Manchester United 2014-2015

[yinyang]

I don't quite swallow this (yet again)

Manchester United ready to offer Cristiano Ronaldo £14m-a-year in £80m Real Madrid deal

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/566575/Man-Utd-Real-Madrid-Cristiano-Ronaldo-Offer

Tuttomercatoweb claims that Louis van Gaal is determined to bring the Portugal international back to Old Trafford this summer after being linked with a move last year. MANCHESTER UNITED will offer Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo a staggering £14million-per-year salary as they prepare an £80m bid, according to reports.

Ronaldo spent six successful years with the Red Devils before joining Real Madrid in 2009, where he has gone on to win one La Liga title and 'La Decima'.

It is believed that the 30-year-old is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu, with some outlets linking him with current Premier League champions Manchester City.

However, new reports suggest that Van Gaal will attempt to win the race for Ronaldo's signature by offering him a annual wage worth £14m, should an £80m offer turn out to be successful.

 

[FUNCHOI]

Sports is becoming a commercial biz?

 

[yinyang]

Sports is becoming a commercial biz?

It is a commercial buz (at least for pro footy):p

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United target Mats Hummels 'preparing his exit' from Borussia Dortmund

The Germany defender continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, and sources close to his international camp have suggested a move could be close

Manchester United are closing in on Mats Hummels.

The Borussia Dortmund defender is understood to have told his Germany teammates during the international break that a summer move to Old Trafford is on the verge of being agreed.

A source close to the Germany camp said: “He is preparing his exit and he gave some of the players signs that his transfer is close.”

Experienced centre-back Hummels is likely to cost around £35m and a move to United would see boss Louis van Gaal land his no1 defensive target.

Hummels, 26, went public on his future this week, hinting he was keen on a move abroad, and his comments have been widely interpreted as his attempt to prepare Dortmund and their fans for his departure.

World Cup winner Hummels said: “I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well-being. Eventually, I’d like to leave the Bundesliga.

“I’m being open about this because I’m not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club.

“Everyone knows how much I love it at Dortmund, but I also want to make sure I’m part of a strong team with powerful players.”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-target-mats-hummels-5449032

 

[yinyang]

Match preview tonite home to Villa

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32097849

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has again been ruled out with a lingering ankle injury.
Luke Shaw has recovered from a hamstring problem but Chris Smalling is a big doubt because of illness.
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is fit after six weeks out with a calf problem, while Jores Okore and Joe Cole have also overcome injuries.
The game could come too soon for Aly Cissokho and Nathan Baker, while United loanee Tom Cleverley is ineligible.
Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos are back in training but may not be risked.

MATCH PREVIEW
Two games ago, when Manchester United began a daunting-looking run of matches, this match almost crept under the radar.

Having dispatched Spurs and produced their best 45 minutes under Louis van Gaal in winning at Liverpool, they next face a derby against Manchester City followed by a trip to Stamford Bridge. However, it's Aston Villa's visit that could be the most dangerous on the list.

Lawro's prediction
"After winning at Anfield and playing extremely well in the process, Manchester United will look at this game and think 'right, it is time to kick on'."
Predictions: Lawro v Phil 'The Power' Taylor
It's the one everyone expects a rejuvenated United to win to maintain their top-four charge. Especially after their last two performances, which have put them in the driving seat to avoid a second successive season without Champions League football.

But they will still only look impressive results if they beat Aston Villa. It's not the time of the season to scrutinise performances, it's all about results and United have been steadily getting them. They have the momentum - 22 points from the last 27. February's loss at Swansea, that I witnessed, is the only defeat in that run.
They have a more solid defensive foundation, they've scored in their last nine games and, having used 32 players this season, appear to have a more settled look.

Nonetheless, they only have to rewind to December for a timely reminder of what can happen. They met Villa on the back of a morale-boosting win over Liverpool, only to draw 1-1 and subsequently drop seven points from the following four matches.

They'll face a Villa team with a different mentality to that time as well. Tim Sherwood has injected much-needed belief into the squad as they've climbed out of the bottom three.
I watched them fail to win a third game in a row last time out, as they conceded late in defeat to Swansea. They didn't quite hit their recent standards in that game but the Villa manager will be believing his players can get something at Old Trafford.

History shows there can be unpredictable results after international breaks. Van Gaal will be hoping this isn't one of them.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester United have beaten Aston Villa 31 times in the Premier League, the joint-most of any team against any one opponent, along with United versus Everton.

Aston Villa's only win in 38 league games against Manchester United came courtesy of Gabby Agbonlahor's headed goal at Old Trafford in December 2009.

The Red Devils are subsequently unbeaten in 11 meetings in all competitions (W8, D3).

Manchester United
United have won a league-high 37 points at home (W12, D1, L2).
No club has scored more first-half goals at home than the 21 by Louis van Gaal's side.
They have kept 10 clean sheets this season, with three of them coming in their last four league games.
Their sole defeat in 15 games against clubs currently in the bottom half of their table was the 5-3 loss at Leicester in September.
Wayne Rooney has scored 12 Premier League goals against Aston Villa, his joint-highest tally against any opponent along with Newcastle.
He has scored eight goals in his last six league games against Villa at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa
Six of Aston Villa's seven league wins have been by the odd goal, the exception being the 4-0 win at Sunderland in their last away game.
That 4-0 win ended a run of six away matches without a point or goal.
Villa have failed to score in 17 of their 30 league games.
They have lost only three of six matches away to clubs currently in the top 10 of the league table (W2, D1).
Villa have scored only four second-half goals, six fewer than any other side. They have managed a mere two goals in the final 30 minutes of league action this season.

 

[yinyang]

Shelf life over for RVP. MC king too :p

Man Utd ready to offload former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie
MANCHESTER UNITED are willing to sell Robin van Persie in the summer.

Starsport understands United boss Louis van Gaal has deemed the striker surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

United chief executive Ed Woodward will now listen to offers for the Holland hitman and look to sell him to the highest bidder.

Van Persie stunned the Premier League in 2012 when he quit Arsenal to join United in a £24m deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson made him his last major signing before retiring as United boss and it proved to be a masterstroke.

Van Persie was a revelation in his first campaign, plundering 30 goals in all competitions to help United win the Premier League title.

But he was left shocked when Fergie announced his retirement and has struggled to hit the same heights since.

He scored 18 goals last season despite struggling to get on with David Moyes, and has just 10 this time round under Van Gaal.

Van Persie has suffered injuries and a loss of form this season to become a peripheral figure at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal snubbed his fellow Dutchman to make Wayne Rooney United captain and Van Persie has spent the last six weeks on the sidelines with damaged ankle ligaments.

The 31-year-old will be entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer and there have been no moves to offered him a new deal.

United bosses are reluctant to let him run down his £200,000-a-week contract and leave Old Trafford for nothing at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Van Gaal would prefer to sell Van Persie for a cut-price fee this summer and get him off the wage bill as he looks to strengthen his squad once again.

The former Holland boss has been promised another £150m to spend and has made PSG striker Edinson Cavani one of his main transfer targets.

Van Persie, who is expected to miss this weekend's crunch derby showdown with Manchester City at Old Trafford, favours a return to Holland to end his career there if United receive an acceptable offer.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...fload-former-Arsenal-striker-Robin-van-Persie

 

[FUNCHOI]

They are offloading RVP,
And bidding for PSG Edinson Cavani.

 

[Ambulance]

halo ah kow koh ai kai lui buay yia pl eh tio pok boh

They are offloading RVP,
And bidding for PSG Edinson Cavani.

 

[Gallego99]

Getting Cavani is another huge gamble. Best that they look elsewhere.

RVP hit his peak with Arse just b4 Fergie brought him over. Very much doubt he would repeat it.

 

[yinyang]

Interesting fixtures rest April to 2 May. Squeaky bum time, starting with big derby this weekend

UPCOMING FIXTURES

SUN 12 APR 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Man Utd v Man City
16:00

SAT 18 APR 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea v Man Utd
17:30

SUN 26 APR 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Man Utd
13:30

SAT 2 MAY 2015 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Man Utd v West Brom
17:30

All times UK

 

[yinyang]

Getting Cavani is another huge gamble. Best that they look elsewhere.

Expensive shit @gbp60mil

Man Utd prepare £60m bid for Edinson Cavani to scare off Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool

MANCHESTER UNITED will flex their financial muscle to beat Arsenal to the signature of unsettled Paris Saint-Germain hitman Edinson Cavani.

United boss Louis van Gaal has made Cavani one of his main transfer targets this summer as he gets set to offload Robin van Persie and on-loan flop Radamel Falcao.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is also keen on Cavani as he looks to turn his side into title contenders next season.

But United are convinced their superior spending power will see them lure Cavani to Old Trafford in what promises to be one of the biggest signings of the summer window.

It is understood United bosses are willing to offer PSG £60m for Cavani and hand him a staggering £300,000-a-week deal that will make him the joint highest-paid star at Old Trafford alongside Wayne Rooney.

United's decision to get rid of both Van Persie and Falcao is expected to free-up around £460,000-a-week in wages and allow them to make their move for Cavani.

Wenger knows he cannot compete with United's financial clout and will now be forced to look elsewhere in his search for a new striker.

Cavani, meanwhile, has conceded his future may lie away from PSG, saying: "For now I think only about finishing the season well here and give my best for the club that pays me.

"In Paris, I'm fine, but in football you never know what can happen in the future."

Cavani joined PSG from Napoli for £55m in 2013, but the move has failed to work out for him.

The 28-year-old, who is under contract until 2018, has never settled in the French capital after being forced to play out of position at the expense of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

His strained relationship with Laurent Blanc suffered another blow last weekend when he was involved in a furious touchline bust-up with the PSG boss after being substituted in his side's Ligue 1 win over Marseille.

Van Gaal has been promised another £150m to spend this summer on big-name signings as he looks to turn United into title challengers again.

The Dutchman reckons Cavani's impressive goalscoring record at the highest level and Champions League experience will help United compete for major honours.

Van Gaal is also keen to land himself a world class midfielder and centre back.

The top target for United's defence remains Borussia Dortmund's World Cup winner Mats Hummels who, like Cavani, is also being tracked by Arsenal.

And Germany legend Franz Beckebauer thinks the time is right for Hummels, rated by United in the £30m bracket, to make the switch to the Premier League.

Beckenbauer, who led Germany to World Cup triumph both as a player and manager, said: "At 26, Hummels is at the best age to make the move to England. I can understand his thinking well."




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...on-Cavani-scare-off-Arsenal-Chelsea-Liverpool

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United news: Louis van Gaal wins US pre-season tour battle
Old Trafford club set for two-week trip to the United States in July - a lighter schedule than last year

Louis van Gaal has won his battle for less-demanding pre-season tour commitments at Manchester United with the club close to finalising a two-week trip to the United States in July.
Van Gaal made a series of public complaints last summer about the organisation of the club’s five-game tour of the States, with the Dutchman angered by travelling distances, kick-off times and the commercial demands placed on his players.
While Van Gaal accepts the need for the club to satisfy its many sponsors and partners by undertaking tours to the States and Far East, the United manager has overseen every aspect of this summer’s pre-season preparations after inheriting last year’s gruelling trip from David Moyes, who had signed off the five-city trip to the States prior to his dismissal in April 2014.

Van Gaal’s attention to detail has forced the organisers of the International Champions Cup - the inaugural tournament saw United beat Liverpool in the final in Miami last August - to delay confirmation of this summer’s competition until the 63-year-old was satisfied with his team’s arrangements.
And it is understood that United are now putting the finishing touches to a tour that will see them based on the west coast due to Van Gaal’s desire to avoid the more humid and unpredictable weather on the eastern side of the States.
United have traditionally embarked on three-week summer tours in non-tournament years, with Moyes forced to take his squad on a punishing trip to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong within weeks of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Ferguson took his squad on similarly drawn out tours to the States and Far East and 2011 and 2009 respectively.
United are committed to playing three games in the States, with the potential of a fourth game, on the understanding that Van Gaal and his squad return to Manchester by Aug 1 - a week before the start of the Premier League season.
Van Gaal’s concerns last season centred on the travelling undertaken by his players, both between hotel bases and training grounds and also between host cities, with United beginning their tour in Los Angeles before moving on to Denver, Washington DC, Detroit and Miami.

In Los Angeles, United officials were forced to book rooms at a Holiday Inn close to the training ground due to Van Gaal’s annoyance that the hour-long journey back to the team’s Beverly Hills hotel prevented his players from resting in between morning and afternoon sessions.
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach was also exasperated by United having to overcome altitude and temperatures in excess of 30 degrees in order to contest a 2pm kick-off against AS Roma in Denver.
United have investigated basing themselves in Seattle this summer, where they have previously used the state-of-the-art training facilities of the Seattle Seahawks, and using the city as a base from which to fly in and out of match venues elsewhere in the western US and Canada.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...-van-Gaal-wins-US-pre-season-tour-battle.html

 

[FUNCHOI]

They are cutting short their U.S. trip,
to return by 1st Aug, to prepare for the match
against Man City.

 

[yinyang]

Wayne Rooney hoping to put a smile on Manchester United fans' faces with derby victory
By Adam Jones (@adamjonessj) | Thursday, April 9, 2015

Preview
Wayne Rooney wants to put a smile back on the faces of Manchester United fans by beating City when the sides meet in the 165th Manchester derby on Sunday.

The United and England captain has enjoyed himself against the current Premier League champions, scoring 11 goals down the years, including his incredible overhead kick winner in 2011.

A United victory at Old Trafford would ensure an unwanted record of five successive defeats to their arch rivals does not materialise, and Rooney is aware of the bragging rights at stake.

“We want to give United fans something to smile about when they go to work on Monday morning, we want them to be the ones to be able to give out the banter to Manchester City fans at work,” the 29-year-old told MUFCTV.

“I think it’s a very important game for Manchester United and Manchester City...for the fans and, for me, it’s a massive game of pride.”

Despite City’s recent dominance over their arch rivals, including a 1-0 victory at the Etihad in November, United go into the game as slight favourites with the sides boasting very contrasting recent form.

The Red Devils have won their last five league games and leapfrogged Manuel Pellegrini's side into third over the weekend as a result of City’s fourth consecutive away defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Louis Van Gaal has Robin Van Persie at his disposal after the Dutch striker’s return from injury, but the United boss is unlikely to change his front three of Rooney, Juan Mata and Ashley Young which has reaped so much recent success.

 

[rcn30rcn]

Man U is the best!

 

[FUNCHOI]

They are cutting short their U.S. trip,
to return by 1st Aug, to prepare for the match
against Man City.

Very sorry big big mistake.
the match is tomorrow Sunday.

predicting : 2-2.

 

[yinyang]

Match preview of big derby tonight.

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will miss out despite returning to training following an ankle injury.
Chris Smalling is doubtful because of illness, while Luke Shaw is injured and Jonny Evans suspended.
Manchester City will assess captain Vincent Kompany, who has a hamstring injury and remains doubtful.
Forward Wilfried Bony is sidelined by ankle and knee problems, while Dedryck Boyata and Stevan Jovetic will also miss out.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted that 2015 "is not a good year for us" but claimed "we are not a disaster, we're not a mess" as his side aim for a fifth successive victory over their local rivals.

"They dominated the league for so many years but one time Sir Alex Ferguson said the neighbours are disturbing them a little bit more - so I say that's double motivation for us," added Pellegrini.
Asked about winning his first Manchester derby, Van Gaal replied: "I dream of it, every player shall dream of the victory."

Savage analysis
"For me, City's title defence is over now but, let's face it, it had effectively ended before they lost at Crystal Palace.
"The important thing for them now is to finish the season well. Ideally, that would mean finishing second and above United but, like their chances of beating their neighbours, that also looks far less likely than it did a month or so ago."
Read more of Robbie Savage's derby analysis

MATCH PREVIEW
Welcome to Manchester - this season more likely to be a 'key marginal' rather than the seat of the Premier League title, as it has been for the last four years and seven of the last eight.

As the national picture turns a darker shade of blue, City's problems are of a local nature too, with a significant swing to the reds that has seen United go above them in the table for the first time all season.

United have 11 points more than at the same stage a year ago, whilst City have mustered nine fewer.
Failure to get back above the opposition in May will surely see their supporters call for a change of leadership!

Lawro's prediction
"The biggest problem for Manchester City is that they have been too easy to play against and, therefore, too easy to beat. But this is a huge game for them and I think we will see City's big players like Yaya Toure rise to the occasion."
Predictions: Lawro v The Vaccines singer Justin Young

Leaving the poor political puns aside, who can say they genuinely thought even just a few weeks ago that Louis van Gaal's team would be ahead of Manuel Pellegrini's by the time of this derby?

United have found great form to go with previous good fortune, and Van Gaal has found a system: Daley Blind at left-back, Michael Carrick deep in midfield, Marouane Fellaini working well with Ander Herrera, Ashley Young flying, Juan Mata starting, Wayne Rooney up front.

It all works - particularly with those last two names playing how and where they are.
In losing five of their last seven matches, City's system has looked rigid and rickety.
Will Pellegrini finally bow to pressure and change from his preferred 4-4-2 (mainly 4-2-4!) to deal with United's in-form midfield? Unlikely - and so might be a win for his team unless Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero really step up again.

Aguero, like Van Gaal, believes the title can still be won. His lack of a goal in the last five league games is one reason why City surely won't win it.
It's all about the Manchester mini-league now. It's the 152nd Manchester league derby. Chelsea and Arsenal would cheer a 50th draw.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City can claim five successive league wins against Manchester United for the first time.
It would also be the first time a Premier League side has won five in a row against United.
City have won six of the last seven Premier League meetings.
They have also won on their last three visits to Old Trafford, scoring a total of 11 goals.

Manchester United
Since losing to Manchester City on 2 November, the Red Devils have suffered just two defeats in 21 league games (W15, D4).
United have claimed 40 points at home - more than any other Premier League side.
They are chasing a sixth consecutive league win.
Wayne Rooney has 170 league goals for United. Only Denis Law (171), Jack Rowley (182) and Sir Bobby Charlton (199) have scored more.
Against Aston Villa, Angel Di Maria became the second player to reach 10 Premier League assists this season (after Cesc Fabregas).

Manchester City
City have lost their last three Premier League away games. A fourth defeat would represent their worst run on the road since a sequence of seven straight losses in 2006.
They have not kept a clean sheet away from home in eight league and cup matches since 13 December.
Sergio Aguero has five goals in six league games against Manchester United.
However, Aguero has only netted three times in his last 12 top-flight appearances - with two of those goals penalties.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32187754

 

[yinyang]

Due hard MU fan did Eithad stadium tour, tweeted his digs and got booted out. Tweets included 'more boots than trophies', in MU we believe :p

Stirring the pot: Man United fan Stephen Howson on why he live tweeted Etihad tour in a REDS SHIRT ahead of derby
20:31, 10 April 2015 By Jon
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...s/stirring-pot-manchester-united-fan-9022679?

A United fan spent the Friday before the Derby match on a tour... of the Etihad.

Brave or reckless Red Stephen Howson live tweeted his way around the Blues’ ground - while proudly wearing a vintage United shirt.

However he was rumbled after City staff spotted his tweets and asked him to stop.

Stephen, from Droylsden, had tweeted: “City tour to see what trophies they got. In a United shirt. On Derby weekend, coz that’s what we do. #ManchesterIsRED.”

When he got to the museum he said: “So this is it? There’s more pair of boots than trophies.”

The 31-year-old later tweeted: “Got rumbled on the tour. Got pulled aside and told to behave.”

Stephen, who runs the fan site mufclatest.com, told the M.E.N. how he visited the Etihad with fellow Reds fans from Israel after other tours around United and the National Football Museum.


He said: “I have been stirring the pot all week.

“I tried really hard not to heckle all the way through it but it’s hard being from the other side of Manchester.

“When they asked what their Latin motto stands for I said ‘In United’s shadow’.

“We wanted to have a laugh and I wanted to wear a United shirt.

“I was very surprised as there was only one City fan on the tour and there were more United fans.”


Stephen said he got ‘proper rumbled’ after staff discovered his live tweets.

He said: “They came up to me about two-thirds of the way through and told me to stopped tweeting.

“I didn’t think what I was doing was inappropriate, but luckily for them my phone had already died. I was taking the mickey asking them where their Champions League trophies were.

“My twitter feed is now an absolute mess. I thought it would get a response and it’s mainly City fans telling me I’m fat, sad and obsessed.”


Stephen said he was impressed with City’s facilities, but it ‘didn’t compare’ to Old Trafford.

He said: “The museum tour is well presented but they don’t have much to show and they drag it out at times.

“When you get to the museum and trophies section it’s about the size of my living room.”

Some of the responses to Stephen’s tweets included “You’ve got some stones mate” from @bwmather and “Ballsy move, just come out alive” from @Dubieman123.

 

[FUNCHOI]

Man Utd won 4-2.Man City.

Man Utd scorers:
14'-Young,
27'-Fellaini,
67'-Mata,
73'-Smalling.

Man City Aguero scored two goals in the 8' & 89'.

 

[yinyang]

More trivia on Cavani, or fluff that tabloids are made of

Man United plot double transfer swoop on Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva

Reds are prepared to throw likes of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Rafael and Nani into any deal that will land the Uruguay striker and Brazil centre-back.

Manchester United are ready to launch a £57million double bid for Paris Saint-Germain duo Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

The Old Trafford giants have been on striker Cavani’s trail for over a year - he was a target during the short-lived David Moyes era - and they are after the Uruguay international once more, but boss Louis van Gaal is just as keen to land team-mate and centre-back Silva.

With United also linked to a £95million move for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, the Dutch chief is confident they will land more big names this summer after splashing the cash to buy Angel Di Maria for a British-record £59.7m last year.

Asked whether United could compete with Manchester City and Chelsea for the world’s top players against this summer, Van Gaal smiled: “I don’t have any doubt that players are coming to Manchester United.”

Van Gaal sees 30-year-old Brazil international Silva as the perfect defender to recruit if he can’t persuade Borussia Dortmund’s German international Mats Hummel to join his Old Trafford revolution.

Silva is the type of tough, ball-playing centre-half Van Gaal is seeking and he’s hoping United’s chief transfer negotiator Ed Woodward can strike a deal for the defensive star.

PSG paid AC Milan £35m for Silva in 2012 and he has emerged as a key pillar of their bid to be a Champions League force.

Silva scored the decisive extra-time header at Stamford Bridge last month to sink Chelsea and send PSG into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Prising him away from Paris will be tough but Van Gaal is hopeful United can convince Silva to join them, - especially if they are in the Champions League themselves next season.

Woodward would be prepared to throw several players into any deal with PSG – including Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez, Rafael and Nani.

The Old Trafford wheeler-dealer will also use the foursome as bait in United's bid to land top target Memphis Depay.

PSV Eindhoven winger Depay is high on van Gaal’s wanted list and he’s ordered Woodward to pull out all the stops to grab the Holland international.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-united-plot-double-transfer-5499793