Marlon Harewood Bio

Harewood signed for Villa for a fee of around £4million after falling out of favour at struggling West Ham in July 2007.

The powerful striker has a reputation for inconsistency, although has shown himself to be a tough opponent when in form.

Harewood made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest at the end of the 1997/98 season, in a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion. He then became a regular in the first team squad the following season during Forest's dismal campaign in the top flight.

After a loan spell away from the club, the 2002/03 term saw him really come to prominence for Forest. He scored 21 goals and that form led to interest from other clubs, who were impressed with his athletic front running displays and finishing.

But as he refused to discuss a new contract, Forest were forced to cash in or lose him on a free transfer.

Ultimately, West Ham paid £500,000 for his services in November 2003 and they saw him as a vital cog in their bid to earn an automatic return to the top flight.

He made his bow in a 1-1 draw at Wimbledon. And although his first season was a successful one on a personal level, West Ham missed out on promotion in a play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace.

He struggled to find form in 2004/05, but he rediscovered his goalscoring prowess as West Ham ousted Preston North End in the playoff final to clinch their place in the top flight.

There were serious doubts over Harewood's Premiership pedigree, but those critics were silenced as he had a terrific first season in the League.

However, 2006/07 saw Harewood fall from favour, thanks mainly to the form of Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez. Unable to keep his place, in May 2007, Harewood said that he would be leaving the club and was linked with a move to Wigan, Fulham and Scottish Champions Celtic.

Despite the attention of other clubs, in July he signed a three-year deal with Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa and joined former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker in the West Midlands.

Used primarily as a fringe player, Harewood has taken on the role of a 'super-sub' and his presence in the squad is useful; although O'Neill will be hoping he can regain some of his old form .

John Carew Bio

John Carew joined Villa from Lyon in January 2007 as part of a swap deal that saw Milan Baros head in the opposite direction.

The Norwegian international made an instant impact and scored the winner against West Ham on his home debut and has gone on to become an important player for Martin O'Neill's side.

The 6'4" striker is a much travelled player and since starting his career at Norwegian club Vålerenga in 1997 he has experience stints of varying success at Rosenborg, Valencia, Roma, Besiktas and Olympique Lyon.

He scored 18 goals in 18 games in his homeland and attracted the attention of Spanish club Valencia in 2002 - where Carew enjoyed two great seasons before falling out of favour and heading to Italy on loan, with Roma.

A move to Besiktas during the 2004/05 season revitalized his career and his form persuaded Lyon manager Gerard Houllier to part with £7.7m to sign the giant striker.

Carew made an immediate impact for the Ligue 1 champions, scoring a hat-trick as Lyon won the French Super Cup. However, falling out of favour in France, the striker chose to move on and signed for Aston Villa.

Carew's presence up front gave Villa a great outlet in his first season and the striker combined well with his fellow attackers. Despite taking two months to get his debut goal, the Norwegian's impact at the club cannot be understated and his goals have proved a vital part of Villa's success.

Gabriel Agbonlahor Bio

Agbonlahor has pace to burn and announced his arrival in the top flight with a debut goal against Everton in March 2006.

Under manager Martin O'Neil the forward, who can play wide right or as a striker, really blossomed and was crowned Villa's Young Player of the Year in 2007.

In his first full season, 2006/07, the youngster played in almost every game and scored nine goals to confirm he has a big future ahead of him.

The Erdington-born player has been with Villa since he was 14 and smashed Darius Vassell's youth team record for the most goals in a season by scoring 40 times during 2003/04 including five during the run to the FA Youth Cup final.

The player got his first taste of the professional game in September 2005 when he was loaned to Watford, but didn't manage to make much of an impression.

He was then loaned to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of October, and although he played eight games for the Owls, he failed to get onto the scoresheet.

His return to Villa, and extended run in the first eleven, resulted in selection for the England Under-21s but he missed out on the squad for the 2007 European U21 Championship after a 'mix up'.

2007/08 proved another step in the youngster's rise. Agbonlahor scored 11 goals and played a lot of the season out of position on the wing. Proving himself more than capable of cutting it in the top flight, he caught the eye of England boss Fabio Capello who put him in the squad for a friendly with Switzerland.

Agbonlahor is eligible to play international football for both Nigeria and Scotland, but has pledged his future to England and was called up again for the friendly victories against the U.S.A. and Trinidad & Tobago in May/June 2008, although didn't play.

Ashley Young Bio

Aston Villa paid £8million, rising to £9.75million with add-ons, in the January transfer window for Young after he shone during the first-half of the 2006/07 season with newly promoted Watford.

Eyebrows were raised at the price, but a goal on his Villa debut went someway to dispelling doubts and Young's pace, delivery from set-pieces and dribbling skills have seen him rise to become one of the best young players in the League.

At the beginning of his career Young was turned away from Watford after an unsuccessful spell, but made the improvements needed and was eventually offered a permanent deal.

Given his first team debut in 2003 against Millwall, the youngster came off the bench to score. However the 21 year old really came to prominence in the 2004/05 season.

Although he failed to score, Young was instrumental with his pinpoint crosses and set-piece delivery and played an integral part of Watford's success. This earned him the honour of being given the club's 'Young Player of the Season' award.

Under Hornets manager Adrian Boothroyd, Young really made his name as a striker and, in the promotion winning season of 2005/06, he earned a call-up to Peter Taylor's England U21 League squad.

Despite his slight build, Young's pace and trickery have caused the Premier League's defenders a whole host of problems.

His excellent form has seen him cement a place among the England U-21's and he was a member of the squad that reached the semi-final of the European U21 Championships

Attracting a host of attention in the January transfer window, Young was the subject to at least seven bids from Premiership clubs.

Watford rebuffed all offers but were persuaded to consider his sale when West Ham United came in with a £8million offer. Young himself rejected the move to Upton Park, preferring a side who weren't struggling against relegation, and instead chose Aston Villa who matched the Hammers' offer.

Martin O'Neill's faith was proved right as Young had a terrific season, earning a call-up to the full England squad to face Russia and Israel in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and finishing the season in the Premier League 2007/08 Team of the Year.

Steve Sidwell Bio

Although Steven Sidwell proved himself to be a quality performer in Reading's debut Premier League season in 2006/07, few expected him to succeed in his big move to Chelsea in the following summer.

And so it proved. After failing to displace the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack or Michael Essien from the the Blues' midfield, Sidwell decided to move to Aston Villa where he has the chance of more first-team action.

As a teenager, Sidwell was an Arsenal midfielder who struggled to make the breakthrough into the first team.

The player was loaned out to Second Division side Brentford in October 2001 for the remainder of the season and he would become an integral member of the side which just missed out on promotion in the play-offs.

On his return to Arsenal he was soon sent out on loan again, this time to the Gunners' Belgian feeder club Beveren. He only spent a couple of months there before returning to England and landing a temporary switch to struggling First Division side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sidwell was a real star for the south coast club, but he was snatched from them in January 2003 when Reading signed him for an undisclosed fee.

After a great first season, the England Under-20 international was voted as the best player outside of the Premier League by FourFourTwo Magazine in 2004.

A vital part of Reading's Championship-winning 2005/06 squad, Sidwell was named in the Championship Team of the Year in April 2006 and continued to raise eyebrows with his consistent level of performance.

His calmness on the ball, ability to pick the killer pass and general energy in the centre of the park made him the pick of a Reading side which remarkably finished in the top half of the table. Numerous clubs were tracking Sidwell before it was announced he would join Chelsea for 2007/08.

Sidwell stated that he had not come to Chelsea to 'make up the numbers', but he did not manage to break into the first-team during his year at the club.

Without a chance of regular football, Sidwell opted to join Villa in summer 2008 and signed for the club for a fee of around £5million.

Moustapha Salifou Bio

Salifou starred for Togo in the 2006 World Cup where he first caught the eye of Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

The midfielder had fleeting stints with Swiss side FC Wil, French team Stade Brest 29 and German team Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, prior to moving to England.

Salifou signed a one-year deal with Aston Villa, joining for a nominal fee after a successful trial, although the deal stalled over a work permit issue.

Once that had been resolved, Salifou made his debut for the first team in January 2008 and was later rewarded with a one-year extension to his contract. His deal now runs until June 2009.

Wayne Routledge Bio

Routledge's career has stalled in recent years since he left Crystal Palace in 2005/06, but he remains a decent prospect for new club Aston Villa if he can rediscover his old form.

The flying winger had been a revelation for Palace in their doomed Premiership season and after refusing to sign a new contract he was sold to Tottenham.

Unable to break into Spurs' first-team, though, a switch to Villa came about in January 2008 and he has yet to make an impression at the Midlands club.

Routledge made his Palace debut in October 2001 in a 1-0 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion, aged only 16, but it was in the 2002/03 season that he burst onto the scene.

The teenager showed no fear against First Division defenders, and was only 17 when scoring his first professional goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers - in the first minute on his first ever start.

The pint-sized winger loves to tear past full-backs and causes no end of problems with his pace. He was an important member of the side which won promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs in 2003/04 and he was an ever-present for the Eagles in the top flight in 2004/05.

But with his contract coming to an end the England Under-21 international chose to stay in the Premiership, rejecting a new deal with Palace and heading for Tottenham.

Routledge looked a bargain at £1.25million, but a metatarsal injury put him on the sidelines for the best part of four months.

On his return the winger struggled to get into the Spurs team leading to a loan move to Portsmouth for the remainder of the season as the transfer window closed in January 2006.

Failing to make much of an impression on Harry Redknapp, Routledge agreed to join Fulham on loan as part of the deal which took Steed Malbranque to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2006.

While he got more of a chance to play at Craven Cottage, he was still not able to secure a permanent deal and was eventually snapped up by Martin O'Neill for £1.25million in the 2008 January transfer window.

The youngster is only on an 18 month deal, meaning he will have to prove himself worthy of a long-term contract.

Nigel Reo-Coker Bio

Reo-Coker, a central midfielder and captain of the England Under-21 side, joined Aston Villa in July 2007, after a poor season with West Ham had made him a scapegoat for the club's troubles.

A solid first season at Villa Park got the midfielder back on track and he even captained his new side in the absence of regular captain Gareth Barry against Liverpool in January.

Reo-Coker began his career at Wimbledon/MK Dons but became just another name on an increasingly long list of promising players to be sold off by the cash strapped club when he moved to West Ham United for an undisclosed fee in January 2004.

The midfielder had made his debut for Wimbledon at the end of the 2001/02 season, aged 17 and he became a regular in the first team squad in 2002/03, carving out a reputation as a quality midfield talent with the ability to get forward.

He made his West Ham bow in a 2-1 home win over Rotherham United and his first ever goal for the club came in a 5-0 thrashing of his old team Wimbledon.

The combative starlet grew in stature at Upton Park with a string of brilliant performances to become the club's youngest ever skipper at 20-years-of-age.

A real leader on the pitch, he was at the heart of the action as West Ham booked a place in the Premiership for 2005/06 with victory over Preston North End in play-off final.

Reo-Coker's first season in the Premiership was an impressive one. He led the club to an FA Cup final and a top half of the table finish, while receiving praise for his commanding performances in the centre of the park.

Attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United in the summer, the midfielder's form slumped at the beginning of 2006/07 season as West Ham suffered from a relegation battle and ongoing talks over a takeover.

He was singled out by some fans as the main culprit for the club's decline, somewhat unfairly, and his future was thrown into doubt.

With the sacking of Alan Pardew, Reo-Coker rediscovered his form in the latter part of the season and played a vital role in keeping the club in the top flight. However, with Premier League football confirmed, Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request to the club after the board had failed to reassure him over his future.

Eventually he made the switch to Villa Park in early July for a reported fee of £8.5million and joined after captaining England's Young Lions to the semi-final of the European Under-21 Championships.

His first season was solid, if not spectacular, and he has established himself as an important member of Martin O'Neill's squad.

Stiliyan Petrov Bio

Petrov made his name at Celtic under Martin O'Neill before the Northern Irishman brought the midfielder to Villa Park in the summer of 2006.

He began his career with hometown side FC Montana. A year after making his professional debut he moved on to CSKA Sofia and eventually broke into the first team.

Emerging as one of Bulgaria's bright young stars, he made his international debut in 1999 and has also captained the side.

His performances soon attracted the eye of Europe's top clubs, and Celtic were there to snap him up for £2million.

Despite struggling in his first season at the club, Petrov was soon able to show his class and was voted Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Year in 2001 in spite of a serious leg break.

The Hoops enjoyed good European cup runs, and also secured domestic title success with the ever-more influential Petrov in the centre of midfield.

Known for his solid play in central midfield for club and country, Petrov was made captain of the Bulgarian national team and led his side to Euro 2004 where he was sent off during a match against Denmark and they were eliminated from the competition before the knockout stages began.

However, he also starred in the Scottish FA Cup final win over Dunfermline, where he netted the final goal, adding to his growing array of silverware.

The following year, Petrov's excellent form continued and he was one of the standout performers in the SPL, despite missing out on the title.

He was able to lead Bulgaria through the qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup. However, at the end of the 2005/06 season, Petrov handed in a transfer request to Celtic, and claimed he wanted to move away from Parkhead.

When former Hoops' manager Martin O'Neill was installed as the boss at Aston Villa, Petrov's decision was easy and he made the move to Villa Park just before the transfer window closed for £6.6 million.

Making his debut against West Ham in September, Petrov performed exceptionally well at the start of the 2006/07 season before a dip in form saw him fade towards the end of the campaign.

Despite appearing over 60 times for his country, in October 2006 Petrov shocked Bulgarian football by retiring from the national side aged just 27, promising not to return whilst Hristo Stoichkov manages the Bulgaria national team.

However, just a few months later, Petrov patched up his differences with the coach, made himself available for selection for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Albania and was re-called.

James Milner Bio

Milner was constantly linked with a move away from St James's Park during his two years at the club and eventually made it clear he would be moving in the summer of 2008 when he handed in a transfer request.

A skilful, tricky player with the ability to beat a man, Milner returned to Villa Park where had spent a season on loan in 2006, joining Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa on a four-year deal.

Milner originally burst onto the scene with Leeds when becoming the second youngest player ever to appear in the Premiership. He then trumped that on Boxing Day by becoming the Premiership's youngest-ever scorer.

At the age of sixteen and 309 days Milner was second only to Coventry City's Gary McSheffrey - but beat Wayne Rooney's scoring record by four days when he secured a win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

He also became the second youngest ever player at Elland Road behind legend Peter Lorimer.

Milner's debut came when he replaced Jason Wilcox for the final six minutes of the 4-3 win at West Ham United in November 2002.

Leeds' relegation into the Football League in 2004 led to speculation over his future, with Tottenham Hotspur the first club to test the water. Aston Villa and Everton also expressed an interest.

Despite Leeds (again) telling supporters that one of their star names would not be sold, money eventually talked. Newcastle made several enquiries before Leeds accepted an offer of £3.6million, rising to £5million on appearances.

Milner, who had penned a five year deal with Leeds only a year earlier, rebuffed the West Yorkshire club's attempts to tie him to another improved contract. The youngster even rejected a double-your-money offer.

Although Milner still had four years left on his deal, Leeds decided the cash in and the offer from St James' Park was too good to turn down. Milner agreed a five-year deal at the start of July 2004.

He made his Newcastle debut in a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough but struggled to gain a first team place, leading to a loan move to Aston Villa for 2005/06.

Milner soon became an important player - and O'Leary bemoaned the fact he could not afford to sign him on a permanent basis.

Back at Newcastle, and with Glenn Roeder in charge, a number of clubs declared their interest in the transfer window of January 2007 but those offers were shunned and Milner signed a new four-year deal.

However, after doing well in the 2007/08 season, a reported £10million bid from Aston Villa piqued his interest in the summer of 2008 and he made the move to Midlands club. Signing a four-year deal in Birmingham instead.

Gareth Barry Bio

Barry has arguably been Villa's best player in recent years and attracted the attention of Liverpool and Arsenal in the summer of 2008.

With a big-money move stalling, Barry was forced to stay at Villa Park after making it clear he would welcome a transfer to Anfield. But the transfer talk has marred his legacy at the club and, after initially being used as a utility player, Barry made the central midfield slot his own - rising to captain the club.

Barry had been controversially plucked from the clutches of Brighton & Hove Albion's youth team and moved to Villa in 1997.

He has spent the majority of his time in Villa's defence and his versatility saw him fill in across the defence, and also in midfield.

A former England Under-18 captain, Barry made his England Under-21 debut in 1998 against the Czech Republic and then broke into the full team. He travelled to Euro 2000 with Kevin Keegan's England squad - after an injury ruled out Jason Wilcox - but did not feature.

He made his full debut in England's impressive 1-1 draw with then-World and European Champions France in September 2000 and was expected to develop into a quality international player. However, he fell out of favour with Villa boss John Gregory in the summer of 2001 and handed in a transfer request - and was then dumped in the reserves.

Gregory's exit gave Barry a new lease of life, and new boss Graham Taylor gave him the chance to shine in that midfield role so many had predicted.

His form continued into the 2002/03 season and Barry was one of the shining lights in an otherwise dull, and very forgettable, season for Aston Villa.

Impressing further under David O'Leary in 2003/04, Villa finished sixth in the League and opened talks over an extended contract at the end of the season, signing a deal to run until the summer of 2008.

In 2006/07 new manager Martin O'Neill recognised his talent and played him in the centre of midfield, where he blossomed. Captaining the club, Barry ended a four year international exile when he was called up by Steve McClaren in February 2007.

His partnership with Steven Gerrard in midfield raised many eyebrows and Barry's stock continued to rise throughout the 2007/08 season where he enjoyed personal success, despite Villa failing to make it into the UEFA Cup.

Interest from Liverpool in the summer transfer window sparked Barry to ask for a transfer, but with the Anfield club unwilling to meet O'Neill's £18million price-tag - Barry looks set to stay at Villa.

Luke Young Bio

Young completed his £6million move to Aston Villa after spending only one year at Middlesbrough.

The right-back had signed for only £2.5million a season earlier, but Boro chairman Steve Gibson admitted that his sale was 'good business' for the club.

Comfortable on the ball, Young began his career at Tottenham Hotspur and soon attracted attention when he was unable to hold down a regular place in the side.

At White Hart Lane he suffered from playing in a variety of positions, covering for injuries. This meant he was never able to make a position his own and so left Spurs in July 2001.

Joining Charlton in a £3million deal he went on to gain international honours with England after being called up for the 2005 tour of the USA.

Young did well in his first few seasons at the Valley and established himself as the first choice right-back. He was named the fans' player of the year in 2005.

Young's forays down the wing attracted the attention of Middlesbrough and, with Charlton's relegation to the Championship, he decided to move north.

His consistent form for the club saw him win over the fans and a good 2007/08 season established his place as one of the most important players in the side.

However, when Martin O'Neill came calling with a £6million bid, Boro found the offer too good to refuse and sold the defender to Aston Villa in the summer of 2008.

Nicky Shorey Bio

Shorey made the move to Villa for the start of the 2008/09 season, after being relegated with Reading.

The left-back attracted attention from Newcastle and Portsmouth, but ultmately decided to move to Villa Park for an undisclosed fee.

Shorey had made the move to a new club much earlier in his career that he expected when he made the switch from Leyton Orient to Reading following a week's trial in February 2001.

Shorey had played only 16 games for the O's before the Royals showed an interest and after he starred in a reserve game against Bristol City they immediately signed him.

The player signed for the Second Division club just nine days before his 20th birthday for an initial fee of £25,000.

Shorey went on to become a key member their promotion winning side of the 2005/06 season and was voted the club's best ever left-back.

He signed a new deal in August 2006 and was influential in the Royals' excellent 2006/07 season in the Premiership. He came second in the club's Player of the Season poll and was awarded for his excellent form with a call-up to the England B squad to face Albania.

With Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge sidelined, Shorey made the step up to the full squad in a friendly against Brazil in June 2007 and put in a solid performance at left-back. However, he was relegated with the Royals at the end of the 2007/08 campaign and in a bid to improve his England chances, the defender made the move to Aston Villa.

Martin Laursen Bio

Central defender Laursen arrived in England in May 2004, joining Aston Villa from AC Milan for £3million.

He suffered something of an injury nightmare during his initial years at Villa Park, making only a handful of Premier League starts in his first three seasons, but used the 2007/08 season to raise his profile - scoring six goals.

He came into the professional game in 1996, signing for Danish side Silkeborg IF and soon helped them to finish runners-up in the league in 1997/98.

In August 1998 he earned a move abroad with Italian side Hellas Verona, then a Serie B side, but while his first term was wrecked by a knee injury, he made a comeback to star in the next two campaigns.

The Dane earned his senior international bow while with Hellas Verona, it came in a friendly match away at Portugal in March 2000. He was subsequently named in Denmark's squad for Euro 2000 as a back-up player.

Interest from bigger clubs was beginning to grow, and in the summer of 2001 an £8.7million switch to Parma fell through. But a month later he did move on, to AC Milan.

He struggled to establish himself at the San Siro, but was becoming an important player for his country and played in all four of their games at the 2002 World Cup, effectively marking Zinedine Zidane in a 2-0 win against France.

Laursen earned silverware with Milan in 2003, playing in the Italian Cup final. But he did not feature in the Champions League final.

In May 2004, Laursen moved on to the Premiership after failing to establish himself in the first team - mainly due to the presence of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.

Laursen, who signed a four-year contract at Villa Park, linked up with Denmark number one Thomas Sorensen - shunning interest from Everton, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic, who were also keeping tabs on the defender.

Strong in the air, athletic and very competitive, Laursen can be guilty of ball-watching at times and has also been prone to injuries during his career.

Struggling with a knee ligament injury in 2006/07, Laursen went to see renowned American surgeon Dr Richard Steadman and recovered to make an impressive end to the campaign.

Back to full fitness for 2007/08, Laursen played a major role in the Villa defence. Developing a knack for scoring goals, Villa didn't suffer a single league defeat when he was in the side, and a fully fit Laursen is a massive boost for the club.

Zat Knight Bio

One of the tallest players in the Premier League, Knight spent eight years at Fulham before joining Martin O'Neill's Villa side in 2007.

Originally a youth at West Bromwich Albion, he was discarded by the Midlands club only to be spotted by Benfica who offered him a trial and subsequently a two-year contract. Meanwhile, Fulham spotted his talents and snapped him up on a free.

His first taste of League football came in a three-month loan spell with Third Division side Peterborough United in February 2000 and he made an accomplished debut for the club when he slotted in nicely alongside Alan Neilson in Fulham's 4-1 Worthington Cup victory against Northampton in September 2000.

But it was in the 2001/02 campaign when Knight became known to English football's upper echelons. He put in some fine performances in the early part of the season - until injury curtailed his progress in February of that season.

Knight eventually established himself as a fixture of the first XI under Chris Coleman in 2003/04 but failed to convince anyone that he was worthy of a starring role in the side.

With a call-up to the England squad in 2005, Knight began to improve and he was made captain while Luis Boa Morte was out injured in the 2005/06 season.

2006/07 saw a vast improvement, with many believing that he was the best player of a pretty poor season for Fulham. With a broken jaw, Knight sat out the remainder of the 2006/07 season and chose to leave the club after eight years, in the summer.

Villa came calling and the £3.5million transfer allowed Knight to join the club he had supported as a boy.

He scored on his debut against Chelsea and has established himself as an important member of the Villa defence.

Craig Gardner Bio

Gardner has spent his Aston Villa filling in across the midfield and defence as the club struggled with injuries.

A hard-working, box-to-box midfielder, Gardner has been at the club all of his life and is held in high esteem by his manager Martin O'Neill.

First included in the first-team squad over the festive period in 2005, the midfielder soon made his debut when he replaced Steven Davis for the final seven minutes of the 4-0 home win over Everton on Boxing Day.

However, he failed to make his mark and spent more time in the reserves before an injury to his groin hindered his progress.

Returning to the first-team when he regained fitness, he scored his first professional goal for Villa in the 3-1 away win in April against Middlesbrough.

During the 2007/08 season, Gardner proved himself to be a competent free-kick taker and also showed his versatility as he filled in at right-back during another Villa injury crisis.

Tipped for future success by his manager, Gardner signed a new four year deal in 2007 which keeps him at Villa Park until June 2011.

Curtis Davies Bio

Davies joined Aston Villa on a permanent deal in the summer of 2008 after initially spending the previous season on loan at the club.

The young defender spent much of the season injured after rupturing his achilles tendon against Arsenal, but gave notice of his promise with a few decent displays.

Making his name at Luton Town, he came through the club's youth system to make his debut, aged 18, at Rushden & Diamonds in November 2003.

Davies gained league action in the second half of the season before becoming a fixture in the team in 2004/05.

Under manager Mike Newell his came improved immeasurably as Luton won the League One title that season. He was named Player of the Season for the division.

He was also named in the Professional Footballers' Association League One Team of the Year.

Attracting the interest of West Bromwich Albion he joined the club with minutes to go before the transfer window closed in August 2005. He cost the Baggies £3million, a club record fee for a defender, and signed a four-year contract.

The central defender's arrival represented a major coup for Baggies boss Bryan Robson with other Premiership clubs including Tottenham and Bolton reportedly showing interest.

But it would not be long before he would play top flight football. After spending three years at the Hawthorns, Davies handed in a transfer request and was eventually given permission to speak to Villa.

Moving on loan for the 2007/08 season, a fee reported to be in the region of £8million was enough to secure his services for the next four years.

Carlos Jimenez Cuellar Bio

Cuellar made the move to Aston Villa after a £7.8million bid triggered a release clause in his Rangers contract.

The Spanish defender had just come off the back of a superb personal season at Ibrox and should stiffen the injury hit defence of Martin O'Neill's side.

Cuellar began his career at Spanish Tercera División side Calahorra before moving on to Segunda side Numancia. He spent two seasons in Numancia, before making the move to La Liga side Osasuna.

An important part of Javier Aguirre's side, he reached the final of the Copa del Rey in his first season and then a few seasons later reached the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2007.

In June 2007, Rangers made their interest clear and bought the defender for a fee of £2.3million. Signing a four-year contract, Cuellar did a great job in his first season at the club and collected the Clydesdale Bank SPL Player of the Year award.

He also picked up the Scottish Football Writers Associations Player of the Year award and claimed he wanted to stay at the club for life.

However, in August 2008, Aston Villa triggered a release clause in his contract and the Spaniard moved to the Premier League, although Rangers manager Walter Smith expressed his disappointment at his decision to leave.

Wilfred Bouma Bio

Bouma joined Aston Villa in a deal worth around £3.5million just before the closure of the transfer window in August 2005.

His first season in the claret and blue was ruined by injury but the 2006/07 campaign proved a breakthrough season.

Injuries kept the left-back out of Martin O'Neill's plans until October, but thereafter he was a virtual ever-present, making the left-back berth his own.

He started out with local amateur side Helmondia before he was noticed by PSV, where he began his professional career.

The defender's debut came in the 1994/95 season, and aside from loan spells with MVV and Fortuna Sittard, has played all his club football for the Phillips Stadion outfit.

The player began his career as a striker but found fame as a member of the rearguard.

Bouma is capable of playing either at left-back or in the centre of defence, and he played a major role in PSV reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2004/05.

The Dutch international won the Dutch title four times with PSV, and also won the Dutch Cup twice before his switch to Villa Park and has gone on to make the left-back berth with the club his own.

Stuart Taylor Bio

Villa signed Taylor in June 2005 after the goalkeeper had spent his entire career at Arsenal.

He had moved through the ranks at Highbury to be rated as a highly-promising goalkeeper. But he was never given the chance to make the number one position his own and in his last two seasons with the club struggled to make an appearance.

With Arsene Wenger constantly looking for new options between the sticks, Taylor agreed to move to Villa Park for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. He would provide competition for Danish international Thomas Sorensen.

Taylor spent ten years with Arsenal, helping the Gunners youth team to a championship, but largely had to rely on loan spells with Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Peterborough and Leicester to gain first team experience.

The 2001/02 season saw him really come to the fore at Highbury. Injuries to both Seaman and Richard Wright pushed Taylor into the team, and he was in fine form. When Wright returned to fitness he initially could not get back into the side.

Taylor earned his championship medal when coming on as a late substitute for Wright in the final game of the season, but was relegated to the bench again with David Seaman's return to fitness.

He continued to play second fiddle, but Arsene Wenger's search for a new goalkeeper did not bode well for Taylor and his hopes were dashed by the signing of Manuel Almunia.

Taylor ultimately opted to leave Arsenal in the summer of 2005 having not featured for the Arsenal first team for two years.

But despite making the switch to Villa, Taylor was unable to shift Thomas Sorensen and then the on-loan Scott Carson from the #1 jersey and remains a reserve for the club.

Brad Guzan Bio

Guzan signed for Villa after initially failing to get a work permit for his move to England in January 2008.

The American stopper joined the club the following summer for a fee of around £600K, and will link up with fellow countryman, Brad Friedel, who he will be hoping to displace as #1 over the next few seasons.

Beginning his career in college soccer, he developed well in the Chicago Fire Reserves, and Guzan was eventually snapped up by MLS side Chivas USA in the draft in 2005.

With an impressive first season behind him, the American went on to gain a call-up for the full international side and won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2007.

As his contract at Chivas was coming to an end, Guzan was allowed to join Villa in July 2008 after being granted a work permit by the Home Office.

Brad Friedel Bio

Friedel joined Aston Villa from Blackburn Rovers in July 2008 as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

A gifted shot-stopper Friedel is also a commanding figure when claiming crosses into the box and his distribution either from his hands or his boot is always exemplary.

Beginning his career at Galatasaray after failing to get a British work permit, the American returned to his homeland and won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1997 with Columbus Crew before he was finally allowed to move to England.

However, he endured a torrid time on joining Liverpool in December 1997 - looking nothing like the safe pair of hands he was billed as.

His career with the Reds was effectively over at the start of the 1999/00 season when Gerard Houllier signed Dutch keeper Sander Westerveld.

Former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness, whom Friedel played under at Galatasaray, recognised his talent and snapped him up on a free transfer in November 2000.

He soon became Rovers' number one - and won many plaudits for a series of fine displays at the 2002 World Cup with the USA.

Some feel the 2002/03 campaign was the best of his career as he topped many polls for 'goalkeeper of the season'. In fact, he was in the Premiership Team of the Season after recording 15 clean sheets.

He continued his rise from the 2004/05 season onwards and was an ever-present in the Blackburn first XI. Rovers' longest serving player Friedel decided to move to Aston Villa in 2008, seeking a new challenge and wanting to test himself in Europe.

A consistent performer Friedel brings valuable experience to the squad and despite his advancing years he remains as agile as ever.

Michael Mancienne Bio

England youth captain Mancienne is seen as a great prospect at Chelsea. And that was underlined in November 2008 when Fabio Capello handed the player a shock call-up into the senior squad for the international friendly with Germany.

The central defender, who can also play on the right or in midfield, joined Chelsea at the age of eight and has come through the ranks.

Mancienne, who as snubbed the chance to play for the Seychelles national team in favour of his native England, gained his first taste of league football in a loan spell at Queens Park Rangers.

He moved to Loftus Road in October 2006 and the loan was eventually extended until the end of the season.

Mancienne made his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday and went on to make 30 appearances for the Championship club. He returned to Loftus Road on loan in August 2007 where he played a further 31 games.

The player's performances continued to draw attention and praise from many Championship viewers when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in October 2008. He shone as Wolves blazed a trail at the top of the table.

He was then fast-tracked into the full England team by Capello after just eight appearances for the Under-21 squad - and never having played a single game for Chelsea.

Arsenal beaten, Chelsea stay top

Ashley Young missed a first half penalty for Aston Villa at the Emirates but Martin O'Neill's side had the resolve to bag all three points against Arsenal with a 0-2 win that puts huge question marks over Arsenal's title bid whilst enhancing Villa's own Champions League prospects.

OllyGreenwood/GettyImages
Agbonlahor celebrates with Ashley Young

Manuel Almunia was the Gunners hero when he saved Young's penalty but Gael Clichy assumed the role of villain when he headed Young's cross in to his own net with twenty minutes remaining.

Emmanuel Adebayor went close for Arsene Wenger's side when he headed against the post but Villa scored again through Gabriel Agbonlahor to wipe the gloss from Arsenal's handsome win against Manchester United last week.

Chelsea moved back to the top of the table in Saturday's late game with a 0-3 win against rock bottom West Brom at the Hawthorns in a devastating display .

Jose Bosingwa scored an astonishing opening goal with his left foot as his shot from 30 yards out totally deceived Scott Carson in the West Brom goal.

Nicolas Anelka continued his fine run of scoring form with another brace for the visitors as the Frenchman justified Luiz Felipe Scolari's decision to leave Didier Drogba on the bench as Chelsea surged to a 0-3 lead at the break.

Chelsea cruised in the second half and could have had several more goals but for some careless finishing as West Brom were crushed mercilessly.

Liverpool put an end to Bolton's recent winning spell with a 0-2 victory at the Reebok on Saturday.

Dirk Kuyt's looping header opened the scoring in a dominant opening half for the Reds during which Robbie Keane missed a golden opportunity to add to the brace of Premier League goals he scored last week.

Gary Cahill had a goal controversially ruled out by referee Rob Styles just before the break after Kevin Nolan was adjudged to have fouled Pepe Reina.

Steven Gerrard wrapped up the points for the visitors with another headed goal after good work from substitute Fernando Torres.

Manchester United secured a comfortable 5-0 win against Stoke City with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging his 100th goal for the home side. Ronaldo's dipping free-kick fooled Thomas Sorensen in the Stoke goal and he was beaten again just before half-time when Michael Carrick's left-footed drive found its way in to the Stoke net.

Dimitar Berbatov grabbed the third after Carlos Tevez played him in to score from eight yards out.

United's fourth was from debut boy Danny Welbeck before another Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick wrapped up a perfunctory afternoon's work for the champions.

Under-fire Sunderland boss Roy Keane saw his side come from behind to win 2-1 and bag a precious three points against Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Kenwyne Jones 49th minute bicycle-kick levelled the scores after Christopher Samba had headed his side ahead just before half-time but Djibril Cisse had the final say with the winner in a fiercely contested clash.

Ten-man Wigan gave Joe Kinnear plenty to swear about as early as the third minute when a Ryan Taylor goal gave the Latics the lead against Newcastle at St James' Park in a see-saw 2-2 match.

Emerson Boyce was controversially sent off for Wigan in the second half for a second bookable offence but Steve Bruce's side managed to hang on until the 80th minute when Michael Owen came to Newcastle's rescue with an effort from close range after Chris Kirkland failed to hold a Shola Ameobi shot.

Obafemi Martins then thought he had won it for the home side but Newcastle old boy Titus Bramble popped up at the death to head in Wigan's equaliser.

Heurelho Gomes saw his reputation take another battering with a first-half howler in the Spurs goal to give Fulham the lead at Craven Cottage as Spurs were beaten 2-1.

The Brazilian keeper allowed a Simon Davies shot to slip through his grasp before Andy Johnson grabbed a second for the home side.

Frazier Campbell got one back in the 81st following his brace in midweek but it wasn't enough to end Harry Redknapp's impressive sequence of results since taking over at Spurs.

West Ham and Portsmouth played out a goalless draw at Upton Park which saw Craig Bellamy go close with a free-kick. The Welshman struck the bar in the second half in a game which saw Jermain Defoe go close for Portsmouth.

Samir Nasri & Cesc Fabregas - Skills & Goals

Samir Nasri and Fernando Torres

nasri vs c.ronaldo vs torres vs toni

Carlos Tevez Bio

Carlos Tevez got his desired move to Manchester United in August 2007, in the hope that the controversy over his time in England would finally come to an end.

After saving West Ham from a relegation it was always unlikely he would remain at the Hammers. Many still believe the Hammers should have been deducted points for the scandal which surrounded his move to east London.

The Argentina international joined West Ham on the final day of the summer 2006 transfer window in a move that rocked world football. And continued to rock it for nearly a year...

One of the only players from Argentina's 2006 World Cup squad not to ply his trade in Europe, the then 22-year-old was regarded as one of the most promising talents in the world after two high-scoring seasons with Corinthians in Brazil.

Starting his career at the age of 13 with Boca Juniors in Argentina, he has a distinctive scar from the right ear, down his neck to his chest. This is a product of having been scalded with boiling water when he was a young boy. Carlos declined plastic surgery since he would have to be out of the playground for four months.

Tevez's first professional match with Boca was in 2001 against Talleres de Córdoba. While playing for Boca he won an Argentine Championship (2003), a Copa Libertadores (2003), an Intercontinental Cup (2003), and a Copa Sudamericana (2004).

Tévez has also won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics with his Argentina and scored eight goals in six matches to be the top scorer in the competition.

The Argentine Football Writers chose him as Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and also Sportsman of the Year 2004.

He was the world's second top goalscorer of 2004 in international competitions with 16 goals, one less than Ali Daei from Iran.

In December 2004, he transferred to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista for $20 million with a five year contract worth $10 million, following the Brazilian club's deal with Media Sports Investment. The deal was the biggest transfer ever in South American football.

Tévez became the captain and star of the team that won the 2005 Brazilian league and the fans' favourite player, and was being linked to Chelsea FC as a result of Roman Abramovich's link to MSI.

However, in August 2006, he refused to play for the club and insisted he was keen on a move to Europe. That move materialised as he joined West Ham with international team mate Javier Mascherano as part of a controversial deal arranged though sports group MSI, who had links to a possible bid being prepared for the East End club.

Arriving at West Ham, Tevez struggled to settle into the under-fire side, as they failed to win in their first nine games of the Premiership campaign.

Following the dismissal of West Ham manager Alan Pardew in December 2006, Tevez's form improved as he was given a run in the side by new boss Alan Curbishley.

The Premier League fined West Ham £5.5million for breaching the rules over the signings of Tévez and Mascherano, they got off lightly.

He scored the winner again Manchester United on the final day of the season to ensure their top flight status. It was the final star performance in a three-month period which had fired the Hammers to safety. Despite deciding to leave he will never be forgotten by West Ham fans.

Tevez joined United in a deal that saw MSI pay £2m to West Ham. He joined United on a two-year loan deal that will see the Glazers have to shell out a mult-million transfer fee should they choose to keep him at Old Trafford.

He made his United debut in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth and bagged his first goal in a 2-0 home win over Chelsea. Though his start at United was slow, he eventually bedded down to become an important player in a United side which did the Premier League and Champions League double.

Danny Welbeck Bio

Young Manchester United striker Welbeck is tipped for a bright future in the game, though that may not come with the Red Devils.

Even so, he is a highly rated as a player who can play up front as well as out wide. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has likened him to Nwankwo Kanu in style.

Paul McGuinness, United's Under-18 coach, told their official website: 'He's got a smooth and languid style but don't let that fool you, it sometimes disguises the fact that he is a really hard worker.

'Danny is a very talented and skillful player with good all-round technique. He's strong, quick, good defensively as well as going forward, and he's a real leader, too. He is a good personality to have around the dressing room.'

Welbeck is an England youth international.

Wayne Rooney Bio

Perhaps England's best young player of the modern era, Rooney is adored at Manchester United. There reamins serious questions over his temperament - he blows a gasket at least three times a season - but his power, skill on the ball and awareness make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Once the teenage protege at Everton, he is now hated at Goodison for moving clubs so early in his career.

Rooney was reluctantly sold by the Toffees to United, ahead of interest from Newcastle, following Euro 2004 as he recovered from a broken foot suffered in the quarter-finals against Portugal.

And after bagging a hat-trick for United in his belated debut against Fenerbahce he became an instant hero.

A powerhouse performer, Rooney can put the fear of God into any defence he faces. With immense strength, a thunderbolt shot, pace and great vision he has the attributes to be the complete modern-day forward.

He was first brought into the Everton squad for the pre-season friendlies prior to the start of the 2002/03 season. And Rooney was a revelation - despite still being only a 16-year-old.

His Premiership debut came in a 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the 2002/03 season - and Rooney created the first goal for Mark Pembridge.

Rooney's first ever goal came in October against Arsenal. The Gunners were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 31 games when, in the last minute, Rooney superbly controlled a long ball from Thomas Gravesen, turned, and fired an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the crossbar to win the game for Everton. The stuff of legend.

That goal made him the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Premiership - although that record would be eclipsed within a few weeks by Leeds United's James Milner.

Rooney's success in his inaugural senior season continued at international level when he was fast-tracked into the England team - becoming the youngest player to represent his country when he made his debut against Australia in February 2003 at the age of 17.

He then went on to become England's youngest ever goalscorer when netting against Macedonia in a Euro 2004 qualifier in September 2003.

He was selected for Euro 2004, and became one of the stars of the tournament, filling column inches around Europe with his powerful and skillful displays showing maturity beyond his years.

His first goal against Switzerland made him the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history although, as in the Premiership, he lost that record within days to a Swiss player - Johan Vonlanthen.

Rooney's tournament ended in dismay against Portugal in the quarter-finals, when a seemingly innocuous challenge with Jorge Andrade resulted in the striker suffering an infamous metatarsal injury.

The broken foot ended the player's involvement in the 27th minute - an injury which would force him to miss the start of the 2004/05 Premiership season.

Rooney moved to Old Trafford four hours before the transfer deadline passed in August 2004, for a guaranteed fee of £20million. There was additional £7million on the fee, made up of Rooney's appearances for United and England, the length of his stay at the club and the performance of the Red Devils at home and in Europe.

His suspect temperament hit the headlines in November 2004 when he had to be substituted after a series of over the top challenges in an international friendly against Spain in Madrid.

In September 2005, Rooney received his first red card in United colours. Straight after being booked in a Champions League group game, again in Spain, at Villarreal the player clapped the decision in the ref's face. Out came the second yellow and Rooney was off.

Rooney again fell victim to the curse of the metatarsal at the end of the 2005/06 season at Chelsea. It became a race to be fit for the World Cup, a race he won yet was barely fit to play for his country. The lack of sharpness snapped that famous temper and he was sent off for what looked like an attempted castration of Portugal's Carvalho in the quarter-final.

Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the affair became infamous and overshadowed the beginning of the 2006/7 season, especially after Rooney was banned for being sent off in a pre-season match in Holland.

Rooney is certain to be vital to club and country for years to come. A true match-winner of the type every team craves, it is difficult to forget just how young he remains.

Though some believe Rooney should score more goals, his all-round ability makes him a certain starter when fit an of vital importance to any side his plays for.

Davide Petrucci Bio

Manchester United signed Petrucci from AS Roma in June 2008 in a transfer which angered the Italian side.

The striker had been prolific in Roma's youth side but opted to move to Old Trafford before signing a professional deal.

'It is a nightmare,' said newspaper Il Romanista. 'Manchester United have dealt us another low blow, stealing Petrucci from under our noses, probably the best product of our youth system. In three to four years, he will be worth 100 times as much.'

The compensation for the player is believed to be just £200,000.

The player has been compared to Francesco Totti.

Manucho Bio

Mateus Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves, better known as Manucho, signed for Manchester United in January 2008 from Petro Atlético.

A skillful attacking player who had caught the eye of United's scouts in Africa, Manucho was forced to go out on loan for the remainder of that season as he did not qualify for a UK work permit. He moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos, where he scored four goals in seven appearances.

The Angola international was granted his permit ahead of the 2008/09 Premier League campaign.

The player began his career with youth team Flamenguinhos before turning profressional with Benfica de Luanda in Angola. He then moved to Petro Atlético where he finally began to shine, scoring 31 goals in two seasons in 2006 and 2007.

Joining Panathinaikos in January 2008, he scored on his debut against Larissa.

He was part of the Angola squad at the 2008 African Cup opf Nations.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a contract.

"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos (Queiroz) has, was brought to our attention around six months ago."

He made his debut as an 84th minute replacement for Ryan Giggs in a 3-1 Carling Cup win at home to Middlesbrough.

Dimitar Berbatov Bio

Berbatov finally earned his dream move to Manchester United as the seconds ticked down to the transfer deadline on September 1 2008 after a summer-long transfer sage.

The Bulgarian international had been linked with the Red Devils for 18 months and by the time the 2007/08 season came to a close it had become clear he wanted to make the move. His stance angered his club, Tottenham Hotspur, who believed he was a disruptive influence at the start of the 2008/09 campaign. After appearing as a sub in the opener at Middlesbrough he was then dropped from the squad.

Tottenham felt Sir Alex Ferguson's pursuit of the striker broke league rules and reported United to the FA, but it was a complaint they would eventually drop when selling the player to the Premier League champions for £30.75million.

The Bulgarian's career began in Blagoevgrad with the team of Pirin, before moving to CSKA Sofia in 1998.

Registering a goal every other game, Berbatov won the national cup in 1999 before moving to Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he played in the final of the Champions League in 2002.

Earning his first national cap as an 18-year old against Greece, Berbatov is the star of the Bulgarian team.

Scoring over 40 goals in two seasons, Berbatov earned his move to Tottenham, which he duly completed in the summer of 2006, for £10.9 million - making him the most expensive Bulgarian in history. Berbatov scored his first Spurs goal on his home debut against Sheff Utd in August 2006.

Rightly hailed as one of the best players in the Premier League after his stunning debut season in 2006/07, Berbatov was named as one of the strikers of the season by his fellow professionals at the PFA awards.

His class, grace, passing and goalscoring ability made him a King of White Hart Lane after ending his first season with 23 goals in 49 appearances.

And the Bulgarian's exceptional form continued in his second term as he scored 23 goals in 52 appearances, including a superbly-taken penalty in the League Cup final in February.

One of the most coveted players in European football Berbatov was continually linked with moves to a host of leading clubs during the 2007/08 term and during the transfer window ahead of 2008/09 season a move to Manchester United seemed all-but certain until a disagreement over Spurs' £32million asking price scuppered the deal.

The move was resurrected on deadline day. Manchester City with their new millions tried to nip in and gazump their city rivals but Berbatov only ever wanted to move to one club and he finally got his wish.

Paul Scholes Bio

One of the most gifted players to ever grace the Premiership, Paul Scholes remains an effective performer. And his personal success in 2006/7 was made all the sweeter by the fact that his career had looked to be at an end.

Scholes' career was placed into doubt during 2005/06 when he was absent from the Manchester United team with an ongoing problem with his sight.

The former England international dropped out of the side just after Christmas and although the club initially denied press reports over his condition it was announced within a month that he would be out for the remainder of the season.

It was a disappointment for Scholes, who finally looked to be recapturing the form which had made him a shoe-in for the England team until he bowed out of the international arena after Euro 2004.

And his renaissance continued in 2007/08 as United won the Premier League and Champions League double.

Part of the famous FA Youth Cup winners of 1992, he made his League debut against Ipswich Town on September 24, 1994, scoring twice in a 3-2 defeat.

Scholes became a regular player during the 1994/95 term as Alex Ferguson blooded his 'fledglings' as United made a failed bid for the Double.

He started the 1995/96 season as a forward, in the absence of Eric Cantona, and his performances won the terrace title of 'Ginger Prince' to the Frenchman's 'King'.

Scholes was then converted into a central midfielder with licence to get in behind opposing defenders and formed an admirable partnership with Roy Keane.

The shy man of the Red Devils had no problem stepping up to international level. He scored on his England debut against Italy in 1997 and also netted against Tunisia during France '98.

Scholes was an integral part of United's Treble win in 1999, scoring the Reds' second goal in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United.

The 2000/01 season was perhaps his most consistent at United and he was voted Player of the Year by his United colleagues.

Euro 2004 proved to be the player's international swansong as, despite pleas from coach Sven Goran Eriksson, he decided to retire to concentrate on his club football as well as his family. He won 66 caps, scoring 14 goals.

Scholes bagged 13 goals in 2004/05 but failed to hit top form, though at the end of the term he penned a new contract to run until the summer of 2009.

But just as he appeared to be returning to form in 2005/06 he was hit by the eye problem which ended his season at Christmas.

He returned to the game renewed, forming a great partnership with Michael Carrick at the base of the midfield and scoring some trademark goals including a Christmas cracker against Aston Villa. Though he still can't tackle - he never could - he is still a vital cog at United.

Cristiano Ronaldo Bio

Manchester United will feel they pulled off one of the moves of the summer in keeping hold of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The midfielder felt the time was right to move on after winning the Champions League in May 2008, having achieved all he could in England. The player was desperate for a move to Real Madrid, but despite a continued chase by the Spanish giants Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm on the player's future - and in early August he confirmed he would remain at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was signed by Manchester United with the cash received from the sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid. And now he has become as big an idol as his predecessor.

After criticism for his over-elaboration, gamesmanship and tendency to disappear in games, it has all come together for the Portuguese star.

Goals, assists and lightning skills make him one of the most desired players in the world.

The right-sided winger wonder is another from the Sporting Lisbon production line, following the likes of Luis Figo and Joao Pinto into a big European move.

Ronaldo's talents had been hailed in his homeland for well over a decade - he was the subject of a transfer at the age at eight in his native island of Madeira.

On August 15, 2001 he was handed his Sporting debut as a 16-year-old against Second Division B side Atletico. His league debut saw him score twice in a 3-0 victory over Moreirense and then hit a late winner in a 2-1 defeat of Boavista.

He was soon to play a starring role for the Portuguese Under-17 side at the European Championships.

His two-footedness and ability to play on either wing or as a support striker made him the ideal candidate for Sir Alex. Sir Alex had been eyeing the player for a year when his hand was forced by interest from other leading European clubs in Real Madrid and Juventus into invoking United's close relationship with Sporting and splashed out £12.24m.

He made his United debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Bolton at Old Trafford. He replaced Nicky Butt just after the hour and produced a mesmerising performance. Three of United's goals came after the young star's introduction.

Ronaldo did struggle at times in the first half of the season as he adapted to life in England, but after the turn of the year really decided to turn on the style and starred in the FA Cup Final win over Millwall. He also dominated the Carling Cup Final of 2006 as Wigan were put to the sword in Cardiff.

His trademark footwork set the Premiership alight, and earned him a place in Portugal's squad for Euro 2004.

He found the back of the net in the semi-final against Holland, although their was heartbreak for the winger when Portugal lost in the final to Greece.

Along with Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo was one of the real stars of Euro 2004 - and he can only get better with age at Old Trafford.

He also starred at Germany 2006, despite a well publicised incident with Rooney which placed his future at United in doubt. But some well chosen words from Sir Alex kept him at United, and the rest is history.

Ronaldo was the dominant player as United won back the Premier League crown in 2006/07 as he finished second top scorer in the league and swept the individual awards board.

But the best was yet to come. In 2007/08 he was unstoppable, netted an unbelievable 42 goals - 31 of them in the Premier League - to secure back-to-back titles. He also scored United's goal in the Champions League final and although he missed in the penalty shootout the Red Devils would still be victorious over Chelsea in Moscow.

Ahead of Euro 2008, Ronaldo batted away questions about his future but it soon became clear he wished to move to the Bernabeu. By keeping hold of Ronaldo it may purely be delaying the inevitable, but Sir Alex can claim a huge moral victory over Real and their transfer market tactics.

He picked up an ankle injury which ruled him out of the start of 2008/09, but what a player to have waiting to return to fitness.