Everton manager David Moyes was expected to be named the new manager of Manchester United on Thursday, after Alex Ferguson sent shockwaves through world soccer by announcing his retirement from the role.

Tottenham surrendered the initiative in the race for Champions League qualification despite coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 at top-four rival Chelsea in a pulsating English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Real Madrid delayed Barcelona's claim to the Spanish league title by trouncing 10-man Malaga 6-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the season, bringing a close to a trophy-filled career of more than 26 years at Manchester United that established him as the most successful coach in British soccer history.

Wigan's Premier League survival hopes took a major hit by losing 3-2 at home to Swansea on Tuesday, while Manchester City secured its place in next season's Champions League with a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

John O'Shea scored a second-half equalizer as 10-man Sunderland rescued a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City on Monday that moved them three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Real Sociedad's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in a decade suffered a setback when they surrendered the lead and lost 2-1 at fellow European hopefuls Getafe in La Liga on Monday.

Juventus claimed the Italian titles respectively on Sunday as two more of Europe's top leagues were decided.

Cristiano Ronaldo headed in two goals to help Real Madrid beat Valladolid 4-3 in the Spanish league on Saturday, but the entertaining win was overshadowed by growing dissatisfaction with coach Jose Mourinho for criticizing the club.

Arsene Wenger believes the momentum is now with Arsenal in the battle to claim a place in next season's Champions League.