Real Madrid trio could be available to Man United - Report

Real Madrid could be preparing for an exodus that will see United targets James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Raphael Varane leave the club according to reports from Spain.

Mourinho is an admirer of the three players, having worked with them during his time at the Bernabeu. And there is a slim possibility any of the trio could move to United.

According to El Confidencial, the three could be on their way out of Madrid, with United and a host of other clubs weighing up bids for the players.

United have been linked with Varane, even before his move to Real Madrid in 2011.

He was touted as a potential signing for Mourinho days and weeks after the Portuguese  took over at United.

Mourinho has however signed Eric Bailly, which reduces a chance of a move for the Frenchman.

Colombian attacking midfielder, Rodriguez could also become available, but according to the report, Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG are in the fore-front the player.

Alvaro Morata,  who has just arrived from Juventus could also be in his way out again.

Real Madrid triggered his buyback clause to bring him back to the Spanish capital. But Real could have done that for business purpose. That is selling the forward for a much higher price to make profit.

According to El Confidencial, Mourinho is interested in the striker for whom Real are expecting a bid in the region of £50m. Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with the player.

With United closing in on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a deal for Moratta looks unlikely. But ever say never.

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Another proof that Ibrahimovic's move to United is closer than ever

Everything surrounding the deal is pointing to the fact that the 34 year old will be a Manchester United player next season.

Ibrahimovic's agent Raiola recently described United as a great club with a great manager, saying he has completely finished negotiations with an unnamed club for the forward, leaving the final decision with Zlatan himself.

In another development suggesting the deal is close, Ibra's son Maximilian has been pictured in the 2016/17 Manchester United away jersey.

Seems Maximilian wants his father to play for United. Time will tell.

Picture via @BornMUFC

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Four Manchester United stars facing the axe under Mourinho - Report

As usual with every new manager in football club, there will be one or two exits from the team.

New United manager, Mourinho has been working on new arrivals but nobody is talking about the expected exits.

United have already confirmed the signing of Eric Bailly from Villarreal, and a few more are expected before the start of the season.

The likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fellaini, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata are facing a make or break time at Old Trafford, According to Steve Bates in Sunday People.

Mourinho has been linked with Chelsea star Nemanja Matic. The Portuguese is reportedly considering swapping Matteo Darmian for the Serbian.

If successful, Matic's move to United will sure question the future of Marouane Fellaini and Schneiderlin in Mourinho's new setup.

Fellaini has not been convincing since his move from Everton, and new Everton boss Ronald Koeman is reportedly studying Schneiderlin's future at United with the hope of making a move for the Frenchman if he becomes available.

United have also been linked with a good number of midfielders including Paul Pogba, Valencia's Andre Gomes and a host of others.

If any of these Mourinho's target moves over to United, one or both of Fellaini and Schneiderlin may be heading toward the exit at United.

Juan Mata is another player that has been tipped to leave United since Mourinho's appointment.

Nothing has been heard from both former Chelsea men about the future, but Mata leaving United is never out of equation.

Mourinho is known to be concerned about the player's work rate and physicality. And it remains to be seen if the two will work harmoniously together at United.

Memphis Depay is another player that may be heading for the exit at United. A big summer signing last season, he failed to live up to the billing at Old Trafford.

He was infamously dropped for the FA Cup final by Van Gaal, but may be facing much more than that under no nonsense Mourinho.

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Three reasons Man United must sign Ibrahimovic

Manchester United have long been linked with the Swede super star.

From all indications, Ibrahimovic will be moving to Manchester in the summer, but until the deal is signed, there will still be an iota of doubt about the deal.

At 34, it looks strange that a good number of United fans still want this player. This is very uncommon.

Though a free agent, Ibra won't come cheap, his huge wage demands is something that makes signing him exclusive to certain clubs.

Redlyunited looks at three reasons United will do good to get Zlatan.

1. United have lacked a huge presence in the final third over that past few seasons

Since the United last won the League, three seasons ago, with the likes of Robin Van Persie and Rooney on top of their games, United have struggled to score goals freely.

David Moyes couldn't keep up with maintaining the attacking form and threat of Van Persie and co. the way Sir Alex Ferguson did.

Van Gaal came over and finally started a new project he couldn't finish before his sack.

In the post Sir Alex era, United have lacked a constant, threatening figure in the box or around the area.

Van Persie was last top man United had going forward. A striker that can at least guarantee 20 goals a season.

Zlatan could be the one signing that could restore all that to United.

He would be the team's focal target going forward. United need a leader in the final third, and Ibra is the readily available answer for now.

For the records:

Ibrahimovic has not scored less than 15 goals in his last ten seasons at the different clubs he's played.

2006/07 - 15 goals : Inter Milan
2007/08 - 22 goals : Inter Milan
2008/09 - 29 goals : Inter Milan
2009/10 - 21 goals : Barcelona
2010/11 - 25 goals : AC Milan
2011/12 - 35 goals : AC Milan
2012/13 - 34 goals : PSG
2013/14 - 41 goals : PSG
2014/15 - 30 goals : PSG
2015/16 - 50 goals : PSG

2.  If stats and history don't lie, with Zlatan United will fight for the title next season.

Ibrahimovic's incredible record in the past ten shows that his team's have never finished below second in any League he featured in.

His maximum effect coupled with the Mourinho factor will sure help United give the title a fight next season.

To be factual, United were not that poor last season. A great defence (at least the joint best in the League), a midfield that needs one or two top signing which fans expect Mourinho to make before the season starts, a new winger with Zlatan upfront, makes United a formidable team to fight for the title.

With the likes of Rashford also around, expect United to give the title a  fight next season.

3. He'll serve as an inspiration to the United youngsters who should take over from him soon 

One of the major fear of some fans about Zlatan's signing is the development of players like Rashford and Martial. Far from it.

With an experienced player like Ibra around, these player will have a huge figure they can look up to.

At 34, Zlatan feasibly can't feature for United beyond two or three seasons at most.

For the likes of Rashford, it will be competing and learning from a legend they will definitely replace.

United going for a younger top striker is what will sure hamper the development of the current United youngster.

With Ibra, United gets one or two seasons of top delivery from him, while his most likely replacements are around him.

All things being equal, he leaves or retire, the Rashford's of the team would have matured to effectively take over from him.

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Man United will not lose it's first Premier League game going by this ...

Manchester United will open their 2016/17 Premier League campaign at Old Trafford hosting Bournemouth. It will be José's first competitive game in charge of his new team.

If history will not disappoint fans, United won't lose the game, because in his seven seasons in the Premier League, Mourinho has not lost an opening  day fixture.

In all his opening fixtures, he has only drawn one, winning the remaining six.

Mourinho'a first League game ironically was against United in 2004 at Stanford Bridge, and the Blues defeated Sir Alex Ferguson's men by a lone goal scored by Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Mourinho also defeated Manchester City 3-0 his opening day Premier League fixture in 2006.

Mourinho's only opening day draw came last season, against Swansea at Stanford Bridge. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois  was red carded in the 52nd minute and the Swans scored their equalizer from the resulting penalty. The Blues failed to find the net over 35 minutes of play.

United fans will be hoping not to get a repeat of such against Bournemouth.

Here's a list of Mourinho's season opener and their scores.

2004: Chelsea 1-0 United
2005: Wigan 0 -1 Chelsea
2006: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City
2007: Chelsea 3-2 Birmingham
2013: Chelsea 2-0 Hull City
2014: Burnley 1-3 Chelsea
2015: Chelsea 2-2 Swansea
2016: Manchester United ?-? Bournemouth

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Juventus star won't move to Man United if star striker joins - Report

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata would turn down United if Zlatan Ibrahimovuic moves to Old Trafford.

United have been linked with a move for both forwards though, United appear closer to signing Zlatan than Morata.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport Morata has told United, they would have to chose between signing the Swede or him.

Moray reportedly favours a move to United over rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, but is concerned about the amount of playing time he'll get. This he knows will sure reduce with Ibra around.

The Spaniard scored seven League goals for Juve last season as they clinched their fourth Scudetto title in a roll.

United sure need one striker, and any of these two would be perfect. Mourinho wouldn't sign two centre forwards, that's almost certain.

Which of these two would you love to see at United?

For me I'll prefer Zlatan.

United would get one or two top season from him, develop youngsters like Rashford and Ashley Fletcher who can finally lead the line

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The five Red Devils who could shine at Euro 2016

There are plenty of Manchester United players on show at the Euros this summer. 

 Here are the five who could really have a big impact:

Anthony Martial (France) 

Martial has proven himself as one of the finest young talents in Europe. His pace and dribbling ability have terrorised Premier League defences, and he has shown a cool head in front of goal.

It is no wonder that the French manager Didier Deschamps has earmarked Martial as one of the lynchpins of France’s forward line. The twenty-year-old looked lively in recent friendly matches, and he is likely to start alongside Giroud and Griezmann in a fearsome front three. 

Euro 2016 could be where Martial truly announces himself on the world stage.

Wayne Rooney (England) 

Wayne Rooney has become used to carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders (as well as the brunt of the criticism). Despite some questioning his starting place, he is set to lead England once again. As the captain and all-time top scorer, Rooney will be a crucial figure in the England team. 

Rooney will be encouraged with his form in the latter half of the season. Despite starting poorly, he picked up confidence and more goals towards the end of the campaign. Furthermore, his exploits in central midfield show that Rooney could be a versatile option for England. 

At the age of 31, this could be Rooney’s last tournament for his country. Can he end it on a high-note?

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) 

Schweinsteiger’s season has been disrupted by injuries. He hasn’t appeared for United since March. 

This had put serious doubts around his involvement at Euro 2016.

However, Joachim Löw has persisted with his captain. Schweinsteiger is a German legend, pivotal in the World Cup victory two years ago, and he has a total of 114 international caps. His big match experience and leadership are vital qualities for the German camp.

Schweinsteiger is now regaining match fitness, and he looks set to be central to Germany’s European bid.

Chris Smalling (England) 

England’s defence has been a constant area of worry. Multiple centre backs have auditioned for the national side and looked less than convincing. It is perhaps a blessing, then, that Chris Smalling has established himself as a quality defender this season.

He has been assured and authoritative for Manchester United, and England have looked a lot more solid with him on the pitch.

In order for England to progress at this tournament, they will need to be able to shut out the top teams. This will depend largely on Smalling replicating his club exploits for his country.

David de Gea (Spain)

There are few better goalkeepers in the world than de Gea right now. He has been flawless, and fully deserved his third-straight Manchester United Player of the Year award.
 

It may come as a surprise, then, that de Gea is not certain to start in goal for Spain. Iker Casillas is currently captain, and has been first choice since 2002. 

Casillas is a legend, but his error-prone performances in the 2014 World Cup show that he may be past his best. With de Gea in goal, Spain would prove virtually impregnable. 



This is a guest post by Sathesh Alagappan.

You can continue the discussion here by commenting below. 

Or via his Twitter handle @sathesh1992

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Three things Eric Bailly transfer will cause at Man United

Over the weekend, reports emerged from Spain that Manchester United were close to completing the transfer of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal.

Prior to this, very little was known about the 22 year old centre back, especially among the British section of the Manchester United fans.

Since his arrival, there had been news that José Mourinho may be preparing for a major overhaul of the current United side, as only few players fit into the Portuguese's philosophy.

Bailly is a defender. Let's take a look  at Manchester United's stats last season.

- United conceded the least amount of goals in the League (35), same as Tottenham Hotspur.

Alongside Tottenham, United have the best average goal conceded per match ratio: 0.92.

- United kept the most clean sheets in the League (18), same with Arsenal.

- United conceded the least goal at home in the League last season. Just nine goals in 19 matches.

- United have the ninth best defensive away record in the League, conceding 28, goals. Eight teams conceded less in their travels.

From the stats above, United currently have a promising defence.

Redlyunited looks at three things   Bailly arrival at Old Trafford can cause.

1. Daley Blind's future as a defender under question

Immediately Mourinho was confirmed as United manager, rumours started surfacing that the Portuguese would sell the Dutchman as he doesn't see him as his ideal defender.

The  pursuit and signing of Eric maybe the first pointer to this rumored fact.

Most of Mourinho's defenders are typically strong with huge physical presence.

Chris Smalling would most likely be his preferred first choice centre back. And with a new signing worth €40m, you can bet he'll be top in Mourinho's priority at centre back.

Bailly will most likely dislodge Blind as Smalling's first choice partner.

For the stats: Daley Blind and Chris Smalling played 55 games for United each last season. Both missed only four games each throughout last season.  Read more on that here.

2. United may forget signing John Stones

Jose Mourinho seem to have personal affinity for the Everton man.

He tried signing the 20 year old during his second spell at Chelsea, and have reportedly continue his pursuit of the defender at United.

United will have to cough out over £30m to land the Englishman, but with a move for Bailly almost done and dusted, that may signal the end to the Stone's chase.

It's almost impossible for Mourinho to sign two new centre defenders for about £60m. Bailly's arrival at Old Trafford means stones arrival door at least for now is shut.

3. Smalling have to start the understanding game again

Top centre back pairings are not something that just happen, though there few cases of such.

Top defensive partnerships are built on hours of training and practice, a number of matches for the developing Chemistry to be tested, and time for everything to be perfected.

Smalling and Blind were developing a of top defensive partnership last season.

Next season could have been much more of a cementing and one that would strengthen the union more. But with Bailly's anticipated arrival, United may have to restart from the scratch, in building a new defensive shape, lineup, personalities and understanding.

It may be a change United fans don't want, it would be one worth watching, especially with José in charge.

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Three things that has happened in Mourinho's first seven days at Man United

On the 27 of May 2015, José Mourinho was confirmed as Manchester United manager by the club.

It was a move many saw coming before the official confirmation. It was also a move some believed should have happened years ago. In all, it was a move that was better late than never.

It's a move that has got virtually everybody in football talking, from Pele to a host of former United players.

A lot has happened in José's first seven days at United, Redlyunited looks at three most important.

1. All England's goals have been scored by United players.

Mourinho is absolutely not responsible for this, but this is a wonderful coincidence.

Van Gaal oversaw the goal scoring Manchester United debut of Marcus Rashford but José was manager three months later, when the 18 year old would make his goal scoring debut for the Three Lions.

A goal which made him England's  youngest goal scoring debutant. On the same night, United and England captain, Wayne Rooney scored the second and final goal for England in their 2-1 win over Australia.

That wouldn't be the last goal from a United player, as Chris Smalling scored England's only goal in the Three Lions last friendly match ahead of the European Championship.

It was the 26 year old first goal for the national team. Another coincidence?

In all, United players have scored England's last three goals heading into the European Championship.

2. José will act as Pope in a movie.

How about the name 'Pope Mourinho'. That would be in a movie though.

The new Manchester United manager's voice will be used as the voice of Pope Francis in the new movie  titled 'Fe'.

The movie will premiere on May 13 2017. Mourinho's selection was approved by the Vatican, according to reports in Portugal.

The movie is an animated movie, and Mourinho will donate his proceeds from  the movie to a charity for underprivileged kids.

3. David De Gea clarifies his future in time to prevent unnecessary rumours

He is one of the best players in the current squad, and was voted the club's player of the season, in April. Making him the first player to win the award thrice in a roll.

With United missing out of Champions League football, next season, it was almost certain that the Real Madrid rumours will come up again.

His move to the capital club failed minutes to the end of last season's summer transfer window. He made a U-turn and signed a new deal, but it was still almost certain United will spend the whole summer shielding the Spaniard from a move to his home country.

Mourinho's move to United have given the whole situation a new complexion.

De Gea has come out to welcome the new United gaffer and has said he hopes to fight for titles with the Portuguese at United. 

"To speak of Jose Mourinho is to talk about a winning coach and that is United's philosophy and mine." De Gea said.

"With that idea in mind, I'm certain we can build a great team. I welcome him."

Speaking in his future, he said:

"I have three further years left on my contract with United and I'm enthusiastic to win titles there."

This will come as a big news to United fans and a huge relief to the club.

What a week it's been for United with Mourinho in charge.

What has impressed you most about Man United, José Mourinho or  any United player in the last seven days?

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Van Gaal led the way with youth: Mourinho must continue with this

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

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FA Cup final: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace: Player Ratings

David De Gea: 7

Made a great save from a Balassie header on the 18th minute. Another vital one with his feet. Imagine United without De Gea this season.

Antonio Valencia: 6.5

Didn't have much defensive assignment in the first half. Did lot going forward, combined well with Mata, Fellaini on the right, whipped in a number of crosses, provided the assist for the winning goal.

Chris Smalling: 5.5

He wasn't at his commanding best in the first half, beaten for pace in a duel,  for which he was yellow carded. Got sent off late on in the second half.

Daley Blind: 5.5

Had a tough time dealing with the physical presence of the Palace forwards. Had a number of scary moments in the game. Had some brilliant moments as well.

Marcos Rojo: 5.5

Another unconvincing performance from the Argentine. Couldn't handle the physicality and pace of Zaha in the first half. Later part of the game was calmer. Offered more going forward.

Michael Carrick: 6

In what could be his last performance for United, misplaced one pass in the first half in a dangerous position. Other than that, stabilized things in the midfield, and allowed Rooney and Fellaini to do perform their attacking duties

Wayne Rooney: 7

Another wonderful midfield performance from the Englishman. Controlled things. United got the equalizer from his inspirational run and movement. 

Marouane Fellaini: 7

Could have scored United's Opener from a corner. Provided threat for United from set piece. Presented with another chance in the second half, from which he hit the crossbar. Provided the assist for United's opener. Justified his inclusion in the team.

Juan Mata: 6

He scored United's equalizer, though not at his commanding best. Substituted late on.

Anthony Martial: 6

A rather cool performance from the Frenchman. Denied time and space by the Palace defence. Had a half chance in the first half, and his header against the pole.

Marcus Rashford : 6

Another promising performance from the 18 year old. Looked dangerous around and within the box, with his flicks and one-two Suffered an injury scare, and was substituted.

Substitutes

Ashley Young: 5

Came on for Rashford, and was used in as a striker. He was later pushed to the wings.

Matteo Darmian: 5

Didn't have much to do, but struggled with the physicality of the Palace forwards.

Jesse Lingard: 5.5

He stretched the Palace defence, and ultimately scored the winner.

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