Bayern Munich 2 - 1 United

Ivica Olic hit an injury-time winner to give Bayern Munich the advantage after the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.

United took the lead after only 66 seconds when Wayne Rooney volleyed in six yards out from Nani's free-kick.

But Franck Ribery's deflected free-kick set up a dramatic finale, rounded off by Olic's cool run and finish after a defensive error by Patrice Evra.

United's misery was made complete when Rooney limped off with an ankle injury.

The England striker appeared in severe pain after turning over on his right leg in the build-up to Bayern's winner.

United will hope the injury is not too serious, as they face a crucial Premier League match against on Chelsea on Saturday as well as the return match with Bayern next week.

It had started so well for United - and Rooney - but the visitors allowed Bayern to take control of a tie which is delicately balanced ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 7 April.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will comfort themselves in the knowledge that they have an away goal, but the defeat marked their first in 16 unbeaten European away matches and leaves them with plenty to do, particularly should Rooney be missing in a week's time and Bayern be boosted by the return of winger Arjen Robben after a calf problem.

Much of the talk had centred on that pair before the game, but while Robben had to watch from the stands due to injury, Rooney took no time at all to make his mark on the tie.

With barely more than a minute on the clock Nani's free-kick from the right looped off the head of Mark van Bommel and, as Martin Demichelis slipped in the box, Rooney - in acres of space - volleyed home left-footed.

It was exactly the start United boss Ferguson wanted, especially after he had admitted beforehand that he would take a goal over a clean sheet from the tie in Germany.

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Source: BBC Sports

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United 2 - 1 Liverpool

United moved back to the top of the table above Arsenal and one, significant step closer to a 19th championship and record fourth consecutive Premier League title with this well-deserved 2-1 win over fierce rivals Liverpool.

It was hearts-in-mouths time after just five minutes when Fernando Torres put the visitors in front with a free header. But United recovered when Wayne Rooney scored the rebound from his saved penalty kick six minutes later. From then on Sir Alex Ferguson’s men dominated, and the winner arrived after an hour when Ji-sung Park’s diving header sent Old Trafford into delirious celebration.

Liverpool have won the last three of these fixtures, United suffering the ignominy of a 4-1 defeat on home turf here last season. Settling that score itself may have formed a significant part of Sir Alex’s pre-match team-talk. But there was a wider focus for United than one-upmanship over a local rival. Three points would raise the prospects of a fourth straight title and the undisputed crown of being English football's most successful team.

That fuelled the atmosphere on a bright and sunny spring day in Manchester, and whether fans were dressed in the traditional red and white or protest green and gold, everyone was united behind the team.

Sir Alex opted to stick with the formation and line-up that yielded success against Milan in Europe – a 4-5-1 formation with Rooney leading the line, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher anchoring the midfield, Park charged with hassling and harrying Steven Gerrard and co., and Antonio Valencia and Nani operating out wide.

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Source: manutd.com

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Preview: United v Wolves this Saturday

Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting a tough encounter on Saturday evening when United visit Wolves in the Barclays Premier League.

Mick McCarthy's men currently lie sixteenth in the table just a point above the drop zone having won just one of their last nine league games. And with their top-flight status very much at stake, the United boss is anticipating a tricky test at Molineux.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Sir Alex said: “It’s a real dog fight down there. Wolves are fighting for their lives so we expect a difficult match. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re in a situation now where we need to win all of our games." 

With Chelsea in FA Cup action against Stoke City this weekend, the Reds can reclaim top spot with a draw or a win. With just ten games remaining in the title race, Sir Alex is desperate for his side to gain an advantage on Saturday.

Fellow striker Wayne Rooney is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Wolves following his exertions for England in midweek, while Jonny Evans is out after picking up an injury on international duty.

"We have to assess Wayne because he played almost 90 minutes for England the other night at Wembley, which I was disappointed in," said the boss. "When you’re playing on that pitch for almost an hour on Sunday and then nearly a full game on Wednesday, it's far too much. He's a doubt."

There was some good news, however, with confirmation that Rio Ferdinand is fit to start at Molineux. "Rio is back, which is good news. It comes at a good time with a big game against Milan next Wednesday," Sir Alex said. "Having the Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is a big boost in terms of the experience and consistency they've shown over the last few years. That will be important to us in the run-in."

The manager also confirmed that young striker Federico Macheda will start training with the first team next week.

"Going top is certainly an incentive for us and it knocks an away game off the list - we'll have just four aways after that. Winning at Wolves is a big issue for us.

“Our form is good so hopefully we can get the points we need to go top."

Source: RedView & manutd.com

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