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Andre Villas-Boas v Luiz Felipe Scolari – how do they compare

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Villas-Boas v Scolari: How do Abramovich's two struggling bosses at Chelsea compare

You know results haven’t been going your way as Chelsea boss when you are compared with Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But that is the position Andre Villas-Boas finds himself in after his disastrous league form was coupled with another crushing defeat away at Napoli in the Champions League.

With it being just over three years since the Brazilian was sacked at Stamford Bridge, Sportsmail assesses Villas-Boas against ‘Big Phil’ to see how his record stacks up.

Andre Villas-Boas

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Under fire… and fired: Andre Villas-Boas (left) and Luiz Felipe Scolari

Strength of squad inherited

Since 2004 every Chelsea squad has had the strong spine of Petr Cech in goal, John Terry at the back, Frank Lampard in midfield and Didier Drogba in attack.

But Scolari was fortunate to have those key players at their peak, unlike Villas-Boas who has Lampard and Drogba past their best at nearly 34-years-old.

Out in the cold: Frank Lampard has been benched this season

Out in the cold: Frank Lampard has been benched this season

The Brazilian was also fortunate to take on a side that had strength in depth. Ricardo Carvalho had a rock solid partnership with Terry, while Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda were then big names to have in the midfield.

Nicolas Anelka was also at his peak, making it one of Chelsea’s most impressive squads in recent years. Villas-Boas has not been so lucky, the squad left behind by Carlo Ancelotti was badly lacking in depth following a clear-out the previous summer. While it had quality, it lacked leadership overall and its confidence has been fragile this season.

Competition record

Following some patchy results in the Premier League, Scolari was sacked after 25 games following a 0-0 draw at home to Hull. It left Chelsea in fourth place and 10 points behind league leaders Manchester United.

On the same amount of matches, Villas-Boas has six points less having won only two of his last 10 league games, and is struggling to even qualify for the Champions League – the worst performance by any manager in the Abramovich era.

Humbled: Napoli proved too strong for Chelsea on Tuesday

Humbled: Napoli proved too strong for Chelsea on Tuesday

The two had identical records in the Champions League group stage with 11 points, but Scolari was dismissed before he could face Juventus in a last 16 clash.

In domestic cup competitions, Scolari made easy progress in the FA Cup, unlike Villas-Boas whose team were held at home to Birmingham in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian however did oversee a shock Carling Cup defeat at home to Burnley in the fourth round while Villas-Boas exited against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.

Transfer dealings

Villas-Boas cannot complain he hasn’t had funds to spend. The 34-year-old has splashed out over 80million trying to improve his squad but has so far found only one star performer in 29m midfielder Juan Mata.

Gary Cahill still needs time to find his feet, while Oriol Romeu has shown promise but still looks raw. Romelu Lukaku (18m) looks far from ready at 18-years-old while Raul Meireles has been hit-and-miss since joining from Liverpool.

Bright future: Juan Mata has been a huge success at Chelsea

Bright future: Juan Mata has been a huge success at Chelsea

Villas-Boas has had a relatively weak squad given to him, but he has spent too much money on potential rather than existing quality which the team would have benefited more from. To make matters worse, experienced duo Alex and Anelka were moved on in January.

Scolari was more prudent (for a Chelsea boss) but one dimensional in signing mainly his old buddies from his days as Portugal manager. Jose Bosingwa (16.2m) and Deco (7.9m) came in to play a big enough role but winter loan signing Ricardo Quaresma proved to be a flop.

The former Brazil manager was handy at moving on dead wood though, dispensing of fringe players Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Tal Ben Haim, Khalid Boulahrouz, Steve Sidwell and Hernan Crespo. Despite his dismissal none were sorely missed.

Influence: Didier Drogba

Influence: Didier Drogba

Player support

‘When Scolari started blaming individuals, then that was bad.’ Those were the words spoken by Drogba shortly after the 63-year-old was sacked and he wasn’t the only one with Terry also hinting at a divided dressing room.

Players were unhappy with the Brazilian’s man-management style which seemed to backfire. Lampard also claimed that by the end of his reign the players lost the feeling of being able to win every week.

Villas-Boas’ approach of ‘my way or the highway’ has also had negative effects. Before their inevitable January departures, Alex and Anelka were banished from any first-team involvement a month earlier and team morale hasn’t improved since.

Senior players such as Lampard and Cole have been unhappy at being left out of the side, while Drogba’s half-time team talk in front of the TV cameras against Birmingham started debates about who was running the show at Stamford Bridge.

Fan support

There was high expectations of Scolari who had knocked England out of three successive international tournaments with Brazil and Portugal, in doing so displaying some fine football in the process.

Unfortunately he couldn’t get a side used to playing an efficient winning style under Jose Mourinho to adapt to a new philosophy despite a promising start.

A 1-0 home defeat against Liverpool in October 2008 ended an 86-match unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge and a month later another followed with a 2-1 reverse against Arsenal.

/02/22/article-2104880-11D8095E000005DC-529_468x312.jpg” width=”468″ height=”312″ alt=”Support: Chelsea fans gather in Naples before the match” class=”blkBorder” />

Support: Chelsea fans gather in Naples before the match

There was more curiosity surrounding Villas-Boas, with much of the hype surrounding how he had been the man giving out DVDs to players in the Jose Mourinho days.

Despite his knowledge of the game, his inexperience at the very top has been shown throughout the season. For example, high defensive lines have cost his side many goals, and points with them.

Naturally having led Chelsea to their worst season as it stands under Abramovich, there are many fans who have had enough, but there are supporters who argue the Portuguese boss needs more time to adapt. He may have a worse record than Scolari, but while there are boos at the final whistle there are currently no ‘Villas-Boas out’ banners.

Final verdict

On paper Scolari comes out on top. He undeniably performed better than Villas-Boas during the same amount of games and was less rash in the transfer market – being able to get more for his money.

But the Brazilian should have done better with a Blues squad at its peak. Given his lofty reputation as a manager he should have been able to reverse the terminal slide in results that kicked in three months into his reign. Most managers sacked in a season haven’t been given enough time but there was a sense the 63-year-old had underperformed.

Villas-Boas has made mistakes, but did anyone expect anything less from such an inexperienced and young manager who had taken control of a Chelsea squad at its weakest for many years

Too much money has been spent on the future and he has mis-read the power of the big names in the dressing room but there have been other factors that have gone against him too.

The emergence of Tottenham and Manchester City has made reaching the top four not as easy as it was three years ago and the overall competition has made it harder for the Portuguese manager to assert authority as he struggles to compete.

The 34-year-old would have learned plenty of lessons this season which would make him undoubtedly a better manager if he is still at Stamford Bridge next term.

After all there have been flashes of his tactical nous. Chelsea ended Manchester City’s unbeaten start for instance after going a goal down to eventually win 2-1.

Given the cards he has been dealt compared to Scolari, he deserves to be given more time to build a squad. But if there is one club where he probably won’t get it – it’s Chelsea.

David Cameron: Racism in football will not be swept under carpet

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We will NOT sweep racism under the carpet: Cameron launches anti-discrimination initiative

David Cameron has stepped into the row over racism in football, warning the sport cannot brush the issue under the carpet any longer.

The Prime Minister has recruited some of football's biggest stars, governing bodies and anti-discrimination groups alongside Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt for talks.

The Government is also injecting 3million into the FA's new National Coaching Centre, which aims to encourage more individuals from ethnic minorities to progress in the game.

Enough is enough: Prime Minister David Cameron has stepped in

Enough is enough: Prime Minister David Cameron has stepped in

On launching the initiative, Cameron told The Sun:
'Racism has come back into the spotlight with cases involving some of
the most famous players in football, one of which has led to the
resignation of the England manager.

'We simply cannot brush this under
the carpet. I've no doubt that football will crack this problem – and
the Government stands ready to do anything it can to help.

'That's why today in Downing Street
I'm bringing together leading figures from right across the game to
reaffirm our vigilance against racism – and all forms of discrimination.

'I am absolutely clear: we will not let recent events drag us back to the bad old days of the past.'

Earlier this month Liverpool forward
Luis Suarez was forced to apologise for refusing to shake hands with
Manchester United's Patrice Evra before the teams' match.

Flashpoints: Evra and Suarez clashed at Anfield (above) while the Ferdinand and Terry case rumbles on (below)

Flashpoints: Evra and Suarez clashed at Anfield (above) while the Ferdinand and Terry case rumbles on (below)

Flashpoints: Evra and Suarez clashed at Anfield (above) while the Ferdinand and Terry case rumbles on (below)

Suarez had only recently returned to action for Liverpool following a ban for racially abusing Evra during a game in October.

England star John Terry is also due to face trial over the summer on charges of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

Those taking part in the discussions today include former players John Barnes and Graeme Le Saux.

Cameron added: 'One important part of
winning the battle against discrimination is to get more black and
minority ethnic people making it as coaches and managers at the top of
the game.

'So the Government is going to help
fund St George's Park, the new national centre that's going to train the
next generation of coaches.

'Which, combined with the football
authorities' new COACH bursary programme, will help coaches from black
and minority ethnic groups.

Race row: Some City players allege they were abused in Porto

Race row: Some City players allege they were abused in Porto

'Why does all this matter so much
Because football isn't just a great sport. It has an enormous influence
on young people right across our country.

'Taking my son to see Aston Villa
play for the first time this season was a wonderful moment for me – and
one that I hope he will treasure too.

'It's part of who we are, what we believe and what we are best at. And I want it to stay that way.'

Carlos Tevez apologises to Manchester City

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At last! After five months, Tevez finally apologises in row with Manchester City

Carlos Tevez has finally backed down in his five-month row with Manchester City and apologised for his behaviour.

After a three-hour meeting with his representatives and City’s football administrator Brian Marwood on Tuesday night, Tevez finally agreed to release a statement at 9.30pm.

As Sportsmail revealed last week, the former City captain has also decided to drop his appeal to the Barclays Premier League against the 1.8million fine and gross misconduct charge he was hit with by the club in the New Year.

Crunch talks: Carlos Tevez has issued an apology after a two-hour meeting with senior Manchester City officials

Crunch talks: Carlos Tevez has issued an apology after a two-hour meeting with senior Manchester City officials

City coach Roberto Mancini was not in
Tuesday's meeting but is understood to be happy with the latest
developments – signed off by the club’s owners in Abu Dhabi – and will
now be left to decide if and when Tevez is re-integrated into his first
team squad.

Tevez's statement said: 'I wish to
apologise sincerely and unreservedly to everybody I have let down and to
whom my actions over the last few months have caused offence. My wish
is to concentrate on playing football for Manchester City Football
Club.'

Tevez was told on his return from his
unauthorised three-month absence from City last week that he would need
to apologise privately and publicly to Mancini if he was to have any
chance of playing for the club again.

City also released a statement, which read: 'Carlos Tevez has today apologised to all concerned for his recent conduct. Carlos returned to the football club last Tuesday, following a three-month absence from duties, without permission.

Touchdown: Tevez was mobbed when he arrived back at Manchester airport on February 14

Touchdown: Tevez was mobbed when he arrived back at Manchester airport on February 14

'Carlos has also withdrawn his appeal
against the club's finding of gross misconduct which was due to be
heard by a Premier League panel in the coming days. He has since begun a
training programme designed to return him to optimum fitness.'

Although Tuesday night's statement
doesn’t mention his coach by name, Mancini has told club officials he is
satisfied. The two men – yet to meet since Tevez’s return last week –
are expected to sit down together in the coming days.

Mancini is open-minded about playing
the South American again but resentment between the two sides still
lingers and it seems City would need to suffer a crisis of form or
fitness for Tevez to be considered for a game.

After enduring an up and down
relationship with his coach last season, things came to a head for Tevez
last September with a disagreement on the bench during a Champions
League game at Bayern Munich.

After being banished to train on his
own in November, Tevez left for South America without permission and
only returned at the start of this month after proposed moves to the two
Milan clubs collapsed.

Getting up to speed: Tevez has been training at the club since his return

Getting up to speed: Tevez has been training at the club since his return

Samir Nasri might be having to make
do with the Europa League as a Manchester City player, but he has no
regrets over his decision to leave Arsenal in a 24m move last summer.

Arsenal’s imminent exit from the
Champions League at the hands of AC Milan – meaning a seventh season
without a trophy for the Gunners – only supports Nasri’s conclusion that
the attractive football embodied by Arsene Wenger’s side was never
going to guarantee the kind of success he hopes to achieve at the
Etihad.

City are top of the Premier League
and on course to reach the last 16 of the Europa League as they take a
2-1 lead into today’s second leg at home to holders FC Porto. And the
France midfielder pointed to last week’s 2-1 comeback win in Portugal
and the 1-0 victory at Aston Villa that preceded it as proof of their
ability to ‘win ugly’.

In the swing of things: Tevez has spent more time on the golf course than the football pitch since heading back to Argentina

In the swing of things: Tevez has spent more time on the golf course than the football pitch since heading back to Argentina

‘Arsenal play good football but after
seven years they don’t win so that’s difficult for them,’ said Nasri.
‘Sometimes it’s good to win ugly. You don’t always have to play good
football to win.

We did it against Aston Villa and against Porto as well. Here, we are hungry because we want to win titles.

‘I don’t want Arsenal to fall down. I
wanted them to win the FA Cup or something because I have respect for
the players there and the manager. I know they’ll find some solution.

‘But I’ve never doubted I made the
right choice in coming here. We are top of the league and still on
course for the Europa League so I’m really happy. What Arsenal do
doesn’t matter, it was just my choice.

Friends again: It remains to be seen if Roberto Mancini includes Tevez in his squad

Friends again: It remains to be seen if Roberto Mancini includes Tevez in his squad

‘I never asked City to pay 24m,’
added the 24-year-old. ‘It was a lot of money but every transfer now has
a lot of money. What you want to do is give something to the team.

‘It’s always tough when you change
and go to another team. You have to be involved 100 per cent and I
wasn’t. Now I’m starting to settle and you will see a better Samir every
week.

‘You have to work when you are not
producing what everyone expects from you but I was always confident
about my quality. Now I want to show everyone it wasn’t a mistake.’

The first leg of this tie was
over-shadowed by allegations that Porto fans aimed racist chants at
Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Porto and will deal with the case on March 29.

Roberto Mancini wants Atletico keeper Joel Robles at Manchester City

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City manager Mancini weighs up summer swoop for Atletico keeper Robles

Manchester City are considering a summer move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles.

The 21-year-old is seen as future Spain No 1 and was last month sent on loan to Real Vallecano to get first-team experience in La Liga.

City target: Spanish keeper Joel Robles is on Roberto Mancini's radar

City target: Spanish keeper Joel Robles is on Roberto Mancini's radar

City have recently signed Romania international Costel Pantilimon from Politehnica Timisoara, but Robles has been recommended as a better long-term understudy to Joe Hart.

The 6ft 5in Spain youth international is tied to Atleti till 2014, but City boss Roberto Mancini retains a good relationship with the club following Sergio Aguero's move last summer, which could help smooth a deal.

Tottenham and Wigan have also previously shown interest in Robles, who prefers to wear Joel on his shirt in Spain.

Nani talks on new Manchester United deal

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Nani set to open talks on new mega-deal at Manchester United

Manchester United are ready to offer Nani a new 27m contract.

The Red Devils plan to add the
Portuguese winger to their top earners by giving him a new four-year
deal worth 130,000 a week, reports The Sun.

Reward: United want Nani to agree new long-term deal

Reward: United want Nani to sign new long-term deal

The 24-year-old has two years left on his remaining 90,000 a week deal and manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nani can play an integral part in their quest for trophies.

He has won over the sceptics after a slow start to his United career following his 18m move from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

Nani was voted the players' player of the year last season and has indicated he wants to stay at Old Trafford despite interest from Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.

Key man: Nani was United's players' player of the year last season

Key man: Nani was United's players' player of the year last season

The Premier League champions are ready to spend after raking in a record 175million profit in six months.

United also cut their debts in the second half of last year with the money owed to the Glazer family, under the terms of their takeover, reduced from 508m to 439m.

Samir Nasri focused on Porto Europa League clash

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Forget United final, we need to beat Porto first! Nasri focused ahead of Europa League clash

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has shut out thoughts of a possible Europa League final derby showdown with rivals Manchester United.

The two Manchester clubs, eliminated from the Champions League in December, are both on course to reach the last 16 of Europe's second-tier competition this week.

City are the first in action as they look to protect a 2-1 lead over Porto at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday while United, 2-0 ahead, face Ajax at Old Trafford on Thursday.

One step at a time: Nasri isn't contemplating final with United... yet

One step at a time: Nasri isn't contemplating final with United… yet

Having been kept apart in the quarter-final draw, the possibility remains they could meet in the final in Bucharest in May.

But Nasri said: 'It would be a good derby in the final but we are not there.

'We have the game against Porto first and then after we will see. United are a contender, for sure, but there is not just Man City or Man Utd, there are plenty of teams.'

City underlined their determination to take the Europa League seriously last week as they fought back from a goal down at the Estadio do Dragao to claim a first-leg lead.

It has been suggested the competition could be a distraction as City, currently two points clear at the top, fight for the Barclays Premier League crown but manager Roberto Mancini wants both titles.

Mancini said: 'For us, every game is serious. We want to win all the games.

'Sometimes that is possible, sometimes not, but for us it is a serious competition.

Derby showdown: Nasri would relish the chance to play United in the final

Derby showdown: Nasri would relish the chance to play United in the final

Derby showdown: Nasri would relish the chance to play United in the final

'If we win the Europa League it will be an important moment for the club, but I don't think it will be easy.

'In this competition there are top squads but we want to go to the final. It is an important target for us.'

Last week's victory was overshadowed by alleged monkey chanting at City players, chiefly Mario Balotelli, by Porto fans.

European governing body UEFA yesterday confirmed they had opened disciplinary proceedings and would deal with the matter at a meeting of their control and disciplinary body on March 29.

Porto coach Vitor Pereira believes the matter is a misunderstanding and that fans may have been chanting the name of the team's star player.

Pereira said: 'I hear very often our supporters many times say, 'Hulk, Hulk, Hulk', but they are referring to our forward of great quality, as a way of motivating him.'

Raring to go: Hulk (right) has brushed off injury talk and says he is fit to play

Raring to go: Hulk (right) has brushed off injury talk and says he is fit to play

Hulk meanwhile claims he is now fully recovered from a recent leg injury and raring to go tonight.

The Brazilian forward said: 'I am 100 per cent. I am sure if I wasn't the manager would not pick me.

'But tonight I will not be 100 per cent – I will be 1,000 per cent.'

Manchester United revenue up to 175m

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Manchester United revenue rises to 175m as latest figures reveal debt is down

Manchester United's revenue increased to 175million in the last six months of 2011.

United, who are second in the table behind neighbours and bitter rivals Manchester City, released their financial report for the third quarter of 2011.

The figures showed that the club's total revenue at the end of 2011 stood at 175m, an increase of 18.5m on the figure of 156.5m, which United declared at the end of 2010.

Cash boost: Manchester United's latest figures show an increase in revenue

Cash boost: Manchester United's latest figures show an increase in revenue

The club have experienced increases in matchday revenue – up from 52.4m to 54.5m, media revenue – up from 53.7m to 60.9m, and commercial revenue, which has risen to 58.6m from 50.4m.

The club, who are taken over by the Glazer family in 2005, have a debt of 439m as of the end of last year, down from 508m the previous year.

The reason behind the decrease in the club's debt is because United have bought back some of the bonds that were sold as part of a 500m refinancing exercise at the start of 2010.

United also reported that total operating costs rose sharply from 96.9m to 110.8m.

The boss: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his side are second in the table

The boss: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his side are second in the table

Net player capital expenditure jumped from 11.7m 47.9m due to the summer signings of David de Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones and general capital expenditure rose by 10.4m, thanks partly due to the cost of refurbishment of the club's hospitality boxes at Old Trafford.

The figures show the Red Devils currently have a bank balance of 50.9m.

The club are expected to experience a decline in income over the next six months after dropping down to the Europa League from the Champions League.

Emmanuel Adebayor fit for Arsenal clash after knee injury improves

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Adebayor gunning for Arsenal in north London derby as knee injury improves

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor is confident he will be fit for this weekend's north London derby against his former club Arsenal.

It had been feared that Adebayor would miss Sunday's clash at the Emirates Stadium after twisting his knee last week, but he trained with his Spurs team-mates on Tuesday and is making good progress in his rehabilitation.

The 27-year-old wrote on Twitter: 'Just finished training, really happy with the progress, knee is looking much better. Working on my fitness for Sunday.'

Gunner get ya! Adebayor is hopeful of being fit for Arsenal clash

Gunner get ya! Adebayor is hopeful of being fit for Arsenal clash

Should he be passed fit, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will have no hesitation in throwing the forward into his starting XI given his good performances of late.

His return would add an extra bit of spice to what is traditionally one of the most volatile fixtures in the Barclays Premier League calendar.
Adebayor has endured a poor relationship with Arsenal since he left in 2009 to join Manchester City.

In his first game against the Gunners since leaving in September 2009 he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling fans at Eastlands after having been verbally abused throughout the match.

The striker caused even more fury during that game when he raked his studs over the face of now Gunners skipper Robin van Persie.

Arsenal fans have never forgiven Adebayor for his conduct during that match in Manchester and launched a volley of abuse at him during the first north London derby of the season in October, which Spurs won 2-1.

Some Arsenal fans chanted 'It should have been you, it should have been you… shot in Angola. It should have been you' during the game at White Hart Lane, referring to the deadly gun attack on the Togo team bus in 2010 which Adebayor survived.

After the game Arsenal and Spurs issued a joint statement strongly condemning the abusive chanting and it is understood that the two clubs have been in discussions this week about how to stamp out any repeat in Sunday's reverse fixture.

Finding form: The Togo international has rediscovered his touch in front of goal

Finding form: The Togo international has rediscovered his touch in front of goal

Finding form: The Togo international has rediscovered his touch in front of goal

Tottenham received another boost today with the news that Rafael van der Vaart is also hopeful of being fit for Sunday after missing the club's last three games with a calf injury.

The Holland forward, who has scored four times in three north London derby appearances, told his official website: 'I'm recovering well from my injury.

'I expect to be joining the team training next Wednesday after which I will start to focus on the match against Arsenal. I'll be happy to play Arsenal. I can't wait.'

Tottenham will take a big step towards guaranteeing a Champions League spot with a win over Arsene Wenger's beleaguered side, who will trail their local rivals by 13 points if they lose.

Although Redknapp's first-choice strike partnership look on course to be fit for Sunday, the Tottenham boss still has a number of other injury worries.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto underwent a groin operation last week and is a major doubt for the match while Luka Modric missed last weekend's goalless FA Cup fifth-round draw at Stevenage and Sandro is a doubt with a calf problem.

Raf justice: Van der Vaart is also on course to return for the north London derby

Raf justice: Van der Vaart is also on course to return for the north London derby

Tottenham missed their injured stars as they laboured to a draw at the Lamex Stadium last weekend, but defender Michael Dawson has urged his team to forget about the disappointing result and instead focus on Sunday's game, and the home clash with Manchester United that follows the week after.

'The pitch was a little bobbly and things didn't go how we wanted them to. We had to dig deep and we're still in the cup – that's what matters,' Dawson told Spurs' website.

'We've now got Arsenal and United – huge games in the Premier League and we'll look forward to the FA Cup replay when it comes along.'

Manchester United face huge cash dip due to Europa League spell

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United insist huge cash dip due to Europa League spell won't hinder transfer spending

Manchester United are bracing themselves for a massive dip in media revenues following their exit from the Champions League.

While United were able to confirm growth in all areas when they announced second-quarter results, they also know the effect of being dumped into the Europa League is still to be felt.

It is estimated the Red Devils will lose approximately 3million per round in prize-money alone by being in UEFA's secondary competition, and although the Europa League does include an extra round, United realise games will not prove as attractive to fans.

Strange environment: Manchester United are in the Europa League

Strange environment: Manchester United are in the Europa League

However, while they acknowledge revenues will dip, United insist that will have no impact on manager Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to compete in the transfer market, no matter what their critics say.

Ferguson has consistently argued he will not pay over the odds for players and refused to splash out the huge amount of money it would have cost to take Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford from Inter Milan in the summer after previously missing out on alternative targets Luka Modric and Samir Nasri.

'Sir Alex Ferguson didn't want to buy anyone,' insisted a club spokesman.

This stance cuts little ice with critics of the Glazer ownership at United though. They have noted a further buyback of the 500million bond issue, meaning the debt has now been reduced by 92.8million.

Spending power: Sir Alex Ferguson

Spending power: Sir Alex Ferguson

While it could be argued this is a positive move, fans are aghast profits from the club are going directly towards the debt incurred by the Glazers to complete their controversial takeover in 2005.

They claim that money should have been reinvested in Ferguson's squad, which is currently second in the Premier League, two points adrift of Manchester City.

Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said: 'Manchester United revenues continue to grow strongly although costs are increasing just as quickly so pretty much negating that growth.

'However the key figures of interest to supporters show the Glazers have now spent every penny of the money received from the sale of (Cristiano) Ronaldo, and more.

'That's now 92.8million spent on buying back their own bond debt that they loaded onto our club. So statements at the time that all of the Ronaldo money would be made available for reinvestment were clearly just spin.

'Since the sale of Ronaldo (30th June 2009) net transfers (not including Ronaldo) have totalled just 90million while they have taken 225million out of the club to cover their debt payments and interest.

Protests: Many United fans are staunchly opposed to the Glazers' ownership

Protests: Many United fans are staunchly opposed to the Glazers' ownership

'What could the club have done with that
extra 225million Cheaper tickets for loyal fans, investing massively
in the squad and stadium, developing and retaining the best youth
players, competing on an equal basis with the very best teams in Europe.

'This is the true cost to Manchester United of the Glazers ownership.'

United chief executive David Gill made his feelings about those opposed to the Glazer ownership clear during pre-season, when he labelled them 'anti-people'.

And there is little sign of the club's general popularity waning. For the first time since they were completed in May 2006, United have sold all the hospitality boxes within the four new quadrants in the stadium.

One of the last went to lottery winner
Gareth Bull, who was able to fulfil a lifetime's ambition when he
scooped his 40million windfall with wife Catherine in January.

Although overall revenue rose by almost 12 per cent to 175million, wages also increased by nearly 15 per cent to 76.5million. This is being blamed on the number of new contracts that have been signed already this season, including deals for Javier Hernandez, Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-sung.

Paul Scholes' contract is not included in the figures as he came out of retirement at the beginning of January, after the December 31 accounting period.

The planned floatation in Singapore remains on hold until market conditions improve.

However, after two lucrative tours to the United States, it is thought United will head to the Far East this summer, although whether their England Euro 2012 stars will be involved depends on the dates, which are yet to be announced.

Craig Bellamy fit to face boyhood club Cardiff as Liverpool chase eighth League Cup at Wembley

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Bellamy fit for Wembley date with boyhood club Cardiff as Liverpool chase eighth League Cup

Craig Bellamy is on course for an emotional reunion with Cardiff this weekend after the Liverpool striker insisted he would be fit to play at Wembley.

The Wales international missed Sunday’s 6-1 win over Brighton in the FA Cup with a back problem but he has responded well to treatment and will return to training on Thursday.

Bellamy scored the goal that secured Liverpool’s first trip to Wembley since 1996 in their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City and is expected to start this weekend.

Starter: Craig Bellamy is all set for Wembley after steering Liverpool past Manchester City

Starter: Craig Bellamy is all set for Wembley after steering Liverpool past Manchester City

‘My back spasmed up after I came on against Manchester United a week and a bit ago, and it just got a little bit worse during the week instead of improving,’ said Bellamy.

‘The manager said “look, if you need an injection then get it done now because we have a lot of games coming up”. It’s such a busy period, so get it sorted just in case. I’m fine at the moment.’

Torn between two lovers: Bellamy

Torn between two lovers: Bellamy

Should Bellamy play a part in Liverpool winning their first major trophy since 2006, it would cap his renaissance after being released by Manchester City last August.

Should Liverpool win, though, it would be a bittersweet occasion for Bellamy.

He was brought up supporting Cardiff and spent an enjoyable 12 months with the club last season after being frozen out by Roberto Mancini.

For that reason, Bellamy, 32, will show respect if he adds to his haul of nine goals.

‘I certainly won’t celebrate,’ he said. ‘I tried not to against Manchester City. I tried to hold myself back. Really I didn’t celebrate that much, but in the occasion and the moment you get a little bit carried away.

‘I have no aspirations of celebrating. But I have to be on the pitch first and foremost before I think about scoring.’