LIVERPOOL and Manchester United may have to beat Spanish or Italian opposition to qualify for the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

JOHN O’SHEA has warned Manchester United supporters not to expect miracles from returning hero Rio Ferdinand.

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been assured he remains part of Manchester United’s long-term plans.

LYON’S outstanding midfielder Michael Essien has revealed his desire to join Manchester United.

NEWCASTLE UNITED bowed out of the Champions League vowing to be back next year after launching a major assault on the Premiership title.

THIERRY HENRY last night hailed Patrick Vieira as a “club legend” and insisted the Arsenal captain’s last two inspirational displays had proved that he is the best midfielder in the world.

JOSE MOURINHO went out of his way to avoid increasing the hype before Chelsea’s clash with Blackburn at Stamford Bridge today — but still delivered a forceful retort to the Premiership teams who believe they can kick them out of the game.

VICTORIA BECKHAM was recovering last night after giving birth to her second son, Romeo.

THE president of one of the country’s largest chambers of commerce has attacked the Government for its “derisory” financial support for the European Capital of Culture.

CONFIRMED Champions League quarter-finalists Manchester United seek their 10th victory in this season’s competition tonight with Alex Ferguson claiming his squad is not big enough to cope.

THE majority of Liverpool supporters would warmly welcome Michael Owen back to Anfield should he decide to leave Real Madrid.

ROY KEANE has stunned Manchester United by revealing he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

SCOTTISH Football Association chief executive David Taylor insists any move to England by the Old Firm would result in chaos for the game north of the border.

ALAN SMITH accused Leeds of "rolling over" and lacking fight too often this season as he confirmed he would leave his hometown club if they are relegated from the Premiership.

JOHN O'SHEA insists Manchester United are not going backwards even though the gap between the Red Devils and Chelsea appears to be widening by the game.

Tottenham 1 Crystal Palace 1

RYAN GIGGS maintains he is still hungry for success - and refuses to accept Chelsea have left Manchester United behind in English football’s power battle.

MICHAEL BALLACK will not leave Bayern Munich for Manchester United - or anyone else - during the January transfer window.

MANCHESTER UNITED striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down reports he could be sidelined for a further three months.

REFORMED gambling addict Steve Claridge has advised Wayne Rooney to learn the lessons and move on from his reported £700,000 (€1 million) betting binge.