ALEX FERGUSON has vowed Manchester United have the spirit and pedigree to defy the odds and rob Arsenal of the Premiership crown for the second season in succession.

MICHAEL OWEN insists that Liverpool have not “got worse as a team” over the recent years, just that Arsenal have improved out of all recognition.

MICHAEL OWEN is being lined up to ride to Gerard Houllier’s rescue and kill off yet another barrage of speculation about the Frenchman’s future.

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has played down rumours that Sylvain Wiltord could join Paris St Germain during the winter transfer window, revealing he has offered the France international a contract extension.

ANFIELD LEGEND Alan Hansen has called for the Liverpool players to dig in and secure Champions League football – or leave boss Gerard Houllier facing the axe.

KEVIN NOLAN is Merseyside’s new hero, but he doesn’t believe the adulation will last until the weekend.

NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson last night confirmed that the club has launched a double bid to take Jonathan Woodgate and Kleberson to St James’ Park.

GARY NEVILLE has lashed out at the Football Association, claiming Soho Square chiefs want robotic players who are devoid of passion.

GABRIEL HEINZE could be back in training with Manchester United by the beginning of April.

MANCHESTER UNITED will face the biggest challenge of their footballing lives trying to rescue a Champions League semi-final place at Old Trafford in 13 days.

FIVE days to the start of the Premiership season and already the mud is flying like a muck-spreader on overtime.

ALEX FERGUSON sat with arms folded in the dugout, a look of utter bemusement on his face.

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ANDY O'BRIEN believes that Newcastle United will miss controversial striker Craig Bellamy whose very public falling-out with manager Graeme Souness resulted in his departure on loan to Celtic.

ALEX FERGUSON let the transfer deadline pass without adding to his vast array of Manchester United stars but happy that everyone else was sharing the same playing field.

Simon Stone

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill has been urged to break the impasse over Ryan Giggs’ new contract.

ALEX FERGUSON feared Louis Saha would quit Manchester United in the summer if he had left the French striker out of his Carling Cup final side.