Michael Owen's dramatic strike in the sixth minute of added time to win a sensational derby catapulted the former Liverpool man into Old Trafford legend.
Now England boss Fabio Capello might have to reconsider Owen's claims for a World Cup ticket next summer. This was no ordinary goal; this was a clinical finish in a high-octane match - the type Owen used to specialize in before injuries wrecked his career. Many thought Owen was finished as an international and a top-level player.
When United boss Alex Ferguson let Carlos Tevez drift away to City and took Owen on a free, questions were raised in the summer about the old man's judgment. This was the answer and, for extra satisfaction, Tevez was there to witness it - after City seemed to have grabbed a point when Rio Ferdinand gave the ball away and Craig Bellamy scored with 90 minutes up on the clock.
Fergie was seriously wound up by that poster of Tevez on a billboard in his new City strip above the words "Welcome to Manchester". So how about United retaliating with a picture of Owen and his arms outstretched over the same message? That would kill two birds with one stone, not only annoying City but Owen's former club and rivals from Anfield as well.
Fergie reckoned United could have won this by six or seven but United's mistakes made it "the greatest derby of all time". It was true that United were remarkably accident-prone although, at the same time, City's finishing was outstanding. This was a rollicking Manchester derby with real edge and a passion which has been somewhat artificial in recent years.
Fergie claimed City had become too cocky and would not be the dominant team in his lifetime. So he was delighted when his players backed up his boast inside the first two minutes. With Shaun Wright-Phillips caught napping at a quick throw-in, Patrice Evra cut the ball back for Wayne Rooney who skipped between Nigel De Jong and Kolo Toure before shooting home.
The joy was short-lived, however, as nervy Ben Foster gifted City their 16th-minute equaliser. Foster had already hesitated once and seen his clearance charged down by Tevez so this time he foolishly tried to take the ball round the Argy - with fatal consequences. Tevez won the ball and laid it back for Gareth Barry and he finished with precision. In the stands sat Capello's assistant Franco Baldini, who cannot have been impressed by Foster's claims for the England goalkeeping spot, though he will have admired Barry's accuracy.
One-time United hero Mark Hughes, the City boss, was off the bench punching the air while the fans who used to adore him responded with gestures of a different type. The tempo was set - fast and furious with tackles flying in from all angles but somehow the lid stayed on.
Just before half-time, the moment Tevez had waited for came his way as Toure and Stephen Ireland set him up - only for his right-foot shot to rattle the outside of the post. Fergie gave his men a boot up the backside at half-time and they came out with far more purpose after the break. Within four minutes the evergreen Giggs, who bossed the second half, looped a cross towards the far post and the vastly improved Darren Fletcher climbed above Barry to head home. But City equalised through a cracking effort from Bellamy, who deceived Park Ji Sung to create space, then unleashed a right-foot pearler from 20 yards which flew in the top right-hand corner.
It took the brilliance of goalkeeper Shay Given to keep City level as he frustrated the life out of Dimitar Berbatov - twice beating away headers from the Bulgarian. When Giggs had a go with a volley, Given was there again to push it over the top as he fell backwards. But the Irishman could not stop Fletcher heading United's third from Giggs' free-kick on 80 minutes.
Just when United looked like closing it out, Ferdinand was punished for being casual. He tried to loft the ball to John O'Shea only for Martin Petrov to chest down and send Bellamy away. The Welshman appeared to have run out of room yet found a gap between Foster and post to slide in a stoppage-time leveller.
The irony was that the party which took place in front of the visiting fans was to be City's undoing. Referee Martin Atkinson added on time for City's exuberance, there were another 30 seconds when Michael Carrick came on for Anderson - and United made the most of it. Rooney's free-kick was charged down but, when he hooked it back into the area, the ball was cleared only as far as Giggs. The pass which followed was out of this world, splitting the defence in two. Owen controlled it with the outside of his right foot before prodding the winner home.
Manchester United dismisses Manchester City 4 – 3
United beat Tottenham
Manchester United came out on top in a pulsating encounter at White Hart Lane in North London as they overcame Tottenham 3-1.
Spurs have been in form of the decade during the early part of the season and it took just 58 seconds for the sensation Jermain Defoe to put the ball in United net with an overhead kick. The chance was created following a loose pass by Berbatov, to Darren Fletcher, allowing Wilson Palacios to slide in. Robbie Keane shifted the ball to Benoit Assou-Ekotto and his cross to the far post saw Peter Crouch challenge Nemanja Vidic. Vidic appeared to get the last touch as the ball went into the danger zone, leaving Defoe to execute his bicycle-kick into the bottom corner.
But the Red Devils showed why they are champions by shrugging off the early setback and dominating the rest of the first half, with Ryan Giggs curling home an superb equalizer in the 25th minute. The superb free kick keeps the amazing record of scoring in every premier league season. Palacios had received a yellow card for the tackle on Berbatov that led to the free-kick, 25 yards from goal. Giggs' set-play curled over Keane in the wall and into the top corner.
Dimitar Berbatov missed an excellent opportunity to score against his former club before Anderson made it 2-1 with a powerful finish just before the break. The Brazil midfielder drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after Scholes' long-range effort was blocked by Ledley King.
There was more drama to come in the second half as Paul Scholes was sent off for a second bookable offence, evoking Sir Alex Ferguson’s anger, while Ben Foster and Carlo Cudicini both produced excellent saves. The ten men of United contained Tottenham comfortably and Wayne Rooney then fired in a third 12 minutes from time to seal an impressive victory.
City fire title warning
Manchester City fired out a stunning signal of their Premier League title intent with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Arsenal at the City of Manchester Stadium.
After three successive wins in the Premier League, the visit of Arsenal provided Mark Hughes' side with their first serious test of the campaign and it was one they passed with flying colours.
Though Arsenal started brightly, City took the lead on 20 minutes in fortunate circumstances when Micah Richards' header was turned onto the post by Manuel Almunia before bouncing off the visitors' keeper and into the net.
William Gallas, who missed a great chance before City scored, was then denied by Shay Given, who also thwarted Thomas Vermaelen from distance.
Arsenal drew level on 62 minutes through Robin van Persie only for Craig Bellamy to restore City's lead in the 74th minute.
Emmanuel Adebayor maintained his record of scoring in every game since leaving Arsenal for City by heading home on 80 minutes and he was booked after running the length of the pitch in celebration.
Shaun Wright-Phillips grabbed City's fourth goal on 84 minutes before Tomas Rosicky marked his first Arsenal appearance since January 2008 with a late consolation.
Premiere League Preview
All eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend for the first clash between big four of the 2009/10 campaign.
It may still be early days in the new season but the importance of getting one over on your rivals should not be underestimated, at either end of the table.
Manchester United,Your browser may not support display of this image. Chelsea and much-touted Manchester CityYour browser may not support display of this image. all well-placed on the upper rungs of the Premier League ladder. Liverpool have stumbled to a disappointing start, and know they have ground to make up already, while the likes of Birmingham and Burnley have displayed enough promise to suggest that they could be dark horses as the top-flight marathon begins in earnest.
The latest round of fixtures will, however, be overshadowed by what promises to be a titanic tussle between Manchester United and Arsenal on Saturday evening - a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 in UK and ESPNSTAR in South East Asia.
Reigning champions United appear to have shaken off the surprise of suffering a shock loss at Turf Moor, and put five past Wigan last time out, and Sir Alex Ferguson will have his troops primed for battle. Arsenal, though, have been mightily impressive so far this term, scoring 10 goals in their two fixtures so far, and they will head to Old Trafford confident they can put down a significant marker in the title race.
While the Gunners and Red Devils will have aspirations of crossing the finish line first come next May, Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea are also expected to have a major say in the destination of the crown. The Blues have made a perfect start to the season, taking nine points from three games, but they will not have things all their own way at Stamford Bridge this weekend when they play host to a Burnley side who have adapted to life among England's elite with consummate ease.
At present, though, it is Tottenham who are looking down on the rest of the table from their lofty perch at the summit and Harry Redknapp'sYour browser may not support display of this image. men will fancy their chances of racking up a fourth consecutive success this week. Spurs welcome Birmingham to North London on Saturday looking to preserve White Hart Lane'sYour browser may not support display of this image. burgeoning status as a fortress few away sides are able to breach.
Liverpool's troubles so far have already been alluded to and Rafa Benitez will not be relishing a tricky trip to Bolton. The Reds appeared bereft of ideas in their hugely disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston VillaYour browser may not support display of this image. on Monday and Gary Megson will have his Trotters team sensing blood.
Anyone looking for a surprise package to emerge from the midst of the 2009/10 campaign could do worse than cast an eye over ever-improving Sunderland. Steve BruceYour browser may not support display of this image. has got the Black Cats purring and a trip to fortress Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke will hold no fear for the wily former Birmingham and Wigan boss.
West Ham, or rather their supporters, have dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week and they will welcome the opportunity to turn attentions back to their performances on the field. A 3-1 victory over Millwall in the Carling Cup in midweek, a good result which has been somewhat overshadowed, should stand them in good stead ahead of a trip to Blackburn to take on a Rovers side yet to get off the mark.
Molineux promises to be bathed in gold this weekend as hosts Wolves take on Hull City. Mick McCarthy's side have made a solid yet unspectacular start to life back in the big time, while the Tigers will feel that they have yet to reap the rewards their industry this term has deserved.
Portsmouth kick-off Sunday's action with a lunchtime contest with Manchester City.With Sulaiman Al-Fahim now overseeing events at Fratton Park,Your browser may not support display of this image. having previously helped to manufacture the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover at City, it will be intriguing to see which of the two sides now benefitting from Middle Eastern investment come out on top. The smart money would appear to be on the visitors, as they have taken maximum points from their two outings so far and are yet to concede, while Pompey have slipped to three consecutive defeats and look drained by the distracting takeover saga.
The South Coast outfit do not prop up the table at present, though, with that unfortunate honour going to Everton. The Toffees were expected to be among the frontrunners again this season, after taking positive strides in recent years, but a dismal start has seen them slip off the pace. A home date with inconsistent Wigan could help them to get back on track, but the Merseysiders will be forced to make do without Joleon LescottYour browser may not support display of this image. from now on after offloading the England international to Manchester City.
A busy weekend, which sees all 20 Premier League sides in action, comes to a close at Villa ParkYour browser may not support display of this image. on Sunday afternoon as Aston Villa take on Fulham. Martin O'Neill's men will have been buoyed by their heroics at Anfield last time out, while the Cottagers are looking to bounce back from a derby day setback at Chelsea last weekend.
Champions League Draw
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Rangers now know who they will face in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Thursday's draw in Monaco has thrown up a host of intriguing fixtures in Europe's elite club competition.
Liverpool head up Group E and will tackle French giants Lyon, Serie A side Fiorentina and Hungarian outfit Debreceni as Rafa Benitez'sYour browser may not support display of this image. men aim to repeat their 2005 success.
Manchester UnitedYour browser may not support display of this image. - winners in 2008 and finalists in 2009 - are the top seeds in Group B, with Sir Alex Ferguson'sYour browser may not support display of this image. side facing lengthy trips to CSKA Moscow and Besiktas, while they must also tackle German champions Wolfsburg.
Chelsea have to overcome Porto, Atletico MadridYour browser may not support display of this image. and APOEL Nicosia if they are to secure safe passage from Group D into the knockout phase as they aim to claim the trophy which has become something of a Holy Grail for the Stamford Bridge club.
Arsenal tackle Champions League newcomers AZ Alkmaar,Your browser may not support display of this image. Greek powerhouse Olympiakos and Belgian side Standard Liege in Group H after overcoming Celtic in their qualifying round.
Rangers' bid to reach the latter stages in Europe sees them placed in Group G alongside top seeds Sevilla, Stuttgart and Unirea Urziceni of Romania.
Brazilian playmaker Kaka has been handed an immediate return to AC MilanYour browser may not support display of this image. with Real Madrid paired alongside his former club, plus Marseille and FC Zurich in Group C.
Defending champions Barcelona tackle Inter Milan in Group F - in two clashes which will see Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o facing their former clubs - with Dynamo KievYour browser may not support display of this image. and Rubin KazanYour browser may not support display of this image. completing the quartet.
Bayern Munich,Your browser may not support display of this image. who lifted the trophy in 2001, are up against Juventus, French champions Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa in Group A.
The clubs will now meet home and away across six matchdays from September to December with the top two qualifying for the knockout phase, with the ultimate prize on offer in the final at Real's Santiago Bernabeu on 22nd May.
Champions League groups and fixture schedule
Group A: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa.
Group B: Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Besiktas, Wolfsburg.
Group C: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Marseille, FC Zurich.
Group D: Chelsea, Porto, Atletico Madrid, APOEL Nicosia.
Group E: Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debreceni.
Group F: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Dynamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan.
Group G: Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni.
Group H: Arsenal, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard Liege.
Matchday 1: 15th/16th September
Matchday 2: 29th/30th September
Matchday 3: 20th/21st October
Matchday 4: 3rd/4th November
Matchday 5: 24th/25th November
Matchday 6: 8th/9th December
Arsenal see off Hoops
EDUARDO DA SILVA had better not visit Glasgow any time soon.
Not unless he has developed a taste for hospital food.
Arsenal's Croatian international striker has already spent more than enough time in plaster following his horrific leg break last year.
But that would be nothing compared to the damage he would suffer if the angry Celtic fans could get their hands on him.
For those travelling supporters will return to Scotland this morning convinced their team have been cheated of the chance to compete with Europe's elite.
And who can blame them, after Eduardo's outrageous first-half dive to con Spanish referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez?
All 2,600 Celtic supporters in the Emirates' away end had a bird's eye view of the appalling act of simulation which led to Arsenal's decisive penalty.
Unlike Senor Gonzalez, they could clearly see there was no contact between Eduardo and keeper Artur Boruc before the Brazilian-born lightweight threw himself to the ground.
It was so blatant even the infamously myopic Arsene Wenger conceded it was never a penalty.
No wonder Boruc went loco when Gonzalez pointed to the spot. It was almost enough to make you feel sorry for our Caledonian chums. Almost.
To add insult to injury, it was Eduardo who dusted himself off to send Boruc the wrong way with his unerring 27th-minute penalty.
It was a travesty of a goal and one which allowed Celtic to claim they had been the victims of an appalling miscarriage of justice.
A deflection and an own-goal in the first leg and a dive in the second. That is what they will swear has sealed the Gunners' Champions League place for a 12th successive season.
The truth, of course, is that Celtic were comprehensively outplayed by Wenger's young team over the two legs of this qualifying tie.
They hardly threatened Manuel Almunia's goal until Massimo Donati's stunning angled volley with the final kick of the game.
But that consolation strike was as good as it got for the pride of Scotland. William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen were once again outstanding at the heart of Arsenal's back four, while Denilson and Abou Diaby totally ran the midfield.
Even Nickolas Bendtner looked a potential world-beater when his clever back-heel allowed Emmanuel Eboue to finish off a sublime Arsenal move in the 54th minute.
And it was the same sorry story for Celtic 20 minutes later, when Andrey Arshavin exchanged passes with fellow sub Aaron Ramsey to score within seconds of his introduction.
Yet the undisputed reality of Arsenal's superiority has still been tainted by Eduardo's gamesmanship.
The sad thing is he did not need to resort to skulduggery. He more than had the beating of Celtic's defence with his God-given ability.
He should have put this tie beyond Celtic's reach in the opening minutes but stabbed the ball wide after Boruc had clawed out Bendtner's shot.
And he was denied by another flying save from Celtic's giant Polish keeper shortly before the break.
Tony Mowbray's team were already well beaten by then, the last remaining stuffing knocked out of them by that contentious penalty.
All they had to offer after that was Scottish pride and a burning sense of grievance. Yet what they lacked in quality they more than made up for with commitment and effort. Like an angry swarm of radioactive wasps in their day-glo hooped shirts, they snapped and flapped in Arsenal's ears.
Gary Caldwell and Aidan McGeady were both yellow carded for industrial-strength challenges on Eboue and Diaby. Denilson and Scott Brown were also booked for a late bust-up.
No one would have relished those meaty tussles more than watching Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, ahead of Saturday's visit from Arsenal.
Wenger insists that qualification for the Champions League is far more important than any Premier League trip to Old Trafford.
But Saturday's encounter with United will tell us just how good his youngsters really are.
No one at the Emirates has forgotten the ruthless manner in which they were taken apart in the semi-finals of last season's Champions League.
They are determined to show they are now genuine trophy contenders, after far too long without silverware.
And today's draw in Monaco will confirm Arsenal's place among Europe's top-seeded high-fliers.
Qualification for the league stages will be worth £20million, more than enough to satisfy the bean-counters.
Wenger is above such financial concerns. For him, the Champions League is more a matter of pride and prestige.
What a pity his sense of moral superiority has been tainted by Eduardo's chicanery.
Aston Villa Rock Liverpool at Anfield
Aston Villa put another dent in Liverpool's title dreams with a hard-fought 3-1 victory at Anfield.
Lucas Leiva suffered the indignity of putting through his own net to open the scoring, before Curtis Davies doubled Villa's lead moments before the break.
Fernando Torres did pull one back for the hosts, but Ashley Young rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot.
Liverpool dominated much of the opening exchanges, but fell behind after 34 minutes when an ambitious free-kick from Young cannoned off Lucas and past a stranded Pepe Reina.
The Reds were then the architects of their own downfall once again on the stroke of half-time as they failed to pick up Davies from a corner and he glanced a header in off the underside of the bar.
Torres then offered Rafa Benitez's side a lifeline on 72 minutes, as he coolly rounded of a well-worked move down the left.
However, Steven Gerrard felled Nigel Reo-Coker in the box three minutes later and Young sent Reina the wrong way from the spot.
The result ended Liverpool's 31-match unbeaten home league record stretching back to December 2007, when Manchester United were the last winners at Anfield.
But the spotlight will now be on Liverpool, who only lost twice in the league last season and still did not win the title.
The margin for error is now very fine. You rarely win the crown by losing more than five games in a season, and Liverpool's hopes could already have suffered a mortal blow.
Manchester United demolished high flying Wigan
Premier League Champions Manchester United ended a difficult week in some awesome style as Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen both scored landmark strikes in a 5-0 demolition of Wigan at the DW Stadium.
If United were lethargic in midweek against Burnley, they were ruthless in a second half that saw them put the ball in back of the net for five times, four of them stunning goals, to more than justify Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to make seven changes to the side that slumped against Burnley at Turf Moor.
After an entertaining but goalless first period Rooney broke the deadlock after half-time for his 100th United goal, via the most sublime header from Antonio Valencia's cross, before strike partner Dimitar Berbatov netted a wonderfully impudent goal of his own.
Rooney scored his second via a deflection off Mario Melchiot before his replacement Owen clipped in a brilliant fourth for his first in United colours.
The most polished of displays was given added gloss in injury time when Nani scored a fabulous free-kick from range. Day Belong to Wayne Rooney The day, however, belonged to Rooney, such an unselfish worker, as he scored his 100th and 101st goals for the club.
Yet United found it hard going in the first half even though they had plenty of possession.
Ferguson was looking for an immediate response after what happened at Turf Moor and his side almost took the lead in the fourth minute with a swift break.
Nani cut the ball back into the area and Darren Fletcher was the first to react but saw his effort cleared off the line by Titus Bramble.
Three minutes later Paul Scholes hoisted a shot high over the bar following a clever flick from Berbatov after Fletcher had carved out the opening.
Wigan were again on the back foot after 16 minutes when Rooney strode forward but his effort was deflected wide.
Rooney then made time and space in the area only for goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to smother his close-range shot.
United were looking menacing every time they poured forward and Berbatov headed into Kirkland's arms following a cross from Nani four minutes later.
Wigan, however, almost took the lead with their first real attack in the 26th minute.
Jason Koumas showed good skill to work his way to the edge of the penalty area. He tried to curl the ball beyond Ben Foster only for the goalkeeper to react superbly and divert it to safety.
United responded in the 32nd minute and Rooney got away from Bramble only to rattle a shot against Kirkland's legs.
Then Fletcher's effort was cleared in the 39th minute after he had been set-up by Scholes.
Wigan, however, came close to opening the scoring in the 49th minute when Charles N'Zogbia won a free-kick off Patrice Evra early in the second half.
N'Zogbia dusted himself down and and picked out Paul Scharner in the area. He peeled away from his marker only to head narrowly wide of the post.
Valencia, such a cult figure during his time at Wigan, had to endure catcalls and jeers after going to ground in the 54th minute.
The Ecuador winger, however, was smiling two minutes later when he supplied the cross that led to the opening goal.
It came from Rooney - a fine header into the corner - and a landmark one as well. He savoured the moment and the goal was his reward for another typically hard shift.
That was the cue for United to turn the screw and Berbatov added a second two minutes later.
He started and finished the move cheekily chipping the ball over Kirkland before finding the net with his second touch after Scholes supplied the through ball.
United made it 3-0 in the 65th minute thanks to Rooney's second goal of the game. There was touch of luck about this effort as his shot took a slight deflection off Melchiot to wrong-foot Kirkland after Berbatov had supplied the opening.
Rooney was given a rousing reception by the visiting fans when he was replaced by Owen in the 72nd minute.
It was damage limitation now for Wigan, who had lost at home to Wolves in midweek.
However Owen made it 4-0 to United with his first goal for the club, a cool finish into the corner in the 85th minute after he had been set up by Nani.
Nani had the final word with a superb free-kick in stoppage time from 25 yards that sailed over a stranded Kirkland's head.
Athletic de Bilbao Vs F.C Barcelona 1-4 Final Copa Rey (13.05.2009) Campeones
Athletic de Bilbao Vs F.C Barcelona 1-4 Final Copa Rey (13.05.2009)
By Iniesta8Messi10
Chelsea's Euro Dream Crush into Blue
Chelsea were furious at the final whistle as they felt they should have been awarded up to three penalties over the 90 minutes, with Didier Drogba particularly vocal and furious in his criticism of the referee.
Chelsea v Barcelona
Chelsea had taken the lead when Essien beat Víctor Valdés with a superb left-volley that crashed in off the crossbar from 25 yards, and, by the time the game entered its closing stages, it seemed that the relentless strength of Essien, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda had won the day, along with their devotion to a game plan that had neutralised Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o and the rest.
Two unsuccessful penalty appeals
None of this would have mattered had Drogba not shot straight at the legs of Valdés but, after Abidal’s red card,
Even then there was time for another penalty appeal, Ballack’s shot hitting the outstretched arm of Eto’o, leaving
Manchester United destroyed Arsenal at Emirates
Champions League - United dominate Arsenal to make final
Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League final thanks to two early goals against Arsenal at the Emirates which helped them to a 4-1 aggregate victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The home fans' raucous cheering had helped boost their team to a lively start in the first five minutes, but optimism quickly turned to gloom for the Gunners when Kieran Gibbs slipped in the box to allow Ji-Sung Park to slot home the opening goal on eight minutes.
The goal gave the visitors a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead that meant Arsenal needed to score an improbable three goals; yet just three minutes later, the highly improbable target of three became all-but-impossible four as Cristiano Ronaldo fired in a 41-yard free kick that beat Manuel Almunia purely for pace.
Premier League Preview
There is no disrespect to the other teams of the best league in Europe who, with the battle to avoid relegation taking centre stage, served up no end of tension and atmosphere that appealed to those that understand there is more to football.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and United in FA Cup action - and Liverpool awaiting Tuesday's thrilling 4-4 draw with the Gunners at Anfield - there was a characteristic lack in visual, obvious, attacking flair, which returned with a bang on Merseyside in midweek.
United and Chelsea had a dull Wednesday outings against Portsmouth and Everton, respectively, but there is expected to be high-intensity excitement this weekend with a number of intriguing encounters.
Regaining Champion and League leaders United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday evening, while Liverpool visit Hull City in the afternoon and Chelsea travel across London to take on West Ham United.
Saturday also sees Everton and Manchester City meet at Goodison Park as Aston Villa travelling in at Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland journey to West Bromwich Albion, and Fulham take on Stoke City.
Sunday Arsenal welcome struggling Middlesbrough to Emirates Stadium and Wigan Athletic host Blackburn Rovers. while Portsmouth head north to Newcastle on Monday.
Manchester United could see Liverpool reclaim top position on goal difference with three points at Hull, who are going down further towards the relegation zone, but Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have a game in hand on Rafa Benitez's side, could again overtake their biggest rivals a couple of hours later with victory against Tottenham.
Some of Liverpool players have suggested that only a miracle in their bid to end a 19-year wait for a league title after they were held to the memorable draw with Arsenal, but Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee claims the war of words with their arch-rival United is over - will insist his players do not let standards slip at the KC Stadium.
Chelsea's meeting with capital neighbour West Ham offers the sub-plot of the weekend. With Chelsea coach Guss Hiddink conceding defeat in the league and focusing on the cup and next week's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg with Barcelona at Camp Nou, do not rule out an upset conjured by Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park.
The Italian gaffer of West Ham, is a Chelsea legend and will be desperate to demonstrate his managerial prowess with his improving side, who are increasing in confidence with every game and also have a desire to maintain a top-seven place.
Aston Villa continue to limp over the finishing line after being held to a late draw with West Ham in last weekend's best game and, with Champions League qualification already drifting into the distance, an away match against a tough Bolton side, who are still not safe from the drop.
Everton could be forgiven for allowing their first appearance in an FA Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1995 to act as a distraction following last week's semi-final penalty shoot-out success over United, but highly-rated boss David Moyes will not allow his side to be knocked off course and will want to build on the battling point at Chelsea when Manchester City arrive at Goodison Park hoping to gatecrash the European places before the end of the season.
Stoke can sniff another season of Premier League football following a crucial success over Blackburn at the Britannia Stadium, but the Potters - so difficult to beat on home soil - are likely to find the going tough against a ruthless Fulham defence, with the hosts among the sides fighting an intriguing battle for the maiden European League campaign.
Rock-bottom West Brom's destiny looks a little less brighter than Stoke's, but a home clash with a Sunderland side who are also competing for survival could offer some optimism for next season among the Baggies faithful.
Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal will prepare for what promises to be a classic, all-English, continental tie against United with a sparring session against 18th-placed Middlesbrough on Sunday.
If the bottom three of West Brom, Newcastle and Middlesbrough are to produce escape acts, Blackburn are the side the trio have their sights on and Sam Allardyce will hope to extinguish those aspirations when Wigan arrive at Ewood Park later in the afternoon.
Portsmouth boosted their survival hopes against Bolton last weekend, but Paul Hart's squad make the long trip to Newcastle on Monday on the back of the midweek defeat to United and they are well aware that an additional defeat at St James' Park could spell trouble.
United uncertain about Tevez future
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted first time that Manchester United may be powerless to stop the departure of Carlos Tevez .Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that he will do everything to ensure that Argentinean carlos Tevez will stay at Old Trafford. The Argentine’s future is uncertain after his two years loan deal come to an end in the summer.
United are keen to extend his contract but Carlos Tevez is seeking move elsewhere in order to play more regular football as Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is his latest admirer. Tevez’s playing time is limited since the summer arrival of Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov.
“When you have so many options then this sort of things bound to happen. As I have bought Berbatov last year plus I have Ronaldo playing as striker. This is how you create problem for yourself as all the good players wants to play. But they can’t play week-in week-out in this league. I personally thinks he wants to stay here. I have told him so many times but I can’t do anything more.”
Steve G Out for Hull Clash
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Hull City at Britannia Stadium through injury.
Gerrard is still struggling with the groin injury which has ruled him out since the first leg of the UEFA Champions League defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.
The dynamic midfielder was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win over Blackburn and failed to figure in the two 4-4 draws with Chelsea and Arsenal.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted the trip to Hull has come too early for Gerrard, but is confident the England international will be back for the home clash with Newcastle on May 3rd.
"He is not fit and won't be available. I think he will be available next week because he's improving, but this game is too soon," Benitez told the club's official website.
Redknapp admit Beckham interest
Could David Beckham ever play in English Premier League again? Harry Redknapp said that he is interested in signing former England Captain if he becomes available next season.
Beckham 33, is currently on loan at AC Milan until the end of the Serie A in the summer to complete the Major League Soccer campaign.
After a successful few months in the San Siro, AC Milan have expressed an interest in re-signing Beckham once the MLS campaign comes to an end, while Spurs have been best suitors for the midfielder should he consider another loan move to maintain his fitness ahead of his possible involvement for England at the World Cup in South Africa as England coach Fabio Capello only picks his team according to fitness and form.
Harry insists he has not considered a move for David but he would be in the running to sign him, if he became available.
"David Beckham is a fantastic player, but he is also a terrific role model and a terrific professional. If the opportunity was there to sign him, any club would have to think about it. He would still be a terrific player. His delivery of the ball remains exceptional, he is a great trainer and he is a local boy from up the road."
“Imagine what the young players at the club could get from someone like that. When I signed Teddy Sheringham for Portsmouth in 2003, he was worth his weight in gold. He was such a great professional that the other players all looked up to him in training. He did everything right, he was superb around the place, and that is what it is about.
"I have met him only once or twice, but he seems a great lad. To have someone like Beckham at your club . . . if the opportunity came and someone said he was available, any club would have to think about it.”