Bruce still in doubt

Steve Bruce, the Manchester United captain, is almost certain to miss both his team's matches over Easter, against Manchester City and Coventry.

Bruce missed the FA Cup semi-final with a hamstring injury and Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has all but ruled him out of the matches on Saturday and Monday. "We will have a look at Steve this week, but it looks as if he will be ready for the game at Southampton [on Saturday week]," Ferguson said.

Brian Little, the Aston Villa manager, his assistant Allan Evans and coach John Gregory have all signed new three-and-a-half year contracts. Little has been given a pounds 1,000 per-week pay rise, making his new deal worth almost pounds 1m including bonuses.