Sir Alex Ferguson made 3 adjustments to the team who drew at Fulham the previous match with Nani, Giggs and Rooney coming in for Park, Valencia and Hernandez.

The visitors’ defensive formation made it tough for United to create any good chances in the opening stages of the game. Despite this United continued to exert pressure and within the 24th minute Nani was denied by the crossbar. A lengthy cross area pass from Vidic was aimed at Berbatov, who beautifully back-heeled the ball directly to Nani who struck a 20 yard shot. Robert Green couldn’t get a clear hold of the ball but he managed to get enough on it to push it onto the crossbar.

The United pressure was finally rewarded in the 33rd minute in the penalty area when a trademark Scholes pass found Giggs on the left wing, he then jinked past Spector and into the box where the ex-United players challenge brought the Welsh winger down. After all the stats being banded about of Rooney not scoring in 13 games he was finally able to get the monkey off his back when he sent Robert Green the wrong way to open his account.

Five minutes before half-time United should have had a second goal if it was for Rob Green making an excellent save from a 25 yard strike by Darren Fletcher.

Instead the second goal came just five mins into the 2^nd half.. A ball into Rooney from Fletcher was neatly flicked into Nanis path who jinked past Gabbidon before firing in from the edge of the penalty area.

Manchester United extended their lead further inside the 69th minute by means of Berbatov who along with Vidic where potential man of the match candidates. A great flowing move saw O’Shea roll the ball to Nani within the penalty area who then chipped a cross to the back post where an acrobatic volley by Berbatov fired the ball into the back of the net. It was a good performance by United even though they seemed to coast their way through the match.

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It had looked like the defender had given the Red Devils all 3 points after a nasty deflection away from his shin took United in front with just eight mins remaining.

A few minutes later United had the chance to take the game beyond Fulham but Nani saw his spot-kick saved by David Stockdale.

The two teams started off lively at Craven Cottage, with the vast majority of possession belonging to United. United started with the twin attack of Berbatov and Hernandez for the first time with Rooney not even making the bench.

Berbatov was unlucky not to score today following a brilliant acrobatic volley that was tipped above by an even greater save from David Stockdale.

When the goal did come it was the man of the moment who grabbed it. A wonderful lay-off from Berbatov allowed Scholes to run onto and hammer a swerving shot into the bottom left-hand corner from 25-yards reminiscent of years gone by. By doing so he also finally registering his 150th goal for United. Despite piling on the pressure United were unable to convert it into goals.

The second-half saw Fulham in their 2^nd strip, mirroring the famous United kit change against Southampton in 1996. 10 minutes into the 2^nd half Fulham were level.

A great bit of skill on the wings by Damien Duff identified Zamora and while United were caught ball-watching Simon Davies was allowed to run into the box to grab the equaliser.

Zamora then had a great chance to go ahead but had to see his shot narrowly go past the post. Five minutes later, Ryan Giggs sent in a corner and Brede Hangeland was the victim of a nasty deflection off his knee to send United into the lead.

The tension didn’t end there though as United had the chance to kill the game when Damien Duff inadvertantly handled the ball in the box. Nani’s penalty was well struck but was ably matched by Stockdales strong palm away.

Fulham would survive to thank Stockdale, as from the 90th moment of normal time, Hangeland redeemed himself as he proceeded to jump high and strike a header past Van der Sar to bring Fulahm level and break United hearts.

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The Red Devils kicked off with Berbatov partnering Wayne Rooney up front, with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Chris Smalling watching from the bench. Former Magpie Michael Owen was left out completely.

Newcastle started with a five man midfield to try to stifle United’s attacking instinct and for the first 15 minutes it seemed to work. However, with the amount of possession United were enjoying Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys slowly took control of the game and it was merely a question of when United would score and not if. The opening goal came just after the half hour mark.

Antonio Valencia dispossessed Jonas Guterriez and discovered Paul Scholes who produced a perfectly weighted ball into the box for Berbatov to thump low and past Steve Harper.

The goal was exactly what United deserved and less than 10 minutes later the second dually arrived thanks to Darren Fletcher.

Nani who was his usual busy self slid in Patrice Evra who drove a ball into the penalty area. Rooney managed to get a foot on it but was unable to control it, nonetheless the ball fell perfectly for the young Scot to tuck in.

The second half began much like the first half ended, with United dictating the game and Paul Scholes playing like he was ten years younger. He was at the heart of everything with his inch-perfect passing.

In one movement he discovering Rooney around the edge of the box, who passed with the tip of his boot to Berbatov. The Bulgarian just needed to beat Harper but as he was oncoming had to take a quick shot with the outside of this boot which went just wide.

Rooney was looking a bit rusty with his customary touch deserting him so it was no surprise when he was replaced by Hernandez for his home debut.

However, it was another substitute, Ryan Giggs, who was to steal the show and the final goal of the game. Once more Scholes was the creator lofting the ball to the Welshman who sweetly volleyed it to the keepers left hand corner. With 18 shots on goal and 10 on target the scoreline flattered Newcastle somewhat. If this game had been towards the end of the season Ferguson would have been lamenting the missed chances but as it was it was a great coasting start to the season.

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The promising Mexican forward scored just 30 minutes into his very first competitive game in a United shirt being a second-half sub.

Somehow he managed to score by deflecting the ball off his face into the net for United’s second goal.

The goal was set up on a plate by Antonio Valencia, who was outstanding on United’s right wing.

Valencia also netted the opener soon after Wayne Rooney, who was subbed during the first-half break, provided a sublime inside pass into his path..

Salomon Kalou pulled a goal back until Dimitar Berbatov completed the victory by lobbing keeper Hilario in additional time.

The game started at a good tempo with Valencia heavily involved and giving Ashley Cole a hard time. Early on he found himself with loads of space on the wings and crossed to Paul Scholes, who subsequently blasted a volley wide.

Edwin van der Sar then parried Nicolas Anelka’s long-range shot to the path of Kalou who could not maintain his composure and scuffed the shot. Van Der Sar made amends minuted later when he made a great save from Branslav Ivanovic’s precision header.

Scholes showed age hasn’t diminished his eye for a pass when he played Rooney in using a sublime chip that split the Blues defence. Rooney then crossed into the box leaving Valencia with an easy effort on goal to open the scoring.

Rooney’s pass was pretty much his last contribution as Alex Ferguson opted to make changes at the break. Also taken off was Michael Owen and Ji-Sung Park being replaced by Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Nani.

Malouda went close having a 25-yard shot that rolled inches wide. With an hour on the clock and Chelsea not looking to make a breakthrough, Carlo Ancelotti opted to play his trump card. Golden boot winner Didier Drogba and young forward Danny Sturridge came on for Nicolas Anelka and Mikel. The changes seemed to invigorate Chelsea with Cole missing one of the best chances when he shot weakly at Van der Sar.

Cole was then exposed by Valencia as United wrapped up the victory in bizarre style.

Valenica burst down the right wing and crossed into the box. Hernandez bundled the ball past the line when his shot deflected off his head and went in. It was a scrappy goal but he endeared himself to the fans by kissing the United badge on his chest.

Kalou pulled a goal back when Van der Sar unconvincingly pushed Sturridge’s thunderbolt into his path to give Chelsea hope. Although they pressed for an equaliser, they couldn’t get the goal they required.

And Berbatov’s late quality strike earned United their first (of many!) trophy of the season.

Goals in the first half from Darren Fletcher and an ever-reliable Ryan Giggs plus a Higginbottam own goal and Park header in the second half ensured that the Red Devils did their bit to keep the title chase alive but Wigans’ capitulation against Chelsea meant it was not to be.

Uniteds’ lineup was certainly an attacking one with Berbatov partnering Rooney upfront ably supported on the wings by Giggs and Nani.

United started with intent and could easily have had a few goals within the first 20 minutes if things had gone Berbatov’s way with the chances he had.

When groans went around the stadium it was clear that Chelsea had opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge. However, you don’t win the Premiership eleven times without being focused and determined and United continued to dominate proceedings.

Evra was denied after making a dash into the penalty box by a brave Danny Higginbotham block.

Berbatov then had his fourth chance of the game a short while later as Nani outwitted the Stoke defence with a beautiful cross, but the Bulgarians’ cushioned header proceeded to hit the top corner of the bar.

With constant pressure it was only a matter of time before Stoke buckled. A corner was met by a Vidic header that didn’t seem to be aimed at anyone in particular. Luckily, Fletcher was on hand at the near post to thump the ball into the net.

Once the fans had heard that Wigan had gone a man down after a sending off and 2-0 down it was inevitable that this wasn’t to be Uniteds’ year for the title but they carried on regardless for pride and the fans.

The second goal arrived after some good work by Berbatov who held off two Stoke defenders before lining up Giggs in the box. His driven shot went underneath Begovic and into the net.

Stoke were unable to get past Vidic who made another assured performance and the closest they came to scoring was in their own net when Rooney with some smart footwork crossed into the box to be met by Higginbotham who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Scholes almost produced a goal from yesteryear when he made a great run and attempted an audacious chip that went just wide. With the game in the bag Sir Alex decided to bring on youngsters Darron Gibson and Federico Macheda for Scholes and Berbatov.

Van der Sar wasn’t called into action much in the game but on the two rare occasions he was called upon he made two top-class saves which makes you wander what we could have achieved with his absence (and various defenders) earlier on in the season.

With Rooney seemingly feeling the effects of the match Ji-Sung Park was introduced to replace him. Park then produced the get the fourth and final goal of the campaign when he dived onto a cross with a header that Rooney would have been proud of.

A commanding final game of the season but Chelseas’ first title since 2006 will be short-lived. Next year we want OUR TROPHY back!!!

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With United struggling in the previous match Wayne Rooney returned to the squad yet a groin injury kept Rio Ferdinand out. Jonny Evans was drafted in to take his place.

As expected the first half started with a lot of intensity but few real clear-cut chances for both sides with United having slightly more possession.

Carlos Tevez, who always feels he has a point to prove when playing against United, has made a habit of scoring against them this season. He almost added another to his collection when he curled a free kick over the wall destined for the top corner. However, the quality of Van der Sar made his save look easier than it actually was.

Towards the end of the 2^nd half, United created a couple of chances that should have yielded a couple of goals. First, Valencia headed into Rooney’s path who made space for himself but ended up dragging his shot wide where he would usually finish with aplomb.

They then went even closer a minute before half-time. Again Valencia was the instigator as his cross fell for Giggs at the near post but his shot was straight at Shay Given.

The second half predictably started in the same vein. City had the first chance with Tevez playing in Bellamy who was completely unmarked on the left side but for some reason he thrashed at the shot at fired well wide of the goal.

After an hour played United showed their attacking intent by bringing on Nani for the ineffective Gibson as United started to put more pressure on.

As the game wore on on and a draw being no good for either team Gareth Barry tried to hoodwink the referee by going down tamely in the box but the City penalty appeals were correctly dismissed. From that incident United broke and a long ball sent Giggs clear on goal but Given came out quickly to deny him and United.

With 5 minutes to go the chance of the match fell to City. A corner saw Van der Sar scrambling to clear the ball but neither Onuoha nor Tevez unable to take advantage of a panicky defence and somehow the visitors survived.  

With two games between the two sides being settled by a last minute goal fate was again kind to United. City obviously don’t learn from their mistakes. Two minutes into stoppage time Evra floated in a cross and found Scholes who rolled back the years to direct a beautifully placed header past Given and low into the bottom corner.

Predictable the visitors celebrations to do the double over their rivals with another stoppage goal were wild and it must be said thoroughly deserved.

Win Spurs surprisingly beating Chelsea 2-1 later in the afternoon United are now one point behind in the table and the title is still very much on.

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With man of the moment Wayne Rooney out injured, United lacked sparkle and guile required to break down a determined Rovers side at Ewood Park.

Antonio Valencia missed a great chance late in the first half, and Berbatov likewise with 10 minutes remaining, but otherwise the visitors were restricted to long shots and half-chances.

United enjoyed over 60 per cent possession but it was what they did (or failed to do with that possession) that mattered.

The main surprise in Uniteds’ starting lineup was the exclusion of Patrice Evra for the first time in the league this season.

Up front, youngster Federico Macheda got the opportunity to play alongside Berbatov in front of a attacking midfield. Wingers Nani and Valencia were joined by veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Although United enjoyed the majority of possession they were wasteful with Nani being one of the main culprits. His shots and crosses proved to be amiss most of the time.

Berbatov and Macheda jelled relatively well, but found space in the home box hard to come by.

Valencia should have broken the deadlock three minutes before the break when found by a great Berbatov through-ball. He spun past his marker to go clean through, and tried to hoodwink the keeper but Paul Robinson stopped his shot with his leg.

Rovers came into the game having won 16 points out of a possible 18 in their last six home games and showed exactly why they are so hard to break down, even when they themselves where not exactly on top form.

They defended in numbers and no one from Uniteds’ squad was up for the challenge of breaking them down.

United poured forward as time ran down, but still failed to test Robinson properly.

United are still only one point off the top yet have played a game more than both Chelsea and Arsenal. The chances of Chelsea slipping up twice in their last five games look extremely remote to help United win a fourth consecutive title.

Goals from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba meant United and Chelsea swapped positions in the league with United looking tired from their midweek excursion in Europe.

A late effort from sub Federico Macheda meant United fought until the end and yet on another day, United might have had one of the three debatable penalty appeals going their way.

United kept their lineup despite Rooney’s absense with Dimitar Berbatov – who once again flattered to deceive – being at the top end of an attacking setup made up of Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia.

“We wanted to be top after this match. It was hard but we played really well,” Ancelotti said.

“Now we are the favourites. That’s normal when we are back at the top of the league, but nothing is decided.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Five games left, they’re two points ahead and four goals better than us – they’re in the driving seat.

“Chelsea are favourites, there’s no question. I’m certain we’ll respond but we could win the next five games and not win the title.”

Chelsea took the lead in the 20th minute when Cole back-flicked Malouda’s cross past Edwin van der Sar from close-range.

Drogba came on as a substitute and increased Chelsea’s lead in highly controversial circumstances in the 79th minute when the striker rifled in Kalou’s pass even though he was quite clearly offside.

United got one back two minutes later as Macheda deflected the ball past Petr Cech despite Chelsea appeals for handball.

“At Old Trafford, we always think we can rescue it, unfortunately not today,” Ferguson added, before turning his attentions to the match officials.

“On the Drogba goal, the linesman was directly in front of him, there was not a soul near him and he gets it wrong.

“In a game of that magnitude, to get that wrong, it’s very poor.”