Although Louis van Gaal appears to be closing in on the Manchester United job, this week’s Champions League action offered clues to a possible alternative narrative had the hunt for David Moyes’ successor taken another route.

Lord Adare, a horse who clearly possesses plenty of ability, but far from straightforward, justified odds of 2-5 in the June 7th and 20th Twilight Racing Maiden Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

Peter Fahey’s Owega Star produced a fine exhibition of jumping to land the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase at Listowel yesterday.

Former Italy defender Franco Baresi has backed compatriot Paolo Di Canio to make a success of his managerial career.

“We won’t play like Fort Apache, that’s not our style.”

Jane Mangan continued her rapid rise up the ladder with another highly competent display aboard top weight Don’t Tell Pa in the Limerick Racecourse Handicap Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

Check out our tips for today's horse races from courses around Ireland and the UK.

Deal Done, the best backed horse in the contest, continued the terrific run of Bryan Cooper and Dessie Hughes when landing the Wilderness Chase at Clonmel yesterday.

Check out our tips from today’s horse races across Ireland and the UK.

Noel Meade and Davy Condon (deputising for the injured Paul Carberry) struck on the double with Top Man Michael and Johannisberger in the early action in Roscommon last night.

Former champion Ruby Walsh kept punters happy at a sunny Cork last night when doubling-up on well-backed Roman Flight and odds-on favourite Simenon in the opening two races.

THE talented and versatile Rebel Fitz cruised to victory in the Clonmel Hospice Support Group Maiden at Clonmel last night.

Given the extent of globalisation in football these days, distinct national traits are increasingly hard to define.

ALEX FERGUSON has backed up Fabio Capello’s claim that Phil Jones reminds him of Italian legend Franco Baresi.

MATTHEW’S GOALS by Michael Hardcastle (A&C Black; €5.92). Soccer-mad Matthew forgets to close the door of his mum’s freezer, leading to the worst punishment possible — being banned from playing soccer just as an important fixture is looming.

IRISH FOOTBALL’S greatest defender has given Richard Dunne the ultimate seal of approval, Paul McGrath saying that the Aston Villa man should be given the captain’s armband for his country.

Inter Milan are adamant teenage striker Mario Balotelli will not leave the club in this month’s transfer window.

Just 24 hours after the Franco Baresi farce finally ended, Fulham today admitted they have no idea whether boss Jean Tigana will stay or walk away when his contract runs out in 11 months.

STEVE FINNAN believes that the departure of Franco Baresi from Fulham will have no disruptive effect on the Cottagers’ Premiership campaign.

Franco Baresi has resigned from his position at Fulham.

Fulham look set to part company with director of football Franco Baresi just days into the new Premiership season.