Football news

Manchester United players have accused Chelsea staff of provoking a brawl at Stamford Bridge by abusing Patrice Evra. The aftermath of the Blues' 2-1 win on Saturday saw scuffles between United substitutes and ground staff and stewards.

United players Evra, Paul Scholes, John O'Shea, Gerard Pique and Gary Neville were taking part in a warm-down on the pitch when they were asked to move by ground staff.

A scuffle erupted, in which fellow substitute Carlos Tevez also became embroiled.

The Argentine said: "Patrice received a grave insult from a member of Chelsea's staff.

"He demanded an explanation and, from that moment, these men just wanted to attack Patrice. Obviously it's normal that we tried to defend our team-mate but within a few seconds all of the United players were surrounded by stewards."

Cruz scores 100th goal... eyes next one

Julio Cruz netted his 100th Serie A goal on Sunday when heading Inter in front against Cagliari but is already setting his sights on a crucial 101st. The Argentine has been a key figure for Inter this season and his 11th goal of the campaign was his 70th in an Inter shirt.

"It can only please a player to reach certain milestones because it isn't easy to play in Italy," Cruz said.

"Which has been my favourite goal? They have all made me happy, but one that I remember most was against Juventus from a free-kick. It was an important game for us and we went there and won with great authority.

"However, I am hoping to score the most important goal in the derby against Milan next Sunday."

Ronaldo named players' player of year

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was voted the English Premier League's Player of the Year by his fellow professionals on Sunday night.

Ronaldo, who has scored 38 goals this season, won the Professional Footballers' Association award for the second year running.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas collected the PFA's Young Player of the Year award at a ceremony in London.

Ronaldo said: "I feel very happy. When you work all season to play good, to do something for the team, to do your contribution for the team and then at the end of the season the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment, it is an honour, a pleasure."

Keane not leaving Sunderland

Roy Keane told Sunderland fans that he has no intention to leave the club.

He said: "I would tell the supporters who might be slightly worried to chill out. I'll sign a contract when I'm happy and I am at this moment in time, but there is another side to that - are we going to try and get to the next level?

"That is the question I'll be asking."

Keane only has a year left on his current deal at Sunderland.

Pompey hit by James injury

Harry Redknapp was left to worry about David James's FA Cup final fitness. James has just started a three-week battle to be ready for Pompey's Wembley date on May 17 against Cardiff after missing his first Premier League game since moving from Manchester City in a £1.2 million deal at the start of last season.

The 37-year-old keeper tore a calf muscle in the 3-1 defeat by his former club earlier this month, forcing Redknapp to stop James from training last Friday after a scan revealed the full extent of the damage.

Eriksson meets City owner Thaksin

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson held talks with owner Thaksin Shinawatra over the weekend as rumours were rife that the former England coach could be on his way out after a poor first season in charge.

But a senior City source said the pair met at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester and shared a "cordial" meeting. They had further discussions before a dinner held in honour of City's FA Youth Cup-winning side.

On Saturday, Thaksin was at Eastlands to see City throw away a two-goal lead at home to Fulham in a 3-2 defeat that almost certainly ends their hopes of a place in the Intertoto Cup.

Juve linked with Muntari swoop

Juventus are being linked with a summer swoop for former Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari, now on the books of Portsmouth.

Despite exceeding expectations this season, Juventus are looking to strengthen the squad and challenge for the league title next season. The midfield is expected to be their priority.

Ghana international Muntari played for Udinese between 2002 and 2007 and made over 100 appearances for the northeasterns before a £7m transfer to Portsmouth last May.

The 23-year-old is reportedly a target for a number of clubs, including Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool, but Juventus could join the hunt.