Close Run Victory Over Middlesbrough

United`s inability to convert their chances is becoming a concern after Dimitar Berbatov spared their blushes at home to Middlesbrough.

The Bulgarian scored the only goal, volleying home from close range in the 69th minute after Michael Carrick’s left-wing cross had bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater.

Still, it puts us a step closer to the top, which is the main thing.

United Edge It At Stoke

It might not have been the prettiest of matches, but when Carlos Tévez scored with seven minutes left at Stoke, the United faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief. Manchester United just about deserved the 1-0 victory at 10-man Stoke.

United looked tired after a trip to Japan for the Club World Cup and rarely troubled Stoke until Tévez scored from close range on a pass from Dimitar Berbatov.

Vidic Deserved To Go - Fergie

Alex Ferguson believes that Vidic's red card against LDU Quito in the Fifa World Club Cup Final was fully deserved.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that the red card Nemanja Vidic received in the Fifa World Club Cup final was justified and the Serbian defender deserved to go.

Vidic was sent off in the game against Ecuadorean side LDU Quito for elbowing Argentine midfielder Claudio Bieler.

United went on to win the game 1-0 after Wayne Rooney slotted the ball home after 73 minutes.

United Take On Inter Milan in Champions League

Manchester United take on Inter Milan in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Liverpool face Real Madrid.

For Mourinho it is a chance to go head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson once again.

Top Teams all Slip Up

A 0-0 draw only gave United a single point against Spurs.

With Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all slipping up, it would have been a great opportunity for the Reds to pull back against the top teams.

With Rooney being out of the side, it wasn`t going to be easy to get goals - and so it proved.

At least they have a 10 day break now while they go to Japan in the Club Championship, though in my view it`s not ideal to be getting involved in tournaments that many feel are meaningless.

Berbatov Goes Back to His Old Club in Tonight`s Clash

United go to White Hart Lane this evening hoping that Dimitar Berbatov will begin prove what a class act he is, as he prepares to face his old side Tottenham on Saturday night.

The Bulgarian was subject of a tug of war over the summer.

Ferguson eventually splashed out a club record £30.75million on Berbatov after some hard bargaining by Spurs on transfer deadline day.

Yet, despite flashes of obvious brilliance, consistency has so far eluded the 27-year-old during his stay at Old Trafford.

The boo boys will be out in force no doubt, but hopefully Berbatov will quieten them down with a good display, and better still a goal or two.

Ronaldo Could Miss Champions League Match

Cristiano Ronaldo could join Michael Carrick on the sidelines for Wednesday's match against AaB Aalborg.

The defending champions will stretch their unbeaten run in the competition to 19 if they avoid defeat against the Danes - a record currently held by Ajax and Bayern Munich.

Ronaldo is struggling to be fit for the game after injuring his hip in the league victory over Sunderland on Saturday and may not be risked with a busy schedule looming.

"Cristiano is doubtful and Michael Carrick is out," manager Alex Ferguson said on United's website (www.manutd.com) on Tuesday.

"Those are the only injury problems we have. Michael should be ready for Saturday (against Tottenham Hotspur), but we'll have to see how Cristiano is."

Things Going Well For United

In the Premiership, United keep up the pressure by beating Sunderland 1-0 right near the end of the match in last Saturday`s late kick off.

In the Carling Cup, four teams are left in.

Burnley

Derby County

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

Ronaldo Named Europe's Top Footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine.

Ronaldo won the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy after scoring 42 goals as Manchester United won the Champions League and Premier League last season.

"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life, something I dreamed of as a child," said the 23-year-old winger.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was second and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was third.

Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were also in the running to succeed Kaka as Europe's top star.