Sport

United had been touted as potential title challengers during their 11-match unbeaten run over the Christmas period but are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

League Two Bury have prided themselves on developing young English talent and remain in the promotion hunt, sitting 13 points behind leaders and Saturday’s opponents Wycombe, despite lacking their own training facilities.

Welsh international Flower received a six-month ban following his sending-off in the Trafford showpiece for a double-punch on St Helens’ Lance Hohaia.

Ashley Reece signed a three-fight contract with Full-Contact Contender (FCC) in November ahead of his first professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fight on Saturday March 28.

How the impending signing of Swansea City’s Wilfried Bony will help Manchester City’s title chase against Chelsea.

Despite differing opinions among fans at the time of his appointment, the former Celtic man’s time at the helm has been largely promising.

Despite controlling much of the proceedings at Old Trafford, United failed to register a single shot on target, with Dusan Tadic’s well-taken effort enough to secure victory for Ronald Koeman’s high-flying Saints.

Argentina have been integral to Manchester City’s recent success – the player of the year award has gone to an Argentine in three of the last five years – with four still remaining in Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Willy Caballero and Sergio Aguero.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster was at the AJ Bell stadium to watch Danny Cipriani orchestrate the performance in blustery conditions as the Sharks ran out 20-7 winners against the Premiership pacesetters.

With Chelsea overcoming a stubborn Newcastle side at Stamford Bridge, the result leaves City two points behind ahead of the top two sides’ meeting in three weeks’ time.

A gruelling three games in six days over Christmas/New Year, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in any squad, showed up United despite Louis van Gaal’s big ambitions at the club.