SOCCER: Ralif Safin, a founder of Russian oil group Lukoil, was revealed yesterday as the mystery man who has been toying with a bid for Manchester United.

The 49-year-old oil magnate - one of Russia's richest men - has been in talks with London investment banks about ways of constructing a takeover.

Shares in the Premiership leaders rose 4p to 260p. However, many believe American sports investor Malcolm Glazer or Irish racehorse owners JP McManus and John Magnier are more likely to make an early move for the club.

Safin's scheme has been put on the back burner because of growing fears of a backlash from Russian president Vladimir Putin in the wake of his recent successes in parliamentary elections.

"He (Safin) was interested in United. But he wanted to see how the (Duma) elections went and for now sees this as a time to keep your head down," said one well-placed source.

Putin, who has consolidated his grip on the country by winning more supporters in the Duma, has made clear his antagonism to Russian billionaire oligarchs who seek political power or spend their cash on trophy assets abroad.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren believes Manchester United can stay unbeaten for the rest of the season as they sweep towards yet another Premiership title.

McClaren was impressed by what he saw during his side's 1-0 defeat to Alex Ferguson's men at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.

Last season United's St Stephen's Day loss to Middlesbrough proved to be their last of the campaign and McClaren is convinced they can stay unbeaten in the new year.

He said: "United are a team capable of going 20 or 25 games unbeaten and the way they are going, they have got a chance.

"They are always hungry and the manager is hungry. They've got the experience because they have been there before and they have to be favourites because of that."

He added: "When you have got a defence like that you've always got a chance because you've got such quality going forward."

McClaren would give anything for a touch of that quality with his side now goalless in five consecutive home matches.

He would not be drawn on January spending plans but is sure to launch a search for another striker after seeing his side draw yet another blank.

Michael Ricketts continues to look distinctly unimpressive up front and Massimo Maccarone is also struggling after his return from injury.

Middlesbrough skipper Gareth Southgate has insisted he knows nothing about an impending bid from United to sign him during next month's transfer window.

The 33-year-old's future has been thrown into the spotlight in the wake of Rio Ferdinand's eight-month ban for failing to take a drugs test, a suspension which would leave a gaping hole in Ferguson's defensive resources.

"There's nothing I can do about it," he said. "People are putting two and two together. I'm not even sure they are looking to sign anybody."