Beckham backs United to win CL

David Beckham is backing Manchester United for Champions League glory following their four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

It was not the way Beckham hoped his first appearance as an opposition player against United would end up. However, with his own interest at an end, the former England skipper wants the Red Devils to reclaim a trophy he helped them win in 1999.

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Nomura to advise Red Knights

The battle for control of Manchester United has taken another twist following confirmation that a leading global investment bank has agreed to advise on a possible acquisition of the Old Trafford outfit by the Red Knights group.

Nomura will work closely with the Red Knights, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust and other potential investors to "coordinate and formulate the proposal to be put to the Glazer family".

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HMRC to accept Pompey administration

Portsmouth expect to be told today that Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs accept the club have entered administration legitimately.

Pompey have a nine-point deduction in the Barclays Premier League hanging over them for entering voluntary administration but the validity of Andrew Andronikou taking charge of their affairs was challenged by HMRC.

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Arsenal hoping for Fabregas miracle

Arsene Wenger accepts it will take a "miracle" for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to be fit for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Hull.

The Spain midfielder missed the midweek Champions League victory over Porto because of the hamstring problem which had seen him hobble out of the win against Burnley. Wenger will not take any risks ahead of the trip to the KC Stadium for Saturday's late kick-off.

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England capable of WC win - Capello

Fabio Capello believes his England players are capable of creating history at this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

No European team has ever won the World Cup when it has been staged outside Europe, but Capello is confident that statistic will change on July 11 in Johannesburg. Whether it is England or the likes of Spain or Italy who lift the trophy remains to be seen, but the Italian would quite happily take an England v Italy final, despite the conflicting emotions involved.

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Onions to fly home

England seamer Graham Onions will fly back to England after being ruled out of the two-Test series against Bangladesh due to a back injury.

The 27-year-old suffered the complaint in training last week after arriving in the sub-continent for the Test series and missed the three-day warm-up game against Bangladesh A.

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Pietersen calls on Fletcher for advice

Former England coach Duncan Fletcher has revealed Kevin Pietersen contacted him after the recently-completed one-day international series in Bangladesh as he attempts to find a way out of his batting slump.

Pietersen has endured a torrid time with bat in hand since arriving on the sub-continent, managing just just 69 runs in seven innings.

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Thomas taken to hospital following fall

Sam Thomas was airlifted to hospital after suffering a bad fall on the gallops at Paul Nicholls' yard.

Thomas is reported to have escaped serious injury, but is still doubtful to appear at next week's Cheltenham Festival, having sustained back and neck injuries and was taken to Royal United Hospital in Bath following a schooling accident at first lot.

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Button predicts 'belter' of a season

Jenson Button believes this season in Formula One will be "a belter" and that Michael Schumacher will prove he can still compete at the age of 41.

Button lifted the drivers' crown last year with Brawn GP, but has since joined his predecessor as world champion and fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. And the 30-year-old hopes that new regulations, with no refuelling during the race, and the return of seven-time champion Schumacher will bring many fans back to the sport.

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Higgins to open defence against Hawkins

John Higgins will begin the defence of his Betfred.com World Championship title against Barry Hawkins.

Higgins, who beat Shaun Murphy in last year's Crucible final, will get the tournament under way on April 17 in Sheffield. Hawkins will be making his fifth consecutive appearance at the World Championship.

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