REDLYUNITED: January 2015

Sunday, 11 January 2015

Manchester United 0 Southampton 1 Five things we learnt from the game

Manchester United fantastic home form this season has been tainted by a superb Southampton performance. A 69th minute strike from Tadic was all Southampton needed to defeat United - a game the Saints scored with their first short on target.
It was a shambolic performance from united going forward, a game in which the team lacked the cutting edge, final pass and creativity to breakdown a solid Southampton defence.
Redly United looks at the game and bring out five talking points.
1. Blind’s versatility; United’s advantage: it was great sing the Dutch midfielder back in the tem after his long absence due to injury. On his return however, he didn’t start in his favourite midfield position and had to start in the defence. The left side of the defence in place of Evans. It was a brilliant return for Blind, who did almost everything perfectly in the match. He was neat, tidy, getting into the tackles and duels, putting in the crosses, picking up the right passes. It was a confidence performance from the Dutchman, and he was much better than Evans in that position.

Manchester United will be hoping to continue their fantastic home form when the team host Southampton on Sunday. As the team will be aiming for a sixth successive home win.

Ashley Young is the only player missing from training this week as Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Rafael have all trained this week and might start or make the bench.

Van Gaal will be looking for stability in defence and will almost start with a five man defence. For this match the wing backs look highly unpredictable, but for stability, I’ll go for Luke Shaw on the left back and Valencia on the right back. Rafael is back in training, but it may not be too good to rush him back into action less than a week after his operation. Evans, Smalling and Jones complete my backline.

Blind, Fellaini and Herrera are back. Herrera would be pushing for a start after his fantastic goal in the F. A cup victory, but I expect Carrick to get the nod ahead of the trio, with Herrera most likely making another substitute appearance. Rooney would most likely continue in the advance midfield role, as I expect Angel Di Maria to step in for Juan Mata, who’s been great for United recently, but Di Maria’s pace and speed may give him the edge.

Robin Van Persie and Falcao for me would lead the lines for United.

That’s my starting XI, what’s yours.

Manchester United round up: Summary of the latest transfer news and gossip concerning United

David De Gea

Manchester United have offered David De Gea a double your earnings £140,000 –a-week. But the Spanish international wants assurances United will continue to sign big-name stars before he pens a new deal. (Daily Star)

Manchester United may delay the decision to offer David De Gea a new contract till the summer, as the club is facing the distraction of prioritising a decision on Radamel Falcao’s long-term future at Old Trafford. (Daily Telegraph)

David De Gea is waiting for Real Madrid transfer at the end of the season. (Metro)

Manchester United are ready to launch a £35mbid for Mats Hummels as United are seeking to take advantage of the team’s current hard times. (Daily Mirror)

If United fail in the bid to land Hummels, they’ll turn their attention to Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin, who has a 28m release clause in his contract. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal are considering a £16m transfer bid for a reported United target Ilkay Gundogan, after the midfielder was handed a contract ultimatum by Dortmund. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United have been a dealt transfer blow after Roma target Kevin Strootman admits he wants to stay in Italy. (Metro)

Borrusia Dortmund defender won’t be joining Manchester United this January his father and agent has confirmed. The Dortmund captain has been a long term United target, and several reports favours a move to Old Trafford for the German this January.
That move may take a little longer after Hummels father who is also his agent said he won’t be leaving for United this January. ‘‘There is nothing to it’’ his agent was quoted as saying regarding a move to United. Hummels who recently voiced out his disappointment about the current season of his team which he described as ‘‘pathetic’’ is believed to be looking for a move out the German team and favours a move to Old Trafford. But with this news. United may have to look elsewhere for a centre back.

Confirmed: Manchester United sign Valdes

Valdes and Van Gaal

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona shot stopper, Victor Valdes on a free transfer for eighteen months.
Rumours have been on for some time as regards the move, and the rumours gained more grounds yesterday after the goalkeeper stated following the official Manchester United twitter handle and some United players on twitter.
The 32-year-old was a free agent since last year's departure from Barcelona, and has been training with United for the past two months, and may have done much to convince United coach Van Gaal to sign him.
Valdes said: "It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United. I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club for allowing me to do my rehabilitation and to train with the team at the Aon Training Complex. From my short time here I can already see this is a very special club. I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at FC Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true."
Van Gaal has played a major role in Valdes career, as he gave him his debut a Barcelona and resigning the keeper said: "I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself. I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players. Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks. He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team."

Manchester United victory in the F.A Cup tie at Yeovil town stretched United’s defence, with McNair, Rafael and Shaw all injured after the game.
Rafael suffered a fractured cheek bone, though he could return to training of Friday, after a successful surgery and playing with a face mask that may make his return quicker. Shaw also played some part of the game with an ankle problem, and should be back in time to face his old team Southampton. While youngster McNair also needed staples in his head after sustaining an injury in the game, though he completed the full ninety minutes, with Shaw and Rafael were substituted at half time. These coupled with the injury to Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young.
United’s line up in defence for most part of this season has been a make-shift line up, that has been fragile, lacked leadership, experience and composure. And all these are pointing to the fact that Van Gaal needs to buy a defender, most likely a centre defender or a multi – positional defender.
United have been linked with a lot of defenders since the beginning of the January transfer window, from the German Bundesliga to the Spanish La Liga. Redly United takes a look at the two best defenders United can get to solve its defensive crises.

Luke Shaw

Manchester United injury crises may not look too bad, as four of its injured players could to be back in the team.
Defenders Luke Shaw and Rafael were injured in the F.A cup tie against Yeovil Town. The injury to Shaw isn’t a serious one, and he could be back in time to face Southampton. Rafael suffered a broken cheek bone in the match. He’s had a successful operation on Tuesday, and posted on his Instagram page that he should be back in training on Friday, giving him a slight chance of playing or making the bench for the match against Southampton.

Another player that has been out for a long time, but could be in line to make a return against

Manchester United are set of offer goal keeper David De Gea a new contract to prevent him from moving to Real Madrid. (Daily Mail)

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes have accepted an offer to join Manchester United and agreed an 18-month contract. (BBC)

Manchester United are plotting a shock move for Tim Krul, in case they lose David De Gea. (Daily Mirror)

Real Madrid may sell Gareth Bale to Manchester United in other to pave way for Marco Reus arrival. (Daily Star)

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels favours a move to Manchester United over Arsenal. (Daily Star), while Borussia Dortmund have also rejected a £35m from United for the defender. (Daily Star)

Manchester United on loan midfielder Tom Cleverly is set to reject a permanent move to Aston Villa and join Everton instead. (Daily Star)

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo set to escape with warning after his post on Instagram about drug lord Pablo Escobar. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United look set to miss out on highly-rated Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard, who may move to Real Madrid. (Manchester Evening News)

Valdes joining Manchester United? Rumour gain ground as Spaniard follows official ManUtd, Rooney, Herrera, Mata and RVP on twitter

News flittering around is that Manchester United are close to offering former Barcelona shot stopper Victor Valdes an eighteen month contract. The Spaniard has been training with United since his return from injury, earlier this season and has been a regular spectator at Old Trafford.
The news has further gain ground after it was discovered that the goalkeeper has started following the official Manchester United twitter handle, as well as other Manchester united players like Rooney, De Gea, Herrera, Mata and RVP on twitter.

The news has meet mixed feeling among the United supporters as some fans feel this move may pave way for De Gea’s move to Real Madrid. The move may also show Andres Lindegaard the exit door at Old Trafford.

Radamel Falcao might not have had the best of start at Old Trafford, but the Colombian is happy with everything around him. The striker has made twelve appearances for United, starting all of United’s last five games including the F.A cup match against Yeovil. He’s scored three goals for United and has four assists to his credit. Two of his goals have been vital and point saving goals for United as his goals against Villa and Stoke city salvaged a point for United in both matches. The striker who is well loved by fans and fellow players at Old Trafford appreciates them. The striker and his family have settled in nicely and are enjoying life at Manchester.
In an interview with Manutd.com he said "I'm good, "My family are comfortable. We're enjoying life in Manchester and here at the club. The people have been great with me, with my family. We're happy and very grateful."
Falcao is well loved by his teammates, and the striker has been positively surprised by their support. In his words: "Right from the start, they [my teammates] welcomed me, they supported me and helped me with whatever I needed. They are a really humble group of players, really decent and, well, I was taken aback by how kind they've been."
The striker who is also a crowd favourite appreciates the fans and wishes them a happy 2015. For the fans he said "First of all, I'd say thank you so much for the way the fans have treated me, then I'd want to wish them a happy 2015 and I hope that we can bring them some happiness."

Daley Blind has returned to training with Manchester united and could be in back in the team for the game against Southampton on Sunday. The Dutch midfielder injured his knee on international duty and has not played for United since November. But the midfielder returned to training during the Christmas period and may now be ready for first team return. The midfielder from a reliable source was reported to have been training with the main group for the past ten (10) days.

Another United injured player Raphael will be back in training on Friday, Raphael who suffered a fractured cheek bone in the match against Yeovil has had a successful operation and should return to

What’s your United wish for the year?

Manchester United began the year 2015, on the same note they ended last year. United’s first match of the year was a 1 – 1 draw with Stoke City, in a match that United’s Ashley Young suffered a hamstring injury. The team’s second game was a hard earned 2 – 0 F.A Cup victory over Yeovil Town, again the match saw United lose Rafael and Luke Shaw to different injuries while McNair needed staples on his head. In the first six days of the year, United have suffered about four injuries.
The first half of United’s season have been marred with poor defensive performances, and with the January transfer window now opened, United have been linked to a number of defenders and midfielders that can no doubt improve the team. Players like Ron Vlaar, Mats Hummels, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Benedict Höwedes, Coleman, and a host of others have been rumoured with a move to the theatre of dreams. It however remains to be seen if Van Gaal, would see in line with the fans and media, and get a defender.
Is the title out of United’s reach? Van Gaal once conceded that United are no more in the title race following the team’s recent below par away performances. Ironically, United have failed to fully capitalize on Chelsea’s current dip in form, while Manchester City have done just that and are currently levelled on points with the once invincible league leaders. For United it’s a never say never situation, but the team must significantly improve to stage a late fight for the title.
One striker United fans would love to see much longer at United is Radamel Falcao, the Colombian international didn’t have the best of starts at United, but is gradually improving, getting the important goals, assists and putting in all round brilliant performances. The final decision to sign the El Tigre lies with van Gaal and United’s coaching staffs.
If you were given the fantasy opportunity to have ONE wish that would come to pass for United this season, what would that be?
-    That United injury woes stop?
-    That United sign a certain player? Which player would you want to sign this January?
-    That United win the Premier League?
-    That United win the F.A Cup?
-    That United sign Falcao?
What’s your ONE WISH?

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has admitted that his captain, Wayne Rooney is not guaranteed of starting every game. Rooney has been a constant figure under Van Gaal and has been lucky with injuries this season. He’s played sixteen (16) out of the twenty (20) Premier League games United have played this season. His run in the side have also been helped by his ability to play in the midfield, thereby creating the playing room for the Van Persie – Falcao striking combination.
But Van Gaal has said Rooney’s starting place depends on the balance of the team.
He told MUTV: "It's dependable on how the balance of the team is. I need balance in the team. I'm looking for balance. I hope to perform better because then the game shall be more attractive. I don't know if I shall use him always because it's so dependable on the form of the strikers.
"He's also a very good striker so I can use him in different positions and I like that because I like multi-functional players than specialists’’.

Photo Source:sports.terra.com

Real Madrid are unlikely to make Javier Hernandez loan move to the club a permanent one, while Van Gaal is determined to sell the striker. (Daily Star)

AC Milan are ready to accept a bid from Manchester United for 30 year old Dutch midfielder Nigel De Jong. (Daily Star)

Three United players sold in hilarious prank in a Manchester shop. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is keen on a January move to England with Manchester United and Chelsea interested in the youngster, while Madrid would listen to offers in the region of £20m. (Daily Express)

Louis Van Gaal has made use of thirty seven (37) players this season, five more than any other team in the Premier League this season. (Daily Telegraph)

Manchester United have suffered fifty five (55) injuries this season, with Luke Shaw suffering five and Ashley Young suffering three of the injuries.(Daily Telegraph)

Johann Cruyff has told Louis van Gaal to stop complaining about the lack of a winter break in England.(Daily Mirror)

Breaking: Cambridge United to host Manchester United in F.A cup fourth round

The F.A cup fourth round draws have just been released and Manchester United got what looked like a favourable draw, with the draw pitching Manchester United with Cambridge United.
Cambridge United are the lowest ranked team left in this season's FA Cup.
The two-time quarter-finalists (1990 and 1991) are 14th in League Two and beat divisional rivals Luton to reach this stage.
While United defeated Yeovil town to reach this stage.

Here's the full fourth round fixtures:

Manchester City v Middlesbrough

Doncaster or Bristol City v Everton or West Ham

Sunderland v Fulham or Wolves

Rochdale v Stoke City

Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal

Burnley or Tottenham v Leicester City

AFC Wimbledon or Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers

The F.A cup draw is currently on and RedlyUnited brings you updates on the draw as it concerns Manchester United.
Stay with us.....

Manchester United is Ball 30, and are 11-time winners of the F.A cup

Current cup holders Arsenal are ball number one
Stoke are ball number three
Crystal Palace are ball number five
The F.A cup still has two third round matches as Burnley still hosts Tottenham and AFC Wimbledon hosts Liverpool.
Cambridge United are the lowest ranked team left in this season's FA Cup. The team are 14th in League Two and beat divisional rivals Luton to reach this stage.They are ball number 26.
Steven Gerrard starts for Liverpool at AFC Wimbledon this evening.
Premier League champions Manchester City have won the competition five times previously, They are ball number seven.
Chelsea have won the FA Cup in four of the last eight seasons, and are ball number 27.

And there we go.......
Cambridge United v Manchester United

Southampton or Ipswich v Crystal Palace


Photo Source: Skysports.com

Manchester United are ready to join the race to sign Dutch playmaker Wesley Snidjer, with rivals Man City also interested while Juventus have already submitted a bid for the Galatasaray midfielder. (Daily Express)

Manchester United will have to pay £20m if they are to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, with Chelsea also interested in the defender. (Daily Express)

Juventus are planning a mega swoop for on loan Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao. (Daily Express)

Daily Express is reporting that Van Gaal is plotting an outrageous £180m quadruple deal for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus’ Arturo Vidal, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Schalke's Benedikt Howedes.

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is set to sign new deal with the Spanish giants, quashing any hope of a move to Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Manchester United round up: Summary of the latest transfer news and gossip concerning United

Manchester United are weighing up a bid for Real Madrid young defender Raphael Varane, with Chelsea also interested in the French man. (Daily Express)

Manchester United pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is set to come to an end with the winger ready to sign a new contract with the Spanish giants. (Daily Express)

Borussia Dortmund are ready to listen to offers for Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan, though Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool also interested in the 24-year-old midfielder. (Daily Express)

(Daily Express) is also reporting that Manchester United are ready to make a summer move for PSG striker Edinson Cavani, with the striker set to leave PSG at the end of the season.

Manchester united injury update: Di Maria to return to training this week

Manchester United suffered another injury set back after Ashley young limbed out of yesterday’s draw with Stoke City with a hamstring injury, while Valencia also missed the game due to a thigh strain. The Ecuadorian who has been in fine form for United this season has started the last ten Premier League games for United, and was substituted in the game against Tottenham and the extent of his injury is not yet known.
But record signing Angel Di Maia will be back in training this week. Di Maria who made a brief return in the match against Aston Villa as a substitute after three weeks on the sideline, suffered another set injury setback in training just before Christmas. But manager Van Gaal thinks Di Maria should be back in training this week. In his words: ‘He’s coming back. I think he shall train with us this week.’’ When asked if the injury was a serious one Van Gaal replied ‘‘No, I have said that already.’’
United have already been boosted by the return of Ander Herrera and Adnan Januzaj with both

Manchester United kicked off the year with a hard fought for draw at Stoke, continuing their below par away form, with their second draw in five days. Redly United looks at five talking points of the game from a Manchester United perspective.

1. United’s defence remains fragile: the defence has always been United’s weak point this season, and unfortunately this continued into the New Year. United conceded the first goal of the year in less than two minutes into the game. The team throughout the game couldn’t cope with Peter Crouch’s height, set-pieces and crosses. And for a top four challenging team, that wasn’t good enough. The defence lacked steel, stability and communication and had to thank the Stoke attackers for not being clincal in the final third.

2. Jonny Evans the suspect: it was another shambolic performance form the Irish man, playing at the left side of the back three, Evans showed again why he is not that top notch reliable defender. With a lot of games under his belt, experience at United and having played with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, much is expected from him. But he has done little to justify his long stay and constant starts in the team. He was shaky on several occasions, and was lucky former United striker, Diouf was not clinical enough to fully capitalize on his school boy defensive error.

Manchester United have now turned their attention to Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, after being snubbed by Madrid pair Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, and are prepared to offer £77 million for the player, who is also a target for Arsenal, Chelsea and Man city. (Daily Star)

Manchester United are set to make Falcao loan deal from Monaco permanent within the next few days. (Metro)

Manchester United pursuit of Strootman may have been dealt a blow after the midfielder revealed his admiration for La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Metro)

Manchester United are keen on signing Everton defender Seamus Colman, and may offer £20m for the player. (Metro)

Stoke 1 Manchester United 1: Review and Player Ratings

Manchester United below par away performance continued into the new year as the team could only manage a 1 – 1 draw at stoke, their second draw in five days. It was a game with few chances, but with United conceding their first goal of the year in less than two minutes into the game, the game had the making of a cracker. But didn’t live up to its expectation, as Falcao scored from a corner to cancel out Shawcross goal, - that was the first Premier League of the year. With United’s game the early kick off, hopes were that a United may put pressure on the top two teams in City and Chelsea, but the draw means that United have more chasing to do.
Redly United looks at the United players individually and rates their performance
De Gea: 7
The United keeper’s first game of the year was one he didn’t have much to do. He conceded his first goal of the year in less than two minutes into the game, one he couldn’t have done anything about.
Young: 6.5
It was his first start at right back in a while and was unlucky to be injured late on during the game. He had little to do defensive wise, but could have added more to the attack.