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...]