We will fight them on the beaches

Just two stories to mention today, the first being the words of Carlos, variously described as "astonishing" and "bizarre", I'll use this report from The Independent, where his words are "extraordinary":

"Cristiano Ronaldo will never be Spanish! As they will never take Olivenca again," he told the Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, referring to the small town on the disputed border between the two countries. He also delved further into the historic rivalry, alluding to explorer Christopher Columbus – who both countries claim as their own – and the Spanish Philippine Dynasty, which ruled Portugal from 1580 until the bloodless revolution of 1640.

"They already did the same with Christopher Columbus, and it now seems they want to naturalise Cristiano Ronaldo," the United No 2 added. "Have they already forgotten what we did to them in the past? We will never lose our patience."

With Portugal preparing for Euro 2008, Queiroz knows the furore could not have come at a worse time. "It's being done in a manner to distract the Portugal team, at the height of their preparations for the European Championships," he said. "But I am convinced that despite pressure from the Spanish press he will not change his nationality."

The other story is vindication for Sir Alex and Carlos:

An independent commission cleared Manchester United's management team of improper conduct following a personal hearing into outbursts that stemmed from the club's FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth in March. Ferguson and Queiroz had been expected to receive a substantial fine at the hearing; a touchline ban was beyond the commission's powers. To the dismay of the FA, however, the charges were "found not proved", leaving a spokesman to admit last night, "We are surprised and disappointed", and the FA to consider its right to appeal against the commission's findings for the first time since the disciplinary procedure changed last summer.