Man Utd line up £15m move for Torino's Matteo Darmian as Dani Alves alternative

Darmian is a full-back who can play on either side of the field but Loui Van Gaal is particularly keen to strengthen down the right.

Reports earlier this week suggested that United had reached a preliminary agreement with Barcelona's Dani Alves that would see the Brazilian move to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

But the Mirror suggests Van Gaal considers the need more pressing and will look to sign Darmian in January instead.

Van Gaal has had Darmian watched on several occasions this season as he looks to bring in an alternative to Rafael.

Van Gaal Issues Warning To Manchester United Captain Wayne Rooney

Rooney is banned for Manchester United’s next two games.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has made it clear that captain Wayne Rooney will not walk straight back into the first team when he returns from suspension, Goal.com.


The 28-year-old was sent off against West Ham on September 27th and will miss United’s games against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea as he completes his ban.

United weighing up a move to bring Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross back to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have turned to a surprising name in their chase for a solid central defender in the January transfer window, with the Daily Star reporting that former Old Trafford youngster and current Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is the latest man to come under consideration from the United hierarchy.

 Shawcross was sold by former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson when he was just a youngster, joining Stoke City when they were a Championship side and helping them into the top flight under Tony Pulis, where Shawcross has established himself as perhaps the Potters’ key player and one of the most consistent centre backs in the Premier League.

Despite controversy surrounding a challenge on Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey that left the Gunners star with a serious injury, Shawcross is generally respected as a solid, consistent and honest Premier League performer who United could perhaps secure for a reasonable fee, with United have negotiated a buy-back fee in the deal that originally took Shawcross to the Britannia Stadium.

With United having reportedly been quoted £12m for Aston Villa centre back Ron Vlaar and Mats Hummels proving difficult to prise away from Borussia Dortmund, Shawcross could represent a bargain solution – whilst he is also at any where he can continue to improve under the tutelage of van Gaal and perhaps establish himself as a permanent fixture in the United defence.

Ryan Giggs tells Manchester United to prove themselves against title rivals City and Chelsea

Ryan Giggs has challenged Manchester United to prove they can stand alongside title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.

United face Chelsea and City after Monday's trip to West Brom, with Giggs acknowledging both encounters as a chance for the Reds to assess how far they have come under Louis van Gaal.

Giggs, assistant to Van Gaal , said: "Chelsea have probably been the standout team so far with City just behind them and we want to be up there testing ourselves against those teams.

"We feel that we do belong up there but we perhaps haven't shown it consistently this season."
United have won three of their last four Premier League games to rise to fourth in the table, with Giggs confident they can kick on.

"We've shown glimpses over the last few weeks and hopefully we'll have a lot of players coming back for those games," said Giggs.
"The form has slowly begun to get better and better and we want to hit form going into those matches."

Real Madrid to Launch £24m Bid for Man United keeper David de Gea

Old Trafford custodian on Bernabeu radar.

Real Madrid are readying a £24m bid for Man United keeper David de Gea according to the Daily Star.

The Bernabeu side apparently see the 23 year old Old Trafford star as a long term replacement for Iker Casillas though Louis van Gaal is clearly not keen on such an offer, with Man United readying a new £120k a week contract offer to help persuade the former Atletico Madrid man to turn down the possibility of a move back to his hometown.

De Gea has jumped ahead of Casillas in Vicente del Bosque’s national team set-up and is arguably Man United’ most consistent performer over the past 18 months.

Man United paid Atletico £17.8m for de Gea back in 2011 and after a shaky start the Spanish international has matured into one of the best custodians in European football.

One imagines that de Gea may become more likely to consider a move back to Madrid if Man United have failed to secure a Champions League berth for next season.

Casillas spent 18 months warming the Real Madrid bench, overlooked by both Jose Mourinho and then Carlo Ancelotti in favour of Diego Lopez, aside from Champions League duties, though this term the hugely experienced keeper was once again first choice at the Spanish giants only to drop a number of clangers for club and country.

Manchester City On Alert As Manchester United Can’t Afford Cristiano Ronaldo Signing

City threaten to swoop for top United target.



Manchester City could get one over their local rivals Manchester United in an attempt to sign one of their neighbours’ former greats in Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the Daily Express.

 The Premier League champions are one of a number of teams keeping an eye on Ronaldo’s situation at the Bernabeu, with recent transfer speculation suggesting that he could be on his way back to the Premier League next summer.

United are desperate to re-sign their former hero in a big-money move, but may be unable to afford it due to their significant debts, which won’t have been aided by their big spending on new players this summer, with over £150m going on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Ander Herrera.

City now hope to swoop as their financial situation looks good after some relatively low-key signings this summer, with plenty for Manuel Pellegrini to spend if he does pursue the signing of the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo has himself hinted he would like to return to United one day, but it is thought that he could also be open to returning to Manchester to turn out for their arch rivals if the money is right.

Man United Eyeing Arturo Vidal, As Juventus Confirm Newfound Desire To Sell

Could Arturo Vidal be heading for the Premier League in January…

Manchester United have been handed renewed hope in their pursuit of Arturo Vidal, after Juventus reportedly confirmed their desire to sell the player, in order to fund a bid for Juan Mata.

 This latest update from Italian source Corriere dello Sport completes a dramatic u-turn from the Serie A giants, who fought tooth-and-nail to keep the Chilean midfielder at the club during the summer, resisting speculation linking the player with a move to Old Trafford.

Juve are now openly looking to sell the player – who has been criticised for his bad attitude and late night clubbing already this season – and will accept offers of around the £30m mark. United, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are all thought to be interested.

They then plan to replace Vidal with United’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, who has been regularly linked with moves away from the club since the summer arrivals of Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao, which have reduced his chances in the first-team.

Mata has only played 19 times for the club since arriving from Chelsea in January, in a then club record £37.1m deal. The 26-year-old would likely be willing to leave, if the move ensured him game time and a speedy return to Champions League football.

Manchester United To Cure Defensive Woes With £4m Bargain Move For Premier League Rock

United eyeing January move for Ron Vlaar from Aston Villa.


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is ready to turn to a tried and trusted old hand of his Netherlands side, report the Express, with United lining up a January swoop for Aston Villa central defender Ron Vlaar in a bargain deal.

 Vlaar was a vital part of van Gaal’s Dutch side at the summer World Cup, offering defensive stability and experience to a Dutch side otherwise largely lacking in both and, with his contract at Villa due to expire at the end of the season, van Gaal may well feel that he represents a cost effective and trustworthy short term cure to his issues in the centre back position.

United have seen the likes of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling struck down by injury during the early part of this season and, with none of his centre backs showing any real form, it is a given that the Red Devils will be in the market for one once the transfer window reopens.

Vlaar has so far shown few signs of being willing to extend his deal at Villa Park and, should there be no further movement before January, Paul Lambert’s side are likely to be willing to accept a bid of around £4m rather than lose Vlaar for nothing at the end of the season.

Whilst United may well be holding out hope for a world class central defensive buy, such as Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund, they are likely to accept that such an option is unlikely to be readily available in the winter window.

David Moyes Ready To Return To Management After Manchester United Nightmare

Former United boss missing football.

Former Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes has told the Daily Telegraph that he is keen to return to management after his nightmare spell in charge at Old Trafford

 The Scot spent just nine months in charge of United before being dismissed for a terrible run of form, though he had previously been a highly regarded Premier League coach for his work done during his time at Everton.

Moyes has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving United, and though he has not been specific about where he would like to work next, he has admitted a temptation to try his luck with a position abroad.
Moyes draws inspiration from the likes of the late Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables, who both left Britan to work with foreign clubs, and he says that there isn’t enough of that in the modern game.

The 51-year-old was linked with the Galatasaray job during the summer, though it eventually went to former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, but it may be that he will be keeping an eye on similar opportunities in the future rather than returning immediately to a job with a Premier League club.

“I’m ready to go,” he said. “I’ve no time-scale. I’m enjoying the break but I’m a football man and I want to work. I feel my best years are ahead of me and I do feel I am still a young manager. I’ve lots to learn and lots I want to put into practice.

“Picking my next job is vitally important, I’m well aware of that. I’ve an open mind as to what it will be and where it will be – if it’s in the Premier League or in the UK, that’s fine.

“But if it’s abroad then I’m okay with that. I have always been an advocate of players and coaches going abroad if that’s the right opportunity. It doesn’t happen, not enough anyway.

“You look at how well Terry Venables did in Spain and how well Bobby Robson did – they are up there with the great managers and both had periods working in Europe.”
Manchester United news

Cristiano Ronaldo Worth €1 Billion - Agent Jorge Mendes

Real Madrid star is apparently worth a very large sum indeed.


Cristiano Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a possible Man United return in recent weeks and now the Real Madrid star’s agent claims that the 29 year old is well worth his astonishing €1bn (£800m) release clause according to Goal.com.

 Ronaldo has been in fine form, even by his very own high standards, this term and is clearly a player well worth a massive sum should he leave the Bernabeu though one imagines the fee needed to trigger his release clause isn’t one Man United are about to fork out.

Agent Jorge Mendes has recently stated that his client will see out his career at Real Madrid and has been full of praise for the Portuguese international.

“In addition to being the best footballer in history, he is the greatest athlete of all time,”
“You cannot compare him with anyone.

“He is the best player in the biggest sport in the world, in which there is more competition than in any other. For that reason, he is the best sportsman in the world.”

When questioned about Ronaldo’s worth on the transfer market Mendes added;
“The price that is stated in his release clause – €1bn.”

It is perhaps worth noting that despite Ronaldo’s phenomenal form during his time at Real Madrid the former Man United has seen his side win just one La Liga title in his five completed campaigns in the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record is second to none with his tally of 269 goals in 257 appearances for Real Madrid is awe-inspiring to say the least.

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Marcos Rojo: I don’t understand Wayne Rooney’s jokes

The Argentina international joined United from Sporting Lisbon during the summer transfer window but is still getting to grips with the local language.

And the defender concedes that both he and fellow new arrival Angel Di Maria often fail to understand what their captain is talking about.

“He [Rooney] jokes at me and Angel but I have to admit we don’t understand his jokes – because we don’t speak English,” Rojo told the Sun.

“Soon I will understand because I want to learn the language and I am already taking lessons.”

Michael Carrick to be offered a new Old Trafford deal.

Manchester United are set to offer a new one-year contract extension to long serving central midfielder Michael Carrick, report the Express, despite the fact that he is yet to feature this season due to an injury suffered in pre-season.

 Carrick is in the process of returning to training, however, and should be in a position to offer himself for selection after the upcoming international break, with manager Louis van Gaal ready to extend the player’s contract before any talks about him leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season hots up.

Despite the fact that Carrick is yet to feature under the new manager, who has also signed Daley Blind is direct competition in defensive midfielder, the Dutchman reportedly sees him as a key part of his long term plans at Old Trafford and is keen to tie him down for another year as soon as possible.

Carrick has become part of the furniture since making the move to the club from Tottenham Hotspur, playing an integral role in both Premier League and Champions League victories for the Red Devils.

His England career, however, never really took off, despite Carrick spending a significant portion of time as the best deep-lying creative player that the Three Lions had at their disposal.

Man United Line-Up £22m Bid for Aston Villa Pair

Old Trafford side target Villa Park duo.

Man United boss Louis van Gaal has identified two Aston Villa talents he will look to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.


Having forked out over £150m on new players over the summer it’s highly likely that the Dutch manager won’t be able to spend quite so extravagantly and that in part could explain his interest in Villa Park duo Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar.

The duo are both out of contract at the end of the current campaign and both players are said to be of interest to van Gaal as he seeks to strengthen his squad.

Van Gaal knows tough tackling centre-back Vlaar well from his time in charge of the Netherlands, indeed the 29 year old former Feyenoord man was a pivotal member of his 2014 World Cup finals squad, and the Man United boss feels he urgently needs to strengthen his leaky defence.

Vlaar is in good form and may well be available for a fairly small sum, especially with ongoing talk of Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner potentially looking to sell the club.

The prospect of losing either Vlaar or Delph on free transfers next summer will not sit well with the American and as such Man United are ready to offer a combined fee of £22m for the two players and could consider the prospect of offering loaned out midfielder Tom Cleverley on a permanent basis as part of the deal.

Delph’s excellent displays of late have resulted in a first call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England national team set-up and van Gaal is said to be impressed by the box to box performer.

The likes of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Anderson and Marouane Fellaini are very much playing for their Man United futures and 24 year old former Leeds United man Delph is a player van Gaal is ready to turn to.

Man Utd handed MASSIVE £40m Kevin Strootman boost with Roma's Rudi Garcia ready to sell

 

MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Kevin Strootman after Roma sounded out a replacement in Atletico Madrid enforcer Mario Suarez. 

Louis Van Gaal is a big fan of the injured Strootman, having managed him during his time in charge of the Netherlands, and wants the 24-year-old to partner Ander Herrera in the centre of midfield.

Roma's sporting director Walter Sabatini insists that the playmaker is not for sale this January, but fresh reports in Italy claim that manager Rudi Garcia is ready to take United's money and run.

 Strootman is yet to play since early March after injuring his knee against Napoli, and with Radja Nainggolan turning in fine performances alongside Daniele De Rossi, Seydou Keita and Miralem Pjanic, Strootman may find it hard to regain his best form and win back his place in the starting XI.

United are willing to pay as much as £40million to land the Holland international, and it has now emerged that Roma are eyeing up a move for Atletico anchorman Suarez.

The Spaniard is likely to only cost around £10million, leaving Roma with a healthy profit to spend on other parts of the squad should Strootman make the switch to Old Trafford.

Mata set to replace suspended Rooney

Louis van Gaal has suggested Juan Mata will replace suspended captain Wayne Rooney for Manchester United against Everton but remained coy over who would take the armband on Sunday.

Rooney, 28, will miss United's next three games after receiving a straight red card for kicking Stewart Downing during the 2-1 win over West Ham last Saturday.

The United manager hinted Mata will start in his favoured No.10 role, while Paddy McNair - who debuted at centre-back against West Ham - will keep his starting role.

"In [Rooney's] position Juan Mata has played very well," Van Gaal told his pre-match news conference on Friday. "I have to choose. I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well."
Darren Fletcher is the club's vice-captain and could well take over Rooney's responsibilities on Sunday given Ander Herrera's absence through a cracked rib.

However, Van Gaal refused to reveal his choice, stating: "You shall see. I have told the players but you shall see on Sunday."

Van Gaal confirmed United are without nine first-team players for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford, with Phil Jones not yet ready for a comeback.

"It's difficult to explain," he continued. "You can be fit but not match fit - that's a big difference. For example, Herrera is fit but he cannot play because of his rib pressure. [Marouane] Fellaini has trained for one week but is not yet fit to play 90 minutes. We have eight injuries and one suspension so nine players are not available.

"We still have three central defenders injured so [McNair] shall play. He is the only player who can play in the right-sided [central] defensive position. I chose him last week and he played very well.

It's difficult for a player like him to maintain that level - that is his biggest challenge."

Unlike United, Everton are recovering from continental competition after securing a late 1-1 Europa League draw at Krasnodar in Russia on Thursday, though Van Gaal doubts the visitors' long trip will impact their performance on Sunday.

"It's difficult to explain because the result is very important," he said. "You have to look at how did you fly? How did you manage that as a group or as individual players? It's logical to say maybe we have the benefit but the motivation [for Everton] to play at Old Trafford against United is maybe much more important than the flight.

"I have to say that I like Everton because they want to play football like I want to play football. It shall be a very interesting game. I know we lost to them twice last season so it will be difficult. I hope we can dominate the game but they will want to do that too. They are more likely to play on the counter than us. That's also the difficulty."

Van Gaal was also supportive of the club's plans to play midweek exhibition matches abroad in the new year, despite previously raising concerns over the lengthy travelling having a negative impact on his team.

The matches, which could take place in the Middle East, would provide Van Gaal's team with some kind of competition during the weeks when their rivals are in Champions League action.

"I agree with that [idea],'' the United manager said. "We [managing director Richard Arnold] have spoken last week with each other and also [executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward, so I fully agree.

"I'm used to playing midweeks but I have said in the first three months [of the season] we have to wait because it's difficult enough for the players to adapt and adjust to the new play organisation and style, and they shall honour that, but we shall play midweeks."

Source http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/352495.html

£43.5m deal AGREED, Real Madrid star eyed, Welbeck hits back

MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed personal terms with Radamel Falcao, Louis van Gaal is hoping to lure Fabio Coentrao to the club in January while former striker Danny Welbeck has hit back over his goal record at Old Trafford.

 

Radamel Falcao has agreed personal terms over a £43.5m permanent transfer to Old Trafford. 

The Colombian striker is on a season-long loan deal from Monaco but he is keen to complete a full-time switch.

United have agreed to pay Falcao £250,000-a-week plus add ons in a £43.5m deal.
He has failed to score in three Premier League appearances for the club.

Louis van Gaal is hoping Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao can persuade Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao to join the club this January.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is willing to sacrifice Coentrao as he is on the lookout for a new left-back.
United have been linked with the Portuguese star in the past and Van Gaal could make his move after seeing his threadbare defence decimated by injuries.

Di Maria and Falcao share the same agent as Coentrao so could be used to lure him to Manchester.

Former striker Danny Welbeck has hit back at Van Gaal after the Dutchman questioned his goal record.
United sold the England international to Arsenal for £16m on transfer deadline day and he has impressed Gunners fans.

"Nobody can really criticise my finishing because they don't really see me playing in a forward position too often," he said.

"But now I am getting into these positions I want to be sticking the ball in the back of the net. I'm sure it's the same with every other striker."

Manchester United have named Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria as the club’s Player of the Month for September.

The Argentine playmaker, who cost £59.7m from Real Madrid, has taken to life at Old Trafford effortlessly.
The 26-year-old picked up two goals and two assists last month in United's three Premier League outings against QPR, Leicester and West Ham.

The former Benfica man was the runaway winner for the monthly prize, claiming 68 per cent of the votes, with fellow summer signing Ander Herrera picking up 23 per cent as runner up.

"I am very happy to have received the award but I’ve got to stress that it’s all about the team," Di Maria said.

"I’m happy that my career here at Manchester United has started very well, and I hope that what I’m doing out there on the field is helping us to pick up points and victories."

Asked about his highlight of the last month, he added: "I think it would be the two goals I’ve scored so far.
"They were decent goals and I was pleased with them, and I think it’s probably goals that help you win awards like this.

"Above all, though, I’d like to say that I have been working hard to help the team pick up good results – that hard work is important, and I think it has helped me win this award.

Sir Alex Ferguson to return to Manchester United on Sunday to introduce Park Ji-sung as club's ambassador

 

The Scot will be on the Old Trafford pitch, prior to kick-off against Everton, for the first time since his emotional farewell speech in May 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson will make his first appearance on the Old Trafford pitch since his retirement before Sunday's game against Everton.
Fergie will introduce former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung as the Red Devils' latest club ambassador.

United's legendary manager has been a frequent guest at Old Trafford, watching games from the directors' box, but this will be the first time he will have been on the pitch since his emotional farewell speech after his final home game in charge in May 2013.

Although a few United fans have questioned his decision to choose David Moyes as his successor, he is sure to get a great reception from the Old Trafford faithful.

Park joins the likes of Andy Cole and Bryan Robson in becoming a club ambassador and the South Korean is excited by his new role at United.

"I have fond memories of my time at Manchester United and I'm delighted and honoured to have become an ambassador for the club," he said.
"Some of the best moments of my life and career were spent here and I will never forget the great support I had from the club and the fans.

"I am looking forward to once again representing United and sharing some of these memories with our global fanbase.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'How could I miss the Manchester United plane banner?

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he saw the banner from Manchester United fans which flew above him last week.

The forward, 29, spent six trophy-laden years at Old Trafford before his £80m move to Real Madrid in 2009.

At the Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo has scored 239 goals and also won the Ballon d’Or, and recent reports had suggested that Louis Van Gaal would be willing to break the bank to bring him back to United.

During Real Madrid’s match with Villarreal on Saturday, a light aircraft flew over El Madrigal trailing a banner which read: “Come home Ronaldo”.
The banner also displayed the words ‘United Reel’ – the Red Devils fan group who commissioned the flyover.

Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo said: “How could I not see that plane?
“I always said that I have a family in Manchester but I’m good in Madrid.
“I’m glad of the affective that United fans have for me, it means that I have left good memories.”

Man Utd and Liverpool to battle for Dani Alves after he reveals Barcelona exit plan

DANI ALVES looks set for a switch to the Premier League next summer, after reports from Portugal indicated the player wants out of Barcelona.

 The 31-year-old has starred for the Nou Camp outfit during a six-year spell in Catalunya.

His regular forward busts from right-back have helped inspire the club to two Champions League trophies, four La Liga titles and two Spanish Cup successes during an unprecedented spell of success for Barca.

And he now looks set to bring a touch of that success to the Premier League, after he was quoted in Brazilian newspaper O Globo as saying “next season I will be playing in England”.

“This is my last season at Barca. I want to play at the home of football,” he is also alleged to have said.
He did not reveal which team he is set to join, but Starsport understands Liverpool have been monitoring his situation.

Current first-choice Glen Johnson is out of contract next summer, and the club have little appetite to renew his £100,000-per-week paypacket.

Rivals Manchester United are also likely to be in the hunt for fresh defensive options, with boss Louis van Gaal thought to have concerns over current right-back Rafael.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all well stocked in Alves' position, meaning any move for the player would be unlikely.

Manchester United to make £51m transfer bid for Arturo Vidal and Angelo Ogbonna

 

Manchester United are after this Juve pair (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are set to make a £51million offer for Juventus pair Arturo Vidal and Angelo Ogbonna ahead of the January transfer window.

Red Devils chief Louis van Gaal has been promised sizable funds to add to his squad in the new year, and he is already working on deals.

According to reports in Italy, the Dutchman has set his sights on Juve’s Vidal and Ogbonna – and wants to land them both in a double deal.
A £51million offer will go in imminently, with United keen to agree a deal in principle ready for them to arrive on January 1st.

Vidal, a tough-tackling midfielder, was chased by United for most of the summer, while centre back Ogbonna is also a target because of his power and physicality.

Wayne Rooney Hails Manchester United Youngster Paddy McNair’s Performance

The Manchester United captain has praised the youngster after his solid debut against West Ham.

 Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has spoken to the club website  in glowing terms about young centre-back Paddy McNair, who performed admirably in the game against West Ham on Saturday after his last minute call-up.

“That was probably one of the bigger tests a young defender can face, up against a team putting lots of crosses into the box, but he took it and stood up to it.

It won’t get much tougher in terms of physical strength and aggression against him, but he dealt with it and we are all delighted with him. I saw the clearance he made at the end. I thought he was tremendous for us”.

It was Rooney’s red card which lead to the young Northern Irishman being put under so much pressure, as the Red Devils back line was forced to retreat deeper and deeper a man down, inviting waves of West Ham attacks.

McNair coped well with the direct approach as the Hammers besieged his area, and the late headed clearance of a Jenkinson cross to which Rooney referred was a particular highlight.

Given the injuries and suspensions plaguing Louis Van Gaal’s Man Utd at present, McNair may be granted further opportunities ahead of the international break.

Despite some hugely exciting attacking talents being brought to Old Trafford, the club was strongly criticised for a failure to reinforce the defence.

Optimism surrounding McNair’s performance means that the solution to Manchester United’s defensive travails could well be found from within.

Manchester United considering midweek friendlies in the Middle East

Manchester United are considering playing lucrative friendlies overseas to fill the midweek void left by the absence of European football this season and their early Capital One Cup exit. The 20-time English champions have forecast a 10% drop in revenue in 2014-15 after they failed to qualify for the Champions League under David Moyes.

The struggles have left United with one midweek Premier League match before the end of 2014 and just three in the first three months of 2015.

Going overseas – the Middle East would be the most likely destination – would allow United to escape the English winter for a few days and the addition of Radamel Falcao and Ángel di María have made the club even more likely to attract lucrative contracts for friendlies.

“That’s something we continue to look at, as always making sure that the preparations we do on the pitch come first,” United’s managing director, Richard Arnold, said.
  “For many of our [pre-season] international tours, there is a plan to ensure we get that team building that goes together with getting the team all together in one place. That’s something that’s being looked at with regards to the future with Louis [van Gaal].”

Van Gaal said during United’s pre-season tour of the United States, shortly after taking over as manager, that the obligations to sponsors and distances the team has to travel was “not very positive for a good preparation” for the Premier League campaign.

Arnold said there’s no disagreement with Van Gaal over the possibility of taking on more commercial ventures.
“I can only speak positively of my experience with the manager in terms of his understanding of what’s required to get a first-class team onto the pitch and also what’s required for running a club of our magnitude,” Arnold said.

“We have a fantastic partnership in terms of our work off the pitch and I’m very appreciative of the support we have had from him.”

Manchester United To Re-Ignite Interest In Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan has been out of action for a year with a back injury.


Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he is close to returning to full fitness, sparking the interest of long term admirers Manchester United, the Daily Star reports.


The Red Devils were interested in the German international last year but the midfielder suffered a back injury and that has kept him on the treatment table for over a year.

However, the former FC Nurnberg star has now revealed that he is close to returning to the Dortmund first team.
He said: “I feel that I’m edging ever-closer to my former self.
“My comeback isn’t too far away any more. I could be back after the international break.

“I have already pencilled out the entire day and I will thoroughly enjoy my comeback. I felt like a 90-year-old when I had just picked up the injury.

“I never considered the option that I could be forced to retire from football, but it was obviously the worst experience of my career.”

Louis van Gaal is currently looking for a top quality midfielder to strengthen his side in January, with AS Roma enforcer Kevin Strootman thought to be his main target.

However, if the Dutchman is priced out of a move for Strootman, he may consider re-igniting United’s interest in Gundogan as long as the 23 year old’s return to first team football goes smoothly.

Arsenal Expect to Complete £10m Deal to Sign Man United defender Chris Smalling

Emirates Stadium target has struggled to break into Manchester United’s first team.

Arsenal could be set to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in the January transfer window with both clubs close to agreeing a £10 million transfer fee for the centre-back, the Metro reports.

 hey now look set to get their man as Louis van Gaal continues to re-shape his squad and get rid of players he doesn’t rate.

The Dutchman is happy to let Smalling move on and could replace him in the United squad with Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna, who has been linked with a £12 million move to Old Trafford in recent days.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will happy to get a player he has chased for many years and will also be relieved to add another defender to his squad.

The North London club have been short of defensive bodies in recent years and Smalling’s versatility will be put to good use during the long winter months of the season.

While the former Fulham man is happiest at centre back, he can also play at right back and as a defensive midfielder if needed.

Chelsea To Rival Manchester United For £20m-Rated Attacking Full-Back Signing Next Summer

Blues keen on signing United target.Chelsea could be set to make Everton right-back Seamus Coleman their top target in defence next summer, according to the Sun.

 The Blues are eyeing a new addition in that part of the pitch, with the possible view of moving Branislav Ivanovic into a central position, where he can also play to a high standard, despite his excellent form as a right-back in recent times.

The Republic of Ireland international would make a great purchase, however, having also shown himself to be one of the top full-backs in the Premier League in recent times with some impressive attack-minded performances from the back.

Manchester United are also keeping an eye on Coleman, however, and may prove Chelsea’s biggest rivals in a move for the £20m-rated player, who is one of two Everton stars currently on the Blues’ radar.

Exciting young midfielder Ross Barkley has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but it may be that he will prove too expensive, with Jose Mourinho also already enjoying plenty of quality options available to him in the middle of the park.

This could now see Coleman become his main target as the Portuguese coach eyes a long-term signing at right-back.

Aston Villa Linked With Deal to Re-Sign Man United Winger Ashley Young

Former Villa Park man wants Old Trafford exit.

Man United boss Louis van Gaal is seemingly ready to sell winger Ashley Young with the Daily Mail claiming three Premier League sides are interested in the England wide-man.

 The 29 year old has started the opening three Premier League fixtures of the season but the arrival of Angel di Maria has subsequently forced the attacker out of van Gaal’s picture and by all accounts Young is ready to demand an exit.

Former club Aston Villa, Sunderland and Southampton are are all said to be keeping tabs on Young, who has proven something of a disappointment since his big money move to the club back in June 2011.

Young has racked up just 11 goals in 89 appearances for Man United and his chances are likely to grow ever more limited, not least when even young starlet Adnan Januzaj is struggling to make an impact under van Gaal.

Aston Villa’s apparent interest will depend greatly on just how much Man United demand for the player, who cost them £17m three years ago.

My best is yet to come for Manchester United and England - Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has promised that his best days are still to come despite a series of underwhelming performances for club and country over the past 12 months.

The 28-year-old scored and was sent off in Manchester United's victory over West Ham United on Saturday, but was defended by manager Louis van Gaal despite the reckless nature of the red card.

But the United and England captain believes that he is about to hit his peak as a footballer.

"I still believe I can get better as a footballer," Rooney told The Sunday Times.

"In the next three to five years you will see me as a different player. The next two or three, I feel these could be the best years of my career.

 "I’m at a stage, especially after playing at this club for 10 years, where I’ve picked up a lot about the game. I’ve learnt. I now know exactly what I want to do on the pitch and I’m fit and ready to do it."

Rooney also revealed that he has no trouble playing in whatever position he is asked to by Van Gaal and that he would be happy to drop deeper and play a midfield role.

"[Van Gaal] goes into so much detail about the opposition and there’ll be times I’ll be needed to play deeper or wider, which I’ve no problem doing.

"But in the main I feel I’ve still got at least two or three years up front. I know I’ve the qualities to play in midfield. I’ve done it comfortably. There’ll come a time when I move to a deeper position for good and that could be this week, it could be in a couple of years. It’s down to the manager and I’ll accept it."

 

Man United Owners Ready to Sell Club In £3bn Deal: Glazers Will Try to Buy Cristiano Ronaldo to Aid Sale

Old Trafford owners look to spend big on Real Madrid star.

Man United’s owners are lining up a move to sell the club but will first look to acquire Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo before doing so according to the Daily Mail.

 The Glazers are working out a big money offer for the 29 year old ahead of negotiations with his agent Jorge Mendes though the starting point for Ronaldo’s wages are said to be an astounding £500k a week.

It may be fair to say that there has been a fair amount of opposition to the Glazer family since they took over at Old Trafford back in May 2005 and any move that saw new owners take over, as well as the return of former star Cristiano Ronaldo, would no doubt go down very well indeed.

Man United’s owners have been happy to hand new boss Louis van Gaal huge sums to invest in his squad over the summer which is perhaps not the act of a group looking to prepare for a sale though the American family will be well aware that selling a club with a Champions League berth will prove far easier than one without.

Malcolm Glazer, the club’s former owner, died in May and now his sons Joel and Avram are at the helm.
The Glazers will look to garner £3bn from the sale of the club.

Manchester United must pay Nicolas Otamendi's full £40million buyout to prise him from Valencia

The Argentine international is reportedly one of the defenders being looked at by Louis van Gaal as he seeks to overhaul the club's defence

 

Manchester United will have to pay £40million for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.

The Argentinian centre-half has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in January as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his squad.
The United boss is desperately short at the back. But the Spanish club will not shift from their £40m buy-out clause and insist they do not want to sell.

 The 26-year-old only made his Valencia debut in August, having begun a five-year deal in July following a £9.3million move from Porto.

And he has since played a key role in their strong start to the La Liga season which has them sitting top of the table after five matches, during which time Los Che have conceded just twice.

Gaal insists he will help his defenders end their injury nightmares

 

With one fit central defender available for United's home game with West Ham, Van Gaal believes he can do to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans what he did to Arjen Robben 

Louis van Gaal claims that Manchester United’s injury-prone defenders will overcome their recurring fitness nightmare by following the same path which led to Arjen Robben reviving his faltering career at Bayern Munich.

Van Gaal goes into today’s Old Trafford clash against West Ham with just one fit centre-half – Marcos Rojo – due to the injured Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans joining the suspended Tyler Blackett on the sidelines.

Despite the club citing physiological data during the summer which suggested Jones, Evans and Smalling would avoid the injury problems of recent seasons, all three are again out with hamstring, ankle and thigh problems respectively.

The three centre-halves have seen their progress at United stalled by repeated injuries, raising concerns over their ability to produce a sustained run of games in the first team.

But after helping Dutch winger Robben banish the injury problems that had plagued his career prior to signing for Bayern in 2009, Van Gaal insists that Jones, Smalling and Evans can make the same journey at United.

“I have been told about their [Jones, Smalling and Evans] injury records and now they are confirming that,” Van Gaal said. “But I have good hopes that we shall improve in that matter because normally I don’t have any injuries.
“As a good example, for a player who was many times injured – Robben – in my season he was never injured. How do make that happen? By training sessions and adapting to the level I require.

“It was not only Robben, but every player, and we are doing that here in the same way, only less than I have done with Bayern Munich. We have to improve the level and intensity so the players can play the game.
“Do I expect those methods to work here? Yes, of course. I am 25 years in this profession and you learn every year, but you gain a philosophy in all those years and then you apply that.”

The fragility of Jones, Evans and Smalling has added to the perception that United failed to recruit a seasoned, experienced centre-half during a summer in which they spent £153 million on new signings.

But despite losing almost 1,100 games worth of combined defensive experience following the summer departures of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, Van Gaal insists: “My concern is never the age or the experience.

"My concern is the profile and you have to fit in the profile. I don’t want to buy players who don’t fit into the profile. There are a lot of defenders in the world but I don’t want to buy any defender.

“Age is not so important. I played with the Dutch national team at the World Cup, with Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan de Vrij – both 22. Neither had ever played in the Premier League or abroad. Now they are abroad because of the World Cup and I played with Ron Vlaar and he plays with Aston Villa.

“That was my defence and we did it very well at the World Cup and until Leicester [last Sunday] we had only conceded three goals in spite of the fact that we were not playing so well. Our defensive organisation was very good, but now you want to make everything negative and that’s not true.”

Having guided United to their worst start in the Premier League era, a failure to defeat West Ham today would increase the pressure on Van Gaal to produce an upturn in fortunes.
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern coach is confident that an improvement will come.

Ronaldo to stay at Real, Luke Shaw's debut, Van Gaal's defensive crisis

MANCHESTER UNITED look set to miss out on Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, new signing Luke Shaw is desperate to make his debut for the Reds Devils. And finally, the latest on the defensive crisis at Old Trafford.

 Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a move back to Manchester United.

The 29-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move back to Old Trafford following reports in Spain which suggested that he is unhappy at the Bernabeu.
But Ancelotti has dismissed those reports, and claimed that the former United star is happy in the Spanish capital.

 Luke Shaw is desperate to make his debut for the Red Devils against West Ham tomorrow.

The former Southampton star has been on the sidelines for over a month after he picked up a hamstring injury in a pre-season friendly against Valencia.

But the England international has made a full recovery, and has revealed that he is chomping at the bit to make his long awaited Premier League debut at Old Trafford.

 United boss Louis van Gaal has admitted he will have to call up youth team defender Tom Thorpe for the visit of West Ham.

The Red Devils are currently without three first-team defenders, and van Gaal has already called up young centre-back Paddy McNair for the match against the Hammers.

Juventus On Alert As Adnan Januzaj Could Leave Manchester United In January Transfer Window

Serie A clubs showing interest in Belgian youngster.
Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj has become a loan target for Serie A giants Juventus, who sense that he could be available this January, according to the Metro.

 The Belgian international, who made a terrific impression upon being introduced to the first-team setup last season, has seemingly fallen out of favour under new manager Louis van Gaal this season, and may now be farmed out on loan in the new year.

Juve have been linked with the talented midfielder before, and their Serie A rivals Fiorentina are also showing an interest in snapping him up on a six-month deal if possible.

La Viola took Anderson on loan from United last season, but Januzaj could prove an excellent addition to their squad, whilst also providing him with the regular first-team football he craves as he looks to continue his remarkable progress from last term.

New signings such as Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao have seen Januzaj’s opportunities more limited this season, with van Gaal putting an emphasis on big-name signings instead of promoting the club’s youth.

Januzaj could join former United stars Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra if he does make the move to Turin.

Van Gaal is frighteningly honest - Blind

Daley Blind insists he isn't scared by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and believes the Dutchman's blunt style of management will make him a better player.
The Netherlands international played under Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup, where he helped secure a third-place finish, and then linked up with him again after completing a £14 million move to United.

Blind, who made his debut in United's 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, has described Van Gaal as "strict" but is adamant he is not intimidated by him.
"He is not frightening, he is just honest," Blind said. "That can be frightening, but I like it. He is very honest with everybody, he knows what he wants and he knows his philosophy.

"He can bring that to the players and he can make a team with everybody in. That is a good start for everybody if you want to work for each other. I have really learned a lot from Van Gaal and I like working under him."
Blind was used by Van Gaal as a left wing-back and a left-sided centre-back during the World Cup but began his United career at the base of a midfield diamond.

And he is convinced that Van Gaal's tactical insight will help him improve in the role.
Blind added: "I think he can make me a better player in terms of positioning, where to stand and tactics in games because midfield is an important position to play and I hope I can get better at it every day."
Blind excelled against QPR but admitted it was a game where he had an opportunity to flourish.

"Of course it was a bit different because the opponent was going back so I had a lot of space to control the ball and play it to the sides, mixing it from side to side," Blind explained. "I had a lot of space and that was nice for me.

"We played our own game and I think we played good. When we lost the ball we went as a team after the ball and I think we won the ball back a lot so we did a good job."

Manchester United’s faith in youth didn’t end with Danny Welbeck – just look at Tyler Blackett

 

Tyler Blackett of Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Following Danny Welbeck’s transfer to Arsenal, there is a lot of talk surrounding the idea that Manchester United have sold their soul.
In Welbeck they had a lifelong United fan who had been at the club since he was nine years old. He loves United and dreamed of spending the rest of his career there.

But when United were presented with the option of signing Radamel Falcao on loan, the decision to sell Welbeck was obvious.
Even the biggest Welbeck supporter would struggle to argue with that bit of business.
Having scored 200 goals in 305 games for River Plate, Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco, there’s no way you could turn him down in favour of Welbeck, with his 29 goals in 142 games for United.

Contrary to what has been implied by the media, Welbeck is not the first former academy player United have sold, believe it or not.
Mark Robins apparently scored the goal that saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Oldham in 1990, but that didn’t stop the club selling him two years later when he was 23.

Kieran Richardson scored two goals on his England debut but he was sold when he was 22. Darron Gibson scored for United in the 2011 Champions League semi-final but was sold less than a year later.

There were 16 former United academy players in the Premier League last season at clubs other than United.
After failing to nail down a place in the starting team, Welbeck is continuing in a long line of players good enough for the top flight, but deemed not good enough for United.
Tyler Blackett, like Welbeck before him, is the latest in the long line of players produced by the club who is trying to prove he is good enough.

Another life-long Red from Manchester, joining the club when he was seven, Blackett has started every single league game for United this season and has played 90 minutes in all of them.
Gary Neville recently revealed that he came across Blackett at Carrington and he was analysing his performance from the opening day of the season.

I came across Tyler Blackett sitting on his own, with a computer on his lap, studying clips of his performance in the 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City. Wearing my England coach’s hat, I could absolutely see that Manchester United is going to be a fine place for young English players to develop.

Blackett wants to develop and improve at United, and Van Gaal is the manager to help him do this, according to the player.

He said from day one that he was always going to help our cause and give young players a chance. It gave all the young players at the club a lift.

With each passing game, Blackett appears more composed and self-assured. He put in an excellent display against QPR at the weekend and completed an incredible 95 passes of 97 attempted, which works out at 98% accuracy.

That victory was the 3,075th consecutive game that United have had an academy player in the squad. The fans can all get behind Blackett now, knowing that the faith in youth at United doesn’t begin or end with him, just as it didn’t Welbeck, or all the other homegrown players before him.

CRISTIANO RONALDO is ready to come back to Manchester United - and the club have everything in place to pull off the deal.

Real are likely to demand £60m for the Ballon d"Or holder, who they signed from United for a then world-record fee of £80m. City and Chelsea are also interested.

Balague told Sky Sports: "He is unhappy and he's said so - but then he corrected himself by saying 'I didn't mean what he said'. It was a bit confusing.

"Anyway, you have to say he's not happy that Ozil left and he didn't like the fact that Xabi Alonso and Di Maria left.

 

"He has this idea, I think, that at Real Madrid he is doing a job and he is working, but he enjoyed himself almost like a kid at Manchester United.
"He dreams of going back to Manchester United and Manchester United have got all the finances in place to get him.
"When will that be? It depends, of course, on a lot of things. It depends on Real Madrid and on Cristiano himself.

"I have a pretty good idea of when he wants to go. It won't be this month or next month, but he wants to go back to Manchester United and everything is in place for him to return to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is fed up at Real and Man United return may be on the cards, claims Calderon

Cristiano Ronaldo has become disillusioned with life at Real Madrid and could be keen on a sensational return to Manchester United.
That is the view of Ramon Calderon, the former president of the Spanish club and the man responsible for taking the Portuguese winger to the Bernabeu.

According to Calderon, Ronaldo’s relationship with Florentino Pérez is at rock bottom after the summer departures of Xabi Alonso and Angel di Maria.
“My impression is he is fed up with the policy of the current president,” claimed Calderon, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“When he came [to Real Madrid] with [Arjen] Robben he thought he would be a good colleague for him in the team [but then he was sold].
“Two years ago it was [Gonzalo] Higuain sold and he didn’t like that. Last year he thought it was a mistake to let [Mesut] Ozil leave and the last straw was selling Xabi Alonso and Angel di Maria this summer.”

United are reportedly preparing a mega-money offer to lure Ronaldo back to Old Trafford and Calderon says it would be no surprise to see the 29-year-old return to the Premier League giants.
He added: “When I signed him in 2008, I remember he said he was grateful to Manchester United.
"He had a marvellous time there, he likes everything. It is a really great club."

Louis Van Gaal Blasts Angel Di Maria Despite Man of the Match Display Against QPR

Old Trafford manager is not entirely pleased with Argentine’s showing.

Man United boss Louis van Gaal is clearly something of a perfectionist and is appears for all Angel di Maria’s attacking verve there are still areas of his game that the Dutchman wants addressed according to the Daily Star.

Van Gaal watched his thump QPR to collect their first win of the season and £59.7m signing di Maria was arguably put in a Man of the Match display, but apparently he wasn’t without his flaws.


“When you have a part in three goals and make the first goal yourself, then he can’t have played bad,” said van Gaal of Di Maria.
“But he had a lot of unnecessary losses (of the ball) so we can do better, even Angel Di Maria.

“You can say it is impossible to do better when you prepare three goals and make one yourself.
“But I am a trainer and a coach and reading the game and there are two or three things we need to improve on as a team.”

Di Maria has already shown just what he is capable of and his inter-play with Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata on Sunday was a joy to behold and Louis van Gaal will hope that the victory over QPR kick-starts their campaign in earnest.