Bookmaker Ladbrokes today said profits were down 58% after it suffered a barren start to the English Premier League football season.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson described his side’s 2-0 win at Middlesbrough as “a big step” towards retaining the Premier League title.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will check on a series of minor knocks before naming his side to face Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United tomorrow.

Rio Ferdinand could be fit for Manchester United’s second-leg Champions League showdown with Arsenal after scans revealed he had not cracked a rib.

Alex Ferguson has pledged to make wholesale changes to his Manchester United line-up for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Middlesbrough.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Alex Ferguson’s rivalry with Liverpool and Rafael Benitez is driving Manchester United to another Barclays Premier League title.

It will be a new-look Manchester United this season – but Alex Ferguson expects to be facing the same old problems.

Ben Foster will return to the Manchester United starting line-up for tomorrow’s Premier League encounter with Sunderland.

Stoke strikers Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie are both doubtful for the Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is in contention to play against Manchester United on Sunday but is not ready for 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is in contention to play against Manchester United on Sunday but is not ready for 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Ryan Giggs is expected to recover from a knock in time for Manchester United’s Premier League match against Newcastle tomorrow.

Arsenal captain William Gallas has escaped disciplinary action over his clash with Manchester United’s Nani.

Jari Litmanen has returned to full training with Fulham following a recent heart scare but will not be involved in tomorrow’s Premier League game against Manchester United.

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has recovered from a calf strain and could face Portsmouth in the FA Cup at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a notorious drug dealer was arrested at his home in Brazil.

Wes Brown will miss Manchester United’s clash with Hull tomorrow after picking up an ankle injury.

Chelsea will hope to have John Terry available for their match against Manchester United after they submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal following his straight red card against Manchester City.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will give late fitness tests to Paul Konchesky and Andy Johnson ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson has revealed he will quit Manchester United in the next three years.