Regional Paper Talk: United eye wing duo

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Regional Paper Talk: United eye wing duo

Man United want both Gareth Bale and Memphis Depay, Spurs are hopeful over Morgan Schneiderlin, while Newcastle are eyeing Patrick Bamford.

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Manchester United striker Robin van Persie scores twice as he nears full-fitness

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Paper Talk: Casillas wants Arsenal switch

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Paper Talk: Casillas wants Arsenal switch

Iker Casillas wants to join Arsenal, which could see Real Madrid re-focus on David de Gea, while Nathaniel Clyne will snub Manchester United.

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Manchester United confirm tour of US in 2015

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Tuesday 28th April 2015 15:03

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Louis van Gaal: Set to take his side to America

Manchester United have confirmed they will face Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Club America and San Jose Earthquakes on a pre-season tour of the US this summer.

Louis van Gaal is set to begin preparations for his second season in charge at Old Trafford by facing Mexican club Club America in Seattle before facing George Best's former club San Jose and European giants Barcelona and PSG.

Van Gaal made public his disapproval at a pre-season schedule last year - agreed by his predecessor David Moyes - that included a five-game tour of the States and, according to the Dutchman, unfavourable travel distances and kick-off times.

This time around, though, the 63-year-old has a more manageable itinerary as he seeks to improve on a maiden campaign that sees United lying in fourth place with four games to play.

Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold said: "Manchester United has a great history of visiting these US cities, creating memorable experiences for players and fans that date back as far as the 1950s. Tour 2015, presented by Aon, will allow the team to train at some of the best facilities in the world and play in front of thousands of passionate US supporters at first-class stadiums.

"After this month’s Manchester derby broke records to become the most-watched Premier League match in US cable television history, the club is excited to be returning to the United States at a time when the appetite for football is greater than ever."

Aon president and chief executive officer, Greg Case, added: "We are very excited that Manchester United is returning to the United States this summer, as it is a great opportunity to showcase our shared values of teamwork and the pursuit of excellence in one of our largest markets."

This year’s International Champions Cup will be decided via a league format with each team playing four matches.

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PSG chief: Edinson Cavani not for sale

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Tuesday 28th April 2015 13:11

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Edinson Cavani: Wanted man

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says he would not even look at a £35m offer from Manchester United for Edinson Cavani.

United have been heavily linked with the Uruguayan, thought to be frustrated at playing a supporting role to Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Paris Saint Germain.

French newspaper Le Parisien alleged on Monday that Cavani does not intend to stay in Paris beyond the summer unless circumstances change.

But Al-Khelaifi has now told the same newspaper: "I have not held talks with Cavani over his future. He is a young player and is the future of PSG.

"A €50m (£35m) offer from Manchester United? I would not even look at such a bid.

"Edinson needs a bit more confidence, but his last game against Lille - in which he scored twice - was further proof of his talent."

Cavani played as a striker against Lille in the absence of Ibrahimovic and scored his tenth and 11th league goals of the season.

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Christian Benteke's agent says the player's sole concern is keeping Aston Villa in the top flight

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Tuesday 28th April 2015 12:02

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Christian Benteke: Has been in fine goalscoring form of late

Christian Benteke's agent has played down reports linking the Aston Villa striker with a possible big-money summer move.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the Belgium international, who has hit form of late to spearhead Villa's revival under Tim Sherwood.

However, Benteke's current contract still has two years to run and Villa are believed to be keen to discuss an extension in the summer.

The FA Cup finalists are still just two points clear of the drop zone and Benteke's agent Eris Kismet says his client is solely focused on the fight for survival.

The 24-year-old has not yet expressed much desire to leave the midlands club and Kismet told Sky Sports News HQ: "At the moment, there is no interest.

"Every player and staff member is concentrated on avoiding relegation, anything else is just a distraction.

"I know everyone wants the same thing because I watch the games and I think Aston Villa are playing the best football in England right now."

The usually prolific Benteke made a relatively slow start to the campaign by his standards but has impressed since Sherwood took charge in February.

He recently bagged a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against fellow-strugglers QPR, before bagging the winner at Tottenham and hitting the target again in the FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool at Wembley.

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Real Madrid to decide on signing Javier Hernandez permanently from Manchester United

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Tuesday 28th April 2015 9:21

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Real Madrid are considering activating their purchase option to sign on-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Hernandez moved to the Bernabeu on a season-long loan last summer and found his first-team opportunities limited until last week, when Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was hit with several injuries to key players.

The 26-year-old has stepped up to the plate in magnificent fashion, scoring three decisive goals in two important games, and Madrid are now weighing up the possibility of signing him on a permanent basis.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Madrid’s purchase option, which is set at €20m, must be activated by Thursday.

However, Madrid are unwilling to meet that valuation and want to negotiate a new deadline and fee with Manchester United.

United are thought to be open to extending the deadline to allow more time for Madrid to make a decision.

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Everton 3-0 Manchester United: Louis van Gaal's side suffer second straight Premier League defeat

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Sunday 26th April 2015 15:20

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Everton beat Manchester United 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday to inflict a second straight Premier League loss on Louis van Gaal's side.

The home team were leading 2-0 at the break after strikes by man-of-the-match James McCarthy and John Stones, the young centre-back's first for his club.

And the game was ended as a contest when Kevin Mirallas took advantage of poor defending from the visitors to make it 3-0 as Everton moved up to 10th in the table.

United remain in fourth, seven points ahead of Liverpool, but having played a game more than the Reds, an anxious end to the campaign could ensue.

Everton made a dream start to the match after taking a fifth-minute lead through McCarthy's strike - his third for the Toffees - although United will be disappointed to have conceded from their own corner.

Gareth Barry headed Juan Mata's set-piece clear and then set Seamus Coleman clear down the right flank, before collecting his return pass, dancing through challenges from Daley Blind and Paddy McNair and coolly sliding the ball past David de Gea.

The visitors responded though to the shock of falling behind so early by dominating both territory and possession for the remainder of the opening period, but without ever truly testing Tim Howard in the Everton goal.

United's best opening before the break fell the way of former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini just minutes after going 1-0 down, but the Belgium international could not hit the target from the edge of the area with just Howard to beat, much to the home fans' amusement.

If Van Gaal thought his men would be going in at the break just 1-0 down, he was mistaken as Everton doubled their lead after 35 minutes following a flurry of right-wing Leighton Baines corners, the third of which saw Stones power a header home, despite Ashley Young's attempts to clear the ball off the line.

The visitors needed to score early in the second period, but like in the opening 45 minutes, they huffed and puffed without reward, their best chance coming just after the break.

United centre-back Chris Smalling headed Mata's right-wing corner into the six-yard box but a waiting Wayne Rooney failed to beat Howard from close range.

Despite Van Gaal introducing the likes of Radamel Falcao, British-record signing Angel Di Maria and the returning Robin van Persie in the second period to liven up his ineffective forward line, United failed to score for the second league outing in succession.

And their fate was sealed with 16 minutes to go when Mirallas took advantage of hesitation at the back from Antonio Valencia, who tried to play Romelu Lukaku offside but failed to spot his Belgian colleague. The substitute calmly side-footed home to hand the hosts their biggest win over United in 23 years.

Player ratings

Everton: Howard (7), Baines (8), Stones (8), Jagielka (7), Coleman (8), Barry (7), McCarthy (9), Osman (7), Barkley (8), Lennon (7), Lukaku (7)

Subs: Kone (7), Mirallas (8), Naismith (7)

Manchester United: De Gea (6), Valencia (5), Smalling (6), McNair (6), Shaw (7), Blind (5), Herrera (6), Mata (6), Fellaini (6), Young (6), Rooney (6)

Subs: Di Maria (6), Falcao (6), Van Persie (6)

Man of the match: James McCarthy

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Javier Hernandez is hard to drop on current form, says Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

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Monday 27th April 2015 8:39

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On-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is undroppable if he continues in his current form, insists Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The 26-year-old scored twice on Sunday to take his goal-scoring tally to four goals in his last three starts, and Ancelotti was quick to praise the striker in his post-match interview.

“He’s enjoying the period that he’s in, it’s a really good one,” the Real boss commented.

“The whole team worked well. If Chicharito is in this form he’s non-negotiable, like Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Karim) Benzema, James (Rodriguez), (Gareth) Bale, (Sergio) Ramos, Isco, (Raphael) Varane, Pepe.

“I have a team of non-negotiables, but only 11 can play and the rest stay on the bench.”

Hernandez’s double against Celta Vigo helped Real stay in touch with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with just two points to make up in their final five matches.
 

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Regional Paper Talk: Cavani price tag huge

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Regional Paper Talk: Cavani price tag huge

PSG have told Man Utd it would take a big offer for them to consider selling Edinson Cavani and Kevin Mirallas hints he may stay at Everton.

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Christian Benteke's agent says the player's sole concern is keeping Aston Villa in the top flight

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Tuesday 28th April 2015 12:02

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Christian Benteke: Has been in fine goalscoring form of late

Christian Benteke's agent has played down reports linking the Aston Villa striker with a possible big-money summer move.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the Belgium international, who has hit form of late to spearhead Villa's revival under Tim Sherwood.

However, Benteke's current contract still has two years to run and Villa are believed to be keen to discuss an extension in the summer.

The FA Cup finalists are still just two points clear of the drop zone and Benteke's agent Eris Kismet says his client is solely focused on the fight for survival.

The 24-year-old has not yet expressed much desire to leave the midlands club and Kismet told Sky Sports News HQ: "At the moment, there is no interest.

"Every player and staff member is concentrated on avoiding relegation, anything else is just a distraction.

"I know everyone wants the same thing because I watch the games and I think Aston Villa are playing the best football in England right now."

The usually prolific Benteke made a relatively slow start to the campaign by his standards but has impressed since Sherwood took charge in February.

He recently bagged a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against fellow-strugglers QPR, before bagging the winner at Tottenham and hitting the target again in the FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool at Wembley.

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Javier Hernandez is hard to drop on current form, says Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

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Monday 27th April 2015 8:39

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On-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is undroppable if he continues in his current form, insists Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The 26-year-old scored twice on Sunday to take his goal-scoring tally to four goals in his last three starts, and Ancelotti was quick to praise the striker in his post-match interview.

“He’s enjoying the period that he’s in, it’s a really good one,” the Real boss commented.

“The whole team worked well. If Chicharito is in this form he’s non-negotiable, like Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Karim) Benzema, James (Rodriguez), (Gareth) Bale, (Sergio) Ramos, Isco, (Raphael) Varane, Pepe.

“I have a team of non-negotiables, but only 11 can play and the rest stay on the bench.”

Hernandez’s double against Celta Vigo helped Real stay in touch with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with just two points to make up in their final five matches.
 

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Javier Hernandez unsure of Real Madrid future despite double

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Monday 27th April 2015 8:49

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Javier Hernandez says he still does not know where he will be plying his trade next season after continuing his fine form with two goals in Real Madrid’s 4-2 defeat of Celta Vigo.

The Mexican, who had barely figured for Real Madrid after joining them from Manchester United last summer, was handed a rare start against Atletico Madrid last week and took advantage by scoring the winner to put his side into the Champions League semi-finals.

With Karim Benzema still out injured, the loanee then started against Celta on Sunday, and he responded with a clinical brace.

That has prompted suggestions that Madrid will look to sign him permanently in the summer – they have an option to do so for 10million euros. 

When asked whether his recent goals have made it essential for Madrid to sign him, he said: “More than anything else they’ve served to give me confidence; I love playing football – it’s what makes me feel good. 

"Only God knows where I will be this time next year, for moment, my only plan is to continue enjoying this moment and helping the best team in the world.

“I’m getting opportunities now and I have to make the most of them.”

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Louis van Gaal had a feeling Man Utd were not right after watching warm-up

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Sunday 26th April 2015 16:50

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Louis van Gaal was unhappy that Manchester United were not as "aggressive" as Everton, and rued his side's poor start at Goodison Park.

James McCarthy gave Everton an early lead in the Super Sunday clash, capitalising on some lacklustre United defending, before goals from John Stones and Kevin Mirallas condemned Van Gaal’s side to their second straight defeat.

United had chances to get back into the game, but for the second consecutive match, they could not get on the scoresheet, much to Van Gaal’s frustration.

"You shall always be compared with your opponent in aggression and motivation and Everton really wanted to win this game, and I don't think we equalled it," said Van Gaal after losing 3-0.

"The fighting spirit of Everton was higher, and when they scored the first goal it became difficult for us.

"I had already the feeling and my colleagues [assistants] Ryan Giggs and Albert Stuivenberg had the feeling because the warm up was not so good as usual.

"In the last minutes before the game you hope you can recover and stimulate your players but then it is too late.

"You have to prepare the match already two or three days before and Everton has done that and they have won because of that.

"In phases we played well, and created chances, but I did not see the belief that I have seen when we were behind in matches.

"We need that aggression and a little bit of luck.

"It is of concern that we have not scored for two games in a row."

McCarthy's goal particularly irked Van Gaal, as United committed too many men forward and were not forceful enough in the tackle.

"We lost three duels in a row, and that was the first goal," Van Gaal added.

"You cannot start a game like that.

"When you are 1-0 ahead, you can defend how Everton and Chelsea [United’s last opponent] did.

"You play compact and have a lot of players behind the ball.

"In the second half, we didn’t create as many chances.

"It is very important that you score a goal, and get belief from that."

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Everton 3-0 Manchester United: Louis van Gaal's side suffer second straight Premier League defeat

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Sunday 26th April 2015 15:20

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Everton beat Manchester United 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday to inflict a second straight Premier League loss on Louis van Gaal's side.

The home team were leading 2-0 at the break after strikes by man-of-the-match James McCarthy and John Stones, the young centre-back's first for his club.

And the game was ended as a contest when Kevin Mirallas took advantage of poor defending from the visitors to make it 3-0 as Everton moved up to 10th in the table.

United remain in fourth, seven points ahead of Liverpool, but having played a game more than the Reds, an anxious end to the campaign could ensue.

Everton made a dream start to the match after taking a fifth-minute lead through McCarthy's strike - his third for the Toffees - although United will be disappointed to have conceded from their own corner.

Gareth Barry headed Juan Mata's set-piece clear and then set Seamus Coleman clear down the right flank, before collecting his return pass, dancing through challenges from Daley Blind and Paddy McNair and coolly sliding the ball past David de Gea.

The visitors responded though to the shock of falling behind so early by dominating both territory and possession for the remainder of the opening period, but without ever truly testing Tim Howard in the Everton goal.

United's best opening before the break fell the way of former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini just minutes after going 1-0 down, but the Belgium international could not hit the target from the edge of the area with just Howard to beat, much to the home fans' amusement.

If Van Gaal thought his men would be going in at the break just 1-0 down, he was mistaken as Everton doubled their lead after 35 minutes following a flurry of right-wing Leighton Baines corners, the third of which saw Stones power a header home, despite Ashley Young's attempts to clear the ball off the line.

The visitors needed to score early in the second period, but like in the opening 45 minutes, they huffed and puffed without reward, their best chance coming just after the break.

United centre-back Chris Smalling headed Mata's right-wing corner into the six-yard box but a waiting Wayne Rooney failed to beat Howard from close range.

Despite Van Gaal introducing the likes of Radamel Falcao, British-record signing Angel Di Maria and the returning Robin van Persie in the second period to liven up his ineffective forward line, United failed to score for the second league outing in succession.

And their fate was sealed with 16 minutes to go when Mirallas took advantage of hesitation at the back from Antonio Valencia, who tried to play Romelu Lukaku offside but failed to spot his Belgian colleague. The substitute calmly side-footed home to hand the hosts their biggest win over United in 23 years.

Player ratings

Everton: Howard (7), Baines (8), Stones (8), Jagielka (7), Coleman (8), Barry (7), McCarthy (9), Osman (7), Barkley (8), Lennon (7), Lukaku (7)

Subs: Kone (7), Mirallas (8), Naismith (7)

Manchester United: De Gea (6), Valencia (5), Smalling (6), McNair (6), Shaw (7), Blind (5), Herrera (6), Mata (6), Fellaini (6), Young (6), Rooney (6)

Subs: Di Maria (6), Falcao (6), Van Persie (6)

Man of the match: James McCarthy

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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal wants more aggression from his side

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Sunday 26th April 2015 16:50

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Louis van Gaal was unhappy that Manchester United were not as ‘aggressive’ as Everton, and rued his side’s poor start at Goodison Park.

James McCarthy gave Everton an early lead in the Super Sunday clash, capitalising on some lacklustre United defending, before goals from John Stones and Kevin Mirallas condemned Van Gaal’s side to their second straight defeat.

United had chances to get back into the game, but for the second consecutive match, they could not get on the scoresheet, much to Van Gaal’s frustration.

“You shall always be compared with your opponent in aggression and motivation and Everton really wanted to win this game, and I don’t think we equalled it,” Van Gaal said.

“The fighting spirit of Everton was higher, and when they scored the first goal it became difficult for us.

“In phases we played well, and created chances, but I did not see the belief that I have seen when we were behind in matches.

“We need that aggression and a little bit of luck.

“It is of concern that we have not scored for two games in a row.”

McCarthy’s goal particularly irked Van Gaal, as United committed too many men forward and were not forceful enough in the tackle.

“We lost three duels in a row, and that was the first goal,” Van Gaal added.

“You cannot start a game like that.

“When you are 1-0 ahead, you can defend how Everton and Chelsea [United’s last opponent] did.

“You play compact and have a lot of players behind the ball.

“In the second-half we didn’t create as many chances.

“It is very important that you score a goal, and get belief from that.”

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Carra, Neville blast 'toothless' United

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Sunday 26th April 2015 21:49

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Have Manchester United been 'found out'?

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were both critical of "toothless" Man United after their defeat to Everton, and say teams have worked out how to play against them.

United enjoyed long spells of possession at Goodison Park but struggled to create any real openings as Everton ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goal from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas.

The game followed a similar patter to United's defeat to Chelsea last week and Carragher thinks Roberto Martinez paid close attention to Jose Mourinho's tactics to help steer his side to victory.

"We've been very complimentary about Manchester United in the last few weeks," Carragher, speaking on Super Sunday, said.

"Louis van Gaal has got a system, a way of playing but in the last week it looks like teams have come up with a way of playing against them. They are saying: have the ball.

"This is Roberto Martinez. Jose Mourinho is that type of manager but with Roberto Martinez, his teams would never normally have such low possession.

"But against United, they accepted they'll have the ball and decided to hit them on the counter-attack."

Carragher was full of praise for Everton's midfield trio of McCarthy, Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley and insists they were the key reason behind the Toffees' third consecutive home win against United.

He added: "In the midfield areas, there was a job that was done last week by Zouma on Fellaini. I think Gareth Barry did a similar job today but the fact James McCarthy got the man of the match and Barry was in the running was the job they did.

"It wasn't just Fellaini in this midfield for United; it's the job of Herrera as well. McCarthy looked after him, as did Ross Barkley. You wouldn't say he had his greatest game in terms of being on the ball and going forward but how disciplined he was. His job was to stop Daley Blind.

"Those three players were virtually doing man-marking jobs and the three of them did it excellently. That's where they got the win from because they won the ball back quickly and could counter-attack.

"It looks like teams are looking at Manchester United and thinking how to stop them. Chelsea and Everton have come up with a way, certainly in those midfield areas."

Speaking on his podcast, Gary Neville was also critical of his former side, labeling them "toothless" in defeat.

"It was a strange game, and you would have thought that both teams had nothing to play for in some ways," Neville said.

"The atmosphere was strange all day long. Usually when Everton are beating Manchester United the place would be bouncing.

"United were toothless, and that is being kind.

"I didn't really see them try and dribble past a player, make any forward runs.

"At times they were not getting enough men in the box and the final pass was poor.

"It is the worst I have seen United play for five or six weeks.

"They have been playing so well. Even in defeat at Stamford Bridge last week they played really well.

"Today it wasn't there. It was Everton who had the cutting edge. It was through Lennon, Lukaku and Mirallas when he came on who looked the ones most dangerous to break through either defence.

"For a long time United have had a good record at Everton but certainly not in the last three seasons.

"Last season was such a poor performance. I don't think United were that bad today, despite it being a worse result.

"Today United just didn't come to terms with how they had to play the game. They needed to show more urgency."

United looked vulnerable through the middle at Goodison without the injured Michael Carrick to protect the back four.

The influence of the England midfielder cannot be underestimated. United have won 72.2 per cent of the matches that Carrick has started but just 37.5 per cent of encounters without him in the team, and Neville feels United are a different side without the veteran.

"When Michael Carrick doesn't play, their record without him shows he is missed," Neville added.

"It is not just the control and composure, but it is his forward passes, he just moves the ball forward into good areas quickly.

"When United won the ball back today they didn't get the ball forward quick enough.

"Michael Carrick does that. Even if it is only a 10-yard pass, he gets the move moving in the right way.

"They miss him badly, they really do. It is no coincidence they have lost the last two games without him."

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