Manchester United news and links

Sir Alex is delighted to have Paul Scholes back in form for the run-in.

Manchester United fans in Rome who do not cooperate with Italian police will be risking their safety, police warn.

Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher faces six weeks out because of a knee injury.

United’s loaned-out striker stars for Angola against Japan U23s.

John O’Shea warns Villa that Ronaldo’s free-kicks are near-perfect.

Brazil coach Dunga impressed as Anderson shrugs off Emirates jeers.

Betfred chairman and United fan Fred Done has all the odds covered.

Follow Saturday’s match live via our radio and text commentary.

Michael Carrick says Gareth Barry coud pose problems on Saturday.

ManUtd.com’s at-a-glance guide to the form and fitness of both teams.

Team news ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match.

Manchester United winger Michael Barnes joins Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season.

Villa keeper Scott Carson recovers from a knee injury in time to face United.

The United manager reveals Ronaldo reminds him of George Best.

Rio Ferdinand captained England against France on Wednesday ngiht.

Morgan Andersen, former director of Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, has been handed a one-year suspended jail sentence by an Oslo court for forging contracts relating to Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel in 2005.

Manchester United captain Gary Neville may not return to first-team action until next season.

There is nothing quite so heartening as seeing a person, in any walk of life, fulfil his potential; seeing him make the very most of god-given talent to reach the top of his chosen field, writes Alan Smith.

It has become rather tiresome to hear sportsmen on this side of the pond talk about “stepping up to the plate” when opportunity knocks, writes Michael Henderson.

Gary Neville has admitted that he is unlikely to feature in Manchester United’s first team until next season

Manchester United captain close to fitness yet may not return to line-up this season because stakes are too high

The Manchester United and England full back expects to have to wait until next season for a return to first team action

Gary Neville is uncertain when he will be recalled to the Manchester United first team after an ankle problem.

Young Reds Campbell and Heaton made their U21 bows against Poland.

Ferdinand says United’s defensive strength is founded in consistency of selection.

Gary Neville knows he may have to wait for his first-team chance.

John O’Shea says United thrive on the nip and tuck of the title race.

Reds defender Rio Ferdinand says he’s honoured to captain his country.

There were many things unimaginable for a boy growing up on the Friary Estate in south London. Captaining England was something that appealed to the young Rio Ferdinand’s imagination.

Admittedly, I’m no clairvoyant but I’m sure I’ve seen a bright future for the England team under Fabio Capello and the future would appear to be Mancunian red, says Don Howe.

Guaranteed his place in the team, playing for the club who are set to win another Premier League title, in the form of his life, respected by the rest of the squad and a natural communicator. Rio Ferdinand as captain of England would appear to be one of the simpler decisions presented to Fabio Capello.

By Nick Harris

Ronaldo and Nani withdraw from Portugal’s squad to face Greece.

Wayne may not be banging in goals, but his contribution isn’t going unnoticed.

Reds defender Rio Ferdinand has been named as England’s new captain.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will captain England in their friendly against France tomorrow night.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Avram Grant’s side is the one to watch.

Sunderland boss and former Reds captain has his money on United.

Fabio Capello has handed Rio Ferdinand the captain’s armband for tomorrow’s friendly with France

After moving five points clear at the top of the table, Michael Carrick believes that Manchester United can retain the title

There are two ways to watch United’s win over Liverpool.

Patrice says seven ‘finals’ stand between the Reds and retaining the title.

Manager says there is a long way to go before Premier League title decided, but Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick confident

If you give him freedom, he will murder you. Surely it is time to man-mark him, to get in his face, to shadow his every move

As he prepares to meet Liverpool for the 35th time, Ryan Giggs feels like a 21 year old, yet with a crucial role still to play

Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0: Gary Neville had every reason to smile at this result from the Old Trafford directors’ box

Didier’s double sees Chelsea overtake Gunners as United’s main challengers.

Some match photos from United’s game against Liverpool can now be viewed at the gallery.

Manchester United brushed Liverpool aside with the ease of a hammer swatting a fly on another afternoon of controversy in the Premier League.