51.   But United manager Alex Ferguson said he was confident Butt would be able to meet up with the squad in time for the finals in Japan and South Korea.

52.   Despite their rich vein of form, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side still face an uphill battle to retain their championship crown.

53.   England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince was fined and warned here on Tuesday by United manager Alex Ferguson for antics in the Charity Shield game against Blackburn Rovers.

54.   Events on the pitch were largely overshadowed by the extraordinary incident but United manager Alex Ferguson will also be fuming over the point dropped.

55.   The United manager claims this spirit will help them cope without the injured trio of Roy Keane, David Beckham and Ronny Johnsen.

56.   The United manager has promised to tackle them and learn from the semi-final defeat to German side Bayer Leverkusen.

57.   United assistant manager Brian Kidd has agreed a new three-year contract with the club.

58.   United manager Alex Ferguson earlier defended his decision to allow Inter Milan permission to enter negotiations with Ince.

59.   United manager Alex Ferguson last week expressed fears that if the appeal failed, Cantona would consider leaving English football.

60.   United manager Alex Ferguson led the tributes to van Nistelrooy after his well-placed injury-time penalty.