Anderson joy at United role

Published: 27 Mar 2008

ANDERSON has revealed his delight at finally settling in at Manchester United.
The Brazil ace struggled to adapt to the Premier League after arriving from Porto for £17million this summer.
But Anderson has now become a key cog in United's charge for domestic and Champions League glory.
And he said: "I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training.
"At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team.
"I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.
"I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing.
"It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined.
"They’ve all made me feel very welcome."
Meanwhile, United No2 Carlos Queiroz could become the new Benfica boss this summer.
He said: "It is always an honour and a privilege to know that a great institution like Benfica may ponder on my name to serve their needs."

Dumbest man on the planet

By DAVID FACEY
Published: Today

JAVIER MASCHERANO became the dumbest man in the world after crazily provoking ref Steve Bennett to send him off for dissent.
Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder got his red card after 43 minutes — handing Manchester United a win which virtually assures them of the title.
Mascherano was booked after just 10 minutes for a foul on Paul Scholes before repeatedly telling Bennett to ‘F*** off’.
But he seemed oblivious to the rumpus caused by Ashley Cole’s midweek show of dissent at Spurs as he angrily confronted Bennett and his linesmen SIX more times.
The ref’s patience finally ran out when Mascherano charged 20 YARDS to confront him for booking Fernando Torres.
He showed the Liverpool player a second yellow card before brandishing the red card. But even then Mascherano could not keep his mouth shut.
He refused to leave the pitch even though Reds boss Rafa Benitez pleaded with him to calm down.
And he swore at Bennett again as team-mates Xabi Alonso and Fabio Aurelio tried to restrain him.
The FA are likely to increase his automatic one-game ban and fine him heavily.
Amazingly, Kop boss Rafa Benitez insisted: “The player told me he was asking what happened and to get sent off for that made him really, really surprised.”
United boss Alex Ferguson said: “He has been booked and he kept badgering the referee.
“You talk about dissent and I think that was dissent.”

Man Utd 1 Lyon 0

Published: 04 Mar 2008

(Man United win 2-1 on agg)
CRISTIANO RONALDO killed off Lyon to leave Manchester United dreaming of the Treble.
The Portuguese star hit his 30th goal of the season to put the Red Devils into the last eight of the Champions League.

And United can smell a repeat of 1999 when they lifted the European Cup, Premier League and FA Cup.
Alex Ferguson's men are just a point behind Arsenal in the title race and face Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend.
And this win has put Fergie in the mood for glory.
Ronaldo scored the only goal four minutes before half-time.
Wes Brown and Nani combined down the right wing before Anderson drilled goalwards.
The ball took a ricochet and Ronaldo kept his cool as he switched feet to give himself room before firing inside the near post.
CHECK back later for full match report, expert analysis and Dream Team ratings.