EVERYTHING has been going wrong for United fans writes Chris Sudlow.

Out of Europe, held to a 1-1 draw by the mortal enemy, Roy Keane sent off in absolute disgrace . . . and the Dog and Partridge gutted.

The firebombed pub is not the only one.

Although it had been destined for closure it has held a close place in the affections of Reds for decades.

Fans gathered before matches at the Chester Road hostelry, within a loud shout of Old Trafford, to compose and try out the latest chants.

United terrace songwriter Pete Boyle said: ''It's so sad it should go in this way after all these years.

"It was a place of noise, song and celebration for the real fan.

"Now we don't know where we'll go.''

Boss Fergie knows where he is going . . . into the transfer market.

Record signing Ruud Van Nistelrooy won't be the first new face, and some familiar ones could be on their way.

The permutations are endless, but as money talks with the plc, don't be surprised if David Beckham is sold to broker the arrival of an even bigger name foreigner to boost Euro aspirations in Fergie's final season.

The Bayern reversal has tended to overshadow just how dominant United are on the domestic front.

Whether that's good or bad for the opposition is a different argument.

For Reds it's just . . . champion.