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.