The United manager has confirmed that defender Marcos Rojo would be on the bench for the Europa League tie with FC Midtjylland
He also confirmed that the player can play for United for not more than twenty minutes.
More to come.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Injured United star confirms he is back in training
Matteo Darmian has confirmed that he is back in training.
The defender suffered a dislocation in his shoulder in the match against Sunderland, and has been out since then.
He however posted on his twitter handle that he's back in training.
On the road back to training!! - @ManUtd
pic.twitter.com/gqbatZwcoU
@ DarmianOfficial
1:41 AM - 24 Feb 2016
His return would be a welcomed development for the injury ravaged United squad.
United star trio including De Gea miss training ahead of FC Midtjylland tie
The trio of David De Gea, Chris Smalling and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson missed United's training today ahead of the Europa League second leg. According to Manchester United official website.
The United goalkeeper was injured in his warmup training minutes to the start of the first leg in Denmark, and manager Van Gaal has said he could be back in time for the return leg.
Defender Borthwick-Jackson was injured in the FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury, and was substituted at half time.
The reason for Smalling missing the training is still unknown.
Van Gaal hosts his press conference later, and he'll most likely shed more light.
Good news: Injured United duo back in training
The duo of Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo are back in training. Both players joined the first team in training today ahead of the Europa League match with Midtjylland according to Sports mole.
Both players will certainly miss the clash, but their return to training is a highly welcomed development.
Both have been long term absentees from the team, and will definitely not return to action in less than two weeks.
Close Deal: United reach agreement for Portugal star
Manchester United are reported to have reached a gentlemen agreement to sign Benfica youngster Renato Sanches according to Metro via Record.
United have been scouting the player for a while and a move could be imminent in the summer.
With José Mourinho most likely to take over from Van Gaal, the Portuguese may sanction the move when he takes over.
United were close to signing the player in January, but Benfica decided to hold on to the player.
Sanches has just got his break into the Benfica first team this season, and is one of the most wanted youngsters in Europe.
4-2-3-1: My Manchester United eleven to face Midtjylland: Star to be back
Manchester United will be hoping to replicate the fine form they exhibited against Shrewsbury, when they host Midtjylland on Thursday.
United have fresh injury worries that will give Van Gaal some headache in his selection.
Van Gaal has confirmed that there is a possibility of De Gea returning for this clash, and hopefully he'll start in goal.
Smalling and McNair will be my centre back paring for this game. Varela starts at right back, while Blind moves over to the left back position.
Schneiderlin and Herrera had a nice outing in the FA Cup match against Shrewsbury and I expect them duo to start in the midfield for United.
In Wayne Rooney's continued absence, Depay starts on the left flank. Mata was the man of the march against Shrewsbury and he should continue in his number 10 position.
Lingard suffered a knock against in the FA Cup match, but hopefully, he will be fit enough to start.
Martial starts upfront as the lone striker.
That's my most preferred starting eleven.
What's yours??
United star admits: I have to grow at United
Memphis Depay has admitted that he has to grow up into the physical demands of the Premier League.
He has been hugely disappointing for United in his first season. After helping PSV to the Dutch title last season with 22 goals, much was expected from him on moving to Old Trafford.
He has however failed to reach that heights for United, and the player himself has now admitted he must adapt.
“The Premier League is different. It is way faster and more physical.
“It is a stronger league, I have to adapt. In the Premier League you are always going up and down.
“I have to grow at that and get experience.
He however does not think he needs more gym work to get into the physical state of fitness he is talking about.
“I don’t think it’s about doing weights in the gym.
“I think the core side is important for power but also fast movement.
“I am doing sprints, I am explosive. But to be really quick, it’s about timing.
“You have to be fast but also smart. The timing of your sprint in behind.
“You have to be clever and that comes with more experience.”
Depay was talking at the launch of Under Armour’s Rule Yourself campaign. Via The Sun.
Felipe Anderson's agent opens up on United move
The Lazio winger has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the last few days.
There were also news of Lazio President saying the Brazilian would join United in the summer, however the club has released official statement to counter that report.
However Anderson's sister and representative Juliana
Gomes has opened up and confirmed that United have never make an official move for the player.
According to her:
“Lazio have already denied the report, and I know nothing. Felipe is still concentrated on being here." She told Cittaceleste.it via Daily Star
“He works hard and his head is at Lazio. We are honoured to be linked with United, but they have never called.” She added.
That means United have never made an official move to sign the player.
Midtjylland player hoping United fans boo United to their advantage at Old Trafford
Tim Sparv is hoping his team can take advantage of United's recent poor performance that has made the United fans boo the team.
On several occasions this season, United fans have booed their team, and the Finish midfielder is hoping his team can play United to that extent.
The midfielder himself is a United fan, but on Thursday night will be hoping to knock out of the Europa League.
“Our approach will be to make it as difficult as possible for them and frustrate them in any way possible by being compact.
“If we can get the supporters booing them then that’s half a win for us. That makes our belief grow a bit and gives us more energy.”
United must overturn a one goal deficit at Old Trafford to qualify for the round of 16 of the Europa League, before hosting Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League.
Confirmed: Mourinho doesn't want to join United now
The former Chelsea boss is not wiling to take up the United job, mid season the Sun is reporting.
Mourinho is the fans chosen one to replace Van Gaal but the deal seem to be lingering forever.
He is reported to have agreed a deal in principle with the club, while he is also reported to have secured an apartment in Manchester.
Mourinho is reportedly not open to the idea of replacing his mentor half way the season.
Van Gaal and United are almost certain to part ways at the end of this season.
The team currently are out of the race for top four, while wining the Europa League is a tall order for United judging by the team's current form.
Here's what sacking Van Gaal now will cost United
Manchester United will have to pay Louis Van Gaal £10m if he is sacked as United manager now, as the team still stands a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Champions League, the Sun has reported.
With United just six points behind fourth place Manchester City, there is still a mathematical hope of United qualifying for the Champions League, but fans, players and the manager have almost conceded defeat in their top four pursuit.
The same clause is reported to have been included in David Moyes contract, and vice chairman Ed Woodward waited for that to happen before sacking the former Everton manager.
United host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, and a victory is very important for United.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Lazio denies Felipe Anderson's United move
Lazio have denied reports that winger Felipe Anderson will be moving to Old Trafford.
Earlier today, news went viral that Lazio President was quoted as saying a deal worth around £47m had been agreed for the player.
“I signed Felipe Anderson for €8m and have already re-sold him for €60m." Lotito reportedly said.
The club have however released an official statement on their website nullifying the report.
The club described such claims as 'devoid of foundation'
The official statement read thus:
"In reference to, statements attributed to president Claudio Lotito regarding the alleged sale of the player Felipe Anderson , the S.S. Lazio noted that these are devoid of any foundation."
This shows Mourinho is getting closer to a United deal
The former Chelsea manager has reportedly chosen a house to buy in Manchester, this according to Correio da Manhã: a Portuguese newspaper.
Mourinho is the fans favorite to replace Van Gaal. News of a gentleman agreement has been reported, but both parties are yet to release any official statement.
Inter Milan director Bedy Moratti after a family meeting with the Portuguese claims he is on his way to Manchester.
If the news of him buying a house in Manchester is true, then a deal may be in the pipeline.
Here is the front page of the newspaper.
This Manchester United star is considering leaving Old Trafford
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is reportedly considering a moved away from Old Trafford as United are not indicating signs of offering him a new deal according to ESPN.
The players contract will be expiring this summer and the player is currently free to negotiate with interested clubs.
The 34 year old is one of the longest serving United player in the current squad. The managerial unrest at United may be the main cause of United's silence on the deal, as United's coach for next season may have a huge say in if he needs the player at the club or not.
The Englishman is reported to be attracting intrest from a number of Premiership clubs, while he would most likely receive offers from the MLS in America and the Chinese Super league.
Van Gaal confirms injured United star could be back on Thursday for Midtjylland tie
The United manager has given some encouraging news on the injury front for United.
The team suffered fresh casualties as both Borthwick-Jackson and Will Keane were injured in the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury.
But goalkeeper David De Gea stands a chance of making the Europa League return leg against Midtjylland.
Van Gaal speaking on De Gea said:
"It's not so heavy but we'll have to wait and see if he can start on Thursday."
This will come as a welcome development for the team. De Gea has been one of the stand out performers for the team this season.
If he can't make the Midtjylland match, then he'll sure be back for the match against Arsenal on Sunday.
Sir Alex Ferguson and these two powerful men at United don't want Mourinho at United
There seem to be a division between the United board over who to be United's next manager.
With Louis Van Gaal's United struggling to find form and consistency, a change looks certain at United.
Jose Mourinho is the fans and media favorite to become United's next manager, but the Portuguese doesn't seems to have a full sway and backing of top and highly influential United board members.
According to Manchester Evening News writer: Samuel Luckhurst, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and former United vice chairman David Gill don't want Mourinho to become United's next manager.
"Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and even David Gill don’t appear to want Jose Mourinho to become the next Manchester United manager." He told the BBC.
"There's an awful lot of cheerleading still going on for Ryan Giggs which a lot of Manchester United fans find baffling."
This wouldn't come as a perfect
surprise to United fans, as the Mourinho has never had the backing of Sir Bobby who once criticised the former Real Madrid manager during one of his fracas with the former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova.
It remains to be seen who the board United board will appoint when they come to a consensus.
Insiders believe Ryan Giggs has got strong backing from some boars members too as he carries the United DNA and philosophy.
Van Gaal: We have a lot of titles to fight fo
The Manchester United manager believes United are still in the race for more than one title this season.
United knocked out Shrewsbury of the FA Cup in convincing style to kick of what would be a vital week.
Goals from Smalling, Mata and Lingard were all United needed.
Next for United is the Europa League where United must overturn a one goal deficit to progress into the round of sixteen (16).
That is also very possible for United, before the team host Arsenal in Sunday in a must win Premier League game.
United hopes of making the top four has been dampen by inconsistency, but Van Gaal is not giving up yet. After the Shrewsbury victory he said:
"We are in all the competitions, just six points beyond Manchester City, we have a lot of chances, a lot of titles to fight for."
United's hope of winning the Premier League is undoubtedly over, Van Gaal must be referring to the FA Cup and the Europa League.
It would be nice to see Van Gaal and his team win one or both competition.
Do you think United can win any title this season?
If yes which?
Monday, 22 February 2016
Shrewsbury 0 - 3 Manchester United: Player ratings
Manchester United converted experience into victory as they brushed aside their lowly ranked opposition with ease.
On an evening when United had a lot in their favour, Redlyunited rates the United players on a scale of 1-10
Romero : 6
Proving to be a perfect replacement for injured De Gea. Didn't have much to do.
Varela: 7
Another good performance from the right back against a physical side.
Smalling: 7.5
What a goal from Mike. Showed instinct of a striker. Marshalled his defence tightly.
Blind: 7
Calm and composed showing from the Dutchman. Was brilliant bringing the balls out of the United defence.
Borthwick-Jackson: 6
Solid first half performance, helped out on the attack brilliantly. Unfortunately returned to the doctor's table injured.
Schneiderlin: 6.5
Provided the much needed calmness and stability in the midfield. Balanced the attack and defence very well.
Herrera: 7
One of his best showing for United in a long while. Struggled at the beginning of the game, but grew with the game. Attacked with confidence. Assisted Lingard's goal with a fine pass.
Memphis: 6.5
Another fair performance from him judging by his talents and expectation. Had a nice game with a number of one-two's and flicks in the opposition box. Good for his confidence.
Mata: 8
Arguably United's best and most influential player on the night. Controlled the game nicely from his number 10 position. Scored a wonderful free kick to cap of a good night.
Lingard: 7
Yet another brilliant goal from the developing winger. His work rate was high against a highly physical side, showed great movement and wiliness for his goal.
Martial: 6
Alone against the crowded defence. Didn't had much space and time to wreck much havoc. Missed a decent header from which he could have scored.
Subs:
Riley : 6
Came on for Borthwick-Jackson, at half time and was decent all through.
Pereira: 6
Gave a good account of himself.
Keane: 6
Would have been nice if he had ended the game. Had a shot that rattled the bar late on. Came of injured.
Confirmed team news: Shrewsbury Vs Manchester United
Manchester United starting eleven:
Romero, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Memphis, Mata, Lingard, Martial.
Subs: Henderson, McNair, Poole, Carrick, Pereira, Riley, Keane
Usain Bolt complains: This is not the United we use to know
The fastest man in the world has questioned Van Gaal's management of Manchester United this season.
The Jamaican is a big Manchester United fan, and even once nursed the idea of playing United.
Speaking on Eurosport he said:
‘As a Manchester United fan, we are used to watching attacking, entertaining, winning football.
“We haven’t seen much of either this season.”
Thus confirms the more that United have been grossly underperforming this season.
The team is on the verge of not qualifying for next season's Champions League, and the next three matches could determine Van Gaal: s future at the club.
