Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sat 1 November

Man Utd 4
(Ronaldo 3, 44; Carrick 29, Vidic 57)

HULL CITY 3
(Cousin 23, Mendy 69, Geovanni (pen) 82)


The Tigers roared and roared but the Reds triumphed 4-3 in a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford.

Hull¡¯s fairytale start to the season looked a distant memory when Nemanja Vidic sent United 4-1 up on 57 minutes, but goals from Bernard Mendy and Geovanni made for nervy final moments at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hulls¡¯s fans certainly thought they were in dreamland, as they sung ¡°this is the best trip we¡¯ve ever been on¡±. All good things must end, though, and when referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle it was United celebrating three precious Premier League points.

At his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex said he was confident he could keep Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez all happy. Against Hull, it was Rooney and Berbatov who were charged with leading the line.

Wes Brown was left out after picking up a minor knock on his ankle. Gary Neville occupied the right back berth in what was his 550th United appearance, while Cristiano Ronaldo played his 250th Reds match. Michael Carrick started his first match since mid-September after returning from injury, with Darren Fletcher relegated to the bench.

Edwin van der Sar also returned in goal but he¡¯d barely touched the ball before the Reds went in front. Surprise, surprise, it was that man Ronaldo, with his third of the week. Dimitar Berbatov drilled the ball towards the Portuguese winger, who took one touch with his back to goal before swiveling to hit a sweet half-volley in off the post.

By the manager¡¯s own admission, United took their foot

01/11/2008 17:00, Report by Nick Coppack

Edwin van der Sar
An odd day for Edwin. He was hardly forced to make a save yet conceded three goals. Could do little about any of them.

Gary Neville
The Reds’ skipper dealt competently with Hull’s forwards on a day when his own attacking forays were somewhat limited. An understated performance.

Rio Ferdinand
Rio was adjudged to have fouled Bernard Mendy for Hull’s penalty, but he can certainly count himself unlucky. He was otherwise solid at the heart of United’s defence.

Nemanja Vidic
Big and brave, Vidic had the measure of Daniel Cousin and Marlon King for most of the afternoon. Popped up at the other end to score United’s fourth.

Patrice Evra
Like United’s other defenders, Patrice will be shaking his head after playing reasonably well but conceding three goals. Relished the battle with countryman Mendy in the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo
He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score a hat-trick, but Ronny chipped in with another two goals and a performance that suggests he’s almost back to his dazzling best.

Michael Carrick
In his first start since mid-September, Carrick looked extremely comfortable. Long or short, his passes found their targets. An awesome display, capped with a goal.

Anderson
Arguably the Reds’ star man, he won tackles, got stuck in and always looked to play in the front men. Used the ball well, convinced Ronny to let him take a free-kick!

Nani
Nani¡¯s crossing was right on the money today, and his decision-making also hinted a new level of maturity. A fine performance out on the left wing.

Wayne Rooney
Forced a smart reaction save from Boaz Myhill on 75 minutes but otherwise didn¡¯t get too many sniffs of goal. Booked towards the end as the game threatened to boil over.

Dimitar Berbatov
United undoubtedly create more chances when he¡¯s on the pitch. Set up Ronaldo¡¯s first and Carrick¡¯s goal. At one point his close control helped him weave through the entire Hull defence.

SUBS:

Carlos Tevez (on for Nani, 64)
Sent on with United 4-1 up, Carlos didn¡¯t have too many opportunities to express himself as Hull edged back into the game. He did get stuck in and put himself about a bit.

Ryan Giggs (on for Carrick, 72)
With Hull in the ascendancy, Giggs struggled to impose himself on the match during the last 18 minutes. Then again, nobody else from United did either.

John O¡¯Shea (on for Anderson, 88)
Not on long enough to make an impression.

01/11/2008 18:54, Report by Nick Coppack

Michael Carrick is desperate to make up for lost time after missing most of Manchester United's season so far.

The former Spurs midfielder has made just three Premier League appearances this term after following up the virus he picked up in Nigeria by breaking a bone against Liverpool in September.

Carrick made his first-team return in United's 2-0 league success over former club West Ham and the England international is hoping to become a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the coming weeks.

The 27-year-old is enjoying working his fitness in training, but says there is no substitute for improving match sharpness by getting games under your belt.
Swing of things

"It is just a case of coming back into the swing of things really," he said.

"It has been a long time since I have played and a while since I've had a run of games.

"It all goes back to Nigeria really. Then I played a tiny bit of the Community Shield, 25 minutes of the first game against Newcastle, then half a game against Liverpool, so in three months I have had very little football.

"I have worked as hard as I can in training to get fit but there's nothing like playing games."

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to win back the full support of Manchester United fans for a second time.

While the majority of fans have nothing but positive things to say about the Portugal international, some of the Red Devils faithful remain unhappy about the summer saga involving Real Madrid.
Ronaldo was quoted as saying he wanted to move to the Liga giants, although a move failed to materialise after United refused to cash in on their prized asset at any price.
Ronaldo is nearing his best on the pitch following a brace in their midweek success over West Ham and now the 23-year-old has vowed to overcome adversity for a second time during his Old Trafford career following his much-publicised spat with team-mate Wayne Rooney at the 2006 World Cup.

"I hope it will be similar to when I came back to England after the 2006 World Cup and I can win the fans back."

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is eager to emulate Ryan Giggs and cannot imagine ever wanting to leave Old Trafford.

Twenty-three-year-old Rooney is keen to stay with the Premier League and UEFA Champions League champions for as long as he is wanted and he hopes to add to his medal collection.

The former Everton forward has already won two English top-flight accolades and the European Cup, but he hopes to notch as many winners' medals and appearances as Welsh veteran Giggs.

At 34, Giggs has won 10 league titles, lifted the Champions League on two occasions and sampled four successful campaigns in the FA Cup, hitting 768 United appearances in the process.

And Rooney would welcome a career to match his team-mate's, telling MUTV: "I want to stay at this club as long as I am wanted. I want to keep playing and scoring goals.
Fantastic

"But if I am anywhere near what Ryan has achieved when I am his age, I would be really pleased.

"The games he has played and what he is won is fantastic."

Rooney is just one short of 100 goals in club football and will try to reach his century when Hull visit Old Trafford on Saturday.

"To score 100 goals in club football hopeful nice just it doesn't really bother me," he said.

"Winning is the most important thing. I will look back when I have finished my career but I am only young. I prefer to score more than 100 and keep scoring, so it is no

United boss unconcerned by delay in permanent deal

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't expect Carlos Tevez to walk away from Old Trafford because of a lack of first-team football.

Argentina international Tevez has struggled for opportunities over recent weeks as the partnership of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov begins to flourish.

But Ferguson recently revealed that he's held talks with the 24-year-old, who will see his two-year loan expire in the summer, and is eager to secure his permanent stay.

The United boss has now reiterated his confidence that Tevez - who's understood to be a target of Real Madrid - will put pen-to-paper on a contract.

"I don't think it will make a difference at all," said Ferguson when asked if a bit-part role could influence Tevez, who started United's last match against West Ham.

"It shouldn't. He has happy here. The club want him. The players and fans love him.

"Just because I have left him out for a couple of games does not mean it should be a negative part of negotiations to get him h

HIGH-flying Hull are the visitors to Old Trafford on Saturday for the first meeting in the top flight between these two teams.

The Tigers have been the shock side of the Premier League and remarkably have two more points than United, although the Reds have a game in hand.

Here is a look at the key battles that coulded vs Geovanni

The Brazilian has been Hull’s player of the season so far with four key goals. The ex-Manchester City player has been out to prove a point since leaving the Blues last season on a free transfer and has been a real bargain for Hull. Geovanni was the man who popped up with the winner in last season’s Manchester derby at Old Traffrd and will be looking to do the same this weekend in a Hull shirt.

Rio’s consistent top class form throughout this season has made him one of the key players for United in their quest to retain the Premier League title. And with 14 goals scored by Hull this season Rio is going to have to all in his best to help secure thee points for United.

Anderson vs Dean Marney

This battle in the midfield will be key as both players are in good form. Marney has been a key component of Hull’s success, driving them forward, and the former Tottenham man will be keen to score his first goal of the season.

Brazilian star Anderson was in fine form against the Hammers in midweek and will be looking for a repeat against Hull. The 20-year-old will be aiming to open up a Tigers defence that has only conceded three times on tour this season. But he must also contain Marney’s attacking forays.

Wayne Rooney  vs Michael Turner

Rooney looks set to be unleashed direct for United after being rested mid-week against West Ham. The England International, who scored 10 goals for club and country in October, is in top form and will fancy his chances against Hull at home.

However, trying to stop him will be Michael Turner, who has been in outstanding form this season at the back for Hull. The £350,000 fee fixed in 2006 is now looking like a bargain. The 24-year-old has chipped in with two goals and has been tipped for a place in the England squad. He has been the key man in the centre of Hull’s defence and will be looking to boost his international hopes with a clean sheet at Old Trafford.

Where do you think the game will be won and lost? Have your say.