OLE Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United’s performance in their derby defeat at City was not good enough - but the Norwegian does not believe there is any point dwelling on it.

Eddie Cassidy,

Neil Silver

MANCHESTER United supporters vowed yesterday to step up their resistance to the takeover of the club by American sports entrepreneur Malcolm Glazer.

AFTER Roy Keane’s decision to quit Ireland, it will come as no surprise if Brian Kerr invests major responsibility in the youthful but substantial frame of Keane’s Manchester United colleague John O’Shea as he embarks upon a mission to create a bright new era when they play Scotland at Hampden Park tonight (8 p.m ).

MANCHESTER UNITED have expressed their disappointment at the five-match ban handed to Roy Keane by the Football Association and are now considering whether to appeal against the punishment.

ANOTHER good night’s work for Ireland under Brian Kerr even if the consensus coming from the dressing room is that they didn’t play particularly well.

BRIAN Kerr stressed last night how invaluable a good start against Germany would be for his Republic of Ireland U17’s tonight as they head into one of the most challenging groups imaginable in the Euro Championship qualifiers.

RIO FERDINAND is expected to sign for Manchester United in the next 24 hours, after Leeds finally agreed to sell him.

ROY KEANE has until Friday to decide how to respond to his two Football Association disciplinary charges.

NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of defender Ronny Johnsen until January.

DAVID BECKHAM yesterday ruled out a return to the Premiership.

ASSAULT and theft charges laid in South Africa against actor and former soccer star Vinnie Jones have been dropped, police said yesterday.

OUTSTANDING Irish winger Damien Duff looks set to leave UEFA Cup hopefuls Blackburn Rovers, their assistant manager has claimed.

ARSENE WENGER has hailed Sol Campbell as an ''absolute lion'' as he declared the Arsenal star to be the strongest defender in the world.

NEWCASTLE midfielder Nolberto Solano has reaffirmed his commitment to the cause after being handed a challenge by Bobby Robson.

NO STITCHES, no apology. Absolutely no let-up in the rule of fear and fire which has categorised Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Old Trafford.

JOHN O'SHEA will be available for Manchester United's next two games despite picking up his fifth booking of the season at Wigan.

The future looks bright at Blackburn: Damien Duff has signed a new contract, David Thompson has joined the club and, perhaps most surprisingly of all, Corrado Grabbi has emerged as an important part of manager Graeme Souness’ plans.