IN the end, the stellar midfield battle became a procession. The remote control produced only an echo. One hymn sheet, songs of praise.

DIMITAR BERBATOV looks certain to discover within the next couple of weeks whether he has any future at Manchester United.

RORY McILROY received “a very long text message” from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson following his final round collapse at the US Masters.

DANIEL HUGHES has accused the Ulster Council of “astonishing” stubbornness by pitting Down’s championship opener with Armagh in direct opposition to the Champions League final.

NORTHERN Ireland manager Nigel Worthington says he is frustrated and disappointed at the number of talented footballers opting to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Nani has paid a glowing tribute to Alex Ferguson and predicted his manager will shelve plans to retire and remain in charge at Old Trafford for as long as he is fit.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson and Chelsea counterpart Carlo Ancelotti have both received warnings from the Football Association for making comments about Howard Webb before their recent Barclays Premier League clash.

I KNOW it’s juvenile but perhaps my favourite moment this past memorable weekend was hearing BBC Radio reporting live that a stunt mounted by the Red Issue fanzine had succeeded perfectly.

RIO FERDINAND is well on the way to becoming part of Manchester United folklore, just as he wanted when he joined the Red Devils from Leeds in 2002.

CARLOS TEVEZ’S future at Manchester City continues to be shrouded in uncertainty as the dust settles on Saturday’s FA Cup triumph.

LEGENDARY commentator Philip Greene passed away early yesterday morning.

ANOTHER Premier League title in the bag for Manchester United, but this was more than just another championship.

RYAN GIGGS rubbished claims his Manchester United side were not worthy champions.

MANCHESTER UNITED’S 19th title marked a milestone in communications: the first championship celebrations to be tweeted by the players to a mass audience over the course of the evening.

SO OFTEN an occasion for celebration, Chelsea’s final home game of the season had all the atmosphere of a sombre wake.

IAN HOLLOWAY will take inspiration from a trip to Old Trafford nearly two decades ago as he bids to mastermind the victory he believes will keep Blackpool in the Barclays Premier League.

BLACKPOOL have got this far by understanding their limitations and it appears that is not about to change any time soon despite their perilous situation.