ALEX FERGUSON sat with arms folded in the dugout, a look of utter bemusement on his face.

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ANDY O'BRIEN believes that Newcastle United will miss controversial striker Craig Bellamy whose very public falling-out with manager Graeme Souness resulted in his departure on loan to Celtic.

ALEX FERGUSON let the transfer deadline pass without adding to his vast array of Manchester United stars but happy that everyone else was sharing the same playing field.

Simon Stone

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill has been urged to break the impasse over Ryan Giggs’ new contract.

ALEX FERGUSON feared Louis Saha would quit Manchester United in the summer if he had left the French striker out of his Carling Cup final side.

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EDWIN van der Sar’s move to Manchester United was finalised yesterday after the goalkeeper passed a medical.

ROY KEANE will lead a youthful Manchester United XI in the Midsummer Challenge game against Cobh Ramblers at Turners Cross in Cork on Saturday night (k.o. 7.30pm).

CELTIC legend Stevie Chalmers believes Martin O’Neill would now be building his team around Liam Miller had the youngster not quit for Manchester United.

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MANCHESTER United will hold a minute’s silence prior to tomorrow’s derby clash with Man City at Old Trafford in memory of former skipper Noel Cantwell.

RUUD van Nistelrooy has urged Manchester United to take the long term view and not get too hung up on Chelsea’s 13-point Premiership lead.

Bill George spoke to Nicky Button his hopes of regaining a regular place in the Man United first team.

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has expressed a desire to speak to Roy Keane about a possible move north of the border.

RAFAEL BENITEZ has challenged his wilting Liverpool outfit to prove they can win without Steven Gerrard.

ALEX Ferguson’s legal dispute with major shareholder John Magnier will not interrupt the Manchester United manager’s current contract talks.