ALEX FERGUSON is hailing rookie American goalkeeper Tim Howard as Manchester United’s star performer during the first half of the Barclaycard Premiership campaign.

IAN HUNTLEY choked back tears yesterday as he told how he promised his parents that he would tell the families of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman exactly how they died.

URUGUAY coach Jorge Fossati is ready for a tough final hurdle against Australia but is confident of reaching the 2006 World Cup finals.

THE English FA is investigating claims by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson suggesting that the ruling body made a deal with Arsenal over disciplinary measures.

MANCHESTER United star Wayne Rooney’s dream week continued yesterday after a court overturned a driving conviction.

IRATE Manchester United supporters have accused the club of fleecing fans by widening a three percent ‘ticket tax’ to all match-day applications.

ENGLAND defender Rio Ferdinand has officially started his eight-month ban from football, the day after he appealed against his suspension for missing a drugs test, it was announced by the Football Association last night.

NEWCASTLE striker Michael Owen has admitted the club will have to be patient as they attempt to drag themselves back into contention for major honours.

ALEX FERGUSON and Manchester United will decide today whether to appeal against a two-match touchline ban imposed for abusing match officials.

SPAIN’S Jose Antonio Reyes is hoping England defenders Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand can put domestic issues to one side when the two countries clash tomorrow night.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger revealed that he lives like a leading professional footballer in a bid to avoid the health problems which have afflicted so many of his fellow managers.

TRY imagining stripping famous people of their wealth and think how they might fare, it can be quite amusing.

JOSE Mourinho and Alex Ferguson have been given an immediate opportunity to resume their war of words as the new Barclays Premiership season threatens to kick off in explosive fashion.

KIERAN RICHARDSON and Zat Knight were yesterday called up to the England squad to tour the USA later this month after Shaun Wright-Phillips and Matthew Upson withdrew with injuries.

DAMIEN DUFF has dismissed claims that he is angry with Blackburn Rovers as speculation surrounding the Premiership’s most coveted talent continues to mount.

BELEAGUERED Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan admitted he was feeling the pressure after the club's 13th Premiership match without a win.

CAMEROON international footballer Marc Vivien Foe died in Lyon yesterday after playing for his country in the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia.