Diego Lopez just got a hand on his shot which allowed the covering Rodriguez to hook the ball off the line.

With ten minutes to go it was Ronaldo again. A Nani cross was whipped into the far post but the United talisman could only watch as his header flew just wide.

He then turned creator, a ferocious cross reached the far post where Evans was on hand but his header cannoned back off the post.

With Villarreal clearly tiring, United were dominant but even with the presence of Ronaldo they couldn’t quite find the opening and the visitors hung on for a point.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Hargreaves (Anderson, 62), Fletcher, Park (Ronaldo, 62), Rooney, Tevez (Giggs, 80).

Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Angel, Rodriguez, Godin, Capdevila, Cani (Cazorla, 46), Eguren, Edmilson, Pires (Ibagaza, 68), Fernandez, Franco (Llorente, 77).

Gill Clark

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What: Barclays Premier League
Who: Liverpool (2nd, 7pts) v Manchester United (9th, 4pts)
When: Saturday, 13th September, Kick-off: 12:45 BST
Where: Anfield, Liverpool

The Eighteenth Hole

Mark Hughes may like to think that his Manchester City side’s clash with Chelsea later on Saturday takes star billing in this weekend’s Premier League fixture list, but some 45,000 fans inside Anfield - plus, no doubt, a global TV audience of millions - will beg to differ when Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns again in a lunch-time showdown that will inevitably offer clues about this season‘s title race.

The ‘Clash of the Cash’ at Eastlands in the early evening will be a fascinating encounter for all sports of reasons, but few would accept that a meeting between the North-West’s two red-clad armies is no longer the main event. And while City and Chelsea may boss the richest sugar-daddies in the League, neither Liverpool nor United can be accused of penny-pinching, having this summer alone sunk more than £50 million between them into parting Tottenham from their strike-force.

United‘s deadline-day swoop for Dimitar Berbatov followed Liverpool‘s earlier capture of the Bulgarian‘s erstwhile scoring partner at White Hart Lane, Robbie Keane. Typically, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sought to lob a psychological doubt into the Liverpool camp by questioning the high price Rafa Benitez was prepared to pay for Keane, a player whose value he has previously implied is somewhat inflated. Fergie’s mischief-making with the press is unlikely to cut much ice at Anfield, where the only sensible response is to ram his words down his throat on the pitch, though that has proved to be easier said than done in recent seasons.

That’s underlined by the fact that United are chasing a sixth successive Premier League victory over their Merseyside rivals, and their third in a row at Anfield. Indeed, Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats (18), dropped more points (68) and conceded more goals (48) to Manchester United than to any other club.

Those statistics make painful reading for anyone associated with Liverpool, and one can only imagine what the ghosts of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley have made of the last 18 seasons. Eighteen, of course, is a highly evocative number in the context of battles between these two giants, separated by 33 miles of East Lancs Road or, if you prefer, M62 motorway.

For while Liverpool can still proudly boast more top-flight English titles - 18 - than any other club, they haven’t added to their haul since 1990. And with consecutive triumphs in the last two seasons, United have closed to within one title of their bitter rivals. When you consider that, at the time Kenny Dalglish’s Reds lifted the club’s 18^th title in 1990, United’s tally was a modest seven, the seismic nature of the power-shift in Lancashire can be graphically understood. If United successfully defend their title again this season, they will not only claim an unprecedented second hat-trick of championships, but also equal Liverpool’s record total of titles. That is a prospect almost too awful to contemplate for many Reds fans. Never has Liverpool’s quest for that elusive next title been more urgent.

Advantage Liverpool?

The good news for Liverpool is that they can go three points clear at the top of the table - for two hours at least - if they can achieve their tenth successive home league victory. To do so at United’s expense would be sweet indeed. United are down in ninth at the moment, partly because they’ve played a game fewer than all except Fulham, their clash wityh the Cottagers having been postponed while they went to Monaco for their ill-fated Super Cup defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.

But United were the only opponents who left Anfield with all three points last season - and Ferguson boasts an unbeaten record against Benitez of seven wins and one draw. Rafa’s one success was in an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2006.

The context for this match is that both sides have been without most of their squads for ten days because of the international break - and that both will be seeking the boost to morale of a win to carry them into their first Champions League group matches next week.

Noises Off-Stage

Inevitably in the build-up to such a big game there have been plenty of comments, and some verbal sniping, from both camps. As noted, Fergie has queried the wisdom of Liverpool’s purchase of Robbie Keane, the Irishman shrugging off the slight by insisting football is a game of opinions - and adding that in his, John O’Shea should start every game for United. Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, reflecting on the bitter disappointment of last season’s home defeat by United, claimed that the game is worth much more than three points.

“If we beat Manchester United at home, we will have 10 points and much more confidence, but everyone will also be very, very happy.”

His team-mate Fabio Aurelio (famous among other things for the fact that his surname uses every available vowel), chipped in with: “We need to try and change the history. In recent years, it has been difficult against them, but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday.”

Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who recklessly got himself sent off during last season’s showdown between the teams at Old Trafford, reckons: "It’s a match we need to win if we want to compete for the title. We can do that and push for honours. The fans deserve it."

The trick, of course, is walking the walk as well as talking the talk, as Reds defender Jamie Carragher knows only too well. He admits United have been better than Liverpool in recent derbies, and told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'm not a great believer in being lucky or unlucky. I'm a big believer in 'you get what you deserve'.

"United over the last few years have probably edged it with us and small details in football make a difference. That's why they've been better than us and that's something we need to liven up.”

Meanwhile, from Old Trafford, there have been some bullish noises too, including former United defender Gary Pallister saying Liverpool will again fail to contest the title this season. He insists the Reds cannot sustain a challenge over the course of the whole season. He even suggests that things could quickly go pear-shaped for Benitez if he a loser again at Anfield.

"I can't see them challenging this year. I thought they might put together a sustained challenge last year and they didn't manage to do so. I don't feel as though they can this year either," he told the Daily Star. “Under Benitez they've been playing for fourth spot. That's not good enough for Liverpool fans. They expect to be up there fighting for league championships - and that hasn't happened. It would have a big effect on their season if they lose. If they lose badly it would be even more damaging. To lose at home to one of your main rivals is a huge blow."

The current United players have been fairly muted about Liverpool. Berbatov has been insisting he’s not lazy; Ryan Giggs has been predicting the Bulgarian will be an instant success for United; and Wayne Rooney has been talking more about resurgent England than the Premiership this week, having ended his 11-month goal drought for the Three Lions with an impressive performance.

But the other significant off-stage noise surrounding this gamer could well come from Liverpool fans planning to protest against the clubs two American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Will that strike a chord among United fans who wanted nothing to do with the Glazer-buy-out of their club? It should do, but parochial enmity could well mean United fans mocking rather than sympathising with their Scouse rivals.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool have lost one of their last 16 games in all competitions - a 2-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg. They are unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches, of which they’ve won seven and drawn three. Ironically, their last League defeat was a 3-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in March. And their last home defeat was also by United nine months ago. That 1-0 defeat, inflicted by a Carlos Tevez goal, was Liverpool’s only loss at Anfield in their last 24. But they’ve not not beaten a fellow 'Big Four' club in six attempts. This season, the Reds have beaten Sunderland away, Middlesbrough at home and drawn with Aston Villa away in the League, while squeezing through in extra-time against Standard Liege in a Champions League qualifier to secure entry to the lucrative group stage.

United’s last outing was that 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the European Super Cup on 29th August. They’ve played only two Premier League fixtures to date, a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle United and a 1-09 win at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. They’ve won 10, drawn three and lost one of their last 14 Premier League games, collecting 10 points from the last 12 on offer since Chelsea beat the 2-1 away on 26th April. That was United’s first reverse in their last eight games against fellow 'Big Four' clubs.

Last Five Matches

Liverpool

31 Aug: Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool (EPL)

27 Aug: Liverpool 1-0 Standard Liege (CLQ)

23 Aug: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough (EPL)

16 Aug: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (EPL)

13 Aug: Standard Liege 0-0 Liverpool (CLQ)

Manchester United

29 Aug: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg (N) (Super Cup)

25 Aug: Portsmouth 0-1 Man Utd (EPL)

17 Aug: Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle Utd (EPL)

10 Aug: Man Utd 0-0 Portsmouth (N) (Community Shield) (Utd won 3-1 on pens)

04 Aug: Peterborough Utd 0-2 Man Utd (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Benitez was given a major boost today when two of his key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were both declared fit to face United.

Gerrard missed England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing a minor groin operation, and Torres has recovered from a hamstring tear, so both stars are included in Rafa’s squad after successfully completing Friday’s light training session.

"They are both much better," said Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Albert Riera is in line to make his Liverpool debut after joining the club from Espanyol on transfer deadline day. But Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss the game after a long-haul flight back to Merseyside from international duty in South America. And both Sami Hyypia and Philipp Degen could miss out with hamstring and groin injuries, respectively.

Squad: Reina, Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Aurelio, Alonso, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Agger, Kuyt, Babel, Mascherano, Carragher, Ngog, Plessis, El Zhar, Skrtel, Riera.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossenaa, Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera, Keane, Torres.

Manchester United

The club’s expensive transfer deadline-day recruit, Dimitar Berbatov, will almost certainly make his debut for the club, despite his fitness levels having been questioned by United’s coaching staff following his arrival from Tottenham.

Ferguson had doubts about the fitness of three potentially key men, but has been boosted by the prospect of having the trio back in contention for United’s first Premier League game in almost three weeks.

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all now look likely to be fit and available to face Liverpool. Ferdinand missed England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday because of neck and back injuries, but recovered to play his part in the Three Lions’ resounding 4-1 thrashing of Croatia in Zagreb last night.

Giggs, 34, had been suffering with a hamstring problem but could be involved if he comes through a late fitness test. And Carrick is now expected to be available following an ankle injury.

But Cristiano Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves are still undergoing treatment.

Squad: Van der Sar, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Anderson, Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, R. Da Silva, O’Shea, Evans, Fletcher, Tevez, Kuszczak.

Possible Starting XI: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

All eyes will inevitably be on former Tottenham strike partners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, now on opposite sides and keen to prove t5hey were worth their respective big fees. Keane has appeared over-anxious so far for the Reds, so a more measure approach to this titanic struggle could pay dividends for him. Trying too hard is not an accusation Berbatov has often had directed at him, but he show more than his usual economy of movement oh his debut for United. Like Keane on moving to Anfield, Berba described his switch to Old Trafford as a ’dream’ (cue yawns). It may well be a dream move for Rooney, whose game has cried out for some time for the sort of vision, touch and guile that Berbatov can provide in the form of telling assists. On the other hand, Jamie Carragher will be at his most dogged and determined in trying to turn the tide in these North-West derbies, and will neither ask nor give a quarter to either United front man.

PREDICTION

Recent history points to United maintaining their hex on Liverpool, but then neither side have found anything like approaching top gear so far this season. This is the just the type of game to sort the men from the boys, the serious contenders from the mere hopefuls, though at this stage of the campaign no outcome will be decisive - and you’d still expect both sides to be in contention next April when the season moves towards its climax.

Their recent dominance over Liverpool means United may turn up at Anfield expecting to win, which could suit Liverpool. If United do win, they will have to halt a run: Liverpool have won their last nine home league games and are unbeaten at Anfield in the league this calendar year. Perhaps surprisingly, too, since February the Reds have been the best team in the Premier League with 13 wins, four draws and one defeat from 18 games. Meanwhile United have won only one of their four games so far this season during the regulation 90 minutes. And the last time Liverpool endured an eight-match winless streak against United in the league (1996-2000), they endede the sequence in the ninth meeting by winning 1-0 (and going on to do the double over United that season).

It’s also true that in none of the last eight clashes between these two sides have both teams got on the score-sheet - but that could change tomorrow with a scoring draw.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Graham Lister

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Sir Alex Ferguson has come out firing following Mark Hughes' claim that he Manchester City - Chelsea clash has become a bigger fixture than Manchester United against Liverpool on the same day.

"I had better check what Mark has had for his breakfast because something must be upsetting him," scoffed Ferguson.

"How many games did he play for United against Liverpool? Our game is the biggest. It is a great game."

The fact is that the 'Clash of the Cash' set for Saturday tea-time, by which time the outcome of the Anfield clash will be known, is a sell-out at Eastlands, despite being shown live on Setanta Sports. And the pre-match interest from the media is so great that the venue of Hughes' scheduled press conference has had to be moved to the stadium to accommodate the high number journalists and film crews eager to catch it.

A record attendance is expected at Eastlands where the home fans will have heir first opportunity to greet news of the new regime, plus Robinho, and welcome back popular winger Shaun-Wright Phillips - coincidentally sold back to City by Chelsea.

Sir Alex uncharacteristically held his tongue when reports broke that newly mega-wealthy City are already plotting to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away with a January bid that would gazump the current world record, but now he has come out swinging.

"There has been a lot of talk but it is a different matter when it actually comes to getting those players," added the Scot.

"To think they could get Cristiano Ronaldo for instance is absolutely absurd.

"Negotiations are not easy nowadays, as we found with Dimitar.

"Yes, we have bought big players, but Manchester United is not a cash cow, as people are talking about other clubs at the moment.

"At the moment it is all talk. We have seen it before and it will happen again.

"It depends how much money they want to throw at it but even then it doesn't always work," he was keen to point out.

"You can buy 11 individuals and not have a team as Sunderland proved.

"When Chelsea did it we worried because we saw the quality they were bringing in. They got Michael Essien for £27million, which was a level we could not reach.

"You could tell they would be a handful.

"It is very difficult to say what will happen with City but we should not concern ourselves with what people are planning to do because it does not always work."

Ferguson concluded by insisting that United is built to rise to any threat.

"There is always a challenge at this club," he continued.

"Four years ago when Jose Mourinho went to Chelsea it represented a different challenge from Arsenal.

"They were the new kids on the block and we had to reassess our approach. We accepted the challenge.

"What you see here today has not been created overnight.

"This club has been built up over many years and will be here for a long time."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra on Saturday evening with a back problem.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out by England boss Fabio Capello at the pre-match news conference ahead of the game at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

It is expected that the former Leeds and West Ham defender will be fit for the Three Lions’ crunch game against Croatia next week, meaning that there is no reason to risk the Champions League winner against the part-time Andorra team.

"He is the only one in the squad who is not 100 percent fit,” Capello revealed to the press.

"But it is not a serious injury and I think he will be fit to face Croatia next week."

Ferdinand’s back ailment has prevented him from taking part in any training this week.

As a result of the player’s absence Joleon Lescott, Wesley Brown and Matthew Upson are all competing to partner captain John Terry at centre-back. The omission of Jonathan Woodgate now seems more puzzling however, after Capello revealed that he had expected Ferdinand to miss the game.

Ferdinand, who debuted for his nation in 1997, has 69 caps for his nation and has scored 2 international goals.

Chris Myson, Goal.com

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that Mick Phelan, a former United player, will be his new No.2 at Old Trafford...

Phelan becomes Fergie's sixth United assistant, following Archie Knox, Brian Kidd, Walter Smith, Steve McClaren and Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz left in July, penning a four-year deal to become boss of his native Portuguese national team. Queiroz was an effective right-hand man, fulfilling many media commitments for Ferguson during his two stints as his right-hand man.

45-year-old Phelan, a midfielder who made over 100 appearances for the Red Devils in the early nineties, moves from his role as first team coach. Meanwhile, skills development expert Rene Meulensteen steps into Phelan's role.

Via the club's official website, Ferguson confirmed: "I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions.

"Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club’s success has often been understated.

“Rene brings different ideas and experience to the role of first team coach. I believe the two will provide an excellent team to continue the club’s willingness to try new ideas and constantly drive for success in an increasingly competitive game.”

Liam Black, Goal.com

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Manchester United have completed the signing of Dimitar Berbatov for £30.75 million, with Fraizer Campbell going the other way on a season-long loan...

The Bulgarian has been a long-term target of the double-winners, who had an approach rebuffed last season. They reignited their interest this summer, as they looked to complete their striking options up front.

Spurs were greatly opposed to their approach for their star player and reported Manchester United to the Football Association accusing them of an illegal approach for the 27-year-old. Nevertheless, they remained at the front of the queue to land their man despite fleeting interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Local rivals Manchester City emerged as final day fighters for his signature, having had a bid in excess of £30 million accepted by Tottenham. United, despite having officially been denied permission by Spurs to talk to Berbatov, arranged a medical in Manchester this evening and the player then arrived at Old Trafford as the deadline drew nearer.

Negotiations were ongoing in the stadium for a couple of intense hours before the player emerged and left the ground, shortly after which Spurs announced the deal as official on their website.

United had put an empty Berbatov profile up on their website hours before the deal had been concluded, which very much proved a sign of things to come, unlike Chelsea's faux-pas when they began selling Robinho shirts online.

The Red Devils have had to sacrifice youngster Fraizer Campbell - but only for a season - as he is loaned to the Lilywhites for the forthcoming season as part of the deal. The agreement will spare United potential blushes, as Spurs have agreed not to follow up their initial complaint over an illegal approach from the champions for the Bulgarian.

Campbell, who impressed last season on loan at Hull City, who he helped gain promotion, has been touted as a hot prospect by Sir Alex Ferguson, who is eager to hold onto the young goal-getter in the long-term future.

"The Club can announce that it has reached agreement with Manchester United for the permanent transfer of Dimitar Berbatov for a fee of £30.75m," announced Tottenham on their website. "As part of the settlement the Club has agreed not to pursue its official complaint to the Premier League.

"The deal sees Fraizer Campbell coming the other way on a season long loan. Campbell, 20, spent last season on loan at Hull City where his goals played a pivotal role in the Tiger's promotion to the Premier League."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson lavished praise on his new signing.

"This is a key signing," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is one of the best and most exciting strikers in world football."

Berbatov himself, already being dubbed by fans as the new Eric Cantona, was overjoyed with the move.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he said.

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com

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Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 Manchester United

A game of two halves in every sense of the phrase as Zenit controlled the first 45 minutes and United looked to creep back in for the second. The showpiece was marred by a cheating Paul Scholes who was sent off the pitch for punching the ball into the net in an attempt to bring the game back level...

The Uefa Super Cup is a meeting of two winners looking to start their season by topping up their respective trophy cabinets. It has been billed as the European equivalent of the Community Shield: they are both admittedly curtain-raising showpieces, but tonight’s match carried a weightier reputation for the victor.

There was no room on Zenit’s starting eleven for Andrei Arshavin. For Manchester United; Darren Fletcher - who has scored in successive Premier League games, began on the right, with Nani on the left.

Just before kick-off Sir Alex Ferguson told ITV Sport: "It’s a good tie, there is prestige for sure. There has been a considerable development in Russian football… they have huge salaries, but hopefully we will win it." He was right about Russian football, but his hope was in vein.

As the referee’s whistle signaled the start of the tie there was considerable noise from the Russian sectors who slightly outnumbered the traveling Mancs.

The venue of Monaco was fitting for two teams that can afford to indulge in high-profile transfers. Last summer United spent around £70million on recruitments including Owen Hargreaves; Anderson; and Nani, whereas Zenit have just signed Danny Alves for £25million who, coincidentally, plays the same role as Arshavin but it is Danny who started today.

The better chances fell to Zenit in the opening five minutes, and they could have been ahead had it not been for shoddy shooting. Nemanja Vidic, who used to play for Spartak Moscow, made a crunching challenge as if to let his opponents know he was there early on.

There was a considerable lack of early long balls. Both teams intent on passing out of defence though it was Zenit who made more use of the ball and were keeping hold of possession for longer.

The Russian Premier League is half way through it’s season, they began their campaign in March, and are clearly the sharper side.

The English Premier League is only coming to its third weekend, it is evident from the offset that freshness will have a bearing in how this game pans out.

Tymoschuck broke up play well in the first fifteen minutes. He patrolled in front of his defence with discipline and led by example. He took the ball away from Wayne Rooney with such ease in one well-timed sliding tackle that it noticeably lifted the Zenit support.

Zenit found a lot of space on their right hand side. Their one-two play caught Patrice Evra out time and again and there were numerous opportunities to punish United on that flank.

On the cusp of the half-way mark in the first 45, Dominguez struck a free kick that had Edwin Van Der Sar scrambling. The ball went wide, rebounded off a pole off the pitch and struck the wrong side of the net.

United began to find more fluidity with their passing as the first half grew on, and were able to locate space in the wide areas for in-swinging crosses, but to no avail.

Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdiand paired-up well to block out Pogrebnyak who was in a golden goal-scoring position.

Passes from both Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher grew increasingly accurate with the latter finding Tevez with plenty of space on the right flank.

Zenit and United controlled play and looked most lethal when attacking the right hand side. On the 35th minute Tevez was again fed through the right flank, cut the ball back to Rooney, but the Scouse striker could not pluck the ball from under his own boots and ended up getting tangled in possession.

Van der Sar made a goal-saving block from Krizanoc who ran in from a 40-yard Zenit free-kick. Three minutes later Rio Ferdinand slipped from around the same distance and Danny Alves ran in to exploit his mistake. As United managed to scramble back to their box, the ball was passed around the 'D' by Zenit, Pogrebnyak took control, looked like he turned the wrong way but managed to still sneak a small lobbed-cross into the 6-yard box but United were awarded a free-kick for alleged pushing.

Pogrebnyak, joint top goal-scorer with Luca Toni in last season’s Uefa Cup, sneaked in a header from a Zenit corner and, on the run of play, the Russian side took a one-nil lead into the break. The ball looked like it was swinging into the goal-mouth anyway, and probably would have crossed the line, but Pogrebnyak did not take any chances and powered through.

At half-time Sir Alex remained upbeat, telling ITV Sport: “They had a few chances but we had the most possession. It’s a bad goal to concede so we need to recover. They [United players] know that.”

The only change as the play restarted was the replacement of Dominguez with Andrei Arshavin. The playmaker will be keen to impress the various European eyes glancing on the game, and will have been keen to flaunt his flair.

As the game re-found its flow Rooney tracked back to link-up play with the midfield. Sixty seconds later he was back in the forward’s zone, had a shooting opportunity, but fired wide.

Ten minutes in and Tymoschuk thumped a 30-yarder goal-ward, Van der Sar – wary of Danny running into the box, cleverly parried the ball into safety.

Further misery was inflicted on the Manchester side as the expensive Portuguese acquisition thumped in a powerful effort. Ferguson would have been fuming as his defence was poor in handling Danny. Ferdinand was wrong-footed and Vidic was late to the ball, by the time his slide-tackle slowed to a stop, the ball was in the back of the net.

On the hour mark, John O’Shea replaced Anderson, and Darren Fletcher is also brought off. Puygrenier made way for Shirokov for Zenit.

Carlos Tevez’s work-rate was something to be proud of. He was one of the few Red Devils in the opening hour that played with intent. One example of his obsession to be on the ball was when he was tackled, fell to the ground, but was back on his feet and regained possession before you could say ‘Trojan’. Five minutes later Tevez again created opportunites; O’Shea ran onto a ball and struck with his first touch but was blocked by a stubborn Zenit defence.

United clawed a goal back when Nani won a corner kick that was poorly swung into Rooney who passed to Tevez at the far post. Carlos knocked it onto Vidic’s path who drilled a low shot into goal. The many Zenit bodies on the line simply ball-watched.

With ten minutes remaining Denisov embarked on a solo run taking on three United defenders and beating two, he eventually played the ball back as a triplet of Red shirts tried to triangle him and he temporarily injured himself in the process.

Malafeev kept the Russians in the game as Tevez fed in a perfect cross into the box that met the forehead of John O’Shea. The Russian glovesman punched the ball over and looked around nonchalantly.

Paul Scholes was deservedly sent off with one minute remaining on the clock as Brown fed in a high cross and Scholes punched the ball into the net a la Maradona. His team-mates rushed to congratulate him but the officiator wanted none of it and gave the midfielder a second yellow for attempting to cheat in order to claim the draw. He will now miss Champions League games.

A fine spectacle ended dour due to Scholes' gamesmanship, but Zenit were thrilled to lift the silverware aloft. The Russian side showed they were no pushover tonight, and will be a contender in Group H of the Champions League. Real Madrid take heed.

Alan Dawson

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Throughout a 34-year managerial career of unparalleled success, Sir Alex Ferguson has consistently preached the importance of his strikers in setting the tempo for the entire team.

From Mark McGhee and Eric Black at Aberdeen to Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United, Ferguson's trophy-winning teams have been styled as well as built on the foundations of his attacking options. Yet with riches in every other department – and Tottenham threatening to leave Dimitar Berbatov in the reserves for the season – the permutations up front most exercise his mind.

United won the Premier League and Champions League last season with virtually the same set of players, yet there were exceptional circumstances, notably Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 goals. Ronaldo has been unavailable so far this season, and the warning signs are already there.

Newcastle and Kevin Keegan are hardly synonymous with competent defending, but they still managed to frustrate United enough to grind out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. United's 1-0 win was a significant result at such a difficult away venue as Fratton Park but, including the Community Shield, United have also scored just once in 180 minutes this season against a Portsmouth team that Chelsea demolished 4-0.

The difficulty is clear. Magnificent player that he is, Wayne Rooney does not naturally lead the line. The same can be said of Carlos Tevez. Indeed, with Louis Saha and Ronaldo sidelined, United lack not only a player who can naturally hold the ball up, but also any significant attacking aerial threat.

The wonderful intricate passing of the likes of Rooney, Tevez and Paul Scholes can still overcome most teams, yet there is the danger that they will become too predictable. As he watched over his team last night, Ferguson could only have imagined what possibilities Berbatov could bring.

In each of his first two seasons for Tottenham, he scored 23 goals, but he also provided the sort of physical presence and silky touch to extract the best from his partner up front.

Berbatov also seemed most likely to deliver in the biggest matches. Ferguson has often talked of a player's ability to cope with the Old Trafford stage. However distasteful, his recent behaviour also points to a self-belief that he belongs at one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Rooney, with his wonderful ability to roam into dangerous positions and make devastating runs, would surely also thrive in the company of a central player with Berbatov's skill.

Ferguson has admitted that he had been guilty of sacrificing Rooney's goal-scoring edge by asking him to play in different roles for the greater good of the team.

"We've played him wide and in other positions," Ferguson said. "He'd play centre-half if you asked him to. I think his best position is through the middle, either a front role or tucking in just behind."

In Berbatov, it would seem, Ferguson sees a player of quality in his own right and an answer to the Rooney conundrum.

Ultimately, it will come down to money. Tottenham believe United should match Chelsea's British record transfer fee of £30 million for Andrei Shevchenko. United are understandably wary, yet allowing the moment to pass could prove even more costly.

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Portsmouth (0) 0 Manchester United (1) 1

Manchester United recorded their first win of the Premier League season when Darren Fletcher's scruffy first-half goal secured a 1-0 triumph at Portsmouth.

Fletcher was credited with turning the ball in from Patrice Evra's cross in the 32nd minute although Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin appeared to make contact with the ball and Sol Campbell also got a touch in a vain attempt to keep it out.

It was the second goal in as many games for the Scotland midfielder after he also found the net in last week's draw with Newcastle United.

Wayne Rooney beat Portsmouth keeper David James with a shot early in the second half but had the effort ruled out for offside.

For FA Cup holders Portsmouth, defeat continued their unhappy start to the season after losing the Community Shield to United on penalties and their league opener 4-0 at Chelsea.

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El Mundo Deportivo reports that Ajax star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remains on the agenda at Manchester United, at least as a backup option. Should they fail to land Dimitar Berbatov then the Dutchman could be subject to an approach...

It is thought that Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a recent bid from United for Berbatov, who is commonly regarded as the Red Devils' number one target this summer.

With €32m apparently not being enough for the Lilywhites, United may soon take their interest elsewhere, and that could be in the direction of the Dutch capital.

Ajax, no stranger to selling their top talents, may accept a bid of slightly under €30m for their international striker, who has a great admirer in the form of United boss Alex Ferguson.

MD additionally reports that, should Ferguson make his interest concrete, a "war" could be on the cards. Real Madrid have made it clear in the past that they too are fans of Huntelaar, and if they do not make a move this summer certainly they would at least consider it next year.

As such if United make a formal offer, Madrid could potentially follow, reawakening the ugly scenes of "Ronaldogate." That said, Madrid are currently preoccupied with the fate of Robinho, to whom they are trying to offer a new contract.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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By his recent standards Sir Alex Ferguson has been very inactive this summer, and has told Sky Sports that he is less optimistic about landing his targets...

Sir Alex was one of the busiest shoppers in the last transfer window, snapping up Anderson Abreu, Luis Nani, Owen Hargreaves on long term deals, as well as Carlos Tevez on loan with a view to buy.

This summer the double winning head coach has not been as productive, but his long-term dalliance with Dimitar Berbatov has oft been speculated.

"I'm feeling less optimistic right now," Ferguson is quoted by Sky Sports as saying. "We are looking... but if it doesn't come off then we will carry on as we are."

Manchester United are keen to bolster their forward line to take the heat off of Carlos Tevez, and Wayne Rooney.

The Red Devils visit Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth on Monday, the third time they have met over the last month, having defeated them on penalties in the Community Shield, and defeating them in a pre-season friendly staged in Nigeria.

Alan Dawson

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