TODAY'S kickabout between Manchester United and Shelbourne should be a lively affair but it will be nothing as fast or furious as the wrestling matches going on in the Tolka Park stands.

LIVERPOOL and Everton will be praying that the draw today does not transform the final Champions League qualifier into the most tense and dramatic Merseyside derby of all time.

GLENN HODDLE yesterday followed revelations that Leeds' £8 million-rated striker Robbie Keane is on Tottenham's shopping list by confirming his plans to delve into the transfer market.

Simon Lewis looks at the events that captured the sporting imagination during 2002.

LETHAL Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has committed his future to Manchester United until 2008 and underlined the importance of keeping Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

GEORGE BEST’S family hit back yesterday at critics of a decision to rename Belfast City Airport after the soccer legend.

LIVERPOOL are facing a race against time to get top scorer Michael Owen fit for tomorrow’s lunchtime showdown at Manchester United.

FURIOUS Manchester United will launch a vigorous defence of under-fire duo Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger yesterday made his two most important signings of the summer as he attempted to upstage bitter rival Alex Ferguson.

FORGOTTEN man Liam Miller is itching for the chance to prove he is capable of making his Manchester United breakthrough.

JOHN MAGNIER and JP McManus have not been offered a price for their stake in Manchester United by US businessmen seeking control of the club.

PAUL SCHOLES has shrugged off Arsenal’s complaints about Manchester United’s rough tactics in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

BELEAGURED Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has revealed there is a 'sense of shock' around Old Trafford at Rio Ferdinand's failed missed drugs test appeal.

BRIAN KERR is faced with a classic dilemma ahead of Ireland’s critical World Cup qualifying tie in the magnificent Stade de France tomorrow - to gamble on attack or to hedge his bets by playing conservatively.

ROY KEANE believes Manchester United have enough strength in depth to mount a championship charge in the New Year.

MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle are odds-on to join Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League after both clubs received favourable draws in the third qualifying round.

ARSENE WENGER yesterday suggested Manchester United paid £10 million too much for Rio Ferdinand following the England centre-back's £30 million move from Leeds.

ROY KEANE has admitted Manchester United are in danger of losing the fear factor.

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren will attempt to enlist the help of Rafael Benitez and Alex McLeish as he plots the downfall of Graz AK in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.