Super Roo edges it for United

City not held to Ranson bid

Butcher in at Brentford

—– A brilliant last-minute strike by Wayne Rooney keeps Manchester United’s Champions League ambitions well and truly alive.
On another fantastic night of drama at Old Trafford, United appeared to be facing a nightmare scenario after trailing 1-2 at half-time courtesy of a stunning brace from AC Milan’s Kaka in the first leg of their semi-final.
Rooney levelled on the hour following a superb pass from Paul Scholes before cracking home a low shot from the edge of the box to complete the comeback and give the Red Devils a narrow advantage ahead of next week’s return at the San Siro.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson says: “We kept playing our football, some of which was fantastic, and dominated the second half.
“Some of the football we played was absolute quality, really top class. We’ve got a magnificent chance now.”

—– Former Manchester City right-back Ray Ranson reveals he is heading a consortium that has made an offer to buy the Premiership club.
The 46 year-old multi-millionaire is thought to have made a £90million bid.
A statement reads: “Ray Ranson can confirm that he is interested in buying the club and has, over the past couple of months, made indicative proposals to the club concerning a possible offer.”
Ranson made his money from insurance and football finance, and has also invested in football analysis company Prozone.
Manchester City’s board immediately cast doubts about the viability of the bid: “Ray Ranson’s indicative proposals contain a number of material conditions that the board do not believe can be fulfilled.”
He made two unsuccessful bids for Aston Villa before they were bought by American billionaire Randy Lerner.
Yesterday, reports claimed that former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is interested in buying City with partners from China and the Middle East.

—– Former England captain Terry Butcher is named the new manager of relegated Brentford.
He will commence his duties at Griffin Park on 7 May. Scott Fitzgerald was sacked following the Bees demotion to League Two was confirmed.
The ex-Ipswich Town and Rangers centre-back was recently appointed assistant manager at Partick Thistle following a brief spell as boss at Sydney FC.
He had resurrected his managerial reputation at Motherwell after earlier unsuccessful stints at Coventry City and Sunderland.
Brentford chairman Greg Dyke says: “His record as a player is second to none and stands as an inspiration to others.
“We were particularly impressed by his four-year record at Motherwell where under his leadership and guidance the club competed well above expectations.”

—– It’s a significant night at the bottom of League Two.
Bristol Rovers’ 1-0 at Macclesfield Town leaves the Pirates just a point adrift of the Play-Offs but plunges Paul Ince’s team back into relegation trouble.
Macc are only a place and two points about the bottom two after fellow strugglers Wrexham win for the third game in a row with a 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town.