England had a new manager in his interview blazer – and a new captain guaranteed to please a majority of fans happy to trade the remnants of the golden generation that never happened for the odd salt-of-the-earth professional.

The Dutch can wake up in the morning disliking the hotel decor and go on strike

Marseille 1 Internazionale 0

Inter Milan have confirmed they have held talks with Manchester City but not regarding the possible sale of Wesley Sneijder.

There was both a ghost and an entirely qualified – indeed, perhaps ultimately qualified – critic called Roy Keane on the touchline of Manchester United's extremely dark night in Switzerland.

Ferguson's pressing need was the money for Sneijder - the rest is exterior decoration

Sir Alex Ferguson said yesterday he would not employ a "scattergun" approach to buying new midfield players, despite his problems being compounded by an injury which will keep Anderson out until next February.

Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder revealed today he came "close" to joining Manchester United this summer.

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder expects to remain at the Serie A club this season following the departure of Samuel Eto'o to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Wesley Sneijder will remain at Inter Milan this summer according to president Massimo Moratti, who has described the Dutch playmaker as "untouchable".

Manchester United do not expect Wesley Sneijder to sign for the club ahead of the new Premier League campaign. There has been no movement on the prospective purchase of the 27-year-old for months and, with only 19 days remaining until the transfer window closes, the Premier League champions consider the prospect of a move for him to be closed. Though the club do not publicly discuss their transfer business, they are willing to let it be known that chief executive David Gill's position on the issue – disclosed most recently on pre-season tour of the United States – has not changed. United's stance on the non-existence of a deal is an emphatic one.

Wesley Sneijder has lost his chance to play at Wembley tonight, but he has announced himself as eager to play permanently in England with a possible move to Manchester United.

Wesley Sneijder has confirmed he would like to join Manchester United and suggested "unofficial talks" have taken place with the Barclays Premier League champions.