DAVID BECKHAM has revealed his deep debt of gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson despite recent rifts and insists he will happily shake the Manchester United manager’s hand when England visit Old Trafford for next Wednesday’s Euro 2004 qualifier with Liechtenstein.

JOHN O’SHEA feels the romance has returned to the FA Cup but is glad Manchester United did not provide the ultimate fairytale.

ARSENE WENGER believes Arsenal can beat Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park without Thierry Henry, who has been released to play in a friendly with France tomorrow.

A BELOVED Irish manager, the most prized English football trophy and abusive fans — these are the latest recipients of forceful tackles by Roy Keane.

BRIAN Kerr has said that he is keen to get back into football but doesn’t expect to work in Ireland again.

PATRICK VIEIRA has every confidence Arsenal could yet salvage their own double from this season.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced Manchester United are a match for Chelsea despite the new champions’ massive 17-point advantage.

Man Utd 1 Everton 1

DENIS IRWIN has apologised to Alex Ferguson over his reported comments linking the Manchester United boss with the Republic of Ireland coaching role.

DON GIVENS last night welcomed the return of Graham Barrett, the Arsenal striker on loan to Brighton, to Ireland’s U21 squad for their European Championship tie against Albania today (2pm).

ALEX FERGUSON is willing to write Ruud van Nistelrooy out of Manchester United's Premiership title push for the next two months to ensure he is ready for their assault on Europe.

TODAY'S kickabout between Manchester United and Shelbourne should be a lively affair but it will be nothing as fast or furious as the wrestling matches going on in the Tolka Park stands.

LIVERPOOL and Everton will be praying that the draw today does not transform the final Champions League qualifier into the most tense and dramatic Merseyside derby of all time.

GLENN HODDLE yesterday followed revelations that Leeds' £8 million-rated striker Robbie Keane is on Tottenham's shopping list by confirming his plans to delve into the transfer market.

Simon Lewis looks at the events that captured the sporting imagination during 2002.

LETHAL Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has committed his future to Manchester United until 2008 and underlined the importance of keeping Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

GEORGE BEST’S family hit back yesterday at critics of a decision to rename Belfast City Airport after the soccer legend.

LIVERPOOL are facing a race against time to get top scorer Michael Owen fit for tomorrow’s lunchtime showdown at Manchester United.

FURIOUS Manchester United will launch a vigorous defence of under-fire duo Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.