THE ESSENTIAL

Manchester United striker Michael Owen's World Cup dream is over as he has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

Rio Ferdinand insists there are no long-term concerns over his fitness after describing his latest injury lay-off as "precautionary".

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to excuse Nani for his red card in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. The winger was given his marching orders for a two-footed lunge on Stiliyan Petrov and will now miss the Carling Cup final. "It was a red card. It was a naive tackle," Ferguson said.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Nani's maturity after the Portuguese winger's talismanic display in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Arsenal. The 23-year-old delivered the cross that led to Manuel Almunia's own goal for the opener and set up Wayne Rooney for the second. Ferguson said: "His last three games have been absolutely first class but today was his best. He's a very shy boy and maybe his personality is getting stronger to play for us every week. Today was an example of that maturity."

Sir Alex Ferguson has absolved his young players of blame for Manchester United's shock FA Cup defeat to Leeds.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has confessed that he feels under pressure to live up to his huge price tag at Old Trafford.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs believes Sir Alex Ferguson will still be the manager at Old Trafford "in five years' time".

Sol Campbell has invited Manchester United to make a move for him after admitting he would "love" to play for the Red Devils.

Hat-trick hero Michael Owen feels Manchester United's fringe players could have a major role to play this season as super-subs at Old Trafford.

Manchester City star Carlos Tevez feels the treatment he now receives from Manchester United fans is unfair after the loyalty he showed them.

TRANSFERS

Who? - Igor Akinfeev
Where is he? - CSKA Moscow
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
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Who? - Joe Cole, J
Where is he? - Chelsea
Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
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