REPUBLIC of Ireland defender John O'Shea is determined to stake a claim in the team before £6.9million buy Gabriel Heinze arrives.

Shelbourne 2 Hadjuk Split 0 (Shels win 4-3 on agg)

LOUIS SAHA has called on his Red Devils team-mates to put on a united front and face down the critics ready to dismiss them as Premiership failures.

JOHN Obi Mikel’s future will not become clear until FIFA have finished their investigation into his alleged agreement with Manchester United.

REAL MADRID coach Carlos Queiroz believes David Beckham has “grown up” since moving to Spain but the former Manchester United assistant manager admitted he missed life at Old Trafford.

WEST HAM manager Alan Pardew insists highly-paid footballers have a responsibility not to gamble “incomprehensible” amounts of money.

THIERRY HENRY may be the leading scorer and top draw in the Barclays Premiership but it was Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze who was the best player in September according to the Actim Index.

IRELAND will march confidently into the magnificent Stade de France tonight with spirits high and ambition soaring to face a French team reeling amid charges of mis-management.

WAYNE ROONEY is one of four Manchester United players nominated for FIFA’s World Player of the Year award in a list which is heavily influenced by the Premiership.

ALEX FERGUSON has been handed the complete backing of Manchester United's board as he looks to steer his way through the choppiest waters he has encountered at Old Trafford in 15 years.

MALCOLM GLAZER could have a few killer blows up his sleeve that may help persuade shareholders to give him control of Manchester United.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced Manchester United will end Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run tomorrow - because they simply have to.

DAVID BECKHAM faces a shoot-out at the OK Corral saloon in the Wild West, as he turns cowboy in the latest Pepsi advert.

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants influential captain Roy Keane to stay at Old Trafford for another five years.

RIO FERDINAND does not see any need for Wayne Rooney to clean up his act - he loves the fiery Manchester United striker just the way he is.

NOVEMBER may be the cruellest month according to TS Eliot, but David Moyes believes December will tell if Everton are in dreamland or the wasteland.

MARTIN O’NEILL is bravely standing by his after-match comments in Seville and has insisted the only people feeling embarrassed today should be the UEFA Cup winners.