THE man who reconnected Matt Busby with Old Trafford following the Munich air crash in 1958 took centre stage at Manchester United yesterday afternoon.

ALEX FERGUSON last night conceded that he was “disappointed” despite Manchester United taking what appeared to be a dominant hold on top place in the Premier League after an emphatic 2-0 victory over Sunderland.

ALEX FERGUSON insists he is not concerned at Wayne Rooney’s continuing goal drought.

STEVE BRUCE has revealed he attempted to persuade David Beckham to join Sunderland on loan last season.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger says Marouane Chamakh’s form has suffered due to a heavy workload.

FOR now, let’s all agree to ignore the distinct downturn in quality and concentrate on the business in hand.

JOHN TERRY has warned that Chelsea are ready to inflict another home humiliation on Arsenal in tonight’s crunch London derby.

CARLO ANCELOTTI insists that Chelsea’s squad is strong enough to cope with their Christmas schedule of four games in 10 days, despite venting his anger at a schedule that sees them play twice inside 48 hours.

HEROES and villains, subplots left, right and centre, and drama from start to finish — no it is not the pantomime season starting early, but another instalment of the greatest show on earth — AKA the Premier League.

CARLO ANCELOTTI believes that Chelsea are ready to show themselves in the title race now that Frank Lampard is fit and their season is back on track.

WHEN Arsenal’s Invincibles went an entire season undefeated in 2003-04, most critics agreed it was an achievement unlikely to be repeated and, given the increasingly unpredictable nature of the Premier League few have changed their minds.

ARSENE WENGER is in no doubt the Premier League is the toughest it has ever been as he looks to keep Arsenal top of the table against title rivals Manchester United tonight.

IPSWICH manager Roy Keane admits he is feeling the pain as his side face into a relegation battle after their sixth straight Championship defeat.

GERARD HOULLIER admitted his overriding feeling was one of relief after Aston Villa overcame West Brom 2-1 in the midlands derby clash at Villa Park.

IT does not get any easier for Roberto Mancini.

BOLTON provided yet more evidence that it is worth rolling the dice in the Premier League with a victory that keeps them in touch with the top six.

ARSENE WENGER says Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has shown a lack of respect by branding the Gunners nothing more than a “training centre” ahead of Monday night’s Premier League showdown at Old Trafford.

CHELSEA coach Carlo Ancelotti will go into tomorrow’s clash against title rivals Tottenham with a vote of confidence from owner Roman Abramovich.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger will leave a decision on the fitness of captain Cesc Fabregas, battling to recover from a hamstring problem, until the last moment, ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.