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Wayne Rooney Man Utd testimonial ends in stalemate

Wayne Rooney’s testimonial ended in a 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Everton. The game was streamed live on Facebook, and both managers picked strong line-ups. United and England captain Rooney played 52 minutes at Old Trafford as his testimonial against his former club doubled up as a stern Premier League warm-up. Rooney got the chance to play alongside new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a promising attacking formation that also featured Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. The front pair linked well, with Ibrahimovic often dropping deep. “I said many years ago the perfect partner for a striker is Wayne Rooney,” said Swede Ibrahimovic in an interview aired before the game by MUTV. “He works not only for himself but for the striker and the … [Read more...]

Klopp hints at further summer signings

Jurgen Klopp has hinted he could bring another defender to Liverpool this summer after teasing that he has “no idea” if the Reds’ transfer activity is over. The Reds boss has already welcomed seven new signings to Anfield this summer but could add one more, with ongoing concerns about his lack of cover at left-back. That problem has been exasperated after Alberto Moreno limped off with a dead leg in the defeat to Roma in St Louis. Klopp has indicated he’s prepared to use James Milner there as cover after failing in a bid to sign Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell . However, other options are being considered. Germany international Jonas Hector has repeatedly been linked with Liverpool this summer but the Liverpool Echo understands that a move for the … [Read more...]

Manchester City sign Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras. The 19-year-old, who is currently with the Brazil squad at the Rio Olympics, will make the move to City in January on a contract that runs until the end of the 2020-21 season. The deal – for a reported £27million with further add-ons – sees the Blues continue their considerable recruitment drive under new boss Pep Guardiola, with the news coming a day on from them wrapping up the £37million signing of 20-year-old Germany winger Leroy Sane from Schalke. The Brazilian who is yet to make his senior international debut, was voted the best newcomer in the Brazilian top flight last season. … [Read more...]

Rooney Premier league best ever- Ferguson

Everton great Duncan Ferguson says former team-mate and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is the best ever in the Premier League. Wayne Rooney has been named the best Premier League player ever by his boyhood hero Duncan Ferguson - whom he played with at Everton. Rooney would later sign for Manchester United in 2004, where he plays and captains to this day, and ahead of his testimonial on Wednesday, Ferguson has named him the Premier League's best. The former Everton forward has won five Premier League titles at United and scored 193 league goals - placing him behind only Alan Shearer in the all-time list - one of which was voted the best goal of the era when he scored a bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011. Rooney is also second in … [Read more...]

loris Karius undergoes successful surgery on broken hand

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius has undergone a successful operation to repair his broken right hand and is set to be back in October. The German returned home early from the club’s tour of the United States after sustaining the injury having collided with team-mate Dejan Lovren in Wednesday’s friendly against Chelsea. Karius, a £4.7million signing from Mainz this summer, is likely to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks, dealing a blow to his hopes of challenging Simon Mignolet to be manager Jurgen Klopp’s first choice. “I’m back at home after a successful surgery! Thank you guys for all your get-well wishes!” he wrote after tweeting a picture of his bandaged hand. Karius turned down a place in Germany’s Olympic squad in order to fight for a starting … [Read more...]

Darmian to fight for United place

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian is ready to fight for his place and win over new manager Jose Mourinho. Matteo Darmian has insisted he does not fear the competition for places at Manchester United and is happy to play wherever Jose Mourinho needs him. The Italy international defender joined United from Torino last year and made 39 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford. Darmian will now be looking to build on last term's performances under Mourinho and is ready to fight for his place. "I think it's good to have such competition within the squad because there are a lot of good players for every position in a big team," the 26-year-old told the official United website. "You just have to be ready for when the … [Read more...]

Lyon boss not ruling out Lacazette sale

Lyon have admitted they would sell Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette if they received “an offer they couldn’t refuse”. Lacazette, who only recently signed a new four-year deal at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, was the subject of a failed £29.3m (€35million) bid from the Gunners last week. And with Arsene Wenger hinting they’re ready to make an improved bid, the Gunners appear to have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of the France international striker. “He can leave if Lyon want him to,” said the French club’s manager Bruno Genesio. “There are some offers that you cannot refuse. My desire as manager is that the best players stay and Lacazette is very important for the team. “I have been assured by my president that we will keep the player. … [Read more...]

Courtois backs Batshuayi for Chelsea success

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has little doubt Michy Batshuayi has what it takes to succeed at Stamford Bridge. Thibaut Courtois is confident compatriot Michy Batshuayi will become a success at Chelsea once he has fully adapted to his new surroundings. Batshuayi joined Chelsea from Marseille during the close season and Courtois believes his fellow Belgium international has all the characteristics required to become an instant hit at Stamford Bridge. "Michy is a very strong striker, fast, good technique, he can hold a ball and score a goal very easily with either foot," the goalkeeper told the official Chelsea website. "He is good in the air as well. I won't say it is his strongest point but he can handle himself and being strong as well is … [Read more...]

Manchester City sign Leroy Sane from Schalke

Manchester City have completed the signing of Germany winger Leroy Sane from Schalke, the Premier League club have announced. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium after a fee, understood to be around £37million, was agreed between the two clubs. Sane’s arrival continues new manager Pep Guardiola’s rebuilding of the City squad following the signings of Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer. Sané told the club’s website, www.mancity.com: “I feel really good, I’m happy to be here and happy that it has all worked out. Now I can settle here in Manchester and play for City. “One of the reasons I decided to join City was Pep Guardiola; he convinced me to come here and that I can continue to progress. I know I … [Read more...]

Schweinsteiger’s brother slams Manchester United and Mourinho

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s brother has appeared to accuse Jose Mourinho of ‘lacking respect’ as his expected Manchester United exit threatened to turn acrimonious. Mourinho told Schweinsteiger last week that he does not figure in his plans and is free to find another club this summer, with the former Bayern Munich player likely to be the most high-profile casualty of the Portuguese’s extensive clear-out. But the situation has now taken a more dramatic development with Schweinsteiger forced to relocate to the reserve team’s dressing room, a huge embarrassment for the midfielder, who turned 32 on Monday, and the clearest sign yet of Mourinho’s uncompromising decision-making at United. Schweinsteiger, who made just 13 starts of an injury-hit campaign, was on … [Read more...]

Dzeko, Salah on target as Roma down Liverpool

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko handed Roma a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Missouri on Monday night. The Reds fielded strong team from the off, with regulars Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner joined by new signings Sadio Mane, Alex Manninger and Georginio Wijnaldum in the starting line-up. Nonetheless, the Premier League team were second best for the majority of the contest, with Radja Nainggolan particularly effective in Roma's midfield alongside Kevin Strootman -- who was restored to the Italian side following a nightmare two seasons out with injury. Dzeko opened the scoring in the 29th minute, rifling in a low strike on the turn that Manninger could have done better with. Sheyi Ojo then brought Jurgen Klopp's side level on the … [Read more...]

Moyes: ‘I was unfairly treated’ at Man Utd

David Moyes feels he was unfairly treated at Manchester United, as proven by Louis van Gaal's struggles. David Moyes believes he was harshly treated by former club Manchester United as he looks ahead to his tenure with Sunderland. Fronting the media as Sunderland manager, Moyes opened up on his time at Old Trafford, where he was sacked less than a season into a six-year deal with the Premier League giants. Louis van Gaal eventually replaced Moyes in time for the 2014-15 campaign, though his struggles over the last two seasons proved to the Sunderland boss that he was unfairly treated at Old Trafford. "I've said all along that I was. When you sign a six-year contract and you end up there ten months, yeah, I believe I was," said the Scot. "But that … [Read more...]

Schalke confirm Leroy Sane in Manchester

Schalke winger Leroy Sane has flown to England in order to complete a big money move from Schalke to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Sane has been a long-term target for City, and talks are close to reaching a conclusion after discussions this week. The Bundesliga club confirmed on Twitter that the player would not be travelling with the Royal Blues to their training camp ahead of the Bundesliga season. Leroy #Sané is currently in Manchester and will not be travelling with #Schalke to the training c Essen-born Sane, who scored eight goals in 33 Bundesliga games for Schalke last season, is now expected to undergo a medical in Manchester on Monday. The four-times capped winger could make his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side against Arsenal in a … [Read more...]

Mourinho knows how to handle Zlatan- Crespo

Former Inter and Chelsea man Hernan Crespo believe Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho will help bring the Red Devils back to the top. Crespo played with Zlatan at Milan and was managed by Mourinho, and insists the Portuguese boss knows how to handle the Swede. “With both Jose and Ibra you only needed a second to understand them. One little look, one sentence,” Crespo told the Guardian. “The most special thing with Mourinho is his ability to create a special bond with every player: he always knew what to say to every player after every game, which was extremely impressive. “So he knew how to handle Zlatan. “One time, after a defeat, Zlatan was furious. You just needed to look at him to see how angry he was. “Mourinho, however, went to speak to … [Read more...]

Moyes keen to sign Fellaini and Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj could be handed a Premier League lifeline by David Moyes at Sunderland, with Marouane Fellaini also a target. David Moyes has confirmed his interest in staging a reunion with Manchester United duo Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini at Sunderland. Januzaj was handed his United debut by Moyes in 2013, but fell out of favour under Louis van Gaal and had a disappointing loan move to Borussia Dortmund cut short last term. Fellaini is also very familiar with the new Sunderland boss, who signed the towering Belgian for Everton and again during his time at Old Trafford. Having replaced England manager Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light just 21 days before Sunderland's Premier League opener against Manchester City, Moyes is aware of the need … [Read more...]

Wenger: Pogba fee is ‘complete madness’

Arsene Wenger believes Paul Pogba’s proposed £100million move to Manchester United represents the “complete madness” of the modern transfer market. France midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly set to join United for a nine-figure sum and Arsenal manager Wenger, who is currently in Los Angeles with the Gunners ahead of a pre-season friendly meeting with Chivas, suggested he would not pay over the odds for any player. Quoted in Tuttosport, he said: “It’s complete madness when measured against real life, but we live in a world in which everything that happens is geared towards moving money around. “It’s complete madness – but it seems that if you can afford to do it, you can justify it. Football has become a global competition and that is why clubs are chucking … [Read more...]

Willian flattered by Mourinho interest but had no intentions joining former boss

Willian has insisted he was never interested in joining Jose Mourinho at Manchester United but admits Chelsea must improve if they're to challenge them for the title. The Brazil international, who was voted the club's Player of the Year last season, was targeted by the former Chelsea boss following his own arrival at Old Trafford this summer. But Willian opted to commit his long-term future to Chelsea instead, signing a new four-year deal. "I have a great relationship with Jose, but I am Chelsea,” said Willian, when asked if the prospect of joining Mourinho, who signed him as Chelsea boss in 2013, ever tempted him. "Of course, when someone like him [Mourinho] is interested in you then you are happy. But I signed the contract because I like being a … [Read more...]

Ranieri: Arsenal link is ‘distracting’ Mahrez

Rihad Mahrez constant rumors linking him away from Leicester City to Arsenal is affecting the star winger manager Claudio Ranieri revealed. The Algerian has been strongly linked with Arsenal and the admission from Ranieri contradicts earlier claims made by fellow winger Demarai Gray who said that the PFA Players’ Player of the Year “wasn’t bothered” about the reports. Ranieri has been adamant that Mahrez will not follow in the footsteps of N’Golo and seal a big-money transfer to a Premier League rival, but admits the speculation could be having an impact on his approach to the game. “Maybe Riyad is distracted a bit by all of these rumors and speculation,” Ranieri said at a news conference following the 4-0 defeat to PSG . “But that is also an … [Read more...]

Rob Holding shines as Arsenal put three pass Chivas Guadalajara

Rob Holding, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chuba Akpom were all on target for Arsenal at the Stubhub Centre. Arsenal showed their quality in patches during a 3-1 win over Guadalajara in Sunday's pre-season friendly in Carson, California. After leaving it late against the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday, Arsenal continued their winning tour of the United States as big-money recruit Granit Xhaka made his first start for the Premier League giants. But it was new defender Rob Holding who grabbed the early headlines, the unlikely source of Arsenal's opening goal just past the half-hour mark at Stubhub Centre, after combining with centre-back partner Calum Chambers. Arsenal stepped it up a gear in the second half, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain staking his claim … [Read more...]

Rashford: United players can learn from Ibrahimovic

Marcus Rashford expects he and his teammates can learn a lot from Zlatan Ibrahimovic even if the Swede’s arrival might limit his own first-team opportunities at Manchester United. Rashford burst onto the scene last season, with the 18-year-old emerging from the youth ranks to earn a place in the first XI and an unexpected trip to Euro 2016. But new United boss Jose Mourinho has strengthened his hand with the signing of Ibrahimovic, who scored with a bicycle kick four minutes into his first appearance against Galatasaray on Saturday, leaving Rashford to scrap for game time. Time will tell how that works out, and the teenager believes simply sharing a dressing room with someone of Ibrahimovic’s stature will help him advance. “We can definitely all learn … [Read more...]

Milner considers quitting international football

Milner says his place at Euro 2016 could have gone to a young player who would have benefitted more after he played just five minutes. James Milner is considering international retirement to clear the way for England's young talent. The 30-year-old Liverpool midfielder was part of England's squad at Euro 2016, his fourth major tournament, but barely featured as England slipped out in the second round under Roy Hodgson. Leicester's Danny Drinkwater was controversially overlooked while the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have impressed with England Under-21s, and Milner is now thinking about calling time on his international career after 61 caps. "Over the last couple of years with the England team I have not really played too much," … [Read more...]

Bailly reveals Manchester City snub in favour of United

New Manchester United signing Eric Bailly has revealed he could have easily been playing in blue in the Premier League this season. The 22-year-old centre-back signed for the Red Devils back in June and has been compared by Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane . However, the £25m capture from Villarreal has said that he did have another offer to consider from arch-rivals Manchester City, but a conversation with a Chelsea legend helped sway his decision. “I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that,” Bailly told the Sunday Times. “I wanted to play for someone who works very hard. I didn’t speak to Pep Guardiola but the ‘second’ manager called me and Mourinho called me as well. “He said come and play for me. I prefer … [Read more...]