What the papers say

A look at what is making the back-page headlines in today's national newspapers:

THE SUN: Jose Mourinho insists the whole world will stop to watch the greatest game on the planet tonight. Also: Roberto Mancini saw Manchester City close the gap on leaders United to 12 points and insisted: "You just never know what might happen.''

DAILY MAIL: Jose Mourinho says the world will stop to watch tonight's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester United. Also Roberto Mancini claims the title race is alive but conceded that Manchester City cannot afford to drop more points if they are to overhaul Manchester United.

DAILY MIRROR: Jose Mourinho says "the world will stop'' tonight to watch Manchester United's epic Champions League duel with Real Madrid. Also: Steve Finn could put the wind up New Zealand by breaking the 100mph barrier here tonight.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players to trust their own ability tonight and not obsess about Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: England last night received a significant boost when Tom Croft went straight into the Six Nations squad after proving himself with his man-of-the-match show on his 100th appearance for Leicester against Sale on Saturday.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Manchester United not to get hung up on Cristiano Ronaldo in tonight's Champions League blockbuster. Also: Jose Mourinho could be on his way back to Chelsea this month - but only if Real Madrid are dumped out of the Champions League by Manchester United tonight.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ryan Giggs described the Real Madrid fans' applause for him in the Bernabeu as "something special" but actually it was far from an unprecedented accolade. Also: Liverpool insist they are under no financial pressure to sell star assets such as Luis Suarez, despite announcing an increase in club debts to £87.2million.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players not to fear the damage Cristiano Ronaldo can inflict on them before the Champions League tie against Real Madrid tonight. Brendan Rodgers will not come under financial pressure to sell players in the summer despite Liverpool reporting losses of £40.5million, according to Ian Ayre, the managing director.

THE GUARDIAN: Jose Mourinho believes the "world will stop" when Real Madrid face Manchester United at Old Trafford in their hugely anticipated Champions League encounter in which he expects each side to be bold as they seek to progress. Also: Manchester City's hopes of retaining the Premier League title may look increasingly forlorn but this narrow victory over Aston Villa, courtesy of Carlos Tevez's 12th goal of the season, just about keeps Manchester United in view and leaves their Midlands opponents deep in relegation trouble.

THE INDEPENDENT: Jose Mourinho said that the "world would stop" to watch Manchester United's Champions League last 16 second leg game against his Real Madrid side tonight, and proclaimed that his team would have to "attack and be bold" with the advantage in their opponents' favour. Also: It was straw-clutching time for the red of north London yesterday in the wake of Arsenal's 2-1 derby defeat at White Hart Lane.

Win £60 for your free £10 bet if Wayne Rooney scores first!