Ferguson slams former players for criticizing team mates

LONDON - Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed former star footballers Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson for criticizing the current string of players from the commentary box.

Ronaldo fulfils look-alike fan’s dream with tour of Man U training ground

LONDON - Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has fulfilled a look-alike fan’s dream by giving him a personal tour of the Man U training ground.

Liverpool’s Gerrard doesn’t think Man U can win Premier league

LONDON - Riding high on his sides stunning performance to beat Manchester United 4-1, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has raised questions over United’s hope of bouncing back in the league.

Rooney says he hates Liverpool

LONDON - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he hates Liverpool, and is licking his lips at the prospect of finishing off the Reds’ title challenge.

United to face Everton in FA Cup semis

LONDON - Manchester United will face Everton in the FA Cup semi-final, after the draw was made at FA headquarters.

Inter Milan, Juventus in need of improvement

ROME - Mid-week slip-ups in the Italian Cup have marred the run-up to tough Serie A games for leaders Inter Milan and Juventus before they face even harder hurdles in the Champions League of European football next week.

Arsenal’s new CEO warns manager against missing top League slot

LONDON - After losing their third successive match in the English Premier League, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been warned by the club’s new chief executive Ivan Gazidis that finishing outside the top four will be considered as a failure.

Manchester United officials hold talks with AIFF over Goa academy

NEW DELHI - The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials Thursday discussed with English club Manchester United delegation on a possible technical tie-up with the proposed national academy in Goa financed by telecom major Bharti.

$330 million may make Messi world’s most expensive player

MADRID/BARCELONA - Some 254 million euros, close to $330 million: that is what it would cost to get the talented football forward Lionel Messi away from Barcelona in accordance with Spanish law.

Rooney injury mars good night for Manchester United

LONDON - An injury to Wayne Rooney marred a good night for Manchester United as they moved to within two points of leaders Liverpool in the English Premier League after beating Wigan Athletic 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Maradona tells Tevez to move to Inter

LONDON - Argentina coach Diego Maradona said that Carlos Tevez should consider leaving Manchester United and move to Italy with the Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Manchester United beat Chelsea to show title intentions

LONDON - Manchester United made a huge statement of their title intentions when they beat Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford to cut the gap on leaders Liverpool to five points.

Liverpool manager Benitez slams ‘untouchable’ Ferguson

LONDON - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez slammed Alex Ferguson, accusing the Manchester United manager of being the only one who can criticise referees without punishment.

Beckham debuts for Milan in win over Hamburg

DUBAI - David Beckham made a quiet debut for AC Milan as the Italians defeated German Bundesliga side SV Hamburg 4-3 via penalties in a friendly match here.