Sport

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson agreed a rearranged date with the conference club to ensure he could open the community sports hall.

Man City have now won just one of their last five league games in the absence of Ivorian Toure and were facing a 1-0 defeat until a stoppage-time James Milner free kick rescued a point.

Fellaini’s introduction after 72 minutes – with United trailing 1-0 to West Ham on Sunday – proved too much for the London club’s defence as the midfielder played a key part in the build up to Daley Blind’s injury-time equaliser.

Van Gaal was among those who paid their respects to the Busby Babes on Friday, the 57th anniversary of Manchester United’s darkest day, as the third-placed club prepared to take on West Ham on Sunday.

Salford halfback and England star Rangi Chase believes his club can put the disappointments of last season behind them as they strive for success in the new ultra-competitive Super League format.

City host Hull City at The Etihad on Saturday afternoon and sit five points behind Jose Mourinho’s men after the sides drew 1-1 last week.

Manchester’s clubs outside the top flight face a frantic start to February this weekend as they resume their promotion pushes or attempts to get clear of relegation.

Oldham have made a distinctly inconsistent start to the year with two wins, two defeats and a draw and manager Johnson understandably wants some stability.

McCain, who trains a successful stable in Cheshire as he prepares for the March 10-13 Festival, is the son of the late Ginger, the trainer who exercised three-time Grand National winner Red Rum on a Southport beach.

Wigan raced into a 16-6 lead before half time at The Select Security Stadium, with Widnes also having Patrick Ah Van sent off, before the hosts fought back to snatch a point in the dying embers of the game.

The 22-year-old, who trains at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes, switched partners in September as the British team gears up for another Olympic cycle in the build up to Rio 2016.