Time running out for Beckham

Paul Scholes has returned to Manchester with a knee problem that is not serious and Fabien Barthez was once more rested last night after suffering bruising to his thigh against Ajax in Amsterdam last Friday.

Happily for United, Ruud van Nistelrooy has recovered from a shin injury and his form continues to improve with each game.

United always looked likely to end their tour on a winning note but after a glut of missed chances it was left to Van Nistelrooy to open the scoring a high- quality goal just before the interval.

With his back to the goal, the Holland striker collected a pass from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and curled the ball into the corner of the net. Van Nistelrooy's second goal, which came after Solskjaer had extended the lead, was equally special, a high-power volley from Ryan Giggs' cross in the 80th minute.

United finally secured a scoreline comparable with their dominance as Giggs broke clear to score leftfooted before Diego Forlan produced the goal his confidence so badly needed.

Manchester City crushed Tranmere 7-1, with Nicolas Anelka scoring twice but finding himself outshone by trialist Karim Kerkar.

Kerkar, a free agent from Le Havre and close friend of City skipper Ali Benarbia, scored two amazing individual goals, the second coming after a run that took him half the length of the field.

City manager Kevin Keegan said: 'I would like him to stay a bit longer but I know one thing - he can play football.'

Everton's unbeaten pre-season run ended last night when they lost 2-0 to Anderlecht in Brussels. Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gilles de Bilde scored the first from the penalty spot and after some terrific saves from Richard Wright, Clayton Zane added the second five minutes from time.

Former Manchester United teammates Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke linked up successfully to help Blackburn cruise to a 4-2 victory at Blackpool.

Cole scored twice and Yorke once with David Dunn completing the scoring for Rovers.