IAN LADYMAN: Ten years ago this autumn, George Best died. He was 59. The world of football lost one of its most captivating stars and Mike Summerbee, the former Manchester City forward, lost his best friend. As the red and blue of Manchester prepare to come together at Old Trafford for the 170th derby, an examination of Best and Summerbee's friendship is like looking through a window into a different world.
Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United are underdogs for the derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. Manchester City are without first-team stars Sergio Aguero and David Silva for the 170th meeting between the two sides, but Van Gaal still thinks Manuel Pellegrini's men are favourites.
IAN LADYMAN: With two largely unexcitable, foreign managers currently in office, the preamble to a Manchester derby is perhaps not what it once was. In truth, there was not a great deal of noise from either of the neighbours on Friday. Thank heavens, then, for the football. This time round, that remains terribly difficult to call as Manuel Pellegrini's City head to United on Sunday knowing that Louis van Gaal's side will overtake them in the Barclays Premier League with a win.
What is the 'West Ham Way'? Sir Alex Ferguson once described it as a myth, while Sam Allardyce has fiercely criticised it.
MARTIN KEOWN: They have been two of the best players in the league this season and on Sunday Chris Smalling and Raheem Sterling will come face to face in the Manchester derby.
Pep Guardiola is ready to make a beeline to the Premier League at the end of the season. And Sportsmail understands the current Bayern Munich boss' preference is to manage in London.
Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City fans have every right to boo the Champions League anthem after it emerged that the club are facing a UEFA charge for jeering the tune.
MIKE KEEGAN: Just over a year ago Chris Smalling was sent off in Louis van Gaal's first derby as Manchester United manager. They would go on to lose 1-0 and his new boss was not impressed.
Daniel Sturridge's fitness continues to cause Liverpool anxiety as Jurgen Klopp cast doubt on the striker's availability for selection.
Eden Hazard will hope he has done enough to work his way into Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's starting line-up when he takes his side across London to face West Ham on Saturday.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he is happy to be criticised for his team's performances but insists he will no longer give 'good headlines' after a difficult week. A video emerged this week of Mourinho reacting to a youngster who was filming him on the London streets, while he also slammed the referee of his match against Dynamo Kiev as 'weak' and 'naive'.
Diego Costa says he will not change his style of play despite criticism and hit out at the Premier League's cry babies. Costa was handed a retrospective three game ban for violent conduct by The FA after clashing with Laurent Koscielny in September.
MATT LAWTON - CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER: The FA came under fire on Friday as Wembley staff privately admitted to being 'embarrassed' by news that Heather Rabbatts was under investigation.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger regrets not resting Aaron Ramsey after seeing the midfielder suffer a fresh injury following his return from an intensive spell of duty with Wales.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman does not believe Jurgen Klopp has had time to make a big impact at Liverpool yet. Saints travel to Anfield for Klopp's first Premier League game at home on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney has scored more goals before the age of 30 than any other striker in Premier League history. The Manchester United striker has 187 goals and turns 30 on Saturday.
Louis van Gaal has put England's failure on the international stage down to the lack of a winter break in the Premier League as players are left exhausted at the end of the season.
Manuel Pellegrini insists that he is 'not punishing' Vincent Kompany for playing for Belgium against his wishes by leaving Manchester City's captain on the sidelines.
Most Premier League managers would bite your arm off for the chance of a break over Christmas, but Arsene Wenger admitted he would 'cry' if the festive fixture list were ever changed.
Liverpool's owners watched their players gear up for Jurgen Klopp's third match in charge against Southampton on Friday. Principal owner John W Henry, and club chairman Tom Werner were at Melwood for the duration of the team's latest training session to see Klopp's methods in person. Henry and Werner were also in attendance at Liverpool's 1-1 draw in the Europa League on Thursday evening and here took another opportunity to watch their players at close quarters.
Marouaune Fellaini was spotted visiting a DIY store as he went out and about on Friday in preparation for Sunday's crucial Manchester derby, and he will be hoping he has the keys to unlock Manuel Pellegrini's side. The Belgian star will be hoping to return to Louis van Gaal's starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 win over Liverpool in September.
Mauricio Pochettino will risk fielding full-strength sides in the Europa League despite Tottenham being in the nightmare scenario of needing to win continental games at the busiest time of the season.
Ahead of the crucial Manchester derby, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has spoken of his desire to turn the club he joined in 2008 into an international powerhouse.
Bastian Schweinsteiger admits he cannot wait for the frenzied atmosphere at Old Trafford this weekend, with the Manchester derby set to be one of his first involvements in a fight for local bragging rights.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe accepts his side have been naive this season but refuses to see the performances as a negative in the wake of their 5-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Slaven Bilic has promised to take good care of Manuel Lanzini and nurse him through his first season in English football. Argentine Lanzini has joined West Ham on loan for a year from Al Jazira.
Sam Allardyce arrived in a helicopter but his final journey as Newcastle boss was in a Ford Ka. The last thing he expected was to be sacked.
Roberto Martinez wants Everton to clear a significant mental hurdle and rewrite history by recording a first away win at Arsenal in 20 years.
The Manchester derby. A game filled with history and controversy involving two of the most historic teams in England goes all the way back to 1881. Both sides are flying high in the Premier League, with Manchester City top and two points ahead of their fierce rivals. But the all-time record between the two sides will leave United fans buoyant, having won 66 times compared to City's 45, with both being involved in stalemates on 49 occasions.
WHO I AM: Carl Jenkinson has been loaned out by Arsenal, but the 23-year-old has been a key figure in West Ham's fine start to the season. As part of our Who I Am series, he talks about his life and career with Sportsmail's Andrew Magee.
Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez is optimistic midfielder Luka Modric will be fit to start Saturday's La Liga clash at Celta Vigo but still has doubts over Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos.
Kris Commons has apologized for his furious outburst on being substituted in Celtic's 3-1 Europa League defeat to Molde on Thursday night. Commons scored Celtic's only goal in Norway.
Tony Pulis believes the Football Association was right not to punish James McClean for the way he celebrated West Brom's win against Sunderland last weekend, but has warned him to be careful.
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana admits successive draws in new manager Jurgen Klopp's first two matches have added a dose of realism to temper fans' sky-high expectations.
NEIL ASHTON: Ever since he arrived from Lille, Eden Hazard made it clear that he wants to play his football without aggravation. But his altruistic vision for life at Chelsea is misguided.
Tim Sherwood has joked he will be eyeing the directors' box for possible replacements as he fights to save his job at Aston Villa on Saturday. Villa face Swansea with the side desperate for a win.
The FA have offered to meet with Jurgen Klopp to discuss the injury to Jordan Rossiter - but have warned the Liverpool manager they prefer, in future, to deal with these matters in private.
CHRIS WHEELER: It will come as no surprise to those who have followed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's career in Norway, that his return to Molde was marked by a Europa League win over Celtic on Thursday night. While the former Manchester United striker's experience of Premier League management came to a swift and unhappy end at Cardiff City, Solskjaer has always had a mercurial effect on his local team. As a teenage striker, he scored 31 goals in 38 games for Molde before moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 1996. As a manager, he led the town with a population of 26,000 to its first Norwegian title in a century during his first season in charge at the Aker Stadium in 2011, and retained it the following year.
Start spreading the news, Sheffield Wednesday appear to be making a brand new start of things under Carlos Carvalhal. A quick fire second-half double from their forwards Lucas Joao and Fernando Forestieri at the New York Stadium maintained their hold on this particular South Yorkshire derby and put the sleeping Yorkshire giants within a point of the Championship play-off places. Eight games unbeaten in all competitions and with a Capital One Cup tie against Arsenal next week to look forward to, it's a good time to be from the blue half of Sheffield.
Bolton's season hasn't started well. Neil Lennon's side scored a third of their goals this season in a 4-3 defeat to QPR. Only one man can save them - former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi.
Joe Cole wants to help England's next generation of young talent reach the top of their game. The former England star insists he has no plans to hang up his boots yet though.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has told last season's derby hero Jermain Defoe to force his way back into his plans by doing the same if he gets a chance this Sunday.
England will play Holland in a friendly at Wembley in March, the Football Association has announced. The FA have already announced friendlies against Spain, France and Germany.
Toby Alderweireld has questioned if Tottenham's attackers lack 'belief' after a night of missed chances against Anderlecht threw their Europa League campaign off course.
Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo is a popular debate and one that will continue to rumble on but the Barcelona star refuses to be drawn into discussions over who is superior.
Arsene Wenger is adamant the mental and physical fragilities that have cost Arsenal so many times in the Premier League title race have finally been consigned to the past. The Gunners have the opportunity to go top of the table if they beat Everton on Saturday evening, with challengers Manchester United and Manchester City meeting at Old Trafford on Sunday. It would be the first time Arsenal have reached the summit since February 8, 2014 when a 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool started a slump that would ultimately see them finish fourth.
Has Fellaini got the keys to unlock City?
Maroaune Fellaini was spotted visiting a DIY store as he went out and about ahead of the Manchester derby
Backing us for the derby, guys? Aguero posts selfie with Cameron and China president Xi
Sergio Aguero posed for a quite bizarre selfie
The most glamorous picture in sport? Sharapova leads cast of tennis stars at launch of the WTA Finals in Singapore
No Serena Williams
Daly relishing fighting in front of home fans
Aisling Daly will be part of the action in Dublin's 3 Arena on Saturday as she participates in her first UFC contest
MailOnline Fantasy Football is back... and this year you can pick Euro stars like Ronaldo and Lewandowski to boost your Premier League side
From sharp-shooter to Assassin's Creed - Costa hits out at Premier League cry babies
Helped launch new video game
Klopp, Can and Liverpool players leave Anfield in fine spirits despite disappointing draw with Rubin Kazan
Not a great home debut for the German boss
Chelsea stars meet South Africa rugby giants ahead of their World Cup clash with New Zealand
Fabregas and Terry dwarfed by Etzebeth
Ferdinand turns choir conductor as former England defender gears up for Manchester derby with fans in China
Sang 'Glory, Glory Man United'
Man United fans queue for nearly 24 HOURS to land limited edition adidas Stretford shoe... with City blue stripes
Trainers that do not go on sale until Friday
Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho shows off array of confectionery
Ronaldinho left Fluminense by mutual consent after just nine games in September
Hamilton prepares for US Grand Prix in a go-kart as promoter says British champion is great for the sport
'More drivers should be like him'
Money Man: 'It took 19 years but they'll be talking about it forever'
Retired boxer Floyd Mayweather posed with 22 belts won during his undefeated career
Ronaldo returns to the Parc des Princes
17 years after losing the World Cup final in Paris, Ronaldo returned to watch his namesake in the Champions League 
Ronaldo hugs pitch invader on tough night
PETE JENSON: Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet time and didn't hang around for pleasantries at full-time
Haye takes down boxing ring ahead of £50,000 sale
David Haye signalled the end of an era as he dismantled the ring in his south London gym
Obama 'Hope' style programme for Rubin Kazan game
Liverpool revealed the unique cover for Jurgen Klopp's first home game in charge
Podolski on target as Galatasaray win
Lukas Podolski scored his first Champions League goal of the season as Galatasaray came from behind
McGregor shows off his impressive boxing skills but Aldo vows to leave him 'all busted up' ahead of UFC 194
Posted videos of sparring session
Rousey sets her sights set on eternal glory
Fierce, fearless fighter Ronda Rousey has set her sights on taking up a place among sport's all-time greats
Bac To The Future! Man City star gets the Hollywood treatment
Bacary Sagna jumped into a DeLorean to mark 'Back To The Future Day'
Messi watches Barcelona beat BATE Borisov from home on his massive television
Showed off giant screen as he continues to recover from injury
Any tips from Stevie? Terry confident of Champions League progression with Chelsea... as he flies home with a copy of Gerrard's book
BT Sport commentator Drury repeatedly mistakes Begovic for injured Courtois
Peter Drury has caused merriment on social media after the gaffe
Vertonghen flattened by Bills cornerback
Jan Vertonghen is used to dishing out the big hits but had a taste of his own medicine when Ron Brooks visited Spurs
Nasri's a major doubt for Champions League clash against Sevilla
Samir Nasri is unlikely to face Sevilla, but the Frenchman will be talked about for another reason
Cole begins life in League One
Former England star Joe Cole sampled life in the third-tier, making his Coventry debut during the draw at Rochdale
Bring on Broner! Theophane predicts 40th win over world champ as Brit closes in on title fight promised by Mayweather
Big shot edging closer
Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid team-mates in high spirits as they gear up for Champions League clash with PSG
Ronaldo, Navas, Danilo and Marcelo posed
'I got 840 text messages in one day!': New Leeds boss Evans reveals job means he's never been so popular
He is Leeds' sixth head coach in 17 months
There's Mo privacy on the cricket pitch... England ace Moeen reveals he was able to translate Pakistan's plans in first Test
Understands Urdu!
Walk with girlfriend, night out at Dynamo's show and a selfie with a £48,000 Rolex... how City stars celebrate
Beat Bournemouth then relaxed
It's a dog's life as Hamilton and Roscoe relax with ball games
Lewis Hamilton relaxes as he closes in on a third Formula One world championship
We're Stoke-d! Team are all smiles after narrow win at Swansea
Bojan's early penalty ensured Stoke enjoyed their journey home on Monday night
Thumbs up despite injury for Benzema as he laughs off Arsenal rumours
French striker put o brave face as he lay on the treatment couch
Bayern ready to inflict Champions League defeat on Arsenal as side head to London early to avoid traffic
Stars flew on Sunday night
Boca Juniors ace Tevez mingles with Buenos Aires locals... by playing a game of cards on the streets
Returning to his roots after European success
Ronaldo and Bale prepare for Real Madrid's next battle
Cristiano Ronaldo was busy in the gym while his Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale hit the pool
Fan replaces fourth official during League Two clash at Newport
Mike Hurdle went from the stands to the touchline after an injury to referee James Adcock
Everton pay tribute to legendary boss Kendall at Goodison Park
Former Toffees player and manager Howard Kendall died suddenly aged 69 on Saturday
Ronaldo is Real's all-time top scorer
RIK SHARMA: Raul's name was ringing around the Bernabeu, but Cristiano Ronaldo broke his all-time record
Pulis says McClean is 'not the sharpest tool in the box' after ruckus
James McClean opted to goad fans of his former club after West Brom beat Sunderland
Picture perfect! Ronaldo poses with Brazilian top model
Beauty Alessandra Ambrosio took this snap with Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo
Giant keeper scores from his own half
Jesse Joronen's hopeful punt deceived his opposite number to help Stevenage end seven-game winless streak
Klopp the showman... Liverpool boss as you've never seen him before
It appears the new Liverpool manager wasn't always such a cool customer
Bale wraps up warm for adidas promotion
Gareth Bale swapped the Great British weather for sunnier climes two years ago, but the £86m man is still wrapping up
McKenzie hands McCallum a first defeat
Leon McKenzie is a victory away from becoming British champion after beating John McCallum
Bolt satisfies need for speed as sprint star poses with £80,000 Nissan super-car
Posed with a Nissan MY15 GTR saying 'Fast knows Fast'
Looking Fab! Chelsea star Fabregas proves he's in shape to fight to save Blues' stuttering title defence
Clearly not missed the gym sessions recently
Oh Mo! New father Farah posts Instagram photo of swollen lip
He joked his lip looks like it is expecting... but won't reveal how he hurt himself
Now that's a team photo, West Ham!
So how many people does it take to run a modern day Premier League club (and what do they all do)?
Mourinho describes talk of mutiny at Chelsea as 'sad' and unfair'
It has been claimed an unflattering nickname is being used to refer to the boss by first-teamers...
Ozil thanks his fans as he toasts his birthday with a custom cake
The Arsenal playmaker marked his 27th birthday by thanking his legion of fans on social media
Riise wins 25,000 rupee award in Indian Super League for Fittest Man of the Match... which works out at a paltry £250!
Now at Delhi Dynamos
Firmino all loved up with wife Pereira... so will new boss Klopp be charmed too?
Was out of favour with former manager Brendan Rodgers
Zaha snaps up £2.5m Footballers' Wives pad
Wilfried Zaha agreed a deal to buy the seven-bedroom house of late former Crystal Palace owner Ron Noades
KENNY BURNS: 'I'd hacksaw my studs... so that they stuck better to the skin!'
The star of a new film on Forest, Burns reveals the tricks of his trade...
Arsenal striker Sanchez is on a hot run of form... maybe his mum is the secret behind his success?
Pictured flying back to London with small boy
Joker Suarez buys Messi Grumpy pyjamas
Lionel Messi is not having the best of times - and Luis Suarez added insult to injury by buying him the comedy sleepwear
Klopp eyes full throttle football as he takes another car for a spin
Jurgen Klopp will hope his new Liverpool side can hit top gear in his first game in charge
Brian McFadden's ex Vogue Williams models new Harlequins kit at Twickenham Stoop ahead of Premiership season kick-off
Will also do a DJ set
Selfie-obsessed! How Ronaldo has become prolific at posting selfies on Instagram
Sportsmail looks at the Real Madrid star's finest work
High fliers! Kompany, De Bruyne and Belgium team-mates travel back to England from international duty
Vincent Kompany feels ready to return for City
Arsenal striker Sanchez takes the Copa America winners top of World Cup qualifying with two goals in 4-3 win
Alexis Sanchez helped Chile beat 10-man Peru
'Snakes in the bushes and crazy driving... I know I'm in India!'
EXCLUSIVE: JOE BERNSTEIN hears about David Platt's daily drive into training...
Euro flops Holland are hammered on Twitter
Just 15 months after finishing third in the world, online wags have been quick to mock the Dutch disarray
But it's a different story across the border for the world's best...
Belgium top the FIFA rankings for the first time following their gutsy win over Israel
Ramsey and Bale get the party started
LAURIE WHITWELL: The sell-out crowd who came to watch Wales' win were treated to some champagne celebrations
Torrential rain leaves puddles on the pitch... but ex-Manchester City man Felipe Caicedo helps Ecuador seal win 2-0 against Bolivia
Water farce...
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