FOOTBALL

Manchester United managed to make it (on a 3-2 aggregate) to the final sixteen of the Europa League despite a 1-2 loss to Ajax in the second leg of the two teams' round of 32 clash.

Manchester City crushed Porto 4-0 in the second leg of the round of 32, Europa league on Thursday, booking their place in the final 16 of the competition with a 6-1 aggregate.

Manchester United managed to scrape through to the next round, on a 3-2 aggregate, of the Europa Champions League despite their 1-2 loss to Ajax in the second leg of the round of 32 clash.

Andrey Arshavin could be set to leave Arsenal this season, with Zenit st Petersburg revealing that the clubs have been in talks over a possible loan deal for the midfielder.

Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that he may be interested in purchasing Fernando Torres from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, with the former Blues manager admitting he would be a 'gamble' given his current form.

France legend Frank Leboeuf has warned Roman Abramovich it would be irrational to sack Andre Villas-Boas at this stage in the season and cautioned against turning to Jose Mourinho to rescue the Blues' faltering campaign.

Young Arsenal striker Benik Afobe has admitted he is yet another Gunner who looks up to robin van Persie, with the 19 year old revealing he has been having pep talks with the Holland international as he recovers from injury.

Stuart Pearce believes that Tom Cleverley is set for a big future with both England and Manchester United, as the youngster makes a comeback from injury and works his way into the international squad.

The Premier League is in crisis, exclamation mark, raised eyebrow. Should Arsenal and Chelsea fail to overturn first-leg deficits against AC Milan and Napoli respectively; English football will not have a representative in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1996.

Chelsea have not approached Rafa Benitez over taking the managerial position at the club, according to his agent, with Manuel Garcia Quilon insisting that the Spaniard hasn't heard anything official over a spot becoming open at the club.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's father has revealed that talks took place with Manchester United before the youngster made the move to Arsenal, with the former Southampton starlet choosing the Gunners.

Jermain Defoe has claimed that this weekend's upcoming Tottenham and Arsenal derby means more to the Gunners than their cross-town rivals, with the match set to be tough for both clubs in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has surpassed Italian legend Paolo Maldini, with the midfielder about to celebrate his 900th appearance for the English giants.

Ian Rush believes that only Craig Bellamy can decide whether he should continue to play for the Wales national team, with the forward considering whether to prolong his future at Liverpool by retiring from international duty early.

Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer has praised team-mate Christian Eriksen and believes the highly-rated youngster is good enough to play for Manchester United.

Carl Jenkinson will give Arsenal a much-needed defensive boost, with the 20 year old making a return to the reserves this week in preparation for a comeback to Premier League action.

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Wayne Rooney out of Manchester United's Europa League match-up with Ajax on Thursday night, but the manager may be handed a boost, with Tom Cleverley looking set to start for the first time since recovering from his injury.

All those years you played FIFA in your family home, university dorm, shoebox apartment, house, and family home of your own may not be for nothing - particularly if you are one of those players who never seemed to lose a game.

Newcastle are set to invest £1 million per year into building on the youth academy in the north eastern town, with the club claiming that they are beyond the days of making big money signings and being a predominant name in the transfer market.

David Texeira wants to get more experience before making a move to a club like Liverpool, the forward has revealed, with the Reds reportedly monitoring the Uruguayan's progress.

One time Manchester United target Xherdan Shaqir has given his take on why the English giants were thrown out of the Champions League, with the Basel star revealing they didn't take their opposition seriously enough.

Javier Hernandez is used to be compared with Manchester United's legendary super sub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the young striker currently starring off the bench for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Michael Dawson has hailed Ryan Nelsen as a 'fantastic' signing for Tottenham this season, with the New Zealand international making the move to White Hart Lane just after deadline day.

Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard are both raring to play in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, with the pair insisting that they have been waiting for this day to come for many years at Liverpool.

Manchester City complaint alleges Porto fans chanted racial slurs during Europa League clash at the Estadio Dragao.

Businessman says scheme to make world's richest club pay going rate for his land is about more than just football.

Paul Pogba is the subject of interest from Juventus, according to Italian reports, with the Manchester United youngster still stalling on signing a new deal at Old Trafford.

Wesley Sneijder has revealed he considered leaving Inter Milan in January but claims it was Zenit St Petersburg, rather than Manchester United or Chelsea, who made enquiries over his availability.

John Terry could make his comeback within the next four weeks, according to Andre Villas-Boas, with the Chelsea manager holding hope that his skipper will be back earlier than initially expected.