Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Dortmund to determine Mkhitaryan's transfer this week

Manchester United have submitted a new and improved bid for Dortmund attacker Mkhitaryan, but the German club have not reached a conclusion as to the player's future.

The 27 year old has made it clear he wants to join United through his agent Raiola, who has been busy negotiating a deal.

Dortmund initially were reluctant to negotiate, preferring to keep the player who has only one year left in his current deal, and is not ready to sign another.

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke says the club will asses the situation this week.

"We will assess his situation this week. We not only need to discuss it with Michael Zorc and Thomas Tuchel, but also with the bodies," Watzke told German magazine Kicker, via Talksports.

"It is a difficult decision.

"There are three perspectives with every transfer: An economic, a strategic and a sporting.

"If the economic side becomes overwhelming it might happen that you make a different decision in the end."

There have been widespread news that the club had reached an agreement with United for the player.

The winger was one of Dortmund's best players last season. He contributed 18 goals and 20 assists to the team's course last season.

He sure looks like a real deal for United. And with United's lack of experience on the wings, he will fit in almost perfectly into Mourinho's new setup.

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Manchester City beat United to Colombian youngster

Manchester City have raced pass United in the race to sign Colombian youngster  Marlos Moreno.

The 19 year old Atletico Naciona winger has attracted interest from a host of European Clubs including both Manchester teams and Benfica.

According to the Daily Mail, City have engaged in positive and  progressive discussion with Atletico Naciona and have agreed a deal worth £8m for the player.

The winger is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in South American football. He's scored five goals in 26 appearances for the Colombian side.

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Alan Shearer slams Garry Neville for role in England's Euro fallout

The legendary England striker has questioned former Manchester United defender Garry Neville's role as part of the coaching crew of the Three Lions team to the European Championship.

England suffered an infamous 2-1 defeat to Iceland that got them knocked out of the competition.

Iceland's first goal was from a poorly defended long throw-in, that Shearer believes a person like Neville as part of the coaching crew should have anticipated and guided the team against.

“What on earth is Gary Neville doing? He was one of the best defenders in the world, he will know Iceland’s strength at set-pieces so surely he has been working on defending them all week,” Shearer told the BBC.

"So why is Wayne Rooney, who is not deemed a good enough header of the ball to be in the box when we are attacking corners, being asked to mark one of Iceland’s best headers of the ball?

"So it’s not just the manager, it’s the coaching staff as well."

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Mourinho to face general media next week for the first time as Man United manager

Manchester United may have confirmed Mourinho as their new manager a month ago, the Portuguese will face the media for the first time as the Manchester United gaffer next week Thursday. (July 7).

The former Chelsea manager in his first interview with the club's website said he can't wait till July 7.

Mourinho has already been working on transfers.

The club have confirmed the signing of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal for £30m. The Ivory Coast man will go down as Jose's first signing at Old Trafford.

The club is also expected to round up deals for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan next week.

The media and fans can't wait  to see José talk about his new club, job and how he intends to return United to the top again. 

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Manchester United agree deal for Bundesliga star

Manchester United have agreed a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan according to Sky Sports.

United have long been linked with the Armenian who has also agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford giants.

According to the report, the transfer fee is about £26.3m.

The player has made it clear to the German side he wants out, with just one year left on his current deal.

Dortmund initially were not prepared to engage in transfer discussion with United for the player, but his agent Mino Raiola played a significant role.

The 27 year old is expected to undergo his Old Trafford medicals next week, and be unveiled alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The attacker scored 18 goals and had 25 assists to his credit last last season for Dortmund.

He was included in the Bundesliga team of the season and was also voted as the DW Player of the Season.

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New signing explains why he choose Man United

Dutch youngster Tahith Chong has said he moved to United because he was generally impressed by the club.

The 16 year old move to United has not been confirmed by the club, but the player is expected to join the academy next month. Speaking on his move, he said:

"I start in Manchester in the A1 [academy] and may sometimes take part in Manchester United Under-21s.

"I’ve been there a few times and I am definitely impressedby the club. United have good accommodation for youth players and it is up to me to make that step. My parents will go to England and it’s good to have their support there."

The player further stated that he would have love to stay with Feyenoord, but his discussion with the Dutch side were not concrete.

"We were talking about a contract. I would have liked to stay longer at Feyenoord because it's my club.

"The discussions were very vague and I had expected more of it. Only after that conversation, I went to talk to Manchester United and I chose this.

"Many people call it I do it for the money, but I’m not a money grab. I choose the sporting adventure and for me it is now time to look forward."

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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.

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Manchester United star not quitting yet

England captain Wayne Rooney says he is ready to work with the next England coach if called upon.

England suffered an embarrassing defeat and exit from the European Championship as they were beaten 2-1 by Iceland.

Rooney who has been one of the team's best player in the competition, couldn't raise his game, against the Icelandic team.

England manager Roy Hodgson and some coaching staffs including former United defender Garry Neville stepped down immediately after the game.

There've been calls from a section of the England fans for Rooney to retire, but the Manchester United captain believes it's not yet time.

"I feel disappointed, gutted, it's a hard one to take." He said after the game.

"I said before the tournament I'm proud to play for England, I'm interested and excited to see who the next manager is and if selected I'm available to play."

It will be interesting to see how Mourinho makes Rooney fits into his about to be assembled United squad.

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Manchester United interested in Valencia youngster: Invite him to Old Trafford for talks

Manchester United are keen on signing Valencia 14 year old youngster Ferhat Cogalan.

The Turkish international is a member of the Valencia academy.

He has been impressive and has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs including Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

In a bid to convince him to move to Old Trafford, United invited the player, his agent and his father to Carrington for discussions.

Ferhat's father Sedat toldLa Voix Du Nord:

"We’re in no hurry because Ferhat is in contract with Valencia until 2021.

"But when a club like Manchester United invites us, it is logical that we study the proposal, right?"

It's good to see that even under Mourinho, United are keeping with the tradition of signing top youngsters to the academy.

The team recently completed the signing of Dutch youngster Tahith Chong though the club is yet to release an official statement.

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Monday, 27 June 2016

England legend: Manchester United star deserves greater appreciation

Former England captain Stephen Gerrard has said Wayne Rooney deserves more  credit for the way he has changed his positions and  game over time.

The United captain stated out as a brilliant, ferocious striker, but has over the years dropped deep and is turning out to be a great midfielder.

Rooney was one of the best England players in the ongoing European Championship, a competition he was under intense criticism heading into.

The Liverpool legend says the change Rooney has undergone requires 'most mature football brain.'

"There should be greater appreciation for how he has evolved his game.

It is not easy to go from being a striker, to a No. 10 and then a No. 8, as he is at the moment. Not all players can do it." Gerrard wrote in the Telegraph.

"It involves seeing the game from an entirely new perspective, knowing how and when to change the tempo. You have to be able to weigh your passes, see the bigger picture across the park, control the game and at the same time get involved in far more duels with players than you would as an out-and-out striker. You go from being the goal scorer to the creator.

"To make that transition successfully - particularly at international level - takes an unbelievable amount of skill and the most mature football brain."

Unfortunately, the Three Lions have crashed out  the European Championship, surprisingly to Iceland.

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Mourinho ready to continue Pogba chase

José Mourinho and Manchester United are ready to continue their pursuit of former midfielder Paul Pogba.

Juventus is mounting all possible barrier to block the player's move away from Italy.

The club is reportedly asking for a world record fee of €120m, while they are also ready to offer the Frenchman a new deal.

Real Madrid and United are the two clubs leading the chase for the 23 year old that has metamorphosed into one of the best centre midfielder in world football.

According to club sources via  ESPN, United will continue their pursuit of the player. United believe they stand a 50% chance of signing the player and are not prepared to give up now.

United have agreed a deal for both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dortmund attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Even though there's been no official statement form all parties involved, both players are expected to complete their moves in time for the team's preseason tour of China. 

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Pictures: Manchester United new signing weds in Ivory Coast


New Manchester United defender Eric  Bailly got married this weekend in Ivory Coast to his girlfriend Vanessa Troupah.

Bailly is Mourinho's first signing at United. He joined from Villarreal for £30m earlier this month.

The marriage had in attendance his national teammates including Kolo Toure, Bournemouth’s Max Gradel and Stuttgart’s Serey Die.

Here are some pics from the marriage.


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Russian club awaiting Manchester United bid for star midfielder - Report

Zenit St Petersburg are reportedly expecting Manchester United to make a bid for Axel Witsel.

The Belgian midfielder has been impressive for his national team in the ongoing European Championship and has stated his desire to leave Russian League for the Premier League or Serie A.

"I want to leave Zenit," Witsel said earlier this month.

"My future may be in Italy or England.

"It does not matter if I go to Serie A or the Premier League, if they're a great club."

Italian champions Juventus and Napoli have been linked with a move for the 27 year old.

However according to Tuttomercatoweb, the Russian side are expecting a bid from United for the player.

Mourinho has been on a lookout for a top centre midfielder, and has former United player, Paul Pogba top of his list.

He however faces stiff competition from Real Madrid for the Frenchman. Juventus asking price of €120m could also act as a stumbling block for the move.

Witsel could come in handy for United that already have fellow Belgian Marouane Fellaini on their books.

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Henrikh Mkhitaryan Manchester United deal close as Dortmund seek replacement

Borussia Dortmund have agreed to losing Mkhitaryan to United as the club have started working on potential replacements.

United have been linked with the attacking midfielder, who has declared his intention to join Mourinho at Old Trafford.

A deal has reportedly been agreed, and the German club have sent an official to England to help facilitate the deal.

Dortmund have been linked with a number of similar players to the about to depart Mkhitaryan.

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed they received an offer for winger Karim Bellarabi, but the club has turned it down.

"There was an official request from Dortmund a few days ago, but it was instantly rejected." Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said.

"To sell Karim is not an option for us at Leverkusen. He is definitely staying, he is not for sale."

Dortmund have also been linked with former Chelsea star Andre Schurrle, currently at Wolfsburg.

Mkhitaryan joined Dortmund in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk for £23.5m.

He was voted Bundesliga player of the year last season. He scored  18 goals and has 20 assists to his credit last season for Dortmund and will come in as a great attacking asset for United. 

A deal has been agreed, and an official announcement and medicals are expected soon. The player will complete his move in time for United's preseason.

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Former Chelsea star warns Man United players about Mourinho

Former Chelsea star Andre Schurrle has warned Manchester United players about their new boss José Mourinho. 

The German expects Mourinho to sign players that suit his style, and describes the Portuguese as a very demanding manager.

"He expects a lot of his players. He will probably buy a lot players that suit him and how he wants to play and we
will see how they get on.

“If you do what he wants and play well, it's easy. But sometimes he wants a lot of you and it's difficult. He is a very demanding manager."

Some of the things Schurrle said are already happening.

United are set to confirm the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the coming days or next week.

If both attackers are confirmed, Mourinho would have signed three players, plus Villarreal's Eric Bailly that was his first signing.

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Two key Manchester United targets set for Old Trafford medicals next week

Manchester United could announce the double signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan next week.

United have been linked with both attackers, and their moves are close.

Zlatan, who announced his retirement from international football during the European Championship, is believed to have agreed a deal with United even before the start of the Euro's.

His deal with PSG expired at the end of last season, but the 34 year old will forfeit up to £1m if he signs or announces for another club before the end of June, hence the delay in an official statement or his medical.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has made it clear he wants to leave for United, though the German club were initially not willing to let him go despite having just one more year one his current deal. The player has also refused a new deal.

Both clubs have been negotiating for the past few days, and a deal has been agreed.

The club has reportedly sent an official to England to finalize the deal. Which should be trashed out this week, paving way for his medicals latest next week.

Both players have agreed personal terms with United, as their agent Mino Raiola has been in constant touch with Mourinho and United vice chairman Ed. Woodward.

Ibrahimovic is expected to sign a one year deal, with the option of another year depending on number of appearances and goals scored.

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Borussia Dortmund send official to England to finalize Mkhitaryan Man United transfer

Borussia Dortmund have sent an official to England to help tie up the deal that will bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United.

Manchester United, Dortmund and the player's agent have been negotiating for the past few days, and a deal is very close.

The 27 year old had made it clear he wants to leave Dortmund for United, despite the club's stand on keeping him, with only a year left on his current deal.

According to well respected German journalist, Raphael Honigstein, the deal is close to been done after the German side sent an official to England to help sort out the deal.

"Dortmund have sent an official to Manchester, Mkhitaryan deal nearly done
12:00 PM - 26 Jun 2016
Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein)

United are expected to announce his signing in the coming days, as medicals would be next.

This would be a great one for United.

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Gary Lineker questions Manchester United's target hype

The former England international has questioned Paul Pogba's rating as a world class player after his performance against the Northern Ireland.

Pogba's tackle lead to the penalty that caused the penalty that gave Martin O'Neill's men the lead though Griezmann's brace was enough to give the host a 2-1 win.

Pogba has not been particularly outstanding in the competition so far. Here's what  Garry tweeted after he gave a the penalty:

"Is Pogba the world's most overrated player?
6:41 AM - 26 Jun 2016
Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker)

Piers Morgan however disagrees with Lineker, he tweeted in response:

"He's brilliant...I'd take him at Arsenal tomorrow & make him captain. twitter.com/GaryLineker/st
7:10 AM - 26 Jun 2016
Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan)

Lineker went further to state the  reasons for his question.

@piersmorgan got attributes and likes a trick but doesn't score many, doesn't create much and not great defensively. Still young though.
7:19 AM - 26 Jun 2016

Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with the midfielder. Juventus are reportedly asking for a world record fee of €120m.


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Lionel Messi names goal against Man United as his best ever



The Barcelona forward has named his 2009 header in the Champions League final against Manchester United as his best goal ever. 

The five times world footballer of the year has scored over 450 goals for both club and country in a glittering career so far.

Messi turned 29 last Friday, and as part of the celebration, Barcelona teammate, Neymar published an interview with the Argentine captain on his website.

When asked his best goal ever, he replied:

"I always say that I consider the importance of the goal, more than for its beauty and so mine would be the first I scored in a Champions League final — with a header [against Manchester United in 2009] — for the importance it had."

United were on their way to becoming the first team to win the Champions League back to back, after the 2008 triumph over Chelsea but were denied by a Samuel Eto quick goal in the first half and a Lionel Messi header in the second half.

Painful memories.
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Sunday, 26 June 2016

Manchester United star rated fastest player in the Premier League last season

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been rated as the joint fastest player in the Premier League last season.

Martial had already been rated as the fastest Manchester United player in the League last season with a speed of 32.25 kilometres per hour he attained in United's 3-3 draw with Newcastle in January, this according to Opta.

However a comprehensive list of the top 20 fastest player in the Premier League last season by ChyronHego rates the Frenchman joint fastest with Leicester City's Jamie Vardy.

Both forwards attained a top speed of 35.44 kilometres per hour in the Premier League last season.

Martial was United's highest goal scorer last season with 17 goals, and would be hoping to build on an impressive debut season at Old Trafford.

Little wonder why Ander Herrera named the Frenchman as the fastest player he's played with.

Martial is the player only United player in the top 20. Checkout a complete list of the fastest players in the Premier League last season here.

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