Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his Premier League debut with a goal as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure began with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The match was Mourinho’s first Premier League game in charge of United but nevertheless Ibrahimovic arrived as the star attraction on the south coast and the Swede did not disappoint, unleashing a superb long-range strike in the second half. He has now scored on debut in Serie A, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney’s goals had earlier put United in command before Bournemouth defender Adam Smith added what proved only to be a consolation. Mourinho has spent almost £150millon turning United into title contenders this summer but with £89million man Paul Pogba … [Read more...]
Mikel on target as Nigeria beat Denmark; set up semi final clash with Germany
Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi was on target as Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0 to set up an Olympic semi-final against Germany on Wednesday. The Super Eagles have been in impressive form in Rio despite initial chaos in trying to reach the tournament due to plane trouble, and were firmly in control against the Danes in Salvador. Nigeria took the initiative at the Arena Fonte Nova as Imoh Ezekiel produced a fine run down the left side before teeing up Chelsea's Mikel to finish before half-time. Ezekiel continued his impressive performance after the break, but it was Mikel who turned provider for Nigeria's second as he set up Aminu Umar to head home from a fine corner delivery. That win sets up a Sao Paulo semi-final against Germany, who saw Serge Gnabry … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Mata was not upset, Mkhitaryan was
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...]
Jurgen Klopp accuses Wenger of using ‘long balls’
Jurgen Klopp has taken jibes at Arsene Wenger, claiming his Arsenal have become a long ball team when it suits them. Liverpool and Arsenal meet in their Premier League opener this weekend, with Klopp and Wenger coming up against each other for the seventh time. Wenger has the better record against the German, winning three and losing just one, but the last time they met it ended in a 3-3 draw. Klopp believes Arsenal changed their usual style of play and utilised the long ball against Liverpool, and the former Borussia Dortmund boss is expecting more of the same at the Emirates on Sunday. "I think everyone who saw the game saw the difference between this game and all the other Arsenal games," Klopp said. "But in the last few years Arsenal had a more … [Read more...]
Hazard hopes Chelsea can rediscover form of two years ago
Eden Hazard hopes Chelsea's players can rediscover the form that won them the Premier League title two years ago. Hazard was named Player of the Year as the Blues won the championship in 2014-15, but they suffered in defending their crown and could only finish 10th last season. The Belgium international knows he must find the performances that won him so many plaudits, and is targetting a strong start at home to West Ham United on Monday. "Everybody needs to be the same player as two years ago," Hazard told Sky Sports. "We tried to find a lot of excuses for why we didn't play well last season, but we don't know why. Maybe some players were tired, but we need to be focused and train hard to be ready. "It's a fresh start. We have one objective together, … [Read more...]
Zlatan hints at extended Manchester United stay
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he could extend his stay at Manchester United by up to three more years as the 34-year-old prepares to make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth this weekend. The Red Devils signed Ibrahimovic on a one-year deal in July after the striker left French side Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season following four successful years in France. Ibrahimovic has already impressed at his new club, scoring the winner in United's Community Shield match against Leicester City last week. And the striker admits he is already thinking about potentially staying on at United past his current one-year contract. "I don't believe there is anyone who could say 'no' to Manchester United," he told Sky Sports. "Even the name … [Read more...]
Mourinho hails Woodward and club for transfers
Jose Mourinho has hailed the efforts of Ed Woodward and Manchester United’s moneymen for bringing the club’s four major targets to the club this summer. Mourinho’s arrival has coincided with a transformative transfer window for the Red Devils, with world record signing Paul Pogba – who is suspended for the trip to Bournemouth – joining Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The decisive manner in which the club have secured their primary targets contrasts with the laborious and underwhelming recruitment that characterised the tenures of David Moyes and Van Gaal. Mourinho was happy to take some of the credit, suggesting he had arrived with a clearly defined shopping list that contrasted with less clear-minded contemporaries. But he … [Read more...]
Wenger expresses transfer fears; expects £200m deal ‘soon’
Arsene Wenger fears football transfers will never have a limit and believes the days of £200million transfers are not far away. Arsenal's Premier League rivals Manchester United broke the world transfer record earlier in the week when they paid £89million to Juventus to take Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford. That deal continues a trend which has seen the record extended by nearly £75million in 20 years, with the likes of Alan Shearer , Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale previously holding the tag of the world's most expensive player. Wenger's own record signing came when Arsenal paid in excess of £40million to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid and he has previously criticised the amount of money that has been spent recently. And the Frenchman, whose … [Read more...]
Mertesacker named new Arsenal captain despite being sidelined with injury
Arsene Wenger believes it is "absolutely natural" for Arsenal to appoint injury victim Per Mertesacker as their captain for the new season. Arsenal have named Per Mertesacker as their new club captain despite the former Germany centre-back being in the midst of a lengthy knee injury lay-off. Mertesacker, who sustained his injury during a pre-season friendly against Lens, takes on the role following Mikel Arteta's departure to take up a coaching role at Manchester City after the end of last season. Manager Arsene Wenger believes his senior core of players are capable of sharing the armband until the 31-year-old makes his return. "Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure. I think it is … [Read more...]
Moyes confirms loan deal for Man Utd winger Januzaj
New Sunderland manager David Moyes has confirmed that Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj has joined on loan for the rest of the season. Moyes gave Januzaj his chance in the United first-team during his brief reign at Old Trafford, with the Belgian scoring twice on his first-ever start, at Sunderland, in October 2013. JANUZAJ CONFIRMED: #SAFC manager David Moyes announces that Adnan Januzaj has arrived on a season-long loan from @ManUtd. - Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 12, 2016 Januzaj, 21, becomes Moyes' third signing as Sunderland boss after United duo Paddy McNair and Donald Love. "Adnan needs to come and do the business," said Moyes. "He will give us a different variation because he can play in two or three different roles, but I … [Read more...]
Sturridge and Milner injury doubts for Liverpool opener against Arsenal
Liverpool could be without both Daniel Sturridge and James Milner when they kick off their new Premier League campaign at Arsenal on Sunday. Striker Sturridge missed the Reds' final two pre-season fixtures last weekend with a hip injury which flared up again at training on Thursday while former England colleague Milner, who recently retired from international football , sustained a bruised heel during Saturday's 4-0 win over Barcelona. On Sturridge, boss Jurgen Klopp told liverpoolfc.com: "On Wednesday he could train; on Thursday, he felt (it) a little bit so we will have to see. "Of course, he had a few days where he couldn't train and that's not too good for the Arsenal game, but we have other players who are available and that's good for … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Rivals are afraid to say they want to win title
Jose Mourinho has accused rival Premier League managers of being too “afraid” to publicly target the title. Mourinho was happy to describe the Red Devils as challengers for the crown in his first season at Old Trafford but believes others who share his aim are being coy about their ambitions. The Portuguese, who takes charge for the first time at Bournemouth on Sunday, did not name his targets but it can safely be assumed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Claudio Ranieri, who has already compared the chances of a Leicester title defence with an alien invasion , feature in his thoughts. “We feel that we are candidates to win the title,” he said. “We want to fight for the title, we cannot speak differently. We know that not one or two or three but … [Read more...]
Zlatan: I’m not a bad boy, I’m a family man
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted he is not arrogant and instead projected himself as a “family man” ahead of his Premier League bow for Manchester United this weekend. The 34-year-old Swede, who joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last month, scored the winning goal as United defeated champions Leicester City in the Community Shield last weekend and is likely to start for the trip to Bournemouth. Ibrahimovic has won major honours at Ajax, Juventus, Internazionale, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris before linking-up with Jose Mourinho in Manchester this summer but he rubbished the fanfare surrounding his “bad boy” image. Speaking to Sky Sports on the eve of the new Premier League season, Ibrahimovic said: “I'm a normal person. People have the … [Read more...]
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny ruled out of Liverpool clash
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of rushing Laurent Koscielny back for Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool, leaving him with only a trio of young centre-backs to choose from for the game. Arsenal have lost Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista to injuries in preseason, leading to some speculation that he could be forced to bring Koscielny into the team even though the France defender only returned to training this week after his post-Euro 2016 break. But Wenger said his only options against Liverpool at the Emirates will be 21-year-old Calum Chambers, 20-year-old Rob Holding and 18-year-old Krystian Bielik. "We lost basically three centre-backs because we have Mertesacker, Gabriel and Koscielny, who is not ready, who … [Read more...]
Hart’s future with Manchester City undecided – Guardiola
Joe Hart won praise for his "qualities and behaviour" from Pep Guardiola but the Manchester City boss will keep his goalkeeping option open. Pep Guardiola praised the goalkepper's attitude and application ahead of Manchester City's Premier League opener versus Sunderland but refused to give any guarantees over the England goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium. The shot-stopper endured a chastening Euro 2016 with England, making glaring errors in the matches against Wales and Iceland. The 29-year-old's future has been a matter of much speculation during the close-season, with the changes to City's style implemented by Guardiola reported to include the desire for a "sweeper-keeper" who joins his defence in passing out from the back. With the England … [Read more...]
Conte hopeful about more signings at Chelsea
Antonio Conte has said Chelsea are looking for new players “every day” but the “crazy” prices being paid has made the process difficult. The Blues have made two big-money signings this summer with midfielder N’Golo Kante and striker Michy Batshuayi both arriving for over £30m apiece, but there are concerns over the lack of options in defence. However, Conte suggested that Chelsea are still active in the transfer market and will make more signings before the window closes if the right deals can be made. “I speak every day with the club and we have a plan,” Conte told a press conference. “We know that this transfer market is crazy and different but we must be patient to find the right solutions for the team and it is important to speak every day with … [Read more...]
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