The headline Ligue 1 clash between Lyon and Lille on Saturday night had an unexpected guest in the form of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

The United boss was pictured on television taking his seat at Stade Gerland shortly before kick-off in the game between Lille and Lyon.

Reports suggested that he was scouting Lille’s Belgian winger Eden Hazard.

Last season’s Ligue 1 Player of the Year, 21-year-old Hazard sparked a frenzy of interest earlier this year when he revealed that England would be his preferred destination when he leaves Lille in the summer.

Real Salt Lake beat LA Galaxy

David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy got their Major League Soccer title defence off to a rocky start on Saturday, falling 3-1 to Real Salt Lake in their season opener.

The defeat was the first suffered by the Galaxy in 26 matches at their Home Depot Centre ground, a streak dating back to November 14, 2010, and spoiled what was meant to be a celebratory night.

Elsewhere, Vancouver’s Sebastien Le Toux and former Qormi FC striker Camilo Sanvezzo scored to lift the Whitecaps to a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Impact, who were making their debut in the league.

Malta’s Etienne Barbara joined Vancouver this winter but he’s currently out injured.

Anzhi’s Carlos takes time out

Ambitious Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala have excluded Brazilian veteran Roberto Carlos from their players’ list for the remaining three months of the season.

The 38-year Carlos said he would continue to work in the club’s organisation and was set to play more matches for Anzhi next season.

“I’m not playing football any more this season, I will continue working in the club’s structure,” Carlos said.

Carlos added he was still under contract with Anzhi until 2014.

Finke departs

Cologne have parted company with their director of sport Volker Finke by mutual consent after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin.

The club announced that “contrasting views” had led to the decision to go separate ways after recent discussions between Finke and the club’s board regarding the sporting future of the club.

The club did not explain the reasons behind the move and the action they will take to replace Finke. However, his relationship with the club’s coach Stale Solbakken is likely to be at the root of the decision.

No Arsenal deal yet – Podolski

Cologne forward Lukas Podolski says he has not yet agreed a move to Arsenal despite reports suggesting a deal has been done.

The Germany international still has a contract with Cologne until 2013 and, although it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will be at the Bundesliga club next season, he says no deal for him to leave the club has yet been struck.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, but nothing has been decided yet,” he said.

“Every day people are repeatedly announcing the deal, or wanting to be the first to confirm it exclusively, but if there is anything to say, then I will be the first to do so.”

Enrique relieved to beat Palermo

Roma boss Luis Enrique admits his side had to hold on for their 1-0 win at Palermo but enjoyed the victory at “one of the most difficult grounds” in Serie A.

Fabio Borini’s goal in the third minute was enough to earn the Giallorossi all three points and inflict the second home defeat in a row on Palermo. The hosts had fought back late on but could not find a leveller as Roma held on.

“I’m pleased with the win,” Luis Enrique said.

“All of my players did well out there. It’s tough in Palermo so we knew we would have our work cut out to win. But I think we deserved the three points at the final whistle.”

Stevens cool over Raul talks

Schalke coach Huub Stevens expressed caution about the Royal Blues’ veteran striker Raul who is negotiating with the Gelsenkirchen-based club to extend his contract. The ex-Real Madrid star turns 35 in June and his contract expires at the end of the season.

“You have to look at exactly what sort of performance he is producing, just like every other player,” Stevens said.

“I don’t know now how he will play in our remaining games and whether he can play so many games next season.”

Raul is rumoured to be seeking a two-year extension having scored 11 goals in 23 games this season.

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