Man City manager Roberto Mancini is certain Robin van Persie will improve Manchester United and has once again stated his belief the Red Devils should be seen as the favourites for this season’s Premier League title.

Arsene Wenger accepts sanctioning the sale of captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United was a “massive gamble”, but has faith his team can recover to mount a successful Premier League campaign.

Everton manager David Moyes admits the loss of key midfielder Darron Gibson gives him a problem for the next few weeks.

Alex Ferguson expects Manchester United’s visit to Liverpool later this month to pass off without incident as he called for an end to the hostile rivalry between the two clubs.

Paul Nicholls has confirmed the Alex Ferguson-owned Harry The Viking will be handed an entry in the John Smith’s Grand National.

The Premier League has suspended the pre-match handshake at Sunday’s game between Chelsea and QPR due to the legal situation involving John Terry and Anton Ferdinand.

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has been voted 2012 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association.

Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United defender Fabio will spend next season on loan, probably in Portugal.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has insisted manager Kenny Dalglish was not “hung out to dry” over the Luis Suarez racism saga, despite admitting mistakes were made.

Athletic Bilbao winger Markel Susaeta knows his side cannot afford to waste any chances when they face Schalke 04 in their Europa League quarter-final first leg in Gelsenkirchen tonight.

England manager Roy Hodgson believes Gary Neville will make an invaluable contribution to his coaching team.

NO pain, no gain proved a useful motto for a group of students who turned an agonising accident to their advantage in the BT Young Scientist and Technology competition.

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been released by Manchester City after his short-term deal expired.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to become the new Aston Villa manager.

Manager Terry Connor has called for unity between Wolves players and fans if they are to “have any chance” of winning their Premier League relegation fight.

STEVE BRUCE has revealed John O’Shea is likely to miss the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia through injury.

MICHAEL CARRICK has reminded his Manchester United team-mates that a 19th League title remains in their hands.

THE FA will confirm whether Wayne Rooney will be free to face Manchester City in this month’s FA Cup semi-final at 10am this morning.

Roy Keane is being linked to a return to management — in Australia’s A League.

BOBBY CHARLTON has labelled the return of Manchester United “dinosaur” Paul Scholes as one of the best bits of news ever.