Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was reluctant to criticise goalkeeper David de Gea following his performance in Sunday's Community Shield triumph.PA PhotosDavid de Gea looks dejected after conceding his second goal of the game at Wembley• United fightback stuns City• Community Shield gallery United mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2 against their rivals Manchester City, who had taken the lead through a Joleon Lescott header, when De Gea was hesitant, and a long-range strike from Edin Dzeko that caught the Spanish shot-stopper off guard.Asked about Dezko's goal, Ferguson said: "Well it was bending a little bit ... it's difficult to say."The Red Devils rallied in the second half to claim victory as Chris Smalling diverted home and then Nani completed
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Van Persie, Gibbs and Vermaelen suffer injuries
Arsene Wenger is sweating on the fitness of Arsenal trio Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen.GettyImagesRobin van Persie: Arsenal's star performer• Arsene hopeful of signing• Arsenal 1-2 Benfica (UK) Van Persie sustained a painful-looking injury during Saturday night's 2-1 friendly match loss against Benfica, and received lengthy treatment following the knock. He did not enter the fray for the second half.Wenger has revealed left-back Gibbs and centre-back Vermaelen have also picked up issues ahead of the club's Premier League opener against Newcastle next weekend. The Gunners then face Udinese in the Champions League before tackling Liverpool.First asked about Van Persie, Wenger said: "It is an ankle problem, I don't know how bad it is. Gibbs has a muscular [thigh] problem
BoSox rip CC again, end Yanks’ run at 8 (AP)
BOSTON (AP)—The Boston Red Sox don’t understand why they’ve been able to dominate CC Sabathia(notes). They just want it to continue. Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) had a three-run homer with a career-high six RBIs, and Carl Crawford(notes) had four hits to lead Boston to a 10-4 victory over the Yankees ace on Saturday, snapping New York’s eight-game winning streak and leaving the teams tied for first—again—in the AL East. “To get wins against guys like that, you try not to think
Ronaldinho eyes return to Brazil national team
Flamengo playmaker Ronaldinho has outlined his desire to become a permanent fixture of the Brazil squad again, insisting he can "make a positive contribution to the national team". GettyImagesRonaldinho last played for Brazil in a friendly last November Ronaldinho, 31, was omitted from former coach Dunga's 2010 World Cup squad after a season in which he failed to demonstrate his form and fitness on a regular basis with AC Milan. But the two-time World Player of the Year was given hope of reigniting his international career by current Selecao boss Mano Menezes when he was selected for a friendly against Argentina last November and despite not featuring since, Ronaldinho believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Inter boss Gasperini coy over Sneijder report
Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini was coy when questioned about Wesley Sneijder's future, following a report that Manchester City are poised to sign the Netherlands international.GettyImagesWesley Sneijder's ability to carve out a goalscoring opportunity is reportedly attracting interest from clubs across Europe• Confusion over Sneijder situ• Sir Alex cools Sneijder talk• Fergie rules out Sneijder moveOn Saturday, Gazzetta dello Sport ran a story claiming Manchester City were set to land Sneijder, 27, for a fee of €36 million despite the playmaker being heavily linked with their rivals Manchester United.City have since played down the speculation, and now Gasperini has had his say. He said: "Wesley Sneijder? We'll see. I don't know. We'll think about it next week if there is this development."Gasperini
Juve have bid for Hamburg star Elia – agent
Juventus have made a bid for Hamburg winger Eljero Elia, the player's agent has confirmed.GettyImagesJuventus are looking to sign Eljero Elia• Juve snap up Vucinic• Bastos: I didn't ask for Juve moveHamburg signed Netherlands international Elia, 24, from FC Twente in 2009 and he has since been linked with a number of top European clubs.It was reported this week that Juventus, having completed the signing of Mirko Vucinic from Roma, have now turned their attentions to Elia, and his agent has now confirmed a formal offer has been lodged."Juventus have already made a bid, and in the last few days I have spoken to [Juve transfer consultant] Fabio Paratici," Frank Schouten told Itasportpress. "If an economical agreement can be found
Pat’s players drop Europa bombshell
St Patrick's Athletic players have said they will not play in tonight's Europa League qualifier against Karpaty Lviv. The players had already refused to take part in any media activities after the club failed to meet their request for bonus payments and compensation for loss of earnings. The players have since released a statement confirming that they will not play this evening's third-round qualifier second leg at Tallaght Stadium. They lost the first leg 2-0. The statement read: "Following receipt of a fax from the owners of St Patrick's Athletic Football Club early this morning, we have considered its contents carefully. "The faxed offer is the same offer that we rejected