"Where I want to improve him is in his actual defending."

- David O'Leary on his plans for £18 million Rio Ferdinand, a defender by trade.

"Like Leeds with Radebe, United really need to get Jaap Stam back in the side. He's a fantastic player and is a superb tackler - rather like I was in my day."

- Jack `It's so hard to be humble' Charlton.

"I tell you something though - he's deceptive. He must be lightning slow."

- ITV's Big Ron Atkinson on Panathinaikos defender Rene Henriksen after he was outpaced by Teddy Sheringham.

"My parents have been there for me, ever since I was about seven."

- David Beckham, hinting he was home alone for the first six years of his life.

"People have to remember who we were playing and give them credit. You'd think we'd been up against a team of players who are just going around running wee Greek restaurants."

- Alex Ferguson responds to criticism of United's display against Panathinaikos.