SIR Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are in perfect shape to pile further agony on crisis-hit Liverpool on Sunday.

Fergie was delighted as United virtually ensured their place in the knock-out stages with three games to spare in Moscow last night.

Manchester United management were delighted with the performance of Antonio Valencia in victory over Bolton Wanderers.

The Ecuador international turned in his best performance since his move from Wigan and United No2 Mike Phelan said: “He’s not been brought here to replace Ronaldo, he’s been brought here because he’s Antonio Valencia and he can play at this level.

When Antonio Valencia stepped on the Old Trafford pitch for the first time since his £16 million move across Lancashire from Wigan Athletic the spotlight shone firmly on the Ecuadorian. Not without good reason, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir-apparent, the mild-mannered 23-year-old held the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford here Saturday.

An own goal from Zat Knight and Antonio Valencia's first for United saw the reigning champions regain top spot by a point after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.

United never had to get out of second gear after taking an early lead through Knight's error.

Rio Ferdinand has backed team-mate Antonio Valencia to have a big impact at Manchester United over the coming season.

The winger was signed from Wigan in the summer for £16million as Sir Alex Ferguson looked to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following a subdued start to life at Old Trafford the Ecuador international has started to find his feet with the Premier League champions.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Gabriel Obertan will make his Manchester United debut at Barnsley in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The promising French winger has endured a frustrating time with injury since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, having been sidelined by a spinal injury.

French winger Gabriel Obertan is set to make his debut for Manchester United in their Carling Cup clash at Barnsley and bookmakers don't know what to make of the highly-rated 20-year-old.

Obertan has been given time to get over a niggling back injury since arriving at Old Trafford in July but Sir Alex Ferguson insists: "We expect big things from him.

Winger Gabriel Obertan has made his debut for Manchester United - three months after joining the Premier League champions from Bordeaux.

The former France Under-21 star joined United on a four-year deal in July from the French champions in a £3m transfer but was sidelined by a spinal problem.

Gabriel Obertan has taken up gardening at Manchester United as he attempts to get over his injury hell which has blighted the start of his Old Trafford career.

Obertan, 20, was a surprise capture by Sir Alex Ferguson when he was gleaned from Bordeaux for around £3 million in July, with the talented winger himself admitting that he hadn't expected such lofty interest.

Corry Evans has travelled with the Manchester United squad to Russia for tonight's Champions League tie at CSKA Moscow.

Evans, a midfielder who can also play at the back, is the younger brother of United defender Jonny Evans, who also is in the squad.