The relationship between professional football and gaming is growing even closer and the ever rising stock of the gaming world highlights the intersection between fantasy and reality.

‘World-class’ Anthony Crolla will beat Ismael Barroso by targeting his body, according to an old sparring partner of the Mancunian world champion’s dad.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced, in combination with Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis Club, changes to further enhance the British grass court season in the lead up to The Championships.

Terry Flanagan has predicted tactical nous could lead to the KO of Derry Mathews at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday while branding some wannabe boxing experts ‘stupid’.

Juan Mata produced his best performance to date in a Manchester United shirt in the crucial 2-1 win away to Liverpool last March, a result which sparked United’s push for a top four place.

After enduring a drab December and failing to bring the electrifying brand of football the Old Trafford faithful crave the jury is still out for Louis van Gaal.

Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera have all completed a full week of training but it remains unclear whether the trio will return to the starting line-up against the Canaries.

Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United need to inherit a ruthless streak in order to become Premier League champions after a 1-1 draw with Leicester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson did not have a goalless draw in his final 116 games in charge of Manchester, while Louis van Gaal, by contrast, amassed three stalemates in a week last month and so far nine of his 66 games in charge have resulted in dead rubbers.

Memphis Depay was elated to play a pivotal role in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Watford and the former PSV Eindhoven star expressed his gratitude to Ryan Giggs for aiding his development.

Manchester United will go into Saturday’s lunch-time clash at Watford without a senior striker, after Louis van Gaal revealed the extent of their injury woes.