The Moyes-Mancini ruck shattered the image of the urbane Italian, carefully coiffeured with his jauntily-tied scarf. It proved that no amount of grooming can hide the passions that lurk within when push – in this case literally – comes to shove.

An unfortunate aberration, but one which betrays the tension surrounding those clubs vying for Champions League qualification.

Maybe Mancini should have picked on someone his own size? He has that opportunity when Roberto Martinez pitches up at the City of Manchester Stadium with his Wigan Athletic team on Monday night. The game is live on ESPN and is a must-win occasion for City, who will have Emmanuel Adebayor free of suspension at last.

I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson will have afforded himself a quiet chuckle on seeing the footage of the dust-up. Whilst prone to the odd combustible moment himself, he’s a master at instilling composure in his players.

Manchester United are now quoted as evens favourites to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Their challenge takes them to Bolton this Saturday teatime, when again ESPN will provide exclusively live coverage.

Wanderers seem to have adjusted sufficiently to the methods of Owen Coyle. They have 32 points, which may ultimately prove enough for survival given the problems faced by Burnley and Hull. However, Coyle will feel far from safe and would love nothing more than to inflict a second defeat of the season on United – he was in charge of the Clarets when Robbie Blake’s thunderous volley spoilt the champions’ visit to Turf Moor back in August.

Manchester United have a Champions League quarter-final on their radar and a prized striker on their treatment table. They fly to Munich on Monday morning, and if Wayne Rooney is to face Bayern, he may have to sit it out at Bolton because of his swollen knee.

Ferguson’s men start as firm favourites for a seventh consecutive win at the Reebok, but there are reasons for Bolton to feel some optimism, not least the return of defender Gary Cahill.

And how about Jack Wilshere doing his parent club a favour? Loaned out by Arsenal, the precociously-talented teenager has the opportunity to torpedo the Gunners’ title rivals. Arsene Wenger may be clever, but not even he could be THAT clever, could he?

man utd will do what they always do "win" period. man utd has no fear all they have to finish the job and in a utd, way.

I hope all they say about my Wayne Rooney`s fittness, the next upcoming wonder of the world is all about mind games because you press and media are good at these info and tarnishing people`s point of view.

mohamed gangji: I laughed so hard, you people are absolutely the best. Forget winning the EPL for the 4th time, you should gather up your pals and strike a comedy partnership, hilarious.