Yet it almost did not end there as United came so close to snatching another equaliser but Cole and Shevchenko cleared efforts off the line.

BBC: Chelsea 2-1 Man Utd

But Tim Cole, another member of Fossett's team, said Friday that Libya's belated approval was not the reason the last attempt failed.

CNN: Once again, Fossett awaits Libya's permission

Cole conjured another chance, meeting Julien Faubert's cross in the air and firing the ball towards the goal, only for it to clip over the bar.

BBC: Fulham 0-1 West Ham