Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was last night charged by the Football Association over his post-match comments he made regarding the performance of assistant referee Simon Beck at Tottenham earlier this month.

QPR 0 Manchester City 0

Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

With so much going on down south at Chelsea, Manchester City’s problems have probably been under-estimated — or at least under-reported — for most of this season; but they were finally put into sharp focus yesterday as Manchester United ended their two-year unbeaten record at the Etihad and gained a major advantage in the title race.

One reason why Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of the English league is that he seldom makes the same mistake twice.

Sky Sports attempted to inject a little Hollywood glamour into proceedings at the Etihad yesterday, parading Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall in front of the cameras before kick-off.

Sunderland 1 Chelsea 3

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has denied Alex Ferguson’s claim that the Premier League title race has been reduced to two clubs.

Fancy staying in George Best’s house in Belfast for €154 a night?

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been handed a three-game ban following Chelsea’s stormy Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United on October 28.

Every year Christmas records sell — but do the artists live happily ever after? Simon Hattenstone asks those who know, from the Pogues to Boney M to Slade.

Manchester United 0 Cluj 1

RTÉ has defended an interview with Paul McGrath on yesterday’s Tubridy radio show in which the Irish football legend, who has had well-documented issues with alcohol, sounded under the influence.

“We’re like the Manchester United of Europe at science.”

Alex Ferguson bemoaned erratic defending for almost costing his side three points as he cut a relieved figure after Manchester United survived late pressure from Liverpool to maintain their advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Probably the biggest fixture in the world,” was how Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre described Manchester United v Liverpool shortly before kick-off at Old Trafford yesterday.

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1

When Howard Webb blew the final whistle at Old Trafford the roar made it sound as if Manchester United had just beaten somebody big.

Arsene Wenger set the agenda before kick-off when he described the significance of this game to both teams.

Arsenal 0 Manchester City 2