MANCHESTER United manager Alex Ferguson has put Brazil World Cup star Ronaldinho at the top of his wish list but realistically expects to sign a French defender, Portuguese forward and English goalkeeper in the close season.

Mark Bradley

LIVERPOOL found a cure for their Premiership travel sickness as goals from Fernando Morientes and Luis Garcia condemned new Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin to his first defeat last night.

Manchester United head to Blackburn tomorrow looking to extend their winning sequence to nine with manager Alex Ferguson warning – “beware the Old Trafford old-boys”.

IT may well be the glamour tie of the FA Cup fifth round but a home draw against holders Arsenal was the last thing Manchester United wanted.

ARSENAL extended their lead at the top beating West Brom, Manchester United lost again — this time to Middlesbrough — and teenage prodigy Wayne Rooney was sent off in a frenetic programme of English premier league matches yesterday.

MARK VIDUKA has pledged his future commitment to Australia and is determined to lead his country into the next World Cup finals.

MARK HALSEY has been handed the task of refereeing the potentially explosive Carling Cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal on December 1.

THE BOARD at Manchester United remains confident that Alex Ferguson’s relationship with John Magnier does not threaten the stability of the world’s richest club.

DAVID BECKHAM has revealed his deep debt of gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson despite recent rifts and insists he will happily shake the Manchester United manager’s hand when England visit Old Trafford for next Wednesday’s Euro 2004 qualifier with Liechtenstein.

JOHN O’SHEA feels the romance has returned to the FA Cup but is glad Manchester United did not provide the ultimate fairytale.

ARSENE WENGER believes Arsenal can beat Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park without Thierry Henry, who has been released to play in a friendly with France tomorrow.

A BELOVED Irish manager, the most prized English football trophy and abusive fans — these are the latest recipients of forceful tackles by Roy Keane.

BRIAN Kerr has said that he is keen to get back into football but doesn’t expect to work in Ireland again.

PATRICK VIEIRA has every confidence Arsenal could yet salvage their own double from this season.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced Manchester United are a match for Chelsea despite the new champions’ massive 17-point advantage.

Man Utd 1 Everton 1

DENIS IRWIN has apologised to Alex Ferguson over his reported comments linking the Manchester United boss with the Republic of Ireland coaching role.

DON GIVENS last night welcomed the return of Graham Barrett, the Arsenal striker on loan to Brighton, to Ireland’s U21 squad for their European Championship tie against Albania today (2pm).