THE brinkmanship engaged in between the Coolmore Mafia and Alex Ferguson continued last night with the world’s richest club, Manchester United, and racing’s blue riband, the Cheltenham Gold Cup caught in the cross hairs.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter yesterday launched a scathing attack on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his behaviour during the club's Champions League campaign.

ARSENE WENGER believes Patrick Vieira is back to his best and determined to prove that his love affair with Arsenal is still flourishing. Vieira’s commitment to Arsenal was questioned last summer when the Frenchman came close to moving to Real Madrid.

CHAMPIONSWORLD, the US company that operated the pre-season series of friendlies for Manchester United, Celtic, Liverpool and Chelsea last summer, has filed for bankruptcy protection from its creditors.

THE girlfriend of the man accused of the double murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman could face "further serious charges" in connection with their deaths, an inquest heard today.

REAL MADRID captain Raul scored two goals and had a hand in another as he led his side’s fightback from two down to claim a thrilling 4-2 win over Roma in Group B at the Bernabeu.

SHARES in Manchester United closed yesterday down nearly 1% as the markets awaited fresh news about the takeover of the club.

LOUIS SAHA made an impressive return for Manchester United’s reserves last night.

A REPRESENTATIVE of prospective Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer last night made official contact with the club’s major shareholders, just as Red Devils fans were stepping up their fight to block any takeover plan.

EVERTON officials will study CCTV footage before deciding whether to make a formal complaint to the Football Association over the behaviour of some Manchester United players during Saturday's Premiership spectacular at Goodison Park.

RAFAEL BENITEZ is backing Liverpool to make it four big wins in 11 days when they tackle Benfica at the Estadio da Luz tonight.

THERE was more bad news for Manchester United fans yesterday as Rio Ferdinand faced a driving a ban after overtaking a police car at more than 100mph.

MANCHESTER UNITED skipper Roy Keane has refused to single out a scapegoat for his side’s shock Champions League qualifying defeat in Hungary.

Manchester United insist Ruud van Nistelrooy was quoted inaccurately when he was reported to have described the wages of players at Old Trafford as obscene and astronomical.

ARSENE WENGER has cautioned against judging his Arsenal team against last season's record-breaking exploits.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON insisted he had never avoided big decisions as a manager as he prepared to show his ruthless streak by leaving Rio Ferdinand out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Chelsea 2 Boro 0

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill was yesterday heartened by the news that Didier Agathe could recover in time to face Liverpool on Thursday.