10-man United are 90 minutes from title
FERGIE LAPS IT UP
By ROB BEASLEY
MANCHESTER UNITED had 10 heroes and one nutter as they moved to within 90 minutes of retaining their Premier League title.
Nani was sent off for a first-half head-butt on West Ham skipper Lucas Neill but the 10-man champions, with the help of two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, still won 4-1 at Old Trafford.
That puts them three points clear of Chelsea with one game left. A win at Wigan next Sunday will clinch the first leg of a double and boss Alex Ferguson said: "It's been a great day for us."
Manchester United 4, West Ham 1: Click here for full match report and pictures
He is so convinced the Premier League title race is over he sent his double-chasing side on a lap of honour.
He is already in party mood and grabbed a microphone at the end of the match to address United's biggest crowd of the season, 76,013, in triumphant fashion.
Champions
He roared: "The effort of our players this season has been absolutely fantastic.
"And Tuesday (the Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona) was one of my greatest experiences. So go and enjoy yourselves in Moscow — and hopefully next weekend!"
The United faithful roared their approval and saluted skipper Rio Ferdinand and his side as they lapped the pitch — reserving the biggest cheer for Cristiano Ronaldo.
His double against West Ham put the Portuguese winger on 40 goals for the season, with 30 of them coming in the league.
And bullish Ronaldo is determined that United do not blow the title now.
He said: "It has been a great season and we are in a good position — in the final of the Champions League and if we win one more game we are champions.
"So it is a spectacular season and we have to be champions."
And Fergie was quick to echo the adulation of the United fans.
He said: "Forty goals — not many players can do that today. He's had a fantastic season.
"The boy is improving all the time and he also shows his courage. There was a terrible tackle on him from behind today.
Wizard
"But he keeps getting up and playing on and you have to applaud that."
A buoyant Fergie is also ready to congratulate the long-serving Ryan Giggs, 34, who is poised to overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearances record
Giggs is now just one behind Sir Bobby's total of 758 games for United.
And the Welsh wing wizard could top it by playing in the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow on May 21 and in United's last league outing at Wigan next Sunday.
Fergie gave the broadest of hints Giggs will feature at some stage at the JJB Stadium and in the Russian capital to achieve the landmark record.
Asked what were Giggs' prospects of beating Charlton's record, Fergie grinned: "Yes there's a good chance, a very good chance."
Giggs said: "I'm more concerned about winning the Premiership and then the Champions League.
"Personal achievements don't mean a lot to me while I'm still playing — they're something to look back on in the future.
"But obviously, if it does happen I will be very proud. It will be a great honour."
Amid the carnival atmosphere, though, there was one United player in the doghouse.
And that was Portuguese winger Nani, 21, who was sent off after head-butting West Ham captain Lucas Neill.
Retaliated
Nani departed eight minutes before half-time with United 3-1 up after Ronaldo's double and Carlos Tevez's 30-yard rocket had preceded Dean Ashton's spectacular overhead kick.
He reacted wildly after Neill appeared to provoke him by sneakily pinching him.
But that will not save Nani from Fergie's infamous hairdryer treatment.
For once, the United boss had no complaints about the decision.
He said: "I don't think the referee had any option. The linesman gave it because Nani has retaliated.
"He showed his immaturity but he will learn from it. So no complaints. We will deal with it."
But West Ham totally failed to take advantage of the extra man.
In fact, 10-man United increased their lead to 4-1 after the interval as Hammers old boy Michael Carrick's deflected effort flew past Rob Green.
To ship another showed just how woeful the visitors were in a match that meant nothing to them. It all means United can now relax and watch how title rivals Chelsea respond at St James' Park tomorrow.
But Fergie is not bothered about the Blues any more.
He claimed: "I'm not interested in what Chelsea do now it's down to us. Chelsea have been talking as if it easier up there but we know that's not true.
"I have no fears about that and I'm sure Newcastle will do their job honestly — the same as West Ham did their job honestly."
That reference to West Ham, will prompt guffaws in many quarters with Hammers' resistance lasting just three minutes.
That's how long it took Ronaldo to expose some truly awful defending with the visitors only having themselves to blame for three of United's four goals.
Ducked
The conspiracy theorists will certainly have a field day after West Ham boss Alan Curbishley's controversial comments about United and Ferguson which so angered Chelsea chief Avram Grant
Especially as Curbishley disappointingly ducked the opportunity to clarify his comments after the game — sending assistant Mervyn Day to the Press conference instead.
Day did his best to clear his boss of all charges but it would have been far better coming from the man himself.
He said: "Alan has tried to qualify his comments and if I can paraphrase slightly, he feels that Manchester United would feel they were unlucky if they didn't win the League given that they have been so dominant and so far in front for such a period of time
"I don't think he said he wanted them to win.
"He wasn't talking about raising a glass to United — the whole essence of that piece was about Alex Ferguson and what a good job he's done over a lengthy period of time.
"Alan thinks an awful lot of Sir Alex but we are all professionals — and all of that goes out of the window when you cross the white line."
A Chelsea defeat at Newcastle tomorrow or a United win at Steve Bruce's Wigan next week will seal United's 17th title - and few would back against that now.
Rob, behave yourself. It's the last home game of the season - that's why they did a lap of honour at the end. A time honoured football tradition i'm sure you're aware of.
Posted by: Dave | May 04, 2008 at 04:46 AM | Report this comment
Nani could have ruined all the good that United had acheived that far into the game.It could have scuppered the rhythm of the team.Lets hope he learns from it,despite Neils swan lake dive,yet the resolve within United,will take the title AGAIN.With their get up & @ em attitude.Nothing seems to phase us.COME ON YOU RED BEAUTIES
Posted by: james owen harkin | May 04, 2008 at 08:01 AM | Report this comment
head butting stupid, and should be severly punished ,
all the spitting needs to be sorted out also what example is this setting for our youngsters.
Posted by: borris | May 04, 2008 at 08:14 AM | Report this comment
I THINK MAN U HAVE GOT AWAY WITH MURDER ALL SEASON, WILL THEY BE PUNISHED FOR THEIR HOUNDING OF THE REF AGAINST CHELSEA??? I THINK NOT, THE FA ARE TOO SCARED TO DO ANYTHING AGAINST THEM, FERGY GETS AWAY WITH ALL HIS MOANING AND DIRTY TRICKS. THEIR PLAYERS ALWAYS GET AWAY WITH BAD TACKLES (SHCOLES !!!) I THINK THERE SHOULD BE MORE REFS AND LINESMEN WITH THE GUTS TO GIVE OUT CARDS AND PENS WHEN ITS AGAINST THEM, THE LINESMAN AT CHELSEA GIVING THAT CLEAR CUT PENALTY WAS SPOT ON, AND SENDING THE ARROGANT NANI OFF WAS SPOT ON TOO, HE SHOULD BE BANNED FOR THE REMAINING GAMES CHAMPS LEAGUE TOO. I HOPE THEY DONT WIN ANYTHING. BY THE WAY IM A LEICESTER FAN, AND ONE OF THE MAJORITY WHO HATE UNITED.
Posted by: WAYNE HENTON | May 04, 2008 at 09:03 AM | Report this comment
I'm not suprised the Leicester fan is upset, I would be too if I supported them, as for united,they are without doubt the better team
this season and deserve the honours they get.
Its the usual sour grapes off the other supporters.
Posted by: alan hobson | May 04, 2008 at 10:56 AM | Report this comment
Utd always do a lap of honour after the last home game of the season.
I dont recall which season - maybe Jose's first one. Chelsea already won the title came to old trafford, stuffed Utd 3-0. And SAFt sent them out for a lap of homouf after the game.
Jose couldnt believe it
Posted by: Frank | May 04, 2008 at 11:08 AM | Report this comment
leicster,city they are garb how can ,youi find yourselve critising,man u by 3 oclock today your down.........myns a double
Posted by: drew manchester | May 04, 2008 at 11:37 AM | Report this comment
we the famous man utd and we,re off to moscow in may, to play chelsea away, and all tou scousers
got nothing to say just because you lost to chelsea
on wednesday ha ha ha ha
THERES ONLY 1 UTD
Posted by: colin | May 04, 2008 at 11:37 AM | Report this comment
Glory,glory Man Utd. We have been brilliant all season and deserve to win the Premier League title. Nani deserves to get his **** spanked though. I think he has been a spoilt brat all season, but Ronaldo used to be the same so Alex will sort it out.
Posted by: Jimmy The Red | May 04, 2008 at 12:07 PM | Report this comment
United have been the best team in the PL all season, can't believe how bitter some people can be, whether they be Leicester supporters or any other supporters, United don't get preferential treatment off any ref/linesmen, lmao to the Leicester fan, ok you hate man u, but is that because of all the glory & history it has?? All the titles & trophies they have won over the years??? We have played some awesome football this season, it is a great achievement for Ronaldo to score 40 goals in all competitions, but we don't just rely on him to go out & win a game for us, we have MANY amazing players, our defence is top class right now, the whole team is amazing. As for the Nani incident, it was a disgusting thing to do, Fergie will have given him the old hairdryer treatment & probably have fined him a few weeks wages too & i don't think he'll start or even be on the bench for the CL final - i think that will be a major punishment for him-he'll be so gutted but that's his own fault, he put a dampner on a great day & needs to grow up & learn from that - there's no room at United for thugs.
As for the lap of honour, the last home game of the season, United ALWAYS do their lap of honour.
I think we'll do the double this season, the champagne is already on ice ready for me to take to Moscow on the 21st May yahooo.
Posted by: Sam | May 04, 2008 at 01:24 PM | Report this comment
Well Done to the best team in the world - utd deserve all the plaudits and they should lift the champions league trophy with the premiership.
fergie is a master at getting the best from his players. good luck to manchester united i wish he was at my beloved manchester city.
Posted by: jimmy | May 04, 2008 at 01:24 PM | Report this comment
note to borris - you and the rest of the country hating us is what makes us unique and so motivated to win every competition we enter and makes us so strong in the face of adversity! how about you keep hating on us and we'll keep winning the trophies like we always have!
Posted by: andy | May 04, 2008 at 01:48 PM | Report this comment
We all knew there would only be one outcome to the manu/westham game.
its a shame the so called champions didnt turn up against chelsea and barcelona,they are just overated,unworthy champion they are.T
his will very well show in moscow how overated they are against the powerful chelsea machine come may 21.congrats to all chelsea fans in advance.
They wanted liverpool to win becos they know they can not handle the chelski machine,bunch of overated things.Go on chelsea!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: kola | May 04, 2008 at 04:09 PM | Report this comment
To Wayne Henton - so , you're "A LEICESTER FAN, AND ONE OF THE MAJORITY WHO HATE UNITED"??
Well enjoy life in League One Wayne, where you'll be able to watch your team play the likes of Yeovil & Crewe. Meanwhile, I'll be watching Man Utd take on Chelsea in the Champions League final, after winning the Premiership again. Idiot.
AND TURN THE CAPS OFF! THEY'RE FOR PUNCTUATION, NOT SILLY LITTLE RANTS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S FOOTBALL TEAMS IN A NOTW FORUM.
Posted by: Rob | May 04, 2008 at 04:24 PM | Report this comment
whats up with people weve been the best team by far why cant people just admit it weve had alot off bad decisions against us this season but it always evens its self out us and arsenal have played the best football all season chelsea ok get results but would you pay to watch them play thats what curbs is on about the press just go way over the top [rob beasley]players and the boss was just thanking the fans we all know that the title isnt won yet best way to shut the press up is to win like we did against barca all i can say is egg on your face
Posted by: andrew hughes | May 04, 2008 at 05:02 PM | Report this comment
man u were excellent yesterday, nani was disappointing, but he did not spoil the party, the premiership title will in utd's hands next week, or if newcastle does us a favour tomorrow, unlikely, with kk in charge, we will have to earn the title ourselves as always.
Posted by: damien | May 04, 2008 at 08:59 PM | Report this comment
I think the credits should go to all the top teams for the breathtaking football that has kept us all entertained this season and made the English premier league the best in the world.
Arsenal have played the most attractive football at the beginning and chelsea have been the most business like, getting results week in week out, albeit with more deflected goals than I`ve ever seen!
But I think overall Man Utd have been the most consistent in all competitions and in full flow are simply fantastic and probably deserve to win the league.
There is never a boring game when Utd are playing!! In the champions leagure final, its a hard one to call. Chelsea have the players to win it, but if they take the lead and sit back and defend like usual, they will lose. So looks like an interesting game ahead.
Posted by: Dean | May 04, 2008 at 09:27 PM | Report this comment
Congratulations to Man Utd if they win the both they have been easily the best team all season for attacking football and the defence is quality.
I'm not a Utd fan either I support Birmingham City who I have to say have been **** all season. I just hope we stay up but I doubt it.
Posted by: Lee Earley | May 04, 2008 at 10:01 PM | Report this comment
To the Leicester supporter, Please stick to your Small club, leave the men alone, as a MAN U supporter you have really done us good and hey Micah Richards will be joining us soon and our back line will even be stronger, as for NANI he needs guidance I wish Furgie gives him lashing that was un called for.
Posted by: Pet | May 05, 2008 at 06:22 AM | Report this comment
ronaldo is the best player in the world and i am his number 1fan
Posted by: alantis | May 05, 2008 at 11:14 AM | Report this comment
you are the best ronaldo
Posted by: vladimir | May 06, 2008 at 02:38 PM | Report this comment
I am a true fan of Liverpool but i do hope Manchester United beat Chelsea and get a DOUBLE. Cuz... You'll Never Walk Alone, Glory Glory Man United!
Posted by: Singapore | May 06, 2008 at 06:55 PM | Report this comment
Good enough chelsea spend money buying quality players to win the premiership while fergie buys the premiership buy influencing and intimating match officials and FA thereby swinging most matches to their favour; and some weak managers like curbishely that respect fergie personality and past achievements by conceeding defeat and not putting a fight at old trafford. Imagine what the headline would have been if it was chelsea that was in man utd position over the weekend, we would have had cries all over the country that chelsea bought the match over. What a biased league!!!
Posted by: seba | May 07, 2008 at 02:10 PM | Report this comment
I support Leicester because that's where i am from unlike you lot, yes we are crap but i will support them whatever league they are in unlike you lot who support man u because they are winning stuff and its the easy way out of a ripping because your team lost. Just wait till old man fergy calls it a day we will see you in the championship.
Posted by: WAYNE HENTON | May 07, 2008 at 09:11 PM | Report this comment
seba your spot on mate,,it is the most biased league you can get,,utd get away with murder,,hounding the ref,,fergie with his comments to sway decisions,, and like one chap wrote on here if was chelsea playing westham then their would be an investigation as to why west ham rolled over like they did,,and why was curbishley allowed to escape with his comments about wanting man to win the league,, if those comments were directed at chelsea fergie would have demanded an fa inquiry and got it the following day,,maybe the fa need to ask themselves why they are so scared of man utd,, and consider changing their name to Football Association of Manchester United. then we would understand as to why everthing is in favour of utd.
Posted by: Boniface Kariuki | May 07, 2008 at 10:49 PM | Report this comment