And so it’s that time of the year again when newspapers, websites and magazines from all over the world highlight what they believe to have been the best and worst moments in football in 2010, looking at events both on and off the pitch. In this country, the majority of the “worst” moments have been deemed to be concerned with the morally bankrupt, money grabbing ways of the players today and the underhanded, corrupt and sinister dealings of FIFA, with the plaudits for the “best” moments being handed out mainly to Lionel Messi and his teams inspiring 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid in November. I couldn’t agree more. Read the full story

When Manchester United travel to St Andrews on Tuesday night it will be on the eight anniversary of the first meeting between the two clubs since Birmingham City’s first ever season in the Premier League. It took place at Old Trafford on December 28, 2002 with manager Steve Bruce facing Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugouts for the first time since his departure as a United legend. He was to get no joy however as United took the points with a hard fought victory.

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Manchester United fans have celebrated icons like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for two decades but spare a thought for the countless number of starry eyed kids who fall by the wayside for a variety of reasons – some through no other fault than their own. Belfast boy Gareth Macklin was one of them as Bob Cass from the MailOnline discovered. A treasured photo illustrates the ultimate schoolboy dream. A beaming 14 year old signs the paper which will open the door to a glittering football career with the world’s most famous club. There to witness the moment are two proud parents and Sir Alex Ferguson. That was 16 years ago.

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Just two weeks after Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov failed to make the starting line up in the top of the table clash with Arsenal, he returned with a typically stylish performance. As United moved the ball around with relish he snapped up his first chance when Ryan Giggs played in Wayne Rooney and his perfect cross was headed in by the Bulgarian.

United dominated without adding to their score and there was relief for the home fans when Berbatov’s strike on 57 minutes went in off Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand. “The first half was the highlight” said manager Sir Alex Ferguson “some of the football was fantastic and we could have scored four or five. We were pretty economical with our performance in the second half” he told Sky Sports

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Winning the Premier League is one of the toughest tasks in world sport – and it has been made just that little bit harder for Manchester United. Two weather hit, postponed away matches have now been rescheduled with the trip to Blackpool taking place on January 25 and a visit to title holders Chelsea set down for Tuesday March 1. The West London fixture was initially due to be played last Sunday but was postponed – possibly prematurely, due to heavy snowfall around Stamford Bridge. That date is subject to change however if either side has an FA Cup replay to fit into an already tight schedule. Should both teams be eliminated from the competition in the third or fourth round, the fixture could be brought forward to an earlier weekend – and I for one am hoping for it!

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Manchester United fans are never short of faith in their side. manutd.com has now found Colin Mattheus, who revealed how the Old Trafford faithful inspired him to get a special tattoo dedicated to the Reds. Prior to kick off in the Champions League semi final second leg against Barcelona in 2008, the Stretford End displayed a message of support to the players by holding up a mosaic of the word ‘believe’. Sir Alex’s men didn’t let the fans down as Paul Scholes’ glorious winner fired the Reds to Moscow.

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