Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock swoop to sign Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal if efforts to lure Henrikh Mkhitaryan away from Borussia Dortmund stall. Jose Mourinho has highlighted midfield as an area key to his Old Trafford redevelopment and is optimistic his latest offer, believed to be in the region of £28m , will be enough to convince Dortmund to sell Mkhitaryan. The Bundesliga outfit are growing increasingly concerned about an exodus following the departures of Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan to Bayern Munich and Manchester City respectively. But, according to The Sun , Mourinho is prepared to test their resolve by moving onto other targets, namely Arsenal’s Welsh midfielder Ramsey. After a slow start, the 25-year-old is now making … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: De Gea falters as Croatia beat Spain
Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc Fabregas’ effort from virtually on the goal-line. An error from De Gea almost allowed Ivan Rakitic to equalise but the Barcelona midfielder’s lofted attempt came back off the crossbar after possession had been gifted … [Read more...]
Manchester United linked with Swiss striker Breel Embolo
Manchester United are likely to stiff competition from Schalke for the signing of Swiss youngster Breel Embolo, according to reports in the German media. Embolo has been heavily linked with Manchester United in reports say that new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on the Basel striker. RB Leipzig, who have just recently been promoted to the Bundesliga, were claimed to be rivalling United for the 19-year-old’s signature and were also said to have made a bid in the region of £16million. But Leipzig’s manager, Ralf Rangnick ruled out a move for the Swiss international recently. Speaking to German newspaper, Leipziger Volkszeitung, Rangnick says: “We’ve informed the agent of Embolo and Basel that we are no longer interested in his … [Read more...]
Mats Hummels reveals why he snubbed United
Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has suggested he turned down a move to Manchester United because they could not offer him Champions League football. Hummels, 27, is due to join Bayern, the club where he began his career, from Borussia Dortmund after he returns from Euro 2016 with Germany. Although the centre-back has flirted in the past with a move abroad, he opted to stay in Germany, signing a five-year deal in May with Bayern, who are paying €37 million for his services. Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Hummels revealed that he considered a transfer to England, but did not receive the right offer. "Fundamentally, England, Spain and Germany were the relevant leagues I could see myself playing football in," Hummels said. "But at this stage there … [Read more...]
Zlatan to join United as he seeks revenge on Guardiola
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent has dropped another hint that the player is Manchester United bound – by saying his client wants to inflict “revenge” upon his former manager Pep Guardiola. Ibrahimovic is out of contract at Paris Saint-German this summer and will announce his next club soon, after Sweden’s Euro 2016 campaign ends. His nation face Belgium in their final group game and are long odds to beat the Red Devils. Manchester United is thought to be the 34-year-old’s most likely destination, with Jose Mourinho keen to instill star power and guaranteed goals at Old Trafford in his first season as manager. Ibrahimovic’s agent, Mino Raiola, has dropped a big hint that the striker could be headed to United, as he wants “revenge” over Manchester City boss … [Read more...]
playing with Gerrard and Scholes helped me adapt- Rooney
Former England team-mates Paul Scholes and Steven Gerarrd are the inspiration for Wayne Rooney as he establishes himself as a midfielder. Wayne Rooney says playing alongside midfield greats like Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes has prepared him for his late-career drop back from a regular striking role. Manchester United and England captain Rooney has shone in midfield at Euro 2016 so far, with his stellar performances set to earn him protected status and a rest ahead of the knockout stages as Roy Hodgson's side round off the Group B campaign against Slovakia on Monday. Already England's record goalscorer, and second only to Bobby Charlton in United's striking stakes, Rooney says it should be no surprise to see him moving down the pitch as his career goes … [Read more...]
Manchester United target Paul Pogba in talks with Real Madrid, his agent confirms
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, Man City , Chelsea and in particular Manchester United , has been at Juventus since 2012 — and won the Serie A title in each of his four seasons in Italy. Paul Pogba is reported to be in talks with Real Madrid over a summer move However, the European champions appear to be firmly at the front of the queue after super-agent, Mino Raiola, admitted Pogba ’s fondness for fellow countryman Zidane could be key as talks between the two parties are ongoing. He said: “We are in the first stage of the negotiations. “Paul admirers Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will obviously be important towards his decision.” Raiola also suggested it will take a world-record fee to … [Read more...]
Henrikh Mkhitaryan close to joining United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's agent says he is still working on a move to Manchester United for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Mkhitaryan, 27, has been linked with a transfer away from Dortmund this summer, with sources saying that Arsenal are interested, while his agent Mino Raiola has claimed United have made a €24 million offer. However, the Bundesliga club have insisted that they have no plans to sell the Armenia international and will force him to see out his contract at the Westfalenstadion, which expires next summer. Mkhitaryan has said he has no plans to extend his stay at Dortmund, and Raiola still believes he can fashion a move to United for his client. "It would be a sin to stop talking," Raiola is quoted as saying, "I am a positive guy. If I … [Read more...]
Rooney willing to end his career at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney is interested in extending his deal with Manchester United even further than the three seasons he has left on his contract. Rooney, 30, has been playing in midfield for England at Euro 2016 and was also in a deeper role for United in the closing stages of last season and says he is viewing Ryan Giggs as a role model, with the former United winger having prolonged his career by shifting into a midfield role in the latter stages of his career. New United manager Jose Mourinho recently said of Rooney: "Wayne is and has been England's best player for over a decade," showing the high regard that the Portuguese has for the player. When Mourinho returned to Chelsea as manager for a second spell in summer 2013, he had quickly tried to sign Rooney, … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho’s dad Felix rushed back to hospital with pneumonia
78-year-old former Portugal goalkeeper suffered a number of health scares during his son's second stint as Chelsea manager He has reportedly been rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties in another health setback for the ailing OAP, after suffering breathing difficulties and will remain there until Monday at the earliest Showbiz website Flash Vidas said the 78-year-old was admitted to Sao Bernardo Hospital in his native Setubal an hour’s drive south of Lisbon on Thursday. He is said to have been diagnosed with pneumonia and reportedly has to remain in hospital until at least Monday. A private medical team which reportedly cares for him round-the-clock following his hospital release a few months ago is believed to have decided he needed immediate … [Read more...]
United and Chelsea do battle for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci
After a storming start to Euro 2016, Juventus ‘ Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci has caught the attention of Premier League giants Manchester United. The Azzurri have kept two clean sheets in their opening Group E matches, with the 29-year-old even claiming an assist to continue an excellent double-winning season with the Old Lady. That form has seen Manchester United consider a bid for Bonucci, according to Daily Star, with a whopping €64 million being placed on the centre-back’s price tag by Juve. Having only just signed tied the Italian down to a fresh contract that will run until 2020, the Bianconeri are also having to hold off Premier League giants Chelsea , where ex-Juventus coach Antonio Conte is aiming to reunite with one of his former star … [Read more...]
Former City Boss Pellegrini linked with vacant Southampton job
Southampton’s search for a new manager has taken a further twist, with Claude Puel, Vitor Pereira and Manuel Pellegrini all on the shortlist before further interviews this weekend. The bookmakers’ favourite has been Rudi Garcia but, after talks over recent days, the former Lille and Roma manager is no longer regarded as an option. Frank de Boer, André Villas-Boas and Eddie Howe are also not on the shortlist list, but Pellegrini has emerged as a potential candidate after signals that he would be interested in talking to Southampton and remaining in the Premier League following his departure from Manchester City. Southampton want a manager who encourages a high-pressing and passing style, as well as a willingness to promote young players and, ideally, … [Read more...]
Chelsea and United interested in Napoli star Marek Hamsik
Manchester United and Chelsea face a difficult task to sign Napoli Star Marek Hamsik, according to his agent. The 28-year-old Slovakia star, who has been one of the shining lights at Euro 2016 scoring a wonderful goal in the recent win over Russia, has come on to the radar of the Premier League duo, according to sources. Chelsea and United are reportedly keen on Hamsik, who played in every Serie A game last season, scoring six goals as the Naples club finished second to secure a place in the Champions League. However, the Premier League duo’s interest may be shortlived after the player’s agent revealed he will soon sit down for talks with the Italian club. “Maurizio Sarri [Napoli manager] is important for Hamsik who is having the best time of his … [Read more...]
Manchester United one of three clubs interested in Neymar
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Barcelona superstar Neymar as his agent claims three clubs are interested in the Brazilian. The Brazilian superstar has a clause in his Barca contract that allows the forward to speak to any interested parties who meet his €200million (£157m) price tag. And his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claims there are thee clubs – reportedly Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid – who are ready to put the money up in a bid to lure the 24-year-old away from Catalonia. Ribeiro said: “There are three big clubs in the world that want to sign Neymar and pay a clause of €200m to Barcelona. “I cannot say more than this because it is sensistive. I can only guarantee that Neymar is happy at … [Read more...]
Manchester United linked with a move for Cesar Azpilicueta
Manchester United are interested in signing Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta, according to reports in Spain. Spanish daily AS claims incoming Chelsea gaffer Antonio Conte is happy to offload the versatile defender this summer for just £11.8million. Sourcea say that Azpilicueta is a target for Barcelona as they look to replace the departed Dani Alves, but now Jose Mourinho is believed to be interested in the defender. The Spain star was a key player under Mourinho at Chelsea and the United boss is a big admirer of the consistent 26-year-old. “Azpilicueta is the kind of player I like a lot. I think a team with 11 Azpilicueta’s probably could win the competition [Champions League] because football is not just about the pure talent,” said Mourinho in … [Read more...]
Manchester United lead the chase to sign Bordeaux’s Adam Ounas
Manchester United are leading the race to sign Adam Ounas from Bordeaux despite other clubs vying for the signature of the youngster. The 19-year old is in hot demand after a brilliant season for his club in Ligue 1, with United leading the pack having tabled a fee of about £8 million according to French media Stoke City, Southampton, Napoli as well as newly promoted Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig are all really interested in bringing the France Under-20 international to their respective clubs. The French club have endured recent struggles as of late and could only finish 11th last season but despite this Ounas was still able to score five goals and notch two assists in 24 appearances for the club in their last campaign. Despite the player’s fine … [Read more...]
Rashford breaks Rooney record
From Manchester United’s youth team to an appearance at Euro 2016, Marcus Rashford has capped a remarkable five months by becoming the youngest ever English player to play a European Championship game. The 18-year-old broke the record held by Wayne Rooney, from Euro 2004, by four days after replacing Adam Lallana in the last-gasp 2-1 win over Wales . Since making his Manchester United debut in February, Rashford has enjoyed a meteoric rise and enjoyed a dream international debut against Australia last month – scoring after just two minutes and 15 seconds. That goal saw him break another record as he became the youngest English player to score on his international debut. “I am really pleased for him,” said England captain Rooney. “I saw today that it … [Read more...]
Schweinsteiger will start from the bench- Joachim Low
Germany will continue to use Bastian Schweinsteiger in his role as a substitute in their second group match against Poland on Thursday, according to head coach Joachim Low. Schweinsteiger, 31, made an impressive return from injury on Sunday, when it took the Manchester United midfielder only minutes to score in his first competitive match since a 21-minute appearance in the Red Devil's 1-0 derby defeat of Manchester City on March 20. The Germany captain came off the bench in the 90th minute against Ukraine on Sunday and scored two minutes into extra-time, striking from a Mesut Ozil cross after storming into the box with a 40-metre sprint. But despite his impressive return, Schweinsteiger is set to start on the bench when Germany take on Poland in Paris … [Read more...]
Schweinsteiger relaxed about his Future- Joachim Low
Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will speak to manager Jose Mourinho about his future after Euro 2016 but the player is "very relaxed," according to Germany head coach Joachim Low. Schweinsteiger had not played in nearly three months due to injury woes, until coming off the bench for Germany in the 89th minute against Ukraine on Sunday. The 31-year-old promptly scored, giving Low's men a 2-0 victory in their opening game of the European Championship, but his future at United has been the subject of debate, with Mourinho ready to re-mould the squad. Schweinsteiger's last game for United had been on Mar 20, when he came on for the final 20 minutes in the 1-0 win at Manchester City, but he had not started since playing in the 1-0 win over … [Read more...]
Next Season’s Premier League Fixture List Has Been Released
The European Championship may be in full swing, but that doesn't mean we can't get excited about the announcement of the Premier League fixture list for the 2016-17 season. Here's a quick reaction to some of the more notable lines to come out of the fixture list... Arsenal have perhaps the toughest start to the campaign of the big clubs: they face Liverpool, Leicester and Chelsea in their first six fixtures; while Liverpool's away run begins Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea. But Hull's start is positively nightmarish: the Tigers will have to play Leicester, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea before Oct. 1. Get them out of the way early, eh? Toughest run-in If Mourinho is to take Manchester United back to something like their past glories, … [Read more...]
Zlatan agrees terms with United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed to provisional terms with Manchester United and will complete his move to Old Trafford after Euro 2016, sources close to the deal said. Ibrahimovic, 34, will be a free agent when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out this summer, but both United and new manager Jose Mourinho had been in contact with the striker about a prospective move from as far back as March. The Portuguese manager gave his approval to the signing then, and both manager and player were enthused by the idea of working with each other again after winning the Italian title together at Inter Milan in 2008-09. Negotiations could not get under way fully until the past few weeks, and sources claim that some clauses related to Ibrahimovic's one-year deal … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho plans showdown talks with Phil Jones
Jose Mourinho is set to give Phil Jones assurances about his future at Manchester United, according to a report. Mourinho has reportedly requested a meeting Phil Jones to clear up the defender’s future at Old Trafford with Goal claiming the Portuguese boss is intent on keeping the versatile player at the club. Jones, 24, signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford in June 2015, but numerous ankle problems and a blood clot in his calf meant he made only six Premier League starts last season. Dutch utility player Daley Blind also filled in at centre-back under Louis van Gaal limiting Jones’ first-team action, but Mourinho is understood to be keen on keeping the player at Old Trafford, Mourinho will sit down with Jones when he returns from … [Read more...]