It will not come as a surprise to learn that Thursday's editions of the UK's papers have considerable coverage on the previous evening's Champions League semi-final, first leg meeting between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Independent all point out that when the draw was made Sir Alex Ferguson said "I'd settle for 1-0 at home," so with John O'Shea's goal delivering that exact result Fergie will be happy.

While The Times were impressed with United's performance and say they "took a big step towards securing a place in the Champions League final for the second successive season", other papers were surprised with the game's matchwinner, the Daily Mirror summing up the general consensus that O'Shea was United's "unlikely hero".

United dominated the game, but as the Guardian point out, they "neglected to leave the full evidence of it in the result." Such was United's attacking threat the Daily Express argue that Gunners boss "Arsene Wenger has Manuel Almunia to thank that his side are still in with a hope of getting to Rome".

The narrow margin of victory means Arsenal still have a chance in the second leg, something not lost on Wenger who in the Sun warned Ferguson: "You will pay for Manchester United's missed chances".

Elsewhere, the fallout from Tuesday night's semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea continues, with everything from insults to taunts being thrown by both sides.

The Sun report various comments from various grumpy Barca stars who have branded Chelsea "a bunch of thugs" for their defensive tactics.

The Daily Mirror responded with all the diplomacy of a sledge hammer labelling the Catalan side as "Babbling Barca" who "whinged for Europe" and "blamed everybody but themselves for failing to break down Chelsea"; get of the fence and tell us what you really think!

In the Daily Star Michael Ballack poured petrol on the fire, taunting Barca by insisting: "You have everything to lose".

John Terry has been more reserved, but his pride in denying Barcelona a goal for the first time in the Nou Camp this season led him to claim in the Daily Mail that Tuesday's was the best defensive performance he'd ever been involved in.

In non-Champions League news the Daily Mirror claim Carlo Ancelotti moved a step closer to becoming the next Chelsea boss after AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi admitted he is already seeking his successor.

The Daily Express report that David Moyes is considering lining-up a summer transfer swoop for mis-firing Newcastle striker Michael Owen, who could well be tempted by the chance to join the club he supported as a boy. And, of course, escape the car crash at St James' Park.

Good news for Liverpool is reported in the Independent and the Telegraph: apparently Steven Gerrard is back in full training and according to the manager Rafael Benitez will face Newcastle on Sunday as the club launch a last desperate bid to wrest the Premier League title from Manchester United.

In transfer news the Daily Mirror claim that Portsmouth are demanding £16m for Glen Johnson, with Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa all interested in the right-back.

And finally, the Sun report that Blackburn fans have set up a Facebook petition to try and earn a testimonial match for 38-year-old Blackburn midfielder Tugay who is set to retire from football at the end of the season.