Alex Ferguson has again rounded on Manchester United's critics, claiming they are jealous of the club's success. United's manager is angry at the flak aimed at his players over their antics in recent matches against Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

Ferguson admitted they overstepped the mark and chastised them at the time, but he claims despite these incidents his players are still the best behaved in the Premiership. He feels United have been singled out unfairly and that they are hated even more because of their Treble success of last season.

"The statistics show that Manchester United are one of the best behaved teams in the country, in spite of all the high-pressure games that we play in," he said. "However, other recent incidents have helped to place increased focus on the conduct of my team. I accept that we're not exempt from the situation, but it is wrong to victimise Manchester United when the whole country is the same."

Up to 20,000 tickets for the Champions League final will go on sale to the general public from tomorrow. A new website - www.clubfinals.uefa.com - will enable supporters to buy tickets via the internet for the final which takes place on May 24th in the Stade de France.

Sunderland are closing in on Honduran international striker Milton Nunez before today's transfer deadline. The 27-year-old PAOK Salonika star is expected to complete a £2.7 million move to the Stadium of Light, subject to being awarded a work permit.

Nunez, who stands just 5 ft 5 in tall and is nicknamed "Tyson" because of his stocky build, is understood to have flown to Wearside last week to thrash out a deal.

French striker Frederic Kanoute (22) is poised to join West Ham on loan until the end of the season and could be in line for a home debut against Wimbledon on Sunday.

Middlesbrough are set to sign Brazilian teenager Arthur Enrique Bernard as manager Bryan Robson builds for the future. The 17-year-old is understood to be close to joining the Teesside club's academy from Novo Hamburgo, subject to international clearance, work permit and passport verification.

Manchester City aim to complete the £500,000 signing of Derby defender Spencer Prior (28) to boost their flagging Division One promotion drive.

Joe Cole (18) has signed a two-year extension to his contract which ties him to West Ham until 2004. The midfielder won his first England Under-21 cap last month.