REDLYUNITED: Matchday

Showing posts with label Matchday. Show all posts

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Legends hails Man United youngster despite surprise England defeat

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has named Marcus Rashford as his man of the match in England's surprise 2-1 loss to Iceland, despite only playing the last few minutes of the game.

The Three Lions were shambolic on the night, lacked spirit and drive as they were knocked out to the supposed 'minnows' of the round.

The Manchester United forward was brought on a substitute about five minutes to go, and made more impact than all the England forwards on the night.

Here's what Alan Shearer had to say about Rashford's five minutes performance.

"Rashford did more in five minutes than anyone else did in 85."

According to Squawka:

"No #ENG player completed more take-ons vs. #ISL tonight than Marcus Rashford (3). He came on in the 86th minute...
pic.twitter.com /NO0DqvJicB
Squawka Football (@ Squawka)

This begs the question, why didn't Roy Hudgston brought him on early enough.

Rashford coming on, ran at the opposition defence, forced a corner and was England's brightest attacking outlet, despite his short time on the pitch.

Guess it's time managers stop picking teams based on name, history and pedigree.

In a tweet, Carragher described the youngster as his man of the match.

"Rashford our MOM
9:50 PM - 27 Jun 2016
Jamie Carragher (@Carra23)

It will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho utilizes the young talent next season.

He'll definitely have a big next season.

Manchester United star hails incredible Rashford

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has described the Manchester United's youngster performance as,incredible, and praised his disposition within the Three Lions camp.

Rashford has enjoyed a exponential rise, making his Manchester United debut and Three Lions debut in a space of three months, and has been included in the traveling squad to the European Championship.

"I think the way he took to coming into the Manchester United team and the way he’s performed from when he’s come in until the end of the season has been incredible really, Rooney said.

"He’s certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England, getting his first goal in the first couple of minutes.

"I think what’s pleasing about him is his attitude, it’s first-class and that’s shown around the hotel and on the training pitch and he deserves it. He could be a real positive for us."

Great comments from Rooney about the young lad. Rashford has just signed a new improved contract with the club, which is a good one. He is one of the four players United legend Dwight Yorke believes are safe under José Mourinho.

It will be interesting to see how Mourinho helps and aid his development.

Man United youngster wants to develop into a top star under Mourinho

The Dutchman is one of the academy players that made their debut under Van Gaal. The defender has been impressive in his short spell with the first team, and that includes ten first team appearances. He is now ready to work with José.

"I've never heard a player speak badly about Mourinho," He told Voetbal International via (M.E.N).

"I'm curious - I want to develop into a top player for Manchester United under him. That's the next step in my plan.

"You're 18 and you've had Van Gaal and Mourinho as your managers. Really, it's unbelievable."

The player also opened up on how he's been learning from Ryan Giggs and other top figures in the United dressing room.

"Ryan Giggs talked to me a lot. For example, after the semi-final of the FA Cup against Everton, when I played well, but also caused a penalty. 'Stay on your feet in such a situation,' Giggs said. I learned so much from that.

"I listen to Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and to the Dutch guys, Daley Blind and Memphis Depay. I sit in the dressing room and just listen to what everyone has got to say, and especially to our captain, Wayne Rooney."

Fosu-Mensah is believed to be in line for a new deal, after United secured the future of fellow academy graduates, Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

With his versatility and strength, Fosu-Mensak looks like a player that will thrive under Mourinho.

Former Manchester United striker says he wasn't given a chance at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has said he didn't get enough chance to prove himself when he was at United.

United signed the striker from Mexican side Guadalajara before the World Cup in 2010 for a bargain price of £6m.

He instantly became a fan favorite and was noted for his close range finishes, brilliant movement of the ball, in the box and as a super sub.

Things however went sour for the Mexican at United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Prior to this, he had always hit double figures in goals scored.

He struggled under David Moyes, and Van Gaal couldn't help his fate either, sending him on loan to Real Madrid and finally sanctioning his sale to German side Bayer Leverkusen.

He has since rediscovered his form in Germany and has now hit back at United.

"If I’d had more chances at United or Real, I’d probably have been ‘the star’ there as well – we’ll never know," Hernandez told Fourfourtwo.

"I didn’t have the chance. I never had the chance to play 20 games in a row so people could say: ‘He’s a good player who should stay’ or ‘He can’t be the star – he’s not a good player.

"Ask the United fans. The numbers are there. I started only 85 games at United and I scored 60 goals [in total]. At Real, I started just 12 games and scored nine goals. At Leverkusen I’ve started 37 games and I have 26 goals.

"The difference is that Leverkusen want me on the pitch. The others didn’t."

Dwight Yorke tips Manchester United youngster to get better and better

The legendary United striker has predicted that Anthony Martial will get better for both country and club.

The 20 year was a surprise last day signing by Van Gaal at the start of last season.

With a price tag of about £38m, lot of fans and pundits questioned the rationale behind the move. But since scoring on his debut against Liverpool, the Frenchman has looked like a real deal.

He finished the season as United's top scorer with 17 goals, won the United goal of the season award with his debut goal against Liverpool, won the golden boy award and was voted twice as the club's player of the month last season.

Yorke sees a brighter future for the player.

"He came into this country relatively unknown and people were raising their eyebrows thinking ‘Who is this guy?’ Yorke said.

"But he certainly made an impact at Manchester United and been one of the highlights of their season.

"He’s only 20 so still at that junior stage of his career and he’s just going to get better and better. There is no doubt he will be a big player for both club and country."

The Frenchman has been ranked the sixth most valuable player in world football, and it will only get better for the youngster.

United fans will be hoping to see a better, more effective Martial under José Mourinho. Hopefully the titles will start rolling in, and he can be a player who can compete for more individual honours.

Damien Duff: Mourinho had always dreamt of managing United

The former Chelsea winger has opened up that his former boss had always wanted to manage United.

The Portuguese was snubbed after Sir Alex Ferguson hand picked David Moyes as his successor. The former Everton man only lasted eleven month, before been shown the exit at Old Trafford.

After his sack, Mourinho was again in the picture, but the United hierarchy decided to go for Van Gaal, who had just led the Dutch team to third position at the 2014 World Cup.

The Dutchman couldn't complete his initial three year season contract as he was sacked two years into his deal, Albeit after winning the FA Cup.
His failure to qualify for the Champions League was his greatest undoing, though his style of football and selection had always been under the microscope.

United confirmed Mourinho manager last Friday, but Duff thinks that was way late.

"I think he was the only man for the job three years ago, before Moyes went and then Van Gaal after. Duff said launch of RTÉ’s coverage of Euro 2016 via Independent.

"They can’t really afford to get it wrong again. I was a Man U fan growing up so they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world for me, but obviously they are a long, long way from it on the pitch.”

"I think it’s a marriage made in heaven. I know he always said Chelsea was his club and he went back a second time, but I think Man United is his club.

"He’s always dreamed of managing there. I think they give you time, as you can see with Moyes and Van Gaal probably too long.

"I think it’s meant to be and I’d like to see him at United similar to what Ferguson did before.'

Manchester United youngster looking forward to a great season with Mourinho

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is prepared to work with the new United manager, whom he described as one of the best in the World.

The Brazilian will be hoping for better times under the Portuguese as Van Gaal denied the youngster playing time.

The midfielder once criticised the Dutchman for not fulfilling his promise of not granting him more playing time, after he denied him of a January loan move away from United, with the promise of playing him more.

Pereira told Globo Esporte:

"We look forward to working with him and very happy too, because he is a great coach, one of the world’s best managers."

"We are prepared to work with him and have a great season.''

Mourinho could sell up to eight players at United

Former Chelsea star Damien Duff says the new United manager could oversee an exodus at Old Trafford that will see six or eight players leave, as he builds his own team.

The retired Irish winger, was sold to Newcastle by Mourinho after working together for two season at Chelsea in 2006, as part of the Mourinho revolution, and he believes the Portuguese can let go of up to eight players in the current United squad, replacing them appropriately.

“He’ll do that, yeah (siege mentality). But before he does that I guess there’ll be five, six, seven or eight out, and he’ll have to replace them with the same amount of players, which is going to cost an awful lot of money." The former Chelsea winger said at the launch of RTÉ’s coverage of Euro 2016 via Independent.

Duff also gave an insight into how Mourinho builds his teams

"it’s one big band of brothers, us, against the world – that’s what he builds. He’s based all his teams on that.

"I don’t really know what happened at, the end at Chelsea last season, but obviously the season before that mentality was there."

Duff described Mourinho as the best manager he's worked with, and says the would take United close to challenging for honours next season.

“He’s an amazing tactician, an amazing coach and the best I’ve ever worked with on the training ground. So I have no doubt that, even though you can’t say guaranteed silverware or guaranteed
champions, he’ll be there or thereabouts next season.

“It’s been 10, 11 years since I’ve worked with him but I’d imagine it’s the same. He sets up all the sessions and has his tried and trusted coaches with him."

While United fans may not want to see such huge amount of players leaving Old Trafford in just one season, there is no doubt that the current squad needs some vital additions and subtractions.

It's left to see which player(s) Mourinho will order their sale in his first season at the theatre of dreams

Brazil legend Pele advises Rashford ahead of Euro's

The legendary Brazilian forward has advised the United youngster not to be afraid ahead of his selection into the England Euro squad.

Rashford, 18 has been selected in the England Euro squad, just about three months after he made his debut for Manchester United.

Pele, who was 17 when he won the World Cup in 1958, advised Rashford to have confidence in himself.

The legendary striker is putting up a lot of his personal footballing materials on auction, said:

"It doesn’t matter about age. It is important to be prepared. Never, never, never be afraid. Don't be afraid." (Via Daily Mail).

Pele admits that the pressure in football has increased compared d to his own era, where communication was still crude.

"In my time I didn’t have so many pressures with the TV, the radio, the communications.

"Now there is a big pressure. But if he has a good support from the team I think he has to have confidence and trust himself." He added.

Rashford has enjoyed a great start to his career, and it would be fascinating to see what role he would play in the England team in France.

Dutch legend praises Man United youngster: Tip him for surprise at Euro's

Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf has hailed Marcus Rashford, describing him as a fantastic and talented guy.

The Manchester United forward has enjoyed a great start to his career. In a little over three months, the Manchester born forward made his debut for United, scored vital goals against Arsenal, City, played a vital role in United's FA Cup triumph, scored on his England debut and has been selected in the England team to the European Championship.

Seedorf thinks England will do well at the Championship, and has tipped Rashford to be spring up some surprise.

"He is fantastic... a very talented guy. He said via The Sun.

"But you need to slow it down. You should not be adding pressure.

"If he can just be used without pressure I think, he’s going to be a surprise.

"England are going to do well." He added.

Brazil legend Pele highlights what Mourinho need to succeed at United

The Brazil legend has hailed the new Manchester United manager as a good coach but thinks the Portuguese needs luck to succeed at United.

Mourinho, was confirmed as Van Gaal's replacement on Friday, and the former Chelsea boss faces daunting task of returning United to the summit of English and European football once again.

Only few persons in world football command much respect and are experienced as Pele. The legendary goal scorer, thinks apart from understanding their team, great managers need some element of luck.

Asked what makes a great manager and his opinion on Mourinho, he replied:

"First of all, they have to have luck. Luck is very important.

"Then the coaches, they should understand football and know their team, and Mourinho is a good coach. A very, very good coach, and I hope he has luck.

"Sometimes, a good coach doesn’t win tournaments. The players win."

Dutch legend brands Van Gaal's sack as "crazy"

Legendary Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf has described Manchester United's decision to sack Van Gaal as a crazy one.

The Dutchman endured a frustrating second season at Old Trafford. His pattern of football was heavily criticised, and results didn't help either.

He failed to improve on his first season fourth position, as the team dropped one step downwards to finish fifth. That cost the team Champions League football, and from there it was almost certain Van Gaal would be sacked.

He however did win the FA Cup, but that wasn't enough to change the United board.

Seedorf thinks the urge for teams nowadays to win is getting too much.

"Manchester United is a special case." Seedorf said via The Sun.

“For me it seems a bit crazy that clubs think they should win and if they don’t win then they change everything next year.

"You cannot win every year. And that’s probably something we need to underline a little bit more. Sport is about competing… but only one can win.

"I think that football needs to get back a little bit accepting to lose. It is ruining the proper view of how things should be managed in terms of what you show as a club, of projects.

"That is something I am seeing that is bothering me a little bit. It’s too much."

Legendary manager doesn't see Rashford playing at Euro's

Harry Redknapp doesn't see Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford getting playing time in France.

The 18 year old has enjoyed an astronomical growth to the start of his career.

In three months, Rashford made his goal scoring debut for United, scored a brace against Arsenal, the winner against City in the Manchester derby and other vital goals for United in a seemingly disappointing season.

He scored in his debut for the Three Lions. Three minutes into the game against Australia. All these have convinced England manager Roy Hodgson to include the Manchester born forward in his 23 man list to the European Championship.

Redknapp has been impressed with Rashford, but thinks the likes of Vardy, Kane and Rooney will deny Rashford playing time in France.

"In all honesty, I can't really see him playing. I like him and he's going to be a real player in the future." Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"But we've got Kane, we've got Vardy, we've got Sturridge, we've got Rooney - I think he (Roy Hodgson) has got a lot of options up front.

"I wouldn't see Rashford getting a game and I'll be surprised if he gets too much, if any, games personally." He added.

Pictures: Wayne Rooney wins England player of the year award

The Manchester United and England captain has been voted as the England player of the year (2015) by fans.

The 30 year old became England's all time highest goal scorer surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals for the Three Lions, last year.

The United skipper scored five goals in eight matches in the year 2015, and pulled 37% of the total votes casted by fans.

Rooney also won the award last year, for (2014). He was presented with the award this week, becoming the second player to win the award consecutively.

He's won the award four times in his thirteen year old career with the national team.

Rooney will be hoping he can lead this young talented England side to a highly successful European Championship, in his first major tournament as captain.

Here's a list of past winners and years:

2003 - David Beckham

2004 - Frank Lampard

2005 - Frank Lampard

2006 - Owen Hargreaves

2007 - Steven Gerrard

2008 - Wayne Rooney

2009 - Wayne Rooney

2010 - Ashley Cole

2011 - Scott Parker

2012 - Steven Gerrard

2013 - N/A

2014 - Wayne Rooney

Anthony Martial wins another club award

The Manchester United forward has been voted by fans as the club's player of the month for May 2016.

Martial enjoyed a strong debut season with United, ending the season as the club's highest goal scorer with eighteen goals, and won the FA Cup.

The 20 year old was a surprise signing from AS Monaco, but has taken the League by storm with calm, brilliant performances and goals.

The Frenchman pulled 49% of the total votes casted by United fans on the club's website and twitter handle. Captain Wayne Rooney came second with 36%, while Antonio Valencia with 15% of the votes came third.

Martial scored three goals in the month of May. He last won the award in December.

His debut goal against Liverpool also won him goal of the season award.

Here's a list of players that won the monthly award throughout the 2015/16 season via the club's website.

August: Matteo Darmian
September: Juan Mata
October: Chris Smalling
November: Bastian Schweinsteiger
December: Anthony Martial
January: Wayne Rooney
February: Marcus Rashford
March: David De Gea
April: David De Gea
May: Anthony Martial

Roy Hodgson gives hint on why he selected Rashford in England Euro squad

The England manager has given some insights on why the Manchester United youngster made the England Euro squad.

Rashford has enjoyed a superb three months. Since making his debut for United in February, scoring a brace against FC Midtjylland. He has gone on to score eight goals for United and played a significant role in United's FA Cup triumph.

He capped off a brilliant season by scoring three minutes into his national debut, against Australia a goal which helped him into the England Euro team.

Hodgson believes the 18 year old has special qualities, and want to see if he can show them at a higher level. Commenting on Rashford, he said:

"Rashford’s had that fantastic
end to the season and he’s a very interesting player.

"He has special qualities and I think that’s been recognised by everybody – and it will be very interesting to see in a squad of 23 whether or not he can bring those qualities to bear at an even higher level."

José Mourinho opens up on rivalry with Guardiola and transfer plans

The Manchester United manager has said he won't get personal with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as both men start their Manchester journey.

The duo were staunch opponents in Spain, with a lot of mouthwatering El-Classico encounters between both managers. When Mourinho was at Real Madrid and Guardiola at Barcelona.

The personal rivalry will be rekindled as both men take charge of the two big Manchester Clubs.

Both clubs are expected to challenge for the Premier League title, but beyond that is the expected thriller that next season's Manchester derby will offer, in terms of history, tradition and the personality of the managers involved.

Mourinho thinks the complexity of the Premier League makes such direct rivalry dangerous for the duo, as it could play into another title contender's advantage.

"My experience does not allow me to be innocent.

"For two years I was with Pep in a league where the champion was either him or me.

"In a situation like this, individual fights make sense because they can influence things.

"If I were to focus on him and he were to focus on me, (in the Premier League) someone else (another club) would be champion."

Mourinho was speaking at a lecture in his home country, he delivered to post graduate students on football management.

United have been linked with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the last few weeks. When asked if the 34 year old will be joining United, Mourinho refused to give a definite answer, but replied:

"My good friends always rave about me.

The Portuguese also guaranteed his audience he won't be signing any player from his home country.

When asked if he would sign any Portuguese, he said:

"I won't be signing any player from Portugal to Old Trafford."

Injured Manchester United star declared 100% fit for Euro's

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been declared perfectly fit for the European Championship.

The German captain sustained his injury while training with the national team in March, and has not played since then.

He has been in race against time, to be fit for the competition and opened up recently that he is on schedule.

Manager Low included him in the final 23 man squad on the advice of the German medical team, that Bastian would be OK to play in the competition.

Assistant manager Sorg speaking ahead of their last friendly match with Hungary has opened up that the 31 year old is fully fit ahead of the competition which starts in nine days time.

#Sorg : " @BSchweinsteiger is 100% on track." #DieMannschaft
3:39 AM - 1 Jun 2016
Germany (@DFB_Team_EN)

Martial: Proved doubters wrong

The months of speculation is finally over. Van Gaal has departed the club, making way for the enigmatic Mourinho. Much of the Old Trafford faithful will be happy to see the back of Van Gaal. His style of football left a lot to be desired, and he ultimately could not lead the club to success.

However, perhaps it is time to assess his overall legacy. Whilst there is plenty to complain about, we can at least say that Van Gaal was a man who valued youth. The team he assembled was full of potential stars of the future. Indeed, he laid down the foundation of what could be a strong unit in the years ahead.

The Dutchman’s focus on young players became apparent at the beginning of the season. He shelled out £38.5m for the nineteen-year-old Martial, making him the most expensive teenager in football. This was no impulse buy. Van Gaal himself admitted that Martial was a signing for the future, a player who would not reach his peak until after Van Gaal’s time at the club. In essence, Martial is Van Gaal’s gift to Mourinho.

On top of this, Van Gaal vigorously promoted promising players from the academy. Jesse Lingard has been given ample playing time throughout the season, and showed his worth when he scored the FA Cup winner against Crystal Palace. Young Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has been given an opportunity to blood into the team.

Rashford will be on England's plane to France

And let’s not forget about Marcus Rashford. The eighteen-year-old was propelled into the first team in February. After impressing in his first couple of appearances, he was allowed to claim a starting place upfront. He has since come on leaps and bounds, and even forced himself into contention for England’s plans in Euro 2016.

This emphasis on youth goes against all the currents of modern football. All too often, managers and owners chase instant results and rely on readymade signings to achieve it. This has led to a vastly decreasing amount of appearances for young players. It is telling that Van Gaal is responsible for 23% of all minutes played by youngsters in the Premier League this season.

This is commendable and fits in well with a fundamental part of the fabric of Manchester United. All the great teams at Old Trafford have been based on youth and homegrown stars, such as the Busby Babes who were almost all born a stone’s throw away from the ground, or the Class of 92.

It is concerning, then, that incoming manager Mourinho represents the antithesis of this. His sides have been built around older pros, men who have already proved themselves in the game. He rarely gives the opportunity to promising young players within his ranks.

This approach is dangerous and smacks of short-termism. One only needs to look at the examples of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Both were part of Chelsea’s academy set up. However, they were either consigned to languish on the bench, or banished away on loan. Frustration forced both to move on, and they are now amongst the finest players in the league. This is no doubt to the great regret of Chelsea, who will now have to invest heavily again to update their ageing squad.

We must hope that Mourinho learns his lesson. He must continue to play the likes of Rashford, and pay attention to the kids in the academy. Otherwise, the one positive hallmark of Van Gaal’s reign will be extinguished.

This is a guest post by Sathesh Alagappan.

You can continue the discussion here by commenting below.

Or via his Twitter handle @sathesh1992

This is a guest post by Sathesh Alagappan.

You can continue the discussion here by commenting below.

Or via his Twitter handle @sathesh1992

- See more at: http://www.redlyunited.com/2016/05/why-rooney-should-play-in-deeper-role.html#sthash.9TdyoElz.dpuf

Man United star wants to learn and improve under Mourinho

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has described the new United manager as one of the best in the world, and the possibility of working with him as a unique opportunity.

The former Chelsea boss was confirmed as United manager on Friday, in a move that was widely accepted among United fans.

Herrera is one of the few players in the United squad, fans think is underachieving, and the 26 year old wants to improve under his new boss.

"Working with Mourinho is a unique opportunity to work with one of the best in the world," he told a Spanish radio via Sky Sports.

"He has a widely-acclaimed method of working and I want to learn and improve. I consider his arrival to be a one-off opportunity for me to continue to develop and grow."

While in air, a journalist suggested that Mourinho's style was not compatible with United, but the midfielder disagreed with facts.

"I find that funny. Let's see, Mourinho played at Chelsea with Cesc [Fabregas], Willian, Oscar, [Eden] Hazard and Diego Costa. There was only [Nemanja] Matic as a defensive midfielder. That's not an attractive style of play?

"Or at Madrid, where his side scored a record amount of goals in one year?

The midfielder sees Mourinho as a manger who takes pressure off his players to help optimize their performance.

"And aside from that he is a coach who soaks up the pressure on the players, someone who prefers to take the heat so that his players can be relaxed.

"I only know that his Chelsea, with all the difficulty that comes with it, won the Premier League last season with four weeks to spare."

Great optimism from Herrera on Mourinho's arrival. Fans will be hoping the passionate midfielder can reach his best under the Portuguese tactician.