The Sport Matrix: Thursday 11 September 2014

Top three or bust, Van Gaal is warned

Louis van Gaal has been told Manchester United expect to finish at least third in the Premier League this season, while he will not be afforded any major investments in January following significant spending over the last year. “Our budget assumes a third-placed finish,” executive

vice-chairman Ed Woodward said. “‘We don’t intend to significantly increase [expenditure] in January.”

Yorkshire close in on county title

Yorkshire moved closer to a first county championship title in 13 years after a dominant second day against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Gary Ballance (99) and Tim Bresnan (95) helped the visitors to a declaration on 523 for 9, before reducing Notts to 58 for 4 in reply at the close.

McIlroy: US pair approaching end

Rory McIlroy has warned the game not to expect much from Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson as they approach the “last few holes of their careers”. “It obviously just gets harder as you get older,” McIlroy said ahead of the FedEx Cup Play-offs. “I’ll tell you in 20 years how it feels.”

Deng hits back at racist jibe: ‘I have a lot of African in me’

British basketball star Luol Deng has spoken of his pride at his African heritage after being the subject of alleged racist remarks.

Atlanta Hawks manager Danny Ferry said Deng had “a little African in him” among other comments during a conference call discussing the pros and cons of signing the 29-year-old.

Ferry has since apologised and insisted those words do not reflect his views, but Deng has now responded and expressed his pride in his South Sudan roots.

“I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just ‘a little’,” he said. “For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength.”

Di Montezemolo to depart Ferrari role

Luca di Montezemolo will next month step down as chairman of Ferrari after 23 years in the role. The Italian will be replaced by Sergio Marchionne. “Ferrari is the most wonderful company,” Di Montezemolo said. “It has been a great privilege and honour to have been its leader.”