Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says England cannot afford to drop any points for the rest of their Euro2008 qualifying campaign.

Ferdinand said: "I think we still need to win every game - even in Moscow. But we can do that. It was a pleasing performance against Israel but it's only the first result in a batch of five qualifying games.

Ji Sung Park is confident that Man United will retain the Premiership trophy this season.

"I'm confident that we can retain the Premiership title this season.

"We've got a good squad and the manager has brought some good players into the team to improve it even further. The new signings have all impressed me in different ways.

Eight United players have been named among the top 100 footballers in the world in a list compiled by FourFourTwo magazine.

Cristiano Ronaldo, United's outstanding player in the title-winning 2007/08 campaign, was pipped to first place by AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who was the key figure in the Italian side's Champions League success last term.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are close friends, and even the extent Rooney was willing to go to to help get the Press off Cristiano's back!

"Wayne phoned me on the day of the World Cup final and said he had a great idea. He suggested he could do a TV interview with Ronaldo and they could show everything was fine.

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed compatriot Anderson to be a success at Manchester United, if he is given time.

"He's very good, a huge talent, but you need to be patient with him," Rivaldo told the Daily Star.

"His development should be controlled, giving him encouragement but everything done calmly.

"We're talking about a youngster who has the qualities to be a great player."

Reds' defender Danny Simpson has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2010.

The 20-year-old, who joined in July 2003, spent last season out on loan, gaining significent first team experience along the way.

Owen Hargreaves has been "perfect" on and off the field since arriving at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

And the United boss expects plenty more to come from his tireless new signing as soon as he completely shakes off the tendonitis problem that hindered the start to his Reds career.

Real Madrid believe they may have errored when they chose not to offer professional contracts to some of todays biggest and best young stars.

The club's technical secretary, Miguel Angel Portugal, has revealed that he was given the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, amongst other stars, but had no money available.

Brazilian international Anderson will get a run-out for United's Reserves against Manchester City on Tuesday evening.

The 19-year-old summer signing from Porto made his senior debut against Sunderland on Saturday, and Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the decision to give him more playing time at Sports City.

Michael Carrick says having next summer off instead of playing at Euro 2008 would be unthinkable!

“As footballers, we sometimes complain about not getting enough time off. But it’s unthinakble to miss a major tournament.

"The big championships are the things you remember. You need to be there.