Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed patience was the key to Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow. United left the Russian capital in control of Group B after Luis Antonio Valencia struck a late winner to make it three European wins out of three for the Red Devils this season. The Premier League champions had toiled for large spells…

Barcelona have not made a fresh approach to Manchester City for Robinho, according to the Spanish club's sporting director. Txiki Begiristain claims the European champions have not been in touch with City since an summer approach to sign the Brazil star was turned down flat by the Premier League club. A fresh wave of reports had claimed that Barca were keen to…

Portsmouth defender Hermann Hreidarsson is set to make his return from a long-term foot injury absence. Hreidarsson, 35, is yet to make an appearance for the Premier League strugglers this season, but is now on the cusp of returning to full training. "Hermann just wants to play and to train and he's almost there," head physio Gary Sadler told the club's…

Robin Van Persie has warned his Arsenal teammates to learn lessons from last season's failings, if they want to maintain their push for the Premier League title. The Dutch striker has been in impressive form for the Gunners this season, in what has been an excellent start for the North Londoners; however Van Persie hopes that Arsenal will sustain their…

Rafa Benitez has found himself an unlikely ally in George Gillett, as the pressure around him has been cranked up after a 4th successive defeat. The Spanish boss was subject to booing from sections of the Liverpool faithful, following his decision to substitute Yossi Benayoun on Tuesday night, and the last minute winner from Lyon only went to add to…

Harry Redknapp has hinted that he may look for midfield reinforcements in January, after stating it is an area that he is a little short. In the past 24 hrs Tottenham have been linked with the Brazilian Sandro and Michael Johnson, as the North Londoners look to a bolster a central midfield which only has Jermaine Jenas, Tom Huddlestone and…

Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson believes that his side have come a long way from their tag of a long-ball side. A narrow 2-1 defeat at Manchester United showed the Trotters in a good light, with Megson happy to defy critics of his side's capabilities. He said:"We have improved. "It makes us smirk a little bit though, because other managers still…

Burnley midfielder Wade Elliott has escaped a possible suspension after the FA took no further action over his clash with Blackburn Rovers defender Pascal Chimbonda. Elliott had seemed to aim a kick at Chimbonda during the 3-2 derby defeat at Ewood Park last Sunday, but referee Chris Foy decided against further punishment after reviewing video footage of the incident. An FA spokesperson…

Former Manchester United midfielder Danny Pugh has penned a one-year contract extension with Stoke City that will keep him at the Britannia Stadium until the summer of 2012. The 27-year-old accepts that he has a tough job breaking into the current Potters first team but is prepared to be patient and take his chance when it comes. He said:"The manager told…

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has criticised Christian Benitez for returning to St Andrew's late from World Cup duty. The striker missed Saturday's defeat at Arsenal after failing to board a connecting flight en route from Ecuador. "The wee man's back, we've had a meeting and he's got the message," said McLeish. "He held his hands up and admitted that there…