From the Back Pages, July 18: Rory McIlroy hoping to banish that Friday feeling

Tiger Woods is clearly not a fan of the R&A allowing mobile phones at the Open after a first-round 69 in which he claimed to be continually distracted by fans taking pictures. (The Telegraph)

A film extolling the virtues of Louis van Gaal was playing in Old Trafford’s Europa Suite in the minutes before he stepped out of a side door for his first piece of public theatre as Manchester United manager. (The Independent)

MICHAEL CARRICK is set to be out until October after undergoing surgery this morning on a chipped bone in his ankle. (The Express)

Former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand has signed for QPR on a one-year deal. The 35-year-old left Old Trafford at the end of his contract this summer following a trophy-laden 12 years with the Red Devils and will now remain in the Barclays Premier League as he looks to help keep the Hoops in the top flight. (Daily Mail)

Vicente del Bosque has confirmed he will continue as Spain coach in spite of a disastrous World Cup. (The Mirror)

India emerged from the first day in better shape than they might, indeed ought to have done, on the back of an outstanding century from Ajinkya Rahane, ended only shortly before the close, and some shabby bowling from England during the morning and final sessions. (The Guardian)