Monday, 25 April 2016

Juan Mata: Man United's last five games of this season are finals

The Manchester United attacking midfielder reckons that United's last five matches of the season are like finals.

United can still achieve their dreams of a top four finish and win the FA Cup, if they win all their matches and results elsewhere go their way.

The United midfielder on his regular Monday blog post wrote:

"Now we know that we have five games remaining. Five finals that we want to win and I feel we are ready for, starting next Sunday against Leicester.

"They are fighting for the title and are full of confidence after the win against Swansea, showing how competitive they have been this season; having said that, we must get those three points."

Mata couldn't have described United any better. United can make the top four if they can win their remaining four league matches. The team still have matches against Leicester and West Ham which are potentials banana peels. Other than these, the the plays Norwich and Bournemouth.

Two points separates United from third place City and Arsenal respectively. And with both City and Arsenal still having to face each other, one or both teams will drop points for United to catch up.

It all depends on United to get the job done first.

Read More »

Alan Pardew: Van Gaal's United's career may depend on winning the FA Cup

Crystal Palace will be Manchester United's opponents in the FA Cup finals and their manager Alan Pardew knows the game will have a huge say on Van Gaal's future at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman has had a troublesome season to be honest. With immense scrutiny and criticism of his methods and pattern.

The general belief is that the Dutchman would be sacked at ybe end of the season. He also gave an hint to his future when he said, "he was not planning beyond this FA Cup with United".

But with the possibility of United making the top four still alive and winning the FA Cup in sight, Pardew knows the final would influence the board's decision on whether to keep Van Gaal or not.

"We will have a different game plan against Manchester United, but that is not to say we can't control the game. We deserve to be here." He told the BBC after his team knocked out Watford.

"Louis van Gaal's Manchester United career might rest on this game. He has had some awful press and I will be glad to see him at Wembley."

Read More »

Former United star Wilfred Zaha reacts to facing Manchester United in FA Cup finals

The former United winger is just taking the FA Cup finals against his former team as just another game.

The Englishman joined United from Palace and was one of the last few signings Sir Alex Ferguson made before retiring.

The player found it difficult breaking into the first team under David Moyes, and returned to Palace permanently after a brief loan spell back at the club. 

He has since picked up again is a key member of the current Palace side that will face United in the finals. 

Speaking in the prospects of facing United he said:

"Manchester United, personally it's just another game for me. He told the BBC.

I know it's an FA Cup final but what I mean is Manchester United are just another team now for me. I just want to win it for Palace."

Read More »

Fosu-Mensah reacts to the penalty he conceded against Everton

The Manchester United young defender knows it is risky to slide in the box, but felt he got the ball. And the tackle against Everton's Barkley was not a penalty.

The rising United defender almost transfered from a hero in the last few weeks  to a villain,  when he conceded a penalty that could have brought the Toffees back into the game.  

David De Gea however rose to the occasion and saved the penalty.

“For me it was not a penalty, but the referee made his decision and that is his decision." The defender said after the game. (Via M.E.N)

“But it's not so smart to make a sliding tackle in the box but I was sure it was on the ball.

“The referee made his decision and I have to live with it and I am happy that David saved the penalty

"He kept us in the game. I thanked him after."

Read More »

Manchester United duo makes BBC team of the week

Manchester United's performance against Everton in the semifinals of the FA Cup has earned two of its key  players in the game places on the BBC team of the week.

The duo of David De Gea and  Anthony Martial made the Garth Crooks assembled team of top performers of the weekend in England.

The United goalkeeper made a crucial penalty save from Lukaku to preserve United's one goal advantage at that stage of the game.

According to Garth Crooks, Brighton manager Chris Hughton, predicted that the Spaniard will save the penalty, and he did. Here's what he wrote about the United keeper:

"De Gea actually 'saved' both the penalty and Manchester United from another season of mediocrity."

Imagine if United had been knocked out of the FA Cup, Van Gaal would have been 'media sacked' again.

Anthony Martial was another United hero on the evening. Assisting United's first goal before rising to the occasion to score the winner with one minute of added time to go. 

Here's what Crooks had to say about the Frenchman:

"To be perfectly honest, Everton had been warned. It was Martial who twisted John Stones inside out and laid on Marouane Fellaini's goal....He produced another touch of magic and scored United's winner. Once the France international found himself face-to-face with Joel Robles in the Everton goal, there was only going to be one outcome.


"This lad looked a bit special the moment he walked into Old Trafford last summer.
Read More »

Picture: Ryan Giggs wins PFA merit Award

The Manchester United assistant manager won the PFA Merit Award at the PFA award night on Sunday.

The former Manchester United winger joins the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton in winning the prestigious award.

Giggs is United's most decorated player and one of the most decorated players in world football. He has won thirteen (13) Premier  League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League titles. 

Speaking after winning the award, he said:

"When you win each award you look down the trophy and you see the players who have won it before and you realise what a great accolade it is.

"This is the same. I've been here on the nights when people have won it and it's legends of the game.

"I'm fortunate to win it and I'll enjoy it."

Congrats Ryan.

Read More »

Revealed: Financial contents of José Mourinho's contract with Man United

There have been reports over the last seventy two hours of the Portuguese signing a contract with United.

The former Inter manager is the favorite to replace Van Gaal as manager, though it remains to be seen what decision the United board will arrive at come the end of the season.

The news first emanated from his country Portugal, then another report from England suggested that the former Chelsea manager would be confirmed as United manager in two weeks.

Now Daily Star is reporting the financial content of the supposedly signed deal.

According to the report, Mourinho is ready to sign a four year deal worth £6m per year with the Old Trafford giants.

Mourinho reportedly earns around £10m per year at Chelsea, which made him the highest paid manager in the Premier League.

But the Portuguese reportedly asked for a contract similar to Van Gaal's own.

He will then be handed over about £300m transfer war chest to wrestle United back to the summit of English football.

Read More »

Manchester United ready to sell star after just one season

Manchester United are ready to sell winger Memphis Depay after his first season with the club.

The 22 year old joined United with high expectations after he led his team to the Dutch title last season, finishing as top scorer in the Dutch League.

He has however struggled for form and consistency since arriving in England. And has been overtaken by Lingard, Martial, and Rashford in the United's attack.

According to the Mirror, Van Gaal has sanctioned the sale of the 22 year old, after running out of patience with his countryman.

Clubs from England and Europe are reportedly interested in buying the player.

Van Gaal would be remembered ordered the sale of Angel Di Maria after just one season with the club, when he failed to live up to expectations.

Read More »

Sunday, 24 April 2016

Mourinho to be confirmed United manager in two weeks - Report

The former Chelsea manager has signed a deal with United and will be confirmed in two weeks according to Sunday Express.

The Portuguese is the favorite to replace Van Gaal at United. But with the glimpse of hope in United's top four bid and the team's qualification for the FA Cup finals, Van Gaal may get some votes within the United board.

According to the report, the Portuguese would be confirmed before the end of the season after report emerged from Portugal that he had signed a contract with United.

They also claim he would be given full control over transfer while Cristiano Ronaldo was also linked with a United return.

Read More »

Van Gaal: Martial can improve: He can do much better

The Manchester United manager thinks the United striker hasn't reached his peak yet, admonishing him to still work hard on improving himself.

The Frenchman was a surprise signing for United at the start of the season, but has gone on to establish himself as an integral member of the current United squad.

He has scored 14 goals this season, and has 7 assist to his credit. He scored one and assisted the other in United's 2-1 semifinal FA Cup victory over Everton. Van Gaal speaking after the game said:

“He can do much better because I see still a lot of things he can improve on and he shall improve because only by training and playing can you improve.

“But also when you are playing at a higher level you improve also. When you are older you know all the things shall happen again. Then you have experience and can decide much better in the same situations as before."

Read More »

Join the debate: Where is Anthony Martial's best position?

This is a debate that will linger on for a while.

Where is Anthony Martial's best and most effective position?

Van Gaal says the player is more of a winger than a striker. Martial has been used more on the wing by Van Gaal than as a striker. He scored one and assisted the other from the flank in the FA Cup semifinal victory over Everton.

The player has however said he is more of a striker than a winger, though he is ready to play anywhere the gaffer wants him.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he said:

"Foremost I am a striker, it doesn't bother me at all which position I play, when I am on the pitch I just focus on helping the team that's
all.

"I just want to help the team, and when I score I am happier, I am a striker and that's how it goes."

Van Gaal speaking after the Everton win said:

“I don’t think he (Martial), is a striker, he is more a wing player. But maybe in the future.

“But I don’t think so. He’s another type of striker than Ruud van Nistelrooy or other examples of Manchester United strikers."

Where do you think is Martial best position?

Read More »

Van Gaal unsure of his future at United

The Manchester United might have given the biggest hint that he may be leaving United at the end of the season.

The Dutchman has endured a turbulent season at United, though the team are on their way to win the FA Cup having qualified for the finals.

His management methods have come under intense criticism this season, and the Dutchman says he is not planning beyond this season's FA Cup for United.

When asked about his future, he replied:

"I'm not looking at anything other than this competition.

"We live in the present. For the future, I discuss this with my board."

This means Van Gaal is not certain about his future at the club.

He  knows  the board will decide his future, and it remains to be seen what decision the board will arrive at about his future.

Read More »

Andy Cole praises Martial after FA Cup heroics

The former Manchester United striker has praised Anthony Martial after his performance in the FA Cup semifinals with Everton.

The Frenchman assisted one and scored the winner in the frenetic game.

The game was heading towards extra-time before the striker rose to the occasion to score the winner under tight conditions.

The United legend also praised De Gea after he saved a Lukaku penalty in the game.

Andy Cole tweeted after the game:

"Clinical from Tony Martial... Calm.. composed when the pressure is on! Big future ahead.. Credit to @D_DeGea once again! @ManUtd

@ vancole9

Read More »

Can the FA Cup keep Van Gaal at United?

Manchester United are through into FA Cup finals and only one victory separate them from winning a trophy United have not lifted since 2004. 

Ironically, United may be winning the trophy in one of the most turbulent seasons at Old Trafford in the last three decades.

Van Gaal has come under immense criticism for a lot. His conservative, possessive pattern of play, his questionable selections and formations. Training regimes that have led to too many injuries, his transfer policy of selling some players that the team still needs and other reasons.

The Dutchman has been media sacked' on a number of occasions, and has played and won a lot of matches that looked like his last.

The best reason for fans wanting the Dutchman out is however the possibility of United missing out of the Champions League next season.

Having spend over £200m in the last two years, United are facing the reality of missing out of competing with Europe's elite clubs next season.

Teams like Leicester and Tottenham (with due respect) will finish above Man United and feature on Tuesday and Wednesday night football.

The season however will not be a complete failure for United if the team can win the oldest competition in world football this season.

Van Gaal and his supporters will definitely ride on that, to plead for more time, at least one more season for the the Dutchman.

A number of analyst thinks the FA Cup can't keep the Dutchman at United.

BBC Mark Lawrenson said:

"Van Gaal's future is in doubt even if he wins the FA Cup, though. For me, he needs a top-four finish and Champions League football to keep his job."

Sky Sports Charlie Nicholas also echoed the same thought:

"Is the FA Cup enough? I would say no.
"United have to be in the Champions League. It's not even about the prize money, it's the prestige of being there.

"If I asked United fans if they want FA Cup or top four I think most would say top four. They want to be back in the Champions League.

"If David Moyes can get sacked after nine months for not managing it, then you've got to think they will be looking at Jose Mourinho or even the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Slaven Bilic and Ronald Koeman."


The big question is do you think winning the FA Cup can keep Van Gaal till next season at United?
Read More »

Louis Saha praises Anthony Martial after FA Cup display against Everton

The former Manchester United striker has heaped praises on the young striker after his man of the match performance that knocked out Everton from the FA Cup and ensured United will feature in the final.

Martial  assisted one and scores the winner in the 2-1 win over the Toffees.

United started the game brightly and missed a couple of decent chances before Fellaini scored the opener after Martial's incredible work on the flank that led to his neat pass to the Belgian.

David De Gea saved a Lukaku penalty after Fosu-Mensah was adjudged to have brought down an Everton player in the box. Smalling however turned the ball into his net for Everton's equalizer.

With a  minute to go in added time, under intense pressure, Herrera put Martial through on goal, and the Frenchman neatly and calmly finished to send United through.

Saga speaking on the BBC after the game said:

“I was so pleased because he
deserved it.

“He played so well and with confidence. He did that one-two with two players and the strike is perfect. He is very calm.

“He is a big player for United and they deserve the win. It is a United win.”

Read More »

Picture: Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson at Wembley for Man United Vs Everton clash

The two legends were part of the spectators that watched the semifinals of the FA Cup between United and Everton.

Manchester United can boast of some of the most deadly strikers in the history of football, but Delima was one the United fans would have wanted to see in the United jersey.

He enjoyed a blistering career at clubs like Real Madrid, Inter and AC Milan.

He must have enjoyed the manner United knocked out Everton, the Sir Alex Ferguson way.

The Brazilian legend posted a picture of himself, Sir Alex and current England manager Roy Hodgson at Wembley.

He captioned it:

Wembley with the legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Hodgson #Football #FACup

Read More »

Bastian Schweinsteiger reacts to Manchester United victory over Everton

The Manchester United midfielder is still out with injury but keeps following United passionately.

The German described the game as a thriller. United controlled proceedings in the first half and went ahead through a Maroune Fellaini goal.

Here's what the German tweeted after the first 45 minutes:

"Strong first half and a well deserved lead. The cup final is only 45 minutes away! Keep going, @ManUtd !! #mufc
@ BSchweinsteiger

The second half however wasn't what United fans expected as the team dropped their performance drastically and Everton crawled back into the game.

United conceded a penalty that was saved by David De Gea.

Luck smiled at the Toffees when Chris Smalling turned the ball into his own net, for their equalizer.

Martial would however have the final say when he scored in the last minute of added time.

Here's Schweinsteiger congratulations message after the game:

What a thriller!!!! And we made it!! Congrats on reaching the FA Cup final, @ManUtd 👏 #mufc pic.twitter.com/euqlJ1R4GZ
@ BSchweinsteiger

Read More »

Rio Ferdinand reacts to Manchester United performance against Everton

The former Manchester United defender made some stunning remarks about the whole team's and some individual performance.

Here is a timeline of his comments about the game.

After half time, United were leading 1-0 and had the game under control he tweeted:

This performance looks something more like a @ManUtd performance, playing forward and running with & off the ball...Lukaku chances though 👀
@ rioferdy5

On the penalty decision which some United fans thought was harsh, here's Rio's opinion:

Got the ball.....but going to ground gives the ref a decision to make....
@ rioferdy5

And when David De Gea saved the resulting P.K, Ferdinand described the United goalkeeper as the best in the world

@D_DeGea wow.....the best in the world bar none.
@ rioferdy5

The former United defender also felt the United defence was porous and it was easy for the Toffees to pass through, especially with passes leading to the penalty

Too easy to get through the this @ManUtd team....couple of 1 v 1's and leading up to the pen
@ rioferdy5

He also tweeted this to buttress his point

Everton are slicing through @manutd like a hot knife through butter
@ rioferdy5

He however called Martial the best player on the pitch with his last minute goal, can't argue with that. One assist, one goal.

Here's what he said after the martial winner:

#martial best player on the pitch has settled this #FAcup semi final! Lovely. Great game
@ rioferdy5

Read More »

Saturday, 23 April 2016

Manchester United 2-1 Everton: Player ratings

David De Gea: 8

Another match winning and title aiding performance from the United goalkeeper.

He made a couple of saves in the game, but the most influential has to be his penalty save. To save a Lukaku P.K at that time of the game was no child's play.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah: 6

A performance that showed he still has a lot to learn. Beaten to easily by Lukaku for Everton's first chance in the game.

Helped out in the attack. He conceded the penalty and wasn't composed after that. Unsurprisingly substituted after that.

Chris Smalling: 6

An above average performance from the Englishman, dented by the own goal he scored.

He dealt with the threat of Lukaku and the Everton attacking players well, but wasn't convincing at different points of the game, especially close to the end of the match.

Daley Blind: 6.5

Another great performance against the big Belgian. Calm and composed as usual.

Marcus Rojo: 6

Not too convincing performance from the Argentine. Was caught off position for the Everton goal

Michael Carrick:7

He provided the needed stability and calmness to the midfield, allowing Fellaini and Rooney to perform their attacking duties effectively.

Maroune Fellaini: 7.5

His start came as a surprise to a lot of United fans. Started the game as expected with a lot of back passes. He however grew into the game and became more effective and dangerous in the Everton box.

He scored the first goal, and started the second half with a number of defensive duties. He again faded into the game and was substituted late on.

Jesse Lingard: 6
His performance on the evening showed he can't be solely depended on a goalscorer.

He was presented with a number of chances, all of which he couldn't get any thing from. Lot of hardworking, but he could have done better with his finishing.

Wayne Rooney: 7.5

Another performance that shows where his future lies in the  team. He was impeccable playing from the midfield and was perfect between switching from defence to attack. Cleared an early Lukaku ball of the line early into the game.

He dictated the game effectively from the number 10 position.

Anthony Martial: 9

Undoubtedly United's man of the match. One assist and one goal, what else can you ask from the Frenchman.

He brought life into the game. His dribbling, cutting inside and shots are just pure  class.

Marcus Rashford: 7
A applaudable performance from the Englishman.

He played a role in United's first goal. Was calm, and dangerous all through the game.

Substitutes

Antonio Valencia: 5

Came on for an under pressure Fosu-Mensah, and provided the needed stability at right back. Got into some decent attacking position on the right side and did well

Ander Herrera: 7

He was effective within his short time on the pitch. Conceded a needed foul late in into the game, and his perseverance and  never say die spirit gave him the assist for Martial's match winner.

Read More »

Can't Van Gaal pick a better starting eleven against Everton?

By now you must have seen Manchester United's starting eleven against Everton. If not see it here.

The Dutchman preferred the duo of Michael Carrick and Maroune Fellaini in the midfield. While Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin are on the bench.

The starting combination of Fellaini and Carrick as we've seen this season lacks speed, guile and creativity.

Both men are naturally slow, and one thinks Van Gaal as the United manager would have noticed this, and start either of Schneiderlin or Herrera. The latter being the most preferred.

For the game, United's greatest fear is in the midfield, and as a fan, i can only hope they prove me wrong.

Read More »

Featured