Manchester United news and links

Kevin McCarra: The manager learned from Chelsea triumphs and added steel to his side’s traditional flair

Sir Alex Ferguson has not got the opponents he wanted in Moscow and has good reason to fear Chelsea’s zest, says Kevin McCarra

Kevin McCarra: Sir Alex Ferguson has not got the opponents he wanted in Moscow and has good reason to fear Chelsea’s zest

United are seeing the benefit of Alex Ferguson’s recent focus on defence and doggedness, writes Kevin McCarra

Paul Scholes’ first-half strike booked Manchester United a trip to Moscow

Kevin McCarra: Victory over Barcelona would inject the euphoria that should carry Manchester United to the Premier League title

Victory over Barcelona would inject the euphoria that should carry Manchester United to the Premier League title, says Kevin McCarra

Kevin McCarra: Manchester United’s rough education in Champions League semi-finals has left them well equipped to progress

Kevin McCarra: Manchester United’s rough education in Champions League semi-finals has left them well equipped to progress

The days of youthful, home-grown sides winning Europe’s biggest prize are long gone, writes Kevin McCarra

Kevin McCarra: We will never know how Manchester United would have coped this season with the same number of injuries as Chelsea but Arsenal made them look mortal at Old Trafford

Kevin McCarra: Ferguson’s claims for his team’s greatness owe more to bravado than considered thought

Kevin McCarra: After a summer of big spending, these are the new signings most likely to succeed in the Premier League.

Kevin McCarra: An injury-ravaged Man Utd defence will have to hold up and their attack must keep firing if they are to hold off Chelsea.

Kevin McCarra: Attack will be Sir Alex Ferguson’s best form of defence, as he remains confident despite losing key defenders.

Kevin McCarra: The sight of Jose Mourinho on the Old Trafford touchline could become a familiar one in years to come.

Kevin McCarra: Liverpool offer the only resistance to United and Chelsea, a trend which may continue for many seasons.

Kevin McCarra: Edwin van der Sar’s recent wobbles have re-opened a debate that Sir Alex Ferguson thought he had silenced

Kevin McCarra: Booming Champions League business means the top flight’s big four will stay out of reach.

Kevin McCarra: Jose Mourinho must wish he had the authority over football affairs that other Premiership managers have.

Kevin McCarra: If Manchester United are to win the title, they need the unusually quiet Wayne Rooney firing on all cylinders.

Kevin McCarra: The packed Christmas schedule gives Man Utd the perfect opportunity tighten their grip on top spot.

Kevin McCarra: As money comes from all parts of the globe, there will have to be some losers in the race to join the Premiership elite.