Sweden boss Erik Hamren said his side will "have to give 300 percent" against Italy and Belgium if they are to progress following Monday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Ireland had much the better of the first half at the Stade de France, with Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick going closest when he struck the crossbar with just over half an hour played, but it remained goalless at the break. Wes Hoolahan's fine goal gave Ireland the advantage on 48 minutes but Sweden then improved and salvaged a draw when Ciaran Clark headed a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross into his own net. The point gives Sweden hope of progress but they face a tough challenge given the quality of opposition in Group E. Hamren said: "The feeling right now is disappointment more than being … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: David De Gea not distracted as he helps Spain secure win
Spain goalkeeper David De Gea finally put a bad week behind him, displacing his compatriot Iker Casillas and making a vital save at the end of his team's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic on Monday in their European Championship opener. De Gea helped Spain extend its tournament record of not conceding a goal for 600 minutes, three days after facing allegations involving a pornography filmmaker. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque waited until the last minute to name De Gea as the starter in goal ahead of Casillas after a police investigation threatened to destabilize La Roja's camp. The 25-year-old De Gea's name appeared in court papers on Friday in which a protected witness accused him of promoting an encounter between her and two other soccer players. De Gea … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: England not afraid of Gareth Bale’s Welsh team- Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney rates Gareth Bale among the world's best, but England's collective quality means he is not getting hung up on Wales' star turn ahead of their Euro 2016 clash. All eyes will be on the tiny French city of Lens on Thursday as the neighbours do battle in a mouth-watering Group B clash at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. England head into the match reeling from a late sucker punch against Russia in Marseille, where Eric Dier's thunderous strike was cancelled out by a stoppage-time Vasili Berezutsky header. That 1-1 draw adds an extra ingredient to Thursday's already fascinating encounter, which Wales approach buoyed by winning their first ever European Championship match. Bale set Chris Coleman's men on their way with a fine free-kick in the 2-1 defeat … [Read more...]
Marouane Fellaini eager to impress Mourinho
Marouane Fellaini insists he hopes to stay at Manchester United this summer by claiming he would be “proud and honoured” to work with Jose Mourinho. Mourinho was appointed a fortnight ago and has immediately set about rebuilding United’s squad, with Eric Bailly already signed up and Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly set to follow. United have on Sunday morning been linked with a move for N’Golo Kante, with Mourinho reportedly desperate to strengthen his midfield. Fellaini has been one of the members of the current playing staff whose place is reportedly most in danger, but the Belgium star is keen to prove his worth to the new manager. “Mourinho contacted me by text to say welcome to United and to wish me a good Euro,” said the midfielder. “As far as my … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Joachim Low happy with Schweinsteiger after scoring decisive goal
Germany manager Joachim Low praised substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger after the Manchester United midfielder saw his hard work result in a crucial goal against the Ukraine. Germany cruised to a 2-0 victory in their Group C opener at the European Championship, with Schweinsteiger adding the second in stoppage time after coming on in the 90th minute on Sunday. Speaking after the match, Low was pleased for the longtime Bayern Munich man, who had battled a knee injury for most of 2016. "I'm very happy for Bastian Schweinsteiger -- after all the work he's done in recent months, he scored the decisive goal," Low said. "It will help him and the team a lot." Germany left the result in doubt before Schweinsteiger's strike from a Mesut Ozil cross. While aware of … [Read more...]
Goalkeeping headache for Vincente Del Bosque
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque refused to confirm which of David De Gea or Iker Casillas will be starting goalkeeper when the defending champions meet Czech Republic in their opening match on Monday. Speaking on Sunday in Toulouse at his prematch press conference, Del Bosque said he will inform the goalkeepers of his decision in front of the rest of the squad. "I'm going to tell them together," he said. "I will tell the goalkeepers at the same time as the rest of the players. We have to think about situations for the team, we're not thinking just about the keeper [but] thinking about the whole team. The final decision will be made tomorrow." Del Bosque admitted he was not sure if Manchester United's De Gea had been affected by accusations made in a … [Read more...]
MANCHESTER UNITED JOINS RACE FOR N’GOLO KANTE
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to launch a £22m raid for Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to the Sunday Mirror. Kante, who played in hosts France’s 2-1 win over Romania on Friday, played a major part in the Foxes’ shock Premier League triumph. And Man United are now ready to trigger the release clause in his contract and bring him to Old Trafford. Mourinho wants the midfield powerhouse to add steel and energy to United’s midfield as he continues his plans to rebuild after the £30m signing of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal . But United will face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG have all expressed their interest in the midfielder, who joined the Foxes in a £5.6m deal from Caen last summer. Meanwhile, reports … [Read more...]
Mourinho wants Inter Milan defender Miranda at Old Trafford
Positive showings in his debut Serie A campaign have put Miranda on Jose Mourinho’s transfer target list for the Red Devils to pursue. Premier League in the dugout with Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has emphasised the need for an improved defence by targeting Inter centre-back Miranda. The Brazilian proved to be a vital cog within a resilient Nerazzurri defence during an impressive start to the Serie A campaign, but his excellence has inevitably garnered transfer interest from the English giants this summer. Mourinho has already set the wheels in motion at Old Trafford with the recent signing of Eric Bailly, but the Portuguese tactician is keen on adding some experience to his back line and may raid his former club to add the 31-year-old to his … [Read more...]
De Gea and Muniain’s WhatsApp conversations revealed
A conversation between the players has been made public by El Confidencial and Cadena Ser Two WhatsApp conversations have shed some light on the Spanish sexual assault case which has implicated Iker Muniain, David de Gea, and an as yet unnamed third player. A protected witness has accused Athletic club’s Muniain and another player of sexual assault during a sex party back in 2012, a meeting Spain goalkeeper de Gea is accused of arranging. “Muniain and the other player were at the hotel, I wasn’t there. It wasn’t me,” De Gea said, according to a source from El Confidencial, who leaked those messages. The witness and Muniain however made conflicting claims. “Muniain told me it was you [De Gea],” the witness insisted. When asked by the witness how much … [Read more...]
Man Utd keeper David De Gea denies organising underage sex parties for friends
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been drawn in to a sex scandal But De Gea has hit back at the claims and said the matter was being dealt with by his lawyers. He said: “It is all a lie. “I feel even stronger about staying with the national team… it is all false and it is in my lawyers hands. “I never thought about leaving. It gives me more strength to train even harder.” The allegations say the United number one arranged for his former Spanish under-21 teammate Iker Muniain and an unnamed player to meet the prostitute for sexual relations against her will. Spanish website El Diario reports the stunning allegations were part of evidence given to prosecutors in a high profile case that saw porn baron Torbe, real name Ignacio … [Read more...]
Inter Milan considering Bastian Schweinsteiger loan deal from Manchester United
The arrival of Jose Mourinho could force the German out of Old Trafford despite only joining the Red Devils last summer for €9m Manchster United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger could be set for a loan move to Inter , after it was claimed that Jose Mourinho is willing to let the 2014 World Cup winner leave Old Trafford. Having identified this as a potential signing, Serie A coach Roberto Mancini is now plotting a possible move for the ball-playing midfielder, who only made 18 Premier League appearances for Louis van Gaal’s side last season. Mancini is expecting a busy transfer market for the Nerazzurri this summer, as the Italian tactician looks to strengthen his Inter side ahead of next year’s crucial campaign. The Nerazzurri could obtain Schweinsteiger on an … [Read more...]
Michael Carrick signs one-year United deal
Michael Carrick has signed a one year contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford rick, 34, will extend his relationship with United past 10 years with the new contract, having arrived at Old Trafford from Tottenham in July 2006. Carrick has gone on to win five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, one League Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Champions League in his time as a United player. He told the club's website : "This great club has been a part of my life for the past 10 years, so I am delighted that this incredible journey is continuing. "It's great to have the opportunity to work under Jose Mourinho, who has achieved so much during his managerial career. I would like to thank the fans for their unwavering support. Winning the FA Cup was a … [Read more...]
Smalling hails Van Gaal’s tactical awareness
After a solid season for United at the heart of Van Gaal’s defence, Smalling was key as United conceded just 35 Premier League goals – a record no other side could better. And now the Greenwich-born defender will head into Euro 2016 as England’s first-choice centre-half and barring injury, he will start Saturday’s opening group game alongside Chelsea man Gary Cahill. But the 26-year-old is in doubt who to credit for his steady progress, despite Van Gaal’s sacking last month. “It was great working with Louis and getting a good run of games,” said Smalling. “Knowing Louis, he’s one that’s very tactically aware. Despite the ups and downs of the season, I think on the whole we as a team were very solid. “We didn’t concede too many goals throughout the season. … [Read more...]
Manchester United sign Ivorian defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal
The defender, 22, is believed to have cost United £30m, and has signed a four-year contract with the option of another two years. Bailly becomes United manager Jose Mourinho's first signing at Old Trafford, with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic tipped to join the club next month. "It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United," he told mufc.com . "To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do. "I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. "I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life." Bailly joined Villarreal last summer after a season-long stint at La Liga side … [Read more...]
Eric Bailly passes medical at Manchester United ahead of his £30m move
Manchester United faced tough competition from Manchester City , Barcelona and Paris St-Germain for the defender's signature - but it seems they have won the race. They add that the interest drove the transfer fee towards £30m. Bailly joined Villarreal in January 2015 and impressed for the La Liga side. The centre-back made 35 appearances for Villarreal last season, chipping in with one goal. Bailly started his footballing career at Espanyol and Manolo Marquez gave him his debut for the B team in 2013. And Marquez yesterday claimed his former player would be a good fit for new United boss Jose Mourinho. "I'm absolutely convinced that he'd be a success in England," he told ESPN . "He's similar to Sergio Ramos and while he's not as good … [Read more...]
Ibrahimovic keeps fans guessing as speculations over his future continues
The Swedish superstar continued to keep the Manchester United fans waiting after he appeared at a much anticipated advertising event in Paris. F ar from the big reveal that some thought it might be, Zlatan Ibrahimovic refused to give little more than a few hints on this future when he answered journalists’ questions in Paris on Tuesday. The striker was appearing at a launch event for A to Z sportswear in the French capital, and with the event being streamed live on Facebook, Ibrahimovic failed to deliver the desired answer with regard to the largest uncertainty; that of his next club. Instead, when brought onto the topic of Manchester United, with a reunion with Jose Mourinho seen as a possibility, the 34-year-old remained as coy as ever. “There is no … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho keen to bring Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED are pursuing their interest in Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to reports. Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in a host of fresh talent in the transfer window and Express Sport understands the Portuguese is being handed £200million to spend. The 53-year-old has been linked with trying to raid his former club Chelsea in recent months. And according to Italian publication GianlucaDiMarzio , Matic is at the forefront of his plans. Matic was a key part of Chelsea 's title-winning campaign in the 2014/15 season but struggled to maintain a regular starting spot under Guus Hiddink last season. The 27-year-old is currently under contract with the west London outfit until 2019 and the Blues are unlikely to want to part with him on the … [Read more...]
Manchester United wants two of La Liga’s hitmen
Reports from Old Trafford has it that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has given Mourinho £200million to spend in an effort to create a squad capable of taking the club back to the Champions League next season. The Red Devils are monitoring both Griezmann and Gameiro ahead of possible summer moves. Griezmann starred for Atletico last season, scoring 32 goals for the Spanish club and helping them to the Champions League final. The France international's agent, Eric Olhats, has suggested the midfielder is considering a move this summer. However, the transfer could be dependent on whether or not Diego Simeone, who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, remains at Atletico next season. Meanwhile Gameiro scored 29 goals for Sevilla as he helped his … [Read more...]
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to seal United move on tuesday
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that there will be a "big announcement" on Tuesday, amid speculation that he is closing in on a move to Manchester United. Speaking to Swedish television station Fotbollskanalen after Sweden's 3-0 win over Wales, Ibrahimovic said: "There will be a big announcement on the 7th. It will be this summer's big bomb. "It feels good, feels better than good. A lot will happen with this news, so hopefully you'll all enjoy." The striker, who will be a free agent from June 30 when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires, has not confirmed his next destination so far. He said on June 1 that he would only talk about where he was going next when he became "tired" of the stories about him. But a source close to Manchester United has said … [Read more...]
England captain Wayne Rooney keen to see England get off to the best possible start against Russia
When England drew with Switzerland at Wembley back in the first match of Euro 96, it was largely met with disappointment by the home fans - but not by the players. “In any tournament,” said Paul Ince, “it’s always important to get something out of the first game. What you can’t do is lose it - then it becomes very tough and you have to win the next two.” But Wayne Rooney has set his sights higher and has urged his side to seize the moment against Russia on Saturday in their Euro 2016 opener. “The first game is massive,” the England captain said in the aftermath of Thursday night’s disappointing 1-0 win over Portugal. “It's important that we get off to a winning start. Everyone says you don't want to lose the first game but the difference it can make if you win the … [Read more...]
United in pursuit of Villareal defender Eric Bailly
Villarreal’s Eric Bailly, is set to join Premier League side Manchester United with the deal expected to be closed later tonight. The Carrusel Deportivo sports programme (part of the Cadena Ser network) have confirmed that both sides are about to conclude the negotiation process with a fee of 40 million euro being agreed in securing the defender’s signature. United will not pay his buy-out clause which was fixed at 40 million but will pay the LaLiga club a quaintly that when varying add on fees etc. are added up will be close to the 40 million euro mark. Bailly arrived at Villarreal over 18 months ago following a move from Espanyol. The “yellow submarine” paid 5,2 million euro for his services with Espanyol retaining a stake in the player. Bailly has … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho admits he must focus on the Premier League and not his rivalry with Pep Guardiola
The pair had an intense rivalry for a two-season spell in Spain when Mourinho was in charge of Real Madrid and Guardiola was manager of Barcelona. They each won La Liga title once in that period and faced each 11 times in all competitions - with Real collecting six red cards. But Mourinho, who poked Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye in one touch line bust-up, says the greater competition in the English top flight means they cannot afford to be absorbed with each other. "My experience does not allow me to be innocent," he said. "I was with Guardiola two years in a league where me or him would be champion. In England, if I focus on him or he on me, the champion will be another [coach]." Mourinho has ruled out the possibility of … [Read more...]