Aston Villa 1 - 1 Man Utd

Manchester United survived the early dismissal of Nani to secure a well-earned draw at Aston Villa and close the gap on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League to one point.

Manchester United dominated the game after Nani was sent off

Nani was shown a straight red card for a 28th-minute lunge at Stiliyan Petrov - and the resulting three-game ban rules him out of the Carling Cup final against Villa at Wembley later this month.

Villa took a deserved lead after 19 minutes when Carlos Cuellar headed home after United failed to deal with Stewart Downing's dangerous cross.

Nani, before his departure, helped set up United's swift response when Ryan Giggs returned his cross into the penalty area and James Collins deflected the ball into his own net. It was the 10th own goal in United's favour this season.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, United were the better side and were inspired by another virtuoso display from Wayne Rooney, who covered every blade of grass at Villa Park to compensate for Nani's loss.

Villa faded after an excellent opening and United controlled the remainder of proceedings, with Michael Carrick and Rooney bringing the best out of Villa keeper Brad Friedel.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may be frustrated by his side's failure to get the maximum return from their performance, but there was much to admire in their resilience and the quality of Rooney and they will have been lifted by news of Chelsea's defeat at Everton.

O'Neill 'couldn't be more pleased' with Villa

As well as Nani's dismissal, Ferguson had another concern with Giggs going off near the end clutching his arm.

Villa gave a rare start to gifted youngster Fabian Delph, the summer signing from Leeds and he excelled as Martin O'Neill's side took charge in the opening exchanges.

United struggled to cope with Villa's quality of delivery from the flanks, so it was no surprise that their failure to deal with Downing's cross led to the opener after 19 minutes.

Rafael could only partially clear, but Cuellar still did well to get enough power behind a lofted, looping header to beat Edwin van der Sar.

Villa's lead lasted only four minutes, and the champions were indebted to a large slice of good fortune to restore equality.

Nani found Giggs at the far post, and his volley was flying across the face of goal until it struck Collins and flew past Friedel.

It was Nani's last positive contribution was he was shown the red card after 28 minutes.

He attempted to win possession in a tussle with Petrov by launching a senseless, two-footed lunge and left referee Peter Walton with the easiest of decisions to send him off.

As so often, the side with a numerical disadvantage seemed to adapt quicker to the change in circumstances and United suddenly looked the more controlled side, with Friedel turning Carrick's shot over the top.

Phelan backs Nani red card

Ferguson made a change at the interval, withdrawing Paul Scholes and introducing Antonio Valencia, who almost made an instant impact with a rising effort that flew just off target.

James Milner tested Van der Sar before O'Neill made a change of his own, somewhat surprisingly replacing Delph with the giant figure of John Carew.

United were forced into another change with 17 minutes left when Giggs hurt his arm in an innocuous incident, allowing Dimitar Berbatov to enter the action.

Rooney was starting to exert his quality on proceedings and he brought another fine save from Friedel with 15 minutes left as he drove in a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

It was the last serious threat from either side and they were both forced to settle for a point ahead of their big Wembley date.

---

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"I thought we could maybe take advantage but we were a bit tired in the second half and we didn't create enough to cause them undue worry.

"But they haven't been gallivanting around Europe winning Champions Leagues and titles without being a top side.

"I thought it was a red card, when you go in two-footed nowadays there is a decent chance the referee will show a red card."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"It was an important night and, with Everton winning against Chelsea, we have gained one point and one goal.

"Nani is not a malicious player but he has gone in with his foot raised off the ground and we cannot complain about it.

"We should have had a foul seconds before when Agbonlahor came in with his foot up on Wes Brown's ribs.

"That was disappointing but we have no argument at all with the red card, it was a naive tackle."

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Nani red card deserved - Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Nani deserved his red card for a two-footed challenge on Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov.

The sending off means United will be without the Portugal international for the Carling Cup final on 28 February.

"It was a red card. It was a naive tackle," Ferguson said of the challenge in Wednesday's 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, Ferguson revealed midfielder Ryan Giggs was sent for X-rays on his arm following the match.

The 36-year-old's cross set up United's equaliser when Villa defender James Collins deflected the ball past his own keeper Brad Friedel for the visitors' 10th own goal of the season.

However, Giggs was substituted in the second half following a challenge by midfielder Steve Sidwell.

United do not have a match this weekend as they are out of the FA Cup, but Giggs still needs to make a quick recovery to be fit in time for United's Champions League last 16 first leg at AC Milan on Tuesday.

Ferguson said: "We have sent Ryan for an X-ray to see if there is any damage. It's painful but hopefully he is going to be all right."

United played for over an hour with 10 men after Nani was shown a red card by referee Peter Walton for lunging at Bulgarian Petrov, less than 10 minutes after Villa had taken the lead through Carlos Cuellar.

The dismissal was United's sixth of the season and means they will be without the in-form winger for the League Cup final encounter against Villa at Wembley as he serves a three-match suspension.

"He is not a malicious player but he has gone in with his foot raised off the ground and we cannot complain about it," added Ferguson.

"We should have had a foul seconds before when (Gabriel) Agbonlahor came in with his foot up on Wes Brown's ribs.

"That was disappointing but we have no argument at all with the red card."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said Bulgarian Petrov is doubtful for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace, although the injury is not thought to be serious.

"Stiliyan is pretty sore at this minute. He thought he was going to be okay at half-time and said he would continue on, but he stiffened up," he said.

Phelan backs Nani red card

"He was unable to continue and it must be really sore if he was unable to continue. Will he be fit for Sunday? I don't know yet.

"I am sure there must be some sort of doubt about it, but we will see. The doctor said he just thinks it is a lot of soft tissue, whatever that means, but he doesn't think there is any serious damage in that sense."

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Wayne Rooney 'unaware' of Everton deal details

Wayne Rooney signed his first professional contract with Everton without having it fully explained by his agent, a court heard.

The former trainee signed his first professional deal with the club after turning 17, in January 2003.

But agent Paul Stretford did not explain the documents he was signing, Manchester Mercantile Court heard.

Mr Stretford, Rooney and his wife, Coleen, are being sued for £4.3m by sports management firm Proactive.

The company claims it is still entitled to commission payments under the terms of a contract signed by the agent while he was still a director.

Mr Stretford, who quit in acrimonious circumstances in October 2008, has arranged contracts for Rooney since the star forward was a teenager.

On Wednesday, he was quizzed by Ian Mill QC, acting for Proactive, about the football contracts, transfer payments, and earnings from image rights and sponsorships, signed by Rooney with Proactive after he turned 17.

Mr Mill said: "You accept responsibility for the football documents, but you did not take the opportunity to explain to Mr Rooney (senior) or his son, what documents were being signed or what their effects would be?"

"No I did not," Mr Stretford replied.

"Absolutely extraordinary, what on earth do you think you were doing?"

'Not standard'

Mr Stretford said there were "countless negotiations" and not the time to go through every single clause in every document.

Many football contracts were "standard" and he would simply, "take them on their merit", he added.

"Not standard to a 17-year-old boy and his father who has had nothing to do with football," Mr Mill replied.

"I suggest to you this evidence gives you no credit whatsoever."

Wayne Rooney, his mother, father and wife are scheduled to give evidence on Friday.

The case continues.

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Aston Villa vs. Man Utd

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Villa Park Date: Wednesday, 10 February 2010 Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on Match of the Day

• TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey limped out of Saturday's draw at Tottenham with a groin injury and is a doubt.

John Carew could replace him, but Stephen Warnock remains sidelined with a shin injury.

Manchester United should recall Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who were both rested at the weekend.

New England captain Rio Ferdinand serves the penultimate game of his four-match suspension, while Nemanja Vidic has a slim chance of returning.

---

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, Beye, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne,
L Young, A Young, Petrov, Milner, Downing, Delph, Agbonlahor, Carew, Heskey, Delfouneso, Sidwell, Davies, Clark.

Doubtful: Heskey (groin)

Injured: Harewood (foot), Reo-Coker (ankle), Warnock (shin)

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Rafael, De Laet, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Park, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson, Giggs, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Diouf.

Suspended: Ferdinand (two matches)

Doubtful: Vidic (nerve problem in leg)

Injured: Hargreaves (knee), O'Shea (thigh)

• MATCH PREVIEW

The immovable object that is Villa's defence meets an irresistible force named Wayne Rooney.

The England striker is in the form of his life, with a spectacular 21 goals from 24 league appearances. His total haul stands at 23, already equalling his best tally of goals for a season.

Ryan Giggs recently bracketed his team-mate alongside current Fifa World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and former Red Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players on the planet. On current form, few would argue.

Villa's defence, the meanest in the league, managed to keep Rooney and co at bay the last time these sides met, ending a 26-year hoodoo at Old Trafford when they came away with a 1-0 victory.

Their next challenge is to improve their home record against Sir Alex Ferguson's side. United's last defeat at Villa Park came on the opening day of the 1995/96 season, which famously prompted Alan Hansen to declare "you win nothing with kids".

• MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Villa's 1-0 win at Old Trafford in December was their first victory over United in 25 matches (in all competitions).

• In league games only, United have lost just one of their last 28 meetings with Villa (W20, D7, L1).

• United's last Premier League defeat at Villa Park came on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.

Aston Villa

• Villa have only won one of their last six league games, and failed to score in any of the other five.

• It is four hours and 59 minutes since they scored a league goal at Villa Park - John Carew's 61st-minute winner against Stoke on 19 December.

• Villa have kept four consecutive clean sheets, and eight in their last 10 Premier League matches.

Man Utd

• Sir Alex Ferguson's side have taken 19 points from their last seven games.

• United have benefited from nine own goals this season, more than any other top-flight side.

• They have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League away matches.

• LEADING GOALSCORERS

Aston Villa

Agbonlahor: 12 goals (10 league); Milner: 8 goals (4 league)

Man Utd

Rooney: 23 goals (21 league); Berbatov: 8 goals (8 league)

• MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Peter Walton

Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & David Coote

Fourth official: Stuart Attwell

• LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

Aston Villa (D0-0 v Tottenham, a): Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne,
L Young, A Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing (Sidwell 88), Heskey (Carew 21), Agbonlahor. Subs not used: Guzan, Delfouneso, Davies, Delph, Beye.

Man Utd (W5-0 v Portsmouth, h): Van der Sar; Neville, Brown, J Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher (Gibson 66), Nani, Berbatov (Owen 66), Rooney (Diouf 66). Subs not used: Kuszczak, Park, Fabio, De Laet.

• MOST RECENT MEETING

Man Utd 0-1 Aston Villa (12 December 2009)

Aston Villa scorer: Agbonlahor 21

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Rio Ferdinand drops his appeal against extra game ban

Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against the Football Association's extra one-match ban he received for making a "frivolous" previous appeal.

The Manchester United defender, 31, was handed a three-match ban after a clash with Hull's Craig Fagan in January.

His suspension was then extended to four games by the FA after his appeal.

Ferdinand, who has already missed two games, will now miss the games at Aston Villa and Everton but can play in the Carling Cup final on 28 February.

The case was due to be heard on Friday and Manchester United had indicated that they planned to challenge the extra game ban.

But with Ferdinand named England captain last Friday it is understood he was reluctant to risk facing the FA so soon.

Manchester United were set to cite the example of Liverpool's Javier Mascherano when they appealed.

United say Mascherano got away without being charged for what they believe was a similar incident against Leeds.

Liverpool midfielder Mascherano caught striker Jermaine Beckford on the head back in September and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The concern is the word frivolous.

"The two most experienced referees in the Premier League are Alan Wiley and Steve Bennett.

"They are under the same controls and the same directions. One says yes (Bennett), in the case of Rio, and one says no (Wiley), in the case of Javier Mascherano against Leeds United when he punched the player in the back of the head.

"When you see that example, we don't think our appeal was frivolous."

Ferdinand only returned to action at Old Trafford against Hull for the first time in three months after recovering from a calf injury.

But after appearing to swing an arm at Hull striker Fagan, the England centre-half picked up a three-match ban, which was then extended to four after the FA rejected the defender's appeal.

Because of the appeal, Ferdinand, who has made only 10 appearances for his club so far this season, was able to play in the Carling Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.

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Fan denies throwing coin at Manchester City's Bellamy

A Manchester United fan has denied throwing a coin at Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy during the clubs' Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford.

Adam Teese, 26, of Nelstrop Road North, Stockport, pleaded not guilty to throwing a missile on to the pitch during the semi-final clash last month.

The Wales captain was struck by a coin as he went to take a corner for City in the 50th minute of the second leg.

Mr Teese was bailed by magistrates in Trafford and will go on trial in May.

There was a large police presence at the game on 27 January after trouble flared during the first leg.

United progressed to the final after winning the match 3-1, giving them a 4-3 aggregate victory.

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Preston North End set to sign Man Utd's Matthew James

Preston North End are set to sign Manchester United central midfielder Matthew James, 18, on an emergency loan until the end of the season.

James will seal the move when the transfer window opens on Tuesday.

Preston boss Darren Ferguson told BBC Radio Lancashire: "He's played a lot of reserve games and is ready to take that next step.

"The fact he's played with Danny Welbeck will help the pair of them - it'll certainly help Danny."

Rochdale-born James was an integral part of United's reserve team last term and scored a stunning goal at Deepdale in their Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final win over Preston.

Ferguson added: "He's a lad with a lot of potential being at the club he's at.

"There were a couple of other Championship clubs interested, but we've got in there quick.

"He's a good player with good energies, he's a decent size for a young lad and a good passer of the ball."

James is expected go straight into the squad for the game against Sheffield United on Tuesday.

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Beckham will not celebrate scoring against Man Utd

David Beckham will not celebrate if he scores for AC Milan against Manchester United in the Champions League.

He will face his former club for the first time since leaving in 2003 when AC Milan host United on 16 February.

Beckham told Inside United magazine: "I do not think I would celebrate. I respect the supporters and the club.

"To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that."

The midfielder, who is on loan at Milan from LA Galaxy, still remembers and appreciates the support given to him by United fans after he was sent off while playing for England against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me," he said. "I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.

"I would not have got through everything without them."

Beckham played 394 times for United over eight seasons, helping the club win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions league.

"I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan," he said.

"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.

"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.

"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.

"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."

Beckham will go back to Old Trafford for the first time as a player when Milan travel to Manchester for the second leg of their Champions League clash on 10 March.

"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford. The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much," he said.

"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.

"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again."

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Man Utd 5 - 0 Portsmouth

Manchester United stormed to the top of the Premier League after crushing bottom club Portsmouth.

Rooney's header set United on their way to a comprehensive win

Wayne Rooney met Darren Fletcher's cross to head the opener and the lead was doubled when Nani's low cross was deflected in by Anthony Vanden Borre.

Michael Carrick's drive hit Richard Hughes and thumped in off the bar and Dimitar Berbatov's shot made it 4-0.

Pompey's misery was complete when Marc Wilson tried to clear a cross but smashed a volley into his own goal.

It was a ruthless performance from United but the reality was they barely had to break sweat to beat a Pompey side in freefall.

Phelan encouraged by Man Utd's quality

United went in to the game knowing a win would see them leapfrog Chelsea to sit at the Premier League summit, with the Blues hosting third-placed Arsenal on Sunday.

And on paper it seemed they could not get an easier opportunity, with crisis club Pompey having won only once in eight matches, as well as attracting unwanted headlines for their financial difficulties and allegations about their manager Avram Grant's behaviour.

United's off-the-field problems were of the more traditional kind - Rio Ferdinand was out suspended and fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic was still not fit to return to action.

Not that United's backline needed to be at its strongest, with Pompey chasing shadows for much of the game as Nani, Antonio Valencia and Rooney ran riot.

Predictably, the visitors' defence folded under pressure, with Pompey contributing two of United's goals.

Grant's men did well to reach half-time having conceded only two goals as they found themselves struggling to repel wave after wave of United attacks.

Rooney had a decent penalty claim turned down after being pushed by Frederic Piquionne, while Berbatov missed a sitter from six yards after being picked out by Gary Neville.

Pompey did manage to carve out one chance and it took an alert Jonny Evans to clear Jamie O'Hara's goal-bound effort.

But it was a very rare effort from Pompey and they soon went behind.

When Fletcher's cross was left, inexplicably, by keeper David James, Rooney headed in from close range.

James was again left cursing soon after when he was wrong-footed by a deflection off Vanden Borre from Nani's cross.

Grant committed to Pompey cause

Belgian defender Vanden Borre tried to make amends with a decent shot which was well saved by Edwin Van der Sar, who also smothered an effort from Nadir Belhadj.

That proved the last of Pompey's forward play - in fact they then firmly hit the self-destruct button.

They were unfortunate when Carrick's speculative drive cannoned off Hughes and beat James, but they had only themselves to blame for United's fourth goal.

Berbatov was allowed to twist and turn in the area before taking the ball back outside the box and shooting into the bottom corner from acres of space.

It was abysmal defending from Pompey - and worse was to follow.

With no-one around him, Wilson's attempt to cut out Patrice Evra's cross ended with him sending a rasping volley past the hapless James.

United, who had long since taken the chance to rest the brilliant Rooney, should have had a sixth.

Substitute Mame Biram Diouf played the ball one side of Tal Ben-Haim and collected it round the other but then blazed his shot over.

---

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"We had a lot of pressure and possession of the ball but we were patient enough.

"That's important when teams come and sit in the way they did here today. Portsmouth were there to make it difficult but we got the goal just before half-time.

"We were a bit fortunate with the second one. Nani beat his man and was trying to play a cross across the box.

"It got a deflection and went past James and into the net. It was fortunate but nonetheless you have to take them. That opened the game for us in the second half.

"We went looking for goals and managed to get three more, the one from Berbatov was brilliant."

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant:
"Positive thinking is always better than negative thinking and as long as we have the chance we will fight.

"We created two good chances and one came off the line. Then after 40 minutes they scored and got some own goals but Manchester United are a better team than us.

"We need to do our job even if it feels like things are going against us. We cannot think like this."

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Alex Ferguson proud of England captain Rio Ferdinand

Sir Alex Ferguson said he is "proud" that Rio Ferdinand has followed in a long line of Manchester United players to become England captain.

Ferdinand, 31, is set to take over from John Terry who was stripped of the role by England boss Fabio Capello after allegations about his private life.

"It's great for Manchester United to have one of our players captaining England," said Ferguson.

Ferdinand was named by Capello as the vice-captain in August 2008.

And although his promotion to captain is yet to be confirmed, Capello said on Friday after meeting Terry: "When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision."

Terry met with Capello, 63, at Wembley to discuss allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge - also a former club-mate at Chelsea.

The manager said his decision to strip Terry of the captaincy was influenced by his decision to do "what is best for all of the England squad".

Ferdinand has already been England captain under the Italian during a period when Capello rotated the position in friendly matches before England's World Cup qualifiers.

Prior to wearing the armband in the 1-0 defeat to France in March 2008, Ferdinand said: "It is a fantastic honour and an achievement in itself. As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honour of being able to fulfil those dreams."

The former Leeds and West Ham defender follows in a long line of Manchester United captains who have gone on to lead their country such as Gary Neville, David Beckham, Bryan Robson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

"Over the years we've had Gary, Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson for 60-odd games or something so we're very proud of that," added Ferguson.

Ferdinand has made only nine starts for his club this season because of a long-standing back problem and is currently serving a four-match ban, which he is contesting, for an incident against Hull last month.

In 2003 he was fined and banned from playing football for eight months after he missed a drugs test.

That suspension meant he missed Euro 2004 but when handing the Londoner the armband two years ago, Capello said: "We all make mistakes in life, the important thing is to work hard and rectify mistakes.

"From the mistake he made, he bounced back and came back a lot better."

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Manchester United move down to Roy Hodgson - Smalling

Fulham defender Chris Smalling says he has manager Roy Hodgson to thank for his dream move to Manchester United.

The 20-year-old, who will join United this summer, was playing for non-league Maidstone until Hodgson brought him to Craven Cottage in July 2008.

"It's all down to the coaches and how well Roy Hodgson and Billy McKinlay have brought me up over the years," Smalling told BBC London 94.9.

"To have a manager like him show faith in you, it just gives me confidence."

Smalling was not used to full-time training until he joined the Cottagers.

"I was only training a few times a week at Maidstone," he said.

But after a meteoric rise at Fulham, which has seen Smalling make 10 appearances this season, including four starts in the Europa League, the young defender is thrilled to be moving to Old Trafford next season.

"To be mentioned with Manchester United and for Sir Alex Ferguson to take an interest in how I've been doing this season is a dream come true," he continued.

"I'm just going to go there, work hard and repay that faith they have shown in me."

Despite his excitement, Smalling knows he has to concentrate on finishing the season with Fulham.

"I think it is very flattering, but now I'm trying to take it all in my stride and carry on from where I left off," he added.

"Every time I step on the field I try my hardest and give 100% and hopefully I can carry that on when I join them."

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