Sport

"I see them up close every day and they are special athletes and performers."

Sergio Perez topped second practice for the United States GP as Red Bull hit back at Mercedes, who surprisingly dropped off their early pace and behind McLaren's Lando Norris at the end of an intriguing Friday.

Mercedes made an impressively fast start to the United States GP weekend by finishing nine tenths ahead of Red Bull in opening practice, although pacesetter Valtteri Bottas will carry a grid penalty into Sunday's race.

Paul Merson says Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have reclaimed their crown as the best front three in world football, but warns Manchester United can never be written off at Old Trafford.

Shakur Stevenson was separated from Jamel Herring after taunting the WBO super-featherweight champion at the weigh-in for this weekend's fight.