Fit-again Mikael Silvestre is ready to challenge Patrice Evra for a place in Manchester United's starting XI.

"Let's say that the coach offered me a gift, even if it could have been seen as a poisonous gift," Silvestre told L'Equipe of his comeback against Roma. "But I felt ready.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is delighted with the progress of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

The Brazilian said: "He is an important player for Manchester United and for Portugal. Cristiano is an example of a boy who has matured as a player and as a leader.

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes their looming Champions League semifinal against Barcelona can be a classic.

Hargreaves said: "I've never played against Barcelona but I must have watched them on television every Sunday for the past two years and they're a fantastic team.

Anderson admits Manchester United could never play defensive football at Old Trafford.
After victory over Roma last night.

Anderson said: "There was no chance of us playing considered football. The fans wouldn't stand for it. At our ground, defensive football is not an option. The fans always push us to attack and so that's what we do."

Manchester United defender Gerard Pique says it will be an emotional return for him ahead of their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.

Pique said: "It means a lot to go back. It will be a great feeling as I grew up there.

Manchester United not only celebrated progressing to the semi finals of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Roma at Old Trafford but also welcomed back Gary Neville for a 12 minute cameo role after nearly 13 months out with injury.
Red boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the appearance of his club captain.

"It's been a long time for the boy. About 13 months now.

Wes Brown was delighted to play a part in Manchester United's victory over Roma last night. "It was nervy at times but I think we controlled the game well," Brown told MUTV.

There was no nervier moment than the 30th minute when Daniele De Rossi stepped up to the penalty spot after Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo ruled Brown had illegally halted Roma winger Mancini.

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton believes Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of becoming an Old Trafford great.

"The number of goals he's scored this year, it's just been fantastic, phenomenal," said Charlton. "He's been sensational and we're not finished yet, there's a bit of the season to go. And I think he'll be breaking records for a long time.

The agent of Gerard Pique has played down talk of a move away from Manchester United.

"I have seen that in the press too but there is nothing," Arturo Canales told setantasports.com. "He has one more year left on his contract and the only thing now is to concentrate on the Champions League.

"The only thing is for him to focus and to see if Manchester United can go through."

Carlos Tevez was delighted to net Manchester United's winner against Roma last night - and insists he's happy at Old Trafford.

Quizzed by Italian reporters after the game, Tevez said: "I think the difference has been that Manchester have been a step higher over the two legs. Tactically, we've played very well.