FA deny United pressure

The Football Association has denied that Manchester United pressurised them into not allowing Liverpool physio Dave Galley to work with England's senior side.

Galley, who works in Liverpool's academy, had been promoted from his role with the England Under 21s by coach Fabio Capello for the friendly against Holland earlier this month.

But reports claim that United were not happy with Galley working with their players, and as such he has now returned to his U21 duties.

However, the FA has moved swiftly to deny that they were forced into action because of pressure from United.

"Dave has reverted back to the Under 21s after one game," said an FA spokesman.

"There should be no questions against his professionalism. We must be clear that there is an agreed board policy that has nothing to do with Manchester United that the medical staff should be independent, that is why we recruited doctor Ian Beasley and Gary Lewin from Arsenal Football Club.

"Franco Baldini (Capello's general manager) and Rafael Benitez (the Liverpool manager) discussed the matter and it was explained we wanted to see Dave working with the team in the friendly this month.

"We refute any suggestion that we have been pressurised by Manchester United."