Sir Alex Ferguson is pondering whether to stick with the burgeoning strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez or go with a three-man central midfield in Kyiv on Tuesday night.

UNITED recovered from an early scare to ease to victory over nine-man Aston villa. The home side had taken the lead through Gabriel Agbonlahor, but United big guns Wayne Rooney (two) Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs ensured the Reds jumped back up to second in the Premier League table.

Ryan Giggs has paid tribute to Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Anderson for their contributions in the 4-0 victory over Wigan.

"Pique came in at centre-half and did a good job, and so did Simmo," Giggs told the club's official website.

"They got two assists really, so overall it was a really good performance from them both."

Manchester United's attacking trio of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put their side top of the table for the first time this season.

United suffered two more injuries in the first half when Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea had to go off, two substitutions that disrupted the champions' impressive early rhythm.

Wayne Rooney's first goal of the season fired Manchester United to victory against Roma at Old Trafford. Rooney broke the deadlock with a sharp 15-yard finish after he was set up by Nani to leave United three points clear at the top of Group F.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was shocked by the manner his team were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coventry City last night.

"I was absolutely flabbergasted by that performance," said Ferguson.

"I did not expect that at all. I am not interested in giving reasons or mitigating circumstances. It was just a very bad performance."

Championship side Coventry sprung a major surprise by sending a re-shuffled Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson changed his entire team from Sunday's win against Chelsea and paid the price.

Manchester United's Brazilian-t attacker Anderson has spoken about getting booed at their match against his old rivals Sporting.

The former Porto star was booed by Sporting fans and said: "It happens at every club, it's normal in football. It went for two or three minutes and later it died down."

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed compatriot Anderson to be a success at Manchester United, if he is given time.

"He's very good, a huge talent, but you need to be patient with him," Rivaldo told the Daily Star.

"His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement but everything done calmly.

"We're talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player."

Brazilian international Anderson will get a run-out for United's Reserves against Manchester City on Tuesday evening.

The 19-year-old summer signing from Porto made his senior debut against Sunderland on Saturday, and Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the decision to give him more playing time at Sports City.