Manchester United 2015-2016

[Gallego99]

LVG should just do the honorable thing by quitting. PL title this season is still achievable. Just about everyone is dropping points. With a good run, Utd may just make it. Mou can do it. He doesn't have to wait till next season to win the big one.

 

[Gallego99]

With the exception of Mata, the work rate of some of the players are way too low. If the two DM were used to mask weakness in the center back, it did not work. In fact, there's more confusion as to who these players should pick up in set pieces. Smalling is running out of steam and Blind again is not cut out for a central defender's role.
Mou can fix this, just as he did when he took over the reigns at Chesea from Ranieri. Carvalho was the answer and they went on to win EPL title.

 

[yinyang]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United chief Ed Woodward asks senior players about Louis van Gaal
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 26/01/16 12:03am

Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has spoken to a number of players and senior figures at Old Trafford about Louis van Gaal, following their defeat to Southampton.

Van Gaal has travelled to the Netherlands to celebrate his daughter's birthday and is not due to return to the UK until Tuesday, when he is expected to take training at Carrington as normal.

Great expectations

Louis van Gaal admits he is not living up to expectations at Man Utd

There was no training on Monday, contrary to reports in several English newspapers that assistant manager Ryan Giggs had been left to take charge of the team.

 

[yinyang]

Louis van Gaal offered to resign as United manager on Saturday
• Ed Woodward talked him out of it after defeat by Southampton
• Manager will return for meeting with executive vice-chairman on Tuesday

Louis van Gaal offered to resign as the Manchester United manager on Saturday following the dismal home defeat by Southampton but Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, persuaded him to discuss his future with his family. Having returned to the Netherlands on Sunday Van Gaal will hold fresh talks with Woodward on Tuesday when he is expected at the club for first-team training.

At the meeting Woodward and Van Gaal will discuss the way forward but it is possible the manager could yet insist it is best for the club if he leaves.

Manchester United's Ed Woodward faces unavoidable question: is it time to sack Van Gaal?

Van Gaal admitted publicly for the first time on Saturday he had failed the United supporters, his comments coming after boos had accompanied him from the field at the end of the 1-0 defeat. It was the first open revolt against him from inside Old Trafford and, because Van Gaal has often cited fans’ backing as a prime factor in his hunger for the job, it moved him to make the offer to resign to Woodward.

The 64-year-old did so in calm fashion and it is a measure of Van Gaal’s loyalty to Woodward that he agreed to think again. He then returned to the Netherlands for his daughter’s birthday.

Woodward also wanted time to digest the defeat and assess the situation because he is keen to avoid having to appoint a manager in the middle of the season. He would much rather wait until the summer to make that decision, should he have to. He also wants to gauge Van Gaal’s mood on his return but, should United lose to Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday, the two may come to an agreement that the manager should walk away.

​

Woodward is solely responsible for Van Gaal’s future and who will manage United in the long term. Sir Alex Ferguson, the club’s most successful manager who is now a director, has no knowledge of Woodward’s thinking regarding Van Gaal. Woodward talks daily with Joe Glazer, the joint-chairman, and the American family will back Woodward whatever he decides.

When David Moyes, Van Gaal’s predecessor, was sacked Ferguson was unaware of the move and in his book, My Autobiography, made it clear other supposed powerful figures in the hierarchy were not consulted by Woodward either. Of a claimed hotel meeting he wrote: “I would like to know which hotel, because I wasn’t there. Nor were [directors] Bobby Charlton, David Gill or Mike Edelson.”

Van Gaal’s job has been reviewed by Woodward on a game-by-game basis after he came close to losing it following the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stoke City, which was a fourth consecutive reverse and a seventh match without a win.

Although the next result, two days later, was a 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford the side’s determination to attack throughout allowed renewed optimism. It was the start of a five-game unbeaten run, yet during this sequence United, apart from a 3-3 draw at Newcastle United, again failed to take the initiative in most matches.

They were fortunate to scrape a 1-0 win at Liverpool, as the team were once more devoid of ideas. At the weekend United continued in their lacklustre fashion against Southampton. It was the manner of the defeat that led to renewed scrutiny of Van Gaal. He appears unable to inspire United to play with the tempo and attacking style the club’s tradition demands.

Van Gaal resigned from Barcelona in 2000 and reached a mutual agreement to depart the Catalan club three years later during a second spell at the club. He also resigned as Ajax’s technical director in 2005 and came close to walking away from Alkmaar when he managed the club from 2005-09.

If Van Gaal is sacked or walks away, Woodward will have plenty to ponder over who replaces him. José Mourinho, who left Chelsea in December, remains a candidate to take over because United believe Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola is destined for Manchester City in the summer. They could yet make a move for the Spaniard, who has not revealed where he will be managing next season. Ryan Giggs, the United No2, is another option but most likely on an interim basis.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/25/anchester-united-louis-van-gaal-resign-offer

 

[yinyang]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

A given that his head's on the chopping block

Louis van Gaal: Man Utd boss says Derby defeat may get him sacked 'again'

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35431777

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says an FA Cup defeat at Derby on Friday could get him sacked - for the fourth time this season.

The Dutchman, 64, said speculation he offered to resign after the 1-0 loss to Southampton was "awful and horrible".
In a swipe at the media, he claimed journalists had "sacked" him three times already this season, and would do so again if United lose at Derby.

"Maybe then you have written the truth because sometimes it happens," he said.

United are 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester, five points adrift of Tottenham in fourth place and out of the Champions League.

Speaking before Friday's fourth-round match with the side fifth in the Championship, Van Gaal said questions about his future were being asked in a "disrespectful way".

"You make your stories and people believe it," he said at a news conference. "I am concerned they are believing it. You can write what you do.
"It is the third time I am sacked and I am still sitting here. Now I cannot lose any more - then for the fourth time I have been sacked."

Van Gaal praised the "fantastic" support of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, but said it brought "more pressure" to "fulfil the expectations that they have of you".

And the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss reiterated his desire to "continue to the end" of his three-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2016-17 season.

[TABLE="class: sp-story-body__table, width: 564"]
[TR]
[TH]What does Lawro think?[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]"A lot will depend on the team that United boss Louis van Gaal puts out but I just do not see United going there and rolling the Rams over. Derby are a good side by Championship standards - they will be very competitive, they will play at a high-tempo and they will cause United some problems. 1-1."[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Can the FA Cup save Van Gaal?

Famously, former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was under pressure three years into the job at Old Trafford and United were plummeting towards the old First Division relegation zone when they faced Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round in January 1990.

It was believed that a defeat would see Ferguson sacked. They won 1-0 and Ferguson went on to become English football's most successful manager.

Asked whether the FA Cup could become his saviour, Van Gaal said: "Of course."

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

The word on the street is that the Derby game is his last chance. If they lose, he really will be sacked.

Not even a successful run in the FA Cup will save him.

 

[yinyang]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

Man United transfer news: Man United to bid £18.9m for pacey striker?

Nick Rostron-Pike

Louis van Gaal looks like a dead man walking.

But, like a scorned lover with a ‘borrowed’ credit card, he is going to splash some of Man United’s cash before being given the axe.

The Red Devils have reportedly entered the race to sign CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa.
The Nigeria star has been linked with a move to Leicester City – who are said to have had a £15.1m bid rejected.
But the Daily Express report the Russian side are ‘holding out’ for at least £18.9m for the forward.

Just add it onto your tab Louis!

https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/man-united-transfer-news-man-united-to-bid-18-9m-for-pacey-striker/

 

[yinyang]

 

[yinyang]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

D-Day for transfers today, but for the rumour mill:p

The winter window closes today at 11 .p.m. GMT (6 ET). As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest rumours and gossip.

Movement at Old Trafford
Man United's Deadline Day moves for Ahmed Musa and Renato Sanches

Manchester United may have been suspiciously quiet this January, given the speculation over Louis van Gaal's future, but Portuguese outlet O Jogo claimed on Sunday that United were in advanced talks for Benfica's 18-year-old midfielder Renato Sanches.
Benfica coach Rui Vitoria is quoted by the Record as saying of the reported interest from Old Trafford: "If things happen, they happen -- everybody here knows how it is."

There was no mention of a sale, but United fans can keep hoping a move is in the works.

Meanwhile, the Mirror reports that United are facing a battle as the window closes for Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa, with the 23-year-old CSKA Moscow forward also wanted by Leicester and Southampton for the business end of the season -- that's despite reports from BBC Sport that the Russian club want Musa to stay put until the summer.

http://www.espnfc.com/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2798230/man-united-deadline-day-moves-for-ahmed-musa-renato-sanches

 

[Gallego99]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

Now that the Glazers want to do away with the youth academy or at least trim it and with Peppy going the City way, what next? With rising interest rates, the Glazers are starting to feel the heat and they're just about willing to do anything even if it means throwing the kids under the bus!

Woodward is an idiot!!!!The opportunity to restructure the club came when Ferguson retired. I very much doubt the Glazers will have their way though as I expect some of the directors will have a say as far as the academy is concerned.

 

[yinyang]

Re: I only worked with 4 world class players - Sir Alex Ferguson

...expect some of the directors will have a say as far as the academy is concerned.

Still got stalwarts on the board

On Pep's hype, view from OT
Manchester United did not go for Pep Guardiola - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ

Last Updated: 01/02/16 10:24pm

Pep Guardiola has been confirmed as Manchester City's next manager

Manchester United made no attempt to hijack Pep Guardiola's move to Manchester City, according to Sky sources.
City stole the Deadline Day headlines by announcing that Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini as manager when he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer.

A statement from the Etihad said first contact with Guardiola was made "in recent weeks", but it is understood United have been prepared for the announcement for months.

 

[yinyang]

Team News
Manchester United transfer news: Woodward will move for Mourinho in the summer

By Omar Hamouda
Posted on February 2, 2016

​

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly made the decision to replace Louis van Gaal at the end of the season and will look to bring in Jose Mourinho.

On Monday, the Red Devils saw Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola’s next destination confirmed to be rivals Manchester City.
The Spaniard had announced recently that he would be leaving the Allianz Arena in the summer, but a number of fans felt United would be the next side to benefit from his services.

Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games.

Current United manager Van Gaal has been under pressure for some time now and the Daily Star reports that the 64-year-old will be fired in the summer, two years into his three-year contract.

The man who United want as a replacement is former Chelsea boss Mourinho, according to the source, which also indicates that Mourinho is only viable option in the eyes of Woodward and the United board who can come in and challenge Guardiola for the top trophies next season.

The Star goes on to state that Mourinho actually wants a move to Old Trafford, which will certainly prove useful in potentially luring the 52-year-old to the North West.

Guardiola and Mourinho have a ferocious history against one another after their days in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, during which they engaged in a war of words on several occasions.

Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/manches...inho-in-the-summer/588948#pEJxTwGhdwddwTUo.99

 

[Gallego99]

Team News
Manchester United transfer news: Woodward will move for Mourinho in the summer.......

I expect Mou to be our next manager in the summer. One caveat though we're still a long way from the finish line and hopefully Mancini doesn't screw up at Inter. If recent results are anything to go by, it looks like Mou could be convinced to take a second bite at Inter.

One thing is certain though the youth academy will be revamped, downsized, scaled down or whatever you may call it and they could take on the Ajax model where LVG played a big part. That could take another 12 months before it actuates which simply means he could very well stay on at least till his term ends. Fark LVG!!!!:oIo:

 

[DoNotReply]

It's been a good week for Van Gaal. Martial is firing on all cylinders and his stalwarts like Rooney, Mata and Blind are finally playing to their ability.
Even if they lose to Chelsea on Sunday, I think he'll still serve until this summer.
A major factor as to why he has survived is the strong backing of Ed Woodwood.
Don't think Mourinho wants to leave the EPL and will probably wait for the summer before making his move.

 

[red amoeba]

Mournino to PSG, Laurent blanc to Man U.

 

[yinyang]

The jury's still out on this. Despite the blxxdy misleading headline

Jose Mourinho signs agreement to become Manchester United's next manager
JOSE MOURINHO has signed an agreement with Manchester United to become their next manager, according to reports.

The Portuguese is the bookies favourite to take over from Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, after being sacked by Chelsea in December.

Last month it was claimed Mourinho wrote a six-page letter to United outlining why he should take over from Louis van Gaal.

And according to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, who cite informed sources in Portugal, Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes "has done his job" and found his client a new job.

Van Gaal's contract with United ends next season but he has come under increasing pressure after a poor run of form.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

I expect a big announcement in the next few days on Mourinho's appointment as Man Utd manager. Possibly, after the Chelsea game.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35508280

 

[Gallego99]

I expect a big announcement in the next few days on Mourinho's appointment as Man Utd manager. Possibly, after the Chelsea game.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35508280

Not likely. It would be unkind and disrespectful to LVG. We certainly have more class than City. I believe the meeting with Mendes has more to do with player transfer from the Portuguese league. They're keen on a couple of players.

 

[Gallego99]

Mournino to PSG, Laurent blanc to Man U.

But why would any ambitious manager like Mourinho want to manage PSG in a league that is not competitive and no one really cares. Besides, he'll be judged by CL results rather than domestic cup competitions. It can get dicey with CL especially when you reach the knockout stages.

 

[THE_CHANSTER]

Gary Neville?