Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he has nothing to prove to Jose Mourinho or anyone else following their 3-1 victory on the road at Bournemouth. The England international scored United’s second goal against the Cherries after a Anthony Martial mis-cue fell through to him inside the box. After the match, Rooney made it clear to the media that he has nothing to prove this season, saying he will always “score goals” if he continues to be played in an advanced role under Mourinho. “I’ve nothing to prove to anyone,” Rooney told Sky … [Read more...]
Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool; Coutinho stars in seven-goal thriller
Liverpool came from behind to begin their Premier League season with victory in a seven-goal thriller against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts took the lead through Theo Walcott, who recovered from missing a penalty to slot home just 69 seconds later, but Jurgen Klopp's side stormed back as a Philippe Coutinho brace and strikes from Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane proved enough to seal the points. Arsenal rallied to grab two back through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers but ultimately came up short as Liverpool were left … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Zlatan can be phenomenal for the Premier League
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove invaluable to a Manchester United squad that Jose Mourinho believes he has picked up off the floor. Jose Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove to be a "phenomenal" acquisition for Manchester United after the Swedish star marked his Premier League debut with a superb goal in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth. A week on from heading the winner in a 2-1 Community Shield triumph over Leicester City at Wembley, Ibrahimovic drilled home a superb long-range strike to conclude United's scoring in a routine victory … [Read more...]
Zlatan scores as United beat Bournemouth
Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his Premier League debut with a goal as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure began with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The match was Mourinho’s first Premier League game in charge of United but nevertheless Ibrahimovic arrived as the star attraction on the south coast and the Swede did not disappoint, unleashing a superb long-range strike in the second half. He has now scored on debut in Serie A, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney’s goals had earlier put United in … [Read more...]
Mikel on target as Nigeria beat Denmark; set up semi final clash with Germany
Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi was on target as Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0 to set up an Olympic semi-final against Germany on Wednesday. The Super Eagles have been in impressive form in Rio despite initial chaos in trying to reach the tournament due to plane trouble, and were firmly in control against the Danes in Salvador. Nigeria took the initiative at the Arena Fonte Nova as Imoh Ezekiel produced a fine run down the left side before teeing up Chelsea's Mikel to finish before half-time. Ezekiel continued his impressive performance … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Mata was not upset, Mkhitaryan was
Jose Mourinho has played down reports Juan Mata could leave Manchester United and insists the midfielder was not unhappy at his treatment during the Community Shield. Mourinho deemed the Spaniard surplus to requirements at Chelsea, selling him to United, and raising doubts over the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford future. The pair’s relationship was again in the spotlight after United’s 2-1 win over Leicester at Wembley, where Mourinho sent Mata on in the 63rd minute only to withdraw him in injury time – a rarity in top-level football and a blow … [Read more...]
Memphis Depay still in Manchester United’s plans-Mourinho
Despite rumours a lack of discipline off-field has hampered Memphis Depay, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shown his support. Selecting him in his 23-man squad for their season opener away to Bournemouth, Jose Mourinho has backed Memphis Depay to make an impact for Manchester United. Many expected the 22-year-old Dutchman to be one of Mourinho's first casualties after a disappointing opening season at Old Trafford, but the new manager is predicting big things. "Of course, I want Memphis to be part of my squad," Mourinho told … [Read more...]
Guardiola explains why he dropped Joe Hart
Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to drop Joe Hart for Willy Caballero for Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The England international was resigned to the bench against the Black Cats, leading to suggestions he does not have a future at the Etihad Stadium under the Spanish coach. The decision to play Caballero was certainly rewarded, as although the keeper had little to do, City came away from the game with all three points after Paddy McNair’s own goal ensured Guardiola claimed a win on his City … [Read more...]
Mazzarri pleased with Watford display against Southampton
Walter Mazzarri drew many positives from Watford's display at Southampton, where they held on for a 1-1 draw after Ben Watson's red card. Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri praised his new team's battling qualities after they fought out a 1-1 draw at Southampton despite being reduced to 10 men on the opening day of the Premier League season. Operating with a 3-5-2 formation, Watford impressed during the first half after Etienne Capoue gave them a ninth-minute lead. Southampton, also playing under new management in the form of Claude … [Read more...]
Ten-man Watford hold on for point at Southampton
Walter Mazzarri and Claude Puel started life in the Premier League with a draw as 10-man Watford held on to thwart Southampton. Watford chief Mazzarri saw his new side take an early lead thanks to a first Hornets goal for Etienne Capoue. But debutant Nathan Redmond ensured Puel came away with a point from his first game in charge of Southampton, while Watford played the final 15 minutes a man down after Ben Watson’s dismissal. The opening day often throws up the odd surprise and the identity of Watford’s goalscorer was certainly one of … [Read more...]
Manchester City 2-1 Sunderland: McNair own goal spares Guardiola’s debut blushes
An own goal from ex-Red Devil Paddy McNair on debut helped Guardiola's Manchester City begin the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Sunderland. An equaliser from Jermain Defoe had looked like denying Guardiola in the Premier League opener at the Etihad Stadium but substitute McNair, signed from Manchester United this week, headed into his own net after 87 minutes. Guardiola had made an immediate impact at City by dropping Joe Hart and Yaya Toure and on the field his side quickly took the lead with a Sergio Aguero penalty. But … [Read more...]