Manchester United Dugout

Even after:

1. Losing to Liverpool by 4-1

2. Losing Vidic for a Red

3. Losing to Fulham at Craven Cottage

4. Losing Scholes & Rooney for a Red

5. An injury to Dimitar Berbatov

The team that lacked the leaders a week ago, now leads the way for others to follow. Manchester United scored a late late winner at The Reebok to move 1 point clear of Liverpool and capture the top spot for the first time this season.

Dimitar Berbatov scored the winner late in the match by heading Carlos Tevez's cross past the Bolton goalie. Tevez was lucky enough to run with that ball supplied by Giggs as 3 players collided for the same. But Tevez keen to impress Sir Alex to extend his tenure at the club, marched on fearlessly and crossed it just in time for Berbatov to head in. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the most frustrated man on the field. His heroics for 90 minutes had kept United at bay and it looked as if the match would end in a draw. With saves from Cristiano Ronaldo, Scholes and Carrick, Jaaskelainen was doing everything to prevent United from scoring.

But alas, United did score late. Sir Alex also looked happy with the late drama that he witnessed. Five consecutive wins now have United at the head of affairs, piling the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Monday's Merseyside derby at Anfield. Rafael Benitez might be repenting for his words against Fergie as United have taken Liverpool head on. When they touched down after their successful Club World Cup quest in Japan they were seven points adrift of their fierce north-west rivals. Liverpool should note the statistic with alarm. Also, United maintained another clean sheet to equal Chelsea's record of 10 consecutive clean sheets.

What a game it was. I always knew that it would be a great exchange between England's top 2 teams and with Liverpool dropping points, a win was necessary.

75,455 fans had gathered at Old Trafford to witness Manchester United take on Chelsea. With both teams needing a win desperately, it was Man United that went away as the winners. The final score read 3-0 in favor on United. I had never seen such a brilliant display by United since many days. And they played extremely well and turned the heat up under Luiz Felipe Scolari with a thumping win.

First half was full of chances, but neither was converted until a corner drew some angry exchange of words. The way Rooney went to the corner and just rolled the ball in and asked Giggs to swing a kick till Ronaldo guided it past Cech was something the ref and his assistant never understood. The move is legal but the officials termed it illegal. I was cursing the ref when within seconds Vidic scored and put United ahead. The ref blew his whistle and I said not again... But he was indicating the end of first 45 minutes :)

Second half was better as both teams passed the ball, but United always threatened. Wayne Rooney then turned in Patrice Evra's cross after 63 minutes to set United on the path to a deserved three points. United embarrassed Scolari further when Berbatov rounded off the win by grabbing the third from close range four minutes from time.

Jose Mourinho who had been sitting in the stands did not do Chelsea much good as the win leaves Man United five points behind Liverpool with two games in hand. Benitez might think about the timing and content of his tirade against United and Ferguson - as Fergie appeared inspired rather than deflated. United now face in form Wigan on Wednesday to move up in the table.

This week Manchester United have been in the news for everything. With their captain Rio Ferdinand destined to captain England against Kazakhstan on Saturday, things are looking good for the England national team, as wonder kid Wayne Rooney is also nearing match fitness.

Elsewhere, Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres revealed his desire to score against Manchester United, especially in the Champions League final. He is feared in Europe for his incredible goal haul, which has seen him score 33 times last season. And now he wants to knock down Liverpool’s bitter rivals.

Also, Sir Alex Ferguson praised youngsters Jonny Evans and Rafael Da Silva and he believes they are set to become stars of the future for Manchester United. He has made sure that United have got a group of young players who are doing very well and showing fantastic potential. I really like Sir Alex's way of managing people, he's the boss. He has been doing this for the past 20 years and knows every bit of the game. Kudos to Sir Alex.

Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-1 for the first time in Rafa Benitez's Anfield career. The Liverpool boss had never beaten United in nine previous league games.

A game that was looking very promising for United after Tevez put them ahead in 3 minutes, did not materialize as they conceded 2 goals and saw Vidic being sent off (meaning he will not play against Chelsea next Sunday). All eyes were on US$60 million striker Dimitar Berbatov on his first appearance for the Red Devils. He brought instant joy to the manager after his pass was netted by Tevez. United played well in the first 15-20 minutes of the game, but then succumbed to the relentless presure form Liverpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson said, "We were simply outplayed." He admitted that his side were simply outmuscled by Liverpool and not surprisingly, Ferguson was quick to vent his anger. He came down heavily on his defenders for both the goals, as first one was deflected by Wes Brown as an own goal and then Ryan Babel scored a winner after tricking his marksman.

The English Premier League resumes this week after the world cup qualifiers. An early lunchtime kick-off on Saturday sees champions Manchester United visit arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield, which promises to be a blockbuster tie.

New signing Dimitar Berbatov has been asked to get himself in top shape - his first assignment at Old Trafford. He has not yet joined the squad after his transfer from Spurs, as he is away on international duty helping his country in the World Cup qualifiers.

Once, he lands in England, he will undergo a full physical check-up and then would be alloted an intensive fitness routine. He has been known for his lethargic and lazy persona, which made United boss Sir Alex Ferguson having doubts about bringing the striker to Old Trafford.

Moreover, Berbatov will also now have to quit his habit of smoking as it is strictly prohibited at United. Remember, how Fabian Barthez was caught smoking by Fergie at Old Trafford, which strained their relations and finally led to the exit of the frenchman. Some very strict rules to follow Berbatov.