With all that comes from still being in three major competitions at this stage of the season, Manchester United have the luxury of putting out a well-rested side against Marseille as their second-string came out winners against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday.

United hardly broke a sweat at Old Trafford against the Gunners and the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov were given a break from the rigours of continual football as Sir Alex Ferguson's men look to continue their fight for silverware on three fronts.

Poor in the first leg in Marseille, United will be favourites on their home turf and are unbeaten in the Champions League this season. They are also safe in the knowledge that no French team has ever won at Old Trafford in 12 attempts and that they have the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded just a single goal.
However, their French opponents are miserly in defence as well and have not conceded a goal in their last 512 minutes of Champions League football. OM have also allowed their opponents just 13 shots on target, a record this season in the competition, and have proved themselves a hard side to break down.

With playmaker-in-chief Mathieu Valbuena back in the side after a spell out through injury, Didier Deschamps' men will have more creativity, but still face a huge task if they are to upset United and seal their place in the quarter-finals.
After the drudgery of the first-leg, thankfully Sir Alex has seen fit to reassure the fans that history should not repeat itself. "The last game was a terrible game, a shocking match," he said. "I enjoyed the atmosphere but I didn't enjoy the game and it will be a better game on Tuesday.''

Manchester United player to watch: Darren Fletcher. After United's meek midfield surrender at Anfield, where Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes proved incapable of containing or penetrating their opponents, the reputation of Darren Fletcher grew a notch. A vital shield in front of the back four, Fletcher also provides a canny link between midfield and attack. His sheer energy should help disrupt Marseille's ball players while he occasionally pops up to goalscoring effect in the penalty area.

Marseille player to watch: Mathieu Valbuena. The 28-year-old is being nursed back into first team action after a recent spell out through injury, completing just 34 minutes in Marseille's last three games, but if the cultured playmaker can shake off any lasting ring rust he has the quality to unpick United's defence. Blessed with a wand-like right boot, he will look to drift into space and exploit gaps in between United's centre backs and full backs.

Key Battle: Lucho Gonzalez v Chris Smalling: If Valbuena is fit to start it should ease the creative burden on Lucho, a big money signing who has repaid some of that faith to good effect in Ligue 1. While the Argentinean tends to pull the strings from deep, he also has a fondness for late breaks into the box. Smalling will have to be alert to midfield runners and time his tackles well, something he didn't manage to do when United were shot down by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, conceding the decisive penalty by tripping Yuri Zhirkov. Against Arsenal, however, he looked assured and confident.

Trivia: Marseille are, so far, the only French team to have won the UEFA Champions League - in 1993.

Stats: Manchester United have won their last nine home matches, Marseille have won their last two away in the Champions League, scoring ten goals in the process.

Odds: Manchester United (1.40), Marseille (7.50) and the draw (4.30) aer all on offer at bet365 with United to win from behind coming in at 7.00.
Prediction: Despite their recent wobbles on the road in the Premier League, United are still formidable at home in Europe, and Marseille do not have a history of travelling well. A comfortable home win.

Second Half, FA Cup Quarter Final

First Half Notes:

If you haven't seen the highlights from Bolton - Birmingham FA Cup game today, you need to! Kevin Philips made an amazing goal from 30 yards out!

Tuesday is the next Champions League match against Marseille, 3 pm ET. That will be exciting!

40% Possession for Man Utd, 60% for Arsenal. Obviously in favor for Arsenal but Man Utd up 1 - nill so we will see!

Ball played, second half started! Looks like Antonio Valencia will make his return since October! Glad to see him back, replacing Fabio, so he can rest.

55 Minutes

47 min: A couple of runs into the box on both sides, but no real chances. Two shots by number 6 from Arsenal, two AMAZING stops by Van Der Sar, why does he even want to think about retiring now? The Flying Dutchman is on FIRE.

49 Min: WAYNE ROONEY GOOOOAAALLLL!!!!!!!!!!! Rafael with an amazing cross shot into box, Javier making another heading chance, only to bounce straight up to Rooney with a header! Alex Ferguson standing up happy as ever! Great stuff from Rooney!!

50 min: This is crunch time now for Arsenal, down by 2 and Man Utd controlling the ball well, besides a slight mis-judgement by Evra giving Arsenal a throw in. Man Utd picking up on the ball, controlling it in the back field.

55 min: Possession has gone up a bit for Man Utd, at the 55 minute mark being 45% Man Utd, 55% for Arsenal, but Arsenal still having more ball advantage. That is okay, with Man Utd up two to nill and pushing the ball deep down into Arsenal's side every time they touch the ball. Arsenal look asleep at the wheel! Vidic just closing the door in Arsenal's face every time they make their way down, now with a over head kick like pass to take the ball away from them. Valencia is playing great for his first game back, playing his position well and keeping good control of the ball!

65 Minutes

57 min: A good cross into the box, but a worthy save by the flying dutchman, he is unstoppable right now! Hope to see him get a clean sheet after this, though Arsenal is knocking right on his front door step.

60 min: Arsenal changing Denilson for Marouane Chamakh, Arsene Wenger wanting another forward on the field hoping to fuel goals from his side. A quick ball down the field by United with a good cross by Gibson, but was a missed opportunity.

63 min: A close free kick for Arsenal just right outside of the box, 61 min in. But the ball hit the wall, and bounced safely to Van Der Sar. Ball moving down the field but Javier getting tripped, ball back into Arsenal's hands who has it moving down the field again, playing around outside of the box for United. Vidic making more stops but Arsenal still has the ball in the box.

I must have seen the names wrong, I thought Giggs was already out on the field, but it was O'Shea! My mistake! Giggs on for Rafael, giving the Brazilian brothers a rest and Giggs already jumping into the fray with a good cross and a corner kick.

65 min: Giggs just almost scored! Got a good cross by Valencia who defended the ball against the Arsenal defenders and sent it right to Giggsy, he tried to bring the ball down and shoot it in but ran out of time as the defenders swarmed him. Ball charging back down the field and then back again!

75 Minutes

67 min: 5(4) shots for Man Utd, 11(7) for Arsenal. Ball played still in the mid field by both sides, contesting possession. This is some great defending and passing by Man Utd, only if they could have done this every game all season! A crazy shot by Rooney, no chance but bounced off of the defender and it went off of the goal netting. Corner for Giggs!

69 min: A sneaky attempt by Giggs but a good save by Arsenal's Manuel Almunia, making a quick save.

71 min: Rooney was making some good passes and crosses, staying back in the mid field while others charged ahead, even though he just lost the ball he has been nothing but great this game. Chamakh had a chance on the other side of the pitch, a header going over the bar. Aaron Ramsey comes on for Diaby and Tomas Rosicky for Arshavin, all Arsenal changes. Wenger looking for those magical goals.

85 Minutes

85 Min: Had to do a couple of other things, was a good attempt at goal but a nasty injury that is going to really stem into injury time for Arsenal. Terrible that injuries like that happen, but game back in play at nearly 86 minutes. My bet would be at least 8+ minutes for added time, we will see.

74,693 in attendance at Old Trafford for the game today, 9000 of them being Arsenal supporters. We know who has majority voice here at Trafford.

Paul Scholes came on for Evra doing the injury.

88 min: Back to the passing game, like nothing has really changed. Man Utd grabbing the ball, sending it down field and getting stop, vice versa though Arsenal does seem to have a bit more of a fire, United keeping it's Red wall strong.

90 Minutes

90 min: Eight minutes added time, I was dead on. Right at the stroke of 90 minutes, Rooney fired a quick shot at the Arsenal Goalie, but was defended well. A small quick chance for United for a third, but was scooped up again by the Arsenal goalie, Rooney trying again only to make a quick bad miss. Keep trying!

93 min: Arsenal not really being able to hold onto the ball, with United making circles with their passing skills, only to keep pushing in for that third goal, they want more and more. Scholes got a yellow card, though debatable looked like he deserved it.

95 min: Another shut down of the Arsenal offense by the red wall of defenders, Man U on their way to a great victory over Arsenal. Scholes is making some bad slides and could get a red card for pushing a Arsenal player and another bad tackle. Maybe Evra should have stayed on for a bit longer, but the ref decided to give him a talking to, lucky to escape the red card.

98 min: Double save at the 97th minute mark by the Arsenal goalie, Arsenal being on top of possession but Man Utd continue to push down against Arsenal to get more. Time is running out faster than anything, 30 seconds left in the 8 minutes and Arsenal back on the ball.

Fabio and Rooney made the goals to win, but the whole team played GREAT together, working well, passing well, making great crosses and never stopped pushing for goals. Ref has blown the whistle, Manchester United has won and is moving on to the 7th round. Arsenal has been knocked out of everything but the Premier League, so maybe they will charge on there.

Great game, would have liked to see more goals but all around was a great tactically sound game for United.

Glory Glory!

First Half, FA Cup Quarter Final

15 minutes

Fifteen minutes in and so far both sides have looked good defensively, but not much happening offensively on both sides. Man Utd has had a couple of extra chances than Arsenal, but nothing too scary.

Almost goal at the 15 minute mark by Rafael, a header but was sent over the bar.

25 minutes

18 min: Rooney is surprisingly playing a more back position compared to Javier who is charging straight out at goal. So far okay at his position, but wish he would push deeper into the Arsenal side.

20 min: Every time either side gets down close to the other's box, the defenders on each side just close up that box and gives no one a chance. Definitely a defense game!

22 min: Man Utd keep trying to send that ball deep as soon as they pick it up in the mid field, trying to get Hernandez a chance to get it past the goal keep. Defenders rally!

24 min: Giggsy is playing pretty deep back, wondering if Rafael and him switched spots for a bit because I see more of Rafael charging up the wing than Giggs. "Rooney is playing as the third midfielder" from the commentators. Arsenal just had their best try from outside of the box. Good catch by Van Der Sar.

25 min: Back and forth between both teams, still neither side showing their true strength yet, though it does look like Man Utd is having good passing, just not crossing. Rooney finally made it to the box this time!

35 Minutes

27 min: Arsenal passing well in their back field, slowly pushing the ball forward into the box, a bounce shot off of a player caught by Van Der Sar.

FABIO GOOOOAAALL. Pass by Rooney!!! As soon as Van Der Sar caught the ball, the ball was played way back down, Defenders sending it to Rafael, who sent it to Rafael, who sent it to Rooney with Rooney sending in an amazing chip to a waiting Fabio, who kicked it top box. What A GOAL! Javier had tried a header before Fabio kicked it in!

30 min: I swear this must be the year of Rooney concentrating only on his passing, with a goal here and there. He has been making some good crosses and passes, another chance for Fabio to head it in, only sending it the wrong way. Arsene Wenger standing up, looking hard on the field.

32 min: Rooney is doing great still back in his mid field position, but I still would like to see him push down on the Arsenal box, I want more overhead kicks! Ball is being pretty held at mid field, good passes on both sides, and bad passes on both sides. Van Perise gets a good shot from his weak foot, leads to a missed corner.

35 min: A lucky corner for Man Utd at the 34 minute mark, nothing became of it. Rooney just tackled the crap out of a Arsenal defender, knocking the ball out. You just see number 10 walking away. Man Utd not afraid to slide tackle and they sure as using it to the fullest, though no bad tackles yet some of them are getting close to looking like that. Another shot on goal, offside but good catch by Van Der Sar anyways!

45 Minutes

37 min: Rafael always brings his A game when he plays, and with Fabio backing him up for Nani they are both looking great and actually able to cover for a injured Nani. A throw in for Arsenal near Man Utd box, passing around the box looking for a way to break the red wall.

40 min: Good ball control and recovery by Man Utd, stealing the ball and actually holding onto it. It is nice to see. Arsenal seems to go down pretty easy with the simplest tackles. A little weird but free kick for Arsenal. Rafael is so fast! Chasing down the defenders for the ball, he is going to be on the first team squad for a long time!

43 min: Chris Smalling made a good tackle, got the ball to Rooney who sent it in to Smalling who charged down the field, waited for the team and had another decent chance for Man Utd, though they were sent back to their side of the field with the ball, trying to break the Yellow wall of defenders from Arsenal.

45 min+InjT: Good shot by Nasri but a even better goal save by Van Der Sar, on what looked like a almost goal. Only one minute of added time, Man Utd controlling the ball in their back field, keeping it between themselves trying to find the open man down the field. Lost it at mid field only to retain it again in their back field, a small charge by Man Utd, but Arsenal defenders got to the ball. Half time whistle blown, players heading off of the field.

Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal, a goal from Fabio at 28 minutes the still deciding factor for this game.

FA Cup Arsenal v Manchester United

So it begins.

Manchester United starting line up (4-4-2)

Edwin van der Sar G

John O'Shea D

Wes Brown D

Patrice Evra D

Nemanja Vidic D

Rafael D

Chris Smalling D

Fabio Da Silva D

Darron Gibson M

Wayne Rooney F

Javier Hernández F

---

Arsenal starting line-up

Manuel Almunia G

Bacary Sagna D

Johan Djourou D

Laurent Koscielny D

Kieran Gibbs D

Andrei Arshavin M

Samir Nasri M

Abou Diaby M

Denilson M

Jack Wilshere M

Robin Van Persie F

Media Blackout

Manchester United failed to provide any post-match interviews after the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday, with Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan refusing to speak to the media.

The blackout denied the club a chance to vent their anger over Jamie Carragher's reckless challenge that saw United winger Nani leave the pitch on a stretcher with an open wound on his left shin. Nani jumped to his feet to show referee Phil Dowd the injury and call for Carragher's dismissal before collapsing in pain before being carried off.

United fullback Rafael was then caught with high studs from Maxi Rodriguez moments before launching into a dangerous tackle of his own. In the push-and-shove that followed, the second in two minutes, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez tugged on Rafael's generous mop of hair.

All four incidents could easily have resulted in red cards had Dowd not adopted a lenient approach for a traditionally fiery fixture. A member of United's staff posted a picture of the gash on Nani's leg on Twitter, but that was the end of the discussion about the Carragher tackle, which the defender apologised for after the match.

Ferguson cancelled his pre-match briefing on Friday in protest at the coverage given to his post-match quotes at Chelsea on Tuesday that have landed him with an improper conduct charge, plus the furore that surrounded Wayne Rooney's elbowing of Wigan's James McCarthy last weekend.

In a pre-planned move, United also blanked the media Sunday. Ferguson did not speak to host broadcaster Sky Sports, either before or after his side's third Premier League defeat of the season.

Phelan, did not carry out his usual post-match engagements with the BBC, arranged due to Ferguson's long-standing feud with the organisation, while radio rights holders talkSPORT were also left without any comment from the visitors.

Should any of these organisations complain to the Premier League, the governing body will be forced to act, escalating the problem between Ferguson and the BBC, with the fines for his non-compliance still waiting to be made public.

And for the first time since 2005, even United's own television channel, MUTV, left a senior game without any reaction, which is an embarrassing situation in itself.

It is not yet known whether the media blackout will continue this week, ahead of United's FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal, although discussions are bound to take place behind the scenes.

The only comments came via a club spokesman, who confirmed Nani will be assessed on Monday before the extent of his injury is known, and Rio Ferdinand, who was not even at Anfield, but offered an opinion via Twitter.

"Bad result today no excuses,'' the England skipper stated on the social networking site.

From ESPN

Liverpool 3 - Manchester United 1

Liverpool's fully deserved 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Anfield may not ultimately prevent their arch-rivals surpassing the Reds' 18 league titles at the end of the season.

It has, however, dented Sir Alex Ferguson's side's hopes of a straightforward run-in and at the same time restored some pride for the Reds after two defeats at Old Trafford already this campaign.

Dirk Kuyt grabbed the headlines with a first Liverpool hat-trick against United since Peter Beardsley's in September 1990, before Javier Hernandez headed an injury-time consolation - but there were many more who deserved the plaudits.

Tireless livewire Luis Suarez had a hand in all three goals while Lucas Leiva and Raul Meireles produced impressive midfield performances.

The afternoon was capped off with a long-awaited debut for £35million record signing Andy Carroll after more than two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

For United their second-choice central defensive partnership of Wes Brown and Chris Smalling, deputising for the suspended Nemanja Vidic and injured Rio Ferdinand, never looked comfortable on an afternoon when very few of visiting team reached anywhere near the exacting standards Ferguson demands.

They still remain top of the table, and it is difficult to bet against them being in that position come May, but two defeats in five days - having lost at Chelsea in midweek - leave plenty of questions to be answered.

While Carroll had claimed all the adulation prior to kick-off, when the action got going it was his fellow January arrival Suarez who had an effect where it mattered most.

The Uruguay international, a £22.7million transfer from Ajax, had one early effort prodded at Edwin van der Sar but that was merely a precursor to a piece of brilliance to set up the opener.

When he collected the ball on the left of the penalty area his route to goal was blocked by a number of opponents but his quick feet saw him weave past Rafael, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown on his way to the byline.

From there he squared the ball through Van der Sar's legs to present Kuyt with a tap-in from just inches.

Suarez could claim to have had a hand in the next one too - but the main credit had to go to Nani, who had a defensive aberration.

The Portugal international inexplicably headed the Uruguayan's cross back into his own six-yard area where Kuyt gleefully nodded in.

Liverpool's lead was fully deserved but it had been United who had come closest to scoring prior to Kuyt's 34th-minute strike.

Dimitar Berbatov, scorer of a match-winning hat-trick in their Old Trafford league encounter, volleyed Wayne Rooney's knockdown against the outside of Jose Reina's right-hand post.

The rivalry between the teams, England's dominant pairing over the last four decades, was evident in the closing stages of the first half.

Jamie Carragher, switched to right-back after Fabio Aurelio went off injured, was lucky to escape with just a booking after a reckless shin-high tackle on Nani.

However, the Portuguese, already at fault for the second goal, disgraced himself by collapsing to the floor and bursting into tears when Steven Gerrard placed a hand on his shoulder.

After the ensuing melee Nani departed on a stretcher, replaced by Javier Hernandez, and Van der Sar was cautioned.

Rafael also benefited from referee Phil Dowd's leniency after a high challenge on Lucas Leiva earned him, and Martin Skrtel for his retaliation, a booking.

The second half began with United, not unexpectedly, having their best spell and for 20 minutes it appeared a goal was imminent.

Ryan Giggs, breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 606 league appearances, met Rooney's cross with a first-time shot which whistled just over the crossbar to serve as a warning that the game was far from finished.

Meireles had to clear off the line for the second time in the match to prevent Berbatov's close-range header going in while Giggs curled an 18-yard free-kick over.

More gaps were appearing in the visitors' defence, though, and when Kuyt put Meireles clean through Van der Sar came to the rescue by palming his angled shot away.

The Dutchman was at fault in the 65th minute, however, when he spilled Suarez's free-kick and his compatriot knocked in the rebound.

Carroll's long-awaited debut arrived in the 74th minute when he replaced Meireles to a rapturous reception and his first touch was a goalbound header.

Kuyt's supreme confidence saw him attempt a 25-yard volley which screamed wide while Gerrard twice hit low shots either side of each post.

Hernandez scored a late headed consolation from Giggs' cross in added time but it hardly raised a cheer among the visiting fans.

From ESPN

Sir Alex vs King Kenny

Manchester United's form away from Old Trafford has been of concern to Sir Alex Ferguson all season, with their four wins on the road the fewest of any side in the top five.

United would almost have the title in the bag had they turned just a few of their eight draws, some of which came after letting in late goals, into victories. And after defeats in two of their last three matches away from home, to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, another away game at arch-rivals Liverpool would not have been at the top of Sir Alex's wish-list.

But Liverpool themselves have suffered something of a lull after a successful run under interim manager Kenny Dalglish. After four consecutive wins without conceding a goal, the last of which came at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool have picked up just one point from six against two relegation battlers.
First, they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Wigan Athletic before being beaten 3-1 by West Ham United at Upton Park.

Dalglish may publically insist that he is approaching this game only concerned with Liverpool's fortunes, with the Reds currently sixth - which will only be good enough for a Europa League spot should two of the top five make the FA Cup final. But he could be forgiven for also wanting to deliver a severe dent to United's title charge as they look to move clear of Liverpool onto 19 English league championships, especially giving the long-running rivalry between himself and Sir Alex which runs back to his first stint as Liverpool boss.

The two sides last met on January 9, just hours after Dalglish stepped into Roy Hodgson's shoes, with United advancing to the next round of the FA Cup courtesy of a Ryan Giggs goal while Steven Gerrard was sent off. In the league game at Old Trafford in September, United won 3-2 with Dimitar Berbatov scoring three goals and Gerrard two.

Liverpool could involve £35 million record signing Andrew Carroll for the first time since his move from Newcastle United after recovering from a thigh injury, with a place on the bench most likely. Defenders Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio are back in contention while Raul Meireles should be fit despite being withdrawn at West Ham with a knee injury. But Dalglish is without promising right-back Martin Kelly, which means Glen Johnson is likely to switch back to his natural position.

Man United have problems in central defence with Nemanja Vidic suspended and Rio Ferdinand still injured, so Chris Smalling will be joined at the back by Wes Brown who will make only his third Premier League start of the season.

Liverpool player to watch: Luis Suarez. After scoring on his debut against Stoke City - a goal which may yet be reclaimed by the Dubious Goals Panel - Suarez has been feeling his way into the English football, starved of further game time with his new team-mates by being ineligible for the club's Europa League campaign. He has looked lively in his two starts against Wigan and West Ham, and could fire himself into Anfield folklore by downing United.

Man United player to watch: Wes Brown. A face so seldom seen at Old Trafford this season few could be forgiven for thinking he was no longer there. But he announced his return to fitness by scoring the only goal of the game against Crawley Town in the FA Cup two weeks ago. But a top-level Premier League game is a different prospect for a player who will make his first Premier League start since November 11. United did not keep a clean sheet on his other two league starts, against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Key battle: Raul Meireles v Michael Carrick. Before being pulled off just after half-time against West Ham, Meireles had discovered the Midas touch in front of goal - scoring five goals in six games for Liverpool. With the shackles thrown off, Meireles has shown a penchant for breaking into the box as a goalscoring midfielder. Michael Carrick, who signed a new deal on Friday despite not having the best of seasons, will have to keep a watchful eye on Meireles' runs as he looks to ghost in.

Trivia: No player has moved directly between the two clubs for 46 years after since Phil Chisnall transferred from United to Liverpool for £25,000. Only nine players have ever made the direct switch: Tom Chorlton, Jackie Sheldon, Tom Miller, Fred Hopkin, Tommy Reid, Ted Savage, Allenby Chilton, Thomas McNulty and Chisnall. Only the final two of those nine moved in the last 73 years.

Stats: This weekend will be Sir Alex Ferguson's 50th league meeting with Liverpool. His record so far read W23 D12 L14. One for Liverpool, as no team with less than 42 points after 28 matches has ever finished in the Premier League top four. United have won 69% of the Premier League matches Michael Carrick has started since his arrival and 74% without him. Thanks to OptaJoe.

Odds: Liverpool (2.80), Man United (2.60) and the draw (3.20) are all on offer at bet365 with a 2-2 draw coming in at 15.00.

Prediction: United have faltered of late and may be just a point ahead of Arsenal by the time this grudge match kicks off. You feel that Kenny Dalglish will have his players fired up for this one, and they may well have improved enough to be worthy of a scoring draw.

From ESPN