UNDER-FIRE Carlos Queiroz has received a forceful defence against accusations he branded Manchester United fans stupid - by the newspaper he reportedly made the comments in.

PARIS ST GERMAIN star Ronaldinho is happy with a proposed deal to take him to Manchester United and now only needs the French club to approve the move, his agent and brother, Roberto Assis, revealed last night.

CHAMPIONS League hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joined the anti-Malcolm Glazer protests by becoming a patron of influential fans’ group Shareholders United.

Liverpool 2 Bolton 3

BRAZILIAN club Corinthians have failed in a bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Kleberson, according to the player’s agent.

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.