While league leaders Manchester United are one, who does Ferguson see as the other title contender?

England defender Joleon Lescott has given his backing to new Wolves boss Terry Connor who will take charge of the relegation strugglers for the rest of the season, beginning with Newcastle this weekend.

Wolves are resuming their frustrating search to replace sacked manager Mick McCarthy after Walter Smith became the latest high-profile candidate to reject the job.

Wolves continue to be frustrated in their bid to replace sacked manager Mick McCarthy with hopes of securing the services of Alan Curbishley and Brian McDermott having faded, Press Association Sport understands.

Wolves still hope to appoint Mick McCarthy's successor as manager by the weekend with Steve Bruce emerging as one of the favourites, Press Association Sport understands.

Chief executive Jez Moxey is confident that Wolves will appoint a new manager to replace sacked Mick McCarthy before they play Newcastle on 25 February.

Wolves playmaker Jamie O'Hara insists the players have to shoulder the blame for Mick McCarthy's sacking as the search continues today for his replacement.

Striker Kevin Doyle insists he never lost respect for sacked Wolves boss Mick McCarthy even though he was ousted as the club's first-choice striker by Steven Fletcher.

Wolves' search for a new manager to replace Mick McCarthy is understood to be progressing quickly, with owner Steve Morgan already interviewing candidates after flying back from a skiing holiday.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey insists club owner Steve Morgan's dressing-room outburst after the home defeat by Liverpool earlier this month did not contribute to Mick McCarthy's downfall as manager.

Be careful what you wish for, Roy Hodgson warned as Wolves fans demanded Mick McCarthy's head on Sunday. Alan Curbishley received strong backing at the bookies to succeed McCarthy, who was sacked after reporting for work yesterday, but in the parochial world of West Midlands football the impressive job being done on a shoestring at Birmingham may put Chris Hughton on the Molineux wish list.

Be careful what you wish for, Roy Hodgson warned as Wolves fans demanded Mick McCarthy's head on Sunday. Alan Curbishley received strong backing at the bookies to succeed McCarthy, who was sacked after reporting for work yesterday, but in the parochial world of West Midlands football the impressive job being done on a shoestring at Birmingham may put Chris Hughton on the Molineux wish list.

Problems on and off field force Capello to prepare for tournament in familiar disarray

Aston Villa were accelerating their pursuit of Alex McLeish last night, despite a growing sense of anger among fans which culminated in a 600-strong protest outside Villa Park.