What The Sports Pages Say

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Latest Paper Talk
Tuesday February 12

Former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel claims Jose Mourinho will never be manager at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer last night admitted he dreams of managing United.
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has threatened to quit Fulham at the end of the season if he is not given assurances that he remains the club's No 1.
Striker Rickie Lambert insists he wants to finish his career at Southampton despite being linked with several Premier League rivals.
Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has criticised the club for excluding him from the first team squad.
Defender Alex Pearce is set to snub West Brom and Sunderland and sign a new deal at Reading.
West Brom are eyeing a summer move for Leeds United full-back Sam Byram, 19, who is also being tracked by Liverpool and Everton.
Wolves are keen to sign Reading defender Kaspars Gorkss, 31, on loan for the rest of the season.
Championship side Huddersfield are closing in on Coventry City's Mark Robins as their new boss.

Gary Neville has warned Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo is a "monster" who "bullies" teams out of games.
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez claims he is not bitter towards the Stamford Bridge boo-boys.
Brighton boss Gus Poyet is the shock name in the frame if West Ham do not renew Sam Allardyce's contract at the end of the season.
Hull City boss Steve Bruce wants to sign Peterborough striker George Boyd on loan - but will have to pay a hefty 'rental' fee.

Roberto Mancini will wield his axe as he looks to save his job and crumbling season.
Rio Ferdinand fears the only way to stop Cristiano Ronaldo is to turn him into an emotional wreck.

Manchester United's pursuit of striker Robert Lewandowski has suffered a double setback due to interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's £25.5m price tag.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are on alert after 21-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen rejected a new contract with Dutch champions Ajax.
Gary Neville has warned Manchester United they cannot beat Real Madrid unless they tame the 'monster' that is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Liverpool are considering a summer move for Malaga's 28-year-old Chilean playmaker Manuel Itarra, who could be available for £3m.
Rio Ferdinand geared up for Manchester United's reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo here tomorrow by suggesting the club will smother him with love.

Roman Abramovich's search for his 10th Chelsea manager in 10 years suffered a setback when Jurgen Klopp, one of Europe's best young coaches, pledged his future to Borussia Dortmund.
Midfielder Stephen Ireland, 26, has been frozen out at Aston Villa and forced to train with the club's youth team.

Roberto Mancini has vowed to make widespread changes for Manchester City's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds United on Sunday as the rift between him and his squad widens.
Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are hopeful Cristiano Ronaldo will be overcome with emotion as they plot a way to thwart their formidable former team-mate.

Manchester United must avoid the "nightmare scenario" of Cristiano Ronaldo going one-on-one against a former team-mate, the club's former captain Gary Neville said.
The rift between Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and his players is widening.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH On a glittering evening in Castille tonight, Manchester United are pitted against Real Madrid, the nine-time champions of Europe, the team shaped by Jose Mourinho and sharpened by Cristiano Ronaldo, the ultimate "acid test" according to Sir Alex Ferguson. Also: Celtic's extraordinary Champions League run hit the buffers last night as Juventus imposed themselves with a potent mixture of defensive mastery and cynicism to make their progress to the quarter-finals a formality.

THE TIMESSir Alex Ferguson has warned his players that failure is not an option in their "acid test" against Real Madrid as the Manchester United manager predicted chaos and goals at the Bernabeu this evening. Also: It is one of the oldest sports in the world, counting Ancient Greeks among its first expert practitioners, and it has a purity rivalled only by running, but wrestling is struggling to keep a grip on its place in the Olympics.

THE SUN Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United troops they cannot blow their 'acid test' in the Bernabeu. Also: Jose Mourinho has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will return to the Premier League this summer - but not to take charge of Manchester United.

THE GUARDIAN Sir Alex Ferguson goes into Manchester United's Champions League game with Real Madrid insisting that his team are better than they have been widely portrayed and that it is only people's "foggy memories" that have denied them the credit he believes they deserve. Also: Celtic should receive plaudits for their approach to the visit of Juventus, which was about as bold as any onlooker could reasonably expect.

DAILY MAIL Sir Alex Ferguson expects tonight's Champions League clash at the Bernabeu to descend into 'chaos' as his Manchester United side go for goals against Real Madrid. Also: Lions coach Warren Gatland has ignited a storm by declaring he is reluctant to pick too many England players for fear of a 'circus' derailing the summer trip to Australia.

DAILY MIRROR Real Madrid have set their sights on Wayne Rooney after being warned that the "bogey man" is out to get them. Also: Jose Mourinho says he is coming back to the Premier League - probably this summer.

DAILY EXPRESS Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he sees his future back in English football. Also: Queens Park Rangers have been told they were "out of their minds" to spend so much on bringing Chris Samba back to the Premier League.

THE INDEPENDENT Sir Alex Ferguson declared last night that his players are being judged against "foggy memories" of how strong his previous Manchester United teams actually were and that they have a better chance of brushing Real Madrid aside in the Champions League last-16 tonight than people think. Also: If this is the end of Celtic's Champions League dream - and it is hard to see any other conclusion - then the final act of an enthralling adventure was about bravery and brutality.

DAILY STAR Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United's Treble dream faces the acid test in Madrid tonight. Also: Everton have joined the chase for England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard.

 

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THE TIMES: Manchester United will welcome Real Madrid to Old Trafford with every confidence of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals after claiming a valuable away goal on a tense night at the Bernabeu. Also: Brendan Rodgers has stopped short of saying he will take Liverpool off the pitch if their black players are abused in tonight's Europa League tie away to Zenit St Petersburg, instead placing the onus on Uefa and the match officials to deal with any incidents of racism.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: At the final whistle, Manchester United fans sang loudly about going to Wembley, venue of this year's Champions League final. There is much work to be done, many miles to travel, many obstacles to clear, but this was a good night for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Also: Neil Lennon has escaped punishment for branding the referee in Celtic's 3-0 Champions League defeat on Tuesday night as "very pro-Juventus" after Uefa's match delegate did not report his comments.

THE INDEPENDENT: It takes a formidable feat of concentration, not to mention sheer bloody-mindedness, to survive 90 minutes at the Bernabeu without the 11 men in white shirts taking up apart piece by agonising piece, but finding themselves at the eye of a storm last night, Manchester United held on nicely. Also: Chelsea have already made history for the wrong reasons in Europe this season, but they intend to start making a more positive impression in Prague this evening.

THE GUARDIAN: It was an epic night and, by the end, Manchester United might be emboldened enough to reflect they have made the first decisive move. Also: UEFA says it will not take disciplinary action against Neil Lennon despite the Celtic manager claiming the referee was "very pro-Juventus" during Tuesday night's Champions League match between the teams.

DAILY EXPRESS: Danny Welbeck's crucial away goal gave Manchester United a great chance to progress into the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a superb rearguard action in the Bernabeu. Also: Kris Commons has accused Efe Ambrose of "letting the team down" following Celtic's Champions League thumping by Juventus.

DAILY MAIL: Danny Welbeck silenced the Bernabeu last night as Manchester United held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash. Also: Manchester City are ready to begin a £60million-plus overhaul of their squad with summer moves for Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Celtic's Victor Wanyama.

DAILY MIRROR: Danny Welbeck's precious away goal saw United draw first blood in their epic Champions League tie with Spanish giants Real. Also: Liverpool will demand that play is stopped by match officials if any of their players are subjected to racist abuse in Russia tonight.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson hailed United's Bernabeu heroes and roared: "Now we've got a great chance." Also: Cheick Tiote is set to play for Newcastle tonight despite being arrested on suspicion of fraud.

DAILY STAR: Danny Welbeck grabbed a precious away goal as United survived a battering in the Bernabeu. Also: Celtic's Kelvin Wilson has backed Efe Ambrose to bounce back from his Champions League calamities.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: Dame Sarah Storey summed up the air of disbelief and shock across the world of sport on Thursday when she described Oscar Pistorius being charged with murder after the violent death of his girlfriend as "like one of those horrific made-up stories". ALSO: Liverpool are developing an unhealthy reputation for becoming one of Europe's most attractive losers. Zenit St Petersburg discovered, just like West Bromwich Albion on Monday night, that a brief surge of momentum is all it takes to expose the soft underbelly of an idealistic but defective opponent.

DAILY EXPRESS: Cristiano Ronaldo has warned Manchester United he will not allow sentiment to diminish his determination to knock them out of the Champions League. ALSO: Newcastle were left fuming about their 0-0 draw at home against Metalist Kharkiv last night after Papiss Cisse had two 'goals' ruled out for offside.

THE TIMES: A defiant Brendan Rodgers claimed that Liverpool's Europa League hopes remained alive last night despite a 2-0 away defeat to Zenit St Petersburg that left him bemoaning failings in defence and attack. ALSO: Rafael Benitez, the Chelsea interim manager, has admitted that John Terry's knee injury has locked the club in a "vicious circle" in which he is not sufficiently fit to play but cannot regain his sharpness without time on the pitch.

DAILY MIRROR: Brendan Rodgers defiantly insisted his side's European hopes are not dead despite a disastrous defeat in St Petersburg. ALSO: Paul Ince is ready to return to management as boss of Blackpool.

DAILY MAIL: Liverpool are on the brink of going out of the Europa League after losing to Zenit St Petersburg - on a night when Luis Suarez missed a series of chances. ALSO: The sporting world was stunned yesterday when iconic athlete Oscar Pistorius was charged with murdering his girlfriend.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester United's players have demanded that their young goalkeeper David de Gea be given the time and patience to succeed at their club after the 22-year-old's huge role in securing a draw in the Bernabeu left Spain salivating over the prospect of him returning to La Liga. ALSO: Chelsea began life in the Europa League with an unconvincing win in Prague, which did little to suggest that Rafael Benitez's love affair with the club has much time to run.

DAILY STAR: Ryan Giggs says England boss Roy Hodgson is making a massive mistake ignoring Rio Ferdinand. ALSO: Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool's Europa League dream is still alive despite his side crashing to a demoralising defeat.

THE SUN: Rafa Benitez has risked a big fall-out with John Terry by warning: You're not guaranteed a start. ALSO: Gareth Bale was again Spurs' match-winner last night.

THE GUARDIAN: Brendan Rodgers claimed Liverpool have "a fighting chance" of reaching the last 16 of the Europa League despite falling to a 2-0 defeat at Zenit St Petersburg on a night when fears of racist abuse from Russian fans proved unfounded. ALSO: André Villas-Boas hailed Gareth Bale as "incredible" after a stunning performance for Tottenham against Lyon in which two superb free-kicks earned his side a 2-1 lead going into the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie.

 

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THE SUN: Arsenal are preparing to offer Arsene Wenger a two-year contract extension. Also: David Luiz made a personal apology to Brentford teenager Jake Reeves after his horror challenge ruined Chelsea's win.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsene Wenger is facing a defining summer at Arsenal, with the club planning to entrust him with their largest ever transfer budget regardless of whether they secure Champions League qualification. Also: Four goals, a clean sheet, harmony in the stands and blue skies over Stamford Bridge. With the sun shining on Sunday lunchtime, you could have mistaken Chelsea for a club at peace with itself.

DAILY STAR: Angry Arsene Wenger claims his Arsenal flops are a bunch of babies who need to grow up fast. Also: Roberto Mancini watched Manchester City breeze into the FA Cup quarter-finals - then set his sights on a Premier League fightback.

DAILY MAIL: Arsene Wenger held an immediate 45-minute inquest into his Arsenal side's failings after the shock FA Cup defeat by Blackburn in a bid to salvage their season ahead of tomorrow's Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. Also: Roberto Mancini challenged Sergio Aguero to score the goals to wrestle the Barclays Premier League title from favourites Manchester United.

DAILY MIRROR: Michael Laudrup apologised to Swansea's fans for their Anfield humiliation and admitted: "It could have been 10". Also: Rafa Benitez is on collision course for an FA Cup showdown with bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini hopes Manchester City's 4-0 win over Leeds United that secured their place in the FA Cup sixth round is the "brodino", or soup-starter, to a comeback in their title defence. Also: David Luiz sought out the Brentford substitute Jake Reeves to apologise to him in person after a reckless challenge had concussed the 19-year-old and forced him off in the closing stages of Chelsea's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round replay win over the League One club.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini saw Manchester City installed as FA Cup favourites last night and insisted he has not given up hope of the double just yet. Also: Arsene Wenger has finally snapped, slamming his players after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackburn.

THE TIMES: Jack Wilshere is urging Arsenal to put their FA Cup embarrassment against Blackburn Rovers behind them and take inspiration from Chelsea's achievement last season as they prepare for the visit of Bayern Munich in the Champions League tomorrow. Also: When Luke Donald cruised to victory at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson in 2011, it was his first win on American soil in five years.

THE INDEPENDENT: "Underneath, there's a bubbling inferno, ready to explode," Danny Mills had said before the game. Right observation, wrong team. Also: Rafa Benitez and John Terry have both dismissed as "rubbish" reports that they have fallen out over the interim manager's non-selection of the Chelsea captain.

 

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DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger yesterday erupted in fury as he claimed there are "lies" being written about him which are intended to "harm" Arsenal. Also: Nani gave Sir Alex Ferguson some food for thought last night by breaking the deadlock in Manchester United's 2-1 FA Cup fifth-round win against Reading.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger suffered meltdown on the eve of Arsenal's biggest game of the season. Also: Manchester United kept their Treble dream alive - but were made to fight all the way by battling Reading.

DAILY MAIL: Arsene Wenger yesterday warned Arsenal's mutinous fans: 'You'll miss me when I'm gone'. Also: Manchester City, the club with the biggest spending power in the Barclays Premier League, have made the first move in the race to sign Brazil star Neymar.

DAILY STAR: Arsene Wenger was close to meltdown as he hit out on the eve of his side's crunch clash with Bayern Munich. Also: Two goals in three minutes from Nani and Javier Hernandez kept Manchester United's dream of a second Treble alive at Old Trafford last night.

THE SUN: Arsene Wenger faces Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight insisting he will be missed when he leaves English football. Also: Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his unlikely heroes as Manchester United kept up their Treble bid.

THE TIMES: Arsene Wenger launched an impassioned defence of his 16-year reign at Arsenal last night and claimed his much-maligned side can spring a surprise in the Champions League against Bayern Munich this evening. Also: There are a lot of players who would have sat and sulked at being left out of their club's biggest game of the season but they do not wallow in self-pity at Manchester United.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsene Wenger faced down the growing clamour for him to be replaced yesterday when the Arsenal manager said "You will miss me when I am gone" at the end of a heated press conference. Also: There were none of the double back-flips with twist which Nani made his trademark when his Manchester United career looked like a cloudless sky.

THE GUARDIAN: Arsene Wenger missed passion and defiance with the angry claim that he and Arsenal are being wilfully undermined by sinister external forces at an extraordinary press conference on the eve of today's Champions League last 16 first-leg showdown against Bayern Munich. Also: Manchester United's dream of emulating the 1999 treble-winning team is still alive.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsene Wenger launched the most angry and impassioned defence of his 16-year reign at Arsenal yesterday, but also cast doubt on his long-term future by refusing to say whether he would stay at the club beyond next season. Also: Roma are prepared to take advantage of Roberto Mancini's uncertain future at Manchester City by offering a £4.5million-a-year contract to bring the Italian back to Serie A this summer.

 

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THE TIMES: Arsenal were booed off last night after a home defeat by Bayern Munich left their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and condemned Arsene Wenger to the prospect of finishing an eighth season without a trophy. ALSO: For a moment, everyone fell silent, straining to hear the part of the tragedy that had not yet been told: Oscar Pistorius's account of what happened the night he shot his girlfriend.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsenal's season effectively ended last night when they were completely outclassed by a superior side in Bayern Munich. ALSO: Manu Tuilagi, the Leicester centre, is set to return to the England side to face France at Twickenham on Saturday in one of three expected changes to the starting XV that defeated Ireland.

THE INDEPENDENT: Whether it is the more prosaic Blackburn Rovers or the sophistication of the club they call FC Hollywood it seems that for Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger, these days the plot is destined to reach an unhappy conclusion no matter what. ALSO: The Manchester City chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has become embroiled in allegations that he spied on the internal emails of Barcelona employees.

THE GUARDIAN: It ended, as it so often does these days, with the beaten, dejected players of Arsenal listening to the din of dissent that is threatening to become the soundtrack of their season. ALSO: England's forwards have been urged to show they are a rising force in world rugby when they face France at Twickenham on Saturday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsenal were left mullered at the Emirates last night as Bayern Munich turned on the Kroos control to pile the pressure on Arsene Wenger. ALSO: England's hopes of progressing in next year's World Cup have been given a boost after FIFA confirmed that goal-line technology will be in place for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

DAILY MAIL: Arsene Wenger virtually threw in the Champions League towel last night as Arsenal's eighth consecutive trophyless season was as good as confirmed. ALSO: Manu Tuilagi will return to England's starting line-up against France at Twickenham on Saturday, as one of three changes to a winning team.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger's bid to defy the doubters was undone in brutal fashion as Arsenal were crushed by Bayern Munich. ALSO: Bradford City are planning a tribute to the 56 victims of the 1985 Valley Parade fire at Sunday's Capital One Cup Final.

THE SUN:

DAILY STAR: Arsenal's season is on the brink of total collapse. ALSO: Manchester City were facing more embarrassment last night after chief executive Ferran Soriano was caught up in spying allegations.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Thursday February 21

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, 24, could still sign for Manchester United this summer despite reports that the Poland striker is set for a switch to Bayern Munich.
Gabby Agbonlahor has told fellow Aston Villa frontman Christian Benteke that he is too good to join Arsenal or Spurs with the 22-year-old linked with a move away. Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested.
Midfielder Joey Barton, on loan at Marseille, does not expect to return to QPR but admits he misses the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger has been accused of failing to sort out Arsenal's dodgy defence.
Charlton are set to sign Spurs striker Jonathan Obika, 21, on loan until the end of the season - for what will be his ninth loan move in four years.

Under-fire manager Arsene Wenger is to be given £70 million of support by the Arsenal board.
Sir Alex Ferguson says he has suffered a major blow with David Gill's decision to quit as Manchester United chief executive.
Legend Pele has urged Brazil star Neymar to snub Manchester City and join Barcelona instead.
Bolton striker David Ngog, 23, is due for talks with Dynamo Kiev about a surprise £3.5m move.

Manchester City have added Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus, 23, and Seville's Jesus Navas, 27, to their shopping list with the two widemen rated at a combined total of £65m.
Thomas Vermaelen fears Arsenal are on the brink of tearing themselves apart. Brendan Rodgers has urged Liverpool fans to help him pull off a Europa League miracle tonight.

Arsene Wenger will be assured he is the man to revive Arsenal's fortunes at a board meeting with the club's American owner Stan Kroenke today.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have sent scouts to watch defenders Maxime Gonalons, 23, of Lyon and Torino's Angelo Ogbonna, 24.
Manchester United are monitoring Ecuador defender Frickson Erazo, 24, who plays in his home country for Barcelona SC.
Borussia Dortmund are interested in Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko as a replacement for Manchester United and Bayern Munich target Robert Lewandowski. However, City rate Dzeko at £25m but Dortmund are not willing to pay more than £15m.

Arsenal's senior players lined up to admit they are not good enough.
Chelsea's Demba Ba, 27, is open to the club bringing in another striker in the summer and said it will bring the best out of him.
West Ham's Frederic Piquionne is trying to earn a move to the MLS after going on trial with the Portland Timbers.

Arsene Wenger retains the full backing of Arsenal's board and the club have no plans to dismiss him even if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that David Gill's decision to step down as Manchester United chief executive in the summer was a "big loss" and that he had hoped to find a way of persuading the man with whom he has had "a million arguments" to remain in the role he has served for the past decade.

Sir Alex Ferguson will lose his most powerful and closest ally at Old Trafford at the end of the season after Manchester United chief executive David Gill announced he was going to step down this summer.

Thomas Vermaelen has urged his Arsenal team-mates to avoid recriminations and stick together as another season looks set to end without silverware.

Thomas Vermaelen has said that Arsene Wenger remains the manager to take Arsenal forward in the long term, despite the current difficulties, while the majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, will reiterate his support for the Frenchman at a board meeting today.
Sir Alex Ferguson has lost his closest confidant at Manchester United after David Gill announced he will step down as chief executive in the summer to allow the club to ********* itself.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday February 22

Mario Balotelli has told Manchester City's owners: Don't sack Roberto Mancini.
Ian Wright fears Arsenal will follow Liverpool and slip out of Champions League contention.
David Gold has told Paolo Di Canio there is no job for him at West Ham.
Michael Owen could get a new Stoke deal even if he is out all season.
Michael Laudrup refuses to talk about rumours linking him with the Real Madrid job.
Bradford joint chairman Mark Lawn has vowed to do all he can to keep manager Phil Parkinson at the club.

Manchester United are working on a stunning £55million deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini is fuming after being told his final act as Manchester City boss could be taking the side on an end-of-season tour to America.
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has again backed under-fire manager Arsene Wenger.
Michael Laudrup refuses to discuss his future at Swansea until after the Capital One Cup final.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke has urged fans to give Peter Odemwingie a chance - for the good of the club.

Swindon Town have been forced to change the locks at the County Ground after Paolo Di Canio stole into the manager's office under darkness and tore down pictures of his successful reign.
Manchester City have dismissed reports in Spain that Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has agreed to become their next manager.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Nani a lifeline at the club.

Bacary Sagna is set to be the next big-name departure from Arsenal as Arsene Wenger makes a new right-back one of his priorities and sets his sights on Daryl Janmaat of Feyenoord.
Real Madrid want Manchester United's David de Gea to be their long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
Roberto Martinez is telling his contract rebels to put their futures on hold - and save Wigan from the drop.
Michael Owen could land a new deal at Stoke without even starting a Premier League game.
Chelsea have sealed a £1.7million deal to sign red-hot Chilean teenage Cristian Cuevas.

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions he is ready to sell Nani.

 

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THE SUN: Roberto Mancini last night slammed Samir Nasri. Also: Bradford could refuse to play in Europe next season - even if they win the Capital One Cup.

DAILY MAIL: England put their Grand Slam credentials on the line at Twickenham today - warning France to expect a far more daunting ordeal than they endured a year ago, when Stuart Lancaster's side won in Paris. Also: Roberto Mancini has accused forward Samir Nasri of slacking off after helping Manchester City win the Premier League title last season.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini has claimed that Samir Nasri is giving only "50%" for Manchester City. Also: Arsene Wenger insists he will not quit Arsenal and promised he is still the man to take the club forward.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini will quit Manchester City before he is sacked if they fail to win trophies over the next two years. Also: Arsene Wenger has said he will not quit Arsenal - but admitted he is now working on a "short-term" plan.

DAILY STAR: Under-fire Arsene Wenger insists he is still the man to bring glory back to Arsenal. Also: Bradford could opt out of Europe if the minnows win the Capital One Cup final.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: England have vowed to repel the challenge of a wounded France at Twickenham today and take a giant stride towards securing their first Six Nations Grand Slam in a decade. Also: Roberto Mancini has cast further doubt over the Manchester City future of Samir Nasri by claiming that the £24million midfielder has made the "worst mistake" of thinking he does not need to improve following the club's title success last season.

THE TIMES: Amid the conjecture surrounding how France may perform at Twickenham today, there is a danger that the threat of England and the progress Stuart Lancaster's players have made, will be overlooked. Also: Bradford City will consider withdrawing from the Europa League next season should they qualify by beating Swansea City in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley tomorrow.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini has confirmed his admiration for Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani as he starts planning a summer of potential rebuilding at Manchester City, making it clear he is running out of patience with the players he suspects "think it's enough to play 50%" after winning the Premier League title. Also: Rafael Benitez believes Chelsea travel to Manchester City tomorrow a better side than the one that confronted the Premier League champions in the first game of his interim stewardship almost three months ago and hopeful they can still oust their opponents to achieve a top-two finish.

THE INDEPENDENT: The names on the Valley parade memorial stone tell the real story of the disaster which Bradford City will remember at Wembley this weekend.Back in the days when half the French pack looked as though they were about to join the Foreign Legion and the other half looked as though they had just escaped from it, England's rugby players took the field expecting all hell to break loose at the first scrum. This evening at Twickenham, red-rose apprehension will take a very different form.

 

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Man United go 15 points clear



A review of Saturday's action in the Barclays Premier League, including victories for Man United and Arsenal.





Manchester United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win over bottom side QPR at Loftus Road.

Premier League

1 Man Utd 68
2 Man City 53
3 Chelsea 49
4 Tottenham 48
5 Arsenal 47
6 Everton 42
7 West Brom 40
8 Liverpool 39
9 Swansea 37
10 Stoke City 33
11 Fulham 32
12 Norwich 32


Brazilian full-back Rafael put United ahead with a powerful drive on 23 minutes after his compatriot Julio Cesar had saved from Robin van Persie.

United lost top scorer Van Persie with a hip injury but Ryan Giggs made sure of victory with a good strike 10 minutes from time and then hit the bar soon after.

Santi Cazorla spared Arsenal further frustration after two defeats in the past week by netting a late winner in a 2-1 victory over struggling Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard tucked home his second goal of the game to make it 2-1 five minutes from time to ease some of the pressure on manager Arsene Wenger.

Cazorla's opening goal in the sixth minute had been cancelled out in the 68th minute as Villa broke from deep and Andreas Weimann fired a shot through Wojciech Szczesny's grasp from 25 yards.

Wigan moved out of the bottom three and leapfrogged Reading with a convincing 3-0 win over the 10-man Royals in their relegation battle at the Madejski Stadium.

Roberto Martinez's men were second best early on but came to life in the last minute of the first half as Arouna Kone struck twice.

Maynor Figueroa grabbed the third early in the second period and things got even worse for the hosts when Pavel Pogrebnyak was sent off for a bad challenge on Figueroa.

Romelu Lukaku claimed both goals as West Brom overcame Sunderland 2-1 at The Hawthorns.

Moments after having a goal disallowed, the Belgian struck from the spot in the 35th minute after Craig Gardner was penalised for handling a cross from Liam Ridgewell.

Lukaku's second came in freak circumstances after he broke into the box and Simon Mignolet's attempted clearance cannoned off him into the net.

Stephane Sessegnon pulled one back 11 minutes from time and James McClean went close to grabbing a last-gasp equaliser but the Baggies held on.

Premier League

Reading 0 - 3 Wigan
West Brom 2 - 1 Sunderland
Norwich 2 - 1 Everton
QPR 0 - 2 Man Utd
Arsenal 2 - 1 A Villa
Fulham 1 - 0 Stoke City

Norwich staged a late fightback to beat Everton 2-1 with goals from Kai Kamara and Grant Holt in the final six minutes at Carrow Road.

Leon Osman headed Everton ahead six minutes before half-time from a Leighton Baines cross.

But the Canaries dealt Everton's Champions League hopes a blow as they fought to the end and were rewarded when Kamara headed in after a corner and Holt swept in from close range.

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov struck a stunning volley as Fulham beat Stoke 1-0 in the day's early kick-off.

The Bulgarian hooked a shot from a clearance into the top corner to put the hosts in front in first-half injury time at Craven Cottage.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer denied Stoke a point when he saved a second-half penalty from Jonathan Walters.

 

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DAILY MIRROR: Phil Parkinson last night paid tribute to Bradford's supporters after their fairytale run in the Capital One Cup was ended in the final by Swansea. Also: Emmanuel Adebayor will be handed the job of lifting Tottenham into third place.

THE SUN: Nathan Dyer last night defended the astonishing tantrum which threatened to take the gloss off Swansea's Capital One Cup glory. Also: Manu Tuilagi will treasure the blood-stained shirt which inspired him to fry the French.

DAILY STAR: Michael Laudrup watched five-star Swansea make history, then hailed it as his biggest achievement in football. Also: Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez struck to keep Manchester City's slim title hopes alive - and leave Chelsea fearing for their top-four future.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Swansea City made history here, elegantly winning the League Cup by the biggest margin ever and effortlessly lifting their first major trophy, and they drew on their own past in doing so. Also: Roberto Mancini could have thanked Joe Hart for saving a penalty, he may have counted his blessings that Chelsea were quite so bad, but after seeing Manchester City keep their faint title hopes alive, he instead thanked the Pope.

THE INDEPENDENT: Michael Laudrup last night set his Capital One Cup win with Swansea City apart from even the famous triumphs of his glorious playing days. Also: Rafael Benitez, who looked tired, was asked if he was tired. "I was not running today so I'm fine," he replied, though his body language said more than words possibly could.

THE TIMES: Michael Laudrup described lifting the Capital One Cup as his finest achievement after his Swansea City side thrashed Bradford City 5-0 at Wembley yesterday. Also: Philippe Saint-Andre may have cursed some of Craig Joubert's decisions but in his heart the France coach knows he has been as much the architect of his country's present plight as Stuart Lancaster has been responsible for England's turnaround in fortunes.

THE GUARDIAN: Michael Laudrup hailed Swansea City's emphatic League Cup final victory over Bradford City, which marked the Welsh club's centenary year with the first major trophy in their history, as the greatest achievement in his managerial career and "up there with the best things" he has experienced in football. Also: Two gold medals at the age of 21 in less than 24 hours left Becky James stiff-legged and lost for words and the cycling world in a state of shock.

DAILY EXPRESS: Michu revealed Swansea City took it easy after going 4-0 ahead against Bradford City out of "respect" - but that did not stop them going on to a record 5-0 win at Wembley. Also: Rafa Benitez saw Chelsea fall to defeat at Manchester City then admitted they are sweating on qualifying for the Champions League next season.

DAILY MAIL: Michael Laudrup admitted responsibility for Swansea's penalty mix-up after they crushed League Two side Bradford City to win the Capital One Cup at Wembley. Also: England's players have been warned about the growing Grand Slam hype, but are ready to embrace the prospect of their first clean sweep for a decade.

 

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DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez was involved in a training ground bust-up with Chelsea's shell-shocked squad yesterday. Also: John Toshack last night confirmed that Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is a top candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Gareth Bale struck one of the goals of the season to decide one of the games of the season. Also: Rafael Benitez is increasingly resigned to his Chelsea tenure finishing at the end of the season.

THE TIMES: Gareth Bale struck twice as Tottenham Hotspur moved into third place in the Barclays Premier League, overtaking Chelsea, and putting them four points ahead of Arsenal, their North London rivals, whom they face on Sunday after a 3-2 victory over West Ham United at Upton Park. Also: Arsenal can still automatically qualify for the Champions League, according to Arsene Wenger, who has claimed that Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are "not out of reach".

THE GUARDIAN: On a night when West Ham remembered Bobby Moore they could not achieve the victory that would have served as the perfect tribute to their legendary captain, and it was another legend in the making that made the difference. Also: Michael Laudrup has said he is flattered to be linked with a return to Real Madrid but intends to honour his Swansea City contract and remain with the League Cup winners next season.

THE SUN: Andre Villas-Boas and Sam Allardyce both hailed Gareth Bail as world class. Also: Nani has been given a take-it-or-leave-it offer on a new contract.

DAILY MIRROR: Gareth Bale smashed home another wonder strike to lift Tottenham into third place in the Premier League. Also: Manchester United target Robert Lewandowski is set to quit Borussia Dortmund this summer.

THE INDEPENDENT: Gareth Bale said he had set up the North London derby perfectly after producing another of his trademark wonderful strikes to fire Tottenham Hotspur into third place in the Premier League. Also: West Ham United marked the 20th anniversary of the death of legendary captain Bobby Moore last night with a series of gestures aiming to celebrate their greatest ever player and raise money for the cancer research fund named after him.

DAILY EXPRESS: Gareth Bale last night struck a sensational last-minute goal to snatch victory for Tottenham. Also: Swansea's club captain Garry Monk last night called on his manager Michael Laudrup not to quit.

DAILY STAR: Gareth Bale produced another stunning show to fire Spurs into third place last night. Also: Manchester United are hoping a sensational breakdown in contract talks between Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid will force him out of Spain and back to Old Trafford.

 

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Daily Express: Battle lines were drawn last night between Real Madrid and Tottenham in the tug-of-war for Gareth Bale. Also: Rafa Benitez has told his Chelsea players to take some responsibility for their poor run in the Premier League rather than blaming him.

Daily Telegraph: Tottenham have been warned that Real Madrid have the desire and financial firepower to take Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu tomorrow. Also: Surrey have issued their players and coaches with a set of guidelines in an attempt to stamp out

the use of recreational drugs after cricket was left reeling by the revelations at Tom Maynard's inquest.

The Guardian: Rafael Benitez has claimed his Chelsea players are united and fully behind their interim first-team manager. Also: County cricketers will be tested more regularly in response to the confirmation that Tom Maynard had been taking cocaine and ecstasy the night before he died last June.

Daily Mirror: Rafa Benitez insisted last night that his Chelsea players are "100 per cent" behind him. Also: Michael Laudrup is ready to snub Europe's top clubs to stay with Swansea.

Daily Star: Gareth Bale is set for talks with Real Madrid over a sensational £40m summer move to Spain. Also: Rafa Benitez claims Chelsea's players are 100 per cent behind him.

Daily Mail: Cricket bosses should take hair samples to test for drugs after Tom Maynard died while high on a cocktail of cocaine and alcohol, a coroner said last night. Also: Rafa Benitez insists he has the Chelsea players behind him.

The Independent: Manchester City are exploring the establishment of partner clubs on three continents of part of the commercial revolution needed to smash into world football's elite. Also: The Surrey cricketer Tom Maynard had been a habitual user of cocaine for several months, and was four times over the legal limit for drink-driving when his body was found on a railway track in south-east London, according to evidence put before an inquest into his death.

The Sun: Rafa Benitez says Chelsea's stars are 100 per cent behind him - despite an angry bust-up with John Terry. Also: Jermain Defoe could make a shock return in Sunday's north London derby with Arsenal.

The Times: Manchester United's determination to keep Wayne Rooney is likely to be tested this summer, with Paris St Germain giving serious consideration to making an audacious move for the England striker. Also: The ECB will upgrade its testing policies for recreational drugs to bring it in line with other team sports after the inquest into Tom Maynard's death yesterday.

 

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DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez risks being sacked today after an extraordinary rant at Chelsea supporters and an attack on owner Roman Abramovich for calling him the club's interim manager. Also: Arsenal are planning to raise their wage ceiling in the summer to facilitate Arsene Wenger's £70million spending splurge.

DAILY MIRROR: Rafa Benitez headed for the Chelsea exit last night after slating fans for not supporting the club. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to quell dressing-room unrest by telling his fringe players they can still play a key part in Manchester United's treble quest.

THE SUN: Rafa Benitez snapped last night and launched a blistering attack on Chelsea and their fans. Also: Rio Ferdinand claimed fans who compare Gareth Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi do not know football.

THE INDEPENDENT: Ian Bell has called on the cricket authorities to pull out all the stops to prevent a repeat of the tragic circumstances of Tom Maynard's death. Also: Rafael Benitez's patience finally snapped last night when the Spaniard claimed that it had been a mistake to make him interim manager of Chelsea in the first place and admitted he will definitely leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

THE GUARDIAN: For a while it seemed as if Rafael Benitez's players feared Middlesbrough's home was armed with hidden tripwires destine to leave them lying flat on their faces in this FA Cup fifth-round match. Also: The United States Cricket Association said that the introduction of the Twenty20 game to the Olympics would be a "real boost" for the sport in the US, after the MCC confirmed yesterday it would lobby for the short format of the game to be played at the 2024 games.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fernando Torres set Chelsea on their way to an FA Cup sixth-round clash with Manchester United - but he did not know much about his crucial goal. Also: Santi Cazorla has joined the growing fan club for his Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere by hailing him as a "complete footballer" with a "spectacular future".

DAILY STAR: Chelsea last night sealed an FA Cup crunch with Manchester United. Also: Manchester City have denied claims Roberto Mancini is facing a mutiny over the club's controversial end-of-season tour to America.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United could be on the brink of something "big" this season as the manager urged his players to take "full advantage" of a critical month. Also: It did not feel, at the end, as if anything had substantially changed. Chelsea's supporters were still barracking Rafael Benitez and Fernando Torres was still looking a pale imitation of his old self.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Poor before the break, Chelsea improved markedly in the second half, a reality that will lead to inevitable speculation over who spoke the most stirring words in the dressing room at the interval. That is one of the problems with Chelsea currently: even doubts follow successes for Rafael Benitez. Also: Arsenal are ready to relax their wage structure this summer to help attract the genuinely world-class talent that Arsene Wenger wants to boost his squad.

 

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THE SUN: Alex Ferguson wants to become a director at Manchester United when he quits management. Also: Rafa Benitez defiantly told angry Chelsea fans: Roman Abramovich won't sack me.

DAILY MAIL: Roman Abramovich will review Rafa Benitez's position as Chelsea's interim manager after gauging supporter reaction at tomorrow's clash with West Bromwich. Also: Tottenham and Arsenal will issue a warning to supporters intent on using sick chants during this weekend's north London derby.

DAILY MIRROR: Rafa Benitez was last night warned he will be walking into a bear pit against West Brom tomorrow. Also: Under-fire owner Steve Morgan last night threatened to sell crisis-club Wolves after telling furious fans: If you want me out, I'll walk.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rafa Benitez will run a gauntlet of hate from Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge tomorrow - after criticising them for the second time in two days. Also: Gareth Bale has praised the tactical acumen of Andre Villas-Boas, which he believes is underpinning Tottenham's push for the Champions League.

DAILY STAR: Ranting Rafa Benitez last night insisted he will be Chelsea boss until the end of the season. Also: Wayne Rooney says home comforts have left Manchester United bang on course for another Treble.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Rafael Benitez will take charge of Chelsea at a hugely hostile Stamford Bridge tomorrow having received no assurances about his future following his criticism of supporters who have abused him since he took charge 100 days ago. Also: Gareth Bale should stay at Tottenham and continue to enjoy "the time of his life", according to the man who helped bring him to the north London club from Southampton in 2007.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez will be forced to confront a seething mass of Chelsea supporters when he takes charge of the team for the Barclays Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow. Also: England have been reminded of the need to keep their collective discipline in their remaining two RBS Six Nations Championship internationals against Italy and Wales.

THE GUARDIAN: Rafael Benitez will run a gauntlet of hate at Stamford Bridge tomorrow as Chelsea's livid support, so riled by his suggestion that their antipathy towards him is damaging the image of the club, renew calls for him to be relieved of his duties with immediate effect. Also: West Ham United are facing the prospect of "major work" to repair corrosion at Upton Park if the club are unsuccessful with their bid to move to the Olympic Stadium.

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea have decided not to confiscate supporters' anti-Rafa Benitez banners brought to tomorrow's Premier League home game against West Bromwich Albion, which promises to be yet another combustible occasion as feelings run high among fans. Also: Everything is falling into place for England as they go in search of a first Six Nations clean sweep in a decade: even the body count.

 

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THE SUN: Rafa Benitez claims he has been congratulated by Chelsea's players for his rant against the club's fans. Also: Alex Ferguson will hand Rio Ferdinand a new one-year deal after extending Ryan Giggs' Manchester United career.

DAILY MAIL: Paris Saint-Germain are set to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Samir Nasri's future with a big-money summer swoop. Also: Manchester City are helping Real Madrid prepare for their Champions League clash against Manchester United by giving them the Etihad Stadium for training.

DAILY MIRROR: QPR's training break in Dubai last month became a "stag party" according to first-team players. Also: Philippe Coutinho has warned Premier League bully boys: "Kick me and I'll score against you."

DAILY EXPRESS: Ryan Giggs will make his 1,000th top-flight appearance today with Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the achievement will never be beaten. Also: Rory McIlroy's patience with his poor start to the season snapped yesterday as he stormed off the course after nine error-strewn holes in the second round of the US Tour's Honda Classic.

DAILY STAR: Avram Grant does not want to be a short term successor to Rafa Benitez at Chelsea. Also: Arsene Wenger has warned Tottenham sensation Gareth Bale that the end of his hot streak is just around the corner.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The crisis engulfing Rory McIlroy intensified on Friday when the world No 1 walked off mid-round while defending his Honda Classic title in Florida, prompting a furious response from his fellow professionals. Also: England are still confident Nick Compton is capable of delivering big runs when it matters most.

THE TIMES: Andre Villas-Boas has said that his Tottenham players are feeding off the memories of losing out on a Champions League place last season but has asked them to control their emotions against Arsenal tomorrow. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson said last night there would be a strong possibility that Rio Ferdinand would follow Ryan Giggs by signing a new one-year contract at Manchester United in the coming weeks.

THE GUARDIAN: Rafael Benitez claims senior players within the Chelsea squad have thanked him for his impassioned call for unity in midweek, an outburst that has conversely further inflamed tensions with the club's already livid support, as he braces himself for a toxic reception at Stamford Bridge for Saturday's visit of West Bromwich Albion. Also: Sheffield council has voted to close the athletics stadium in Sheffield where Jessica Ennis trained for her Olympic gold medal. Councillors said it was a result of local authority cuts, despite Ennis's coach labelling the decision a betrayal of the legacy promises made to secure the Games.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to Roberto Mancini's jibe that Manchester United have been "lucky" by claiming that City are fortunate to be only 12 points behind. Also: It promises to be a super enough Saturday for the British track and field team in their first engagement since the home Olympics but for one of the country's most prolific indoor performers the European Championships got off to a Friday flop of a start in Gothenburg yesterday.

 

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THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: A Middle East consortium is poised to make a £1.5billion takeover bid for Arsenal within the next few weeks. Also: Chelsea intend to allow Rafael Benitez to stay as the club's interim manager until the end of the season.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY: A sensational £1.5billion bid for Arsenal is being lined up by a powerful Middle East investment group. Also: Cristiano Ronaldo is willing take a massive pay cut to rejoin Manchester United.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Chelsea will send an SOS call to Fabio Capello after Rafa Benitez's amazing midweek rant. Also: Gareth Bale is prepared to delay his dream move to Real Madrid for one more year - for the sake of his family.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Fabio Capello is the shock candidate to save Chelsea's season. Also: Qatar are ready to switch the 2022 World Cup Finals to the winter - and spark chaos in the Premier League calendar.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Harry Redknapp last night angrily claimed QPR are victims of a smear campaign after his players were accused of treating a warm weather training camp in Dubai as a 'stag party'. Also: Cristiano Ronaldo will not be rejoining Manchester United next summer, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Harry Redknapp was 66 yesterday but he was in no mood to celebrate despite his relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers side earning their first win in seven Premier League matches - a 2-1 victory at Southampton. Also: England's Rugby World Cup in 2015 will see the sport showcased almost exclusively away from rugby stadiums as nine of the 12 venues selected to host the tournament's matches are football grounds.

THE OBSERVER: Harry Redknapp furiously hit out at individuals who he claimed are trying to "disrupt" Queens Park Rangers after his side's 2-1 victory at Southampton and rubbished reports in yesterday's papers that a recent trip to Dubai had been marred by ill-discipline and drinking. Also: The RSPCA has welcomed a significant softening of the Grand National fences at Aintree ahead of the famous race on April 6.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger laid the boot into today's big derby rivals Spurs by dismissing their star man Gareth Bale as merely "the flavour of the moment". Also: Guus Hiddink could return to Chelsea at the end of the season.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Chelsea's manager, Rafa Benitez, was more adamant than ever last night that he will survive until his contract expires at the end of the season after a 1-0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion that supporters will feel was less impressive than he claimed. Also: After smiling benignly as the build-up gathered pace through the week, Sir Alex Ferguson pulled the rug from under all the eulogies by asking Ryan Giggs to wait for his 1,000th senior game, sparing his longest-serving disciple even the need to sit on the substitutes' bench as Manchester United turned a stuttering start into a stroll in the end, opening up a 15-point gap at the top of the Premier League.

STAR ON SUNDAY: Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday hit back at Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini's claim that neighbours United are lucky to have scored so many late winners. Also: Chelsea fans stepped up their hate campaign against Rafa Benitez yesterday by launching a barrage of chants against him.

 

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DAILY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas celebrated victory in the north London derby by twisting the knife into Arsenal. Also: Ben Foster has revealed the overly strict regime of Fabio Capello was partly to blame for England players continually withdrawing from squads.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes beating Arsenal has put Arsene Wenger's side into a "negative spiral" that will be almost impossible to escape, while giving Spurs the confidence to finish above them. Also: Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov were last night united in their resistance to a record £1.5billion takeover of Arsenal by a Middle East-based consortium that has vowed to "transform" the club's dwindling fortunes.

THE GUARDIAN: Stan Kroenke has no intention of selling his shares in Arsenal, even in the face of a prospective £1.5billion offer for the club from a consortium in the Middle East. Also: Roberto Mancini has warned his Manchester City players that, if they refuse to take responsibility and "never think it's their fault", they will not be part of the team.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United have nothing to fear against Real Madrid tomorrow. Also: Ben Foster last night claimed England stars hated Fabio Capello's austerity regime - but they love life under Roy Hodgson.

DAILY STAR: Petr Cech last night joined Chelsea fans in calling for the return of 'The Special One'. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has sent an SOS to Phil Jones to stop Cristiano Ronaldo from wrecking Manchester United's European dream.

DAILY MAIL: Petr Cech admits he would like Jose Mourinho to take over for a second spell as Chelsea manager. Also: Andre Villas-Boas claimed Arsenal are a spent force after Tottenham stretched their lead over their north London rivals to seven points.

THE INDEPENDENT: As last orders approach in the Last Chance Saloon, Roberto Mancini has warned any Manchester City player who does not take responsibility for poor performances that they can leave the club. Also: Chelsea's long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech has defended the players' right to have their say about matters affecting them, however much negative publicity may result about supposed "rows" and "confrontations".

THE SUN: Cristiano Ronaldo insists he would love to score at Old Trafford tomorrow. Also Andre Villas-Boas reckons Spurs have sent Arsenal's season spinning into a spiral of doom.

THE TIMES: Ben Foster explained his decision to return to the England set-up with an attack on the management style of Fabio Capello. Also: Michael Carrick believes Manchester United will have to play the "complete game" to overcome Real Madrid in their mouth-watering Champions League clash at Old Trafford tomorrow.

 

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THE SUN: Jose Mourinho insists the whole world will stop to watch the greatest game on the planet tonight. Also: Roberto Mancini saw Manchester City close the gap on leaders United to 12 points and insisted: "You just never know what might happen.''

DAILY MAIL: Jose Mourinho says the world will stop to watch tonight's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester United. Also Roberto Mancini claims the title race is alive but conceded that Manchester City cannot afford to drop more points if they are to overhaul Manchester United.

DAILY MIRROR: Jose Mourinho says "the world will stop'' tonight to watch Manchester United's epic Champions League duel with Real Madrid. Also: Steve Finn could put the wind up New Zealand by breaking the 100mph barrier here tonight.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players to trust their own ability tonight and not obsess about Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: England last night received a significant boost when Tom Croft went straight into the Six Nations squad after proving himself with his man-of-the-match show on his 100th appearance for Leicester against Sale on Saturday.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Manchester United not to get hung up on Cristiano Ronaldo in tonight's Champions League blockbuster. Also: Jose Mourinho could be on his way back to Chelsea this month - but only if Real Madrid are dumped out of the Champions League by Manchester United tonight.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ryan Giggs described the Real Madrid fans' applause for him in the Bernabeu as "something special" but actually it was far from an unprecedented accolade. Also: Liverpool insist they are under no financial pressure to sell star assets such as Luis Suarez, despite announcing an increase in club debts to £87.2million.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players not to fear the damage Cristiano Ronaldo can inflict on them before the Champions League tie against Real Madrid tonight. Brendan Rodgers will not come under financial pressure to sell players in the summer despite Liverpool reporting losses of £40.5million, according to Ian Ayre, the managing director.

THE GUARDIAN: Jose Mourinho believes the "world will stop" when Real Madrid face Manchester United at Old Trafford in their hugely anticipated Champions League encounter in which he expects each side to be bold as they seek to progress. Also: Manchester City's hopes of retaining the Premier League title may look increasingly forlorn but this narrow victory over Aston Villa, courtesy of Carlos Tevez's 12th goal of the season, just about keeps Manchester United in view and leaves their Midlands opponents deep in relegation trouble.

THE INDEPENDENT: Jose Mourinho said that the "world would stop" to watch Manchester United's Champions League last 16 second leg game against his Real Madrid side tonight, and proclaimed that his team would have to "attack and be bold" with the advantage in their opponents' favour. Also: It was straw-clutching time for the red of north London yesterday in the wake of Arsenal's 2-1 derby defeat at White Hart Lane.