The final whistle is blown at the Etihad Stadium and it is safe and fair to say that Manchester United fans the world over breathed a huge collective sigh of relief. Pre kickoff, we had the shock news of Paul Scholes coming out of retirement to contend with. One way or another, United fans would in general be left wondering on why the sudden change of heart from the normally resolute Englishman and how will the quiet maestro do on his return which depended on him coming on in the game as he was named on the bench. Like many, I was shocked at his change in heart but certainly didn’t look at it as a step forward rather I looked at it as a step backward maybe a step in desperation. Read the full story

Of the multitude of Old Trafford legends, Roy Keane remains one of the all time greats. Despite his faults – and it must be said that he had many, the man represented everything fans admired about a Manchester United player. As far as the United faithful are concerned, Sir Alex Ferguson has never been able to replace the Irishman which may explain why his 2003 Keane: The Autobiography has resonated so well with so many.

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Nemanja Vidic is a point away from hoisting his first trophy as Manchester United captain – and he thanks the Reds’ critics for creating the platform for the achievement. The 30-year-old Serb has also warned rivals of the champions-elect that Sir Alex Ferguson’s much-maligned new generation of players will get even better next season. In Fergie’s era as Old Trafford boss, only Gary Neville in November 2005 walked into a skipper’s job facing a more daunting task in the aftermath of Roy Keane’s controversial exit, Neville took possession of the armband in a time of transition and turmoil.

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