What the back pages of the papers say - July 23

13 April 2012

Daily Mail


England's cricket selectors were called to an emergency meeting to explain the most controversial, shambolic choice of a national team in years. The four-man panel were forced to defend their decision to give little known Darren Pattinson a shock debut.


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is approaching his final years in the game and believes the current squad is the best he has ever had. This week, Sir Alex sat down with Sportsmail's IAN LADYMAN in Durban to share his thoughts as he prepares for another challenging season.


Even after 8pm, the temperature in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium is still in the 30s and, with no hint of a breeze, the humidity is enough to leave those just watching dripping with sweat.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson

The Guardian

Asafa Powell regained the psychological edge ahead of the Beijing Olympics after he defeated fellow Jamaican and world record holder in a 100m clash in Stockholm last night.

Also: Michael Vaughan has told England selectors to stop taking the kind of gamble that saw Darren Pattinson called up for the Headingley Test and put their faith in known and established players.

The Times

Michael Essien has responded strongly to Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that many of his team-mates are over the hill by predicting that Chelsea will win the Barclays Premier League next season.

Also: Pascal Chimbonda will undergo a medical at Sunderland today and Teemu Tainio is likely to follow should a deal be completed.

Daily Telegraph

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he had blunted the impact of Wayne Rooney by playing him out of position for Manchester United

Also: National selector Geoff Miller has held clear-the-air talks with Michael Vaughan in the wake of the England captain's claims about team selection for the second Test.

The Independent

After 16 days in the saddle and 1730 miles covered the Tour de France still remains at boiling point with the five favourites all still in with a chance of winning the race.

Also: Manchester City are considering a bid for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy after Banjani Mwaruwari broke down in training.

Daily Express

Frank Lampard has been offered a record-breaking £39million, five-year deal by Chelsea which will make him Britain's highest-paid footballer.

Also: Fulham continued their lavish spending on strikers last night after having a £10million bid accepted for Everton's Andy Johnson.

Daily Mirror

Robinho and Didier Drogba are poised for a £40million Spanish swap between La Liga and the Premier, with Robinho heading to Chelsea for £25m and Drogba to Barcelona in a £15m deal.

Also: Manchester City will look to avert a striker crisis by making a shock bid for former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse.

Daily Star

Kolo Toure's pre-season was thrown into turmoil last night after he was taken to hospital suffering from suspected malaria.

Also: Fulham last night swooped with a £10m bid for Everton striker Andy Johnson.

The Sun

Arsenal were last night reeling from yet another blow with news that central defender Kolo Toure has contracted malaria.

Also: Sir Alex Ferguson last night admitted he has made life hard for Wayne Rooney by playing his England hitman out of position last season.

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