MANCHESTER UNITED may have been given a welcome break ahead of today's meeting with Old Trafford nemesis Chelsea, but Alex Ferguson still believes it will be a tight contest.

RIO FERDINAND insists Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson “will not bat an eyelid” about pairing youngsters Wes Brown and John O’Shea at the heart of his defence against FC Basel tonight.

Roy Keane tonight confirmed he will pay a record £150,000 (€235,000) fine and serve a five-match domestic ban after deciding not to appeal after the Football Association found him guilty on two counts of bringing the game into disrepute last month.

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Manchester United have been set a 10-point target by manager Alex Ferguson as they bid for a Champions League final return to Old Trafford.

ALEX FERGUSON will put his trust in misfiring striker Ruud van Nistelrooy when Manchester United launch their latest Champions League quest at Old Trafford tonight.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has emphasised the need for his players to stand together in the face of mounting criticism.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has emphasised the need for his players to stand together in the face of mounting criticism.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson has become the latest top-flight manager to come out in defence of Sunderland counterpart Peter Reid.

ALEX FERGUSON is facing a test of his managerial juggling skills just two weeks into the new season.

Ryan Giggs never had any serious worries about Manchester United taking their place in tomorrow’s Champions League draw - but there is still no end to his Old Trafford goal drought.

The parents of Holly Wells have thanked Manchester United’s David Beckham and boss Sir Alex Ferguson for all the club did during the search for their daughter.

Paul Scholes last night became yet another addition to Manchester United’s ever-expanding injury list.

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Manchester United’s injury jinx has struck again with Paul Scholes ruled out for at least two weeks and fresh concerns over Nicky Butt and Roy Keane.

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Rennes defender Julien Escude has not given up on his dream move to Manchester United.

Ryan Giggs refuses to entertain the thought of defeat as Manchester United attempt to save their Champions League skins at Old Trafford tonight.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has challenged his team to reach the heights of Friday night and blow away the threat tonight to their Champions League place.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has challenged his team to reach the heights of Friday night and blow away the threat tonight to their Champions League place.

With no end to his defensive injury nightmare, Alex Ferguson is facing Champions League oblivion at Old Trafford tomorrow.

JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK may be ready to leave Chelsea after admitting he would “like to form part” of Louis van Gaal’s new Barcelona team.

Alex Ferguson has defensive worries ahead of Manchester United's clash with West Brom.

A HUGE pitch-side billboard seen during a televised football match led to a surge in calls to police appealing for information on missing schoolgirls Holly and Jessica, police have said.

Paul Scholes has admitted he is worried about his lack of action going into the new season.

DAVID BECKHAM admitted he must ‘raise the bar’ if he is to avoid being dumped from the Manchester United line-up.

David Beckham has admitted he must ’raise the bar’ if he is to avoid being dumped from the Manchester United line-up.

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has launched an impassioned defence of misfiring frontman Diego Forlan.