Michael Carrick last night withdrew from the England squad for this month's 2010 World Cup qualifiers, leaving Fabio Capello one central midfielder light as his players train for the first time today.

Manchester United's second string could decide the Premier League's relegation battle when they face Hull City on the final day.

Federico Macheda's agent has moved to dampen speculation that Manchester United are in talks with Serie A side Sampdoria over a season-long loan deal for the teenage sensation.

Promising Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon is ready to turn his back on Brazil to pledge his international future to Italy.

To avoid work permit difficulties, the 20-year-old secured an Italian passport through paternal ancestry before signing for United 15 months ago.

Ben Foster may be left out of the first team for the big match against Arsenal.

Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are back and look set to allow Man Utd to field an unchanged team from the first leg at Arsenal tonight.

Ferdinand trained at Carrington yesterday and came through unscathed after leaving the pitch at Old Trafford last Wednesday with a suspected cracked rib.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer defender Jonny Evans a new contract in the summer, according to the Daily Star Sunday.

The youngster still has two years remaining on his current deal, yet manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears so keen to keep him at the club that he is willing to offer him a new contract.

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the Champions League final after Uefa rejected an appeal against his red card in the semi-final.

The 25-year-old was controversially sent off in the second leg of United's 4-1 aggregate win against Arsenal.

Italian referee Roberto Rosetti sent Fletcher off for what he saw as a foul on Cesc Fabregas and awarded a penalty.

Manchester United midfielder Zoran Tosic, a recruit from Partizan Belgrade who arrived during the January transfer window, is showing patience as he waits to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils.

Park Ji-Sung admits he will be doing his utmost between now and the end of the Premier League season to convince Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he merits a place in the team for the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 27.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is relishing the additional pressure that comes at the end of the season, as the moment when the prizes are claimed draws nearer.