Sports

Van Gaal faces a series of challenges to restore United to the top of the English and European game if, as expected, he is confirmed as the club's new manager next week.

Argentina are favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil, Belgium can reach the final and nobody expects much of England, according to Desailly.

Modric and Mandzukic have been included in Croatia's experienced 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup.

Giuseppe Rossi, who just came back from a four-month injury absence, has been included, while Giorgio Chiellini has also been called despite his domestic suspension.

Serie A club Atalanta were fined 40,000 euros on Monday after a banana was thrown onto the pitch during Sunday's 2-1 win at home to AC Milan.

Ferdinand brought his trophy-filled, 12-year stay at United to an end on Monday by announcing he would be leaving Old Trafford to continue his playing career.

Given their superior goal difference over second-place Liverpool, City require only a draw against West Ham to win the league, and few would bet against it.

The centre-back has been diagnosed with a calf injury in his left leg.

Barcelona had written off their title defense after drawing 2-2 with Getafe, but their rivals' stumbles have put them right back in the hunt.

Chelsea's faint Premier League title hopes appear to be over after being held to a 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Norwich.

Wenger is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal, with his current deal expiring after this campaign.

Palermo have earned a return to Serie A after a one-year absence following a 1-0 win at Novara that secured the Serie B title.

"This is the result of a lot of hard work over the season but now we can enjoy this moment," San Jose told.

Benfica kept alive their dream of a first European trophy in 52 years after a goalless draw with Juventus in Turin.

Ronaldo's two goals helped him eclipse the previous best of 14 in a season registered by Messi in 2011-12.

"We have achieved it through hard work and if you do it with quality players it's much easier to win," Ancelotti said.