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Everton distance themselves from Lukaku's Anelka comments
Jan 22, 2014 12:52:00 AM
The Belgian reportedly insisted there was no need to make such a "big deal" out of the Frenchman's gesture in an interview brielfy posted on the Toffees' website
Everton have distanced themselves from comments made by Romelu Lukaku defending Nicolas Anelka over his controversial 'quenelle' gesture.
Lukaku, on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea, reportedly described the issue, which resulted in West Brom forward Anelka being charged by the Football Association on Tuesday, as "not such a big deal" in a video briefly posted on Everton's official website.
The video was later removed and Everton have clarified that they do not share the striker's views, with director of communications Alan Myers telling the BBC that was "not the opinion held by the football club".
Anelka was embroiled in controversy following his decision to make the 'quenelle' salute, which is said to carry anti-Semitic connotations in his native France, after scoring in West Brom's 3-3 draw at West Ham last month.
He defended the gesture by saying it was merely a dedication to his friend and comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, but the incident drew widespread criticism.
Lukaku reportedly said: "I don't think he [Anelka] should be banned; he was just supporting a comedian in France. We don't have to make such a big deal about it."
Myers added: "We moved quickly to remove any interview that may have been offensive to anyone.
"The last thing we want to do is cause offence to anyone."
Anelka is facing a minimum ban of five matches following the FA's decision to charge him.
Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic (C) talks with referee Phil Dowd (2nd R) after being sent off during their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London, January 19, 2014. REUTERS-Stefan Wermuth
(Reuters) - Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has been suspended for three matches after his appeal for wrongful dismissal against Chelsea was rejected, the Football Association said on Tuesday.
The Serbian defender was sent off in stoppage time in the 3-1 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Sunday for a clumsy tackle on Eden Hazard.
Vidic's suspension will begin immediately, ruling him out of United's League Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland on Wednesday and Premier League matches against Cardiff City and Stoke City.
By Tony Jimenez
LONDON Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:57pm GMT
Chelsea's Juan Mata walks to a training session at the team training facility in Stoke D'Abernon to the south of London, December 10, 2013. REUTERS/Andrew Winning
(Reuters) - Juan Mata could be on the way out at Chelsea and, despite Jose Mourinho saying earlier this season he preferred Oscar in the No. 10 role, it is the form of another player that has led to the Spaniard being ignored recently.
Oscar's fellow Brazilian Willian made a slow start to the campaign after spurning a move to Tottenham Hotspur at the last minute in favour of a big-money transfer to Stamford Bridge from Russians Anzhi Makhachkala in August.
Eden Hazard and Oscar have always been first choices under manager Mourinho in the formation of three players that operate just behind the sole striker in the London club's 4-2-3-1 system.
In the last few weeks, however, the fleet-footed Willian has brought a dynamism to the attacking midfield that has had Mourinho drooling and helped lift Chelsea into third place in the table, two points behind leaders Arsenal.
The manager gives Willian, Oscar and Hazard a licence to thrill in possession but he also insists on a tigerish defensive approach from the interchangeable creative trio when the team lose the ball.
It has taken the three players a while to adjust to Mourinho's demands but a run of six wins in a row in all competitions is tangible proof the approach is working.
"It is true that most of the time when I was at Shakhtar Donetsk I played out on the wings but I also played No. 10 from time to time there," the 25-year-old Willian told the Chelsea website (www.chelseafc.com) earlier this month.
"It is similar here, sometimes I am out on the right, sometimes out on the left, but also playing the No. 10 position.
"The No. 10 needs to have the quality to find space and make the right runs in the right positions. You have less space and there are more people around you when you play there but the knowledge I have from playing wide does help," said the mop-haired Willian.
"I am still settling into this particular position but I don't see any problems with how I am playing at the moment."
DARLING OF CROWD
Mata is the darling of the Stamford Bridge crowd, having been voted Player of the Year when Chelsea won the Champions League in season 2011-12 and again last term when they lifted the Europa League under Mourinho's predecessor Rafa Benitez.
No one doubts the diminutive Spaniard's silky skills and cunning on the ball but it seems that in Mourinho's eyes he does not have the necessary pace or tackling ability to provide the defensive barrier he craves from his attacking trio.
British newspapers were awash with speculation on Tuesday that Mata may be heading to league champions Manchester United, the side Chelsea beat 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, for a fee in the region of 37 million pounds ($60.75 million).
The Spanish international has been ignored by Mourinho since he showed visible frustration at being substituted early in the second half of the 3-0 league win at Southampton on New Year's Day.
Mata has been in and out of the team all season and had always reacted in a calm and dignified manner until events at Southampton got the better of him.
He threw his arms in the air and slammed the back of the seat in front of him with his hand after being hauled off.
If any other Chelsea manager had treated Mata the way Mourinho has this season there would have been an outcry among the supporters.
The 'Special One', though, has the unconditional backing of the fans after returning in the close season for a second stint in charge following a highly successful first spell that led to league title triumphs in 2005 and 2006.
Report: Chelsea, Manchester United agree ‘provisional’ $65 million fee for Juan Mata
Richard Farley
Jan 22, 2014, 12:10 AM EST
If Juan Mata doesn't feature regularly for Chelsea, being sold this January is a real possibility. Reuters
Three hours ago, it was a rumor. Now reports out of England have Chelsea and Manchester United with a “provisional” agreement for Juan Mata. For a United record $65.8 million, the 25-year-old Spaniard would make his way west, provided the two Premier League titans complete the more formal parts of Mata’s transfer.
That’s what the “provisional” tag is all about. According the to The Guardian, which initially reported the possibility of a deal late Tuesday, two things still need to happen. Though the clubs have agreed on the potential fee, Manchester United needs to offer a format bid for Mata. The former Valencia attacker must also make his desire to leave known to Chelsea manager José Mourinho, who has held on to the talented playmaker despite dropping him from the team’s starting lineup.
That’s left Mata with no goals and two assists in 13 league appearances this season. Over the previous two campaigns, however, Mata was Chelsea’s most productive player, recording 18 goals and 30 assists in 69 league appearances between Aug. 2011 and May 2013.
That production had the 32-time Spanish international linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, a transfer that never came to fruition. Since, Mata’s agent-father has been trying to arrange a move back to La Liga, with Manchester United’s recent interest providing the attacking midfielder another option.
We went through the implications of this move in our previous post (linked, above), but with its status elevated from rumor to distinct possibility, it’s worth giving more consideration to that $65.8 million figure. Manchester United’s current record transfer fee is the $55.8 million (£30.7 million) they gave Tottenham for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008. Just as that figure seemed inflated at the time, so does Mata’s potential fee now, though there are mitigating circumstances that could justify a new record expenditure.
With United lurking outside of England’s UEFA Champions League spots, this January’s spending takes on increased importance. Preserving a place in the top four becomes a paramount concern, with the club currently sitting in seventh place. Whether Mata alone can do that is unlikely, but adding his creativity to a stagnant attack would be a significant step forward. The Red Devils would need to pass Liverpool, Tottenham, and Everton to qualify for 2014-15′s Champions League.
That standing provides a different context to United’s winter dealings, with the club now willing to spend enough to convince a rival to cash in on an inflated price. While the Red Devils have never before spent to the levels of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, now the club is willing to give one big spender money while potentially keeping Mata from the other.
Santi Cazorla forced to apologize for unintentionally insulting Tottenham
By Ryan Bailey January 21, 2014 9:20 AM Dirty Tackle
(Twitter/@george_murphy)
Spanish winger Santi Cazorla has been a hero for Arsenal fans of late: not only did he score twice at the weekend to keep the Gunners at the top of the table, but he was recently pictured holding a sign that slighted arch rivals Tottenham.
Cazorla, former Arsenal star Robert Pires and an unnamed woman were pictured holding a sign with the words to a popular terrace chant: "What do we think of Tottenham? S***. And what do we think of s***? Tottenham."
The Spaniard has now apologized via Twitter, claiming he could not actually see what was written on the piece of paper. (Presumably, turning it around and inspecting it before being photographed holding it would have been too much trouble.)
Our apoligizes to the Totenham fans, we couldn't see the paper. #alwaysfootballalwaysrespect @piresrobert7 and @19SCazorla
— Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) January 20, 2014
According to The Telegraph, it was actually Cazorla's employer who forced him to make the apology:
Arsenal have reminded Santi Cazorla of his club responsibilities after the Spaniard was forced to apologise for insulting rivals Tottenham.
Midfielder Cazorla claims he was unaware of what was written, but that did not stop Arsenal officials warning him to be careful of getting caught out again.
Arsenal are right to stop their players delivering insults to Spurs, but to do it in the same week that they started selling T-shirts with Theo Walcott's "2-0" hand gesture in their club shop seems like a bit of a mixed message.
Southampton have announced the appointment of Gareth Rogers as the club's interim chief executive officer with immediate effect.
Rogers, Southampton's chief financial officer, assumes the executive duties of Nicola Cortese, who resigned his position as chairman last week, sparking speculation over the future of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentinian had previously suggested he would leave the club if Cortese departed, but subsequently committed his future to Southampton.
Owner Katharina Liebherr, who assumed Cortese's position as chairman last week, welcomed Rogers' promotion.
"I am delighted that Gareth has agreed to step into this role," said Liebherr.
"After the events of the past week, my priority has been to bring stability to the management of the club and I am pleased that we have been able to make this appointment from within.
"We had a very positive meeting with all the staff of the club on Monday and I am sure Gareth's appointment will be warmly received.”
Rogers added: "I am very pleased to be able to help the club by stepping up to the CEO's job on an interim basis.
"We have a fantastic staff and everyone is working together to make sure the club ends the season as strongly as possible."
Man United's Mata bid accepted by Chelsea - report
LONDON Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:36pm GMT
Chelsea's Juan Mata reacts during their game against Swindon Town in their English League Cup soccer match at the County Ground in Swindon, western England September 24, 2013. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - Manchester United's 37 million-pound ($61.4 million) bid for playmaker Juan Mata has been accepted by Premier League rivals Chelsea, Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Wednesday.
The paper said Mata had agreed personal terms with the English champions and will undergo a medical on Thursday.
The Spain international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after struggling to cement a regular starting spot under manager Jose Mourinho.
The 25-year-old has found game time hard to come by this season, with Mourinho favouring Brazil internationals Oscar and Willian and Belgium's Eden Hazard.
United manager David Moyes is looking for reinforcements to bolster his squad's creativity after a poor start to the season left them seventh in the Premier League and 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
The fee would break United's transfer record paid for striker Dimitar Berbatov, who joined in 2008 from Tottenham Hotspur for 30.75 million pounds.
Mourinho has consistently maintained that Mata still has a role to play at Chelsea, but his determination to keep hold of the player is now likely to be tested.
Chelsea paid 23.5 million pounds to sign Mata from Valencia in 2011 and he has been voted the London club's player of the year two seasons in a row.
Manchester United's manager David Moyes gestures during their English League Cup semi-final second leg soccer match against Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England January 22, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - When Alex Ferguson took the microphone at Old Trafford in May to implore Manchester United supporters to back his self-appointed successor, David Moyes, he did so with a warning of tough times ahead. Few, though, would have expected it to be this trying.
"I'd like to remind you that we've had bad times here," Ferguson said after signing off his last match in charge at United's fortress home he had spent 27 years building up with a 2-1 win over Swansea City.
"The club stood by me. All my staff stood by me. The players stood by me. So your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important."
Following Wednesday's League Cup semi-final exit at the hands of struggling Sunderland, that request is being severely tested by United fans all over the world who have gorged on the glory of trophy after trophy arriving at Old Trafford.
Their trophy hopes this season now lie only in the Champions League, where the English champions will remain confident of beating Greeks Olympiakos Pireaus in the Last 16 next month but less so of taking out others after that.
The challenge of European giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich looks far beyond a confidence sapped side who have seen long unbeaten home records against Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion all end this season.
The absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie from the starting lineup in recent weeks has been greatly felt, with reports linking both forwards away from the club, but the problems lie deeper than their return to fitness.
Defenders are making mistakes, midfielders are being overrun, chances not being created, while commentators question why Moyes is opting to be more defensive and shy away from the crowd-pleasing, attacking style his predecessor implemented.
"Of course, you would expect a better standard because, don't forget, there are a lot of internationals out there," Moyes said after the penalty shootout loss to Sunderland, who will play Manchester City in the final at Wembley.
"In the end, I just don't think we got the level of performance we needed to go through the game. If we had got through, I would have been disappointed with the performance, but I'm doubly disappointed that we haven't got to the final."
"DAVID'S CARE"
United are not in action this weekend as their rivals City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea compete in the fourth round of the FA Cup, a tournament Ferguson once famously shunned in favour of going after what is now the Club World Cup.
Moyes was unable to clear the first hurdle as Manchester United manager when his side suffered a third round exit to Swansea, who registering their first ever victory at Old Trafford earlier this month.
The club's success, though, has never been measured on their ability to win either of the two domestic cup tournaments with Ferguson adding two League Cups and no FA Cups to his magnificent trophy haul in the last seven years in charge.
Instead, his consistency to ensure United never finished a league campaign outside the top three from 1992 until May with 13 titles is what helped set him apart.
Moyes, however, has United languishing in seventh in the league, five points behind his former club Everton, who have excelled under his replacement Roberto Martinez, and 14 back of leaders Arsenal.
A trophyless campaign is something that not even the much lauded Ferguson managed to avoid during his 27 years in charge but the domineering Scot always was quick to assess his flaws and rebuild in double quick fashion.
Moyes appears to have reacted to that by moving for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata, with the Spaniard close to moving to Old Trafford according to British media reports.
While the flair and creativity will be welcome, pundits and fans believe a solid central midfielder in the mould of former captain Roy Keane, who fell out spectacularly with Fergsuon, is what is of greater need.
The failure of Marouane Fellaini to make an impact at Old Trafford after following Moyes from Everton leave many questioning the manager's transfer acumen, with a slumping share price hardly helping the pressure on him.
In his autobiography released last year covering his final years in charge, Ferguson said Moyes was, despite a few "defensive frailties", inheriting a squad of players and staff of the highest calibre.
"I was proud and relieved to be delivering this fine group of players and staff into David's care. My work was done," he said of a team that strode to the title by 11 points.
The stuttering start by Moyes, who ditched Ferguson's staff in favour of his own, has left many United fans hopeful Ferguson might see there is still work for him to do.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by John O'Brien)
Manchester City Football Club CEO Ferran Soriano speaks at a news conference to announce the partnership between Manchester City Football Club and the New York Yankees to form a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club, New York City FC, in New York, May 22, 2013. REUTERS/Mike Segar
(Reuters) - English Premier League club Manchester City have moved into Australian football with the purchase of A-League franchise the Melbourne Heart with Football Federation Australia (FFA) approving the acquisition on Thursday.
Made in partnership with a group of owners of NRL (rugby league) side the Melbourne Storm, the acquisition will allow the new owners to assume responsibility for all existing obligations of the Heart, effective immediately.
Although no financial details of the purchase were announced, it was revealed that the Storm's ownership group will be minority shareholders with a 20 percent stake.
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano said he was excited about the opportunity to make the Heart one of the most successful football clubs both domestically and throughout the region.
"We believe the strong sports culture of Melbourne combined with the football and commercial expertise within our consortium will make for a powerful combination both on and off the pitch," Soriano said in a statement on Thursday.
The 2012 Premier League champion's investment follows last year's establishment of the New York City Football Club, which will enter the Major League Soccer competition in 2015.
FFA boss David Gallop welcomed the acquisition of Heart's licence as a huge vote of confidence in the future of the A-League.
"Manchester City and their Australian partners have made a strategic investment and I welcome them to our growing competition. It's another sign that the world is taking notice of Australian football," Gallop said.
"Manchester City and their partners will bring a high level of expertise in football and sports business matters and that can only strengthen the Melbourne Heart and the Hyundai A-League as a whole."
The new ownership group said it would not be making any major announcements until mid-2014, out of respect for the coaching staff and players.
Captained by former Leeds United and Liverpool attacker Harry Kewell, Heart are currently bottom of the 10-team standings after winning only one match out of 15 this season.
(Writing by John O'Brien in Singapore; Editing by Julian Linden)
New arrivals at Arsenal are "unlikely" during the January transfer window, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
The Premier League leaders have been linked with moves for Mirko Vucinic, Julian Draxler and Alvaro Morata this month but the Frenchman does not expect any new faces at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Wenger did admit that he would not be averse to adding to his squad should the right deal present itself.
"It looks unlikely that we will sign anyone," the 64-year-old said ahead of Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Coventry City. "We are not close to anything.
"If something exceptional turns up of course we will do it.
"Not everybody will strengthen, they will buy but 'buy' does not always mean 'strengthen'."
Wenger went on to say he is eager to negotiate with club captain Thomas Vermaelen over a new contract.
"I'm ready to extend Vermaelen's contract. He is a quality player and I'm open to it," he added.
Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez could be out for up to eight weeks with ankle injuries, according to Southampton assistant boss Jesus Perez.
Both players suffered ligament damage in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Sunderland, but the club had previously been reluctant to put a timescale on their recovery.
However, speaking ahead of Southampton's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Yeovil Town on Saturday, Perez confirmed the duo could face two months on the sidelines.
"They are serious injuries," he said. "We initially expected Gaston to be out longer than Dejan, but they’ll be out for the same time."
The Spaniard also hinted manager Mauricio Pochettino could rotate his squad for the visit of Yeovil, with Arsenal set to visit St Mary's in the Premier League on Tuesday.
"This is a good game for us. It’ll be an opportunity for some players," he continued. "We have two games in a short period, so we have to choose the right squad for the game.
"We have to pick the team bearing in mind that we have another game on Tuesday.
"This week, three or four players from the development squad have trained with us."
But Perez insisted the approach did not detract from their desire to go as far as possible in the competition, adding: "We take every single opponent seriously. We’re expecting a difficult game.
"It doesn’t matter that Yeovil are near the bottom of the Championship. They will play without pressure.
"Our aim is to get into the next round. The FA Cup is important for the fans and the culture of this country."
Moyes scouts Bayern Munich duo Dante and Kroos The Scot was keeping an eye on the pair as Pep Guardiola's side picked up another three points thanks to goals from Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller
Essien: I'm joining Milan for Seedorf The Ghanaian says the new Rossoneri coach convinced him to leave Chelsea in the winter transfer window and complimented the likes of Kaka and Mario Balotelli
Manchester United agree fee with Chelsea for Mata The 25-year-old midfielder's £37 million move to Old Trafford is now subject to a medical and agreeing personal terms
Monaco striker Lacina Traore joins Everton on loan The striker only joined the Ligue 1 side on January 4 and looked to be heading to West Ham until the end of the season before Roberto Martinez came in with a late bid
Ferguson: Manchester United still in title race The former Old Trafford boss says the club have the history and ethos to give them a chance of reclaiming their crown before praising the competitiveness of the Premier League
Manchester City stars David Silva & Negredo to miss FA Cup clash The midfielder and striker will not face Watford due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively, but Manuel Pellegrini has ruled out long lay-offs for the pair
Rodgers rues missing out on Salah The Red boss had retained hope they could still hijack the move but, after Jose Mourinho confirmed the Basel star is set to join Chelsea, he will now monitor other targets
AC Milan confirm Essien deal is close The Rossoneri announced on their official website that the Ghana midfielder is to arrive in Italy on Friday as a deal to bring the 31-year-old to San Siro looms closer
Ferguson named Uefa coaching ambassador The Scot, who retired as Manchester United manager last summer after a trophy-laden reign, will now chair meetings of the yearly forum of elite coaches
Mourinho: Torres out for up to a month with knee injury The striker suffered lateral ligament damage after coming on as a second-half substitute against Manchester United, though the manager has faith Demba Ba can step up
Mata happy to leave Chelsea for Manchester United, says Mourinho The Blues boss says the club have no problem selling the Spain international to a domestic rival and that they want him to be happy and do well at Old Trafford
Kagawa will stay at Manchester United, says agent The impending arrival of Juan Mata from Chelsea has cast the Japan playmaker's Old Trafford future in doubt, but his representative does not expect him to leave the club
West Ham set to seal Nocerino & Borriello signings The duo are set to undergo medicals with the Hammers on Saturday before sealing temporary deals as Sam Allardyce brings in reinforcements
Keller: Draxler not yet ready for Arsenal The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with the Gunners, but his current boss feels he would be better off staying put for now
Wenger hails Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of Arsenal return The Frenchman has hailed the versatility of the England international, who is set to make his first start for the Gunners since injuring his knee in August
'Wenger always complains' - Mourinho hits back after Arsenal boss brands Mata transfer 'unfair'
Jan 24, 2014 2:01:00 PM
The Frenchman is concerned that the Spain playmaker will be able to play against Chelsea's title rivals when he joins Manchester United, but not against the Blues
Jose Mourinho has hit back at Arsene Wenger after the Arsenal manager complained that Juan Mata's impending transfer to Manchester United is "unfair".
Wenger is annoyed about the transfer because Mata would be able to play for United against Chelsea's title rivals, but not the Blues themselves.
But Mourinho is not concerned: "Wenger complaining is normal because he always does. It's something we know," he told reporters.
"If Wenger sold [Mesut] Ozil to Man United I would be very happy because they lose a good player, but Wenger will complain and say it's not fair.
"When he says this is not fair I think what's not fair is his team always has the best days to play.
"When you go to the fixtures during the season, it's never fair because [Arsenal] always get the right times to play, to rest."
Mata is expected to travel in a helicopter to Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Friday to complete his club record £37 million move.
He had been scheduled to wrap up the deal on Thursday, but Chelsea's negotiations for Mohamed Salah, and poor weather conditions, delayed proceedings.
Anelka "quenelle" hearing post-poned
Nicolas Anelka's disciplinary hearing over his alleged anti-Semitic gesture is unlikely to take place until the end of February, it has emerged.
Saturday 25th January 2014
The West Brom striker has been charged by the Football Association with an aggravated offence following his 'quenelle' goal celebration against West Ham on December 28.
The 34-year-old has denied the charge and requested a personal hearing, but that is not likely to be held for a month, according to sources close to the case.
The length of time the case has taken has already prompted criticism from anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, which has expressed its "frustration".
However, the Anelka case is comparable with the racist abuse charges that were brought against Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Chelsea's John Terry, and in both of those cases there was a space of several weeks between the players denying the charge and the hearing taking place.
That is expected to be a similar scenario with French striker Anelka, who was this week presented with a 34-page document outlining the details of the charge.
The FA will appoint a three-person independent regulatory commission to hear the case, and as it has taken more than three weeks to bring the charge, Anelka's legal team will be permitted a similar length of time to construct his defence.
A further week to allow for administrative details to be organised, plus legal arguments between both sides' barristers, means that the end of February looks the likely time-scale for the hearing to start.
On Wednesday, Anelka asked the FA to drop the charge, stating he was "neither anti-Semitic, nor racist".
The former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool forward faces a minimum five-match ban if the charge is proved, and probably longer.
West Brom have asked Anelka not to repeat the celebration but will continue to select him for the team.
Anelka made the gesture, described by some as an inverted Nazi salute, after scoring in the 3-3 draw at Upton Park.
Afterwards, France's sports minister Valerie Fourneyron branded the salute as "disgusting."
The player however has insisted it was purely as a show of support for the creator of the quenelle, his friend the controversial French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala who has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism.
Anelka has said the salute was "anti-establishment", rather than anti-Semitic.
Solskjaer lashes out at transfer agents
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already made three January signings but has accused agents of "taking the p***" as he attempts to strengthen his Cardiff squad.
Saturday 25th January 2014
Solskjaer has already brought in the Norwegian trio of Magnus Wolff Eikrem, Mats Moller Daehli and Jo Inge Berge, while deals for Wilfried Zaha and Ivan Ramis are also in the pipeline.
However, Solskjaer claims further moves have been scuppered by unreasonable demands from both agents and clubs.
"We have been working here for more than three weeks and some agents are taking the p***," he said.
"Some clubs are taking the p*** because they think we have got X amount of money to give away. Of course we haven't.
"There are loads of players I have wanted and had a look at, but then you get the price tag is not realistic."
When asked in particular about the demands of agents he said: "It could be that agents think we have shedloads of money and see we are bottom on the league, I don't know.
"But that's just the business of football with all the money that's in football, but you don't want to see the money disappear.
"You want all the money inside football. We do not have a bottomless pit of money. There are constraints. That's why some deals I have said no to because of the finances of them."
However, Solskjaer is hopeful of making further additions to his squad before the window closes next Friday.
"If I get any busier it will be a very busy last week," he said. "We have got one or two bids in. The squad size is perhaps one or two down on what we want, but we have a couple of bids in and it's down to clubs, players and medicals to be passed."
Sir Alex Ferguson has no doubts Manchester United will give David Moyes sufficient time to turn things round at Old Trafford.
Moyes has endured a traumatic start to life as Ferguson's successor with United currently 14 points behind Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions.
That has left the spotlight firmly on Moyes but Ferguson has dismissed any suggestion United may not give his fellow Scot a fair crack of the whip - saying they will "absolutely'' give Moyes the time he needs.
"Of course they will (stick to their philosophy), they've always been that way,'' the 72-year-old told BBC Sport.
"There's no need to go down that road (discussing Moyes' future). Everybody knows what Manchester United is, absolutely 100 per cent."
Ferguson does acknowledge, though, that struggling new managers are not always afforded such patience at other clubs, and that's a situation he cannot get his head round.
He said: "I can never understand that.
"They (the club's board) must discuss the qualities of the manager they are going to offer the job to, you must look at his CV, his character, the philosophy he has....surely.
"Now if that is the way they have gone about giving the man the job, why don't they persevere with it?
"So then maybe it goes for a year, then they change, and then they go through the same procedure again. It seems to me so stupid."
United's troubles in the Premier League - they have already lost seven times, compared to just five times in the whole of last season - means the chances of retaining their title are looking increasingly slim.
However, Ferguson has not given up hope that United can still lift the trophy and insists this year's championship race is wide open.
"I'm not writing anyone off," he said.
"Tottenham have started coming forward a bit now, Liverpool are doing very well, Everton are doing very well, (Manchester) City are doing fantastic and Arsenal are top of the league.
"With Jose (Mourinho) you expect (Chelsea) to win games playing ugly, but all these teams are in there. United are in behind chasing.''
He added on Sky Sports: "United can do anything. They have got that great philosophy and history, they will always do well.
"I can watch the team whenever I want and I've really enjoyed it. I'm going as a supporter now and instead of suffering with the team, I'm suffering or enjoying it with the fans. I'm really enjoying watching the team play.''
The Dossier: How Mata will fit in at Manchester United
Jan 25, 2014 7:47:00 AM
The Spain international was not part of Jose Mourinho's plans at Stamford Bridge, but David Moyes is set to benefit hugely from the playmaker's creativity in 2014
ANALYSIS
By Jamie Dunn
Juan Mata may have proved surplus to requirements for Jose Mourinho and his industrious Chelsea side, but the Spain international is the perfect player to inject some much-needed creativity back into Manchester United.
Mata found himself on the fringes at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho, who favoured the trio of Eden Hazard, Oscar and summer signing Willian, all of whom displayed a willingness to press and win the ball back at the first available opportunity.
“Juan has to learn to play the way I want to play,” the Chelsea boss said after leaving Mata out of the squad for a victory over Fulham in September. “He has to be more consistent, he has to be more participative when the team lose possession.”
While United have their fair share of issues at the back, it is a playmaker they so sorely need rather than an auxiliary defender, particularly in the continued absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, having been comfortably outscored by each side in the top four so far this season.
Despite being unavailable through injury since New Year’s Day, Rooney leads his side in chances created (40) this season. Patrice Evra (23) and Antonio Valencia (19) have been United’s second and third most creative players, outlining a reliance on delivery from wide areas and the midfield’s inability to influence the game in the final third.
Much of the attacking responsibility has also fallen on the shoulders of Adnan Januzaj, an 18-year-old star in the making who has started five of the last six games in all competitions, but prior to this season, had not made a single first team appearance.
And while the teenager has scored three goals - including a vital match-winning double against Sunderland in October - provided three assists and created 18 chances, the Belgian-born forward would surely benefit from having a player with the class of Mata in close proximity.
United’s other creative players have simply failed to live up to their potential. Shinji Kagawa has been afforded chances under David Moyes but was most recently hauled off after an uninspiring hour in the dramatic Capital One Cup exit to Sunderland, while Tom Cleverley trails Rooney (332), Valencia and Michael Carrick (both 315) for passes in the final third (276). Anderson – the Brazilian who joined the club in a big-money deal from Porto in 2007 - has been loaned to Fiorentina.
Chris Smalling, a defender by trade, has created seven chances from open play for United this season - more than Cleverley, Kagawa, Anderson, Ashley Young, Ryan Giggs and the injury-hit pair of Van Persie and Marouane Fellaini.
Mata’s own numbers this season have been less than impressive. The Spaniard has started just 11 games in all competitions, and his struggles with Mourinho’s system are evident in his lack of goals and just two assists over a total of 834 minutes played.
But the 2012-13 campaign was a different story, as he created 95 chances - the fourth highest total in the Premier League. United’s highest totals came courtesy of Van Persie (70) and Rooney (49).
Mata also chalked up the third-highest number of passes in the final third with a whopping 929, far ahead of Carrick (749), Rooney (502) and Van Persie (501). Those figures earned Mata a nomination for the 2013 PFA Player of the Year award, and saw him named in the Team of the Year.
It is evident that without Rooney and Van Persie, United have struggled to create, but with both players back in training and Mata arriving in time for the bulk of the second half of the season, Moyes will have a variety of options at his disposal.
The fashionable choice could see Moyes abandon the conventional width offered by the wingers, Valencia and Young, and instead opt to play Mata, Rooney and Januzaj as an attacking three behind Van Persie or Danny Welbeck.
Alternatively, Van Persie, Rooney and Welbeck could form a front three with a midfield trio of Mata, the returning Fellaini and Phil Jones or Tom Cleverley, in the absence of Carrick, who is likely to miss a month of action with an injury.
There are a number of possibilities for Moyes and United who, with the addition of Mata, no longer need to rely on their strikers – Rooney and Van Persie – to lead the way in creating chances and instead focus on putting the ball in the back of the net.
Mourinho may have been less than enamoured with Mata’s ability to press, and the decision to sell him continues to baffle some Chelsea fans despite their Premier League position, but United are set to reap the benefits of a supremely talented player.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Cardiff City at the Emirates Stadium in London January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
(Reuters) - Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is doubtful for Tuesday's Premier League game at ninth-placed Southampton after picking up a knock in last week's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over third tier Coventry City.
The leaders could be boosted by the return of defender Thomas Vermaelen and midfielders Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey while winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting close to full fitness.
England international Wilshere has been getting back to his best in recent weeks but the 22-year-old hurt his ankle against Coventry.
"We have a doubt about Jack Wilshere," manager Arsene Wenger told a news conference on Monday.
"We have three players back ... Vermaelen, Arteta and Ramsey should all be available but we might lose Wilshere."
Wenger played down concerns regarding right back Bacary Sagna who is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to commit to the Gunners.
"We will try to secure Sagna because for me he's a very important player," said Wenger.
"He's fully committed and as long as he will stay here he will be fully committed in every single game."
(Reporting by Josh Reich; editing by Tony Jimenez)
By Kris Voakes at Emirates Stadium
Jan 27, 2014 2:15:00 PM
The Gunners have confirmed an agreement with the sportswear manufacturers which will take effect in the summer of 2014
Arsenal have announced a new, long-term kit manufacturing deal with sportswear giants Puma.
Although the club did not disclose the financial details or the length of the agreement, they did confirm it added up to a record package with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger hailing it as a "big moment for our club".
"This is a very exciting day for Arsenal Football Club," added Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis. "The new partnership represents the biggest commercial deal in both Puma and Arsenal's history.
"We are excited to be partnering with Puma, a company whose football heritage and record of innovation have a strong affinity with our own. This represents another important step forward in Arsenal's progression on and off the pitch.
"Pele, [Johan] Cruyff and [Diego] Maradona are just three players to have worn Puma. There is a real cultural fit between the two organisations. We share some ideas for all Arsenal fans around the globe."
Done deal | Arsene Wenger shakes on the deal with Puma CEO Bjoern Gulden
Puma CEO Bjoern Gulden revealed that the manufacturers had been hoping to team up with the Premier League leaders for several years.
"Arsenal have been a key strategic target for Puma for a number of years now. It is the third time in the last two decades we have entered into negotiations with Arsenal, and this time we have been successful," he said.
"As we enter a new era in our company history, Arsenal represent a major commercial and marketing opportunity to reinforce Puma's credibility as a global sports brand, and we have full confidence the plans in place to activate this partnership will have a significant global impact. Arsenal is a perfect fit for Puma."
The deal, which takes effect on July 1, 2014, ends a 20-year association between the Gunners and Nike.
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