Van Gaal: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will contest his FA charge for comments he made about the referee following the FA Cup match at Cambridge United. United were held to a 0-0 draw by the fourth-tier side before winning the fourth-round replay 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. “In 30 years as a trainer-coach I have never been charged. I do not think I said something wrong,” Van Gaal said.

Shawcross: Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross has been ruled out of action for up to three weeks with a back injury. The Potters announced the news on their website yesterday that the 27-year-old centre-back now faces some time on the sidelines. Manager Mark Hughes said: “Unfortunately Ryan will be missing now for a couple of weeks. That is a big disappointment for us because he is an important player for us and the captain, so he will be a miss.”

Ramos out: Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has suffered a hamstring tear that could keep him out for up to six weeks. Ramos limped off during the first half of Real’s victory over Sevilla on Wednesday and tests revealed a more serious injury than first anticipated. Ramos will miss several games starting with the derby against Atletico Madrid today.

Mandaric: Sheffield Wednesday’s outgoing owner Milan Mandaric will bid farewell to fans prior to today’s Championship game at Hillsborough against Cardiff. Former Portsmouth and Leicester owner Mandaric, 76, sold his 100 per cent stake in Wednesday last week to Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri for a reported £30 million and will address fans ahead of kick-off.

Cleared: Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci has been found not guilty of racially abusing Norwich striker Cameron Jerome by the English FA. The Italian was charged on December 22 following the incident in the 1-1 Championship draw on October 21, where he was alleged to have directed a racial insult at Jerome. But an independent regulatory commission dropped the case at a personal hearing after Bellusci denied the charge.