STAM WANTS TO STAY

The Dutch defender looked like he had never been away, before being replaced by Wes Brown, and has expressed his happiness with life at the Premiership champions.

"I don`t see another club being a step up," he told the official United website. "I would love to play out my career at Old Trafford.

"You feel you are making history here."

The words are reassuring at a time when rumours are rife of a dressing room split in terms of salary demands at the club, but the team, and its spirit, looks as strong as ever on the pitch.

Meanwhile, United are believed to be keeping tabs on long-term target Nery Alberto Castillo, who is currently with Greek outfit Olympiakos.

The Uruguayan starlet is a highly-rated young midfielder who first came to Sir Alex Ferguson`s attention when he was with Danubio in his home country.

Although the 16-year-old was tipped to head for Manchester, after reportedly impressing during a trial, he went to Greece instead, where he is attempting to further enhance his reputation.