REDLYUNITED

Friday, 20 November 2015

Valdes set for United exit

Manchester United Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes is edging towards a move away from Old Trafford.

The former Barcelona keeper was a surprise signing to some United fans, but has fallen out with manager Van Gaal.

Both men had a nice working relationship at Barcelona, but the story took the opposite directon, when the two met again at United.

Van Gaal relegated the Spaniard to the junior team, and recently unconfirmed report has it that Van Gaal has banned Valdes from training at all or meeting first team players at the Carrington training ground.

But according to Goal.com the Spaniard may be returning to Spain with former city rivals Espanyol in January.

According to the report, he has held advance talk with the Spanish club and a January move is likely.

4-2-3-1 Martial out, Herrera starts: My Manchester United eleven to face Watford

United will be hoping to continue from where they stopped before the international break, but this time with more goals, when the team travel to Watford.

Injuries to players during the break will affect the team a little.

De Gea undoubtedly starts in goal.

Darmain should start at right back ahead of Ashley Young. Though the Italian has been far from convincing in his last few games, a good performance against Watford wouldn't be asking for too much.

Jones and Smalling should continue their partnership at the heart if the defence, though there are still questions as to the availability of Smalling, after the defender sat out England's game against France due to a knock. United fans will be hoping he is certified fit and okay. Rojo completes the back four.

Schneiderlin and schweinsteiger would be starting in the middle of the pack as Michael Carrick would most likely miss the game, due to the injury sustained on national duty.

Mata starts on the right, while fellow Spaniard Herrera starts behind the striker in the number 10 role. The competition for the left wing is between Depay and Lingard. Lingard gets the nod ahead of the Dutchman based on his current form and high confidence level.

Wayne Rooney leads the line in the expected absence of Anthony Martial.

That's my starting eleven, what's yours?

Yesterday, news of Arjen Robben move to Manchester United saturated the Internet. Unconfirmed reports has it that the Dutchman has agreed to join United in January, following a fall out with fellow Bayern team mate Lewandoski.

A move to United is a possibility based on two to three reasons.

Firstly, Robben is not strange to United manager Van Gaal. He is one of Van Gaal favorite, most trusted, important and potent players when Van Gaal managed the Dutch team. Secondly United currently lack firepower on the flanks, and Van Gaal has come out to say he needs speed and creativity on the wings, and without a second thought, Robben fills into the caliber of players that can bring the needed spark on the wings for united.

But here's the begging question: is Robben the solution to United's problems?

Robben is a player whose quality can never be questioned, but signing him to United is a move United may not need at this time, considering certain factors.

1. His age: At 31, Robben's best footballing days are arguably behind him. Hence signing him reveals United's short sightedness. With quite a number of key players in the United squad over and around thirty, bringing another thirty year old may not be the best.

Players like Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Bastian, are over thirty. Therefore signing a player, whose replacement will be needed in the next two or three season may not be the best of decisions.

Van Gaal has already laid down a good template for the United future, with players like Martial, Lingard, Depay, Perreria, De Gea and Schneiderlin key to the perfect United future. Van Gaal has spent a lot in two seasons at United, hence any signing now should be one with the future in view, so in the next two or three seasons, the team will be stable needing less reinforcements.

2. His Injury issues: while you can never doubt his quality and consistency, same cannot be said about his availability due to injuries. Robben is injury prone. That was one of the main reasons he has had to move from one club to another.

At his age, injuries don't heal very fast, and that is not good for a Player United may be relying very much on. He is one of the few players in football that have the 'glass leg'.

3. Tactical imbalance: the arrival of Robben to the United, means one if the present united attackers would have his playing time reduced. The main target here are Mata, Lingard, Depay and Herrera.

These are players that have been doing a decent job for United up to date, with the exception of Depay. While non of the good performers are not outright wingers, Lingerd and Depay both with time would develop into classy wingers. Robben's arrival maybe harmful to the development of players like Lingard, and Depay.

Do you think United need Robben?

Belgian manager urges Fellaini to find new challenge outside Old Trafford

Maroune Fellaini has found himself on the fringe of first team duties this season, as he began the season with suspension after his late sending off last season.

Since returning from the suspension, the midfielder has been unable to establish himself in the team.

At the start of the season, Van Gaal had proposed that the big Belgian will be deployed as a striker, but with the arrival of Martial, Fellaini has turned into fulcrum of Van Gaal's plan B, especially when the team is losing or is in dire need of goals.

He has not also been helped by the arrival of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

This has made Belgian national team coach Wilmots suggest a move away from Old Trafford.

With the European nations cup coming up next year, the Belgian manager is concerned.

"A player who does not play for his club is annoying for a (national) coach."

"Fellaini could play to support the attack, as the No.6. He has very good technique, very good ability to track back and recover."

"Maybe he will try to find a new challenge in January, if it is possible." He told Le Soir.

But with Michael Carrick and Anthony Martial's recent injury and the hetic December schedule approaching, the Belgian may get some games under his belt, and go in to impress manager Van Gaal.

Do you think Manchester United should consider selling Fellaini?

The striker was substituted in France last friendly with England due to a knock. This has raised concerns with regards to his availability for Manchester United.

He left Wembley stadium on crutches, and this promoted hopes he may be out for a while.

The Frenchman's wife Samantha on her instagram page has quashed rumor or any hope of her husband injury and thanked fans for their support.

The post has since been deleted though.

This will definitely come as a huge good news for Manchester United, as the team seems to be struggling for goals, and a Martial loss will affect the team.

Four united players that may miss Watford clash

Manchester United will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the league after the international break.

The Old Trafford giant may have to do this without the services of some key members of the squad.

Midfielder Michael Carrick was an injury casualty for the English national team in England's first friendly against Spain. The Spaniards won 2-0.

Unconfirmed reports have it that the 34 year old may be out of the team till December.

Another player who sustained injury while on international duty was striker Anthony Martial. The striker suffered a knock in the friendly against England at Wembley, and had to leave the stadium with crutches and bandages on his left leg.

While the full scale of his injury is not yet known, the striker will most likely sit out this weekend league fixture.

There are also concerns about the availability of defender Cris Smalling and midfielder Maroune Fellaini.

The in-form United defender missed the Three Lions friendly against France with a knock. Though he has a good chance of making the game.
Belgian midfielder Fellaini missed Belgium's friendlies due to injury and may be back.

But with Van Gaal's strict physical fitness requirement, it remains to be seen if any of the two would make the team for the weekend clash.

On the longer phase, defender Luke Shaw and winger Antonio Valencia are expected to be out for months.

Not again: Anthony Martial injured on France duty

This round of international friendlies have hit United badly, as the young striker was substituted midway the second half due to an injury.

The Frenchman left Wembley on crutches, as his left foot was pictured in bandage as he left the stadium.

France coach Didier Deschamps said after the game: "He was in quite a bit of pain after the match. He got a kick in the penalty area."

"I think it's just a knock rather than anything else to the top of his foot." He added.

United will be anxious to know the extend and level of the injury as the team currently lacks firepower upfront.

United also lost midfielder Michael Carrick to injury during this international break. While winger Antonio Valencia recently underwent a surgery and is expected to be out for about five months. Defender Luke Shaw is also out of the team as he has just started his recovery.

It is almost certain that both Carrick and Martial will miss the trip to Watford on Saturday.

United star could be back by December

Michael Carrick injury may not be as worse as it looks, and the United anchor man may only be out of action for two weeks.

The midfielder was injured while playing for the English national team in the friendly against Spain.

England Manager Roy Hodgson said the injury "didn't look good" after the game. The player left the stadium on clutches prompting the believe that he could be out for a long time.

While an official statement has not been released by United, Telegraph is reporting that the United player would not be out for too long, and may be back early December.

The 34 year old will definitely miss United's upcoming trip to newcomers Watford.

Things are expected to be clearer when manager Van Gaal hosts his press conference latter in the week.

United star once rejected Liverpool to follow United dream

United star of the moment Jesse Lingard has revealed that he once rejected Liverpool to follow his heart and join United.

The youngster was recently called up into the national team for it's upcoming friendly with France.

He Joined United at the tender age of seven and has opened up that he could have joined Liverpool around that time.

"I was at a local club called Penketh United and Mike Glennie, a Manchester United scout, came to watch me, He spoke to my grandad and offered me trials, but there was also interest from Liverpool and I had to pick.

"I was only young, but obviously my heart was with United at the time." He told MUTV.

'Ronaldo and Messi leaving Spain impossible' : La Liga boss

Javier Tebas, President of the Spanish top division, La Liga has made it clear that the league will not be losing two of its main stars in Real Madrid C.Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

The future of the two players have been under scrutiny, with Ronaldo linked with a move away from Real to either PSG or former club Manchester United. Chelsea, Manchester City and the MLS have also been touted as possible destinations for the Portuguese star.
While for Messi, his tax court issues have been reported to be frustrating the Argentine, and he is willing to explore the English League, though his $600,000 a week wage demand may turn out to be a stumbling block. The Argentine is believed to favour a move to Arsenal, though Chelsea and United have also been linked with him.

But Tebas believes the two players won't be leaving soon.

"Ronaldo and Messi have been supposed to leave at least twice in recent years."

"Ronaldo and Messi leaving La Liga is as likely as Catalan independence - impossible." He told Spanish media outfit AS.

Former United striker unhappy at current club

Former Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is unhappy at his Turkish club Fernabache.

The Dutchman has been unable to rekindle the form that once made him one of the most feared striker in European football, and has been a fringe player for the team.

This led to him been dropped from the national team despite being Holland's all time highest goal scorer and captain.

The player has come out to voice his unhappiness.

"To be honest, I am not very happy at this moment."

"I was not happy that I started on the bench. I am fully fit, physically very well and able to play for 90 minutes." He said.

Should Manchester United sign new players this January? A tactical assessment of Van Gaal's squad

With the January transfer window just a month and few days away, speculations and rumours are already flying around with regards to the movement of players.

Manchester United will be one of the team in focus during the period. Manager Louis Van Gaal has come out to say his team needs speed and strength on the wings, and that he's always looking at ways to improve his team.

United have been under the microscope for a large part of this season. Fans, media and ex-players have critizized Van Gaal and his methods. Players such as Wayne Rooney have also come under intense questioning.

It's been a season of both positives and negatives for united. Defensively positive, possession wise, positive, but in front of goal, shy.

Redlyunited is taking a look at taking a look at the United's team and its performance so far this season to determine if Van Gaal needs to add up to the squad.

DEFENCE:

This has been United's strongest department this season. The team can boast of the best defensive performance in the league. The United defence have conceded just 3 goals in their last 11 games in all competitions, and have not conceded a goal in over 500 minutes of football.
Every player selected in any match have given their best. Smalling undoubtedly is the leader of the department in the team. The Englishman has put in several commanding performances this season. His central defensive neighbours in Blind and Jones have also been solid all round.
The wing back is where United have lost some balance. With long term injury to the duo of Luke Shaw and Anthonio Valencia, United may look short of options. But with Rojo and new signing Darmain. United looks covered. Ashley Young can also come in handy for any of the wing back position, while Jones and Blind can also be deployed there if need be.

VERDICT
United don't need January signing here. Players from the academy can always help if badly needed.
Don't expect to see any defensive signing.

MIDFIELD:

The United midfield has been greased this season by the intelligence of schweinsteiger, high work rate of Schneiderlin and the craftiness of Carrick. Up till now, United can boast of one of the most effective midfield in the Premiership.

Except for the Arsenal defeat, United's midfield combination has always been up to the task irrespective of the opposition.

While two of the aforementioned players are in their thirties, effective rotation on Van Gaal's path has brought out the best in them. Players such as Herrera and Fellaini can also be drafted into the holding midfield position. Michael Carrick over the weekend sustain an injury on international duty. While the severity of the injury is still unknown, losing him will be a big blow to United. But with Herrera, Fellaini, and even Blind in the team, United looks covered in his anticipated absence.

VERDICT:
Expecting no midfield signings, except United suffer another major long term injury.

ATTACK:

This is where United have been lacking vitality and swag.

Wingers: Traditionally United's strength in attack has been it's powerful, fast and efficient wingers. This was one of the main strength of the Sir Alex Ferguson's United. United were fast, and were willing to take attacking risks.

But Van seems to have changed that, preferring a more conservative approach, of keeping the ball, and this have slowed down United a lot. United have been lacking force and intent from the wings this season.

Memphis Depay was thought to be the solution to that problem, but the Dutchman has failed to live up to the billing. Mata is not an outright winger, and hence lacks that killer instincts on the flank, Ashley Young has been rotated that he doesn't seem to know his best position in the team again. Lingard seems to be the only redemption for United on the wings, but the United burden seems to heavy for the 22 year old.

Striker:
When Van Gaal sold Van Persie and Javier Hernandez, he was sending a clear message that Rooney will be his main striker for the season. And at the onset, no one could question decision. But when the season started, it became obvious that would turn out to be a mistake. Rooney has failed to turn up, with two goals in twelve league matches, his place in the national team is under threat. Against the wish of the fans, Van Gaal has stuck with his captain. An expensive unproven Martial brought temporary relief to the Unites goal scoring problems, with goals in consecutive matches, but Van Gaal developed other plans that seem to reduce his goal scoring ratio. That is playing him on the wings.

VERDICT
Van Gaal has admitted that he needs fast and speedy wingers, though it remains to be seen if he would see his choice this January.
Depay must either show signs of improvement before the January transfer opens or Van Gaal must then sign a top notch winger and move Martial to the central striking position.

Former players advise United: "Sign Bale instead of Ronaldo"

Manchester United legend Garry Neville and Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes it would be more beneficial for Manchester United to sign Gareth Bale than signing former Old Trafford favorite Cristiano Ronaldo.

The future of 30 year old Ronaldo has been the under the microscope for the last few weeks, with reports linking the Portuguese star to the MLS, PSG, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Ronaldo himself has come out to say he is happy in Spain, his meeting with PSG boss Laurent Blanc has fueled report of the player quitting Madrid soon.

Former United right back Garry prefers if United signs Ronaldo's team mate Bale.

"I am not sure it is such a good thing for Cristiano to come back."

"But the idea of coming back as his swansong. It won’t be the same for him as it was before. He is an amazing player and what he did for two years at United was out of this world and it was a privilege to be part of it."

"I'’d prefer us (United) to get Bale and that’s no disrespect to Cristiano who is possibly the biggest talent I have ever played with."

This same idea has been echoed by Arsenal legend Paul Merson who wrote in the the 'Daily Star' : "There has been lots of talk this week about Ronaldo ending up back at Old Trafford because he's unhappy at Real Madrid and angling for a move.

"But I don't think it would work for him or United.

"Ronaldo is not going to be scoring 30 goals a season and terrorising defences when he's 34.

"But it's not just that. Bale is a team player.

He'd fit in under Van Gaal. He works harder and he's willing to work back for the team.

Manchester United in talks with Valencia star

Manchester United have opened talks with Valencia attacker Sofiane Feghouli regarding a move to Old Trafford.

Corriere dello Sport is reporting that the Old Trafford giants are ready to explore the Algerian contract situation with the Spanish team.

Sofiane Feghouli, 25 is in the final year of his contract with Valencia and is yet to agree to extend his contract. He is free to sign a new contract with another team come January.

Tottenham and Inter Milan are also believed to be interested in the player.

Beckham to Ronaldo: Return to United is best if...

David Beckham has advised Cristiano Ronaldo that a move back to Old Trafford is best for him in case the Portuguese star will be leaving Madrid.

Ronaldo's future has been under the spotlight for sometime now, with reports linking the winger to French Champions PSG, Manchester United, City and more recently Chelsea.

But Beckham who took a similar footballing route to Ronaldo in leaving United for Madrid said if he had the opportunity, he would have crawled back to Old Trafford.

“I’d never advise anyone against coming back to United. I’d have crawled back if I could. Cristiano is such a fans’ favourite and was so successful here as well as being such a hard worker." Beckham said.

"If he decides to leave Real then, for me personally, it’s back to United." The former England star added.

Midfielder Michael Carrick was a late substitute in Spain's 2-0 defeat of England. The Manchester United star was stretched off late into the friendly match.

The United star may have suffered an ankle ligament damage, and is due for scan over the weekend to ascertain the type and level of injury.

"Michael has got a severely twisted ankle which normally means ligament damage". Said England's boss Roy Hodgson.

"We won't know that of course until he's had an X-ray or a scan, but it doesn't look good." He added.

The midfielder left the stadium on crutches, and faces several weeks out.

This will come as a huge blow to United, with Valencia and Shaw already on the injury list at Old Trafford.

Martial wins October award

The Frenchman has won the Manchester United goal of the month for the second time in a roll in his first two months at the theatre of dreams.

His all important equaliser against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League win him the award.

The goal came in the second half form an Antonio Valencia cross, after Martial's handball had led to the penalty scored by the Russian team.

His goal came first pulling 49% of the votes, casted by fans, while Ander Herrera's headed goal against Everton was in second place with 37% and Wayne Rooney's goal against the same Everton claimed the third place with 9% of the total votes cast.

The Spanish giants failed to land the United's shot stopper last summer, but are now planning on a mega bid for the Spaniard next summer.

The saga was one of the longest transfer duels of the last transfer window, but United held on to their man, with De Gea signing a new contract with United and returned to the first team.

The Sun is reporting that Madrid are not giving up in their pursuit of the 25 year old. As the team is preparing to meet the £30m release clause in his new contract.

De Gea recently voiced out his satisfaction and happiness at staying at Old Trafford where he feels loved and appreciated.

The Premier League is on break, but there is no footballing break at Old Trafford this weekend as a UNICEF Charity match is on schedule.

The match will bring back a lot of legends in the game. Sir Alex Ferguson will be coaching a David Beckham side against a Carlo Anceloti managed side led by another former Madrid Legend Zinedane Zidane.

The match will kick off by 3pm.

Here are the players for both sides:

Beckham XI : David Seaman, David James, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Phil Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Michael
Owen.

Zidane XI : Edwin van der Saar, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Luis Figo, Ronaldinho, Patrick Vieira, Michael Ballack, Massimo Ambrosini, Robert Pires, Dwight Yorke, Patrick Kluivert, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Landon Donovan.

Rio Ferdinand has pulled out of the Beckham's XI.

"I'm happy at United and not thinking about the future" - United Keeper

Manchester United's second choice shot stopper, Sergio Romero has come out to say he is happy at Old Trafford, and is not thinking much about the the future as he is living each day as it comes.

"I am happy at Manchester United . I am at one of the most important English teams and one of the most important teams in the world." He told ESPN.

The 28 year old Argentine started the season as Van Gaal's first choice during the De Gea transfer saga, but found himself relegated to the bench after De Gea signed a new contract at United.

"I don't think too much in the future I prefer to live what is going on every day. In football you never know what could happen. Today you play, tomorrow you don't".