Manchester United 2014-2015

[Fellaini]

Tom Cleverley: Now 24, the England midfielder is facing a crossroads. Does little to affect big games and question marks remain over what he contributes to the team.
Everton are ready to take him away from Old Trafford this summer

Shinji Kagawa: The Japanese midfielder has proven to be lacking, both physically and mentally, since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in a £17m deal in June 2012.
Rarely trusted by David Moyes and Juan Mata's arrival may force him out this summer



​

 

[Fellaini]

Wilfried Zaha: Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing and one of the worst. Overlooked by David Moyes before being loaned to Cardiff in January.
Done little of note in Wales and is unlikely to have a future under Louis van Gaal

Javier Hernandez: Appeared destined to be a star after scoring 20 goals in his debut season in 2010-11,
but the Mexican has not progressed and his all-round game leaves much to be desired. Likely to be sold


​

 

[Fellaini]

Marouane Fellaini: Cursed by his £27.5m price tag and status as David Moyes's big summer signing, the Belgian midfielder has endured a nightmare at United.
If they can find a buyer, Fellaini will be sold, but finding a buyer won't be easy with his fee and wages

Ashley Young: The former Aston Villa winger has done little of note in a United shirt since arriving from Villa Park in 2011
and he could be a victim of any Louis van Gaal purge


​

 

[Fellaini]

Nani: Despite signing a five-year contract last autumn, Nani is set to leave after seven years at Old Trafford.
Italian champions Juventus are close to finalising a deal for the winger

Bebe: The Portuguese winger has been mocked for his raw ability and is likely to be sold back to Portugal, but he has enjoyed a successful spell on loan at
Pacos de Ferreira and is attracting interest from Benfica and Sporting Lisbon


​

 

[yinyang]

Cradle snatchers? :p

http://www1.skysports.com/football/...hester-united-take-young-benfica-duo-on-trial

Transfer news: Manchester United take young Benfica duo on trial
Manchester United have taken highly-rated Benfica starlets Joao Filipe and Joao Virginia on trial, Sky Sports understands.

Sky Sports revealed earlier this month that a host of Premier League clubs, including United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea were all chasing Filipe and Virginia.

Winger Filipe, who has been labelled the "the next Cristiano Ronaldo", and goalkeeper Virginia are regarded as two of the best young talents to emerge in Portugal in recent years.

Barcelona have already seen one offer rejected for Felipe with Benfica desperately trying to tie down the two teenagers to long-term deals to secure their futures.

However, United appear to have stolen a march on their rivals by coming to an agreement with Benfica to take Filipe and Virginia on trial so that they can cast an eye over the pair at close quarters.

If the duo impress during their stint at Carrington they could be offered deals to move to Old Trafford on a permanent basis.

 

[yinyang]

Manchester United: Louis van Gaal arrives at training ground




Louis van Gaal's reign as Manchester United manager began on Wednesday as he arrived at the club's training ground for the first time.

The Dutchman was appointed in May but has been in Brazil throughout the summer, guiding the Netherlands to a third-placed finish at the World Cup.

United returned for pre-season training on 4 July, with assistant Ryan Giggs taking charge in Van Gaal's absence.

Van Gaal will hold a news conference at 15:00 BST on Thursday.

The 62-year-old, who was pictured at Carrington - where he met players and other staff, has been asked to rejuvenate United following last season's disappointing campaign under David Moyes.

And Van Gaal has said he is aiming to instil the same team unity at Old Trafford as the Dutch side displayed in Brazil.

"I hope the group in Manchester will become like this one," said Van Gaal after the Dutch ended their World Cup with a 3-0 victory over the host nation in the third-place play-off game.

"We have to sing from the same hymn sheet."

A United squad containing new signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, bought in at a combined cost of £56m, head to the United States on Friday for a five-match tour.

Manchester United tour dates
23 July
v Los Angeles Galaxy
26 July
v AS Roma (Denver)
29 July
v Inter Milan (Washington)
2 August
v Real Madrid (Michigan)
4 August
International Champions Cup final (Miami)

Van Gaal, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar, will take charge of a United match for the first time on 23 July against Los Angeles Galaxy, captained by Robbie Keane.

United then face AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup, which also features Liverpool and Manchester City. They play a fifth game in the US on Monday, 4 August.

Giggs, 40, took charge for four games at the end of last season following Moyes' dismissal.

Moyes was sacked 10 months into his six-year contract at Old Trafford. The club were seventh in the table when he left and guaranteed to record their lowest points tally since the Premier League began.

Van Gaal's major titles
National leagues: Ajax (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96), Barcelona (1997-98, 1998-99), AZ Alkmaar (2008-09), Bayern Munich (2009-10)
Champions League: Ajax (1994-95)
Uefa Cup: Ajax (1991-92)

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is convinced Van Gaal is the right man to replace Moyes.

"The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is looking forward to the start of the season," said Woodward. "His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice."

 

[ThosayMaureenNeo]

A good coach going by his track record. How much he can lift MU and compete with my new look Chelski team will remain to be seen in the coming months.

"The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is looking forward to the start of the season," said Woodward. "His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice."

[/COLOR]

 

[Gallego99]

A ball winner. This is the sort of player we need ala Roy Keane, Bryan Robson type. Don't baulk at the fee. Just het him.

[video=youtube;uOQuuuXVmjs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOQuuuXVmjs[/video]

 

[jw5]

In order for Ander Herrera to be able to function in the midfield, he will need someone like Vidal or Kevin Strootman beside him.

Ander is a good playmaker/passer and combative in the tackle, but simply too lightweight to be able to play with someone like Carrick or Cleverley. They will inevitably be overrun by the midfields of the better teams.

A ball winner. This is the sort of player we need ala Roy Keane, Bryan Robson type. Don't baulk at the fee. Just het him.

 

[Gallego99]

In order for Ander Herrera to be able to function in the midfield, he will need someone like Vidal or Kevin Strootman beside him.

Ander is a good playmaker/passer and combative in the tackle, but simply too lightweight to be able to play with someone like Carrick or Cleverley. They will inevitably be overrun by the midfields of the better teams.

Dun know how serious Strootman injury is and if they rush him into action,he'll breakdown again for sure. Vidal's combative style reminds me of Keane and Robson and he would be a great asset to have-high work rate and full of running.

Dun really fancy Herrera as we have too many 'soft' midfielders but his vision and passing ability stands out. In fact this player was on the scouts list during Ferguson time and it appears that Ed and company went ahead with the 'old' list. Better to leave it to LVG to decide on the players that he wants. The good thing about LVG's appointment is he'll stick his boot on Ed Woodworth's arse if he screws it up all over again.

Oooohhh, Rooney's days may be numbered. If he thinks SAF is tough, this guy will swat a fly with a sledgehammer. Can't wait for the new season to commence.

 

[Gallego99]

We really owe it to Adidas for coming in with the moolah.

 

[jw5]

Reports about Strootman are that he will be out till end of this calendar year, which means practically half the new season.

They also need a couple of solid central defenders...............................

Dun know how serious Strootman injury is and if they rush him into action,he'll breakdown again for sure. Vidal's combative style reminds me of Keane and Robson and he would be a great asset to have-high work rate and full of running.

Dun really fancy Herrera as we have too many 'soft' midfielders but his vision and passing ability stands out. In fact this player was on the scouts list during Ferguson time and it appears that Ed and company went ahead with the 'old' list. Better to leave it to LVG to decide on the players that he wants. The good thing about LVG's appointment is he'll stick his boot on Ed Woodworth's arse if he screws it up all over again.

Oooohhh, Rooney's days may be numbered. If he thinks SAF is tough, this guy will swat a fly with a sledgehammer. Can't wait for the new season to commence.

 

[Gallego99]

Reports about Strootman are that he will be out till end of this calendar year, which means practically half the new season.

They also need a couple of solid central defenders...............................

Wow, that serious? Doubt he'll be coming over soon. Read somewhere that Smalling is one of the players LVG wants out. If that is true, we haven't got a natural central defender for the season. It will be interesting to see the players he selects but if you go by the 'old list', Garay is somewhere there.

Methinks he'll bring Jordy Clasie if he gets rid of Cleverley. I just hope Wesley is not in his list.

 

[jw5]

Could be Vermalaen. He may want Hummels, but so do all the big european teams.

Clasie is always looking to pass the ball forward which is good, but like Herrera, another lightweight midfielder.

Wow, that serious? Doubt he'll be coming over soon. Read somewhere that Smalling is one of the players LVG wants out. If that is true, we haven't got a natural central defender for the season. It will be interesting to see the players he selects but if you go by the 'old list', Garay is somewhere there.

Methinks he'll bring Jordy Clasie if he gets rid of Cleverley. I just hope Wesley is not in his list.

 

[yinyang]

Louis Van Gaal to AXE Manchester United flops in the next 48 hours

LOUIS VAN GAAL is set to wield the axe within 48 hours of taking over as Manchester United manager.

Van Gaal kicked-off his Old Trafford reign yesterday after replacing the sacked David Moyes.

But the no-nonsense Dutchman will waste no time in making a dramatic impact by getting rid of those stars he doesn't think are up to the job.

It is understood the former Holland boss has already drawn-up a hit-list of victims he intends to release.

Despite leading Holland to a third place finish at the World Cup, Van Gaal has spent weeks canvassing opinion on the squad he has inherited and which flops he should let go.

With the new season just a month away Van Gaal has hit the ground running and is determined not to start with any passengers in the squad.

So while Van Gaal said his 'hellos' to club staff at the Carrington training ground, it won't be long before some big names find themselves saying 'goodbye'.

Starsport understands those heading for the United exit include Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Bebe.

There are also huge doubts over the immediate futures of Darren Fletcher, Ashley Young and Rafael, while some of them might not even travel on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

WASTING NO TIME: New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will get rid of all the players that he doesn't want at Old Trafford in the next 48 hours


“Louis has got his own management style, which has thrown up a few difficulties along the way wherever he's been” Rene Meulensteen

Van Gaal held a meeting with his squad before training, but it is understood he will tell those who are leaving in face-to-face talks.

Surprisingly, the 62-year-old turned up in a light blue - the colour of rivals Manchester City - suit to pose for photos with new assistant Ryan Giggs and chief executive Ed Woodward.

He was given a tour of the training facilities and met dozens of staff before settling into his new office.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has been charged with turning United into champions again following their spectacular fall from grace under David Moyes.

It promises to be one of the biggest challenges of his managerial career, but former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has warned the players that his fellow Dutchman will take no prisoners.

HEAD RED DEVIL: Van Gaal met some of his new players earlier today at United's Carrington training ground. Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "Louis has got his own management style, which has thrown up a few difficulties along the way wherever he's been.

"Whether that be at Barcelona or Bayern Munich because of the way that he is, the way he puts himself in front of players.

"Players accept it or players sometimes don't. If they don't accept it, then yeah, you probably have a problem.

"They've had Sir Alex Ferguson and they've had a disastrous season with David Moyes, now another one comes in, so that will take time.

"United at this moment in time, will be seen by the opposition as still a team that can be beaten unless proven otherwise."

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/columnists/paul-hetherington

 

[yinyang]

A ball winner....sort of player we need ala Roy Keane, Bryan Robson type. Don't baulk at the fee. Just het him.

Doesn't seem likely (but you never know with jostling)

Arturo Vidal: Juventus say Chilean midfielder is 'not for sale'
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says the club have no intention of allowing Arturo Vidal to leave.

The 27-year-old was linked with Manchester United, but it is believed that the Old Trafford club have no interest in the Chile midfielder.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28334166

 

[yinyang]

LVG's 1st media do at OT (and more at ease than DM a year ago). Nickname "iron tulip?":p

Louis van Gaal: Manchester United unveiling feels like new era
By David Ornstein/BBC Sport at Old Trafford



Fifty-nine days had passed since Louis van Gaal was named as the manager of Manchester United, but not until he addressed the media on Thursday did it truly feel like a new era had arrived at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal's run to the World Cup semi-finals with the Netherlands meant his presentation had to be significantly delayed - yet when the moment finally arrived, it was worth the wait and did plenty to suggest he is the right man to rejuvenate a fallen giant.

The Dutchman was accompanied by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton as he strode purposefully to his first news conference in a light grey suit, red club tie and slicked-back hair.

He held aloft a home shirt with his name and the number one printed on the reverse, smiling broadly as cameras clicked and bulbs flashed, happily obliging as the scrum of photographers called on "Mr Van Gaal" to face left, right, left again and straight ahead.

United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was on hand to introduce the club's first ever overseas manager
This was not on the level of Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea last summer, when around 250 journalists and 40 film crews assembled at Stamford Bridge to quiz the Portuguese.

Nor did the timing fall kindly for many reporters taking a post-World Cup break or already in the United States ahead of United's pre-season tour, for which they depart on Friday.

But the turnout was still substantial and appropriate for a man charged with returning the Red Devils to their former glory after the hugely disappointing reign of David Moyes.

On 5 July, 2013, Moyes sat in the same room and gave an impressive performance of his own, having been hand-picked to replace Sir Alex Ferguson by the man himself.

Van Gaal was engaging but always firm as he crossed swords with the English media for the first time in earnest
It was United's first news conference for a new manager in 26 years and the fact that they have now held two in just over 12 months says everything about what happened last season.

This one felt different, though, and there is a sense of optimism about the place that was largely absent under Moyes. Van Gaal looks at ease in his surroundings. Moyes rarely did.

Van Gaal can lay claim to a Champions League triumph, domestic titles in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, and a third-place finish with the Dutch in Brazil. Moyes had no major silverware.

There was a relaxed and positive atmosphere as Van Gaal held court to a captivated audience for 22 minutes. During Moyes's tenure, it was usually short, tense and uneasy.

It feels as if efforts have been made to erase recent history and accentuate the fresh start: the Europa Suite where these events take place has been refurbished; a glitzy stage was constructed for Van Gaal instead of the basic table used for Moyes and it was positioned at the opposite end of the room; and a video tribute to Van Gaal played on loop prior to his appearance.

There was also not a single mention of the previous boss.

Interest was predictably high at Van Gaal's unveiling - more than eight weeks on from accepting the role
Moyes had the unenviable - some would say impossible - task of taking over from one of the greatest managers of all time and there was always a notion that the person who followed Ferguson's successor would be landing the plum job.

But Van Gaal appears better suited to the role and, surrounded by walls covered with images of United glory, the 62-year-old displayed no hint of being out of his depth.

Nicknamed the 'Iron Tulip' for a macho image that features an element of arrogance, he actually opened in humble fashion - admitting it was a "great honour" to walk in alongside Charlton.

Van Gaal refused to make predictions on how he will fare at "the biggest club in the world", said satisfying United and their sponsors "won't be easy" and later argued that depictions of him as an autocrat were "unfair", blaming the media for propelling such an idea.

He came across in a measured, calm and controlled manner - this was not an occasion for the animated character witnessed at times during the World Cup and throughout his career.

But we did catch glimpses of what Van Gaal describes as a "strong personality" when the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager talked of his pride at leading the "number one clubs" in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and England, adding: "You can see what I've won".

Van Gaal's major titles
National leagues: Ajax (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96), Barcelona (1997-98, 1998-99), AZ Alkmaar (2008-09), Bayern Munich (2009-10)
Champions League: Ajax (1994-95)
Uefa Cup: Ajax (1991-92)

Marcel van der Kraan, a football writer for the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, explained that Van Gaal simply "tells it as it is, he is very transparent and has nothing to hide".

The existing United players will, according to Van Gaal, be given "three to four weeks" for him to assess whether they can fit into his philosophy, after which he will "maybe buy some".

He twice gave inquisitors short shrift, answering questions about whether he expected to win the Premier League in his first campaign with "I've explained already" and "You know that, why ask?".

But above all, Van Gaal radiated an eagerness to get down to work, stating that United's owners and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward were "very excited" about his plans.

He did not rule any of his squad out of contention for the captaincy - "this role is very important" - and repeatedly stressed the need to find "a click between the players and manager".

Van Gaal would have preferred to take a "half-year sabbatical" but conceded that "when a challenge like this comes up, I never let it go" and he intends to meet Ferguson for "coffee or wine" after the Scot rang to congratulate him on being appointed.

At the end, Van Gaal was asked how crucial the experience of Wayne Rooney would be. He made no mention of the striker, only to reply: "I am not always convinced by experience".

Van Gaal has started his new job within days of guiding the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup
It was at this point that he pulled a pained expression in revealing the "big blow" of losing Michael Carrick to an ankle injury. Clearly, in his eyes, the real stars are not always those most famous.

"Van Gaal's philosophy is all about the 'total person'," said Van der Kraan. "Everyone must prove themselves not just as a player but as a person. He will assess their character on and off the pitch, decide whether they work for the team, bond with their team-mates as so on."

As in Spain and Germany, Van Gaal completed his first news conference in the local language and without the help of an interpreter. He struggled to pronounce the word "empathetic" but got there eventually and underlined that it is one of his strongest characteristics.

He left having made a strong impression and the consensus was that this should be a fun ride.

"Every news conference will be alive," Van der Kraan concluded. "He can be entertaining, warm, negative, excitable and explosive. You haven't seen his explosive side yet! This is Louis at six out of 10. When his communication and English are better, you will see the best of Louis."

So far so good, then, but ultimately it is results on the pitch where Van Gaal will be judged.

 

[Gallego99]

Doesn't seem likely (but you never know with jostling)

Arturo Vidal: Juventus say Chilean midfielder is 'not for sale'
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says the club have no intention of allowing Arturo Vidal to leave.

The 27-year-old was linked with Manchester United, but it is believed that the Old Trafford club have no interest in the Chile midfielder.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28334166

What it simply means is that the player can move if the price is right. It happens all the time. The problem is United have only so much in the kitty and with the planned clear out, they would need to stretch their dollar as much as they possibly can. With Carrick sidelined for at least 3 months, they will have little choice but move for a midfielder soon. They can't rely on injury prone Jones.

I think LVG has the names of the players in his head. I reckon he'll move quietly and it wouldn't surprise me if goes for players less heard of.
What excites me more than anything else is LVG will tweak the youth program to allow young budding 'stars' to make it to the senior squad. That would be a huge plus for youth development at Manchester. Lest we forget, it was Fergie's hesitance that led to Pogba leaving for Juve.
That mutherfucking French ingrate will be a great player.

 

[Gallego99]

For every Shaw, there are equally good players elsewhere. This fella is 21,played for Valencia and is now a Bayern player. Plays left back at the club but can play anywhere in midfield. Spain has a bright future.

[video=youtube;Ns9ynOt37WM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns9ynOt37WM[/video]

 

[jw5]

Wow, Bayern now have both Juan Bernat and David Alaba.

Another good left back is Wolfsburg player and Swiss International Ricardo Rodriguez. He took set pieces including corners for the Swiss team at the world cup.

For every Shaw, there are equally good players elsewhere. This fella is 21,played for Valencia and is now a Bayern player. Plays left back at the club but can play anywhere in midfield. Spain has a bright future.