Alex Ferguson believes his natural gambler’s instinct led to so many late wins for Manchester United down the years.

Alex Ferguson has unveiled his managerial blueprint — whilst admitting the conditions that allowed him to be so successful at Manchester United are unlikely ever to be replicated.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident striker Daniel Sturridge’s recent good form will not be impacted by the return of Luis Suarez as the Reds face Sunderland today (4pm).

The 50th anniversary of George Best’s debut for Manchester United — as a 17-year-old against West Brom on September 14, 1963 — has been marked by the publication of yet another biography of the Belfast legend.

Once more with mixed feelings, then. It shouldn’t have come to this, and not because Brian Gavin was as liberal with his interpretation of the laws of added time three weeks ago as he usually is with his interpretation of the laws of the game.

Croke Park, September 3, 1995: Clare 1-13 Offaly 2-8.

Roy Keane says he has given little or no thought to the vacant Irish managerial position.

Robbie Brady is at risk of missing next month’s World Cup qualifiers through injury.

Luis Suarez’s behaviour over the course of his Liverpool career has damaged the club brand, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 0

Frank Stapleton returned to his native Dublin yesterday and spent a considerable portion of the trip being led on a ramble back down Memory Lane and more, again being asked to look deep into a crystal ball.

David Moyes never thought replacing Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager was going to be easy and warned the transition may be a lengthy one.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has branded Manchester United’s £28 million bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines as a “waste of time”.

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta expects to be involved in a tight battle for the title this season.

Ireland legend Paul McGrath has warned David Moyes that Wayne Rooney will come back to “haunt” Manchester United if he is allowed join Chelsea and questioned the wisdom of the club’s pursuit of Marouane Fellaini and Cesc Fabregas.

Sooner or later Limerick hurling will stop breaking mirrors, walking under ladders or whatever superstition it is they seem to keep doing.

Jose Mourinho has vowed to fight to the very last day of the transfer window to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.

Swansea 1 Manchester United 4

Manuel Pellegrini is ready to hit the ground the running as his Manchester City career begins in earnest tonight.