Jose Mourinho has played down reports Juan Mata could leave Manchester United and insists the midfielder was not unhappy at his treatment during the Community Shield. Mourinho deemed the Spaniard surplus to requirements at Chelsea, selling him to United, and raising doubts over the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford future. The pair’s relationship was again in the spotlight after United’s 2-1 win over Leicester at Wembley, where Mourinho sent Mata on in the 63rd minute only to withdraw him in injury time – a rarity in top-level football and a blow to the ego for the player involved. The new Red Devils boss explained afterwards it was merely Mata’s size – and the expectation of Leicester playing long balls in the closing stages – that dictated the decision and … [Read more...]
Memphis Depay still in Manchester United’s plans-Mourinho
Despite rumours a lack of discipline off-field has hampered Memphis Depay, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shown his support. Selecting him in his 23-man squad for their season opener away to Bournemouth, Jose Mourinho has backed Memphis Depay to make an impact for Manchester United. Many expected the 22-year-old Dutchman to be one of Mourinho's first casualties after a disappointing opening season at Old Trafford, but the new manager is predicting big things. "Of course, I want Memphis to be part of my squad," Mourinho told the Sunday People. "I don't want to go into last season too much, but I know the player I've watched at PSV and the World Cup two years ago when he was a very young kid. "Having that player in mind, I want to keep … [Read more...]
Guardiola explains why he dropped Joe Hart
Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to drop Joe Hart for Willy Caballero for Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The England international was resigned to the bench against the Black Cats, leading to suggestions he does not have a future at the Etihad Stadium under the Spanish coach. The decision to play Caballero was certainly rewarded, as although the keeper had little to do, City came away from the game with all three points after Paddy McNair’s own goal ensured Guardiola claimed a win on his City debut. If Caballero had been at fault for a City loss, the reaction to Guardiola’s decision would have been much more negative, but the 45-year-old backed his choice to leave Hart on the bench. Guardiola explained: … [Read more...]
Mazzarri pleased with Watford display against Southampton
Walter Mazzarri drew many positives from Watford's display at Southampton, where they held on for a 1-1 draw after Ben Watson's red card. Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri praised his new team's battling qualities after they fought out a 1-1 draw at Southampton despite being reduced to 10 men on the opening day of the Premier League season. Operating with a 3-5-2 formation, Watford impressed during the first half after Etienne Capoue gave them a ninth-minute lead. Southampton, also playing under new management in the form of Claude Puel, grew in stature after half-time and debutant Nathan Redmond volleyed them level before the hour. Watford's task became steeper when substitute Ben Watson was sent off for a professional foul on Shane Long with 14 … [Read more...]
Ten-man Watford hold on for point at Southampton
Walter Mazzarri and Claude Puel started life in the Premier League with a draw as 10-man Watford held on to thwart Southampton. Watford chief Mazzarri saw his new side take an early lead thanks to a first Hornets goal for Etienne Capoue. But debutant Nathan Redmond ensured Puel came away with a point from his first game in charge of Southampton, while Watford played the final 15 minutes a man down after Ben Watson’s dismissal. The opening day often throws up the odd surprise and the identity of Watford’s goalscorer was certainly one of them. Despite his attacking tendencies Capoue did not find the net once last season, much to the amusement of his team-mates, but the former Tottenham midfielder took just nine minutes to get off the mark this … [Read more...]
Manchester City 2-1 Sunderland: McNair own goal spares Guardiola’s debut blushes
An own goal from ex-Red Devil Paddy McNair on debut helped Guardiola's Manchester City begin the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Sunderland. An equaliser from Jermain Defoe had looked like denying Guardiola in the Premier League opener at the Etihad Stadium but substitute McNair, signed from Manchester United this week, headed into his own net after 87 minutes. Guardiola had made an immediate impact at City by dropping Joe Hart and Yaya Toure and on the field his side quickly took the lead with a Sergio Aguero penalty. But Sunderland, responding to their new manager David Moyes, weathered the early storm and almost claimed a highly creditable point after Defoe netted his 144th Premier League goal. Yet by the finish, the talk had … [Read more...]
Champions Leicester City stunned by Hull
Hull City stunned Premier League champions Leicester City with a 2-1 victory at the KCOM Stadium in the opening match of the season. Leicester became masters of upsetting the odds en route to the title last term but became the first defending champions to lose their opening game as this time it was Hull who sprang the surprise. Adama Diomande’s overhead kick and Robert Snodgrass’ clinical finish sealed a 2-1 win either side of Riyad Mahrez’s penalty. Hull’s preparations for their top-flight return have been nightmarish, with Steve Bruce walking out and his assistant Mike Phelan left in caretaker charge of a squad consisting just 13 fit first-teamers, supplemented here by five academy prospects on the bench. Revolt was in the air before kick-off too, … [Read more...]
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