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Showing posts from March, 2019

Loftus-Cheek completes turnaround for Blues

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Cardiff boss Neil Warnock was seething after his side's late defeat to Chelsea. Victor Camarasa had given the struggling Bluebirds the lead as they looked to boost their survival push. Chelsea, who had left Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench, had created very little before drawing level in controversial fashion. Cesar Azpilicueta headed in unmarked but replays showed the Chelsea skipper was offside. Moments later, Antonio Rudiger escaped with a yellow card for a foul on Kenneth Zohore and Chelsea then snatched the win. Substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek nodded in at the far post to leave Cardiff with an uphill battle to survive.

Transfer: PSG ready to offer De Gea £350,000-a-week deal

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David De Gea may leave Manchester United during the summer, as the club continue negotiations over a new contract, The UK Sun reports. The Spain keeper wants £350,000 per week, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain happy to meet his demands. Man United activated the one-year extension in his contract earlier this season, but want to tie the 28-year-old down to a longer deal. De Gea is thought to be open to stay, after an upturn in fortunes under new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was appointed permanently last week. However, PSG are willing to offer £60million for the stopper to test Man United’s resolve. The Parisians are also interested in Ander Herrera, whose contract expires in the summer and has yet to agree new terms.

Solskjaer is a breath of fresh air for United, says Jones

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Phil Jones has saluted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a “breath of fresh air” after Manchester United made a winning start to the manager’s permanent reign. Solskjaer was handed a three-year contract last week after a successful spell as interim boss since December. The former United striker’s astute leadership has revived a club in turmoil during his predecessor Jose Mourinho’s reign. Fan favourite Solskjaer has led United into the Premier League’s top four and the Champions League quarter-finals. There was a celebratory atmosphere ahead of Watford’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday. Then Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial goals sealed a narrow 2-1 win. Solskjaer knows it was a “sloppy” display and Jones accepts it was far from United’s best, but the long-serving defender is excited for the future and loving life under the Norwegian. “The lads are buzzing. He’s come in, he’s been a breath of fresh air for us. He’s put arms around the shoulders of people who needed it,” Jones said. "Hi...

Manchester City want to win four trophies this season

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said his team are in perfect shape, to become the first English side to win a quadruple. City have already lifted the Carabao Cup, while they will face Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final. They will also take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-final. Guardiola’s side return to Premier League action this weekend, facing relegation-threatened Fulham on Saturday, before Liverpool – two points ahead of City but having played one game more – face Tottenham on Sunday. The Spaniard has often been reluctant to speak about the possibility of a quadruple this season, but with the feat becoming more realistic, he has admitted his side are in perfect shape to make history. “It is what it is, it’s perfect. We are privileged to be in all the competitions almost at the beginning of April and to fight for the title. It’s an incredible experience. “I don’t know how many teams in Premier League history have been in this position fightin...

Man United’s squad against Watford revealed [Full list]

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Manchester United have released their squad that will tackle Watford in today’s Premier League clash at the Old Trafford. According to Manchester Evening News, Man United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer released a list of 20 players. Manchester United head to the game following a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last Premier League encounter. Below is the Man United squad against Watford: David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant, Diogo Dalot, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Andreas Pereira, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford.

Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Ajax clash

Juventus manager, Max Allegri, on Friday, confirmed that forward, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss his side’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Ajax on April 10. Ronaldo sustained an injury during Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Serbia in the Euro 2020 qualifying match on Monday night. The 34-year-old pulled up clutching his thigh in the 30th minute, with his side trailing behind to Dusan Tadic’s penalty, and after receiving treatment, he eventually hobbled down the tunnel and was replaced by Pizzi. Despite the absence of Ronaldo, Portugal managed to level the scores, after a stunning strike from Danilo Pereira, making them share the points with the visitors. However, Allegri, who did not include Ronaldo in Juventus’ squad that will tackle Empoli on Saturday in the Serie A fixture, said the former Real Madrid star will return when he fully recovers from his injury. “We need to be prudent,” Allegri was quoted by ESPN as telling reporters on Friday. “It’s best if he misses one...

EPL: Man United finally appoint new permanent manager

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Manchester United have finally appointed caretaker coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the club’s new permanent manager. The Old Trafford club made the announcement through the its official Twitter page on Thursday. “Ole’s at the wheel! We can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as #MUFC manager,” Man United tweeted. Solskjaer has won 10 out of the 13 Premier League games since his appointment as interim manager and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will tackle Barcelona in April. The Norwegian replaced the former Red Devils boss, Jose Mourinho, last December. The 46-year-old had said in January that he does not want to leave the Old Trafford club once his contract expires at the end of the season. Solskjaer said: “Of course, I won’t want to leave Man United, I don’t want to at the end of the season. “It’s such a great bunch of players, atmosphere, but it’s the next game, it’s the next game, it’s the next game, and I’m doing my job as long as I’m here...

EPL: Solskjaer to be appointed as Man United’s new permanent manager this week

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Manchester United will announce the appointment of caretaker coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the club’s new permanent manager before the end of this week. Daily Mail reports that Man United’s hierarchy have reportedly already stopped their search for a new permanent manager and now regards Solskjaer as their one and only candidate to take the job. Solskjaer has won 10 out of the 13 Premier League games since his appointment as interim manager and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will tackle Barcelona in April. The Norwegian replaced the former Red Devils boss, Jose Mourinho last December. The 46-year-old had said in January that  he does not want to leave the Old Trafford club once his contract expires at the end of the season. Solskjaer said: “Of course, I won’t want to leave Man United, I don’t want to at the end of the season. “It’s such a great bunch of players, atmosphere, but it’s the next game, it’s the next game, it’s the next game, and I’m doing my j...

Zidane takes final decision on Asensio’s move to Liverpool

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Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has dismissed suggestions that Marco Asensio could leave the club this summer. Asensio has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the past and has been in and out of the LaLiga giants’ starting XI. Zidane recently returned to the helm and insists he wants to keep the Spain international at the club. “I have spoken to him and told him that he will be fundamental to the team. And I want him here with us,” the Los Blancos boss told Marca. Asensio, 23, started his career at Mallorca before moving to Real Madrid in 2014. He has already won two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid, both of which were under Zidane.

Champions League: Mourinho names two clubs that’ll play final

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Former Manchester United and Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has tipped Serie A champions, Juventus to play La Liga champions, Barcelona in the Champions League final this season. Juventus will tackle Ajax in the Champions League quarter-final next month after defeating Atletico Madrid in the last 16 a few weeks ago, while Barcelona will face Manchester United after defeating Lyon in the last 16. But Mourinho believes both Juventus and Barcelona have the perfect mix of qualities required to win the Europe top-flight trophy this campaign. "Juventus and Barcelona are the big candidates to play in the Champions League final, but the English sides are there, as well as Ajax and Porto,” Mourinho told reporters “Juve and Barca have experience, talent and each a special player. Normally, when you have a special player, your team is better.” He said. Mourinho added: “Champions League quarter-final next month. We all talk about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but I prefer to talk about...

EPL: Pogba ‘serious’ about leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid

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Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, is determined to leave the club and has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid this summer, Marca reports. Pogba has shone for United in the second half of the season, notching up nine goals and seven assists under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But the 26-year-old is making steps to force his way out of Old Trafford. While Pogba was reportedly set on rejoining Juventus in January after a series of bust-ups with Jose Mourinho, it appears he is now holding out for a switch to the Bernabeu. It is understood that Pogba is ‘serious’ about pushing through a move to Madrid and his agent, Mino Raiola, has been actively searching for the midfielder’s next club for some time. The report also suggested Zinedine Zidane, who has been given a £300million warchest to spend this summer, is willing to sanction a big-money bid for Pogba.

EPL: Guardiola reportedly agrees to leave Manchester City for Juventus

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Pep Guardiola has agreed to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus, according to Il Giornale reporter, Luigi Guelpa. Guelpa is the journalist who broke the news that Cristiano Ronaldo would move to the Serie A giants. He told Radio CRC that Guardiola had been offered a four-year contract at Allianz Stadium. “I’ve learned that Pep Guardiola already has reached a verbal agreement with Juventus for the next four years. It’s the same person who told me that Ronaldo was going to Juventus,” Guelpa said. Guardiola has enjoyed considerable success in Manchester, with his side top of the Premier League, one point clear of Liverpool, as they chase a second title since he arrived in England in 2016.

Manchester United shock PSG, qualify for quarter-finals

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Manchester United are through to the last eight of the Champions League, following their 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were trailing 2-0 from the first leg at home and travelled to France without 11 senior players. However, Romelu Lukaku opened scoring within two minutes for United, pouncing on a defensive mistake to slot home. PSG levelled after Kylian Mbappe found space in the box to tee up Bernat. But Lukaku ensured that the Red Devils went in on top at the break, reacting quickest to Marcus Rashford’s rebound. The hosts struggled to put the tie beyond United, who then went on to grab a late winner through Rashford, following the intervention of Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Manchester United are preparing a £155m swoop for Ruben Dias and Joao Felix

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Manchester United  are preparing to launch a staggering £155million double swoop for Benfica starlets Ruben Dias and Joao Felix. The Red Devils are keen to add to their squad as they look to begin a new era under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who appears set to earn the manager's job at Old Trafford on a full-time basis. And, according to Portuguese outlet Record, United are willing to splash out on the 21-year-old centre back and 19-year-old attacking midfielder. However, United are already facing stiff competition from Europe's elite with Juventus also said to be willing to meet Benfica's asking price for both players.  Felix has left Old Trafford scouts dispatched to watch him on numerous occasions this season highly impressed. The attacker is in outstanding form of late, scoring seven goals and contributing four assists as Benfica have won their last nine matches in the Primeira Liga. An Old Trafford source recently told reporters: 'The club went to see Felix in action a...

EPL: Guardiola eyeing four new players for Manchester City

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said he is planning to bring in up to four new players in the summer. According to the UK Mirror, Guardiola wants to bring in a holding midfielder, left-back and centre-back, with City poised to spend up to £200million. With the former Barcelona boss unable to rely on £52million left-back Benjamin Mendy, he is looking at signing a replacement this summer. “There are three or four positions to look for. We have some ideas, but it’s an option to buy one [a left-back]. “Today, Mendy’s not fit. It’s not about English football, he’s injured for two seasons. I’m concerned, because it can happen. “He’s working but, in truth, we could use him in a few games. At the end, the strongest guys are there. That’s why we are looking at next season. “A holding midfielder we will try for, and one more position, although I’m not going to tell you which positions or players,” Guardiola said.

Champions League: Only two clubs can stop Barcelona from winning title – Ter Stegen

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Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has named two clubs that can stop his side from winning those season’s Champions League. Ter Stegen stated that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could stop Ernesto Valverde’s men from winning the trophy this season. Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League by Italian side, AS Roma last season but Ter Stegen believes both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are “dangerous” teams that can prevent the Catalan club from achieving their goal this season. Speaking on teams that can stop Barcelona in the Champions League, Ter Stegen told Goal: “The elimination against Roma last season was extremely bitter for us, there was certainly more possibilities for us. “To win the Champions League is our big goal this season. It’s important to keep this goal in mind. We still have a lot of hard games to play. The advantage is comfortable, but Real and Atletico are always dangerous. “To defend well [is the key to winning the Champions League]. We have ou...

Manchester United to miss Champions League next season

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Manchester United are now on the verge of missing next season's Champions League competition even if they finish fourth this season in the Premier League. This is because of the rules governing the Champions League which only allowed four Premier League teams to participate in the tournament every year. Currently, Manchester United are occupying fifth position on the Premier League standings, and their hopes is to end in fourth place which will give them Champions League ticket. The Red Devils must now pray that Arsenal or Chelsea should not win this season's Europa League as the team that win will get automatic qualification for the Champions League. So should Manchester United finish fourth at the end of the season in the Premier League and Chelsea or Arsenal win Europa, then it means the Old Trafford club will be sent to play in Europa. But according to the report on UK Sun, England could have five teams in the Champions League next season, and that will be if UEFA should ch...