Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson almost outdid Steve Coppell in the changes stakes today as United tackled Reading for a place in the FA Cup sixth round.

John Obi Mikel produced only flashes of the ability which has led to a spat between Chelsea and Manchester United as Nigeria pulled off an undeserved win over Senegal in the African Nations Cup.

Six-time FA Cup winners Liverpool play Manchester United, who have lifted the famous trophy on 11 occasions, in the showpiece tie of the fifth round draw.

Alex Ferguson handed £7m (€10.3m) new-boy Nemanja Vidic his first Manchester United start in their FA Cup fourth round tie at Wolves.

Manchester United wide man Park Ji-Sung seems certain to miss tomorrow night’s Carling Cup semi-final at Blackburn after suffering a knee injury during the warm-up to Sunday’s FA Cup draw at Burton.

Monaco vice-president Gerard Brianti expects the transfer of France defender Patrice Evra to Manchester United to be completed next week.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has ruled out making sweeping changes in response to Sundayss rout by Manchester United and takes full responsibility for the 5-1 result.

Alan Smith will make his first appearance since suffering an horrific double-leg break at Liverpool in Manchester United’s reserve team clash with Preston at Deepdale tonight.

Coca-Cola League One side Crewe have been rewarded for beating Wigan last week with a home tie against Manchester United in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Gary Neville has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Premiership clash with Watford tomorrow and England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Andorra and Macedonia next week.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed the club's lawyers are working on forcing through a deal for Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze after his initial bid for the player was rejected.

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is close to sealing a move to Manchester United.

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is set for a transatlantic trip next month after being selected for Argentina’s World Cup qualifying games against Uruguay and Chile.

Prospective Liverpool investor Mike Jefferies has promised to back manager Rafael Benitez in the January transfer window should he succeed in buying into the club.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has admitted it was an easy decision to leave Tim Howard out of the side that defeated Liverpool at Old Trafford last night.

Rio Ferdinand returned to the Manchester United starting line-up for the first time in eight months tonight.

Quinton Fortune has claimed the criticism being directed at Manchester United following their poor start to the season will actually help improve results.

Mikael Silvestre today conceded that even if Manchester United overcome Arsenal to win the FA Cup it will not salvage a disappointing season for Alex Ferguson’s side.

Aston Villa have suffered a fresh injury blow with the loss of full-back Mark Delaney for tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Manchester United.

John O’Shea insists Manchester United must build on their victory against Arsenal when they travel to Portsmouth tomorrow.