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Manchester United confirm signing of Borussia Dortmund star

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract. Mkhitaryan, 27, becomes United's third arrival of the summer after Eric Bailly from Villarreal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain. He told United's official website: "I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me. "Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father's memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young." A dream come true! So happy to join @ManUtd, a club I always admired for … [Read more...]

Schweinsteiger misses training as Germany sweat on player’s fitness

With Sami Khedira, Mario Gomez and Mats Hummels already absentees for Germany’s clash with France, Joachim Low is sweating on the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes. Germany trained at their Evian-les-Bains base on Tuesday ahead of their Euro 2016 semi-final with France, without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes. Captain Schweinsteiger has been struggling with a knee problem and also missed training on Monday, with the Manchester United man a doubt for the clash. Howedes, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for Thursday’s fixture and, according to the German FA, the Schalke defender’s solo training session in the gym was merely precautionary. Coach Joachim Low already has three players missing for the encounter with the host … [Read more...]

Valencia sign former United player Nani from Fenerbahce

Valencia have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United winger Luis Nani from Fenerbahce for £7.2million. The Portugal international has signed for the La Liga side on a three-year deal just a year after leaving Old Trafford. Nani had been linked with both Liverpool and Everton in the last month with Turkish publication Fanatik claiming that the Merseyside pair had bee urged to move quickly before his €8.5million release clause expired on July 1. “Valencia have reached an agreement with Portugal international Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha ‘Nani’ that ties the player to our club for the next three seasons,” read a statement from Valencia. “Nani, 29, has played for Sporting CP (2005-2007, 2014-15), Manchester United (2007-2014) and Fenerbahce … [Read more...]

Jose Mourinho eager to take Manchester United back to the top

The Portuguese who replaced Louis van Gaal as Manchester United boss in May was unveiled to the press and paraded with the club shirt and scarf. And he insists he knows what's expected of him. "I arrive into a club that is difficult to describe," he said. "I don’t like the nomination that many people use, dream job. "This is reality - I am Manchester United manager. It is a job that everyone wants and not many have had the chance to have. "I have it. I know the responsibility, expectation and the legacy of this club. I know what the fans expect from me. "This challenge doesn’t make me nervous." Mourinho revealed he plans on using Wayne Rooney as a striker - or second striker - rather than a midfielder. He said he's signed three players and … [Read more...]

Wayne Rooney will not play in midfield- Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has suggested that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will not play in midfield for him next season. Rooney, 30, had been used in a deeper midfield role for United and also England at Euro 2016 but, speaking at his first news conference as manager at Old Trafford, Mourinho hinted that was not where he saw his future. "There are many jobs on the field. The most difficult to find is one to put the ball in the net," he said. "It is normal that a player at his age will change a little bit. "One thing that will never change is his natural appetite to put the ball in the net. Maybe he is not a striker, not a No. 9 anymore. But with me he will never be a No. 6, playing 50m from goal. "Yes, his passing is amazing but mine is also amazing … [Read more...]

Ferguson: Ryan Giggs ready to step up

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Jose Mourinho’s decision not to keep club legend Ryan Giggs on as assistant manager, as he believes the Welshman is ready for a top job. Mourinho will be unveiled to the press on Tuesday as the Red Devils’ third permanent manager since Ferguson resigned in 2013 after 27 years in charge at Old Trafford. Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles in Ferguson’s side, brought to an end his own 29-year association with the club on Saturday. The 42-year-old made a record 963 appearances for United before managing them for four matches on an interim basis following the sacking of David Moyes in 2014. He then formed part of the backroom staff for Louis van Gaal but, despite having 12 months left on his contract, has decided to … [Read more...]

Jose Mourinho mocks Arsene Wenger in Manchester United unveiling

JOSE MOURINHO has re-ignited his feud with Arsene Wenger after mocking the Arsenal boss in his first day in charge of Manchester United. Mourinho was unveiled as United boss for the first time at Old Trafford and immediately revealed he is targeting the Premier League title this season. But he laughed off claims he was under pressure to deliver trophies at Old Trafford – and aimed a thinly-disguised dig in the direction of his old foe Wenger. Mourinho said: “Some managers haven’t won a title for ten years. Some of them have never won a title. “I won one a year ago. If I have a lot to prove, imagine the others. “I could approach the job defensively by saying the best we have done is fourth and the FA Cup in the last three years, but I can’t – it … [Read more...]

Guardiola taunts Manchester United

Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City are yet to secure their place in the Champions League -- but said their situation is still "better than Manchester United's." Guardiola agreed to join City in February and said taking the job had not been dependent on the club qualifying for the Champions League. They eventually finished fourth under Guardiola's predecessor, Manuel Pellegrini, and must win a two-legged playoff to qualify for the group stage, with Roma and Borussia Monchengladbach among their potential opponents. However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said it was a better scenario than that facing Jose Mourinho's United, who are certain to be in the Europa League after finishing fifth last season. "I wasn't worried. I was … [Read more...]

Manchester City sign Ukraine winger Oleksandr Zinchenko from FC Ufa

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Ukraine attacking midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko from FC Ufa. Sources revealed last week that City had agreed a deal for Zinchenko, 19, and the transfer has now been completed. The Manchester Evening News reports that Zinchenko cost £1.7 million. He played in all three of Ukraine's matches at Euro 2016, coming on as a substitute against Germany and Northern Ireland, before starting against Poland. Zinchenko scored twice in 26 appearances in all competitions for Russian club Ufa, after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk on a free transfer in 2015. Manchester City are pleased to announce the transfer of Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko from FC Ufa. pic.twitter.com/9r2T0a0a0w - Manchester City … [Read more...]

Mourinho hints at more United signings

Manchester United can expect more signings at the club after Jose Mourinho revealed he was looking to land a fourth transfer target. Jose Mourinho is working on wrapping up the signing of a fourth transfer target after suggesting a deal to bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United is all but complete. United have already snapped up Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic since Mourinho was appointed as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford, with Mkhitaryan's arrival from Borussia Dortmund appearing imminent. And Mourinho has now revealed his hopes to secure a mystery fourth player to maintain his pre-season recruitment drive. "I don't know how many more changes we need," he said as he was presented to the media on Tuesday. "The third player will … [Read more...]

New City signing Mooy loaned out to Huddersfield

Australian midfield maestro Aaron Mooy is set to continue his career with Huddersfield Town after it was announced he would move on a season-long loan today. Mooy was delighted to join his team-mates for training this week ahead of the 2016-17 English Championship season. "I'm delighted to join Huddersfield Town Football Club, ahead of what I'm sure will be a really exciting season and I can't wait to get started. The Championship is a really tough competition and provides me with a good challenge for the next stage of my career," Mooy said. “I’m looking forward to meeting my new team mates and to working with the boss David Wagner. Huddersfield are a progressive club and are an ideal fit for me to achieve my goals for the coming year " Mooy’s agent, … [Read more...]

Manchester United Chris Smalling taken to Bali hospital for food poisoning

Chris Smalling has been in hospital in Bali, Indonesia with food poisoning which led to him fainting, his club Manchester United said in a statement. Reports earlier on Monday said United were investigating after a picture of Smalling on a hospital bed surfaced on social media, and a club statement was released giving the official reason. The statement added that Smalling is "now feeling fine" and that the player thanked everyone for their support. Smalling has been in Bali on holiday ahead of reporting back for preseason training later this month. United players who have been involved in the European Championship will return to the club later than those not involved. Players who were not given delayed holidays, after international duty, begin work this … [Read more...]

Hirving Lozano to join Man United after Olympics

Hirving Lozano admits he cannot wait to start working for Jose Mourinho and to link up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United. Lozano has made 91 league appearances for Pachuca and has seven caps for Mexico, receiving his first call-up in February before going on to feature in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The player has since emerged as a target for United and his club’s vice-president Andres Fassi has confirmed talks are underway between the winger and the Premier League club. “Already there are negotiations with that team, yes, but there is still nothing finalised,” Fassi said. Since then the Mexico international’s father-in-law has talked up the 20-year-old’s move to Old Trafford and explained it will be finalised following the Rio … [Read more...]

Takuma Asano hopes his qualities will help him succeed at Arsenal

New Arsenal frontman Takuma Asano believes his “quick moves and eagerness” will help him become a success in the Premier League. The 21-year-old Japan striker has joined the Gunners from Sanfrecce Hiroshima for an undisclosed fee with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger seeing him as one for the future. Takuma, who has five caps for Japan revealed he was looking forward to proving himself abroad. “I am glad that I can have a challenge overseas, which I have always wanted,” he told the Evening Standard. “I want to play aggressively. I want to score many goals on the pitch, performing with my quick moves and eagerness.” The forward is nicknamed “The Jaguar” because of his lightning pace helped Sanfrecce win the Japanese J.League title in 2015 by scoring nine … [Read more...]

Liverpool and Man United battle for Porto Midfielder

Liverpool and Manchester United are set to battle each other for the signature of Porto Midfielder Ruben Neves according to reports. Neves has been linked with a host of clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, over the last 12 months after catching the eye since making his Porto breakthrough in 2014. The 19-year-old has made 75 appearances in all competitions for the club and has won two caps for Portugal, although he missed out on selection for Euro 2016. Reports in Portugal suggest it is now a race between Liverpool and United to land the sough-after teenager. Repors have it that Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Neves and the club are negotiating a €20million deal. However, O Jogo suggest the Red Devils are favourites to land Neves. Porto are … [Read more...]

Napoli determined to keep defender despite Chelsea interest

Contrary to speculation, a deal to take the highly-rated centre-back to Stamford Bridge is far from complete, with the Campania club determined not to sell. Despite reports suggesting a move to Chelsea is imminent, Napoli have insisted that Kalidou Koulibaly is not for sale. Sources in England over the weekend had claimed that the 25-year-old was on course to become Antonio Conte’s first major defensive signing at Stamford Bridge , with a fee of around €35.75 million being mooted for the imposing centre-back. However, with three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that he expects the ex-Genk player to see out the remainder of his contract with the Partenopei. “I have never … [Read more...]

Chelsea want Higuain as replacement for Diego Costa

With the Neapolitans standing firm on their talisman’s €94m release clause, their resolve it set to be tested by the Blues, who are seeking a Diego Costa replacement. A return to Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa will reportedly see Chelsea replace the Spaniard with Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain. The Rojiblancos have been chasing a new striker for the season ahead, with the Argentine himself strongly linked, but it appears that Diego Simeone will seek to return Costa to the Spanish capital, where he spent a number of years before moving to England. According to AS, Antonio Conte’s side will offer the Partenopei a sizeable figure for Higuain, although it is unclear if they’ll meet his €94 million release clause or seek to negotiate a lower … [Read more...]

Arsenal goalkeeper Szcsesny set to remain on loan with Roma

Wojciech Szczesny could join the Lupi side on loan for another campaign after Luciano Spalletti made his capture a top priority. After spending last season on loan with Roma , Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szcsesny is set for another spell with the capital club. Lupi coach Luciano Spalletti made it clear to directors that he wants the Polish international at his disposal next campaign, and it appears they are ready to satisfy his demands. Although Roma locked up a deal for promising Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson from Internacional for €7.5 million, that move came prior to the Italian’s appointment as boss. With the Brazilian having yet to play in Europe, Spalletti is keen to ensure he has an experienced option at his disposal. A move for Szczesny … [Read more...]

Liverpool to do battle with Everton for Belgian midfielder

Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel seemed poised to make a switch to Everton, but Liverpool have reportedly lined up an eleventh hour move. Liverpool are attempting to gain ground on Napoli and rivals Everton in the race to sign Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel. The Anfield outfit are eager to bolster the centre of the pitch by pursuing the sought-after Belgian now that one of their former transfer targets, Gregorz Krychowiak, has signed for Paris Saint-Germain. That said, the Toffees, who placed a €36 million bid on the 27-year-old, believe they’re still in pole position to acquire the footballer, according to The Sun. Maurizio Sarri had been keen to add the Belgian to his Napoli midfield, whilst Roma , Inter , and Juventus had all … [Read more...]

Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski set to join Napoli

Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski is closing in on a move to Napoli, according to reports in Italy. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the Poland international and last month his intention was to reject all overtures from Napoli and hold out for a move to Liverpool. However, that now appears to have changed with Tele Club Italia reporting that Zielinski will sign for the Serie A club by tomorrow at the latest. Liverpool and Napoli are believed to lodged a €12million bids for the player, but according to reports Liverpool’s offer has been rejected, while the Naples-based club have had their same bid accepted. Udinese are trying to get more money from the Premier League club and are now intent on selling Zielinski to their Serie A … [Read more...]

Ballack hails Giroud after netting a brace against Iceland

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is becoming his favourite player at Euro 2016. Giroud was named man of the match after scoring twice in France’s 5-2 victory over Iceland in the quarter-finals, a victory which sets up a clash with Germany in the final four. And former Germany captain Ballack has heaped praise on the 29-year-old, who has been much maligned by Arsenal supporters throughout his three years in north London. “Maybe he doesn’t get a lot of praise sometimes because he is not that fast. But Giroud really knows how to play upfront on and off the ball and we saw that today [against Iceland],” he said “He is becoming my favourite player in the tournament so far because he plays in a way that always … [Read more...]

Lucas Leiva unsure of Liverpool future amid Besiktas interest

Lucas Leiva has admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp amid talk Besiktas are set to swoop for his services. The 29-year-old midfielder will return to Melwood this week to start pre-season training, but his long-term future is far from assured and reports suggest Besiktas are back on the trail of the holding midfielder. Lucas told Radio Joven Pan in Brazil: “There have been some changes last season, with the coaching change. “I still do not know exactly what will be my role within the group, but I am returning on Thursday to start the pre-season. “It’s the first transfer window in which Klopp will participate more actively in Liverpool, so I will get a better idea when I return.” Martin Skrtel is set to … [Read more...]