Ruthless United leave Rafa feeling shirty

TWO hours had elapsed since Gary Neville lifted the trophy to confirm Manchester United’s latest Premier League triumph.

The temporary stage in the centre circle at Old Trafford, where United’s jubilant players had stood to collect their medals, had long been dismantled and tickertape lay scattered on the damp surface along with remains of fireworks used to celebrate Alex Ferguson’s latest blue riband achievement.

All was quiet inside this vast arena but, outside, it was a different story.