Rio Ferdinand insists his “head is on the chopping board” as he comes under increased pressure to sign a new contract with Manchester United.

Ryan Giggs was forced to sit out tonight’s Champions League encounter with Lyon at Old Trafford as Manchester United looked to mark Alex Ferguson’s 1000th game in charge by sealing a place in the last 16.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has backed Manchester United supporters’ groups in their opposition to Malcolm Glazer’s attempts to buy the club – though insists he cannot use his position of power to intervene directly.

Influential Manchester United supporters’ group Shareholders United have acquired the support of a leading international law firm in an effort to stave off a takeover by Malcolm Glazer.

Real Madrid defender Ivan Helguera has added some spice to England’s clash with Spain on Wednesday by questioning Wayne Rooney’s big-match temperament.

The Football Association have maintained there was nothing out of the ordinary with Manchester United’s Ruud van Nistelrooy beginning his three-match suspension with last night’s Carling Cup third-round tie at Crewe.

French goalkeeper Sebastian Frey claims he is on Manchester United’s shopping list and that preliminary talks between his representative and Old Trafford officials have already taken place.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson left Wayne Rooney out of his first XI and made five changes for the Barclays Premiership clash with Birmingham at St Andrews.

Nigel Pearson believes the next batch of matches will provide West Brom with “the acid test” in their battle to stay in the Premiership.

Alex Ferguson will decide next Tuesday or Wednesday whether Roy Keane and Wes Brown will be in Manchester United’s Far East tour squad.

Rio Ferdinand emerged as a potential doubt for Manchester United’s game against Blackburn this weekend after coming off with a hamstring problem during England’s victory against Azerbaijan.

Alex Ferguson has hinted Roy Keane’s advancing years have contributed to a change of tactics for Manchester United this season.

Liam Miller is grateful to Manchester United’s senior players for helping him bed in at Old Trafford.

Chelsea are without the suspended Arjen Robben for tomorrow’s Carling Cup semi-final, first leg against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Cash-strapped Exeter City have landed another £150,000 (€214,800) windfall following confirmation that their FA Cup replay with Manchester United will be screened live on BBC.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan scored twice as Villarreal humbled Primera Liga leaders Barcelona 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run to five matches and hand a major boost to title challengers Valencia and Real Madrid.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has turned down a trio of loan inquiries from Walsall counterpart Paul Merson.

Tim Howard will be given the chance to press his claims for a long-term return to the Manchester United side when he turns out against Exeter at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Malcolm Glazer’s bid to buy Manchester United is expected to take a significant step forward later this week.

Manchester United’s FA Cup sixth round visit to Southampton will be played on Saturday, March 12 with a 5.15pm kick-off.