Sir Alex Ferguson has been making some sympathetic comments about the way Rafa Benitez is being treated by his American employers, however the latest rumour is unlikely to endear Benitez to his big rival at Old Trafford. It may have been planted by the Scot just to be mischievous – or, more likely, it's simply the creation of a tabloid employee recovering from a hangover.

We all know that Man United are keen to sign a quality centre forward – Nicolas Anelka was a target before he opted for Chelsea. Dimitar Berbatov is another who is on their list of forwards, as is Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax. Well, the latest striker supposedly a target for United is Liverpool scoring sensation Fernando Torres.

Surely this is a joke – sure, Torres and others have been connected with moves away from Anfield should Rafa be sacked, but the idea that he would join arch-rivals Man United is simply mindless!

‘The fact that Woodgate made his England debut in 1999 and still only has SIX caps says it all.’


Arsene Wenger is apparently considering making a bid for Middlesbrough centre-half Jonathan Woodgate (various). The England international has been one of the more impressive players at the Riverside this season and it is no surprise that his name has been linked with many other clubs, including Newcastle, Man City and Spurs.

The former Leeds man has experienced an up-turn in form since joining Boro from his ill-fated spell at Real Madrid. Clearly, events off the field, be they injuries or otherwise, have greatly held the 28-year-old back. The fact that he made his England debut in 1999 and still only has SIX caps says it all.

Kevin Keegan may be keen to bring the player back to St James’ Park. However, he may feel that a move to London would be a better way to secure a regular place in the national side and of achieving Champions League football. Watch this space but I think it is very likely Woodgate will leave Boro, either this month or in the summer.