MARTIN SAMUEL: Against rock-and-roll Mourinho in Madrid, the Everton boss is a nerd with a set of safety glasses and a long taper

Martin Samuel

There are plenty of reasons not to make David Moyes manager of Manchester United, and on Thursday we heard them all, tumbling out across the airwaves and forums. He has never won a trophy or coached a team beyond the preliminary stages of the Champions League. He has not bought, or managed, a £30million player.

Tragedy strikes as British Olympic sailing champion Simpson is killed after his sailboat capsizes in San Francisco Bay

Andrew Simpson

UPDATED Olympic gold medalist Andrew Simpson has been killed after his America's Cup yacht capsized in San Francisco. The 36-year-old won gold in the Star class in Beijing alongside Iain Percy.

Liverpool hero Barnes fires warning to United: Beware 'Souness effect'

Tough time: Souness was a legend as a player at Liverpool but had a tough time as manager

The handover of power from Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes will give title rivals a glimmer of hope, and John Barnes warns that United could fall into the same trap as Liverpool.

Rooney has asked to leave... and new manager Moyes might not stop him

Wayne Rooney

IAN LADYMAN: Incoming Manchester United manager David Moyes holds the key to Wayne Rooney's future after news of the striker's latest request to leave Old Trafford.

Jose ready to come calling to bring old foe Rooney to Chelsea as 'new Drogba'

Mutual respect: And Chelsea were United's biggest rivals when Mourinho was in England

NEIL ASHTON: When Wayne Rooney handed in an official transfer request at Manchester United in October 2010, Jose Mourinho declared his hand.

Moyes wants Neville and Weir... but Fergie's trusted lieutenant Phelan could quit, too

Moyes coach plan

Phil Neville is in line for a return to Old Trafford as part of new manager David Moyes's backroom team. The former Manchester United player was already set to leave Everton later this month after eight years, and could now follow Moyes back to his old club.

MARTIN KEOWN: Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford would strike a blow against United's title rivals

Cristiano Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson retiring will have given hope to all of Man United's big rivals. He put in so much fight to that club, driving the players on and making them great.

EXCLUSIVE: United lose Lewandowski battle as Dortmund bow to Pole's wish to join rivals Bayern Munich

On his way: Robert Lewandowski, pictured last saturday, could be off to Bayern Munich in the summer

David Moyes is about to see his new club Manchester United finally lose their protracted battle to sign Robert Lewandowski after Dortmund reluctantly drew up an exit plan.

There's more to come! Spurs ace Bale warns rivals he can get even better

Honoured: Tottenham's Gareth Bale poses with the FWA Footballer of the Year Award

Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year Gareth Bale believes he can get even better next season.

Kenwright to sound out supporters in search for Moyes' replacement

Happy memories: Kenwright was full of praise for Moyes

Bill Kenwright has revealed he will be guided by Everton fans as he begins the quest to find David Moyes's replacement. Kenwright's shortlist is headed by Wigan's Roberto Martinez.

Leicester 1 Watford 0: Nugent heads Foxes one step closer to top flight promised land

Leicester 1 Watford 0

David Nugent headed Leicester into a first leg lead as Nigel Pearson's men chase a return to the Barclays Premier League. Watford look set to hold the Foxes to a goalless draw but former England striker Nugent popped up in the 82nd minute to give Leicester the advantage.

Arsenal line up Sagna replacement as Piszczek could join Dortmund exodus

Emirates-bound? Borussia Dortmund right-back Lukasz Piszczek (left) could be on his way to Arsenal

Arsenal are set to test Dortmund's resolve to hold onto another of their other stars. The Gunners have identified Lukasz Piszczek as a replacement for Bacary Sagna.

Berbat-off? Fulham star could be tempted by move to Galatasaray

On his way? Dimitar Berbatov could leave Craven Cottage after one season in favour of Galatasaray

Fulham fear Galatasaray's riches will lure star striker Dimitar Berbatov away this summer. The Turks are preparing a £5million bid for the former Spurs and United man.

Sevilla's Botia could be next for Spurs revolution as AVB looks for cover

New Spur: Tottenham are lining up a move for Sevilla centre beck Alberto Botia

Tottenham are showing interest in Sevilla centre-back Alberto Botia. The 24-year-old former Barcelona trainee is also on the wishlist at Swansea and Wigan.

Our turn to rule! Toure predicts Fergie departure will see a shift in power

Confident: Yaya Toure is targeting a second FA Cup

Yaya Toure has warned Manchester United that Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to quit could alter the balance of power in English top-flight football.

JEFF POWELL: David replaces Goliath but the Chosen One has done it with Sir Alex's blessing and knows he can lean on a legend

Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has anointed David Moyes as his own successor in the conviction that he, like the legendary United manager, is a strong enough character to prosper, not flounder, in the wake of genius. And David will have his Goliath to lean on when he wishes.

'Ask Wayne... not me!' Coleen hits back at fans' Twitter fury over Rooney

Preview_Coleen.jpg

Wayne Rooney's future has been plunged into uncertainty following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, prompting fans to ask his wife Coleen on Twitter about his plans.

Transfer requests, fitness fears and charades...Rooney's biggest bust ups

Temperamental: Wayne Rooney's time at Manchester United has been far from smooth

Wayne Rooney's recent problems mean he could leave Manchester United. Here, Sportsmail looks at the striker's high-profile recent bust-ups

Real life Mario Kart! Milan have banned Balotelli from mini karting... so he takes his £200k Ferrari onto Italian circuit instead!

Balotelli

Crazy Mario Balotelli has taken his new £200,000 white Ferrari for a spin on a go kart track. The striker is well known for his love of karting but is forbidden by his contract with AC Milan to drive the mini karts because of injury.

Lampard and Terry face Europa League heartbreak as Benitez refuses to guarantee starts

Running out of time: Frank Lampard has just three games left to become the club's all time top goalscorer

Rafa Benitez has revealed that Frank Lampard is only guaranteed to start one of Chelsea's remaining three games. Lampard is just two goals away from becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer.

Hangout with Keown and Ladyman: Join the three-time winner and Sportsmail's finest LIVE at Wembley

Football Friday MailOnline Google+ Hangout

Join the most iconic trophy in sport at the home of football on Friday from 11am as Sportsmail's Martin Keown and Ian Ladyman preview the FA Cup

Plymouth re-sign McCormick five years after releasing over road deaths

Back in the game: Luke McCormick in action for Oxford United this season

Luke McCormick has re-joined Plymouth Argyle on a one-year deal after being released from prison last June for causing the death by dangerous driving of two children.

Di Canio: Fergie put the festive feelers about signing me... so I swore at him

Long-term target: Sir Alex Ferguson once wanted Paolo Di Canio to play alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy

Paolo Di Canio swore down the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson when he was called on Christmas day, because he thought it was a friend playing a practical joke.

James blasts 'conflict of interests' for Neville as Sky star and England coach

Conflict of interests: David James (left) and Gary Neville (right) together on England duty in 2004

CHARLIE SALE: David James, one of BT Sport's trio of lead football pundits, used the network's unveiling event to attack Sky counterpart Gary Neville over his 'conflict of interest'.

We thought you were a Pussycat kind of guy, Lewis! Hamilton shares spotlight with his pet bulldog at the Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton brought his bulldog Roscoe to the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix on Thursday but kept the jet-setting pet away from the paddock. The 2008 world champion has obtained a special VIP pass for the animal, complete with a photograph of the dog wearing trendy headphones.

Burns: Warren suing me doesn't increase the pressure of fighting Gonzalez (maybe that's why the world champion still works as sports shop sales assistant)

Ricky Burns

For all of the recent changes in Ricky Burns' life - and there have been multiple - there is one charming detail that encouragingly remains unscathed. That he continues to find the time to work as a part-time sales assistant at the DW Sports shop on the edge of Glasgow makes him all the more remarkable.

Murray battles past Simon in Madrid... and Brit will reclaim world No 2 spot

Roaring on: Murray advances into the last eight

British No 1 Andy Murray finally reached the quarter-final of the Mutua Madrid Open after he broke the dogged resistance of Frenchman Gilles Simon.

Cavendish pays tribute to fallen friend as he wins sixth stage of Giro d'Italia

Victory: The talented sprinter therefore regains the red jersey

Britain's Mark Cavendish captured his 99th professional win on Thursday in the Giro d'Italia with a faultlessly executed bunch sprint victory ahead of Italy's Elia Viviani.

Woods and McIlroy set for Sawgrass battle after stunning opening rounds

Careful driver: Rory McIlroy took a ride down route 66 with a measured round

Could the Players Championship at Sawgrass, of all places, be the setting for the first great duel between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy?

Alonso promises to attack on home turf and sets his sights on leader Vettel

In for a rough ride: Fernando Alonso (right) has promised to challenge Sebastian Vettel in Spain

Fernando Alonso has vowed to win back some national pride for Spain this weekend by halting Sebastian Vettel's march to a fourth successive Formula One world title.

Bing
   

DON'T MISS...

LATEST SPORT COLUMNS

Sir Alex Ferguson        
       

Your Teams


Teams P GD PTS
1 36 42 85
2 36 31 75
3 36 34 69
4 36 31 67
5 36 18 66
6 36 14 60
7 36 25 55
8 36 0 48
9 36 0 46
10 36 -8 43
11 36 -10 41
12 36 -11 40
13 36 -21 40
14 36 -11 39
15 36 -12 38
16 36 -22 38
17 36 -23 38
18 36 -23 35
19 36 -26 28
20 36 -28 25
Click on a team for the latest news stories from across the web

Day 'Puskas' won it for Blackpool: Armfield on the duck who helped win Matthews final

Matthews final

It will always be remembered as the 'Matthews Final', which in itself is pretty odd given that another player - centre forward Stan Mortensen - scored a hat-trick to win it.

1993 Cup Final hero Linighan re-lives bloody battle that saw him head the winner in dying minutes of extra-time

Linighan

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Andy Linighan does a good Quasimodo impression, even with the lapse into Elephant Man midway through his big speech.

Pantilimon will start for City in FA Cup Final... but keeper still wants to QUIT

Safe hands: Costel Pantilimon will keep his place in goals for Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley

Costel Pantilimon admits that Saturday's FA Cup Final could be his last game for the Man City. The Romanian keeper has been given the nod ahead of first-choice Joe Hart.

Golden Years: The FA Cup final has long been part of football folklore

West Ham United's Trevor Brooking is chaired by jubilant fans after his team's 2-0 win in the 1975 FA Cup final win

No football match is as British as the FA Cup final. The whole ritual - the build-up in the morning, the fans making their way to Wembley - is steeped in tradition.

Mancini: Dzeko could start against Wigan... he's one of Europe's best

Time to celebrate? Dzeko could yet be sold by City in the summer

Roberto Mancini hailed Edin Dzeko as 'one of the best in Europe' after the Manchester City striker fired himself into contention for an FA Cup final start.

You're wasting your time! Martinez tells Everton NOT to offer him job... yet!

Wanted man: Martinez is in the frame to take over at Goodison Park

Roberto Martinez has told Everton they would be 'wasting their time' approaching him before Wigan have finished their Barclays Premier League survival fight.

'The Drum' spawned two men at the helm of Britain's best club

David Moyes

David Moyes Snr ran the youth side of things. He introduced his son to the club where, in his Celtic playing days, the new manager of Manchester United dipped his feet in the coaching pool by taking pre-season training.

He's Fergie Mk II! Moyes signs six-year £30m deal to replace Sir Alex at United

Athletic? The Scot's certainly a better mover than Sir Alex Ferguson

David Moyes stepped into the biggest shoes in British football and was immediately tipped to succeed at Manchester United by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.

United fans paying up to £3,000 for tickets for Fergie's final game in charge

Come on down, the price is.... wrong: Sir Alex Ferguson's last game in charge of Man United is in high demand

Tickets for Sir Alex Ferguson's last match in charge of Man United are selling for almost £3,000. West Brom supporters are cashing in as their team take on the champions.

MARTIN SAMUEL: His character and determination inspired a football club

End of an era: Sir Alex Ferguson retired from his job as manager of Manchester United

Despite the fact that all he has left to do now is bid farewell, Sir Alex Ferguson was in at 6.50am to make the preparation for that moment just right. Truly, there will never be another.

JAMIE REDKNAPP: Following in Fergie's footsteps should be a dream

Waiting in line: Moyes is expected to take over from Ferguson

Taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson is not the poisoned chalice some are making it out to be. It's a dream job. Look at the fantastic young players in the Manchester United squad.

GRAHAM POLL: Fergie called and told me not to quit after World Cup blunder

Card error: At the 2006 World Cup, Poll booked Croatia's Josep Simunic three times before sending him off

After my infamous mistake at the 2006 World Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson phoned me in the aftermath to urge me not to give up.

Moyes is cut from the same cloth as retiring United icon Ferguson

Biggest job in football? David Moyes has similar qualities to the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson

DOMINC KING: David Moyes was sitting uncomfortably in his seat. A meeting room at the Gleneagles hotel was packed with football's great and good...

Viva Ronaldo! The return of 'box office' player to Manchester United this summer is what the Premier League is crying out for

Cristiano Ronaldo

Love him or hate him, the top flight has been a poorer place since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid for that astronomical sum in the summer of 2009. But with United plotting to bring him back, his moments of genius could be about to enrich our game once again.

You love it! Bale seeks to trademark iconic heart-shaped goal celebration logo

Gareth Bale

Tottenham fans have seen Gareth Bale's signature celebration dozens of times over the past few seasons, and they might be seeing a little more of it.

Bernstein U-turn over Hunter as FA chief claims: I felt uncomfortable

Reginald D Hunter

NEIL ASHTON: Sitting on the top table at the PFA awards on April 28, the FA's chairman David Bernstein laughed along with comedian Reginald D Hunter's controversial act.

Hammer time! Nolan and Carroll lead from the front as West Ham hit London after club awards bash

West Ham

West Ham celebrated long into the night as they look forward to another season in the Premier League.

Cardiff boss Mackay is Martinez's main rival to replace Moyes at Everton

Champion: Malky Mackay (right), with chairman Vincent Tan, won the Championship title with Cardiff

Malky Mackay has emerged as a serious rival to Roberto Martinez for the newly-created managerial vacancy at Goodison Park.

Rooney would join 'best friend in football' Cole if he joined Chelsea

Best friends: Wayne Rooney (left) said he would take a bullet for Ashley Cole in a 2012 interview with Piers Morgan

If Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney decides to swap Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge, he could be joining his best friend in football.

Arsenal keeping tabs on Stuttgart keeper Ulreich to replace Szczesny

Next in line? Stuttgart's Sven Ulreich has was seen by Arsenal scouts

Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Stuttgart's former Germany U21 goalkeeper Sven Ulreich in their quest to find a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny.

Owen handed lead co-commentator role for BT Sport's football coverage

Leading role: Michael Owen will be the lead co-commentator for the football coverage

Michael Owen will be the lead co-commentator for BT Sport, while Owen Hargreaves, David James Steve McManaman and Rio Ferdinand will appear as pundits.

Rooney RELEASED... but it's younger brother John at Barnsley, not Wayne

Exit: John Rooney, younger brother of Wayne, has been released by Barnsley after failing to play a single game

The younger brother of Manchester United superstar Wayne Rooney has been released by Barnsley. John, 22, did not play at all for the Tykes this season as they avoided relegation.

Ginola worried by number of French stars involved in Toon relegation fight

Concerned: Former Newcastle star David Ginola has voiced his concerns over the number of French players at the club

Former Newcastle star David Ginola has said that some of the French players may not realise the importance of the club staying in the Premier League.

Suited and booted: Arsenal players out in force and having a ball at charity party - but was it Paradise for one defender?

All jazzed up: The six young British players for once dressed up smart from head to toe

Arsenal stars including Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a ball on Wednesday night - and helped to raise more than £300,000 in the process. The p;ayers were celebrating the club's charity foundation ball

You're fired! QPR chief Fernandes wields the axe... in Malaysian version of The Apprentice

Hot seat: QPR chairman Tony Fernandes will play the part of Alan Sugar in a Malaysian series of The Apprentice

Tony Fernandes will be wielding his axe in the boardroom after being appointed to the hot seat of the Malaysian version of the BBC's hit show, The Apprentice.

Suarez off the hook as striker escapes another ban for allegedly hitting Jara

Off the hook: Luis Suarez appeared to hit Chile defender Gonzalo Jara in the face

Luis Suarez will not be banned for allegedly punching Gonzalo Jara while playing for Uruguay. The Liverpool striker is currently serving a 10-game domestic ban for biting.

Ben Haim leaves QPR for Toronto on loan to join former team-mate Nelsen

Departing: Tal Ben Haim is likely to be among several exits from QPR

QPR defender Tal Ben Haim has joined Major League Soccer franchise Toronto FC on a short-term loan deal, joining former team-mate Ryan Nelsen.

Spurs are living in hope, admits AVB after winless streak at Chelsea goes on

In the balance: Andre Villas-Boas admits Spurs are living in hope rather than expectation now

Andre Villas-Boas admitted Tottenham are living in hope rather than expectation of finishing in the top four and playing Champions League football next season.

EXCLUSIVE: Swansea poised to sign £4million Johnson from Norwich

Wanted: Bradley Johnson (left) is a target for Swansea manager Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup wants to sign Norwich's Bradley Johnson to strengthen his Swansea midfield. It is understood a fee of £4.2million has been agreed between the two clubs.

Atletico boss Simeone reveals interest in Liverpool's 'extraordinary' Suarez

Suspended: Luis Suarez is presently unavailable to play for Liverpool

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hinted he is interested in signing Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, whom he believes to be 'extraordinary'.

One of the 'angels' who helped to save Muamba's life loses his job at Bolton

test

One of the men who fought to save the life of Fabrice Muamba, club medic Dr Jonathan Tobin, has lost his job at Bolton Wanderers.

Date for the diary: Guardiola to begin work at Bayern Munich on June 26

Incoming: Pep Guardiola is on his way to Bayern Munich

Pep Guardiola is to begin his reign as Bayern Munich's head coach on 26 June, six months after it was announced he would succeed Jupp Heynckes.

Cheeky Chelsea star Luiz listens in on AVB's instructions to Spurs ace Holtby

Team-talk: David Luiz listens to Andre Villas-Boas's conversation with Lewis Holtby

Chelsea's David Luiz continued with his lovable rogue routine on Wednesday night against Tottenham by deciding to listen in on Andre Villas-Boas's instructions to Lewis Holtby.

Figures show America is NOT place to go for your twilight years... unless your surname's Henry, Keane or Cahill

Top earner: Former Arsenal star Henry commands the largest wages in the MLS

The entire fleet of players in the MLS earn HALF what Manchester City's first-team squad take home. Wages paid to players in America total just £57million per year.

Shock setback for returning champion Federer as Nishikori triumphs in Madrid

Well beaten: Federer was powerless to stop Kei Nishikori on his return to action

Defending champion Roger Federer was stunned 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 by Japan's Kei Nishikori in the last 16 of the Mutua Madrid Open. Despite a second-set fightback, the second seed was too often below his best in his first tournament after a two-month break.

England and Lions hooker Youngs wins Premiership Player of the Season

Fine season: Youngs has been outstanding for Leicester and England

Leicester hooker Tom Youngs was named Player of the Season at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards on Thursday night. Youngs has been rewarded for a remarkable season in which he made his England debut and was called up by the British and Irish Lions.

Cricket star Maynard remembered in charity ball attended by England rugby captain Robshaw and fellow stars

Remembering a friend: Chris Robshaw and Michael Vaughan were among the guests at the Tom Maynard dinner

Chris Robshaw was among a star-studded ensemble of sports stars who honoured Tom Maynard, who tragically passed away last year.

Wade leaves Thornton and Whitlock in his wake to join darts play-offs

Safe passage: James Wade drew with Phil Taylor to move into the play-offs

James Wade fought to a 6-6 draw with Phil Taylor in Newcastle on Thursday night to book his place at the Premier League play-offs at the O2 Arena next week.

Roberts to join Manic Street Preachers on stage during Lions' tour of Australia

Manic Street Preachers with Jamie Roberts

Jamie Roberts has been invited to join the Manic Street Preachers on stage as a guest guitarist during their British and Irish Lions tour gigs in Melbourne and Sydney.

Godolphin set for return as Bin Suroor takes charge of Newmarket stable

In charge: Saeed Bin Suroor (left) is taking over Godolphin's Newmarket stable

Godolphin have put Saeed Bin Suroor in temporary charge of the Newmarket stable which was under the control of disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.

Chisora to take on Wilder as American puts unbeaten record on the line

Big one: Dereck Chisora (right) will face Deontay Wilder at Wembley Arena next month

Dereck Chisora will attempt to succeed where Audley Harrison failed when he takes on American star Deontay Wilder at Wembley Arena on June 15.

Below-par Bolt needs photo finish to win first 100m of the season

Photo finish: Usain Bolt (right, top) won by a fraction

Usain Bolt began his season is sluggish form last night, failing to break the 10-second barrier as he won the 100 metres at the Cayman Invitational after a photo finish.

Gavin and Vassell to put unbeaten records on the line in unification bout

Back in action: Frankie Gavin (right) returns for the first time since beating Jason Welborn in January

Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell will meet in a mouthwatering unification clash for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles at Wembley Arena on June 15.

CHRIS FOY'S WORLD OF RUGBY: Lancaster pledges to set England's 'X-factor' backs free in Argentina

PreviewWorld of Rugby.jpg

Stuart Lancaster and his assistants have been bold in their selections, by including uncapped free spirits Christian Wade, Jonny May and Marland Yarde.

GP classics: Villeneuve's last and best win and when Senna pipped Mansell. Here are some Spanish sizzlers

Top of the pile: Gilles Villeneuve looks at his trophy on the podium in front of King Juan Carlos

Dan Ripley looks back at five memorable races from the Iberian peninsula ahead of the fifth instalment of this year's championship in Spain.

EXCLUSIVE: James on Iceland, the freezing cold island with eight million puffins... and one new football hero

In the mix: David James played in his first match for Iceland football team IBV, his ninth club

David James has moved to a wind-battered volcanic rock off the south coast of Iceland, where he works as assistant to Hermann Hreidarsson.

Over 40 miles separate them, so just why is Palace v Brighton considered The Game?

Brighton v Palace

For the supporters of Crystal Palace and Brighton, the intensity of their rivalry matches Celtic-Rangers, Manchester United-Manchester City, Liverpool-Everton or Inter Milan-AC Milan. And on Friday night, the rest of the country will discover that this really is The Game.

Top 10 Premier League signings of the season... but as Van Persie, Michu and Benteke battle it out, who is our No 1?

Signings of the season

Managers stake their reputation on it, chairmen risk their profit margins to facilitate it and fans depend on it to provide reasons to be optimistic for the long season ahead.

Jamie Redknapp: Mata is mighty, Walcott has had his best season yet - and a foreigner could save Newcastle

jamie

Newcastle lost 6-0 at home to Liverpool last week and the talk was about too many foreigners, but it might be an overseas player who saves them ... Fabricio Coloccini