Victor Valdes is returning to Manchester United after Standard Liege decided to cut short the Spanish goalkeeper’s loan deal. Former Barcelona man Valdes joined Standard on a six-month loan deal in January and helped them win the Belgian Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over favourites Club Brugge. But Standard have decided to give their younger players more gametime towards the end of the season and have cut Valdes’ loan short. A statement published on their official website standard.be, which also confirmed the early departure of Giannis Maniatis, read: “As we decided to give more playing time to the youth players at the end of the season and because they couldn’t be selected for medical reasons, the Spanish goalkeeper and the Greek midfielder have decided, in … [Read more...]
10-man United risk European Qualification after suffering defeat at West Brom
Manchester United were made to pay for a 26th-minute red card to Juan Mata at West Bromwich Albion, who won 1-0 thanks to Salomon Rondon's 66th minute strike at The Hawthorns. The Baggies claimed a 1-0 win over 10-man United at the Hawthorns – their first home league win over the Red Devils in 32 years . United dropped three points behind fourth-place Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification and is now only three ahead of Liverpool, which has won three straight league games for the first time in a year. The Dutchman, speaking after the match, says he was not happy about Mata’s two first half bookings, which saw referee Mike Dean send him off in the 26th minute. He said: "it's a big blow,"We have played 60 minutes with 10 versus 11, and … [Read more...]
Van Gaal backs Rashford for Euro 2016
England boss, Roy Hodgson says He would consider taking Marcus Rashford to Euro 2016 as part of his England squad. The 18-year-old has made a tremendous start to his career at Old Trafford, finding the back of the net four times in three matches, including a double against Arsenal in the Premier League. England boss Roy Hodgson made it known this week that he is not ruling out including Rashford as a surprise inclusion for the three lions in France. Van Gaal echoed Hodgson's decision ahead of Sunday's trip to West Brom by saying that age should be disregarded when assessing his youngster’s chances. "I think Mr Hodgson has answered the question and you are asking again. However, it is never too early. "As I have said before: age is not important. Maybe … [Read more...]
Luke Shaw given Euro2016 Lifeline
Manchester United's Luke Shaw has been given hope that he could force his way into the Three Lions squad for this summer’s European Championship as Roy Hodgson weighs his options before friendlies against Germany and Holland later in march. Shaw who suffered a double fracture of his right leg in Manchester United’s Champions League game at PSV Eindhoven in September has been making incredible progress in his rehabilitation at Carrington, Louis van Gaal named the defender in his squad for the Europa League clash against Liverpool to offer the left-back an opportunity to gain match fitness. Hodgson confirmed he continues to monitor the defender's progress, together with that of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, in the hope they are both available in May. “We are still … [Read more...]
UEFA reshedules Europa league clash between Liverpool and Manchester United from its 6:05pm kick off
UEFA has received Trafford Council’s request to move the St Patrick’s Day Europa League match between bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United back from its original kick-off time. The round-of-16 draw pitched the English clubs together for the first time in an European competition. The first leg is due to take place at Anfield at 8:05 p.m. on March 10, but the return leg on March 17, was slated for an earlier 6:05pm kick off, but It will now also kick off at 8:05 p.m. same time as the first leg. The timing of the St Patrick’s Day fixture has led Trafford Council’s safety advisory board to contact UEFA with a request that it be put back. A statement from Trafford Council said: “Following an approach from Manchester United, Trafford Council’s Safety … [Read more...]
LVG remains focused as Man Utd look to seal top four finish
Louis van Gaal is continuing to take it slowly but surely despite the good run of form that has seen his side edge towards the top four. Doubts about the manager's future was positive last week, with wins against Shrewsbury, FC Midtjylland and Arsenal complemented by teenager Marcus Rashford's remarkable emergence. It looked as if the negativity would return, though, as Watford looked set to upset the home faithful yesterday, only for Juan Mata's late free-kick to secure a fourth successive win in all competitions The strike was pure classic as it was important given he secured a 1-0 win that moved injury-plagued United level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand as well as a better goal difference. "We have to go step by … [Read more...]
LVG confident Man Utd will guide modest Rashford
Louis van Gaal has urged the press to leave Marcus Rashford in peace following his dazzling start to life as a Manchester United player. The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene with four goals in his first two senior appearances for the Red Devils, including a double in the 3-2 win over arch rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Understandably, there has been an enormous amount of publicity surrounding local boy Rashford but van Gaal believes it is necessary to allow him the freedom to continue developing his game without the extreme fanfare he has witnessed over the past few days. "First I think that the media have to leave him in peace," van Gaal said. "Give him the time to be 18 years old, and we shall guide him also in that way. He is a very modest guy, so I don't … [Read more...]