Everton 3 - 1 Man Utd

Everton delivered another twist in the Premier League title race as Manchester United followed Chelsea in crashing to defeat at a vibrant Goodison Park.

Former Everton man Rooney cut a dejected figure as United were well beaten

David Moyes' resurgent side came from behind, as they did against Chelsea, to deservedly seal only their second league win in their last 30 meetings with United.

Dimitar Berbatov's 16th minute goal looked to have paved the way for United to turn up the pressure on pace-setters Chelsea at the top of the table - but Everton had other ideas as they claimed another major scalp to emphasise their recent improvement.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's thunderous strike levelled for Everton within three minutes of Berbatov's goal and both Louis Saha and the excellent Landon Donovan wasted opportunities to put them ahead, but they were not to be denied as they more than matched United after the break.

It was Everton's two late substitutes who clinched the three points as Dan Gosling slid in Steven Pienaar's cross with 14 minutes left and Jack Rodwell made it three with a solo effort in the dying seconds.

Rodwell's moment of magic illustrated the talent that has made him a reported £30m transfer target for Ferguson - and the United boss saw what he is all about at close quarters.

Everton, with Leon Osman the game's outstanding performer, were afforded a standing ovation by their ecstatic supporters at the final whistle, and rightly so after they demonstrated the confidence to match, and better, United in all areas of the pitch.

And Donovan, in his short loan spell at Everton, is underlining what a threat he will be to England's ambitions at the World Cup in South Africa.

Ferguson will be disappointed United lost the opportunity to make up ground on Chelsea, but counterpart Moyes will be elated at his coup of beating both Chelsea and United in successive home league games.

It was quiet return to Goodison for Wayne Rooney, although he came close to drawing United level in the closing minutes with a free-kick that drifted inches wide.

The United boss paired Berbatov with Rooney in attack and, after some early moments of promise from Osman and Saha for Everton, it was the Bulgarian who put the champions in front.

Antonio Valencia escaped from Leighton Baines and when his cross caused confusion in the Everton defence, Berbatov pounced to power home a finish via the underside of the bar.

Everton, who had been conceding midfield possession too easily, needed a swift response and it came inside three minutes courtesy of a stunning finish from Bilyaletdinov. He startled Edwin van der Sar, who was left motionless by the Russian's emphatic 20-yard shot.

Bilyaletdinov should have given Everton the lead two minutes later when he failed to find the target from close range after Saha dummied another dangerous cross from Baines.

And another probing delivery from Baines should have brought a goal for Donovan, but the man on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy failed to react when the ball bounced off Wes Brown six yards out.

Rooney had been kept in check for most of the opening period, but he hinted at his threat when burst through to round Tim Howard, but his touch was too heavy and the chance was gone.

And as United stepped up a gear after the interval, Darren Fletcher was only inches away from restoring their lead with a flashing shot from the edge of the area.

As both sides traded blows, Ferguson made a change on the hour when he sent on Paul Scholes and Gabriel Obertan for Berbatov and Ji-Sung Park.

Moyes made a change of his own, sending on Gosling for the tiring Bilyaletdinov - and it did the trick as he put Everton ahead with 14 minutes left when he arrived late to turn Pienaar's cross beyond Van der Sar and send Goodison Park wild.

Ferguson threw on Michael Owen, but it was Everton who finished stronger and Rodwell crowned the victory by powering into the area and sending a precise finish beyond Van der Sar to end United's hopes of a comeback.

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Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan:
"It's damaging because we lost points but didn't deserve to win, we didn't perform well enough. Everton deserved their victory.

"We were disappointed to get lead and then give a goal away right afterwards. That's not what we expect. We didn't create enough or do jobs professionally enough.

"We weren't creating a lot but were still in the game. Their second goal made it very difficult for us."

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Ferguson hopes Paul Scholes will extend Man Utd career

Boss Alex Ferguson wants Paul Scholes to forget thoughts of retiring by signing a new Manchester United deal.

In May last year Scholes, whose United contract ends in June, said that this season "would probably be my last".

But following his goal in United's 3-2 Champions League last-16 win at AC Milan on Tuesday, Ferguson has urged the 35-year-old to keep going.

"He is showing on the field what he is capable of and another year would not be a problem for the lad," he said.

In December an out-of-sorts Scholes, who at the time had started just seven of United's 14 Premier League games, reiterated that he was uncertain about his career plans.

"I'll just carry on with the way it's going at the moment and we'll see what happens come the end of the season," he said.

"I wouldn't say I am playing some of my best football. I don't always feel I am making as much of a contribution as I'd like to.

"I preferred it when I was playing regularly and scoring a lot more goals. It's different now."

However, Ferguson is apparently keen talks are opened on a new deal for his veteran midfielder, who has featured in 25 of United's 40 matches this season, chipping in with five goals in the process.

"I would be happy to do something about Scholes' contract but there is nothing yet," said the Scot.

"It depends on what Paul thinks himself and I haven't addressed it with him.

"But he was brilliant in Milan and his form in the last few weeks has been incredible.

"There is no need for him to think of retirement like some people were saying a few weeks ago."

Scholes, who began his illustrious Old Trafford career as a trainee, has made over 600 appearances for the Red Devils, amassing nine Premier League winners' medals and helping United claim the Champions League in 1999 and 2008.

He earned 65 England caps before retiring from the international game in 2004 to focus on his United career and his family.

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Nemanja Vidic denies he wants to exit Manchester United

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has insisted he does not want to leave the Premier League champions.

The 28-year-old has been the subject of persistent rumours that he is keen for a move from Old Trafford.

But Vidic has denied this as well as dismissing reports he has fallen out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I have never had a conflict with Sir Alex Ferguson and speculation that I want to leave is untrue," Vidic told Belgrade newspaper Vecernje Novosti.

Vidic has not played for United this year because of a calf injury but some newspapers in England and Serbia had suggested he had fallen out with Ferguson over his fitness ahead of United's FA Cup third-round 1-0 home defeat by Leeds in January.

This further fuelled speculation that he was angling for a move, with United's current Champions League opponents AC Milan and Spanish side Real Madrid both keen to recruit the Serbian international.

However, Vidic has pledged his loyalty to United, whom he joined from Spartak Moscow for a fee in the region of £7m in January 2006.

"I have a contract until the summer of 2012 and I have every intention of seeing it through to the very last day," insisted Vidic.

"United have made me the player I am today and there is no substance whatsoever in rumours that I have been looking for a move away to either Real Madrid or AC Milan."

This week, Ferguson stated he wants Vidic to remain at United.

Ferguson retorted: "Of course we want him to stay. He is a great player; one of the world's best centre-backs."

Vidic is back in training after missing 10 games because of a problem with a nerve in a leg.

He is targeting a return to first-team action for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Milan at Old Trafford on March 10.

"I can't wait to get back on the pitch and although I've had a long layoff, I feel strong and fit again," he commented.

"I think I will return to action very quickly and hopefully I will be back to my best as soon as I am picked in the starting line-up again."

Ferguson added: "It's a difficult one. He feels he needs to do a lot of training and has been training for the past 10 days but he doesn't feel ready to take part in games.

"It is something we have to be patient with and that is what we are doing at the moment."

United hold a 3-2 lead from the first leg of the Champions League tie at the San Siro and Vidic is confident they can complete the job.

"We got a great result at Milan but we have to raise our game for the return leg and I am sure we can," he added.

Vidic has been a big success for United, becoming a key player in the side that won three successive Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008, but speculation that his wife Ana is unhappy in the north west has persisted.

There have also been suggestions that advisers to Vidic, whose contract runs out in 2012, have been happy to let rumours rumble on because it may bring forward talks on a new contract.

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AC Milan 2 - 3 Man Utd

Manchester United secured an historic win at the San Siro as they drew first blood in an enthralling Champions League last-16 tie with AC Milan.

Wayne Rooney is congratulated on his brace, his 24th and 25th goals this term

Wayne Rooney was the match-winner with a brace of second-half headers to earn United a precious first-leg advantage.

They came after Paul Scholes' fortunate equaliser but Milan played their part after Ronaldinho's deflected opener.

Clarence Seedorf's skilful 85th-minute finish gave Milan hope, while Michael Carrick was sent off in injury time.

Carrick's second yellow card - for kicking the ball away - capped a frantic finale as Milan, who had bossed the opening hour, threatened to deny United a first win in the stadium.

And that, combined with Seedorf's late goal, served to take the edge off the win, even though United showed just about enough to suggest they can keep Milan at bay in the second leg on 10 March.

It was a strange affair for Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who in many ways can consider themselves fortunate to have come away with the win after a first hour in which they looked a shadow of a side that has gone nine games unbeaten.

Before the match, Ferguson had talked pointedly of avoiding the "circus" that surrounded David Beckham's first match against his former employers.

But whether they had been caught up in the pre-match hype or merely overwhelmed by the occasion, United barely got out of first gear in a nervy half-hour.

Poor in possession, toothless in attack and ill-organised in defence, the visitors allowed Milan the freedom of the San Siro as the hosts quickly got into their stride.

Just three minutes were on the clock when a Beckham free-kick found its way to Ronaldinho via a dire attempted clearance from Patrice Evra, and the Brazilian wasted little time in lashing home, via a Carrick deflection, for the opening goal.

In truth, though, it could have been a lot worse for Ferguson's men before half-time as they gave the ball away cheaply time and again.

Ronaldinho was at the heart of all Milan's good play, twice bringing smart saves out of Edwin van der Sar with quick feet and a neat shot at either end of the half.

Luca Antonini also went close when he dragged his shot wide of the post from 12 yards out, while first Rio Ferdinand and then Jonny Evans gifted possession away, only for Klaas Jan Huntelaar to drill both opportunities off target.

In response, United enjoyed good possession but only had a Rooney 20-yarder that zipped past the far post to even hint at the threat they might pose in attack.

And Ferguson's evident frustration on the sidelines was only briefly interrupted by Scholes's bizarre leveller, the ball ricocheting into the far corner off his standing leg after he had missed his volley from Fletcher's cross.

There was little improvement at the start of the second half, with Alexandre Pato failing to get a header on target from Giuseppe Favalli's cross 12 yards out and Pirlo stinging Van der Sar's palms with a 35-yard free-kick.

However, with Rooney an increasingly unsettling presence for the Milan defence, there was always a chance United would spark and when they finally clicked into gear just past the hour mark, the visitors finally showed their class.

First Rooney rose above Daniele Bonera to expertly head home substitute Antonio Valencia's cross.

Then, unmarked, he executed the far simpler task of heading in Fletcher's clever pass just eight minutes later to hand his side a two-goal cushion.

With Milan looking out on their feet, and Beckham having been withdrawn in the 72nd minute after a largely ineffective display, the tie looked to be there for United to put beyond doubt.

And yet there was still a twist left in the tie as Ronaldinho found room on the left and crossed for Seedorf to flick in Milan's second.

The hosts might even have snatched a thrilling draw had Filippo Inzaghi not blazed over from Ronaldinho's pass or Thiago Silva not headed over from a corner in injury time.

But United held on to secure a vital first-leg lead, extending their unbeaten away run in Europe to a record 16 matches in the process and ensuring Beckham's first match against his boyhood club was not one he will remember with any great fondness.

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David Beckham wants AC Milan to beat Manchester United

Champions League last 16 first leg

Venue: San Siro Date: Tuesday 16 February Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: BBC Sport website, Final Score, BBC Radio 5 live and live on Sky Sports 2

I want to beat Man Utd - Beckham

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham will put emotion to one side and focus on beating former club Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Beckham, 34, spent 12 years with United before joining Real Madrid in 2003 and hopes to play in Tuesday's first leg.

"It's going to be emotional but, as a United fan, it's the first time I am going to want them to lose," he said.

"As an AC Milan player I want to beat United - it is important we win the game and progress to the next stage."

Beckham's Old Trafford career ended amid reports that his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson had become strained.

However, the former England captain shook hands with his old mentor before United's Champions League clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro last season.

Beckham, who is on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, rejected the idea that his motivation to beat United has anything to do with Ferguson and, instead, heaped praise on the 68-year-old Scot.

"Sir Alex will always be a father figure to me," added Beckham. "He always has been and he always will be.

"No matter what has been said in the past, whether good or bad, I only remember the good times. He was the man who gave me my chance to play for the club I had always dreamed of playing for.

"For me they were only good times. Sir Alex is respected throughout football all around the world. Clubs move forwards and it was my time to leave Manchester United in 2003, and I moved on.

Interview - Clarence Seedorf

"I definitely hold nothing against the manager, he's an incredible man."

For his part, Ferguson talked up the career of his former player which has taken in three of the great European clubs before his move to the United States.

"David has great experience," said Fergsuon.

"He's got 100 and something caps for England, he's played for AC Milan, he's played for Real Madrid, he's played for Manchester United.

"It's similar to other AC Milan players like Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini and Alessandro Nesta - they've all got fantastic experience going into big games, and that's what David will bring."

Beckham has been forced to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench for Milan's last two league league matches and his presence at Monday's pre-match press conference does not necessarily suggest he will start.

"His appearance here (at the press conference) is important for us and I had asked him personally to come," explained Milan coach Leonardo.

"He is somebody who represents this club and he is here because of his experience and charisma. He's a very smart guy, a polite guy and an incredible player.

"If you look at his career you can see that he has done everything in football, not only on the field. He's a complete personality and he proves every day why he's so important for us."

Leonardo acknowledged the importance of Milan keeping a clean sheet at home but vowed not to curb his side's attacking instincts.

"Not conceding is always an objective, but we are also a team who try to score goals and to change our identity gets complicated," said the Brazilian World Cup winner.

"This desire to score goals is inherent; it is our identity. To try and find the balance between not conceding and to hurt them I believe is ideal."

Despite the interest surrounding Beckham's reunion with his former club, it is current Manchester United star Wayne Rooney who could hold the key to the tie having already scored 23 goals this season.

"Manchester United builds up heroes very quickly," stated Ferguson. "We are peculiar because the players, like Beckham, who come through the ranks are always viewed as better than those you buy.

"But Rooney is also regarded as that kind of player. Although he came from Everton, the fans will always look at him as one of the players who has grown up with us.

"He has been fantastic this season and, without doubt, his form this season has brought him to the high point of his career.

"World class is a misused term, but with Rooney, you have to say he is getting to the point where he is now one of the best players in the world."

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AC Milan vs. Man Utd

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic misses Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg against AC Milan with a nerve problem in a leg.

Ryan Giggs is out with a broken arm and there is no place for fellow midfielder Anderson, but Rio Ferdinand's domestic ban does not apply in Europe.

Milan's Alexandre Pato could return in attack and striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar looks set to replace Marco Borriello.

Centre-back Thiago Silva (groin) should be fit and David Beckham may start.

The former United midfielder has been among the substitutes in Milan's last two matches, but will be keen to start against the club where he spent 12 years before moving to Real Madrid in 2003.

Beckham, 34, who is on loan at the San Siro from Los Angeles Galaxy, has not played against his former side since leaving Old Trafford in 2003.

But he could replace Gennaro Gattuso to form a three-pronged central midfield alongside Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo.

United are bidding to reach a third successive Champions League final but will have to make do without Vidic, who is yet to play in 2010 because of a nerve problem in a leg.

The Serbia international did not travel with his team-mates United boss Sir Alex Ferguson must now decide whether Jonny Evans or Wes Brown partner Ferdinand in central defence.

United flew to Italy on Monday morning looking to improve on a dismal record against the seven-time European champions having lost all four previous two-legged meetings.

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Boss Ferguson wants Nemanja Vidic to stay at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he wants defender Nemanja Vidic to stay at the club.

Vidic, 28, has been the subject of persistent rumours that he is keen for a move away from Old Trafford, possibly to Tuesday's opponents AC Milan.

The United boss said: "Of course we want him to stay. He is a great player; one of the world's best centre-backs."

Vidic is training again after missing nine games with a leg nerve problem but has said he is not yet ready to play.

Ferguson had hinted he would feature on 6 February when United won 5-0 against Portsmouth but the Serbia defender missed that game and the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last week.

Vidic has not travelled to Italy for the Champions League match with Milan.

Ferguson added: "It's a difficult one. He feels he needs to do a lot of training and has been training for the past 10 days but he doesn't feel ready to take part in games.

"It is something we have to be patient with and that is what we are doing at the moment."

Vidic moved to Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow for a fee in the region of £7m in January 2006

He has been a big success at Old Trafford, becoming a key player in the side that won three successive Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008, but speculation that his wife Ana is unhappy in the north west has persisted.

Others have suggested that advisors to Vidic, whose contract runs out in 2012, have been happy to let rumours rumble on because they would bring forward talks on a new contract.

In his public statements, Vidic himself has always stated that he wants to stay at Manchester United.

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