Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United - FA Cup Final

A Didier Drogba goal late in extra time was enough to secure victory for Chelsea over Manchester United in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley.

Played On: Saturday, 19th May, 2007
Held At: The New Wembley Stadium
Attendance: 89,826.
Referee: S Bennett (Kent)
Goals: Drogba 116`

Didier Drogba got the 33rd goal of his season

Report:
Drogba produced a rare moment of brilliance in a game that failed to live up to expectations to complete a cup Double for the Blues. With penalties looming, he played a one-two with Frank Lampard before poking the ball past Edwin van der Sar. Ryan Giggs missed a good chance to win the game for United in normal time. The 90,000 fans inside the stadium were treated to a fantastic pre-match build-up featuring some famous faces from Wembley's glorious past. But aside from Drogba's late winner, the two best sides in the country produced a game that is unlikely to live long in the memory. That is unlikely to bother Chelsea, who won the last FA Cup final at the old Wembley in 2000. A cagey opening 20 minutes set the pace for a match that at times seemed more like the Community Shield than the first FA Cup final at an immaculate new stadium. The first effort on target did not arrive until after the half-hour, with Paulo Ferreira venturing forward and slipping a pass in for Frank Lampard, who forced Van der Sar to make a smart low save. That was about the extent of the first 45 minutes as both teams looked heavy-legged after a season in which they have each played over 60 games. The pitch, which looked in fabulous condition at the start, began to cut up and so did not aid the footballing spectacle or the weary players. Joe Cole looked one of the few players capable of livening things up before he was surprisingly replaced at half-time by Arjen Robben. The pace picked up slightly after the break, with United looking the more likely to score the new Wembley's first FA Cup final goal. Wayne Rooney emerged from his first-half shell to bring a first save out of Petr Cech and tested Chelsea's back line with a couple of bursting runs. Paul Scholes picked out Giggs to volley just over the top as Sir Alex Ferguson's men showed the odd glimpse of the stylish side that dominated the Premiership. At the other end, Drogba was largely contained by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, with the Premiership's top scorer limited to a curling free-kick that clipped the outside of the post during the 90 minutes. Vidic could have settled the tie with the last touch of normal time but his glancing header from Giggs' inswinging free-kick was just too high. Both sides had glorious chances to break the deadlock at the end of the first period of extra time. Giggs somehow managed to pick out Cech with the goal at his mercy as he slid on to a Rooney cross and then Drogba headed into the side-netting from an equally promising position. Salomon Kalou was agonisingly close to scoring before Drogba and Lampard exchanged passes and the Golden Boot winner capped a fabulous season with the most important goal of his campaign. It prevented a third successive FA Cup final going to penalties and provided a memorable moment for the long-awaited return home to London for the competition. Chelsea add the FA Cup to the League Cup, which they won earlier this season, and manager Jose Mourinho did his job prospects no harm by securing the one domestic trophy that was missing in his collection.

Eighteen steps to glory...

I came across this link in BBC Sport which depicted through 18 photos as to how Man United won the Premier League title this season.

1 - Desperate to regain the title, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson signs England midfielder Michael Carrick for £18.6m



2 - United badly need a good start and Wayne Rooney nets twice as they begin their season with a 5-1 thrashing of Fulham



3 - Wins at Charlton and Watford follow before Ryan Giggs' early goal secures a 1-0 victory against Tottenham



4 - But United suffer a setback when Emmanuel Adebayor's goal gives Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in September



5 - They respond with an unbeaten run, which includes a 4-0 win at Bolton where Wayne Rooney scores a hat-trick



6 - United are three points clear of champions Chelsea at the top after Rooney scores twice in a 2-1 win at Sheffield United



7 - Ricardo Carvalho's equaliser salvages a 1-1 draw for Chelsea at Old Trafford and prevents United from going six points clear



8 - A 3-1 win over Manchester City in December stetches the lead to nine points - Cristiano Ronaldo is among the scorers



9 - But eight days later that lead is down to just two points after a 1-0 defeat against struggling West Ham at Upton Park



10 - Ferguson signs Swedish star Henrik Larsson, 35, on a three-month loan deal during the January transfer window



11 - Larsson plays an important role in United's season, scoring his first Premiership goal in a 4-0 win against Watford



12 - United go six points clear after starting February with another 4-0 win, this time at Spurs where John O'Shea ends up in goal




13 - Ronaldo's brilliant late goal clinches a hugely important win at Fulham that extends United's lead at the top to nine points



14 - The title race is blown wide open when Rio Ferdinand's farcical own goal at Portsmouth helps condemn United to a 2-1 defeat



15 - And the tide seems to be turning against United when they draw 1-1 at home to Middlesbrough with Chelsea closing in



16 - But 28 April is a crucial day; United come from behind to beat Everton 4-2 while Chelsea can only draw at home to Bolton



17 - Ronaldo's penalty secures a 1-0 win at Manchester City and leaves United on the brink of claiming the Premiership crown



18 - And when 10-man Chelsea are held to a draw by Arsenal, Manchester United are confirmed as Premiership champions

Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United

Carlos Tevez fired West Ham to a shock win at champions Manchester United to help keep his side in the Premiership.

Played On: Sunday, 13 May 2007
Held At: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,927.
Referee: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire)
Goals: Tevez 45`.

Match-winner Tevez remains at the centre of controversy

Report:
The Argentine - at the centre of a row over his registration - scored on the stroke of half-time from close range. Manchester United wasted a string of chances as West Ham fought fiercely for their top-flight status at the expense of Sheffield United who lost to Wigan. West Ham stood firm to pull-off an amazing relegation escape and spoil Sir Alex Ferguson's title party. A weakened Manchester United side were celebrating their 16th English league title against a Hammers team who needed a point to guarantee their Premiership status. Sir Alex Ferguson left a host of star names on the bench and there were no complaints from his West Ham counterpart Alan Curbishley. West Ham started confidently enough but it was the champions who had the first clear opportunity when Rooney squandered a great chance to open the scoring after Darren Fletcher's through-ball. Wes Brown was twice called into action at the other end to clear his lines as the Hammers showed plenty of willingness to attack. The home side looked the more likely to break through and Rooney, Alan Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all had half chances as West Ham held firm. Yossi Benayoun rescued West Ham twice in a matter of seconds when he first headed Smith's flicked effort off the line, then stood firm as Kieran Richardson let fly with the rebound. Tevez appealed for a penalty when his shot flicked off Brown but had to make do with a corner, which Fletcher cleared. Robert Green then made a superb fingertip save to deny John O'Shea at the other end before Rooney screwed his volley wide after Heinze picked him out with a superb far-post cross. West Ham took the lead in injury time, the home defence failing to deal with Green's long punt down field and, after exchanging passes with Bobby Zamora, Tevez squeezed his shot home. The Red Devils were struggling to make any headway and Ferguson made a triple substitution before the hour mark with Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Alan Smith replaced by Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Hammers were forced back by wave after wave of red attacks which came to very little before Luis Boa Morte blazed a shot high and wide from a Nigel Reo-Coker cross. West Ham survived several more near misses as cries of "champions, champions" echoed around Old Trafford. But it was West Ham who deserved the victory after a lacklustre display from the home side with the FA Cup final just six days away. For West Ham it was the culmination of a six week-long miracle relegation escape - that is unless the Sheffield United lawyers have their way.

Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United

Newly-crowned Premiership champions Manchester United played out a tame draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Played On: Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Held At: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,794
Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire)

Referee Graham Poll lectures Man Utd's Gabriel Heinze at Chelsea

Report:
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho both fielded weakened sides, with the forthcoming FA Cup final in mind. Chelsea looked more likely winners in what was mostly a low-key encounter. United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak was erratic, but made several saves and Kieran Lee also cleared off the line from Ben Sahar in the closing minutes. Manchester United boss Ferguson has vowed to field his strongest side in the final league game against relegation-threatened West Ham. And it showed in his team selection, which was very much a makeshift affair. It led to the ludicrous spectacle of Chelsea captain John Terry leading a guard of honour for a side featuring Fangzhou Dong, Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson, Kuszczak and Lee. With the Premiership title decided, the game was decidedly uneventful until Mikel Jon Obi, still angry at an earlier challenge from Alan Smith, launched into a wild challenge on Eagles. Referee Graham Poll booked Mikel, and the fear of a red card ruling him out of the FA Cup final led to him being replaced by Joe Cole at half-time. Gabriel Heinze had United's best chance of the half, but he dragged a right-foot finish wide. United were denied what looked like a clear penalty after 56 minutes when Eagles was tripped by Michael Essien. Eagles was so incensed he immediately flattened Shaun Wright-Phillips, receiving a booking from referee Poll. 
Chelsea finally had a spell of pressure when Wright-Phillips shot straight at Kuszczak after 68 minutes and Salomon Kalou forced a diving save out of the keeper two minutes later. Dong had been quiet on his debut after three years at United, and he was replaced by Wayne Rooney with 18 minutes left. Referee Poll, not for the first time, was centre stage, and he was involved in an exchange of views with Mourinho that led to the Chelsea boss momentarily leaving the dug-out. Chelsea looked the more likely winners, and Kuszczak had to dive to his left to save a curling drive from Lassana Diarra. Kuszczak was then fortunate to escape when he dropped Joe Cole's corner, but John Terry's header was smuggled to safety. And from the resulting corner, the keeper's eventful night continued when he saved from Kalou. But United held on and, as they have so often done this season, they left Chelsea frustrated. 

Post-Match Interviews:

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho:

If somebody has to win, we had more chances, we dominated more and showed more ambition to win the game but the result is not important.  The draw is a fair result and is what normally happens in these matches. Graham Poll had a normal performance when he is refereeing a Chelsea match. 

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:

I'm pleased with the result because we were playing for a bit of honour and pride. Maybe when people saw the team they were expecting we wouldn't be bothered or that Chelsea were going to roll us over, but that wasn't the case. I have to be happy with a draw and some of our performances. We were good in terms of possession and confidence to play, although we tired markedly in the last 15 minutes and had to hang on a bit.

Manchester United secure Premiership title

Manchester United have clinched their first Premiership title since 2003 following Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Ferguson has led Manchester United to nine Premiership titles

The result sees United, who have now won the Premiership a record nine times, seven points clear at the top of the table with only two games left.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said:

It's a fantastic day for the club and fans. There was an emphasis on the league and the key was our good start. Once we made that, we never lost it.

Ferguson added:

The Premier League is such a competitive league and the focus and the pressure on the big clubs makes it a focus for us. I used to have an obsession of winning in Europe but the Premiership has become a priority.

The United boss, 65, said his side's superb start to the season and the attitude of his players were the vital factors in their success.

Once we got the lead it was always hard to dislodge us, The crucial part was the resilience of the players when we got injuries. We don't have as big a squad as Chelsea but we dug in and I have to take my hat off to those players. Credit to the players, who dug in every week for us. It has been a fantastic effort by them.

United's first game as champions sees them face Chelsea, Premiership winners in each of the previous two seasons, at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. And United also face Jose Mourinho's Blues in a mouthwatering FA Cup final on 19 May.

Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United

Manchester United moved to within touching distance of the Premiership title after Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty gave them victory at Manchester City.

Played On: Saturday, 5 May 2007
Held At: City of Manchester Stadium
Attendance: 47,244
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire)
Goals: Ronaldo 34` pen

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates putting Man Utd ahead at Man City

Report:
Ronaldo scored in the 34th minute after he was fouled by Michael Ball - who had earlier stamped viciously on the star. City wasted their best chance when goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved Darius Vassell's penalty 11 minutes from time after Wes Brown fouled Ball. Chelsea must now win at Arsenal on Sunday to keep alive the title race. The game opened in shameful fashion, with City defender Ball guilty of a cowardly stamp on Ronaldo as the United winger lay on the ground. Referee Rob Styles was unsighted but Ball is unlikely to have heard the last of the disgraceful foul and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably raging on the touchline after watching a replay of the incident. City, without a league goal at home since New Year's Day, had a half-chance to end that barren sequence after 16 minutes but Emile Mpenza shot straight at Van der Sar. United were displaying all the real quality, despite City's rather obvious attempts to entice them into a physical battle as opposed to a football match. Rio Ferdinand should have given the visitors the lead in the 23rd minute but he headed against the bar from close range after Ronaldo flicked on Ryan Giggs' corner. Ronaldo exacted revenge on Ball after 34 minutes when he tempted the defender into a foul inside the area - the Portuguese star recovering to send Andreas Iskasson the wrong way from the spot. The second half was a desperately tame affair, although Mpenza gave United a scare when he headed just off target. City were offering more of a physical threat than a footballing one and Nemanja Vidic needed treatment after a late challenge by substitute Paul Dickov. And yet Stuart Pearce's side were thrown a lifeline with 11 minutes left when Ball tumbled under Brown's challenge. But in keeping with their hapless record in front of goal, Vassell blasted the spot-kick straight at Van der Sar's legs. United held in on comfort - and the celebrations at the final whistle suggested Ferguson's side know the title is theirs, barring a Chelsea miracle.

AC Milan 3-0 Manchester United (agg 5-3)

AC Milan will face Liverpool in the Champions League final after crushing Manchester United at the San Siro.

Played On: Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Held At: San Siro, Guiseppe Meazza, Milan
Attendance: 78,500
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
Goals: Kaka 11`, Seedorf 30`, Gilardino 78`.

Kaka scored his 10th Champions League goal of the season

Report:
Milan started the semi-final 3-2 down but were ahead on away goals after just 11 minutes when Clarence Seedorf headed down for Kaka to drill into the corner. Seedorf capitalised on confusion in the United defence to fire in a second after half an hour. And substitute Alberto Gilardino broke away to wrap up an easy win as United limped out in disappointing fashion
The result ended United's dreams of repeating their 1999 Treble, but they can have no complaints after being totally outclassed by their Italian opponents. Sir Alex Ferguson named Nemanja Vidic in his starting line-up after the defender's recovery from a broken collarbone but the Serb, like his colleagues, was overwhelmed by Milan's superior passing and movement in wet conditions. The thunderous skies only added to the intimidating atmosphere at the San Siro, and when Milan began at a blistering pace, United were simply awestruck. The hosts threatened in the very first minute when Kaka delivered a dangerous ball across goal, after three minutes when Seedorf forced Edwin van der Sar to tip over and again on seven minutes when Kaka shot straight at the United keeper. The goal, then, was no more than Milan deserved, Seedorf nodding the ball down for Kaka to hammer home his 10th Champions League goal of the season.

Wayne Rooney endured a frustrating night at the San Siro

United's much-vaunted attack was proving toothless. Cristiano Ronaldo, who started on the left, was hardly in the game, Ryan Giggs was similarly anonymous, while Wayne Rooney's touch deserted him. The England striker was guilty of giving the ball away on numerous occasions but at least his errors were nowhere near as catastrophic as Gabriel Heinze's moment of madness. As United tried to play their way out of defence, the left-back inexplicably passed back to Vidic, who then compounded his team-mate's error by slipping as he scrambled to clear. Milan regained possession and the ball eventually fell for Seedorf, who rode Vidic's challenge before finding the same corner as Kaka. At half-time, optimistic United fans might have pointed to their side's recovery from two goals down in the 1999 semi-final against Juventus in Turin, but Milan were simply too good for such lacklustre opponents. United had far more possession in the second half but rarely threatened a calm and composed Milan defence nor did they manage to test Milan's out-of-form keeper Dida. Rooney finally found an accurate pass to set up Darren Fletcher, but he skewed wide and that was as good a chance as United fashioned. And Milan booked a repeat of the 2005 final against Liverpool when Gilardino galloped through a gaping hole in the United defence and stroked the ball past a stranded Van der Sar.

Post-Match Interviews:

Carlo Ancelotti, Milan coach

Watching your team play as we did in the first half is the dream of every coach, in the first 45 minutes we played perfect football. We built our victory on our great start. This is a great joy, especially considering the way this adventure started. It will be a fascinating match against Liverpool, who are a more physical side than Manchester United. Champions League football is unique for the special atmosphere at every match but I think Milan are the best side in Europe in these kind of games - we rarely play a bad game at this level. Most of all, however, I'm happy because we are in peak physical condition at the right time of the season. We did a great job during the Christmas break with this goal in mind and now we are seeing the results.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager

We are disappointed, obviously. Milan were better prepared physically for this game and we conceded two goals quite cheaply and could not cope with that. In Europe you can't give the ball away, unfortunately we did and Milan were much better than us at keeping possession. The biggest difference, however, was the level of experience and you gain that by keeping the same team for many years as Milan have done. Tonight they started so quickly, pressing every ball, and they played a great game. You always have to recover from disappointment. We have done in the past and I'm sure we'll handle it on Saturday. It's difficult to predict who will win the final, Milan proved tonight they can prepare for these type of games very well.

Everton 2-4 Manchester United

Manchester United battled back from two goals down to beat Everton and move five points clear in the title race.

Played On: Saturday, 28 April 2007
Held At: Goodison Park
Attendance: 39,682
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)
Goals: Stubbs 12`, Fernandes 50` | O'Shea 61`, Neville 68` og, Rooney 79`, Eagles 90`

Wayne Rooney (left) scored United's third goal

Report:
Everton took the lead on 12 minutes when Alan Stubbs' free-kick was deflected in off Michael Carrick. On 50 minutes, Manuel Fernandes smashed into the top corner to double their lead but John O'Shea halved it when he swept in after Iain Turner's error. Phil Neville's own goal levelled the score before Wayne Rooney put United ahead and Chris Eagles sealed the win. The result means United moved two points further away from Chelsea, who were held by Bolton 2-2, with three games to play. United will be crowned champions next weekend if they win at Manchester City on Saturday and if Chelsea were to lose at Arsenal on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson's depleted side started with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench after he suffered a knock in training, and Darren Fletcher was out of the squad completely. In came Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Alan Smith. Everton were forced to replace keeper Tim Howard, who is on loan from United and therefore ineligible, with 23-year-old Turner. Up front, James Vaughan replaced the injured Andrew Johnson and Manuel Fernandes also started. Before the match Everton paid tribute to former player Alan Ball, who died on Tuesday. Ball's son Jimmy and daughters Mandy and Keely placed a wreath at one end of the ground and Everton players warmed up with jerseys bearing Ball's name and number. There was also a minute's applause for the former Everton star and World Cup winner. And the emotional atmosphere may have fired Everton up, as they came tearing out of the blocks and were almost ahead on two minutes when Joleon Lescott hit the bar with a header. With the home support roaring their approval - and disapproval at their former darling Rooney's every touch - the hosts continued to push forward and take advantage of a sluggish start from United. And Everton soon took the lead when Stubbs fizzed in a low free-kick from 30 yards and keeper Edwin van der Sar was beaten by a deflection off Carrick. However, United soon began to take control of the half after weathering some tenacious Everton tackling. But Everton continued to battle and some of their aggressive tactics had United boss Ferguson raging on the touchline and flapping his arms in vain like a flightless bird. His frustration was not eased as Rooney had a shot saved at the near post and the striker headed tamely into the arms of Turner. After the break United quickly resumed their offensive and Rooney, again, was denied after three Everton bodies flung themselves into the path of his shot. But out of the blue - the ranked mass of blue that had been Everton's defence - came a quick counter-attack, and a lethal one at that. Fernandes took one touch to move the ball wide of Wes Brown and then rocketed a shot into the top corner from just outside the box. It looked like it might be a bad day for United, but Everton then contrived to ruin it for themselves and ensure Ferguson's men would remain favourites for the title. First, keeper Turner let the ball slip out of his grasp trying to pluck a routine corner out of the air and the ball landed at the feet of O'Shea, who swept the ball home. And then seven minutes later, United were level after another corner when substitute Ronaldo rose highest to head goalwards and Neville put through his own net trying to clear off the line. Worse was to come for Everton 12 minutes later when again they failed to deal with a cross into the area and Rooney set himself up superbly before tucking the ball away into the bottom right corner. Ronaldo had a great chance to add a fourth when clean through one-on-one but Turner did well to block the winger's shot with his arm. But United did score again, when Eagles raced clear and curled a low shot into the bottom corner to move United a step closer to the Premiership title.

Manchester United 3-2 AC Milan

Wayne Rooney's stunning last-minute winner kept Manchester United's hopes of reaching the Champions League final alive after an Old Trafford classic.

Played On: Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Held At: Old Trafford
Attendance: 73,820
Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece)
Goals: Ronaldo 6`, Rooney 59`, 90` | Kaka 22`, 37`.

Man Utd players celebrate Wayne Rooney's equaliser at Old Trafford

Report:
Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth-minute header put United in front, only for AC Milan to draw level through Kaka's angled drive after 21 minutes. Kaka put Milan ahead from close range before the interval, but Rooney turned in Paul Scholes' cool pass on the hour. Rooney then lashed a glorious 20-yard finish past Dida in injury time. It was a moment of magic that gave United a precious lead to defend going into the second leg in Milan next Wednesday. United opened in sparkling fashion, and it took a desperate intervention from Alessandro Nesta to divert Rooney's shot over the bar. But they were soon ahead when Ronaldo met Ryan Giggs' corner with a firm header, which Dida palmed into the air and could then only divert into the net. United were firing on all cylinders up front - but all the time Milan, in the shape of Kaka, were waiting to probe their suspect and under-strength rearguard. And the strike they feared came after 21 minutes when Kaka took Clarence Seedorf's pass and accelerated away from Gabriel Heinze and fired a left-foot angled drive across Edwin van der Sar. A high-quality encounter saw Rooney just fail to get on the end of Giggs' cross and Ronaldo bring a crucial block from Dida with a 25-yard power drive. But Brazilian superstar Kaka was an ever-present threat, and he took advantage of shambolic United defending to grab a crucial second away goal for Milan after 36 minutes. Kaka chased a long pass, and when Heinze and Patrice Evra collided, he moved smoothly into top gear to slide a perfect finish past Van der Sar. Evra was then booked for dissent - a yellow card that rules him out of the second leg at the San Siro, an inconvenience United did not need given their lack of defensive resources. Michael Carrick wasted a glorious opportunity to put United level after 47 minutes when he side-footed wide of an open goal when he arrived unmarked at the far post on the end of another dangerous Giggs corner. Milan lost captain Paolo Maldini to a knee injury at half-time, then were robbed of Gennaro Gattuso with a knee problem - with the combative midfield man being replaced by Cristian Brocchi. Kaka was giving a master-class, escaping the offside trap to shoot across the face of goal then playing a sumptuous one-two with Seedorf only to volley narrowly over. United desperately needed inspiration, and a moment of genius from Scholes provided it as they drew level after 59 minutes. Scholes instinctively lifted the ball into the path of Rooney, whose finish was half-stopped by Dida but rolled in. United were suddenly buoyant again, and the unpredictable Dida saved brilliantly from Darren Fletcher after Rooney's cross was headed into his path. Fletcher forced Dida into a save at his near post as United pressed for what would be a crucial lead to take to Italy. Dida then finger-tipped Ronaldo's dipping drive inches wide as United mounted a spell of sustained pressure in the closing stages. United's sheer courage was rewarded when Rooney ran on to Giggs' pass and fired past a startled Dida to send Old Trafford wild in celebration.

Manchester United 1-1 Middlesbrough

Premiership leaders Manchester United dropped two potentially costly points in the race for the title with Chelsea.

Played On: Saturday, 21 April 2007
Held At: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,967
Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire)
Goals: Richardson 3` | Viduka 45`.

Viduka has scored 16 goals this season

Report:
United took an early lead when Kieran Richardson slotted home after Wayne Rooney had collected Paul Scholes' pass and rounded Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer. But in first-half stoppage time Boro deservedly equalised as Mark Viduka's diving header beat Edwin van der Sar. United struggled to break Boro down after the break and were indebted to Van der Sar's save to thwart Viduka. If United had had any nerves about their absorbing title duel with Chelsea they should have been dispelled thanks to Richardson's third-minute goal. Scholes' raking pass took Jonathan Woodgate out of the game to release Rooney, who wasted no time in taking the ball round Schwarzer. Rooney's final touch on the ball was a little too strong, but it made no matter as Richardson stepped in to sidefoot home. The Old Trafford crowd could have been forgiven for expecting an avalanche of goals at this point, but Boro failed to play the role of willing lambs to the slaughter. Belying their mid-table position, Boro were impressive following their uncertain start and dominated for long periods due to their midfield control. Woodgate was superb for Boro, with his reading of the game at times quite imperious. As Boro regrouped United were indebted to some brave defensive play from Wes Brown, who first tackled Yakubu and then came across to block Stewart Downing's attempted cross. Viduka castigated Downing for not delivering his cross more quickly, but when the England international picked up on the ball on the left at the end of the first half he had clearly learned his lesson. Downing whipped in a cross to the near post and Viduka stole in between Rio Ferdinand and Brown to send a diving header past Van der Sar. With United due to face AC Milan in their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, Ryan Giggs had started the game on the bench, but Viduka's goal saw the Welshman stripped and ready to go for the start of the second half. But it was Boro who initially threatened in the second period when Viduka bamboozled Brown allowing the Australian a clear sight of goal. This time Van der Sar got the better of Viduka, spreading himself to make a good save. United brought on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but it was Boro who next threatened as Lee Cattermole went agonisingly close with a powerful shot. Solskjaer did get the ball in the net, but all he earned was a booking for unsporting behaviour towards Schwarzer. And late on United might have concede a penalty when Dong-Gook Lee went down following a John O'Shea tackle.

Post-Match Interviews:

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:

It's a big task now. The injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Kieran Richardson killed us in the first half. But that was just the bad breaks you get in football, there is nothing you can do about it.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate:

We wanted to have a go and our front boys were a real handful. They were some outstanding defensive performances as well. We showed real character after the worst possible start. We might even have pinched all three points and the longer it went on you could sense the crowd getting edgy.

Manchester United 2-0 Sheffield United

Manchester United opened-up a six-point advantage over rivals Chelsea at the Premiership summit with a comfortable win against Sheffield United.

Played On: Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Held At: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,540.
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire)
Goals: Carrick 4`, Rooney 50`.

Michael Carrick celebrates after Man Utd's opening goal

Report:
Michael Carrick put the home side on course for victory after four minutes, lifting Cristiano Ronaldo's pass over Paddy Kenny as the keeper raced out. Wayne Rooney doubled the lead with an emphatic finish after 50 minutes. Michael Tonge came closest for the Blades, hitting the bar with a curling 20-yard drive two minutes from time. Manchester United were without groin injury victim Rio Ferdinand and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who suffered a heavy blow to the nose in the FA Cup semi-final win against Watford. It made little difference to their early rhythm as they took the lead. Ronaldo, inevitably, was the prime mover in the build-up to the goal, slipping in a perfect pass for Carrick to beat Kenny as he ran out. Rooney could have doubled thje lead two minutes later but Kenny bravely blocked the effort from point-blank range. The Premiership leaders' defensive resources, already stretched to breaking point by injuries, suffered another casualty after 19 minutes when Patrice Evra limped off following a wild challenge by Colin Kazim-Richards. Rooney was involved in some unnecessary incidents and he picked up a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Phil Jagielka. But he showed the other side of his character with a goal of quite stunning quality five minutes after the break. He controlled a pass of rare vision from Ryan Giggs in an instant before lashing an unstoppable right-foot finish across Kenny. Sheffield United's main threat came from the lively Luton Shelton but he wasted a glorious chance to quickly peg back United, shooting over from only 10 yards. They then attempted to press home their advantage, with Kenny saving well in quick succession from Ronaldo and Giggs. But they then had an escape with the sort of generous decision that would have reduced Sir Alex Ferguson to a seething rage had it happened at the other end. Shelton showed lightning pace to escape the home regard again before being clearly fouled by Gabriel Heinze - only for referee Rob Styles to wave play on when a spot-kick looked a formality. Tonge then curled a shot against the bar as Sheffield United continued to battle in the face of United's overwhelming superiority. 

Post-Match Interviews:

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:

It was a professional job and in the second half we just ran down the clock a bit. We saved our legs well and I think that was a sensible thing to do. The performance was economical and we didn't kill ourselves, which was important. It is good to have our six-point lead back, with five games to go. The players have got the right temperament to cope with it as well. They just kept playing their football and it was quite good at times.

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock:

I thought we gave a good account of ourselves but we have been beaten by a better side. It was as clear as daylight that we should have had a penalty when Gabriel Heinze fouled Luton Shelton. If you are a football person you don't need anyone else to tell you that was a penalty. This was a major decision and between referee Rob Styles and his linesman, they have got to get that right. If he gives it he upsets Sir Alex Ferguson and I know people don't like to upset Sir Alex but he should have given that.

Watford 1-4 Manchester United

Wayne Rooney inspired Manchester United as they broke Watford's brave challenge to reach the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Played On: Saturday, 14 April 2007
Held At: Villa Park
Attendance: 37,425.
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)
Goals: Bouazza 26` | Rooney 7`, Ronaldo 28`, Rooney 66`, Richardson 82`.

Wayne Rooney celebrates his spectacular opener for Man Utd

Report:
Rooney powered home a brilliant 20-yard drive after only six minutes, but Watford levelled with Hameur Bouazza's 26th minute overhead kick. Cristiano Ronaldo bundled in Rooney's cross two minutes later as United swiftly restored their lead. Rooney's close-range finish wrapped up the win after 66 minutes and substitute Kieran Richardson chipped in a fourth. The scoreline looks comprehensive, but Watford were well in contention until Rooney's crucial second and United's third. The only low point for United was a first-half injury to Rio Ferdinand, who limped off with a groin problem. United resisted the temptation to rest their stars after the spectacular Champions League win against Roma - and the move paid dividends as Rooney struck brilliantly after only six minutes. Alan Smith dummied Michael Carrick's pass, and Rooney's first touch was instant before he lashed a rising 20-yard drive past Richard Lee. United threatened to run away with the semi-final in the early stages, but Watford held on and were rewarded with a stunning equaliser after 26 minutes. Edwin van der Sar had just received lengthy treatment for a nose injury, and he was still recovering when Tommy Smith headed into the path of Bouazza, who sent an overhead kick into the top corner via a deflection off Gabriel Heinze. But Watford's celebrations were short-lived as United regained the lead two minutes later. Rooney was the creator, racing clear and crossing for Ronaldo to bundle in from six yards. United suffered a blow six minutes before half-time, when Ferdinand was forced off with a groin injury and was replaced by Darren Fletcher. Watford keeper Lee then kept his side in the game with a fine one-handed save from Rooney after a slick exchange with Ryan Giggs. Fletcher then headed inches wide as United ended the first half in the ascendancy. Watford, backed by thousands of fans bedecked in yellow, started the second period with real vigour, and Bouazza turned a close-range effort agonisingly wide as the Hornets threatened an equaliser. But it was effectively all over after 66 minutes, and Rooney was once again United's main man. Slack marking by Watford allowed Smith too much space, and he cleverly picked out Rooney for a simple finish. Watford were in danger of being swamped by United, and Lee needed to be alert again to deny Giggs. There was one bonus for Watford late on when striker Marlon King, who has been out for virtually the whole season with knee injury, came on as a substitute to a rousing ovation. 
Ronaldo was rested to give Richardson a run-out, and he made the most of it by running on to another superb pass from Smith to lift a finish over Lee with eight minutes left.

Manchester United 7-1 AS Roma (agg 8-3)

A scintillating display by Manchester United saw them tear Roma apart to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Played On: Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Held At: Old Trafford
Attendance: 74,476
Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)
Goals: Carrick 12`, Smith 17`, Rooney 19`, Ronaldo 44`, 49`, Carrick 60`, Evra 81` | De Rossi 69`.

United celebrate Michael Carrick's opener against Roma

Report:
Michael Carrick curled in United's opener and Alan Smith fired home before Wayne Rooney added their third of the night, finishing off a superb move. Cristiano Ronaldo fired into the bottom corner and slid home a Ryan Giggs cross before Carrick smashed home a sixth. Roma replied through Daniele De Rossi before Patrice Evra's low shot rounded off United's amazing 8-3 aggregate win. There have been many memorable performances at Old Trafford down the years but few can compare to the display Sir Alex Ferguson's men put on here. The scuffles between fans outside the ground before kick-off were quickly forgotten once the game got underway, with United looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. Both sides showed attacking intentions in the opening minutes with Roma's Francesco Totti going closest with a fierce shot that fizzed past Edwin van der Sar's right-hand post. But it was United who grabbed control of the tie with three goals in eight first-half minutes. Carrick opened the scoring on 11 minutes when he picked up the ball from Ronaldo and bent the ball past a stationary Doni.
Six minutes later it was 2-0 when Gabriel Heinze and Giggs combined before the Welshman flighted a perfect pass into the path of Smith, who finished with aplomb to net his first goal for United since November 2005. Rooney got in on the act soon after, timing his run superbly to slot home Giggs' low cross after the Italian side had been completely torn apart down the right flank. A shell-shocked Roma tried to respond and almost pulled a goal back when Philippe Mexes headed a David Pizarro free-kick wide. But the visitors' attempts to find a way back into the game only succeeded in leaving themselves more vulnerable to United's pacey attack. Carrick went close when he headed a Giggs corner at Doni but could not react quickly enough when the ball bounced straight back at him.

Ronaldo was in magical form to help United triumph

And Ronaldo did make it 4-0 before half-time with a precise finish into the bottom corner after the Roma defence had made the mistake of inviting him to shoot. United were quite simply superb, and they did not let up after the break either. Ronaldo, who was in sublime form, slid home a low Giggs cross for number five before Carrick's piledriver made it 6-0 on the hour mark. Roma did get one goal back through De Rossi's neat finish on the turn but the game was long since up for the Italian side. It was exhibition stuff for Ferguson's side by the end and they got the final word they richly deserved when Evra's low shot beat Doni. Like United's first six goals it was a fine finish and completed a magnificent victory, their biggest in Europe since they beat Irish side Waterford on their way to winning the 1968 European Cup. United will take on AC Milan or Bayern Munich in the last four as they look to book their place in this year's final in Athens on 23 May.