MANCHESTER United hit-man Ruud van Nistelrooy has accepted some of the blame for Sunday’s disappointing derby-day draw.

THE brinkmanship engaged in between the Coolmore Mafia and Alex Ferguson continued last night with the world’s richest club, Manchester United, and racing’s blue riband, the Cheltenham Gold Cup caught in the cross hairs.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter yesterday launched a scathing attack on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his behaviour during the club's Champions League campaign.

ARSENE WENGER believes Patrick Vieira is back to his best and determined to prove that his love affair with Arsenal is still flourishing. Vieira’s commitment to Arsenal was questioned last summer when the Frenchman came close to moving to Real Madrid.

CHAMPIONSWORLD, the US company that operated the pre-season series of friendlies for Manchester United, Celtic, Liverpool and Chelsea last summer, has filed for bankruptcy protection from its creditors.

THE girlfriend of the man accused of the double murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman could face "further serious charges" in connection with their deaths, an inquest heard today.

REAL MADRID captain Raul scored two goals and had a hand in another as he led his side’s fightback from two down to claim a thrilling 4-2 win over Roma in Group B at the Bernabeu.

SHARES in Manchester United closed yesterday down nearly 1% as the markets awaited fresh news about the takeover of the club.

LOUIS SAHA made an impressive return for Manchester United’s reserves last night.

A REPRESENTATIVE of prospective Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer last night made official contact with the club’s major shareholders, just as Red Devils fans were stepping up their fight to block any takeover plan.

EVERTON officials will study CCTV footage before deciding whether to make a formal complaint to the Football Association over the behaviour of some Manchester United players during Saturday's Premiership spectacular at Goodison Park.

RAFAEL BENITEZ is backing Liverpool to make it four big wins in 11 days when they tackle Benfica at the Estadio da Luz tonight.

GEORGE BEST flew back to England yesterday and, after a meeting with his mother-in-law, checked into a health spa.

Sparta Prague 0 Man Utd 0

ROY KEANE'S future with the Irish soccer squad lies firmly between himself and Mick McCarthy after Football Association of Ireland (FAI) management ruled out intervening in the dispute between the two in their upcoming inquiry into the association's World Cup preparations.

JOHN Terry has warned the chasing pack at the top of the Barclays Premiership to prepare themselves for the slow realisation they will not stop Chelsea from lifting the title for the second successive season.

TWO OF European football’s most famous defenders made their presence felt at the other end of the pitch with two goals apiece in Spain and Italy.