Arsene Wenger : Sir Alex Is My Vote as Best Manager of Year

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits his traditional adversary, Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, would get his vote as manager of the year.

The Gunners chief decided against nominating Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, despite his side's bid for an unprecedented Quadruple which included a Carling Cup final victory over the Gunners.



Instead, when asked for his opinion on the Premiership's top boss this season, he said Ferguson and Steve Coppell, manager of the season's surprise package Reading, deserve recognition for their current campaigns.

Wenger and Ferguson have had their disagreements in the past but, asked who should be named manager of the year, the Frenchman said: "I feel this year Sir Alex Ferguson, because he's in a position to fight on every front, and Steve Coppell, who is in a position where nobody expected him to be and has a team who does not play negatively - they have a positive attitude everywhere they go."

Wenger, meanwhile, admits that the season has petered out into a big let-down for his youthful side following last term's march to the Champions League final.

"This year we had a massive disappointment, I feel overall, especially in going out of the Champions League the way we went out," he told the League Managers' Association website.

"But it's part of a growing process as well to handle this kind of disappointment and to still not let your disappointment stop your progression."

Thursday 26 Apr : Today's Gossip In Newspaper

Tottenham are lining up a summer swoop for Fulham keeper Antti Niemi. (Daily Mirror)

Everton will sign Preston striker David Nugent in the summer - if the Championship side fail to win promotion. (Various)

Steven Davis looks set to leave Aston Villa because he wants to play in central midfield rather than on the flank. (Daily Mirror)


Leeds are targeting MK Dons defender Ben Chorley, who has impressed while on loan at Gillingham. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate is set to make his loan move to Middlesbrough a permanent one within 24 hours. (The Sun)

Arsenal are preparing a £2m summer move for Caen striker Yoan Gouffran. (The Independent)

Chelsea are monitoring Spartak Moscow striker Alexander Prudnikov. (The Independent)

Everton have joined the battle to land Hibernian midfielder Scott Brown but Celtic are favourites to sign the Scotland international. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal defender William Gallas is set to join Real Madrid in the summer. (The Guardian)

Wolves keeper Michael Oakes, who has not made a first-team appearance this season, is set to leave the club in the summer. (Daily Star)

Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell is in talks with Hanover, with a view to a £2m move. (Daily Mirror)


Arsenal are poised to make a bid for Hearts keeper Craig Gordon in the summer, although Gunners star Jens Lehmann is set to sign a one-year contract extension. (The Times)

Ipswich are eyeing Birmingham midfielder Neil Kilkenny. (Daily Star)

Watford want West Ham reserve keeper Jimmy Walker to replace Ben Foster, who is set to return to Manchester United after a season-long loan spell with the Hornets. (Daily Mirror)

Southampton risk losing striker Marek Saganowski because they have not opened talks over a new deal and he is being targeted by clubs in England and Europe. (The Sun)

Crystal Palace are set to sign Leyton Orient striker Gary Alexander on a free transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Jason Roberts wants to persuade striker partner Benni McCarthy not to leave Blackburn in the summer, with Chelsea being linked to the South African forward. (Daily Express)

Bolton striker Henrik Pedersen is considering returning to his native Denmark in the summer. (The Times)

Helsingborg winger Alexander Kacaniklic, a highly rated 15-year-old, is set to join Liverpool's academy after two trials. (Various)

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic could make a shock return in the Champions League semi-final, second leg against AC Milan next week after recovering quicker than expected from a shoulder injury suffered in March. (The Sun)

England defender Rio Ferdinand, who was expected to be sidelined with a groin injury until the match against Chelsea on 9 May, is set to be available for Manchester United's match against AC Milan. (Daily Express)

Brazilian star Kaka feared the sort of seven-goal mauling Manchester United recently dished out to Roma when the Old Trafford outfit took the lead against AC Milan on Tuesday but now believes his side are favourites to reach the Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

Clyde boss Joe Miller is set to be offered the managerial post at Livingston next week following the exit of John Robertson. (Daily Record)

Dunfermline striker Tim McManus wants the Scottish Football Association to overturn the ruling that he is unable to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. He is cup-tied but did not kick a ball for Falkirk before switching clubs and was on the bench only once for the Bairns. (Daily Record)

Sheffield Wednesday striker Deon Burton could miss Saturday's game against Birmingham after a freak accident - in which he was poked in the eye against Coventry - left him temporarily blind in one eye. (Various)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp says fans must brace themselves for a move to a new £600m stadium or risk being perennial Premiership strugglers. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will meet with owner Roman Abramovich 24 hours after the Champions League win over Liverpool to try to sort out their differences. (The Sun)

Bradford chairman Julian Rhodes could be forced to put the club into administration for the third time since 2000 if they are relegated to League Two. (Daily Star)

Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus is ready to pledge himself to the club for two more years. (Daily Mirror)

Reading chairman John Madejski, who is Britain's 174th wealthiest man at a worth of about £350m, says the club need to be taken over by someone richer than he is. (The Sun)

Reading coach Wally Downes is in line to replace Tony Adams as Portsmouth's assistant manager, with the former Arsenal defender set to leave the role in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle believes top players who earn £130,000 a week are worth their salaries but is dismayed by the game turning less than average footballers into multi-millionaires. (Daily Express)

Newcastle midfielder Antoine Sibierski is set to sign a one-year contract extension. (The Times)

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has revealed that the club has a new business plan, which includes looking at building a new stadium. (The Times)

Manager Stuart Pearce's position could be under threat if Ray Ranson takes over the club. (Various)

Henri Biancheri, who is a former colleague of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger from his time at Monaco, has reiterated that he would be interested in becoming the Gunners' director of football. (Daily Telegraph)

Sunderland keeper Darren Ward has revealed that manager Roy Keane rarely rants and raves to get his point across, although the "tactics board has had a karate kick on a couple of occasions". (Various)

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock says he is probably the most superstitious manager in the Premiership as he likes to sit in the same seat, wear the same clothes, drive the same route. "I won't even visit the toilet until the players are on the pitch. There are 300 different superstitions," he added. (The Sun)

Klinsmann Admits to Become TV Football Analyst

Juergen Klinsmann returns to football one year after stepping down as Germany coach, as a television expert on a deal until 2009.

Germany's pay TV network Arena confirmed on Thursday that Klinsmann will get his own show from next season onwards around top Bundesliga matches and big-team games in foreign leagues.



"I don't see myself as the classic TV expert, but rather as an observer who enjoys football as much as the fans do," said Klinsmann.

The former Germany captain Klinsmann stepped down as national team coach last July after leading the team to third place at the home World Cup. Since then he declined to become US team coach and was also briefly linked with the manager job at English champions Chelsea.

Klinsmann, who resides in California, is an expert on the international football scene, having played in France, Italy and England.

Predrag Mijatovic : Beckham Transfer ' A Big Mistake'

Predrag Mijatovic Real Madrid sporting director accepts he made 'a mistake' by failing to secure David Beckham's long-term future at the Bernabeu.

The former England captain will head to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season after failing to agree a contract extension with the Spanish club.




And former Madrid striker Mijatovic admits media comments during negotiations 'confused' all parties.

'When the season started we wanted David to stay, although we couldn't arrive at an agreement,' he told The Sun.

'Looking back I realise that it was a mistake not to talk things through clearly.

'The comments in the press from me, the president and his agent confused the player and us and because of that mistakes were made.'

Champions league Report : Joe Cole Fires Bridge

Joe Cole's first-half goal gave Chelsea a slender first-leg lead in their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Cole slid in Didier Drogba's cross after 29 minutes to give Jose Mourinho's side the upper hand.


Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina produced two brilliant saves from Frank Lampard to keep the tie in the balance.

Petr Cech denied Liverpool an away goal with a stunning second-half stop from Steven Gerrard's long-range volley.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made a surprise selection of Bolo Zenden on the left flank and opted for Javier Mascherano instead of Momo Sissoko in the middle of midfield.

Chelsea gave a start to Joe Cole - and he proved an influential figure as the home side dominated the opening half.

Reina produced a marvellous reaction save to deny Lampard after seven minutes when he ran on to Drogba's knock-down only 10 yards out.

Drogba then failed to find Joe Cole when he was unmarked in the area - and the striker should have got on the end of a Joe Cole cross under challenge from Reina.

But Chelsea's pressure looked certain to pay off, and it did as they took the lead in the 29th minute.

Ricardo Carvalho's pass out of defence found Drogba, and he turned Daniel Agger before providing a perfect cross for Joe Cole to slide in from close range.

Liverpool's attacking responses had been fitful, limited to a tame header from Gerrard as he rose to meet Dirk Kuyt's cross.

Craig Bellamy had been disappointing, and it was no surprise when he was substituted by Peter Crouch after 51 minutes.

The England striker almost had an instant impact, challenging for a throw that fell for Gerrard, whose left-foot volley produced a brilliant save from Cech diving to his left.

Liverpool had penned Chelsea back for long periods after the break but had been short on clear-cut chances.

And it was Reina who had to be alert to clutch Drogba's shot low at his near post.

The striker then headed just wide as he got on the end of Lampard's free-kick with tension rising in the closing stages.

Reina then produced a brilliant save to keep Liverpool only a goal behind, diving to his left to palm away a powerful rising drive from Lampard.

Champions League : Steven Gerrard Claims Desire to Make History

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard claims it is the desire to make history that is behind his incessant drive to win the UEFA Champions League for a second time.

A glorious night in Istanbul back in 2005 saw Liverpool crowned champions of Europe, courtesy of a dramatic comeback against Milan, and it is a memory still fresh in the minds of everyone associated with the club ahead of Wednesday's semi-final clash with Chelsea.


Gerrard is well aware several captains in the annals of Liverpool's history have lifted the European Cup on more than one occasion and it is such an elite band that their current skipper plans on joining.

"I want to be remembered as a captain who lifted the trophy twice, or even more," he told the Daily Mirror.

"I want to be remembered along with those Liverpool greats like Hughes and Thompson, Souness, Neal and Dalglish.

"That is why you will see us out there giving it everything on Wednesday, working so hard to give every single ounce of energy we have. Because we want that and we can taste it again."

While the class of 2005 will live long in the memories of the Anfield faithful their achievement has, perhaps, been somewhat tainted by the accusation they were not a great side.

Such a viewpoint is one strongly opposed by Gerrard, who is firmly of the opinion their success was richly deserved and it is a glory he is keen to replicate.

"We won the trophy two years ago, and maybe people dismissed the achievement a little," he added.

"Maybe they even said we were a bit lucky, but we weren't. We have shown for the last three years that we are a force in Europe, that we are a team everyone fears.

"And if we can win it again this year, then we will go down in history as another great Liverpool side... not just a good one.

"That is what drives me on, and the rest of the players."

Alan Ball Died

1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball has died of a heart attack at the age of 61.

Ball was the youngest member of the England side that won the World Cup in 1966 and went on to win 72 caps.


The industrious midfielder started his career at Blackpool and went on to play for Everton, Arsenal and Southampton before a spell in the United States.

Ball, who collapsed outside his home after tackling a bonfire, also managed seven clubs, including Portsmouth, Southampton and Manchester City.

Ball, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, is the second member of the side that beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley to die. Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993.

His son Jimmy Ball said: "I was talking to him last night just after the football and he was in great form. We were talking about (Paul) Scholes' pass.

"And then I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It's unbelievable and very, very sad.

"I would like him to be known as a nice man with a passion for football. He had a big heart and was very generous."

Mr Ball said his father missed his mother Lesley terribly after she died from cancer three years ago and added: "I hope they are together now."

The couple were married for over 36 years.

Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final, led the tributes to Ball.

He said: "He was the youngest member of the team and man of the match in the 1966 World Cup final.

"Socially he was always a good laugh and the 1966 team mixed a lot after then."

He added: "We are all totally devastated."

Lawrie McMenemy, who twice signed him for Southampton, told the BBC: "He was my guest at St Mary's on Saturday and I should have been playing golf with him this morning.

"We were very, very good friends.

"I was very fortunate to manage him. I wanted him badly not just for his ability but for his enthusiasm. Once his feet touched the grass he was like a performer on the stage.

"In his early career he was a runner, a scrapper, a fighter, a workmanlike player. At the end of his career he became the best one-touch footballer in the game.

"Alan started life as a road sweeper and ended up as the best lead violinist Southampton ever had.

"They were a tight-knit family that World Cup team but he has gone to join Bobby Moore now.

"He was about to move up to his close pal Mick Channon and start a new part of his life that he was very excited about.

"He had an enthusiasm for life, not just football, and it spread. He was a lovely fella."

His midfield partner in 1966 Sir Bobby Charlton said: "He was probably the best player that day and if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally different.

"He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he was an inspiration to us all.

"Alan was always bright and bubbly in everything he did as a player. He went about his work with great enthusiasm and gusto and he always had a smile on his face.

"He was a sensational little player with great touch and great vision. He had great close control and although he wasn't a fast player he didn't need to be. He could see things clearly and always made the right decisions.

"He was the youngest member of our squad and we were all looking forward to our latest reunion in two weeks. I am very sad and shocked by the news. Alan will be badly missed."

England team-mate Alan Mullery said: "I just can't believe it. His nickname was 'Bouncy', he was just such a bouncy, lively 61-year-old.

"It's such a shock. He was a loveable character, heart of gold and lived football. He just loved playing for his country.

"He was a wonderful footballer to have in your side, he was so enthusiastic. He had a marvellous engine for a midfield player and had wonderful skill.

"In the World Cup final he was 5ft 10in when he started but he did so much running that day he was 5ft 5in at the end.

"When everyone else was tiring there was Bally running round the pitch."

England team-mate Jack Charlton added: "Alan was a brave little fella. Everybody loved Alan he was a lovely little lad.

"Every time I met him and spent time with him he was taking the mickey out of me, he was having a go at me. It was something we had going since 1966.

"I used to get annoyed with him and grab him by the shirt but it was only fun and we both knew it and I am going to miss Alan more than anybody because we had a tremendous relationship.

"I'm laughing now because I am thinking of Alan. I am not happy and I don't know why I'm laughing. It's just thinking of him. I've got so many good memories of Alan Ball."

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who played alongside Ball at Highbury in the 1970s, said: "Everyone can visualise him with his red hair and squeaky voice which is still there and will always be there.

"He was such an infectious character, an extraordinary character - his love for the game was amazing. He would argue all the time, love to talk about the game - just an amazing character."

Former Blackpool and England team-mate Jimmy Armfield said: "It is devastating news.

"He had energy, ambition, drive and passion - and if he was not passionate about something, he didn't do it."

Howard Kendall, who combined with Ball and Colin Harvey to form the 'holy trinity' at Everton, said: "We arrived at Everton in the same season and hit it off immediately.

"He was such a bubbly character, it was really Alan who made the partnership with me and Colin work as well as it did.

"This is a terrible loss for the club and for football. I'm devastated by the news, I have lost a friend and team-mate."

Ball was part of Everton's 1970 league championship-winning side and also appeared in the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico.

In 1973, he became only the second England player to be sent off in a full international when he was dismissed in a vital World Cup qualifier in Poland.

He missed the return game at Wembley as a result, a match that famously saw England fail to reach the 1974 finals and resulted in Ramsey's dismissal.

Ball went on to briefly captain his country but his international career was ended abruptly in 1975 when Ball was only 30.

In May 2005, Ball put his World Cup winners' medal and commemorative tournament cap up for auction to raise money for his family. They were sold for £140,000.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy, as well as two daughters Mandy and Keeley.

Alan Ball Facts:

Born: Lancashire 12/05/1945
Playing career: Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, Southampton, Philadelphia Fury, Vancouver Whitecaps (player manager), Blackpool (player manager), Southampton, Eastern (Hong Kong), Bristol Rovers
Made 975 appearances in a 21-year career
Managerial career: Portsmouth, Colchester, Stoke, Exeter, Southampton, Manchester City, Portsmouth
Honours: World Cup (1966), league title (1970)

MLS Report: Galaxy Beats Crew

Nate Jaqua scored in the first half and the Los Angeles Galaxy eliminated the Columbus Crew from the U.S. Open Cup tournament with a 1-0 victory Tuesday night.

Galaxy captain Landon Donovan set up the goal, beating three Crew defenders on a run down the left side before sending a misdirected pass into the hands of Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.




But Gaudette mishandled the ball inside the 6-yard box, allowing Jaqua an easy score.

Crew midfielder Danny Szetela nearly evened the score with a solid strike from 20 yards in the 21st minute, forcing Steve Cronin to make a diving save.

Forward Andy Herron bent a free kick around the Galaxy defensive wall and toward the right goal post in the 36th minute, but Cronin pounced on the shot to keep the Crew scoreless.

Neither team was able to maintain a steady attack during a listless second half punctuated by sloppy play and awkward tackles.

Galaxy midfielder Kevin Harmse was shown a yellow card by referee Erich Simmons for a hard challenge against Crew captain Duncan Oughton in the 71st minute.

Oughton and Crew defender Ward also were booked in the second half.

Gaudette left the game with a right leg contusion in the 34th minute, replaced by regular Crew starting goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.

Beckham Revealed Hurt by Capello Reproach

The former England captain David Beckham has accepted the thought of never playing for Real Madrid again "hurt a lot" when manager Fabio Capello froze him out of first-team duty earlier this season.

He endured some uncertainity with his Spanish club after signing a contract worth an estimated $248 million with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.



After Beckham signed with the Galaxy, Capello said the star had played his last game for the Spanish team

Speaking to British television station Sky Sports 2, the former Manchester United midfielder conceded that he was shocked.

"I was really surprised. He (Capello) has always been pretty fair with me," Beckham said. "He's been really respectful of me as a person and a player and that's why it was such a surprise. But he's shown what sort of a person and man - and manager - he is now.

"I was thinking I would never play (for Real) again and it was hurting me a lot."

But Beckham continued to train hard and eventually convinced the Italian manager that he was worthy of a recall before dramatically scoring upon his return to the lineup.

Beckham, 31, refused to criticize Capello when he was stuck on the sidelines, explaining that he has too much respect to lash out at his boss.

"I'm thankful (to Capello). I would never come out publicly and criticize him," Beckham said. "He's too respected in the game and I respect him. (I reacted) the same way I've always come back from things, like whenever people say I'm not up to the job. I proved to him I am a professional. I think he said, 'How can he be committed to the team when he's signed to someone else?'"

"But I proved I am committed; it doesn't matter if I'm going. I'll still go flying into tackles and try and win something with this team."

Now Beckham, who has just returned to the side after a knee injury, will play a part in Real's unlikely bid for the Primera Liga title and get the chance to compete once again in what he considers to be one of the world's finest sporting arenas.

"For me playing at the Bernabeu is one of the best feelings in the world," Beckham said. "I always loved playing at the Bernabeu and when I look back, playing at the Bernabeu will be the highlight of playing at Madrid except, obviously, for wearing the famous white shirt."

Champions League Reaction : Ferguson Salutes Manchester United's Perseverance'

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his players side after they overcame a half-time 2-1 deficit to defeat AC Milan 3-2 in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.

A fortunate early goal from Cristiano Ronaldo - that Milan goalkeeper Dida played no small part in - had United in front, but Kaka twice got the better of the hosts' makeshift defence to put Milan ahead.


However, United showed character as they fought back to win through two Wayne Rooney efforts and Ferguson now feels his side have a "magnificent chance" of reaching the final in Athens.

"We kept playing our football, some of which was fantastic, and dominated the second half," the Scot was quoted as saying by BBC Sport after the match.

"Some of the football we played was absolute quality, really top class. We've got a magnificent chance now. We're in front and they know that - it's a really big game now.

"They have got a really difficult game on their hands now. We are chasing the Premiership and this is the biggest boost we could have got.

" (Paul)Scholes' pass for Rooney's equaliser was fantastic, just a little flick but what a pass."

Rooney too paid tribute to team-mate Scholes, saying: "I see him do it every day in training. He's brilliant. He is a joy to play with, a genius.

"It's a great feeling. It was a difficult match but when it got late we kept going. We knew the victory would make it a little bit easier for the away leg.

"And to get a goal in the last minute is a great feeling.

"It was fantastic. At 2-1 behind at half-time against a very good Milan team, we knew it would be difficult to get the win. The manager told us too keep pushing, keep going and we'll get the goals, and we did."

Champions League Report : Old Trafford Explosion by Rooney Last-minute Goal

Wayne Rooney's stunning last-minute winner kept Manchester United's hopes of reaching the Champions League final alive after an Old Trafford classic.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth minute header put United in front, only for AC Milan to draw level through Kaka's angled drive after 21 minutes.

Kaka put Milan ahead from close range before the interval, but Rooney turned in Paul Scholes' pass on the hour.

Rooney then lashed an instant 20-yard finish past Dida in injury time.

It was a moment of magic that gave United a precious lead to defend going into the second leg in Milan.

United opened in sparkling fashion, and it took a desperate intervention from Alessandro Nesta to divert Rooney's shot over the bar.

But they were ahead in the fifth minute when Ronaldo met Ryan Giggs' corner with a firm header, which Dida palmed into the air and could then only divert into the net.

United were firing on all cylinders up front - but all the time Milan, in the shape of Kaka, were waiting to probe their suspect and under-strength rearguard.

And the strike they feared came after 21 minutes when Kaka took Clarence Seedorf's pass and accelerated away from Gabriel Heinze and fired a left-foot angled drive across Edwin van der Sar.

A high-quality encounter saw Rooney just fail to get on the end of Giggs' cross and Ronaldo bring a crucial block from Dida with a 25-yard power drive.

But Brazilian superstar Kaka was an ever-present threat, and he took advantage of shambolic United defending to grab a crucial second away goal for Milan after 36 minutes.

Kaka chased a long pass, and when Heinze and Patrice Evra collided, he moved smoothly into top gear to slide a perfect finish past Van der Sar.

Evra was then booked for dissent - a yellow card that rules him out of the second leg in Milan, an inconvenience United did not need given their lack of defensive resources.

Michael Carrick wasted a glorious opportunity to put United level after 47 minutes when he side-footed wide of an open goal when he arrived unmarked at the far post on the end of another dangerous Giggs corner.

Milan lost captain Paolo Maldini to a knee injury at half-time, then were robbed of Gennaro Gattuso with a knee problem - with the combative midfield man being replaced by Cristian Brocchi.

Kaka was giving a master-class, escaping the offside trap to shoot across the face of goal then playing a sumptuous one-two with Seedorf only to volley narrowly over.

United desperately needed inspiration, and a moment of genius from Scholes provided as they drew level after 59 minutes.

Scholes instinctively lifted the ball into the path of Rooney, whose finish was half-stopped by Dida but rolled in.

United were suddenly buoyant again, and the unpredictable Dida saved brilliantly from Darren Fletcher after Rooney's cross was headed into his path.

Fletcher forced Dida into a save at his near post as United pressed for what would be a crucial lead to take to the San Siro.

Dida the finger-tipped Ronaldo's dipping drive inches wide as United mounted a spell of sustained pressure in the closing stages.

United's sheer courage was rewarded when Rooney ran on to Giggs' pass and fired past a startled Dida to send Old Trafford wild in celebration.

Third PFA Award for Wonderful Ronaldo

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has earned his third award in as many days after being named the Official PFA Fans' Player of the Year.

On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned both Players' Player and Young Player of the Year and on Tuesday he was awarded the fans' award.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, himself an award winner on Sunday night, paid tribute to his 22-year-old. He said: 'He's been fantastic. His improvement and development have been superb. He is the best player in the world. It's easy for a manager to say that but he's getting that accolade from everywhere, not just me. When that happens it is difficult for some players but he is so level-headed.'

The Portuguese star said: 'I put myself to the test and it succeeded. The pressures ended up strengthening me and the boos gave me even more strength. Ive matured and
calmed down, and these awards have given me even more motivation to be successful.'

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor also paid tribute to the treble award winner, saying: 'He is the most exciting player in the country at the moment. The quickness of his feet and the skills he possesses make you think, at times, that he's from another planet.

'This season was a big test for him, both of his temperament and his ability to rise above the abuse he received after the incident with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup, and he has passed with flying colours in every department.

'I wasn't sure, after the World Cup, if things would get back to normal at Old Trafford, but Cristiano has shown great maturity and proved himself to be a top, top player. All credit to Sir Alex for resolving what was a difficult situation. 'All credit to Cristiano too because he has developed from a player who perhaps used to run down too many closed avenues in his early days at United, to a wonderful entertainer whose tricks and skills are much more constructive, and productive, these days.

'He is much more of a team player now and, as is the test of all great forwards, he knows how to find the back of the net - as he has done on so many occasions this season. 'He has still got all the tricks and, if he was to perform them on the stage at the London Palladium, you would have to stand up and applaud.

'For him to be able to perform them on a football field, at full speed with everything going on around him, makes it all the more remarkable and it is great that Sir Alex continues to encourage him to do so, whereas at some clubs he might have been told to 'keep it simple'.'