Roma

United trounced the Giallorossi 7-1 last season, but don't expect the Italian defence to ship quite so many this time around. With a home win already on the board, there's no pressure on Roma to get anything out of Tuesday night's match. The visitors might even play for a draw.

Form guide: Roma won their opening Group F match against Dynamo Kyiv 2-0, with goals from Francesco Totti and Simone Perrotta. However, Luciano Spalletti's team arrive in Manchester on the back of a 4-1 loss to Inter Milan, which leaves them fourth in Serie A. Meanwhile, United's march up the Barclays Premier League table continued with a 1-0 win against Birmingham on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner, just as he did on Matchday 1 at Sporting Lisbon.

Ins and outs: The Italians have picked up a number of injuries in recent weeks, with Marco Cassetti (thigh), Francesco Totti (thigh) and Alberto Aquilani (ankle) the most high-profile. Totti and Aquilani should be available on Tuesday, but Cassetti has been ruled out for a month. Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown are doubtful for United, while goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (toe) will be replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak.

Star men: European Golden Shoe winner Francesco Totti has started strongly once again, scoring four goals in his last five league appearances. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick will be hoping for a similar performance to the one he produced in April's 7-1 demolition.

Wayne Rooney knows precisely how determined AS Roma will be to exact revenge on United after the Reds' 7-1 victory back in April – because he has put himself in their shoes.After thrashing the Italians in the Champions League quarter final second leg last season, the Giallorossi return to Old Trafford in Tuesday's Group F clash hell-bent on setting the record straight.

Rooney has been deployed as the main striker in United's attack this season, with Carlos Tevez dropping deeper. When asked to do a similar job last season, he went on a scoring run of 11 goals in 14 matches during March and April. He will be hoping to do that again, and says his partnership with Tevez has plenty of potential.

Edwin wants to keep it clean

United stopper Edwin van der Sar says keeping clean sheets is even more important when the goals aren't flowing as freely at the other end.

Although he was untroubled on Sunday, the Dutch keeper pulled off two breathtaking saves in last week's Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon and has already successfully kept opposition attacks at bay on half-a-dozen occasions this term.

Speaking to Manchester United Radio, van der Sar said: “It's important to keep clean sheets when we're not scoring many goals. The last few games have gone well and everyone's defending well and working hard. It shows you're a strong team and don't rely on individuals.

We have maximum results from the last five games, even though we played better and created loads more chances in the first three. That's a bit strange but that's football.

Stranger still is that after a stern test in Lisbon, the Reds' keeper barely had a shot to save at the weekend when United faced FA Cup winners Chelsea. But despite a quiet Sunday, van der Sar’s performances this season make it hard for understudies Tomasz Kuszczak and Tom Heaton to get a look-in.“

real united is back

Rooney to return?

Rooney: I'm Ready To Play

Wayne Rooney last night told boss Alex Ferguson he is raring to return against his old club Everton on this Saturday. Manchester United striker Rooney, 21, has been sidelined after breaking his metatarsal on the opening day of the season. But he has been out of plaster for a fortnight and training hard. Rooney is due to have another scan this week and Fergie will take advice from the United medical team before making a decision. He could certainly do with a fit Rooney - Carlos Tevez is also facing a gruelling return from Australia after his country’s match against the Socceroos. At least Ferguson has Louis Saha back. The French frontman netted the winner against Sunderland in his first start since last February. Portugal wideman Cristiano Ronaldo is also available after serving a three-game suspension for his sending-off at Portsmouth. Everton gonna fall!!

Neville close to comeback

United skipper Gary Neville doubts he will return from injury in time for Saturday's trip to Everton, but has his eye on a comeback in the near future. The veteran defender has been out of action since damaging ankle ligaments in March, and subsequently suffering a thigh strain in training last month.

United's club captain told MUTV: "I probably did a bit too much, I was a bit over-excited getting back and I just felt my thigh a little bit. It's frustrating". Hopefully in the next week or two he'll be back and I hope to be playing games in the next couple of weeks definitely.

Wes Brown is likely to deputise at right-back in Neville's continued absence as United make the trip to Goodison Park.Should Neville's comeback go according to schedule, he may return in time for Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford on September 23.

Skipper raring for return
"I hope to be playing games in the next couple of weeks definitely. I think the Everton game is going to be too soon, I think it will probably be after that."- Gary Neville

he's the man!!

Loius Saha was delighted to be back amongst the goals on Saturday after netting the winner in the Reds ' 1-0 victory over Keano's Sunderland on a nail-biting afternoon at Old Trafford.
The French international who had knee surgery in the summer, headed home Nani's 71st minute corner after making his comeback as a half-time subsitute as United overcome a stubborn Sunderland side.
It was the striker's first league goal since December and it couldnt have come at a better time for both Saha and United.
Being out injured is never easy for a footballer, but he've worked very hard to get back..

Though they won 1-0 with Sunderland(woW) last night, its more like luck on their side. Confronting a new promoted epl club, their passing was sloppy, their shooting was all over the place.
The new sign Nani and Anderson dont seem to be showing any promise. It just a rumours they are the 2nd ronaldo and the 2nd ronaldinho. Luckily the new sign Hargreaves show a great performanced with lots of hell shot in the last afternoon match.

But after all, theres still hope for man utd since its a long way to go. Number 6th in league with differnt 2 points with the 1st Liverpool. not bad though..

bOOn