From the back pages, February 13: Wayne Rooney is a ‘freckled demon’ and a ‘hooligan’ according to Spanish newspaper

Spanish daily newspaper Marca has described Wayne Rooney as a “freckled demon” ahead of Manchester United’s visit to the Bernabeu. The current Premier League leaders take on Real Madrid in a last-16 Champions League tie, and it is United’s England centre-forward who has been singled out by the Spanish press. (The Independent)

Crisis? What crisis? Jose Mourinho was at his grandstanding best a day ahead of facing Manchester United in the biggest game of his three-year reign at the Bernabeu. He prepares for the Champions League knock-out clash with Real beset by leaks of rifts and divisions within the squad that have dominated the front pages for months. (The Sun)

Paul Scholes has not travelled with the Manchester United squad for the Champions League tie with Real Madrid tomorrow. The veteran midfielder trained this morning but is still struggling with a knee injury he picked up in the FA Cup win over Fulham at the end of January, and has not travelled with the 22-man squad. (The Mirror)