Early in the first half of Saturday’s All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final, St Vincent’s corner-back Michael Concarr went on a solo-run which covered the entire length of the pitch.

When Nani was harshly sent off in the Champions League against Real Madrid last season one furious Manchester United fan dialled 999 to report the crime; and although Arsenal supporters have no justification in complaining with the same voracity, there remains a nagging feeling that Wojciech Szczesny’s sending off against Bayern here — and Fifa’s controversial guidelines for referees — robbed us all in some way or another.

Juan Mata reckons the world’s biggest stars will still want to come to Manchester United this summer despite the club’s recent troubles.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t get much wrong and while the validity of his claim this is a Barcelona side on the wane will most likely have to wait until later rounds of this season’s Champions League, the evidence at the Etihad Stadium was that the Portuguese may just have a point.

Juan Mata thinks Manchester United’s five-day jaunt to Dubai has helped him settle into David Moyes’ squad.

Gerardo Martino claims Manchester City are no clone of his Barcelona side — but simply one of the best teams in the world.

Mexico will face Louis van Gaal’s impressive Dutch side in the World Cup knockout stages after seeing off Croatia last night.

Negotiations over Wayne Rooney’s contract are still on-going as Manchester United look to secure the striker’s long-term future.

When the waiting list is longer than the guest list, it’s fair to assume we’re in wish-you-were-there territory.

The daggers which seem to permanently hover just behind Arsene Wenger’s back, and which inched even closer following the disrespectful and disgraceful comments made by Jose Mourinho, should now be sheathed; Arsenal’s season is very much alive.

From Dublin to Delhi, from Arsenal to Shamrock Rovers and from player to coach, former international John Devine is bringing a wealth of experience to bear on a plan to save Irish football.

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND:

Just what on earth was going through the minds of all those Gooners who booed long and loud at the final whistle in Arsenal’s scoreless draw with Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday night?

Fulham 2 Liverpool 3

Arsene Wenger insisted the title race remains wide open after Arsenal’s scoreless draw with Manchester United moved Wenger’s side to within one point of leaders Chelsea.

IT comes to something when a battling goalless draw against a side that had just been beaten 5-1 by Liverpool is seen as a positive result for Manchester United; but that probably sums up where David Moyes’ side are right now, and sums up the size of their problems too.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has cleared the decks for a summer transfer splurge aimed at ensuring the Red Devils do not get lost in the wilderness.

Arsenal 0 Manchester United 0

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

Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 0