Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has played down comparisons with AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Ferdinand believes the Italian is a one-off, saying: "I think Paolo Maldini is an exception to the rule. "It would be harder to achieve what he has done in the Premier League.

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is confident of success against Barcelona in the second-leg of their Champions League semifinal.

"We are optimistic as we will play a lot differently than we did at the Nou Camp," said Hargreaves. "We will attack Barcelona and see how they deal with it.

Cristiano Ronaldo admits only silverware will prove the quality of Manchester United's current squad.

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed recently that this was probably the best United squad "in terms of completeness" he has had under his command since taking over at Old Trafford in 1986.

Manchester United ace Carlos Tevez insists he wants to play for Argentina in June's World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says Barcelona should be the more worried team ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League semi.

"It will be a test but I would like to think it will be more of a test for them and how they cope with us," said Carrick. "If we can get a goal or two on Wednesday, it would be a really big boost coming back to Old Trafford.

Patrice Evra insists new contract talks with Manchester United is not concerning him.
With Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown confirming their deals, Evra is still waiting.

Manchester United have confirmed that Wes Brown has signed a new four-year deal, with the defender now believed to be on almost £50,000 a week.

Brown's previous deal, understood to be worth around £31,000 a week, was due to expire at the end of the season and there had been speculation he would walk away from Old Trafford.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has shaken off his England setback.
Carrick said: "It's just one of those things - I ain't going to sit at home and get depressed about it.

"I can't get upset about it. I just have to get on with the job. I'd love to get into the England squad, but these matches in Europe are as big as they come, so there's no point in me getting down-hearted.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits the club's senior players play a major role in new signings settling at Old Trafford.

Fergie said: "I see them all sat at the table and we have Spanish, Argentinians, Brazilians, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Koreans and Serbians all communicating and understanding each other and laughing, and I say to myself why can't they understand me?

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney has hailed teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the Premiership's GREATEST EVER.

He told the Daily Express: "He has not just been the best player of the last two seasons, he's the best player the Premier League has ever seen - and that's including Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Eric Cantona, Dennis Bergkamp and Alan Shearer.