Alex Ferguson has cranked up the pressure on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez by declaring Chelsea to be the biggest threat to Manchester United’s dream of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a broken finger and bone in his left hand.

Manchester United 2 Boca Juniors 1

Alex Ferguson has defended his “punt” on signing Michael Owen from Newcastle this summer after the striker made a promising start to his Manchester United career.

Hangzhou Greentown 2 Manchester United 8

ALEX FERGUSON has confirmed Gary Neville will miss the next 10 days of Manchester United’s pre-season programme after suffering a groin injury in training on Thursday.

Gary Neville has flown home from Manchester United’s Far East tour with a groin strain.

FEDERICO MACHEDA is determined to gain the maximum benefit from working alongside Michael Owen.

ALEX FERGUSON has revealed he expects Owen Hargreaves to return from double knee surgery in September.

Alex Ferguson has revealed he expects Owen Hargreaves to return from double knee surgery in September.

Manchester United remain bullish about their financial position despite coming under attack from Dave Whelan.

REGRETTABLY, Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy’s largesse towards Punchestown is proving to be a poison chalice for equestrianism.