PL thoughts and a bet

Utd will win,I’m pretty sure.But, at 1.45 it doesn’t worth. And whenever I think about -1ah got a picture of Neville vs. Bale on the flank and lost my appetite.
Bolton shouldn’t be at 1.50 against anybody.

My only bet from Premier is Arsenal game. End of their title ambitions wasn’t at Wigan, but after Spurs’ game when Wenger said “It’s all over”. Tragically for them they still had a chance. Don’t think they’re in a better mood today. Will have Fabianski at goal once again. He’s a disaster, is conceding flukes and makes all defense unsafe and nervous. Today will have to cope against Tevez-Bellamy-Adebayor. Citizens like to play against top sides. Only then they’re motivated. Which means dangerous. They won’t play for 4th spot, they’ll play to beat Arsenal away. Wouldn’t go so far to back their win, but see goals on both sides. Odds around 1.65-1.70 are not so great, but I’ll take it. Over.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid plan to make a stunning £90m bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney - not to mention wages of £250,000 a week for five years - and also have England boss Fabio Capello in their sights.(The Sun) 
United are keeping a close eye in James Milner's contract negotiations at Aston Villa as Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson prepares to reshape his Old Trafford squad this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United are monitoring £9m-rated Panathinaikos midfielder Sotiris Ninis.(Daily Mail) 
Italian giants Juventus will seek to tempt Liverpool's under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez with a deal worth £16m over four years, plus a spending kitty of £70m.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is a £15m target for AC Milan, who believe the Blues will bid for Inter Milan full-back Maicon this summer.(Daily Mail)
Barcelona are plotting a raid on Arsenal this summer, with full-back Gael Clichy - not midfielder Cesc Fabregas - their top target.(Daily Mail) 
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been given the green light for a major summer spending spree after chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed more money "than for a long time" was available - thought to be around £25-£30m. (Daily Star)
Fabregas and Wenger have been left incensed by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood's claim that Fabregas "would not even get in" the Barcelona team.(The Sun) 
Young Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has told Wenger he wants to stay on loan at Bolton if he cannot get first-team football at the Emirates Stadium.(The Sun) 
Everton and Tottenham sent scouts to run the rule over Paris Saint-Germain's Turkey striker Mevlut Erdinc in his side's 3-1 win over Bordeaux last weekend. (Daily Mail) 
Sunderland look to be losing the battle to sign Kevin Kuranyi after Dinamo Moscow offered the Germany striker £85,000 a week to sign for them. (Daily Mail)
Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner has put a question mark over his part in boss Roberto Martinez's fight for survival after storming out of the DW Stadium after being substituted suring Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to reward defender Abdoulaye Faye with a new contract.(The Sun)

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OTHER GOSSIP


A former Syria international claims to be close to buying Liverpool. Talks between businessman Yahya Kirdi and Anfield owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are alleged to be at "an advanced stage". Former Celtic captain Andy Lynch says he has been brought on board by the Gulf-based millionaire.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could have played his last club game this season after being forced to undergo another scan on his injured knee. (Daily Star) 
Greater Manchester Police are to impose a large-scale alcohol exclusion zone and increase patrols in Manchester city centre in an effort to prevent Saturday's derby suffering a repeat of the disturbances that marred January's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands. (Daily Mail) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his City counterpart Roberto Mancini will be told to keep a lid on their players' derby-day goal celebrations in a warning from Manchester police.(Daily Mail) 
City striker Carlos Tevez and United defender Gary Neville, two of the central figures in the acrimony that has surrounded this season's Manchester derbies, will be under police orders not to do anything that could incite crowd trouble on Saturday.(The Guardian) 
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he will take legal action against a Spanish television program, "categorically" denying accusations he held wild parties before and after the defeat to rivals Barcelona.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon claims he is fit to return from a groin injury and play his first game of 2010 when Spurs host Chelsea on Saturday.(The Sun) 
MK Dons manager Paul Ince is facing the sack in a drastic cost-cutting move.(Daily Mirror) 
The Premier League has moved to introduce tough new measures to flush out potentially "unfit" club investors in the wake of growing criticism over poor ownership and spiralling debt. (The Times) 
Broadcaster ESPN will consider supporting radical innovations to the FA Cup including moving the latter rounds to midweek and scrapping replays.(Daily Telegraph) 
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, the former Chelsea manager, is the new favourite to become the next Italy coach with Marcello Lippi set to leave his post after the World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is being lined up a the new Wolsburg boss, with Markus Babbel as his assistant. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is to wed Sir Alex Ferguson's former daughter-in-law Nadine Ferguson, who separated from Sir Alex's son Darren in 2007. Nadine announced the news on social networking site Twitter.(The Sun) 
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson is ready to miss out on his summer holiday - in the hope he can book a dream ticket to the World Cup with England. (Daily Star) 
Hull boss Iain Dowie has hit out at the "iPod generation" of players for hiding behind their "big earphones" and forgetting what has got them to where they are.(Daily Mirror)
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Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

With current boss Manuel Pellegrini tipped to be leaving Real Madrid, Spanish newspaper Marca has listed five potential candidates to take over at the Bernabeu. These are England boss Fabio Capello, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, Liverpool's Rafa Benitez, Inter Milan's Jose Mourinho and former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is currently managing Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan. ( imscouting.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp wants to take England international Micah Richards from Manchester City, with Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini prepared to listen to offers for the 21-year-old defender. (Caughtoffside.com) 
Meanwhile, City are lining up bids to sign Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Mesut Özil and Roma forward Mirko Vucinic, as they prepare a series of raids on the Bundesliga and Serie A at the end of the season.(The Times) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has missed the chance to sign goalkeeping target Fernando Muslera from Lazio after the highly rated 23-year-old Uruguayan signed a five-year deal with the Rome club.(Caughtoffside.com) 
West Ham have joined the race to sign Jermaine Beckford from Leeds and hope to sign the 26-year-old striker on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer. (Caughtoffside.com) 
Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon are set to sign Manchester United's Brazilian teenage defender Fabio on loan.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario is set to reject an offer from Sporting Lisbon as the veteran goalkeeper wants to stay at Stamford Bridge. (imscouting.com) 

Middlesbrough are weighing up a summer move for Oldham's 19-year-old left-back Paul Black. (Daily Mirror)

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is hopeful of pulling of a summer deal for Hull defender Steven Mouyokolo but he could face competition from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, who have all had the Frenchman watched this season.(Daily Mirror) 

Birmingham want to keep Ecuadorian Christian Benitez on loan from Mexican club Santos Laguna for another season following an impressive first campaign for the striker in England. (Daily Mirror)

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OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will make a dramatic return following five months out with an ankle injury in Wednesday's north London derby at Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will finally announce plans to officially put the Reds up for sale this week. But fans who object to the duo's regime at the club and are desperate to see them leave could still be in for a long wait as the Americans will also reveal details of a new refinancing package that effectively ends the need for a fire sale. (Various)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has conceded that his side's hopes of securing a top-four Premier League finish this season appear to be over after they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Fulham on Sunday. They now trail fourth-placed Manchester City by six points. (Daily Mirror) 
Benitez has hinted Liverpool may need to spend as much as £60m in the summer if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season. (The Sun) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has admitted that the side's Champions League quarter-final defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich last week has had a huge impact. The Red Devils could only draw 0-0 at Blackburn on Sunday, handing the title-initiative to Chelsea, who now lead United by a point with a game in hand. (The Sun) 
Hull boss Iain Dowie and his staff were called to a crisis meeting with Tigers chairman Adam Pearson following the 4-1 home defeat by fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday. (Daily Mirror) 
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni says he would relish the chance to play under his old boss Neil Warnock at London rivals Queens Park Rangers. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal need to tone down their pretty football as they try to keep their Premier League title bid alive. "Sometimes I think we play too much," said the 27-year-old Frenchman. (The Sun)
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Champions League 7.4.

Man Utd - Bayern

Yes it was two flukes in Munich, but it happens when the team is under a heavy pressure. Bayern's win was clear and deserved for me. Both Utd's right-backs had a nightmare night. First Neville, handed the ball and Germans scored (I actually counted on his experience, but he reacted like an amateur). Evra's reaction before second goal was sensational, in my opinion. He repeated the same vs. Chelsea. Tonight will face recovered Robben. So, why we should expect tougher defense line tonight?

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On the other hand, no chance I'll ever bet against United at Old Trafford at any price. German's defense is not much better (if it is even better). Sir Alex stated they'll play for 1-0 win. Sure they will. He also stated Rooney and Rio are absolutely fit, before Bolton. I think Utd's biggest chance is opening 15 minutes when Bayern will be under highest pressure. One scored goal then could give a big advantage to the hosts.

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Can not bet on result after second half in Germany. And one man is not the team (as Vidic said), but Rooney is not an ordinary man and Berbatov really annoys me. Despite not so good odds, over 2.5 in this game is best bet for me. And won't suggest anyone to follow me, but have some feeling we could see extra time tonight. Gamble on Man Utd to win after penalty shoot out at 26.00!

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Bordeaux - Lyon

Actually I was about to back Lyon with DNB counting on their experience (same word again) playing at this level of competition. But, two facts discouraged me in that intention. First, two goals difference for Lyon wasn't fully deserved. Second, visitors will miss three very important players Lisandro Lopez, Jean II Makoun and Sidney Govou (Bafetimbi Gomis is fit). Since I'm really not an expert for French football (or its fan) and despite I can see another high scoring game, I'm giving up from this one. No bet!

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are keen on Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who is thought to be interested in such a move, with Manchester United's Patrice Evra a back-up target if the Spanish club fail to land the England international.(Daily Mirror) 
Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo, who is a target for Arsenal, could be on his way out of the Italian club after arguing with fans during the draw with Siena last weekend.(Daily Mail) 
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has told midfielder David Beckham, who had been on loan at the Italian club from Los Angeles Galaxy, he can return next year if he wants to after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will be out for a month after undergoing groin surgery.(The Sun) 
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could be back from his hamstring injury for the game against West Ham this weekend after missing the last two matches.(Daily Mirror) 
Burnley have already started their search for a new manager as current boss Brian Laws is on the brink of getting the boot at Turf Moor.(The Sun) 
Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says he is unimpressed by the success of English clubs in the Champions League as there is nothing English about them. He also says Italy's top teams are similarly unrepresentative of the country.(Daily Mail) 
Uefa president Michel Platini is still keen on adding extra officials. "Either we add referees or we use replays. I'm for the human option," he told an Italian television show.(The Independent) 
Defender Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham after agreeing a £250,000 pay-off.(The Sun) 
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson's injury could result in Blackburn recalling goalkeeper Mark Bunn from loan at Sheffield United - and he may make his Premier League debut against Chelsea on Sunday.(Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United could be forced to make major cutbacks if they fail to win promotion back to the Premier League this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane locked his players in the dressing for 90 minutes after the 2-1 defeat at Watford on Tuesday night. (The Times)

AND FINALLY

He may not be playing at the World Cup but England midfielder David Beckham could still be in South Africa after receiving plenty of television offers for the tournament.(The Sun) 
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be at the World Cup as manager of the Ivory Coast but faces competition from ex-France coach Philippe Troussier.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville, 35, is hoping for a shock England recall in time for the World Cup, three years after winning the last of his 85 caps.(Daily Mirror)

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are on the verge of a deal to sign Milan Jovanovic on a free transfer in the summer after further talks with the Standard Liege and Serbia striker. (The Times) 
Arsenal are set to beat Tottenham in the race to sign centre-half Stefan Savic from BSK Borca after the 19-year-old Serb completed a 10-day trial with the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona vice-president Alfons Godall has stepped up the pressure on Arsenal by insisting that Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas will end up at the Nou Camp "sooner or later".(The Sun) 
Manchester United are still interested in Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Canales, who is also wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham did not sign striker Roman Pavlyuchenko during the January transfer window because Tottenham increased their asking price to £12m at the last minute.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City are lining up a summer bid for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.( imscouting.com) 
Cash-strapped Portsmouth have replaced Tottenham-bound Younes Kaboul with former Spurs defender Ricardo Rocha.(Daily Mirror) 
Pompey are also closing in on deal for Serbia defender Dusko Tosic.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello is expected to retain Chelsea defender John Terry as his captain when the pair meet on Friday, unless there are more allegations about his private life.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Capello is concerned that more revelations will come out this weekend and will delay making a decision on Terry's captaincy until Sunday at the very earliest.(The Independent) 
And senior officials at the Football Association have told Capello that Terry should not continue as England skipper.(Daily Telegraph) 
Chelsea are ready to give Terry some time off to get him out of the media firing line, while the club employed extra security to control members of the paparazzi outside the team hotel for the Premier League match with Hull on Tuesday evening.(The Times) 
Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr have less than six months to secure the £100m investment demanded by their creditors or they run the risk of being forced to put the club up for sale.(The Times) 
And Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been asked about his future plans by Real Madrid.( imscouting.com) 
Former Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak will not force the cash-strapped club into administration despite Pompey missing a deadline to pay a £9.5m instalment on the £30m he claims he is owed.(The Guardian) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been frozen out at Old Trafford following his touchline gesture to Manchester City's Carlos Tevez during last month's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.(The Sun) 
Stoke midfielder Matthew Etherington insists he is winning his fight to overcome a gambling addiction and has been given a pay rise by the club to help him pay off debts that spiralled to £800,000.(Daily Mail)
Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate is concerned that he may have to quit football as he battles to overcome the long-term groin injury that has restricted him to only three Premier League games this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who has been out injured since September 2008, could make a return to the squad for the Champions League tie with AC Milan if he completes a week of full training.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Burnley boss Brian Laws says he felt like X-Factor judge Simon Cowell as he auditioned new players to come to the club during the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 
Carlos Tevez says the infamous 'Welcome to Manchester' poster, which caused so much controversy following his move from United to City over the summer, is now on a wall at his home in Argentina. (The Sun)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are hoping to win the race with Real Madrid for Bayern Munich's £45m-rated French midfielder Franck Ribery in January.(The Sun) 
The Blues' pursuit of Ribery has been given a boost by Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness conceding the player will leave the German club if he does not believe they are ambitious enough.(Daily Mail) 
Bayern have revealed that they turned down a £70m bid from Chelsea for Ribery in the summer. (Daily Star)
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso - a target for Manchester City - has no intention of leaving the Italian club, according to their coach Leonardo. (Daily Mail) 
Derby want to sign Leicester striker DJ Campbell on loan before the window for short-term deals closes later this week.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a fight to keep his Dutch coach Rene Meulensteen, with wealthy Qatar desperate to appoint him as their national boss.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool face an injury crisis ahead of their must-win Champions League match with Hungarian side Debrecen on Tuesday, with major doubts over the fitness of Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Ryan Babel, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano. The Reds are already without striker Fernando Torres.(Daily Mirror )
Cash-strapped Charlton may be forced to sell a number of players, including star midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, this January as their financial woes increase. The club may also face administration next summer if a new investor is not found.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane is on the brink of being sacked by the Suffolk club following a series of meetings on Sunday regarding his future. Town currently sit second bottom of the Championship. (Daily Star) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville says that a lack of strength in depth could ultimately prove England's undoing at the World Cup in South Africa next year.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side "lacked desire and sharpness" as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Saturday.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Cleaners in Ireland have decided their Henry vacuum cleaners really suck - after Thierry Henry's handball ended the nation's World Cup dream. Angry workers can't bear to look at the smiley-faced machines. Some have painted out the word "Henry" while others have daubed over its cheerful face.(The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has revealed that a change of boots before the game with Wigan on Sunday helped him to score five in Spurs' 9-1 win.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has joined his manager Alex Ferguson in blasting players who rely entirely on their agents and said: "A player doesn't need to pay between five and 15% of his wages to a guy to set up a bank account or buy him a new fridge." (Various)
Damien Duff's Fulham team-mates have been helping him get over his World Cup heartache following the Republic of Ireland's defeat by France in the play-offs by taking the mickey out of the winger. "He likes to take the mickey, so he is getting a bit back," said Cottagers midfielder Jonathan Greening. "But he is a great character and he will bounce back." (Various)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are lining up a bid to sign Brazil Under-15 skipper Lucas Piazon, who is seen as the new Kaka, from Sao Paolo. (Daily Mirror) 
Egypt striker Amr Zaki, who spent last season on loan at Wigan, is wanted by Portsmouth and could join the Premier League club in January. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle are monitoring the form of versatile Portugal winger Ukra, who currently plays for Olhanense and was in action against England Under-21s on Saturday. (Daily Mail) 
Championship strugglers Reading want to sign Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes and are prepared to pay £600,000 for the player, who joined the Terriers for half that amount from Ipswich in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England coach Fabio Capello will not select David James for his World Cup squad unless the 39-year-old keeper is fully fit.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal's England Under-21 defender Kieran Gibbs says he has not even thought that he could yet become a surprise late selection in Capello's World Cup squad. (The Sun) 
England skipper John Terry insisted his team will fear nobody at the World Cup despite watching his side lose against an under-strength Brazil. (The Sun) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called for an elite pool of referees to take charge of high-profile Premier League fixtures.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

There has been a rush for tickets for the final of the Major League Soccer Cup after David Beckham's LA Galaxy defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0 to qualify for next Sunday's match, when they will take on Real Salt Lake. (Daily Telegraph)

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is lining up a January transfer swoop for Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are considering an £8m move for Napoli's Slovakian midfielder Marek Hamsik. (Daily Star) 
Everton hope to sign Gillingham's 22-year-old striker Simeon Jackson.(The Sun) 
Wolves striker Sam Vokes is set to join Coventry on loan.(The Sun) 
Tottenham are tracking Sampdoria's Spanish midfielder Pedro Mba Obiang.(Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United are keen on French striker Fabrice Pancrate, who is a free agent after being released by Paris St Germain.(The Sun) 
Stoke have rejected loan bids from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest for defender Leon Cort.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth are battling it out with Notts County and Turkish side Galatasaray to sign former Manchester City left-back Michael Ball, who is now a free agent. (Daily Mail) 

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OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United defender Gary Neville may face punishment from the Football Association following his reaction to Michael Owen's late winner in Sunday's derby. Neville, an unused substitute, ran down the touchline towards Manchester City's fans to celebrate.(The Sun) 
Manchester City midfielder Javier Garrido has accused neighbours Manchester United of creating a "climate of hostility" after being hit on the head by a coin at half-time during Sunday's derby. (Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Manchester City will complain to the Football Association about the behaviour of fourth official Alan Wiley during injury time in Sunday's derby. City are angry that manager Mark Hughes was shooed away when he questioned where all the added time had come from.(The Sun) 
Manchester United look set to escape a Fifa investigation over their attempted recruitment of Fiorentina teenager Michele Fornasier.(Daily Telegraph) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has apologised to manager Martin O'Neill following their training ground bust-up and looks to have saved his future at the Premier League club.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has been dropped by Stuttgart after attending the Munich beer festival, Oktoberfest. Lehmann said: "The visit was part of a charity event and had been planned for a long time. However, it was not agreed with the club. Of course I accept the measures taken by the sporting management."(The Sun)
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Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa

Federico Macheda scored a stunning late winner as Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League. 
The 17-year-old substitute turned in the box and curled in a superb strike to make his debut the stuff of dreams. 
Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from an indirect free-kick after a James Milner backpass, before John Carew's header restored parity. 
Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa in front only for Ronaldo to level with a low shot and Macheda to snatch victory. 
It was an incredible finish to a match that twisted and turned - and had looked to be going the way of Villa rather than the champions. 
But after digging deep, and finding inspiration from an untried teenager, United have leapfrogged Liverpool at the top of the table. 
And they also avoided a third successive league defeat, which would have been more galling given that Villa were thumped 5-0 by Liverpool in their last match. 
They struggled with an unfamiliar back four that was forced upon them because of Rio Ferdinand's injury and Nemanja Vidic's suspension. 
Gary Neville, returning from injury, was brought in to partner John O'Shea in the heart of defence, but that proved to be a costly mistake.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, O'Shea, Evans, Evra, Nani (Macheda 61), Carrick, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Giggs, Tevez (Welbeck 87). 

Subs Not Used: Foster, Park, Gibson, Martin, Eckersley. 
Booked: Macheda. 
Goals: Ronaldo 14, 80, Macheda 90. 

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Milner (Reo-Coker 76), Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Carew, Agbonlahor. 

Subs Not Used: Guzan, Delfouneso, Knight, Salifou, Gardner, Albrighton. 
Booked: Milner, Ashley Young. 
Goals: Carew 30, Agbonlahor 58. 
Att: 75,409 
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Real Madrid are poised to make a £75m swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United this summer. (Daily Mail) 
David Bentley faces a summer exit from Tottenham after being told he has no chance of replacing Aaron Lennon on the right wing. (Various) 
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas will not be leaving for Barcelona in the summer. (Various) 
Robinho has shrugged off talk of a summer move by claiming he wants to remain at Manchester City. (Sun) 
Wigan boss Steve Bruce is ready to scrap plans to sign Amr Zaki after the Egyptian striker's latest breach of club discipline. (Daily Express) 
Having secured Steven Gerrard on a new deal, Liverpool are hopeful of penning new deals with Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Aurelio and Fernando Torres. (Times) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Everton manager David Moyes is Sir Alex Ferguson's choice to succeed him as Manchester United boss. (Sun) 
QPR want Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson to replace boss Paulo Sousa in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Southampton hope to complete a deal with insurance giants Norwich Union to write off their crippling £30m debts. (Sun) 
Sven-Goran Eriksson could be a target of Sunderland after he was fired as Mexico coach this week. (Daily Express) 
But Eriksson will not be a target of Portsmouth, who showed interest in the former England boss after they sacked Tony Adams. (Guardian) 
Bolton striker Kevin Davies has not given up on his dream of breaking into Fabio Capello's England squad. (Times) 
Manchester United's veteran defender Gary Neville has major doubts over a future career in management. (Times) 
Steven Gerrard has pledged the rest of his career to Liverpool - for a whopping £26m (Sun) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused some of his Manchester United stars of being lulled into complacency in the Premier League title race. (Daily Express) 
Michael Owen, the Newcastle United captain has hailed the impact of Alan Shearer's appointment as interim manager at Newcastle. (Daily Telegraph) 
Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have been told their Scotland careers are over and have been suspended for two weeks without pay by Rangers. (Various) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has revealed that only one Premier League manager has opted not to join him for a post-match drink this season. "He didn't like losing, put it that way," he said. (Times)
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