Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Holland coach Louis van Gaal has again refused to answer questions on the prospects of him becoming Manchester United manager.

Even sporting superstars like Rory McIlroy aren’t immune to fan fever.

Roy Keane has never been afraid to tell it like it is, and his thoughts on Manchester United may cause a few sleepless nights around Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney will be fit and ready to take the World Cup by storm, according to England manager Roy Hodgson.

Captain Vincent Kompany promised supporters more silverware as Manchester City took to the streets to parade the Premier League trophy and Capital One Cup yesterday.

Defender Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United this summer after 12 years at the club.

Get the earplugs out, because it’s going to get loud. The natives are restless.

Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 0

Stoke 2 Manchester United 1

When Liverpool announced their transfer dealings would be carried out by a committee rather than the manager in autumn 2012 the worst was expected.

After last week’s half-term report on Manchester United, it’s time to scrutinise their neighbours and bitter rivals Manchester City, the team most people believe will reclaim the title from the red side of town.

Jose Mourinho has questioned the assertion of Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood that Chelsea’s next opponents Manchester City are the best team on the planet.

Three years on from a fruitless effort to recruit Kevin Doyle for Tottenham, Harry Redknapp yesterday succeeded at the second attempt by bringing the Ireland striker to Queen’s Park Rangers on loan.

The Premier League title race is pretty much ‘as you were’ following a transfer deadline day in which most of the top eight — even super-wealthy Manchester City refused to pay overinflated prices and saved their money instead for the summer market.

Phil Jones has revealed Juan Mata has already made a big impact at Manchester United — and not only on the pitch.

Dublin GAA has placed its commercial and marketing responsibilities in the hands of a man who helped turn Manchester United into an international brand.

Tipperary manager Eamon O’Shea has backed calls for chaplains to become part of inter-county backroom teams.

Manchester United 2 Cardiff 0

Manchester United have opened negotiations with “multiple parties” as they look to secure a massive new kit deal.