Sir Alex won't rule out Chelsea

While all the attention on this season's title contest has centred around United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea are serious challengers and should not be underestimated.

Avram Grant's side are six points behind the Reds and nine adrift of league leaders Arsenal. But they have a game in hand and are poised to pounce should the league's two pace-setters slip.

"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable," Sir Alex told the League Managers' Association website. "The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."

Chelsea are unbeaten at home this season, but they have dropped points at Stamford Bridge - far more than their rivals, too. Arsenal have surrendered four points at the Emirates Stadium this term, while United have missed out on five points at Old Trafford. But Chelsea have drawn five on their patch, losing out on a surprising ten points.

29/02/2008 09:37

Rio: I'll sign up
Rio Ferdinand has begun talks on a new Manchester United contract. The England defender has 16 months left on his current agreement but discussions have started on a four-year deal. Ferdinand, 29, said: “We are on the cusp of something very good. I’ve been here through a transitional period and I can see the fruits beginning to ripen. We have a strong bond and a great bunch of players ready to achieve. The rewards are there to be taken - now is the time to deliver.” Ferdinand, who currently earns £110,000 a week, added: “We’ve done a lot on the training pitch and the manager has worked tirelessly to bring in the right players. So we’re in a position to strike.”
Neil Custis, The Sun

Rio's quotes above are from United Review's interview with the defender before the Arsenal FA Cup fifth round clash.

In other news, Sir Alex has revealed he considered quitting United to manage a foreign club. But the boss claims the magnetism of coaching the Old Trafford giants stopped him joining an overseas side. Fergie admitted: “Sometimes I used to say to myself 'I’d love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me. My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don’t leave Manchester United.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City chairman Thaksin Shinawatra flew in to Thailand yesterday and announced that his club will be ‘another Manchester United’ next season.

29/02/2008 10:18, Report by Gemma Thompson

Bolton clash rearranged

United's Premier League clash with Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford has been rescheduled to Wednesday 19 March, KO 20:00 GMT.

The game was originally planned for Sunday 9 March, but has subsequently been switched because of United's FA Cup quarter-final with Portsmouth which will take place on Saturday 8 March, KO 12:45 GMT.

The Bolton match will be postponed again should the Reds' last eight Cup clash against Pompey go to a replay.