Sir Alex: My terrific team

"This team is determined, gritty and very professional, and some of the football we’ve seen from the players has been terrific."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his players' winning mentality as the Reds enter the crucial final month of a dramatic and potentially historic season.

The manager told the club’s official magazine, Inside United: “This team doesn't understand the word defeat. It's determined, gritty and very professional, and it's produced some great moments."
On recent comments from an opposing manager, Didier Deschamps of Marseille, that the current United team lacks a bit of 'fantasy', Sir Alex said:
"It might not have the 'Ronaldo' factor, but it's not as if we’ve been devoid of that ['fantasy']. Some of the football we’ve seen from the players this season has been terrific."
The Reds boss also emphasised the high level of focus within his squad, insisting the opportunity to make history - by winning an English-record 19th title - isn't distracting his players from the task in hand.
"I don’t think it’s on our minds at the moment. If we achieve it, it’ll be great to reflect on, but at the moment we know we’ve got some hard games left. We look forward to the challenge, though.
"It’s important to keep momentum going by winning games. That’s vital. Draws don’t come into it now, it’s all about wins. We’ve got a big few games coming up and we need to win them."
 Asked if such a pressurised time of the season saps energy from his team, or drives it on and energises it, Sir Alex offered a balanced assessment. He said: "It’s a bit of both. This is the greatest part of your job, though, having big game after big game. We’ve had some fantastic games over the years at this stage of the season, but we’ve also had some disappointments. You’ve just got to take the rough with the smooth.
"You just have to use your experience, and fortunately I’ve got a team of staff who have been with me for a long time. Having that continuity and consistency is a great thing - we know how to deal with situations.

"The players see how staff behave and how they conduct themselves in situations like we're in at the moment, and there's a lot of experience amongst the backroom team, which provides a calming influence. Two or three of the older players help too. The likes of Ryan [Giggs], Paul [Scholes], Rio [Ferdinand] and Edwin [van der Sar] - we've got enough experience to handle any situation that comes along."

When pressed on the importance of being at home for the team's final game of the season, on Sunday 22 May, Sir Alex said: "Well, I hope we’ve won it by that time! But if we have to win it on the final day as we’ve done a few times before, you welcome the fact you're at home. Obviously Blackpool may need to win themselves because of the relegation situation, so it could be a big game for both sides."

The boss is a big admirer of Ian Holloway's side and the positivity that's coloured their debut campaign in the Premier League. Sir Alex said: "Blackpool have been a breath of fresh air, particularly in the first half of the season when they were often scoring two and three goals
away from home, and really attacking teams. Their manager has a great philosophy and they've done well.

Sir Alex also sees the Seasiders' boss Ian Holloway as viable candidate for Manager of the Year, saying: "He must come into it when you look at what he's achieved at Blackpool in the economic climate he works under. He's done a fantastic job."

As for his Player and Young Player of the Year, outside of his own squad, Sir Alex's head turned towards Tottenham - "Luka Modric" - and Sunday's opponents Arsenal: "I think the boy [Jack] Wilshere has really emerged as a great young talent this season."
The full interview with Sir Alex is in the new issue of Inside United, on sale from Wednesday 4 May. Fans attending the Schalke game at Old Trafford can buy it in a 'double deal' with the match programme. Subscriptions for both are also available.

Fletch returns for Reserves

Darren Fletcher will make his long-awaited comeback from a virus in Thursday evening’s Reserve team clash between United and Arsenal.

The Scottish midfielder has been out of action since the Reds were beaten by Liverpool in early March, but will feature at Old Trafford as he prepares to rejoin the senior squad’s quest for the Premier League and Champions League.
Fletcher will be joined by several players with first team experience: Wes Brown, Gabriel Obertan, Bebe and Ben Amos all start for the Reds, who will be captained by Scott Wootton.
Supporters who wish to attend the match, which may see United clinch top spot in the Reserve League’s Northern Group A, can gain entry at Old Trafford for £5. Entry is free for season ticket holders, members, under-16s and over-65s.
The match will also be televised live on MUTV. Coverage begins at 18:30 BST, 30 minutes before kick-off.
 

United: Amos, W Brown, Wootton, Gill, Dudgeon; Bebe, R Brown, Norwood, Fletcher, Brady; Obertan.
Subs: Devlin, Vermijl, Petrucci, Tunnicliffe, W Keane.

Papers: Reds in Neuer swoop?

Mark Ogden writes in The Telegraph…

United ready to pounce for Manuel Neuer
 
An escalating war of words between Schalke and Bayern Munich has given United a chance to lure ace goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to Old Trafford. Germany keeper Neuer, 25, was credited by Sir Alex Ferguson as producing “probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us in my time at Manchester United”, during the 2-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg victory against Schalke. Neuer has been regularly scouted by United as the club attempt to identify a successor to Edwin van der Sar, who has confirmed his intention to retire at the end of the season. But having been advised that Neuer favours a move to Bayern, United have shifted their attentions elsewhere, with Atletico Madrid’s David de Gea and Ajax No 1 Maarten Stekelenburg now leading targets. Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness has warned, however, that his club will not pay an “astronomical” fee for Neuer. “We want Manuel,” Hoeness said. “When there’s a desire, we can find a solution. But Schalke’s management must now not come up with an astronomical sum.”
In The Sun, Patrice Evra has promised to take up yoga after Ryan Giggs inspired United to a 2-0 win over Schalke in the Champions League. The Welshman regularly credits yoga as the resource behind his prolonged career at Old Trafford, and now Evra is keen to follow suit: “Ryan says that is what makes him run fast and I'm going to sign up for it straightaway.”
Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney has thanked United fans for their support this season and has promised to help the Reds lift a league and European Cup double. Rooney is quoted in The Guardian: “I'm delighted with my form at the minute and I'm grateful to the fans for supporting me. It's going to be a great end to the season if we can get to Wembley and win a Champions League final as well as the league.”

Giggs to sit out Arsenal clash

Sir Alex's dilemma

"We've got selection problems now but that's what we want. We've got an important game on Sunday against Arsenal. It'll be a different team but hopefully we'll get the result we want."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson will reward Ryan Giggs for another stunning performance with a rest during Sunday's Premier League showdown at Arsenal.

The manager has a selection dilemma ahead of the trip to London, with Dimitar Berbatov hoping to be fit and Nani desperate for a start after coming on as a substitute on Tuesday night.
Anderson, who also had a taste of action against Schalke, will hope to take  Giggs' midfield place at the Emirates Stadium. But there's no doubt the veteran Welshman will be missed.
"It is a strange thing because Ryan's peak seems to have lasted so long now," said Sir Alex.
"You would think at 37, he would be showing signs of waning. I don't see any evidence of that. We look after him in terms of rest before games.
"He won't be playing on Sunday. He maybe will play next Wednesday. That is the way we have to deal with him now. When he gets that freshness, he doesn't show any sign of fatiguing at all. He is an amazing man."
Champions League semi-final first leg, United's focus now shifts to Sunday's domestic encounter in the capital. And Sir Alex is ready to shuffle his pack again.
"I've got good options because Nani could have played but Antonio Valencia's form showed why he's playing," explained Sir Alex. "His performance was absolutely unbelievable. So we've got selection problems now. But that's what we want.
"We've got an important game on Sunday against Arsenal. It'll be a different team but hopefully we'll get the result we want."

 

UCL Semi-Final 2 - Barcelona beat Madrid

Two Lionel Messi goals gave Barcelona victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night, but the game will sadly be remembered as more of a playground spat than a classic footballing contest.

Messi’s goals, both scored in the final 15 minutes, were well worked and well taken (particularly his second solo effort) but came only after the home side had been reduced to 10 men.
Like Manchester United, Barcelona now enter the semi-final second leg with a two-goal lead and home-ground advantage; a repeat of the 2009 Champions League final looks increasingly likely.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in Spain to watch the game and yet a match that promised so much delivered so little actual football.
Instead, both teams kicked, dived and play-acted their way through much of the match. The first half featured more fouls than shots and, almost inevitably, ended with a melee as the teams disappeared down the tunnel. Barcelona’s substitute goalkeeper, Jose Manuel Pinto, was shown a red card for his involvement.
It was still 11 v 11 on the pitch, though. Well, at least until Madrid midfielder Pepe was sent off (somehwat controversially) for a lunge on Dani Alves after 60 minutes. Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was then sent to the stands for protesting the decision.
Barcelona took little more than 15 minutes to make their numerical advantage count. Substitute Ibrahim Affelay beat Madrid left-back Marcello and flashed a ball across the six-yard box for Lionel Messi to meet first-time at the near post with a side-foot volley.
Then, with three minutes to play, the Argentine attacker produced a sublime bit of skill, accelerating past three defenders, driving into the box and finishing coolly past Spain stopper Iker Casillas. Trust Messi to extract beauty from a boxing match...
That goal, his 52nd of the season in all competitions, handed Barcelona the upper hand in the tie. They, like Manchester United, are now heavy favourites to advance to the Champions League final.

Reds praise Rooney role

“I think Wayne has found his position. When he’s a little bit behind the striker, he gets more touches of the ball."
 - Patrice Evra 

United team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have heaped praise upon Wayne Rooney following the striker’s superb display in the Reds’ UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Tuesday.

Rooney scored one and set up the other on a night when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side could easily have hit five or six were it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made several impressive saves against a rampant United attack.
Operating in his newly adopted position behind strike partner Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Rooney excelled against the Germans, playing with a sense of freedom that allowed the England star to dictate the game from various areas of the Veltins-Arena pitch.
It's a position he has made his own, according to Reds team-mate Evra: “I think Wayne has found his position. When he’s a little bit behind the striker, he gets more touches of the ball.
“I also think Wayne can play as a number 10. He likes to give good balls, and he scores. From behind, maybe he’s more dangerous. I think Wazza is happy to play there as well.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Ferdinand, who was quick to praise Rooney’s versatility and energy up front: “Wayne played in two positions on Tuesday, playing high and running in behind as well as playing just off Chicharito, by coming short and getting things going for us. He seems like he’s enjoying his football - long may it continue.”

Evra's warning for Reds

"In football, you never know because I remember when I was playing with Monaco, we lost in the Bernabeu 4-2 and Madrid thought they were going to the semi-final. But in the second leg we won 3-1."

- Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra has issued a warning to his Reds team-mates ahead of the semi-final second leg with Schalke.

The Frenchman has first-hand experience of overturning a two-goal deficit in the Champions League and believes it would be disastrous if United fail to reach Wembley after a superb show at the Veltins-Arena.
However, the flying full-back admits the display was one of the best he's been involved in at European level.
"We never know," he told MUTV. "In football, we never know. I think we played very well tonight but it was a little bit strange to get to half-time without scoring a goal. I think everyone was frustrated. We kept doing the same things we did in the first half. I think  there was one team on the pitch and it was a great performance. But, in football, you never know because I remember when I was playing with Monaco, we lost in the Bernabeu 4-2 and Madrid thought they were going to the semi-final. But in the second leg we won 3-1.
"So we have to be as professional in the second leg as we were tonight, we have to keep going and we have to win. We have to win at Old Trafford. If we don’t get to the final, it would be disastrous. We have to do our job. We are very near to another final but let’s do our job at Old Trafford."
Evra was asked if it was as complete an away performance as he could remember in his time in Manchester. 
"Yes, definitely," he replied. "The one we did against Barcelona in Camp Nou in the semi-final, when we drew 0-0, tactically the team was very strong. But tonight, I think it was one of the best performances United play away.
"I’m not surprised because I saw the desire in our team and the respect we had for Schalke. I think Manchester United respected Schalke a lot tonight. Before the game, we said we’re playing in a semi-final, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Schalke or another team. We’re playing to go to the final. It’s important. That’s why we played with respect and I think everyone did their job very well tonight."
The defender is just frustrated he couldn't convert a late chance after being played in by substitute Nani.
"I nearly scored," he added. "Nearly, nearly, again! They have to go in, not just nearly score. But maybe in the second leg or in the final?"

Best goalkeeping displays

Sir Alex Ferguson said of Manuel Neuer: "I think, in my time at United, it's probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us. I'm sure there's other feats but tonight I saw a very good one." 

It got us thinking about those "other feats" and which outstanding displays between the sticks warrant a mention.
Our initial shortlist included Neville Southall (1995 FA Cup final), Ludek Miklosko (last day of the season in 1995 - that was a bad week for facing in-form keepers!), Chris Turner (1991 League Cup final) and Brad Friedel (a variety of games but notably 2004/2005 and 2007/2008).
We asked for your suggestions on Talking Reds and here's five of the best of them. You can still join the debate and have your say.

Stefan Klos (Borussia Dortmund, 1997)

This 1-0 defeat still smarts with Sir Alex as the Reds were unable to overturn a lead extended by Lars Ricken's early goal. 21 attempts on Klos' goal were recorded but, ably supported by defenders Jurgen Kohler and Stefan Reuter, the future Rangers No1 stood firm and repelled everything United could throw at him.
Paul Jones (Southampton, 1998) 
The hoodoo at The Dell continued as Kevin Davies made it three successive home wins for the Saints against Sir Alex's side. It was a case of hanging on to another early goal and being unable to find a way past the inspired keeper, who picked up a rating of '9' in
United's official review of the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Andy Cole were thwarted as the visitors sorely missed Teddy Sheringham.
Jurgen Macho (Sunderland, 2003)After Juan Sebastian Veron's bizarre own goal, this New Year's Day fixture was turning into a disaster for the title-chasing Reds. The Austrian keeper had one of those days, a stop from Rio Ferdinand was the pick of a string of saves as United rained in 32 attempts, but he was ultimately beaten by David Beckham and Paul Scholes. The Guardian wrote: "He had the sort of performance that he might never reproduce throughout the rest of his career." They were probably right.
Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom, 2005)Baggies boss Bryan Robson needed to turn to the Pole when Russell Hoult went off injured and Kuszczak's performance obviously impressed Sir Alex, as he signed him a year later. The stand-in frustrated Quinton Fortune, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kleberson and Rooney to earn his side an important 1-1 draw in their battle against the drop.
Manuel Almunia (Arsenal, 2009)What is it about goalkeepers called Manuel in Champions League semi-final first legs? The Gunners' fans may have turned against the man from Pamplona but it was only a top-class display that kept the Londoners in the tie, albeit until the early stages of the Emirates return. Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo were all denied by the stubborn Spaniard.

Boss:Messi or Ronaldo?

It's the question that most football fans have been asking over the past few seasons. Who do you think is better: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

 
Sir Alex Ferguson was at the Bernabeu to judge for himself on Wednesday night when Barcelona's Argentinian phenomenon went head-to-head with Real Madrid's Portuguese superstar.
Messi came out on top on that occasion but Sir Alex still has great admiration for Ronaldo, who spent six years at Old Trafford before moving to Madrid.
"Well, I had Ronaldo here as a player and I think he is the best player in the world," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. "He can play with both feet, he has fantastic skill, strength and bravery, and he’s a greater header of the ball. But Messi is an absolutely fantastic player also.
"It’s difficult to choose between the two, it’s the toss of a coin.
"It depends on how you view your player. The fact that I had Ronaldo here so long, I know him well. I saw how he dedicated himself in training sessions to becoming the best player in the world and so that would weigh heavily on my view of him as a player and as a person. "But you look at the boy Messi and you know that he’s a serious player. He loves playing football. He’s as brave as a lion because he will always take the ball in any situation. They are different types of players but there’s no doubt both provide a fantastic end product."

2010/2011 record - games/goals:
Lionel Messi: 
La Liga 30/31
Champions League 10/9
Copa del Rey 7/7
Total: 47/47
Cristiano Ronaldo: 
La Liga 30/29
Champions League 10/6
Copa del Rey 8/7
Total: 48/42

Rio: Can't take win for granted

"In some ways, I was a little bit surprised [by how dominant we were] but then I look at the players in our changing room and it doesn't surprise me because we've got quality in there. If we click and play well like we did in the first half, we can open up  any team. " 

-Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand insists United are taking nothing for granted despite a 2-0 triumph against Schalke in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Reds bring the Bundesliga side back to fortress Old Trafford with a commanding lead after a splendid performance that extended the run of away clean sheets throughout this season's competition.
Ferdinand, immaculate as ever at the heart of the defence, is still fearful of the quality possessed by Ralf Rangnick's team.
"We'll wait and see," he told MUTV. "We won't count our eggs too soon. We know that teams can peg you back. There's quality in all sides at this stage of the competition. Players like Raul are quality so you can't take anything for granted."
The shut-out record is not in the centre-back's thoughts as he focuses on completing the job in the second leg.
"It all counts for nothing if you don't get there, or if you get there and you don't win," he explained. "We need to make sure we continue the way we're playing and when we take Schalke back to Old Trafford, we play the same way we did here and then hopefully get through to the final."
After an opening half where only goals were missing from an outstanding team display, Ferdinand admits he feared one lapse in concentration or moment of quality from the hosts could undo all the fine work.
"I thought, first half, we were very good," he said. "We should have come in at half-time maybe three or four goals up. Their keeper played well and made some good saves. We were just a bit disappointed at half-time.
"Going out for the second half, we said as long as keep a clean sheet we'll get more chances and this time we need to put them away. We did that. In some ways, I was a little bit surprised [by how dominant we were] but then I look at the players in our changing room and it doesn't surprise me because we've got quality in there. If we click and play well like we did in the first half, we can open up any team.
"It was on a bit of a knife-edge for us defensively because we were thinking after creating so many chances that if they got one and put it away, it would be a big upset."

 

Giggs: Should have been more

"I thought if we kept creating chances, one would go in and hopefully I would get one on my left foot rather than my right foot!"

- Ryan Giggs

Goalscorers Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney illustrated the mentality running through the United camp by declaring themselves disappointed with the 2-0 lead from the Champions League semi-final first leg.

An outstanding team performance made a mockery of Schalke's 100 percent home record in the competition as the Reds set things up nicely for the return fixture at Old Trafford next Wednesday.
But, while refusing to rule the German side out, both players insisted there should have been a wider margin of success.
"We created enough chances to be four or five up at half time," said Giggs. "Before the game, we'd have taken 2-0 but we're slightly disappointed it was only two. I thought if we kept creating chances, one would go in and hopefully I would get one on my left foot rather than my right foot!"
Rooney, again outstanding working in tandem with Javier Hernandez, echoed those sentiments. "You never know," he said of the two-legged tie. "We're a bit disappointed we didn't take a few more of our chances.
"We played very well tonight and I thought we created some great chances. Overall, I'm delighted with the performance and we've done really well to get two away goals so it's a good win for us.
"We have to be professional and finish the job off at home. Schalke are a good team and we won't take them lightly. They went to Inter Milan and won 5-2 there so we need to make
sure we're professional and fully concentrated and manage to do the job and try to get to that final."
Giggs, again highlighting the sort of the attitude that filters down from the manager, is already thinking about Sunday's trip to Arsenal in the Premier League.
"It's a tough game on Sunday and the manager will obviously rotate and then get us ready for next week against these at Old Trafford," he added.
"So obviously we're pleased but the substitutes help as well, the lads who came on did well as well, so it's not about 11 players but about the squad."
Giggs and Rooney were speaking to Sky Sports.
 

Sir Alex: We're reaching a peak

United's ultra-professional victory over Schalke has Sir Alex Ferguson brimming with confidence as he braces himself for a crucial week in the life of Manchester United.

The return leg of the Champions League semi-final, at Old Trafford next Wednesday night, is sandwiched between two games that will all but decide the destiny of the domestic league title. The Reds are ready for all of them, insists Sir Alex, as he reflects on a job well done in Germany.
"The players are relishing these games," said Sir Alex. "I think we're coming to a peak.
"There was a fantastic atmosphere (inside Schalke's Veltins-Arena) tonight but it never bowed our players once. They kept on playing their football, showing confidence and trust in one another.
"Our concentration, the intensity of our play and the speed of our passing were all excellent tonight.
"It was a top performance. I'm really pleased with the players, every one of them has done fantastically well tonight."
A measure of United's domination is that the best individual display on the night was arguably that of the Schalke goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer - a young man often linked in the press with a move to Old Trafford. He's reportedly bound for Bayern Munich now - "I think we know that" said Sir Alex - but he'll head there with confirmed admirers in
Manchester.
"He was fantastic. It was one of the best performances I've seen against Manchester United," added the boss.
"(At half-time) I was cursing myself for mentioning the Dortmund semi-final and all the one-on-ones we had (in my pre-match interview). But we've got more experience now than we had then (in 1997)."
Neuer was effectively a one-man wall in the first half, thwarting Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs on numerous occasions to maintain parity at the end of the one-sided period.
"The funny thing was that when Chicharito 'scored' (early in the second half) but he was offside, it told the players they could beat this goalkeeper! Of course, Ryan scored and then Wazza did. It's a marvellous result."

Report: Schalke 0 United 2

Make no mistake, this was as accomplished a Champions League semi-final performance you could wish to see as United had Schalke chasing shadows in a comprehensive 2-0 victory.

There's still a second leg to come before the manager and anybody else will be thinking of planning for Wembley but, in truth, only Manuel Neuer's brilliance saved his side from an embarrassing scoreline.
Neuer defied United virtually single-handedly before two quickfire goals - by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney - ensured justice was done. Rooney was the provider for Giggs' opener and then found the net himself after cunning play by strike partner Javier Hernandez.
Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with in-form Hernandez proving impossible to leave out. Fabio started at right-back with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Giggs and Ji-sung Park forming the midfield quartet.
In a breathless opening period, both sides carved out chances with Edwin van der Sar worked by Alexander Baumjohann and Edu while Neuer showed his class at the other end. Rooney drifted inside to force a diving stop out of the Schalke skipper, who then beat out a Park drive. Some fine work by Fabio and Valencia led to Hernandez stretching to test Neuer again. Hernandez was then in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 14th minute when Park's astute through ball found him just onside but the Mexican couldn't squeeze his finish under Germany's number one.
Hernandez remained the man likeliest to open the scoring as he rippled the side-netting with a left-footed effort and then made the wrong decision in trying to return a pass to Rooney rather than going for goal himself. Chicharito seemed to be finding space easily and, when he was beautifully picked out by Valencia, it was a surprise his snap-shot flashed across goal rather than on target from an angle.
Giggs almost broke the deadlock when getting his head to Nemanja Vidic's cross, only for the outstanding Neuer to scoop the ball away with his right hand.
Christoph Metzelder took a booking for the team with a cynical foul on Rooney to stop the England international releasing Hernandez again as the one-way traffic on the Schalke goal continued. There was another major scare for the hosts when Hernandez nipped in to again force a fine stop out of Neuer and Park's effort on the rebound was blocked by Atsuto Uchida.
Moments later, Fabio fired over the top with his left foot from Park's downward header as United tried to take a richly-deserved lead. Instead, Neuer blocked crucially again to thwart Giggs in yet another one-on-one situation by standing tall to frustrate the Welshman with his seventh save of the half as the teams went in all-square at the break.
It took one minute and 13 seconds of the second half to test Neuer again as Carrick headed a Giggs free-kick goalwards before Giggs' dreadful
right-footed finish ruined the calm dummy that sat two defenders on the deck.
Neuer was finally beaten with 51 minutes on the clock but, frustratingly, Hernandez was marginally offside when lashing home a superb finish. The Miners mustered an attempt of their own when Juan Manuel Jurado sliced a volley off target following Jefferson Farfan's lightning run down the right and Edu's powerful shot forced a save out of van der Sar.
But the Reds were merely biding their time before conjuring up a way of beating Neuer. Patrice Evra fed Rooney and the striker's brilliant disguised pass allowed Giggs to race through unchallenged to slip home an assured left-footed finish.
Scenting blood, United poured forward and, after Giggs volleyed a well-placed Valencia cross wide, it was 2-0 within a couple of minutes. Valencia touched the ball towards Hernandez and the Mexican helped it on intelligently to Rooney, who gleefully swept past the exposed Neuer.
Sir Alex took the opportunity to give Hernandez and Park a breather ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal as Paul Scholes and Anderson came on with 17 minutes left.
Schalke tried in vain to reduce the deficit with Farfan sending a free-kick wide and substitute Sergio Escudero's excellent attempt forcing van der Sar into evasive action. The hosts, who almost fell further behind late on when Evra shot just wide after linking up with substitute Nani, were simply no match for the Reds on the night. Schalke require a Miner miracle in the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney shows his frustration as United can't find a way past Manuel Neuer

Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand celebrate another shut-out

Fabio bursts through the Schalke defence with typical exuberance

Javier Hernandez tangles with the outstanding Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer was overworked in the first half

Patrice Evra makes another meaty challenge

Add caption

Ryan Giggs slides his finish past Manuel Neuer for the opener

Wayne Rooney enjoys making it 2-0 with a cool finish

"This is a team that will not give in. There's absolutely no chance of that. That's a great quality. You saw that against Everton."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his team's experience - but feels Manchester United should always aim to be participating in the last four of the Champions League.

United, striving to take over domestically as England's most-successful club if the Reds can win a record 19th title, are also eyeing European rivals when it comes to winning trophies.
Sir Alex admits he is jealous of clubs like AC Milan, Ajax and Real Madrid's record in the competition but is pleased to have so many players fit and available for the tough semi-final trip to Schalke.
"The present group have a lot of experience in Europe now. The semi-finals is where we should be, you get envious of other clubs with great records in Europe.
"We're trying to get parity with the likes of Real Madrid."
England internationals Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney will be key figures for the Reds in the away leg at the Veltins-Arena after playing in the stadium during the World Cup defeat to Portugal on penalties in 2006.
 

Boss expects rollercoaster ride

"I don't like jumping ahead. If we can deal with Schalke, then we'll look at it but you don't care who you play in the final."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson expects an emotional roller coaster as United face Schalke for the right to play in the 2011 Champions League final.

The Reds boss has experienced numerous last-four encounters since taking over at Old Trafford but still feels the pressure ahead of such huge encounters.
"Any semi-final you go into, you know it will be tough," said Sir Alex. "It's not easy for either side but we hope we can progress.
"You're always apprehensive at this stage of the competition. We had this when we've played semis in the past - Juve in 99, Barca in 2008. The second leg, the last 20 minutes at Old Trafford, was agony.
"You go through the gamut of emotions in semi-finals because they're never easy."
Schalke certainly impressed the boss when he flew to Germany to watch their second leg success against Inter Milan.
"Schalke never looked like losing against Inter," he explained. "That's quite a credit to them when you consider the experienced side they were up against. They were in control and made a good impression on me when I was here.
"Germans have a self-determination. It's reflected in how the German people approach all sports. There's similarity with the English and Scottish!"
The manager refused to discuss whether he would prefer to play Real Madrid or Barcelona at Wembley.
"I don't like jumping ahead," he asserted. "If we can deal with Schalke, then we'll look at it but you don't care who you play in the final."

 

Match Preview : Schalke v United

United travel to Germany striving to clinch a dream final against Real Madrid or Barcelona at Wembley...

Form Guide 
United left it late but got the job done against Everton thanks to Javier Hernandez's winner. The Reds made it three consecutive clean sheets in the league and haven't lost since the 3-1 reverse at Liverpool on March 6. Of course, Sir Alex's side have still to concede a goal on the road in this season's Champions League. Schalke are 10th in the Bundesliga after a home defeat when fielding a shadow side against Kaiserslautern at the weekend. The Miners' form has been inconsistent but they've won all their home games in this competition this term.
Ins and outs
Dimitar Berbatov is out with a groin problem, joining Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves on the sidelines. Everybody else is available, including John O'Shea who limped off against Everton. Schalke's Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is definitely unavailable due to a knee injury but promising defender Benedikt Howedes is fit again and the players rested for the weekend are all fresh.
Last meeting
The two teams have never played before in European competition.
Top man
Manuel Neuer is an outstanding goalkeeper, tipped to become the best in the world. Although some felt he was destined to replace Edwin van der Sar at United, the Germany international looks poised to join Bayern Munich after declaring his intention to quit the Veltins-Arena. The timing of the announcement could have been better but this is the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents.
Quote/unquote
"It is a similar position to the one we were in against Inter. We are the clear underdogs in this tie too. Everybody expects Manchester United to win easily." Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick
Any sub-plots?
The Reds have had some harrowing experiences against German opposition in the competition. Bayern Munich have knocked Sir Alex's side out on a couple of occasions, including last year, while Borussia Dortmund (1997) and Bayer Leverkusen (2002) beat United in last-four ties. The Reds have never beaten a Bundesliga side over two legs.
Whistle-blower
Carlos Velasco takes charge - the Spaniard was the man in the middle when United defeated Marseille 2-1 in the knockout stages with Javier Hernandez scoring both goals.
Did you know? 
Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney have played at the Veltins-Arena before - it was the scene of England's penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal during the 2006 World Cup. 'Wazza' was sent off on that occasion so let's hope he has happier memories this time around.
Rivals watch
Real Madrid face Barcelona in their explosive semi-final on Wednesday night at the Bernabeu.

Berbatov misses Schalke trip

Dimitar Berbatov has not travelled with the United squad for Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final with Schalke.

The Premier League's top goalscorer has had a groin problem and sat out the draw at Newcastle and Saturday's victory over Everton.
Midfielders Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves remain unavailable and Bebe also misses out.
However, John O'Shea took his place on the plane despite leaving the field with an injury against the Toffees and a third goalkeeper has still to be confirmed.

Squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak; Patrice Evra, Wes Brown, Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans, Nemanja Vidic, Fabio, Rafael; Anderson, Ryan Giggs, Ji-sung Park, Michael Carrick, Nani, Paul Scholes, Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan, Darron Gibson; Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez.

O'Shea: Reds aim to silence crowd

"We just have to use our experience and try to quieten their crowd down as much as we can by keeping possession. An away goal is always nice. But it is not the be all and end all. We know if we are in sight when we come back to Old Trafford, we always have a great chance."

- John O'Shea 

John O'Shea says an away goal isn't the "be all and end all" as United look to impose themselves on Schalke in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

The defender expects the Reds to use their experience and dampen the enthusiasm of the home fans at the Veltins-Arena, bidding to extend a remarkable record of not conceding a goal away from home in the competition all season.
After putting some injury problems behind him, the Irishman is determined to play his part as United aim for a dream Wembley final against Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"I wouldn't say that," he replied, when asked if he was pleased to be facing a side that cannot be considered a European giant. "They have reached a Champions League semi-final. They have got to be a good team.
"We are aware we are favourites, which adds a bit of pressure. But we were aware, if we got past Chelsea, who we would get because of Schalke's result in the first-leg against Inter. Any team who can score so many goals against Inter Milan has to have something about them.
"Fair enough, they are not in the top two or three in the Bundesliga but they have gone on a hell of a Champions League run. We have to be aware of that. Their fans, we believe, make it a special atmosphere. We just have to use our experience and try to quieten their crowd down as much as we can by keeping possession. An away goal is always nice. But it is not the be all and end all. We know if we are in sight when we come back to Old Trafford, we always have a great chance.
"We have to make sure we show them our history, why we have got to finals, why we have won them, why we have been in this situation many times before. We have to impose ourselves whilst understanding the threats we have, which we will have to cope with.
"I am sure the manager is fully aware of how German teams have caused him some upset down through the years. He will have us well prepared to make sure that doesn't happen this time."
As for his season on a personal front, O'Shea was disappointed to miss so much of the campaign but pleased to be available with a maximum of seven games remaining. 

"It has been a little bit frustrating," he conceded. "Obviously the injury last season kept me out for four months. I tore my calf and had a little tear in my hamstring this season which kept me out for six weeks. It was three and a half for the hamstring. But they came at vital times of the season and I missed quite a few games. But thankfully I am fit at the important time and fully available for the manager.
"Everyone has come back to fitness at the right time. That is good for the manager. If I go through my whole career with just a calf injury and a hamstring and a strange leg injury I will be very lucky. It is just one of those things. Hopefully they are behind me now."

Sir Alex salutes van der Sar

"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best. I hope it's not impossible to replace him."
- Sir Alex Ferguson

Edwin van der Sar is just three European games away from signing off at United in the same perfect way as legendary Reds goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

When Danish international Schmeichel announced his retirement during the 1998/99 season, he could only hope that the Champions League final in Barcelona would turn out to be his last match for the Reds.
So it proved to be, and now van der Sar will have a similar ambition as he prepares to face Schalke in the semi-final, fresh from another vital contribution to United’s cause in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Everton.
"Edwin made a fantastic save, an absolutely brilliant save, especially as it took a little deflection," said Sir Alex, referring to when the ever-agile 40 year-old steered Jack Rodwell’s shot wide after it clipped off the inside of Jonny Evans’ legs.
Van der Sar’s role in the Reds’ vital league victory didn’t begin and end there, either.
"To hear him at half-time in the Everton game was absolutely wonderful," revealed Sir Alex.
"The way he motivated the players was really good to listen to.
"Edwin van der Sar is one of the best and I hope it's not impossible to replace him."
Van der Sar’s departure next month brings back memories of Schmeichel’s exit. United’s struggle to find an established successor
encompassed comparatively short-lived stays for shot-stoppers Mark Bosnich, Massimo Taibi, Roy Carroll, Tim Howard and even a World-Cup winner in Fabien Barthez.
"We're now in a similar situation to when Peter Schmeichel left," said Sir Alex. "We should have signed Edwin then (in 1999). I had the opportunity but things conspired against us at the time and we made the wrong decision. But he’s been unbelievable since we signed him (in 2005)."

League: Arsenal hopes shattered

The Barclays Premier League title race is realistically down to two teams - United and Chelsea - after Arsenal suffered a major setback on Easter Sunday.

Needing a win at the Reebok Stadium to keep their hopes alive, Arsene Wenger's side instead lost 2-1 to Bolton Wanderers, a result which leaves them nine points behind the Reds before next Sunday's head-to-head meeting at the Emirates.
The Gunners' defeat - their first in the league since losing to United at Old Trafford on 13 December - was sealed by Tamir Cohen's last-minute header. Bolton's first goal was also a header - Daniel Sturridge, on loan from Chelsea, gave his parent club something to celebrate when he nodded home from a corner seven minutes before the break.
Robin van Persie equalised for Arsenal just three minutes into the second period but when Wojciech Szczesny saved Kevin Davies' penalty for Bolton, it proved only to be a stay of execution and Cohen eventually confirmed the visitors' fate.
Arsenal will mathematically be unable to win the league if they lose at home to United; a draw would leave them needing to win their last three games while the Reds lose to Chelsea, Blackburn and Blackpool, and Chelsea lose to Spurs, Newcastle and Everton.

Boss: We can beat both rivals

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed inferences that United will drop six points in the next two league games as "nonsense."

Fans of the Reds' rivals have been looking at the May fixtures with the hope, even belief, that the leaders will lose at Arsenal next Sunday and Chelsea at Old Trafford the following weekend. The boss bristled with indignation at this when asked on Sky Sports to assess the state of the title race following United's 1-0 win over Everton.
"The thing that puzzles me is that people keep saying we’ve still got to play Arsenal and Chelsea as if we’re going to lose them," said Sir Alex. "Why can’t we win these games? Why should people say we can’t beat Chelsea at home or we can’t go to the Emirates and win like we’ve done previously? I said to the players today, ‘Forget all that nonsense, just win your games.’ That’s what we want to do. Win the games and we’ll be all right."
The Reds could now wrap up an English-record 19th league title in the next home match, against Chelsea, on Sunday 8 May, but Sir Alex says:
"I think we have to keep our heads down and not get carried away. There are only four games left and the way my players are going about their business and the effort they’re producing gives us an outstanding chance. They have a winning attitude, a refusal to give in and a determination to do better."

Chicha salutes team ethic

"For 90 minutes we kept going and kept going because we wanted the goal, wanted the three points as soon as possible. We keep going, keep working. The history of Manchester United is like this."

- Chicharito

 

Despite stealing the spotlight with yet another priceless winner, Chicharito saluted United's collective resolve after the Reds' hard-fought win over Everton.

The Mexican striker persevered after a string of missed chances against the resolute visitors, before nodding home Antonio Valencia's 84th-minute cross to see off David Moyes' side.
Chicharito told MUTV: "There was a little bit of frustration, but you need to keep going in the next play, and the next, and the next, because you can't stay there only thinking 'I missed it', you need to be ready for the next one. Thankfully the goal came and near the last minute.
"For 90 minutes we kept going and kept going because we wanted the goal, wanted the three points as soon as possible. We keep going, keep working and it was a difficult day also because it was hotter and that made us a little bit more tired. But the history of Manchester United is like this - we can score in the first minute and also the last minute."
The victory over Everton precedes a run of games in which the Reds contest a two-legged Champions League final as well as facing the rest of the Premier League's top three, but Chicharito confirmed that United only had eyes for seeing off the Merseysiders.
"It's the only thing we have in our mind and thankfully we got it (the win)," he said. "It's unbelievable because we know the importance of these three points because we need to get all the points we possibly can because we
can win the league. This is the key part of the season, we have Schalke then the two games against Arsenal and Chelsea.
"It's very important. Here the thing always in our mind is that we have to win, we need that three points. It doesn't matter who scores. We're going into big games now and even defenders can score and we can win - that's the most important thing here. We think always that the team is the most important thing. We don't need to be selfish and think only of scoring."
 

Evans: Never write us off

"You do sometimes fear the worst. I suppose you shouldn't at a club like this, at Old Trafford playing into the Stretford End. We've done it so many times over the years."

- Jonny Evans 

 

Jonny Evans admitted he should have known better than to fear the worst after Chicharito popped up to finally pierce Everton's stern resistance at Old Trafford.

The Ulsterman conceded that he thought the Reds were going to slip up against David Moyes' side, giving further hope to Chelsea and Arsenal in the title race, prior to yet another dramatic denouement at the Stretford End.
"To be honest with you, I thought it was going to be one of those days," he told MUTV. "We hit the post and had quite a few chances in the first half, and you do sometimes fear the worst.
"I suppose you shouldn't at a club like this, at Old Trafford playing into the Stretford End. We've done it so many times over the years. It's just a great relief.
"Going into the last four games six points ahead is just an unbelievable feeling as well, as long as we keep ticking the games off. We've got hard games against Arsenal and Chelsea, and if we can get the points against them and not let them back into it, then we'll definitely go on and win the league."
The Northern Irish international was a surprise inclusion as Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Schalke, and Evans admitted he was delighted to be back after a three-match suspension.
"It was a good performance from us today," he said. "The manager made a lot of changes, including myself coming in and players who
haven't really played that much in a while, and it was a big gamble. I'm sure people looking at the team sheet would think 'this is a big gamble', but that's what the manager does here and it paid off.
"The suspension seemed like it was going on forever because of the international break, there was two weeks between the games. The manager even asked me last week when the suspension was up! You've just got to keep patient and I've been working quite hard to keep my fitness up for if I ever got the chance to come in, and I didn't feel too bad."
 

Sir Alex sensed victory

"I could feel the goal coming. We had the momentum and the crowd was up for it. When the crowd gets going, it sucks the ball in."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in his team was repaid once again on Easter Saturday when Javier Hernandez scored United's late winner at the Stretford End.

A damaging 0-0 draw was on the cards as the Everton players - in particular centre-back Phil Jagielka and former Reds goalkeeper Tim Howard - continually thwarted Chicharito, Wayne Rooney and company. But the United manager always felt the victory would come as his side chased it all the way in the club's hallmark manner.
"I could feel the goal coming," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We had the momentum and the crowd was up. When the crowd gets going, it sucks the ball in.
"Today's game was tricky. Everton are very resilient and some of their defending was fantastic today. Their goalkeeper and two centre-backs were absolutely brilliant. We had shots blocked near the line, some misses and the goalkeeper made two or three great saves.
"Our decision making wasn’t up to scratch in the first half, when we had some great openings, and we could have had the game finished by half-time. But in the time-honoured fashion of Manchester United, we don’t do that. We wait to the very end. It keeps everyone hanging and on the edge of their seat, but we get there.
"You say to yourself, ‘It’s going to be another late one here.’ You can just smell the history of the club and so it was to be.
"The important thing is we never gave up. We took gambles, we took risks. We put Wayne Rooney in the middle of the pitch, we brought Ryan Giggs on, Michael Owen on. Jonny Evans has not had many games, neither has Fabio, but they both saw it through and showed great resilience and determination to get through it.
"It was a fantastic performance by the lads in the way they kept going against a good Everton team. I think we can be very pleased today. We’ve got the result we want."
Not for the first time this season, Sir Alex paid tribute to the attitude and ability of Chicharito, United's match winner - and the talent of the man who created his goal, Antonio Valencia.
"Chicharito has done better than everyone expected in his first year because we thought he would just get used to the English game and get strengthened up," said Sir Alex. "But he’s passed all those tests. He’s first in at nine o’clock in the morning and he’s the last one to leave. He’s a truly dedicated boy.
"Valencia was fantastic again today. It's a real bonus to get a fresh player like him at this time of the season."

United 1 Everton 0

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez scored perhaps the most important goal of his phenomenal debut season for United, nodding a late winner as Everton were beaten amid dramatic scenes at Old Trafford.
 
David Moyes' side had turned in a magnificently dogged display to frustrate the Reds for long periods, before Chicharito popped up with six minutes remaining to nod home, perhaps symbolically, his 19th goal of the season and move United three points closer to a 19th domestic crown.

The Mexican's strike prompted a mass outpouring of relief from the home support after a largely frustrating afternoon. Fronted by impressively well-drilled visitors, the Reds squandered a series of first half openings and found Tim Howard in solid form, while Michael Owen also struck the outside of the visitors' post late on.

The Reds might have even suffered worse, had Edwin van der Sar not produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell midway through the second period.

With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, first leg trip to Schalke, Sir Alex made the most of the squad at his disposal, resting Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling and naming Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick on the bench. Dimitar Berbatov missed out with a persistent groin injury.
Rio Ferdinand partnered Jonny Evans for only the second time this season, Fabio replaced Evra, Darron Gibson stepped in for Carrick and Giggs’ absence was covered by the returning Antonio Valencia.
Everton, meanwhile, came into the game as one of the Premier League’s form teams, with 14 points from the last 18 available, despite a raft of injuries which again reduced decimated their ranks. Tim Cahill did provide a timely boost for David Moyes, however, as he was deemed fit enough for a spot on the visitors’ bench.
The Toffees’ form had brought them into contention for European qualification berths. Nevertheless, United’s need was greater; a state of play reflected in the early patterns within the game. How the Reds reached the interval without scoring was flummoxing – not that former United stopper Howard was inundated with questions to answer; more that the hosts repeatedly failed to make the most of presentable positions.
The movement of Chicharito and the positive possession and passing of Anderson presented problems aplenty for the visitors. Wayne Rooney dictated United’s tempo, dropping into the hole behind the Mexican marksman with promising regularity. It was he who had the game’s first effort, a 25-yard effort which deflected wide from Nani’s disguised free-kick.
Everton’s remit mainly concerned defending in the opening period, but their sporadic threat on the break invariably involved Leon Osman, operating in a similar position to Rooney, and he took advantage of space in the midfield area to poke a half-hit effort straight at Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman wouldn’t make another save all half.
Instead, United repeatedly sprung the hosts’ high line. Nani dwelled and shot straight at Howard after a three-on-three break, then Chicharito’s cross was deflected into the American’s arms after another swift counter led by Fabio. Chicharito soon had Howard earning his pay – drawing a smart stop from the American with a near post effort and then forcing him to beat another powerful effort behind after fine approach play from Rooney.
For all the trouble being caused by the little Mexican, he inadvertently helped the visitors escape the clearest opening of the half. Valencia outmuscled Leighton Baines and pulled back for Nani. Having slipped, Chicharito then sat helpless as he blocked the Portuguese winger's effort wide with his outstretched heel.
There was still time for one more United break to fizzle out into nothingness in the first period. Rooney sprung Everton’s line, required two touches to bring the ball into position and defenders had swarmed around Chicharito by the time he released the cross. Somehow, once again, Moyes’ side survived.
Mindful of the need to offer more attacking input, the Everton manager introduced Cahill and Victor Anichebe at the start of the second half as replacements for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Jermaine Beckford, who had both been largely anonymous.
The move initially stymied United’s flow. Sir Alex Ferguson joined assistant Mike Phelan on the touchline to evaluate the impact the changes would have. It took eight minutes for the Reds to forge another opening, before again Phil Jagielka slammed the door in the hosts’ faces, steaming in to clear Chicharito’s centre before Rooney could pounce.
Everton were by far more competitive as a result of their changes, however, and the pace of Anichebe took him away from Ferdinand and into the United area. The youngster tumbled under pressure from the veteran defender, but referee Peter Walton opted against an award. Everton’s players, management and fans were irate, but replays suggested that Anichebe had willingly succumbed to gravity.
The non-award only served to turn up the heat on an encounter which was increasingly simmering. Anderson and Cahill both entered the book for late challenges in quick succession, before Sir Alex opted to change his own approach by throwing on Michael Owen for Nani. Patrice Evra also entered the fray at the expense of John O'Shea, who was seemingly carrying an injury.

United's frustration was growing, but the mood inside Old Trafford briefly became one of overwhelming relief when, with 23 minutes remaining, Jack Rodwell's deflected 25-yard shot was magnificently turned past the post by van der Sar.

That chance prompted a wave of United pressure, with both sides decamped to the visitors' half. Owen struck the outside of Howard's post as he redirected Fabio's centre, before Rooney came close with a curling free-kick which was tipped over.

Howard then produced his finest save; tipping over Chicharito's close-range header after Valencia's initial effort had been heroically blocked. Still United kept knocking on the door, and finally it opened with seven minutes remaining.

Distin was caught in possession by Valencia, who then received the ball back from Anderson. The Ecuadorian's cross was deflected off Distin, and fell beautifully for Chicharito to nod home from deep inside the six-yard box at the far post.

Cue widespread pandemonium inside Old Trafford - although jitters soon crept back in when referee Walton gave the signal for five added minutes. The excellent Jagielka blazed wildly over and van der Sar clutched a Cahill header, before the final whistle sparked further scenes of choral revelling among the home support.

Another 90 minutes closer to the end of an epic season, and three points closer to number 19. The onus is now on Arsenal and Chelsea to keep pace before facing the league leaders in the coming weeks.

Amid an excellent personal display, Anderson holds off Magaye Gueye

Chicharito celebrates his late winner against Everton

Chicharito rises to nod Antonio Valencia's cross past Tim Howard

Old friends Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville jostle

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates the full-time whistle against Everton

The players are all smiles after Chicharito's late winner against Everton

United fans savour a massive result in the Premier League title race

We'll heed Everton lesson

"We were punished in the end at Goodison Park. If we are 3-1 up again with a couple of minutes to go, I don't think the same situation will occur."

- John O'Shea

John O'Shea feels United could have been almost home and dry in the title race by now, had it not been for early-season away draws like the one against Saturday's opponents Everton.

The Reds still have a handsome advantage of course - six points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal with five games remaining - but O'Shea can't help lamenting the outcome at Goodison Park last September when the hosts cancelled out United's 3-1 lead in injury time.
"The clear memory of the Everton game earlier this season is that we should have been about 6-1 up," O'Shea said on Friday.
"We should have been out of sight.  We created so many chances but didn't take enough of them to finish the game off.
"We got punished for that in the end, conceding two sloppy goals. Once Everton made it 3-2, the noise of the crowd was immense. The fans really got behind the team, and their players started to pump balls into the box. They got the (third) goal they deserved for what they did in the last few minutes."
O'Shea is confident United will have learned from the experience, adding: "If we are 3-1 up with a couple of minutes to go tomorrow, I don't think the same situation would occur."
The 3-3 draw with the Toffees was one of four away games that United failed to win at the beginning of this peculiar campaign. But O'Shea is quick to point out that the Reds didn't lose those matches either.
"We were going to tough places and not losing," the Irishman said.
"In fact, we were coming away from matches really disappointed that we had not won quite comfortably.
"Our home form has been such a key factor for where we are in the league. With a little bit of tweaking away from home, to turn those draws into wins, we would have been comfortably on top now."