From the Back Pages, August 13: Manchester United set to splash £80million on Angel di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind

Manchester United are in pursuit of Argentina’s World Cup finals left-back Marcos Rojo to take the pressure off new signing Luke Shaw, with a £15m offer for the Sporting Lisbon defender. (The Independent)

THE most unlikely hero popped up to ensure Louis van Gaal goes into his first season as Manchester United boss with a perfect pre-season record. (The Express)

Wayne Rooney was confirmed as Manchester United’s new captain by Louis van Gaal last night — and Roy Hodgson is set to follow the Dutchman’s lead. (The Times)

Cristiano Ronaldo resumed where he left off last season, scoring twice to set his Real Madrid galácticos on the road to renewed prosperity with their first trophy of the new campaign, the European Super Cup. The Welsh public turned out in force to cheer for their own hero, Gareth Bale, but the night belonged to the World Footballer of the Year, who was watched from the VIP seats by Sir Alex Ferguson, his old manager-cum-mentor. (The Times)

Southampton are on the verge of sealing a shock move for Hull striker Shane Long after agreeing a £12million fee. (The Mirror)

Jo Pavey won her first major championship gold medal at the age of 40 on Tuesday night, and in the process became the oldest female European champion in history. (The Telegraph)