Scholes: Ronny's the best

Paul Scholes admits he’s never played with anyone as good as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hyperbole comes as unnaturally to the 33-year-old as giving away possession, so Scholes’ comments ahead of United’s crunch Champions League quarter-final, first leg are certain to be heeded.

So often the admired, Scholes became the admirer when asked how enjoyable he finds playing with the Reds’ No.7.

“I’ve played with some top, top players in my time at Old Trafford,” Scholes told the press in Rome.

“But if I’m honest I think Cristiano must now be at the top. To score the amount of goals he has done this season – and from his midfield position – is nothing short of amazing.

“And it’s not only his goals. He’s making chances as well. He poses such a big threat to other teams.”

Scholes’ confidence in Ronaldo was shared by his manager, who said Ronaldo “has a big chance” of winning the coveted Ballon d’or (European Footballer of the Year) should United progress to the Champions League final.

“Reaching the final will really enhance his opportunity [of winning the award], but he certainly has a chance.”

Fergie - Blues Hold The Key

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the greatest threat to Manchester United's hopes of recording back-to-back Premier League titles is the charge of Avram Grant's Chelsea.

The Blues' crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday extended their unbeaten run to 14-league games as they continue to push United all the way in the race for the title.

With five points now separating Ferguson's men and Chelsea, the United boss believes the Stamford Bridge clash between the two side's on 26th April could prove decisive.

"I think Chelsea hold the key," Ferguson said. "We've still got to go to Stamford Bridge where they've got a formidable home record.

"We have established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted, we have to carry on playing the way we have been.

"As I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league."

The United side which beat Liverpool 3-0 in the first half of Sunday's clash included just three players over the age of 30 - Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Ferguson admitted he is delighted with how his young side have blossomed this season as they continue their challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe.

"We've developed as a team this season and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak with our win over Liverpool," he said.

"We've retained the consistency of last season, we're challenging for the league again and we're in the quarter-finals of the European Cup."

Anderson ready for Rafa's men

Having sampled the euphoria that comes with beating Liverpool at Anfield, Reds' midfielder Anderson is hoping for more of the same on Sunday lunchtime when United entertain Rafa Benitez's men at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian was one of the star performers in the 1-0 win back in December courtesy of Carlos Tevez's first half strike.

Anderson says he was fully aware of the importance attached to a United / Liverpool clash even before he joined the Reds, but admits that even he was surprised by the enormity of the rivalry when thrust into the thick of it.

"The atmosphere amongst the two teams and the determination both sides had to win the game at Anfield was unbelievable," he told United Review.

"It’s difficult to describe the emotion that I experienced in that match – it was amazing. And I’m sure it’ll be the same on Sunday."

Anderson has become a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful after a string of peerless displays in midfield.

The 19-year-old has been overwhelmed by the support of the fans since joining the Reds last summer and he insists he'll be doing his utmost to ensure they have a happy Easter.

"I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing," he beamed.

"It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay them for the fantastic support they have shown me. I hope I can do that on Sunday."

Reds will be ready for Roma

Carlos Queiroz is confident United can reach the Champions League semi-finals by disposing of AS Roma for the second successive season.

It’s also the second time in this campaign the Reds have been paired with the Giallorossi - United won the first group game at home and drew the other away. Queiroz admits Roma are a much-improved side compared to the one that was so soundly beaten last season, but he is confident the players will get the job done.

"It’ll be a difficult game as all matches at this stage of the competition are, but I think we have a good chance," said United's assistant manager.

"Roma are an improving team as they showed against Real Madrid in the last round. I think they're better than when we played them last season and in this season's group stages. But we know we can beat them. Hopefully we can do our job and reach the semi-finals.

"We’re pleased to be playing against European opposition, rather than one of the English teams," he added. "It’s what you expect when you play in the Champions League.

"At the moment we are very well positioned in both the title race and Europe and the team are playing well. So we're feeling very positive about the remainder of the season."

Roma's first result after being drawn against United was a home win over AC Milan. After going 1-0 down to Kaka's 56th-minute strike, the Giallorossi rallied with two goals in quick succession from substitutes Ludovic Giuly (78) and Mirko Vucinic (81).

Fans rant after Cup exit

Feelings were understandably running high on the Talking Reds message board in the immediate aftermath of United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth...

Lolu Ayo-Odugbesan
"That was the most atrocious refereeing I have seen this season. But although the ref is responsible for 80% of the blame, the players should also take some blame. The decision making today was poor - trying to dribble around the keeper when you should shoot, passing the ball inside the box when you are open with only the keeper to beat..."

Miki Paunkoski
"I stayed up until around 2am in Melbourne, Australia to watch this and the ref blew it. I wasted my night when I could have been sleeping.

Paul101
"If we can't beat teams like Pompey at home in the FA Cup then what chance have we in Europe? Talk of winning the treble this year was just wishful thinking."

Fordymusic
"We were unlucky. These things happen. I hope the team use this result as a kick up the backside and go on a typical winning run now."

TowNClowN
"Granted we were unlucky not getting the penalty and fluffing numerous chances. But the height of Pompey's well-organised defence highlighted our need for a tall striker."

Ronaldo goal tally 'incredible'

United legend Paddy Crerand hailed Cristiano Ronaldo after his 30th goal of the season ensured United's place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The winger struck his 30th goal in as many games against Lyon on Tuesday night and it was enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Reds.

Ronaldo is now withing two goals of George Best's record and Crerand is backing the 23-year-old to keep up his remarkable scoring trend.

"It’s an incredible feat for any player, let alone a winger, to score 30 goals in a season," Paddy told ManUtd.com.

"You’d be delighted as a striker to hit that amount of goals, so for Ronaldo to do it is fantastic.

"The amazing thing is he isn’t finished yet, there’s a lot more to come from him.

The Reds winger is not only prolific, his goals also tend to come at crucial times, which makes him even more a prized asset going into the final stages of the campaign.

Crerand added: "He’s popped up with important goals at important times and I'm sure he'll continue to do that between now and the end of the season."

Sir Alex won't rule out Chelsea

While all the attention on this season's title contest has centred around United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea are serious challengers and should not be underestimated.

Avram Grant's side are six points behind the Reds and nine adrift of league leaders Arsenal. But they have a game in hand and are poised to pounce should the league's two pace-setters slip.

"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable," Sir Alex told the League Managers' Association website. "The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."

Chelsea are unbeaten at home this season, but they have dropped points at Stamford Bridge - far more than their rivals, too. Arsenal have surrendered four points at the Emirates Stadium this term, while United have missed out on five points at Old Trafford. But Chelsea have drawn five on their patch, losing out on a surprising ten points.