Alex Ferguson was not in attendance for Manchester United as their quest for a fifth League Cup crown began against Scunthorpe in a Carling Cup third-round tie at Glanford Park.

Robinho was named in the Manchester City starting line-up for today’s FA Cup fourth round trip to Scunthorpe amid mounting speculation it would be his last appearance for the club.

MANCHESTER CITY’S wealth has bought great quality and it was more than enough to outclass Scunthorpe at Eastlands to secure a Carling Cup quarter-final slot last night.

Manchester City gave striker Roque Santa Cruz his first start for the club as they made six changes from the side that drew with Fulham on Saturday. Shay Given and Stephen Ireland will both start.

SUBSTITUTE Marlon Harewood’s first Newcastle goal rescued a point for the Coca-Cola Championship leaders after QPR threatened to dent their promotion charge.