SUAREZ AND EVRA

United 2 Liverpool 1

Athletic Club 2 United 1

The quest for European glory is over for another season after United were unable to overturn a first-leg deficit against Athletic Club, who won 2-1 in Bilbao to earn a resounding 5-3 aggregate victory.

Having lost 3-2 at Old Trafford last week, the Reds' second-leg task was always going to be tough. The job was made all the more difficult when Fernando Llorente, such a handful in the first game, smashed home a stunning volley on 23 minutes.

The Basque side, seventh in La Liga, then produced a masterclass in possession and pressing and deservedly doubled their lead on the night when Oscar de Marcos beat David De Gea with a deflected shot in the 66th minute.

Wayne Rooney's wonder goal gave United a glimmer of hope for the final ten minutes, but in truth it was too little too late for the Reds. Sir Alex's men, outplayed over two legs by a side packed with talent and potential, were out of Europe and could have no complaints.

The manager had made three changes to the team that lost the first leg at Old Trafford. Rio Ferdinand replaced Chris Smalling in defence, while Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley both came into the centre of midfield to play alongside Ryan Giggs, who was given licence to push forward and support Wayne Rooney in attack. Ashley Young and Ji-sung Park occupied the wide positions. Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, made just one change to his Athletic side that left Old Trafford victorious last week: defender Fernando Amorebieta, suspended for the first leg, took the place of Mikel San Jose in the heart of defence.

Despite the fact it was United in need of goals - two of them, at least - it was Athletic, buoyed by a raucous home support, who made the early running with some quick, incisive passing and excellent movement in attack. The impressive Markel Susaeta, who had been one of the star performers seven days earlier, saw his deflected free-kick hit the side-netting on three minutes before another effort hit a United player and dropped kindly into the hands of David De Gea.

United kept Athletic on their toes on the break and goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz had to be alert after nine minutes when neat interplay between Rooney and Cleverley led to a shot from Young that was bravely blocked by Javi Martinez.

The Reds breathed a sigh of relief soon afterwards when Llorente slid a pass through to the tricky Iker Muniain in the area and his low drive smacked against the post. De Marcos then fired the follow-up over the bar when it looked easier to score. You always felt that should Athletic net the opening goal the tie would be all but over. Unfortunately, that was exactly how things panned out. After De Marcos had seen a shot saved by De Gea, a lovely cross-field pass over the top from Amorebieta was brilliantly volleyed home by Llorente into the far corner on 23 minutes. The home fans celebrated like it was a Champions League final-winning strike and it certainly felt like a clincher of some sort, with the Reds now needing to find three goals in order to qualify.

United weren’t about to give up despite the uphill fight and Giggs was unlucky to see a close-range header deflected over the bar after a cross from the left from Young five minutes later.

As the half wore on the Reds kept up the pressure but could find no way through a stubborn Athletic defence. The home side lost Llorente five minutes before the break to injury – the striker had been a doubt before the game – with Gaizka Toquero replacing him.

Athletic Club showed no signs of letting up after the restart, with de Marcos blasting a shot just wide. Right-back Andoni Iraola almost added a superb second soon after when, after being found on the edge of the area, he tricked his way past a cluster of Reds before clipping his shot just past De Gea’s left-hand post.

He then went close to turning provider in Athletic’s next attack when he burst down the right and crossed to the unmarked Toquero, but the substitute spurned the opportunity and blasted over. The Reds were struggling to create any chances at the other end and, with another vital Barclays Premier League clash looming at Wolves on Sunday, Sir Alex opted to withdraw Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick. Chris Smalling and birthday boy Paul Pogba entered the fray.

No sooner had the substitutes come on, United went further behind as Athletic Club sealed their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals on 66 minutes. Iraola went on another marauding run down the right and although his cross was half-cleared by Smalling it fell to the feet of de Marcos, who brought the ball under control before blasting low past De Gea via a slight deflection off Jonny Evans. Cue more jubilant celebrations around the Estadio San Mames.

It nearly got worse for Sir Alex’s men when Susaeta screwed a shot just wide and Toquero headed over the bar. Instead, Rooney reduced the arrears with a consolation goal – a lovely curling effort from 25 yards that was sportingly applauded for its quality by the home fans.

No doubt Wayne would have traded a superb goal for a significant one as his effort couldn't alter the fact that United had been well beaten by the Bilbao club over two legs. Now Sir Alex will have to ensure there's no hangover for the pursuit of a 20th English title and that lessons are learned for next season's return to Europe.

WOLVES VS MANCHESTER UNITED ( 5 - 0 )

United 1 Fulham 0

United took three points to go back to the top of the table but were made to fight all the way by obdurate Fulham, who defended manfully throughout and ensured a nervous night at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney's first-half strike proved just about enough but Sir Alex's side were unable to add to the goal and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense in the closing stages with Danny Murphy, so often the scourge of United in the past, perhaps unlucky not to earn a penalty after going down inside the area towards the end.

Although the Reds dominated the early exchanges, the first genuine effort did not arrive until the 11th minute when Ryan Giggs met a Rafael cross with a goalbound header but Mark Schwarzer caught it impressively. With Giggs being asked to play the Paul Scholes role in his fellow veteran's absence, his probing passes were regularly dealt with by the Cottagers' defence.

Gradually, Fulham came more into the game and Moussa Dembele's menacing dribble led to him dragging a shot wide before Clint Dempsey ran at Jonny Evans but shot too close to David De Gea. The Londoners continued to put their bodies on the line at the other end, making a series of fine blocks, and, with the team growing in confidence, Dempsey forced a spectacular diving catch out of De Gea.

Predictably, the Reds responded to the wake-up call through Antonio Valencia but his shot was blocked by John Arne Riise after a one-two with Danny Welbeck. The breakthrough was almost provided by an unlikely source when Patrice Evra's ambitious overhead kick dropped wide and fellow full-back Rafael also had a decent chance but shot tamely at Schwarzer with his left foot.

After a penalty shout for handball against Stephen Kelly was turned down by referee Michael Oliver, the deadlock was broken three minutes before the interval. Ashley Young's dangerous cross went over Brede Hangeland's head and under Riise's studs. Evans pounced to show great awareness to tee up Rooney and the striker gleefully smashed home, immediately acknowledging the Northern Irishman's part in the goal.

Relaxed, the Reds started the second half in complete control but were unable to find another way past Schwarzer. Giggs' excellent pass released Valencia but the Australian keeper saved well, with Riise getting to the rebound first to stab it behind to safety.

Aaron Hughes survived a nervous moment when dealing unconvincingly with a Rafael centre before a trademark curler from Young brought the best out of Schwarzer, who dived to parry. Damien Duff made a vital block as Fulham continued to smother many of the United attacks and Sir Alex decided to shake things up in attack by replacing Welbeck with Javier Hernandez.

The champions kept knocking on the door but Giggs dragged a left-foot attempt well wide and Schwarzer made a superb double stop to keep out Young following a cross from Valencia. When the ball came out to Giggs, Hangeland made yet another vital intervention to keep the visitors within touching distance.

With Rio Ferdinand and matchwinner Rooney substituted as the clock ticked down, the capital club were able to ensure it was nervous finale as Old Trafford grew ever more tense. And there was an almighty scare when substitute Murphy went down under Michael Carrick's challenge towards the end of normal time but Oliver waved 'play on' instead of pointing to the spot. Fittingly, Evans capped an inspirational individual performance by heading away Riise's long throw-in to provide the last act of a game that, while draining, could prove vital in the final reckoning.

Rio Ferdinand

Little wonder there's newspaper talk of a new contract after some vintage displays by the 33-year-old at the back. The veteran sat out the home leg against Athletic Club, staying on the bench, but has been a mainstay in the other matches and was exceptional in the fine win at White Hart Lane. A niggling back problem forced him off late on against Fulham but it's expected he'll be fit to play at Blackburn next Monday. 

Jonny Evans

A candidate for the second consecutive month after a string of fine performances at the heart of the defence. Of course, the centre-back scored his long-awaited first goal for the club in the 5-0 demolition of Wolves and also provided an intelligent assist for Wayne Rooney against Fulham. In the form of his life, the Northern Ireland international is earning praise from all quarters but particularly from his proud manager Sir Alex.

Sir Alex Fergusons , Manchester United's coach

Even Sir Alex was slightly surprised his emerging team were able to overcome Chelsea in 2006/2007, rating his ninth Premier League title success as one of his very best.

A thrilling comeback at Everton, displaying the sort of spirit that has been a United hallmark under the boss, set up a first title in three years with a derby win at Manchester City prompting the deposed champions to form a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge in May. But the Goodison triumph drained the Reds and a 3-2 lead against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final was surrendered in the second leg.

"I have no hesitation putting the championship win at the top of the tree because, for me at any rate, it was the least expected," said Sir Alex. "We had three blank years in the league and a lot of fans seemed to think it was the end of the road but there was rebuilding to do and I am just pleased that we have got our house back in order so speedily." Chelsea exacted some revenge in the first FA Cup final back at Wembley, with Didier Drogba, settling a tight, dour match in extra time, but Sir Alex's thoughts were already focused on

WELCOME TO OLD TRAFFORD

People often ask me what it is that makes Manchester united so special. When I played for the club sir matt busby always used to say that the lad who works on the factory shop floor, but finds it boring, wants excitement in his free time . that when he goes to football at the weekends he wants excitement . he therefore used totell us that we therefore had a responsibility to entertain . it is a philosophy that he continuedright through until today and that has made the club popular the world over .

In my role as a club director, I’m lucky enough to travelall over the world as a club ambassador . I’ve seen how much the club means to its supporters . it’s an enduring appeal based on rich traditions and a unique history that encompasses excitement , tragedy and glory .

During this virtual tour you’ll get a taste of the history of Manchester unted , and move a little closer to understanding just why the club has touched the hearts of so many . enjoy your visit .