The most notable match report of a quiet footballing week should have been the account of Alex Ferguson’s visit to the Harvard Business School.

JANUARY

Thanks to the Champions League draw, we now know the ghost of Christmas past will be returning to the Theatre of Dreams in 2013 in the form of old boy wonder Ronaldo.

Alex Ferguson joked he will have to order some fine wine after Manchester United were drawn against his old adversary Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in a Champions League contest that will see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford for the first time.

Manager Arsene Wenger maintains he has always felt fully supported by the Arsenal board.

As a remarkable 2012 of sport slips away, what of those we may soon say farewell to — as we embrace a new select group of sporting stars from Ireland.

It’s normal for fans to leave early when their side has taken a beating.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson believes Robin van Persie’s arrival has put his strikeforce on a par with some of the best he has put together.

It was once the biggest rivalry in English football.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson yesterday poured scorn on Chelsea’s claim Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” towards John Obi Mikel, declaring: “It didn’t happen.”

Roberto Di Matteo yesterday admitted Chelsea have been missing John Terry after their defensive problems deepened ahead of today’s Premier League game at Swansea.

Manchester City last night refused to comment on claims manager Roberto Mancini was involved in talks about becoming boss of Monaco last season.

Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish does not believe his handling of the Luis Suarez racism row cost him his job — but admits he would do things differently if he ever found himself in a similar situation.

Referee Mark Clattenburg will receive the backing of his fellow officials as an investigation into allegations he used “inappropriate language” towards a player is conducted.

Chelsea last night lodged a formal complaint with the Football Association over “inappropriate language” they claim Mark Clattenburg used against John Obi Mikel in their acrimonious defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4 (AET)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed fears striker Luis Suarez will be forced out of the English game by continuing criticism.

The Metropolitan Police decision to launch an official investigation into allegations referee Mark Clattenburg used inappropriate language against two Chelsea players has sparked a new debate over the role of police in football matters.

The dust may still be some way from settling on Manchester United’s dramatic and controversial win over Chelsea on Sunday, but the two clubs must get ready to do battle again tonight in the Capital One Cup, fourth round at Stamford Bridge just three days after last weekend’s stormy encounter.

Jonny Evans thought he had blown his chance of extending his Manchester United goalscoring streak at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.