Manchester United’s preparations for the new season took a knock tonight with the news Ruud van Nistelrooy will miss the next month because of a sportsman’s hernia.

Roy Carroll reckons this season will still be a disappointing one for Manchester United even if they go on to defeat Millwall in the FA Cup Final on May 22.

Roy Keane admits Manchester United have not played well this season - but insists they will not view the FA Cup as a “consolation prize”.

Roy Keane admits Manchester United have not played well this season – but insists they will not view the FA Cup as a “consolation prize”.

Arsenal will be without Ashley Cole for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United after the England left-back suffered a knee injury in Wednesday’s Champions League tie at Chelsea.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was today been charged by UEFA for insulting Swedish referee Anders Frisk after Holland’s defeat in last night’s Euro 2004 semi-final defeat to Portugal.

Phil Neville today pleaded with Sven-Goran Eriksson to throw him straight back into action in an England jersey.

American goalkeeper Tim Howard was a shock starter for Manchester United in the Community Shield today.

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta insists David Beckham would be better off at the Nou Camp rather than Real Madrid.

Barclaycard Premiership newcomers Portsmouth will kick off their first season back in the top flight for 15 years in front of a live television lunchtime audience on Saturday, August 16.

David Beckham today admitted the departure of Vicente del Bosque from Real Madrid has come as a “shock” to him.

Alex Ferguson admitted he was not surprised that Manchester United fought back to salvage a point at Bolton today.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has expressed his annoyance at having to release players for “part-time” international football.

David Beckham has welcomed the return to fitness of his Manchester United team-mate and friend Gary Neville - but insisted that he deserves to be in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans on merit.

Juan Sebastian Veron has been ruled out of Manchester United’s crunch Champions League tie with Real Madrid in the Bernabeu tomorrow.

Arguably the best left-sided defender in the world, Lizarazu's attack-minded play provides France with an extra offensive dimension, whilst his speed makes him one of the toughest defensive opponents around.

Eric Djemba-Djemba should be confirmed as Manchester United’s latest signing this afternoon but the Old Trafford outfit are still struggling to push through their major deal for Ronaldinho.

Manchester United-bound goalkeeper Tim Howard is determined to seize his once-in-a-lifetime chance and has pledged to do all he can to make himself a better player once he arrives at Old Trafford.

Juan Sebastian Veron is ready to sign for Chelsea following Manchester United’s acceptance of a £15m (€21m) transfer bid for the Argentinian midfielder.

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs insists there is still room for improvement following his side’s successful pre-season tour of the United States.