THE FAI was yesterday unable to confirm whether an Airtricity League selection would face Manchester United at the Aviva Stadium for a ‘soft’ opening in late July or early August.

IF CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti was feeling any anxiety at reaching the final straight of the Premier League race with Alex Ferguson’s breath on his neck, he wasn’t showing it yesterday.

MICHAEL OWEN is expecting a rough ride at Anfield next weekend, but makes no apology for joining Manchester United.

NO action will be taken against Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho, pictured, over allegations that he punched a supporter outside Old Trafford, police sources said yesterday.

OLYMPIC champion Usain Bolt plans to hand Manchester United a late-season boost by giving winger Cristiano Ronaldo some one-on-one sprint training.

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

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger’s personal hearing with the Football Association to answer a charge of improper conduct will be held on December 16.

BRAZILIAN club Corinthians have failed in a bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Kleberson, according to the player’s agent.

FLORENTINO PEREZ insists the pampering of David Beckham and his fellow Real Madrid ‘galacticos’ must cease if the club are to achieve their ambitions.

EVERTON are making progress towards keeping boss David Moyes on a long-term basis after the former Preston manager revealed talks over a new deal are moving close to fruition.

NICKY BUTT has issued a public apology for walking out on Birmingham before their Premiership defeat at West Ham.

PSV Eindhoven boss Guus Hiddink has revealed he fought until the last minute to bring AC Milan defender Jaap Stam back to the club.

ALAN SMITH has been told a few more goals for Leeds this season should seal his place at the European Championships.

IRATE Manchester United supporters have accused the club of fleecing fans by widening a three percent ‘ticket tax’ to all match-day applications.

COVETED Barcelona midfielder Xavi has said he is in talks with the Catalan giants over a new contract.

EDWIN van der Sar’s move to Manchester United was finalised yesterday after the goalkeeper passed a medical.

ROBERT PIRES would love to extend his stay with Arsenal, but Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger maintains there is no provision to automatically offer the 31-year-old a new 12-month deal when his current contract expires.

JULIEN ESCUDE’S future remains in the balance after talks between his club Rennes and Manchester United officials stalled in Paris yesterday.

WIGAN striker Jason Roberts will be available for the Carling Cup final after his side’s rearranged match against Tottenham was confirmed for February 18.

CHELSEA midfielder Mikel John Obi’s contract with former club Lyn Oslo is being investigated by Norwegian police.