Manchester United Signs 9-Year-Old Phenom

Remember the name: Rhain Davis. He'll turn 10 in October, but he's already got a contract with Manchester United. Watch the video:

It's All Good For Alan Smith

Manchester United Online: Smith back in training

Alan Smith was the surprise face on show as almost the entire United squad trained on Tuesday morning.

The 25-year-old, who will revert to his original role as a striker this season, has been out of action since breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle against Liverpool last January.

Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have the fans' favourite back in action in late August or early September.

So, not only is he back way ahead of schedule, he gets to go back to his natural position, striker. He looked lost in the midfield, where only his workrate kept him on the field.

The Sun: Fergie shock at Al's return

Get Well Alan Smith

This is how we want to see Alan Smith come back.

Alan Smith of Manchester United broke his leg at the end of yesterday's FA Cup match with Liverpool, a break so bad that most of the other players on the field couldn't stand to look at it. I've seen Smith live three times, in Chicago & New York on England's US Tour, and in Manchester last fall. He's a tenacious player who is never outworked. Hope he can use that attitude to recover from an injury which Sir Alex Ferguson said was one of the worst he's ever seen. He's going to miss the World Cup and will probably be out for a year.

Smith suffers horrific leg break

Soccer: Hope crumples on one bad break

Smith career not under threat

There's Only One Roy Keane-O

Farewell to Manchester United captain Roy Keane, unceremoniously dumped by ManU yesterday.

The Guardian:

Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson: 1993-2005

Ushered out of the door by the most ruthless manager in the business [Sir Alex Ferguson], Keane's exit could hardly have been less dignified for a man who has graced the Old Trafford pitch for the last 12 years.

Roy of the rage can look back at Old Trafford in anger - and with pride

The Old Trafford dressing room will be quieter without him, dangerously so. United were unbeaten on all six of his appearances this season. The affluence of the squad may drift into a tolerance of the defeats he loathed. It will be a tamer club without him and almost certainly a less successful one.

I was privileged to attend a Man U game last month & had the pleasure of spotting the Man U captain glowering at the team from the Director's Box. I did get to see him play a few times on the Man U tours of the US and he was something. Even in his 30s he played with ferocity.

I wonder how soon Sir Alex will let some other player wear #16? And who will be captain? Scholes doesn't really have the personality for the role. Part of Keane's fury with the team is that no one has stepped up to lead in his absence. Well, now they'll have their chance.